Reading 1 Ex 2:1-15a A certain man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman,who conceived and bore a son.Seeing that he was a goodly child, she hid him for three months.When she could hide him no longer, she took a papyrus basket,daubed it with bitumen and pitch,and putting the child in it,placed it among the reeds on the river bank.His sister stationed herself at a distanceto find out what would happen to him.Pharaoh's daughter came down to the river to bathe,while her maids walked along the river bank.Noticing the basket among the reeds, she sent her handmaid to fetch it.On opening it, she looked, and lo, there was a baby boy, crying!She was moved with pity for him and said,"It is one of the Hebrews' children."Then his sister asked Pharaoh's daughter,"Shall I go and call one of the Hebrew womento nurse the child for you?""Yes, do so," she answered.So the maiden went and called the child's own mother.Pharaoh's daughter said to her,"Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will repay you."The woman therefore took the child and nursed it.When the child grew, she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter,who adopted him as her son and called him Moses;for she said, "I drew him out of the water."On one occasion, after Moses had grown up,when he visited his kinsmen and witnessed their forced labor,he saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his own kinsmen.Looking about and seeing no one,he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.The next day he went out again, and now two Hebrews were fighting!So he asked the culprit,"Why are you striking your fellow Hebrew?"But the culprit replied,"Who has appointed you ruler and judge over us?Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?"Then Moses became afraid and thought,"The affair must certainly be known."Pharaoh, too, heard of the affair and sought to put Moses to death.But Moses fled from him and stayed in the land of Midian. Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:3, 14, 30-31, 33-34 R. (see 33) Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.I am sunk in the abysmal swampwhere there is no foothold;I have reached the watery depths;the flood overwhelms me.R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.But I pray to you, O LORD,for the time of your favor, O God!In your great kindness answer mewith your constant help.R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.But I am afflicted and in pain;let your saving help, O God, protect me;I will praise the name of God in song,and I will glorify him with thanksgiving.R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live."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."R. Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live. Alleluia Ps 95:8 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If today you hear his voice,harden not your hearts.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 11:20-24 Jesus began to reproach the townswhere most of his mighty deeds had been done,since they had not repented."Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!For if the mighty deeds done in your midsthad been done in Tyre and Sidon,they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes.But I tell you, it will be more tolerablefor Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.And as for you, Capernaum:Will you be exalted to heaven?You will go down to the netherworld.For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom,it would have remained until this day.But I tell you, it will be more tolerablefor the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Camillus de Lellis, priest - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Ex 1:8-14, 22 A new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to power in Egypt.He said to his subjects, "Look how numerous and powerfulthe people of the children of Israel are growing, more so than we ourselves!Come, let us deal shrewdly with them to stop their increase;otherwise, in time of war they too may join our enemiesto fight against us, and so leave our country."Accordingly, taskmasters were set over the children of Israelto oppress them with forced labor.Thus they had to build for Pharaohthe supply cities of Pithom and Raamses.Yet the more they were oppressed,the more they multiplied and spread.The Egyptians, then, dreaded the children of Israeland reduced them to cruel slavery,making life bitter for them with hard work in mortar and brickand all kinds of field work—the whole cruel fate of slaves.Pharaoh then commanded all his subjects,"Throw into the river every boy that is born to the Hebrews,but you may let all the girls live." Responsorial Psalm Ps 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8 R. (8a) Our help is in the name of the Lord.Had not the LORD been with us–let Israel say, had not the LORD been with us–When men rose up against us,then would they have swallowed us alive,When their fury was inflamed against us. R. Our help is in the name of the Lord.Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;The torrent would have swept over us;over us then would have swept the raging waters.Blessed be the LORD, who did not leave usa prey to their teeth. R. Our help is in the name of the Lord.We were rescued like a bird from the fowlers' snare;Broken was the snare, and we were freed.Our help is in the name of the LORD,who made heaven and earth.R. Our help is in the name of the Lord. Alleluia Mt 5:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:34—11:1 Jesus said to his Apostles:"Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth.I have come to bring not peace but the sword.For I have come to seta man against his father,a daughter against her mother,and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;and one's enemies will be those of his household."Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me,and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;and whoever does not take up his crossand follow after me is not worthy of me.Whoever finds his life will lose it,and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."Whoever receives you receives me,and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophetwill receive a prophet's reward,and whoever receives a righteous manbecause he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward.And whoever gives only a cup of cold waterto one of these little ones to drinkbecause he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward."When Jesus finished giving these commands to his Twelve disciples,he went away from that place to teach and to preach in their towns. - - -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 Is 55:10-11 Thus says the LORD:Just as from the heavensthe rain and snow come downand do not return theretill they have watered the earth,making it fertile and fruitful,giving seed to the one who sowsand bread to the one who eats,so shall my word bethat goes forth from my mouth;my word shall not return to me void,but shall do my will,achieving the end for which I sent it. Responsorial Psalm Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14 R. (Lk 8:8) The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.You have visited the land and watered it;greatly have you enriched it.God's watercourses are filled;you have prepared the grain.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.Thus have you prepared the land: drenching its furrows,breaking up its clods,Softening it with showers,blessing its yield.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.You have crowned the year with your bounty,and your paths overflow with a rich harvest;The untilled meadows overflow with it,and rejoicing clothes the hills.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.The fields are garmented with flocksand the valleys blanketed with grain.They shout and sing for joy.R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. Reading 2 Rom 8:18-23 Brothers and sisters:I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothingcompared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectationthe revelation of the children of God;for creation was made subject to futility,not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it,in hope that creation itselfwould be set free from slavery to corruptionand share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now;and not only that, but we ourselves,who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,we also groan within ourselvesas we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Alleluia R. Alleluia, alleluia.The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.All who come to him will have life forever.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 13:1-23 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea.Such large crowds gathered around himthat he got into a boat and sat down,and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying:"A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,and when the sun rose it was scorched,and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit,a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear."The disciples approached him and said,"Why do you speak to them in parables?" He said to them in reply,"Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heavenhas been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich;from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, becausethey look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:You shall indeed hear but not understand,you shall indeed look but never see.Gross is the heart of this people,they will hardly hear with their ears,they have closed their eyes,lest they see with their eyesand hear with their earsand understand with their hearts and be converted,and I heal them. "But blessed are your eyes, because they see,and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous peoplelonged to see what you see but did not see it,and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."Hear then the parable of the sower.The seed sown on the path is the onewho hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it,and the evil one comes and steals awaywhat was sown in his heart.The seed sown on rocky groundis the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word,he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word,but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the wordand it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soilis the one who hears the word and understands it,who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold." or Mt 13:1-9 On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around himthat he got into a boat and sat down,and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying:"A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path,and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep,and when the sun rose it was scorched,and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit,a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church Reading 1 Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a Jacob gave his sons this charge:"Since I am about to be taken to my people,bury me with my fathers in the cave that liesin the field of Ephron the Hittite,the cave in the field of Machpelah,facing on Mamre, in the land of Canaan,the field that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittitefor a burial ground.There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried,and so are Isaac and his wife Rebekah,and there, too, I buried Leah–the field and the cave in itthat had been purchased from the Hittites."Now that their father was dead,Joseph's brothers became fearful and thought,"Suppose Joseph has been nursing a grudge against usand now plans to pay us back in full for all the wrong we did him!"So they approached Joseph and said:"Before your father died, he gave us these instructions:'You shall say to Joseph, Jacob begs youto forgive the criminal wrongdoing of your brothers,who treated you so cruelly.'Please, therefore, forgive the crime that we,the servants of your father's God, committed."When they spoke these words to him, Joseph broke into tears.Then his brothers proceeded to fling themselves down before himand said, "Let us be your slaves!"But Joseph replied to them:"Have no fear. Can I take the place of God?Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good,to achieve his present end, the survival of many people.Therefore have no fear.I will provide for you and for your children."By thus speaking kindly to them, he reassured them.Joseph remained in Egypt, together with his father's family.He lived a hundred and ten years.He saw Ephraim's children to the third generation,and the children of Manasseh's son Machirwere also born on Joseph's knees.Joseph said to his brothers: "I am about to die.God will surely take care of you and lead you out of this land to the landthat he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."Then, putting the sons of Israel under oath, he continued,"When God thus takes care of you,you must bring my bones up with you from this place."Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7 R. (see Psalm 69:33) Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;make known among the nations his deeds.Sing to him, sing his praise,proclaim all his wondrous deeds.R. Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!Glory in his holy name;rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!Look to the LORD in his strength;seek to serve him constantly.R. Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!You descendants of Abraham, his servants,sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!He, the LORD, is our God;throughout the earth his judgments prevail.R. Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad! Alleluia 1 Pt 4:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you,for the Spirit of God rests upon you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:24-33 Jesus said to his Apostles: "No disciple is above his teacher,no slave above his master.It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher,for the slave that he become like his master.If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,how much more those of his household!"Therefore do not be afraid of them.Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;rather, be afraid of the one who can destroyboth soul and body in Gehenna.Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.Even all the hairs of your head are counted.So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.Everyone who acknowledges me before othersI will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.But whoever denies me before others,I will deny before my heavenly Father." - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church Reading 1 Gn 49:29-32; 50:15-26a Jacob gave his sons this charge:"Since I am about to be taken to my people,bury me with my fathers in the cave that liesin the field of Ephron the Hittite,the cave in the field of Machpelah,facing on Mamre, in the land of Canaan,the field that Abraham bought from Ephron the Hittitefor a burial ground.There Abraham and his wife Sarah are buried,and so are Isaac and his wife Rebekah,and there, too, I buried Leah–the field and the cave in itthat had been purchased from the Hittites."Now that their father was dead,Joseph's brothers became fearful and thought,"Suppose Joseph has been nursing a grudge against usand now plans to pay us back in full for all the wrong we did him!"So they approached Joseph and said:"Before your father died, he gave us these instructions:'You shall say to Joseph, Jacob begs youto forgive the criminal wrongdoing of your brothers,who treated you so cruelly.'Please, therefore, forgive the crime that we,the servants of your father's God, committed."When they spoke these words to him, Joseph broke into tears.Then his brothers proceeded to fling themselves down before himand said, "Let us be your slaves!"But Joseph replied to them:"Have no fear. Can I take the place of God?Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good,to achieve his present end, the survival of many people.Therefore have no fear.I will provide for you and for your children."By thus speaking kindly to them, he reassured them.Joseph remained in Egypt, together with his father's family.He lived a hundred and ten years.He saw Ephraim's children to the third generation,and the children of Manasseh's son Machirwere also born on Joseph's knees.Joseph said to his brothers: "I am about to die.God will surely take care of you and lead you out of this land to the landthat he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."Then, putting the sons of Israel under oath, he continued,"When God thus takes care of you,you must bring my bones up with you from this place."Joseph died at the age of a hundred and ten. Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7 R. (see Psalm 69:33) Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;make known among the nations his deeds.Sing to him, sing his praise,proclaim all his wondrous deeds.R. Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!Glory in his holy name;rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!Look to the LORD in his strength;seek to serve him constantly.R. Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad!You descendants of Abraham, his servants,sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!He, the LORD, is our God;throughout the earth his judgments prevail.R. Be glad you lowly ones; may your hearts be glad! Alleluia 1 Pt 4:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia.If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you,for the Spirit of God rests upon you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:24-33 Jesus said to his Apostles: "No disciple is above his teacher,no slave above his master.It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher,for the slave that he become like his master.If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,how much more those of his household!"Therefore do not be afraid of them.Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,nor secret that will not be known.What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light;what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;rather, be afraid of the one who can destroyboth soul and body in Gehenna.Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge.Even all the hairs of your head are counted.So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.Everyone who acknowledges me before othersI will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.But whoever denies me before others,I will deny before my heavenly Father." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Gn 46:1-7, 28-30 Israel set out with all that was his.When he arrived at Beer-sheba,he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.There God, speaking to Israel in a vision by night, called,"Jacob! Jacob!"He answered, "Here I am."Then he said: "I am God, the God of your father.Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt,for there I will make you a great nation.Not only will I go down to Egypt with you;I will also bring you back here, after Joseph has closed your eyes." So Jacob departed from Beer-sheba,and the sons of Israelput their father and their wives and childrenon the wagons that Pharaoh had sent for his transport.They took with them their livestockand the possessions they had acquired in the land of Canaan.Thus Jacob and all his descendants migrated to Egypt.His sons and his grandsons, his daughters and his granddaughters—all his descendants—he took with him to Egypt.Israel had sent Judah ahead to Joseph,so that he might meet him in Goshen.On his arrival in the region of Goshen,Joseph hitched the horses to his chariotand rode to meet his father Israel in Goshen.As soon as Joseph saw him, he flung himself on his neckand wept a long time in his arms.And Israel said to Joseph, "At last I can die,now that I have seen for myself that Joseph is still alive." Responsorial Psalm Ps 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40 R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.Trust in the LORD and do good,that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.Take delight in the LORD,and he will grant you your heart's requests.R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.The LORD watches over the lives of the wholehearted;their inheritance lasts forever.They are not put to shame in an evil time;in days of famine they have plenty. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.Turn from evil and do good,that you may abide forever;For the LORD loves what is right,and forsakes not his faithful ones. R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.The salvation of the just is from the LORD;he is their refuge in time of distress.And the LORD helps them and delivers them;he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,because they take refuge in him.R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord. Alleluia Jn 16:13a, 14:26d R. Alleluia, alleluia.When the Spirit of truth comes,he will guide you to all truthand remind you of all I told you.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:16-23 Jesus said to his Apostles:"Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves;so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courtsand scourge you in their synagogues,and you will be led before governors and kings for my sakeas a witness before them and the pagans.When they hand you over,do not worry about how you are to speakor what you are to say.You will be given at that moment what you are to say.For it will not be you who speakbut the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.Brother will hand over brother to death,and the father his child;children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.You will be hated by all because of my name,but whoever endures to the end will be saved.When they persecute you in one town, flee to another.Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israelbefore the Son of Man comes." - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Gn 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 Judah approached Joseph and said: "I beg you, my lord,let your servant speak earnestly to my lord,and do not become angry with your servant,for you are the equal of Pharaoh.My lord asked your servants, 'Have you a father, or another brother?'So we said to my lord, 'We have an aged father,and a young brother, the child of his old age.This one's full brother is dead,and since he is the only one by that mother who is left,his father dotes on him.'Then you told your servants,'Bring him down to me that my eyes may look on him.Unless your youngest brother comes back with you,you shall not come into my presence again.'When we returned to your servant our father,we reported to him the words of my lord."Later, our father told us to come back and buy some food for the family.So we reminded him, 'We cannot go down there;only if our youngest brother is with us can we go,for we may not see the man if our youngest brother is not with us.'Then your servant our father said to us,'As you know, my wife bore me two sons.One of them, however, disappeared, and I had to concludethat he must have been torn to pieces by wild beasts;I have not seen him since.If you now take this one away from me, too,and some disaster befalls him,you will send my white head down to the nether world in grief.'"Joseph could no longer control himselfin the presence of all his attendants,so he cried out, "Have everyone withdraw from me!"Thus no one else was about when he made himself known to his brothers.But his sobs were so loud that the Egyptians heard him,and so the news reached Pharaoh's palace."I am Joseph," he said to his brothers."Is my father still in good health?"But his brothers could give him no answer,so dumbfounded were they at him."Come closer to me," he told his brothers. When they had done so, he said:"I am your brother Joseph, whom you once sold into Egypt.But now do not be distressed,and do not reproach yourselves for having sold me here.It was really for the sake of saving livesthat God sent me here ahead of you." Responsorial Psalm Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21 R. (5a) Remember the marvels the Lord has done.or:R. Alleluia.When the LORD called down a famine on the landand ruined the crop that sustained them,He sent a man before them,Joseph, sold as a slave.R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done.or:R. Alleluia.They had weighed him down with fetters,and he was bound with chains,Till his prediction came to passand the word of the LORD proved him true.R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done.or:R. Alleluia.The king sent and released him,the ruler of the peoples set him free.He made him lord of his houseand ruler of all his possessions.R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia Mk 1:15 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Kingdom of God is at hand:repent and believe in the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:7-15 Jesus said to his Apostles:"As you go, make this proclamation:'The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.'Cure the sick, raise the dead,cleanse the lepers, drive out demons.Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts;no sack for the journey, or a second tunic,or sandals, or walking stick.The laborer deserves his keep.Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it,and stay there until you leave.As you enter a house, wish it peace.If the house is worthy,let your peace come upon it;if not, let your peace return to you.Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet.Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerablefor the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgmentthan for that town." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Henry - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Gn 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a When hunger came to be felt throughout the land of Egyptand the people cried to Pharaoh for bread,Pharaoh directed all the Egyptians to go to Josephand do whatever he told them.When the famine had spread throughout the land,Joseph opened all the cities that had grainand rationed it to the Egyptians,since the famine had gripped the land of Egypt.In fact, all the world came to Joseph to obtain rations of grain,for famine had gripped the whole world.The sons of Israel were among thosewho came to procure rations.It was Joseph, as governor of the country,who dispensed the rations to all the people.When Joseph's brothers came and knelt down before himwith their faces to the ground,he recognized them as soon as he saw them.But Joseph concealed his own identity from themand spoke sternly to them.With that, he locked them up in the guardhouse for three days.On the third day Joseph said to his brothers:"Do this, and you shall live; for I am a God-fearing man.If you have been honest,only one of your brothers need be confined in this prison,while the rest of you may goand take home provisions for your starving families.But you must come back to me with your youngest brother.Your words will thus be verified, and you will not die."To this they agreed.To one another, however, they said:"Alas, we are being punished because of our brother.We saw the anguish of his heart when he pleaded with us,yet we paid no heed;that is why this anguish has now come upon us."Reuben broke in,"Did I not tell you not to do wrong to the boy?But you would not listen! Now comes the reckoning for his blood."The brothers did not know, of course,that Joseph understood what they said,since he spoke with them through an interpreter.But turning away from them, he wept. Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19 R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.Sing to him a new song;pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.The LORD brings to nought the plans of nations;he foils the designs of peoples.But the plan of the LORD stands forever;the design of his heart, through all generations.R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,upon those who hope for his kindness,To deliver them from deathand preserve them in spite of famine.R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you. Alleluia Mk 1:15 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Kingdom of God is at hand:repent and believe in the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 10:1-7 Jesus summoned his Twelve disciplesand gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them outand 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 the Cananean, and Judas Iscariotwho betrayed Jesus.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.'" - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot Reading 1 Gn 32:23-33 In the course of the night, Jacob arose, took his two wives,with the two maidservants and his eleven children,and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.After he had taken them across the streamand had brought over all his possessions,Jacob was left there alone.Then some man wrestled with him until the break of dawn.When the man saw that he could not prevail over him,he struck Jacob's hip at its socket,so that the hip socket was wrenched as they wrestled.The man then said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."But Jacob said, "I will not let you go until you bless me."The man asked, "What is your name?"He answered, "Jacob."Then the man said,"You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel,because you have contended with divine and human beingsand have prevailed."Jacob then asked him, "Do tell me your name, please."He answered, "Why should you want to know my name?"With that, he bade him farewell.Jacob named the place Peniel,"Because I have seen God face to face," he said,"yet my life has been spared."At sunrise, as he left Penuel,Jacob limped along because of his hip.That is why, to this day, the children of Israel do not eatthe sciatic muscle that is on the hip socket,inasmuch as Jacob's hip socket was struck at the sciatic muscle. Responsorial Psalm Ps 17:1b, 2-3, 6-7ab, 8b and 15 R. (15a) In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.Hear, O LORD, a just suit;attend to my outcry;hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.From you let my judgment come;your eyes behold what is right.Though you test my heart, searching it in the night,though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me.R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;incline your ear to me; hear my word.Show your wondrous mercies,O savior of those who flee from their foes.R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.Hide me in the shadow of your wings.I in justice shall behold your face;on waking, I shall be content in your presence. R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord. Alleluia Jn 10:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;I know my sheep, and mine know me.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 9:32-38 A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke.The crowds were amazed and said,"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."But the Pharisees said,"He drives out demons by the prince of demons."Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,teaching in their synagogues,proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,and curing every disease and illness.At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for thembecause 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." - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Benedict, abbot Reading 1 Gn 32:23-33 In the course of the night, Jacob arose, took his two wives,with the two maidservants and his eleven children,and crossed the ford of the Jabbok.After he had taken them across the streamand had brought over all his possessions,Jacob was left there alone.Then some man wrestled with him until the break of dawn.When the man saw that he could not prevail over him,he struck Jacob's hip at its socket,so that the hip socket was wrenched as they wrestled.The man then said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."But Jacob said, "I will not let you go until you bless me."The man asked, "What is your name?"He answered, "Jacob."Then the man said,"You shall no longer be spoken of as Jacob, but as Israel,because you have contended with divine and human beingsand have prevailed."Jacob then asked him, "Do tell me your name, please."He answered, "Why should you want to know my name?"With that, he bade him farewell.Jacob named the place Peniel,"Because I have seen God face to face," he said,"yet my life has been spared."At sunrise, as he left Penuel,Jacob limped along because of his hip.That is why, to this day, the children of Israel do not eatthe sciatic muscle that is on the hip socket,inasmuch as Jacob's hip socket was struck at the sciatic muscle. Responsorial Psalm Ps 17:1b, 2-3, 6-7ab, 8b and 15 R. (15a) In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.Hear, O LORD, a just suit;attend to my outcry;hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit.R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.From you let my judgment come;your eyes behold what is right.Though you test my heart, searching it in the night,though you try me with fire, you shall find no malice in me.R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;incline your ear to me; hear my word.Show your wondrous mercies,O savior of those who flee from their foes.R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord.Hide me in the shadow of your wings.I in justice shall behold your face;on waking, I shall be content in your presence. R. In justice, I shall behold your face, O Lord. Alleluia Jn 10:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;I know my sheep, and mine know me.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 9:32-38 A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke.The crowds were amazed and said,"Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel."But the Pharisees said,"He drives out demons by the prince of demons."Jesus went around to all the towns and villages,teaching in their synagogues,proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom,and curing every disease and illness.At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for thembecause 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." - - -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 Gn 28:10-22a Jacob departed from Beer-sheba and proceeded toward Haran.When he came upon a certain shrine, as the sun had already set,he stopped there for the night.Taking one of the stones at the shrine, he put it under his headand lay down to sleep at that spot.Then he had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground,with its top reaching to the heavens;and God's messengers were going up and down on it.And there was the LORD standing beside him and saying:"I, the LORD, am the God of your forefather Abrahamand the God of Isaac;the land on which you are lyingI will give to you and your descendants.These shall be as plentiful as the dust of the earth,and through them you shall spread out east and west, north and south.In you and your descendantsall the nations of the earth shall find blessing.Know that I am with you;I will protect you wherever you go,and bring you back to this land.I will never leave you until I have done what I promised you."When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he exclaimed,"Truly, the LORD is in this spot, although I did not know it!"In solemn wonder he cried out: "How awesome is this shrine!This is nothing else but an abode of God,and that is the gateway to heaven!"Early the next morning Jacob took the stonethat he had put under his head,set it up as a memorial stone, and poured oil on top of it.He called the site Bethel,whereas the former name of the town had been Luz.Jacob then made this vow: "If God remains with me,to protect me on this journey I am makingand to give me enough bread to eat and clothing to wear,and I come back safe to my father's house, the LORD shall be my God.This stone that I have set up as a memorial stone shall be God's abode." Responsorial Psalm Ps 91:1-2, 3-4, 14-15ab R.(see 2b) In you, my God, I place my trust.You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,Say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,my God, in whom I trust."R. In you, my God, I place my trust.For he will rescue you from the snare of the fowler,from the destroying pestilence.With his pinions he will cover you,and under his wings you shall take refuge. R. In you, my God, I place my trust.Because he clings to me, I will deliver him;I will set him on high because he acknowledges my name.He shall call upon me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in distress. R. In you, my God, I place my trust. Alleluia See 2 Tm 1:10 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed deathand brought life to light through the Gospel.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 9:18-26 While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward,knelt down before him, and said,""My daughter has just died.But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.""Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples.A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind himand touched the tassel on his cloak.She said to herself, ""If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.""Jesus turned around and saw her, and said,""Courage, daughter!  Your faith has saved you.""And from that hour the woman was cured.When Jesus arrived at the official's houseand saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion,he said, ""Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.""And they ridiculed him.When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand,and the little girl arose.And news of this spread throughout all that land. - - -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 Zec 9:9-10 Thus says the LORD:Rejoice heartily, O daughter Zion,shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem!See, your king shall come to you;a just savior is he,meek, and riding on an ass,on a colt, the foal of an ass.He shall banish the chariot from Ephraim,and the horse from Jerusalem;the warrior's bow shall be banished,and he shall proclaim peace to the nations.His dominion shall be from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth. Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14 R. (cf. 1) I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.or:R. Alleluia.I will extol you, O my God and King,and I will bless your name forever and ever.Every day will I bless you,and I will praise your name forever and ever.R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.or:R. Alleluia.The LORD is gracious and merciful,slow to anger and of great kindness.The LORD is good to alland compassionate toward all his works.R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.or:R. Alleluia.Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,and let your faithful ones bless you.Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdomand speak of your might.R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.or:R.  Alleluia.The LORD is faithful in all his wordsand holy in all his works.The LORD lifts up all who are fallingand raises up all who are bowed down.R. I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.or:R. Alleluia. Reading 2 Rom 8:9, 11-13 Brothers and sisters:You are not in the flesh;on the contrary, you are in the spirit,if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. If the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,the one who raised Christ from the deadwill give life to your mortal bodies also,through his Spirit that dwells in you.Consequently, brothers and sisters,we are not debtors to the flesh,to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die,but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body,you will live. Alleluia Cf. Mt 11:25 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 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." Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and companions, martyrs - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Gn 27:1-5, 15-29 When Isaac was so old that his eyesight had failed him,he called his older son Esau and said to him, "Son!""Yes father!" he replied.Isaac then said, "As you can see, I am so oldthat I may now die at any time.Take your gear, therefore–your quiver and bow–and go out into the country to hunt some game for me.With your catch prepare an appetizing dish for me, such as I like,and bring it to me to eat,so that I may give you my special blessing before I die."Rebekah had been listeningwhile Isaac was speaking to his son Esau.So, when Esau went out into the countryto hunt some game for his father,Rebekah [then] took the best clothes of her older son Esauthat she had in the house,and gave them to her younger son Jacob to wear;and with the skins of the kids she covered up his handsand the hairless parts of his neck.Then she handed her son Jacob the appetizing dishand the bread she had prepared.Bringing them to his father, Jacob said, "Father!""Yes?" replied Isaac.  "Which of my sons are you?"Jacob answered his father:  "I am Esau, your first-born.I did as you told me.Please sit up and eat some of my game,so that you may give me your special blessing."But Isaac asked, "How did you succeed so quickly, son?"He answered,"The LORD, your God, let things turn out well with me."Isaac then said to Jacob,"Come closer, son, that I may feel you,to learn whether you really are my son Esau or not."So Jacob moved up closer to his father.When Isaac felt him, he said,"Although the voice is Jacob's, the hands are Esau's."(He failed to identify him because his hands were hairy,like those of his brother Esau;so in the end he gave him his blessing.)Again he asked Jacob, "Are you really my son Esau?" "Certainly," Jacob replied.Then Isaac said, "Serve me your game, son, that I may eat of itand then give you my blessing."Jacob served it to him, and Isaac ate;he brought him wine, and he drank.Finally his father Isaac said to Jacob,"Come closer, son, and kiss me."As Jacob went up and kissed him,Isaac smelled the fragrance of his clothes.With that, he blessed him saying,"Ah, the fragrance of my sonis like the fragrance of a fieldthat the LORD has blessed!"May God give to youof the dew of the heavensAnd of the fertility of the earthabundance of grain and wine."Let peoples serve you,and nations pay you homage;Be master of your brothers,and may your mother's sons bow down to you.Cursed be those who curse you,and blessed be those who bless you." Responsorial Psalm Ps 135:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6 R.(3a) Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!or:R. Alleluia.Praise the name of the LORD;Praise, you servants of the LORDWho stand in the house of the LORD,in the courts of the house of our God.R. Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!or:R. Alleluia.Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good;sing praise to his name, which we love;For the LORD has chosen Jacob for himself,Israel for his own possession.R. Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!or:R. Alleluia.For I know that the LORD is great;our LORD is greater than all gods.All that the LORD wills he doesin heaven and on earth,in the seas and in all the deeps. R. Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!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 9:14-17 The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?" Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved." - - -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 Gn 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 The span of Sarah's life was one hundred and twenty-seven years. She died in Kiriatharba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham performed the customary mourning rites for her. Then he left the side of his dead one and addressed the Hittites: "Although I am a resident alien among you, sell me from your holdings a piece of property for a burial ground, that I may bury my dead wife." After the transaction, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah, facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. Abraham had now reached a ripe old age, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. Abraham said to the senior servant of his household, who had charge of all his possessions: "Put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not procure a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I live, but that you will go to my own land and to my kindred to get a wife for my son Isaac." The servant asked him: "What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Should I then take your son back to the land from which you migrated?" "Never take my son back there for any reason," Abraham told him. "The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and the land of my kin, and who confirmed by oath the promise he then made to me, 'I will give this land to your descendants'– he will send his messenger before you, and you will obtain a wife for my son there. If the woman is unwilling to follow you, you will be released from this oath. But never take my son back there!" A long time later, Isaac went to live in the region of the Negeb. One day toward evening he went out . . . in the field, and as he looked around, he noticed that camels were approaching. Rebekah, too, was looking about, and when she saw him, she alighted from her camel and asked the servant, "Who is the man out there, walking through the fields toward us?" "That is my master," replied the servant. Then she covered herself with her veil. The servant recounted to Isaac all the things he had done. Then Isaac took Rebekah into his tent; he married her, and thus she became his wife. In his love for her, Isaac found solace after the death of his mother Sarah. Responsorial Psalm Ps 106:1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5 R. (1b) Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,for his mercy endures forever.Who can tell the mighty deeds of the LORD,or proclaim all his praises?R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.Blessed are they who observe what is right,who do always what is just.Remember us, O LORD, as you favor your people. R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.Visit me with your saving help,That I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,rejoice in the joy of your people,and glory with your inheritance.R. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. Alleluia Mt 11:28 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,and I will give you rest, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 9:9-13 As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, ""Follow me."" And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, ""Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"" He heard this and said, ""Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words,I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.""  - - -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 Gn 22:1b-19 God put Abraham to the test.He called to him, "Abraham!""Here I am," he replied.Then God said: "Take your son Isaac, your only one, whom you love,and go to the land of Moriah.There you shall offer him up as a burnt offeringon a height that I will point out to you."Early the next morning Abraham saddled his donkey,took with him his son Isaac, and two of his servants as well,and with the wood that he had cut for the burnt offering,set out for the place of which God had told him.On the third day Abraham got sight of the place from afar.Then he said to his servants: "Both of you stay here with the donkey,while the boy and I go on over yonder.We will worship and then come back to you." Thereupon Abraham took the wood for the burnt offeringand laid it on his son Isaac's shoulders,while he himself carried the fire and the knife.As the two walked on together, Isaac spoke to his father Abraham:"Father!" he said."Yes, son," he replied.Isaac continued, "Here are the fire and the wood,but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?""Son," Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the sheep for the burnt offering."Then the two continued going forward.When they came to the place of which God had told him,Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it.Next he tied up his son Isaac,and put him on top of the wood on the altar.Then he reached out and took the knife to slaughter his son.But the LORD's messenger called to him from heaven,"Abraham, Abraham!""Here I am," he answered. "Do not lay your hand on the boy," said the messenger."Do not do the least thing to him.I know now how devoted you are to God,since you did not withhold from me your own beloved son."As Abraham looked about,he spied a ram caught by its horns in the thicket.So he went and took the ramand offered it up as a burnt offering in place of his son.Abraham named the site Yahweh-yireh;hence people now say, "On the mountain the LORD will see."Again the LORD's messenger called to Abraham from heaven and said:"I swear by myself, declares the LORD,that because you acted as you didin not withholding from me your beloved son,I will bless you abundantlyand make your descendants as countlessas the stars of the sky and the sands of the seashore;your descendants shall take possessionof the gates of their enemies,and in your descendants all the nations of the earthshall find blessing--all this because you obeyed my command."Abraham then returned to his servants,and they set out together for Beer-sheba,where Abraham made his home. Responsorial Psalm Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 R. (9) I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.or:R. Alleluia.Not to us, O LORD, not to usbut to your name give glorybecause of your kindness, because of your truth.Why should the pagans say, "Where is their God?"R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.or:R. Alleluia.Our God is in heaven;whatever he wills, he does.Their idols are silver and gold,the handiwork of men.R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.or:R. Alleluia.They have mouths but speak not;they have eyes but see not;They have ears but hear not;they have noses but smell not.R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.or:R. Alleluia.Their makers shall be like them,everyone who trusts in them.The house of Israel trusts in the LORD;he is their help and their shield.R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia 2 Cor 5:19 R. Alleluia, alleluia.God was reconciling the world to himself in Christand entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 9:1-8 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic,"Courage, child, your sins are forgiven."At that, some of the scribes said to themselves,"This man is blaspheming."Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said,"Why do you harbor evil thoughts?Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,'or to say, 'Rise and walk'?But that you may know that the Son of Manhas authority on earth to forgive sins"–he then said to the paralytic,"Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home."He rose and went home.When the crowds saw this they were struck with aweand glorified God who had given such authority to men. Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Gn 21:5, 8-20a Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.Isaac grew, and on the day of the child's weaningAbraham held a great feast.Sarah noticed the son whom Hagar the Egyptianhad borne to Abrahamplaying with her son Isaac;so she demanded of Abraham:"Drive out that slave and her son! No son of that slave is going to share the inheritancewith my son Isaac!"Abraham was greatly distressed,especially on account of his son Ishmael.But God said to Abraham: "Do not be distressed about the boyor about your slave woman.Heed the demands of Sarah, no matter what she is asking of you;for it is through Isaac that descendants shall bear your name.As for the son of the slave woman,I will make a great nation of him also,since he too is your offspring."Early the next morning Abraham got some bread and a skin of waterand gave them to Hagar.Then, placing the child on her back, he sent her away.As she roamed aimlessly in the wilderness of Beer-sheba,the water in the skin was used up.So she put the child down under a shrub,and then went and sat down opposite him, about a bowshot away;for she said to herself, "Let me not watch to see the child die." As she sat opposite Ishmael, he began to cry.God heard the boy's cry,and God's messenger called to Hagar from heaven:"What is the matter, Hagar?Don't be afraid; God has heard the boy's cry in this plight of his.Arise, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand;for I will make of him a great nation."Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water.She went and filled the skin with water, and then let the boy drink.God was with the boy as he grew up. Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:7-8, 10-11, 12-13 R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,and from all his distress he saved him.The angel of the LORD encampsaround those who fear him, and delivers them.R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,for nought is lacking to those who fear him.The great grow poor and hungry;but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.Come, children, hear me;I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Which of you desires life,and takes delight in prosperous days?R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. Alleluia Jas 1:18 R. Alleluia, alleluia.The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truththat we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 8:28-34 When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes,two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him.They were so savage that no one could travel by that road.They cried out, "What have you to do with us, Son of God?Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?"Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding.The demons pleaded with him,"If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine."And he said to them, "Go then!"They came out and entered the swine,and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the seawhere they drowned.The swineherds ran away,and when they came to the town they reported everything,including what had happened to the demoniacs.Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus,and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district. Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, priest Readings for the Optional Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal - - -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 Independence Day Reading 1 Gn 19:15-29 As dawn was breaking, the angels urged Lot on, saying, "On your way!Take with you your wife and your two daughters who are here,or you will be swept away in the punishment of Sodom."When he hesitated, the men, by the LORD's mercy,seized his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughtersand led them to safety outside the city.As soon as they had been brought outside, he was told:"Flee for your life!Don't look back or stop anywhere on the Plain.Get off to the hills at once, or you will be swept away.""Oh, no, my lord!" Lot replied,"You have already thought enough of your servantto do me the great kindness of intervening to save my life.But I cannot flee to the hills to keep the disaster from overtaking me,and so I shall die. Look, this town ahead is near enough to escape to.It's only a small place.Let me flee there–it's a small place, is it not?–that my life may be saved.""Well, then," he replied,"I will also grant you the favor you now ask.I will not overthrow the town you speak of. Hurry, escape there!I cannot do anything until you arrive there."That is why the town is called Zoar.The sun was just rising over the earth as Lot arrived in Zoar;at the same time the LORD rained down sulphurous fireupon Sodom and Gomorrahfrom the LORD out of heaven.He overthrew those cities and the whole Plain,together with the inhabitants of the citiesand the produce of the soil.But Lot's wife looked back, and she was turned into a pillar of salt.Early the next morning Abraham went to the placewhere he had stood in the LORD's presence.As he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrahand the whole region of the Plain,he saw dense smoke over the land rising like fumes from a furnace.Thus it came to pass: when God destroyed the Cities of the Plain,he was mindful of Abraham by sending Lot away from the upheavalby which God overthrew the cities where Lot had been living. Responsorial Psalm Ps 26:2-3, 9-10, 11-12 R.(3a) O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.Search me, O LORD, and try me;test my soul and my heart.For your mercy is before my eyes,and I walk in your truth.R. O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.Gather not my soul with those of sinners,nor with men of blood my life.On their hands are crimes,and their right hands are full of bribes.R. O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.But I walk in integrity;redeem me, and have mercy on me.My foot stands on level ground;in the assemblies I will bless the LORD.R. O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes. Alleluia Ps 130:5 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I trust in the LORD;my soul trusts in his word.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mt 8:23-27 As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him.Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea,so that the boat was being swamped by waves;but he was asleep.They came and woke him, saying,"Lord, save us!  We are perishing!"He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?"Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea,and there was great calm.The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this,whom even the winds and the sea obey?" - - - Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.