DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Francis De Sales, Bishop And Doctor Of The Church

First Reading:  Ephesians 3:8-12

To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ, And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things:  That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church, According to the eternal purpose, which he made, in Christ Jesus our Lord:  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 37:30a; V. 3-4, 5-6, 30-31

R. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom:

V. Trust in the Lord, and do good, and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches.

     Delight in the Lord, and he will give thee the requests of thy heart.

V. Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it.

     And he will bring forth thy justice as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

V. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom: and his tongue shall speak judgment.

     The law of his God is in his heart, and his steps shall not be supplanted.  

Gospel Reading:  John 15:9-17

As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Second Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Hebrews 7:25—8:6

Whereby he is able also to save for ever them that come to God by him; always living to make intercession for us. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;  Who needeth not daily (as the other priests) to offer sacrifices first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, in offering himself. For the law maketh men priests, who have infirmity: but the word of the oath, which was since the law, the Son who is perfected for evermore. Now of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of majesty in the heavens,  A minister of the holies, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord hath pitched, and not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is necessary that he also should have some thing to offer. If then he were on earth, he would not be a priest: seeing that there would be others to offer gifts according to the law, Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things. As it was answered to Moses, when he was to finish the tabernacle: See (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern which was shewn thee on the mount. But now he hath obtained a better ministry, by how much also he is a mediator of a better testament, which is established on better promises.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40 (39):8a, 9a; V. 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17

R. Then said I, Behold I come. That I should do thy will:

V. Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire; but thou hast pierced ears for me.

    Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require:  Then said I, Behold I come.

V. In the head of the book it is written of me That I should do thy will:

    O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of my heart.

V. I have declared thy justice in a great church,

    (L)o, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.

V. Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee:

    (A)nd let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:7-12

But Jesus retired with his disciples to the sea; and a great multitude followed him from Galilee and Judea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond the Jordan. And they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing the things which he did, came to him. And he spoke to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. For he healed many, so that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had evils. And the unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him: and they cried, saying:  Thou art the Son of God. And he strictly charged them that they should not make him known. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Truth Marching To Justice

The time has come once again.

The country once again remembers the landmark decisions made by the United State Supreme Court this day in 1973. The highest judiciary of this land deemed, in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, that a woman could legally end her pregnancy via abortion. On that day as well the first March For Life was held.

Fifty-two years later, that demonstration still takes place. (It will happen on Friday this year.) It has grown in magnitude and stature ever since, spawning marches at state capitals and other sites around the country and world. The only other event with such gravitas is the Walk For Life West Coast, held in San Francisco, CA since 2005. (It will happen on Saturday this year.)

The reason still remains the same. It is the affirmation of the dignity and worth of every human being, starting at conception. It is the appreciation and valuing of motherhood (and, indirectly, fatherhood) and children. It is a reminder of how precious and beautiful life and living is.

With the recent inauguration of Mr. Donald J. Trump for his second term as President of the United States, the pro-life forces are once again buoyed by an ally in the White House, as demonstrated by his actions in his first term. The pendulum will once again swing towards them, as opposed to the actions of the last occupant of the Oval Office, Mr. Joseph R. Biden, Jr., who did everything in his power for the pro-abortion faction.

{I have used in the past the term "poor-(pro-)choice" to describe those who want unrestricted access to abortion at any time during pregnancy. This will be the last time I will use that phrase. I have been persuaded by the commentary of the pro-life side and the actions of the pro-abortion side that they do not want "choice". They have even dropped that label from their statements. Therefore, that moniker is no longer accurate.}

The abortion issue is still the largest battle front in the culture war. Evident since Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the Supreme Court decision that overturned Roe and Doe, the country has seen numerous legislative initiatives at both state and federal levels to establish what limits are allowed. Each side has seen what they deem to be success. But the argument (in its negative connotation) still literally rages, with no end in sight and no resolution to be had.

So what happens this weekend is still necessary. It is, in a way, the pro-life's New Year's Eve. We come together to celebrate our successes and renew our resolution. We gather to be inspired and reinvigorated. We congregate at places of power and centers of help and hope to bear witness to our cause.

We come to affirm the words found in Deuteronomy (30:15, 19b):

See, I have today set before you life and good, death and evil....I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live.

We continue to "Choose Life".

DR Squared: Day Of Prayer For The Legal Protection Of Unborn Children

First Reading:  Isaiah 49:1-6

Give ear, ye islands, and hearken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he hath been mindful of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword: in the shadow of his hand he hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow: in his quiver he hath hidden me. And he said to me: Thou art my servant Israel, for in thee will I glory. And I said: I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength without cause and in vain: therefore my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. And now saith the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be his servant, that I may bring back Jacob unto him, and Israel will not be gathered together: and I am glorified in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is made my strength. And he said: It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 8:2ab; V. 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. O Lord our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!

V. For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which          thou hast founded.

    What is man that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?

V. Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and         honour:

     And hast set him over the works of thy hands.

V. Thou hast subjected all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen: moreover the beasts           also of the fields.

     The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea, that pass through the paths of the sea.   

Second Reading:  Ephesians 3:14-21

For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man, That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts; that being rooted and founded in charity, You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth:  To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us; To him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus unto all generations, world without end. Amen.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:39-56

And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:  And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy:  As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months; and she returned to her own house. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Agnes, Virgin And Martyr

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 23 (22):1b; V. 1b-3a, 4, 5, 6

R. The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

V. The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing. He hath set me in a place of pasture.

     He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:  He hath converted my soul.

V. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou      art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.

V. Thou hast prepared a table before me against them that afflict me

     Thou hast anointed my head with oil; and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is        it!

V. And thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life.

     And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 13:44-46

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Monday Of The Second Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Hebrews 5:1-10

For every high priest taken from among men, is ordained for men in the things that appertain to God, that he may offer up gifts and sacrifices for sins:  Who can have compassion on them that are ignorant and that err: because he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And therefore he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. Neither doth any man take the honour to himself, but he that is called by God, as Aaron was. So Christ also did not glorify himself, that he might be made a high priest: but he that said unto him: Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place: Thou art a priest for ever, according to the order of Melchisedech. Who in the days of his flesh, with a strong cry and tears, offering up prayers and supplications to him that was able to save him from death, was heard for his reverence. And whereas indeed he was the Son of God, he learned obedience by the things which he suffered:  And being consummated, he became, to all that obey him, the cause of eternal salvation. Called by God a high priest according to the order of Melchisedech.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 110 (109):4b; V. 1, 2, 3, 4

R. Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech.

V. The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou at my right hand:

     Until I make thy enemies thy footstool.

V. The Lord will send forth the sceptre of thy power out of Sion:

     rule thou in the midst of thy enemies.

V. With thee is the principality in the day of thy strength: in the brightness of the saints:

     from the womb before the day star I begot thee.

V. The Lord hath sworn, and he will not repent:

     Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech. 

Gospel Reading: Mark 2:18-22

And the disciples of John and the Pharisees used to fast; and they come and say to him: Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast; but thy disciples do not fast? And Jesus saith to them: Can the children of the marriage fast, as long as the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them; and then they shall fast in those days. No man seweth a piece of raw cloth to an old garment: otherwise the new piecing taketh away from the old, and there is made a greater rent. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: otherwise the wine will burst the bottles, and both the wine will be spilled, and the bottles will be lost. But new wine must be put into new bottles. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Second Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year C)

First Reading:  Isaiah 62:1-5

For Sion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for the sake of Jerusalem, I will not rest till her just one come forth as brightness, and her saviour be lighted as a lamp. And the Gentiles shall see thy just one, and all kings thy glorious one: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. And thou shalt be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Thou shalt no more be called Forsaken: and thy land shall no more be called Desolate: but thou shalt be called My pleasure in her, and thy land inhabited. Because the Lord hath been well pleased with thee: and thy land shall be inhabited. For the young man shall dwell with the virgin, and thy children shall dwell in thee. And the bridegroom shall rejoice over the bride, and thy God shall rejoice over thee.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96 (95):3; V.1-2, 2-3, 7-8, 9-10

R. Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.

V. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.

     Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name:

V. (S)hew forth his salvation from day to day.

     Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.

V.  Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and               honour:

     Bring to the Lord glory unto his name. Bring up sacrifices, and come into his courts:

V. Adore ye the Lord in his holy court. Let all the earth be moved at his presence.

    Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For he hath corrected the world,              which shall not be moved: he will judge the people with justice.

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Now there are diversities of graces, but the same Spirit; And there are diversities of ministries, but the same Lord; And there are diversities of operations, but the same God, who worketh all in all. And the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man unto profit. To one indeed, by the Spirit, is given the word of wisdom: and to another, the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; To another, faith in the same spirit; to another, the grace of healing in one Spirit; To another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the discerning of spirits; to another, diverse kinds of tongues; to another, interpretation of speeches. But all these things one and the same Spirit worketh, dividing to every one according as he will.

Gospel Reading:  John 2:1-11

And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus also was invited, and his disciples, to the marriage. And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine. And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? my hour is not yet come. His mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever he shall say to you, do ye. Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it. And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom, And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The First Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Hebrews 4:12-16

For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is. Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God: let us hold fast our confession. For we have not a high priest, who can not have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin. Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace: that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in seasonable aid.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. John 6:64b; V. Psalm 19 (18):8, 9, 10, 15

R. The words that I have spoken to you, are spirit and life.

V. The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls:

     the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

V. The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts:

     the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

V. The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever:

     the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

V.  And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please:

     and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight. O Lord, my helper, and my redeemer.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 2:13-17

And he went forth again to the sea side; and all the multitude came to him, and he taught them. And when he was passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom; and he saith to him: Follow me. And rising up, he followed him. And it came to pass, that as he sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat down together with Jesus and his disciples. For they were many, who also followed him. And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing that he ate with publicans and sinners, said to his disciples: Why doth your master eat and drink with publicans and sinners? Jesus hearing this, saith to them: They that are well have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. For I came not to call the just, but sinners. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Anthony, Abbot

First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13, 18

Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints:

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 16 (15):5a; V. 1-2a and 5, 7-8, 11

R. The Lord is the portion of my inheritance

V. Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee. I have said to the Lord, thou art          my God,

    The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: it is thou that wilt restore my        inheritance to me.

V. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding: moreover my reins also have          corrected me even till night.

    I set the Lord always in my sight: for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

V. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life, thou shalt fill me with joy with thy                 countenance: at thy right hand are delights even to the end.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 19:16-26

And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting Who said to him: Why asketh thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith to him: All these I have kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me? Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me. And when the young man had heard this word, he went away sad: for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples: Amen, I say to you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. And when they had heard this, the disciples wondered very much, saying: Who then can be saved? And Jesus beholding, said to them: With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.  

DR Squared: Thursday Of The First Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Hebrews 3:7-14

Wherefore, as the Holy Ghost saith: Today if you shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation; in the day of temptation in the desert, Where your fathers tempted me, proved and saw my works, Forty years: for which cause I was offended with this generation, and I said: They always err in heart. And they have not known my ways, As I have sworn in my wrath: If they shall enter into my rest. Take heed, brethren, lest perhaps there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, to depart from the living God. But exhort one another every day, whilst it is called today, that none of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ: yet so, if we hold the beginning of his substance firm unto the end.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 95 (94):8; V. 6-7c, 8-9, 10-11

R. Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts:

V. Come let us adore and fall down: and weep before the Lord that made us.

     For he is the Lord our God: and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his           hand.

V. Today if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts:  As in the provocation,                   according to the day of temptation in the wilderness:

     where your fathers tempted me, they proved me, and saw my works.

V. Forty years long was I offended with that generation, and I said: These always err in            heart.

    And these men have not known my ways: so I swore in my wrath that they shall not            enter into my rest.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 1:40-45

And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down said to him: If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus having compassion on him, stretched forth his hand; and touching him, saith to him: I will. Be thou made clean. And when he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean. And he strictly charged him, and forthwith sent him away. And he saith to him: See thou tell no one; but go, shew thyself to the high priest, and offer for thy cleansing the things that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them. But he being gone out, began to publish and to blaze abroad the word: so that he could not openly go into the city, but was without in desert places: and they flocked to him from all sides.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.