Jesus predicts his impending passion and death. Only by taking up the cross can disciples follow him. We must learn to accept the crosses that come our way. 1st Reading: Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1 Guided by a new spirit, people will revere the One they have killed The Lord says this, “And I will pour out…
1st Reading: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25 King Joash turns against the supporters who saved his life Now after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and did obeisance to the king; then the king listened to them. They abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and served the sacred poles…
1st Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 Athaliah seized the throne by violence. Later she is executed, and the covenant is renewed Now when Athaliah, Ahaziah’s mother, saw that her son was dead, she set about to destroy all the royal family. But Jehosheba, King Joram’s daughter, Ahaziah’s sister, took Joash son of Ahaziah, and…
1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-14 The prophet Elijah is praised for his zeal and miracles; he will return before the Messiah comes Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of…
1st Reading: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14 After crossing the Jordan, Elijah is taken up to heaven, and his mantle falls to Elisha Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. Elijah said to him, “Stay here; for the Lord…
1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:17-29 King Ahab will pay for the murder of Naboth; but Elijah offers hope of repentance Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying: Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria; he is now in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has…
St Anthony of Padua, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 After condemning Naboth of blasphemy, King Ahab seized his precious vineyard Later the following events took place: Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. And Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, so that…
God’s forgiveness sweeps away all that holds us back. God, who forgave King David and who through the ages took away the sins of everyone who asked, invites us to expererience that same healing power today.
Today’s Scriptures offer two major examples of repentance. Even if the notion of sin is dim in Western society at this time, we are invited to accept personal responsibility for our wrong-doing and seek God’s forgiveness. 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13 When challenged about his sin, King David has the grace to repent Nathan…
1st Reading: Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3 The beginnings of the church, in Antioch In Antioch, the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and…
1st Reading: 1 Kings 19:9-16 Elijah’s encounter with God, at the cave on Mount Horeb Elijah came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts;…
Saint Columba, Missionary. Secondary Patron of Ireland Alternative readings in Ireland, when St. Columba’s Mass is celebrated: Rom. 12:1-2, 9-13; Matt. 19:27-29 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 God has reconciled us and given us the ministry of reconciliation For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for…
1st Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-39 Elijah’s faith in the true God is confirmed by fire from heaven So Ahab sent to all the Israelites, and assembled the prophets at Mount Carmel. Elijah then came near to all the people, and said, “How long will you go limping with two different opinions? If the Lord is…
1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:7-16 The widow of Zarephath shares water and bread with Elijah But after a while the wadi dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “Go now to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and live there; for I have…
Saint Norbert, St Jarlath, optional memorials 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-6 For polytheism, Elijah threatens Israel with a drought Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”…
God’s power is absolute: God is not defeated by death. Jesus shows divine power in today’s Gospel, raising the widow’s son from the dead. We celebrate his compassion and pray for the grace to imitate it.
1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:17-24 Elijah restores the widow’s son to life After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill; his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. She then said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have…
Immaculate Heart of Mary, optional memorial: Isaiah 61:9-11; Luke 2:41-51; also Saint Kevin. Ss. Charles Lwanga & co, optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge…
1st Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16 The Lord God will search for His sheep and pasture them For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out. As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will…
Saint Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs, optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 If we have died with him, we will also live with him Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David – that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal….
