DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

First Reading:  1 John 5:1-5

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God. And every one that loveth him who begot, loveth him also who is born of him. In this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the charity of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not heavy. For whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world: and this is the victory which overcometh the world, our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

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

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.  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 22:34-40

But the Pharisees hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together:  And one of them, a doctor of the law, asking him, tempting him:  Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind.  This is the greatest and the first commandment. And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 12:1-10

If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed), but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth), That he was caught up into paradise, and heard secret words, which it is not granted to man to utter. For such an one I will glory; but for myself I will glory nothing, but in my infirmities. For though I should have a mind to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I will say the truth. But I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth in me, or any thing he heareth from me. And lest the greatness of the revelations should exalt me, there was given me a sting of my flesh, an angel of Satan, to buffet me. For which thing thrice I besought the Lord, that it might depart from me. And he said to me: My grace is sufficient for thee; for power is made perfect in infirmity. Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. For which cause I please myself in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ. For when I am weak, then am I powerful.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 34 (33):9a; V. 8-9, 10-11, 12-13

R.  O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet:

V.  The angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him:

     and shall deliver them.

     O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet:

     blessed is the man that hopeth in him.

V.  Fear the Lord, all ye his saints:

     for there is no want to them that fear him.

     The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger:

     but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good.

V.  Come, children, hearken to me:

     I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

     Who is the man that desireth life:

     who loveth to see good days?

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 6:24-34

No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat: and the body more than the raiment? Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value than they? And which of you by taking thought, can add to his stature by one cubit? And for raiment why are you solicitous? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they labour not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of the field, which is today, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith? Be not solicitous therefore, saying, What shall we eat: or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore solicitous for tomorrow; for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Friday Of The Eleventh Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30

Seeing that many glory according to the flesh, I will glory also.  I speak according to dishonour, as if we had been weak in this part. Wherein if any man dare (I speak foolishly), I dare also. They are Hebrews: so am I. They are Israelites: so am I. They are the seed of Abraham: so am I. They are the ministers of Christ (I speak as one less wise). I am more; in many more labours, in prisons more frequently, in stripes above measure, in deaths often. Of the Jews five times did I receive forty stripes, save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once I was stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I was in the depth of the sea. In journeying often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils from my own nation, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils from false brethren. In labour and painfulness, in much watchings, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Besides those things which are without: my daily instance, the solicitude for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is scandalized, and I am not on fire? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 34 (33):18; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R.  The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles.

V.  I will bless the Lord at all times,

     his praise shall be always in my mouth.

     In the Lord shall my soul be praised:

     let the meek hear and rejoice.

V.  O magnify the Lord with me;

     and let us extol his name together.

     I sought the Lord, and he heard me;

     and he delivered me from all my troubles.

V.  Come ye to him and be enlightened:

     and your faces shall not be confounded.

     This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him:

     and saved him out of all his troubles. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 6:19-23

Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust, and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also. The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome. But if thy eye be evil thy whole body shall be darksome. If then the light that is in thee, be darkness: the darkness itself how great shall it be!

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Romuald, Abbot

First Reading:  Philippians 3:8-14

Furthermore I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ:  And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God, justice in faith:  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death, If by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead. Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: forgetting the things that are behind, and stretching forth myself to those that are before, I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus.

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 14:25-33

And there went great multitudes with him. And turning, he said to them:  If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down, and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it:  Lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, Saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finis  Or what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down, and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him? Or else, whilst the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 11:1-11

Would to God you could bear with some little of my folly: but do bear with me. For I am jealous of you with the jealousy of God. For I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear lest, as the serpent seduced Eve by his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted, and fall from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Christ, whom we have not preached; or if you receive another Spirit, whom you have not received; or another gospel which you have not received; you might well bear with him. For I suppose that I have done nothing less than the great apostles. For although I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but in all things we have been made manifest to you. Or did I commit a fault, humbling myself, that you might be exalted? Because I preached unto you the gospel of God freely? I have taken from other churches, receiving wages of them for your ministry.  And, when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was wanting to me, the brethren supplied who came from Macedonia; and in all things I have kept myself from being burthensome to you, and so I will keep myself. The truth of Christ is in me, that this glorying shall not be broken off in me in the regions of Achaia. Wherefore? Because I love you not? God knoweth it.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 111 (110):7b; V. 1b-2, 3-4, 7-8

R.  (T)he works of his hands are truth and judgment.

V.  I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;

     in the council of the just: and in the congregation.

     Great are the works of the Lord:

     sought out according to all his wills.

V.  His work is praise and magnificence:

     and his justice continueth for ever and ever.

     He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works,

     being a merciful and gracious Lord:

V.  That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles:

     the works of his hands are truth and judgment.

     All his commandments are faithful:

     confirmed for ever and ever, made in truth and equity.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 6:7-15

And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard. Be not you therefore like to them, for your Father knoweth what is needful for you, before you ask him. Thus therefore shall you pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our supersubstantial bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen. For if you will forgive men their offences, your heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences. But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Eleventh Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings, shall also reap blessings. Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound in you; that ye always, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work, As it is written: He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever. And he that ministereth seed to the sower, will both give you bread to eat, and will multiply your seed, and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice: That being enriched in all things, you may abound unto all simplicity, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 112 (111):1; V. 1bc-2, 3-4, 9

R.  Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord:

V.  Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord:

     he shall delight exceedingly in his commandments.

     His seed shall be mighty upon earth:

     the generation of the righteous shall be blessed.

V.  Glory and wealth shall be in his house:

     and his justice remaineth for ever and ever.

     To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness:

     he is merciful, and compassionate and just.

V.  He hath distributed,

     he hath given to the poor:

     his justice remaineth for ever and ever:

     his horn shall be exalted in glory.   

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Take heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them: otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven. Therefore when thou dost an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth. That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. And when ye pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men: Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest anoint thy head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Eleventh Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Now we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God, that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia. That in much experience of tribulation, they have had abundance of joy; and their very deep poverty hath abounded unto the riches of their simplicity. For according to their power (I bear them witness), and beyond their power, they were willing. With much entreaty begging of us the grace and communication of the ministry that is done toward the saints. And not as we hoped, but they gave their own selves first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God:  Insomuch, that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so also he would finish among you this same grace. That as in all things you abound in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all carefulness; moreover also in your charity towards us, so in this grace also you may abound. I speak not as commanding; but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor, for your sakes; that through his poverty you might be rich.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 146 (145):2a; V. 2, 5-6ab, 6c- 7, 8-9a

R.  Praise the Lord, O my soul,

V.  Praise the Lord, O my soul,

     in my life I will praise the Lord:

     I will sing to my God

     as long as I shall be.

V.  Blessed is he who hath the God of Jacob for his helper,

     whose hope is in the Lord his God:

     Who made heaven and earth, the sea,

     and all things that are in them.

V.  Who keepeth truth for ever:

     who executeth judgment for them that suffer wrong:

     who giveth food to the hungry.

     The Lord looseth them that are fettered:

V.  The Lord enlighteneth the blind.

     The Lord lifteth up them that are cast down:

     the Lord loveth the just.

     The Lord keepeth the strangers,  

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5:43-48

You have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thy enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies: do good to them that hate you: and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you:  That you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven, who maketh his sun to rise upon the good, and bad, and raineth upon the just and the unjust. For if you love them that love you, what reward shall you have? do not even the publicans this? And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more? do not also the heathens this? Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 6:1-10

And we helping do exhort you, that you receive not the grace of God in vain. For he saith: In an accepted time have I heard thee; and in the day of salvation have I helped thee. Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Giving no offence to any man, that our ministry be not blamed:  But in all things let us exhibit ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in tribulation, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in prisons, in seditions, in labours, in watchings, in fastings, In chastity, in knowledge, in longsuffering, in sweetness, in the Holy Ghost, in charity unfeigned, In the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armour of justice on the right hand and on the left; By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet known; As dying, and behold we live; as chastised, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as needy, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and possessing all things.

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

R.  The Lord hath made known his salvation:

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.  (H)e 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 5:38-42

You have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you not to resist evil: but if one strike thee on thy right cheek, turn to him also the other:  And if a man will contend with thee in judgment, and take away thy coat, let go thy cloak also unto him. And whosoever will force thee one mile, go with him other two, Give to him that asketh of thee and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

One Hymn--Three Verses

An unknown author wrote it originally in Latin as Ave Colenda Trinitas. The translation we know today is by John David Chambers. Its most familiar setting is to Old Onehundreth.

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1. All hail, adored Trinity!

All hail, eternal Unity!

O God the Father, God the Son,

And God the Spirit, ever One.

2. Three persons praise we evermore,

One only God our hearts adore:

In thy sure mercy, ever kind,

May we your true protection find.

3. O Trinity! O Unity!

Be present as we worship thee;

And with the songs that angels sing

Unite the hymns of praise we bring.

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Originally posted 5/26/2024.

Thrice Holy Hymn

Reginald Heber pens the words set to the tune Nicaea. Since we cannot do any better than Ss. Peter, James, and John at the Transfiguration, this might be the closest expression of perfect adoration and praise we can offer.

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1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim, falling down before Thee,

Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,

Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;

Only Thou art holy, there is none beside Thee,

Perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity.

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!

All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky and sea;

Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!

God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

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Originally posted 5/26/2024. 

Glory Be To...

From the Athanasian Creed:

...And the Catholic Faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is all One, the Glory Equal, the Majesty Co-Eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father Uncreate, the Son Uncreate, and the Holy Ghost Uncreate. The Father Incomprehensible, the Son Incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost Incomprehensible. The Father Eternal, the Son Eternal, and the Holy Ghost Eternal and yet they are not Three Eternals but One Eternal. As also there are not Three Uncreated, nor Three Incomprehensibles, but One Uncreated, and One Uncomprehensible. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not Three Almighties but One Almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not Three Gods, but One God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not Three Lords but One Lord. For, like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge every Person by Himself to be and Lord, so are we forbidden by the Religion to say, there be Three Gods or Three Lords. The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father, and of the Son neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding.

So there is One Father, not Three Fathers; one Son, not Three Sons; One Holy Ghost, not Three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is afore or after Other, None is greater or less than Another, but the whole Three Persons are Co-eternal together, and Co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshiped. He therefore that will be saved, must thus think of the Trinity....

This is He Who Was, Who Is, and Who Is To Come.

This is I AM.

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Originally posted 6/19/2011.
Re-posted 5/26/2013.

Re-posted 6/15/2014.
Re-posted 5/31/2015
Re-posted 5/22/2016.
Re-posted 6/11/2017.
Re-posted 5/27/2018.

Re-posted 6/16/2019.

Re-posted 6/7/2020.

Re-posted 5/30/2021.

Re-posted 6/13/2022.

Re-posted 6/4/2023.

Re-posted 5/26/2024.

Three Verses--One Hymn

The author is unknown; the text was translated by Irvin M. Udulutsch. Set to the tune Gott Vater Sei Gepriesen, it is a simple expression one of the Church's great mysteries. Ask St. Augustine.

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1 O God, almighty Father,

Creator of all things,

The heavens stand in wonder,

While earth your glory sings.

Refrain:

O most holy Trinity,

Undivided unity,

Holy God, mighty God,

God immortal, be adored!

2 O Jesus, Word incarnate,

Redeemer most adored,

All glory, praise, and honor;

Be yours, O sov'reign Lord. [Refrain]

3 O God, the Holy Spirit,

Who lives within our soul,

Send forth your light and lead us

To our eternal goal. [Refrain]

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Originally posted 5/26/2024.

DR Squared: The Solemnity Of The Most Holy Trinity

First Reading:  Proverbs 8:22-31

The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he made any thing from the beginning. I was set up from eternity, and of old before the earth was made. The depths were not as yet, and I was already conceived. neither had the fountains of waters as yet sprung out:  The mountains with their huge bulk had not as yet been established: before the hills I was brought forth:  He had not yet made the earth, nor the rivers, nor the poles of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was present: when with a certain law and compass he enclosed the depths:  When he established the sky above, and poised the fountains of waters:  When he compassed the sea with its bounds, and set a law to the waters that they should not pass their limits: when he balanced the foundations of the earth; I was with him forming all things: and was delighted every day, playing before him at all times; Playing in the world: and my delights were to be with the children of men.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 8:2a; 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:  Romans 5:1-5

Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:  By whom also we have access through faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God. And not only so; but we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience trial; and trial hope; And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us.

Gospel Reading:  John 16:12-15

I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth. For he shall not speak of himself; but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak; and the things that are to come, he shall shew you. He shall glorify me; because he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it to you. All things whatsoever the Father hath, are mine. Therefore I said, that he shall receive of mine, and shew it to you.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Long May It Wave

**********

1892-1923

I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

**********

1923-1954

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

**********

1954-Present

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

**********

A brief history of the pledge can be found here.
A brief history about the day can be found here.
A brief history about the flag can be found here.

**********

Stories regarding burning of the flag as an act of protest against the country are numerous. A local radio announcer recorded this essay about respecting this country's most important and visible symbol (transcription is mine):

Hello. Remember me? Some people call me Old Glory. Others call me the Star-Spangled Banner. But, whatever they call me, I'm your flag--the flag of the United States of America. Something has been bothering me. I thought I might talk it over with you, because it's about you and me.

I remember some time ago people would line up on both sides of the street to watch the parade. Naturally, I was leading every one of them, proudly waving in the breeze. When your Daddy saw me coming, he removed his hat, placed it over his left shoulder so that his hand was over his heart. Remember? And you. I remember you standing there, straight as a soldier. You didn't have a hat, but you were giving the right salute. Remember your little sister? Not to be outdone, she was saluting the same as you, with her right hand over her heart. Remember?

What happened? I'm still the same old flag. Oh, I've added a few more stars since you were a boy. A lot more blood has been shed since those parades of long ago. But now, somehow, I don't feel as proud as I used to feel. Now when I come down your street, you just stand there with your hands in your pockets. You may give me a small glance, then you look away. I see children running around you shouting; they don't seem to know who I am. I saw one man take his hat off and then he looked around; and when he didn't see anyone else take their hat off, he quickly put his back on again.

Is is a sin to be patriotic today? Have you forgotten what I stand for and where I have been? Take a look at the memorial honor rolls; see the names of those patriotic Americans who gave their lives to keep this Republic free. When you salute me, you are actually saluting them.

Well, it won't be long until I'm coming down your street again. So when you see me, please--stand straight, place your hand over your heart, and I'll know that you remember. I'll salute you by waving back.

**********

Originally posted 6/14/2006.
Re-posted 6/14/2011.
Re-posted 6/14/2017.
Re-posted 6/14/2018.

Re-posted 6/14/2019.

Re-posted 6/14/2020.

Re-posted 6/14/2021.

Re-posted 6/14/2022.

Re-posted 6/14/2023.

Re-posted 6/14/2024.

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

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 5:14-21

For the charity of Christ presseth us: judging this, that if one died for all, then all were dead. And Christ died for all; that they also who live, may not now live to themselves, but unto him who died for them, and rose again. Wherefore henceforth, we know no man according to the flesh. And if we have known Christ according to the flesh; but now we know him so no longer. If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away, behold all things are made new. But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ; and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins; and he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation. For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us. For Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God. Him, who knew no sin, he hath made sin for us, that we might be made the justice of God in him.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 103 (102):8a; V. 1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12

R.  The Lord is compassionate and merciful:

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.  He will not always be angry:

     nor will he threaten for ever.

     He hath not dealt with us according to our sins:

     nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

V.  For according to the height of the heaven above the earth:

     he hath strengthened his mercy towards them that fear him.

     As far as the east is from the west,

     so far hath he removed our iniquities from us.

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.

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.

DR Squared: Friday Of The Tenth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 4:7-15

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us. In all things we suffer tribulation, but are not distressed; we are straitened, but are not destitute; We suffer persecution, but are not forsaken; we are cast down, but we perish not:  Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake; that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken; we also believe, for which cause we speak also:  Knowing that he who raised up Jesus, will raise us up also with Jesus, and place us with you. For all things are for your sakes; that the grace abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 116 (115):10-11, 15-16, 17-18

R.  I will sacrifice to thee the sacrifice of praise,  

V.  I have believed, therefore have I spoken;

     but I have been humbled exceedingly.

     I said in my excess:

     Every man is a liar.

V.  Precious in the sight of the Lord

     is the death of his saints.

     O Lord, for I am thy servant: I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid.

     Thou hast broken my bonds:

V.  I will sacrifice to thee the sacrifice of praise,

     and I will call upon the name of the Lord.

     I will pay my vows to the Lord

     in the sight of all his people:

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5:27-32

You have heard that it was said to them of old: Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart. And if thy right eye scandalize thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. For it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell. And it hath been said, whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, excepting for the cause of fornication, maketh her to commit adultery: and he that shall marry her that is put away, committeth adultery.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 3:15-4:1, 3-6

But even until this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. But when they shall be converted to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. Now the Lord is a Spirit. And where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all beholding the glory of the Lord with open face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord. Therefore, seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not; And if our gospel be also hid, it is hid to them that are lost, In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of unbelievers, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants through Jesus. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 85 (84):10b; V. 9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14

R.  (T)hat glory may dwell in our land.

V.  I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me:

     for he will speak peace unto his people:

     Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him:

     that glory may dwell in our land.

V.  Mercy and truth have met each other:

     justice and peace have kissed.

     Truth is sprung out of the earth:

and justice hath looked down from heaven.

V.  For the Lord will give goodness:

     and our earth shall yield her fruit.

     Justice shall walk before him:

     and shall set his steps in the way.

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: 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.

OR

Matthew 5:17-19 (From the Wednesday of the Tenth Week of Ordinary Time)

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.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Tenth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 1:18-22

But God is faithful, for our preaching which was to you, was not, It is, and It is not. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ who was preached among you by us, by me, and Sylvanus, and Timothy, was not, It is and It is not, but, It is, was in him. For all the promises of God are in him, It is; therefore also by him, amen to God, unto our glory. Now he that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God:  Who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119 (118): 135b; V. 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

R.  Make thy face to shine upon thy servant:

V.  Thy testimonies are wonderful:

     therefore my soul hath sought them.

V.  The declaration of thy words giveth light:

     and giveth understanding to little ones.

V.  I opened my mouth and panted:

     because I longed for thy commandments.

V.  Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me,

     according to the judgment of them that love thy name.

V.  Direct my steps according to thy word:

     and let no iniquity have dominion over me.

V.  Make thy face to shine upon thy servant:

     and teach me thy justifications.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5:13-16

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother Of The Church

First Reading:  Genesis 3:9-15, 20

And the Lord God called Adam, and said to him: Where art thou? And he said: I heard thy voice in paradise; and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself. And he said to him: And who hath told thee that thou wast naked, but that thou hast eaten of the tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldst not eat? And Adam said: The woman, whom thou gavest me to be my companion, gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the Lord God said to the woman: Why hast thou done this? And she answered: The serpent deceived me, and I did eat. And the Lord God said to the serpent: Because thou hast done this thing, thou art cursed among all cattle, and beasts of the earth: upon thy breast shalt thou go, and earth shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed: she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel. And Adam called the name of his wife Eve: because she was the mother of all the living.

OR

Acts 1:12-14

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount that is called Olivet, which is nigh Jerusalem, within a sabbath day's journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Jude the brother of James. All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 87:1-2, 3 and 5, 6-7

R.  Glorious things are said of thee, O city of God.   

V.  The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains:

     The Lord loveth the gates of Sion

     above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

V.  Glorious things are said of thee,

     O city of God.

     Shall not Sion say:

     This man and that man is born in her?

     and the Highest himself hath founded her.

V.  The Lord shall tell in his writings of peoples and of princes,

     of them that have been in her.

     The dwelling in thee is as

     it were of all rejoicing.

Gospel Reading:  John 19:25-34

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. Afterwards, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said: I thirst. Now there was a vessel set there full of vinegar. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar about hyssop, put it to his mouth. Jesus therefore, when he had taken the vinegar, said: It is consummated. And bowing his head, he gave up the ghost. Then the Jews, (because it was the parasceve,) that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath day, (for that was a great sabbath day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. The soldiers therefore came; and they broke the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers with a spear opened his side, and immediately there came out blood and water.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Hymn For Pentecost

Veni, Creator Spiritus,

mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia
quae tu creasti pectora.

Qui diceris Paraclitus,
altissimi donum Dei,
fons vivus, ignis, caritas,
et spiritalis unctio.

Tu, septiformis munere,
digitus paternae dexterae,
Tu rite promissum Patris,
sermone ditans guttura.

Accende lumen sensibus:
infunde amorem cordibus:
infirma nostri corporis
virtute firmans perpeti.

Hostem repellas longius,
pacemque dones protinus:
ductore sic te praevio
vitemus omne noxium.

Per te sciamus da Patrem,
noscamus atque Filium;
Teque utriusque Spiritum
credamus omni tempore.

Deo Patri sit gloria,
et Filio, qui a mortuis surrexit,
ac Paraclito,
in saeculorum saecula. Amen.

++++++++++

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest,
and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid
to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O comforter, to Thee we cry,
O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love,
and sweet anointing from above.

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known;
Thou, finger of God's hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father,
Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue.

Kindle our sense from above,
and make our hearts o'erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high
the weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread,
and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide,
turn from the path of life aside.

Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow
the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed,
of both the eternal Spirit blest.

Now to the Father and the Son,
Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter,
henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.

++++++++++

Originally posted 6/4/2006.
Part of post "Tongues Of Fire" posted 5/27/2007.
Re-posted 5/23/2010.
Re-posted 6/12/2011.
Re-posted 4/18/2013.
Re-posted 6/8/2014.
Re-posted 5/24/2015.
Re-posted 5/15/2016.
Re-posted 6/4/2017.
Re-posted 5/20/2018.

Re-posted 6/9/2019.

Re-posted 5/31/2020.

Re-posted 5/23/2021.

Re-posted 6/5/2022.

Re-posted 5/28/2023.

Re-posted 5/19/2024.

Pentecost Sequence

Veni, Sancte Spiritus,

et emitte caelitus
lucis tuae radium.

Veni, pater pauperum,
veni, dator munerum
veni, lumen cordium.

Consolator optime,
dulcis hospes animae,
dulce refrigerium.

In labore requies,
in aestu temperies
in fletu solatium.

O lux beatissima,
reple cordis intima
tuorum fidelium.

Sine tuo numine,
nihil est in homine,
nihil est innoxium.

Lava quod est sordidum,
riga quod est aridum,
sana quod est saucium.

Flecte quod est rigidum,
fove quod est frigidum,
rege quod est devium.

Da tuis fidelibus,
in te confidentibus,
sacrum septenarium.

Da virtutis meritum,
da salutis exitum,
da perenne gaudium.

Amen, Alleluia.

++++++++++

Come, Holy Spirit,
Send forth from on high
The radiance of thy light.

Come, thou, father of the poor,
Come, dispenser of all good gifts,
Come thou, light of our hears.

Supreme Comforter,
Beloved guest of our soul,
Its most desirable nourishment.

In the midst of labor, rest.
A cool breeze to temper the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.

O most blessed light,
Fill the innermost being.
The very hearts of they faithful.

Without thy divine strength
No good dwells in man,
Nothing but what turns to ill.

Wash away every stain,
Irrigate all dryness,
Heal every wound.

Make supple all that is rigid,
Give ardor to things grown cold,
Straighten every crooked path.

Grant to thy faithful
Who put their trust in thee,
The blessing of thy sevenfold gifts.

Grant us the reward of a virtuous life,
A death which leads to salvation,
To the gift of eternal joy.

Amen. Alleluia.

++++++++++

Originally posted 5/23/2010.
Re-posted 6/12/2011.
Re-posted 5/19/2013.
Re-posted 6/8/2014.
Re-posted 5/24/2015.
Re-posted 5/15/2016.
Re-posted 6/4/2017.
Re-posted 5/20/2018.

Re-posted 6/9/2019.

Re-posted 5/31/2020.

Re-posted 5/23/2021.

Re-posted 6/5/2022.

Re-posted 5/28/2023.

Re-posted 5/19/2024.

DR Squared: Pentecost Sunday - Mass During The Day

First Reading:  Acts 2:1-11

And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were all together in one place:  And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them:  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded in mind, because that every man heard them speak in his own tongue. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying: Behold, are not all these, that speak, Galileans? And how have we heard, every man our own tongue wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews also, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 12:3b-7, 12-13

And no man can say the Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost. 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. For as the body is one, and hath many members; and all the members of the body, whereas they are many, yet are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink.

OR

Romans 8:8-17

And they who are in the flesh, cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body indeed is dead, because of sin; but the spirit liveth, because of justification. And if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you; he that raised up Jesus Christ from the dead, shall quicken also your mortal bodies, because of his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again in fear; but you have received the spirit of adoption of sons, whereby we cry: Abba (Father). For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God. And if sons, heirs also; heirs indeed of God, and joint heirs with Christ: yet so, if we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

Gospel Reading:  John 20:19-23

Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.

OR

John 14:15-16, 23b-26

If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you for ever. If any one love me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and will make our abode with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my words. And the word which you have heard, is not mine; but the Father's who sent me. These things have I spoken to you, abiding with you. But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Pentecost Sunday - Extended Vigil

First Reading:  Genesis 11:1-9

And the earth was of one tongue, and of the same speech. And when they removed from the east, they found a plain in the land of Sennaar, and dwelt in it. And each one said to his neighbour: Come, let us make brick, and bake them with fire. And they had brick instead of stones, and slime instead of mortar. And they said: Come, let us make a city and a tower, the top whereof may reach to heaven: and let us make our name famous before we be scattered abroad into all lands. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of Adam were building. And he said: Behold, it is one people, and all have one tongue: and they have begun to do this, neither will they leave off from their designs, till they accomplish them in deed. Come ye, therefore, let us go down, and there confound their tongue, that they may not understand one another's speech. And so the Lord scattered them from that place into all lands, and they ceased to build the city. And therefore the name thereof was called Babel, because there the language of the whole earth was confounded: and from thence the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of all countries.

Responsorial Psalm: cf. Psalm 33 (32):12; V. 10-11, 12-13, 14-15

R.  Blessed is...the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.

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.

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.  From his habitation which he hath prepared,

     he hath looked upon all that dwell on the earth.

     He who hath made the hearts of every one of them:

     who understandeth all their works.

Second Reading:  Exodus 19:3-8a, 16-20b

And Moses went up to God: and the Lord called unto him from the mountain, and said: Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:  You have seen what I have done to the Egyptians, how I have carried you upon the wings of eagles, and have taken you to myself. If therefore you will hear my voice, and keep my covenant, you shall be my peculiar possession above all people: for all the earth is mine. And you shall be to me a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation. Those are the words thou shalt speak to the children of Israel. Moses came, and calling together the elders of the people, he declared all the words which the Lord had commanded. And all the people answered together: All that the Lord hath spoken, we will do. And now the third day was come, and the morning appeared: and behold thunders began to be heard, and lightning to flash, and a very thick cloud to cover the mount, and the noise of the trumpet sounded exceeding loud, and the people that was in the camp, feared. And when Moses had brought them forth to meet God from the place of the camp, they stood at the bottom of the mount. And all mount Sinai was on a smoke: because the Lord was come down upon it in fire, and the smoke arose from it as out of a furnace: and all the mount was terrible. And the sound of the trumpet grew by degrees louder and louder, and was drawn out to a greater length: Moses spoke, and God answered him. And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, in the very top of the mount, and he called Moses unto the top thereof.

Responsorial Psalm:  Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R.   (W)orthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever: 

V.  Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of our fathers:

     and worthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever:

     and blessed is the holy name of thy glory:

     and worthy to be praised, and exalted above all in all ages.

V.  Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory:

     and exceedingly to be praised, and exceeding glorious for ever.

V.  Blessed art thou on the throne of thy kingdom,

     and exceedingly to be praised, and exalted above all for ever.

V.  Blessed art thou, that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims:

     and worthy to be praised and exalted above all for ever.

V.  Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven:

     and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.

OR

John 6:68c (DR--69c); V. Psalm 19 (18):8, 9, 10, 11

R.  (T)hou hast the words of eternal 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.  More to be desired than gold

     and many precious stones:

     and sweeter than honey

     and the honeycomb.

Third Reading:  Ezekiel 37:1-14

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and brought me forth in the spirit of the Lord: and set me down in the midst of a plain that was full of bones. And he led me about through them on every side: now they were very many upon the face of the plain, and they were exceeding dry. And he said to me: Son of man, dost thou think these bones shall live? And I answered: O Lord God, thou knowest. And he said to me: Prophesy concerning these bones; and say to them: Ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will send spirit into you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to grow over you, and will cover you with skin: and I will give you spirit and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord. And I prophesied as he had commanded me: and as I prophesied there was a noise, and behold a commotion: and the bones came together, each one to its joint. And I saw, and behold the sinews, and the flesh came up upon them: and the skin was stretched out over them, but there was no spirit in them. And he said to me: Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, O son of man, and say to the spirit: Thus saith the Lord God: Come, spirit, from the four winds, and blow upon these slain, and let them live again. And I prophesied as he had commanded me: and the spirit came into them, and they lived: and they stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. And he said to me: Son of man: All these bones are the house of Israel: they say: Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost, and we are cut off. Therefore prophesy, and say to them: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I will open your graves, and will bring you out of your sepulchres, O my people: and will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have opened your sepulchres, and shall have brought you out of your graves, O my people:  And shall have put my spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall make you rest upon your own land: and you shall know that I the Lord have spoken, and done it, saith the Lord God:

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 107 (106):1; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9  

R.  Give glory to the Lord,...for his mercy endureth for ever.

V.  Let them say so that have been redeemed by the Lord,

     whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy: and gathered out of the countries.

     From the rising and the setting of the sun,

     from the north and from the sea.

V.  They wandered in a wilderness, in a place without water:

     they found not the way of a city for their habitation.

     They were hungry and thirsty:

     their soul fainted in them.

V.  And they cried to the Lord in their tribulation:

     and he delivered them out of their distresses.

     And he led them into the right way:

     that they might go to a city of habitation.

V.  Let the mercies of the Lord give glory to him:

     and his wonderful works to the children of men.

     For he hath satisfied the empty soul,

     and hath filled the hungry soul with good things.

Fourth Reading:  Joel 3:1-5  (DR--2:28-32)

And it shall come to pass after this, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Moreover upon my servants and handmaids in those days I will pour forth my spirit. And I will shew wonders in heaven; and in earth, blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood: before the great and dreadful day of the Lord doth come. And it shall come to pass, that every one that shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved: for in mount Sion, and in Jerusalem shall be salvation, as the Lord hath said, and in the residue whom the Lord shall call.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 104 (103):30; V. 1-2, 24, 35b, 27-28, 29b,-30

R.  Thou shalt send forth thy spirit, and...renew the face of the earth.

V.  Bless the Lord, O my soul:

     O Lord my God, thou art exceedingly great.

     Thou hast put on praise and beauty: 

     And art clothed with light as with a garment.

V.  How great are thy works, O Lord?

     thou hast made all things in wisdom:

     the earth is filled with thy riches.

     O my soul, bless thou the Lord.

V.  All expect of thee

     that thou give them food in season.

     What thou givest to them they shall gather up:

     when thou openest thy hand, they shall all be filled with good.

V.  (T)hou shalt take away their breath, and they shall fail,

     and shall return to their dust.

     Thou shalt send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created:

     and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.   

Second Reading:  Romans 8:22-27

For we know that every creature groaneth and travaileth in pain, even till now. And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen, is not hope. For what a man seeth, why doth he hope for? But if we hope for that which we see not, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity. For we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit himself asketh for us with unspeakable groanings. And he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what the Spirit desireth; because he asketh for the saints according to God.

Gospel Reading:  John 7:37-39

And on the last, and great day of the festivity, Jesus stood and cried, saying: If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. He that believeth in me, as the scripture saith, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Now this he said of the Spirit which they should receive, who believed in him: for as yet the Spirit was not given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Pentecost Sunday - Vigil Mass

First Reading:  Genesis 11:1-9

And the earth was of one tongue, and of the same speech. And when they removed from the east, they found a plain in the land of Sennaar, and dwelt in it. And each one said to his neighbour: Come, let us make brick, and bake them with fire. And they had brick instead of stones, and slime instead of mortar. And they said: Come, let us make a city and a tower, the top whereof may reach to heaven: and let us make our name famous before we be scattered abroad into all lands. And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of Adam were building. And he said: Behold, it is one people, and all have one tongue: and they have begun to do this, neither will they leave off from their designs, till they accomplish them in deed. Come ye, therefore, let us go down, and there confound their tongue, that they may not understand one another's speech. And so the Lord scattered them from that place into all lands, and they ceased to build the city. And therefore the name thereof was called Babel, because there the language of the whole earth was confounded: and from thence the Lord scattered them abroad upon the face of all countries.

OR

Exodus 19:3-8a, 16-20b

And Moses went up to God: and the Lord called unto him from the mountain, and said: Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:  You have seen what I have done to the Egyptians, how I have carried you upon the wings of eagles, and have taken you to myself. If therefore you will hear my voice, and keep my covenant, you shall be my peculiar possession above all people: for all the earth is mine. And you shall be to me a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation. Those are the words thou shalt speak to the children of Israel. Moses came, and calling together the elders of the people, he declared all the words which the Lord had commanded. And all the people answered together: All that the Lord hath spoken, we will do. And now the third day was come, and the morning appeared: and behold thunders began to be heard, and lightning to flash, and a very thick cloud to cover the mount, and the noise of the trumpet sounded exceeding loud, and the people that was in the camp, feared. And when Moses had brought them forth to meet God from the place of the camp, they stood at the bottom of the mount. And all mount Sinai was on a smoke: because the Lord was come down upon it in fire, and the smoke arose from it as out of a furnace: and all the mount was terrible. And the sound of the trumpet grew by degrees louder and louder, and was drawn out to a greater length: Moses spoke, and God answered him. And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, in the very top of the mount, and he called Moses unto the top thereof.

OR

Ezekiel 37:1-14

The hand of the Lord was upon me, and brought me forth in the spirit of the Lord: and set me down in the midst of a plain that was full of bones. And he led me about through them on every side: now they were very many upon the face of the plain, and they were exceeding dry. And he said to me: Son of man, dost thou think these bones shall live? And I answered: O Lord God, thou knowest. And he said to me: Prophesy concerning these bones; and say to them: Ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God to these bones: Behold, I will send spirit into you, and you shall live. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will cause flesh to grow over you, and will cover you with skin: and I will give you spirit and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord. And I prophesied as he had commanded me: and as I prophesied there was a noise, and behold a commotion: and the bones came together, each one to its joint. And I saw, and behold the sinews, and the flesh came up upon them: and the skin was stretched out over them, but there was no spirit in them. And he said to me: Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, O son of man, and say to the spirit: Thus saith the Lord God: Come, spirit, from the four winds, and blow upon these slain, and let them live again. And I prophesied as he had commanded me: and the spirit came into them, and they lived: and they stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. And he said to me: Son of man: All these bones are the house of Israel: they say: Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost, and we are cut off. Therefore prophesy, and say to them: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold I will open your graves, and will bring you out of your sepulchres, O my people: and will bring you into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall have opened your sepulchres, and shall have brought you out of your graves, O my people:  And shall have put my spirit in you, and you shall live, and I shall make you rest upon your own land: and you shall know that I the Lord have spoken, and done it, saith the Lord God:

OR

Joel 3:1-5  (DR--2:28-32)

And it shall come to pass after this, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Moreover upon my servants and handmaids in those days I will pour forth my spirit. And I will shew wonders in heaven; and in earth, blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood: before the great and dreadful day of the Lord doth come. And it shall come to pass, that every one that shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved: for in mount Sion, and in Jerusalem shall be salvation, as the Lord hath said, and in the residue whom the Lord shall call.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 104 (103):30; V. 1-2, 24, 35b, 27-28, 29b,-30

R.  Thou shalt send forth thy spirit, and...renew the face of the earth.

V.  Bless the Lord, O my soul:

     O Lord my God, thou art exceedingly great.

     Thou hast put on praise and beauty: 

     And art clothed with light as with a garment.

V.  How great are thy works, O Lord?

     thou hast made all things in wisdom:

     the earth is filled with thy riches.

     O my soul, bless thou the Lord.

V.  All expect of thee

     that thou give them food in season.

     What thou givest to them they shall gather up:

     when thou openest thy hand, they shall all be filled with good.

V.  (T)hou shalt take away their breath, and they shall fail,

     and shall return to their dust.

     Thou shalt send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created:

     and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.   

Second Reading:  Romans 8:22-27

For we know that every creature groaneth and travaileth in pain, even till now. And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen, is not hope. For what a man seeth, why doth he hope for? But if we hope for that which we see not, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmity. For we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit himself asketh for us with unspeakable groanings. And he that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what the Spirit desireth; because he asketh for the saints according to God.

Gospel Reading:  John 7:37-39

And on the last, and great day of the festivity, Jesus stood and cried, saying: If any man thirst, let him come to me, and drink. He that believeth in me, as the scripture saith, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Now this he said of the Spirit which they should receive, who believed in him: for as yet the Spirit was not given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.