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.
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 5 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 of a Jewish woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek. He was…
20 May 2022 – Friday of Week 5 of Easter
Friday of Week 5 of Easter 1st Reading: Acts 15:22-31 The decision of the Jerusalem Council goes out as a circular letter Then 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…
19 May 2022 – Thursday 5th Week of Easter
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 I should be the…
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
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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
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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
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07 January 2022. Friday after Epiphany
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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
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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
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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 co