Weekday Homily Resources
The gist of each reading is suggested in a single line; then the full text of the readings (NRSV for inclusive language); finally some homiletic reflections on the day’s readings. On many weekdays we offer two approaches to a homily. One is usually based on the first Reading, with sometimes a link to the main idea in the Gospel. The second approach will be drawn from that day’s Gospel. These are loosely based on notes made available by Fr. Martin Hogan p.p.
Fr Pat Rogers cp, Mount Argus, Dublin.
25 Jan 2025 – The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
25 Jan 2025 – The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle 1st Reading: Acts 22:3-16 Paul’s account of his conversion, to his fellow-Jews, on the steps of the Temple “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly…
Sat 11 Jan 2025
Sat 11 Jan 2025 1st Reading: 1 John 5:5-13 (God has testified to his Son, Jesus, who grants victory over this world) Beloved: Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the one who came through…
Fri 10 Jan 2025
Fri 10 Jan 2025 1st Reading: 1 John 4:19 – 5:4 Whoever loves God should love Jesus, and all of our fellow-Christians Beloved, we love God because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar; for whoever does not love…
Thurs 9 Jan 2025
Thurs 9 Jan 2025 1st Reading: 1 John 4:11-18 God abides in those who recognise Jesus as the Son of God Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us,…
Wed 8 Jan 2025
Wed 8 Jan 2025 1st Reading: 1 John 4:7-10 Love’s divine origin and its influence on our lives Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is…
Tues 7 Jan 2025
Tues 7 Jan 2025 Optional Memorial: St Raymond of Penyafort, 1175-1275, A Dominican leader and Archbishop of Tarragona. 1st Reading: 1 John 3:22 – 4:6 Distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error Beloved, we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do…
6 January 2025 – The Epiphany of the Lord
6 January 2025 – The Epiphany of the Lord (or the Sunday between 2 January and 8 January) 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 In those days the Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen…
Sat 4 January 2025 – Before Epiphany
Sat 4 January 2025 – Before Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 3:7-10. How we are reborn as children of God Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil;…
Fri 3 January 2025 – Before Epiphany
Fri 3 January 2025 – Before Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 2:29 – 3:6 We are God’s children now; when he is revealed, we will be like him If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does right has been born of him. See…
Thurs 2 Jan 2025 – Before Epiphany
Thurs 2 Jan 2025 Memorial: Ss Basil the Great (330-79, Bishop of Caesarea, theologian of note), and Gregory Nazianzen (329-89, friend of Basil. Both were bishops and doctors of the church). 1st Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 The Holy Spirit received from Jesus, teaches you all things Who is the liar…
Wed 01 Jan 2025 – Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
Wed 01 Jan 2025 – Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God 1st Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 A new-year prayer for God to bless and protect his people The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to…
Tues 31 Dec 2024 – 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Tues 31 Dec 2024 – 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas Optional memorial: Saint Sylvester, pope. Sylvester (250-325) was born in Rome in the mid-3rd century and served as a priest under pope Marcellinus before the persecution under Diocletian (303). After the victory of emperor Constantine in 312 he…
Mon 30 Dec 2024 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Mon 30 Dec 2024 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas 1st Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 Do not be absorbed by the world or the things in the world I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing…
Sat 28 Dec 2024 – The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Sat 28 Dec 2024 – The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5-2:2 Those who walk in darkness, and those who walk in the light Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is…
Fri 27 Dec 2024 – Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
Fri 27 Dec 2024 – Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 John 1:1-4 What we have seen with our eyes, what we have touched with our hands Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard,what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and…
Thurs 26 December 2024: Feast of St Stephen, the First Martyr
Thurs 26 December 2024: Feast of St Stephen, the First Martyr 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 The martyrdom of Stephen the deacon, according to Luke Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and…
Christmas Day – Midnight Mass and Mass During the Day
Christmas Midnight Mass Scroll down for Readings for Dawn Mass and Mass During the Day 1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 God brings them from darkness and bring them to peace and security The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep…
Tues 24 December 2024 – 4th Week of Advent
Tues 24 December 2024 – 4th Week of Advent 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 David is promised a “house” or dynasty Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to…
Mon 23 December 2024 – 4th Week of Advent
Mon 23 December 2024 – 4th Week of Advent Memorial: St John of Kanty, 1390-1493, taught in Kraków, Poland. 1st Reading: Malachiah 3:1-4, 4,4-6 God will send a fore-runner to prepare for the final day The Lord God says this: “See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way…
Sat 21 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent
Sat 21 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent Optional Memorial: St Peter Canisius, 1521-97, born in Holland. A Jesuit who prepared a catechism in 1555 of 211 questions and answers. 1st Reading: Song of Songs (2:8-14) Lyrical love-poetry from king Solomon, about the beloved who is coming The voice…
Fri 20 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent
Fri 20 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent Optional Memorial: St Fachanan (Feast in Kilfenora, where he founded a church in the 6th century. Patron of Kilfenora Diocese.) 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called…
Thurs 19 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent
Thurs 19 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent 1st Reading: Judges (13:2-7, 24-25) Manoah’s wife yearns for a son. Samson will be dedicated to God There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no…
Wed 18 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent
Wed 18 December 2024 – 3rd Week of Advent Optional Memorial; St Flannan (Feast in Killaloe), renowned 7th century preacher. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 A righteous Branch who will rule with wisdom and justice “The days are surely coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a…
17 Dec 2024 – Tuesday, 3rd Week of Advent
17 Dec 2024 – Tuesday, 3rd Week of Advent 1st Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 The dying Jacob predicts future glory for the tribe of Judah Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise…
16 Dec 2024 – Monday of Advent, Week 3
16 Dec 2024 – Monday of Advent, Week 3 1st Reading: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 Balaam predicts the glorious future, the Age of the Messiah Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying: “The oracle…
14 Dec 2024 – Saturday of Advent, Week 2
14 Dec 2024 – Saturday of Advent, Week 2 Memorial: St John of the Cross, 1542-1591, Carmelite man of prayer, outstanding poet, spiritual writer and declared doctor of the Church. With the divinest Word / The Virgin made pregnant / Down the road comes walking / If you’ll grant her…
13 Dec 2024 – Friday of Advent, Week 2
13 Dec 2024 – Friday of Advent, Week 2 Memorial: St Lucy, martyred in 304. 1st Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19 If you kept my commandments, your name would last forever Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for…
12 Dec 2024 – Thursday of Advent, Week 2
12 Dec 2024 – Thursday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Finnian (Feast in Meath), settled in Clonard, Meath, c 520 where he set up a school teaching Canice, Colum Cille and Brendan. Known as the Tutor of the Saints of Ireland. Died in 549. 1st Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20…
11 Dec 2024 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2
11 Dec 2024 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Damasus 1, c 304-384. Pope in 366. Commissioned St Jerome ot prepare the Vulgate version of the Bible. 1st Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people, from God, who strengthens the powerless To whom then will you…
10 Dec 2024 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 2
10 Dec 2024 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorial: Our Lady of Loreto – (Lect 11, 1428; 1423; 1443) 1st Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort ye my people! — the promised return of the exiles from Babylon. “Comfort, O comfort my people,” says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and…
09 Dec 2024 – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
09 Dec 2024 – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Enmity between the serpent and the woman But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and…
07 Dec 2024 – Saturday of Advent, Week 1
07 Dec 2024 – Saturday of Advent, Week 1 Memorial: St Ambrose, 340-97, defender of orthodoxy and Bishop of Milan. Patron of Milan, beekeepers and domestic animals. 1st Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Future days of blessed enlightenment, when the people turn aside from idolatry. Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants…
06 Dec 2024 – Friday of Advent, Week 1
06 Dec 2024 – Friday of Advent, Week 1 Optional Memorial: St Nicholas (Feast, Galway), 4th century Bishop of Myra (Turkey). Patron of Russia, sailors, pawnbrokers and children. 1st Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24 A promise of good times, when deaf shall hear and blind shall see Shall not Lebanon in a…
05 Dec 2024 – Thursday of Advent, Week 1
05 Dec 2024 – Thursday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6 A hymn of confidence in the Lord God, our everlasting rock On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks….
04 Dec 2024 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 1
04 Dec 2024 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 1 Optional Memorial: St John Damascene 675-749, a Syrian Christian theologian, a monk at St Sabas near Jerusalem. 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10 “God will wipe away the tears from all faces.” — a Messianic vision of the final age. On this mountain…
03 Dec 2024 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 1
03 Dec 2024 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 1 Memorial: St Francis Xavier, 1506-52, one of the first seven Jesuits sent to India by Ignatius. Patron of the missions. 1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain A shoot shall come out from…
02 Dec 2024 – Monday of Advent, Week 1
02 Dec 2024 – Monday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 In the Messiah’s day, they shall beat their swords into ploughshares The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as…
30 Nov 2024 – St Andrew, Apostle
30 Nov 2024 – St Andrew, Apostle 1st Reading: Romans 10:9-18 How will they hear the faith, unless it be preached? If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes…
29 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 34
29 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 34 1st Reading: Revelation 20:1-4; 21:1-2 Those who reject the beast will reign with Christ for 1000 years Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized…
28 Nov 2024 – Thursday of Week 34
28 Nov 2024 – Thursday of Week 34 1st Reading: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9 The happy guests at the Lamb’s wedding feast I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendour. He called out with a mighty…
27 Nov 2024 – Wednesday of Week 34
27 Nov 2024 – Wednesday of Week 34 Optional memorial: St Fergal (Virgil), lived in France then Bavaria where he founded Chiemsee monastery. Became Bishop of Salzburg around 754 and died in 784, leaving a reputation of learning and holiness. 1st Reading: Revelation 15:1-4 The seven plagues sent by the…
26 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 34
26 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 34 1st Reading: Revelation 14:14-19 The grapes are thrown into the winepress of God’s wrath Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on his head,…
25 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 34
25 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 34 Optional Memorials: St Colman (feast in Cloyne), born c. 530, probably in West Cork, a bard by profession, influenced by St Brendan and priested. Main foundation was at Cloyne, apostolate in east Cork; St Catherine of Alexandria, martyred in Alexandria in 310. Her body is…
23 Nov 2024 – Saturday of Week 33
Link to Gerry O’Connor’s homily for tomorrow, Christ the King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnwkzSyFP_M Memorial: St Columban (aka Columbanus), born c. 543, monk of Bangor. 591 pilgrimed with 12 companions to Burgundy, established monasteries at Annegray, Luxeil and Fontaine; also founded Bregenz in Austria and his greatest foundation at Bobbio, near Genoa,…
22 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 33
22 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 33 Memorial: St Cecilia, second- or third-century Roman martyr, beheaded after she refused to worship the Roman gods. Patron of Music and musicians. 🎶 1st Reading: Revelation 10:8-11 The scroll that was sweet on the tongue but sour in the stomach I, John,…
21 Nov 2024 – The Presentation of Our Lady
21 Nov 2024 – The Presentation of Our Lady 1st Reading: Zechariah (2:14-17 Rejoice, O daughter Zion! For I will dwell in your midst Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the…
20 Nov 2024 – Wednesday of Week 33
20 Nov 2024 – Wednesday of Week 33 1st Reading: Revelation 4:1-11 The twenty-four elders before God’s throne In my vision I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and…
19 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 33
19 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 33 1st Reading: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 Those who are lukewarm will be spat out I, John, heard the Lord say to me, “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of…
18 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 33
18 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 33 Optional Memorial: The Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss Peter and Paul (Readings: Acts 28:11-16, 30, 31; Ps 97:1-6, R/ v2. Mt 14: 22-33. Lect 11:1269) 1st Reading: Revelation Apocalypse) 1:1-4; 2:1-5 Encouragement to the churches in Asia Minor The revelation of…
16 Nov 2024 – Saturday of Week 32
16 Nov 2024 – Saturday of Week 32 Optional Memorials: St Margaret of Scotland, 1045-93, wife of Malcolm 111, King of Scotland; St Gertrude, 1256-1302, Benedictine nun, noted for devotion to the Sacred Heart and advocated frequent Communion. 1st Reading: 3 John verses 5-8 It is well to provide hospitality…
15 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 32
15 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 32 Optional Memorial: St Albert the Great, c. 1206-80Dominican theologian who taught in Cologne, called the ‘Universal Doctor’. Patron scientists. 1st Reading: 2 John verses 4-9 Love one another and acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come incarnate in the flesh I was overjoyed…
14 Nov 2024 – Thursday of Week 32
14 Nov 2024 – Thursday of Week 32 Feast (Dublin): St Laurence O’Toole, born in Castledermot, Co Kildare in 1128, abbot at Glendalough in 1148, first native AB of Dublin in 1162, a reformer, attended the Third Lateran Council in 1179, returning as Papal Legate. Worked for peace and reconciliation….
13 Nov 2024 – Wednesday of Week 32
13 Nov 2024 – Wednesday of Week 32 1st Reading: Titus 3:1-7 We are saved by the Spirit, through Jesus Christ Remind your people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling,…
12 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 32
12 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 32 Memorial: St Josaphat, 1580-1623, Bishop of Polotz, worked for the reunion of Ukrainian Catholics, murder by his oppressors. 1st Reading: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 Guidelines for living, while awaiting the return of our Saviour As for you, teach what is consistent with sound…
11 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 32
11 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 32 Memorial: St Martin of Tours, 316-97, Bishop of Tours, apostle of rural Gaul, founder of monasteries. Patron of France, soldiers, beggars and innkeepers. 1st Reading: Titus 1:1-9 The blessings of the faith and the qualities of a church leader From Paul, a…
09 Nov 2024 – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
09 Nov 2024 – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-10, 12 Ezekiel sees life-giving river flows out from the Jerusalem temple, to bring new life to the desert Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the…
08 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 31
08 Nov 2024 – Friday of Week 31 1st Reading: Philippians 3:17—4:1 We should be guided by the cross of Christ, because our citizenship is in heaven Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live…
07 Nov 2024 – Thursday of Week 31
07 Nov 2024 – Thursday of Week 31 Optional memorial: St Willibrord, born in Northumbria in 658, Bendictine, studied in Co carlow, went, with eleven companions, to evangelise Frisia. Became Archbishop of Utrecht and died in Luxembourg in 739. 1st Reading: Philippians 3:3-8 We who are the real people of…
06 Nov 2024 – All Saints of Ireland
06 Nov 2024 – All Saints of Ireland 1st Reading: Hebrews 11:2 12:1-4, 15, 13:1 Celebrate the faith of our ancestors It was by faith our ancestors received approval. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the…
05 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 31
05 Nov 2024 – Tuesday of Week 31 Optional Memorial: St Martin de Porres, 1579-1639, Dominican lay brother noted for caring for the sick and poor. Renowned for his devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. 1st Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Like Christ himself, who took the form of a servant Let the…
04 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 31
04 Nov 2024 – Monday of Week 31 Memorial: St Charles Borromeo, 1538-84, Cardinal Archbishop of Milan, reformer, drafted the Catechism of the Council of Trent. Patron of catechists and seminarians. 1st Reading: Philippians 2:1-4 Setting aside rivalry or conceit, all should be generous to others If there is any…
02 Nov 2024 – All Souls’ Day
02 Nov 2024 – All Souls’ Day (Any Readings from the Masses for the Dead, Lectionary, vol. 4) 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 A vision of hope for the future, when God will restore his people to happiness On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a…
01Nov 2024 – All Saints
01Nov 2024 – All Saints 1st Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 Vast numbers were sealed with the sign of the Living God I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels…
31 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 30
31 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 30 Feast – Cloyne: Bl Dominic Collins, born c 1566 in Youghal, became a Jesuit, travelled abroad, returned home, hanged by the English because of his faith on 31 Oct 1602. 1st Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 Putting on the armour of God, for the…
30 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 30
30 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 30 1st Reading: Ephesians 6:1-9 Practical advice for parents and children, masters and servants Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “honour your father and mother”. This is the first commandment accompanied with a promise: “so that it may…
29 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 30
29 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 30 Optional Memorial: St Colman, 7th century, from Kilmacduagh, Co Galway, also founded two churches on Áran in Galway Bay. 1st Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33 Love between spouses mirrors Christ’s love for the church Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ….
28 Oct 2024 – Ss Simon and Jude, Apostles
28 Oct 2024 – Ss Simon and Jude, Apostles 1st Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 God has appointed apostles so that his people’s needs will be served So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built…
25 Oct 2024 – Friday of Week 29
25 Oct 2024 – Friday of Week 29 Memorials (Cork & Ross, Cloyne): Bl Thaddeus MacCarthy, born in 1455, died in 1492 in Italy. 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6 One body and one spirit, a warm ideal of church unity I, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a…
24 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 29
24 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 29 Optional memorial: St Anthony Mary Claret, 1807-70, founded the Claretians in Spain. 1st Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 May you grasp the depth of Christ’s love, beyond all knowledge I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on…
23 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 29
23 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 29 Optional memorial: St John of Capistrano, 1386-1456, served under four popes. Patron of jurists and military chaplains. 1st Reading: Ephesians 3:2-12 Paul preaches to the gentiles the rich mystery of Christ Surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace…
22 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 29
22 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 29 Optional memorial: St John Paul II, pope, from 1978-2005. Visited Ireland in 1979. 1st Reading: Ephesians 2:12-22 God has broken down all barriers, to form one new people Remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth…
21 Oct 2024 – Monday of Week 29
21 Oct 2024 – Monday of Week 29 1st Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit…
19 Oct 2024 – Saturday of Week 28
19 Oct 2024 – Saturday of Week 28 Optional Memorials: Ss John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jagues, priests, and Companions, martyrs – all Jesuits, slain by the Huron and Iroquois Indians in 1647/8. St Paul of the Cross, 1694-1775, founded the Passionists in Rome. 1st Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 May God enlighten your vision…
18 Oct 2024 – St Luke, Evangelist
18 Oct 2024 – St Luke, Evangelist 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17 Only Luke is with Paul, at this final stage in his imprisonment Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone…
17 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 28
17 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 28 Memorial: St Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr, died at Rome circa 107. 1st Reading: Ephesians 1:1-10 God chose us in Christ before the world began, to be holy in his sight Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of…
16 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 28
16 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 28 Optional Memorials: St Hedwig, 1174-1243, devoted to charitable works; St Margaret Mary, 1647-90, visionary who revived devotion to the Sacred Heart; St Gall, monk of Bangor who accompanied Columbanus to the continent, lived in a hermitage which later became the monastery of St Gallen. He died…
15 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 28
15 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 28 Memorial: St Teresa of Avila, 1515-82, patron Spain. 1st Reading: Galatians 5:1-6 In Christ Jesus, circumcision no longer counts; only faith acting through love For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke…
14 Oct 2024 – Monday of Week 28
14 Oct 2024 – Monday of Week 28 Optional Memorial: St Callistus 1, became pope in 217, died at the hands of a mob in 222. 1st Reading: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1 Through faith we are born free. It was for liberty that Christ freed us It is written that…
12 Oct 2024 – Saturday of Week 27
12 Oct 2024 – Saturday of Week 27 1st Reading: Galatians 3:22-29 In Christ, all the baptized are equally children of God The scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe….
11 Oct 2024 – Friday of Week 27
11 Oct 2024 – Friday of Week 27 Optional Memorials: St John XX111, pope, 1881-1963, called the Second Vatican Council; St Canice, abbot, c 527, Derry, died in 603. Built a church in Aghaboe, Ossory, replaced centuries later by his church in Kilkenny. 1st Reading: Galatians 3:7-14 Justification is by…
10 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 27
10 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 27 1st Reading: Galatians 3:1-5 Is the Spirit received by law-abidingness or by trusting faith? You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from…
09 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 27
09 Oct 2024 – Wednesday of Week 27 Optional Memorials: St John Henry Newman, priest, Ss Denis, bishop and Companions, martyrs, beheaded in 258. Denis, the first bishop of Paris is one of the patrons of France. St john Leonard, 1541-1609, supported the reforms of Trent, helped to found the Propagation of the…
08 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 27
08 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 27 1st Reading: Galatians 1:13-24 Paul once persecuted the church but later met Cephas (Peter) in Jerusalem You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I…
7 October 2024 – Our Lady of the Rosary
October 07. Our Lady of the Rosary This feast commemorates the Christian naval victory over the Turks (at Lepanto 1571). Our Lady is daily honoured in the Rosary, which invites us to meditate the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Christ her son. 1st Reading: Acts 1:12-14 Our…
05 Oct 2024 – Saturday of Week 26
05 Oct 2024 – Saturday of Week 26 Optional Memorial: St Faustina, 1905-38, Polish born, a Sister of Our Lady of Mercy, inspired teh Divine Mercy throughout the world. 1st Reading: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 After Job stops complaining, he is blessed more than before Then Job answered the Lord:…
04 Oct 2024 – Friday of Week 26
04 Oct 2024 – Friday of Week 26 Memorial: St Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226, founded the Friars Minor and the Poor Clares (with St Clare), suffered the stigmata. Patron of ecologists. 1st Reading: Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 Only if Job is himself divine can he challenge God’s ways Then the…
03 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 26
03 Oct 2024 – Thursday of Week 26 Optional memorial: Bl Columba Marmion, Joseph, born in Dublin in 1858, ordained in Rome in 1881, prof in Holy Cross College, Clonliffe, moved to Abbey of Maredsous, Belgium, became abbot, died 30 Jan 1923. Famous for his trilogy, Christ, the Life of…
02 Oct 2024 – The Holy Guardian Angels
02 Oct 2024 – The Holy Guardian Angels 1st Reading: Exodus 23:20-23 I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way The Lord spoke to Moses and the people during their journey across the desert desert: ‘I am going to send an…
01 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 26
01 Oct 2024 – Tuesday of Week 26 Memorial: St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, patron of missions, florists, aviators and France. 1st Reading: Job 3:1-3 Job’s anguished lament at the misfortunes heaped upon him Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. He said: “May the…
30 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 26
30 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 26 Memorial: St Jerome, 340-420, translated th Bible into Latin (Vulgate), wrote commentaries on scripture. Patron of Librarians. 1st Reading: Job 1:6-22 Job’s patience is tested to the uttermost One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan…
28 Sept 2024 – Saturday of Week 25
28 Sept 2024 – Saturday of Week 25 Optional Memorials: St Wenceslas, martyr, 905-25, Prince of Bohemia. Patron of brewers. Ss Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, All 16 martyred between 1633-7 i Nagasaki, Japan. 1st Reading: Qohelet 11:9,12:8 A wise man’s lament about the encroachments of old age Rejoice, young man, while…
27 Sept 2024 – Friday of Week 25
27 Sept 2024 – Friday of Week 25 Memorial: St Vincent de Paul, 1580-1660, founded the Vincentians and the Daughters of Charity. Patron of all charitable works. 1st Reading: Qohelet 3:1-11 There’s a time for everything as we go through life For everything there is a season, and a time…
26 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 25
26 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 25 Optional Memorial: Ss Cosmas and Damian, martyred in Syria. Patron of physicians. 1st Reading: Qohelet 1:2-11 There’s nothing new under the sun. Vanity of vanities Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher. Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What do people gain from…
25 Sept 2024 – Wednesday of Week 25
25 Sept 2024 – Wednesday of Week 25 1st Reading: Proverbs (30:5-9 In praise of moderation and sobriety Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or else he will rebuke you, and you will…
24 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 25
24 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 25 1st Reading: Proverbs (21:1-6, 10-13) Advice about self-control from Solomon’s proverbs The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. All deeds are right in the sight of the doer, but…
23 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 25
23 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 25 Memorial: St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), priest, died 23 Sept 1968. Capuchin friar, stigmatist, confessor, friend of all who suffer. St Eunan (Adomnán) – Feast in Raphoe – born in Donegal circa 624, died in 704, Abbot in Iona, wrote a life…
21 September 2024 – Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
21 September 2024 – Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 The Church is one body, under the leadership of the apostles I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all…
20 September 2024 – Friday of Week 24
20 September 2024 – Friday of Week 24 Memorial: Kim Taegon Andrea, martyr. Kim (1821, 1846) was the first Korean-born Catholic priest and is the patron saint of Korea. His parents were converts and his father was martyred for practising Christianity.Kim was ordained a priest in Shanghai then returned to…
19 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 24
19 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 24 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 The Gospel Paul preached as the basic faith of the Church I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved,…
18 Sept 2024 – Wednesday of Week 24
18 Sept 2024 – Wednesday of Week 24 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Paul’s hymn to charity, as the supreme virtue Earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way…. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not…
17 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 24
17 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 24 Optional memorials: St Robert Bellarmine, SJ, 1542-1621, bishop and doctor of the church. Patron of catechists. St Hildegard of Bingen, 1098-1179, musician, composer, writer and mystic; also a church reformer. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31 Many gifts, all at the service of the…
16 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 24
16 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 24 Optional Memorial: Ss Cornelius, pope and Cyprian, bishop, martyrs. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33 The Eucharistic meal can be profaned by divisions based on class and wealth In the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together…
14 September 2024 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
14 September 2024 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 1st Reading: Numbers 21:5-9 When the serpents bit the people, the statue of a bronze serpent brought them healing The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the…
13 Sept 2024 – Friday of Week 23
13 Sept 2024 – Friday of Week 23 Memorial: St John Chrysostom, 347-407, one of the four Great Doctors, the ‘Golden-Mouthed’ Preacher was Archbishop of Constantinople. Patron of preachers. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27 Paul’s total dedication to his preaching ministry If I preach the gospel, that gives me…
12 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 23
12 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 23 Optional Memorials: The Holy Name of Mary (Lect 11:1438; 1435; 1444.) St Ailbe (Feast in Cashel & Emly), Pre-Patrician? Yet his death is noted in 528. Ordained bishop in Rome by the pope, set up a monastery in Emly. A 9th century Rule bears…
10 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 23
10 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 23 Optional Memorial: St Peter Claver, SJ, 1580-1654, born in Verdú, Catalonia, worked in Colombia among the slaves in Catagena, where he is reported to have baptised more than 300,000. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 A people saved by Jesus must have high…
09 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 23
09 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 23 Memorial: St Ciarán, (Feast in Clonmacnoise) Roscommon born circa 512, founded Clonmacnoise in 545, died aged 33 while the monastery was being built. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 Applying church discipline to a scandalous case (incest) It is actually reported that there…
07 Sept 2024 – Saturday of Week 22
07 Sept 2024 – Saturday of Week 22 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:6-15 By his his lifestyle and manner, Paul seeks to win back the loyalty of the Corinthians I have applied all this to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brethren, that you may learn by us not to…
06 Sept 2024 – Friday of Week 22
06 Sept 2024 – Friday of Week 22 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 As God’s servant, Paul must not be judged by mere human judgment This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that…
05 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 22
05 Sept 2024 – Thursday of Week 22 Optional Memorial: St Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu on 26 Aug 1910, in Macedonia to a financially comfortable Albanian family. When she was 18, Agnes left home and joined the Sisters of Loreto in Rathfarnham, Ireland for a…
04 Sept 2024 – Wednesday of Week 22
04 Sept 2024 – Wednesday of Week 22 Memorial: St Mac Nissi (Feast in Down & Connor), claimed that St patrick taught him the psalms and baptised him. Chose a hermitage in the Connor area and died early in the sixth century. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Avoiding envy and…
03 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 22
03 Sept 2024 – Tuesday of Week 22 Memorial: St Gregory the Great, 540-604, Prefect of Rome, monk and pope, patron of musicians. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 If taught by the Spirit of God we can judge rightly and know our inmost self These things God has revealed to…
02 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 22
02 Sept 2024 – Monday of Week 22 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Paul came to them in a weakened state, but still preached with the power of the Spirit When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words…
31 Aug 2024 – Saturday of Week 21
31 Aug 2024 – Saturday of Week 21 Optional Memorial: St Aidan of Lindisfarne, bishop and missionary, a monk of Iona of Irish descent, set up in Lindisfarne with the support of King Oswald. Died in 651. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 God chose the world’s despised, so that our…
30 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 21
30 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 21 Optional Memorial: St Fiacre, monk, passed through Normandy, met Faro, patron of Irish pilgrims at Meaux. Fiacre was given a hermitage near Breuil where he died in 670. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 The mystery of the cross is wiser and stronger…
29 Aug 2024 – The Passion of St John the Baptist
29 Aug 2024 – The Passion of St John the Baptist 1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 Like Jeremiah, we must speak out against domineering rulers But as for you, [Jeremiah], gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or…
28 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 21
28 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 21 Memorial: St Augustine, 354-430, Bishop of Hippo, huge theological influence on the Church, especially on the understanding of God’s grace. Patron of theologians. 1st Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18 Disciples of Christ should work for their living and live at peace with…
27 Aug 2024 – Tuesday of Week 21
27 Aug 2024 – Tuesday of Week 21 Memorial: St Monica, 332-87, converted her husband Patricius to the faith, and also ger son, St Augustine. Patron saint of Mothers. 1st Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17 Do not be unduly excited about the second coming of the Lord As to the…
26 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 21
26 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 21 1st Reading: 2nd Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12 By their faith and love, the name of Jesus Christ is glorified Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace…
24 Aug 2024 – Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
24 Aug 2024 – Saint Bartholomew, Apostle 1st Reading: Revelation 21:9-14 The City of God has 12 gates, representing the 12 apostles Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the…
23 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 20
23 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 20 Optional Memorials: St Rose of Lima, 1586-1617, Dominican tertiary and recluse, helped the poor, originator of social service in Peru. St Eugene (Eoghan), sixth century saint taken to Britain by pirates. after freedom, studied abroad and returned to set set up a foundation…
22 Aug 2024 – The Queenship of Mary
22 Aug 2024 – The Queenship of Mary 1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 God’s promise of joy and restoration to those who sat in darkness There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land…
21 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 20
21 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 20 1st Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-11 Allegory of the evil shepherds who neglect the sheep and care only for themselves The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to them – to the shepherds:…
20 Aug 2024 – Tuesday of Week 20
20 Aug 2024 – Tuesday of Week 20 Memorial: St Bernard, 1090-1153, Cistercian at Citeaux in 1113, Abbot of Clairvaux in 1115, patron of Gibraltar and beekeepers. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-10 God warns the wealthy seaport metropolis of Tyre to beware of pride The word of the Lord came to…
19 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 20
19 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 20 Optional Memorial: St John Eudes, 1601-80, from Normandy, France, founded a congregation and also the Sisters of our Lady of Charity and Refuge, great preacher and promoter of the Sacred Heart. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 24:15-23 He does not publicly mourn his wife’s…
17 Aug 2024 – Saturday of Week 19
17 Aug 2024 – Saturday of Week 19 Memorial: Our Lady of Knock – readings Lect 11: 1421-49 National Novena 2024: ‘Whispering with God’….How Do You Pray? The National Novena to Our Lady of Knock takes place from 14 to 22 August. Daily ceremonies take place at 3pm and 8pm. Workshops take…
16 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 19
16 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 19 Optional Memorial: ST Stephen of Hungary, 975-1038, first King of Hungary and its Patron Saint, worked for the conversion of his people to Christianity. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 16:1-15 Israel is like a baby girl, neglected but later espoused and loved by God…
15 August 2024 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
15 August 2024 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 The woman and the dragon depicted the persecuted church; but came to include the Assumption of our Lady Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen…
14 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 19
14 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 19 Memorial: St Maximilian Kolbe, 1894-1941, a Conventual Franciscan who worked in the apostolate of the press in Poland and Japan. He die din Auschwitz. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22 Only those who were signed by God’s angel escape, when the glory of…
13 Aug 2024 – Tuesday of Week 19
13 Aug 2024 – Tuesday of Week 19 Optional Memorials: Ss Pontian, pope, and Hippolytus, priest, martyrs. St Fachtna (Ross, Feast), scripture scholar, founded the monastery at Ross Carbery (Ross Ailithir), West Cork, died circa 600. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4 The prophet eats the scroll, then goes to speak the…
12 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 19
12 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 19 Optional Memorials: St Jane Frances de Chantral, 1572-1641, founded the Congregation of the Visitation with St Frances de Sales. St Muredach, (Killala, Feast) founder of church in Killala; St Attracta, virgin (Achonry, Feast) sixth century healer whose convents were noted for hospitality and charity to…
10 Aug 2024 – St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
10 Aug 2024 – St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Readings: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 111:1-2, 5-9, R/ v5. John 12: 24-26 First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give…
09 Aug 2024 – Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein)
09 Aug 2024 – Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) 1st Reading: Hosea 2:16-17; 21-22 God’s love for his people, Israel, is like a husband’s love for a wife On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, “My husband,” and no longer will you call me, “My Baal.” For…
08 Aug 2024 – Thursday of Week 18
08 Aug 2024 – Thursday of Week 18 Memorial: St Dominic, 1170-1221, a Spaniard who founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) to counteract the Albigensian heresy. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 The new covenant will not be inscribed on rock but on the flesh of the heart; all will know the…
07 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 18
07 Aug 2024 – Wednesday of Week 18 Optional Memorials: Ss Sixtus 11, pope, and four deacon Companions, all martyred in 258. St Cajetan, 1480-1547, founded the Theatines to renew sacramental life within the Church. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7 Jeremiah foretells the joyful reunion of Israel’s northern tribes with Jerusalem At…
06 August 2024 – The Transfiguration of the Lord
06 August 2024 – The Transfiguration of the Lord Theme: Three apostles were priveleged to witness the inner life of Christ, revealed to them in splendour oh4>the holy mountain. We pray for a deeper experience of God in our own lives, and to share in his divine life 1st Reading:…
05 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 18
05 Aug 2024 – Monday of Week 18 Optional Memorial: Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major, built by Pope Sixtus 111 after the Council of Ephesus (431). It is the first church in the West named in honour of the Mother of God. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17…
03 Aug 2024 – Saturday of Week 17
03 Aug 2024 – Saturday of Week 17 1st Reading: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24 In spite of threats, Jeremiah stands by his threats against Jerusalem and its temple Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death because…
02 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 17
02 Aug 2024 – Friday of Week 17 Optional Memorials: St Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop who preached against Arianism; St Peter Julian Eymard, 1811-6, priest who established the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and with Marguerite Guillot, the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 26:1-9 Jerusalem will be devastated like Shiloh where…
01 Aug 2024 – Thursday of Week 17
01 Aug 2024 – Thursday of Week 17 Memorial: St Alphonsus Liguoiri, 1696-1787, founder of the Redemptorist Congregation, a great preacher and writer of theology. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-6 Like a potter, God re-forms Israel from clay that was previously formless The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord:…
31 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 17
31 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 17 Memorial: St Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556 – The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Having seen the Mother of God in a vision, he made a pilgrimage to…
30 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 17
30 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 17 Optional Memorial: St Peter Chrysologus, died c 450, Bishop of Ravenna, famous for preaching. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 14:17-22 Jeremiah laments his people’s destruction and begs God for mercy You shall say to them this word: Let my eyes run down with tears…
29 July 2024 – Saint Martha (and Mary and Lazarus) of Bethany
29 July 2024 – Saint Martha (and Mary and Lazarus) of Bethany Martha is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and John. She lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusaleh4>with her siblings Lazarus and Mary. She welcomed Jesus and the disciples into her home, and was witness to the…
27 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 16
27 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 16 1st Reading: Jeremiah 7:1-11 Words and ceremonies cannot absolve us of our obligations to social justice The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the…
26 July 2024 – Friday of Week 16
26 July 2024 – Friday of Week 16 Memorial: Ss Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin. Lect 11:1115 – See readings at bottom of this page. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 3:14-17 Israel and Judah will be united and all nations will assemble at Jerusalem Return, O faithless children, says the…
25 July 2024 – Saint James, Apostle
25 July 2024 – Saint James, Apostle 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Although only a “clay jar” Paul is willing to die, that others may live But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does…
24 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 16
24 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 16 Optional Memorials: St Sharbel Maklūf, a monk of St Maron at Annaya, ordained in 1859, a hermit from 1875 to his death in 1898. Great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. St Declan: Bp of Waterford & Lismore, a pre-Patrician saint of noble blood,…
23 July 2024 – Saint Bridget of Sweden, Patron of Europe
23 July 2024 – Saint Bridget of Sweden, Patron of Europe Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) was a mystic also given to works of charity and founder of the Bridgettine nuns after the death of her husband, to whom she had borne eight children. She is one of the six patron…
22 July 2024 – St Mary Magdalene
22 July 2024 – St Mary Magdalene 1st Reading (Option 1): Song of Songs (3: 1-4 I have found him whom my heart loves. The bride says this: On my bed, at night, I sought him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him. So I will…
20 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 15
20 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 15 Optional Memorial: St Apollinaris, preached in Ravenna in the second century when he was martyred. 1st Reading: Micah 2:1-5 When the wealthy covet and steal the lands of others, their own land will fall to their captors Alas for those who devise…
19 July 2024 – Friday of Week 15
19 July 2024 – Friday of Week 15 1st Reading: Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22 King Hezekiah is cured of illness; as a sign of full health God turns the sun’s rays backward In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz…
18 July 2024 – Thursday of Week 15
18 July 2024 – Thursday of Week 15 1st Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 A prayer of quiet confidence, awaiting the dawn of God’s justice The way of the righteous is level; O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, O…
17 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 15
17 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 15 1st Reading: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16 Assyria was used to punish Israel but later was discarded for interfering with God’s plans for his people Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger, the club in their hands is my fury! Against a godless nation…
16 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 15
16 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 15 Optional Memorial: Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Lect 11: 1103 for readings. 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:1-9 During a national crisis people must first turn to a deeper faith in God In the days of Ahaz son of Jotham son of Uzziah, king…
15 July 2024 – Monday of Week 15
15 July 2024 – Monday of Week 15 Memorial: St Bonaventure, 1221-74, born in Tuscany, Minister General of the Franciscans, Cardinal Archbishop of Albano, theologian of the Council of Lyons. 1st Reading: Isaiah 1:10-17 Formal worship from people who oppress of the poor is spurned by God Hear the word…
13 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 14
13 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Henry, 973-1024, Duke of Bavaria and later Emperor. A just ruler, humble man of prayer and reformer of the Church. 1st Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 While praying in the temple, Isaiah is called to his great prophetic ministry In the…
12 July 2024 – Friday of Week 14
12 July 2024 – Friday of Week 14 1st Reading: Hosea 14:2-9 A call to repentance and renewal Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the Lord; say to him, “Take away all guilt;…
11 July 2024 – Saint Benedict of Nursia, Patron of Europe
11 July 2024 – Saint Benedict of Nursia, Patron of Europe 1st Reading: Proverbs (2:1-10 The value of wisdom, devotion and fear of the Lord, so exemplified in Saint Benedict My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom…
10 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 14
10 July 2024 – Wednesday of Week 14 1st Reading: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Israel’s infidelity has produced a seemingly hopeless situation Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit. According to the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars. As their land has prospered, they have…
09 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 14
09 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: Ss Augustine Zhao Rong, priest, and his Companions, martyrs. Born 1746, ordained and martyred in 1815. Memorial also commemorates 119 companions, martyred in China over several centuries, especially during the Boxer Uprising. 1st Reading: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 As penalty for…
08 July 2024 – Monday of Week 14
08 July 2024 – Monday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Kilian, bishop and martyr, born in Mullagh (Kilmore). Left Ireland with 11 companions and became known as the Apostle of Thuringia and eastern Franconia. Martyred in 689 with Kolonot and Totnan. Buried in Würzburg. 1st Reading: Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22…
06 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 13
06 July 2024 – Saturday of Week 13 Optional Memorials: St Maria Goretti, 1890-1902, stabbed to death in defence of her virtue. St Moninne of Killeavy founded a community at Sliabh Gullion, Armagh, died c 517/8. 1st Reading: Amos 9:11-15 The Davidic dynasty will be restored, and the land will be…
05 July 2024 – Friday of Week 13
05 July 2024 – Friday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: St Anthony Zaccaria, 1502-39, a medical doctor before he was ordained; founded the Barnabites. 1st Reading: Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 If glaring injustices remain unchecked, a famine for meaning will blight our lives Hear this, you that trample on the needy,…
04 July 2024 – Thursday of Week 13
04 July 2024 – Thursday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: St Elizabeth of Portugal, 1271-1336 of the House of Aragon, unhappily married to the King of Portugal, widowed, then live din poverty as a Franciscan tertiary. 1st Reading: Amos 7:10-17 Expelled from the Bethel sanctuary, Amos announces God’s Word Then…
03 July 2024 Wednesday – St Thomas, Apostle (Feast)
03 July 2024 Wednesday – St Thomas, Apostle (Feast) First reading Ephesians 2:19-22 In Christ you are no longer aliens, but citizens like us You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are part of a building…
02 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 13
02 July 2024 – Tuesday of Week 13 1st Reading: Amos 3:1-8. 4:11-12 Amos warns of the need for conversion Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: You only…
01 July 2024 – Monday of Week 13
01 July 2024 – Monday of Week 13 Memorial: St Oliver Plunkett of Irish nobility, ordained in Rome 1654; AB Armagh 1669; arrested in 1679 in Dundalk, found guilty in London of ‘promoting the Catholic faith’; hanged, drawn and quartered in Tyburn, London on 1 July 1681. Beatified in 1920;…
29 June 2024 – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
29 June 2024 – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles 1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11 Peter is imprisoned, but an angel sets him free to continue leading the church About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed…
28 June 2024 – Friday of Week 12
28 June 2024 – Friday of Week 12 Memorial: St Iraneus, lived just after the Apostles. Bishop of Lyons in Gaul. More details: https://biblical.ie/page.php?fl=Patristic/Irenaeus_1 1st Reading: 2 Kings 25:1-12 After Jerusalem revolts again, the Babylonians destroy the city and deports the survivors And in the ninth year of…
27 June 2024 – Thursday of Week 12
27 June 2024 – Thursday of Week 12 Optional Memorial: St Cyril of Alexandria, 370-444, patriarch of Alexandria, fought against Nestorianism (the independence of the divine and human natures of Christ) at the Council of Ephesus 431, which proclaimed Mary the Mother of God. 1st Reading: 2 Kings 24:8-17 The…
26 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 12
26 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 12 1st Reading: 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3 When Deuteronomy is rediscovered in the temple, it leads to reform The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.” When Hilkiah…
25 June 2024 – Tuesday of Week 12
25 June 2024 – Tuesday of Week 12 1st Reading: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 The Assyrians attack Jerusalem; but Isaiah promises that a remnant will be saved When the king heard concerning King Tirhakah of Ethiopia, “See, he has set out to fight against you,” he sent messengers…
24 June 2024 – Birth of Saint John the Baptist
24 June 2024 – Birth of Saint John the Baptist 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…
22 June 2024 – Saturday of Week 11
22 June 2024 – Saturday of Week 11 Optional Memorials: St Paulinus of Nola, bishop, 355-431; Ss John Fisher, bishop, 1469-1535 built Christ’s and St John’s Colleges, Cambridge as Vice-Chancellor. Bishop of Rochester, a lover of truth and Thomas More, martyrs, 1478-1535, the first commoner to be Lord Chancellor of England, martyred under…
21 June 2024 – Friday of Week 11
21 June 2024 – Friday of Week 11 Memorial: St Aloysius Gonzaga, religious, born in Lombardy 1568, became a Jesuit in Rome, worked in teh plague hospital, caught the fever, died in 1591, aged 23. Patron of youth. 1st Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 The life of prince Joash…
20 June 2024 – Thursday of Week 11
20 June 2024 – Thursday of Week 11 Memorial: The Irish Martyrs – see bottom of page for full details. 1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-14 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…
19 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 11
19 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 11 Optional Memorials: St Romauld, abbot in Tuscany. Died in 1027. (Cashel and Emly): Bl Dermot O’Hurley, bishop and Companions, martyrs – Bp Terence Albert O’Brien OP, John Kearney OFM and William Tirry OSA. Martyred in 1584 1st Reading: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14 Elijah is…
18 June 2024 – Tuesday of Week 11
18 June 2024 – Tuesday of Week 11 1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:17-29 Under Elijah’s warning, King Ahab repents and is forgiven Then 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…
17 June 2024 – Monday of Week 11
17 June 2024 – Monday of Week 11 1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 Ahab and Jezebel rob and kill Naboth the Jezreelite 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 I…
15 June 2024 – Saturday of Week 10
15 June 2024 – Saturday of Week 10 1st Reading: 1 Kings 19:19-22 Elijah chooses Elisha as his attendant and successor Elijah set out and found Elisha son of Shaphat, who was ploughing. There were twelve yoke of oxen ahead of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed…
14 June 2024 – Friday of Week 10
14 June 2024 – Friday of Week 10 Optional Memorial: St Davnet, lived and died at Tydavnet, Sliabh Beagh, Co Monaghan. a virgin and founder of a church (or monastery). 1st Reading: 1 Kings 19:9-16 Elijah’s encounter with God, at the cave on Mount Horeb Elijah came to a cave,…
13 June 2024 – Thursday, Week 10
Thursday 13 June 2024 Memorial: St Anthony of Padua, died in 1231, aged 36. Born in Portugal, joined the Frans and preached against heresy in France and italy. 1st Reading: 1 Kings 18:41-46 A small dark cloud develops into a heavy rainstorm Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and…
12 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 10
12 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 10 1st Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-39 Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Ba’al [At Elijah’s prompting] 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…
11 June 2024 – St Barnabas, apostle
11 June 2024 – St Barnabas, apostle Barnabas was born in Cyprus, one of the first converts in Jerusalem and taught at Antioch. A companion of St Paul on his first missionary journey, took part in the Council of Jerusalem. Returned to Cyprus where he died. 1st Reading: Acts 11:21-26;…
10 June 2024 – Monday of Week 10
10 June 2024 – Monday of Week 10 Optional Memorials: St Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the church; St Columba (Colum Cille), born in Gartan, Co Donegal in 521 of royal lineage. Founded monasteries in Derry, Durrow, Iona and (possibly) Kells. Iona was teh principal foundation. Columba died on 9 June…
08 June 2024 – The Immaculate Heart of Mary
08 June 2024 – The Immaculate Heart of Mary 1st Reading: Isaiah 61:9-11 I will greatly rejoice, my whole being shall exult in my God Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people…
7 June 2024 – The Most Sacred Heart
7 June 2024 – The Most Sacred Heart, Year B 1st Reading: Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9 I have no wish to destroy Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. I myself taught Ephraim to walk, I took them…
06 June 2024 – Thursday of Week 9
06 June 2024 – Thursday of Week 9 Optional Memorials: St Norbert, 1080-1134, AB of Magdeburg, founder of the Norbertine Canons. St Jarlath, (Feast in Tuam), disciple of St Enda, taught by St Benignus. Was an abbot bishop of the monastery he founded in Tuam in the sixth century. 1st…
05 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 9
05 June 2024 – Wednesday of Week 9 Memorial: St Boniface, 673-754, born in Devonshire, a missionary in Germany, founded monasteries in Bavaria, including Fulda in 735. 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12 Rekindle the flame of your vocation, and endure for the Gospel Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus…
04 June 2024 – Tuesday of Week 9
04 June 2024 – Tuesday of Week 9 Memorial: Ss Charles Lwanga and Companions, 22 Ugandan youths martyred in 1886. 1st Reading: 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18 We are waiting for the coming of the day of God We are waiting for the coming of the day of God, because of…
03 June 2024 – Monday of Week 9
03 June 2024 – Monday of Week 9 Memorial (Feast, Dublin): St Kevin, settled in Glendalough where a monastic settlement grew after his death in 618. 1st Reading: 2 Peter 1:2-7 God has given us all we need to live well, sharing in divine life May grace and peace be…
1 June 2024 – Saturday of Week 8
1 June 2024 – Saturday of Week 8 Memorial: St Justin, martyred c 165, born in the holy Land and settled in Rome, remembered for his defence of Christian belief and practice. 1st Reading: Epistle of Jude, verses 17; 20-25 Persevere in God’s love, and welcome the mercy of Our…
31 May 2024 – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
31 May 2024 – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 A hymn of joy to God my Saviour Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he…
30 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 8
30 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 8 1st Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-5; 9-12 Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation — if indeed you have tasted that…
29 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 8
29 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 8 Optional Memorial: St Paul V1, 1897-1978, elected pope in 1963 and continued Vat 11. 1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:18-25 We are ransomed with the precious blood of Christ You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors,…
28 May 2024 – Tuesday of Week 8
28 May 2024 – Tuesday of Week 8 1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16 The Passion of Christ was revealed, and we must share in it Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the person or…
27 May 2024 – Monday of Week 8
27 May 2024 – Monday of Week 8 Optional Memorial: St Augustine of Canterbury, a Roman monk who set up his see at Canterbury and was successful at conversions in the south of England. 1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Peter praises the saving mercy of God, on the occasion of…
25 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 7
25 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 7 Optional Memorials: St Bede, 673-735, monk of Jarrow, historian, biblical scholar and patron of scholars. St Gregory V11, 1028-85, was hildebrand of Tuscany, a Cluniac monk in Rome who became pope, worked for reform and died in exile in Salerno. St Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, 1566-1607,…
24 May 2024 – Friday of Week 7
24 May 2024 – Friday of Week 7 Day of Prayer for the Church in China 1st Reading: James 5:9-12 Take the prophets as your models in speaking the truth Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is sanding at…
23 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 7
23 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 7 1st Reading: James 5:1-6 Those who get rich by injustice will suffer at the judgment Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold…
22 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 7
22 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 7 Optional Memorial: St Rita of Cascia, 1386-1452, a widow who entered the Augustinian convent in Cascia and spent 40 years in prayer and charity, and working for peace in the region. 1st Reading: James 4:13-17 We do not know what kind of…
21 May 2024 – Tuesday of Week 7
21 May 2024 – Tuesday of Week 7 Optional Memorial: Ss Christopher Magallánes, priest, and Companions, martyrs. These 25 priests and laymen were executed in 1927 in Mexico. 1st Reading: James 4:1-10 Recommendation to sincerity, shunning worldliness and selfishness Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from?…
20 May 2024 – Monday – The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
20 May 2024 – Monday – The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Enmity between the serpent and the woman But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”He said, “I heard the sound of you in the…
18 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 7 of Easter
18 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorial: St John 1, first Bishop of Rome to visit Constantinople, died in 526. 1st Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 Paul is imprisoned in Rome, for two years, awaiting trial When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live…
17 May 2024 – Friday of Week 7 of Easter
17 May 2024 – Friday of Week 7 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 25:13-21 Paul, in prison at Caesarea, explains his predicament to king Agrippa After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. Since they were staying there several days, Festus laid Paul’s…
16 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 7 of Easter
16 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Brendan (Kerry, Clonfert), abbot, Kerryman, born in 486, studied under Finnian. Founded a monastery in Clonfert in 568, died there in 578. 1st Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 Paul is cross-examined by the Jewish Council, in Jerusalem The…
15 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 7 of Easter
15 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Carthage (Lismore), bishop born in Kerry. Set up a monastery in Rahan in 595, moved to Lismore. Died in 638. 1st Reading: Acts 20:28-38 Paul’s final advice to the church leaders: shepherd the church of God [Paul…
14 May 2024 – Saint Matthias, Apostle
14 May 2024 – Saint Matthias, Apostle 1st Reading: Acts 1:15-17; 20-26 Matthias is selected to take the place of Judas Iscariot Then Peter stood up among the believers (numbering about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David…
13 May 2024 – Monday of Week 7 of Easter
13 May 2024 – Monday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorial: Our Lady of Fatima – apparitions took place in 1917. 1st Reading: Acts 19:1-8 In Ephesus, followers of John the Baptist become full members of the church While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions…
11 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 6 Easter
11 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 6 Easter 1st Reading: Acts 18:23-28 Aquila, a learned convert from Judaism, helps the church in southern Greece After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now…
10 May 2024 – Friday of Week 6 of Easter
10 May 2024 – Friday of Week 6 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Comgall born c 516 in Antrim. Studied under Finnian of Moville, priested and established a monastery at Bangor c 555-8 and Tiree in Scotland. Died c 602-5. St John of Avila, 1499-1569, priest, apostle of Andalucia, great preacher. 1st Reading:…
09 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 6 of Easter
09 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 6 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 18:1-8 The early days of Paul’s mission in Corinth, and the friends he found there After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had…
08 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 6 of Easter
08 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 6 of Easter Optional Memorial: Bl John Sullivan, convert, born in Dublin 1861, ordained SJ 1907 then to Clongowes Wood College, Kildare, a man of prayer. Died 19 Feb 1933, declared blessed on 13 May 2017 in St Francis Xavier Church, Gardiner St,…
07 May 2024 – Tuesday of Week 6 of Easter
07 May 2024 – Tuesday of Week 6 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 16:22-34 By their courage, Paul and Barnabas win new converts, in the Philippi jail The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of their clothing and ordered them to be beaten with rods….
06 May 2024 – Monday of Week 6 of Easter
06 May 2024 – Monday of Week 6 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 16:11-15 When Paul reaches Philippi, Lydia becomes his first European convert We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading…
04 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 5 Easter
04 May 2024 – Saturday of Week 5 Easter Optional Memoria; St Conleth (Kildare), abbot and bishop, friend of Brigid. 1st Reading: Acts 16:1-10 Timothy, a half-Jew, joins Paul in the missionary work Paul went on to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son…
03 May 2024 – Saints Philip and James, Apostles
03 May 2024 – Saints Philip and James, Apostles 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Paul lists the original witnesses of the resurrection, including himself Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are…
02 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 5 of Easter
02 May 2024 – Thursday of Week 5 of Easter Memorial: St Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the church, born 295, Alexandria. 1st Reading: Acts 15:7-21 Peter and James defend Paul’s missionary practice After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know…
01 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Easter
01 May 2024 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Joseph the Worker (optional readings Lect 11: 1013 – see commentary and readings below) 1st Reading: Acts 15:1-6 The Council of Jerusalem, on what is needed for salvation Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching,…
30 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Easter
30 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Pius V, 1504-72, Dominican elected pope in 1565, a reformer of the Breviary, Catechism and Missal. 1st Reading: Acts 14:19-28 Paul is stoned and left for dead; but survives to continue his ministry Jews came over…
29 April 2024 – Saint Catherine of Siena
29 April 2024 – Saint Catherine of Siena 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5, 2:2 The message we have heard from him and proclaim to you This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at…
27 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 4
27 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 4 Optional Memorial: St Asicus, in charge of Elphin church, founded by St Patrick, an expert craftsman in metal work for the patron saint. 1st Reading: Acts 13:44-52 After failing to convert Jews, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles The next sabbath…
26 April 2024 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter
26 April 2024 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 13:26-33 Jesus was put to death, but raised and exalted by God [Paul went on to say] “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has…
25 April 2024 – Saint Mark, Evangelist
25 April 2024 – Saint Mark, Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Peter’s homily includes mention of Mark among the Christians in Rome (“Babylon”) When the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept…
24 April 2024 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Easter
24 April 2024 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, 1578-1622, a Capuchin, killed extremists. 1st Reading: Acts 12:24-13:5 The growing church sends Barnabas and Saul on mission The word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. Then after completing their mission…
23 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter
23 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorials: St George, martyred c 300. Patron of England. St Andalbert, born 956, Bp of Prague, martyred 997. 1st Reading: Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas goes to Antioch and sees the grace of God at work Those who were scattered because of the…
22 April 2024 – Monday of Week 4 of Easter
22 April 2024 – Monday of Week 4 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 11:1-18 By inspiration, Peter baptises the first pagan converts The apostles and believers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized…
20 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 3
20 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 3 1st Reading: Acts 9:31-42 During Peter’s ministry in Lydda he restores Tabitha to life In those days the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of…
19 April 2024 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter
19 April 2024 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues…
18 April 2024 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter
18 April 2024 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Laserian, abbot of Leighlin in 7th century, died in 639. 1st Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Philip’s joyful spreading of the faith Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to…
17 April 2024 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter
17 April 2024 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 8:1-8 After Stephen’s burial, Saul starts persecuting the church Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of…
16 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Easter
16 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 7:51-8:1 Stephen’s temple-criticism stirs up the mob, who put him to death by stoning “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which…
15 April 2024 – Monday of Week 3 of Easter
15 April 2024 – Monday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-15 Stephen’s preaching stirs the crowd: Is he against Moses? Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen as…
13 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 2
13 April 2024 – Saturday of Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Martin I, elected pope in 649, died in 655. 1st Reading: Acts (6:1-7 Selection and ordination of the church’s first deacons Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because…
12 April 2024 – Friday of Week 2 of Easter
12 April 2024 – Friday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:34-42 Gamaliel prudently advises his colleagues against condemning Jesus’ followers a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside…
11 April 2024 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter
11 April 2024 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter Memorial: St Stanislaus, Bp of Krakow, murdered in 1097 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-33 What Peter and the apostles told the Jewish council When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying,…
10 April 2024 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter
10 April 2024 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:17-26 The Temple police arrest the apostles, but without violence Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles…
09 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Easter
09 April 2024 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 4:32-37 The sharing spirit among the early Christians Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held…
08 April 2024 – Annunciation of the Lord
08 April 2024 – Annunciation of the Lord (in place of 25 March) 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God;…
06 April 2024 – Easter Saturday
06 April 2024 – Easter Saturday 1st Reading: Acts (4:13-21) Risking their lives, Peter and John tell what they have seen and heard Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions…
05 April 2024 – Easter Friday
05 April 2024 – Easter Friday 1st Reading: Acts (4:1-12 Peter’s belief that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching…
04 April 2024 – Easter Thursday
04 April 2024 – Easter Thursday 1st Reading: Acts 3:11-26 Peter declares Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One, who is victorious over death While the man who was cured clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s Portico, utterly astonished….
03 April 2024 – Easter Wednesday
03 April 2024 – Easter Wednesday 1st Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Calling on the name of Jesus, Peter cures the lame man at the temple gate One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. And a man…
02 April 2024 – Easter Tuesday
02 April 2024 – Easter Tuesday 1st Reading: Acts 2:36-41 Since God wants all to be saved, Peter calls those who crucified Jesus to repent and be saved Peter said, “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this…
1 April 2024 – Easter Monday
1 April 2024 – Easter Monday 1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Peter announces the dawning of a new age, with the resurrection of Jesus Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you,…
30 Mar 2024 – Holy Saturday
30 Mar 2024 – Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Readings: Old Testament Readings and Psalms Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 and Psalm 46 Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16 Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18 Isaiah 55:1-11 and Isaiah 12:2-6 Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs…
29 Mar 2024 – Good Friday
29 Mar 2024 – Good Friday (1) Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The humiliations of the suffering servant, who bore the sins of his people See, my servant will prosper, he shall be lifted up, exalted, rise to great heights. As the crowds were appalled on seeing him — so disfigured did he…
28 Mar 2024 – Holy Thursday
28 Mar 2024 – Holy Thursday (1) Exodus 12:1-2, 11-14 Israel’s departure from Egypt, and how this is to be celebrated for all time Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that…
27 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Holy Week
27 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 50:4-9 The Suffering Servant trusts in God for rescue The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear…
26 Mar 2024 – Tuesday of Holy Week
26 Mar 2024 – Tuesday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 49:1-6 The life of God’s servant seems a failure, but it bears great fruit 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…
25 Mar 2024 – Monday of Holy Week
25 Mar 2024 – Monday of Holy Week Solemnity of the Annunciation is transferred to Monday 8 April (1) Isaiah 42:1-7 My servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, the One in whom my soul delights Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I…
23 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 5 of Lent
23 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 5 of Lent Optional memorial: St Turibius of Mogrovejo, 1538-1606, Archbishop of Lima. (1) Ezekiel 37:21-28 I will bring them back, and I will cleanse them Say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I will take the people of Israel from the…
22 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 5 of Lent
22 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 5 of Lent Optional memorial: St Macartan (Clogher), first Bishop of Clogher, St Patrick’s ‘strong man’. (1) Jeremiah 20:10-13 Though many plot against God’s servant, he is safe in God’s hands For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let…
21 Mar 2024 – Thursday of Week 5 of Lent
21 Mar 2024 – Thursday of Week 5 of Lent Optional memorial: St Enda, one of the three great late vocations in Ireland. Associated with Cill Áine, Co Louth, Boyne Valley and Árainn, Co Galway. Died c 520. (1) Genesis 17:3-9 Abraham believe in God’s promises, despite delays and disappointments…
20 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Lent
20 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25 Trusting in God, they are saved from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden…
19 Mar 2024 – Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin
19 Mar 2024 – Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-6, 12-14, 16 From king David’s offspring will come the universal spiritual King But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the…
18 Mar 2024 – Monday of Week 5 of Lent
18 Mar 2024 – Monday of Week 5 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Cyril of Jerusalem, 315-86, Bishop of Jerusalem. (1) Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 31-62 Susanna is falsely accused; Daniel’s questions uncover the truth There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. And he took a wife…
16 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 4
16 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 4 (1) Jeremiah 11:18-20 The Just One is led like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle…
15 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 4 of Lent
15 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 Malice against the good foreshadows the Passion of Jesus Foolish people reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no…
14 Mar 2024 – Thursday of Week 4 of Lent
14 Mar 2024 – Thursday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Exodus 32:7-14 Though his people rebel, Moses begs another chance for them The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been…
13 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Lent
13 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Isaiah 49:8-15 God promises the exiles, “You’ll be a sign of salvation!” Thus says the Lord: ‘In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and…
12 Mar 2024 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Lent
12 Mar 2024 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Life-giving water flows out from the Temple of God Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the…
11 Mar 2024 – Monday of Week 4 of Lent
11 Mar 2024 – Monday of Week 4 of Lent Optional memorial: St Aengus, bishop and abbot in Clonenagh, Laois, composed two martyrologies. Died c 824. (1) Isaiah 65:17-21 “Rejoice in what I am creating!” Good things in store for those who love God For I am about to create…
09 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 3 of Lent
09 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Frances of Rome, died 1440, founded a society of women and live din it after her husband’s death. (1) Hosea 6:1-6 God wants our love more than ritual sacrifice “Come, let us return to the Lord; for…
08 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 3 of Lent
08 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorials: St John of God, 1495-1550, patron saint of nurses, the sick, heart patients, printers and booksellers. St Senan, a Clareman, anamchara to Ciarán of Clonmacnoise and Brendan; died in 544 (1) Hosea 14:2-10 How God supports those who…
07 Mar 2024 – Thursday of Week 3 of Lent
07 Mar 2024 – Thursday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorial: Ss Perpetua and Felicity, martyred in Carthage in 203 (1) Jeremiah 7:23-28 Life’s highest goal is obedient response to God But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall…
06 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Lent
06 Mar 2024 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Lent (1) Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 God’s people have clear duties and a high destiny So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the…
05 Mar 2024 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Lent
05 Mar 2024 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Kieran, pre-Patrician saint, patron of Ossory. (1) Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Nebuchadnezzar admires the miraculous escape of the young Jews Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three…
04 Mar 2024 – Monday of Week 3 of Lent
04 Mar 2024 – Monday of Week 3 of Lent Optional memorial: St Casimir, 1458-84, a peacemaker, patron saint of Poland. (1) 2 Kings 5:1-15 Naaman the Syrian takes the prophet’s advice and is cured of leprosy Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great…
02 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 2 of Lent
02 Mar 2024 – Saturday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Israel’s God is a God of mercy Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in…
01 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 2 of Lent
01 Mar 2024 – Friday of Week 2 of Lent Optional Memorial: St David, patron of Wales, 6th century abbot, died c 601. Several Irish monks were his students and he influenced monastic development in Ireland. (1) Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13 17-28 Jacob’s sons envy their brother Joseph, and sell him…
29 Feb 2024 – Thursday of Week 2 of Lent
29 Feb 2024 – Thursday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Jeremiah 17:5-10 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord rather than in mere mortal power Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from…
28 Feb 2024 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Lent
28 Feb 2024 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Jeremiah 18:18-20 In desperate straits, Jeremiah pins his hope on God “Come, let us decide what to do with Jeremiah,” people say. “There will still be priests to guide us, still wise men to advise us, still prophets to…
27 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Lent
27 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Gregory of Narek, c 950-1003, monk of Armenian Church, mystic and poet, wrote Lamentations (aka Narek), a collection of prayers, abbot and doctor. (1) Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 A call to personal conversion, to remove our sins from…
26 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 2 of Lent
26 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Daniel 9:4-10 Daniel’s prayer of shame and repentance I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments,…
24 Feb 2024 – Saturday of Week 1 of Lent
24 Feb 2024 – Saturday of Week 1 of Lent (1) Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Walking in the way of the Lord This very day the Lord your God is commanding you to observe these statutes and ordinances; so observe them diligently with all your heart and with all your soul. Today…
23 Feb 2024 – Friday of Week 1 of Lent
23 Feb 2024 – Friday of Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Polycarp, bishop (Smyrna-Izmir in modern Turkey) and martyr, born c 69, disciple of St John, martyred in 155 (1) Ezekiel 18:21-28 Personal responsibility to replace the idea of shared guilt But if the wicked turn away from…
22 Feb 2024 – Chair of St Peter the Apostle
22 Feb 2024 – Chair of St Peter the Apostle 1st Reading: 1 Pet 5:1-4 Peter’s advice to his fellow Church leaders: feed God’s flock with loving respect Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory…
21 Feb 2024 – Wednesday of Week 1 of Lent
21 Feb 2024 – Wednesday of Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Peter Damian, 1007-72, a hermit, later Cardinal Bishop of Ostia, a church reformer. (1) Jonah 3:1-10 When Jonah’s preaching bears fruit, God has mercy on Nineveh The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time,…
20 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 1 of Lent
20 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 1 of Lent (1) Isaiah 55:10-11 God’s word comes down from heaven like rain, to make the earth fruitful For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it…
19 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 1 of Lent
19 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 1 of Lent (1) Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Practical guidance for worship and for social compassion The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord…
17 Feb 2024 – Sat after Ash Wednesday
17 Feb 2024 – Sat after Ash Wednesday (1) Isaiah 58:9-14 If they are converted, they are blessed, with waters that never fail Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you remove the yoke from…
16 Feb 2024 – Fri after Ash Wednesday
16 Feb 2024 – Fri after Ash Wednesday (1) Isaiah 58:1-9 True religion differs from merely external observance Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek…
15 Feb 2024 – Thurs after Ash Wednesday
15 Feb 2024 – Thurs after Ash Wednesday (1) Deuteronomy 30:15-20 A warm call to fidelity. Choose life, that you and your offspring may live! Keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and…
14 Feb 2024 – Ash Wednesday
14 Feb 2024 – Ash Wednesday (1) Joel 2:12-18 Return to me with all your heart. Spare your people, Lord “Now, now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the…
13 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 6
13 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 6 1st Reading: James 1:12-18 God tempts no one, but is the giver of every good gift Blessed is the one who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised…
12 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 6
12 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 6 1st Reading: James 1:1-11 The testing of your faith produces endurance My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have…
10 Feb 2024 – Saturday of Week 5
10 Feb 2024 – Saturday of Week 5 Memorial: St Scholastica, died c 543, sister of St Benedict. Patron of convulsive children. 1st Reading: 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34 Jeroboam, the rebel king of the north, provides his own sanctuaries and priests Jeroboam said to himself, “Now the kingdom may well…
09 Feb 2024 – Friday of Week 5
09 Feb 2024 – Friday of Week 5 1st Reading: 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19 The prophet Ahijah announces the breakup of David’s kingdom When Jeroboam was leaving Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Ahijah had clothed himself with a new garment. The two of them…
08 Feb 2024 – Thursday of Week 5
08 Feb 2024 – Thursday of Week 5 International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. Optional Memorials: St Jerome Emiliani, d 1537, founder of The Clerks Regular of Somaschi for the care of orphans and the poor. Patron saint of orphans. St Josephine Bakhita, 1868-1947, native of Sudan,…
07 Feb 2024 – Wednesday of Week 5
07 Feb 2024 – Wednesday of Week 5 Optional Memorial: St Mel (Feast in Ardagh and Clonmacnoise), died in 488, like Patrick, a Briton who came to Ireland, with whom he worked until he was ordained in Ardagh. Gave the religious veil to St Brigid. (A Visit to the renovated…
06 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 5
06 Feb 2024 – Tuesday of Week 5 Memorial: Ss Paul Miki and Companions martyred at Nagasaki, Japan in 1597. The six Franciscans, seventeen Franciscan Tertiaries and three jesuits died suspended on crosses. 1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 The temple dedication ends with a beautiful prayer Then Solomon stood…
05 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 5
05 Feb 2024 – Monday of Week 5 Memorial: St Agatha, third-century martyr from Catania in Sicily. Patron of Bell-founders. 1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 A cloud of divine splendour fills the sanctuary of the new Temple Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of…
03 Feb 2024 – Saturday of Week 4
03 Feb 2024 – Saturday of Week 4 Optional Memorials: St Ansgar, 9th century French born Archbishop of Hamburg who preached in Denmark and Sweden. Apostle of Scandinavia and Patron of Denmark. St Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, martyred in Armenia in 315. A physician and patron of people…
02 Feb 2024 – The Presentation of Our Lord
02 Feb 2024 – The Presentation of Our Lord 1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 When God’s Messenger arrives, he will refine the people See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of…
01 Feb 2024 – Saint Brigid of Kildare
01 Feb 2024 – Saint Brigid of Kildare 1st Reading: Job 31:16-20; 24-25; 31-32 Job’s generosity towards the needy is reflected in St Brigid’s works of charity I have never withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten…
31 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 4
31 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 4 Memorial: St John Bosco 1815-88, born in Piedmont, founded the Salesians, to educate boys for life. Patron saint of youth and Catholic publishers. 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Having sinned by counting the people, David wants to pay the price himself…
30 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 4
30 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 4 Optional Memorials: St Aidan (Feast in Ferns), aka Maedoc (Mogue) born c 550 probably in Cavan, Studied in Wales, returned and founded a monastery in Ferns where he became Bishop. Died there in 626. …
29 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 4
29 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 4 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 While fleeing Jerusalem during Absalom’s revolt, David is cursed and accepts it as the will of God A messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the Israelites have gone after Absalom.” Then David said…
27 Jan 24 – Saturday of Week 3
27 Jan 24 – Saturday of Week 3 Optional Memorial: St Angela Merici, 1474-1540, founder of the Ursulines. 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 Nathan warns David; his sin with Bathsheba will be punished within his own family The Lord sent Nathan to David. He went to him, and said…
26 Jan 24 – Ss Timothy and Titus, Bishops
26 Jan 24 – Ss Timothy and Titus, Bishops Both died toward the end of the first century. Disciples and associates of Saint Paul the apostle, who seem to have attended the Council of Jerusalem with him. Timothy represented Saint Paul to various communities and, according to tradition, was eventually…
25 Jan 24 – The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
25 Jan 24 – The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle 1st Reading: Acts 22:3-16 Paul’s account of his conversion, to his fellow-Jews, on the steps of the Temple “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly…
24 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 3
24 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 3 Memorial: St Francis de Sales, 1567-1622, Bishop of Geneva, founder of the Visitation Sisters. Worked hard to rebuild the Catholic faith after the Reformation. Patron of writers, editors and journalists – ‘writers and critics who prophesize with your pen…’ 1st Reading: 2…
23 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 3
23 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 3 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 David dances before the ark being brought into Jerusalem. The celebration ends with a sacred banquet King David was told, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of…
22 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 3
22 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 3 Optional Memorial: St Vincent, deacon of Saragossa, Spain, martyred in 304. 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10 David is anointed and establishes Jerusalem as capital of both north and south, of Israel and Judah All the tribes of Israel came to David…
20 Jan 24 – Saturday of Week 2
20 Jan 24 – Saturday of Week 2 Optional Memorials: St Fabian, pope and martyr, died under Decius in 250. St Sebastian, martyr, a soldier (?) in the persecution of Diocletian. 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1-4 etc David’s grief at the death of Saul and Jonathan After the death of…
19 Jan 24 – Friday of Week 2
19 Jan 24 – Friday of Week 2 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21 David refrains from killing Saul and gains the moral high ground He came to the sheepfolds beside the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were…
18 Jan 24 – Thursday of Week 2
18 Jan 24 – Thursday of Week 2 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18-25 Jan) starts today. The theme is based on a text from the Gospel of St Luke, with material prepared by an ecumenical team from Burkina Faso, West Africa, facilitated by the local Chemin Neuf Community. …
17 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 2
17 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 2 Memorial: St Anthony, died 356, ‘Father of monasticism’ whose life in solitude attracted many to form communities of hermits. A special blessing on all our lay preachers and leaders today… Gentle reminder – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity starts tomorrow -…
16 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 2
16 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Fursa, Irish-born but brought the Gospel abroad, with his brothers Foillan and Ultan to East Anglia. Went to France c 644, died c 650 in Mézerolles and is buried in Péronne. 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 In Bethlehem Samuel…
15 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 2
15 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 2 Memorial: St Ita (Feast in Limerick), Waterford born, founded a monastery in Killeedy, Co Limerick. Known as ‘Foster-Mother of the Saints of Ireland, she died in 570. 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 15:16-23 For disobeying the prophet Samuel, Saul is deposed as king…
13 Jan 24 – Saturday of Week 1
13 Jan 24 – Saturday of Week 1 Optional Memorial: St Hilary, c. 315-67, Bishop of Potiers, took a strong stand against Arianism. Exiled, where he wrote major works including De Trinitate, a study of the Trinity. 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 12-19; 10:1 Saul is anointed by Samuel as…
12 Jan 24 – Friday of Week 1
12 Jan 24 – Friday of Week 1 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 When the people demand a king, Samuel warns of the dangers Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “You are old and your sons do…
11 Jan 24 – Thursday of Week 1
11 Jan 24 – Thursday of Week 1 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Misusing the Ark of the Covenant, the people are defeated in battle The word of Samuel came to all Israel. In those days the Philistines mustered for war against Israel, and Israel went out to battle against…
10 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 1
10 Jan 24 – Wednesday of Week 1 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 etc From the sanctuary God calls Samuel, and sends him as a prophet Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not…
09 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 1
09 Jan 24 – Tuesday of Week 1 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Eli promises that Hannah will give birth to a son After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the…
08 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 1
08 Jan 24 – Monday of Week 1 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Hannah’s grief at being childless; her husband tries to comfort her There was a man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of…
6 Jan 2024 – The Epiphany of the Lord
6 Jan 2024 – The Epiphany of the Lord (or the Sunday between 2 January and 8 January) 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 In those days the Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen…
Mon 6 January 2025 – The Epiphany of the Lord
Mon 6 January 2025 – The Epiphany of the Lord 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 In those days the Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth,…
5 Jan 2024 – Friday Before Epiphany
5 Jan 2024 – Friday Before Epiphany Optional Memorial: Saint Charles St Charles of Mt. Argus, Dublin, Priest, Religious. Charles John Houben (1821-1893), was a Dutch Passionist priest who served in Dublin in the late 19th-century. He showed extraordinary compassion for the sick and those in need of guidance. Many came…
4 Jan 2024 – Thursday Before Epiphany
4 Jan 2024 – Thursday Before Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 3:7-10. How we are reborn as children of God Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil;…
3 Jan 2024 – Wednesday Before Epiphany
3 Jan 2024 – Wednesday Before Epiphany Optional Memorials: The Holy Name of Jesus; St Munchin (Feast in Limerick), seventh century, patron of Limerick. 1st Reading: 1 John 2:29 – 3:6 We are God’s children now; when he is revealed, we will be like him If you know that he…
2 January 2024 – Tuesday Before Epiphany
2 January 2024 – Tuesday Before Epiphany Memorial: Ss Basil the Great, 330-379, Bishop of Caesarea and theologian of note; and Gregory Nazianzen, 329-89, friend of Basil, Bishop of Sasima, and later of Constantinople. 1st Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 The Holy Spirit received from Jesus, teaches you all things…
01 Jan 2024 -Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God
01 Jan 2024 -Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God 1st Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 A new-year prayer for God to bless and protect his people The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The…
30 Dec 2023 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
30 Dec 2023 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas 1st Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 Do not be absorbed by the world or the things in the world I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to…
29 Dec 2023 – 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
29 Dec 2023 – 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas Optional Memorial: Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) from Cheapside in London, was appointed first as chancellor and then archbishop (1162) by order of his friend, King Henry II. As archbishop he sided with the pope on the respective authority of…
28 Dec 2023 – Thursday – The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
28 Dec 2023 – Thursday – The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5-2:2 Those who walk in darkness, and those who walk in the light Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there…
27 Dec 2023, Wednesday – Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
27 Dec 2023, Wednesday – Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 John 1:1-4 What we have seen with our eyes, what we have touched with our hands Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard,what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and…
December 26: Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr
December 26: Feast of St. Stephen, the First Martyr 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 The martyrdom of Stephen the deacon, according to Luke Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and…
Christmas Day (25 December)
Christmas Day (25 December) Theme: We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in our world, though he was with God the Father before all ages. His birth opens up for us a glorious new identity, as children of God. 1st Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 The joy of the watchmen, at seeing…
23 Dec 2023 – Sat Advent Week 3
23 Dec 2023 – Sat Advent Week 3 Optional Memorial: St john of Kanty, 1390-1473, theologian and scripture scholar in Uni of Krakow, Poland. 1st Reading: Malachiah 3:1-4, 4,4-6 God will send a fore-runner to prepare for the final day The Lord God says this: “See, I am sending my…
22 Dec 2023 – Fri Advent Week 3
22 Dec 2023 – Fri Advent Week 3 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Hannah dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine….
21 Dec 2023 – Thurs Advent Week 3
21 Dec 2023 – Thurs Advent Week 3 Optional Memorial: St Peter Canisius, 1521-97, Dutch Jesuit, drew up a 211 question (and answers!) catechism in 1555, priest and doctor of the Church. 1st Reading: Song of Songs (2:8-14 Lyrical love-poetry from king Solomon, about the beloved who is coming The…
20 Dec 2023 – Wed Advent Week 3
20 Dec 2023 – Wed Advent Week 3 Kilfenora Feast: St Fachanan, bishop, founded a monastery in and patron of Kilfenora, part of Galway diocese. 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord…
19 Dec 2023 – Tuesday Advent Week 3
19 Dec 2023 – Tuesday Advent Week 3 1st Reading: Judges (13:2-7, 24-25 Manoah’s wife yearns for a son. Samson will be dedicated to God There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children….
18 Dec 2023 – Monday, 3rd Week of Advent
18 Dec 2023 – Monday, 3rd Week of Advent Killaloe Feast: St Flannan, 7th century renowned preacher. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 A righteous Branch who will rule with wisdom and justice “The days are surely coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and…
16 Dec 2023 – Saturday of Advent, Week 2
16 Dec 2023 – Saturday of Advent, Week 2 1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Lyrical praise of Elijah, whose prophetic word burned like a torch 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…
15 Dec 2023 – Friday of Advent, Week 2
15 Dec 2023 – Friday of Advent, Week 2 1st Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19 If you kept my commandments, your name would last forever Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you…
14 Dec 2023 – Thursday of Advent, Week 2
14 Dec 2023 – Thursday of Advent, Week 2 Memorial: St John of the Cross, 1542-91, Carmelite reformer, writer, doctor of the Church and poet – With the divinest Word / The Virgin made pregnant / Down the road comes walking / If you’ll grant her a room in your…
13 Dec 2023 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2
13 Dec 2023 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2 Memorial: St Lucy, martyred in 304 in Sicily. 1st Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people, from God, who strengthens the powerless To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up…
12 Dec 2023 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 2
12 Dec 2023 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorials: Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of the Americas; Hymn to Our Lady of Guadalupe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO1xFFVnISA St Finnian, settled in Clonard, Co Meath c 520, taught Canice, Colum Cille and Brendan, died in 549. Known as the Tutor of…
12 Dec 2023 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2
12 Dec 2023 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2 Memorial: St Lucy, martyred in 304 in Sicily 1st Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people, from God, who strengthens the powerless To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up…
11 Dec 2023 – Monday of Advent, Week 2
11 Dec 2023 – Monday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Damascus 1, c 304-384, pope who commissioned St Jerome to prepare the Vulgate version of the Bible. 1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 They shall see the glory of the Lord, and the ransomed exiles shall return to Zion The…
09 Dec 2023 – Saturday of Advent, Week 1
09 Dec 2023 – Saturday of Advent, Week 1 Optional Memorial: St Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, 1474-1548, saw the vision of our Lady of Guadalupe in December 1531. 1st Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Future days of blessed enlightenment, when the people turn aside from idolatry. Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants…
08 Dec 2023 – The Immaculate Conception
08 Dec 2023 – The Immaculate Conception 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Enmity between the serpent and the woman But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I…
07 Dec 2023 – Thursday of Advent, Week 1
07 Dec 2023 – Thursday of Advent, Week 1 Memorial: St Ambrose, 339-97, patron of Milan, beekeepers and domestic animals. 1st Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6 A hymn of confidence in the Lord God, our everlasting rock On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have…
06 Dec 2023 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 1
06 Dec 2023 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 1 Optional Memorial: St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (Turkey), patron of Russia, sailors, pawnbrokers and children. 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10 “God will wipe away the tears from all faces.” — a Messianic vision of the final age. On this mountain the Lord…
05 Dec 2023 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 1
05 Dec 2023 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest…
04 Dec 2023 – Monday of Advent, Week 1
04 Dec 2023 – Monday of Advent, Week 1 Optional Memorial: St John Damascene, 675-749, a Syrian theologian and priest in the monastery of St Sabas near Jerusalem. 1st Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 In the Messiah’s day, they shall beat their swords into ploughshares The word that Isaiah son of Amoz…
02 Dec 2023 – Saturday of Week 34
02 Dec 2023 – Saturday of Week 34 1st Reading: Daniel 7:15-27 Daniel begs for an explanation of the vision. The persecuted saints will receive the kingdom As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the…
01 Dec 2023 – Friday Week 34
01 Dec 2023 – Friday Week 34 First Reading Daniel 7: 2-14 In the vision I saw during the night, suddenly the four winds of heaven stirred up the great sea, from which emerged four immense beasts, each different from the others. The first was like a lion, but with…
30 Nov 2023 – St Andrew, Apostle
30 Nov 2023 – St Andrew, Apostle 1st Reading: Romans 10:9-18 How will they hear the faith, unless it be preached? If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes…
29 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 34
29 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 34 1st Reading: Daniel 5:1-6 etc The writing appears on the wall and Daniel interprets its meaning King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand. Under the influence…
28 Nov 2023 – Tuesday of Week 34
28 Nov 2023 – Tuesday of Week 34 1st Reading: Daniel 2:31-45 In a vision, Daniel sees four kingdoms destroyed by a stone falling from the mountain, which proceeds to fill the whole earth Daniel said to Nebuchadnezzar, “You were looking, O king, and lo! there was a great statue….
27 Nov 2023 – Monday of Week 34
27 Nov 2023 – Monday of Week 34 Optional Memorial: St Fergal (Virgil), lived in France, then Bavaria, appointed bishop of Salzburg, c 754 and died in 784 – a reputation for learning and holiness. 1st Reading: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 Daniel and his companions are more respected than all magicians…
25 Nov 2023 – Saturday of Week 33
25 Nov 2023 – Saturday of Week 33 Optional Memorial: St Catherine of Alexandria, martyred c 310. St Clement, third successor of St Peter as bishop of Rome (88-97), exiled and martyred, his relics…
24 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 33
24 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 33 Memorial: Ss Andrew Dūng-Lac, priest, and Companions – in 17th, 18th and 19th centuries many were martyred in Vietnam – 117 (96 native Vietnamese men and women, 11 Dominican missionaries from Spain and 10 French missionaries) were canonised in 1988 by Pope…
23 Nov 2023 – Thursday of Week 33
23 Nov 2023 – Thursday of Week 33 Memorial: St Columban, aka Columbanus, c. 543-615, monk in Bangor, went to Burgundy with 12 companions in 591, established monasteries at Annagray, Luxeil and Fontaine, also Bregenz in Austria and Bobbio, near Genoa, where he died. One of the greatest of Irish…
22 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 33
22 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 33 Optional Memorial: St Cecilia, patron of music…s/he who sings, prays twice! St Medb: The late twelfth-century Martyrology of Gorman notes: Medb of Ard-achad whilst at November 22 the early seventeenth-century Martyrology of Donegal lists: Medhbh of…
21 November 2023 – Presentation of Our Lady
21 November 2023 – Presentation of Our Lady 1st Reading: Zechariah 2:14-17 Rejoice, O daughter Zion! For I will dwell in your midst Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord…
20 Nov 2023 – Monday of Week 33
20 Nov 2023 – Monday of Week 33 1st Reading: 1 Maccabees (1:10-15 etc The Jews suffering under persecution by Antiochus Epiphanes There arose from them a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred…
17 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 32
17 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 32 Memorial: St Elizabeth of Hungary, 1207-31, Franciscan tertiary, exiled queen, a woman of prayer and service to the poor. 1st Reading: Wisdom 13:1-9 The beauty of created things can lead us to their Maker For all people who were ignorant of God…
16 Nov 2023 – Thursday of Week 32
16 Nov 2023 – Thursday of Week 32 Optional Memorials: St Margaret of Scotland, 1045-90, wife of Malcolm 111, King of Scotland, church reformer. …
15 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 32
15 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 32 Optional Memorial: St Albert the Great, c. 1206-80, Dominican theologian who taught in Cologne, called ‘The Universal Doctor’. Patron of scientists. 1st Reading: Wisdom 6:1-11 God, as Creator of everything, provides for all alike Listen, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges…
14 Nov 2-23 – Tuesday of Week 32
14 Nov 2-23 – Tuesday of Week 32 Optional Memorial: St Laurence O’Toole, 1128-80, Patron of Dublin archdiocese. Glendalough monk, Archbishop of Dublin, reformer, held many synods, died on a mission of mediation with King Henry 11 and the Irish rulers of Eu, Normandy 1st Reading: Wisdom 2:23-3:9 The dead…
13 Nov 2023 – Monday of Week 32
13 Nov 2023 – Monday of Week 32 1st Reading: Wisdom 1:1-7 Think of the Lord constantly, and seek his guidance truly Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do…
10 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 31
10 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 31 Memorial: St Leo the Great, died 461, taught the two natures of Christ, human and divine, at the Council of Chalcedon, 451, and teh primacy of the See of Peter. 1st Reading: Romans 15:14-21 Paul marvels at what God has done through…
09 November 2023 – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
09 November 2023 – Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-10, 12 Ezekiel sees life-giving river flows out from the Jerusalem temple, to bring new life to the desert Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the…
08 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 31
08 Nov 2023 – Wednesday of Week 31 1st Reading: Romans 13:8-10 Paul’s summary of all God’s commandments,”love one another.” Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder;…
07 Nov 2023 – Tuesday of Week 31
07 Nov 2023 – Tuesday of Week 31 Optional Memorial: St Willibrord, 658-739, Northumbrian born, Benedictine, studied in Carlow, ordained Archbishop of Utrecht, founded a monastery in Luxembourg, where he died. 1st Reading: Romans 12:5-16 Though many, we are one body in Christ, with a variety of gifts We who…
06 November 2023 – All the Saints of Ireland
06 November 2023 – All the Saints of Ireland 1st Reading: Hebrews 11:2 12:1-4, 15, 13:1 Celebrate the faith of our ancestors It was by faith our ancestors received approval. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and…
04 Nov 2023 – Saturday of Week 30
04 Nov 2023 – Saturday of Week 30 Optional Memorial; St Charles Borromeo, 1538-84, bishop of Milan, drafted the catechism of the Council of Trent. Patron of catechists and seminarians. 1st Reading: Romans 11:1-2, 11-12, 25-29 The paradoxical status of God’s people, when they reject Him I ask, then, has…
03 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 30
03 Nov 2023 – Friday of Week 30 Feast (Armagh, Down & Connor): St Malachy, 1094-1148, Bishop of Down, later Armagh, reformer, founded Cistercian monastery at Mellifont (1142). Died at Clairvaux in the arms of St Bernard en route to meet the Pope. 1st Reading: Romans 9:1-5 Paul would endure…
02 November 2023 – All The Faithful Departed
02 November 2023 – All The Faithful Departed (Any Readings from the Masses for the Dead, Lectionary, vol. 4) 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 A vision of hope for the future, when God will restore his people to happiness On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples…
01 November 2023 – Feast of All Saints
01 November 2023 – Feast of All Saints 1st Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 Vast numbers were sealed with the sign of the Living God I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to…
31 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 30
31 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 30 Optional Memorial: Bl Dominic Collins, martyr, born c 1566 in Youghal, Cork. Hanged by the English after he refused to renounce his faith in Youghal 31 Oct 1602. 1st Reading: Romans 8:18-25 Eternal life is already begun within us, like a seed…
30 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 30
30 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 30 1st Reading: Romans 8:12-17 In the Spirit, we are God’s children; he is our “Aba–Father” So then, my brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh–for if you live according to the flesh, you…
28 Oct 2023 – Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
28 Oct 2023 – Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles 1st Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 God has appointed apostles so that his people’s needs will be served So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built…
27 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 29
27 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 29 Feast – Waterford: St Otteran, identified as Odhran who preceded Columba to Iona. Patron Waterford City and diocese. 1st Reading: Romans 7:18-25 Who can resolve my inner conflict? Only God, through Jesus Christ For I know that nothing good dwells within me,…
26 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 29
26 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 29 1st Reading: Romans 6:19-23 Freed from sin and now serving God, and destined for eternal life If I may speak in human terms because of your natural limitations, just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater…
25 Oct 2023 – Wednesday of Week 29
25 Oct 2023 – Wednesday of Week 29 Cloyne, Cork & Ross Memorial: Bl Thaddeus MacCarthy, bishop, born in 1455, died in 1492 at Ivrea in Italy. 1st Reading: Romans 6:12-18 Serve God and you will come from death to life Do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal…
24 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 29
24 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 29 Optional Memorial: St Anthony Mary Claret, bishop, 1807-70, founded the Claretians in Spain. 1st Reading: Romans 5:12, 17-21 Through Adam, sin and death came to us all; through Jesus Christ, grace far surpasses all sin Just as sin came into the world…
23 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 29
23 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 29 Optional Memorial: St John of Capistrano, priest, 1386-1456, Franciscan, patron of jurists and military chaplains. 1st Reading: Romans 4:20-25 Like Abraham’s faith, our faith will be credited to us by God No distrust made Abraham waver concerning the promise of God, but…
21 Oct 2023 – Saturday of Week 28
21 Oct 2023 – Saturday of Week 28 1st Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18 Hoping against hope, Abraham became the father of many nations The promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For…
20 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 28
20 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 28 1st Reading: Romans 4:1-8 For the believer, faith is credited as justice. This is how Abraham was justified What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he…
19 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 28
19 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 28 Optional Memorials: Ss John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, slain with six companions by the Huron and Iroquois Indians in 1646/9; St Paul of the Cross, 1694-1775 founder of the Passionists, tended the sick, dying and the lapsed. 1st Reading: Romans 3:21-30…
18 Oct 2023 – Saint Luke, Evangelist
18 Oct 2023 – Saint Luke, Evangelist 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17 Only Luke is with Paul, at this final stage in his imprisonment Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone…
17 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 28
17 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 28 Memorial: St Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, died in Rome c 107, preached Christian unity through the Eucharist and around the local bishop. 1st Reading: Romans 1:16-25 Refusal to worship the true God leads to immorality I am not ashamed of the gospel;…
16 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 28
16 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 28 Optional Memorials: St Hedwig, 1174-1243; St Margaret Mary Alacoque, 1647-1690, famous for devotion to the Sacred Heart; St Gall, companion of Columbanus, set up monastery of St Gallen, died around 630. 1st Reading: Romans 1:1-7 Jesus, descendant of David is recognised as…
14 Oct 2023 – Saturday of Week 27
14 Oct 2023 – Saturday of Week 27 Optional Memorial: St Callistus 1, became Pope in 217, opposed by Hippolytus, died at teh hands of a mob in 222. 1st Reading: Joel 4:12-21 A time of peace and prosperity will come to God’s holy mountain The Lord says: “Let the…
13 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 27
13 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 27 1st Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 A call to fasting and prayer, for the day of the Lord is near Priests, put on sackcloth and lament; wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, pass the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God!…
12 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 27
12 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 27 1st Reading: Malachi 3:13-18 Religion seems to brings no benefit. Yet on the day of the Lord all will be revealed You have spoken harsh words against me, says the Lord. Yet you say, “How have we spoken against you?” You have…
11 Oct 2023 – Wednesday of Week 27
11 Oct 2023 – Wednesday of Week 27 Optional Memorials: St John XX111, 1881-1963, elected Pope 28 Oct 1958. Called the Second Vatican Council. St Canice, born in Derry c527, died in 603. Friend of Columba, set up churches, most notably Aghaboe, Ossory, replaced centuries later by his church in Kilkenny….
10 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 27
10 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 27 1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 At Jonah’s preaching, the Ninevites and their king repent and so their city is spared The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to…
09 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 27
09 Oct 2023 – Monday of Week 27 Optional Memorials: St John Henry Newman, canonised 13 Oct 2019, received into the Catholic Church on 9 Oct 1845, associated with the Catholic University of Ireland where he was Rector 1854-58. St Denis and Companions Rusticus and Eleutherius martyred in 258 in…
07 Oct 2023 – Our Lady of the Rosary
07 Oct 2023 – Our Lady of the Rosary This feast commemorates the Christian naval victory over the Turks (at Lepanto 1571). Our Lady is daily honoured in the Rosary, which invites us to meditate the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Christ her son. 1st Reading: Acts…
06 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 26
06 Oct 2023 – Friday of Week 26 Optional Memorial: St Bruno, 1032-1101, founded the Carthusians at La Grande Chartreuse. 1st Reading: Baruch 1:15-22 From our time in Egypt until now, we have disregarded the voice of the Lord The Lord our God is in the right, but there is…
05 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 26
05 Oct 2023 – Thursday of Week 26 Optional Memorial: St Faustina, Polish, 1903-38, Sister of Our Lady of Mercy. Inspired the worldwide Divine Mercy movement. 1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7-12 Ezra gets his people to renew their loyalty to God and to share their gifts In the seventh…
04 Oct 2023 – Wednesday of Week 26
04 Oct 2023 – Wednesday of Week 26 SYNOD LAUNCHES IN ROME TODAY… Memorial: St Francis 1181-1226, founded the Friars Minor, and with St Clare, The Poor Clares. Patron of ecologists. 1st Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8 King Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem, to restore its walls and graves In the month…
03 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 26
03 Oct 2023 – Tuesday of Week 26 Optional Memorial: Bl Columba Marmion, born in Dublin 1858, ordained in Rome 1881, CC Dundrum, Prof in Holy Cross College, Clonliffe, entered Abbey of Maredsous, Belgium 1886, Abbatial blessing 3 Oct 1909, died 30 Jan 1923. Beatified 3 Sept 2000. Wrote Christ, the…
02 Oct 2023 – The Holy Guardian Angels
02 Oct 2023 – The Holy Guardian Angels 1st Reading: Exodus 23:20-23 I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way The Lord spoke to Moses and the people during their journey across the desert desert: ‘I am going to send an…
30 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 25
30 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 25 Memorial: St Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church, 340-420, translated the Bible into Latin, (the Vulgate) and wrote commentaries of Sacred Scripture. Patron of librarians. 1st Reading: Zechariah 2:1-4, 10-11 Jerusalem will be a centre of peace where many will come…
29 September 2023 – The holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
29 September 2023 – The holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael 1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 The vision of the Ancient One and the Son of Man, in glorious splendour As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as…
28 Sept 2023 – Thursday of Week 25
28 Sept 2023 – Thursday of Week 25 Optional Memorials; Ss Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, martyred in Nagasaki, Japan 1633-7. Also St Wenceslaus, 907-29, prince of Bohemia, killed by his brother. Patron of brewers. 1st Reading: Haggai 1:1-8 Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the temple…
27 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 25
27 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 25 Memorial: St Vincent de Paul, 1581-1660, priest and founder of the Vincentians and the Daughters of Charity (1633). Patron of all charitable works. 1st Reading: Ezra 9:5-9 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Ezra declares God’s mercy At the evening sacrifice…
26 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 25
26 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 25 Optional Memorial: Ss Cosmos and Damian, early Syrian martyrs, patrons of physicians. 1st Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20 How the Jews rebuilt and rededicated their temple King Darius decreed: “Do not impede the work on this house of God; let the governor…
25 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 25
25 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 25 Optional Memorial: St Finbarr, bishop, lived in Gougane Barra as a hermit, later moved to Cork. 1st Reading: Ezra 1:1-6 Cyrus lets the Jews return home and makes their neighbours help them rebuild the temple In the first year of King Cyrus…
23 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 24
23 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 24 Memorial: St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), d 23 Sept 1968, Capuchin friar, stigmatist, confessor, friend of all who suffer. 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Live without reproach until Jesus Christ returns in glory In the presence of God, who gives life…
22 Sept 2023 – Friday of Week 24
22 Sept 2023 – Friday of Week 24 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2-12 The value of good order, detachment from wealth and living one’s faith These are the duties you must teach and urge the community to follow. Whoever teaches otherwise and does not agree with the sound words of…
21 September 2023 – Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
21 September 2023 – Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 The Church is one body, under the leadership of the apostles I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all…
20 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 24
20 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 24 Memorial: Ss Andrew Kim Tae-gôn, priests, Paul ChôngHa-sang and Companions, martyrs – the first Korean priest and a catechist, and 101 others were martyred 1839-67. 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-16 The church is entrusted with the mystery of salvation, meant for the…
19 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 24
19 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 24 Optional Memorial: St Januarius, bishop and martyr. 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Qualities needed in church officials–hospitable, respected, truthful, skilled managers The saying is sure: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Now a bishop must be above…
18 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 24
18 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 24 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Prayers for the civil authorities, for peaceful governance First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may…
16 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 23
16 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 23 Memorial: St Cornelius, pope (in 251) – patron of cattle and domestic animals. Also St Cyprian, 210-58, bishop of Carthage – martyred. 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. All are called The saying is…
15 September 2023 – Our Lady of Sorrows
15 September 2023 – Our Lady of Sorrows 1st Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9 Even Jesus learned obedience through what he suffered In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he…
14 September 2023 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
14 September 2023 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 1st Reading: Numbers 21:5-9 When the serpents bit the people, the statue of a bronze serpent brought them healing The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the…
13 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 23
13 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 23 Memorial: St John Chrysostom 347-407, Greek, the ‘Golden Mouthed Preacher’, was AB of Constantinople. Die din exile. Patron saint of preachers. 1st Reading: Colossians 3:1-11 You have been raised with Christ, so set your heart where Christ is If you have been…
12 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 23
12 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 23 Optional Memorials: The Most Holy Name of Mary – use Gal 4:4-7 or Eph 1:3-6; Ps Lk 1:46-55; Lk 1: 39-47 – Lect 11:1438, 1432, 1444. St Ailbe, died in 528, founded monastery at Emly. A 9th century Rule bears his name. 1st…
11 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 23
11 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 23 1st Reading: Colossians 1:24-2:3 To spread the faith, Paul suffers on behalf of the Church I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of…
09 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 22
09 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 22 Memorial: St Ciarán, abbot, born c 512 in Roscommon, founded Clonmacnoise monastery, died aged 33 during its construction. 1st Reading: Colossians 1:21-23 Hold the faith firmly, to come before God free of all blame You who were once estranged and hostile in…
08 Sept 2023 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
08 Sept 2023 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Micah 5:1-4 Now you are walled around with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the ruler of Israel upon the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little…
07 Sept 2023 – Thursday of Week 22
07 Sept 2023 – Thursday of Week 22 1st Reading: Colossians 1:9-14 We can endure whatever comes, being rescued from the power of darkness For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge…
06 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 22
06 Sept 2023 – Wednesday of Week 22 1st Reading: Colossians 1:1-8 Paul commends “love to the saints” and Christian growth Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to…
05 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 22
05 Sept 2023 – Tuesday of Week 22 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 The day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. Be ready Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves…
4 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 22
4 Sept 2023 – Monday of Week 22 Optional Memorial: St Mac Nissi, 5th-6th century, baptised by St Patrick, set up a hermitage in Connor (Down & Connor). 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 We will be reunited with our deceased when Christ returns We do not want you to be…
2 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 21
2 Sept 2023 – Saturday of Week 21 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 To live lovingly and responsibly Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed…
1 Sept 23 – Friday of Week 21
1 Sept 23 – Friday of Week 21 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation Pope Francis has established 1 September as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, encouraging the Catholic community around the world to pray for our common home. The day is inspired by Pope…
31 Aug 2023 – Thursday of Week 21
31 Aug 2023 – Thursday of Week 21 Optional Memorial: St Aidan of Lindisfarne, monk of Irish descent in Iona. Headed to Lindisfarne at the invitation of the King of Northumbria and died there in 651. 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 Paul recalls the faith of the Thessalonians and prays…
30 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 21
30 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 21 Optional memorial: St Fiacre, Irish monk, travelled to Normandy and met Faro, patron of Irish pilgrims at Meaux. Fiacre was given a hermitage near Breuil and stayed until his death c 651. 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 The gospel is no mere…
29 Aug 23 – The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
29 Aug 23 – The Passion of Saint John the Baptist 1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 Like Jeremiah, we must speak out against domineering rulers But as for you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I…
28 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 21
28 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 21 Memorial: St Augustine, 354-430, Bishop of Hippo and a serious theologian! Big on grace and left a a huge theological influence on the Church. Patron of theologians. 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10 Paul recalls the dramatic conversion of the people of…
26 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 20
26 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 20 1st Reading: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 How Ruth the foreigner came to become king David’s great grandmother Naomi had a kinsman on her husband’s side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite…
25 Aug 2023 – Friday of Week 20
25 Aug 2023 – Friday of Week 20 Optional Memorials: St Louis of France, 1214-70, King of France, father of 11 children, Franciscan tertiary, died in Tunisia on his second Crusade. Patron French monarchy and military, and barbers. St Joseph Calasanz, 1556-1648, founded the Piarists to run free schools. Patron of…
24 Aug 23 – Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
24 Aug 23 – Saint Bartholomew, Apostle 1st Reading: Revelation 21:9-14 The City of God has 12 gates, representing the 12 apostles Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the…
23 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 20
23 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 20 Optional Memorials: St Rose of Lima, 1586-1617, Dominican tertiary, seen as originator of social services in Peru. …
22 Aug 2023 – The Queenship of Mary
22 Aug 2023 – The Queenship of Mary 1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 God’s promise of joy and restoration to those who sat in darkness There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land…
21 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 20
21 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 20 Memorial: St Pius X, 1835-1914, Cardinal Patriarch of Venice before he became Pope in 1903. 1st Reading: Judges 2:11-19 The era of the Judges alternates between falling away and being restored Then Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the…
19 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 19
19 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 19 Optional Memorial: St John Eudes, 1601-1680, from Normandy, France, founded a congregation and Sisters of Our Lady of Charity and Refuge, promoted the Sacred Heart. 1st Reading: Joshua 24:14-29 At the covenant ceremony at Shechem, the whole people promise loyalty to God…
18 Aug 2023 – Friday Week 19 (1)
18 Aug 2023 – Friday Week 19 (1) 1st Reading: Joshua 24:1-13 Joshua narrates God’s help to Israel, from the patriarchs to entering the Promised Land Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and…
17 Aug 2023 – Thursday of Week 19 Memorial: Our Lady of Knock – Readings, Lect 11: 1421-1449 ‘I saw everything distinctly. The figures were full and round as if they had a body and were alive. They said nothing, but as we approached, they seemed to go back a little…
16 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 19
16 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 19 Optional Memorial: St Stephen of Hungary, 975-1038, first King of Hungary and teh country’s patron saint. 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 The great Moses dies within sight of the Promised Land Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to…
15 August 2023 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
15 August 2023 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 The woman and the dragon depicted the persecuted church; but came to include the Assumption of our Lady Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen…
14 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 19
14 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 19 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22 God’s chosen people must show mercy to foreigners, the orphan and the widow And Moses said to th people, “So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your…
12 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 18
12 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 18 (Feast in Achonry): St Attracta – 6th or 7th century, great healer who had convents noted for hospitality and charity for the poor. …
11 Aug 2023 – Friday of Week 18
11 Aug 2023 – Friday of Week 18 Memorial: St Clare, 1193-1253, follower of St Francis, founder of the Poor Clares. Patron of television. 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-40 Moses calls the people to appreciate God’s works and keep God’s commands Moses said to the people: “Ask now about former ages,…
10 Aug 2023 – St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
10 Aug 2023 – St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Readings: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 111:1-2, 5-9, R/ v5. John 12: 24-26 First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give…
9 Aug 2023 – Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein)
9 Aug 2023 – Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) 1st Reading: Hosea 2:16-17; 21-22 God’s love for his people, Israel, is like a husband’s love for a wife On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, “My husband,” and no longer will you call me, “My Baal.” For…
8 Aug 2023 – Tuesday of Week 18
8 Aug 2023 – Tuesday of Week 18 Memorial: St Dominic, 1170-1221, a Spaniard who founded the Dominicans the Order of Preachers – OPs) 1st Reading: Numbers 12:1-13 Despite the envy of Aaron and Miriam God appoints Moses as supreme leader of his people Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses…
7 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 18
7 Aug 2023 – Monday of Week 18 Optional Memorials: Ss Sixtus 11, pope, and Companions, martyrs – died in 258. St Cajetan, 1480-1547, founded the Theatines to renew sacramental life in the Church. 1st Reading: Numbers 11:4-15 A rebellion during the Exodus from Egypt…
5 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 17
5 Aug 2023 – Saturday of Week 17 Optional Memorial: Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major, built by Pope Sixtus 111 after the Council of Ephesus (431), the first church in the West named in honour of the Mother of God. Alternative readings: Apoc 21: 1-5. Ps Jdt…
4 Aug 2023 – Friday of Week 17
4 Aug 2023 – Friday of Week 17 Memorial: St John Mary Vianney 1786-1859, the Curé d’Ars. Patron of priests. 1st Reading: Leviticus 23:1, 4-11 etc Sacred festivals of Pasch, Pentecost, Atonement and Tabernacles The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, the holy…
3 Aug 2023 – Thursday of Week 17
3 Aug 2023 – Thursday of Week 17 1st Reading: Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 The tabernacle and its contents are consecrated and God’s glory settles there Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded him. In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month,…
2 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 17
2 Aug 2023 – Wednesday of Week 17 World Youth Day – 1-6 August, Lisbon, Portugal. Optional Memorials: St Eusebius of Vercelli, preacher against Arianism. St Peter Julian Eymard 1811-68, established the Blessed Sacrament Fathers and (with help from Marguerite Guillot) the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament, 1st Reading: Exodus…
1 Aug 2023 – Tuesday of Week 17
1 Aug 2023 – Tuesday of Week 17 Memorial: St Alphonsus Liguoiri 1696-1787, founder of the Reds, popular preacher and influential writer of theology. 1st Reading: Exodus 33:7-11; etc Moses face to face with God, fasts 40 days and receives the Ten Commandments Now Moses used to take the tent…
31 July 2023 – Monday of Week 17
31 July 2023 – Monday of Week 17 Memorial: St Ignatius of Loyola 1491-1556, Spanish, founder of the Jesuits, wrote the Spiritual Exercises. 1st Reading: Exodus 32:15-24 etc Despite the scandal of the golden calf, Moses leads his people on toward the Promised Land Then Moses turned and went down…
29 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 16
29 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 16 Memorial: Ss Mary, Martha and Lazarus 1st Reading: 1 John 4:7-16 Anyone who really loves is born of God and knows God Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever…
28 July 2023 – Friday of Week 16
28 July 2023 – Friday of Week 16 1st Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 On Mount Sinai God gives the Commandments to Moses Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall…
27 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 16
27 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 16 1st Reading: Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20 On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They had journeyed from Rephidim, entered the wilderness of…
26 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 16
26 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 16 Memorial: Ss Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1st Reading: Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 The whole congregation of the Israelites set out from Elim; and Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the…
25 July 2023 – St James, Apostle
25 July 2023 – St James, Apostle 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Although only a “clay jar” Paul is willing to die, that others may live But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does…
24 July 2023 – Monday of Week 16
24 July 2023 – Monday of Week 16 Optional Memorials: St Declan, pre-Patrician saint, of noble birth, ordained in Europe, maybe a bishop, settled in Ardmore, Waterford, evangelised the Déise gang! St Sharbel Makhlüf, Lebanese monk, ordained in 1859, a hermit from 1875, died in 1898, great devotion to the…
22 July 23 – St Mary Magdalene
22 July 23 – St Mary Magdalene 1st Reading (Option 1): Song of Songs (3: 1-4 I have found him whom my heart loves. The bride says this: On my bed, at night, I sought him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him. So I will…
21 July 2023 – Friday of Week 15
21 July 2023 – Friday of Week 15 Optional Memorial: St Lawrence of Brindisi, 1559-1619, Counter-Reformation preacher. 1st Reading: Exodus 11:10-12:14 Passover is a reminder of our deliverance from slavery and death Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did…
20 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 15
20 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 15 Optional Memorial: St Apollinaris, second century martyr, bishop of Classis. 1st Reading: Exodus 3:13-20 The name Yahweh : I am who/what I am Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors…
19 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 15
19 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 15 1st Reading: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 Revelation to Moses at the burning bush, at Mount Horeb/Sinai Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of…
18 July 2023 – Tuesday of Week 15
18 July 2023 – Tuesday of Week 15 1st Reading: Exodus 2:1-15 Moses flees from the Egyptian court to the desert after killing an Egyptian A man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that…
17 July 2023 – Monday of Week 15
17 July 2023 – Monday of Week 15 1st Reading: Exodus 1:8-14, 22 A new Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites and threatens them with extinction Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more…
15 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 14
15 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 14 Memorial: St Bonaventure, 1221-74, born in Tuscany, Minister General of the Frans, became Cardinal AB of Albano, theologian at the Council of Lyons. 1st Reading: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26 Then Jacob gave his sons this charge, “I am about to be gathered to…
14 July 2023 – Friday of Week 14
14 July 2023 – Friday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Camillus de Lellis, 1550-1614, a gambling soldier, used to rough and rowdy ways, converted at 25, worked with the sick, founded hospitals. Patron of nurses, hospitals and the sick. 1st Reading: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 Jacob joyfully meets his long-lost…
13 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 14
13 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Henry, 973-1024, Duke of Bavaria and later emperor, a just, humble and prayerful reformer. 1st Reading: Genesis 44:18-21, 23-29; 45:1-5 After Judah’s report, Joseph reveals himself to his brothers Judah went up to [his brother Joseph] and said, “O…
12 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 14
12 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 14 1st Reading: Genesis 41-42 When Joseph’s brothers come to buy grain, he sends them back for for Benjamin When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph;…
Tues 11 July 23 – Saint Benedict of Nursia
July 11. Saint Benedict of Nursia 1st Reading: Proverbs (2:1-10 The value of wisdom, devotion and fear of the Lord, so exemplified in Saint Benedict My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to…
10 July 2023 – Monday of Week 14
10 July 2023 – Monday of Week 14 1st Reading: Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob dreams of a ladder stretching between heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending Jacob left Beer-sheva and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had…
8 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 13
8 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: St Killian, born in Mullagh, Kilmore (Ronan Drury country!), left here and became known as the Apostle of Thuringia (central Germany) and eastern Franconia (Bavaria). Martyred in 689 with Kolonat and Totnan. Strong devotion in Würzburg (and Bavaria) where his…
7 July 2023 – Friday of Week 13
7 July 2023 – Friday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: St Maelruain, bishop and abbot, founded the monastery at Tallaght, Dublin in 774. Introduced the Célí Dé reform, died in 792. 1st Reading: Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 The burial of Sarah. Abraham finds a wife for Isaac Sarah lived…
6 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 13
6 July 2023 – Thursday of Week 13 Optional Memorials: St Maria Goretti, 1890-1902, stabbed to death in defence of her virtue; St Moninne of Killeavy, died c 517, founded a community in Sliabh Gullion, Armagh, living an eremitical life based on Elijah and St John the Baptist. 1st Reading:…
5 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 13
5 July 2023 – Wednesday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: St Anthony Zaccaria, 1502.-39, founded the Barnabites 1st Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8-20 Abraham drives out the slave-wife Hagar and her son Sarah noticed the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham playing with her son Isaac; so she…
4 July 2023 – Tuesday of Week 13
4 July 2023 – Tuesday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: St Elizabeth of Portugal, 1271-1336. 1st Reading: Genesis 19:15-29 Before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, God saved Lot and his family When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Get up, take your wife and your two daughters away from here,…
Monday, July 3, 2023 – St Thomas, Apostle (Feast)
Monday, July 3, 2023 – St Thomas, Apostle (Feast) First reading Ephesians 2:19-22 In Christ you are no longer aliens, but citizens like us You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are part of a building…
1 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 12
1 July 2023 – Saturday of Week 12 Memorial: St Oliver Plunkett, ordained in Rome in 1654, AB of Armagh in 1669. Hanged, drawn and quartered in Tyburn, London on 1 July 1681, the last Catholic to die for the faith at Tyburn. Beatified in 1920, canonised by Pope Paul…
30 June 2023 – Friday of Week 12
30 June 2023 – Friday of Week 12 Optional Memorial: The First Martyrs of Rome, in addition to Ss Peter and Paul, died under Nero in 64. 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…
Thursday 29 June 2023 – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Thursday 29 June 2023 – Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles 1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11 Peter is imprisoned, but an angel sets him free to continue leading the church About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John,…
28 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 12
28 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 12 Memorial: St Iranaeus lived just after teh Apostles, Bishop of Lyons in Gaul, bishop and martyr. 1st Reading: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 God’s promise of descendants to Abraham is renewed The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not…
27 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 12
27 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 12 Optional Memorial: St Cyril of Alexandria, c 376-444, bishop and doctor of the church. Fought against Nestorianism at the Council of Ephesus, which proclaimed Mary teh Mother of God. 1st Reading: Genesis 13:2, 5-18 The herdsmen of Abram and Lot quarrel, and…
26 June 2023 – Monday of Week 12
26 June 2023 – Monday of Week 12 1st Reading: Genesis 12:1-9 God calls Abram to “go to the land that I will show you.” This brings a blessing on all mankind Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to…
24 June 2023 – Birth of Saint John the Baptist
24 June 2023 – Birth of Saint John the Baptist (Vigil Mass: Jer 1:4-10. Ps 70:1-6, 15, 17, R/ v 6; 1 Pet 1:8-12; Lk 1:5-15. Lect 1:973 or 11:1070) 1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 The Lord called me before I was born; in my mother’s womb he…
23 June 2023 – Friday of Week 11
23 June 2023 – Friday of Week 11 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….
22 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 11
22 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 11 Optional Memorials: St Paulinus of Nola, 355-431, bishop. St John Fisher 1469-1535, and built Christs’ and St johns’ Colleges, Cambridge as Vice-Chancellor. Bishop of Rochester, martyred. Thomas More 1478-1535, the first commoner to be Lord Chancellor of England, martyred under Henry VIII….
21 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 11
21 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 11 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 Reaping what we sow 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…
20 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 11
20 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 11 Memorial: The Irish Martyrs – see Ordo page 188 for list. 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…
19 June 2023 – Monday of Week 11
19 June 2023 – Monday of Week 11 Optional Memorial: St Romuald, monk who established monasteries in Tuscany, died in 1027. Bl Dermot O’Hurley and Companions: AB of Cashel martyred in 1584. His companions are Bp Terence Albert O’Brien OP, John Kearney OFM and William Tirry OSA. 1st Reading: 2…
17 June 2013 – The Immaculate Heart of Mary
17 June 2013 – The Immaculate Heart of Mary 1st Reading: Isaiah 61:9-11 I will greatly rejoice, my whole being shall exult in my God Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people…
16 June 2023 – Friday, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Year A
16 June 2023 – Friday, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Year A 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 7:6-11 God has chosen you because he loves you Moses said to the people: ‘You are a people consecrated to the Lord your God; it is you that the Lord our God has chosen…
15 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 10
15 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 10 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1, 3-6 God has shone in our minds to radiate the light of God’s glory My brethren, to this very day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their minds; but when one turns to the Lord,…
14 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 10
14 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 10 Optional Memorial: St Davnet, lived and died at Tydavet at Sliabh Beagh, Co Monaghan, virgin and founder of a church or monastery. A bachall (staff) of hers has been preserved and was used as a test for truth 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians…
13 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 10
13 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 10 Memorial: St Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the Church 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…
12 June 2023 – Monday of Week 10
12 June 2023 – Monday of Week 10 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 God comforts us in our troubles so we may comfort others Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all…
10 June 2023 – Saturday of Week 9
10 June 2023 – Saturday of Week 9 Optional Memorial: St Ephrem the Syrian c. 306-373, native of Mesopotamia, moved to Edessa in Turkey, Scripture commentator, defender against Arianism, devoted to Our Lady. 1st Reading: Tobit 12:1, 5-15 etc The wedding of Tobias and Sarah When the wedding celebration was…
9 June 2023 – Feastday of St Columba (Colum Cille)
9 June 2023 – Feastday of St Columba (Colum Cille) Feast: St Columba, Abbot, Missionary. Columba, also known as Colum Cille, was born in Gartan, County Donegal in 521 and was of royal lineage. He studied under Finnian of Moville and Finnian of Clonard. He founded monasteries in Deny, Durrow,…
8 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 9
8 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 9 1st Reading: Tobit 6-8 (passim The marriage celebration of Tobias and Sarah, and their devout partnership When he entered Media and was approaching Ecbatana, Raphael said to the young man, “Brother Tobias.” “Here I am,” he answered. Then Raphael said to him,…
7 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 9
7 June 2023 – Wednesday of Week 9 Optional Memorial: St Colman (Mocholmos) spent most of his life in Dromore, Co Down. 1st Reading: Tobit 3:1-17 Tobit and Sarah pray to God in deepest anguish; they beg God to let them die Then with much grief and anguish of heart…
6 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 9
6 June 2023 – Tuesday of Week 9 Optional Memorials: St Norbert 1080-1134, founder of the Norbertine Canons. St Jarlath, disciple of St Enda, also taught by St Benignus, became abbot bishop of the monastery he founded in Tuam in the 6th century. Patron of Tuam Archdiocese….
5 June 2023 – Monday of Week 9
5 June 2023 – Monday of Week 9 Optional Memorial: St Boniface c. 675-754, born in Devonshire, educated in English monastery schools, founded monasteries in Bavaria, including Fulda in 735. 1st Reading: Tobit 1:3; 2:1-8 In exile far from home, Tobit still cares for his neighbours I, Tobit, walked in…
3 June 2023 – Saturday of Week 8
3 June 2023 – Saturday of Week 8 Memorial: St Kevin, native of Leinster, grew up in Kilnamanagh, moved to Glendalough, settled in Disert Caoimhghin. Died in 618. 1st Reading: Sirach 51:12-20 In praise of Wisdom You of Lord saved me from destruction and rescued me in time of trouble….
2 June 2023 – Friday of Week 8
2 June 2023 – Friday of Week 8 Optional Memorial : Ss Marcellinus and Peter, martyred under Diocletian in 304. 1st Reading: Sirach 44:1, 9-13 Remembering our ancestors with respect Let us now sing the praises of famous men, our ancestors in their generations. But of others there is no…
1 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 8
1 June 2023 – Thursday of Week 8 Optional Memorial: St Justin – born in the holy Land, settled in Rome, martyred c 165. 1st Reading: Sirach 42:15-25 God fills the universe with an infinite variety of life, strange and marvellous In his majesty he gives the clouds their strength,…
Wed 31 May 2023 – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 31 May 2023 – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 A hymn of joy to God my Saviour Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you,…
30 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 8
30 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 8 1st Reading: Sirach 35:1-12 The wise person is generous to the poor and abhors extortion The one who keeps the law makes many offerings; one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being. The one who returns a kindness offers choice…
29 May 2023 – Monday – The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
29 May 2023 – Monday – The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Enmity between the serpent and the woman But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”He said, “I heard the sound of you in the…
27 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 7 of Easter
27 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 7 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 Paul is imprisoned in Rome, for two years, awaiting trial When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. Three days later he called together…
26 May 2023 – Friday of Week 7 of Easter
26 May 2023 – Friday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Philip Neri, 1515-1595, founded the Congregation of the Oratory to foster good preaching and promote priestly holiness. 1st Reading: Acts 25:13-21 Paul, in prison at Caesarea, explains his predicament to king Agrippa After several days had passed,…
25 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 7 of Easter
25 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Bede the Venerable, 673-735, monk of Jarrow, historian and biblical commentator. Patron of scholars. St Gregory V11, c1025-1085, Hildebrand of Tuscany was a Cluniac monk in Rome, became a reforming pope who died in exile in Salerno….
24 May 2023 – Wednesday of Week 7 of Easter
24 May 2023 – Wednesday of Week 7 of Easter World Day of Prayer for the Church in China 1st Reading: Acts 20:28-38 Paul’s final advice to the church leaders: shepherd the church of God [Paul said to the leaders of the church] ” Keep watch over yourselves and over…
23 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 7 of Easter
23 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 7 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 20:17-27 Paul’s testament to church leaders, on his way to Jerusalem From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, Paul said: “You yourselves…
22 May 2023 – Monday of Week 7 of Easter
22 May 2023 – Monday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Rita of Cascia, 1386-1457, a widow who entered the Augustinian convent, spending 40 years in prayer and charity, and working for peace. 1st Reading: Acts 19:1-8 In Ephesus, followers of John the Baptist become full members of…
20 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 6
20 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 6 Optional Memorial: St Bernardine, 1380-1444, a Franciscan preacher who promoted devotion to The Holy Name and to St Joseph. 1st Reading: Acts 18:23-28 Aquila, a learned convert from Judaism, helps the church in southern Greece After spending some time there he departed…
19 May 2023 – Friday of Week 6 of Easter
19 May 2023 – Friday of Week 6 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 18:9-18 Paul’s trial by Gallio the proconsul breaks down for lack of evidence One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am…
18 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 6 of Easter
18 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 6 of Easter Optional Memorial: St John 1, pope and martyr, first Bishop of Rome to visit Constantinople. Involved in Arian controversies, imprisoned at Ravenna, where he died in 526. 1st Reading: Acts 18:1-8 The early days of Paul’s mission in Corinth, and…
17 May 2023 – Wednesday of Week 6 of Easter
17 May 2023 – Wednesday of Week 6 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 Paul’s clever sermon in the Areopagus, to lead the Greeks to the true God Those who were guiding Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after being asked to have Silas and Timothy join…
16 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 6 of Easter
16 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 6 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Brendan, a Kerryman born in 486, went to Scotland and probably further. Founded a monastery in Clonfert in 568, died there in 578. 1st Reading: Acts 16:22-34 By their courage, Paul and Barnabas win new converts, in…
15 May 2023 – Monday of Week 6 of Easter
15 May 2023 – Monday of Week 6 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Carthage (or Mochuta), Kerry bishop who moved to Lismore. Died in 638. 1st Reading: Acts 16:11-15 When Paul reaches Philippi, Lydia becomes his first European convert We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to…
13 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 5
13 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 5 Optional Memorial: Our Lady of Fatima Is 61:9-11. Ps 44:11-12, 14-17, R/ v11. Jn 15:18-21 Lect 11: 1431, 1426, 1448. Apparitions to three children began on 13 May 1917. Final apparition was on 13 Oct when the ‘Lady’ identified herself as Our…
12 May 2023 – Friday of Week 5 of Easter
12 May 2023 – Friday of Week 5 of Easter Optional Memorials: Ss Nereus and Achilleus, martyred in 304 under Diocletian; Roman soldiers who refused service after conversion. St Pancras, a 14 year-old boy martyred in Rome at the same time, 304. 1st Reading: Acts 15:22-31 The decision of the…
11 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 5 of Easter
11 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 5 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 15:7-21 Peter and James defend Paul’s missionary practice After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that…
10 May 2023 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Easter
10 May 2023 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Comghall, established a monastery at Bangor 555-8 which Columbanus visited. Also founded a monastery in Tiree, Scotland. Died c 605. St John of Avila 1499-1569, priest, honoured as apostle of Andalusia. 1st Reading: Acts 15:1-6 The Council…
9 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Easter
9 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 14:19-28 Paul is stoned and left for dead; but survives to continue his ministry Jews came over from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,…
8 May 2023 – Monday of Week 5 of Easter
8 May 2023 – Monday of Week 5 of Easter Optional memorial: Bl John Sullivan, SJ, 1861-1933 was an (Gardiner St, Dublin community) Irish Jesuit priest who was known for his life of deep prayer and personal sacrifice. He is recognised for his dedicated work with the poor and afflicted,…
6 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 4
6 May 2023 – Saturday of Week 4 1st Reading: Acts 13:44-52 After failing to convert Jews, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with…
5 May 2023 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter
5 May 2023 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: Bl Edmund Rice, 1762-1844, from Callan, Co Kilkenny, joined other men after his wife died, took vows to work for the Catholic education of boys – CBS. 1st Reading: Acts 13:26-33 Jesus was put to death, but raised…
4 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 4 of Easter
4 May 2023 – Thursday of Week 4 of Easter Optional memorial: St Conleth, born in Wicklow, priested for Brigid and her community in Kildare. Buried beside Brigid. 1st Reading: Acts 13:13-25 Paul’s summary of Israel’s history, up to the time of Christ Paul and his companions set sail from…
3 May 2023 – Saints Philip and James, Apostles
3 May 2023 – Saints Philip and James, Apostles 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Paul lists the original witnesses of the resurrection, including himself Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are…
2 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter
2 May 2023 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church, born at Aleaxandria c 295, ardent against the Arian heresy. 1st Reading: Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas goes to Antioch and sees the grace of God at work Those who were scattered…
May 1st – Monday of Week 4 of Easter (St Joseph the Worker)
May 1st – Monday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Joseph the Worker (Gen 1:26-2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23024. Ps 89:2-4, 12-14, 16, R/ v 17. Mt 13:54-58. Lect 11:1013 – See below 1st Reading: Acts 11:1-18 By inspiration, Peter baptises the first pagan converts The apostles and…
29 April 2023 – Saint Catherine of Siena
29 April 2023 – Saint Catherine of Siena 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5, 2:2 The message we have heard from him and proclaim to you This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at…
28 April 2023 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter
28 April 2023 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Peter Chanel, 1803-41, priests and first martyr of Oceania. St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort, 1673-1716, priests preacher who wrote about Mary and promoted the daily rosary. 1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul…
27 April 2023 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter
27 April 2023 – Thursday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Asicus, accompanied St Patrick and was his metal work craftsman. In charge of Elphin church, founded by Patrick. 1st Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Philip’s joyful spreading of the faith Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip,…
26 April 2023 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter
26 April 2023 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 8:1-8 After Stephen’s burial, Saul starts persecuting the church Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of…
25 April 2023 – Saint Mark, Evangelist
25 April 2023 – Saint Mark, Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Peter’s homily includes mention of Mark among the Christians in Rome (“Babylon”) When the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept…
24 April 2023 – Monday of Week 3 of Easter
24 April 2023 – Monday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, 1578-1622, a Capuchin who preached to the Calvinists in Switzerland, where he was killed by extremists. 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-15 Stephen’s preaching stirs the crowd: Is he against Moses? Stephen, full of grace and…
22 April 2023 – Saturday of Week 2
22 April 2023 – Saturday of Week 2 1st Reading: Acts 6:1-7 Selection and ordination of the church’s first deacons Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And…
21 April 2023 – Friday of Week 2 of Easter
21 April 2023 – Friday of Week 2 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Anselm from Lombardy, died in 1109. 1st Reading: Acts 5:34-42 Gamaliel prudently advises his colleagues against condemning Jesus’ followers a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood…
20 April 2023 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter
20 April 2023 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-33 What Peter and the apostles told the Jewish council When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in…
19 April 2023 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter
19 April 2023 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 5:17-26 The Temple police arrest the apostles, but without violence Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles…
18 April 2023 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Easter
18 April 2023 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 4:32-37 The sharing spirit among the early Christians Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held…
17 April 2023 – Monday of Week 2 of Easter
17 April 2023 – Monday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 4:23-31 The first Christian community prays for help to survive the threatened persecution After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they…
15 April 2023 – Easter Saturday
15 April 2023 – Easter Saturday 1st Reading: Acts (4:13-21) Risking their lives, Peter and John tell what they have seen and heard Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realised that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognised them as companions…
14 April 2023 – Easter Friday
14 April 2023 – Easter Friday 1st Reading: Acts (4:1-12) Peter’s belief that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching…
13 April 2023 – Easter Thursday
13 April 2023 – Easter Thursday 1st Reading: Acts 3:11-26 Peter declares Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One, who is victorious over death While the man who was cured clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s Portico, utterly astonished….
12 April 2023 – Easter Wednesday
12 April 2023 – Easter Wednesday 1st Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Calling on the name of Jesus, Peter cures the lame man at the temple gate One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. And a man…
11 April 2023 – Easter Tuesday
11 April 2023 – Easter Tuesday 1st Reading: Acts 2:36-41 Since God wants all to be saved, Peter calls those who crucified Jesus to repent and be saved Peter said, “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this…
10 April 2023 – Easter Monday
10 April 2023 – Easter Monday 1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Peter announces the dawning of a new age, with the resurrection of Jesus Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you,…
08 April 2023 – Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Readings
08 April 2023 – Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Readings Old Testament Readings and Psalms Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 and Psalm 46 Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16 Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18 Isaiah 55:1-11 and Isaiah 12:2-6 Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs…
07 April 2023 – Good Friday
07 April 2023 – Good Friday (1) Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The humiliations of the suffering servant, who bore the sins of his people See, my servant will prosper, he shall be lifted up, exalted, rise to great heights. As the crowds were appalled on seeing him — so disfigured did he…
6 April 2023 – Holy Thursday, Years A, B, C
6 April 2023 – Holy Thursday, Years A, B, C (1) Exodus 12:1-2, 11-14 Israel’s departure from Egypt — to be celebrated for all time Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw…
05 April 2023 – Wednesday of Holy Week
05 April 2023 – Wednesday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 50:4-9 The Suffering Servant trusts in God for rescue The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear…
04 April 2023 – Tuesday of Holy Week
04 April 2023 – Tuesday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 49:1-6 The life of God’s servant seems a failure, but it bears great fruit 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…
03 April 2023 – Monday of Holy Week
03 April 2023 – Monday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 42:1-7 My servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, the One in whom my soul delights Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth…
1 April 2023 – Saturday of Week 5 of Lent
1 April 2023 – Saturday of Week 5 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Ceallach, born in 1080, abbot of Armagh and priests. A reformer who presided at the Synod of Rathbreasil in 1111. Died in 1129 and buried in Lismore. (1) Ezekiel 37:21-28 I will bring them back, and I…
31 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 5 of Lent
31 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Jeremiah 20:10-13 Though many plot against God’s servant, he is safe in God’s hands For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble….
30 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 5 of Lent
30 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Genesis 17:3-9 Abraham believe in God’s promises, despite delays and disappointments Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude…
29 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Lent
29 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25 Trusting in God, they are saved from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden…
28 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Lent
28 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Numbers 21:4-9 The brazen serpent; anyone bitten can look at it and live From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on…
27 Mar 2023 – Monday of Week 5 of Lent
27 Mar 2023 – Monday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 31-62 Susanna is falsely accused; Daniel’s questions uncover the truth There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. And he took a wife named Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, a very beautiful woman…
Sat 25 Mar 2023 – The Annunciation of the Lord
Sat 25 Mar 2023 – The Annunciation of the Lord 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be…
24 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 4 of Lent
24 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 4 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Macartan, First Bishop of Clogher, known as Patrick’s ‘Strong Man; for his dedication and faithfulness. (1) Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 Malice against the good foreshadows the Passion of Jesus Foolish people reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Short and…
23 March 2023 – Thursday of Week 4 of Lent
Thursday of Week 4 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Turibus of Mongrovejo, 1538-1606, a layman appointed Bishop fo Lima, Peru by King Philip 11. (1) Exodus 32:7-14 Though his people rebel, Moses begs another chance for them The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you…
22 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Lent
22 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Isaiah 49:8-15 God promises the exiles, “You’ll be a sign of salvation!” Thus says the Lord: ‘In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and…
21 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Lent
21 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Enda, associated with Louth and Aran. Died c 520, one of the early models of Irish ascetic monasticism. (1) Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Life-giving water flows out from the Temple of God Then he brought me back to…
March 20 Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin
March (19) 20 – Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-6, 12-14, 16 From king David’s offspring will come the universal spiritual King But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord:…
18 Mar 2023 – Saturday of Week 3 of Lent
18 Mar 2023 – Saturday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Cyril of Jerusalem, 315-386, catechist and administrator, suffered exile for his fight against Arianism. (1) Hosea 6:1-6 God wants our love more than ritual sacrifice “Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who…
17 March: St Patrick, Patron of Ireland
17 March: St Patrick, Patron of Ireland 1st Reading: Sirach 39:6-10 Filled with the spirit of understanding If the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with the spirit of understanding; he will pour forth words of wisdom of his own and give thanks to the Lord in prayer….
16 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 3 of Lent
16 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 3 of Lent (1) Jeremiah 7:23-28 Life’s highest goal is obedient response to God But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I…
15 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Lent
15 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Lent (1) Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 God’s people have clear duties and a high destiny So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the…
14 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Lent
14 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Lent (1) Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Nebuchadnezzar admires the miraculous escape of the young Jews Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They…
13 Mar 2023 – Monday of Week 3 of Lent
13 Mar 2023 – Monday of Week 3 of Lent Tenth anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. (1) 2 Kings 5:1-15 Naaman the Syrian takes the prophet’s advice and is cured of leprosy Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in…
11 Mar 2023 – Saturday of Week 2 of Lent
11 Mar 2023 – Saturday of Week 2 of Lent Optional memorial: St Aengus composed two martyrologies. A monk in Cloneragh, Co Laois (and Tallaght) who died c 824. (1) Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Israel’s God is a God of mercy Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs…
10 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 2 of Lent
10 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13 17-28 Jacob’s sons envy their brother Joseph, and sell him into slavery Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made…
9 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 2 of Lent
9 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 2 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Frances of Rome, died 1440. Founded a society of women following the Rule of St Benedict and joined it after her husband died. (1) Jeremiah 17:5-10 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord rather than in…
8 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Lent
8 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Lent Optional Memorials: St John of God, 1495-1550, patron saint of nurses, the sick, heart patients, printers and booksellers. St Senan, anamchara to Ciarán and Brendan, died in 544. Monastic foundation on Scattery Island near Kilrush (birthplace). (1) Jeremiah 18:18-20 In…
7 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Lent
7 Mar 2023 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Lent Optional Memorial: Ss Perpetua and Felicity, martyred in Carthage in 203. (1) Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 A call to personal conversion, to remove our sins from God’s sight Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the…
6 Mar 2023 – Monday of Week 2 of Lent
6 Mar 2023 – Monday of Week 2 of Lent Optional Memorial (except Ossory): St Kieran, pre-Patrician Saint born in Cape Clear, Cork. Missioned abroad, returned as a hermit to Ossory where Saigir became a well-known monastery. (1) Daniel 9:4-10 Daniel’s prayer of shame and repentance I prayed to the…
4 Mar 2023 – Saturday of Week 1 of Lent
4 Mar 2023 – Saturday of Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Casimer, 1458-84, patron saint of Poland, a peacemaker. (1) Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Walking in the way of the Lord This very day the Lord your God is commanding you to observe these statutes and ordinances; so observe them…
3 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 1 of Lent
3 Mar 2023 – Friday of Week 1 of Lent (1) Ezekiel 18:21-28 Personal responsibility to replace the idea of shared guilt But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall…
2 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 1 of Lent
2 Mar 2023 – Thursday of Week 1 of Lent (1) Esther 4:29-42 Queen Esther’s prayer wins God’s help in a time of crisis Queen Esther, seized with deadly anxiety, fled to the Lord. She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: “O my Lord, you only are…
1 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 1 of Lent
1 Mar 2023 – Wednesday of Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorial: St David, Patron of Wales, died c 601. (1) Jonah 3:1-10 When Jonah’s preaching bears fruit, God has mercy on Nineveh The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh,…
28 Feb 2023 – Tuesday of Week 1 of Lent
28 Feb 2023 – Tuesday of Week 1 of Lent (1) Isaiah 55:10-11 God’s word comes down from heaven like rain, to make the earth fruitful For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it…
27 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 1 of Lent
27 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 1 of Lent Optional memorial: St Gregory of Narek, c950-1003, Armenian Church monk. mystic and poet. A Church doctor, Lamentations is his best known work, 95 ‘conversations with God’ prayers. (1) Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Practical guidance for worship and for social compassion The Lord spoke…
25 Feb 2023 – Sat after Ash Wednesday
25 Feb 2023 – Sat after Ash Wednesday (1) Isaiah 58:9-14 If they are converted, they are blessed, with waters that never fail Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you remove the yoke from…
24 Feb 2023 – Fri after Ash Wednesday
24 Feb 2023 – Fri after Ash Wednesday Worldwide Day of Prayer for Survivors and Victims of Sexual Abuse (1) Isaiah 58:1-9 True religion differs from merely external observance Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the…
23 Feb 2023 – Thurs after Ash Wednesday
23 Feb 2023 – Thurs after Ash Wednesday Optional Memorial: St Polycarp, Bishop fo Smyrna, disciple of St John. Martyred in 155. (1) Deuteronomy 30:15-20 A warm call to fidelity. Choose life, that you and your offspring may live! Keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I am…
22 Feb 2023 – Ash Wednesday (Cycle 1)
22 Feb 2023 – Ash Wednesday (1) Joel 2:12-18Return to me with all your heart. Spare your people, Lord”Now, now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.”Return to the Lord, your God,…
21 Feb 2023 – Tuesday of Week 7
21 Feb 2023 – Tuesday of Week 7 Optional Memorial: St Peter Damian 1007-72, bishop, doctor of the church, hermit, later Cardinal Bishop of Ostia. Reformer of Church life and discipline. 1st Reading: Sirach 2:1-11 Those who hope in the Lord are not forsaken My child, when you come to…
20 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 7
20 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 7 1st Reading: Sirach/Ecclesiasticus 1:1-10 All wisdom comes from God and returns to him All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity, who can count…
18 Feb 2023 – Saturday of Week 6
18 Feb 2023 – Saturday of Week 6 Saturday Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Hebrews 11:1-7 By faith we understand that the world is ruled by God’s will Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our…
17 Feb 2023 – Friday of Week 6
17 Feb 2023 – Friday of Week 6 Optional Memorials: early thirteenth century in Florence, Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, known as the Servants of Mary, they followed the Rule of St Augustine. St Fintan d 603, born in Leinster, foundation in Clonenagh, Co Laois. 1st Reading: Genesis…
16 Feb 2023 – Thursday of Week 6
16 Feb 2023 – Thursday of Week 6 1st Reading: Genesis 9:1-13 The rainbow, a perpetual sign of God’s covenant with Noah and the human race God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you…
15 Feb 2023 – Wednesday of Week 6
15 Feb 2023 – Wednesday of Week 6 1st Reading: Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22 The Lord promises never again to destroy the earth At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent out the raven; and it went to and fro…
14 Feb 2023 – Saints Cyril and Methodius
14 Feb 2023 – Saints Cyril and Methodius Cyril and Methodius were brothers born in Byzantine Thessalonika, northern Greece, in the 9th century, who brought Christianity to the Slavic peoples of modern Czech Republic and Hungary. For their work they were declared co-patrons of Europe in 1999, by Pope John…
13 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 6
13 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 6 1st Reading: Genesis 4:1-15 Cain’s jealousy leads to his murder of Abel Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.” Next she bore his brother…
11 Feb 2023 – Saturday of Week 5 – World Day of the Sick
11 Feb 2023 – Saturday of Week 5 – World Day of the Sick Optional Memorials: Our Lady of Lourdes – Is 66:10-14. Ps Jud 13:18-19, R/15:19. Jn 2:1-11 Lect 11:955. Our Lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous (14) on this day in 1858 – “I am the Immaculate Conception.” World Day of…
10 Feb 2023 – Friday of Week 5
10 Feb 2023 – Friday of Week 5 Memorial: St Scholastica died c543, sister of St Benedict. Patron of convulsive children. 1st Reading: Genesis 3:1-8 Woman and man disobey God and try to hide from him in the garden The serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that…
9 Feb 2023 – Thursday of Week 5
9 Feb 2023 – Thursday of Week 5 1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-25 Woman stands equal to man, as they are joined as one flesh The Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of…
8 Feb 2023 – Wednesday of Week 5
8 Feb 2023 – Wednesday of Week 5 – International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking. Optional Memorials: St Jerome Emiliani d 1537, military man, founded the Clerks Regular of Somaschi for the care of orphans and the poor. Patron saint of orphans. St Josephine Bakhita 1868-1947, Sudan…
7 Feb 2023 – Tuesday of Week 5
7 Feb 2023 – Tuesday of Week 5 Optional Memorial: St Mel (Ardagh & Clonmacnoise), d 488, a Brit who arrived with Patrick, gave the religious veil to Brigid. 1st Reading: Genesis 1:20, 2:4 After forming man and woman to the divine likeness, God rested on the seventh day God…
6 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 5
6 Feb 2023 – Monday of Week 5 1st Reading: Genesis 1:1-19 God creates light, sky, earth and sun, moon and stars, in the act of creation In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of…
4 Feb 2023 – Saturday of Week 4
4 Feb 2023 – Saturday of Week 4 1st Reading: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21 God raised up Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep Through him, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do…
3 Feb 2023 – Friday of Week 4 – St Blaise
3 Feb 2023 – Friday of Week 4 Optional Memorials: St Ansgar, French born, ninth century, AB of Hamburg, preached in Denmark and Sweden. Apostle of Scandinavia. Patron of Denmark. St Blaise, d 315, bishop (of Sebaste) and martyr, physician, patron saint of people who suffer from disease of the…
2 Feb 2023 – Presentation of Our Lord
2 Feb 2023 – Presentation of Our Lord World Day for Consecrated Life 1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 When God’s Messenger arrives, he will refine the people See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple….
1 Feb 2023 – Saint Brigid of Kildare
1 Feb 2023 – Saint Brigid of Kildare, Secondary Patron of Ireland 1st Reading: Job 31:16-20; 24-25; 31-32 Job’s generosity towards the needy is reflected in St Brigid’s works of charity I have never withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,…
31 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 4
31 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 4 Memorial: St John Bosco 1815-88, founder of the Salesians. Patron youth and Catholic publishers. 1st Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4 Around us a cloud of witnesses, and Jesus himself, to encourage us Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,…
30 Jan 2023 – Monday of Week 4
30 Jan 2023 – Monday of Week 4 Optional Memorial: St Aidan, aka Maedoc (Mogue), born c 550, founded a monastery at Ferns, died 626. Bl. Margaret Ball, died in Dublin Castle in 1584. Imprisoned for teaching Catholicism, harbouring priests and having Mass celebrate din her home. Bl. Francis Taylor…
28 Jan 2023 – Saturday of Week 3
28 Jan 2023 – Saturday of Week 3 Memorial: St Thomas Aquinas 1224-1274, theologian of note! Patron of schools, universities, students and booksellers. 1st Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 Divine blessing on Abraham and his descendants Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed,…
27 Jan 2023 – Friday of Week 3
27 Jan 2023 – Friday of Week 3 Optional Memorial: St Angela Merici 1474-1540, founder of the Ursulines 1st Reading, Hebrews 10:32-39 Do not abandon hope, but trust in God’s promises Remember those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being…
26 January 2023 – Thursday Week 3 in Ordinary Time – Saints Timothy and Titus
26 January 2023 – Thursday Week 3 in Ordinary Time – Saints Timothy and Titus 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-9 Use the gifts God has given us, for the service of the church Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life…
25 Jan 2023 – The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
25 Jan 2023 – The Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle 1st Reading: Acts 22:3-16 Paul’s account of his conversion, to his fellow-Jews, on the steps of the Temple “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly…
24 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 3
24 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 3 Memorial: St Francis de Sales 1567-1622, bishop of Geneva, founder of the Visitation Sisters. Patron saint of writers, editors and journalists. 1st Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10 The temple rituals were a type of the new covenant, brought by Jesus for all Since the…
23 Jan 2023 – Monday of Week 3
23 Jan 2023 – Monday of Week 3 1st Reading: Hebrews 9:15, 24-28 Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from…
21 Jan 2023 – Saturday of Week 2
21 Jan 2023 – Saturday of Week 2 Memorial: St Agnes, martyred in early 4th century. Patron of engaged couples, gardeners and young girls. 1st Reading: Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14 Jesus enters the Holy of Holies, so we can serve the living God A tent was constructed, the first one, in…
20 Jan 2023 – Friday of Week 2
20 Jan 2023 – Friday of Week 2 Optional Memorials: St Fabian, martyred when Pope in 250. St Sebastian: martyred under Diocletian. 1st Reading: Hebrews 8:6-13 Mediator of a new covenant Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better…
19 Jan 2023 – Thursday of Week 2
19 Jan 2023 – Thursday of Week 2 1st Reading: Hebrews 7:25-8:6 Jesus our high priest serves in the true tabernacle of heaven Jesus he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was…
18 Jan 2023 – Wednesday of Week 2
18 Jan 2023 – Wednesday of Week 2 1st Reading: Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 The priesthood of Jesus is mysterious and eternal, like Melchisedek’s King Melchizedek of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him; and to him Abraham…
17 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 2
17 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 2 Memorial: St Anthony, died 356 – ‘father of monasticism’ who lived a life of solitude. 1st Reading: Hebrews 6:10-20 Abraham’s long-delayed son. A lesson in patience God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed…
16 Jan 2022 – Monday of Week 2
16 Jan 2022 – Monday of Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Fursa, Irish missionary who settled in East Anglia before moving to France in 644. Died c650 at Mézerolles and buried in Péronne. 1st Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10 Jesus is our Priest, and the source of eternal salvation for all Every…
14 Jan 2022 – Saturday of Week 1
14 Jan 2022 – Saturday of Week 1 1st Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16 Our merciful high priest has passed into heaven Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the…
13 Jan 2023 – Friday of Week 1
13 Jan 2023 – Friday of Week 1 Optional memorial: St Hilary c.315-c.367, bishop and doctor of the church. 1st Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Through faith we shall enter into God’s day of rest While the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none…
12 Jan 2023 – Thursday of Week 1
12 Jan 2023 – Thursday of Week 1 1st Reading: Hebrews 3:7-14 Hearts opened to God, not hardened by sin Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, as on the day of testing in the desert,…
11 Jan 2023 – Wednesday of Week 1
11 Jan 2023 – Wednesday of Week 1 1st Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Jesus shared our flesh and blood and so is able to help us in our trials Since the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the…
10 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 1
10 Jan 2023 – Tuesday of Week 1 1st Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12 Jesus, crowned with glory, having been tested through suffering Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, “What are human beings that you are mindful of…
9 Jan 2023 – Monday of Week 1
9 Jan 2023 – Monday of Week 1 (Note: Sunday Cycle A, Weekday Cycle 1 – 1st Week in Ordinary Time) 1st Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 God spoke in many and varied ways, but now through Jesus, his Son and heir Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and…
7 January 2023 – Saturday after Epiphany
7 January 2023 – Saturday after Epiphany Optional Memorial: St Raymond of Penafort, 1175-1275, Dominican lawyer and Archbishop of Tarragona. 1st Reading: 1 John 3:22 – 4:6 Distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error Beloved, we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments…
6 January 2023, Friday, The Epiphany of the Lord
6 January 2023, Friday, The Epiphany of the Lord (or the Sunday between 2 January and 8 January) 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 In those days the Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen…
5 January 2023 – Thursday Before Epiphany
5 January 2023 – Thursday Before Epiphany Optional Memorial: St Charles of St Andrew – John Andrew Houben (1821-1893) from Munstergeleen, Holland, was briefly the Dutch army before being called to religious life with the Passionists in 1845, in Belgium, taking the name Charles. After ordination he was sent to…
4 January 2023 – Wednesday Before Epiphany
4 January 2023 – Wednesday Before Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 3:7-10. How we are reborn as children of God Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil;…
3 January 2023 – Tuesday Before Epiphany
3 January 2023 – Tuesday Before Epiphany Optional Memorials: The Holy Name of Jesus (Phil 2: 1-11. Ps 8:4-9. Lk 2:21-24.) St Munchin (Mainchin) (Limerick), patron Limerick. 1st Reading: 1 John 2:29 – 3:6 We are God’s children now; when he is revealed, we will be like him If…
2 January 2023 – Monday before Epiphany
2 January 2023 – Monday before Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 The Holy Spirit received from Jesus, teaches you all things Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No…
31 December 2022 – 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas
31 December 2022 – 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas Optional memorial: Saint Sylvester, pope. Sylvester (250-335) was born in Rome in the mid-3rd century and served as a priest under pope Marcellinus before the persecution under Diocletian (303). After the victory of emperor Constantine in 312 he succeeded Melchiades…
30 December 2022 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas – Feast of the Holy Family
30 December 2022 – 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas Feast of the Holy Family Theme: Family life can be severely challenged, from various causes. This feast invites us to renew our commitment to family life. 1st Reading. Book of Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 A practical application of the fourth…
29 December 2022 – Thursday, 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
29 December 2022 – Thursday, 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas Optional Memorial: Saint Thomas a Becket, Thomas a Becket (1118-1170) from Cheapside in London, was appointed first as chancellor and then archbishop (1162) by order of his friend, King Henry II. As archbishop he sided with the pope…
28 Dec 2022 – Wednesday, The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
28 Dec 2022 – Wednesday, The Holy Innocents, Martyrs 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5-2:2 Those who walk in darkness, and those who walk in the light Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is…
27 Dec 2022 – Tuesday, Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
27 Dec 2022 – Tuesday, Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 John 1:1-4 What we have seen with our eyes, what we have touched with our hands Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard,what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and…
26 Dec 2022 – Monday, St Stephen, First Martyr
26 Dec 2022 – Monday, St Stephen, First Martyr 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 The martyrdom of Stephen the deacon, according to Luke Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and…
24 December 2022 – Saturday of 4th Week of Advent
24 December 2022 – Saturday of 4th Week of Advent 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16 David is promised a “house” or dynasty Now when the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said…
23 December 2022 – Friday of 4th Week of Advent
23 December 2022 – Friday of 4th Week of Advent Optional Memorial: St John of Kanty, 1390-1473, Kraków, Poland, a theologian. 1st Reading: Malachiah 3:1-4, 4,4-6 God will send a fore-runner to prepare for the final day The Lord God says this: “See, I am sending my messenger to prepare…
22 December 2022 – Thursday of 4th Week of Advent
22 December 2022 – Thursday of 4th Week of Advent 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Hannah dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin…
21 Dec 2022 – Wednesday of 4th Week of Advent
21 Dec 2022 – Wednesday of 4th Week of Advent Optional Memorial: St Peter Canisius, 1521-97, Holland born Jesuit who produced a 211 questions/answers catechism in 1555. 1st Reading: Song of Songs (2:8-14 Lyrical love-poetry from king Solomon, about the beloved who is coming The voice of my beloved! Look,…
20 Dec 2022 – Tuesday of 4th Week of Advent
20 Dec 2022 – Tuesday of 4th Week of Advent Feast (Kilfenora): St Fachanan, sixth century patron of Kilfenora, part of Galway. 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz,…
19 December 2022 – Monday of 4th Week of Advent
19 December 2022 – Monday of 4th Week of Advent 1st Reading: Judges (13:2-7, 24-25 Manoah’s wife yearns for a son. Samson will be dedicated to God There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne…
17 Dec 2022 – Saturday of 3rd Week of Advent
17 Dec 2022 – Saturday of 3rd Week of Advent The Roman Church has been singing The O Antiphons since at least the eighth century. They are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn…
16 Dec 2022 – Friday of 3rd week of Advent
16 Dec 2022 – Friday of 3rd week of Advent First Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8 Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. Happy is the mortal who does this, the one who holds it fast,…
15 Dec 2022 – Thursday 3rd Week of Advent
15 Dec 2022 – Thursday 3rd Week of Advent Reading: Isaiah 54: 1-10 Sing, O barren one who did not bear; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labour! For the children of the desolate woman will be more than the children of her that is…
14 Dec 2022 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 3
14 Dec 2022 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 3 Memorial: St John of the Cross, 1542-1591, Carmelite poet and doctor of the Church. With the divinest Word, the Virgin Made pregnant, down the road Comes walking, if you’ll grant her A room in your abode… ~St. John of the Cross…
13 Dec 2022 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 3
13 Dec 2022 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 3 Memorial: St Lucy, martyred in 304 in Sicily under Diocletian. 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 The people’s future conversion: the humble shall seek refuge in the Lord. Ah, soiled, defiled, oppressing city! It has listened to no voice; it has accepted…
12 Dec 2022 – Monday of Advent, Week 3
12 Dec 2022 – Monday of Advent, Week 3 Optional Memorials: Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron of the Americas; St Finnian: established a famous school in Clonard, Meath c 520. Tutor of Canice, Colm Cille and Brendan. Died in 549. Monday of Advent, Week 3 1st Reading: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17…
10 Dec 2022 – Saturday of Advent, Week 2
10 Dec 2022 – Saturday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorial: Blessed Virgin Mary of Loreto See link to decree from the Congregation for Divine Worship: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2019/10/31/191031e.html 1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Lyrical praise of Elijah, whose prophetic word burned like a torch Then Elijah arose, a prophet like fire,…
9 Dec 2022 – Friday of Advent, Week 2
9 Dec 2022 – Friday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, 1474-1548, saw the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531. 1st Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19 If you kept my commandments, your name would last forever Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of…
8 December 2022 – The Immaculate Conception
8 December 2022 – The Immaculate Conception 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Enmity between the serpent and the woman But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I…
7 Dec – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2
7 Dec – Wednesday of Advent, Week 2 Memorial: St Ambrose, 339-397, patron of Milan, beekeepers and domestic animals. 1st Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people, from God, who strengthens the powerless To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One….
6 Dec 2022 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 2
6 Dec 2022 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Nicholas – Feast in Galway, Solemnity in City of Galway. Fourth century Bishop of Myra. Patron of Russia, sailors, pawnbrokers and children. 1st Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 Comfort ye my people! — the promised return of the exiles from…
5 Dec 2022 – Monday of Advent, Week 2
5 Dec 2022 – Monday of Advent, Week 2 1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 They shall see the glory of the Lord, and the ransomed exiles shall return to Zion The desert and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom…
3 Dec 2022 – Saturday of Advent, Week 1
3 Dec 2022 – Saturday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Future days of blessed enlightenment, when the people turn aside from idolatry. Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of…
2 Dec 2022 – Friday of Advent, Week 1
2 Dec 2022 – Friday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24 A promise of good times, when deaf shall hear and blind shall see Shall not Lebanon in a very little while become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be regarded as a forest? On that day…
1 Dec 2022 – Thursday of Advent, Week 1
1 Dec 2022 – Thursday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6 A hymn of confidence in the Lord God, our everlasting rock On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks….
30 Nov 2022 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 1
30 Nov 2022 – Wednesday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10 “God will wipe away the tears from all faces.” — a Messianic vision of the final age. On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of…
29 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 1
29 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest…
28 Nov 2022 – Monday of Advent, Week 1
28 Nov 2022 – Monday of Advent, Week 1 1st Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 In the Messiah’s day, they shall beat their swords into ploughshares The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as…
26 Nov 2022 – Saturday of Week 34
26 Nov 2022 – Saturday of Week 34 1st Reading: Revelation 22:1-7 The river of life, the healing fruits and the Lamb who is coming soon Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the…
25 Nov 2022 – Friday of Week 34
25 Nov 2022 – Friday of Week 34 Optional Memorials: St Catherine of Alexandria, martyred in 310, honoured in monastery on Mount Sinai. St Clement 1, 88-97, third successor St Peter. St Colman, c530, bard and priest, main foundation at Cloyne. 1st Reading: Revelation 20:1-4; 21:1-2 Those who reject the…
24 Nov 2022 – Thursday of Week 34
24 Nov 2022 – Thursday of Week 34 Memorial: Ss Andrew Dūng-Lac and Companions, martyrs in Vietnam in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. 1st Reading: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9 The happy guests at the Lamb’s wedding feast I, John, saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great…
23 Nov 2022 – Wednesday of Week 34
23 Nov 2022 – Wednesday of Week 34 Memorial: St Columban, c543-615, Bangor monk, missionary to Annegray, Luxeuil, Fontaine and Bobbio – one of the greatest Irish missionary monks. 1st Reading: Revelation 15:1-4 The seven plagues sent by the wrath of God Then I saw another portent in heaven, great…
22 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Week 34
22 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Week 34 Memorial: St Cecilia, early Roman Christian martyr. Patron of Music and musicians. 1st Reading: Revelation 14:14-19 The grapes are thrown into the winepress of God’s wrath Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one…
21 Nov 2022 – Presentation of Our Lady
21 Nov 2022 – Presentation of Our Lady 1st Reading: Zechariah (2:14-17 Rejoice, O daughter Zion! For I will dwell in your midst Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord…
19 Nov 2022 – Saturday of Week 33
19 Nov 2022 – Saturday of Week 33 1st Reading: Revelation 11:4-12 The two prophets were killed as martyrs, possibly Peter and Paul, but are taken up to heaven in glory I, John, heard a voice saying: “These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before…
18 Nov 2022 – Friday of Week 33
18 Nov 2022 – Friday of Week 33 Optional Memorial: Dedication of the Basilicas of Ss Peter and Paul. 1st Reading: Revelation 10:8-11 The scroll that was sweet on the tongue but sour in the stomach I, John, heard the voice that I had heard from heaven speak to me…
17 Nov 2022 – Thursday of Week 33
17 Nov 2022 – Thursday of Week 33 Memorial: St Elizabeth of Hungary 1207-31, queen, widow, exile, Franciscan tertiary and woman of prayer. 1st Reading: Revelation 5:1-10 The Lamb who was killed opens the seals of the Book of Life I, John, saw in the right hand of the one…
16 Nov 2022 – Wednesday of Week 33
16 Nov 2022 – Wednesday of Week 33 Optional Memorials: St Margaret of Scotland, 1045-93, Church reformer. St Gertrude, 1256-1302, Benedictine nun devoted to the Sacred Heart and advocated frequent Holy Communion. 1st Reading: Revelation 4:1-11 The twenty-four elders before God’s throne In my vision I looked, and there in…
15 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Week 33
15 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Week 33 Optional Memorial: St Albert the Great, c1206-80, Dominican theologian in Cologne. Patron of scientists. 1st Reading: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 Those who are lukewarm will be spat out I, John, heard the Lord say to me, “To the angel of the church in…
14 Nov 2022 – Monday of Week 33
14 Nov 2022 – Monday of Week 33 Optional Memorial: St Laurence O’Toole (Dublin), 1123-1180, Glendalough monk who was the first native Archbishop of Dublin. Attended the Third Lateran Council in 1179, returned as Papal Legate and held synods on reform. Died at Eu in Normandy. 1st Reading: Revelation Apocalypse)…
12 Nov 2022 – Saturday of Week 32
12 Nov 2022 – Saturday of Week 32 Memorial: St Josaphat, 1580-1623, Bishop of Polotz who worked for the reunion of Ukrainian Catholics. His murder by those who opposed him brought about many conversions. 1st Reading: 3 John verses 5-8 It is well to provide hospitality for traveling missionaries Beloved,…
11 Nov 2022 – Friday of Week 32
11 Nov 2022 – Friday of Week 32 Memorial: St Martin of Tours, 316-397, Bishop of Tours. Patron of France, soldiers, beggars and innkeepers. 1st Reading: 2 John verses 4-9 Love one another and acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come incarnate in the flesh I was overjoyed to find some…
10 Nov 2022 – Thursday of Week 32
10 Nov 2022 – Thursday of Week 32 Memorial: St Leo the Great, elected Bishop of Rome 440, taught the two natures of Christ – human and divine – at the Council of Chalcedon, 451, and the primacy of Peter. 1st Reading: Philemon (verses 7-20 Philemon must welcome back his…
9 Nov 2022 – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
9 Nov 2022 – The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica 1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-10, 12 Ezekiel sees life-giving river flows out from the Jerusalem temple, to bring new life to the desert Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below…
8 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Week 32
8 Nov 2022 – Tuesday of Week 32 1st Reading: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 Guidelines for living, while awaiting the return of our Saviour As for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in…
7 November 2022 – Monday of Week 32
7 November 2022 – Monday of Week 32 Optional Memorial: St Willibrord, 658-739, born in Northumbria, studied at Rath Melsigi, Co Carlow, went with 11 companions to evangelise Frisia, made bishop of Utrecht. 1st Reading: Titus 1:1-9 The blessings of the faith and the qualities of a church leader From…
5 November 2022 – Saturday of Week 31
5 November 2022 – Saturday of Week 31 Optional Memorial; St Martin de Porres, 1579-1639, renowned for caring for the sick and his devotion to the Eucharist. 1st Reading: Philippians 4:10-19 Thanks to the community who helped Paul in his imprisonment I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at…
4 November 2022 – Friday of Week 31
4 November 2022 – Friday of Week 31 Optional Memorial: St Charles Borromeo, 1538-1584, patron of catechists and seminarians. 1st Reading: Philippians 3:17—4:1 We should be guided by the cross of Christ, because our citizenship is in heaven Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live…
3 November 2022 – Thursday of Week 31
3 November 2022 – Thursday of Week 31 Optional Memorial: St Malachy (Armagh, Down and Connor), 1094-1148, a reformer, died in the arms of Bernard at Clairvaux, where he is buried. 1st Reading: Philippians 3:3-8 We who are the real people of the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of…
2 November 2022 – Wednesday – All Souls
2 November 2022 – Wednesday – All Souls (Any Readings from the Masses for the Dead, Lectionary, vol. 4) 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 A vision of hope for the future, when God will restore his people to happiness On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples…
1 November 2022 – Tuesday – All Saints
1 November 2022 – Tuesday – All Saints 1st Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 Vast numbers were sealed with the sign of the Living God I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to…
31 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 31
31 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 31 Optional Memorial: Bl Dominic Collins (Cloyne), c1566-1602. A Jesuit Brother who was hanged in Youghal on 31 October 1602. 1st Reading: Philippians 2:1-4 Setting aside rivalry or conceit, all should be generous to others If there is any encouragement in Christ, any…
29 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 30
29 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 30 Optional Memorial: St Colman, from Kilmacduagh, Galway; Studied on Oileán Árainn and founded two churches on Inis Mór. 1st Reading: Philippians 1:18-26 Paul takes everything in stride, so that he may preach the Gospel What does it matter, except that Christ be…
28 October 2022 – Friday – Ss Simon and Jude, Apostles
28 October 2022 – Friday – Ss Simon and Jude, Apostles 1st Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 God has appointed apostles so that his people’s needs will be served So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of…
27 Oct 2022 – Thursday of Week 30 Optional Memorial: St Otteran, d 548, patron of Waterford city and diocese. 1st Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 Putting on the armour of God, for the struggle of life Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the…
26 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 30
26 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 30 1st Reading: Ephesians 6:1-9 Practical advice for parents and children, masters and servants Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “honour your father and mother”. This is the first commandment accompanied with a promise: “so that it may…
25 Oct 2022 – Tuesday of Week 30
25 Oct 2022 – Tuesday of Week 30 Memorial (Cloyne, Cork and Ross): Bl Thaddeus MacCarthy, 1455-1492. 1st Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33 Love between spouses mirrors Christ’s love for the church Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to…
24 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 30
24 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 30 Optional Memorial: St Anthony Mary Claret, 1807-1870, founded the Claretians in Spain. 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:32—5:8 Be kind to one another, forgiving as our merciful Father is Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven…
22 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 29
22 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 29 Optional Memorial; St John Paul II, pope from 1978 to 2 April 2005. 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:7-16 The church led by apostles and evangelists, to teach and unify its members Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s…
21 Oct 2022 – Friday of Week 29
21 Oct 2022 – Friday of Week 29 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6 One body and one spirit, a warm ideal of church unity I, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness,…
20 Oct 2022 – Thursday of Week 29
20 Oct 2022 – Thursday of Week 29 1st Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 May you grasp the depth of Christ’s love, beyond all knowledge I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name, praying that, according to the riches of his…
19 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 29
19 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 29 Optional Memorials: St John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues, slain with six Jesuit companions in 1647/8. St Paul of the Cross, 1694-1775, founded the Passionists. 1st Reading: Ephesians 3:2-12 Paul preaches to the gentiles the rich mystery of Christ Surely you have…
18 October 2022 – Tuesday – St Luke, Evangelist
18 October 2022 – Tuesday – St Luke, Evangelist 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17 Only Luke is with Paul, at this final stage in his imprisonment Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens…
17 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 29
17 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 29 Memorial: St Ignatius of Antioch, martyred in Rome c107. 1st Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the…
15 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 28
15 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 28 Memorial: St Teresa of Avila, 1515-1582, doctor of the Church, established Carmelite convents under a reformed rule. Patron of lacemakers and headache sufferers. 1st Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 May God enlighten your vision to see the hope you are called to I have…
14 Oct 2022 – Friday of Week 28
14 Oct 2022 – Friday of Week 28 Optional Memorial: St Callistus 1, pope in 217, died in 222. 1st Reading Ephesians 1:11-14 We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, the down-payment God has made to his people In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according…
13 Oct 2022 – Thursday of Week 28
13 Oct 2022 – Thursday of Week 28 1st Reading: Ephesians 1:1-10 God chose us in Christ before the world began, to be holy in his sight Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ…
12 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 28
12 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 28 1st Reading: Galatians 5:18-25 The symptoms or fruits of the flesh contrasted with those of the spirit If you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness,…
11 Oct 2022 – Tuesday of Week 28
11 Oct 2022 – Tuesday of Week 28 Optional Memorials: St John XX111, pope, 1881-1963. Called the Second Vatican Council. St Canice (Kilkenny), c527-603. 1st Reading: Galatians 5:1-6 In Christ Jesus, circumcision no longer counts; only faith acting through love For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore,…
10 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 28
10 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 28 1st Reading: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1 Through faith we are born free. It was for liberty that Christ freed us It is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and the other by a free woman. One, the…
8 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 27
8 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 27 1st Reading: Galatians 3:22-29 In Christ, all the baptized are equally children of God The scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe….
7 Oct 2022 – Our Lady of the Rosary
7 Oct 2022 – Our Lady of the Rosary This feast commemorates the Christian naval victory over the Turks (at Lepanto 1571). Our Lady is daily honoured in the Rosary, which invites us to meditate the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Christ her son. 1st Reading: Acts…
6 Oct 2022 – Thursday of Week 27
6 Oct 2022 – Thursday of Week 27 Optional Memorial: St Bruno, 1033-1101, founded the Carthusians at La Grande Chartreuse. 1st Reading: Galatians 3:1-5 Is the Spirit received by law-abidingness or by trusting faith? You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was…
5 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 27
5 Oct 2022 – Wednesday of Week 27 Optional Memorial: St Faustina, 1905-1938, inspired Divine Mercy movement. 1st Reading: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14 Paul openly corrects Peter for compromising the principle of the equality of all believers Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus…
4 Oct 2022 – Tuesday of Week 27
4 Oct 2022 – Tuesday of Week 27 Memorial: St Francis of Assisi, 1181-1226, patron of ecologists. 1st Reading: Galatians 1:13-24 Paul once persecuted the church but later met Cephas (Peter) in Jerusalem You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church…
3 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 27
3 Oct 2022 – Monday of Week 27 1st Reading: Galatians 1:6-12 Paul’s Gospel message came to him directly from the Lord I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, not that…
1 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 26
1 Oct 2022 – Saturday of Week 26 Memorial: St Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Lisieux, The Little Flower, doctor of the Church, died on 30 Sept 1897, patron of missions, florists, aviators and France. 1st Reading: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 After Job stops complaining, he is blessed more than…
30 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 26
30 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 26 Memorial: St Jerome, 340-420, translated the Bible into Latin, known as the Vulgate, patron of librarians 1st Reading: Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 Only if Job is himself divine can he challenge God’s ways Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:…
29 Sept 2022 – The Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
29 Sept 2022 – The Holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael 1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 The vision of the Ancient One and the Son of Man, in glorious splendour As I watched, thrones were set in place, and an Ancient One took his throne, his clothing was white as…
28 Sept 2022 – Wednesday of Week 26
28 Sept 2022 – Wednesday of Week 26 Optional Memorials: St Wenceslaus, 905-25, patron of brewers; St Lawrence Ruiz and Companions, martyred in Nagasaki from 1633-37. 1st Reading: Job 9:1-12, 14-16 God’s omnipotent control of the universe and his mysterious guidance of life When Bildad had finished speaking Job answered:…
27 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 26
27 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 26 Memorial: St Vincent de Paul, 1580-1660, founder of the Vincentians and Daughters of Charity. Patron of all charitable works. 1st Reading: Job 3:1-3 Job’s anguished lament at the misfortunes heaped upon him Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his…
26 Sept 2-22 – Monday of Week 26
26 Sept 2-22 – Monday of Week 26 Optional Memorial: Ss Cosmas and Damian, early Syrian martyrs, patrons of physicians. 1st Reading: Job 1:6-22 Job’s patience is tested to the uttermost One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The…
24 Sept 2022 – Saturday of Week 25
24 Sept 2022 – Saturday of Week 25 1st Reading: Qohelet 11:9,12:8 A wise man’s lament about the encroachments of old age Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire…
23 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 25
23 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 25 Memorial: St Pius of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio); (St Eunan (Adomnán) in Raphoe). 1st Reading: Qohelet 3:1-11 There’s a time for everything as we go through life For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time…
22 Sept 2022 – Thursday of Week 25
22 Sept 2022 – Thursday of Week 25 1st Reading: Qohelet 1:2-11 There’s nothing new under the sun. Vanity of vanities Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher. Vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? A generation…
21 Sept 22 – Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
21 Sept 22 – Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 The Church is one body, under the leadership of the apostles I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all…
20 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 25
20 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 25 Memorial: St Andrew Kim Tae-gõn, the first Korean priest, and Paul Chõng Ha-Sang, a catechist, and 101 others were martyred during the persecutions in Korea, 1839-67. 1st Reading: Proverbs (21:1-6, 10-13 Advice about self-control from Solomon’s proverbs The king’s heart is a…
19 Sept 2022 – Monday of Week 25
19 Sept 2022 – Monday of Week 25 Optional Memorial: St Januarius, martyred in Naples in 305 with six companions. 1st Reading: Proverbs (3:27-34 Practical guidelines for dealing justly with one’s neighbour Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to…
Saturday 17 Sept 2022 – Week 24
Saturday 17 Sept 2022 – Week 24 Optional Memorials: St Hildegard of Bingen, 1098-1179, musician, composer, writer, mystic and doctor of the Church; St Robert Bellarmine, 1542-1621, Jesuit, cardinal and patron of catechists. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49 What is sown and dies rises to new, incorruptible life. Our…
Friday 16 Sept 2022 – Week 24
Friday 16 Sept 2022 – Week 24 Memorial: Ss Cornelius and Cyprian 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Belief in the Lord’s resurrection is not superfluous, but a vital basis for hope If Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no…
Thurs 15 Sept 2022 – Our Lady of Sorrows
Thurs 15 Sept 2022 – Our Lady of Sorrows 1st Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9 Even Jesus learned obedience through what he suffered In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and…
14 Sept 2022 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
14 Sept 2022 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross 1st Reading: Numbers 21:5-9 When the serpents bit the people, the statue of a bronze serpent brought them healing The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the…
13 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 24
13 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 24 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31 Many gifts, all at the service of the community, the body of Christ Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so…
12 Sept 2022 – Monday of Week 24
12 Sept 2022 – Monday of Week 24 Optional Memorials: The Holy Name of Mary; St Ailbe: died in 528. Founded a monastery at Emly. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33 The Eucharistic meal can be profaned by divisions based on class and wealth In the following instructions I do…
10 Sept 2022 – Saturday of Week 23
10 Sept 2022 – Saturday of Week 23 Optional Memorial: St Peter Claver SJ, born in Catalonia in 1580, worked in Colombia among the slaves at a slave trade centre until his death in 1654. He is reputed to have baptised more than 300,000 people. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22…
9 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 23
9 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 23 Optional Memorial: St Ciarán, borin in Roscommon circa 512. Founded a monastery in Clonmacnois in 545. Died aged 33 while it was still being built. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27 Paul’s total dedication to his preaching ministry If I preach the…
8 Sept 2022 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
8 Sept 2022 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Micah 5:1-4 Now you are walled around with a wall; siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the ruler of Israel upon the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little…
7 Sept 2022 – Wednesday of Week 23
7 Sept 2022 – Wednesday of Week 23 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31 Christians are free to marry or not, but remember anyway that this world is passing About the unmarried, I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy…
6 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 23
6 Sept 2022 – Tuesday of Week 23 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 A people saved by Jesus must have high standards of love and respect When one of you has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Do…
5 Sept 2022 – Monday of Week 23
5 Sept 2022 – Monday of Week 23 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 Applying church discipline to a scandalous case (incest) It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his father’s…
3 Sept 2022 – Saturday of Week 22
3 Sept 2022 – Saturday of Week 22 Memorial: St Gregory the Great, 540-604. Roman noble who became a monk and pope. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:6-15 By his his lifestyle and manner, Paul seeks to win back the loyalty of the Corinthians I have applied all this to myself…
2 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 22
2 Sept 2022 – Friday of Week 22 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 As God’s servant, Paul must not be judged by mere human judgment This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that…
1 Sept 2022 – Thursday of Week 22
1 Sept 2022 – Thursday of Week 22 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 All things are yours, you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age,…
31 Aug 2022 – Wednesday of Week 22
31 Aug 2022 – Wednesday of Week 22 Optional Memorial: St Aidan of Lindisfarne, of Irish descent, monk of Iona, honoured in Northumbria. Died in 651. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Avoiding envy and strife; collaboration should marks God’s co-workers Brethren, I could not address you as spiritual men, but…
30 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 22
30 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 22 Optional Memorial: St Fiacre, Irish missionary associated with Normandy, who settled in a hermitage in Breuil, where he died circa 670. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 If taught by the Spirit of God we can judge rightly and know our inmost self…
29 Aug 2022 – The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
29 Aug 2022 – The Passion of Saint John the Baptist 1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 Like Jeremiah, we must speak out against domineering rulers But as for you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I…
27 Aug 2022 – Saturday of Week 21
27 Aug 2022 – Saturday of Week 21 Memorial: St Monica, 332-387. Mother of St Augustine. Patron saint of mothers. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 God chose the world’s despised, so that our wisdom, justice, and holiness would centre on Jesus For consider your call, brethren; not many of you…
26 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 21
26 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 21 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 The mystery of the cross is wiser and stronger than us My brothers and sisters, Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ…
25 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 21
25 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 21 Optional Memorials: St Louis of France, 1214-1270. Patron of French monarchy and military, and barbers. St Joseph Calasanz, 1556-1648. Patron of Catholic schools. 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Paul acknowledges the Corinthians’ gifts and prays for them Paul, called by the will…
24 Aug 2022 – St Bartholomew, Apostle
24 Aug 2022 – St Bartholomew, Apostle 1st Reading: Revelation 21:9-14 The City of God has 12 gates, representing the 12 apostles Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the…
23 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 21
23 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 21 Optional Memorials: St Eugene (Derry, feast); St Rose of Lima 1st Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17 Do not be unduly excited about the second coming of the Lord As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together…
22 Aug 2022 – Our Lady Queen and Mother
22 Aug 2022 – Our Lady Queen and Mother First Reading: Is 9: 1-6 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will…
20 Aug 2022 – Saturday of Week 20
20 Aug 2022 – Saturday of Week 20 Memorial: St Bernard, 1090-1153, Cistercian, Abbot of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church, patron of Gibraltar and beekeepers. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 43:1-7 The glory of the Lord returns to dwell in the Jerusalem temple Then he brought me to the gate, the gate…
19 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 20
19 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 20 Optional Memorial: St John Eudes, 1601-80, French. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14 The valley full of dry bones will be revived The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me…
18 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 20
18 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 20 1st Reading: Ezekiel 36:23-28 The exiles return to their land, purified and enabled to keep God’s law I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them; and the nations shall know…
17 Aug 2022 – Wednesday of Week 20
17 Aug 2022 – Wednesday of Week 20 Memorial: Our Lady of Knock 1st Reading: Ezekiel 34:1-11 Allegory of the evil shepherds who neglect the sheep and care only for themselves The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel: prophesy, and say to…
16 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 20
16 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 20 Optional Memorial; St Stephen of Hungary 1st Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-10 God warns the wealthy seaport metropolis of Tyre to beware of pride The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, say to the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord God:…
Mon 15 Aug 2022 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mon 15 Aug 2022 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 The woman and the dragon depicted the persecuted church; but came to include the Assumption of our Lady Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was…
13 Aug 2022 – Saturday of Week 19
13 Aug 2022 – Saturday of Week 19 Optional Memorials: Ss Pontian and Hippolytus; St Facthna (Ross, feast), founder of Ross Carbery monastery, West Cork. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32 Each individual is responsible to God, for his or her own actions The word of the Lord came to…
12 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 19
12 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 19 Optional Memorials: St Jane de Chantel (Congregation of the Visitation); St Muredach (Killala, feast); St Attracta (Achonry, feast); St Lelia (Liadain). 1st Reading: Ezekiel 16:1-15 Israel is like a baby girl, neglected but later espoused and loved by God The word of…
11 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 19
11 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 19 Memorial: St Clare, 1193-1253, founder of the Poor Clares. 1st Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-12 Ezekiel mimes going into exile, as a warning to the people The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, you are living in the midst of a rebellious…
10 Aug 2022 – St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
10 Aug 2022 – St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr Readings: 2 Cor 9:6-10; Ps 111:1-2, 5-9, R/ v5. John 12: 24-26 St Lawrence, Deacon, Martyr He died at Rome on this day in 258, four days after Saint Sixtus II, with whom he was closely associated. Honoured for his almsgiving….
9 Aug 2022 – Tues – Feast of Sister Teresa Benedicta (1891-1942) (Edith Stein)
9 Aug 2022 – Tues – Feast of Sister Teresa Benedicta (1891-1942) (Edith Stein), Patron of Europe Also St Nathy (Achonry), St Felim (Kilmore). 1st Reading: Hosea 2:16-17; 21-22 God’s love for his people, Israel, is like a husband’s love for a wife On that day, says the Lord,…
8 Aug 2022 – Monday of Week 19
8 Aug 2022 – Monday of Week 19 Memorial: St Dominic, 1170-1221, founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans). 1st Reading: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28 The vision of the four cherubim, bearing God’s glory on the wing On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the…
Sat 6 Aug 2022 – The Transfiguration of the Lord
Sat 6 Aug 2022 – The Transfiguration of the Lord Theme: Three apostles were privileged to witness the inner life of Christ, revealed to them in splendour on the holy mountain. We pray for a deeper experience of God in our own lives, and to share in his divine life 1st…
5 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 18
5 Aug 2022 – Friday of Week 18 Optional Memorial: Dedication of the Basilica of St Mary Major. This basilica, erected by Pope Sixtus III (432-440) on the Esquiline Hill in Rome, in honour of the Holy Mother of God, is the oldest church in the west dedicated to the…
4 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 18
4 Aug 2022 – Thursday of Week 18 Memorial: St John Mary Vianney – Curé d’Ars 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 The new covenant will not be inscribed on rock but on the flesh of the heart; all will know the Lord and be forgiven their sins The days are surely…
3 Aug 2022 – Wednesday of Week 18
3 Aug 2022 – Wednesday of Week 18 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7 Jeremiah foretells the joyful reunion of Israel’s northern tribes with Jerusalem At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the Lord:…
2 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 18
2 Aug 2022 – Tuesday of Week 18 Optional Memorial: St Eusebius of Vercelli 1st Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 After the exile the Israelites will return home to their land The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in…
1 Aug 2022 – Monday of Week 18
1 Aug 2022 – Monday of Week 18 Optional Memorial: St Alphonsus Ligouri, 1696-1787, founder of the Reds and popular preacher. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17 By word and gesture Jeremiah predicts the end of his people’s exile In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah…
1 Aug 2022 – Monday of Week 18
1 Aug 2022 – Monday of Week 18 1st Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17 By word and gesture Jeremiah predicts the end of his people’s exile In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah…
30 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 17
30 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 17 Optional Memorial: St Peter Chrysologus, +450, Bishop of Ravenna, famous for preaching. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24 In spite of threats, Jeremiah stands by his threats against Jerusalem and its temple Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and…
29 July 2022 – Friday of Week 17
29 July 2022 – Friday of Week 17 Memorial: Ss Martha, Mary and Lazarus – Martha and her siblings Lazarus and Mary lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. She welcomed Jesus and the disciples into her home, and was witness to the raising of her brother, Lazarus. 1st…
28 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 17
28 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 17 1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-6 Like a potter, God re-forms Israel from clay that was previously formless The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So…
27 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 17
27 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 17 1st Reading: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21 Jeremiah’ lament and the Lord’s reply Woe is me, my mother, that you ever bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of…
26 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 17
26 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 17 Memorial: Ss Joachim and Anne, parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (See Prayer for Grandparents below). 1st Reading: Jeremiah 14:17-22 Jeremiah laments his people’s destruction and begs God for mercy You shall say to them this word: Let my eyes run down with…
25 July 2022 – Feast of St James, Apostle
25 July 2022 – Feast of St James, Apostle 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15 Although only a “clay jar” Paul is willing to die, that others may live But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God…
23 July 2022 – Feast of St Bridget of Sweden, Patron of Europe
23 July 2022 – Feast of St Bridget of Sweden, Patron of Europe Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) was a mystic also given to works of charity and founder of the Bridgettine nuns after the death of her husband, to whom she had borne eight children. She is one of the…
22 July 2022 – Feast of St Mary Magdalene
22 July 2022 – Feast of St Mary Magdalene 1st Reading (Option 1): Song of Songs (3: 1-4 I have found him whom my heart loves. The bride says this: On my bed, at night, I sought him whom my heart loves. I sought but did not find him. So…
21 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 16
21 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 16 Optional Memorial: St Lawrence of Brindisi, 1559-1619, a Counter-Reformation man. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 2:1-2; 7-8; 12-13. They dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water The word of the Lord came to me, saying: Go and proclaim in the hearing…
20 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 16
20 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 16 Optional Memorial: St Apollinaris, Bishop of Classis, martyred in the second century. 1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10 The prophet’s vocation to speak God’s word The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of…
19 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 16
19 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 16 1st Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Israel’s God is always faithful and forgiving Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan…
18 July 2022 – Monday of Week 16
18 July 2022 – Monday of Week 16 1st Reading: Micah 6:1-4, 6-8 Micah’s famous summary of the Torah: on walking humbly with your God Hear what the Lord says: ‘Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice.’ Hear, you mountains, the controversy of…
16 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 15
16 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 15 Optional Memorial: Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Readings: Zec 2:14-17; Ps Lk 1:46-55, R/ v49; Mt 12:46-50. 1st Reading: Micah 2:1-5 When the wealthy covet and steal the lands of others, their own land will fall to their captors Alas for…
15 July 2022 – Friday of Week 15
15 July 2022 – Friday of Week 15 Memorial: St Bonaventure, 1221-74, born in Tuscany, Minister General of the Franciscans, Cardinal Archbishop of Albano, Theologian of the Council of Lyons. 1st Reading: Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22 King Hezekiah is cured of illness; as a sign of full health God turns the…
14 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 15
14 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 15 Optional Memorial: St Camillus de Lellis, 1550-1614, a rough tempered gambling soldier who was converted, priested and worked with the sick. Patron of nurses, hospitals and the sick. 1st Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 A prayer of quiet confidence, awaiting the dawn…
13 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 15
13 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 15 Optional Memorial: St Henry, 973-1024, Duke of Bavaria, later emperor – reformer. 1st Reading: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16 Assyria was used to punish Israel but later was discarded for interfering with God’s plans for his people Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger,…
12 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 15
12 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 15 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:1-9 During a national crisis people must first turn to a deeper faith in God In the days of Ahaz son of Jotham son of Uzziah, king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah son of Remaliah…
11 July 2022 – Feast of St Benedict, Patron of Europe
11 July 2022 – Feast of St Benedict, Patron of Europe 1st Reading: Proverbs 2:1-10 The value of wisdom, devotion and fear of the Lord, so exemplified in Saint Benedict My child, if you accept my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom…
9 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 14
9 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: Ss Augustine Zhao Rong (+1815) and 119 Companions, martyred in China over several centuries. 1st Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 While praying in the temple, Isaiah is called to his great prophetic ministry In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw…
8 July 2022 – Friday of Week 14
8 July 2022 – Friday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Kilian, born in Mullagh, Co Cavan (Kilmore). Became the apostle of Thuringia and eastern Franconia. Put to death in 689. Strong devotion to him in Würzburg, where his remains lie, and throughout Bavaria. 1st Reading: Hosea 14:2-9 A call…
7 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 14
7 July 2022 – Thursday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Maelruain (Maolruain), founded the monastery of Tallaght, Dublin in 774 – part of the Célí Dé reform movement. 1st Reading: Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9 In tender imagery, God declares motherly care for his beloved child, Israel When Israel was a…
6 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 14
6 July 2022 – Wednesday of Week 14 Optional Memorials: St Maria Goretti; St Monnine of…
5 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 14
5 July 2022 – Tuesday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Anthony Zaccaria 1st Reading: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 As penalty for their sins, they shall return to slavery in Egypt They made kings, but not through me; they set up princes, but without my knowledge. With their silver and gold…
4 July 2022 – Monday of Week 14
4 July 2022 – Monday of Week 14 Optional Memorial: St Elizabeth of Portugal 1st Reading: Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22 Israel will again show loving fidelity to her God On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, “My husband.” For I will remove the names of the Baals from…
2 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 13
2 July 2022 – Saturday of Week 13 1st Reading: Amos 9:11-15 The Davidic dynasty will be restored, and the land will be blessed with fertility On that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen, and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins, and…
1 July 2022 – Friday of Week 13
1 July 2022 – Friday of Week 13 Memorial: St Oliver Plunkett 1st Reading: Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 If glaring injustices remain unchecked, a famine for meaning will blight our lives Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, “When will…
30 June 2022 – Thursday of Week 13
30 June 2022 – Thursday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church 1st Reading: Amos 7:10-17 Expelled from the Bethel sanctuary, Amos announces God’s Word Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in…
Association of Catholics in Ireland, Weekday Homily Resources
29 June 2022- Ss Peter and Paul – Apostles
29 June 2022- Ss Peter and Paul – Apostles 1st Reading: Acts 2:1-11 Peter is imprisoned, but an angel sets him free to continue leading the church About that time King Herod laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the church. He had James, the brother of John, killed…
28 June 2022 – Tuesday of Week 13
28 June 2022 – Tuesday of Week 13 Memorial: St Irenaeus 1st Reading: Amos 3:1-8. 4:11-12 Amos warns of the need for conversion Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of…
27 June 2022 – Monday of Week 13
27 June 2022 – Monday of Week 13 Optional Memorial: St Cyril of Alexandria 1st Reading: Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 Israel is condemned for neglecting the poor and the defenceless Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell…
25 June 2022 – The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sat 25 June 2022 – The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary First Reading. Is 61:9-11 Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed. I will greatly…
24 June 2022 – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
24 June 2022 – Sacred Heart, Year C 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…
23 June 2022 – Birth of Saint John the Baptist
23 June 2022 – Birth of Saint John the Baptist Note: The Solemnity of the Birth of St John the Baptist is observed on 23 June this year as the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on 24 June. 1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 The Lord called me…
22 June 2022 – Wednesday of Week 12
22 June 2022 – Wednesday of Week 12 Optional Memorials: St Paulinus; St John Fisher and St Thomas More 1st Reading: 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3 When Deuteronomy is rediscovered in the temple, it leads to reform The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the book…
21 June 2022 – Tuesday of Week 12
21 June 2022 – Tuesday of Week 12 Memorial: St Aloysius Gonzaga 1st Reading: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 The Assyrians attack Jerusalem; but Isaiah promises that a remnant will be saved When the king heard concerning King Tirhakah of Ethiopia, “See, he has set out to fight against…
20 June 2022 – Monday of Week 12
Monday of Week 12 Memorial: The Irish Martyrs- Seventeen Irish men and women, cleric and lay, were martyred for their faith between 1579 and 1654. 1st Reading: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18 Exile of the ten northern tribes of Israel, for not listening to the prophets Then the king of…
18 June 2022 – Saturday of Week 11
Saturday of Week 11 1st Reading: 2 Chronicles 24:17-25 King Joash murders the son of the priest who had saved his life After Jehoiada’s death the officials of Judah came and did obeisance to king Joash and the king listened to their advice. They abandoned the house of the Lord,…
17 June 2022 – Friday of Week 11
Friday of Week 11 1st Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 The life of prince Joash is saved from Athaliah’s fury When Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, saw that her son was dead, she set out to destroy all of the royal family. But Jehosheba, King Joram’s daughter and Ahaziah’s…
16 June 2022 – Thursday of Week 11
Thursday of Week 11 1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-14 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 the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also…
15 June 2022 – Wednesday of Week 11
Wednesday of Week 11 1st Reading: 2 Kings 2:1, 6-14 Elijah is carried up to heaven in a chariot of fire 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 Elisha, “Stay here;…
14 June 2022 – Tuesday of Week 11
Tuesday of Week 11 Optional Memorial: St Davnet 1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:17-29 Under Elijah’s warning, King Ahab repents and is forgiven Then 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…
13 June 2022 – Monday of Week 11
Monday of Week 11 Memorial: St Anthony of Padua 1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 Ahab and Jezebel rob and kill Naboth the Jezreelite 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…
11 June 2022 – St Barnabas, apostle
St Barnabas, apostle 1st Reading: Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3 The zealous beginnings of the church 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…
10 June 2022 – Friday of Week 10
Friday of Week 10 Optional Memorial: St Ephrem 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…
09 June, 2022 – St Columba (Colum Cille)
09 June, 2022 St Columba (Colum Cille) abbot and missionary, secondary patron of Ireland 1st Reading: Romans 12:1-2, 9-13 Offer to God your spiritual worship I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your…
8 June 2022 – Wednesday of Week 10
Wednesday of Week 10 1st Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-39 Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Ba’al [At Elijah’s prompting] 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…
7 June 2022 – Tuesday of Week 10
Tuesday of Week 10 Optional Memorial: St Colman (Feast in Dromore) 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:7-16 The widow of Zarephath provides for Elijah, so her own food-supply lasts to the end of the famine After a while the wadi dried up, because there was no rain in the land. Then…
6 June 2022 – Monday – The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church Feast, (Tuam) St Jarlath – a disciple of St Enda, founded a monastery in Tuam in the sixth century. 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 (or Acts 1: 12-14) Enmity between the serpent and the woman But the Lord God called to the man,…
4 June 2022 – Saturday of Week 7 of Easter
Saturday of Week 7 of Easter Memorial: Ss Charles Lwanga and Companions, – 22 Ugandan youths martyred in 1886. 1st Reading: Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 Paul is imprisoned in Rome, for two years, awaiting trial When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who…
3 June 2022 – Friday of Week 7 of Easter
Friday of Week 7 of Easter Memorial (Feast): St Kevin (Dublin) – settled in Glendalough where a monastic settlement grew, died in 618. 1st Reading: Acts 25:13-21 Paul, in prison at Caesarea, explains his predicament to king Agrippa After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea…
2 June 2022 – Thursday of Week 7 of Easter
Thursday of Week 7 of Easter Optional Memorial: Ss Marcellinus and Peter, martyred under Diocletian in 303. 1st Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 Paul is cross-examined by the Jewish Council, in Jerusalem The next day, wanting to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, [the Tribune] released…
1 June 2022 – Wednesday of Week 7 of Easter
Wednesday of Week 7 of Easter Memorial: St Justin, martyred c 165. Born in the Holy Land, settled in Rome. A defender of Christian belief and practice. 1st Reading: Acts 20:28-38 Paul’s final advice to the church leaders: shepherd the church of God [Paul said to the leaders of the…
31 May 2022 – Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 A hymn of joy to God my Saviour Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your…
30 May 2022 – Monday of Week 7 of Easter
Monday of Week 7 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 19:1-8 In Ephesus, followers of John the Baptist become full members of the church While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive…
28 May 2022 – Saturday of Week 6
Saturday of Week 6 1st Reading: Acts 18:23-28 Aquila, a learned convert from Judaism, helps the church in southern Greece After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now there came to Ephesus a…
27 May 2022 – Friday of Week 6 of Easter
Friday of Week 6 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Augustine of Canterbury 1st Reading: Acts 18:9-18 Paul’s trial by Gallio the proconsul breaks down for lack of evidence One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for…
26 May 2022 – Thursday of Week 6 of Easter
Thursday of Week 6 of Easter Memorial: St Philip Neri, 1515-1595, founder of the Congregation of the Oratory. 1st Reading: Acts 18:1-8 The early days of Paul’s mission in Corinth, and the friends he found there After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew…
25 May 2022 – Wednesday of Week 6 of Easter
Wednesday of Week 6 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Bede the Venerable; St Gregory V11; St Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi. 1st Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 Paul’s clever sermon in the Areopagus, to lead the Greeks to the true God Those who were guiding Paul brought him as far as Athens;…
24 May 2022 – Tuesday of Week 6 of Easter
Tuesday of Week 6 of Easter Also Day of Prayer for the Church in China – see bottom of page. 1st Reading: Acts 16:22-34 By their courage, Paul and Barnabas win new converts, in the Philippi jail The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates had them stripped of…
21 May 2022 – Saturday of 5th Week of Easter
Saturday of Week 51st Reading: Acts 16:1-10Timothy, a half-Jew, joins Paul in the missionary workPaul went on to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. He was well spoken of…
20 May 2022 – Friday of Week 5 of Easter
Friday of Week 5 of Easter1st Reading: Acts 15:22-31The decision of the Jerusalem Council goes out as a circular letterThen the apostles and the elders, with the consent of the whole church, decided to choose men from among their members and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas….
19 May 2022 – Thursday 5th Week of Easter
Thursday of Week 5 of Easter1st Reading: Acts 15:7-21Peter and James defend Paul’s missionary practiceAfter there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom…
18 May 2022 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Easter
The Council of Jerusalem, on what is needed for salvation
14 May 2022 – St Matthias, Apostle
14 May 2022 – St Matthias, Apostle 1st Reading: Acts 1:15-17; 20-26 Matthias is selected to take the place of Judas Iscariot Then Peter stood up among the believers (numbering about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David…
13 May 2022 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter
13 May 2022 – Friday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorial: Our Lady of Fatima (Is 61:9-11; Ps 44:11-12, 14-17, R/v 11; Lk11:27-18) 1st Reading: Acts 13:26-33 Jesus was put to death, but raised and exalted by God [Paul went on to say] “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s…
12 May 2022 – Thursday of Week 4 of Easter
12 May 2022 – Thursday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorials: Ss Nereus and Achilleus; St Pancras 1st Reading: Acts 13:13-25 Paul’s summary of Israel’s history, up to the time of Christ Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left…
11 May 2022 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Easter
11 May 2022 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 12:24-13:5 The growing church sends Barnabas and Saul on mission The word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose…
10 May 2022 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter
10 May 2022 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Easter Optional Memorials: St Comgall; St John of Avila 1st Reading: Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas goes to Antioch and sees the grace of God at work Those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far…
9 May 2022 – Monday of Week 4 of Easter
9 May 2022 – Monday of Week 4 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 11:1-18 By inspiration, Peter baptises the first pagan converts The apostles and believers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized…
7 May 2022 – Saturday of Week 3
7 May 2022 – Saturday of Week 3 1st Reading: Acts 9:31-42 During Peter’s ministry in Lydda he restores Tabitha to life In those days the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of…
6 May 2022 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter
6 May 2022 – Friday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues…
5 May 2022- Thursday of Week 3 of Easter
5 May 2022- Thursday of Week 3 of Easter Optional Memorial: Bl Edmund Rice 1st Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Philip’s joyful spreading of the faith Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”…
4 May 2022 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter
4 May 2022 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 8:1-8 After Stephen’s burial, Saul starts persecuting the church Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of…
Tuesday 3 May 2022 – Saints Philip and James, Apostles
Tuesday 3 May 2022 – Saints Philip and James, Apostles 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Paul lists the original witnesses of the resurrection, including himself Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you…
30 April 2022 – Saturday of Week 2
30 April 2022 – Saturday of Week 2 Optional Memorial: St Pius V, pope 1st Reading: Acts (6:1-7) Selection and ordination of the church’s first deacons Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in…
29 April 2022 – Saint Catherine of Siena
29 April 2022 – Saint Catherine of Siena 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5, 2:2 The message we have heard from him and proclaim to you This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at…
28 April 2022 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter
28 April 2022 – Thursday of Week 2 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Peter Chanel; St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-33 What Peter and the apostles told the Jewish council When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned…
27 April 2022 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter
27 April 2022 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter Optional Memorial: St Asicus, bishop, Elphin 1st Reading: Acts 5:17-26 The Temple police arrest the apostles, but without violence Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being…
26 April 2022 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Easter
26 April 2022 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 4:32-37 The sharing spirit among the early Christians Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held…
25 April 2022 – Feast of St Mark
25 April 2022 – Feast of St Mark 1st Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Peter’s homily includes mention of Mark among the Christians in Rome (“Babylon”) When the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must…
23 April 2022 – Easter Saturday
23 April 2022 – Easter Saturday 1st Reading: Acts (4:13-21 Risking their lives, Peter and John tell what they have seen and heard Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions…
22 April 2022 – Easter Friday
22 April 2022 – Easter Friday 1st Reading: Acts (4:1-12 Peter’s belief that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching…
21 April 2022 – Easter Thursday
21 April 2022 – Easter Thursday 1st Reading: Acts 3:11-26 Peter declares Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One, who is victorious over death While the man who was cured clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s Portico, utterly astonished….
20 April 2022 – Easter Wednesday
20 April 2022 – Easter Wednesday 1st Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Calling on the name of Jesus, Peter cures the lame man at the temple gate One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. And a man…
19 April 2022 – Easter Tuesday
19 April 2022 – Easter Tuesday 1st Reading: Acts 2:36-41 Since God wants all to be saved, Peter calls those who crucified Jesus to repent and be saved Peter said, “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this…
18 April 2022 – Easter Monday
18 April 2022 – Easter Monday 1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Peter announces the dawning of a new age, with the resurrection of Jesus Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you,…
Holy Saturday 16th April 2022 – Easter Vigil Readings
Holy Saturday 16th April 2022 – Easter Vigil Readings Old Testament Readings and Psalms Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26 Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 and Psalm 46 Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16 Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18 Isaiah 55:1-11 and Isaiah 12:2-6 Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs…
15th April 2022 – Good Friday
15th April 2022 – Good Friday (1) Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The humiliations of the suffering servant, who bore the sins of his people See, my servant will prosper, he shall be lifted up, exalted, rise to great heights. As the crowds were appalled on seeing him — so disfigured did he…
14th April 2022 – Holy Thursday
14th April 2022 – Holy Thursday Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper (1) Exodus 12:1-2, 11-14 Israel’s departure from Egypt, and how this is to be celebrated for all time Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a…
13th April 2022 – Wednesday of Holy Week
13th April 2022 – Wednesday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 50:4-9 The Suffering Servant trusts in God for rescue The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear…
12th April 2022 – Tuesday of Holy Week
12th April 2022 – Tuesday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 49:1-6 The life of God’s servant seems a failure, but it bears great fruit 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…
11th April 2022 – Monday of Holy Week
11th April 2022 – Monday of Holy Week (1) Isaiah 42:1-7 My servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, the One in whom my soul delights Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth…
9th April 2022 – Saturday of Week 5 of Lent
9th April 2022 – Saturday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Ezekiel 37:21-28 I will bring them back, and I will cleanse them Say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them…
8th April 2022 – Friday of Week 5 of Lent
8th April 2022 – Friday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Jeremiah 20:10-13 Though many plot against God’s servant, he is safe in God’s hands For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble….
7th April 2022 – Thursday of Week 5 of Lent
7th April 2022 – Thursday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Genesis 17:3-9 Abraham believe in God’s promises, despite delays and disappointments Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude…
6th April 2022 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Lent
6th April 2022 – Wednesday of Week 5 of Lent (1) Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25 Trusting in God, they are saved from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden…
5th April 2022 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Lent
5th April 2022 – Tuesday of Week 5 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Vincent Ferrer, OP, 1350-1419 (1) Numbers 21:4-9 The brazen serpent; anyone bitten can look at it and live From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of…
4th April 2022 – Monday of Week 5 of Lent
4th April 2022 – Monday of Week 5 of Lent Optional memorial: St Isidore – completed the Mozarabic liturgy. (1) Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 31-62 Susanna is falsely accused; Daniel’s questions uncover the truth There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. And he took a wife named…
2nd April 2022 – Saturday of Week 4
2nd April 2022 – Saturday of Week 4 (1) Jeremiah 11:18-20 The Just One is led like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle…
1st April 2022 – Friday of Week 4 of Lent
1st April 2022 – Friday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 Malice against the good foreshadows the Passion of Jesus Foolish people reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no…
31 March 2022 – Thursday of Week 4 of Lent
31 March 2022 – Thursday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Exodus 32:7-14 Though his people rebel, Moses begs another chance for them The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been…
30 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Lent
30 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Isaiah 49:8-15 God promises the exiles, “You’ll be a sign of salvation!” Thus says the Lord: ‘In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and…
29 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Lent
29 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 4 of Lent (1) Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Life-giving water flows out from the Temple of God Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the…
Monday 28th March 2022 – 4th Week of Lent
Monday 28th March 2022 – 4th Week of Lent (1) Isaiah 65:17-21 “Rejoice in what I am creating!” Good things in store for those who love God For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind….
26 March 2022 – Saturday of Week 3 of Lent
26 March 2022 – Saturday of Week 3 of Lent (1) Hosea 5:15 – 6:6 God wants our love more than ritual sacrifice Yes, I am going to return to my dwelling place until they confess their guilt and seek my face; they will search for me in their misery….
March 25 The Annunciation of the Lord
March 25 The Annunciation of the Lord 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol…
24 March 2022 – Thursday of Week 3 of Lent
24 March 2022 – Thursday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Macartan (1) Jeremiah 7:23-28 Life’s highest goal is obedient response to God But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in…
23 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Lent
23 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Turibus of Mongrovejo (1) Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 God’s people have clear duties and a high destiny So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may…
22 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Lent
22 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 3 of Lent (1) Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Nebuchadnezzar admires the miraculous escape of the young Jews Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counsellors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They…
21 March 2022 – Monday of Week 3 of Lent
21 March 2022 – Monday of Week 3 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Enda (1) 2 Kings 5:1-15 Naaman the Syrian takes the prophet’s advice and is cured of leprosy Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favour with his…
March 19 – Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin
March 19 – Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-6, 12-14, 16 From King David’s offspring will come the universal spiritual King But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are…
18 March 2022 – Friday of Week 2 of Lent
18 March 2022 – Friday of Week 2 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Cyril of Jerusalem (1) Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13 17-28 Jacob’s sons envy their brother Joseph, and sell him into slavery Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his…
17 March: St Patrick, Patron of Ireland
17 March: St Patrick, Patron of Ireland 1st Reading: Amos 7:12-15 Amos is called by God to be a prophet Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is…
16 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Lent
16 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Jeremiah 18:18-20 In desperate straits, Jeremiah pins his hope on God “Come, let us decide what to do with Jeremiah,” people say. “There will still be priests to guide us, still wise men to advise us, still prophets to…
15 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Lent
15 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 A call to personal conversion, to remove our sins from God’s sight Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves; make…
14 March 2022 – Monday of Week 2 of Lent
14 March 2022 – Monday of Week 2 of Lent (1) Daniel 9:4-10 Daniel’s prayer of shame and repentance I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments,…
Saturday 12 March – Week 1 of Lent
Saturday 12 March – Week 1 of Lent (1) Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Walking in the way of the Lord This very day the Lord your God is commanding you to observe these statutes and ordinances; so observe them diligently with all your heart and with all your soul. Today you have…
11 March 2022 – Friday of Week 1 of Lent
11 March 2022 – Friday of Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Aengus (1) Ezekiel 18:21-28 Personal responsibility to replace the idea of shared guilt But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful…
10 March 2022 – Thursday of Week 1 of Lent
10 March 2022 – Thursday of Week 1 of Lent (1) Esther 4:29-42 Queen Esther’s prayer wins God’s help in a time of crisis Queen Esther, seized with deadly anxiety, fled to the Lord. She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: “O my Lord, you only are…
9 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 1 of Lent
9 March 2022 – Wednesday of Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorial: St Frances of Rome (1) Jonah 3:1-10 When Jonah’s preaching bears fruit, God has mercy on Nineveh The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and…
8 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 1 of Lent
8 March 2022 – Tuesday of Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorials: St John of God; St Senan (1) Isaiah 55:10-11 God’s word comes down from heaven like rain, to make the earth fruitful For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there…
7 March 2022- Monday, Week 1 of Lent
7 March 2022- Monday, Week 1 of Lent Optional Memorial: Ss Perpetua and Felicity 1st Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Practical guidance for worship and for social compassion The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be…
5 March 2022 – Saturday after Ash Wednesday
5 March 2022 – Saturday after Ash Wednesday Memorial: St Kieran 1st Reading: Isaiah 58:9-14 If they are converted, they are blessed, with waters that never fail Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you…
4 March 2022 – Friday after Ash Wednesday
4 March 2022 – Friday after Ash Wednesday Memorial: St Casimir 1st Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9 True religion is contrasted with merely external observance Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet…
3 March 2022 – Thursday after Ash Wednesday
3 March 2022 – Thursday after Ash Wednesday 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 A warm call to fidelity. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live! Keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his…
2 March 2022 – Ash Wednesday
2 March 2022 – Ash Wednesday 1st Reading: Joel 2:12-18 Return to me with all your heart. Spare your people, Lord “Now, now,” says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to…
1 March 2022- Tuesday of Week 8
1 March 2022- Tuesday of Week 8 1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16 The Passion of Christ was revealed, and we must share in it Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the person or time…
28 February, 2022
28 February – Monday of Week 8 (Cycle 2) 1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Peter praises the saving mercy of God, on the occasion of a baptism Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into…
26 February 2022. Saturday, Week 7 in Ordinary Time
26 February 2022. Saturday, Week 7 in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: James 5:13-20 The place of anointing and of mutual instruction in the community of faith Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should…
25 February 2022 – Friday of Week 7
25 February 2022 – Friday of Week 7 1st Reading: James 5:9-12 Take the prophets as your models in speaking the truth Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is sanding at the doors! As an example of suffering and…
24 February 2022 – Thursday of Week 7
24 February 2022 – Thursday of Week 7 1st Reading: James 5:1-6 Those who get rich by injustice will suffer at the judgment Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold…
23 February 2022 – Wednesday of Week 7
23 February 2022 – Wednesday of Week 7 Memorial: St Polycarp 1st Reading: James 4:13-17 We do not know what kind of life will be ours tomorrow Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing…
22 February, 2022. Chair of St Peter the Apostle
22 February, 2022. Chair of St Peter the Apostle 1st Reading: 1 Pet 5:1-4 Peter’s advice to his fellow Church leaders: feed God’s flock with loving respect Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to…
21 February, 2022
21 February, 2022. Monday of Week 7 Optional Memorial: St Peter Damian 1st Reading: James 3:13-18 A wise spirit is not imbued by envy but by leniency and peace Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of…
19 February 2022. Saturday of Week 6
1st Reading: James 3:1-10 Guard the tongue and speak with decency Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is…
18 February, 2022. Friday of Week 6
18 February, 2022. Friday of Week 6 1st Reading: James 2:14-24, 26 Faith without works is like a body without breath What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is…
17 February, 2022. Thursday of Week 6
17 February, 2022. Thursday of Week 6 Optional Memorial: Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order; Optional Memorial: St Fintan 1st Reading: James 2:1-9 Show no favouritism, but love your neighbour as yourself My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favouritism really believe in our glorious Lord…
16 February, 2022. Wednesday of Week 6
16 February, 2022. Wednesday of Week 6 1st Reading: James 1:19-27 Be doers of the word, not merely listeners You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all…
15 February, 2022. Tuesday of Week 6
15 February, 2022. Tuesday of Week 6 1st Reading: James 1:12-18 God tempts no one, but is the giver of every good gift Blessed is the one who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to…
14 February, 2022. Saints Cyril and Methodius
14 February, 2022. Saints Cyril and Methodius 1st Reading: Acts 13:46-49 The missionary courage of the apostles, later emulated by the mission of Cyril and Methodius to the Slavs. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first…
12 February, 2022. Saturday of Week 5
12 February, 2022. Saturday of Week 5 1st Reading: 1 Kings 12:26-32; 13:33-34 Jeroboam, the rebel king of the north, provides his own sanctuaries and priests Jeroboam said to himself, “Now the kingdom may well revert to the house of David. If this people continues to go up to offer…
21 February, 2022. Monday of Week 7
21 February, 2022. Monday of Week 7 Optional Memorial: St Peter Damian 1st Reading: James 3:13-18 A wise spirit is not imbued by envy but by leniency and peace Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of…
11 February 2022 Friday Week 5 in Ordinary Time
11 February 2022 Friday Week 5 in Ordinary Time Our Lady of Lourdes (Optional Memorial) St Gobnait, virgin (Optional Memorial) 1 Kings 11:29ff. The prophet Ahijah announces the breakup of David’s kingdom; ten of the twelve tribes choose Jeroboam as their king. 1 Kings 11:29-32; 12:19 About that time, when Jeroboam…
10 February, 2022. Thursday of Week 5
10 February, 2022. Thursday of Week 5 St Scholastica (Memorial) 1st Reading: 1 Kings 11:4-13 Solomon’s sins are traced to the influence of his pagan wives; as punishment his kingdom will be divided. When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was…
9 February, 2022. Wednesday of Week 5
9 February, 2022. Wednesday of Week 5 1st Reading: 1 Kings 10:1-10 The Queen of Sheba admires Solomon’s splendour and his wisdom When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue,…
8 February, 2022. Tuesday of Week 5
8 February, 2022. Tuesday of Week 5 St Jerome Emiliani; St Josephine Bakita (Optional Memorials) 1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 The temple dedication ends with a beautiful prayer Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out…
7th February 2022. Monday of Week 5 in Ordinary Time
7th February 2022. Monday of Week 5 in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial: St Mel, Ardagh & Clonmacnoise 1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 A cloud fills the sanctuary, symbolizing the Lord’s awesome presence Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of…
5th February 2022. Saturday of Week 4 Ordinary Time
5th February 2022. Saturday of Week 4 Ordinary Time Memorial: St Agatha – third century, died a martyr in Catania, Sicily. Patron of bell-founders. 1st Reading: 1 Kings 3:4-13 Solomon prayed for an understanding heart to judge God’s people and to distinguish right from wrong. The king went to Gibeon…
4th February 2022. Friday of Week 4
4th February 2022. Friday of Week 4 1st Reading: Sirach 47:2-11 David is praised as defender of Israel, as psalmist and penitent sinner, gifted with eternal promises As the fat is set apart from the offering of well-being, so David was set apart from the Israelites. He played with lions…
Thursday 3rd February 2022. Thursday of Week 4 – St Blaise
Thursday 3rd February 2022. Thursday of Week 4 Optional Memorials: St Blaise, St Ansgar. Summary: St Blaise, a fourth century bishop at Sebaste (now the city of Sivas in central Turkey, in what was then the Roman province of Armenia-Cappadocia). During a persecution – probably ordered by Constantine’s ally and…
Thursday 3rd February 2022. Thursday of Week 4 – St Blaise
Thursday 3rd February 2022. Thursday of Week 4 Optional Memorials: St Blaise, St Ansgar. Summary: St Blaise, a fourth century bishop at Sebaste (now the city of Sivas in central Turkey, in what was then the Roman province of Armenia-Cappadocia). During a persecution – probably ordered by Constantine’s ally and…
Tuesday 2 February 2022. The Presentation of Our Lord
Tuesday 2 February 2022. The Presentation of Our Lord 1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 When God’s Messenger arrives, he will refine the people See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of…
Tuesday 1st February 2022. Saint Brigid of Kildare
Tuesday 1st February 2022. Saint Brigid of Kildare 1st Reading: Job 31:16-20; 24-25; 31-32 Job’s generosity towards the needy is reflected in St Brigid’s works of charity I have never withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten my…
31 January 2022. Monday of Week 4 in Ordinary Time
31 January 2022. Monday of Week 4 in Ordinary Time St. John Bosco, (Memorial) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13 While fleeing Jerusalem during Absalom’s revolt, David is cursed and accepts it as the will of God A messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the Israelites have…
29 January 2022. Saturday of Week Three in Ordinary Time
29 January 2022. Saturday of Week Three in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 David’s sin with Bathsheba will be punished within his own family The Lord sent Nathan to David. He went to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the…
28 January 2022. Friday of Week Three in Ordinary Time
28 January 2022. Friday of Week Three in Ordinary Time St. Thomas Aquinas, (Memorial) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-10, 13-17 David’s adultery and his executive murder of Uriah In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all…
27 January 2022. Thursday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time
27 January 2022. Thursday of Week 3 in Ordinary Time St. Angela Merici (Opt. Memorial) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 David gives thanks for God’s everlasting faithfulness King David went in and sat before the Lord, and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house,…
26 January 2022. Wednesday Week Three in Ordinary Time – Saints Timothy and Titus
26 January 2022. Wednesday Week Three in Ordinary Time Saints Timothy and Titus 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-9 Use the gifts God has given us, for the service of the church Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life that is…
25 January 2022 Tuesday, Week 3 – Conversion of St Paul
25 January 2022 Tuesday, Week 3 – Conversion of St Paul The Conversion of St Paul 1st Reading: Acts 22:3-16 Paul’s account of his conversion, to his fellow-Jews, on the steps of the Temple “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at…
24 January 2022. Monday of Week Three in Ordinary Time
24 January 2022. Monday of Week Three in Ordinary Time Memorial: St Francis de Sales 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10 David is anointed and establishes Jerusalem as capital of both north and south, of Israel and Judah All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said,…
22 January 2022. Saturday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time
22 January 2022. Saturday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time St Vincent, martyr (optional memorial) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1-4 etc David’s grief at the death of Saul and Jonathan After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. On…
21 January, 2022. Friday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time
21 January, 2022. Friday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time Memorial: St Agnes 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21 David refrains from killing Saul and gains the moral high ground He came to the sheepfolds beside the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now…
20 January, 2022. Thursday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time
20 January, 2022. Thursday of Week 2 in Ordinary Time Optional Memorials: St Fabian; St Sebastian 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 18:6-9, 19:1-7 Saul’s jealousy threatens David, but Jonathan helps to reconcile them As they were coming home, when David returned from killing the Philistine, the women came out of…
19 January, 2022. Wednesday of Week 2
19 January, 2022. Wednesday of Week 2 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 40-51 David kills Goliath, and saves his people David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to…
18 January, 2022. Tuesday of Week 2
18 January, 2022. Tuesday of Week 2 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 In Bethlehem Samuel anoints David (Jesse’s youngest son) as king The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set…
17 January, 2022. Monday of Week 2
17 January, 2022. Monday of Week 2 St Anthony – Memorial 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 15:16-23 For disobeying the prophet Samuel, Saul is deposed as king Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” He replied, “Speak.” Samuel said, “Though…
15 January, 2022. Saturday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time
15 January, 2022. Saturday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time St Ita – Memorial 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 12-19; 10:1 Saul is anointed by Samuel as king of Israel, at God’s inspiration There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son…
14 January, 2022. Friday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time
14 January, 2022. Friday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 When the people demand a king, Samuel warns of the dangers Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “You are old and your…
13 January, 2022. Thursday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time
13 January, 2022. Thursday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time St Hilary – Optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Misusing the Ark of the Covenant, the people are defeated in battle The word of Samuel came to all Israel. In those days the Philistines mustered for war against Israel,…
12 January 2022. Wednesday of Week 1, Ordinary Time
12 January 2022. Wednesday of Week 1, Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 From the sanctuary God calls Samuel, and sends him as a prophet Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were…
11 January, 2022. Tuesday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time
11 January, 2022. Tuesday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Eli promises the grieving Hannah that she will give birth to a son After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting…
10 January, 2022. Monday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time
10 January, 2022. Monday of Week 1 in Ordinary Time (Readings; Sunday Cycle B/Weekday Cycle 2) 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Hannah’s grief at being childless; her husband tries to comfort her There was a man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah…
08 January, 2022. Saturday after the Epiphany
08 January, 2022. Saturday after the Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 4:7-10 Love’s divine origin and its influence on our lives Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God,…
07 January 2022. Friday after Epiphany
07 January 2022. Friday after Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 3:22–4:6 Distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error Beloved, we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the…
Thursday 6 January 2022 – The Epiphany of the Lord
Thursday 6 January 2022 – The Epiphany of the Lord Prayer (ICEL 1998) Lord God of the nations, we have seen the star of your glory rising in splendour. The radiance of your incarnate Word pierces the darkness that covers the earth and signals the dawn of peace and justice….
05 January 2022. Wednesday before Epiphany
05 January 2022. Wednesday before Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 3:11-21 The original Christian message, that we should love one another For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one…
04 January, 2022. Tuesday before Epiphany
04 January, 2022. Tuesday before Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 John 3:7-10. Being reborn as children of God Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil…
03 January, 2022. Monday before Epiphany
03 January, 2022. Monday before Epiphany The Most Holy Name of Jesus (Opt. Memorial); St Munchin (Mainchin), bishop (Opt. Memorial) 1st Reading: 1 John 2:29 – 3:6 We are God’s children now; when he is revealed, we will be like him If you know that he is righteous, you may…
Presider’s Page for New Year’s Day 2022 (Feast of Mary, Mother of God)
Happy New Year! On this first day of the Year of Our Lord 2022, we acclaim Mary as Mother of God and ask her to mind us and those we love during this new year. We pray that the world may be freed from COVID-19 through a global programme of…
1 January 2022 – Mary, The Holy Mother of God
1 January 2022 – Mary, The Holy Mother of God 1st Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 The solemn priestly prayer for God to bless and protect us is especially apt at the beginning of a new year The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you…
31 December 2021 – Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
31 December 2021 – Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas Saint Sylvester, pope. Sylvester (250?-325) was born in Rome and served as a priest under pope Marcellinus before the persecutions of Diocletian. He saw the triumph of Constantine in the year 312 and succeeded Melchiades as bishop of Rome…
30 December 2021 – Sixth Day in the Christmas Octave
30 December 2021 – Sixth Day in the Christmas Octave First Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 (The world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever) I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name….
29 December 2021 – Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas
29 December 2021 – Fifth Day in the Octave of Christmas Saint Thomas a Becket (opt.mem.) 1st Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 The link between love and walking in the light of God Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says,…
28 December 2021 – The Holy Innocents
28 December 2021 – The Holy Innocents, martyrs 1st Reading: 1 John 1:5–2:2 Our fellowship with God through Jesus Christ the righteous one Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at…
27 December 2021, St John, Apostle and Evangelist
27 December 2021, St John, Apostle and Evangelist 1st Reading: 1 John 1:1-4 What we have seen with our eyes, what we have touched with our hands Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched…
Christmas Day, 25 December 2021
Christmas Day, 25 December 2021 – The Word was made flesh, he lived among us and we saw his glory. Is 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 (Mass during the day) Today we celebrate the birth in our world of Jesus Christ, who was with God before all ages. His birth…
Friday December 24 2021. Week Four in Advent
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.
Thursday December 23 2021. Week Four in Advent
“His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them…
Wednesday December 22 2021. Week Four in Advent
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”
Tuesday December 21 2021. Week Four in Advent
For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”
Monday December 20 2021. Week Four in Advent
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
Saturday December 18, 2021. Week Three in Advent
All this took place to fulfil what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord…
Friday December 17, 2021. Week Three in Advent
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Thursday December 16, 2021. Week Three in Advent
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.
Wednesday December 15, 2021. Week Three in Advent
And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at…
Tuesday December 14, 2021. Week Three in Advent
For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him; and even after you saw it, you did not change your minds and believe him.
Monday December 13, 2021. Week Three in Advent
Jesus said to them, “I will also ask you one question; if you tell me the answer, then I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?” … So they answered Jesus, “We…
Saturday December 11 2021. Week Two in Advent
“Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.”
Thursday December 9 2021. Week Two in Advent
This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
Wednesday December 8 2021. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Tuesday December 7 2021. Week Two in Advent
Jesus said to his disciples, “What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?”
Monday December 6 2021. Week Two in Advent
When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to…
Saturday December 4 2021. Week One in Advent
He told them, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and as you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.
Friday December 3 2021. Week One in Advent
When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes and said, “according to your faith let it be done to you.”
Thursday December 2 2021. Week One in Advent
And Jesus said to them, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Wednesday December 1 2021. Week One in Advent
Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all of them ate and were filled; and they took…
Bilingual Presider’s Page for Wednesday 17 March (Lá Fhéile Pádraig Naofa)
Today, we pause from our lenten penances to honour Patrick, our national apostle. In our celebration of this solemn feast, we worship God, creator, redeemer and sanctifier, who brought our ancestors into the Christian fold through the preaching of St Patrick. [In this year’s Mass we remember especially the irish…
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25 December 2019. Christmas (Midnight & Midday)
In some sense we too can bring Christ to birth, by fully embracing God’s will, as we perceive it in our own lives…
24 February. Saturday of Week 1 of Lent
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Walking in the way of the Lord This very day the Lord your God is commanding you to observe these statutes and ordinances; so observe them diligently with all your heart and with all your soul. Today you have obtained the Lord’s agreement: to be your…
19 February. Monday of Week 1 of Lent
First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 The commandments and practical guidance for worship and for social compassion The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You shall…
13 February. Tuesday of Week 6
1st Reading: James 1:12-18 God tempts no one, but is the giver of every good gift Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted,…
12 February. Monday of Week 6
1st Reading: James 1:1-11 The testing of your faith produces endurance My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be…
07 February. Wednesday of Week 5
1st Reading: 1 Kings 10:1-10 The Queen of Sheba comes to admire Solomon, his wisdom, riches and good judgment When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, (fame due to the name of the Lord), she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem…
06 February. Tuesday of Week 5
Saint Paul Miki & companions, martyrs 1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 The temple dedication ends with a beautiful prayer Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, “O Lord, God…
05 February. Monday of Week 5
Saint Agatha, virgin and marty 1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 A cloud fills the sanctuary, symbolizing the Lord’s awesome presence Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to…
03 February. Saturday of Week 4
St Blaise, bishop and martyr; St Ansgar, bishop 1st Reading: 1 Kings 3:4-13 Solomon prays for wisdom to judge God’s people and to discern right from wrong The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings…
02 February. The Presentation of the Lord
1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 When his Temple-messenger comes, God will again receive our worship See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight–indeed, he is coming,…
01 Feb. Saint Brigid, Abbess. Feast
In response to several requests, from now on we will include the Responsorial Psalm 1st Reading: Job 31:16-20; 24-25; 31-32 Job’s generosity towards the needy is reflected in St Brigid’s works of charity I have never withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow…
27 January. Saturday of Week 3
Saint Angela Merici, virgin. (Opt.Mem.) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 David’s sin with Bathsheba will be punished within his own family The Lord sent Nathan to David. He went to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other…
20 January. Saturday of Week 2
Saints Fabian and Sebastian, martyrs (optional memorial) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1-4 etc David’s grief at the death of Saul and Jonathan After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. On the third day, a man came from Saul’s…
11 January. Thursday in Week 1
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Despite having the Ark of the Covenant, Israel loses the battle And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. In those days the Philistines mustered for war against Israel, and Israel went out to battle against them; they encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines…
10 January. Wednesday in Week 1
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 etc From the sanctuary God calls Samuel, and sends him as a prophet The boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun…
09 January. Tuesday in Week 1
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Eli promises an answer to Hannah’s prayer; and she gives birth to a son After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple…
08 January. Monday in Week 1, Ord. Time
1st Reading. 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Hannah’s grief at being childless; her husband tries to comfort her There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of Tohu son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He…
06 January. The Epiphany of the Lord
1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 The Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and…
06 January. The Epiphany of the Lord
1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 The Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and…
05 January. Friday before Epiphany
Saint Charles of Mount Argus (opt.mem) 1st Reading: 1 John 3:11-21 The original Christian message, that we should love one another For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one…
04 January. Thursday before Epiphany
1st Reading: 1 John 3:7-10 How we are reborn as children of God Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from…
03 January. Wednesday before Epiphany
The Holy Name of Jesus (Optional memorial) 1st Reading: 1 John 2:29–3:6 We are God’s children now; when he is revealed, we will be like him If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does right has been born of him. See what love…
02 January. Tuesday before Epiphany
Saints Basil the Great, and Gregory Nazianzen 1st Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 Abiding in the Holy Trinity, towards eternal life Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No one who…
01 January. Mary the Holy Mother of God
A very Happy New Year to all our readers! 1st Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 A new-year prayer for God to bless and protect his people The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, ‘The Lord…
30 December 2017. Sat. 6th Day of the Christmas Octave
1st Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am…
29 December 2017. The 5th Day of the Christmas Octave
Saint Thomas a Becket (opt.mem.) 1st Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 The link between love and walking in the light of God Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a…
28 December 2017. The Holy Innocents, Martyrs. Feast
1st Reading. 1 John 1:5-2:2 We must not walk in darkness, but in the light of the Gospel Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We…
25 December 2017. (A). Midnight Mass of the Nativity of Our Lord
25 December 2017. (A). Midnight Mass of the Nativity of Our Lord
23 December 2017. Saturday of Advent Week 3
Saint John of Kanty (opt.mem) 1st Reading. Malachiah 3:1-4, 4,4-6 God’s messenger will cause a conversion of hearts, before the great day of the Lord The Lord says this, “See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come…
22 December 2017. Friday of Advent Week 3
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Samuel’s mother, Hannah, dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house…
21 December 2017. Thursday of Advent Week 3
Saint Peter Canisius (opt.mem.) 1st Reading: Song of Songs 2:8-14 King Solomon’s love-song about the expected beloved one The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our…
20 December 2017. Wednesday of Advent Week 3
St Fachanan, bishop. (optional memorial) 1st Reading. Isaiah 7:10-14 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; then Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or…
19 December 2017. Tuesday of Advent Week 3
1st Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 Manoah’s wife yearns for a son. Samson will be dedicated to God There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to…
18 December 2017. Monday of Week 3 of Advent
St Flannan, bishop. (opt.mem.) 1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 A righteous Branch who will rule with wisdom and justice “The days are surely coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and…
09 December 2017. Saturday of Advent, Week 1
Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlotoatzin (opt. mem.) 1st Reading. Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 The coming days of enlightenment, when the people turn aside from idolatry Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when…
08 December 2017. Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Reading. Genesis 3:9-15, 20 The enmity between the serpent and the woman, between its offspring and hers But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I…
07 December 2017. Thursday of Advent, Week 1
Saint Ambrose. Memorial 1st Reading. Isaiah 26:1-6 A hymn of confidence in the Lord, our everlasting rock On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, so that the righteous…
06 December 2017. Wednesday of Advent, Week 1
St Nicholas (opt.mem) 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10 The Lord God will wipe away all tears in the Messianic age. On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines…
05 December 2017. Tuesday of Advent, Week 1
1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 The Messiah will restore harmony and justice on earth. A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of…
04 December 2017. Monday of Advent, Week 1
St John Damascene, priest & doctor of the Church (opt mem) 1st Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 Swords will be beaten into ploughshares Thus says the Lord: “On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory…
02 December 2017. Saturday of Week 34
1st Reading: Daniel 7:15-27 Daniel’s vision of the Beasts and its interpretation As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him the truth concerning all this. So he said that he would…
01 December 2017. Friday of Week 34
1st Reading: Daniel 7:2-14 Daniel’s dream-vision: the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man I, Daniel, saw in my vision by night the four winds of heaven stirring up the great sea, and four great beasts came up out of the sea, different from one another. The first was…
27 Nov 2017. Monday, Week 34
Saint Fergal 1st Reading: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 Daniel and his companions are more respected than all magicians and counselors in Babylon In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord let King Jehoiakim of Judah…
21 Nov 2017. The Presentation of the BVM
1st Reading: Zechariah 2:14-17 Rejoice, for God will come and dwell in your midst Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; and…
13 Nov 2017. Monday, Week 32
1st Reading: Wisdom 1:1-7 Think of the Lord constantly, and sincerely seek his guidance Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth, think of the Lord in goodness and seek him with sincerity of heart; because he is found by those who do not put him to the test, and manifests…
11 Nov 2017. Saturday, Week 31
Saint Martin of Tours 1st Reading: Romans 16:3-9, 22-27 Greeting Paul’s co-workers, and praise of God’s unfolding plan Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of…
02 November. All Souls Day
Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed 1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 A vision of hope for the future, when God will restore his people to happiness On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food…
01 November 2017. All Saints Day
1st Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 Vast numbers were sealed with the sign of the Living God I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power…
31 October. Tuesday, Week 30
Bl. Dominic Collins, martyr (opt. mem.) 1st Reading: Romans 8:18-25 The future we hope for is already within us, like a seed waiting to flower I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation…
30 October. Monday, Week 30
1st Reading: Romans 8:12-17 In the Spirit, we are God’s children; he is our “Abba, Father” My brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not 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…
28 Oct. Ss Simon and Jude, Apostles (Feast)
1st Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 God has appointed apostles so that his people’s needs will be served You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus…
27 October. Friday, Week 29
Saint Otteran, monk (opt. mem.) 1st Reading: Romans 7:18-25 Who can free me from my moral crisis? Only God, through Jesus Christ I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not…
26 October. Thursday, Week 29
1st Reading: Romans 6:19-23 Freed from sin and now serving God, and destined for eternal life If I may speak in human terms because of your natural limitations, just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now present your members…
25 October. Wednesday, Week 29
Blessed Thaddaeus McCarthy (opt. mem.) 1st Reading: Romans 6:12-18 Be obedient to God and you will come from death to life Do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present…
24 October. Tuesday, Week 29
Saint Anthony Mary Claret, bishop (opt. mem.) 1st Reading: Romans 5:12, 17-21 Through Adam, sin and death came to us all; through Jesus Christ, grace far surpasses all sin Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all…
23 October. Monday, Week 29
Saint John of Capistrano, priest (opt. mem.) 1st Reading: Romans 4:20-25 Like Abraham, our faith will be credited to us by God No distrust made Abraham waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God…
21 October. Saturday, Week 28
Option: Saturday Mass of the BVM 1st Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18 Hoping against hope, Abraham became the father of many nations, believing in the life-giving power of God The promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through…
20 October. Friday, Week 28
1st Reading: Romans 4:1-8 Faith is credited as justifying us. It is how Abraham was justified What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For…
19 October. Thursday, Week 28
Saint Paul of the Cross, priest (opt mem.); Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, martyrs (opt mem.) 1st Reading: Romans 3:21-30 All have sinned, but are freely justified by faith in Jesus Christ But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested…
18 October. St Luke, Evangelist (Feast)
First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17 Only Luke is with Paul, in his final imprisonment Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me….
17 October. Tuesday, Week 28
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr (Memorial) 1st Reading: Romans 1:16-25 Refusal to worship the true God leads to immorality I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek….
16 October. Monday, Week 28
Saint Hedwig (opt mem.); Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (opt mem.); Saint Gall (opt mem.) 1st Reading: Romans 1:1-7 Jesus, son of David is known as Son of God by the resurrection From Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,…
14 October. Saturday, Week 27
Saint Callistus (opt mem.) 1st Reading: Joel 4:12-21 A time of peace and prosperity will come to God’s holy mountain “Let the nations rouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the neighbouring nations. Put in the sickle, for the…
13 October. Friday, Week 27
1st Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 A solemn fast to avert the plague, preparing for the day of the Lord Priests, put on sackcloth and lament; wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, pass the night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God! Grain offering and drink offering are withheld from…
12 October. Thursday, Week 27
1st Reading: Malachi 3:13-18 Religion may seems to brings no benefit.. but all will be revealed You have spoken harsh words against me, says the Lord. Yet you say, “How have we spoken against you?” You have said, “It is vain to serve God. What do we profit by keeping…
11 October. Wednesday, Week 27
Saint John XXIII (opt mem.); Saint Canice (opt mem.) 1st Reading: Jonah 4:1-11 Jonah complains, angry that God has mercy on Nineveh Jonah was displeased and became very angry. He prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord! Is not this what I said while I was still in my…
10 October. Tuesday, Week 27
1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 At Jonah’s preaching, the people of Nineveh repent and so save their city The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set…
09 October. Monday, Week 27
Saints Denis and Companions, martyrs (opt.mem.) ; Saint John Leonardi (opt.mem.); Bl. John Henry Newman. (opt.mem.) 1st Reading: Jonah 1:1–2:1 Jonah is swallowed by the whale and brought back to Israel Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, “Go at once to Nineveh, that…
07 October. Our Lady of the Rosary (Memorial)
This feast was established in memory of the Christian naval victory over the Turks (at Lepanto 1571). Our Lady is daily honoured in the Rosary, which invites us to meditate the mysteries of the life, death and resurrection of Christ her son. 1st Reading: Acts 1:12-14. Our Lady with the…
06 October. Friday, Week 26
Saint Bruno, priest (opt mem.) 1st Reading: Baruch 1:15-22 From our time in Egypt until now, we have disregarded the voice of the Lord The Lord our God is in the right, but there is open shame on us today, on the people of Judah, on the inhabitants of Jerusalem,…
05 October. Thursday, Week 26
1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7-12 Ezra gets his people to renew their loyalty to God and to share their gifts In the seventh month all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of…
04 October. Wednesday, Week 26
Saint Francis of Assisi, friar. (Memorial) 1st Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8 King Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem, to restore its walls and graves In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was served him, I carried the wine and gave it to the king. Now,…
03 October. Tuesday, Week 26
Blessed Columba Marmion, abbot (opt mem.) 1st Reading: Zechariah 8:20-23 Peoples of every nationality will want to share the faith of the Jews Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Peoples shall yet come, the inhabitants of many cities; the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Come, let…
30 September. Saturday, Week 25
Saint Jerome, priest and doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Zechariah 2:1-4, 10-11 (NRSV) Jerusalem will be a haven of peace for all nations I looked up and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. Then I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered me, “To measure…
29 September. Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael
Some angels are given proper names to denote their special service. Thus, Michael means “Who is like God;” Gabriel is “The Strength of God;” and Raphael is “God’s Remedy” 1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 The vision of the Ancient One and the glorious Son of Man As I watched, thrones…
28 September. Thursday, Week 25
St Wenceslaus; St Lawrence Ruiz 1st Reading: Haggai 1:1-8 The Jews are to go up to the hills and bring wood to build the temple In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by…
27 September. Wednesday, Week 25
St Vincent de Paul, priest 1st Reading: Ezra 9:5-9 During the evening sacrifice, Ezra acknowledges God’s mercy At the evening sacrifice I, Ezra, got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the Lord my God, and…
26 September. Tuesday, Week 25
Saints Cosmas and Damian, martyrs 1st Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20 The Jews rebuild and rededicate their temple in Jerusalem King Darius decreed: “Do not impede the work on this house of God; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God…
25 September. Monday, Week 25
Saint Finbarr, bishop 1st Reading: Ezra 1:1-6 Cyrus lets the Jews return home and bids others help them rebuild the temple In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in order that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up…
11 September. Monday, Week 23
1st Reading: Colossians 1:24-2:3 To spread the faith, Paul suffers on behalf of the Church I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became…
09 September. Saturday, Week 22
Saint Ciaran, abbot 1st Reading: Colossians 1:21-23 Hold the faith firmly, to come before God blameless You who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, [Christ] has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him,…
08 September. The Nativity of our Blessed Lady
1st Reading: Micah 5:1-4 Bethlehem, from you shall come one who is to rule in Israel But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of…
07 September. Thursday, Week 22
1st Reading: Colossians 1:9-14 Rescued by God’s grace, we can bear fruit whatever comes For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so…
06 September. Wednesday, Week 22
1st Reading: Colossians 1:1-8 Paul commends mutual love and Christian hope Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. In our prayers…
05 September. Tuesday, Week 22
1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 The day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. Be ready. About the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of the…
04 September. Monday, Week 22
Saint Mac Nissi 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 We will all be reunited, when Christ comes to bring us home We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may no grieve as others do who have no hope. For…
02 September. Saturday, Week 21
1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 To live lovingly and responsibly Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters…
01 September. Friday, Week 21
1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Being ready for the Lord’s coming Brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and…
31 August. Thursday, Week 21
Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13 Paul recalls the faith of the Thessalonians and prays for their spiritual growth Brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm…
30 August. Wednesday, Week 21
Saint Fiacre (Fiachra) 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 The gospel is no mere opinion but is God’s own word You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of…
29 August. The Passion of St John the Baptist
1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19 Like Jeremiah, we must speak out against domineering rulers But as for you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. And I for my part have…
28 August. Monday, Week 21
Saint Augustine of Hippo, bishop 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 8-10 Paul recalls the dramatic conversion of the people of Thessalonica Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to…
26 August. Saturday, Week 20
1st Reading: Ruth 2:1-3, 8-11; 4:13-17 How Ruth the foreigner came to become king David’s great grandmother Now Naomi had a kinsman on her husband’s side, a prominent rich man, of the family of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to…
25 August, 2017. Friday, Week 20
Saint Louis of France; Saint Joseph Calasanctius, priest 1st Reading: Ruth 1:1, 3-6, 14-16, 22 Ruth migrates to Bethlehem, with her widowed mother-in-law In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the…
24 August. St Bartholomew, Apostle
1st Reading: Revelation 21:9-14 The City of God has 12 gates, representing the 12 apostles Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And…
23 August. Wednesday, Week 20
Saint Eugene, bishop; Saint Rose of Lima, virgin 1st Reading: Judges 9:6-15 In a riddle Jotham curses Abimelech and the people of Shechem All the masters of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem. When it…
22 August. The Queenship of Mary
1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 God’s promise of joy and restoration to those who sat in darkness There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he…
21 August, 2017. Monday, Week 20
Saint Pius X 1st Reading: Judges 2:11-19 The era of the Judges alternates between falling away and being restored Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshipped the Baals; and they abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them…
19 August, 2017. Saturday, Week 19
Saint John Eudes, priest 1st Reading: Joshua 24:14-29 At the covenant ceremony at Shechem, the whole people promise loyalty to God Joshua said to all the people: “Revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and…
18 August. Friday, Week 19
1st Reading: Joshua 24:1-13 Joshua narrates God’s help to Israel, from the patriarchs to entering the Promised Land Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said…
17 August. Thursday, Week 19
(option: Our Lady of Knock, Readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lect II, 1421-1449) 1st Reading: Joshua 3:7-10, 11, 13-17 Carrying the Ark into the Jordan allowed the people cross safely The Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight…
16 August, 2017. Wednesday, Week 19
Saint Stephen of Hungary 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 The great Moses dies within sight of the Promised Land Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed him the whole land: Gilead as far as…
15 August. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Reading: Revelation 11-12 The image of woman and dragon is applied to the Assumption Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. A great…
14 August. Monday, Week 19
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, priest and martyr 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 10:12-22 God’s chosen people must show mercy to foreigners, the orphan and the widow And Moses said to the people, “So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to…
12 August. Saturday, Week 18
Saint Muredach, bishop; Saint Attracta; Saint Lelia 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-13 The central commandment of Torah: Be faithful to God Moses said to the people: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all…
11 August. Friday, Week 18
Saint Clare, virgin 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-40 Moses calls the people to appreciate God’s works and keep the commands Moses said to the people: “Ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of…
10 August. St Lawrence, deacon and martyr
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 Whoever sows generously will also reap generously Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever 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 loves a cheerful giver….
08 August. Tuesday, Week 18
Saint Dominic, priest 1st Reading: Numbers 12:1-13 Despite the envy of Miriam and Aaron, Moses is leader of his people Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married (for he had indeed married a Cushite woman); and they said, “Has the Lord spoken only…
07 August. Monday, Week 18
Saint Cajetan 1st Reading: Numbers 11:4-15 The people rebel, during their Exodus from Egypt The rabble among the Israelites had a strong craving; and they also wept again, and said, “If only we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the…
05 August. Saturday, Week 17
St Mary Major, basilica 1st Reading: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17 Land can never be sold or mortgaged beyond the next Jubilee year The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying: “You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven times seven years, so that the period of seven weeks of…
04 August. Friday, Week 17
Saint John Vianney, priest 1st Reading: Leviticus 23:1, 4-11 etc Sacred festivals of Pasch, Pentecost, Atonement and Tabernacles The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall celebrate at the time appointed for them. In the first month, on…
03 August. Thursday, Week 17
1st Reading: Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 When the tabernacle and its contents are consecrated, God’s glory settles there Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded him. In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was set up. Moses set up…
02 August. Wednesday, Week 17
St Eusebius of Vercelli, bishop; St Julian Eymard, priest 1st Reading: Exodus 34:29-35 Moses veils his face when speaking to the people Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that…
01 August. Tuesday, Week 17
St Alphonsus Ligouri, bishop and doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Exodus 33:7-11; etc Moses meets with God, fasts 40 days and receives the Ten Commandments Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; he called it the tent of…
31 July. Monday, Week 17
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest 1st Reading: Exodus 32:15-24 etc Despite the golden-calf scandal, Moses continues to lead his people toward the Promised Land Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain, carrying the two tablets of the covenant in his hands, tablets that were written on both sides,…
29 July, 2017. Saint Martha
1st Reading: 1 John 4:7-16 True love shows us to be children of God Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was…
28 July. Friday, Week 16
1st Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 God gives the Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Then God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me. “You shall…
21 July. Friday in Week 15
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, priest and doctor of the church 1st Reading: Exodus 11:10-12:14 Passover is a reminder of our deliverance from slavery and death. Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go…
20 July. Thursday, Week 15
Saint Apollinarius, bishop and martyr 1st Reading: Exodus 3:13-20 The name Yahweh : I am who/what I am But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his…
19 July. Wednesday, Week 15
1st Reading: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 Revelation to Moses at the burning bush, at Mount Horeb/Sinai Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared…
18 July. Tuesday, Week 15
1st Reading: Exodus 2:1-15 Moses flees from the Egyptian court to the desert after killing an Egyptian Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid…
17th July. Monday in Week 15
1st Reading: Exodus 1:8-14, 22 A new Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites and threatens them with extinction. Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. Come, let us deal shrewdly…
01 July. Saturday, Week 12
Saint Oliver Plunkett, bishop and martyr 1st Reading: Genesis 18:1-15 Abraham’s three visitors, beside the oaks of Mamre 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…
24 June, 2017. Saturday. Nativity of St John the Baptist
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…
22 June, 2017. Thursday, Week 11
Saint Paulinus, bishop; Saints John Fisher and Thomas More 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,…
13 June, 2017. Tuesday, Week 10
Saint Anthony of Padua, priest and doctor of the church 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22 In Christ every one of God’s promises is a Yes As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been “Yes and No.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we…
12 June, 2017. Monday, Week 10
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 God comforts us in our troubles so we may comfort others Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace to you and…
02 June, 2017. Friday, Week 7 of Easter
Saints Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs 1st Reading: Acts 25:13-21 Paul explains to king Agrippa his predicament as prisoner After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. Since they were staying there several days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is…
29 May, 2017. Monday, Week 7 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 19:1-8 In Ephesus, followers of John the Baptist become full members of the church While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became…
06 May, 2017. Saturday, Week 3
1st Reading: Acts 9:31-42 During Peter’s ministry in Lydda he restores Tabitha to life Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Now as Peter…
05 May, 2017. Friday, Week 3 of Easter
Blessed Edmund Rice, religious and educator 1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that…
04 May, 2017. Thursday, Week 3 of Easter
Saint Conleth, bishop 1st Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Philip’s joyful spreading of the faith Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) So he got up and went….
03 May, 2017 (Wednesday) Ss Philip and James, Apostles
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Paul lists the original witnesses of the resurrection, including himself Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast – unless you…
02 May, 2017. Tuesday, Week 3 of Easter
Saint Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Acts 7:51-8:1 Stephen’s temple-criticism stirs up the mob, who put him to death by stoning Stephen said to the crowd: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used…
29 April, 2017. Saint Catherine of Siena, co-patron of Europe
1st Reading: 1 John 1:5, 2:2 The message we have heard from him and proclaim to you This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship…
28 April, 2017. Friday, Week 2 of Easter
Saint Peter Chanel, priest and martyr 1st Reading: Acts 5:34-42 Gamaliel wisely advises his colleagues not to condemn the apostles But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a…
27 April, 2017. Thursday, Week 2 of Easter
Saint Asicus, bishop 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-33 What Peter and the apostles told the Jewish council When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled…
26 April, 2017. Wednesday, Week 2 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 5:17-26 The Temple police arrest the apostles, but without violence Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the…
25 April, 2017. Saint Mark, Evangelist
1st Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-14 St Peter mention of Mark among the Christians in Rome (“Babylon”) When the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of…
24 April, 2017. Monday, Week 2 of Easter
Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest and martyr 1st Reading: Acts 4:23-31 The first Christian community prays for help to survive the threatened persecution After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they…
22 April, 2017. Easter Saturday
1st Reading: Acts 4:13-21 Risking their lives, Peter and John declare what they have seen and heard Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the…
21 April, 2017. Easter Friday
St. Anselm, bishop and doctor of the church 1st Reading: Acts 4:1-12 Peter’s belief that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they…
21 April, 2017. Easter Friday
St. Anselm, bishop and doctor of the church 1st Reading: Acts 4:1-12 Peter’s belief that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they…
20 April, 2017. Easter Thursday
1st Reading: Acts 3:11-26 Peter describes Jesus as holy and righteous, the One who is victorious over death While the cured man clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s Portico, utterly astonished. When Peter saw it, he addressed the people,…
19 April, 2017. Easter Wednesday
1st Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Calling on Jesus’ name, Peter cures a lame man One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily…
18 April, 2017. Easter Tuesday
Saint Laserian, bishop 1st Reading: Acts 2:36-41 Peter calls those who crucified Jesus to repent and be saved [In his Pentecost sermon, Peter said to the crowd], “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you…
17 April, 2017. Easter Monday
1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Peter announces the dawning of a new age, with the resurrection of Jesus But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I…
15 April, 2017. Holy Saturday
There is no Mass on Holy Saturday. Here are some reflections for this sombre day. Evocative signs This is our Passover, the night of nights and the feast of feasts. Let us celebrate and rejoice, therefore! To let our feelings catch up with our convictions, on this holy night we…
14 April, 2017. Good Friday
1st Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The pains of the suffering servant, who carried the sins of his people See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. Just as there were many who were astonished at him-so marred was his appearance, beyond human…
April 13, 2017. Holy Thursday (evening Mass)
First Reading: Exodus 12:1-2, 11-14 Israel’s departure from Egypt — to be celebrated for all time Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him…
12 April, 2017. Wednesday in Holy Week
1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9 The Suffering Servant trusts in God for rescue The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught….
11 April, 2017. Tuesday in Holy Week
Saint Stanislaus, bishop and martyr 1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 The life of God’s servant seems a failure, but it bears great fruit 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…
10 April, 2017. Monday in Holy Week
1st Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7 My Servant, whom I uphold, the One in whom I delight The Lord says: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not…
8 April, 2017. Saturday of Lent, Week 5
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:21-28 I will bring them back, and I will cleanse them Say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from every quarter, and bring them to their own…
07 April, 2017. Friday of Week 5
Saint John Baptist de la Salle, priest 1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Though many plot against God’s servant, he is safe in God’s hands For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he…
06 April, 2017. Thursday of Week 5
First Reading: Genesis 17:3-9 Abraham believe in God’s promises, despite delays and disappointments Then Abram fell on his face; and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You shall be the ancestor of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be Abram,…
05 April, 2017. Wednesday of Week 5
Saint Vincent Ferrer, priest 1st Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25 Trusting in God, the faithful three are saved from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I…
4th April, 2017. Tuesday of Lent Week 5
Saint Isidore of Seville, bishop and doctor of the church 1st Reading: Numbers 21:4-9 The brazen serpent; anyone bitten can look at it and live From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient…
03 April, 2017. Monday of Lent Week 5
1st Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 31-62 Susanna is falsely accused; Daniel’s questions uncover the truth There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. And he took a wife named Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord. Her parents were…
1st April, 2017. Saturday of Lent Week 4
Saint Ceallach or Celsus 1st Reading: Jeremiah 11:18-20 The Just One is led like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to…
31 March, 2017. Friday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 Malice of the foolish against good people Foolish people reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no one has been known to return from Hades. Let us then…
30 March, 2017. Thursday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Exodus 32:7-14 Though his people rebel, Moses begs another chance for them The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I…
29 March, 2017. Wednesday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15 God promises the exiles, “You’ll be a sign of salvation!” Thus says the Lord: ‘In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to…
28 March, 2017. Tuesday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Life-giving water flows out from the Temple of God Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east); and the water was flowing down…
27 March, 2017. Monday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21 “Rejoice in what I create!” Good things in store for those who love God The Lord God says: “I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever…
25 March, 2017. The Annunciation of the Lord
1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said,…
24 March, 2017. Friday, Week 3 of Lent
Saint Macartan, bishop 1st Reading: Hosea 14:2-10 How God supports those who trust in Him Take words with you and return to the Lord; say to him, “Take away all guilt; accept that which is good, and we will offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria shall not save us;…
22 March, 2017. Wednesday, Week 3 of Lent
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 God’s people have clear duties and a high destiny So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors,…
23 March, 2017. Thursday, Week 3 of Lent
Saint Turibius of Mongrovejo 1st Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28 Life’s highest goal is obedient response to God But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it…
22 March, 2017. Wednesday, Week 3 of Lent
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 God’s people have clear duties and a high destiny So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors,…
21 March, 2017. Tuesday, Week 3 of Lent
Saint Enda, abbot 1st Reading: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Nebuchadnezzar admires the miraculous escape of the young Jews Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.”…
20 March, 2017. St Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-6, 12-14, 16 From king David’s offspring will come the universal spiritual King But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live…
18 March, 2017. Saturday, Week 2 of Lent
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor of the church 1st Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Israel’s God is a God of mercy Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed…
17 March, 2017. St Patrick, Principal Patron of Ireland
1st Reading: Sirach 39:6-10 One who was filled with the spirit of understanding If the great Lord is willing, he will be filled with the spirit of understanding; he will pour forth words of wisdom of his own and give thanks to the Lord in prayer. The Lord will direct…
16 March, 2017. Thursday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord rather than in mere mortal power Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub in…
15 March, 2017. Wednesday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20 In desperate need, Jeremiah pins his hope on God “Come, let us decide what to do with Jeremiah,” people say. “There will still be priests to guide us, still wise men to advise us, still prophets to proclaim the word. Come, let us bring charges against…
14 March, 2017. Tuesday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 A call to personal conversion, to remove our sins from God’s sight Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your doings from…
13 March, 2017. Monday, Week 2 of Lent of Lent
First Reading: Daniel 9:4-10 I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “Ah, Lord, great and awesome God, keeping covenant and steadfast love with those who love you and keep your commandments, we have sinned and done wrong, acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments…
11 March, 2017. Saturday, Week 1 of Lent
Saint Aengus, bishop and abbot 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 A people holy to the Lord your God This very day the Lord your God is commanding you to observe these statutes and ordinances; so observe them diligently with all your heart and with all your soul. Today you have obtained…
10 March, 2017. Friday, Week 1 of Lent
1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28 Personal responsibility to replace the idea of shared guilt But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. None of the…
9 March, March, 2017. Thursday, Week 1 of Lent
Saint Frances of Rome, religious 1st Reading: Esther 4:29-42 Queen Esther’s prayer wins God’s help in a time of crisis Queen Esther, seized with deadly anxiety, fled to the Lord. She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: “O my Lord, you only are our king; help me,…
8 March, 2017. Wednesday, Week 1 of Lent
Saint John of God, religious; Saint Senan, bishop 1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 When Jonah’s preaching bears fruit, God has mercy on Nineveh The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I…
7 March, 2017. Tuesday, Week 1 of Lent
Saints Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs 1st Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11 God’s word comes down like rain, to generate life For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the…
6 March, 2017. Monday, Week 1 of Lent
1st Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Practical guidance for worship and for social compassion The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You shall each revere your…
28 Feb, 2017. Tuesday, Week 8
1st Reading: Sirach 35:1-12 He recommends generosity to the poor and condemns extortion The one who keeps the law makes many offerings;one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being.The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour,and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering.To keep from wickedness…
27 Feb, 2017. Monday, Week 8
1st Reading: Sirach 17:20-24 Repent from sin while you are still alive. The dead cannot praise God Their iniquities are not hidden from him,and all their sins are before the Lord. One’s almsgiving is like a signet ring with the Lord,and he will keep a person’s kindness like the apple…
25 Feb, 2017. Saturday, Week 7
1st Reading: Sirach 17:1-15 God made us in the divine image, and looks with favour on us The Lord created human beings out of earth, and makes them return to it again. He gave them a fixed number of days, but granted them authority over everything on the earth. He…
24 Feb, 2017. Friday, Week 7
1st Reading: Sirach 6:5-17 Let your friends be tried and trusted. Faithful friends are a tonic Pleasant speech multiplies friends, and a gracious tongue multiplies courtesies. Let those who are friendly with you be many, but let your advisers be one in a thousand. When you gain friends, gain them…
23 Feb, 2017. Thursday, Week 7
1st Reading: Sirach 5:1-8 Do not delay to turn back to the Lord Do not rely on your wealth, or say, “I have enough.”Do not follow your inclination and strength in pursuing the desires of your heart.Do not say, “Who can have power over me?” for the Lord will surely…
22 Feb, 2017. The Chair of St Peter, Apostle
Today we celebrate Saint Peter’s leadership of the church in Rome. The magnificent marble cathedra, fashioned (c.1650) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini for St. Peter’s basilica surrounds a small wooden chair that may have been used by Peter himself, as his throne of office. 1st Reading: 1 Pet 5:1-4 Peter’s advice…
21 Feb, 2017. Tuesday, Week 7
Saint Peter Damian, bishop and doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Sirach 2:1-11 Experience shows that those who hope in the Lord are not forsaken My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing.Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in…
20 Feb, 2017. Monday, Week 7
1st Reading: Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 1:1-10 All wisdom comes from God and returns to him All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity–who can count them? The height of heaven, the breadth of…
18 Feb, 2017. Saturday, Week 6
1st Reading: Hebrews 11:1-7 Heroic examples of faith, from the Scriptures Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what…
17 Feb, 2017. Friday, Week 6
The Seven Founders of the Servite Order; Saint Fintan, abbot 1st Reading: Genesis 11:1-9 When people sought independence from God, their language is scrambled Now the whole earth had one language and the same words. And as they migrated from the east, they came upon a plain in the land…
16 Feb, 2017. Thursday, Week 6
1st Reading: Genesis 9:1-13 The rainbow, a perpetual sign of God’s covenant with Noah and the human race God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you shall rest on every animal of the earth,…
15 Feb, 2017. Wednesday, Week 6
1st Reading: Genesis 8:6-13, 20-22 The Lord promises never again to destroy the earth At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent out the raven; and it went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the…
14 Feb, 2017. Saints Cyril and Methodius
1st Reading: Acts 13:46-49 The missionary courage of the apostles, later emulated by the mission of Cyril and Methodius to the Slavs. Then both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you reject it and…
13 Feb, 2017. Monday, Week 6
1st Reading: Genesis 4:1-15 Cain’s jealousy leading to the murder of his brother Abel Now the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have produced a man with the help of the Lord.” Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper…
11 Feb, 2017. Saturday, Week 5
Our Lady of Lourdes; Saint Gobnait, virgin 1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-24 The Lord sentences the serpent, and Adam and Eve are expelled from the garden The Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden,…
10 Feb, 2017. Friday, Week 5
Saint Scholastica, virgin 1st Reading: Genesis 3:1-8 The woman and man eat the forbidden fruit, then try to hide from God in the garden Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God say, ‘You…
09 Feb, 2017. Thursday, Week 5
1st Reading: Genesis 2:18-25 Woman stands equal to man; they are to be joined as one flesh Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner.” So out of the ground the Lord God formed…
08 Feb, 2017. Wednesday, Week 5
Saint Jerome Emiliani, priest; Saint Josephine Bakhita, virgin 1st Reading: Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17 God creates Adam and sets him in the garden to cultivate it These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. In the day that the Lord God made the earth and…
07 Feb, 2017. Tuesday, Week 5
Saint Mel of Ardagh, bishop 1st Reading: Genesis 1:20–2:4 God forms man and woman in the divine likeness, then rests on the seventh day And God said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.” So…
06 Feb, 2017. Monday, Week 5
Saint Paul Miki and Companions, martyrs 1st Reading: Genesis 1:1-19 God creates light, sky, earth and sun, moon and stars, in the act of creation In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep,…
04 Feb, 2017. Saturday, Week 4
1st Reading: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21 God raised up Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,…
03 Feb, 2017. Friday, Week 4
Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr; Saint Ansgar, bishop 1st Reading: Hebrews 13:1-8 A call to hospitality, contentment, care of prisoners and the persecuted Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are…
02 Feb, The Presentation of Our Lord
1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 God’s Messenger will refine the chosen people See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight – indeed, he is coming, says…
20 Feb, 2017. Monday, Week 7
1st Reading: Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 1:1-10 All wisdom comes from God and returns to him All wisdom is from the Lord, and with him it remains forever. The sand of the sea, the drops of rain, and the days of eternity–who can count them? The height of heaven, the breadth of…
01 Feb, 2017. St Brigid, Abbess
1st Reading: Job 31:16-20; 24-25; 31-32 Job’s helping the needy echoed in Brigid’s works of charity I have never withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten my morsel alone, and the orphan has not eaten from it. for…
31 January. Tuesday, Week 4
Saint John Bosco, priest 1st Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4 Around us a cloud of witnesses, and above all Jesus, to encourage us Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us…
30 Jan., 2017. Monday, Week 4
Saint Aidan, bishop; Blessed Margaret Ball and Blessed Francis Taylor, martyrs 1st Reading: Hebrews 11:32-40 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets – who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises,…
28 Jan., 2017 Saturday, Week 3
Saint Thomas Aquinas, doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19 Divine blessing on Abraham and his descendants Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to…
27 Jan., 2017. Friday, Week 3
Saint Angela de Merici, virgin 1st Reading, Hebrews 10:32-39 Do not abandon hope, but trust in God’s promises But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those…
26 Jan., 2017. Saints Timothy and Titus
1st Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-9 Use the gifts God has given us, for the service of the church Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from…
25 January, 2017. The Conversion of St. Paul
1st Reading: Acts 22:3-16 Paul’s account of his conversion, to his fellow-Jews, on the steps of the Temple “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated strictly according to our ancestral law, being zealous for God, just…
24 Jan., 2017. Tuesday, Week 3
Saint Francis de Sales, bishop and doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10 The temple rituals foreshadowed the new covenant, brought by Jesus for all Since the law has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the true form of these realities, it can never,…
23 January, 2017. Monday, Week 3
1st Reading: Hebrews 9:15, 24-28 Jesus as mediator of a new covenant So Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, because a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions under the first covenant. For Christ…
21 January, 2017. Saturday, Week 2
Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr 1st Reading: Hebrews 9:2-3, 11-14 Jesus enters the Holy of Holies, to enable us to serve the living God For a tent was constructed, the first one, in which were the lampstand, the table, and the bread of the Presence; this is called the Holy…
Jan. 20, 2017. Friday, Week 2
Saints Fabian and Sebastian, martyrs 1st Reading: Hebrews 8:6-13 Mediator of a new covenant But Jesus has now obtained a more excellent ministry, and to that degree he is the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted through better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless,…
19 January, 2017. Thursday, Week 2
1st Reading: Hebrews 7:25-8:6 Jesus our high priest serves in the true tabernacle of heaven Jesus he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high…
18 January, 2017. Wednesday, Week 2
1st Reading: Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17 The priesthood of Jesus is mysterious, eternal, like Melchisedek’s This “King Melchizedek of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him;” and to him Abraham apportioned “one-tenth of everything.” His name, in the…
17 January, 2017. Tuesday, Week 2
Saint Anthony, abbot 1st Reading: Hebrews 6:10-20 Abraham’s long-delayed son. Learning patience For God is not unjust; he will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the…
Jan 16, 2017. Monday, Week 2
Saint Fursa [Fursey], abbot and missionary (c. 597-650) 1st Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10 Jesus is our Priest, and the source of eternal salvation for all Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins….
14 January, 2017. Saturday of Week 1
1st Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16 Our merciful high priest has passed into heaven Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before…
13 January. Friday of Week 1
Saint Hilary of Poitiers, bishop and doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Through faith we shall enter into God’s day of rest Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to…
12 January. Thursday of Week 1
1st Reading: Hebrews 3:7-14 Open our hearts to God, not hardened by sin Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, as on the day of testing in the desert, where your ancestors put me to the…
11 January. Wednesday of Week 1
1st Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18 Jesus shared our flesh and blood and so is able to help us in our trials Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death,…
10 January. Tuesday of Week 1
1st Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12 Jesus is crowned with glory, having been tested through suffering Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, “What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for…
09 January. Monday, Week 1 of Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6 God spoke in many and varied ways, but now through Jesus, his Son and heir Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed…
07 January. Saturday after Epiphany
1st Reading: 1 John 3:22–4:6 Distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error Beloved, we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ…
06 January. The Epiphany of the Lord
(otherwise, on the Sunday between 2 January and 8 January) 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 In those days the Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth,…
05 January. Thursday before Epiphany 2017
Saint Charles of Mount Argus, priest 1st Reading: 1 John 3:11-21 Basic Christian vocation, to love one another For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil one and murdered his…
04 January. Wednesday before Epiphany
1st Reading: 1 John 3:7-10 How we are reborn as children of God Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from…
03 January. Tuesday before Epiphany
The Holy Name of Jesus; Saint Munchin, bishop 1st Reading: 1 John 2:29 – 3:6 We are God’s children now; when he is revealed, we will be like him If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who does right has been born of him….
02 January. Monday before Epiphany
Saints Basil and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the church 1st Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 The Holy Spirit received from Jesus, teaches you all things Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father…
31 December. 7th Day of the Christmas Octave
Saint Sylvester, pope 1st Reading. 1 John 2:18-21 You have been anointed by the Holy One Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the last hour. They went out from…
30 December. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Theme: Family life can be severely challenged, from various causes. This feast invites us to renew our commitment to family life. 1st Reading. Book of Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 A practical application of the fourth commandment, to honour our parents For the Lord honors a father above his children, and he…
29 December. 5th Day of the Christmas Octave
Saint Thomas a Becket 1st Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 The link between love and walking in the light of God Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is a liar,…
December 28th. The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
1st Reading. 1 John 1:5-2:2 We must not walk in darkness, but in the light of the Gospel Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We…
27 December. Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
1st Reading. 1 John 1:1-4 What we have seen with our eyes, what we have touched with our hands Beloved: What was from the beginning, what we have heard,what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life. For…
26 December. St Stephen, First Martyr
1st Reading. Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 Stephen is stoned outside the city, for proclaiming faith in Jesus Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward…
24 December. Saturday in Week 4 of Advent (morning)
For the Vigil (evening) Mass, Christmas Eve, click here 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, etc David is promised a “house” or dynasty When the king was settled in his house, and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, the king said to the prophet Nathan,…
23 December. Friday in Week 4 of Advent
Saint John of Kanty, priest 1st Reading. Malakiah 3:1-4, 4,4-6 God’s messenger will cause a conversion of hearts, before the great day of the Lord The Lord says this, “See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come…
22 December. Thursday in Week 4 of Advent
First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Samuel’s mother, Hannah, dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house…
21 December. Wednesday in Week 4 of Advent
Saint Peter Canisius 1st Reading. Song of Songs 2:8-14 Lyrical love from the Song of Songs, about the arrival of the beloved The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there…
20 December. Tuesday in Week 4 of Advent
Saint Fachanan of Kilfenora 1st Reading. Isaiah 7:10-14 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; then Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high…
19 December. Monday in Week 4 of Advent
1st Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 Manoah’s wife bears her divinely-promised son, Samson There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to…
17 December. Saturday in Week 3 of Advent
1st Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 The dying Jacob predicts future glory for the tribe of Judah Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of…
16 December. Friday of Week 3
First Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3, 6-8 God gathers the outcasts into his merciful salvation Thus says the Lord: Maintain justice, and do what is right, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. Happy is the mortal who does this, the one who holds it fast, who keeps…
15 December. Thursday of Week 3
First Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10 The future reversal, when those now abandoned will find God’s favour Sing, O barren one who did not bear; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labour! For the children of the desolate woman will be more than the children of her…
14 December. Wednesday of Week 3
Saint John of the Cross 1st Reading: Isaiah 45:6-8 The living God, creator of all, than whom there is no other They shall know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other….
13 December. Tuesday in Week 3 of Advent
Saint Lucy 1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 The people’s future conversion: the humble shall seek refuge in the Lord Ah, soiled, defiled, oppressing city! It has listened to no voice; it has accepted no correction. It has not trusted in the Lord; it has not drawn near to its God….
12 December. Monday in Week 3 of Advent
Saint Finnian; Our Lady of Guadalupe 1st Reading. Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 Balaam predicts the Age of the Messiah Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying: “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the…
10 December. Saturday in Week 2 of Advent
1st Reading. Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Lyrical praise of prophet Elijah, whose word burned like a torch 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…
09 December. Friday, 2nd Week of Advent
Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlotoatzin 1st Reading. Isaiah 48:17-19 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should go. O that you had paid attention to my commandments!…
08 December. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Reading. Genesis 3:9-15, 20 The enmity between the serpent and the woman, between its offspring and hers But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I…
07 December. Wednesday in Week 2 of Advent
Saint Ambrose of Milan 1st Reading. Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people of God, who gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who…
06 December. Tuesday in Week 2 of Advent
Saint Nicholas of Bari 1st Reading. Isaiah 40:1-11 “Comfort ye my people!” – the beginning of Second Isaiah, the joyful return from exile in Babylon Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty…
05 December. Monday in Week 2 of Advent
1st Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 The exiles shall return in joy to their own land The desert and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to…
03 December. Saturday in Week 1 of Advent
Saint Francis Xavier 1st Reading. Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 The coming days of enlightenment, when the people turn aside from idolatry Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it,…
02 December. Friday in Week 1 of Advent
1st Reading. Isaiah 29:17-24 A promise of good times, when deaf shall hear and blind shall see – and all will accept instruction Shall not Lebanon in a very little while become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be regarded as a forest? On that day the deaf shall…
01 December, Thursday in Week 1 of Advent
1st Reading. Isaiah 26:1-6 A hymn of confidence in the Lord, our everlasting rock On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, so that the righteous nation that keeps…
30 November. St Andrew, apostle
1st Reading: Romans 10:9-18 How will they hear the faith, unless it be preached? If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with he heart and so is justified,…
29 November. Tuesday, Advent, Week 1
First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 The Messiah will restore harmony and justice on earth. A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of…
28 November. Monday, Advent, Week 1
First Reading: Isaiah 2:4-6 Wisdom and peace when swords are beaten into ploughshares Thus says the Lord: “On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel. Whoever is left…
26 November. Saturday, Week 34
1st Reading: Revelation 22:1-7 River of life; healing fruits and the Lamb who is to come Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city….
25 November. Friday, Week 34
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, optional memorial 1st Reading:Revelation 20:1-4; 21:1-2 1000-year reign for those who reject the Beast Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is…
24 November. Thursday, Week 34
Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and companions, memorial 1st Reading: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9 The happy guests at the Lamb’s wedding feast After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority; and the earth was made bright with his splendour. He called out with a mighty voice,…
23 November. Wednesday, Week 34
Saint Columban, optional memorial 1st Reading: Revelation 15:1-4 The seven plagues sent by the wrath of God Then I saw another portent in heaven, great and amazing: seven angels with seven plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is ended. And I saw what appeared…
22 November. Tuesday, Week 34
Saint Cecilia, optional memorial 1st Reading: Revelation 14:14-19 Grapes crushed in the winepress of God’s wrath Then I looked, and there was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his…
21 November (Monday). Presentation of the BVM
1st Reading: Zechariah 2:14-17 Rejoice, for God will come and dwell in your midst Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people; and…
19 November. Saturday, Week 33
1st Reading: Revelation 11:4-12 The two prophets were slain as martyrs, possibly Peter and Paul, but are taken up to heaven in glory These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire pours…
18 November. Friday, Week 33
Dedication of the basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul 1st Reading: Revelation 10:8-11 The scroll that was sweet on the tongue but sour in the stomach Then the voice that I had heard from heaven spoke to me again, saying, “Go, take the scroll that is open in the hand…
17 November. Thursday, Week 33
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, memorial 1st Reading: Revelation 5:1-10 The slain Lamb opens the seals of the Book of Life Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals; and I…
16 November. Wednesday, Week 33
Saint Margaret of Scotland; St Gertrude, opt. memorials 1st Reading: Revelation 4:1-11 The twenty-four elders worship at God’s throne After this I looked, and there in heaven a door stood open! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and…
15 November. Tuesday, Week 33
Saint Albert the Great, optional memorial 1st Reading: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22 Those who are lukewarm will be spat out “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works;…
14 November. Monday, Week 33
Saint Lawrence O’Toole, optional memorial 1st Reading: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5 Encouragement to the churches in Asia Minor The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his servants what must soon take place; he made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testified to…
12 November. Saturday, Week 32
Saint Josaphat, memorial 1st Reading: 3 John verses 5-8 On providing hospitality to traveling missionaries Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you; they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on in…
11 November. Friday, Week 32
Saint Martin of Tours, optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 John verses 4-9 Love one another, since Jesus Christ has come incarnate in the flesh I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But now, dear lady,…
10 November. Thursday, Week 32
Saint Leo the Great, memorial 1st Reading: Philemon verses 7-20 Philemon must welcome his runaway slave, Onesimus I have indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother. For this reason, though I am bold enough in…
09 November. Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
This feast of the mother-church of Latin Christendom invites us to appreciate what the church is really for, in our lives. “You are God’s building” – the real sanctuary of God is in the hearts of his people 1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-10, 12 Ezekiel sees life-giving river flows out…
08 November. Tuesday, Week 32
1st Reading: Titus 2:1-8, 11-14 How to live, while awaiting the return of Christ But as for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine. Tell the older men to be temperate, serious, prudent, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Likewise, tell the older women to be…
07 November. Monday, Week 32
Saint Willibrord, optional memorial 1st Reading: Titus 1:1-9 The blessings of the faith and the qualities of a church leader Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance…
05 November. Saturday, Week 31
1st Reading: Philippians 4:10-19 Thanks to the community who helped Paul in his imprisonment I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to…
04 November. Friday, Week 31
Saint Charles Borromeo, optional memorial 1st Reading: Philippians 3:17-21 Remembering that our citizenship is in heaven Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told…
03 November. Thursday, Week 31.
Saint Malachy, optional memorial 1st Reading: Philippians 3:3-8 For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh – even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else…
02 November. All The Faithful Departed
1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 A vision of hope: God will restore his people’s joy On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will…
01 November. Feast of All Saints
1st Reading: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14 Many were sealed with the sign of the Living God I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to…
31 October. Monday, Week 31
1st Reading: Philippians 2:1-4 Setting aside conceited rivalry, we should be generous to others So then, my beloved brethren, if then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having…
29 October. Saturday, Week 30
Saint Colman, bishop, optional memorial 1st Reading: Philippians 1:18-26 Taking everything in stride, so that he may preach the Gospel What does it matter, so long as Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether out of false motives or true; and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue…
28 October. Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles
1st Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 God has appointed apostles so that his people’s needs will be served So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with…
27 October. Thursday, Week 30
Saint Otteran, monk, optional memorial 1st Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 Putting on the armour of God, for the struggle of life Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the…
26 October. Wednesday, Week 30
1st Reading: Ephesians 6:1-9 Practical advice for parents and children, masters and servants Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”;, this is the first commandment with a promise: “so that it may be well with you and you may live long…
25 October. Tuesday, Week 30
1st Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33 Love between spouses mirrors Christ’s love for the church Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands as you are to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife just as Christ is the head…
24 October. Monday, Week 30
1st Reading: Ephesians 4:32-5:8 Be kind to one another, as our merciful Father is to us Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave…
22 October. Saturday, Week 29
Saint John Paul II, optional memorial 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:7-16 The church led by apostles and evangelists, to teach and unify its members But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself…
21 October. Friday, Week 29
1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6 One body and one spirit, a warm ideal of church unity I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in…
20 October. Thursday, Week 29
1st Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 May you grasp the depth of Christ’s love, beyond all knowledge I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and…
19 October. Wednesday, Week 29
Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues; Paul of the Cross, optional memorials 1st Reading: Ephesians 3:2-12 Paul preaches to the gentiles the rich mystery of Christ Surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made…
18 October. Saint Luke, Evangelist
1st Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17 Only Luke is with Paul, at this final stage in his imprisonment Dear Timothy, Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia….
17 October. Monday, Week 29
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, memorial 1st Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus My brothers and sisters. You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the…
15th October. Saturday, Week 28
Saint Teresa of Avila, memorial 1st Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 May God enlighten your vision to see the hope you are called to I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks…
14 October. Friday, Week 28
Saint Callistus, optional memorial 1st Reading Ephesians 1:11-14 We are sealed with the Holy Spirit, the down-payment God has made to his people In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,…
13 October. Thursday, Week 28
1st Reading: Ephesians 1:1-10 God chose us in Christ before the world began, to be holy in his sight Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God…
12 October. Wednesday, Week 28
1st Reading: Galatians 5:18-25 The symptoms or fruits of the flesh contrasted with those of the spirit But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels,…
11 October. Tuesday, Week 28
Saint John XXIII; St Canice, optional memorials 1st Reading: Galatians 5:1-6 In Christ Jesus, circumcision no longer counts; only faith acting through love For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that…
11 October. Tuesday, Week 28
Saint John XXIII; St Canice, optional memorials 1st Reading: Galatians 5:1-6 In Christ Jesus, circumcision no longer counts; only faith acting through love For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that…
10 October. Monday, Week 28
1st Reading: Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1 Through faith we are born free. It was for liberty that Christ freed us Now it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and the other by a free woman. One, the child of the slave, was born according…
08 October. Saturday, Week 27
or Saturday Mass of the BVM 1st Reading: Galatians 3:22-29 In Christ, all the baptized are equally children of God, Jew or gentile, slave or free, male or female But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus…
07 October. Friday. Our Lady of the Rosary
This feast was established by pope Pius V in thanksgiving for the Christian victory over the Turks at the naval battle of Lepanto (1571), credited to the recitation of the Rosary. Our Lady is daily honoured in the prayer, which also invites us to meditate the mysteries of the life,…
06 October. Thursday, Week 27
Saint Bruno, optional memorial 1st Reading: Galatians 3:1-5 Is the Spirit received by law-abidingness or by trusting faith? You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified! The only thing I want to learn from you is this: Did…
05 October. Wednesday, Week 27
1st Reading: Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14 Paul openly corrects Peter for compromising the principle of the equality of all believers Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid before them (though…
04 October. Tuesday, Week 27
Saint Francis of Assisi, memorial 1st Reading: Galatians 1:13-24 Paul persecuted the church but is converted, then goes to meet Cephas in Jerusalem You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced…
03 October. Monday, Week 27
Blessed Columba Marmion, optional memorial 1st Reading: Galatians 1:6-12 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and…
01 October. Saturday, Week 26
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus. memorial 1st Reading: Job 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 After Job repents of his complaining, he is blessed more than before Then Job answered the Lord: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this…
30 September. Friday, Week 26
biblical.ie Saint Jerome, memorial Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 Only if Job is himself divine, with the knowledge of hidden things, can he challenge God. Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place,so…
29 September. Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
Some angels are given proper names to denote their special service. Thus, Michael means “Who is like God”; Gabriel is “The Strength of God”; and Raphael is “God’s Remedy” 1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 The vision of the Ancient One and the Son of Man, in glorious splendour As I…
28 September. Wednesday, Week 26
biblical.ie 1st Reading: Job 9:1-12, 14-16 God’s omnipotent control of the universe and his mysterious guidance of life Then Job answered: “Indeed I know that this is so but how can a mortal be just before God? If one wished to contend with him, one could not answer him once…
27 September. Tuesday, Week 26
biblical.ie Saint Vincent de Paul, memorial 1st Reading: Job 3:1-3 Job’s anguished lament at the misfortunes heaped upon him. After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. He said: “May the day of my birth perish, and the night that said, ‘A boy is conceived!’…
26 September. Monday, Week 26
biblical.ie Saints Cosmas and Damian, optional memorial 1st Reading: Job 1:6-22 Job’s patience is tested, first with loss of property and then with the death of his children One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to…
24 September. Saturday, Week 25
biblical.ie 1st Reading: Qohelet 11:9,12:8 A wise man’s lament about the encroachments of old age. Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Follow the inclination of your heart and the desire of your eyes, but know that for…
23 September. Friday, Week 25
biblical.ie Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, memorial 1st Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 There is an appointed time for everything under the sun. Yearnings stir in the human heart. For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die;…
22 September. Thursday, Week 25
Check out biblical.ie 1st Reading: Ecclesiastes (Qohelet) 1:2-11 Nothing is new under the sun. Vanity of vanities; all is vanity! Vanity of vanities, says the Teacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What do people gain from all the toil at which they toil under the sun? A generation goes,…
21 September. Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Check out biblical.ie 1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 Of all gifts of God to the Church, the apostles have the task of spreading the faith I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all…
20 September. Tuesday, Week 25
Check out biblical.ie Saint Andrew Kim and companions, memorial 1st Reading: Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13 Advice about self-control from Solomon’s proverbs. The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. All deeds are right in the sight of the doer,…
19 September. Monday, Week 25
Check out biblical.ie 1st Reading: Proverbs 3:27-34 Practical guidelines for dealing justly with one’s neighbour. Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbour, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it,”…
17 September. Saturday, Week 24
Saint Robert Bellarmine optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-49 What is sown and dies rises to new, incorruptible life. Our bodies will resemble the risen Jesus. But some one will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish man! What…
16 September. Friday, Week 24
Sts Cornelius and Cyprian, memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Belief in the Lord’s resurrection is not superfluous, but a vital basis for hope Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if…
15 September (Thurs). Our Lady of Sorrows
1st Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9 Even Jesus learned obedience through what he suffered In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although…
14 September. The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
1st Reading: Numbers 21:5-9 When the poisonous serpents bit the people, Moses raised the statue of a bronze serpent as an antidote, to give them healing The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? For there…
13 September. Tuesday, Week 24
Saint John Chrysostom, memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31 Many gifts, all at the service of the community, the body of Christ. For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with…
12 September. Monday, Week 24
The Holy Name of Mary, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33 The Eucharistic meal can be profaned by divisions based on class and wealth But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the…
10 September. Saturday, Week 23
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body Therefore, my beloved, shun the worship of idols. I speak as to sensible men; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a participation in…
09 September. Friday, Week 23
Saint Ciaran, abbot, memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-27 Paul’s total dedication to his preaching ministry. If I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this…
08 September. The Nativity of Our Lady
1st Reading: Micah 5:1-4 Bethlehem, from you shall come one who is to rule in Israel But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of…
07 September. Wednesday, Week 23
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-31 Christians are free to marry or not, but remember anyway that this world is passing Now concerning the unmarried, I have no command of the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. I think that in view…
06 September. Tuesday, Week 23
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 A community of people sanctified by Jesus must have high standards of love and respect When one of you has a grievance against a brother, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Do you not know that the saints…
05 September. Monday, Week 23
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:1-8 Applying church discipline to a scandalous case (incest) It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not…
03 September. Saturday, Week 22
Saint Gregory the Great, memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:6-15 By his his lifestyle and manner, Paul seeks to win back the loyalty of the Corinthians. I have applied all this to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brethren, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what…
02 September. Friday, Week 22
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 As God’s servant, Paul must not be judged by mere human judgment This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it…
01 September. Thursday, Week 22
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 All things are yours, you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is…
31 August. Wednesday, Week 22
Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 People motivated by envy are immature; caring for others marks out God’s co-workers But I, brethren, could not address you as spiritual men, but as men of the flesh, as babes in Christ. I fed you with milk, not…
30 August. Tuesday, Week 22
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 One taught by the Spirit of God can judge rightly and know their innermost self. Such people have the mind of Christ These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what person…
29 August. The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19. Like Jeremiah, we must speak out against domineering rulers But as for you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. And I for my part have…
27 August. Saturday, Week 21
Saint Monica optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 God chose the world’s despised, so that our wisdom, justice, and holiness would centre on Jesus For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth;…
26 August. Friday, Week 21
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 The mystery of the cross is wiser than our mind, stronger than our power My brothers and sisters, Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power….
25 August. Thursday, Week 21
Saint Louis of France; St Joseph Calasanctius optional memorials 1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Greeting the Corinthian church, Paul acknowledges their gifts and prays for them Paul, called by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sos’thenes, To the church of God which…
24 August. St. Bartholomew, Apostle
1st Reading: Revelation 21:9-14 The City of God has 12 gates, representing the 12 apostles Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” And…
23 August. Tuesday, Week 21
Saint Rose of Lima, virgin optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3, 14-17 Do not be unduly excited about the second coming of the Lord As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be…
22 August. The Queenship of Mary (memorial)
1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 God’s promise of joy and restoration to those who sat in darkness There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he…
20 August. Saturday, Week 20
Saint Bernard, memorial 1st Reading: Ezekiel 43:1-7 The prophet sees the glory of the Lord return to dwell in the Jerusalem temple which it had earlier abandoned Then he brought me to the gate, the gate facing east. And there, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from…
19 August. Friday, Week 20
1st Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14 The valley full of dry bones will be revived The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.He led me all…
18th August. Thursday of Week 20
1st Reading: Ezekiel 36:23-28 The exiles return home, purified and renewed, inspired to keep God’s law I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God,…
17 August. Wednesday, Week 20
Our Lady of Knock (memorial). Readings from the common of the BVM. 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let…
16 August. Tuesday, Week 20
Saint Stephen of Hungary, optional memorial 1st Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-10 God warns the wealthy seaport metropolis of Tyre to beware of pride The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, say to the prince of Tyre, Thus says the Lord God: Because your heart is proud and you have…
15 August. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Reading: Revelation 12:1-6, 10 The woman and the dragon was first an image for the church under persecution; later it was extended to the Assumption of our Lady Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were…
13 August. Saturday, Week 19
Saints Pontian and Hippolytus optional memorial 1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32 Each individual is personally responsible to God, to practice personal integrity and not hide behind the virtues of our ancestors The word of the Lord came to me: What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the…
12 August. Friday, Week 19
Saints Jane Frances de Chantal, Attracta, and Muredach, optional memorials 1st Reading: Ezekiel 16:1-15 Israel is compared to a baby girl, neglected at birth but later espoused and loved by God The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, make known to Jerusalem her abominations, and say, Thus says…
11 August. Thursday, Week 19
Saint Clare of Assisi, virgin, memorial 1st Reading: Ezekiel 12:1-12 Ezekiel mimes going into exile, as a warning to the people The word of the Lord came to me: Mortal, you are living in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see but do not see, who…
10 August. Wednesday, Week 19
Saint Lawrence optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 Whoever sows generously will also reap generously Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever 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…
09 August. Tuesday, Week 19
Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). Feast 1st Reading: Hosea 2:16-17; 21-22 In affectionate imagery, the prophet describes God’s enduring love for his people, Israel On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, “My husband,” and no longer will you call me, “My Baal.” For I will remove the…
08 August. Monday, Week 19
Saint Dominic, memorial 1st Reading: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28 God’s chariot-throne borne by four cherubim, accompanying the people into exile On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), the word of the Lord came to the priest Ezekiel son of Buzi,…
06 August. The Transfiguration of the Lord
Theme: Three apostles were priveleged to witness the inner life of Christ, revealed to them in splendour on the holy mountain. We pray for a deeper experience of God in our own lives, and to share in his divine life 1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Daniel sees the Almighty One…
05 August. Friday, Week 18
Dedication of the basilica of Saint Mary Major, optional memorial 1st Reading: Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7 The collapse of oppressive Assyria is celebrated by a joyful, gifted and optimistic prophet A shatterer has come up against you. Guard the ramparts; watch the road; gird your loins; collect all your…
04 August. Thursday, Week 18
St John Vianney, optional memorial 1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 The new covenant will not be inscribed on rock but on the flesh of the heart; all will know the Lord and be forgiven their sins The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant…
03 August. Wednesday, Week 18
1st Reading: Jeremiah 31:1-7 Jeremiah foretells the joyful reunion of Israel’s northern tribes with Jerusalem At that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people. Thus says the Lord: “The people who survived the sword found grace…
02 August. Tuesday, Week 18
Saints Eusebius of Vercelli; Julian Eymard, optional memorials 1st Reading: Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 After the exile the Israelites will return home, with their own civil and religious leaders The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book…
01 August. Monday, Week 18
Saint Alphonsus Ligouri, optional memorial 1st Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17 Jeremiah predicts the end of his people’s exile In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of King Zedekiah of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, from Gibeon, spoke to…
30 July. Saturday, Week 17
Saint Peter Chrysologus, optional memorial 1st Reading: Jeremiah 26:11-16, 24 In God’s name, Jeremiah stands by his threats against Jerusalem and its temple Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death because he has prophesied against…
29 July. St Martha of Bethany
1st Reading: 1 John 4:7-16 True love shows us to be children of God Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was…
28 July. Thursday, Week 17
1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:1-6 God is like a potter, re-forming Israel out of previously mis-formed clay The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and…
27 July. Wednesday, Week 17
1st Reading: Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21 The second lament of Jeremiah and the Lord’s reply It was a bad day that my mother ever bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! O Lord, I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse…
26 July. Tuesday, Week 17
Saints Joachim and Anne parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, memorial 1st Reading: Jeremiah 14:17-22 Jeremiah laments his people’s destruction and begs God for mercy You shall say to them this word: Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease, for the virgin…
25 July. Feast of Saint James, Apostle
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15. The grace of God is like a treasure in a clay jar. The apostle is willing to die, that the others may have life We have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God…
23 July. St Bridget of Sweden, Patron of Europe
1st Reading: Galatians 2:19-20. It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but…
22 July. St Mary Magdalene. Memorial
Mary of Magdala is named in the Gospels more often than any of the twelve apostles except Peter. She is today honoured for her fidelity to Jesus and as first witness to the resurrection. 1st Reading: 2 Cor 5:14-17 (alternative: Song 3:1-4) A life built on and sustained by the…
21 July. Thursday, Week 16
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi, optional memorial 1st Reading: Jeremiah 2:1-2; 7-8; 12-13. They dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water The word of the Lord came to me, saying: Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord: I remember the devotion of your…
20 July. Wednesday, Week 16
Saint Apollinaris, optional memorial 1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10 The prophet’s vocation to speak God’s word The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin. The word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the…
19 July. Tuesday, Week 16.
1st Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Israel’s God is always faithful and forgiving Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old….
18 July. Monday, Week 16
1st Reading: Micah 6:1-4, 6-8 Micah’s famous summary of religion, as walking humbly with God Hear what the Lord says: ‘Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice.’ Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for…
16 July. Saturday, Week 15
1st Reading: Micah 2:1-5 When rich people covet and steal the lands of others, their own land will fall to their captors Alas for those who devise wickedness and evil deeds on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in their power. They covet fields,…
15 July. Friday, Week 15
Saint Bonaventure, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 38:1-6, 21-22, King Hezekiah is cured of a serious sickness; as a sign of full health God turns the sun’s rays backward In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz came to…
14 July. Thursday, Week 15
Saint Camillus de Lellis, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19 A prayer of quiet confidence, awaiting the dawn of God’s justice The way of the righteous is level; O Just One, you make smooth the path of the righteous. In the path of your judgments, O Lord, we…
13 July. Wednesday, Week 15
Saint Henry, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16 Assyria was used to punish Israel but later was discarded for interfering with God’s plans for his people The Lord says, “Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger, the club in their hands is my fury! Against a godless nation I…
12 July. Tuesday, Week 15
1st Reading: Isaiah 7:1-9 During a national crisis people are called to a deeper faith in God In the days of Ahaz son of Jotham son of Uzziah, king of Judah, King Rezin of Aram and King Pekah son of Remaliah of Israel went up to attack Jerusalem, but could…
11 July. Saint Benedict, Patron of Europe
1st Reading: Proverbs 2:1-10. The value of wisdom, devotion and fear of the Lord, so exemplified in Saint Benedict My child, if you accept my wordsand treasure up my commandments within you,making your ear attentive to wisdomand inclining your heart to understanding;if you indeed cry out for insight,and raise your…
09 July. Saturday, Week 14
Saints Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 While praying in the temple, Isaiah is called to be a prophet In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the…
08 July. Friday, Week 14
Saint Killian, missionary and martyr, optional memorial 1st Reading: Hosea 14:2-9 The faithful God will restore unfaithful Israel to grace and love Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity. Take words with you and return to the Lord; say to him,…
07 July. Thursday, Week 14
Saint Maelruain, optional memorial 1st Reading: Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9 Tenderly as a mother, God cares for his beloved Israel When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. But the more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing…
06 July. Wednesday, Week 14
St Maria Goretti, optional memorial 1st Reading: Hosea 10:1-3, 7-8, 12 Infidelity has produced a hopeless situation, through endemic social injustice Israel is a luxuriant vine that produces his fruit. According to the abundance of his fruit he has multiplied his altars. As their land has prospered, they have adorned…
05 July. Tuesday, Week 14
Saint Anthony Zaccaria, optional memorial 1st Reading: Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 For their sins, they shall return to slavery They made kings, but not through me; they set up princes, but without my knowledge. With their silver and gold they made idols for their own destruction. Your calf is rejected, O…
04 July. Monday, Week 14
Saint Elisabeth of Portugal, optional memorial 1st Reading: Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22 God will restore the repentant people to their first love On that day, says the Lord, you will call me, “My husband.” For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be mentioned…
02 July. Saturday, Week 13
1st Reading: Amos 9:11-15 The Davidic dynasty will be restored, and the land will bloom again On that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen, and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old; in order…
01 July. Friday, Week 13
1st Reading: Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 If injustice is unchecked, absence of meaning will blight our lives Hear this, you that trample on the needy, and bring to ruin the poor of the land, saying, “When will the new moon be over so that we may sell grain; and the Sabbath,…
30 June. Thursday, Week 13
1st Reading: Amos 7:10-17 Expelled from the Bethel sanctuary, Amos announces God’s Word Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to King Jeroboam of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the very center of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words….
29 June. Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
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…
28 June. Tuesday, Week 13
St Irenaeus, memorial 1st Reading: Amos 3:1-8. 4:11-12 Amos warns of the need for conversion Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O people of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt: You only have I known of all…
27 June. Monday, Week 13
Saint Cyril of Alexandria optional memorial 1st Reading: Amos 2:6-10, 13-16 Israel is condemned for neglecting the poor and the defenseless Thus says the Lord: For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for…
25 June. Saturday, Week 12
1st Reading: Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19 A survivor of Jerusalem’s destruction laments in mournful tones The Lord has destroyed without mercy all the dwellings of Jacob; in his wrath he has broken down the strongholds of daughter Judah; he has brought down to the ground in dishonour the kingdom and…
24 June. Birth of Saint John the Baptist
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…
23 June. Thursday, Week 12
1st Reading: 2 Kings 24:8-17 The background to the first Jewish deportation to Babylon, in 597 B.C Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign; he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the…
22 June. Wednesday, Week 11
1st Reading: 2 Kings 22:8-13; 23:1-3 When Deuteronomy is rediscovered in the temple, it leads to reform The high priest Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.” When Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, he read it….
21 June. Tuesday, Week 12
Saint Aloysius Gonzaga optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Kings 19:9-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36 The Assyrians attack; but Isaiah promises thatr a remnant and Jerusalem will be saved When the king heard concerning King Tirhakah of Ethiopia, “See, he has set out to fight against you,” he sent messengers again to…
20 June. Monday, Week 12
In Ireland: Feast of The Irish Martyrs may be celebrated (Common of Martyrs). The suggested readings are: 2 Maccabees 7:1-14 [or Philippians 3:8-14]; John 17:20-26. 1st Reading: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15, 18 The ten northern tribes of Israel are exiled, for not listening to the prophets Then the king of…
18 June. Saturday, Week 11
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,…
17 June. Friday, Week 11
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…
16 June.Thursday, Week 11
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…
15 June. Wednesday, Week 11
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,…
14 June. Tuesday, Week 11
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…
13 June. Monday, Week 11
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…
11 June (Sat). Saint Barnabas, Apostle
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…
10 June. Friday, Week 10
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…
09 June. Thursday, Week 10
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…
08 June. Wednesday, Week 10.
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…
07 June. Tuesday, Week 10
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…
06 June. Monday, Week 10
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…
04 June. Saturday, Week 9
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…
03 June. The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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…
02 June. Thursday, Week 9
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…
01 June, 2016. Wednesday, Week 9
Saint Justin, martyr, memorial 1st Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-12 Rekindle the flame of your vocation, and endure for the Gospel Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child:…
31 May. The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-18 A hymn of joy to God my Saviour Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the…
30 May. Monday, Week 9
1st Reading 2 Peter 1:2-7 God has given us all we need to live well, sharing in divine life May grace and peace be yours in abundance in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through…
28 May. Saturday, Week 8
1st Reading. Jude 17; 20-25 Persevere in God’s love, and welcome the mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ My beloved, you must remember the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. But build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in…
27 May. Friday of Week 8
Saint Augustine of Canterbury, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Peter 4:7-13 The end of all things is near; be glad and shout for joy The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one…
26 May. Thursday, Week 8
1st Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-5,9-12 St Philip Neri, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Peter 2:2-5; 9-12 Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation – if indeed you have…
25 May. Wednesday, Week 8
1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:18-25 We are ransomed with the precious blood of Christ You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect…
24 May. Tuesday, Week 8
1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16 The Passion of Christ was revealed, and we must share in it Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them…
23 May. Monday, Week 8
1st Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Peter praises the saving mercy of God, on the occasion of a baptism Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ…
21 May. Saturday, Week 7, Ordinary Time
Ss Christopher Magallanes and companions, optional memorial 1st Reading: James 5:13-20 The place of anointing and of mutual instruction in the community of faith Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for…
20 May. Friday, Week 7
Saint Bernardine of Siena, optional memorial 1st Reading: James 5:9-12 Take the prophets as models of courage and speaking the truth Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is sanding at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience,…
19 May. Thursday, Week 7
1st Reading: James 5:1-6 Those who get rich by injustice will suffer at the final judgment Come now, you rich people, weep and wail for the miseries that are coming to you. Your riches have rotted, and your clothes are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust…
18 May. Wednesday, Week 7
1st Reading: James 4:13-17 Avoiding arrogance and boasting Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town and spend a year there, doing business and making money.” Yet you do not even know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For…
17/05. Tuesday, Week 7 of Ordinary Time
1st Reading: James 4:1-10 A call to sincerity, humility and fidelity, to shun all selfishness Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from? Do they not come from your ravings that are at war within you? You want something and do not have it; so you commit…
16 May. Monday, Week 7 of Ordinary Time
Saint Brendan, abbot, optional memorial 1st Reading: James 3:13-18 A wise spirit is not characterized by envy but by innocence, leniency, sympathy and peace Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have…
14 May. Saint Matthias, Apostle
1st Reading: Acts 1:15-17; 20-26 Matthias is selected to take the place of Judas Iscariot In those days Peter stood up among the believers(together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said, “Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas,…
13 May. Friday, Week 7 of Easter
or: Our Lady of Fatima, optional memorial 1st Reading: Acts 25:13-21 Paul, in prison at Caesarea, explains himself to king Agrippa After several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. Since they were staying there several days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king,…
12 May. Thursday, Week 7 of Easter
Saints Nereus and Achilleus; St Pancras, martyrs, optional memorial 1st Reading: Acts 22:30; 23:6-11 Paul is cross-examined by the Jewish Council, in Jerusalem Since the Roman Tribune wanted to find out what Paul was being accused of by the Jews, he released him the next day and ordered the chief…
11 May. Wednesday, Week 7 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 20:28-38 Paul’s final advice to the church leaders: shepherd the church [When the elders of the church of Ephesus came to meet him at Miletus, Paul said to them,] “Keep watch over yourselves and over all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,…
10 May. Tuesday, Week 7 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 20:17-27 Paul’s testament to church leaders, on his way to Jerusalem From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, asking the elders of the church to meet him. When they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the entire…
09 May. Monday, Week 7 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 19:1-8 In Ephesus, followers of John the Baptist join the church of Jesus While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?”…
07 May. Saturday, Week 6 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 18:23-28 Aquila, a convert from Judaism, helps the church in southern Greece After spending some time there he departed and went from place to place through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now there came to Ephesus a Jew named Apollos, a native…
06 May. Friday, Week 6 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 18:9-18 Paul’s trial by Gallio the proconsul breaks down for lack of evidence One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on…
05 May. Thursday, Week 6 of Easter
Irish Calendar: Edmund Ignatius Rice 1st Reading: Acts 18:1-8 Early days of Paul’s mission in Corinth, and the friends he found there. After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his…
04 May. Wednesday, Week 6 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 Paul’s clever sermon in the Areopagus, to lead the Greeks to the true God Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; an after receiving instructions to have Silas and Timothy join him as soon as possible, they left him. While Paul was…
03 May. Ss Philip and James, Apostles
1st Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Paul lists the original witnesses of the resurrection, including himself Now I would remind you, brethren, in what terms I preached to you the gospel, which you received, in which you stand, by which you are saved, if you hold it fast – unless you…
02 May. Monday, Week 6 of Easter
Saint Athanasius, memorial 1st Reading: Acts 16:11-15 When Paul reaches Philippi, Lydia becomes his first European convert We set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and…
30/04, 2016. Saturday, Week 5 of Easter
St Pius V, pope, optional memorial 1st Reading: Acts 16:1-10 Timothy, a half-Jew, joins Paul in the missionary work Paul went on also to Derbe and to Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a…
29/04, 2016. St Catherine of Siena, Patron of Europe
1st Reading: 1 John 1:5, 2:2 The message we have heard from him and proclaim to you This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship…
28/04, 2016. Thursday, Week 5 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 15:7-21 Peter and James defend Paul’s missionary practice After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “My brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that I should be the one through whom the Gentiles would…
27/04, 2016. Wednesday, Week 5 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 15:1-6 The Council of Jerusalem, on what is needed for salvation Then certain individuals came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And after Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and…
26 /04, 2016. Tuesday, Week 5 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 14:19-28 Paul is stoned and left for dead; but survives to continue his ministry But Jews came there from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. Then they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples…
25/04, 2016. Saint Mark, Evangelist
1st Reading: 1 Peter 5:5-14 Peter’s homily includes mention of Mark among the Christians in Rome (“Babylon” When the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all…
23/04, 2016. Saturday, Week 4 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 13:44-52 After failing to convert Jews, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy; and blaspheming, they contradicted what was spoken…
22/04, 2016. Friday, Week 4 of Easter
Designated as “Earth Day,” see below 1st Reading: Acts 13:26-33 Jesus was put to death, but raised and exalted by God “My brothers, you descendants of Abraham’s family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Because the residents of Jerusalem and their…
21/04, 2016. Thursday, Week 4 of Easter
St. Anselm optional memorial 1st Reading: Acts 13:13-25 Paul’s summary of Israel’s history, up to the time of Christ Then Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and returned to Jerusalem; but they went on from Perga and came…
20/04, 2016. Wednesday, Week 4 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 12:24-13:5 The growing church sends Barnabas and Saul on mission The word of God continued to advance and gain adherents. Then after completing their mission Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem and brought with them John, whose other name was Mark. Now in the church at Antioch…
19/04, 2016. Tuesday, Week 4 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 11:19-26 Barnabas goes to Antioch and sees the grace of God at work Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they spoke the word to no one except Jews. But among…
18/04, 2016. Monday, Week 4 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 11:1-18 By inspiration, Peter baptises the first pagan converts The apostles and believers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and…
16/04, 2016. Saturday, Week 3 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 9:31-42 During Peter’s ministry in Lydda he restores Tabitha to life Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Now as Peter…
15/04, 2016. Friday, Week 3 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 9:1-20 On the road to Damascus, Saul converts to the Way Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged…
14/04, 2016. Thursday, Week 3 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 8:26-40 Philip’s joyful spreading of the faith Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) So he got up and went. Now there was…
13/04, 2016. Wednesday, Week 3 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 8:1-8 After Stephen’s burial, Saul starts persecuting the church And Saul approved of their killing him. That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made…
12/04, 2016. Tuesday, Week 3 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 7:51-8:1 Stephen’s temple-criticism stirs up the mob, who put him to death by stoning “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed…
11 /04, 2016. Monday, Week 3 of Easter
Saint Stanislaus optional memorial 1st Reading: Acts 6:8-15 Stephen’s preaching stirs the crowd: Is he against Moses? Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen as it was called, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and…
09 /04, 2016. Saturday, Week 2 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 6:1-7 Selection and ordination of the church’s first deacons Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of…
08 /04, 2016. Friday, Week 2 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 5:34-42 Gamaliel prudently advises his colleagues against condemning Jesus’ followers But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. Then he said to them,…
07 /04, 2016. Thursday, Week 2 of Easter
St John Baptist de la Salle, optional memorial 1st Reading: Acts 5:27-33 What Peter and the apostles told the Jewish council When they had brought them, they had them stand before the council. The high priest questioned them, saying, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,…
06 /04, 2016. Wednesday, Week 2 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 5:17-26 The Temple police arrest the apostles, but without violence Then the high priest took action; he and all who were with him (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), being filled with jealousy, arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the…
05 /04, 2016. Tuesday, Week 2 of Easter
1st Reading: Acts 4:32-37 The sharing spirit among the early Christians Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony…
04 /04, 2016. The Annunciation of the Lord
(Normally celebrated on 25th March, which was Good Friday this year) 1st Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it…
02 /04, 2016. Easter Saturday
1st Reading: Acts 4:13-21 Risking their lives, Peter and John tell about what they have seen and heard Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw…
01/04, 2016. Easter Friday
1st Reading: Acts 4:1-12 Peter’s belief that there is salvation in no one else but Jesus While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in…
31/03, 2016. Easter Thursday
1st Reading: Acts 3:11-26 Peter describes Jesus as holy and righteous, the One who is victorious over death While the cured man clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s Portico, utterly astonished. When Peter saw it, he addressed the people,…
30/03, 2016. Easter Wednesday
1st Reading: Acts 3:1-10 Calling on Jesus’ name, Peter cures the lame man at the temple gate One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People…
29/03, 2016. Easter Tuesday
1st Reading: Acts 2:36-41 Peter calls those who crucified Jesus to repent and be saved [In his Pentecost sermon, Peter said to the crowd], “Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when…
28/03, 2016. Easter Monday
1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33 Peter announces the dawning of a new age, with the resurrection of Jesus But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I…
26/03, 2016. Holy Saturday
Here are two reflections for this sombre, solemn day. Evocative signs This is our Passover, the night of nights and the feast of feasts. Let us celebrate and rejoice, therefore! To let our feelings catch up with our convictions, on this holy night we use fire and darkness and water,…
25/03, 2016. Good Friday
1st Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 The humiliations of the suffering servant, who carried the burden of the sins of his people See, my servant shall prosper; he shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high. Just as there were many who were astonished at him-so marred was his…
24/03, 2016. Holy Thursday (evening)
1st Reading: Exodus 12:1-2, 11-14 Israel’s departure from Egypt, and how this is to be celebrated for all time Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby,…
23/03, 2016. Wednesday in Holy Week
1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9 The Suffering Servant trusts in God for rescue The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens, wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught….
22/03, 2016. Tuesday in Holy Week
1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 The life of God’s servant seems a failure, but it bears great fruit 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…
21/03, 2016. Monday in Holy Week
Mary of Bethany’s impulsive, loving gesture done for Jesus is so inspirational that it makes us wonder why more has not been made of it in the Church, to honour the prophetic power of women disciples… Today it is tole in memory of her. 1st Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7 My servant,…
19/March 2016. Feast of Saint Joseph
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-6, 12-14, 16 From king David’s offspring will come the universal spiritual King But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live…
18/March 2016. Friday, Week 5 of Lent
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, optional memorial 1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13 Though many plot against God’s servant, he is safe in God’s hands For I hear many whispering: “Terror is all around! Denounce him! Let us denounce him!” All my close friends are watching for me to stumble. “Perhaps he can…
17/03, 2016. St Patrick, Patron of Ireland
1st Reading: Amos 7:12-15 Amos is called by God to be a prophet Amaziah said to Amos, “O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, earn your bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is a…
16/03, 2016. Wednesday, Week 5 of Lent
1st Reading: Daniel 3:14-20, 24-25 Trusting in God, they are saved from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? Now if you…
15/3, 2016. Tuesday, Week 5 of Lent
1st Reading: Numbers 21:4-9 The brazen serpent; anyone bitten can look at it and live From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way. The people spoke against God and against…
14/March 2016. Monday, Week 5 of Lent
1st Reading: Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 31-62 Susanna is falsely accused; Daniel’s questions uncover the truth There was a man living in Babylon whose name was Joakim. And he took a wife named Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, a very beautiful woman and one who feared the Lord. Her parents were…
12/March 2016. Saturday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 11:18-20 The Just One is led like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter It was the Lord who made it known to me, and I knew; then you showed me their evil deeds. But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. And I…
11/March 2016. Friday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Wisdom 2:1, 12-22 Malice against the good foreshadows the Passion of Jesus Foolish people reasoned unsoundly, saying to themselves, “Short and sorrowful is our life, and there is no remedy when a life comes to its end, and no one has been known to return from Hades. Let…
10/March 2016. Thursday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Exodus 32:7-14 Though his people rebel, Moses begs another chance for them The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I…
09/March 2016. Wednesday, Week 4 of Lent
1st Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15 God promises the exiles, “You’ll be a sign of salvation!” Thus says the Lord: ‘In a time of favour I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people, to…
08/March 2016. Tuesday, Week 4 of Lent
Saint John of God, optional memorial 1st Reading: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 Life-giving water flows out from the Temple of God Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple; there, water was flowing from below the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east);…
07/March 2016. Monday, Week 4 of Lent
Saints Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21 “Rejoice in what I am creating!” Good things in store for those who love God For I am about to create new heavens and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But…
05/March 2016. Saturday in the 3nd Week of Lent
1st Reading: Hosea 6:1-6 God wants our love more than ritual sacrifice “Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up. After two days he will revive us; on the…
04/March 2016. Friday in the 3rd Week of Lent
1st Reading: Hosea 14:2-10 How God supports those who trust in Him Take words with you and return to the Lord; say to him, “Take away all guilt; accept that which is good, and we will offer the fruit of our lips. Assyria shall not save us; we will not…
03/March 2016. Thursday in the 3rd Week of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 7:23-28 Life’s highest goal is obedient response to God But this command I gave them, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk only in the way that I command you, so that it may be well with…
02/March 2016. Wednesday in the 3nd Week of Lent
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 God’s people have clear duties and a high destiny So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors,…
01/March 2016. Tuesday in the 3nd Week of Lent
1st Reading: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Nebuchadnezzar admires the miraculous escape of the young Jews Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up quickly. He said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the fire?” They answered the king, “True, O king.” He replied, “But…
29 Feb. Monday in the 3nd Week of Lent
1st Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-15 Naaman the Syrian takes the prophet’s advice and is cured of leprosy Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man and in high favour with his master, because by him the Lord had given victory to Aram. The man,…
27 Feb. Saturday, Week 2 of Lent
St Gabriel, Passionist. Optional memorial 1st Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20 Israel’s God is a God of mercy Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock that belongs to you, which lives alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as…
26 Feb. Friday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13 17-28 Jacob’s sons envy their brother Joseph, and sell him into slavery Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his children, because he was the son of his old age; and he had made him a long robe with sleeves. But when his…
24 Feb. Wednesday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20 In his desperate need, Jeremiah pins his hope on God “Come, let us decide what to do with Jeremiah,” people say. “There will still be priests to guide us, still wise men to advise us, still prophets to proclaim the word. Come, let us bring charges…
25 Feb. Thursday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-10 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord rather than in mere mortal power Thus says the Lord: Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals and make mere flesh their strength, whose hearts turn away from the Lord. They shall be like a shrub in…
24 Feb. Wednesday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20 In desperate need, Jeremiah pins his hope on God “Come, let us decide what to do with Jeremiah,” people say. “There will still be priests to guide us, still wise men to advise us, still prophets to proclaim the word. Come, let us bring charges against…
24 Feb. Wednesday, Week 2 of Lent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 18:18-20 In desperate need, Jeremiah pins his hope on God “Come, let us decide what to do with Jeremiah,” people say. “There will still be priests to guide us, still wise men to advise us, still prophets to proclaim the word. Come, let us bring charges against…
23 Feb. Tuesday, Week 2 of Lent
Saint Polycarp, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 1:10, 16-20 A call to personal conversion, to remove our sins from God’s sight Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah! Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil…
22 Feb. (Mon) St Peter’s Chair in Rome
We commemorate the day when Saint Peter held his first service of worship in Rome. The marble cathedra by Bernini (c.1650) in St. Peter’s basilica surrounds a small wooden chair that tradition holds was that of Peter himself. 1st Reading: 1 Pet 5:1-4 Peter’s advice to his fellow Church leaders:…
20 Feb. Saturday in the First Week of Lent
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 26:16-19 This very day the Lord your God is commanding you to observe these statutes and ordinances; so observe them diligently with all your heart and with all your soul. Today you have obtained the Lord’s agreement: to be your God; and for you to walk in…
19 Feb. Friday in the First Week of Lent
1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28 Personal responsibility to replace the idea of shared guilt But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. None of the…
18 Feb. Thursday in the First Week of Lent
1st Reading: Esther 4:29-42 Queen Esther’s prayer wins God’s help in a time of crisis Queen Esther, seized with deadly anxiety, fled to the Lord. She prayed to the Lord God of Israel, and said: “O my Lord, you only are our king; help me, who am alone and have…
17 Feb. Wednesday in the First Week of Lent
1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 When Jonah’s preaching at Nineveh bears fruit,God relents from his intended punishment The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.” So Jonah set out…
16 Feb. Tuesday in the First Week of Lent
1st Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11 God’s word comes down from heaven like rain, to make the earth fruitful For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower…
15 Feb. Monday in the First Week of Lent
1st Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 The commandments and practical guidance for worship and for social compassion The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. You shall…
13 Feb. Saturday After Ash Wednesday
1st Reading: Isaiah 58:9-14 If the people are converted, they are blessed, like a spring whose waters never fail Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, “Here I am.” If you remove the yoke from among you, the pointing…
12 Feb. Friday after Ash Wednesday
1st Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9 True religion is contrasted with merely external observance Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my…
11 Feb. Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Our Lady of Lourdes, optional memorial 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 A warm call to fidelity. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live! Keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the Lord your God, walking in his ways, and…
10 Feb. Ash Wednesday
Saint Scholastica (not celebrated this year) 1st Reading: Joel 2:12-18 “Return to me with all your heart”– “Spare your people, Lord” “Now, now,” says the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to…
9 Feb. Tuesday, Week 5
1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30 The temple dedication ends with a beautiful prayer Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. He said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God…
8 Feb. Monday, Week 5
Saints Jerome Emiliani and Josephine Bakhita, optional memorials 1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13 A cloud fills the sanctuary, symbolizing the Lord’s awesome presence Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon…
6 Feb. Saturday, Week 4
Saint Paul Miki and Companions, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Kings 3:4-13 Solomon prays for understanding, to judge God’s people and to distinguish right from wrong The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on…
5 Feb. Friday, Week 4
Saint Agatha, optional memorial 1st Reading: Sirach 47:2-11 David’s virtues: defender of Israel, psalmist, penitent sinner, blessed by God As the fat is set apart from the offering of well-being, so David was set apart from the Israelites. He played with lions as though they were young goats, and with…
4 Feb. Thursday, Week 4
1st Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12 The dying David urges Solomon to have courage and stay faithful to God in every way When David’s time to die drew near, he charged his son Solomon, saying: “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous,…
3rd Feb. Wednesday, Week 4
Saint Blaise, optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17 Having sinned by counting the people, David wants to pay the price himself So the king said to Joab and the commanders of the army, who were with him, “Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beer-sheba,…
2nd Feb. The Presentation of Our Lord
1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4 When God’s Messenger arrives, he will refine the people See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight–indeed, he is coming, says…
1st Feb. St Brigid of Kildare
Special readings for St Brigid, secondary patron of Ireland 1st Reading: Job 31:16-20; 24-25; 31-32 Job’s generosity towards the needy is reflected in St Brigid’s works of charity I have never withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, or have eaten…
30/01. Saturday, Week 3
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 12:1-7, 10-17 David’s sin with Bathsheba will be punished within his own family The Lord sent Nathan to David. He went to him, and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. The rich man had…
29/01. Friday, Week 3
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10, 13-17 David’s adultery and his “executive murder” of Uriah In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, David sent Joab with his officers and all Israel with him; they ravaged the Ammonites, and besieged Rabbah. But David remained…
28/01. Thursday, Week 3
Saint Thomas Aquinas, memorial 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29 David prays with gratitude, about God’s everlasting promises to his descendants Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus…
27/01. Wednesday, Week 3
Saint Angela de Merici, optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-17 Samuel hears God’s promise to build up the house of David That very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me…
26/01. Ss Timothy and Titus (Memorial)
1st Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-9 Reminder to use the gifts God has given us, for the service of the church Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, for the sake of the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and…
25/01. The Conversion of St Paul, Apostle
The great conversion: Paul’s recognition of the risen Christ transformed his value system. No longer were the claims of Jesus the blasphemous pretensions of a madman, but utter truth; and Jesus was Messiah and Saviour. 1st Reading: Acts 22:3-16 Paul’s account of his conversion, to his fellow-Jews, on the steps…
23/01. Saturday, Week 2
1st Reading: 2 Samuel 1:1-4 etc David’s grief at the death of Saul and Jonathan After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag. On the third day, a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt…
22/01. Friday, Week 2
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 24:3-21 David refrains from killing Saul, and gains the moral high ground He came to the sheepfolds beside the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave….
21/01. Thursday, Week 2
Saint Agnes, virgin and martyr, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 18:6-9 etc Saul’s jealousy threatens David, but Jonathan helps to reconcile them As they were coming home, when David returned from killing the Philistine, the women came out of all the towns of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet…
20/01. Wednesday, Week 2
Saints Fabian and Sebastian, martyrs (optional memorial) 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, etc David kills Goliath, and saves his people David said to Saul, “Let no one’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “You are not able to…
19/01. Tuesday, Week 2
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 In Bethlehem Samuel anoints David (Jesse’s youngest son) as king The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse…
18/01. Monday, Week 2
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 15:16-23 For disobeying the prophet Samuel, Saul is deposed as king Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” He replied, “Speak.” Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the…
16/01. Saturday, Week 1
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 12-19; 10:1 Saul is anointed by Samuel as king of Israel, at God’s inspiration There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. He had a…
15/01. Friday, Week 1
Saint Ita of Limerick optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22 When the people demand a king, Samuel appoints one, but warns of the dangers Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “You are old and your sons…
14/01. Thursday, Week 1
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 4:1-11 Despite having the Ark of the Covenant, Israel loses the battle And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. In those days the Philistines mustered for war against Israel, and Israel went out to battle against them; they encamped at Ebenezer, and the Philistines…
13 January. Friday of Week 1
Saint Hilary of Poitiers, bishop and doctor of the Church 1st Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11 Through faith we shall enter into God’s day of rest Therefore, while the promise of entering his rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to…
13/01. Wednesday, Week 1
Saint Hilary of Poitiers, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 etc From the sanctuary God calls Samuel, and sends him as a prophet Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord under Eli. The word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. At…
12/01. Tuesday, Week 1
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 Eli promises an answer to Hannah’s prayer; and she gives birth to a son After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple…
11/01. Monday of Week 1 (Year II)
1st Reading. 1 Samuel 1:1-8 Hannah’s grief at being childless; her husband tries to comfort her There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of Tohu son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He…
09/01. Saturday after the Epiphany
First Reading: 1 John 4:11-18 God abides in those who recognise Jesus as the Son of God Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is…
08/01. Friday after the Epiphany
1st Reading: 1 John 4:7-10 Love’s divine origin and its influence on our lives Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was…
07/01. Thursday after Epiphany
Saint Raymond of Penafort, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 John 3:22–4:6 Distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error Beloved, we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the…
06/01. The Epiphany of the Lord
Wise Men followed a star to find Jesus. To have epiphany in our lives, we need both head and heart in our search for Christ. 1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 In those days the Messiah will reveal his glory to all the nations Arise, shine; for your light has come, and…
05/01. Tuesday before Epiphany
Saint Charles of Mount Argus, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 John 3:11-21 The original Christian message, that we should love one another For this is the message you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. We must not be like Cain who was from the evil…
04/01. Monday before Epiphany
1st Reading: 1 John 3:7-10. How we are reborn as children of God Little children, let no one deceive you. Everyone who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. Everyone who commits sin is a child of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from…
02/01. Saturday before the Epiphany
Saints Basil and Gregory Nazianzen, optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 John 2:22-28 The Holy Spirit received from Jesus, teaches you all things Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. No…
01/01. Mary, the Holy Mother of God
New-Year greetings and blessings to all our regular readers! 1st Reading: Numbers 6:22-27 A new-year prayer for God to bless and protect his people The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them, The Lord…
31/12. 7th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Saint Sylvester, pope. Optional memorial. 1st Reading: 1 John 2:18-21 A Christian community in crisis, yet still trusting in the Holy Spirit Children, it is the last hour! As you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. From this we know that it is the…
30/12. 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
1st Reading: 1 John 2:12-17 Do not be absorbed by the world or the things in the world I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven on account of his name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning….
29/12. 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Saint Thomas a Becket. optional memorial 1st Reading: 1 John 2:3-11 The link between love and walking in the light of God. Beloved: The way we may be sure that we know Jesus is to keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not keep his commandments is…
28/12. The Holy Innocents, Martyrs
1st Reading: 1 John 1:5-2:2 Those who walk in darkness, and those who walk in the light Beloved: This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ and proclaim to you: God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have…
26/12. Saint Stephen, the First Martyr
1st Reading: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59 The martyrdom of Stephen the deacon, according to Luke Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated…
25/12. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
Mass during the Day Theme: We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in our world, though he was with God the Father before all ages. His birth opens up for us a glorious new identity, as children of God. 1st Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 The joy of the faithful watchmen; the…
24/12. Advent Thurs 4, plus Christmas Eve
The first pair of readings are for the morning Mass on 24th December, Thursday in Week 4 of Advent. (See further down for the Midnight Mass of Christmas Eve) 1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, etc. David is promised a “house” or dynasty Now when the king was settled in his…
23/12. Wednesday in Week 4 of Advent
1st Reading: Malachiah 3:1-4, 4,4-6 See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight — indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who…
22/12. Tuesday in Week 4 of Advent
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Hannah dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the…
21/12. Monday in Week 4 of Advent
Saint Peter Canisius, optional memorial 1st Reading: Song of Songs 2:8-14 Lyrical love-poetry from king Solomon, about the beloved who is coming The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there…
19/12. Saturday in Week 3 of Advent
1st Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 Manoah’s wife yearns for a son. Samson will be dedicated to God There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren, having borne no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to…
18/12. Friday in Week 3 of Advent
1st Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8 A righteous Branch who will rule with wisdom and justice “The days are surely coming,” says the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land….
17/12. Thursday in Week 3 of Advent
1st Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10 The dying Jacob predicts future glory for the tribe of Judah Jacob called his sons and said to them: “Assemble and hear, O sons of Jacob; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of…
16/12. Wednesday in Week 3 of Advent
1st Reading: Isaiah 45:6-8 The living God, creator of all, than whome there is no other They shall know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is no one besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create…
15/12. Tuesday in Week 3 of Advent
1st Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 The people’s future conversion: the humble shall seek refuge in the Lord. Ah, soiled, defiled, oppressing city! It has listened to no voice; it has accepted no correction. It has not trusted in the Lord; it has not drawn near to its God. At that…
14/12. Monday in Week 3 of Advent
1st Reading: Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17 Balaam predicts the glorious future, the Age of the Messiah Balaam looked up and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe. Then the spirit of God came upon him, and he uttered his oracle, saying: “The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the…
12/12. Saturday in Week 2 of Advent
Our Lady of Guadalupe, optional memorial 1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Lyrical praise of Elijah, whose prophetic word burned like a torch 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…
11/12. Friday in Week 2 of Advent
Saint Damasus, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19 If you kept my commandments, your name would last forever Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you for your own good, who leads you in the way you should…
10/12. Thursday in Week 2 of Advent
1st Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20 The Lord says to his weary people, “Do not fear, for I will help you” For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Do not fear, for I will help you.” Do not fear, you worm Jacob,…
9/12. Wednesday in Week 2 of Advent
1st Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 Encouragement for the weary people, from God, who strengthens the powerless. To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers…
8/12. The Immaculate Conception of Our Lady
1st Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Enmity between the serpent and the woman But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He…
7/12. Monday in Week 2 of Advent
St Ambrose, optional memorial First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 They shall see the glory of the Lord, and the ransomed exiles shall return to Zion The desert and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy…
5/12. Saturday in Week 1 of Advent
1st Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26 Future days of blessed enlightenment, when the people turn aside from idolatry. Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer…
4/12. Friday, Week 1 of Advent
Saint John Damascene, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24 A promise of good times, when deaf shall hear and blind shall see Shall not Lebanon in a very little while become a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be regarded as a forest? On that day the deaf shall hear…
3rd December. Thursday in Week 1 of Advent
Saint Francis Xavier, optional memorial 1st Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6 A hymn of confidence in the Lord God .”our everlasting rock.” On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; he sets up victory like walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, so…
2nd December. Wednesday in Advent Week 1
1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10 “God will wipe away the tears from all faces.”– a Messianic vision of the final age. On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged…
1st December, 2015. Tuesday in Week 1 of Advent.
On sending us homilies, please see below. 1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him,…
30th November. Feast of St. Andrew, apostle
1st Reading: Romans 10:9-18 How will they hear the faith, unless it be preached? If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with he heart and so is justified,…
28th November. Saturday of Week 34
1st Reading: Daniel 7:15-27 Daniel begs for an explanation of the vision. The persecuted saints, loyal to the covenant, will receive the kingdom. As for me, Daniel, my spirit was troubled within me, and the visions of my head terrified me. I approached one of the attendants to ask him…
27th November. Friday of Week 34
First Reading: Revelation 20:1-4; 21:1-2 Those who reject the beast will reign with Christ, 1000 years. Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil…
26th November. Thursday of Week 34
1st Reading: Daniel 6:12-28 Daniel is saved from the lion’s den; the king recognizes Yahweh as deliverer and saviour, working signs and wonders in heaven and on earth Then they approached the king and said concerning the interdict, “O king! Did you not sign an interdict, that anyone who prays…
25th November. Wednesday of Week 34.
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, optional memorial 1st Reading: Daniel 5:1-6 etc While Belshazzar was drinking from the temple vessels stolen from Jerusalem, the writing appears on the wall and Daniel interprets its meaning King Belshazzar made a great festival for a thousand of his lords, and he was drinking wine…
24th November. Tuesday of Week 34.
Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and co., optional memorial 1st Reading: Daniel 2:31-45 In a vision, Daniel sees four kingdoms destroyed by a stone falling from the mountain, which proceeds to fill the whole earth “You were looking, O king, and lo! there was a great statue. This statue was huge, its…
23rd November. Monday of Week 34
St. Columban, optional memorial 1st Reading: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20 For keeping God’s laws, Daniel and his companions are more respected than all magicians and counselors in the Babylon In the third year of the reign of King Jehoiakim of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it….
21st November. Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st Reading: Zechariah 2:14-17 Rejoice, O daughter Zion! For I will dwell in your midst Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! For lo, I will come and dwell in your midst, says the Lord. Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day, and shall be my people;…
20th November. Friday of Week 33.
1st Reading: 1 Maccabees 4:36-37, 52-59 The temple is purified and rededicated, at the first ever celebration of the feast of Hannukah Then Judas and his brothers said, “See, our enemies are crushed; let us go up to cleanse the sanctuary and dedicate it.” So all the army assembled and…
19th November. Thursday of Week 33.
1st Reading: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29 Mattathias starts the Maccabee rebellion against pagan rule The king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the town of Modein to make them offer sacrifice. Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled. Then the king’s officers spoke…
18th November. Wednesday of Week 33.
Dedication of Saints Peter and Paul basilicas in Rome. The basilica on the Vatican Hill marks the place in Rome where Saint Peter was buried after his martyrdom. It seems the apostle’s remains were moved for a time to the catacombs of Callistus, but later brought back to the Vatican….
17th November. Tuesday of Week 33.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, optional memorial 1st Reading: 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 Eleazar’s refusal to be disloyal to Yahweh gives an example of virtue for the whole nation Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open…
16th November. Monday in Week 33
1st Reading: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15 etc The Jews suffering under persecution by Antiochus Epiphanes From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks….
14th November. Saturday of Week 32.
(Saint Lawrence O’Toole, see below) 1st Reading: Wisdom 18:14-16; 19:6-9 In the peaceful stillness of the night God’s Word came down For while gentle silence enveloped all things, and night in its swift course was now half gone, your all-powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne, into the…
13th November. Friday of Week 32
1st Reading: Wisdom 13:1-9 The beauty of created things can lead us to their Maker For all people who were ignorant of God were foolish by nature; and they were unable from the good things that are seen to know the one who exists, nor did they recognize the artisan…
12th November. Thursday of Week 32.
(Saint Josaphat, see below) 1st Reading: Wisdom 7:22-8:1 Wisdom reaches from end to end and governs all things well There is in her a spirit that is intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, mobile, clear, unpolluted, distinct, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, sure, free from anxiety, all-powerful,…
11th November. Wednesday of Week 32.
(Saint Martin of Tours, see below) 1st Reading: Wisdom 6:1-11 God, as Creator of everything, provides for all alike Listen therefore, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was…
10th November.Tuesday of Week 32.
Saint Leo the Great (see below) 1st Reading: Wisdom 2:23-3:9 The dead may seem extinct, but their souls are in peace God created us for incorruption, and made us in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to…
9th November (Monday) Lateran Basilica
The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Where is the true temple? The feast of the mother-church of Latin Christendom invites us to appreciate what place the church has in our lives. “You are God’s building” – the real sanctuary of God is in the hearts of his people 1st Reading:…
22nd Dec. Tuesday in Week 4 of Advent
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28 Hannah dedicates her young son to a life of service to God When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the…
7th November. Saturday of Week 31.
Saint Willibrord, bishop and missionary (see below). 1st Reading: Romans 16:3-9 etc Greeting Paul’s co-workers, and praise of God’s unfolding plan Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all…
6th November. Friday. Feast of all the Irish Saints
For tomorrow’s weekday readings, click Next Entry (above). See all later dates via Calendar (below) 1st Reading: Hebrews 11:2 12:1-4, 15, 13:1 Celebrate the faith of our ancestors It was by faith our ancestors received approval. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us…
5th November. Thursday of Week 31.
For tomorrow’s weekday readings, click Next Entry (above). See all later dates via Calendar (below) 1st Reading: Romans 14:7-12 In life and in death we belong to God; hence we love each other We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we…
4th November. Wednesday of Week 31.
For tomorrow’s weekday readings, click Next Entry (above). See all later dates via Calendar (below) Saint Charles Borromeo, bishop (see below). 1st Reading: Romans 13:8-10 Paul’s summary of all God’s commandments,”love one another.” Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled…
3rd November. Tuesday of Week 31.
Saint Malachy of Armagh, Memorial (see below) 1st Reading: Romans 12:5-16 Though many, we are one body in Christ, with a variety of gifts Brothers and sisters, we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according…
2nd November. All The Faithful Departed
1st Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 Hope for the future, when God will restore his people’s happiness On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he…
31st October. Saturday of Week 30
1st Reading: Romans 11:1-2, 11-12, 25-29 The paradoxical status of God’s people, when they reject Him I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom…
30th October. Friday of Week 30
1st Reading: Romans 9:1-5 Paul would endure anything to win his fellow-Jews to Christ I am speaking the truth in Christ; I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit. I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself…
29th October. Thursday of Week 30
On Saint Colman, see below 1st Reading: Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God, in Christ Jesus What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him…
28th October. The Apostles Simon and Jude
1st Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 God has appointed apostles so that his people’s needs will be served So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with…
27th October. Tuesday of Week 30
On Saint Otteran, see below 1st Reading: Romans 8:18-25 The future we hope for is already within us, like a seed waiting to flower I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits…
26th October. Monday of Week 30
1st Reading: Romans 8:12-17 In the Spirit, we are God’s children; he is our “Abba — Father” So then, my brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh — for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if…
24th October. Saturday of Week 29
On Saint Anthony Mary Claret, see below. 1st Reading: Romans 8:1-11 God sent his Son to share his Spirit and bring our mortal selves to godlike life My beloved, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life…
23rd October. Friday of Week 29
On Saint John of Capistrano, see below. 1st Reading: Romans 7:18-25 Who can free me from my moral crisis? Only God, through Jesus Christ For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For…
22nd October. Thursday of Week 29
1st Reading: Romans 6:19-23 Freed from sin and now serving God, and destined for eternal life My dearly beloved, I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now…
21st October. Wednesday of Week 29
1st Reading: Romans 6:12-18 Be obedient to God and you will come from death to life Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as…
20th October. Tuesday of Week 29
1st Reading: Romans 5:12, 17-21 Through Adam, sin and death came to us all; through Jesus Christ, grace far surpasses all sin Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned. But the…
19th October. Monday of Week 29
Saints John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues and companions (see below) 1st Reading: Romans 4:20-25 Like Abraham’s faith, our faith will be credited to us by God No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, being…
17th October. Saturday of Week 28
Saint Ignatius of Antioch (see below) 1st Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18 Hoping against hope, Abraham became the father of many nations, believing in the life-giving power of God For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but…
16th October. Friday of Week 28
St Gall, St Hedwig and St Margaret Mary Alacoque (see below) 1st Reading: Romans 4:1-8 For the believer, faith is credited as justice. This is how Abraham was justified What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified…
15th October. Thursday of Week 28
Saint Teresa of Avila (see below) 1st Reading: Romans 3:21-30 All have sinned, but are freely justified by faith in Jesus Christ But now, apart from law, the righteousness of God has been disclosed, and is attested by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in…
14th October. Wednesday of Week 28
Saint Callistus, pope and martyr (see below) 1st Reading: Romans 2:1-11 “By judging others you convict yourself.” Jew and gentile will be judged by the same criteria Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you,…
13th October. Tuesday of Week 28
1st Reading: Romans 1:16-25 Refusal to worship the true God leads to immorality [My brethren] I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of…
12th October. Monday of Week 28
1st Reading: Romans 1:1-7 Jesus, descendant of David is recognised as Son of God by the resurrection Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his…
10th October. Saturday of Week 27
1st Reading: Joel 4:12-21 A time of peace and prosperity will come to God’s holy mountain The Lord says: “Let the nations rouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit to judge all the neighbouring nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest…
9th October. Friday of Week 27
Saints Denis and Companions; also Bl. John Henry Newman (see below) 1st Reading: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2 A solemn fast to avert the plague, reminding us of the fearful “day of the Lord.” Put on sackcloth and lament, you priests; wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, pass the night in…
8th October. Thursday of Week 27
1st Reading: Malachiah 3:13-18 Religion seems to brings no benefit. Yet on the day of the Lord all will be revealed You have spoken harsh words against me, says the Lord. Yet you say, “How have we spoken against you?” You have said, “It is vain to serve God. What…
7th October. Our Lady of the Rosary
This feast was established by pope Pius V in thanksgiving for the Christian victory at the naval battle of Lepanto (1571), which many ascribed to the recitation of the Rosary. Our Lady is honoured in the prayer, which also invites us to meditate the mysteries of the life, death and…
6th October. Tuesday of Week 27
Saint Bruno (see below). 1st Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 At Jonah’s preaching, the people of Nineveh and their king repent and so save their city. The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, “Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message…
5th October. Monday in Week 27
1st Reading: Jonah 1:1–2:1 Jonah is swallowed up by the whale Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ‘Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.’ But Jonah set out to…
3rd October. Saturday of Week 26
Blessed Columba Marmion, abbot (see below). 1st Reading: Baruch 4:5-12, 27-29 Grieving for the Jews in exile, he begs them to turn again and seek God Take courage, my people, who perpetuate Israel’s name! It was not for destruction that you were sold to the nations, but you were handed…
2nd October. The Holy Guardian Angels
1st Reading: Exodus 23:20-23 I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way The Lord spoke to Moses and the people during their journey across the desert desert: ‘I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you…
1st October. Thursday of Week 26
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus (see below). 1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-4a, 5-6, 7-12 Ezra gets his people to renew their loyalty to God and to share their gifts All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book…
September 30th.Wednesday, Week 26
Feast of Saint Jerome (See below) 1st Reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8 King Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem, to restore its walls and graves In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was served him, I carried the wine and gave it to the king. Now,…
September 29th. Feast of the Archangels
Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael Some angels have been attributed proper names to denote their special kind of service. Thus, Michael means “Who is like God”; Gabriel is “The Strength of God”; and Raphael is “God’s Healing.” 1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 The vision of the Ancient One and the…
September 28th. Monday of Week 26
1st Reading: Zechariah 8:1-8 Jerusalem shall be filled with those who were scattered across the earth The word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath….
September 26th. Saturday, Week 25
Saints Cosmas and Damian, martyrs (see below) 1st Reading: Zechariah 2:5-11 Jerusalem will be a centre of peace where many will come to dwell For I will be a wall of fire all around it, says the Lord, and I will be the glory within it.” Up, up! Flee from…
September 25th. Friday, Week 25
St Finbarr (550-620) (See below) 1st Reading: Haggai 2:1-9 The Lord will make the new temple more glorious than Solomon’s In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: Speak…
September 24th. Thursday, Week 25
1st Reading: Haggai 1:1-8 In providing for their own needs, the people neglect to build the temple In the second year of King Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel,…
September 23rd. Wednesday, Week 25
Feast of Saint Padre Pio (see below) 1st Reading: Ezra 9:5-9 At the time of the evening sacrifice, Ezra acknowledges God’s mercy At the evening sacrifice I got up from my fasting, with my garments and my mantle torn, and fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the…
September 22nd. Tuesday, Week 25
1st Reading: Ezra 6:7-8, 12, 14-20 How the Jews rebuilt and rededicated their temple King Darius decreed: “Do not impede the work on this house of God; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews rebuild this house of God on its site. Moreover I make…
September 21st. Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Tax-collector and Author The name Matthew is derived from the Hebrew Mattija, shortened to Mattai in post-Biblical Hebrew. In Greek it is sometimes spelled Maththaios and sometimes Matthaios, but there is no agreement as to which of the two spellings is the original. He is mentioned five times in the…
September 19th. Saturday, Week 24
Feast of Saint Januarius (see below) First Reading: 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Live without reproach until Jesus Christ returns in glory In the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to…
September 18th. Friday, Week 24
1st Reading: 1 Timothy 6:2-12 The value of good order, detachment from wealth and living one’s faith Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful to them on the ground that they are members of the church; rather they must serve them all the more, since those who benefit…
September 17th. Thursday, Week 24
Feast of St Robert Bellarmine (see below) 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Timothy is urged to exercise the ministry entrusted to him by the laying on of hands Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity….
September 16th. Wednesday, Week 24
Saints Cornelius and Cyprian (see below) 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-16 The church is entrusted with the mystery of salvation, meant for the whole world I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how…
September 15th. Our Lady of Sorrows
1st Reading: Hebrews 5:7-9 He learned obedience through what he suffered In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he…
September 14th. Exaltation of the Holy Cross
1st Reading: Numbers 21:5-9 When the serpents bit the people, Moses made a bronze serpent as an antidote The people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? For there is no food and no water, and we…
September 12th Saturday, Week 23
The Holy Name of Mary (see below). 1st Reading: 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. All are called The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the foremost….
September 11th. Friday, Week 23
1st Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14 Paul is grateful for the pardon and grace granted to him Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, To Timothy, my loyal child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God…
September 10th. Thursday, Week 23
1st Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 As God’s chosen ones, clothe yourselves with mercy, meekness and patience As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord…
September 9th Wednesday, Week 23
Feast of St Ciaran of Clonmacnoise (see below) 1st Reading: Colossians 3:1-11 You have been raised with Christ, so set your heart where Christ is So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set…
September 8th. Nativity of Our Lady
1st Reading: Micah 5:1-4 Bethlehem, from you shall come one who is to rule in Israel But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of…
September 7th Monday, Week 23
1st Reading: Colossians 1:24-2:3 To spread the faith, Paul suffers on behalf of the Church I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. I became…
September 5th. Saturday, Week 22
1st Reading: Colossians 1:21-23 Hold the faith firmly, to come before God free of all blame And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before…
September 4th. Friday, Week 22
1st Reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Through Christ everything was created and reconciled to God He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers…
September 3rd. Thursday, Week 22
Feast of St Gregory the Great (see below) 1st Reading: Colossians 1:9-14 We can endure whatever comes, being rescued from the power of darkness. For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge…
September 2nd. Wednesday, Week 22
1st Reading: Colossians 1:1-8 Paul commends “love to the saints” and Christian growth Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. In…
Sept 1st. Tuesday, Week 22
1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, 9-11 The day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. Be ready. Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know very well that the day of…
31st August. Monday of Week 22
Jesus in his home synagogue Today’s gospel begins with an account of the liturgy of the word in the synagogue of Jesus’ home town of Nazareth. He stands up to read from the prophet Isaiah and then sits down to interpret what the reading means, here and now… 1st Reading:…
30th August. 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8 Heed God’s words and observe them diligently; this is your source of life and wisdom. So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the…
29th August. The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
1st Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19. Like Jeremiah, we must resist domineering rulers But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them, or I will break you before them. And I for my part have made you today a…
28th August. Friday, Week 21
Feast of St. Augustine (see below) 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Being ready for the Lord’s coming Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are…
27th August. Thursday, Week 21
Feast of St. Monica (see below) 1st Reading: 1 Thess. 3:7-13 Paul recalls the faith of the Thessalonians and prays for their spritual growth. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if…
26th August. Wednesday, Week 21
1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 The gospel is no mere opinion but is God’s own word You remember our labour and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are…
25th August. Tuesday in Week 21
Feast of Saints Louis of France and of Joseph Calasanctius (see below) 1st Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 How gently Paul treated the Thessalonians You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain, but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi,…
24th August. St Bartholomew, Apostle
On St Bartholomew, see below 1st Reading: Revelation 21:9-14 The City of God has 12 gates, representing the 12 apostles. Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the…
22nd August. Saturday. The Queenship of Mary
The Queenship of Mary (see below) 1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1-6 Joy and restoration will come to those who sat in darkness There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but…
21st August. Friday, Week 20
Also feast of Saint Pius X, pope, (Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto 1835–1914). See below. 1st Reading: Ruth 1:1 etc. Ruth migrates to Bethlehem, with her widowed mother-in-law In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to…
20th August. Thursday, Week 20
Feast of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (See below) 1st Reading: Judges 11:29-39 After Jephthah’s rash vow, he sacrifices his only daughter Then the spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead and Manasseh. He passed on to Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he…
19th August. Wednesday, Week 20
1st Reading: Judges 9:6-15 In a riddle Jotham curses Abimelech and the people of Shechem All the lords of Shechem and all Beth-millo came together, and they went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar at Shechem. When it was told to Jotham, he went and stood…
18th August. Tuesday, Week 20
1st Reading: Judges 6:11-24 When Gideon doubts, his faith is confirmed by a sign from God. Now the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide…
17th August. Monday in Week 20
1st Reading: Judges 2:11-19 The era of the Judges alternates fall and restoration. Then the Israelites did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and worshipped the Baals; and they abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt;…
15th August. The Assumption of Our Lady
1st Reading: Revelation 11-12 The image of woman and dragon is applied to the Assumption Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; and there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail. A great…
14th August. Friday, Week 19
Feast: Maximilian Kolbe (see below) 1st Reading: Jos 24:1-13 God’s help to Israel, from the patriarchal era to entering the Promised Land. Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before…
13th August. Thursday, Week 19
Feast: Ss Pontian, Hippolytus and Fachtna (see below) 1st Reading: Jos 3:7-10, 11, 13-17 Carrying the Ark into the Jordan allowed the people cross safely The Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so that they may know that…
12th August. Wednesday, Week 19
Feast: Ss Jane Frances de Chantal; Attracta, and Muredach (see below) 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-12 The great Moses dies within sight of the Promised Land. Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho, and the Lord showed…
11th August. Tuesday, Week 19
Feast: St Clare of Assisi (see below) 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-8 Before his death, Moses promises that God will lead his people into the promised land. When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them: “I am now one hundred twenty years old. I…
10th August. Monday, Week 19
Feast: St Lawrence, deacon and martyr (see below) 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for…
8th August. Saturday, Week 18
Feast: St Dominic (see below) 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-13 Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today…
7th August. Friday, Week 18
Feast: Sts Sixtus and Cajetan (see below) 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-40 For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened…
6th August. Feast of the Transfiguration
Theme: The apostles were priveleged to witness the inner life of Christ, when his splendour was revealed to them on the holy mountain. We pray for a deeper experience of God in our own lives, and to share in his divine life. 1st Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Daniel sees f…
5th August. Wednesday, Week 18
Dedication of the basilica of Saint Mary Major This is the largest of the Roman churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. It is sometimes called Our Lady of the Snows, (Sancta Maria ad Nives) from the story of a childless Roman nobleman who vowed to donate his property to the…
4th August. Tuesday, Week 18
Feast: Saint John Vianney, priest (see below) 1st Reading: Numbers 12:1-13 Despite the envy of Aaron and Miriam God appoints Moses as supreme leader of his people. While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had…
3rd August. Monday, Week 18
1st Reading: Numbers 11:4-14 A rebellion during the Exodus from Egypt The people said to one another, “Let us choose a captain, and go back to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the Israelites. And Joshua son of Nun…
1st August. Saturday, Week 17
Our Mass Readings app installs on Android or iPhone (Feast: St Alphonsus Ligouri; see below) 1st Reading: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17 Land can never be sold or mortgaged beyond the next Jubilee year The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying: You shall count off seven weeks of years, seven…
31st July. Friday, Week 17.
(Feast: Saint Ignatius of Loyola; see below) 1st Reading: Leviticus 23:1, 4-11 etc Sacred festivals of Pasch, Pentecost, Atonement and Tabernacles. The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: These are the appointed festivals of the Lord, the holy convocations, which you shall celebrate at the time appointed for them. In the…
30th July. Thursday in Week 17
(Feast: Saint Peter Chrysologus; see below) 1st Reading: Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38 The tabernacle and its contents are consecrated and God’s glory settles there. Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded him. In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle…
29th of July. St Martha of Bethany
Martha of Bethany Martha is mentioned in the Gospels of Luke and John. She lived in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem with her siblings Lazarus and Mary. She welcomed Jesus and the disciples into her home, and was witness to the raising of her brother, Lazarus. 1st Reading: 1…
28th July. Tuesday in Week 17
1st Reading: Exodus 33:7-11; etc Moses face to face with God, fasts 40 days and receives the Ten Commandments. Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp; he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord…
27th July. Monday in Week 17
1st Reading: Exodus 32:15-24 etc Despite the scandal of the golden calf, Moses leads his people onward Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain, carrying the two tablets of the covenant in his hands, tablets that were written on both sides, written on the front and on the…
Sat. 25th of July. Saint James, Apostle
(Ambition versus the need for humble service) 1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-15. The grace of God is like a treasure in a clay jar. Hope in spite of everything But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to…
24th July. Friday in Week 16
(Feast: St Declan of Ardmore; see below) 1st Reading: Exodus 20:1-17 God gives the Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Then God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have…
23rd of July. St Bridget of Sweden
Bridget of Sweden, Patron of Europe Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) was a mystic also given to works of charity and founder of the Bridgettines nuns after the death of her husband, to whom she had borne eight children. She is one of the six patron saints of Europe, along with…
22nd July. St Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene Mary (Mariam) of Magdala is the woman whom Jesus cleansed of “seven demons.” She traveled with Jesus and his followers and was present at two crucial moments: the crucifixion and the resurrection. She is often named in the Gospels, more than any of the apostles except Peter. She…
21st July. Tuesday in Week 16
(also, feast of Saint Lawrence of Brindisi) First Reading Exodus 14:21-15:1 The Egyptians hunt Israel into the sea – and are drowned Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry…
20th July. Monday in Week 16
1st Reading: Exodus 14:5-18 Is it better to be slaves in Egypt than risk death in the desert? When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, the minds of Pharaoh and his officials were changed toward the people, and they said, “What have we done, letting…
18th July. Saturday in Week 15
1st Reading: Exodus 12:37-42 Israel’s escapes from Egypt is a night to commemorate The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children. A mixed crowd also went up with them, and livestock in great numbers, both flocks and herds. They baked unleavened cakes…
17th July. Friday in Week 15
1st Reading: Exodus 11:10-12:14 Passover is a reminder of our deliverance from slavery and death. Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh; but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he did not let the people of Israel go out of his land. The Lord said to Moses and…
16th July. Thursday in Week 15
(Also, Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) 1st Reading: Exodus 3:13-20 The name Yahweh : I am who/what I am But Moses said to God, “If I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,’ and they ask me,…
15th July. Wednesday in Week 15
1st Reading: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 Revelation to Moses at the burning bush, at Mount Horeb/Sinai Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared…
14th July. Tuesday in Week 15
Saint Camillus de Lellis Camillus (1550-1614) was a soldier and a dissipated gambler as a young man in Rome, until his conversion at the age of 25, under the influence of the gentle Saint Philip Neri. He became a priest with a special devotion to caring for sick people, for…
13th July. Monday in Week 15
1st Reading: Exodus 1:8-14, 22 A new Pharaoh enslaves the Israelites and threatens them with extinction. Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. Come, let us deal shrewdly…
11th July. Saturday. Saint Benedict, Patron of Europe.
Benedict of Nursia Benedict (480-543) from Nursia in Umbria (Italy) spent years as a hermit in a mountain cave at Subiaco (64 km east of Rome), before being inspired to gather companions to live a monastic life in community. Later he moved to Monte Cassino near Naples. The “Rule of…
10th July. Friday in Week 14
1st Reading: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 Jacob joyfully meets his long-lost son Joseph. Now he can die in peace. When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. God spoke to Israel in visions…
9th July. Thursday in Week 14
Augustine Zhao and Companions, Chinese martyrs. The Church recognizes 120 Catholics who died between 1648 and 1930 as its Chinese martyrs, canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Of this number, 86 died during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, among them three indigenous Chinese priests, Augustine Zhao Rong, Joseph…
8th July. Wednesday in Week 14
1st Reading: Genesis 41-42 Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt for grain; he sends for Benjamin. When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.” And since the famine had…
7th July. Tuesday in Week 14
Saint Maelruain, abbott. Saint Máel Ruain, (c. 722-792) was founder and abbot-bishop of the monastery of Tallaght near Dublin, Ireland. He was a leading figure of the movement known as the Céli Dé, whose monastic rules were written by Mael Ruain and his principal disciple, Aengus. 1st Reading: Genesis 32:23-33…
7th August. Friday, Week 18
1st Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-40 For ask now about former ages, long before your own, ever since the day that God created human beings on the earth; ask from one end of heaven to the other: has anything so great as this ever happened or has its like ever been heard…
6th July. Monday in Week 14
1st Reading: Genesis 28:10-22 Jacob dreams of a ladder stretching between heaven and earth, with angels ascending and descending. Jacob left Beer-sheva and went toward Haran. He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the…
4th July. Saturday of Week 13
Saint Elisabeth of Portugal. Elizabeth (Isabel) of Aragon (1271-1336) became wife of King Denis of Portugal, with whom she had a son and a daughter. During her time as queen she proved an effective conciliator between opposing factions. As a very devout believer, after king Denis’ death (1325), she retired…
July 3rd. Saint Thomas, Apostle
Thomas Didymus The Apostle Thomas, called Doubting Thomas or Didymus (“The Twin”) was one of the Twelve chosen by Jesus as his inner circle. He is best known for his candid doubt about Jesus’ resurrection, followed by his confession of faith as both “My Lord and my God!” 1st Reading:…
2nd July. Thursday of Week 13
1st Reading: Genesis 22:1-19 God promises many descendants for Abraham through Isaac, the child of sacrifice. After these things God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land…
1st July, 2015. Wednesday of Week 13
1st Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8-20 Abraham drives out the slave-wife Hagar and her son Sarah noticed the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham playing with her son Isaac; so she demanded of Abraham: “Drive out that slave and her son! No son of that slave is going…
30th June. Tuesday in the 13th Week
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…
29th June (Monday). Saints Peter and Paul
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…
27th June. Saturday in the 12th Week
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….
26th June. Friday in the 12th Week
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…
25th June. Thursday in the 12th Week
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;…
24th June. Tuesday. Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
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…
23rd June. Tuesday in Week 12
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…
22nd June. Monday in Week 12
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…
20th June. Saturday, Week 11
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…
19th June. Friday in Week 11
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…
18th June. Thursday in Week 11
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,…
17th June. Wednesday of Week 11
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…
16th June. Tuesday in the 11th Week
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…
15th June. Monday in the 11th Week
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…
Saturday 13th June. The Immaculate Heart of Mary (optional memorial)
These are the readings for the Marian feast 1st Reading: Isaiah 61:9-11 I will greatly rejoice, my whole being shall exult in my God. Their descendants shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge that they are a people whom…
12th June. The Sacred Heart of Jesus
1st Reading: Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9. God’s love for His people is portrayed in warm, emotional terms “Hear the word of the Lord, O people. ‘When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from…
11th June. (Thursday). Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Barnabas Born as Joseph, a Jew from Cyprus, he joined the church in Jerusalem, and later in Antioch. He was nicknamed Barnabas (“son of consolation”) and is called an apostle in Acts 14:14. He sponsored Paul’s entry into the church and they went on missionary journeys together. Local tradition holds…
10th June. Wednesday of Week 10
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11 The new covenant of grace is based not on some written law but on the Spirit. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our competence is from…
9th June. Tuesday of Week 10
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 all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might…
8th June. Monday of Week 10
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 God comforts us in our troubles so we may comfort others. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace to you and…
6th June. Saturday of Week 9
1st Reading: Tobit 12:1, 5-15 etc The wedding of Tobias and Sarah When the wedding celebration was ended, Tobit called his son Tobias and said to him, “My child, see to paying the wages of the man who went with you, and give him a bonus as well.” So Tobias…
5th June. Friday in Week 9
1st Reading: Tobit 11:5-17 The joyful reunion of Tobias and his parents Meanwhile Anna sat looking intently down the road by which her son would come. When she caught sight of him coming, she said to his father, “Look, your son is coming, and the man who went with him!”…
4th June. Thursday in Week 9
1st Reading: Tobit 6-8 (passim) The marriage celebration of Tobias and Sarah, and their devout partnership When he entered Media and already was approaching Ecbatana, Raphael said to the young man, “Brother Tobias.” “Here I am,” he answered. Then Raphael said to him, “We must stay this night in the…
3rd June. Wednesday in Week 9
St Kevin, abbot, and Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrs. Coemgen, Caoimhin or Kevin (498-618) is an Irish saint who first live as a hermit and then founded a monastery at Glendalough in County Wicklow, which became a famous centre of learning. He is remembered in popular culture as an ascetic…
2nd June. Tuesday of the 9th Week
Saint Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs. Two 3rd-century Roman saints. Marcellinus, a priest, and Peter, an exorcist, died in 304, during the persecution under emperor Diocletian. Pope Damasus I heard the story of these two martyrs from their executioner who became a Christian after their deaths. Their names are mentioned in…
1st June, 2015. Monday of Week 9
Saint Justin, Martyr Justin (100-165) was a lawyer and philosopher from Neapolis in Judaea (modern Nablus), who spent his adult life in Rome. He was the foremost interpreter of the theory of the Logos in the 2nd century. A gifted writer, his best known surviving text is his Apologia to…
1st June, 2015. Monday of Week 9
Saint Justin, Martyr Justin (100-165) was a lawyer and philosopher from Neapolis in Judaea (modern Nablus), who spent his adult life in Rome. He was the foremost interpreter of the theory of the Logos in the 2nd century. A gifted writer, his best known surviving text is his Apologia to…
30th May. Saturday in Week 8
By what authority? Today’s gospel comes just after Jesus cleansed the temple, which was a very daring thing to do. There were people in charge of the temple and Jesus certainly had not been authorized by them to do what he did. The question the religious authorities responsible for the…
29th May. Friday in Week 8
Our link with our ancestors In Peter, the link with the ancestors is kept very firm. In cleansing the temple, Jesus also referred back to Isaiah. Peter advises us, “Be mutually hospitable without complaining; put your gifts at the service of one another, each in the measure that each has…
28th May. Thursday in Week 8
The vigorous blind man A lovely stained-glass window that I’ve seen in a church depicts today’s scene, the healing of the man born blind. At the bottom of the picture is written the exchange between Jesus and the man, “What do you want me to do for you?,” “Lord, let…
27th May. Wednesday in Week 8
On different wavelengths There are several clashes between Jesus and his disciples in Mark’s gospel, as they make their way to Jerusalem, where Jesus will be crucified. They are clearly on different wavelengths, which finds expression in the very different questions they ask of each other. James and John ask…
26th May. Tuesday in Week 8
What’s to become of us? Today’s gospel begins with a question from Peter, “What about us? We have left everything and followed you.” He and the rest of the twelve had given up a great deal to become followers of Jesus. They may have wondered if it was really worth…
25th May. Monday in Week 8
Paradox: Gaining by Losing This imperative echoes in today’s austere message, where in a memorable image Jesus expresses the no pain, no gain philosophy. “It is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God…
23rd May. Saturday in Week 7 of Easter
Ending on a high note The readings today are the final verses of Acts and of John’s gospel. “Wait until I come.” Eternity will be the continuation of the final moment in our earthly journey. Jesus comes to us again and again. Our prayer now is a foretaste of heavenly…
22nd May. Friday in Week 7 of Easter
Pastor, par excellence In the heat of the moment we often fall short of our best. This happened even to the great Peter, our church’s chief apostle and pastor, when out of fear he denied Jesus three times. After the resurrection when Peter had returned to his former fishing vocation,…
21st May. Thursday in Week 7 of Easter
Church unity, a difficult goal Jesus calls unity the most characteristic mark of his disciples, a vital goal of true faith, when he prayed: “that they may be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me.” Yet in the Acts, Saint Paul defends himself by…
20th May. Wednesday in Week 7 of Easter
Giving is more blessed than taking Paul offers his colleagues both advice and example. They are to remember his example of manual labour and tirelessly preaching the gospel. Conviction and commitment are revealed in his words. Just as he worked (“with these hands of mine”) to support himself and his…
19th May. Tuesday in Week 7 of Easter
Through the Cross For the next couple of days we will be reading from Our Lord’s prayer during the Last Supper. He begins by praying for himself, “Father… glorify your Son.” Jesus is aware that the path to glory is through the cross. His lifting up on the cross is…
18th May. Monday in Week 7 of Easter
Not entirely alone Jesus is very aware that those closest to him will soon abandon him. Rather than following his way, the disciples will go their own way, leaving him alone. Yet he speaks with the conviction that he is never really alone because God his Father is always with…
16th May. Saturday in Week 6 of Easter
Priscilla and Aquila, Lay Apostles While the gospel implies our dependence on the Holy Spirit, the Acts takes a different slant: our faith also needs guidance from our fellow human beings. Apollos was certainly on the way toward being a disciple of Jesus and showed great goodwill, but he needed…
15th May. Friday in Week 6 of Easter
Sorrows too will pass Jesus knew that the reality of his passion and death would greatly shock his disciples. He said it very clearly, You will be weeping and wailing… you will be sorrowful. They would experience a deep sense of loss when Jesus returned to the Father. We have…
14th May. Saint Matthias, Apostle
Filling the vacant place Matthias came late to be numbered among the apostles. Saint Peter’s words describe the role of this apostolic substitute as one of “those who have been in our company all the time that the Lord Jesus moved among us.” This being-with-Jesus qualified Matthias to become a…
13th May. Wednesday in Week 6 of Easter
Growing in insight There is only so much that people can learn at each stage of their lives. The great life-truths take a long time to absorb. This is certainly the case with the elements of our faith. We enter into those truths gradually, over time, with the unfolding experience…
12th May. Tuesday in Week 6 of Easter
A Happy Outcome We can sympathize with Paul’s annoyance in today’s story, but may wonder if some more patience could have saved him a lot of trouble! Perhaps he was stirred with pity for the unfortunate girl being exploited for profit by her boss. In any case, after his protest…
11th May. Monday in Week 6 of Easter
Reciprocating favour Three reflective points leap out from today’s readings. 1. “The Lord takes delight in his people” 2. In our times of need we can rely on the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. 3. We see in the example of Lydia how God blesses and helps us through one another..
9th May. Saturday in Week 5 of Easter
Getting on with the work Adversity played big part in Paul’s apostolate; and perhaps in ours too. Local conditions threw road-blocks in Paul’s way keeping him from preaching as he had intended; and St Luke offers this explanation, “They were prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the message.” This…
8th May. Friday in Week 5 of Easter
Holy compromise Some people regard all compromise as tainted and as opposed to fidelity. Yet the message of the Jerusalem Council was: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and ours too, not to lay any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary.” The word strictly indicates some relaxing…
7th May. Thursday in Week 5 of Easter
The power of enthusiasm A spirit of love and enthusiasm was found to exist among non-baptized gentiles by both Peter and Paul. What Jesus had prayed for among his disciples was found among foreigners even before their baptism. Peter recognised a second Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the…
6th May. Wednesday in Week 5 of Easter
Why circumcision was dropped Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth (Luke 2). So were Peter, Andrew, James, John and Paul and indeed all boys from Jewish religious families, as a sign of submission to the Mosaic law. Then Paul came forward with a new idea about…
5th May. Tuesday in Week 5 of Easter
Following our Leader Jesus speaks of going away, of returning to the Father. He directs his mind toward the cross, resurrection and ascension. After his sacrifice he will be with the Father and the Spirit, in heaven. Earlier, Philip requested, “Show us the Father and that will be enough for…
4th May. Monday in Week 5 of Easter
Letting the Spirit guide us If led by the Holy Spirit, we can be instruments of healing power, like Paul and Barnabas. We may find faith strong enough to help and heal them, as they did. Today’s Scriptures suggest this healing frame of mind…
2nd May. Saturday in Week 4 of Easter
Adapting to changing times Adapting our understanding of God to changes in contemporary culture can be difficult and divisive, as Catholics very well know. Our church found it so in the wake of Vatican II, and is still experiencing this tension fifty years later, with traditional doctrines being critically tested…
1st of May. Friday in Week 4 of Easter
Many rooms in God’s House It was so good to hear our Pope saying some months back that the doors of our church must be wide open and welcoming. This message is a fine antidote to any narrow, legalistic form of church, where the barriers to eucharistic communion were constantly…
30th April. Thursday in Week 4 of Easter
Welcoming the little ones When Jesus told his disciples to welcome children in his name, it was an important lesson. They were arguing about which of them was most important. But Jesus insisted that seeking social status was not a value for him and had no place the kingdom of…
29th April. Catherine of Siena, Patron of Europe
A beacon of light Catherine of Siena’s mysticism did not withdraw her from the world. She was deeply involved in what was happening in Europe and in the church in her time….
28th April. Tuesday in Week 4 of Easter
Paul’s Mentor The openness of Barnabas to God’s gifts led him to Tarsus to search for Paul and bring him to join the church in Antioch. If it had not been for him, Paul might have been lost in the silent sands of some desert solitude. ..
27th April. Monday, Week 4 of Easter
Christian Leadership What splendid leadership Peter shows, pointing the way forward for the church into the future. He also shows a spirit of dialogue, equally vital for our church of today. When challenged about his daring initiative, Peter patiently explains himself. His leadership is not dictatorial but blends inspiration and…
25th April. Saint Mark, Evangelist
Mark, pioneering Evangelist According to Papias, after Peter’s death, at the request of the Christians in Rome Mark wrote what he knew of Peter’s memories of Jesus. His Gospel reflects the plain, blunt speaking style of the Galilean fisherman and captures their sense of awe and wonder at the healing…
24th April. Friday in Week 3 of Easter
Questioning Jesus Many questions are asked in the course of the gospels. Some are posed by Jesus himself, while others are asked by those who meet him. Today it is the Jews who ask, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”
23rd May. Saturday in Week 7 of Easter
Ending on a high note The readings today are the final verses of Acts and of John’s gospel. “Wait until I come.” Eternity will be the continuation of the final moment in our earthly journey. Jesus comes to us again and again. Our prayer now is a foretaste of heavenly…
23rd April. Thursday in Week 3 of Easter
Learning from an Outsider God was already drawing the Ethiopian toward faith. This highly-placed eunuch was a God-fearing gentile who believed in Israel’s God, and followed whatever Torah rules were compatible with his family life and culture. The Spirit was attracting this man to a deeper understanding of life…
22nd April. Wednesday of Week 3 of Easter
Even if they first reject it Philip shares the gospel in Samaria and his message is welcomed. In Luke’s first volume, Jesus tries to speak to the Samaritans but they reject him because he is heading for Jerusalem. But later they welcome his gospel gladly, from the lips of Philip….
21st April. Tuesday of Week 3 of Easter
Stephen’s death and Christ’s In Acts, Luke compares Stephen’s martyrdom to Jesus’ death on the cross. Each of them, accused of blasphemy, is condemned to death by the Sanhedrin. Each sees a vision of someone coming on the clouds, at the right hand of God. Each asks God to receive…
20th April. Monday of Week 3 of Easter
Food for eternity Jesus invites us to look for the food that promotes eternal life in us and satisfies the deepest hunger of our hearts.
18th April. Saturday of Week 2 of Easter
To serve the Church’s real needs The appointing of the first deacons suggests a possible solution for a major need facing our Church today: how to ensure continuation of sacramental service to the People of God. It is clear that the apostles did not seek to end all debate on…
17th April. Friday of Week 2 of Easter
Sharing our resources Today we find Jesus and his disciples faced with a hungry crowd and little or no means of feeding them. In this situation of need, people reacted in different ways. Philip made a calculation: on the basis of the number of people and the amount of money…
16th April. Thursday of Week 2 of Easter
Speaking our truth with love It can be hard to distinguish inner strength from a stubborn spirit of confrontation. How can we know if our convictions are from God and should be obeyed at all costs? Is it possible that our resistance to authority could be rooted merely in pride?…
15th April. Wednesday of Week 2 of Easter
A religion of sincerity and truth Peter and John are caught in a conflict that involves the high priest and the entire Sanhedrin besides the temple guards. The apostles are imprisoned, and God sends angels to intervene. This same struggle is echoed at universal level in John’s gospel about God’s…
14th April. Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Guided by the light We can notice a stretch in the evenings these days, now that it is bright beyond 7.00 pm. Most of us like the light. We are pleased to know that the daylight is lengthening every day at this time of the year. Our heart sinks a…
13th April. Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter
As the wind blows When and where the Spirit comes, and with what effect on our lives, cannot be determined in advance. “The wind blows where it will… You do not know where it comes from or where it goes.” Hebrew RUACH and Greek PNEUMA mean both wind and spirit….
11th April. Easter Saturday
Overcoming obstacles to faith The Sanhedrin, Judaism’s supreme ruling body, found it impossible to imagine that Jesus could be the Messiah, and that he had really risen from the dead. To believe in him would demand a major change in the whole furniture of their belief-system; nothing less than a…
10th April. Easter Friday
Building upon the grace of God The apostles went back to where they started, to Galilee, where they continued their work as fishermen. But their lives had been transformed by their contact with Jesus, and when they met him by the lake-shore, they recognised him, hauled in the net at…
9th April. Easter Thursday
Hard to take in Luke’s account in today’s gospel shows the great difficulty the disciples had believing that it was the same Jesus they had come to know and love who was now standing before them. They thought they were seeing a ghost and their joy was so great that…
8th April. Easter Wednesday
Life-changing encounter The Emmaus story is a living paradigm for Christian discipleship. It strongly suggests that if we travel life’s journey with others, sharing our faith and our doubts with them, Christ will be with us, opening our minds to the truth. Just as he gave them deeper insight, so…
7th April. Easter Tuesday
Coming to recognise the Lord A fascinating side of the Easter stories is how they convey a sense of gradual recognition of the risen Jesus, by his closest friends and followers. John’s vivid portrayal of Mary Magdalene challenging the gardener to hand back the body of Jesus conveys some sense…
6th April. Easter Monday
Different understandings of the resurrection Our New Testament writers attempt in varied ways to describe the miracle and mystery of our Lord’s dying and rising. As Peter’s sermon at Pentecost was addressed to Jews from different countries but all sharing a Jewish identity, he sets Jesus within the framework of…
4th April. Holy Saturday
Evocative signs This is our Passover, the night of nights and the feast of feasts. Let us celebrate and rejoice, therefore! To help our feelings catch up with our convictions, on this holy night we use fire and darkness and water, readings and songs to mark and to evoke the…
3rd April. Good Friday
Calvary sets in consoling relief the experience of all who suffer – whether the nightmare of physical pain or the emotional trauma of significant loss or the prospect of imminent death. The human Jesus, struggling to come to terms with the reality of his predicament, echoes every human experience of…
2nd April. Holy Thursday
St John implies that we are united with Jesus by letting him wash our feet, accepting his great act of loving service. Having accepted the gift we must embrace it as a value to practice in our lives. What Jesus does for us in his Passion shows us how to…
1st of April. Wednesday in Holy Week
The motives of Judas This is “Spy Wednesday”, so called from the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, one of his own chose inner circle of Twelve. Poor Judas was doubtless talented, probably very astute, and had in his youth some spark of idealism; and yet when it came to the…
31st March. Tuesday in Holy Week
Contrasting responses to Jesus Today’s gospel portrays very different responses to Jesus on the part of his disciples as he enters into the final days of his earthly life. The disciple Jesus loved is described as “reclining next to Jesus’, literally, “close to the heart of Jesus.” In the very…
30th March. Monday in Holy Week
In memory of her The impulsive, loving gesture done for Jesus by his close friend Mary of Bethany, is so inspirational that it’s a wonder the Church has not made more of it in our liturgy. Mary may not yet have seen Jesus in the full light of prophecy, as…
28th March. Saturday in 5th Week of Lent
Cynical but pragmatic Pragmatism is a quality that is often admired in political leaders. Today’s gospel has an example of a rather deadly form of political pragmatism, when the high priest Caiaphas declares to his colleagues, “it is better for one man to die for the people, than for the…
27th March. Friday in 5th Week of Lent
Prepared to be unpopular In last Monday’s gospel some hard-liners brought a woman into Jesus’ presence, claiming that according to the Jewish Law she ought to be stoned. Today’s gospel has them fetching stones to throw at Jesus himself. In response Jesus asks a very probing question…
26th March. Thursday in 5th Week of Lent
Abraham’s Legacy: Think Big The promises to Abraham reach into the future, possibly even to many centuries beyond our present age. In his vocational encounter with God, the patriarch had foretaste of a time when all the nations of the world will be united as though they were blood-relatives, all…
25th March. The Annunciation of the Lord
Representing us all There are some specific details in today’s gospel: Galilee, Nazareth, Joseph of the house of David, Mary. It happens a very particular place, Nazareth in Galilee, and to a very particular couple in that place, Joseph who was betrothed to Mary. It was that particular couple in…
24th March. Tuesday in 5th Week of Lent
The Serpent and the Cross The symbol of Israel’s sin, the saraph serpent (the Hebrew word saraph means burning), which threatened them with its poisonous bite, is transformed into an instrument of salvation. Moses made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, so that all who look upon…
23rd March. Monday in 5th Week of Lent
The first stone Some people are very devoted to condemning. The religious leaders bring a woman to Jesus expecting him to condemn her, because, as they say, “Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this.” Earlier in his gospel, John has a very striking saying on…
21st March. Saturday in 4th Week of Lent
Nicodemus speaks out: Nicodemus was a Pharisee who sought out Jesus under cover of darkness so as not to be seen consulting him. There he is again in today’s gospel, only this time he speaks out openly, challenging his fellow-Pharisees and the other Jewish leaders to give Jesus a fair…
20th March. Friday in 4th Week of Lent
Knowing who Jesus really is: By the term “Jews” St John nearly always means the Jewish religious leaders. His gospel tends to distinguish between the Jewish religious leaders and the people as a whole. It is not said that the Jewish people were out to kill him. That was what…
19th March (Thursday). Feast of Saint Joseph
In a homily on this feast (1969) pope Paul VI noted how he lived an unknown life, the life of a simple artisan, with no sign of personal greatness. But that humble figure is revealed as being full of significance if we look at him attentively. He has those qualities…
18th March. Wednesday in 4th Week of Lent
Seeing the bigger picture Isaiah 40 to 55 (promising return from exile) and today’s section from St John both constitute a clear call to see the larger picture. The prophet thinks of God splitting the mountains to bring his people home from afar. Almost in the same breath he imagines…
17th March. St Patrick, Principal Patron of Ireland
Patrick, Pastoral Theologian Perhaps we are wrong to take Patrick’s statement about his ignorance at face value. To describe himself as a mere illiterate sinner was just a foil to highlight the glorious workings of God’s grace. His Confessio clearly reveals that..
16th March. Monday in 4th Week of Lent
Request willingly granted Many people approached Jesus for help as he went around the villages. On this occasion a court official asked him to come to his home and cure his seriously ill son. This official was probably attached to the court of Herod Antipas. His request at first met…
14th March. Saturday in 3rd Week of Lent
Not just with words If we use our Bible well, we have a rich resource of guidance for every occasion. But it’s not just knowing the words that matters. From them we might muster a nice verbal response and wrap a mantle of piety about our motives and so feel…
13th March. Friday in 3rd Week of Lent
Two commandments into one In the gospels the scribes or lawyers are generally portrayed as in conflict with Jesus . In today’s gospel, however, Jesus and a Jewish scribe are very much of the same mind. Jesus says to this particular scribe, “You are not far from the kingdom of…
12th March. Thursday in 3rd Week of Lent
Seeking what is right Seeking basic human virtue — like compassion, forgiveness, prayer, understanding, loyalty, loving affection — makes the difference between heaven and hell, life and death. Jeremiah expressed this very clearly: “Only if you reform your ways and your deeds…will I [the Lord, your God] remain with you.”…
11th March. Wednesday in 3rd Week of Lent
Banking on Deuteronomy Deuteronomy says that laws do not exist for their own sake, but to help us show faithfulness to God. This fifth book of the Bible is not so much a “second law” (the Greek “Deutero” means 2nd) but a series of fervent motivational homilies…
10th March. Tuesday in 3rd Week of Lent
Making a fresh start The destruction of Israel’s life, as described in the book of Daniel, is devastating. “We have in our day no prince, prophet or leader, no sacrifice, oblation or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favour with you.” All had gone up in flames!..
9th March. Monday in 3rd Week of Lent
Not a narrow-minded God Jesus challenges the rather narrow view that his townspeople of Nazareth had of God. Just as they felt that Jesus belonged to them..
7th March. Saturday in 2nd Week of Lent
There’s always Hope.. Today’s parable tells of an inheritance, “squandered … on dissolute living.” But the prodigal son hopes that the Father will somehow take him back. The Micah passage also talks about hope. The people of Judah have been “trampled underfoot,” and driven off to a foreign land…
6th March. Friday in 2nd Week of Lent
Providence at work.. The story of Jacob’s sons is told in detail (Gen 37-50) to conclude the book of Genesis. It has one overriding motif found at the end in Joseph’s words to his brothers: “Even though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve his…
5th March. Thursday in 2nd Week of Lent
In spite of appearances Jeremiah was bearing fruit, and Lazarus kept his integrity even though sitting with dogs and begging for crumbs at Dives’ door! Destitution can destroy one’s confidence and self-respect, but in principle it can and does coexist with inner peace and strength. The beggar can be nearer…
4th March. Wednesday in 2nd Week of Lent
Drinking from his cup.. Jesus asks James and John, “Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?” He was asking them if they were prepared to share his cup, to throw in their lot with him, to follow where he leads, even though it may mean the…
3rd March. Tuesday in 2nd Week of Lent
Burdens.. Jesus refers to the Pharisees as those who tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders. Rather than imposing unnecessary burdens on others, our calling is to help carry each other’s burdens, to make life less burdensome for each other…
2nd March. Monday in 2nd Week of Lent
Confessing to God: This public confession on the part of the people of Israel is one that we, the church, can make our own. We know that we too have failed, as individuals and as a community. Yet, it is to such individuals and to such a community that the…
28th February. Saturday of the 1st Week of Lent
Perfect, but not Perfectionist. If we hear that someone is a perfectionist, it can conjure up in our minds someone who is very demanding and rather fussy about getting everything right down to the last detail. When Jesus says at the end of today’s gospel, “Be perfect just as your…
27th February. Friday of the 1st Week of Lent
Autonomy and Responsibility. Ezekiel calls us to persevere in doing good across a lifetime. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus roots the discernment of good and evil in the depths of the human heart. We must do more than keep a set of rules, stopping short of murdering others; we must aim…
26th February. Thursday of the 1st Week of Lent
Taking risks. Esther risked going to the Persian king on behalf of her people. She knew the initiative could cost her life, yet if she just hid in her ivory tower while her people were destroyed, she would be haunted with guilt. How often in life people prefer to turn…
25th February. Wednesday of Week 1 of Lent
Exemplary Ninive. How marvellous that the once pagan city of Nineveh can come to believe in God, proclaim a fast, pray for forgiveness, to become a model of goodness for all the rest of us! Hope can come from unsuspected quarters! Jonah adds that when God saw the repentance of…
24th February. Tuesday of the 1st Week of Lent
Jesus on prayer. The gospels often portray Jesus at prayer, sometimes even suggesting the content of his prayer. But only once is Jesus presented as teaching his disciples a prayer for them to pray, and that prayer has become known to us as the Lord’s Prayer. It has had a…
23rd February. Monday of the 1st Week of Lent
Live sparingly, for love’s sake. Today’s Scriptures focus is on issues of life and death, of hunger and thirst, of nakedness and imprisonment. They help us examine our conscience on basic issues, on sharing and not defrauding…
21st February. Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Lord of the Welcomes. The converted tax collector is not treated as a second-class citizen, simply for coming late into the Lord’s circle of friends. How refreshing to hear Christ’s warm welcome of Levi echoed in the words of pope Francis, in his call for the doors of the church…
20th February. Friday after Ash Wednesday
Fasting of another kind. We normally link fasting with food. To fast is to deprive ourselves of certain foods for a period of time. But in the first reading Isaiah defines fasting more broadly. He understands it as leaving aside all those ways of relating to people that damage and…
19th February. Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Denial of Self? Jesus says that if we want to be his followers we have to be ready to renounce ourselves. Lent is traditionally a time for self-denial. We ask ourselves what it is we need to let go, to give up, in order to follow the Lord more closely…
18th February. Ash Wednesday
Transience. Ash Wednesday could hardly make more visible and tangible the transience of things and our mortality. We start Lent in humility, close to the ground, close to our earthiness: remember you are dust and to dust you shall return. But we do not gather on Ash Wednesday just to…
17th February. Tuesday, Week Six
Misunderstanding. In the gospel today, Jesus seems very frustrated with is own disciples. In spite of all he has said and done in their presence, they still do not really understand who he is or what he is about. They are misunderstanding his words and not grasping the real significance…
16th February. Monday of Week 6
Appreciating the ordinary. St Mark refers more often to the emotions of Jesus than any other evangelist. In today’s reading, Mark states that Jesus responded to the Pharisees’ request for a sign from heaven “with a sigh that came straight from the heart.” That sigh led to the question, “Why…
14th February (Saturday). Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-patrons of Europe
Missionaries to the Slavs Cyril and Methodius were brothers from Macedonia in Greece who in the ninth century preached the gospel in Moravia, modern day Czech Republic, Slovakia and parts of Hungary…
13th February. Friday in Week 5
Paradise Lost and Found. One might take the first reading as describing paradise lost, while the gospel tells of of paradise regained. In the “paradise lost” story , the man and woman now feel shame at their nakedness, while up to the time of their sin in the garden they…
12th February. Thursday in Week 5
Generosity between the Sexes Women are centre-stage in today’s readings. In Genesis the first woman heals the loneliness of man, measures up to him in a way that no other creature could, and the two are united as equals, “in one flesh.” While the woman brings joy and stability into…
11th February. Tuesday, Week Five
Our Lady of Lourdes Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Lourdes is one of the great places of pilgrimage in the Christian world. It is above all a place of pilgrimage for the sick. It has been said that the sick are the royalty of Lourdes. People…
10th February. Tuesday, Week Five
Not too tied to traditions The church needs to be always alert to ensure that its own traditions conform to God’s word to us, especially as spoken by Jesus. Every so often our church has to renew itself, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to purify its traditions so…
9th February. Monday of Week 5
God’s world and ours The Genesis reading gives a wide-angle view of the universe as the sanctuary or throne for God’s majestic presence. All religious ceremonies — whether in the Jerusalem temple or on the altars of our churches — must retain contact with the physical world of earth and…
7th February. Saturday of Week Four
What are bishops for? For almost forty years now, bishops have been chosen directly by the Holy See, with little or no input from the clergy or laity of the diocese they are to serve. While this process may have succeeded in promoting a semblance of uniformity of doctrine and…
6th February. Friday of Week Four
Two banquets This gospel scene is one that has inspired artists and playwrights throughout the centuries. The sumptuous banquet in Herod’s palace for his birthday turns out to be a banquet of death. Mark follows this scene with the feeding by Jesus of the multitude in the wilderness. It is…
5th February. Thursday of Week Four
Twelve Messengers of Heaven Jesus chose twelve men (their names are listed several times, though with some inconsistencies in the names listed (Mt 10:2-4; Mk 3:16-19-19; Lk 6:14-16; Ac 1:13). Mark tells us that he named them “apostles” (Mk 3:13) and it is clear that special significance was seen in…
4th February. Wednesday of Week Four
Who listens to prophets, anyway? The response Jesus got when he stood up to speak in his own home town was not encouraging. Who would take him for a prophet, anyway, since he’s someone they’ve known for years? What could he have to say that they did not already know?.
3rd February. Tuesday of Week Four
The questions he asks Jesus asks many questions in the four gospels. It can sometimes be worthwhile to notice the questions he asks and to sit with them. Today the gospel has one of those questions, “Who touched me?” The disciples found this a very strange thing to ask…
2nd February. The Presentation of Our Lord
Predicting His Future Mary and Joseph must have pondered the words of Simeon and Anna, wondering what they meant for their child. They, like most new parents, probably had dreams for him but the prophetic words of of Simeon and Anna sounded ominous as well as promising
31st January. Saturday of Week 3.
Don’t you even care? What a contrast between the calm of Jesus and the alarm of his disciples when that storm breaks out! He was lying in the stern of the boat, asleep, with his head on a cushion. The disciples were panicking and in their panic they woke and…
30th January. Friday of Week 3.
The mystery of growth The seed growing secretly suggests the mystery of growth. The farmer works hard to sow the seed, but then he has to wait. In a way he does not fully understand, the seed grows of his own accord…
29th January. Thursday of Week 3.
Passing through the veil The life-path Jesus leads us on goes via the cross and on to the heavenly sanctuary. Behind this Hebrews text lies the Old Testament ritual of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, when once a year the high priest entered behind the veil into the Holy…
28th January. Wednesday of Week 3
The parable of the sower The religious leaders have accused Jesus and his disciples of breaking the Sabbath, and claimed that Jesus heals by the power of Satan. Jesus’ own relatives have tried to take him in hand because of the general impression that he has lost the run of…
27th January. Tuesday of Week 3.
Smaller and Wider Family Fidelity to God’s will makes a family of all Christians. Jesus identifies the true disciple not by by rank or position, special privileges of birth, talents and financial resources, but by fidelity in the routines of life…
26th January. Ss Timothy and Titus (Memorial)
Pastoral heroes, models for ministry Timothy’s role in the Church sounds like a retired foreign missionary who later became guide or bishop to the local Christians in Ephesus. He had the honor of being a fellow worker with Paul… Titus, too …
24th January. Saturday in Week 2
Giving himself totally The heart of Jesus was dedicated to his all-consuming ministry. Mark notes how sometimes he hardly had time to eat. His dealing with the crowds turned out to be so incessant that some of his relatives, when they heard of this, thought him out of his mind.
23rd January. Friday in Week 2
The Call to the Covenant :: As Jesus goes up the mountain to summon the twelve he chose as leaders for his followers, it evokes memories of Moses who went up Mount Sinai to receive God’s law and covenant, (Exod 19) Moses pledged the covenant, surrounded by colleagues…
22nd January. Thursday in Week 2
They came to him because…:: It was the people who were suffering, who were distressed, who had least going for them, that came to Jesus in the biggest numbers. They sensed that..
21st January. Wednesday in Week 2
Conflict :: Today’s readings raise the theme of conflict and finding solutions. Melchisedek meets Abraham on his way back from a short military excursion against some local chiefs, and blesses him; then in the Gospel we have the conflict between the Pharisees and Jesus..
20th January. Tuesday in Week 2
Ministering life? :: Today’s Epistle alerts us to the possibilities of loving service present in the most ordinary events and people of our everyday contact, especially those of our own household. Routine matters, and familiar people whom we meet each day can hold the key..
19th January. Monday in Week 2
Theology and Common Sense :: Jesus is contrasted to the high priests of the old covenant, who first had to make sin offerings for themselves and then for those of the people. Earlier in the same epistle (Hebrews) the author noted how Jesus can sympathize with our weakness because he…
17th January. Saturday of Week 1
Religious leadership :: When thinking about norms for leadership in the church, the most basic is a desire for sharing faith and love. Leaders ought to recognize and encourage the good qualities in others. Jesus not only calls Matthew but also accepts Matthew’s invitation …
16th January. Friday of Week 1
Carrying their friend :: The image of the four men carrying the paralytic to Jesus is a very graphic one. They were so determined to get him to Jesus that they opened a hole in the roof above Jesus when their way through the door was blocked..
15th January. Thursday of Week 1
True and false fidelity :: “Value today,” advises the psalmist, whose text is quoted in Hebrews, because right here and now God provides the grace and insight we need to live a life of faith, and therefore…
14th January. Wednesday of Week 1.
Healing and Praying :: Two quite different activities are reported in today’s gospel. The first is healing… ..The second is going out by himself to a lonely place to pray…
13th January. Tuesday of Week 1
We can take joy from this basic fact: Jesus counts us as his own brothers and sisters. His life’s work was to gather us together as God’s family, and his intention is clear, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.”
12th January. Monday of Week 1
Lifegiving meeting :: Any encounter between two or more people has potential to be a lifegiving moment. The meeting that Peter, Andrew, James and John had with Jesus ..
10th January. Saturday after Epiphany
What Jesus wanted :: Nowhere else–except in his conversation during the Last Supper–does Jesus express his purpose in life so clearly as in his Scripture-based talk to his fellow villagers in the Nazareth synagogue.
9th January. Friday after the Epiphany
From Prayer to Calm :: The gospels often portray Jesus at prayer… But even though Jesus went off alone, his prayer did not remove him from people..
8th January. Thursday after the Epiphany
Doing what we can :: Jesus struggles to get his disciples to become giving people. They asked him to send the crowd away because there was not enough food and the people were hungry.
7th January. Wednesday after the Epiphany
Bringer of Light:: There was something so attractive about Jesus and his message that, according to Matthew, people gathered to him from. . .
6th January. The Epiphany of the Lord
Follow your guiding star :: Western tradition has chosen three as the number of the Wise Men and even found exotic names for them, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. We may imagine that they travelled with enquiring minds and adventuresome spirit …
6th February. Friday of Week Four
Two banquets This gospel scene is one that has inspired artists and playwrights throughout the centuries. The sumptuous banquet in Herod’s palace for his birthday turns out to be a banquet of death. Mark follows this scene with the feeding by Jesus of the multitude in the wilderness. It is…
5th January. Monday before Epiphany
A man in whom there is no deceit :: It’s hard not to like the person of Nathanael as portrayed by the evangelist in today’s gospel. He clearly wasn’t the kind of man who got carried away by…
4th January. 2nd Sunday of Christmas
Making him known :: The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and made the Father known to us. The last line of our Gospel today says, No one has ever seen God, it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
3nd January. Saturday before the Epiphany
Generous and charismatic :: What is striking about the portrait of John the Baptist is his generosity of spirit. This was a very charismatic person who drew people to himself. As a result, he had his own disciples. Yet, in today’s gospel we find John directing two of his disciples…
2nd January. Friday before Epiphany
The question put to John the Baptist, “Who are you?” is one of the great questions of life. Going below our job description (what we do) to who we are in inmost our core is much more difficult. ..
1st January. Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Marvelling and Treasuring: Today we see Mary marvelling at what has happened, treasuring the events of Christmas in her memory, and pondering them..
31st December. Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Positive Thinking: Tomorrow we begin the new year 2015. Even though we are in mid winter, we know that each day is now that little bit longer than the previous one….
30th December. 6th Day in the Octave of Christmas
The widow Anna in today’s gospel is one of those lovely characters that feature in Luke’s stories about Jesus’ childhood. What distinguishes Anna from the others is her age, eighty four years old, and . .
29th December. (Monday) 5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Holding the Child: Babies are endlessly fascinating; they engage us at so many levels. There is something about holding this bundle of new life which is very special. We focus on them and…
27th December (Sat.) Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
He who recognised: It is right to celebrate Saint John the evangelist soon after Christmas Day. The opening lines of his gospel sum up in a few words what we are celebrating at Christmas, ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.’ This, the last of the four gospels to…
26th December. Saint Stephen, the First Martyr
The power of example: The one who would later become great missionary Saint Paul was present at the death of Stephen and entirely approved of the killing. Saul would go on to become the great apostle to the Gentiles. Perhaps the courageous witness of Stephen left some kind of impression…
25th December. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
The Word of Life: Words are important at this Christmas time of the year, both the spoken and the written word. This is especially clear in our efforts to speak to those close to us…
24th December. Christmas Eve
Zechariah who has had nothing to say since the annunciation of John’s birth because he was struck dumb now breaks out into a great hymn of praise. At the beginning and the end of his hymn he refers to God’s visitation of his people…
23rd December. Tuesday of the 4th Week of Advent
A costly Yes to God: The gospel records the moment when Mary said “yes” to God’s call to be the mother of God’s Son. It suggests that her “yes” did not come without a struggle. When God first spoke to her through the angel Gabriel, Mary was “deeply disturbed” ….
22nd December. Monday of of Advent Week 4
The Converter of Hearts: Christians have seen in John the Baptist the messenger promised by Malachi, preparing for the Lord to “suddenly come to his temple. ” In other words, John was the messenger of the covenant, now offered to us all, in the Jesus in whom we delight. ..
20th December. Saturday of Advent, Week 3
Luke’s account of the annunciation concludes with Mary’s total response of acceptance, “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let what you have said be done to me.” Greatly favoured, she responds generously, with her whole life, to the grace she has received. For St. Luke, Mary is not simply…
19th December. Friday of Advent, Week 3
Luke has annunciation stories to both Zechariah and Mary, in parallel yet distinctive accounts. Each is startled at the angel’s appearance. Gabriel instructs each not to be afraid…
18th December. Thursday of Advent, Week 3
Joseph: God’s devoted servant. Today we find Joseph struggling to do the right thing, what he believed God wanted of him. Mary’s unexplained pregnancy left him in a very difficult situation…
17th December.Wednesday of Advent, Week 3
Believe the Good News: The angel Gabriel is sent to Zechariah to bring him the good news that his wife, Elizabeth, who has been barren will soon give birth to a son, and a special son at that, someone whose calling it would be to prepare for the Lord a…
16th December. Tuesday of Advent, Week 3
We value people who keep their word to us. We appreciate those who are true to the promises that they make to us. The Lord also appreciates our efforts to be true to the promises we make to him. In the parable in the gospel today, one of the sons…
15th December. Monday of Advent, Week 3
Facing up to the truth: We must be honest with ourselves, with others and with God who is over all. We cannot forever dodge questions, camouflage the truth, and bluff our way along. ..
13th December. Saturday of Advent, Week 2
Elijah certainly caught the imagination of the Israelites, as patron saint for those in need. Because this fierce, fiery prophet was taken from the earth in a whirlwind…
12th December. Friday of Advent, Week 2
Balancing things … The need to fill the gaps in our personality is evoked by Jesus’ words today. He quotes a proverb showing how we need a joyful side, ready to dance, and a compassionate side, always ready to sympathize
11th December. Thursday of Advent, Week 2
Feeling really close to God… Isaiah imagines God addressing the people with nicknames, calling them “my little worm” and “my little maggot,” as a parent might affectionately do to a child squirming in its arms. Understood in this way, the words, “worm” and “maggot,” are not demeaning, but terms of…
10th December. Wednesday of Advent, Week 2
Keeping hope alive. . .The great prophet of the Babylonian exile whom we call “Second Isaiah” was summoned by God to comfort and strengthen the people, whose memories were haunted by the destruction of their holy city, Jerusalem. Their family bonds as well as their familiar ways of life had…
9th December. Tuesday of Advent, Week 2
And now I’m found… The shepherd in this gospel could seem a little foolish. He leaves ninety nine sheep on the hillside to go in search of one sheep who has rambled off and is now lost. He leaves the flock defenceless to go looking for one. He risks all…
8th December. Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Most Highly-Favoured One . . . This feast reminds us of God’s loving power to make us holy. Our Blessed Lady’s sinlessness from the moment of her conception is not something earned by her own power. It is a pure gift of God, given to her for a saving purpose…
6th December. Saturday of Advent, Week 1
Widening horizons . . . Isaiah seems more adventurous than Jesus today. The prophet implies the immediate presence of God to his people: “No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher”; while Jesus sends out others to cure sickness and disease…
5th December. Friday of Advent, Week 1
Dreaming Aloud . . . As we listen to Isaiah’s visions of the future, we may feel that his poetic hopes ignore all common sense realism. Is he dreaming as he writes: “The deaf shall hear, the eyes of the blind shall see, the tyrant will be no more, Jacob…
4th December. Thursday of Advent, Week 1
Who shall build up our church?… In Isaiah God builds the city, setting up its walls and ramparts to protect it; in the Gospel we build the house solidly, setting it on rock. While Isaiah summons into the new city those who trust in the Lord, Jesus promises salvation to…
3rd December. Wednesday in the 1st Week of Advent
A vision of paradise created by the Spirit…At times we seem too caught up in enforcing laws and discipline, however well intended, so that some are excluded from the joy of eucharistic communion on account of their lapses from matrimonial fidelity. In our time, clergy and laity are re-thinking what…
2nd December. Tuesday of Advent, Week 1
Keeping up our hope… The passage from Isaiah seems an idyllic fairy-tale, not to be taken literally. The calf and the young lion will never graze together babies should not be allowed to play near the cobra’s den. Yet the dream of universal peace and trust is worth holding on…
Advent Week 1 – Monday
1st December. Monday of Advent, Week 1 First Reading: Isaiah 2:4-6 Learning wisdom and peace from the Messiah, they shall beat their swords into ploughshares Thus says the Lord: “On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be…
29th November. Saturday of Week 34.
Ending on a hopeful note: On this last day of the liturgical year we are told that while our passing from darkness to light is coming it may not come soon. Meanwhile we must live with faith in God’s eternal plan for us and for the entire world. Whether in…
28th November. Friday of Week 34.
Colourful symbols for here and now. . . While the Revelation text is typical of apocalyptic literature and full of elaborate symbolism, today’s gospel speaks in plainer language. From the example of the budding fig tree we know that summer is near; so when you see all the things happening,…
27th November. Thursday of Week 34.
Memorial of Saint Fergal, bishop and missionary. Fergal or Vergilius was a monk in the monastery of Aghaboe, Co. Laois, when in 745 he left Ireland on peregrination pro Christo (missionary pilgrimage for Christ). He settled first in France, later in Bavaria where he founded a monastery at Chiemsee, and…
26th November. Wednesday of Week 34.
By your endurance you will gain your souls: The Greek for endurance (hypomoné) is like our modern “hanging in there” and reflects an inner attitude of perseverance, consistency, not giving it. In hard times we must continue in our loyalty to God.. It has a nice ring in the Latin…
25th November. Tuesday of Week 34.
When will that day come? Towards the end of the year we meet some of the most alien-sounding literature in the Bible, dealing with the end of the world, which also fascinates so many people. We must be careful in interpreting it, as the language is highly symbolic and non-literal…
24th November. Monday of Week 34.
Unconditional Love: Today we have the moving story of the widow who drops two copper coins into the treasury. Jesus declares that by giving what she could not afford, what she gave was worth more than the wealthiest donation. We too must be ready as and when the spirit inspires…
22nd November. Saturday of Week 33.
“At the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” The woman who had successively married seven husbands is only a story that was told and repeated, probably to the embarrassment of women. Jesus wrong-foots his questioners by answering their question in an unexpected way, to reflect on the nature of life…
21st November. Friday. Presentation of Our Lady
Most Marian celebrations are based on some key Gospel texts. But of course the Evangelists tells us nothing about Mary’s early life. The inspired Word has no mention of the event celebrated on November 21st, her Presentation in the Temple, but ….
20th November. Thursday of Week 33.
Tested, to serve our God: John, caught up in ecstasy on the island of Patmos, was saddened at the bloodied appearance of Jesus, bearing the wounds of his passion…
19th November. Wednesday of Week 33.
Foretaste of the Hereafter: When our world seems to be falling apart through severe trial or disappointment, we can recall those moments when the world seemed full of joy — precious moments when we taste the reality of the living God.
18th November. Tuesday of Week 33.
Let’s dine in your house: To be found by Jesus, Zacchaeus had to give up and lose much of himself. Maybe Jesus too had to lose some of his dignity as a “holy man,” by going to dine at the home of the unclean sinner…
17th November. Monday of Week 33.
What might conversion cost? Wanting the normal life that sight would allow him, the blind man at the Jericho gate begged for this gift, “Lord, that I may see!” But getting his sight back would involve new pressures, altering his relationships to family and friends, responsibilities, his whole way of…
15th November. Saturday of Week 32.
Faithful and persistent: In a crisis, most of us will go the extra mile (Mt 5:41) – sometimes – but today’s Gospel asks for fidelity over the long haul, not the single heroic act but the persistence to stay with the daily routine of duty…
14th November. Friday of Week 32.
Distracted From God: It can happen that the good gifts of nature distract us from God. Or closer to home, once the good meal is on the table, we seldom remember to thank the cook…
13th November. Thursday of Week 32.
Refreshed by Love: The bond of love goes far beyond the letter of the law. In the introduction, Paul calls Philemon a beloved friend and fellow worker, and he expresses his joy and comfort in his rich friend’s love. We too are called to a love that refreshes and unites
12th November. Wednesday of Week 32.
Why be ungrateful? The nine men missed a golden chance, when they failed to say thanks. Jesus tells the one man who did come back to thank him, “Your faith has saved you.” We need a faith like this, to recognise our dependency on God for life and its blessings,…
11th November. Tuesday of Week 32.
Applying doctrine to practice: In his advice to Titus, Paul respects the limits of the church’s local culture, yet also sets our human life within a divine framework. He begins with an appeal that our speech be “consistent with sound doctrine” and explains that the core of this sound doctrine…
10th November. Monday of Week 32.
Planted in the real world: The Scriptures for today show the interaction of ideals with hard-nosed common sense. This is evident in the Epistle to Titus, which reads like a manual for clergy, less enthusiastic than Paul’s earlier letters and focussed on practical aspects of church governance.
8th November. Saturday of Week 31.
Just as yesterday Jesus reproached idle disciples for not showing enterprise and initiative, today Paul commends his active co-workers in the service of the gospel and stresses how he himself can cope in all circumstances, whether eating well or going hungry.
7th November. Friday of Week 31.
What spurs us to action in our daily lives? Some seem to lack motivation while others are workaholics, swept on by drive and ambition and wanting to drive other people hard as well. A good example of the activist temperament is Paul, apostle of the gentiles..
6th November. Thursday. Feast of all the Irish Saints
The feast echoes the theme of “the island of saints and scholars” which was so strong in Ireland up to the middle of the twentieth century, but which might be somewhat harder to illustrate in 2014…
5th November. Wednesday of Week 31.
Today’s gospel is rather grim, if we were to read it in isolation; but it is nicely balanced by St Paul’s more optimistic message to the Philippians. He points out how a local parish or community can function in a loving way, if there’s a widespread spirit of service and…
4th November. Tuesday of Week 31.
Members of each other Our deepest hope is poured into us by God and offers us great future prospects. We cannot ignore or reject it, without losing out in the process. Furthermore, hope is not bestowed on us by God simply for our private, individual enjoyment. Unless it is shared,…
19th November. Wednesday of Week 33.
Preparing for the Hereafter: The vision in the Book of Revelation invites us to let our religious experiences flood over us, like the roar of many waters, the flashing of thunder and the flaming of torches.
3rd November. Monday of Week 31.
The Quality of Mercy In general, people live by the Quid pro Quo principle, of looking after our friends and paying our lawful debts, and once in a while giving something to charity. We like to think that people should get what they deserve. But Jesus seems to require a…
31st October. Friday of Week 30
While at dinner, Jesus ignored the Sabbath curfew and cured a man from dropsy, which scandalised some…
28th October. Tuesday. The Apostles Simon and Jude
First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-22 (God has appointed apostles so that his people’s needs will be served.) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with…
6th October. Monday of Week 27
Saint Bruno, priest. Bruno of Cologne, Germany (1035-1101) studied and was ordained in Paris. For some years he was a celebrated teacher at Reims, and served a close advisor to Pope Urban II. Refusing the offer of a bishopric he spent some time with the hermits who were later to…
11th July. Friday. Saint Benedict, Patron of Europe.
Benedict of Nursia Benedict (480-543) from Nursia in Umbria, Italy lived for some years as a hermit in a mountainside cave at Subiaco (64 km east of Rome), before being inspired to gather companions to live a monastic life in community. He later moved to Monte Cassino in the mountains…
28th June. The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Saint Irenaeus, bishop and martyr. Irenaeus (c. 130-202) from Asia Minor was bishop of Lugdunum (now Lyons, France). He was an apologist whose major work, “Against Heresies” was influential in the development of western theology. In his boyhood he had heard Polycarp of Smyrna, who in turn was a disciple…
27th June. The Sacred Heart of Jesus
1) Deuteronomy 7:6-11 (God is faithful to his chosen people, who are dear to his heart.) You are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession. It was not…
24th June. The Birth of John the Baptist
1) 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…
20th June. The Irish Martyrs.
These were dozens of Irish people who were killed for their Catholic faith between 1537 and 1714 in Ireland. Their names include Oliver Plunkett, John Carey, Patrick Salmon, Charles Meehan, Margaret Bermingham Ball, Patrick Cavanagh, Dominic Collins, Francis Taylor, William Tirry and many others, all of whom resisted the imposition…
17th June. Tuesday in the 11th Week
1) 1 Kings 21:17-29 (Elijah warns Ahab he will die for murdering Naboth; but 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,…
Friday before the Epiphany
Daily Word 2014 Daily Word 2014 3nd January. Friday before the Epiphany For the Daily Word app, click here (Google Playstore). iPhone version coming soon Memorial of the Holy Name of Jesus The Circumcision of Christ is celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church on on 1 January. It was in the Catholic…
The Nativity of Our Lord – Mass during the Day
Theme: We celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in our world, though he was with God the Father before all ages. His birth opens up for us a glorious new identity, as children of God. First Reading: Book of Isaiah 52:7-10 (A prophecy describing the joy of the faithful watchmen,…
Scribe of the Gentleness of Christ
18 October, 2013. Friday, Feast of St Luke, Evangelist 2 Tim 4:10-17. From prison Paul mentions that Luke alone is with him Lk 10:1-9. Jesus sends out seventy missionary disciples. First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-17 Do your best to come to me soon, for Demas, in love with this present…
04 Oct. (Friday) Memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, religious
Gal 6:14-18: St Paul’s close bond with Christ crucified caused him to experience the stigmata. Mt 11:25-30: The joy that Jesus shares with those who are humble of heart. First Reading: Galatians 6:14-18 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the…
30 July, 2013. Tuesday of the Seventeenth Week
The Way of the LORD’s Covenant The giving of the Law is reported in Exodus chapters 19-24, but the theological commentary on it (chapters 32-34) is key to the entire Book of Exodus
Misguided Orthodoxies?
4 July, 2013. Thursday of the Thirteenth Week Gen 22:1ff. For being willing to sacrifice Isaac, God promises many descendants for Abraham through the child. Mt 9:1ff. Jesus cures a paralysed man, and uses this miracle as proof of his power to forgive sin. First Reading: Genesis 22:1-19 After these…
On being grateful to Thomas
3 July, 2013. St. Thomas, Apostle Eph 2:19-21. Built into a holy dwelling-place for God John 20:24-29. Jesus revives the faith of Thomas the doubter First Reading: Ephesians 2:19-21. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the…
Stormy Weather
2 July, 2013. Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week Gen 19:15ff. Before the cities are destroyed, Lot and his family are saved for Abraham’s sake. Mt 8:23ff. When a violent storm is calmed, Jesus’ apostles see him in a new light. First Reading: Genesis 19:15-29 When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying,…
Should we be bargaining ?
1 July, 2013. Monday of the Thirteenth Week Gen 18:16ff. Abraham begs God to spare the wicked cities. They will be spared, if only ten just people can be found! Mt 8:18ff. As a wandering preacher, Jesus has no place to call home. He says: “Let the dead bury the…
8 May. Wednesday in the Sixth Week of Easter
Acts 17:15ff. Paul’s ingenious sermon in the Areopagus: leading from the known to the unknown God. John 16:12ff. All will be made clear, when the Spirit of truth comes. First Reading: Acts 17:15, 22-18:1 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and after receiving instructions to have…
19 March, Tuesday. Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Responsability: Homily of Pope Francis, at the Inauguration Mass for his Papal Ministry (March 19, 2013)
01 January, 2013 (Tuesday) Mary, the Holy Mother of God
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
22 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent– Saturday
Lk 1:46ff. Mary’s hymn of praise and thanksgiving, the Magnificat.
21 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Friday
Luke 1:39ff. The shared joy of Mary and Elizabeth: sharing of faith at the Visitation.
20 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Thursday
Lk 1:26ff. The angelic annunciation to Mary, who will conceive and give birth to Jesus.
19 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Wednesday
Lk 1:5ff. The destiny of John, the long-awaited son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
18 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Tuesday
Mt 1:18ff. Joseph learns the origins of Jesus, who “will save his people from their sins. ”
17 December, 2012. Third Week of Advent – Monday
Mt 1:1ff The genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
15 December, 2012. Second Week of Advent – Saturday
Mt 17:9ff. John the Baptist was the “Elijah” – the fore-runner, before the Messiah’s arrival.
14 December, 2012. Second Week of Advent. Friday. (or: St. John of the Cross)
Mt. 11:16ff. Jesus criticises those of his generation who listened to nobody.
13 December, 2012. Second Week of Advent. Thursday. (or: St. Lucy, virgin and martyr)
Mt 11:11ff. John the Baptist was great, but the least in the kingdom is even greater.
12 December, 2012. Second Week of Advent. Wednesday
Mt 11:28ff. Jesus assures those who are burdened, my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
10 December, 2012. Second Week of Advent – Monday
Lk 5:17ff. Jesus heals the paralysed man, showing that he has authority to forgive sins.
7 December, 2012. First Week of Advent – Friday
Mt 9:27ff. Cure of two blind men -“According to your faith let it be done to you.”
6 December, 2012. First Week of Advent – Thursday
Mt 7:21ff. Whoever acts on my word is like a wise man who built his house on rock.
5 December, 2012. First Week of Advent – Wednesday
Mt 15:29ff. Out of compassion, Jesus multiplies the loaves and fishes, so all can eat their fill.
4 December, 2012. First Week of Advent – Tuesday. (or: St. John Damascene)
Lk 10:21ff. The humble of heart will know God with the knowledge that Jesus has of him.
3 December, 2012. First Week of Advent – Monday (or: St Francis Xavier)
Mt 8:5ff. The centurion’s strong faith; foreigners will share in the Jewish blessings.
29 August. The Beheading of St John the Baptist
Jer 1:17-19. Like Jeremiah, we must speak out against domineering rulers. Mk 6:17-29. Mark gives a grimly sober account of John the Baptist’s execution. First Reading: Jeremiah 1:17-19. But you, gird up your loins; stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not break down before them,…
02 April. Monday in Holy Week
Isaiah 42:1ff. My servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, the One in whom my soul delights. John 12:1ff. Mary of Bethany shows her love, pouring ointment on Jesus’ feet. A Matter of Life and Death Today’s story of a tender, loving gesture done for Jesus by his close friend Mary,…
10 Feb. Friday of Week Five
1 Kings 11:29ff. The prophet Ahijah announces the breakup of David’s kingdom; ten of the twelve tribes choose Jeroboam as their king. Mark 7:31ff. Jesus cures a man who was deaf and dumb, and the people are amazed as his power. Paradise Lost If Genesis tells of paradise lost; today’s…
19 Oct, Wednesday of Week 29
Rom 6:12ff. Submit in obedience to God’s justice and you will come from death to life. Lk 12:39ff. Be on guard. He will come when you least expect it. Today is also the feast of St Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionists
05 Oct. Wednesday of the 27th Week
Who Can Be Saved? If the Kingdom of God is to extend throughout the universe, the qualities of faith, patience, and trust in God must be stressed. But externals are also necessary, to manifest this inner life. Where there is no breath nor pulse, a
04 Oct. Tuesday of the 27th Week
How Much Activity? While good intentions can drive one to overactivity and even to misguided zeal, the Scriptures defend human activity and good works as essential to salvation. For interpreting today’s scripture readings we must keep in…
03 Oct. Monday of the 27th Week
Divine Reversals Today’s texts deal with divine reversals. Sometimes we may resemble Jonah who attempted to use the sea to flee away from the God of earth and sea. But God has wonderful ways of bringing us back to our senses,
01 Oct, Saturday of Week 26
Rejoicing in the Spirit The secret stirring of the heart comes marvellously to the surface in Jesus’ prayerful rejoicing in the Holy Spirit, “what you have hidden from the learned and the clever, you have revealed to the merest children.”
30 Sept, Friday of Week 26
Memories and Hopes Today’s text from Baruch dates to the Babylonian exile (587-539 B.C.), and the verse immediately preceding refers the autumnal feast of Tabernacles. A collection was being taken up, to be sent to Jerusalem for sacrifices and for helping the poor in the holy city
29 Sept, Thursday, Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael This excerpt from a homily on the Gospels (Hom. 32, 8-9: PL 76, 1250-1251) by St Gregory the Great is used in the Catholic Office of Readings for the Feast of the Archangels …
28 Sept, Wednesday of Week 26
Neh 2:1ff. The Persian king, Artaxerxes I allows the Jewish nobleman, Nehemiah, to go to Jerusalem, on a mission to rebuild its walls and restore the ancestral graves. Lk 9:57ff. Jesus responds to prospective followers by a series of stern statements. Courage amid Uncertainty In career terms, Nehemiah had it…
27 Sept, Tuesday of Week 26
Making The Journey Today we are invited to share in a journey to Jerusalem and the holy temple, there to worship God with many others. The spirit with which we travel forms the spirit with which we join in prayer at our gathering in church. This spirit, as we learn…
26 Sept, Monday of Week 26
Children’s Merits Children remain the key to reflection through today’s readings and give a glimpse of the new Jerusalem, Zechariah pictures the city with “boys and girls playing in the streets” and in the gospel Jesus turns to children to teach about the “greatest in the Kingdom of God.”
24 Sept, Saturday of Week 25
Enigmatic Future Today’s Scriptures send out two quite different signals about the future. Zechariah’s prophecy is strong in symbolic expressions of hope, while Jesus speaks bluntly and sternly about his death. Without the sobering reminder of death, the hopes expressed by the prophecy might deserve the
23 Sept, Friday of Week 25
Life’s Various Stages All of life’s stages are represented in today’s texts. Even though each of us individually may identify with only one of these stages at this particular moment, we must come to a peaceful acceptance of our past and we need to prepare in advance for what lies…
22 Sept, Thursday of Week 25
Responses to Confusion People can be faced with economic confusion, as reflected in the prophecy of Haggai; or again their religion may consist of mere curiosity, born of moral confusion, as was the case with Herod the tetrarch. But no situation is hopeless, for the Bible is not the story…
21 Sept, Wednesday, St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Eph 4:1-7,11-13. Of the many gifts of God to the Church, the apostles are of the foremost importance for the spread of the faith. Mt 9:9-13. The call of the tax-collector, to be an apostle. About St Matthew
20 Sept, Tuesday of Week 25
Knowing and Doing Today’s Reading shows in what a variety of ways the will of God is made known and accomplished. Ezra refers to imperial decrees from the Persian kings Cyrus and Darius, messages of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah (which will begin later this week), and financial help from…
19 Sept, Monday of Week 25
The Power Of Cryptic Statements Jesus’ word about the lampstand is clear, though startling in its implications; his next word, however, about having and gaining, or not-having and losing even that little, is enigmatic and baffling, like so many of the best proverbs in the sapiential literature.
17 Sept, Saturday of Week 24
Mysterious Potential A divine potential simmers in the depths of each human being. Both Jesus and his apostle Paul compare it to a seed, buried in the ground. Looking at the seed before it is planted, one hardly suspects what a flower is to develop from it. The process by…
16 Sept, Friday of Week 24
Enthusiasm and Sobriety Contrasting with the sombre reading from Timothy, is the tone of enthusiasm, hope and achievement in today’s Gospel story. While the Gospel has more appeal, the other text also have its necessary place in church life. Sometimes we need to be sobered up from intense excitement.
15 Sept, Thursday, Our Lady of Sorrows
Devotion to our Lady of Sorrows The Seven Sorrows of Mary are a popular devotion in the Catholic Church. There is a devotional prayer which consists of meditation on her Seven Sorrows. They are events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary which are a popular devotion and are…
14 Sept, Wednesday, The Triumph of the Cross
The Cross that Saves It might seem an anachronism, trying to celebrate our passion for life while stressing the victory of the Cross, a sordid instrument of death. We’ve declared our position regarding torture and the
13 Sept, Tuesday of Week 24
1 Tim 3:1ff. The qualities of bishop, deacon and deaconess – hospitable, respected, truthful, good managers. Lk 7:11ff. Jesus raises to life the dead son of a widow at Naim. The people respond with awe. Variety of Christian Tasks If we read today’s scriptural selection in reverse, beginning with the…
12 Sept, Monday of Week 24
1 Tim 2:1ff. Prayers for the civil authorities that life may be peaceful, since God desires the good of all. Lk 7:1ff. The Roman centurion has greater faith than all Israel and receives from Jesus the cure of his servant. All are Called to Salvation Different sides of the Church’s…
10 Sept, Saturday of Week 23
1 Tim 1:15ff. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Anyone – even Paul – can have the grace of conversion. Lk 6:43ff. The house of faith built securely on rock, survives the flood. Founded on Rock A centre for our meditation today is how Jesus Christ…
10 Sept, Saturday of Week 23
Founded on Rock A centre for our meditation today is how Jesus Christ displays his infinite patience . Patience is the virtue of that person who has built on rock. When evil times hit, when the heavens pour down uncontrollable floods, that house remains standing if it is built with…
09 Sept, Friday of Week 23
Respecting Others’ Gifts The readings centre mostly on leadership but their application reaches out to all human relationships. Very positively too we are asked to interact with one another, not so much as superior to inferior but as recognizing the unique gift of each person. It is because of diversity…
09 Sept, Friday of Week 23
Respecting Others’ Gifts The readings centre mostly on leadership but their application reaches out to all human relationships. Very positively too we are asked to interact with one another, not so much as superior to inferior but as recognizing the unique gift of each person. It is because of diversity…
08 Sept, Thursday, The Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A grace-filled birth It is not certain exactly when or where Our Lady was born; but it was most likely about sixteen years before the birth of Jesus, and in Nazareth, where St Luke’s Gospel locates her, as she received God’s message from the angel. It was only after the…
07 Sept, Wednesday of Week 23
Col 3: :1-11.You have been raised from the dead with Christ. So set your heart where Christ is, at God’s right hand, and not on evil deeds. Luke 6: 20-26. The Beatitudes, spoken on the plain to a large crowd. No Lasting City We have here no lasting city. The…
06 Sept, Tuesday of Week 23
A Spiritual Dawning We note a dramatic transition from death to life in Colossians, from public wrangling to a new life in Jesus and the Spirit in 1 Corinthians(*2); and in the Gospel from night-time to a new dawn. Night is the time of death and contention, as well as…
31 Aug, Wednesday of Week 22
The Winding Road To Heaven Today’s texts suggest the long process of growth with its ups and downs, before reaching “the hope held in store for you in heaven.” Arriving at Simon Peter’s home, Jesus learns that the apostle’s mother-in-law is “in the grip of a severe fever.” We note…
30 Aug, Tuesday of Week 22
Crucial Transitions For most of us life plods along without much excitement. Routine becomes the pace of every day. Wise old Solomon admitted this fact: “What has been, will be; what has been done, will be done. Nothing is new under the
29 Aug, Monday, The Beheading of St John the Baptist (Memorial)
Death of the Baptist (from Butler’s “Lives of the Saints”) St. John the Baptist was called by God to be the forerunner of his divine Son. In order to preserve his innocence spotless, and to improve the extraordinary graces which he had received, he was directed by the Holy
27 Aug, Saturday of Week 21
Talents are for Using The gist of today’s parable is summarized in the paradox: The haves will get more, while the have-nots will lose even the little that they have. Like an automobile or a typewriter, God’s gifts must be kept in use, in order to stay in good condition;…
26 Aug, Friday of Week 21
Pitfalls of Eschatology Jesus points out that not all even of the specially chosen people are assured salvation. Only five of the bridesmaids were there to welcome the bridal party; five others were told, “I do not know you.” The interpretation of this parable developed within early Christian history. In…
25 Aug, Thursday of Week 21
Honest Stewardship The local Pauline churches were eager for the glorious second coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle prays, “may he strengthen your hearts… at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” Similarly in the greeting for the first letter to the Corinthians he prays…
24 Aug, Wednesday of Week 21
Work and Faith Complement Each Other The readings offer us two complementary views on human activity. Paul stresses work, the gospel condemns “works”. Paul’s work that leads to faith..
23 Aug, Tuesday of Week 21
Gentle Strength Paul combines attitudes that at first may seem contradictory. Though strong and independent, he is “gentle as any nursing mother.” In no way did he plan his actions merely to please others, yet he was anxious to share very lives of h is people. He values practical, everyday…
22 Aug, Monday, The Queenship of Mary (Memorial)
How this Feast arose Eight days ago, we were celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Today, we are commemorating another beautiful Marian Feast, that of the Queenship of Mary. This special Liturgical Feast was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on October 11, 1954 through his Encyclical…
20 Aug, Saturday of Week 20
Providence and Prudence Ruth points to a divine providence which functions through human activity yet reaches new heights for the humble and kindly of heart. Jesus contrasts these humble people with others who are proud and selfish. Although Ruth
19 Aug, Friday of Week 20
Love Conquers All In the story of Ruth, we see how foreigners are absorbed within the family of Israel; and according to Jesus, every commandment rests on the supreme law of love. The Book of Ruth has served many purposes. In its
18 Aug, Thursday of Week 20
The Scandal of Jephtah Difficulties abound as we reflect on Jephthah the judge and the parable of the royal wedding. In the one story the Bible seems to sanction human sacrifice, or at least to support rash promises; and in the other the original
17 Aug, Wednesday of Week 20
Justice for the Weak Especially in the case of parables and riddles, the word of God does not give quick, final answers but prods us into reflection, as we read at the end of the Book of Ecclesiastes, “The sayings of the wise are like goads.” Elsewhere
16 Aug, Tuesday of Week 20
The Force of Faith The final phrase in today’s Gospel is one of those paradoxical statements that can surface anywhere. How many times do we not hear the remark, “the first shall be last, and the last first.” Maybe it was to describe a fait accompli, an accomplished fact that…
15 Aug, Monday, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Theme: Just as Jesus was raised to the glory of heaven, after his death on the cross, so too, his mother, the first among Christians, was raised body and soul into eternal life.
13 Aug, Saturday of Week 19
Personal Responsibility Today’s texts summon us to a clear, personal decision for the Lord, and also to a childlike spirit before the mystery of life. The covenant ceremony at Shechem provides the occasion to step forward and to pledge oneself anew to the Lord. Jesus commends the spontaneity of children,…
12 Aug, Friday of Week 19
Heroic Love Whenever the Bible calls for heroic love and fidelity on the part of Israel, it first recalls God’s sublime kindness towards his chosen people. Today’s text from Joshua represents a typical covenant ceremony at Shechem, a major sanctuary in central Israel. When people had taken their places before…
11 Aug, Thursday of Week 19
Change of Heart In the first six chapters of his book, Joshua’s story is modelled on outstanding moments in the career of Moses. Through parallels to the crossing of the Red Sea and the sanctification of the people before Mount Sinai (Josh 3:5; Exod 15; 19:10-14), the celebration of Passover…
10 Aug, Wednesday, St Lawrence, Deacon
Lawrence the Deacon St Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of the Church of Rome and was martyred under the Emperor Valerian on the 10th of August 258, four days after Pope Sixtus II and his companions. Little is known of the life of Saint Lawrence. What is clear…
09 Aug, Tuesday, St Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein), Patron of Europe
Edith, A brief biography (excerpts from www.kilmacudcarmel.ie/edith.html) Edith Stein was born to a Jewish family at Breslau (today, Bratislava) on October 12, 1891. She was the youngest of 11 children. Her father died when she was two years old, and her hard-working and devout mother took over the care of…
08 Aug, Monday of Week 19
The Paradox of Election The more we come to know the God of majesty, the more amazing seems his love and personal concern, his closeness to his creatures. Today’s texts centre on this paradox. Deuteronomy puts it marvellously, first speaking of
06 Aug, Saturday. The Transfiguration of the Lord
Theme: The apostles were priveleged to witness the inner life of Christ, when his splendour was revealed to them on the holy mountain. We pray for a deeper experience of God in our own lives, and to share in his divine life.
05 Aug, Friday of Week 18
Fidelity and Endurance lead to Life Matthew here draws together various sayings of Jesus on true discipleship; Deuteronomy sets forth the conditions and attitude of an obedient follower of Moses; the prophecy of Nahum celebrates the victory of such goodness and fidelity over massive forces of evil.
04 Aug, Thursday of Week 18
The Rock and the Flesh Two contrasting words emerge from the readings, “rock” and “flesh.” In them we can recognize the rich diversity and development of the Scriptures. A literal rock is the source of fresh water and vigorous life in the Book of Numbers. In Matthew’s Gospel a human…
03 Aug, Wednesday of Week 18
God’s transforming touch The readings speak of hope, the quality of persevering despite bad reports and long delays, and God’s adjustment to our human responses. The Israelites gave up so quickly, but the Canaanite woman would not take No for an answer. Jeremiah would not revise his early message of…
02 Aug, Tuesday of Week 18
Overcoming Anxiety Never neglecting his people, God comes to rescue them in a moment of crisis, defending Moses against the envy of Miriam and Aaron. The Israelites are drawn back from the land of exile; and the disciples, adrift on the lake of Galilee in a violent storm, are saved…
01 Aug, Monday of Week 18
Facing the Hard Road We have striking contrasts and confrontations to meditate on today. While providing food in the wilderness, Moses succumbs to the people’s complaint, while in a similar context Jesus feeds the crowds. We hear of prophets quarreling with one another and of Jesus’ being mistaken for a…
30 July, Saturday of Week 17
The secular roots of redemption Leviticus 25 summarizes the sociological setting of ancient Israel. It states the secular context regulating land and family relationships, and roots these rights and obligations in Israel’s relationship to God. Another passage from this chapter, not cited today, gives the theological basis. Through
29 July, Friday, Memorial of St Martha
Martha’s Faith (Fr Bill Dinga) Today we celebrate the feast of St Martha, who was sister both to Mary and Lazarus. We recently heard in a gospel passage how Mary “chose the better part” when Jesus came to visit their home – “better part” being her close attentiveness to Jesus…
28 July, Thursday of Week 17
New Beginnings Today we conclude the Book of Exodus, as important to the Old Testament as are the gospels to the New. We also conclude another of the major sections in Matthew’s gospel, on the reign or kingdom of God (Matthew 11:2–13:53). In these readings we find God’s merciful way…
27 July, Wednesday of Week 17
Ready for Radical Choices? At crucial transitions in our life, and certainly at the hour of death, we are obliged to exchange all our possessions for the pearl of great price. Then the challenge of Joshua to the Israelites in the drama of covenant renewal at Shechem is leveled at…
26 July, Tuesday of Week 17
The Way of the Covenant While the heart of the Mosaic Torah is found at Exodus chapters 19-24, there is a major theological commentary on it, in chaps. 32-34, which really provides the key to the entire Book of Exodus. Because the Way of the Covenant is a total way…
25 July, Monday, Feast of St James, Apostle
The Apostle James James, son of Alphaeus is often identified with James the Less, who is only mentioned three times in the Bible, each time in connection with his mother. Mark 15:40 refers to “Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses”, while Mark 16:1 and Matthew 27:56…
23 July, Saturday, Feast of St Bridget of Sweden
What Bridget of Sweden can teach us today (from an address of pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Square, October 28, 2010.) I would like to present the figure of St Bridget of Sweden, co-patroness of Europe, her message, and the reasons why this woman has much to teach –…
22 July, Friday, Feast of St Mary Magdalene
Sermon for St Mary Magdalene (by Jane Williams). In recent years St Mary Magdalene must have become one of the best known characters of the early church. Yet even before Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code she seems to have been a woman around whom myths and legends have gathered.
21 July, Thursday of Week 16
Priveleged Moments The Scriptures identify two different moments in our lives: first, as in Exodus we are fired with dreams and visions; later these early ideals become memories to inspire us anew and correct our meandering ways. Sometimes in the gospel God speaks to us plainly, at other times in…
20 July, Wednesday of Week 16
Perseverance has its Reward Today we begin reading from Jeremiah, one of the most influential prophets, whose impact on the popular piety of Israel was immense. The fame of Jeremiah probably explains why the book is textually so mixed up, between the Hebrew and its early Greek translation. A book…
19 July, Tuesday of Week 16
The Wider Family Circle The Exodus text and the final prayer in Micah both tell of Israel’s liberation and journey towards the promised land; and each stresses Israel’s separateness from all other nations. Matthew, on the contrary, sees Jesus forming a new family of outsiders, based on “whoever does the…
18 July, Monday of Week 16
Trust and Anxiety How few of us are willing to really trust in God. We are like the Israelites, who after their release from Egypt were still fearful that God would abandon them in the desert. Unless they could see immediate solutions that did away with all risk, the people…
16 July, Saturday of Week 15
People of Mixed Ancestry Each of these responses, towards gentiles (foreigners) or natives (fellow-Israelites) is reflected in our own lives. These texts invite us to learn wisdom. Despite the stringent separation of the chosen people from the non-chosen Egyptians, foreigners continue to have a role in
15 July, Friday of Week 15
Celebrating Life Ther are various ways of responding to God’s law. Exodus provides a careful set of rules for the celebration of Passover , while Matthew give examples of adapting the law to meet the circumstances. In fact, Exodus 12 contains two sets of regulations for Passover.
14 July, Thursday of Week 15
The Ever-Present One The long night is coming to an end. The yearning through the darkness is almost over and Israel is about to be liberated from slavery. We not only learn to appreciate God’s presence with us in our suffering, but come to realize that salvation must be shared…
13 July, Wednesday of Week 15
Instruments of God Today’s gospel lets us eavesdrop on a secret moment of revelation, for we are not simply told that Jesus stole away to spend time in prayer; we get a rare opportunity to hear the actual words of his prayer. In Exodus we watch in awe as Moses…
12 July, Tuesday of Week 15
Faith and Miracles The gospel puts in question the purpose of miracles. Both Chorazin and Capernaum witness many miracles, yet the people in those cities at the northwest corner of the Lake of Galilee remained unconvinced by the message of Jesus and he
11 July, Monday, Feast of St Benedict, Patron of Europe
Life of St Benedict Benedict , the founder of western monasticism, was born at Nursia, c. 480 and died at Monte Cassino in the year 543. The earliest life of Benedict, in St Gregory’s “Dialogues”, is more character sketch than biography,
09 July, Saturday of Week 14
A Life of Courage In the tradition of dedicating Saturdays to Mary, the mother of Jesus, we can blend all the crisscrossing ways of life, which converge in the mystery of divine providence. There is no logical order in the various maxims gathered in the Gospel. In fact, the some…
08 July, Friday of Week 14
Tears of Joy Today’s texts are appropriate for Friday, the day when we commemorate the death of Jesus on the cross. We read of tears of agony and persecution as well as of joy and relief. Joseph and Jacob weep over their long separation and final reunion. The gospel too,…
07 July, Thursday of Week 14
Genuine Compassion The ministry of the Twelve is not confined to preaching, for the news that the reign of God is at hand is to be exemplified by curing the sick, raising the dead, healing lepers, expelling demons. Jesus adds that what they have freely received, they must freely give…
06 July, Wednesday of Week 14
Giving and Sharing From all parts of the famine-stricken middle east, people flocked into Egypt to avoid starvation. Joseph’s brothers are among this stream of refugees, which suggests the mixed ancestry of the people that would eventually come out of Egypt under the name of Israel. In its very origin…
05 July, Tuesday of Week 14
Walking with a Limp What the gospel presents in summary style is treated at a more leisurely pace in a story from Genesis. Matthew overlooks the weary journeys, the mixed receptions, sometimes favourable and sometimes not, that Jesus met with. It is all stated quickly and simply: he continued his…
04 July, Monday of Week 14
Problems in the Family Family and personal problems are the launching pad for religious growth, in today’s readings. The envy of his twin brother forced Jacob to flee for his life; and Jesus is confronted with a family tragedy, the death of the synagogue leader’s young daughter.
02 July, Saturday of Week 13
Things Old and New Several times Matthew tells how Jesus himself remained with the old – with “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:6), that he was not sent to foreigners, even to those who happened to show up in Palestine. Yet in the Sermon on the…
01 July, Friday – Feast of the Sacred Heart
Deuteronomy 7:6-11. God’s fidelity to his chosen people, who are dear to his heart. 1 John 4: 7-16. Our loving God has poured his love into us, through his Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 11:25-30. To know Jesus is our sure way to know and love our gracious Father.
30 Jun Thursday of Week Thirteen
Misguided Orthodoxy The contrast between Abraham and the Pharisees is striking and baffling. Abraham is misguided in thinking that God wanted human sacrifice. The Pharisees are orthodox in their theology that only God can forgive sin yet they are misguided in limiting God’s power. It is clear that even good…
29 June, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Theme In the biblical stories about the two main apostles, we see what deep faith can achieve in the life of generous persons. Today we pray for our present Church, that all may play our part in the life of faith. We get a glimpse of each of them in…
28 Jun Tuesday of Week Thirteen
Saved from the Storm In face of natural disasters, such as earthquake and volcanic eruptions at Sodom and Gomorrah or a fierce storm on the Lake of Galilee, God saves those who trust in him and those for whom others pray. By Abraham’s prayer Lot, his wife and two daughters…
27 Jun Monday of Week Thirteen
Arguing with God The Genesis story shows Abraham bargaining with God to have the wicked cities spared. He begins at fifty, asking God to spare the cities if fifty innocent people can be found there. He speaks up again, pleading for their survival if forty-five innocent are found. The haggling…
25 Jun Saturday of Week Twelve
A Compassionate Heart Long before he fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of the suffering servant by his death on the cross, Jesus had been living out the prophetic words by his daily responses to people. It seems he could not pass by a sick person, without being moved to compassion. The one…
24 Jun Friday of Week Twelve
The Law above all laws Laws are kept and laws are disregarded. When Jesus cured the man of some type of contagious skin disease , he reminded him, “See to it that you tell no one. Go and show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses preScribed. That…
23 Jun Thursday of Week Twelve
Long-term Effects Abram and Sarah followed the custom of their time, when children were the surest way to secure human rights and dignity in one’s old age. After many years of marriage, they had no children, so in desperation, Sarah turned to the local custom that allowed a surrogate wife…
22 Jun Wednesday of Week Twelve
Test Of A Tree When Jesus stated that a good tree is known by its good fruit, he was referring to the annual fruit harvest rather than to a single harvest, once for all time. At the same time he warned how some people could be misled, “Be on guard…
21 Jun Tuesday of Week Twelve
Coping with Success Today’s texts manifest the age-old truth that success goes to the head, power corrupts and prosperity can make even good people greedy for more. It seems that in life we cope better with hopes than with their fulfillment. People who must work hard and pass through all…
20 Jun Monday of Week Twelve
Humility like Abraham’s Abram’s call in Genesis 12 marks the beginning of Israel’s salvation history, the monumental moment when this rugged nomad was called to migrate to the land of promise and eventually become a sign of blessing for everyone on earth. But
18 Jun Saturday of Week Eleven
Thorns in the Flesh About the reversal of values, Paul writes, “I must go on boasting, however useless it may be.” Even if he had visions and revelations of the Lord and was caught up to Paradise “to hear words which cannot be uttered,” he feels the foolishness of talking…
17 Jun Friday of Week Eleven
Something to Boast About Today’s words from the Sermon on the Mount touch on a problem we instinctively feel about Paul’s boasting and the moral collapse which follows inflated ambition (*2). Jesus puts it bluntly: “Do not lay up for yourselves an earthly treasure. Moths and rust corrode… Instead, store…
16 Jun Thursday of Week Eleven
Words can clear the air Some people at Corinth must have accused Paul of merely “rattling” words – of being just a talker, not a doer. In their gossip they must have complained that he should manifest a more tolerant and patient attitude towards their faults. Yet Paul did not…
15 Jun Wednesday of Week Eleven
The Cheerful Giver We must live for God rather than to be seen by others; act silently rather than ostentatiously. At the same time, we cannot do without the good example of others. There is a great value in remembering God’s deeds in the lives of his saints. If Moses…
14 Jun Tuesday of Week Eleven
The Power of Generosity Whenever we hear the gospel command to love our enemies and to pray for our persecutors, we think of Jesus’ own heroic example, praying for his executioners, as he hung on the cross (Luke 22:34). Paul, today, also pleads for generosity as he tells the church…
13 Jun Monday of Week Eleven
Heroic Endurance The first readings convey a sense of helpless indignation. In Naboth (2*) we have an instance of a good and decent man, betrayed by his neighbours just to please the government (the royal pair). The tragedy begins in the greed of a king who always got what he…
11 Jun Saturday in the Seventh Week of Easter
Ending On A High Note The readings for this day are drawn from the final verses of Acts and of John’s gospel. Acts rounds out the total theological purpose of St. Luke, which extended from his earlier book, the gospel, into his second book, called The Acts of the Apostles….
10 Jun Friday in the Seventh Week of Easter
A Sacred Trust The sequence of events is important, so natural and yet so filled with spiritual meaning that we must delay here. Youth is marked by an active pursuit of goals. Many options open out before a young man or young woman. With study, experimentation and advice they freely…
09 Jun Thursday in the Seventh Week of Easter
Making God Known Jesus signals unity as the most characteristic mark of his disciples, the sign and the goal of true faith, when he prayed: “that they may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.” Paul of Tarsus appears in today’s reading, yet not…
08 Jun Wednesday in the Seventh Week of Easter
Acts 20:28ff. Paul’s final word to church leaders calls them to be shepherds of the church of God. John 17:11ff. Before leaving them, Jesus prays to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth.” More Blessed to Give than to Take The necessity of prayer and of concern about his disciples…
07 Jun Tuesday in the Seventh Week of Easter
Famous Last Words Both Paul and Jesus indicate that an important phase of their ministry has been completed: Paul must proceed to Jerusalem and if he survives the persecutions in that city, he hopes to sail westward to Rome and then to Spain; Jesus declares that he has finished the…
06 Jun Monday in the Seventh Week of Easter
Plain Speaking The plain language of Jesus’ discourse in John’s gospel still baffles us. Why will the disciples find peace in Jesus, once they are scattered, each to his own way, and Jesus is left alone? How does such a disintegration of loyalties and friendship convince the disciples that Jesus…
04 Jun Saturday in the Sixth Week of Easter
Lay Apostles While the gospel implies an immediate awareness of the Holy Spirit and a direct communication between ourselves and the heavenly Father, the first reading seems to take a different slant. Acts points out that despite his
03 Jun Friday in the Sixth Week of Easter
Preserved by Providence Because the Bible is the word of God, we often think to ourselves that it will answer all our questions. Yet, today’s Gospel indicates that we will have questions on our mind until the second coming of Jesus. “[Only] on that
03 Jun Friday in the Sixth Week of Easter
Preserved by Providence Because the Bible is the word of God, we often think to ourselves that it will answer all our questions. Yet, today’s Gospel indicates that we will have questions on our mind until the second coming of Jesus. “[Only] on that day you will have no questions…
02 Jun Thursday in the Sixth Week of Easter
Steady amid Life’s Changes The Scriptures accept and record the quick transitions which can come into all our lives. Paul left behind the capital city of Athens with its sophisticated audience and proceeded to Corinth. Here he ran into severe opposition
01 Jun Wednesday in the Sixth Week of Easter
Making Things Clear Paul recognized in the Areopagus at Athens the wonderful, even ecstatic beauty of God’s creatures, as carved out of marble. The Greeks exulted in the perfect expression of the human form and carved some of the most exquisite statues of male and female as created by God….
Tuesday The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Theme Let Mary’s soul be in each of you… Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord… Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but we all bring forth Christ in faith… Whoever does this proclaims the greatness of the Lord, just as Mary rejoiced in…
Monday in the Sixth Week of Easter
First European Christians Paul’s relationship with the Philippians is one of exceptional peace and harmony. He fell in love with his newly founded Philippian church and his epistle to them is among the most emotional of his writings. He wrote: “I give thanks to my God every time I think…
Saturday in the Fifth Week of Easter
Tackling the Task Adversity continues to exert its important role in the apostolate. Persecuted in one place, the disciples moved on to another town; and so the gospel moved onward and continued to spread across the Roman Empire. When local conditions threw roadblocks in Paul’s way and kept him from…
Friday in the Fifth Week of Easter
Fruitful Compromise All will agree that martyrdom must be inspired by the Spirit of God, but we often think of compromise as slightly immoral and almost always as a decline in personal ideals. Yet the letter of the Jerusalem Council begins: “It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and…
Thursday in the Fifth Week of Easter
The power of enthusiasm A spontaneous interchange of life, love and joy flows between God the Father and God the Son. This force which bonds and unites them is so personal and real as to be God the Holy Spirit. Jesus desires that this same bond exist between ourselves and…
Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Easter
Discovering our Roots Many biblical readings reach into the roots and sources of our life and calls upon us to locate our origins in Jesus. For the Jewish people circumcision was the seal of the covenant, not only upon the flesh but also upon the transmission of life. Through this…
Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Easter
Gone On Ahead One of the ways by which we follow Jesus into his mysterious life with the Father and the Spirit, is to allow our own spirit come to rest in the deepest part of ourselves. Here is where the temple of God is constructed; here is the Holy…
Monday in the Fifth Week of Easter
Guided by the Spirit As we energetically begin a day or a new project, do we really want to be instructed by the Holy Spirit in everything? Then, we would be such instruments of the Spirit, that people would sense the power of miracles within us, as once they did…
Saturday in the Fourth Week of Easter
Transitional Moments We find assurance of God’s presence in the solemn majesty and grandeur of the heavens, but also his presence on earth in the person of Jesus. Once the grandeur of God’s gift is realized in our hearts, from that moment it must be shared with others.
Friday in the Fourth Week of Easter
In My Father’s House So long as we live on planet earth, we have not arrived at our final destiny, since “here we have no lasting city” (Heb 13:14). Our Scriptures declare that earth and even our entire solar system will one day disintegrate, but emphasize far more the ephemeral,…
Thursday in the Fourth Week of Easter
History: God at Work Putting today’s readings together, a line of continuity stretches from eternity to earth and right through Israel’s history upon planet earth, into the life of the church. Jesus is sent by the heavenly Father, with a message not just in words but in his very person….
Wednesday in the Fourth Week of Easter
The Roots of Mission In today’s Scripture we catch a glimpse of the intimate community of life between Jesus and his heavenly Father, between the members of the church in Antioch among themselves and with God. Jesus’ entire existence is formed by his total desire to please the Father, this…
Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Easter
Pastors with the Chief Shepherd True pastoral initiative must come from God, who speaks our name and leads us to follow Jesus. From him we receive eternal life, and through him we are caught up into the Holy Trinity. United with Jesus, we are united with Father and Spirit; as…
Monday in the Fourth Week of Easter
Gathering the Flock The gift of the Holy Spirit is personal, reaching into the depths of our heart and mind; it is also powerful, summoning us to heroic acts and new ways of life. Important moments of our personal, individual life can happen with startling abruptness, as they can for…
Saturday Feast of St Matthias, Apostle.
Apostolic Qualifications The qualifications of an Apostle as explained by Peter, head of the original apostolic group, are important to remember. For him it was essential for a member of the apostolic circle to have been with the Christian movement “from the beginning” and to have been “a witness to…
Friday in the Third Week of Easter
Persecutor to Promoter St Paul’s conversion is here presented for the first of three times in the Acts of the Apostles (see also 22:4-26; 26:12-18). Here it highlights the movement of the church beyond Judaism to the gentile world. This account is preceded in Acts by the story of the…
Thursday in the Third Week of Easter
Explaining the Inspired Text Our heavenly Father was already drawing the Ethiopian eunuch and royal treasurer to a life-giving faith. This foreigner was already a “God-fearer,” the term for gentiles who believed in Israel’s God Yahweh, and followed those prescriptions of the Torah which would not alienate the foreigner from…
Wednesday in the Third Week of Easter
Study in Contrasts: Jerusalem and Samaria Jerusalem, which had been a special object of Jesus’ ministry, now violently rejects his disciples, while the countryside, particularly Samaria, listens carefully to the word, is willing to accept miracles, and converts to the Lord. Sophisticated Jerusalem with its religious schools and centuries-old traditions,…
Tuesday in the Third Week of Easter
Effects of Martyrdom In presenting the martyrdom of St. Stephen, in Acts, Luke carefully models the death scene of Stephen upon Jesus’ death on the cross. Each, accused of blasphemy, is condemned to death by the Sanhedrin. Each sees a vision of someone coming on the clouds, at the right…
Monday in the Third Week of Easter
Stephen’s character The key word here linking today’s Scripture is “look” – how we look and what we see! When the members of the Sanhedrin looked on the face of Stephen it “looked like that of an angel.” Jesus tells the crowd: “You are not looking for me because you…
Saturday in the Second Week of Easter
Ministries needed to serve the Church Today’s gospel presents two scenarios: one in which we travel without Jesus and are engulfed by waves that can destroy us; another in which Jesus is with us and we come safely to our destination. In the Acts we read how the apostles healed…
Friday in the Second Week of Easter
Motivation that Matters We are asked to examine our motives for following Jesus and our norms for judging other institutions. Personal advancement and pleasure are ruled out by the scriptural readings. When the people proclaim Jesus as the
Thursday in the Second Week of Easter
The courage to take risks It is always difficult to distinguish internal strength from stubborn manipulation of others. How can we know if our convictions are from God and must be obeyed at all costs, or whether it is just from pride that we resist authority? Very few have had…
Wednesday in the Second Week of Easter
A Matter-of-fact approach The Scriptures present two aspects of our salvation. On one side we are told about forces at war with the ways of the Lord. Peter and John are caught in a struggle that involves the high priest and the entire Sanhedrin. They are arrested by the temple…
Tuesday in the Second Week of Easter
An ideal, united community? Today’s Scriptures present us with the question of whether and how a fair sharing of property can be achieved within the church. We see how, at least for a while, the early Christians at Jerusalem pooled all their resources, and there was no one in financial…
Monday in the Second Week of Easter
The Spirit shakes at our roots When and where the Spirit comes upon a person, with what signs and consequences, cannot be determined ahead of time. “The wind blows where it will…. You do not know where it comes from or where it goes.” In both Hebrew (ruah) and Greek…
Easter Saturday
The courage to trust him The Sanhedrin, the supreme ruling body of Judaism, found it impossible to consider that Jesus could be the Messiah, and that he had really risen from the dead. To believe in him would demand a major change in the whole furniture of their belief-system; nothing…
Easter Friday
Hauling in the Net The apostles went back to where they started, to Galilee, where they continued their work as fishermen. But their lives had been transformed by their contact with Jesus, and when they met him by the lakeshore, they recognised him, hauled in the net at his advice,…
Easter Thursday
Clothed with Power from on High Peter shares his conviction that Jesus was the fulfilment of all that the Jews had hoped, over many centuries: “All the prophets have announced the events of these days.” This echoes what Jesus himself said on the evening of Easter day, “Everything written about…
Easter Wednesday
Powerful, after his death The Emmaus story offers an inspiring model or paradigm for disciples of every age: if we travel the journey with each other, sharing our faith in Christ, he will be with us, to open our minds to the truth. Just as he brought them to deeper…
Easter Tuesday
Coming to know the Risen One The fascination of the Easter story is largely due to the sense of gradual recognition of the risen Jesus, by his closest friends and followers. John’s vivid account of Magdalene challenging the gardener to hand back the body of Jesus conveys some sense of…
Easter Monday
Different stories about Resurrection Our Scriptures describe the miracle and mystery of our Lord’s dying and rising in many and varied ways. As Peter’s sermon on that first Pentecost was addressed to an international group of Jews, all conscious of their Jewish identity, he sets Jesus within the larger framework…
Good Friday
It is Consummated Were you there when they crucified my Lord? … In the words of that haunting song, sometimes it does indeed cause me to tremble…. when I hear those words from the cross, “It is Consummated!” Consummated – completed – achieved to the last degree – engraved forever…
Holy Thursday
Feast of The Lord’s Supper Holy Week is focussed on the central mysteries of our Christian faith. Beginning the Sacred Triduum with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we highlight the gift of the Eucharist re-presenting the Lord’s Paschal Mystery, the very heart of the Church’s existence…
Wednesday in Holy Week
Saved from Fear and Shame When Isaiah says, “I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard,” he’s talking about that same place. It was usual in Isaiah’s day for Hebrew men to wear full beards, and pulling out a…
Tuesday in Holy Week
Two apostles who denied Christ The Gospel for today treats the two Apostles who denied Christ. One, of course was Judas Iscariot who swiftly left the Last Supper room to do his dastardly deed and the other, of course, was Simon Peter, who…
Monday in Holy Week
Short-term Gain The three gospel texts leading up to Holy Thursday deal with Judas Iscariot and his path to damnation. In the first reading, Isaiah records in Isaiah 42:1 “My chosen one with whom I am pleased.” Our Lord wanted so much to say this about his apostle, Judas, but…
Saturday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Great Uniting In order that all the dispersed children of God can lock hands and hearts and become one family as the prophet Ezekiel announced, they are not asked to lose anything at all. Many centuries after Ezekiel’s vision, the apostle Paul asked his converts to “ponder and preserve…
Friday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Not Rejecting Our Prophets Both Jeremiah and Jesus are hounded by friends and even by relatives who turned against them. Those erstwhile, fair-weather companions feel angry at Jeremiah or Jesus, when their personal interests and security were threatened. Jeremiah trusts in the Lord who “saves the life of the poor”…
Thursday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Abraham’s Enduring Promise The promises to Abraham reach into the future, even into centuries beyond our present age. In his vocational encounter with God, the patriarch anticipated a day when all the nations of the world will be united as though they were blood-relatives, all of them offspring of their…
Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
There is only one who can save us The young men in the book of Daniel follow their consciences and trust in God in spite of what happens to them: “If our God can save us , may he save us! But even if he will not, still we will…
Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Lent
The Serpent And The Cross The symbol of Israel’s sin, the saraph serpent (the Hebrew word saraph means burning), which threatened them with its poisonous bite, is transformed into an instrument of salvation…
Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent
Defending the Weak The key to genuine religion is given in one line about Susanna: Through her tears she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord with her whole heart. By contrast we learn that her two accusers suppressed their consciences and would not raise their eyes…
Saturday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Judging What Is Right Because Lent summons us to more extended prayer and reflection, with daily Eucharistic celebration and special biblical readings, we need to review the norms for reading the Bible profitably. Today’s selections from Jeremiah and the gospel of John offer some help for interpreting the Bible today.
Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Close To Those In Trouble At the depth of each person there is a mysterious life, not only created by God but also directed by God at each and every hour. There is an hour of peace and an hour of violence, an hour of birth and an hour of…
Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Winning Hearts, Not Arguments These readings center around complaints and responses. Since criticism is a very human reaction, we should all feel very much at home! God complains to Moses about the people of Israel: how stiff-necked they were! He wants to quit this stubborn mob and start a new…
Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Winning Hearts, Not Arguments These readings center around complaints and responses. Since criticism is a very human reaction, we should all feel very much at home! God complains to Moses about the people of Israel: how stiff-necked they were! He wants to quit this stubborn mob and start a new…
Wednesday in the Fourth Week of Lent
The Larger Picture The biblical readings from Isaiah 40 to 55 (a rich section of prophecy, dating from the Babylonian exile) and from the gospel of John are rich with tenderness and power. Heaven and earth sing in celebrating the Lord’s carving through the mountains to bring his people home…
Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Lent
Beside Living Waters We live in an age of pollution and crisis. Our earth’s air and our water are becoming so contaminated that we fear an ecological crisis. The fresh-water image, therefore, in the prophecy of Ezekiel has all the more appeal today; its miraculous origin all the more necessary….
Monday in the Fourth Week of Lent
An Outsider shows us how Through Isaiah, God promises us “new heavens and a new earth.” We look forward to a vibrant life, even better than just the old-made-new… for it will be a new creation, a total transformation. Although in the next age we and everyone else will somehow…
Saturday in the Third Week of Lent
Not just Mouthing Words If we know our Bible well, especially if we have memorized a lot of key passages, we have a rich storeroom of guidance, allowing us to find a good spiritual response for every occasion. The accompanying danger is that this store of memorised texts could wrap…
Friday in the Third Week of Lent
A Living Dialogue Both readings today are in a dialogue style and offer an excellent example of how to prayerfully study the Sacred Scriptures. We are to consider ourselves in the presence of God, but also in the presence of our larger community
Thursday in the Third Week of Lent
Jeremiah 7:23ff. Jeremiah presents human life in terms of a simple, obedient response to God. Disobedience was the cause of their disasters. Luke 11:14ff. His miracles of healing proved that Jesus was acting with the authority of God, and was not, as his critics claimed, in league with the devil….
Wednesday in the Third Week of Lent
Deut. 4:1ff. Belonging to God’s people is a privelege, implying responsibilities, and a wonderful destiny. Matthew 5:17ff. The spirit of prophetic renewal, that Jesus both taught and lived by, embodies and deepens the best features of Israel’s past. It’s not enough to keep the letter of the law; one must…
Tuesday in the 3rd Week of Lent
Daniel 3:25ff. King Nebuchadnezzar is deeply impressed by the miraculous escape of the three young Jews Matthew 18:21ff. Within this church-related chapter in Matthew, we find the spirit of mutual forgiveness that Jesus wants to characterise relationships within his church. Making a New Start An integral wholeness and thorough consistency…
Monday in the Third Week of Lent
2 Kings 5:1ff. Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, takes the prophet’s advice and is cured of his leprosy. Luke 4:24ff. The townspeople of Nazareth turn against Jesus, a classic proof of the dictum that “no prophet is accepted in his own home town.” Believing in Miracles At its heart…
Saturday in the Second Week of Lent
Micah 7:14ff. The prophet trusts that God, as a merciful shepherd, will again have compassion on his lowly and needy people. Luke 15:1ff. The parable of the Prodigal Son portrays a profoundly compassionate God, and includes a sharp warning against self-righteousness. Our Inheritance: Remembering God In these passages the Bible…
Feast of The Annunciation of the Lord
(this text is also included in our Sundays & Feasts section) Theme: Wonderful News The Annunciation story is full of splendid promise, radiant with a bright future. God’s messenger tells of a coming Saviour who will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High and will…
Thursday in the Second Week of Lent
Jeremiah 17:5ff. Blessed are those who trust in the Lord rather than in mere mortal power. Luke 16:19ff. The contrasting fortunes in the next life, of “Dives,” the uncaring rich man and his poor neighbour, Lazarus. In God We Trust In the curse of Jeremiah and the parable of Jesus…
Wednesday in the Second Week of Lent
Jeremiah 18:18ff. In his hopeless situation the prophet calls out the great prayer of hope: “Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies!” Matthew 20:17ff. Jesus’ reply to the request for prominent places goes too often unheeded: “the greatest among you must be our servant.” Believing in God’s Plan, No Matter What…
Tuesday in the Second Week of Lent
Isaiah 1:10ff. A ringing prophetic call to personal conversion: “remove your evildoings from before my eyes” Matthew 23:1ff. Unlike the hierarchical customs of Judaism, in Jesus’ circle “the greatest among you will be your servant.” Charity is vital, in order to have genuine personal integrity The Scriptures for this day…
Monday in the Second Week of Lent
Daniel 9:4ff. The exiles’ prayer of repentance. Humbled by the experience of being conquered and taken away as captive slaves, they turn back to God their Saviour. Luke 6:36ff. Jesus calls us to be perfect in the virtue of mercy, in imitation of God himself. Beautiful Compassion Where Matthew’s gospel…
Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
2 Sam 7:4ff. It is not king David, but his son Solomon, who will build a house for the glory of God’s name. God, however, will ensure the continuance of David’s descendants, among them Joseph, foster-father of Jesus. Rom 4:13ff. The “Faith,” “Righteousness” and (spiritual) “Descendants” that are linked with…
Friday in the First Week of Lent
Ezekiel 18:21ff. Ezekiel’s teaching about personal responsibility offsets the older focus on the guilt of the clan. Matthew 5:20ff. The true righteousness, that goes deeper than merely external observance of a set of laws. Ezekiel’s Principle The prophet Ezekiel places before us God’s expectation that we persevere in doing good…
Saint Patrick, Apostle of Ireland
Theme Nowadays St Patrick has become more national symbol than saint. With some irreverence, many of our young folk refer casually to “Paddy’s Day” and scarcely spare a thought for the hero who did such good for Ireland. One must dig beneath a mountain of patriotic sentiment to uncover the…
Wednesday in the First Week of Lent
Jo 3:1ff. Jonah’s preaching at Nineveh bears a fruit unintended by him, since the merciful God spares the city from his intended punishment. Luke 11:29ff. The only sign to be given will be the sign of Jonah: who returns from the dead, after three days. Learning from Jonah The inspired…
Tuesday in the First Week of Lent
Isaiah 55:10ff. God’s word comes down from heaven like rain, to make the earth fruitful Matthew 6:7ff. Guidance about prayer and the spirit of forgiveness. Safe In His Hands Year after year, one Lent after another, we hear and ponder God’s word. The process is a long one, of listening…
Monday in the First Week of Lent
Leviticus 19:1ff. The basic commandments are set alongside guidance for worship and for social compassion. Matthew 25:31ff. The final judgment will be based on “As you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me.’ Leaving out Luxuries Both biblical readings deal, like the prophets,…
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:9ff. If the people are converted, they will be richly blessed…”like a spring whose waters never fail.” Luke 5:27ff. The converted tax collector sits at table with Jesus, who welcomes sinners to repentance. Levi, a Paradigm of Acceptance The Jesus we follow is one who loves and accepts the…
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:1ff. Authentic religious practice (“True fasting”) is contrasted with merely external observance. Matthew 9:14ff. Jesus predicts fasting in the future, once the bridegroom is gone from this world. Genuine Penance The people were doubtless incensed when accused by Isaiah of rebelling against God. They saw themselves as eager in…
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Deut. 30:15ff. A heartfelt call to fidelity, as the key to their future.”Choose life so that you and your descendants may live!” Luke 9:22ff. Jesus predicts his passion, and its effect on disciples – they must carry their cross each day, after him. Choosing Life The same Jesus who declared…
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12-18. Joel urges the Israelites to repent sincerely of their sins, both individually and in a community liturgy – something like what we are celebrating here and now. 2 Cor 5:20-6:2. If Christ has reconciled the world with God, each Christian must seek to become worthy of the grace…
Wednesday 9th March
Joel 2:12-18. Joel urges the Israelites to repent sincerely of their sins, both individually and in a community liturgy – something like what we are celebrating here and now. 2 Cor 5:20-6:2. If Christ has reconciled the world with God, each Christian must seek to become worthy of the grace…
Tuesday of Week Nine
Tob 2:9ff. A typical family scene of tender goodness, faithful perseverance and some disagreement and quarreling. Mark 12:13ff. Balancing one’s loyalties between civil and religious responsibilities: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, but to God what is God’s.” The Homespun Virtues It is good for soul and body to find…
Monday of Week Nine
Tob 1:1ff Living in exile away from the promised land. Tobit shows compassion for his neighbours. Mark 12:1ff. The wicked tenants kill the vineyard-owner’s son; they are punished, and the vineyard given to others. Surviving Abroad Tobit was one of the last additions to the Old Testament, just as 2…
Saturday of the Eighth Week
Sir 51:12ff. When I was young, wisdom came to me inner beauty, and until the end I will cultivate her. Mark 11:27ff. Jesus will explain the source of his authority if others will state their mind about John the Baptist’s ministry. Willing to Grow Sirach is calm and confident, knowing…
Friday of the Eighth Week
Sir 44:1ff. Israel’s ancestors were blessed in life and in their descendants because of God’s covenant with them and their fidelity to it. In times of trial rejoice that you share in Christ’s sufferings. Mark 11:11ff. Two interwoven episodes: cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple; at the centre…
Thursday of the Eighth Week
Sir 42:18ff. God has filled the universe with an infinite variety of life, each part completing and complementing the others. Mark 10:46ff. Jesus heals Bartimaeus of blindness because of his faith. Reborn in spirit Sirach moves from simple things to intricate mysteries, from the beauty of the natural universe to…
Wednesday of the Eighth Week
Sir 36:1ff. By God’s fidelity to the hopes and prophetic promises of Israel, he will reveal his salvation to the ends of the earth. Mark 10:32ff. Jesus again announces his death and resurrection. His disciples argue over rank and privilege in his kingdom. Reverence in God’s Household A response of…
Tuesday of the Eighth Week
Sir 35:1ff. This Jerusalem teacher recommends temple sacrifices; he also calls for generosity to the poor, and freedom from extortion. Mark 10:28ff. We will receive a hundred times over and above for anything we have given up for Jesus’ sake. Remembering the Poor When Sirach took part in the temple…
Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Sir 17:19ff. Repent from sin while you are still alive. The dead cannot praise God. Mark 10:17ff. Go and sell what you possess and come follow me.Humanly it is impossible but with God all things are possible. Living the Present Moment The book of Sirach, from which we have been…
Saturday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Sir 17:1ff. God made us in the divine image, and looks with favour on us so that we may praise his holy name. Mark 10:13ff. Jesus embraces and blesses the children who come to him, for the kingdom of God belongs to them. Young and Old in the Community The…
Friday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Sir 6:5ff. Let your friends be tried and trusted.A faithful friend is a tonic for those who fear God. Mark 10:1ff. Jesus’ condemnation of divorce and remarriage. Marriage and Friendship The gospel applies to marriage the ultimate conclusions to be reached from Sirach, about friendship and truthfulness. Though our acquaintances…
Thursday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Sir 5:1ff. Rely not on your wealth nor on your strength; do not delay your conversion to the Lord. Mark 9:41ff. A drink of water given to a follower of Christ will be rewarded; warning against scandal; primacy of the eternal life. Primacy of the Hereafter Some lurid statements must…
Wednesday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Sir 4:11ff. The following of wisdom which brings happiness and reveals life’s deepest secrets. Mark 9:38ff. Jesus corrects the apostles for blocking a man, not of their group, from casting out devils in his name. Wisdom Dearly Bought While Sirach, the wise old head of a Jerusalem school of practical…
Tuesday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Feast of The Chair of St Peter The early Christians in Rome celebrated the memory of the day when the Apostle held his first service with the faithful of the Eternal City, under the title “Cath. Petri In Roma” (the Chair of Peter in Rome)” The earlier tradition was to…
Monday in the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Sir 1:1ff. All wisdom comes from God and returns to him.It produces fear of the Lord, and gives length to our days. Mark 9:14ff. The mute spirit which convulses the boy is driven out by Jesus’ faith and prayer. Qualities of True Prayer Three great and related moments in Mark’s…
Saturday in the Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
Hebrews 11:1ff. Some famous incidents from the origins of the human race (Gen 1-11) that make clear how faith is assurance of what we hope for, and do not see. Mark 9:2ff. Jesus’ transfiguration, when he appears in glory between his major fore-runners, Moses and Elijah. Faith and Visions The…
Friday in the Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
Gen 11:1ff. When people sought independence from God, their language is scrambled and they are dispersed. Mark 8:34ff. One must lose one’s life in order to save it.What is the good of gaining the whole world and losing oneself? Conflicting Aspirations The tower of Babel and the hill of Calvary:…
Thursday in the Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
Gen 9:1ff. The rainbow, a perpetual sign of God’s covenant with Noah and the human race. Blood and life belong to God. Mark 8:27ff. Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah; then he is reprimanded for rejecting the Passion prediction. The Cross And The Rainbow The two great signs of the…
Wednesday in the Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
Gen 8:6ff. From the dove Noah learns that the flood is over and offers sacrifice.The Lord promises never again to destroy the earth. Mark 8:22ff. Jesus cures the blind man in stages, secretely, with spittle and the touch of his hands. Maturing by Stages The gospel suggests the long, gradual…
Tuesday of Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Gen 6:5ff. The beginning of Noah’s flood, caused by human wickedness; the Lord’s regret at creating the human race. Mark 8:14ff. Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees! Jesus is amazed at the blindness of his disciples. A Word Deeply Rooted On first reading today’s texts are focussed on externals….
Monday in the 6th Week of Ordinary Time
Saints Cyril and Methodius, Patrons of Europe Saints Cyril and Methodius were two Byzantine brothers born in Thessalonika, northern Greece, in the 9th century They became missionaries of Christianity among the Slavic peoples of Great Moravia and Pannonia (modern Czech Republic and Hungary). Through their work they influenced the cultural…
Saturday of Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Gen 3:9ff. The Lord sentences the serpent, and Adam and Eve, who are expelled from the garden. Mark 8:1ff. Jesus, out of compassion for hungry people, multiplies bread and fish for about four thousand people. Sentenced and Reprieved In Genesis we have heard how our first parents are condemned to…
Friday in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
(There is an optional memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes) Gen 3:1ff. Woman and man disobey God and attempt to hide from him in the garden; now their nakedness makes them ashamed. Mark 7:31ff. Jesus cures a man who was deaf and dumb, and the people are amazed as his…
Thursday in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
Gen 2:18ff. God forms woman who alone of all earth’s creatures stands equal to man; they are to be joined as one body. Mark 4:24ff. By humble, persevering faith, a Syro-Phoenician woman induces Jesus to cure her daughter, despite his initial reluctance. Generosity between the Sexes Women hold the centre…
Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
Gen 2:5ff. God creates Adam and sets him in the garden to cultivate it, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Mark 7:14ff. What renders us impure is not what enters us from outside but rather the wickedness in the deep recesses of the…
Tuesday in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
Gen 1:20ff. After forming man and woman to the divine likeness,God rested and blessed the seventh day. Mark 7:1ff. Jesus brands it a crime to nullify the plain sense of God’s word by recourse to human traditions and practices. God’s Dwelling on Earth The Scriptures for today proclaim the sacredness…
Monday in the Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
Gen 1:1ff. God creates light, the sky, the earth and the sun, the moon and stars, on the first four days of creation. Mark 6:53ff. Wherever Jesus went, the sick were brought to him.Whoever touched him got well, due to the combination of his healing power and the sick person’s…
Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 13:15ff. God raised up the great Shepherd of the sheep from the dead.May he enable you to do his will. Mark 6:30ff. Jesus invites the apostles to come aside and rest, though he pities the people, as sheep without a shepherd. Consistency between Prayer and Life The theme of…
Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 13:1ff. Recommendations to good morals, hospitality, contentment, to be mindful of prisoners and the persecuted. Mark 6:14ff. Herod is curious about John the Baptist and about Jesus.Mark recounts the martyrdom of the Baptist. Entertaining Angels Unaware Today we commemorate great precursors of Jesus, people like John the Baptist in…
Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 12:18ff. In Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the blood of Jesus, outpoured in sacrifice, establishes the new covenant. Mark 6:7ff. Jesus sends out the twelve, two by two, to preach, anoint the sick, and work many cures. Divided Loyalties “Remain faithful to me with whole heart…
Feast of the Presentation of our Lord
Also celebrated as World Day for Consecrated Life Mal 3:1-4. When the special messenger comes to the Temple, the sacrifices offered there will again be pleasing to the Lord. Lk 2:22-40: Luke’s account of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, and the welcome he receives from the faithful…
Feast of St Brigid, Secondary Patron of Ireland
Job 31:16-20; 24-25; 31-32. An account of Job’s lavish generosity towards the poor and needy; clearly reflected in St Brigid’s many works of charity. Luke 6:32-38. In Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” Jesus gives his ideal of unselfish generosity – giving of oneself, in imitation of the creative love of…
Monday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Hebrews 11:32ff. After a litany of heroic men and women who overcame hardships of all kinds, we are called into their company. Mark 5:1ff. Jesus cures the demoniac and then commissions the man to proclaim the good news to the ten cities. Tested on Our Pilgrimage The Scriptures respect our…
Saturday 29th January
Hebrews 11:1ff. Faith is our certainty that we await a better hereafter, with God in whose promises we trust. Mark 4:35ff. Jesus quells the storm at sea, showing his divine power in overcoming the forces of nature. Limitations and Ideals We are just human beings, neither angels nor gods; we…
Friday 28th January
(Today may be celebrated as the feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas; but what are given here are the readings from Ordinary Time. ) Hebrews 10:32ff. Do not abandon your patience and fidelity. If you do the will of God you will receive his promises. Mark 4:26ff. The seed sprouts and…
Thursday 27th January
Hebrews 10:19ff. We are assured of entrance into the Holy of Holies by the new and living path Jesus has opened for us. Mark 4:21ff. To those who have more will be given; from the have-nots, the little they have will be taken away. Promise Surprisingly Fulfilled The new life-path…
Wednesday 26th January
(Today may be celebrated as the feast of Saints Timothy and Titus; but what are given here are the readings from Ordinary Time.) Hebrews 10:11ff. Jesus offers one sacrifice for sin that forever perfects his people, inscribing the new covenant on their hearts. Mark 4:1ff. Parable of the sower and…
Feast of The Conversion of St Paul
Acts 9:1-22. The change in young Saul, from fiery, zealous persecutor of Christians, to becoming a totally devoted follower and missionary of the crucified and risen Christ. Mark 16:15-18. The promises of Jesus Christ to be with his followers is at the heart of the Gospel’s life-giving truth power. Mark…
Monday 24th January
(This can also be celebrated as the feast of St Francis de Sales, with a different set of readings) Hebrews 9:15ff. Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice once for all, and so puts an end to the many sacrifices in the temple. Mark 3:22-30. Jesus does not cast out devils…
Saturday 22nd January
Hebrews 9:2ff. Jesus enters the true Holy of Holies, not of human making, to cleanse our conscience to serve the living God. Mark 3:20ff. Jesus and the disciples return home, and is mobbed. His relatives fear that he is out of his mind. God Caters for our Human Needs We…
Friday 21st January
Hebrews 8:6ff. Jesus, our high priest is mediator of a new and better covenant between God and us, as was announced by the prophet Jeremiah. Mark 3:13ff. Going up a mountain, Jesus commissions the twelve to preach the good news and to expel all evil spirits from the hearts of…
Thursday 20th January
Hebrews 7:25ff. In Jesus we have the supreme high priest, who serves in the true tabernacle of heaven. This was a great source of confidence in the author’s time (late first century), when Christians had been excluded from both the temple and the synagogues; indeed, it remains a supportive Christian…
Wednesday 19th January
Hebrews 7:1-3ff. The priesthood of Jesus is of mysterious origin, like Melchisedek’s, which lasts forever. Just as Melchisedek blessed Abraham, so the priestly influence of Jesus is above and beyond that of the Jewish temple priests, and has worldwide power to save. Mark 3:1ff. Jesus asks if it is permitted…
Tuesday 18th January
Hebrews 6:10ff. After waiting patiently Abraham obtained the long-delayed promise of a son. We too must learn patience from the example of Jesus. Mark 2:23ff. Jesus defends his disciples for eating on the holy day, since “the sabbath was made for us, not we for the sabbath.” Am I a…
Monday 17th January
Hebrews 5:1ff. Jesus shares our human weakness yet shows deep obedience to the will of God, and so he became perfect, and the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Mark 2:18ff. Jesus’ disciples do not fast as long as the bridegroom is with them. No one puts…
Saturday 15th January
Hebrews 4:12ff. God’s word is a two-edged sword, penetrating soul and spirit; our compassionate high priest sympathises with our weakness. Mark 2:13ff. Jesus calls a tax collector to join him as a disciple, and then proceeds to dine with Matthew/Levi and his friends. Both by word and action he calls…
Friday 14th January
Hebrews 4:1ff. Through obedient faith, directed especially towards Jesus, we enter into our “rest” – a state of fulfilment that echoes God’s celebration of creation, on the seventh day. Mark 2:1ff. A crowd gathers round Jesus, at his lakeside home in Capernaum; he heals a paralytic after first forgiving his…
Thursday 13th January
Hebrews 3:7ff. Our hearts are to be open, with confidence towards God today, not hardened, doubting and complaining. Mark 1:40ff. Jesus touches and cures the leper; the man ignores his instructions and proceeds to tell everyone about it. Discerning true from false religiosity The Scripture today invites us to evaluate…
Wednesday 12th January
Hebrews 2:14ff. Jesus shared our flesh and blood, our temptations and death, and so is able to help us in our trials. Mark 1:29ff. Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law, drives out demons, withdraws to a lonely spot to pray, and preaches the good news. Called to Commitment We are consoled by…
Tuesday 11th January
Hebrews 2:5ff. Everything is subject to Jesus who is totally one with us. He was crowned with glory, after being perfected through suffering. Mark 1:21ff. People are spellbound that Jesus teaches with such authority and even gives orders to unclean spirits. Power to make us new Our Scriptures reach into…
Monday 10th January
Hebrews 1:1ff. In times past God spoke to us in many and varied ways, but in this final age, through his eternal and creative Son. Mark 1:14ff. Jesus begins his mission, proclaiming the reign of God and calling his first disciples to work with him in bringing the Good News…
Saturday 8th January
“Noblesse Oblige” Today’s first reading, surely, is among the finest moral exhortations in the whole Bible. Human beings are called and graced into the image of God; and since God’s essence is love, God’s children must be characterised by their spirit of love. The quality is also how we “live…
Friday 7th January
As one community contracts, another expands In spite of its fervent adherence to the person of Jesus and its high ideals of community purity and fraternal love, it is clear from the letters that the Johannine community suffered from grave internal tensions, which eventually led to its break-up, amid reproaches…
The Epiphany of the Lord
Is 60:1-6. In the age to come, the Messiah, the Saviour King, will reveal his glory to all the nations. To work for this is now the mission of the Church. Eph 3:2-3, 5-6. The salvation revealed in Christ is for everyone. In his Church, there can be no exclusivness…
Wednesday 5th January
Fraternal Love, and Encounter with Christ John’s letter continues its emphasis on fraternal love, as the surest sign that a person is spiritually alive, closely tied to Jesus and living authentically, or “from the truth”. Today he gives to his ideal of love “agapé” a strong flavour of social justice…
Tuesday 4th January
Are We Righteous, or Sinners? John’s letter continues on the idea that Christians are “born of God” but now adds a strong ethical dimension to this: Those who are truly “born of God” do what is right and are “righteous” – mirroring the righteousness of God himself. There is an…
Monday 3rd January
Christ-centred Focus The extensive use of the first letter of John in the immediate post-Christmas period is due to its strongly Christ-centred focus, in a meditative, almost mystical tone. In prayerful and somewhat repetitive fashion, John hovers around the theme of salvation and the love of God, incarnated in Jesus….
Feast of Mary, Mother of God
Num 6:22-27. The solemn priestly blessing, a prayer that God would bless and protect us and be gracious to us, is very apt at the beginning of a new year. Gal 4:4-7. Through the Incarnation, the distance between God and man has been bridged and now we can call God…
Advent Week 4 – Thursday
Ml 3:1ff. God’s messenger will bring about a conversion of hearts, before the great and terrible day of the Lord. Luke 1:57ff. Amazement, joy and hopefulness at the birth of John the Baptist.
Advent Week 4 – Wednesday
1 Samuel 1:24ff. Samuel’s mother, Hannah, dedicates her young son to a life of service to God. Luke 1:46ff. Mary’s hymn of praise and thanksgiving, the Magnificat.
Advent Week 4 – Tuesday
So 2:8ff. Lyrical love-poetry from the Song of Songs, about the beloved who is coming. Luke 1:39ff. The mutual encouragement of Mary and Elizabeth: sharing of faith at the Visitation.
Advent Week 4 – Monday
Isaiah 7:10ff. King Ahaz refuses to ask a sign of the Lord; then Isaiah promises a child to be called Immanuel. Luke 1:26ff. The angelic annunciation to Mary, the highly-favoured one: she will conceive of the Spirit, and give birth to Jesus.
Advent Week 4 – Sunday
Judges 13:2ff. Manoah’s wife learns of the miraculous conception of Samson, who will be dedicated to God to the day of his death. Luke 1:5ff. Glorious things are predicted of John, the long-awaited son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
Advent Week 4 – Saturday
Jeremiah 23:5ff. A righteous Branch will be raised up from David’s descendants, to rule with wisdom and justice. Matthew 1:18ff. Joseph is told of the miraculous, virginal conception of Jesus, who “will save his people from their sins. “
Advent Week 4 – Friday
Genesis 49:2ff. The dying Jacob predicts future glory for the tribe of Judah, among all of his twelve sons. This is fulfilled when the Messiah is born “of the tribe of Judah.” Mt 1:1ff. The apparent, popular and schematically structured genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the…
Advent Week 3 – Thursday
Isaiah 54:1ff. The future reversal, when the abandoned will find God’s special favour;for “the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer. ” Luke 7:24ff. Jesus praises John the Baptist as “a prophet, yes, and more than a prophet. “
Advent Week 3 – Wednesday
Isaiah 45:6ff. A glorious portrayal of the true, living God, creator of all. “I am the Lord, and there is no other. ” Luke 7:18ff. In reply to John’s question ‘Are you the one who is to come?’ Jesus points to his healing ministry, in confirmation.
Advent Week 3 – Tuesday
Zephaniah 3:1ff. A prophet’s hopeful vision of his people’s future conversion: the humble shall seek refuge in the name of the Lord. Matthew 21:28ff. The short parable about two sons: one refuses but then obeys; the other agrees but disobeys.
Advent Week 3 – Monday
Numbers 24:2ff. Balaam’s oracle about the glorious future, when a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter from Israel. Matthew 21:23ff. When the Jewish leaders demand proof of his authority, Jesus points to John’s non-hierarchical authority.
Advent Week 2 – Saturday
Sirach 48:1ff. Lyrical praise of the great Elijah, a prophet whose word burned like a torch. Matthew 17:9ff. John the Baptist was the “Elijah” – the fore-runner, before the Messiah’s arrival.
Advent Week 2 – Friday
Isaiah 48:17ff. If you heeded my commandments, your name would last forever Matthew 11:16ff. Jesus criticises the people of his generation, who listened neither to John the Baptist nor to himself.
Advent Week 2 – Thursday
Isaiah 41:13ff. The Lord says to his dispirited people, “Do not fear, for I will help you. ” Matthew 11:11ff. The greatness of John the Baptist, but the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Advent Week 2 – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Gen 3:9-20. After their sin, our First Parents tried to move the blame on to each other, and to the serpent. God puts enmity between the serpent and the woman, between its offspring and hers. Eph 1:3ff. An enthusiastic hymn to the saving grace of God, which the church sees…
Advent Week 2 – Tuesday
Isaiah 40:1ff. “Comfort ye my people!” – the beginning of Second Isaiah, on the promised return of the exiles from Babylon. Matthew 18:12ff. The shepherd rejoices to find the lost sheep.
Advent Week 2 – Monday
Isaiah 35:1ff. In a glorious future they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the ransomed exiles shall return to Zion Luke 5:17ff. Jesus heals the paralysed man, let down through the roof, for “the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins” First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10 The wilderness…
Advent Week 1 – Saturday
Isaiah 30:19ff. The coming days of blessed enlightenment, when the people will turn aside from idolatry. Matthew 9:35ff. Jesus sends his twelve apostles to spread the gospelto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Advent Week 1 – Friday
Isaiah 29:17ff. A promise of good times, when deaf shall hear and blind shall see – and those who grumble will accept instruction. Matthew 9:27ff. Cure of two blind men, when Jesus says: “According to your faith let it be done to you. ” First Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24 Shall not…
Advent Week 1 – Thursday
Isaiah 26:1ff. A hymn of confidence in the Lord God “your everlasting rock”. Matthew 7:21ff. Final section of the Sermon on the Mount: like a wise man who built his house on rock.
Advent Week 1 – Wednesday
Isaiah 25:6ff. “Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces” – another glorious Messianic vision of the final age. Matthew 15:29ff. Jesus , out of compassion for the crowd, multiplies the loaves and fishes, so that all eat their fill. First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-10 On this…
Advent Week 1 – Tuesday
Isaiah 11:1ff. A glorious vision of the Messianic blessings, when “They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain. ” Luke 10:21ff. True disciples, and the humble of heart, will know God with the special knowledge that Jesus has of him. First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 A shoot shall…