DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Twenty-Second Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  1 Corinthians 2:10b-16

For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, but the spirit of a man that is in him? So the things also that are of God no man knoweth, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God. Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the sensual man perceiveth not these things that are of the Spirit of God; for it is foolishness to him, and he cannot understand, because it is spiritually examined. But the spiritual man judgeth all things; and he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that we may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 145 (144):17a; V. 8-9, 10-11, 12-13ab, 13cd-14

R.  The Lord is just in all his ways:

V.  The Lord is gracious and merciful:

     patient and plenteous in mercy.

     The Lord is sweet to all:

     and his tender mercies are over all his works.

V.  Let all thy works, O lord, praise thee:

     and let thy saints bless thee.

     They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom:

     and shall tell of thy power:

V.  To make thy might known to the sons of men:

     and the glory of the magnificence of thy kingdom.

     Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages:

     and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

V.  The Lord is faithful in all his words:

     and holy in all his works.

     The Lord lifteth up all that fall:

     and setteth up all that are cast down.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 4:31-37

And he went down into Capharnaum, a city of Galilee, and there he taught them on the sabbath days. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his speech was with power. And in the synagogue there was a man who had an unclean devil, and he cried out with a loud voice, Saying: Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the holy one of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying: Hold thy peace, and go out of him. And when the devil had thrown him into the midst, he went out of him, and hurt him not at all. And there came fear upon all, and they talked among themselves, saying: What word is this, for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they go out? And the fame of him was published into every place of the country.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Twenty-Second Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not in loftiness of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of Christ. For I judged not myself to know anything among you, but Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in shewing of the Spirit and power; That your faith might not stand on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119 (118):97a; V. 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102

R.  O how have I loved thy law, O Lord!

V.  O how have I loved thy law, O Lord!

     it is my meditation all the day.

V.  Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than my enemies:

     for it is ever with me.

V.  I have understood more than all my teachers:

     because thy testimonies are my meditation.

V.  I have had understanding above ancients:

     because I have sought thy commandments.

V.  I have restrained my feet from every evil way:

     that I may keep thy words.

V.  I have not declined from thy judgments,

     because thou hast set me a law.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 4:16-30

And he came to Nazareth, where he was brought up: and he went into the synagogue, according to his custom, on the sabbath day; and he rose up to read. And the book of Isaias the prophet was delivered unto him. And as he unfolded the book, he found the place where it was written:  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Wherefore he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the contrite of heart, To preach deliverance to the captives, and sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of reward. And when he had folded the book, he restored it to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them: This day is fulfilled this scripture in your ears. And all gave testimony to him: and they wondered at the words of grace that proceeded from his mouth, and they said: Is not this the son of Joseph? And he said to them: Doubtless you will say to me this similitude: Physician, heal thyself: as great things as we have heard done in Capharnaum, do also here in thy own country. And he said: Amen I say to you, that no prophet is accepted in his own country. In truth I say to you, there were many widows in the days of Elias in Israel, when heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there was a great famine throughout all the earth. And to none of them was Elias sent, but to Sarepta of Sidon, to a widow woman. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet: and none of them was cleansed but Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, hearing these things, were filled with anger. And they rose up and thrust him out of the city; and they brought him to the brow of the hill, whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them, went his way.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Twenty-Second Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year A)

First Reading:  Jeremiah 20:7-9

Thou hast deceived me, O Lord, and I am deceived: thou hast been stronger than I, and thou hast prevailed. I am become a laughing-stock all the day, all scoff at me. For I am speaking now this long time, crying out against iniquity, and I often proclaim devastation: and the word of the Lord is made a reproach to me, and a derision all the day. Then I said: I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name: and there came in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was wearied, not being able to bear it.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 (DR--2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 8-9)

R.  For thee my soul hath thirsted;

V.  O God, my God, to thee do I watch at break of day.

     For thee my soul hath thirsted; for thee my flesh, O how many ways!

     In a desert land, and where there is no way, and no water:

V.  (S)o in the sanctuary have I come before thee,

     to see thy power and thy glory.

     For thy mercy is better than lives:

     thee my lips shall praise.

V.  Thus will I bless thee all my life long:

     and in thy name I will lift up my hands.

     Let my soul be filled as with marrow and fatness:

     and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.

V.  Because thou hast been my helper.

     And I will rejoice under the covert of thy wings:

     My soul hath stuck close to thee:

     thy right hand hath received me.  

Second Reading:  Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto God, your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of God.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 16:21-27

From that time Jesus began to shew to his disciples, that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the ancients and scribes and chief priests, and be put to death, and the third day rise again. And Peter taking him, began to rebuke him, saying: Lord, be it far from thee, this shall not be unto thee. Who turning, said to Peter: Go behind me, Satan, thou art a scandal unto me: because thou savourest not the things that are of God, but the things that are of men. Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to every man according to his works.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of The Passion Of Saint John The Baptist

First Reading:  Jeremiah 1:17-19

Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak to them all that I command thee. Be not afraid at their presence: for I will make thee not to fear their countenance. For behold I have made thee this day a fortified city, and a pillar of iron, and a wall of brass, over all the land, to the kings of Juda, to the princes thereof, and to the priests, and to the people of the land. And they shall fight against thee, and shall not prevail: for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 71 (70):15ab; V. 1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17

R.  My mouth shall shew forth thy justice; thy salvation all the day long.

V.  In thee, O Lord, I have hoped,

     let me never be put to confusion:

     Deliver me in thy justice, and rescue me.

     Incline thy ear unto me, and save me.

V.  Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of strength:

     that thou mayst make me safe.

     For thou art my firmament and my refuge.

     Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the sinner,

V.  For thou art my patience, O Lord:

     my hope, O Lord, from my youth;

     By thee have I been confirmed from the womb:

     from my mother's womb thou art my protector.

V.  My mouth shall shew forth thy justice;

     thy salvation all the day long.

     Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth:

     and till now I will declare thy wonderful works.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 6:17-29

For Herod himself had sent and apprehended John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her. For John said to Herod: It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Now Herodias laid snares for him: and was desirous to put him to death, and could not. For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly. And when a convenient day was come, Herod made a supper for his birthday, for the princes, and tribunes, and chief men of Galilee. And when the daughter of the same Herodias had come in, and had danced, and pleased Herod, and them that were at table with him, the king said to the damsel: Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he swore to her: Whatsoever thou shalt ask I will give thee, though it be the half of my kingdom. Who when she was gone out, said to her mother, What shall I ask? But she said: The head of John the Baptist. And when she was come in immediately with haste to the king, she asked, saying: I will that forthwith thou give me in a dish, the head of John the Baptist. And the king was struck sad. Yet because of his oath, and because of them that were with him at table, he would not displease her:  But sending an executioner, he commanded that his head should be brought in a dish.  And he beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a dish: and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother. Which his disciples hearing came, and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 8/29/2025.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Twenty-First Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble:  But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong. And the base things of the world, and the things that are contemptible, hath God chosen, and things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are:  That no flesh should glory in his sight. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and justice, and sanctification, and redemption:  That, as it is written: He that glorieth, may glory in the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 33:12-13, 18-19, 20-21

R.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.

V.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord:

     the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.

     The Lord hath looked from heaven:

     he hath beheld all the sons of men.

V.  Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him:

     and on them that hope in his mercy.

     To deliver their souls from death;

     and feed them in famine.

V.  Our soul waiteth for the Lord:

     for he is our helper and protector.

     For in him our heart shall rejoice:

     and in his holy name we have trusted.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 6:17-29

For Herod himself had sent and apprehended John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother, because he had married her. For John said to Herod: It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife. Now Herodias laid snares for him: and was desirous to put him to death, and could not. For Herod feared John, knowing him to be a just and holy man: and kept him, and when he heard him, did many things: and he heard him willingly. And when a convenient day was come, Herod made a supper for his birthday, for the princes, and tribunes, and chief men of Galilee. And when the daughter of the same Herodias had come in, and had danced, and pleased Herod, and them that were at table with him, the king said to the damsel: Ask of me what thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he swore to her: Whatsoever thou shalt ask I will give thee, though it be the half of my kingdom. Who when she was gone out, said to her mother, What shall I ask? But she said: The head of John the Baptist. And when she was come in immediately with haste to the king, she asked, saying: I will that forthwith thou give me in a dish, the head of John the Baptist. And the king was struck sad. Yet because of his oath, and because of them that were with him at table, he would not displease her:  But sending an executioner, he commanded that his head should be brought in a dish.  And he beheaded him in the prison, and brought his head in a dish: and gave it to the damsel, and the damsel gave it to her mother. Which his disciples hearing came, and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.

  The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Augustine, Bishop And Doctor Of The Church

First Reading:  1 John 4:7-16

Dearly beloved, let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is charity. By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by him. In this is charity: not as though we had loved God, but because he hath first loved us, and sent his Son to be a propitiation for our sins. My dearest, if God hath so loved us; we also ought to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abideth in us, and his charity is perfected in us. In this we know that we abide in him, and he in us: because he hath given us of his spirit. And we have seen, and do testify, that the Father hath sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. And we have known, and have believed the charity, which God hath to us. God is charity: and he that abideth in charity, abideth in God, and God in him.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119 (118):12b; V. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R.  O Lord: teach me thy justifications.

V.  By what doth a young man correct his way?

     by observing thy words. 

V.  With my whole heart have I sought after thee:

     let me not stray from thy commandments.

V.  Thy words have I hidden in my heart,

     that I may not sin against thee.

V.  Blessed art thou, O Lord:

     teach me thy justifications.

V. With my lips I have pronounced

     all the judgments of thy mouth.

V.  I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies,

     as in all riches.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 23:8-12

But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren. And call none your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 8/28/2025.

DR Squared: Friday Of The Twenty-First Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:17-25

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void. For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness; but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the prudence of the prudent I will reject. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe. For both the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews indeed a stumblingblock, and unto the Gentiles foolishness:  But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 33 (32):5b; V. 1-2, 4-5, 10-11

R.  The earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

V.  Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just:

     praise becometh the upright.

     Give praise to the Lord on the harp;

     sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.

V.  For the word of the Lord is right,

     and all his works are done with faithfulness.

     He loveth mercy and judgment;

     the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

V.  The Lord bringeth to naught the counsels of nations;

     and he rejecteth the devices of people, and casteth away the counsels of princes.

     But the counsel of the Lord standeth for ever:

     the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:1-13

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be like to ten virgins, who taking their lamps went out to meet the bridegroom and the bride. And five of them were foolish, and five wise. But the five foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them:  But the wise took oil in their vessels with the lamps. And the bridegroom tarrying, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made: Behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise: Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. The wise answered, saying: Lest perhaps there be not enough for us and for you, go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. Now whilst they went to buy, the bridegroom came: and they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. But at last come also the other virgins, saying: Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answering said: Amen I say to you, I know you not. Watch ye therefore, because you know not the day nor the hour.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Monica

First Reading:  Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16

Happy is the husband of a good wife: for the number of his years is double. A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband: and shall fulfill the years of his life in peace. A good wife is a good portion, she shall be given in the portion of them that fear God, to a man for his good deeds. Rich or poor, if his heart is good, his countenance shall be cheerful at all times. On a daughter that turneth not away herself, set a strict watch: lest finding an opportunity she abuse herself. Take heed of the impudence of her eyes, and wonder not if she slight thee. She will open her mouth as a thirsty traveller to the fountain, and will drink of every water near her, and will sit down by every hedge, and open her quiver against every arrow, until she fail. The grace of a diligent woman shall delight her husband, and shall fat his bones.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 131 (130):1bcde, 2, 3

R.  (NB:  There seems to be no corresponding verse.)

V.  Lord, my heart is not exalted:

     nor are my eyes lofty.

     Neither have I walked in great matters,

     nor in wonderful things above me.

V.  If I was not humbly minded,

     but exalted my soul:

     As a child that is weaned is towards his mother,

     so reward in my soul.

V.  Let Israel hope in the Lord,

     from henceforth now and for ever. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 7:11-17

And it came to pass afterwards, that he went into a city that is called Naim; and there went with him his disciples, and a great multitude. And when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow: and a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards her, he said to her: Weep not. And he came near and touched the bier. And they that carried it, stood still. And he said: Young man, I say to thee, arise. And he that was dead, sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all: and they glorified God, saying: A great prophet is risen up among us: and, God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the country round about.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 8/27/2025.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Twenty-First Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, in every place of theirs and ours. Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you, for the grace of God that is given you in Christ Jesus, That in all things you are made rich in him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; As the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, So that nothing is wanting to you in any grace, waiting for the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Who also will confirm you unto the end without crime, in the day of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful: by whom you are called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 145 (144):1; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R.  I will extol thee, O God my king: and I will bless thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

V.  Every day I will bless thee:

     and I will praise thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

     Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised:

     and of his greatness there is no end.

V.  Generation and generation shall praise thy works:

     and they shall declare thy power.

     They shall speak of the magnificence of the glory of thy holiness:

     and shall tell thy wondrous works.

V.  And they shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts:

     and shall declare thy greatness.

     They shall publish the memory of the abundance of thy sweetness:

     and shall rejoice in thy justice.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 24:42-51

Watch ye therefore, because ye know not what hour your Lord will come. But know this ye, that if the goodman of the house knew at what hour the thief would come, he would certainly watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open. Wherefore be you also ready, because at what hour you know not the Son of man will come. Who, thinkest thou, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath appointed over his family, to give them meat in season. Blessed is that servant, whom when his lord shall come he shall find so doing. Amen I say to you, he shall place him over all his goods. But if that evil servant shall say in his heart: My lord is long a coming:  And shall begin to strike his fellow servants, and shall eat and drink with drunkards:  The lord of that servant shall come in a day that he hopeth not, and at an hour that he knoweth not:  And shall separate him, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Twenty-First Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18

And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us. For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us: for we were not disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing, but in labour and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you. Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us. For also when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat. Now the Lord of peace himself give you everlasting peace in every place. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with my own hand; which is the sign in every epistle. So I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 128 (127):1a; V. 1-2, 4-5

R.  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord:

V.  Blessed are all they that fear the Lord:

     that walk in his ways.

     For thou shalt eat the labours of thy hands:

     blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee.

V.  Behold, thus shall the man be blessed

     that feareth the Lord.

     May the Lord bless thee out of Sion:

     and mayest thou see the good things of Jerusalem

     all the days of thy life.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 23:27-32

Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you are like to whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear to men beautiful, but within are full of dead men's bones, and of all filthiness. So you also outwardly indeed appear to men just; but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; that build the sepulchres of the prophets, and adorn the monuments of the just, And say: If we had been in the days of our Fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore you are witnesses against yourselves, that you are the sons of them that killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.