Verbum Domini

Today is Saturday, June 16, 2012 
Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

1 Kgs 19: 19-21/ Ps 96: 10, 11-12, 13/ Lk 2: 41-51

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A reading from the first book of Kings
1 Kgs 19: 19-21
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[19] Eli’jah set out, and found Eli'sha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing, with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Eli'jah passed by him and cast his mantle upon him.

[20] And he left the oxen, and ran after Eli'jah, and said, "Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you." And he said to him, "Go back again; for what have I done to you?"
[21] And he returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Eli'jah, and ministered to him.

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 96
Ps 96: 10, 11-12, 13

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The Lord comes to judge the earth.

[10] Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!
Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved;
he will judge the peoples with equity."

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

 [11] Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
[12] let the field exult, and everything in it!

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy

 [13] before the LORD, for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with his truth.

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke
Lk 2: 41-51
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[41] Now Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

[42] And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom;
[43] and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it,
[44] but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances;
[45] and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.
[46] After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions;
[47] and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.
[48] And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously."
[49] And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?"
[50] And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.
[51] And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Friday, June 15, 2012 
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Hos 11: 1. 3-4. 8c-9/ Is 12: 2-3. 4. 5-6 (3)/ Eph 3: 8-12. 14-19/ Jn 19: 31-37

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A reading from the book of the prophet Hosea
Hos 11: 1. 3-4. 8c-9
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Thus says the Lord:

[1] When Israel was a child, I loved him,

and out of Egypt I called my son.
[3] Yet it was I who taught E'phraim to walk,
I took them up in my arms;
but they did not know that I healed them.
[4] I led them with cords of compassion,
with the bands of love,
and I became to them as one,
who eases the yoke on their jaws,
and I bent down to them and fed them.
[8] My heart recoils within me,
my compassion grows warm and tender.
[9] I will not execute my fierce anger,
I will not again destroy E'phraim;
for I am God and not man,
the Holy One in your midst,
and I will not come to destroy.

The Word of the Lord

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From Isaiah
Is 12: 2-3. 4. 5-6 (3)

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With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

[2] "Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation."
[3] With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

 [4] And you will say in that day: "Give thanks to the LORD,
call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the nations,
proclaim that his name is exalted.

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

 [5] "Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth.
[6] Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

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A reading from the letter of Paul to the Ephesians
Eph 3: 8-12. 14-19
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Brothers and sisters:

[8] To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
[9] and to make all men see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things;
[10] that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.
[11] This was according to the eternal purpose which he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
[12] in whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in him.
[14] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

[15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
[16] that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with might through his Spirit in the inner man,
[17] and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
[18] may have power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
[19] and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The Word of the Lord

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John
Jn 19: 31-37
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[31] Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

[32] So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him;
[33] but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
[34] But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water.
[35] He who saw it has borne witness -- his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth -- that you also may believe.
[36] For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled, "Not a bone of him shall be broken."
[37] And again another scripture says, "They shall look on him whom they have pierced."

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Thursday, June 14, 2012 
Thursday of the 10^th Week in Ordinary Time

1 Kgs 18: 41-46/ Ps 65: 10. 11. 12-13/ Mt 5: 20-26

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A reading from the first book of Kings
1 Kgs 18: 41-46

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[41] Eli'jah said to Ahab, "Go up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of the rushing of rain."

[42] So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Eli'jah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees.
[43] And he said to his servant, "Go up now, look toward the sea." And he went up and looked, and said, "There is nothing." And he said, "Go again seven times."
[44] And at the seventh time he said, "Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising out of the sea." And he said, "Go up, say to Ahab, `Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.'"
[45] And in a little while the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel.
[46] And the hand of the LORD was on Eli'jah; and he girded up his loins and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 65
Ps 65: 10. 11. 12-13

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Praise is due to thee, O God, in Zion

[10] Thou visitest the earth and waterest it,
thou greatly enrichest it;
the river of God is full of water;
thou providest their grain,
for so thou hast prepared it.

Praise is due to thee, O God, in Zion

 [11] Thou waterest its furrows abundantly,
settling its ridges,
softening it with showers,
and blessing its growth.

Praise is due to thee, O God, in Zion

 [12] Thou crownest the year with thy bounty;
the tracks of thy chariot drip with fatness.
[13] The pastures of the wilderness drip,
the hills gird themselves with joy,

Praise is due to thee, O God, in Zion

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 5: 20-26
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Jesus said to his disciples:

[20] For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
[21] "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, `You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.'

[22] But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, `You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire.
[23] So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
[24] leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
[25] Make friends quickly with your accuser, while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison;
[26] truly, I say to you, you will never get out till you have paid the last penny.

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Wednesday, June 13, 2012 
Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the church

1 Kgs 18: 20-39/ Ps 16: 1b-2ab. 4. 5ab and 8. 11/ Mt 5: 17-19

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A reading from the first book of Kings
1 Kgs 18: 20-39

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[20] Ahab sent to all the people of Israel, and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel.

[21] And Eli'jah came near to all the people, and said, "How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Ba'al, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word.
[22] Then Eli'jah said to the people, "I, even I only, am left a prophet of the LORD; but Ba'al's prophets are four hundred and fifty men.
[23] Let two bulls be given to us; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it; and I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood, and put no fire to it.
[24] And you call on the name of your god and I will call on the name of the LORD; and the God who answers by fire, he is God." And all the people answered, "It is well spoken."
[25] Then Eli'jah said to the prophets of Ba'al, "Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire to it."
[26] And they took the bull which was given them, and they prepared it, and called on the name of Ba'al from morning until noon, saying, "O Ba'al, answer us!" But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped about the altar which they had made.
[27] And at noon Eli'jah mocked them, saying, "Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is musing, or he has gone aside, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened."
[28] And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them.
[29] And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice; no one answered, no one heeded.
[30] Then Eli'jah said to all the people, "Come near to me"; and all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the LORD that had been thrown down;

[31] Eli'jah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the LORD came, saying, "Israel shall be your name";
[32] and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the LORD. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.
[33] And he put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, "Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt offering, and on the wood."
[34] And he said, "Do it a second time"; and they did it a second time. And he said, "Do it a third time"; and they did it a third time.
[35] And the water ran round about the altar, and filled the trench also with water.
[36] And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Eli'jah the prophet came near and said, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.

[37] Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that thou, O LORD, art God, and that thou hast turned their hearts back."
[38] Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.
[39] And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God."

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 16
Ps 16: 1b-2ab. 4. 5ab and 8. 11

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Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.

[1] Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.
[2] I say to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord;
I have no good apart from thee."

Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.

 [4] Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their libations of blood I will not pour out
or take their names upon my lips.

Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.

 [5] The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
thou holdest my lot.
[8] I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.

 [11] Thou dost show me the path of life;
in thy presence there is fullness of joy,
in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 5: 17-19
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Jesus said to his disciples:

[17] "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them.

[18] For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
[19] Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Tuesday, June 12, 2012 
Tuesday of the 10^th Week in Ordinary Time

1 Kgs 17: 7-16/ Ps 4: 2-3. 4-5. 7b-8/ Mt 5: 13-16

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A reading from the first book of Kings
1 Kgs 17: 7-16
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[7] And after a while the brook where Eli’jah was hiding dried up, because there was no rain in the land.
[8] Then the word of the LORD came to Eli’jah,  saying,

[9] "Arise, go to Zar'ephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you."
[10] So he arose and went to Zar'ephath; and when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks; and he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink."
[11] And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand."
[12] And she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of meal in a jar, and a little oil in a cruse; and now, I am gathering a couple of sticks, that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die."
[13] And Eli'jah said to her, "Fear not; go and do as you have said; but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make for yourself and your son.
[14] For thus says the LORD the God of Israel, `The jar of meal shall not be spent, and the cruse of oil shall not fail, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'"
[15] And she went and did as Eli'jah said; and she, and he, and her household ate for many days.
[16] The jar of meal was not spent, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD which he spoke by Eli'jah.

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 4
Ps 4: 2-3. 4-5. 7b-8

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Lord, let your face shine on us.

[2] Answer me when I call, O God of my right!
Thou hast given me room when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

[3] O men, how long shall my honor suffer shame?
How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?

Lord, let your face shine on us.

 [4] But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself;
the LORD hears when I call to him.
[5] Be angry, but sin not;
commune with your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.

Lord, let your face shine on us.

 [7] Lift up the light of thy countenance upon us, O LORD!"
[8] Thou hast put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.

Lord, let your face shine on us.

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 5: 13-16
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Jesus said to his disciples:

[13] "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men.

[14] "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.

[15] Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Monday, June 11, 2012 
Memorial of St. Barnabas, apostle

Acts 11: 21b-26; 13: 1-3/ Ps 98: 1. 2-3ab. 3cd-4. 5-6/ Mt 5: 1-12

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A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
Acts 11: 21b-26; 13: 1-3

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[21] At that time, a great number that believed turned to the Lord.
[22] News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
[23] When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose;
[24] for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord.
[25] So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul;
[26] and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians.

[1] Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyre'ne, Man'a-en a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

[2] While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
[3] Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 98
Ps 98: 1. 2-3ab. 3cd-4. 5-6

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The LORD has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.

[1] O sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have gotten him victory.

The LORD has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
[2] The LORD has made known his victory,
he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
[3] He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.

The LORD has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
[4] Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

The LORD has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
[5] Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
[6] With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!

The LORD has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 5: 1-12
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[1] Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him.

[2] And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
[3] "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
[5] "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
[7] "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
[8] "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
[9] "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
[10] "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

[12] Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Sunday, June 10, 2012 
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Ex 24: 3-8/ Ps 116: 12-13. 15-16. 17-18 (13)/ Heb 9: 11-15/ Mk 14: 12-16. 22-26

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A reading from the Book of Exodus
Ex 24: 3-8
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[3] Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, "All the words which the LORD has spoken we will do."

[4] And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
[5] And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD.
[6] And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar.
[7] Then he took the book of the covenant, and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient."
[8] And Moses took the blood and threw it upon the people, and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words."

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 116
Ps 116: 12-13. 15-16. 17-18 (13)

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I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD

[12] What shall I render to the LORD
for all his bounty to me?
[13] I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the LORD,

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD

 [15] Precious in the sight of the LORD
is the death of his saints.
[16] O LORD, I am thy servant;
I am thy servant, the son of thy handmaid.
Thou hast loosed my bonds.

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD

 [17] I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call on the name of the LORD.
[18] I will pay my vows to the LORD
in the presence of all his people,

I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD

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A reading from the letter of Paul to the Hebrews
Heb 9: 11-15

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Brothers and sisters:

[11] When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation)

[12] he entered once for all into the Holy Place, taking not the blood of goats and calves but his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
[13] For if the sprinkling of defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and with the ashes of a heifer sanctifies for the purification of the flesh,
[14] how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify your conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
[15] Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred which redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant.

The Word of the Lord

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A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark
Mk 14: 12-16. 22-26
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[12] On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the passover lamb, his disciples said to him, "Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the passover?"

[13] And he sent two of his disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him,
[14] and wherever he enters, say to the householder, `The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I am to eat the passover with my disciples?'
[15] And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us."
[16] And the disciples set out and went to the city, and found it as he had told them; and they prepared the passover.
[22] And as they were eating, he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body."

[23] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.
[24] And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.
[25] Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
[26] And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Saturday, June 2nd, 2012
Memorial of Saints Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs

Jude 17;20–25
Ps 63:2–6
Mk 11:27-33

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A Reading from the Book of Jude
Jude 17;20–25
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[17] But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
[20] But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit;
[21] keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
[22] And convince some, who doubt;
[23] save some, by snatching them out of the fire; on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
[24] Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you without blemish before the presence of his glory with rejoicing,
[25] to the only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and for ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 63
Ps 63:2–6
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R. My soul thirsts for thee, O God.

O God, thou art my God, I seek thee, my soul thirsts for thee; my flesh faints for thee, as in a dry and weary land where no water is.

R. My soul thirsts for thee, O God.

So I have looked upon thee in the sanctuary, beholding thy power and glory. Because thy steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise thee.

R. My soul thirsts for thee, O God.

So I will bless thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on thy name. My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat, and my mouth praises thee with joyful lips;

R. My soul thirsts for thee, O God.

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A Reading from The Holy Gospel According to Saint Mark
Mk 11:27-33
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[27] And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him,
[28] and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?”
[29] Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
[30] Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.”
[31] And they argued with one another, “If we say, `From heaven,’ he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?’
[32] But shall we say, `From men’?” — they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet.
[33] So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Friday, June 1st, 2012
Memorial of Saint Justin, martyr

1Pt 4:7–13
Ps 96:10–13
Mk 11:11–26

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A Reading from the First Letter of Peter
1Pt 4:7–13
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[7] The end of all things is at hand; therefore keep sane and sober for your prayers.
[8] Above all hold unfailing your love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins.
[9] Practice hospitality ungrudgingly to one another.
[10] As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
[11] whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
[12] Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you.
[13] But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

The Word of the Lord

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From Psalm 96
Ps 96:10–13
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R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

[10] Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”

R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

[11] Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
[12] let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy

R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

[13] before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

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A Reading from The Holy Gospel According to Saint Mark
Mk 11:11–26
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[11] And he entered Jerusalem, and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
[12] On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry.
[13] And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.
[14] And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
[15] And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons;
[16] and he would not allow any one to carry anything through the temple.
[17] And he taught, and said to them, “Is it not written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
[18] And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.
[19] And when evening came they went out of the city.
[20] As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots.
[21] And Peter remembered and said to him, “Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered.”
[22] And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God.
[23] Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.
[24] Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
[25] And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Today is Thursday, May 31, 2012
Feast of The Visitation of The Blessed Virgin Mary

Zep 3:14–18
Is 12:2–6
Lk 1:39–56

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A Reading from the Book of Zephaniah
Zep 3:14–18
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[14] Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!
[15] The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more.
[16] On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Zion; let not your hands grow weak.
[17] The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing
[18] as on a day of festival.

The Word of the Lord

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The Responsorial Psalm is from the Book of Isaiah
Is 12:2–6
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R. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

[2] “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
[3] With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

R. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

[4] And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon his name; make known his deeds among the nations, proclaim that his name is exalted.

R. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

[5] “Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth.
[6] Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.”

R. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

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A Reading from The Holy Gospel According to Saint Luke
Lk 1:39–56
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[39] In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah,
[40] and she entered the house of Zechari’ah and greeted Elizabeth.
[41] And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit
[42] and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
[43] And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
[44] For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.
[45] And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”
[46] And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,
[47] and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
[48] for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
[49] for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
[50] And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.
[51] He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,
[52] he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree;
[53] he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away.
[54] He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
[55] as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.”
[56] And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

The Gospel of the Lord