Readings for Tuesday November 9, 2010
Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
First Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 46
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, 16-17
Gospel: John 2:13-22
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy. (1 Cor 3:16-17)
As much as I don't enjoy doing it, I have to admit that I always feel better after cleaning up our house. While scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, dusting are not exactly highlights of my weekend, there is something to say for the feeling of looking around and knowing that it is clean. I believe there is a certain amount of pride that comes along with knowing that your home, your dwelling place is nice and tidy. As great as it is to have a nice and tidy home, our main focus should not be how clean our outside is, but rather how clean are things on the inside?
In today's readings we read a great deal about cleansing of sacred places, particularly temples. One of the most sacred temples on earth of course is our body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Now most of us do not think about our bodies like this, if we did think more about this, then I can guarantee you that we would not treat our bodies as we do. If we did treat our body as a temple, we would not let some of the worldly things into it that we do. We are told today that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, the dwelling place of God; and shouldn't we be doing all that we can to make sure that this dwelling place is suitable for God?
In today's gospel, Jesus shows all the sellers and money-changers the door when He finds them turning God's house into a marketplace. In the gospel, the temple had become a place of greed, a place not of God, but of the world. Jesus, seeing this goes in and cleanses the temple. Many times, we find ourselves like the temple in the gospel, a person of the world rather than of God. Like cleansing the temple, Jesus also wants to cleanse us. One of the biggest ways in which we can get back on track is through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Going to the priest, letting God work through him. There is no more cleansing feeling than admitting our sins and where we fell short, and hearing those beautiful words; "Your sins are forgiven, go and sin no more." Reconciliation is like Jesus coming into us and just ridding us of all the things of the world, and all those other things that we do not want. It is a Sacrament that has so much grace that comes with it, it is something of which we should be going to regularly.
Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must ask ourselves if the things of which we are putting into our bodies are worthy of the Holy Spirit who dwells there, or are they doing nothing more than cluttering and dirtying it up?
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you for all that you have blessed us with, and for all that we have and can do. Lord, help us to not waste our lives by following our own wills, but rather your will. Lord, you alone know what is good for us, and we pray that we can surrender to you. We pray for all of our priests and religious, for their vows and their ministries. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.09.2010
11.08.2010
Increase Our Faith
Readings for Monday November 8, 2010
First Reading: Titus 1:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Gospel: Luke 17:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Lk. 17:1-6)
In today's gospel, Jesus makes it clear to His disciples (and us) that we are to live a life avoiding sin and a life forgiving others. Certainly not an easy task, especially since it is much easier to give in to sin, and to hold grudges instead of forgiving. Jesus calls us to be more when following Him. It is certainly no wonder the disciples asked for Christ to "increase their faith" upon hearing these instructions. They knew that they would need a great faith in order to follow Christ, just as we all do.
We are called to such a higher purpose when we surrender ourselves to our Lord and Savior. When we surrender our lives to Him, we say "yes Lord, yes to your will and to your way, I will serve you with all my heart, mind, and strength." To serve the Lord with all that we have and all that we are, certainly takes a great faith. Let us ask our Lord, the giver of life, today and always, please increase our faith so that we might give our lives to Him ... as He did for us.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to follow you as good stewards of this life, as faithful and obedient sons and daughters. Lord, increase our faith so that we may not veer or waiver when doing your will. Lord, help us to have courage and strength through all that this life confronts us with. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Titus 1:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Gospel: Luke 17:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.” (Lk. 17:1-6)
In today's gospel, Jesus makes it clear to His disciples (and us) that we are to live a life avoiding sin and a life forgiving others. Certainly not an easy task, especially since it is much easier to give in to sin, and to hold grudges instead of forgiving. Jesus calls us to be more when following Him. It is certainly no wonder the disciples asked for Christ to "increase their faith" upon hearing these instructions. They knew that they would need a great faith in order to follow Christ, just as we all do.
We are called to such a higher purpose when we surrender ourselves to our Lord and Savior. When we surrender our lives to Him, we say "yes Lord, yes to your will and to your way, I will serve you with all my heart, mind, and strength." To serve the Lord with all that we have and all that we are, certainly takes a great faith. Let us ask our Lord, the giver of life, today and always, please increase our faith so that we might give our lives to Him ... as He did for us.
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, help us to follow you as good stewards of this life, as faithful and obedient sons and daughters. Lord, increase our faith so that we may not veer or waiver when doing your will. Lord, help us to have courage and strength through all that this life confronts us with. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.05.2010
Readings for Friday November 5, 2010
First Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122
Gospel: Luke 16:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.” (Lk. 16:1-8)
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with and for all that you do. Lord, you are our God and we are your people, help to never veer from your way. We pray for all marriages and families, that they can seek your will and be centered around you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122
Gospel: Luke 16:1-8
Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than the children of light.” (Lk. 16:1-8)
Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with and for all that you do. Lord, you are our God and we are your people, help to never veer from your way. We pray for all marriages and families, that they can seek your will and be centered around you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.04.2010
Lost Sheep
Readings for Thursday November 4, 2010
Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop
First Reading: Philippians 3:3-8a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. (Lk 15:1-7)
Today we hear the parable of the lost sheep and the great joy over finding the lost. Jesus tells those listening how much joy there will be in heaven over one sinner repenting than many other righteous people who do not need to repent. I am always blown away by this parable, because the shepherd leaves 99 other sheep to go look for one lost one. It is truly amazing that this is the same attitude of God. When we are lost, He seeks us out and carries us back when we are found. He does not say; "well one won't make a difference, I have 99 others." God doesn't give up on us, He loves us more than we can ever know, and when we are lost in this world, He wants us to be found.
From this parable I think often about how much we give up on other people in our lives. When people seem to veer we just think, "oh well, they are lost now, no use going to help or trying to find them." Many times we view helping others and helping to find others as an inconvenience. Thank goodness that God does not think or act this way. When we are lost, He help us along and is continuously allowing grace to flow in our lives so that we can be found. Of course, we do have to cooperate with that grace. And when those who are lost are found, we know that there will be great rejoicing in heaven!
Two things that I hope you will join me in thinking about today: 1) Am I more likely to give up on someone when they are lost? or am I more likely to go out and find them? 2) Where does your confidence lie, in Christ or in yourself?
Father above we thank you for the gift of this day. Guide us in all that we do, and glory be to you for all that we have and all that we are. Lord we pray for all those who are lost in this world and who do not know your love. May they be brought to the joy and peace that can only be found in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop
First Reading: Philippians 3:3-8a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105
Gospel: Luke 15:1-10
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So Jesus addressed this parable to them. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. (Lk 15:1-7)
Today we hear the parable of the lost sheep and the great joy over finding the lost. Jesus tells those listening how much joy there will be in heaven over one sinner repenting than many other righteous people who do not need to repent. I am always blown away by this parable, because the shepherd leaves 99 other sheep to go look for one lost one. It is truly amazing that this is the same attitude of God. When we are lost, He seeks us out and carries us back when we are found. He does not say; "well one won't make a difference, I have 99 others." God doesn't give up on us, He loves us more than we can ever know, and when we are lost in this world, He wants us to be found.
From this parable I think often about how much we give up on other people in our lives. When people seem to veer we just think, "oh well, they are lost now, no use going to help or trying to find them." Many times we view helping others and helping to find others as an inconvenience. Thank goodness that God does not think or act this way. When we are lost, He help us along and is continuously allowing grace to flow in our lives so that we can be found. Of course, we do have to cooperate with that grace. And when those who are lost are found, we know that there will be great rejoicing in heaven!
Two things that I hope you will join me in thinking about today: 1) Am I more likely to give up on someone when they are lost? or am I more likely to go out and find them? 2) Where does your confidence lie, in Christ or in yourself?
Father above we thank you for the gift of this day. Guide us in all that we do, and glory be to you for all that we have and all that we are. Lord we pray for all those who are lost in this world and who do not know your love. May they be brought to the joy and peace that can only be found in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.03.2010
Without Grumbling or Questioning
Readings for Wednesday November 3, 2010
First Reading: Philippians 2:12-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Let's face it, life is hard, and there are so many different types of situations that are hard for us to understand as Christians. We have a hard time figuring out how all the joys and pains of life are a part of God's plan. I know that I feel this way at times, but I have learned to trust God, no matter how difficult things may be. I have also found a lot of comfort, and gained valuable perspective from today's reading. In today's gospel Jesus talks of how everything in this world must come second to God, even our own family! To be a follower of Jesus we are asked to take up our crosses and follow Him where ever He leads. I have no doubts that throughout the years ahead we are going to be asked to carry many more crosses for our Saviour; and even though we may not always understand, we need to learn to just trust without questioning. Let us look to carry any such hardships and challenges for the glory of our Lord. Christ carried a cross of great magnitude, all for love of us. May we pick up any and all crosses that we are called to, for love of Him.
Today, let us reflect on some of today's words of Saint Paul to the Philippians:
First Reading: Philippians 2:12-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Let's face it, life is hard, and there are so many different types of situations that are hard for us to understand as Christians. We have a hard time figuring out how all the joys and pains of life are a part of God's plan. I know that I feel this way at times, but I have learned to trust God, no matter how difficult things may be. I have also found a lot of comfort, and gained valuable perspective from today's reading. In today's gospel Jesus talks of how everything in this world must come second to God, even our own family! To be a follower of Jesus we are asked to take up our crosses and follow Him where ever He leads. I have no doubts that throughout the years ahead we are going to be asked to carry many more crosses for our Saviour; and even though we may not always understand, we need to learn to just trust without questioning. Let us look to carry any such hardships and challenges for the glory of our Lord. Christ carried a cross of great magnitude, all for love of us. May we pick up any and all crosses that we are called to, for love of Him.
Today, let us reflect on some of today's words of Saint Paul to the Philippians:
For God is the one who, for his good purpose,Lord God, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord help us to put all of our trust into you and your plan for our lives, the lives of others, our nation, and our world. Lord God, be with all our elected leaders this day, may they come to follow you and your will. Lord, we pray for your forgiveness for any judgement that we have thought. Lord, increase our faith, hope, and love of you and of others. We ask this all as humble servants of Christ. Amen.
works in you both to desire and to work.
Do everything without grumbling or questioning,
that you may be blameless and innocent,
children of God without blemish
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you shine like lights in the world,
as you hold on to the word of life,
so that my boast for the day of Christ may be
that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Phil. 2:13-16)
11.02.2010
Coming Home
Readings for Tuesday November 2, 2010
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (Souls)
First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9
Gospel: John 6:37-40
Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (Jn 6:37-40)
I remember during my time in college, that one of the things that I greatly enjoyed was coming home. It was always such a great feeling to come home to things and people that I had grown up with. I would say that the home cooked meals were certainly an added bonus. There is always something special about coming home.
It is this feeling of coming home that should give each of us hope. In today's gospel, Jesus assures us that all who come to Him will be accepted. He tells us that the will of the Father is for "all that see and believe in the Son may have eternal life, and will be raised on the last day." It is this promise of eternal life, of being welcomed into Heaven, our new home. This promise should drive each of us, it should give us faith and hope that motivate us to sacrifice for the Lord while here on earth. This promise of eternal life is not achieved by some worldly means, but by faith in Christ. If we are willing to follow Him and to do the Father's will, then we granted acceptance into heaven, into our home.
God wants each of His children home with Him, if we choose to believe and follow, then we can be blessed enough to go home.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for preparing a way for us, thank you for your Son's death and life, and for saving us from sin and death. Lord, help us to never leave your loving arms and to always seek your will in our lives. Lord, we pray for all the poor souls in purgatory and for all those who have gone before us. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (Souls)
First Reading: Wisdom 3:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23
Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9
Gospel: John 6:37-40
Jesus said to the crowds: “Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me. And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (Jn 6:37-40)
I remember during my time in college, that one of the things that I greatly enjoyed was coming home. It was always such a great feeling to come home to things and people that I had grown up with. I would say that the home cooked meals were certainly an added bonus. There is always something special about coming home.
It is this feeling of coming home that should give each of us hope. In today's gospel, Jesus assures us that all who come to Him will be accepted. He tells us that the will of the Father is for "all that see and believe in the Son may have eternal life, and will be raised on the last day." It is this promise of eternal life, of being welcomed into Heaven, our new home. This promise should drive each of us, it should give us faith and hope that motivate us to sacrifice for the Lord while here on earth. This promise of eternal life is not achieved by some worldly means, but by faith in Christ. If we are willing to follow Him and to do the Father's will, then we granted acceptance into heaven, into our home.
God wants each of His children home with Him, if we choose to believe and follow, then we can be blessed enough to go home.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for preparing a way for us, thank you for your Son's death and life, and for saving us from sin and death. Lord, help us to never leave your loving arms and to always seek your will in our lives. Lord, we pray for all the poor souls in purgatory and for all those who have gone before us. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
11.01.2010
How to Become a Saint
Readings for Monday November 1, 2010
Solemnity of All Saints
First Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
How do you become a Saint? Do you have to receive certain revelations? Do you have to work so many acts of charity? Perhaps it is the number of prayers you do a day. While there may be many different thoughts on what makes a Saint, the fact is that all Saints in heaven had one thing in common during their earthly life ... they chose to follow Christ. It is really that simple, the way to become a Saint is to follow Christ. This means allowing Him to lead. It means picking up your cross every day and following Him. Following Him means that we turn away from sin and worldly things and choose His way. It means trusting, even though you don't know what is ahead.
When it comes to being a Saint, there is no complex answer or twelve step program to becoming a Saint, it is really a simple answer: follow Christ! But while the answer is simple, we all know that the difficulty is in actually doing it. It is not easy to live a life following Christ, it is demanding, full of sacrifice, and just plain hard. But always keep in mind that in the end, it will be worth it. In striving for Sainthood in our own lives, let us always remember and reflect on the Beatitudes, as told by Jesus in today's gospel reading:
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, pour out your grace on us as we strive to become Saints for your glory. Lord, you are the way, the truth, and the life, help us to never veer from your perfect path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Solemnity of All Saints
First Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
How do you become a Saint? Do you have to receive certain revelations? Do you have to work so many acts of charity? Perhaps it is the number of prayers you do a day. While there may be many different thoughts on what makes a Saint, the fact is that all Saints in heaven had one thing in common during their earthly life ... they chose to follow Christ. It is really that simple, the way to become a Saint is to follow Christ. This means allowing Him to lead. It means picking up your cross every day and following Him. Following Him means that we turn away from sin and worldly things and choose His way. It means trusting, even though you don't know what is ahead.
When it comes to being a Saint, there is no complex answer or twelve step program to becoming a Saint, it is really a simple answer: follow Christ! But while the answer is simple, we all know that the difficulty is in actually doing it. It is not easy to live a life following Christ, it is demanding, full of sacrifice, and just plain hard. But always keep in mind that in the end, it will be worth it. In striving for Sainthood in our own lives, let us always remember and reflect on the Beatitudes, as told by Jesus in today's gospel reading:
All Saints and Angels in Heaven, pray for us as we strive to follow Christ in our own lives!
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.” (Matt. 5:3-12a)
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, pour out your grace on us as we strive to become Saints for your glory. Lord, you are the way, the truth, and the life, help us to never veer from your perfect path. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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