The First martyrs of the Church in Rome. Since 1969, the anonymous “proto-martyrs” who died under emperor Nero in the 60s are commemorated as a group on June 30. Since Peter and Paul both died in this persecution, the others are collectively remembers on the day after their feast. 1st Reading: Genesis 19:15-29 Before destroying…
In these two apostles, we see how the faith can spread through the life of generous, faithful hearts. We get a glimpse of each of them in turn, in prison for the faith, prepared for martyrdom for the Gospel of Christ; followed by the famous declaration of faith, for which Jesus gives Peter (“Rock”) the…
As summer takes hold, we give thanks to God for all the gifts we enjoy. We rejoice in God’s saving power: death itself is in his hand and all the living depend on God alone.
1st Reading: Wisdom 1:13-15, 2:23-24 All that God does is wholesome, and he intends us to enjoy a blessed immortality. God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living. For he created all things so that they might exist; the generative forces of the world are wholesome, and…
1st Reading: Genesis 18:1-15 Abraham becomes a paradigm of hospitality, as he entertains the travellers The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he…
1st Reading: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22 Abram’s name is changed. The promised child will be God’s special gift. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram again, and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.” God said to Abraam, “As for you, you shall keep my…
1st Reading: Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16 Hagar is driven out, but an angel is sent to rescue her Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave-girl whose name was Hagar, and Sarai said to Abram, “You see that the Lord has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my slave-girl;…
1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 The Lord called me before I was born; in my mother’s womb he named me. Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a…
1st Reading: Genesis 13:2, 5-18 The herdsmen of Abram and Lot quarrel, so the two groups must go their separate ways. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of…
1st Reading: Genesis 12:1-9 God calls Abram to “go to the land that I will show you.” This brings blessing on all mankind. Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great…
The sight of people being rescued from ricketty boats in the Mediterranean brings home the plight of immigrants and refugees; seeing rescuers coming to their aid inspires us. God is master of the deep; Jesus stilled the storm. May all in need of help be saved through his power today. (On Father’s Day we pray especially for fathers.)
1st First Reading: Job 38:1, 8-11 Job’s pride is curbed by awe The Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said: Who shut within doors the sea, when it burst forth from the womb; when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its swaddling bands? When I set limits for it and…
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Paul continues to boast, but says a thorn in the flesh has forced him to find his strength in Christ. It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a person in Christ…
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30 Paul boasts about his hardships in carrying out his ministry My brethren, since many others boast according to human standards, I will also boast. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone dares to boast of–I am speaking as a fool–I also…
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11 Paul asks for their patience; he will not be a financial burden to them. I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me! I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I promised you in marriage to one husband, to present you as a…
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Reaping what we have sowed Brothers and sisters, here is the point: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God…
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 Those who generously helped to finance Paul’s mission were richly blessed. We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in…
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 Paradox of the apostolate: a poor man who enriches many. As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped…
This is the first Sunday on which green vestments have been worn at Mass since last February. Green is the colour of growth: the Kingdom of God grows slowly in our world and in our hearts…
1st Reading: Ezekiel 17:22-24 It is the Lord who plants and grows; who raises and humbles. Thus says the Lord God: I myself will take a sprig from the lofty top of a cedar; I will set it out. I will break off a tender one from the topmost of its young twigs; I myself…
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