Readings for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Readings for the Mass during the Day Reading I Jeremiah 1:4-10 In the days of King Josiah, the word of the LORD came to me, saying:             Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,                         before you were born I dedicated you,                         a prophet to the nations I appointed you.             “Ah, Lord GOD!” I said,                         “I know not how to speak; I am too young.”             But the LORD answered me,             Say not, “I am too young.”                         To whomever I send you, you shall go;                         whatever I command you, you shall speak.             Have no fear before them,                         because I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD. Then the LORD extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying,             See, I place my words in your mouth!                         This day I set you                         over nations and over kingdoms,             to root up and to tear down,                         to destroy and to demolish,                         to build and to plant. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17 R.        (6)  Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength. In you, O LORD, I take refuge;             let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;             incline your ear to me, and save me. R.        Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength. Be my rock of refuge,             a stronghold to give me safety,             for you are my rock and my fortress. O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked. R.        Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength. For you are my hope, O Lord;             my trust, O LORD, from my youth. On you I depend from birth;             from my mother’s womb you are my strength. R.        Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength. My mouth shall declare your justice,             day by day your salvation. O God, you have taught me from my youth,             and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. R.        Since my mother’s womb, you have been my strength. Reading II 1 Peter 1:8-12 Beloved: Although you have not seen Jesus Christ you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and investigated it, investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when he testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look. Alleluia See John 1:7; Luke 1:17 R. Alleluia, alleluia. He came to testify to the light, to prepare a people fit for the Lord. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Luke 1:5-17 In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. John will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn their hearts toward their children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” - - - 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 Vigil Readings for the Mass during the Day VigilMass during the Day - - - 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 Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Readings for the Vigil Reading I Isaiah 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 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 Luke 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 Luke 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 1  2 Kings 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 Psalm 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  John 8:12 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the light of the world, says the Lord;whoever follows me will have the light of life.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 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 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18 Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, occupied the whole landand attacked Samaria, which he besieged for three years.In the ninth year of Hoshea, king of Israelthe king of Assyria took Samaria,and deported the children of Israel to Assyria,setting them in Halah, at the Habor, a river of Gozan,and the cities of the Medes.This came about because the children of Israel sinned against the LORD,their God, who had brought them up from the land of Egypt,from under the domination of Pharaoh, king of Egypt,and because they venerated other gods.They followed the rites of the nationswhom the Lord had cleared out of the way of the children of Israeland the kings of Israel whom they set up.And though the LORD warned Israel and Judahby every prophet and seer,“Give up your evil ways and keep my commandments and statutes,in accordance with the entire law which I enjoined on your fathersand which I sent you by my servants the prophets,”they did not listen, but were as stiff-necked as their fathers,who had not believed in the LORD, their God.They rejected his statutes,the covenant which he had made with their fathers,and the warnings which he had given them, till,in his great anger against Israel,the LORD put them away out of his sight.Only the tribe of Judah was left. Responsorial Psalm Psalm 60:3, 4-5, 12-13 R. (7b) Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.O God, you have rejected us and broken our defenses;you have been angry; rally us!R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.You have rocked the country and split it open;repair the cracks in it, for it is tottering.You have made your people feel hardships;you have given us stupefying wine.R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us.Have not you, O God, rejected us,so that you go not forth, O God, with our armies?Give us aid against the foe,for worthless is the help of men.R. Help us with your right hand, O Lord, and answer us. Alleluia Hebrews 4:12 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The word of God is living and effective,able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Matthew 7:1-5 Jesus said to his disciples:“Stop judging, that you may not be judged.For as you judge, so will you be judged,and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye,but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?How can you say to your brother,‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’while the wooden beam is in your eye?You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first;then you will see clearlyto remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint John Fisher, Bishop and Saint Thomas More, Martyrs 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 Jeremiah 20:10-13 Jeremiah said:"I hear the whisperings of many:'Terror on every side!Denounce! let us denounce him!'All those who were my friendsare on the watch for any misstep of mine.'Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail,and take our vengeance on him.'But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion:my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.In their failure they will be put to utter shame,to lasting, unforgettable confusion.O LORD of hosts, you who test the just,who probe mind and heart,let me witness the vengeance you take on them,for to you I have entrusted my cause.Sing to the LORD,praise the LORD,for he has rescued the life of the poorfrom the power of the wicked!"  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35 R. (14c) Lord, in your great love, answer me.For your sake I bear insult,and shame covers my face.I have become an outcast to my brothers,a stranger to my mother's children,Because zeal for your house consumes me,and the insults of those who blaspheme you fall upon me.R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.I pray to you, O LORD,for the time of your favor, O God!In your great kindness answer mewith your constant help.Answer me, O LORD, for bounteous is your kindness;in your great mercy turn toward me.R. Lord, in your great love, answer me."See, you lowly ones, and be glad;you who seek God, may your hearts revive!For the LORD hears the poor,and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.Let the heavens and the earth praise him,the seas and whatever moves in them!''R. Lord, in your great love, answer me. Reading 2 Romans 5:12-15 Brothers and sisters:Through one man sin entered the world,and through sin, death,and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned—for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world,though sin is not accounted when there is no law.But death reigned from Adam to Moses,even over those who did not sinafter the pattern of the trespass of Adam,who is the type of the one who was to come.But the gift is not like the transgression.For if by the transgression of the one the many died,how much more did the grace of Godand the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christoverflow for the many.  Alleluia John 15:26b, 27a R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord;and you also will testify.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 10:26-33 Jesus said to the Twelve:"Fear no one.Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;rather, be afraid of the one who can destroyboth soul and body in Gehenna.Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.Even all the hairs of your head are counted.So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.Everyone who acknowledges me before othersI will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.But whoever denies me before others,I will deny before my heavenly Father."  - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 2 Chronicles 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 Psalm 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 Corinthians 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 Matthew 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."  - - - 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 Kings 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 Psalm 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 Matthew 5:3 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are the poor in spirit;for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Matthew 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.” 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  Sirach 48:1-14 Like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijahwhose 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 heavensand 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 lifefrom 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 cometo 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 Psalm 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  Romans 8:15bc R. Alleluia, alleluia.You have received a spirit of adoption as sonsthrough which we cry: Abba! Father!R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Matthew 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 Kings 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 Psalm 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 John 14:23 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever loves me will keep my word,and my Father will love himand we will come to him.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 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."  - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Kings 21:17-29 After the death of Naboth the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite:"Start down to meet Ahab, king of Israel,who rules in Samaria.He will be in the vineyard of Naboth,of which he has come to take possession.This is what you shall tell him,'The LORD says: After murdering, do you also take possession?For this, the LORD says:In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth,the dogs shall lick up your blood, too.'"Ahab said to Elijah, "Have you found me out, my enemy?""Yes," he answered."Because you have given yourself up to doing evil in the LORD's sight,I am bringing evil upon you: I will destroy youand will cut off every male in Ahab's line,whether slave or freeman, in Israel.I will make your house like that of Jeroboam, son of Nebat,and like that of Baasha, son of Ahijah,because of how you have provoked me by leading Israel into sin."(Against Jezebel, too, the LORD declared,"The dogs shall devour Jezebel in the district of Jezreel.")"When one of Ahab's line dies in the city,dogs will devour him;when one of them dies in the field,the birds of the sky will devour him."Indeed, no one gave himself up to the doing of evilin the sight of the LORD as did Ahab,urged on by his wife Jezebel.He became completely abominable by following idols,just as the Amorites had done,whom the LORD drove out before the children of Israel.When Ahab heard these words, he tore his garmentsand put on sackcloth over his bare flesh.He fasted, slept in the sackcloth, and went about subdued.Then the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite,"Have you seen that Ahab has humbled himself before me?Since he has humbled himself before me,I will not bring the evil in his time.I will bring the evil upon his house during the reign of his son."  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 11 and 16 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.Turn away your face from my sins,and blot out all my guilt.Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;then my tongue shall revel in your justice.R. Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.  Alleluia John 13:34 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I give you a new commandment;love one another as I have loved you.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 5:43-48 Jesus said to his disciples:"You have heard that it was said,You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.But I say to you, love your enemiesand pray for those who persecute you,that you may be children of your heavenly Father,for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good,and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?Do not the tax collectors do the same?And if you greet your brothers only,what is unusual about that?Do not the pagans do the same?So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."  - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Kings 21:1-16 Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreelnext to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria.Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden,since it is close by, next to my house.I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or,if you prefer, I will give you its value in money.”Naboth answered him, “The LORD forbidthat I should give you my ancestral heritage.”Ahab went home disturbed and angry at the answerNaboth the Jezreelite had made to him:“I will not give you my ancestral heritage.”Lying down on his bed, he turned away from food and would not eat.His wife Jezebel came to him and said to him,“Why are you so angry that you will not eat?”He answered her, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreeliteand said to him, ‘Sell me your vineyard, or,if you prefer, I will give you a vineyard in exchange.’But he refused to let me have his vineyard.”His wife Jezebel said to him,“A fine ruler over Israel you are indeed!Get up. Eat and be cheerful.I will obtain the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for you.”So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and,having sealed them with his seal,sent them to the elders and to the nobleswho lived in the same city with Naboth.This is what she wrote in the letters:“Proclaim a fast and set Naboth at the head of the people.Next, get two scoundrels to face himand accuse him of having cursed God and king.Then take him out and stone him to death.”His fellow citizens—the elders and nobles who dwelt in his city—did as Jezebel had ordered them in writing,through the letters she had sent them.They proclaimed a fast and placed Naboth at the head of the people.Two scoundrels came in and confronted him with the accusation,“Naboth has cursed God and king.”And they led him out of the city and stoned him to death.Then they sent the information to Jezebelthat Naboth had been stoned to death.When Jezebel learned that Naboth had been stoned to death,she said to Ahab,“Go on, take possession of the vineyardof Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you,because Naboth is not alive, but dead.”On hearing that Naboth was dead, Ahab started off on his waydown to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite,to take possession of it.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7 R. (2b) Lord, listen to my groaning.Hearken to my words, O LORD,attend to my sighing.Heed my call for help,my king and my God!R. Lord, listen to my groaning.At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;no evil man remains with you;the arrogant may not stand in your sight. R. Lord, listen to my groaning.You hate all evildoers.You destroy all who speak falsehood;The bloodthirsty and the deceitfulthe LORD abhors.R. Lord, listen to my groaning.  Alleluia Psalm 119:105 R. Alleluia, alleluia.A lamp to my feet is your word,a light to my path.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus said to his disciples:"You have heard that it was said,An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.When someone strikes you on your right cheek,turn the other one to him as well.If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic,hand him your cloak as well.Should anyone press you into service for one mile,go with him for two miles.Give to the one who asks of you,and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow."  - - - 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 Exodus 19:2-6a In those days, the Israelites came to the desert of Sinai and pitched camp.While Israel was encamped here in front of the mountain,Moses went up the mountain to God.Then the LORD called to him and said,“Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob;tell the Israelites:You have seen for yourselves how I treated the Egyptiansand how I bore you up on eagle wingsand brought you here to myself. Therefore, if you hearken to my voice and keep my covenant,you shall be my special possession,dearer to me than all other people,though all the earth is mine.You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.” Responsorial Psalm Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5 R. (3c) We are his people: the sheep of his flock.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;    serve the LORD with gladness;    come before him with joyful song.R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.Know that the LORD is God;    he made us, his we are;    his people, the flock he tends.R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock.The LORD is good:    his kindness endures forever,    and his faithfulness to all generations.R. We are his people: the sheep of his flock. Reading 2 Romans 5:6-11 Brothers and sisters:Christ, while we were still helpless, yet died at the appointed time for the ungodly.Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person,though perhaps for a good personone might even find courage to die.But God proves his love for usin that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood,will we be saved through him from the wrath.Indeed, if, while we were enemies,we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son,how much more, once reconciled,will we be saved by his life.Not only that,but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ,through whom we have now received reconciliation. Alleluia Mark 1:15 R.    Alleluia, alleluia.The kingdom of God is at hand.Repent and believe in the Gospel. R.   Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 9:36—10:8 At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned,like sheep without a shepherd.Then he said to his disciples,“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest.” Then he summoned his twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spiritsto drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.The names of the twelve apostles are these:first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus,“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 1 Kings 19:19-21 Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat,as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen;he was following the twelfth.Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,"Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,and I will follow you."Elijah answered, "Go back! Have I done anything to you?"Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them;he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,and gave it to his people to eat.Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10 R. (see 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord.Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot.R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.I bless the LORD who counsels me;even in the night my heart exhorts me.I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.  Alleluia Psalm 119:36a, 29b R. Alleluia, alleluia.Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees;and favor me with your law.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 5:33-37 Jesus said to his disciples:"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,Do not take a false oath,but make good to the Lord all that you vow.But I say to you, do not swear at all;not by heaven, for it is God's throne;nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.Do not swear by your head,for you cannot make a single hair white or black.Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.'Anything more is from the Evil One."  Readings for the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church Readings for the Memorial of The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary - - - 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 Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Reading 1  1 Kings 19:19-21 Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat,as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen;he was following the twelfth.Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him.Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said,"Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,and I will follow you."Elijah answered, "Go back!Have I done anything to you?"Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them;he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh,and gave it to his people to eat.Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.  Responsorial Psalm  Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10 R. (see 5a) You are my inheritance, O Lord.Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot.R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.I bless the LORD who counsels me;even in the night my heart exhorts me.I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.R. You are my inheritance, O Lord.  Alleluia See Luke 2:19 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed is the Virgin Mary who kept the word of Godand pondered it in her heart.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel  Luke 2:41-51 Each year Jesus' parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,and when he was twelve years old,they went up according to festival custom.After they had completed its days, as they were returning,the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem,but his parents did not know it.Thinking that he was in the caravan,they journeyed for a dayand looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,but not finding him,they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.After three days they found him in the temple,sitting in the midst of the teachers,listening to them and asking them questions,and all who heard him were astoundedat his understanding and his answers.When his parents saw him,they were astonished,and his mother said to him,"Son, why have you done this to us?Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety."And he said to them,"Why were you looking for me?Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"But they did not understand what he said to them.He went down with them and came to Nazareth,and was obedient to them;and his mother kept all these things in her heart.  Readings for the Memorial of Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Deuteronomy 7:6-11 Moses said to the people:"You are a people sacred to the LORD, your God;he has chosen you from all the nations on the face of the earthto be a people peculiarly his own.It was not because you are the largest of all nationsthat the LORD set his heart on you and chose you,for you are really the smallest of all nations.It was because the LORD loved youand because of his fidelity to the oath he had sworn your fathers,that he brought you out with his strong handfrom the place of slavery,and ransomed you from the hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.Understand, then, that the LORD, your God, is God indeed,the faithful God who keeps his merciful covenantdown to the thousandth generationtoward those who love him and keep his commandments,but who repays with destruction a person who hates him;he does not dally with such a one,but makes them personally pay for it.You shall therefore carefully observe the commandments,the statutes and the decrees that I enjoin on you today."  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 10 R. (cf. 17) The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.Bless the LORD, O my soul;all my being, bless his holy name.Bless the LORD, O my soul;and forget not all his benefits.R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.He pardons all your iniquities,heals all your ills.He redeems your life from destruction,crowns you with kindness and compassion.R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.Merciful and gracious is the LORD,slow to anger and abounding in kindness.Not according to our sins does he deal with us,nor does he requite us according to our crimes.R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.  Reading 2 1 John 4:7-16 Beloved, let us love one another,because love is of God;everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.In this way the love of God was revealed to us:God sent his only Son into the worldso that we might have life through him.In this is love:not that we have loved God, but that he loved usand sent his Son as expiation for our sins.Beloved, if God so loved us,we also must love one another.No one has ever seen God.Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us,and his love is brought to perfection in us.This is how we know that we remain in him and he in us,that he has given us of his Spirit.Moreover, we have seen and testifythat the Father sent his Son as savior of the world.Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God,God remains in him and he in God.We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us.God is love, and whoever remains in loveremains in God and God in him.  Alleluia Matthew 11:29ab R. Alleluia, alleluia.Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord;and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus exclaimed:"I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,for although you have hidden these thingsfrom the wise and the learnedyou have revealed them to little ones.Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father,and no one knows the Father except the Sonand anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him."Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,for I am meek and humble of heart;and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."  - - - 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 Barnabas, Apostle Reading 1 Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3 In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord.The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.When he arrived and saw the grace of God,he rejoiced and encouraged them allto remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.And a large number of people was added to the Lord.Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.For a whole year they met with the Churchand taught a large number of people,and it was in Antioch that the discipleswere first called Christians.Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers:Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger,Lucius of Cyrene,Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saulfor the work to which I have called them.”Then, completing their fasting and prayer,they laid hands on them and sent them off.  Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6 R. (see 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;His right hand has won victory for him,his holy arm.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;break into song; sing praise.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,with the harp and melodious song.With trumpets and the sound of the hornsing joyfully before the King, the LORD.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.  Alleluia John 13:34 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I give you a new commandment:love one another as I have loved you.R. Alleluia, alleluia.  Gospel Matthew 5:20-26 Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses thatof the scribes and Pharisees,you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven."You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brotherwill be liable to judgment,and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,and there recall that your brotherhas anything against you,leave your gift there at the altar,go first and be reconciled with your brother,and then come and offer your gift.Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,and the judge will hand you over to the guard,and you will be thrown into prison.Amen, I say to you,you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."  - - - 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.