The Heart Of A Mother

The First Saturday Devotion came as a result of visions received by the last surviving Fatima seer at that time, Lucia, although they were mentioned in the apparition on July 13, 1917.

While not a part of this devotion, the following litany, after the rosary, is the most beautiful petition for intercession from the Blessed Virgin Mary.

++++++++++

Litany Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ, have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
R. Christ, graciously hear us.

V. God the Father of Heaven.

R. Have mercy on us. (Repeat after each invocation.)
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Spirit.
Holy Trinity, one God

V. Holy Mary.
R. Pray for us. (Repeat after each invocation.)
Holy Mother of God.

Holy Virgin of virgins.

Mother of Christ.
Mother of divine grace.
Mother most pure.
Mother most chaste.
Mother inviolate.
Mother undefiled.
Mother most amiable.
Mother most admirable.
Mother of good counsel.
Mother of our Creator.
Mother of our Savior.

Virgin most prudent.
Virgin most venerable.
Virgin most renowned.
Virgin most powerful.
Virgin most merciful.
Virgin most faithful.

Mirror of justice.
Seat of wisdom.
Cause of our joy.
Spiritual vessel.
Vessel of honor.
Singular vessel of devotion.

Mystical rose.
Tower of David.

Tower of ivory.
House of gold.
Ark of the Covenant.
Gate of Heaven.
Morning star.
Health of the sick.
Refuge of sinners.
Comforter of the afflicted.
Help of Christians.

Queen of angels.
Queen of patriarchs.
Queen of prophets.
Queen of apostles.
Queen of martyrs.
Queen of confessors.
Queen of virgins.
Queen of all saints.
Queen conceived without Original Sin.
Queen assumed into Heaven.
Queen of the most holy Rosary.

Queen of families.
Queen of peace.

V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Grant, we beg You, O Lord God, that we Your Servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

++++++++++

Originally posted 7/2/2011.
Re-posted 6/8/2013.
Re-posted 6/27/2014.
Re-posted 6/24/2017. (NOTE: The feast this year was superseded by the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.)
Re-posted 6/9/2018.

Re-posted 6/29/2019.

Re-posted 6/20/2020.

Re-posted 6/12/2021.

Re-posted 6/25/2022.

Re-posted 6/17/2023.

Re-posted 6/8/2024.

Re-posted 6/28/2025.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of The Immaculate Heart Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading:  Isaiah 61:9-11

And they shall know their seed among the Gentiles, and their offspring in the midst of peoples: all that shall see them, shall know them, that these are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation: and with the robe of justice he hath covered me, as a bridegroom decked with a crown, and as a bride adorned with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth her seed to shoot forth: so shall the Lord God make justice to spring forth, and praise before all the nations.

Responsorial Psalm:  1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

R.  My heart hath rejoiced in the Lord,

V.  My heart hath rejoiced in the Lord,

     and my horn is exalted in my God:

     my mouth is enlarged over my enemies:

     because I have joyed in thy salvation.

V.  The bow of the mighty is overcome,

     and the weak are girt with strength.

     They that were full before have hired out themselves for bread:

     and the hungry are filled,

     so that the barren hath borne many:

     and she that had many children is weakened.

V.  The Lord killeth and maketh alive,

     he bringeth down to hell and bringeth back again.

     The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich,

     he humbleth and he exalteth.

V.  He raiseth up the needy from the dust,

     and lifteth up the poor from the dunghill:

     that he may sit with princes, 

     and hold the throne of glory. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 2:41-51

And his parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, And when he was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast, And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and his parents knew it not. And thinking that he was in the company, they came a day's journey, and sought him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance. And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers. And seeing him, they wondered. And his mother said to him: Son, why hast thou done so to us? behold thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said to them: How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father's business? And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart.

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

++++++++++

Originally posted 6/28/2025.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Anthony Of Padua, Priest And Doctor Of The Church

First Reading:  Isaiah 61:1-3d

The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me: he hath sent me to preach to the meek, to heal the contrite of heart, and to preach a release to the captives, and deliverance to them that are shut up. To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God: to comfort all that mourn: To appoint to the mourners of Sion, and to give them a crown for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, a garment of praise for the spirit of grief:

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):2a; V. 2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27

R.  The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.

V.  The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.

     I will shew forth thy truth with my mouth to generation and generation.

     For thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up for ever in the heavens:

     thy truth shall be prepared in them.

V.  I have made a covenant with my elect:

     I have sworn to David my servant:

     Thy seed will I settle for ever.

     And I will build up thy throne unto generation and generation.

V.  I have found David my servant:

     with my holy oil I have anointed him.

     For my hand shall help him:

     and my arm shall strengthen him.

V.  And my truth and my mercy shall be with him:

     and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

     He shall cry out to me: Thou art my father:

     my God, and the support of my salvation.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 10:1-9

And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

++++++++++

Originally posted 6/13/2025.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Tenth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  1 Kings 19:19-21

And Elias departing from thence, found Eliseus the son of Saphat, ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen: and he was one of them that were ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen: and when Elias came up to him, he cast his mantle upon him. And he forthwith left the oxen and ran after Elias, and said: Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said to him: Go, and return back: for that which was my part, I have done to thee. And returning back from him, he took a yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled the flesh with the plough of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate: and rising up he went away, and followed Elias, and ministered to him.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 16 (15):5a; V. 1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10

R.  The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup:

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.  Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced:

     moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.

     Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;

     nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5:33-37

Again you have heard that it was said to them of old, Thou shalt not forswear thyself: but thou shalt perform thy oaths to the Lord. But I say to you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God:  Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king:  Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your speech be yea, yea: no, no: and that which is over and above these, is of evil.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

A Cat's Tale

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. 

Anatole France (1844-1924)

As I had mentioned in my last year-end review I was the "new" owner of two cats from Catherine Garcia's house, Ashes and Ginger. They're both tuxedos, black with white chins, bellies, and paws. It's been a joy to have them with me.

If you have noticed, I had to use a contraction when writing. There is a reason. One cat is still in the present tense; the other is not. It is with a lingering sadness that I pen another pet obituary.

This post is about the cat who adopted me.

This story is about "my baby".

This biography is about Ginger.

A Box Of Fur

It was 2009 when I came home one day to find this sign taped to the door of my office/dressing room:

ENTER AT

YOUR OWN RISK.

ATTACK GINGER

KITTY INSIDE.

(I still have that sign.)

That was the first time I met Ginger. She originally belonged to Catherine's mother, Norma Allen. Norma, for a time, would transfer between an assisted living facility and a rehab hospital a few times. When that happened, Ginger would come live with us, transported in a cardboard carrying container. (Needless to say, but her loathing of that mode of moving was born there.)

Willow and Ashes were also with Catherine and me at the time. Acclimating the cats to each other was a challenge; as I learned later, Ginger was not socially well-adjusted. So she spent most of her time in my room, adapting to my personal aromas and pheromones. The bond between us began there. When Norma permanently was confined to the rehab hospital, we added one more animal to the menagerie.

"Mama" Kitty

Ginger did eventually come to tolerate the other cats. She wisely, however, avoided the dogs we also had at the place. She split her time between the master bedroom and my office, especially when I was there. I would find her in an open dresser drawer quite often. She would snuggle into my laundry basket as well. But the place she loved the most was my lap.

She was always an indoor cat. She ventured outside only once, as far as I knew. It was November 12 2011. (I have the exact date because of an e-mail exchange with someone.) She was gone for about sixteen hours before she snuck her was back to my office. It never happened again.

The bond between us grew with the passing years. If I was lying down, she would lie on me, either on my torso or side. She would use my hand for a pillow. When she was the most relaxed, she would allow me to rub her belly. When I retired for the night, she would lay near me, sometimes next to my head.

It was a flattering way to say, "I trust you."

A True Companion

For the last eight years of her life, the bond between us was incredibly special. It was put to the test in 2023. Remember when I left the area for that summer? Guess who I took with me?

There was even one night in October when I was living out of my car when a special moment happened. I looked toward Catherine's house when I saw the light in the room I was using was on. There was a cat in the window. I went down to look closer.

It was Ginger. She was sitting there, as regal as ever. She seemed to be saying to me, "I will be here for you."

Sixteen months later, I had her (as well as Ashes) in my possession.

Signs Of The (End) Times

She did have one very annoying habit. Whenever something was not right in her world, whether the food and/or water bowl(s) were empty or the litterbox needed cleaning, she would let me know of her displeasure by using my bed as her litterbox.  She did have a history of urinary tract infections, so that may have been a cause of that as well.

It was also a warning of what was to come.

On April 26, at 7:00 AM, I rose for the day. Ten minutes later, I heard her scratching the covers on the bed. Yes, she did it again. I thought it was because I wasn't giving here the attention she wanted at the time. 

April 30 was a different story. She vomited bile. She had done this before when UTI's were the diagnosis. I took her to an urgent veterinary clinic that afternoon. However, the diagnosis from the attending vet was not what I wanted to here.

She was having chronic kidney failure, developing probably over the last two years. She didn't have much time left. I opted for palliative care.

But she wanted to fight. I was hoping to get her appetite back and go from there. The follow up exam at my regular vet's place a week later offered a little encouragement. But there were more signs saying the end was near.

I had a strange dream on May 10. Picture if you will a cross between a tidal pool and a swamp, in black and white. The tide was coming in. Then, I heard me say, "Ginger's gone." That startled me awake.

As cats are want to do when ill, she was isolating herself. I found her in different places about the apartment, but always hiding in plain sight. Around 5:00 AM on May 11, I went looking for her. She came out from under the futon, one of two places where it would be a challenge to retrieve her. After taking a few steps, she collapsed. She was tired and weak, as she had stopped eating.

As I was working on a post later that morning, I remembered I had saved this poem shortly after Zoe was euthanized.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this — the last battle — can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close — we two — these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

— Unknown

It was the final push I needed.

At 4:55 PM, I made her last vet appointment.

The Last Hours

Sometime around 5:00 AM on May 12, I brought Ginger on the bed with me. Even in her failing condition, she still reached a paw out to me. Her crying as I put her in her carrying container was muted. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.

The appointment was at 10:00 AM at the other animal hospital associated with this group. Delayed at a railroad crossing, I got there ten minutes late, then waited another five minutes before we was received. Checking in provided me the time to made decisions about her remains. As with the other pets back at the house, I did decide to keep her cremains.

We were taken to what was called the "Quiet Room". Its main feature was a cabinet where the procedure would take place. After a few minutes, the vet came to speak with me. We reviewed her last exam; I filled in details. He then explained the procedure to me, then left me alone with Ginger.

I gave an anguished cry. My head knew this was the right thing to do, but my heart still wanted her to die of her own volition. I still wanted her in my life, but not like this.

Around 10:35 AM the vet and a vet tech entered the room. The tech administered a muscle relaxant which would take about fifteen minutes to become effective. One again, I was left along with her. During the next twenty minutes, as she laid in my lap, more peaceful than she had been for the last month, I prayed. I thanked God for creating this beautiful creature, for bringing her into my life, for allowing me to take care of her. Then I offered her back to Him.

It was around 10:55 AM when the vet entered for the last time. We took her to that cabinet and laid her on her right side. I got down on one knee to look at her and stroke her chin (her favorite spot for affection) and the top of her head. He then administered the dose of phenytoin/pentobarbital. While I did not see the injection, I did hear something of a whooshing sound.

The wait was not long.

At 11:02 AM, she took her last breath and heartbeat.

The vet left us alone. I took just a couple of minutes looking at her lifeless body, then covered it with a towel, leaving only her head visible. Then I left, after being briefly consoled by the vet.

Post Mortem

May 28 was when her cremains were ready for pick up. I have them. I have her collar and tags. I have her front paw prints. I have photos (which I will share later as an update.) I have memories.

She was part of my life for about 16 years. I was her life all of her life.

There is a quote in both offices that warms my heart.

"Love is a four-legged word."

I hope to see her on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

The Making Of Hearts

The First Friday Devotion was revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque during an eighteen month period beginning December 27, 1673. It includes recitation of the following litany.

++++++++++

Litany To The Sacred Heart Of Jesus

V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ, have mercy.
V. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us.
R. Christ, graciously hear us.

V. God, the Father of Heaven.
R. Have mercy on us. (Repeat after each invocation.)
God, the Son, Redeemer of the World.
God, the Holy Spirit.
Holy Trinity, one God.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father.
Heart of Jesus, formed in the womb of the Virgin Mother by the Holy Spirit.
Heart of Jesus, united substantially with the word of God.
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty.
Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God.
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High.
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven.
Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity.
Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love.
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues.
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise.
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts.
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Divinity.
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased.
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received.
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills.
Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy.
Heart of Jesus, rich to all who invoke You.
Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness.
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins.
Heart of Jesus, saturated with revilings.
Heart of Jesus, crushed for our iniquities.
Heart of Jesus, made obedient unto death.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation.
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation.
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in You.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You.
Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints.

V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord
V. Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
R. Have mercy on us.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart.
R. Make our hearts like unto Yours.

Let us pray: Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Your well-beloved Son and upon the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders unto You in the name of sinners; and do, in Your great goodness, grant pardon to them who seek Your mercy, in the name of Your same Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You forever and ever. Amen.

++++++++++

Originally posted 7/1/2011.
Re-posted 6/5/2013.
Re-posted 6/27/2014.
Re-posted 6/3/2016.
Re-posted 6/23/2017.
Re-posted 6/8/2018.

Re-posted 6/28/2019.

Re-posted 6/19/2020.

Re-posted 6/11/2021.

Re-posted 6/24/2022.

Re-posted 6/16/2023.

Re-posted 6/7/2024.

Re-posted 6/27/2025

DR Squared: Solemnity Of The Most Sacred Heart Of Jesus (Year A)

First Reading:  Deuteronomy 7:6-11

Because thou art a holy people to the Lord thy God. The Lord thy God hath chosen thee, to be his peculiar people of all peoples that are upon the earth. Not because you surpass all nations in number, is the Lord joined unto you, and hath chosen you, for you are the fewest of any people:  But because the Lord hath loved you, and hath kept his oath, which he swore to your fathers: and hath brought you out with a strong hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, out of the hand of Pharao the king of Egypt. And thou shalt know that the Lord thy God, he is a strong and faithful God, keeping his covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments, unto a thousand generations:  And repaying forthwith them that hate him, so as to destroy them, without further delay immediately rendering to them what they deserve. Keep therefore the precepts and ceremonies and judgments, which I command thee this day to do.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 103:17a; V. 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 10

R.  But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity and unto eternity upon them that fear him:

V.  Bless the Lord, O my soul:

     and let all that is within me bless his holy name.

     Bless the Lord, O my soul,

     and never forget all he hath done for thee.

V.  Who forgiveth all thy iniquities:

     who healeth all thy diseases.

     Who redeemeth thy life from destruction:

     who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion.

V.  The Lord doth mercies,

     and judgment for all that suffer wrong.

     He hath made his ways known to Moses:

     his wills to the children of Israel.

V.  The Lord is compassionate and merciful:

     longsuffering and plenteous in mercy.

     He hath not dealt with us according to our sins:

     nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

Second 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.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus answered and said: I confess to thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to the little ones. Yea, Father; for so hath it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me by my Father. And no one knoweth the Son, but the Father: neither doth any one know the Father, but the Son, and he to whom it shall please the Son to reveal him. Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

First reading:  Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3

(A)nd a great number believing, were converted to the Lord. And the tidings came to the ears of the church that was at Jerusalem, touching these things: and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch. Who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced: and he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord. And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch. And they conversed there in the church a whole year; and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch the disciples were first named Christians. Now there were in the church which was at Antioch, prophets and doctors, among whom was Barnabas, and Simon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. And as they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Ghost said to them: Separate me Saul and Barnabas, for the work whereunto I have taken them. Then they, fasting and praying, and imposing their hands upon them, sent them away.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 98  (97):2; V. 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6

R.  The Lord hath made known his salvation:...in the sight of the Gentiles.

V.  Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle;

     because he hath done wonderful things.

     His right hand hath wrought for him salvation,

     and his arm is holy.

V.  The Lord hath made known his salvation:

     he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

     He hath remembered his mercy and his truth

     toward the house of Israel.

V.  All the ends of the earth have seen

     the salvation of our God.

     Sing joyfully to God, all the earth;

     make melody, rejoice and sing.

V.  Sing praise to the Lord on the harp,

     on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

     With long trumpets, and sound of cornet.

     Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king:

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 10:7-13

And going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give. Do not possess gold, nor silver, nor money in your purses:  Nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till you go thence. And when you come into the house, salute it, saying: Peace be to this house. And if that house be worthy, your peace shall come upon it; but if it be not worthy, your peace shall return to you.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

++++++++++

Originally posted 6/11/2025.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Tenth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believing, were converted to the Lord. And the tidings came to the ears of the church that was at Jerusalem, touching these things: and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch. Who, when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced: and he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord. And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch. And they conversed there in the church a whole year; and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch the disciples were first named Christians. Now there were in the church which was at Antioch, prophets and doctors, among whom was Barnabas, and Simon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. And as they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Ghost said to them: Separate me Saul and Barnabas, for the work whereunto I have taken them. Then they, fasting and praying, and imposing their hands upon them, sent them away.

Responsorial Psalm: cf. Psalm 98 (97):2b; V. 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R.  (H)e hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

V.  Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle:

     because he hath done wonderful things.

     His right hand hath wrought for him salvation,

     and his arm is holy.

V.  The Lord hath made known his salvation:

     he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

     He hath remembered his mercy and his truth

     toward the house of Israel.

V.  All the ends of the earth have seen

     the salvation of our God.

     Sing joyfully to God, all the earth;

     make melody, rejoice and sing. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5:20-26

For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not kill. And whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whosoever is angry with his brother, shall be in danger of the judgment. And whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council. And whosoever shall say, Thou Fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. If therefore thou offer thy gift at the altar, and there thou remember that thy brother hath any thing against thee; Leave there thy offering before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to thy brother: and then coming thou shalt offer thy gift. Be at agreement with thy adversary betimes, whilst thou art in the way with him: lest perhaps the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. Amen I say to thee, thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Tenth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

Frist Reading:  1 Kings 18:20-39

Achab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered together the prophets unto mount Carmel. And Elias coming to all the people, said: How long do you halt between two sides? if the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people did not answer him a word. And Elias said again to the people: I only remain a prophet of the Lord: but the prophets of Baal are four hundred and fifty men. Let two bullocks be given us, and let them choose one bullock for themselves, and cut it in pieces and lay it upon wood, but put no fire under: and I will dress the other bullock, and lay it on wood, and put no fire under it. Call ye on the names of your gods, and I will call on the name of my Lord: and the God that shall answer by fire, let him be God. And all the people answering said: A very good proposal. Then Elias said to the prophets of Baal: Choose you one bullock and dress it first, because you are many: and call on the names of your gods, but put no fire under. And they took the bullock which he gave them, and dressed it: and they called on the name of Baal from morning even till noon, saying: O Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any that answered: and they leaped over the altar that they had made. And when it was now noon, Elias jested at them, saying: Cry with a louder voice: for he is a God, and perhaps he is talking, or is in an inn, or on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep, and must be awaked. So they cried with a loud voice, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till they were all covered with blood. And after midday was past, and while they were prophesying, the time was come of offering sacrifice, and there was no voice heard, nor did any one answer, nor regard them as they prayed:  Elias said to all the people: Come ye unto me. And the people coming near unto him, he repaired the altar of the Lord, that was broken down:  And he took twelve stones according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying: Israel shall be thy name. And he built with the stones an altar to the name of the Lord: and he made a trench for water, of the breadth of two furrows round about the altar. And he laid the wood in order, and cut the bullock in pieces, and laid it upon the wood. And he said: Fill four buckets with water, and pour it upon the burnt offering, and upon the wood. And again he said: Do the same the second time. And when they had done it the second time, he said: Do the same also the third time. And they did so the third time. And the water run round about the altar, and the trench was filled with water. And when it was now time to offer the holocaust, Elias the prophet came near and said: O Lord God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Israel, shew this day that thou art the God of Israel, and I thy servant, and that according to thy commandment I have done all these things. Hear me, O Lord, hear me: that this people may learn, that thou art the Lord God, and that thou hast turned their heart again. Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the holocaust, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw this, they fell on their faces, and they said: The Lord he is God, the Lord he is God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 16 (15):1b; V. 1b-2ab, 4, 5ab and 8, 11

R.  Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee.

V.  Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee.

     I have said to the Lord, thou art my God,

V.  Their infirmities were multiplied:

     afterwards they made haste.

     I will not gather together their meetings for blood offerings:

     nor will I be mindful of their names by my lips.

V.  The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup:

     it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me.

     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 5:17-19

Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.