Readings for the Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, priest Reading 1 Col 1:21-23 Brothers and sisters: You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; God has now reconciled you in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister. Responsorial Psalm Ps 54:3-4, 6 and 8 R. (6) God himself is my help.O God, by your name save me,and by your might defend my cause.O God, hear my prayer;hearken to the words of my mouth.R. God himself is my help.Behold, God is my helper;the Lord sustains my life.Freely will I offer you sacrifice;I will praise your name, O LORD, for its goodness.R. God himself is my help. Alleluia Jn 14:6 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;no one comes to the Father except through me.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 6:1-5 While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath,his disciples were picking the heads of grain,rubbing them in their hands, and eating them.Some Pharisees said,"Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?"Jesus said to them in reply,"Have you not read what David didwhen he and those who were with him were hungry?How he went into the house of God, took the bread of offering,which only the priests could lawfully eat,ate of it, and shared it with his companions?"Then he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Mi 5:1-4a The LORD says:You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah,too small to be among the clans of Judah,From you shall come forth for meone who is to be ruler in Israel;Whose origin is from of old,from ancient times.(Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the timewhen she who is to give birth has borne,And the rest of his brethren shall returnto the children of Israel.)He shall stand firm and shepherd his flockby the strength of the LORD,in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;And they shall remain, for now his greatnessshall reach to the ends of the earth;he shall be peace. or Rom 8:28-30 Brothers and sisters:We know that all things work for good for those who love God,who are called according to his purpose. For those he foreknew he also predestinedto be conformed to the image of his Son,so that he might be the firstbornamong many brothers.And those he predestined he also called;and those he called he also justified;and those he justified he also glorified. Responsorial Psalm Ps 13:6ab, 6c R. (Isaiah 61:10) With delight I rejoice in the Lord.Though I trusted in your mercy,let my heart rejoice in your salvation.R. With delight I rejoice in the Lord.Let me sing of the LORD, "He has been good to me."R. With delight I rejoice in the Lord. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise;from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 1:1-16, 18-23 The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,the son of David, the son of Abraham.Abraham became the father of Isaac,Isaac the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,whose mother was Tamar.Perez became the father of Hezron,Hezron the father of Ram,Ram the father of Amminadab.Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,Nahshon the father of Salmon,Salmon the father of Boaz,whose mother was Rahab.Boaz became the father of Obed,whose mother was Ruth.Obed became the father of Jesse,Jesse the father of David the king.David became the father of Solomon,whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,Rehoboam the father of Abijah,Abijah the father of Asaph.Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,Joram the father of Uzziah.Uzziah became the father of Jotham,Jotham the father of Ahaz,Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amos,Amos the father of Josiah.Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothersat the time of the Babylonian exile.After the Babylonian exile,Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.Abiud became the father of Eliakim,Eliakim the father of Azor,Azor the father of Zadok.Zadok became the father of Achim,Achim the father of Eliud,Eliud the father of Eleazar.Eleazar became the father of Matthan,Matthan the father of Jacob,Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,but before they lived together,she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame,decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,"Joseph, son of David,do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spiritthat this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins."All this took place to fulfillwhat the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means "God is with us." or Mt 1:18-23 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,but before they lived together,she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame,decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,"Joseph, son of David,do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.For it is through the Holy Spiritthat this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,because he will save his people from their sins."All this took place to fulfillwhat the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means "God is with us." - - -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 Col 1:9-14 Brothers and sisters:From the day we heard about you, we do not cease praying for youand asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's willthrough all spiritual wisdom and understandingto walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruitand growing in the knowledge of God,strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might,for all endurance and patience,with joy giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to sharein the inheritance of the holy ones in light.He delivered us from the power of darknessand transferred us to the Kingdom of his beloved Son,in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6 R. (2) The Lord has made known his salvation.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 made known his salvation.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 made known his salvation.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 made known his salvation. Alleluia Mt 4:19 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come after me, says the Lord,and I will make you fishers of men.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 5:1-11 While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God,he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret.He saw two boats there alongside the lake;the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets.Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon,he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore.Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon,"Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch."Simon said in reply,"Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing,but at your command I will lower the nets."When they had done this, they caught a great number of fishand their nets were tearing.They signaled to their partners in the other boatto come to help them. They came and filled both boatsso that the boats were in danger of sinking.When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said,"Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man."For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized himand all those with him,and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee,who were partners of Simon.Jesus said to Simon, "Do not be afraid;from now on you will be catching men."When they brought their boats to the shore,they left everything and followed him. - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Col1:1-8 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,and Timothy our brother, to the holy ones and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae:grace to you and peace from God our Father.We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,when we pray for you,for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesusand the love that you have for all the holy onesbecause of the hope reserved for you in heaven.Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the Gospel, that has come to you.Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing,so also among you, from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth,as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave,who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalfand who also told us of your love in the Spirit. Responsorial Psalm Ps 52:10, 11 R. (10) I trust in the mercy of God for ever.I, like a green olive treein the house of God,Trust in the mercy of Godforever and ever.R. I trust in the mercy of God for ever.I will thank you always for what you have done,and proclaim the goodness of your namebefore your faithful ones.R. I trust in the mercy of God for ever. Alleluia Lk 4:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poorand to proclaim liberty to captives.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 4:38-44 After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon.Simon's mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever,and they interceded with him about her.He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her.She got up immediately and waited on them.At sunset, all who had people sick with various diseases brought them to him.He laid his hands on each of them and cured them.And demons also came out from many, shouting, "You are the Son of God."But he rebuked them and did not allow them to speakbecause they knew that he was the Christ.At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him,they tried to prevent him from leaving them.But he said to them, "To the other towns alsoI must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God,because for this purpose I have been sent."And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. - - -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 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11 Concerning times and seasons, brothers and sisters,you have no need for anything to be written to you.For you yourselves know very wellthat the day of the Lord will come like a thief at night.When people are saying, "Peace and security,"then sudden disaster comes upon them,like labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness,for that day to overtake you like a thief.For all of you are children of the light and children of the day.We are not of the night or of darkness.Therefore, let us not sleep as the rest do,but let us stay alert and sober.For God did not destine us for wrath,but to gain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleepwe may live together with him.Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up,as indeed you do. Responsorial Psalm Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 R. (13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.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. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.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. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.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. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Alleluia Lk 7:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia.A great prophet has arisen in our midstand God has visited his people.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 4:31-37 Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee.He taught them on the sabbath,and they were astonished at his teachingbecause he spoke with authority.In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice,"What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?Have you come to destroy us?I know who you are–the Holy One of God!"Jesus rebuked him and said, "Be quiet! Come out of him!"Then the demon threw the man down in front of themand came out of him without doing him any harm.They were all amazed and said to one another,"What is there about his word?For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits,and they come out."And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region. - - -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 Thes 4:13-18 We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,about those who have fallen asleep,so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.For if we believe that Jesus died and rose,so too will God, through Jesus,bring with him those who have fallen asleep.Indeed, we tell you this, on the word of the Lord,that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,will surely not precede those who have fallen asleep.For the Lord himself, with a word of command,with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God,will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first.Then we who are alive, who are left,will be caught up together with them in the cloudsto meet the Lord in the air.Thus we shall always be with the Lord.Therefore, console one another with these words. Responsorial Psalm Ps 96:1 and 3, 4-5, 11-12, 13 R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.Sing to the LORD a new song;sing to the LORD, all you lands.Tell his glory among the nations;among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.For great is the LORD and highly to be praised;awesome is he, beyond all gods.For all the gods of the nations are things of nought,but the LORD made the heavens.R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;let the sea and what fills it resound;let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.Before the LORD, for he comes;for he comes to rule the earth.He shall rule the world with justiceand the peoples with his constancy.R. The Lord comes to judge the earth. Alleluia See Lk 4:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Spirit of the Lord is upon me;he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 4:16-30 Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had grown up,and went according to his custominto the synagogue on the sabbath day.He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah.He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed meto bring glad tidings to the poor.He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captivesand recovery of sight to the blind,to let the oppressed go free,and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.Rolling up the scroll,he handed it back to the attendant and sat down,and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him.He said to them,"Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing."And all spoke highly of himand were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.They also asked, "Is this not the son of Joseph?"He said to them, "Surely you will quote me this proverb,'Physician, cure yourself,' and say, 'Do here in your native placethe things that we heard were done in Capernaum.'"And he said,"Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.Indeed, I tell you,there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijahwhen the sky was closed for three and a half yearsand a severe famine spread over the entire land.It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.Again, there were many lepers in Israelduring the time of Elisha the prophet;yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian."When the people in the synagogue heard this,they were all filled with fury.They rose up, drove him out of the town,and led him to the brow of the hillon which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong.But he passed through the midst of them and went 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.

Reading 1 Jer 20:7-9 You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped;you were too strong for me, and you triumphed.All the day I am an object of laughter;everyone mocks me.Whenever I speak, I must cry out,violence and outrage is my message;the word of the LORD has brought mederision and reproach all the day.I say to myself, I will not mention him,I will speak in his name no more.But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart,imprisoned in my bones;I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it. Responsorial Psalm Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 R. (2b) My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.O God, you are my God whom I seek;for you my flesh pines and my soul thirstslike the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuaryto see your power and your glory,for your kindness is a greater good than life;my lips shall glorify you.R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.Thus will I bless you while I live;lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you. R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.You are my help,and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.My soul clings fast to you;your right hand upholds me.R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. Reading 2 Rom 12:1-2 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God,to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this agebut be transformed by the renewal of your mind,that you may discern what is the will of God,what is good and pleasing and perfect. Alleluia cf. Eph 1:17-18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christenlighten the eyes of our hearts,that we may know what is the hopethat belongs to our call.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 16:21-27 Jesus began to show his disciplesthat he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatlyfrom the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes,and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,"God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you." He turned and said to Peter,"Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."Then Jesus said to his disciples,"Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself,take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.What profit would there be for one to gain the whole worldand forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory,and then he will repay all according to his conduct." - - -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 Thes 4:9-11 Brothers and sisters:On the subject of fraternal charityyou have no need for anyone to write you,for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.Indeed, you do this for all the brothers throughout Macedonia.Nevertheless we urge you, brothers and sisters, to progress even more,and to aspire to live a tranquil life,to mind your own affairs,and to work with your own hands,as we instructed you. Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 7-8, 9 R. (9) The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.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 comes to rule the earth with justice.Let the sea and what fills it resound,the world and those who dwell in it;Let the rivers clap their hands,the mountains shout with them for joy.R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.Before the LORD, for he comes,for he comes to rule the earth;He will rule the world with justiceand the peoples with equity.R. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice. Alleluia Jn 13:34 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I give you a new commandment:love one another as I have loved you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 25:14-30 Jesus told his disciples this parable:"A man going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them.To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability.Then he went away.Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them,and made another five.Likewise, the one who received two made another two.But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the groundand buried his master's money.After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them.The one who had received five talentscame forward bringing the additional five.He said, 'Master, you gave me five talents.See, I have made five more.'His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.Since you were faithful in small matters,I will give you great responsibilities.Come, share your master's joy.'Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said,'Master, you gave me two talents.See, I have made two more.'His master said to him, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.Since you were faithful in small matters,I will give you great responsibilities.Come, share your master's joy.'Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said,'Master, I knew you were a demanding person,harvesting where you did not plantand gathering where you did not scatter;so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground.Here it is back.'His master said to him in reply, 'You wicked, lazy servant!So you knew that I harvest where I did not plantand gather where I did not scatter?Should you not then have put my money in the bankso that I could have got it back with interest on my return?Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten.For to everyone who has,more will be given and he will grow rich;but from the one who has not,even what he has will be taken away.And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.'" - - - 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 Thes 4:1-8 Brothers and sisters,we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that,as you received from ushow you should conduct yourselves to please God– and as you are conducting yourselves– you do so even more.For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.This is the will of God, your holiness:that you refrain from immorality,that each of you know how to acquire a wife for himselfin holiness and honor, not in lustful passionas do the Gentiles who do not know God;not to take advantage of or exploit a brother or sister in this matter,for the Lord is an avenger in all these things,as we told you before and solemnly affirmed.For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.Therefore, whoever disregards this,disregards not a human being but God,who also gives his Holy Spirit to you. Responsorial Psalm Ps 97:1 and 2b, 5-6, 10, 11-12 R. (12a) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;let the many isles be glad.Justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.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!The LORD loves those who hate evil;he guards the lives of his faithful ones;from the hand of the wicked he delivers them.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!Light dawns for the just;and gladness, for the upright of heart.Be glad in the LORD, you just,and give thanks to his holy name.R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just! Alleluia Lk 21:36 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Be vigilant at all time and pray,that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 25:1-13 Jesus told his disciples this parable:"The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virginswho took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,brought no oil with them,but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed,they all became drowsy and fell asleep.At midnight, there was a cry,'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise,'Give us some of your oil,for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones replied,'No, for there may not be enough for us and you.Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.' While they went off to buy it,the bridegroom cameand those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked.Afterwards the other virgins came and said,'Lord, Lord, open the door for us!' But he said in reply,'Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, stay awake,for you know neither the day nor the hour." - - -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 Thes 3:7-13 We have been reassured about you, brothers and sisters,in our every distress and affliction, through your faith.For we now live, if you stand firm in the Lord.What thanksgiving, then, can we render to God for you,for all the joy we feel on your account before our God?Night and day we pray beyond measure to see you in personand to remedy the deficiencies of your faith.Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesusdirect our way to you, and may the Lord make you increaseand abound in love for one another and for all,just as we have for you,so as to strengthen your hearts, to be blameless in holiness before our God and Fatherat the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones. Amen. Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:3-5a, 12-13, 14 and 17 R. (14) Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!You turn man back to dust,saying, "Return, O children of men."For a thousand years in your sightare as yesterday, now that it is past,or as a watch of the night.R. Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!Teach us to number our days aright,that we may gain wisdom of heart.Return, O LORD! How long?Have pity on your servants!R. Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;prosper the work of our hands for us!Prosper the work of our hands!R. Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy! Alleluia Mt 24:42a, 44 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Stay awake!For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 24:42-51 Jesus said to his disciples:"Stay awake!For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.Be sure of this: if the master of the househad known the hour of night when the thief was coming,he would have stayed awakeand not let his house be broken into.So too, you also must be prepared,for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."Who, then, is the faithful and prudent servant,whom the master has put in charge of his householdto distribute to them their food at the proper time?Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so.Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is long delayed,'and begins to beat his fellow servants,and eat and drink with drunkards,the servant's master will come on an unexpected dayand at an unknown hour and will punish him severelyand assign him a place with the hypocrites,where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth." - - - 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 Thes 2:9-13 You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery.Working night and day in order not to burden any of you,we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God.You are witnesses, and so is God,how devoutly and justly and blamelesslywe behaved toward you believers.As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his children,exhorting and encouraging you and insistingthat you walk in a manner worthy of the Godwho calls you into his Kingdom and glory.And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly,that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us,you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God,which is now at work in you who believe. Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:7-8, 9-10, 11-12ab R. (1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.Where can I go from your spirit?From your presence where can I flee?If I go up to the heavens, you are there;if I sink to the nether world, you are present there.R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.If I take the wings of the dawn,if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea,Even there your hand shall guide me,and your right hand hold me fast.R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.If I say, "Surely the darkness shall hide me,and night shall be my light"–For you darkness itself is not dark,and night shines as the day.R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord. Alleluia 1 Jn 2:5 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever keeps the word of Christ,the love of God is truly perfected in him.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 23:27-32 Jesus said,"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside,but inside are full of dead men's bones and every kind of filth.Even so, on the outside you appear righteous,but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing."Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You build the tombs of the prophetsand adorn the memorials of the righteous, and you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our ancestors,we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets' blood.'Thus you bear witness against yourselvesthat you are the children of those who murdered the prophets;now fill up what your ancestors measured out!" - - -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 the Passion of Saint John the Baptist Reading 1 1 Thes 2:1-8 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters,that our reception among you was not without effect.Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated,as you know, in Philippi,we drew courage through our Godto speak to you the Gospel of God with much struggle.Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives,nor did it work through deception.But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel,that is how we speak,not as trying to please men,but rather God, who judges our hearts.Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know,or with a pretext for greed–God is witness–nor did we seek praise from men,either from you or from others,although we were able to impose our weight as Apostles of Christ.Rather, we were gentle among you,as a nursing mother cares for her children.With such affection for you, we were determined to share with younot only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well,so dearly beloved had you become to us. Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1-3, 4-6 R. (1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.O LORD, you have probed me and 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. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.Even before a word is on my tongue,behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it.Behind me and before, you hem me inand rest your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;too lofty for me to attain. R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord. Alleluia Mt 5:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 6:17-29 Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prisonon account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.John had said to Herod,"It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."Herodias harbored a grudge against himand wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,and kept him in custody.When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,yet he liked to listen to him.She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,gave a banquet for his courtiers,his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.Herodias' own daughter came inand performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.The king said to the girl,"Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you."He even swore many things to her,"I will grant you whatever you ask of me,even to half of my kingdom."She went out and said to her mother,"What shall I ask for?"She replied, "The head of John the Baptist."The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request,"I want you to give me at onceon a platter the head of John the Baptist."The king was deeply distressed,but because of his oaths and the guestshe did not wish to break his word to her.So he promptly dispatched an executioner with ordersto bring back his head.He went off and beheaded him in the prison.He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.The girl in turn gave it to her mother.When his disciples heard about it,they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. - - - 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 the Passion of Saint John the Baptist Reading 1 1 Thes 2:1-8 You yourselves know, brothers and sisters,that our reception among you was not without effect.Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated,as you know, in Philippi,we drew courage through our Godto speak to you the Gospel of God with much struggle.Our exhortation was not from delusion or impure motives,nor did it work through deception.But as we were judged worthy by God to be entrusted with the Gospel,that is how we speak,not as trying to please men,but rather God, who judges our hearts.Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know,or with a pretext for greed–God is witness–nor did we seek praise from men,either from you or from others,although we were able to impose our weight as Apostles of Christ.Rather, we were gentle among you,as a nursing mother cares for her children.With such affection for you, we were determined to share with younot only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well,so dearly beloved had you become to us. Responsorial Psalm Ps 139:1-3, 4-6 R. (1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.O LORD, you have probed me and 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. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.Even before a word is on my tongue,behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it.Behind me and before, you hem me inand rest your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;too lofty for me to attain. R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord. Alleluia Mt 5:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 6:17-29 Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prisonon account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married.John had said to Herod,"It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."Herodias harbored a grudge against himand wanted to kill him but was unable to do so.Herod feared John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man,and kept him in custody.When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed,yet he liked to listen to him.She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday,gave a banquet for his courtiers,his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee.Herodias' own daughter came inand performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests.The king said to the girl,"Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you."He even swore many things to her,"I will grant you whatever you ask of me,even to half of my kingdom."She went out and said to her mother,"What shall I ask for?"She replied, "The head of John the Baptist."The girl hurried back to the king's presence and made her request,"I want you to give me at onceon a platter the head of John the Baptist."The king was deeply distressed,but because of his oaths and the guestshe did not wish to break his word to her.So he promptly dispatched an executioner with ordersto bring back his head.He went off and beheaded him in the prison.He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl.The girl in turn gave it to her mother.When his disciples heard about it,they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. - - -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 Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church Reading 1 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Church of the Thessaloniansin God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:grace to you and peace.We give thanks to God always for all of you,remembering you in our prayers,unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of loveand endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,before our God and Father,knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen.For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone,but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake. In every place your faith in God has gone forth,so that we have no need to say anything.For they themselves openly declare about uswhat sort of reception we had among you,and how you turned to God from idolsto serve the living and true God and to await his Son from heaven,whom he raised from the dead, Jesus,who delivers us from the coming wrath. Responsorial Psalm Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia.Sing to the LORD a new songof praise in the assembly of the faithful.Let Israel be glad in their maker,let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia.Let them praise his name in the festive dance,let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.For the LORD loves his people,and he adorns the lowly with victory.R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia.Let the faithful exult in glory;let them sing for joy upon their couches;Let the high praises of God be in their throats.This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia!R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 10:27 R. Alleluia, alleluia.My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;I know them, and they follow me.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 23:13-22 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men.You do not enter yourselves,nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter."Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You traverse sea and land to make one convert,and when that happens you make him a child of Gehennatwice as much as yourselves."Woe to you, blind guides, who say,'If one swears by the temple, it means nothing,but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.'Blind fools, which is greater, the gold,or the temple that made the gold sacred?And you say, 'If one swears by the altar, it means nothing,but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.'You blind ones, which is greater, the gift,or the altar that makes the gift sacred?One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it;one who swears by the temple swears by itand by him who dwells in it;one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of Godand by him who is seated on it." - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church Reading 1 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the Church of the Thessaloniansin God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:grace to you and peace.We give thanks to God always for all of you,remembering you in our prayers,unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of loveand endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ,before our God and Father,knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen.For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone,but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction.You know what sort of people we were among you for your sake. In every place your faith in God has gone forth,so that we have no need to say anything.For they themselves openly declare about uswhat sort of reception we had among you,and how you turned to God from idolsto serve the living and true God and to await his Son from heaven,whom he raised from the dead, Jesus,who delivers us from the coming wrath. Responsorial Psalm Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia.Sing to the LORD a new songof praise in the assembly of the faithful.Let Israel be glad in their maker,let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia.Let them praise his name in the festive dance,let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.For the LORD loves his people,and he adorns the lowly with victory.R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia.Let the faithful exult in glory;let them sing for joy upon their couches;Let the high praises of God be in their throats.This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia!R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 10:27 R. Alleluia, alleluia.My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;I know them, and they follow me.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 23:13-22 Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men.You do not enter yourselves,nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter."Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.You traverse sea and land to make one convert,and when that happens you make him a child of Gehennatwice as much as yourselves."Woe to you, blind guides, who say,'If one swears by the temple, it means nothing,but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.'Blind fools, which is greater, the gold,or the temple that made the gold sacred?And you say, 'If one swears by the altar, it means nothing,but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.'You blind ones, which is greater, the gift,or the altar that makes the gift sacred?One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it;one who swears by the temple swears by itand by him who dwells in it;one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of Godand by him who is seated on it." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Monica Reading 1 Is 22:19-23 Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace: "I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family." Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 R. (8bc) Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,for you have heard the words of my mouth;in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;I will worship at your holy temple.R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.I will give thanks to your name,because of your kindness and your truth:When I called, you answered me;you built up strength within me.R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,and the proud he knows from afar.Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;forsake not the work of your hands.R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands. Reading 2 Rom 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!For who has known the mind of the Lordor who has been his counselor?Or who has given the Lord anythingthat he may be repaid?For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Alleluia Mt 16:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Churchand the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 16:13-20 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply,"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ. - - - 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 Monica Reading 1 Is 22:19-23 Thus says the LORD to Shebna, master of the palace: "I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim's shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family." Responsorial Psalm Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 R. (8bc) Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,for you have heard the words of my mouth;in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;I will worship at your holy temple.R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.I will give thanks to your name,because of your kindness and your truth:When I called, you answered me;you built up strength within me.R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,and the proud he knows from afar.Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;forsake not the work of your hands.R. Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands. Reading 2 Rom 11:33-36 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!For who has known the mind of the Lordor who has been his counselor?Or who has given the Lord anythingthat he may be repaid?For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Alleluia Mt 16:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Churchand the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 16:13-20 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi andhe asked his disciples,"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter said in reply,"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus said to him in reply,"Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter,and upon this rock I will build my church,and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." Then he strictly ordered his disciplesto tell no one that he was the Christ. - - -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.