DR Squared: Friday Of The Second Week Of Lent

First Reading:  Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a

Now Israel loved Joseph above all his sons, because he had him in his old age: and he made him a coat of divers colours. And his brethren seeing that he was loved by his father, more than all his sons, hated him, and could not speak peaceably to him. And when his brethren abode in Sichem feeding their father's flocks, Israel said to him: Thy brethren feed the sheep in Sichem: come, I will send thee to them. And Joseph went forward after his brethren, and found them in Dothain. And when they saw him afar off, before he came nigh them, they thought to kill him. And said one to another: Behold the dreamer cometh. Come, let us kill him, and cast him into some old pit: and we will say: Some evil beast hath devoured him: and then it shall appear what his dreams avail him:  And Ruben hearing this, endeavoured to deliver him out of their hands, and said:  Do not take away his life, nor shed his blood: but cast him into this pit, that is in the wilderness, and keep your hands harmless: now he said this, being desirous to deliver him out of their hands and to restore him to his father. And as soon as he came to his brethren, they forthwith stript him of his outside coat, that was of divers colours:  And cast him into an old pit, where there was no water. And sitting down to eat bread, they saw some Ismaelites on their way coming from Galaad, with their camels, carrying spices, and balm, and myrrh to Egypt. And Juda said to his brethren: What will it profit us to kill our brother, and conceal his blood? It is better that he be sold to the Ismaelites, and that our hands be not defiled: for he is our brother and our flesh. His brethren agreed to his words. And when the Madianite merchants passed by, they drew him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ismaelites, for twenty pieces of silver:

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 105 (104):5a; V. 16-17, 18-19, 20-21

R.  Remember his marvellous works which he hath done;

V.  And he called a famine upon the land: and he broke in pieces all the support of bread.

     He sent a man before them: Joseph, who was sold for a slave.

V.  They humbled his feet in fetters: the iron pierced his soul,

      Until his word came. The word of the Lord inflamed him.

V.  The king sent, and he released him: the ruler of the people, and he set him at liberty.

      He made him master of his house, and ruler of all his possession.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46

Hear ye another parable. There was a man an householder, who planted a vineyard, and made a hedge round about it, and dug in it a press, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen; and went into a strange country. And when the time of the fruits drew nigh, he sent his servants to the husbandmen that they might receive the fruits thereof.  And the husbandmen laying hands on his servants, beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants more than the former; and they did to them in like manner. And last of all he sent to them his son, saying: They will reverence my son. But the husbandmen seeing the son, said among themselves: This is the heir: come, let us kill him, and we shall have his inheritance. And taking him, they cast him forth out of the vineyard, and killed him. When therefore the lord of the vineyard shall come, what will he do to those husbandmen? They say to him: He will bring those evil men to an evil end; and will let out his vineyard to other husbandmen, that shall render him the fruit in due season. Jesus saith to them: Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? By the Lord this has been done; and it is wonderful in our eyes. Therefore I say to you, that the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to a nation yielding the fruits thereof.  And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they knew that he spoke of them. And seeking to lay hands on him, they feared the multitudes: because they held him as a prophet.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Second Week Of Lent

First Reading:  Jeremiah 17:5-10

Thus saith the Lord: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like tamaric in the desert, and he shall not see when good shall come: but he shall dwell in dryness in the desert in a salt land, and not inhabited. Blessed be the man that trusteth in the Lord, and the Lord shall be his confidence. And he shall be as a tree that is planted by the waters, that spreadeth out its roots towards moisture: and it shall not fear when the heat cometh. And the leaf thereof shall be green, and in the time of drought it shall not be solicitous, neither shall it cease at any time to bring forth fruit. The heart is perverse above all things, and unsearchable, who can know it? I am the Lord who search the heart and prove the reins: who give to every one according to his way, and according to the fruit of his devices.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40 (39):5a; V. Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R.  Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord;

V.  Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the       way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.

     But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

V.  And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring         forth its fruit, in due season.

     And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

V.  Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the       earth.

     For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.  

Gospel Reading:  Luke 16:19-31

There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen; and feasted sumptuously every day. And there was a certain beggar, named Lazarus, who lay at his gate, full of sores, Desiring to be filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, and no one did give him; moreover the dogs came, and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also died: and he was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom:  And he cried, and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, to cool my tongue: for I am tormented in this flame. And Abraham said to him: Son, remember that thou didst receive good things in thy lifetime, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted; and thou art tormented. And besides all this, between us and you, there is fixed a great chaos: so that they who would pass from hence to you, cannot, nor from thence come hither. And he said: Then, father, I beseech thee, that thou wouldst send him to my father's house, for I have five brethren, That he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torments. And Abraham said to him: They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But he said: No, father Abraham: but if one went to them from the dead, they will do penance. And he said to him: If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they believe, if one rise again from the dead.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Solemnity Of Saint Joseph, Spouse Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading:  2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16

But it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying:  Go, and say to my servant David:  And when thy days shall be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house to my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son:  And thy house shall be faithful, and thy kingdom for ever before thy face, and thy throne shall be firm for ever. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):37; V. 2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29

R.  His seed shall endure 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.  He shall cry out to me: Thou art my father:

     my God, and the support of my salvation.

     I will keep my mercy for him for ever:

     and my covenant faithful to him. 

Second Reading:  Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

For not through the law was the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, that he should be heir of the world; but through the justice of faith. Therefore is it of faith, that according to grace the promise might be firm to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,  17 (As it is written: I have made thee a father of many nations,) before God, whom he believed, who quickeneth the dead; and calleth those things that are not, as those that are.  18 Who against hope believed in hope; that he might be made the father of many nations, according to that which was said to him: So shall thy seed be. And therefore it was reputed to him unto justice. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a or Luke 2:41-51a 

And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost. Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately. But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son: and thou shalt call his name JESUS. For he shall save his people from their sins. And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.

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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.  44 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.

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Cyril Of Jerusalem, Bishop And Doctor Of The Church

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:  Psalm 19 (18):10b or John 6:64; V. Psalm 8, 9, 10, 11

R.  (T)he judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

or

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

V.  More to be desired than gold and many precious stones:

      and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb.  

Gospel Reading:  John 15:1-8

I am the true vine; and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me, that beareth not fruit, he will take away: and every one that beareth fruit, he will purge it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean by reason of the word, which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abide in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine: you the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If any one abide not in me, he shall be cast forth as a branch, and shall wither, and they shall gather him up, and cast him into the fire, and he burneth. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you. In this is my Father glorified; that you bring forth very much fruit, and become my disciples. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Second Week Of Lent

First Reading:  Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear to the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrha. Wash yourselves, be clean, take away the evil of your devices from my eyes: cease to do perversely, Learn to do well: seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge for the fatherless, defend the widow. And then come, and accuse me, saith the Lord: if your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow: and if they be red as crimson, they shall be white as wool. If you be willing, and will hearken to me, you shall eat the good things of the land. But if you will not, and will provoke me to wrath: the sword shall devour you because the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 50 (49):23b; V. 8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23

R. (A)nd there is the way by which I will shew him the salvation of God.

V.  I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices: and thy burnt offerings are always in my sight.

      I will not take calves out of thy house: nor he goats out of thy flocks.

V.  Why dost thou declare my justices, and take my covenant in thy mouth?

      Seeing thou hast hated discipline: and hast cast my words behind thee.

V.  These things hast thou done, and I was silent.

      Thou thoughtest unjustly that I should be like to thee:

      but I will reprove thee, and set before thy face.

      The sacrifice of praise shall glorify me:

      and there is the way by which I will shew him the salvation of God.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 23:1-12

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, Saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses.  All things therefore whatsoever they shall say to you, observe and do: but according to their works do ye not; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy and insupportable burdens, and lay them on men's shoulders; but with a finger of their own they will not move them. And all their works they do for to be seen of men. For they make their phylacteries broad, and enlarge their fringes. And they love the first places at feasts, and the first chairs in the synagogues, And salutations in the market place, and to be called by men, Rabbi. But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren. And call none your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Patrick, Bishop

First Reading:  1 Peter  4:7b-11

Be prudent therefore, and watch in prayers. But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring, As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it, as of the power, which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.

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

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

V.  Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle:

      sing to the Lord, all the earth.

      Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name:

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

      Declare his glory among the Gentiles:

      his wonders among all people.

V.  Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles,

      bring ye to the Lord glory and honour:

      Bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

V.  Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned.

      For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved:

      he will judge the people with justice. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 5:1-11

And it came to pass, that when the multitudes pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Genesareth, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And going into one of the ships that was Simon's, he desired him to draw back a little from the land. And sitting he taught the multitudes out of the ship. Now when he had ceased to speak, he said to Simon: Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said to him: Master, we have labored all the night, and have taken nothing: but at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they enclosed a very great multitude of fishes, and their net broke. And they beckoned to their partners that were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they were almost sinking. Which when Simon Peter saw, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying: Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was wholly astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken. And so were also James and John the sons of Zebedee, who were Simon's partners. And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And having brought their ships to land, leaving all things, they followed him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

St. Patrick's Breastplate

From New Advent, the following is a literal translation from the old Irish text.

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I bind to myself today:

The strong virtue of the Invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

I bind to myself today:

The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism,
The virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
The virtue of His coming on the Judgement Day.

I bind to myself today:

The virtue of the love of seraphim,
In the obedience of angels,
In the hope of resurrection unto reward,
In prayers of Patriarchs,
In predictions of Prophets,
In preaching of Apostles,
In faith of Confessors,
In purity of holy Virgins,
In deeds of righteous men.

I bind to myself today:

The power of Heaven,
The light of the sun,
The brightness of the moon,
The splendour of fire,
The flashing of lightning,
The swiftness of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth,
The compactness of rocks.

I bind to myself today:

God's Power to guide me,
God's Might to uphold me,
God's Wisdom to teach me,
God's Eye to watch over me,
God's Ear to hear me,
God's Word to give me speech,
God's Hand to guide me,
God's Way to lie before me,
God's Shield to shelter me,
God's Host to secure me,
Against the snares of demons,
Against the seductions of vices,
Against the lusts of nature,
Against everyone who meditates injury to me,
Whether far or near,
Whether few or with many.

I invoke today all these virtues:

Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul,
Against the incantations of false prophets,
Against the black laws of heathenism,
Against the false laws of heresy,
Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells of women, and smiths, and druids,
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.

Christ, protect me today:

Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound,
That I may receive abundant reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me, Christ within me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ at my right, Christ at my left,
Christ in the fort,
Christ in the chariot seat,
Christ in the poop [deck],
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I bind to myself today:

The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity:
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe.

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Originally posted 3/17/2006.
Re-posted 3/17/2009.
Re-posted 3/17/2010.
Re-posted 3/17/2011.
Re-posted 3/17/2012.
Re-posted 3/17/2013.
Re-posted 3/17/2014.
Re-posted 3/17/2015.
Re-posted 3/17/2016.
Re-posted 3/17/2017.
Re-posted 3/17/2018.
Re-posted 3/17/2019.

Re-posted 3/17/2020.

Re-posted 3/17/2021.

Re-posted 3/17/2022.

Re-posted 3/17/2023.

Re-posted 3/17/2024.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Second Week In Lent

First Reading:  Daniel 9:4b-10

I beseech thee, O Lord God, great and terrible, who keepest the covenant, and mercy to them that love thee, and keep thy commandments. We have sinned, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly, and have revolted: and we have gone aside from thy commandments, and thy judgments. We have not hearkened to thy servants the prophets, that have spoken in thy name to our kings, to our princes, to our fathers, and to all the people of the land. To thee, O Lord, justice: but to us confusion of face, as at this day to the men of Juda, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel to them that are near, and to them that are far off in all the countries whither thou hast driven them, for their iniquities by which they have sinned against thee. O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our princes, and to our fathers that have sinned. But to thee, the Lord our God, mercy and forgiveness, for we have departed from thee:  And we have not hearkened to the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his law, which he set before us by his servants the prophets.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 103 (102):10a;V. 79 (78):8, 9, 11 and 13

R.  He hath not dealt with us according to our sins:

V.  Remember not our former iniquities:

      let thy mercies speedily prevent us, for we are become exceeding poor.

V.  Help us, O God, our saviour: and for the glory of thy name,

      O Lord, deliver us: and forgive us our sins for thy name's sake:

V.  Let the sighing of the prisoners come in before thee.

     According to the greatness of thy arm, take possession of the children of them that have       been put to death.

V.  But we thy people, and the sheep of thy pasture, will give thanks to thee for ever.

     We will shew forth thy praise, unto generation and generation.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:36-38

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given to you: good measure and pressed down and shaken together and running over shall they give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you shall mete withal, it shall be measured to you again.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Second Sunday of Lent (Year C)

First Reading:  Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

And he brought him forth abroad, and said to him: Look up to heaven and number the stars, if thou canst. And he said to him: So shall thy seed be. Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice. And he said to him: I am the Lord who brought thee out from Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land, and that thou mightest possess it. But he said: Lord God, whereby may I know that I shall possess it? And the Lord answered, and said: Take me a cow of three years old, and a she goat of three years, and a ram of three years, a turtle also, and a pigeon. And he took all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid the two pieces of each one against the other; but the birds he divided not. And the fowls came down upon the carcasses, and Abram drove them away. And when the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a great and darksome horror seized upon him. And when the sun was set, there arose a dark mist, and there appeared a smoking furnace and a lamp of fire passing between those divisions. That day God made a covenant with Abram, saying: To thy seed will I give this land, from the river of Egypt even to the great river Euphrates.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 27 (26):1a; V. 1, 7-8, 8-9, 13-14.

R. The Lord is my light and my salvation

V.  The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?

      The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?

V.  Hear, O Lord, my voice, with which I have cried to thee:

      have mercy on me and hear me.

      My heart hath said to thee: My face hath sought thee:

V.  (T)hy face, O Lord, will I still seek.

      Turn not away thy face from me; decline not in thy wrath from thy servant.

      Be thou my helper, forsake me not; do not thou despise me, O God my Saviour.

V.  I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

     Expect the Lord, do manfully, and let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the               Lord. 

Second Reading:  Philippians 3:17—4:1 or 3:20-4:1

Be ye followers of me, brethren, and observe them who walk so as you have our model. For many walk, of whom I have told you often (and now tell you weeping), that they are enemies of the cross of Christ; Whose end is destruction; whose God is their belly; and whose glory is in their shame; who mind earthly things. But our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will reform the body of our lowness, made like to the body of his glory, according to the operation whereby also he is able to subdue all things unto himself. Therefore, my dearly beloved brethren, and most desired, my joy and my crown; so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 9:28b-36

(H)e took Peter, and James, and John, and went up into a mountain to pray. And whilst he prayed, the shape of his countenance was altered, and his raiment became white and glittering. And behold two men were talking with him. And they were Moses and Elias, Appearing in majesty. And they spoke of his decease that he should accomplish in Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep. And waking, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. And it came to pass, that as they were departing from him, Peter saith to Jesus: Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias; not knowing what he said. And as he spoke these things, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them; and they were afraid, when they entered into the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my beloved Son; hear him. And whilst the voice was uttered, Jesus was found alone. And they held their peace, and told no man in those days any of these things which they had seen.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The First Week Of Lent

First Reading:  Deuteronomy 26:16-19

This day the Lord thy God hath commanded thee to do these commandments and judgments: and to keep and fulfill them with all thy heart, and with all thy soul. Thou hast chosen the Lord this day to be thy God, and to walk in his ways and keep his ceremonies, and precepts, and judgments, and obey his command. And the Lord hath chosen thee this day, to be his peculiar people, as he hath spoken to thee, and to keep all his commandments:  And to make thee higher than all nations which he hath created, to his own praise, and name, and glory: that thou mayst be a holy people of the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119 (118):1; V. 1-2, 4-5, 7-8

R. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

V. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

     Blessed are they who search his testimonies: that seek him with their whole heart.

V. Thou hast commanded thy commandments to be kept most diligently.

     O! that my ways may be directed to keep thy justifications.

V. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned the judgments of thy       justice.

     I will keep thy justifications: O! do not thou utterly forsake me.

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: Friday Of The First Week Of Lent

First Reading:  Ezekiel 18:21-28

But if the wicked do penance for all his sins which he hath committed, and keep all my commandments, and do judgment, and justice, living he shall live, and shall not die. I will not remember all his iniquities that he hath done: in his justice which he hath wrought, he shall live. Is it my will that a sinner should die, saith the Lord God, and not that he should be converted from his ways, and live? But if the just man turn himself away from his justice, and do iniquity according to all the abominations which the wicked man useth to work, shall he live? all his justices which he hath done, shall not be remembered: in the prevarication, by which he hath prevaricated, and in his sin, which he hath committed, in them he shall die. And you have said: The way of the Lord is not right. Hear ye, therefore, O house of Israel: Is it my way that is not right, and are not rather your ways perverse? For when the just turneth himself away from his justice, and committeth iniquity, he shall die therein: in the injustice that he hath wrought he shall die. And when the wicked turneth himself away from his wickedness, which he hath wrought, and doeth judgment, and justice: he shall save his soul alive. Because he considereth and turneth away himself from all his iniquities which he hath wrought, he shall surely live, and not die.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 130 (129):3; V. 1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8

R. If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.

V. Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord:

     Lord, hear my voice. Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

V. If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it.

    For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of thy law, I have waited for        thee, O Lord. 

V. My soul hath relied on his word:  My soul hath hoped in the Lord.

     From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.

V. Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption.

     And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

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: Thursday Of The First Week In Lent

First Reading:  Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 (D-R--14:1, 3-5, 13-15)

Queen Esther also, fearing the danger that was at hand, had recourse to the Lord. And she prayed to the Lord the God of Israel, saying: O my Lord, who alone art our king, help me a desolate woman, and who have no other helper but thee. My danger is in my hands. I have heard of my father that thou, O Lord, didst take Israel from among all nations, and our fathers from all their predecessors, to possess them as an everlasting inheritance, and thou hast done to them as thou hast promised. Give me a well ordered speech in my mouth in the presence of the lion, and turn his heart to the hatred of our enemy, that both he himself may perish, and the rest that consent to him. But deliver us by thy hand, and help me, who have no other helper, but thee, O Lord, who hast the knowledge of all things. And thou knowest that I hate the glory of the wicked, and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and of every stranger.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 138 (137):3a; V. 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8

R. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me:

V. I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart: for thou hast heard the words of my            mouth.

    I will sing praise to thee in the sight of the angels:

    I will worship towards thy holy temple, and I will give glory to thy name.

V. For thy mercy, and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy holy name above all.

     In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me: thou shall multiply strength in my           soul.

V. (A)nd thy right hand hath saved me.

     The Lord will repay for me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever:

     O despise not the work of thy hands.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 7:7-12

Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, of whom if his son shall ask bread, will he reach him a stone? Or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a serpent? If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him? All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The First Week In Lent

First Reading:  Jonah 3:1-10

And the word of the Lord came to Jonas the second time, saying:  Arise, and go to Ninive the great city: and preach in it the preaching that I bid thee. And Jonas arose, and went to Ninive, according to the word of the Lord: now Ninive was a great city of three days' journey. And Jonas began to enter into the city one day's journey: and he cried, and said: Yet forty days, and Ninive shall be destroyed. And the men of Ninive believed in God: and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least. And the word came to the king of Ninive; and he rose up out of his throne, and cast away his robe from him, and was clothed with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he caused it to be proclaimed and published in Ninive from the mouth of the king and of his princes, saying: Let neither men nor beasts, oxen nor sheep, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water. And let men and beasts be covered with sackcloth, and cry to the Lord with all their strength, and let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the iniquity that is in their hands. Who can tell if God will turn, and forgive: and will turn away from his fierce anger, and we shall not perish? And God saw their works, that they were turned from their evil way: and God had mercy with regard to the evil which he had said that he would do to them, and he did it not.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 51 (50):3-4, 12-13, 18-19

R. (A) contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

V. Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy.

     And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.

     Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

V. Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

     Cast me not away from thy face; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

V. For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it:

     with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.

     A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit:

     a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 11:29-32

And the multitudes running together, he began to say: This generation is a wicked generation: it asketh a sign, and a sign shall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet. For as Jonas was a sign to the Ninivites; so shall the Son of man also be to this generation. The queen of the south shall rise in the judgment with the men of this generation, and shall condemn them: because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold more than Solomon here. The men of Ninive shall rise in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it; because they did penance at the preaching of Jonas; and behold more than Jonas here.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The First Week Of Lent

First Reading:  Isaiah 55:10-11

And as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return no more thither, but soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring, and give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  So shall my word be, which shall go forth from my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall do whatsoever I please, and shall prosper in the things for which I sent it.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 34:18b; V. 4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19

R. (A)nd the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles.

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.

V. The eyes of the Lord are upon the just: and his ears unto their prayers.

     But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things: to cut off the                     remembrance of them from the earth.

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

     The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of             spirit.

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.

In Memory Of...

Helen Marie (Sheely) Rolling

Born: March 1, 1939

Died: March 8, 2020

Requiescat In Pace.

**********

Originally posted 3/8/2021.

Re-posted 3/8/2022.

Re-posted 3/8/2023.

Re-posted 3/8/2024.

DR Squared: Monday Of The First Week Of Lent

First Reading:  Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying:  Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: Be ye holy, because I the Lord your God am holy. You shall not steal. You shall not lie, neither shall any man deceive his neighbour. Thou shalt not swear falsely by my name, nor profane the name of thy God. I am the Lord. Thou shalt not calumniate thy neighbour, nor oppress him by violence. The wages of him that hath been hired by thee shall not abide with thee until the morning. Thou shalt not speak evil of the deaf, nor put a stumblingblock before the blind: but thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, because I am the Lord. Thou shalt not do that which is unjust, nor judge unjustly. Respect not the person of the poor, nor honour the countenance of the mighty. But judge thy neighbour according to justice. Thou shalt not be a detractor nor a whisperer among the people. Thou shalt not stand against the blood of thy neighbour. I am the Lord. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart, but reprove him openly, lest thou incur sin through him. Seek not revenge, nor be mindful of the injury of thy citizens. Thou shalt love thy friend as thyself. I am the Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

And when the Son of man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty. And all nations shall be gathered together before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats:  And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in:  Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me. Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee; thirsty, and gave thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and covered thee? Or when did we see thee sick or in prison, and came to thee? And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me. Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me not to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you covered me not: sick and in prison, and you did not visit me. Then they also shall answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee? Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me. And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: First Sunday Of Lent (Year C)

First Reading:  Deuteronomy 26:4-10

And the priest taking the basket at thy hand, shall set it before the altar of the Lord thy God:  And thou shalt speak thus in the sight of the Lord thy God: The Syrian pursued my father, who went down into Egypt, and sojourned there in a very small number, and grew into a nation great and strong and of an infinite multitude. And the Egyptians afflicted us, and persecuted us, laying on us most grievous burdens: And we cried to the Lord God of our fathers: who heard us, and looked down upon our affliction, and labour, and distress:  And brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand, and a stretched out arm, with great terror, with signs and wonders:  And brought us into this place, and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey.  And therefore now I offer the firstfruits of the land which the Lord hath given me. And thou shalt leave them in the sight of the Lord thy God, adoring the Lord thy God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 91 (90):15b; V. 1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15

R. I am with him in tribulation,

V. He that dwelleth in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God       of Jacob. 

     He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I         trust.

V. There shall no evil come to thee: nor shall the scourge come near thy dwelling.

     For he hath given his angels charge over thee; to keep thee in all thy ways.

V. In their hands they shall bear thee up: lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

    Thou shalt walk upon the asp and the basilisk:

    and thou shalt trample under foot the lion and the dragon.

V. Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known          my name.

    He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him,        and I will glorify him.

Second Reading:  Romans 10:8-13

But what saith the scripture? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart. This is the word of faith, which we preach. For if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him up from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For, with the heart, we believe unto justice; but, with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith: Whosoever believeth in him, shall not be confounded. For there is no distinction of the Jew and the Greek: for the same is Lord over all, rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 4:1-13

And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the desert, For the space of forty days; and was tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days; and when they were ended, he was hungry. And the devil said to him: If thou be the Son of God, say to this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him: It is written, that Man liveth not by bread alone, but by every word of God. And the devil led him into a high mountain, and shewed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; And he said to him: To thee will I give all this power, and the glory of them; for to me they are delivered, and to whom I will, I give them. If thou therefore wilt adore before me, all shall be thine. And Jesus answering said to him: It is written: Thou shalt adore the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and he said to him: If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself from hence. For it is written, that He hath given his angels charge over thee, that they keep thee. And that in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest perhaps thou dash thy foot against a stone. And Jesus answering, said to him: It is said: Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And all the temptation being ended, the devil departed from him for a time.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday After Ash Wednesday

First Reading:  Isaiah 58:9b-14

If thou wilt take away the chain out of the midst of thee, and cease to stretch out the finger, and to speak that which profiteth not. When thou shalt pour out thy soul to the hungry, and shalt satisfy the afflicted soul then shall thy light rise up in darkness, and thy darkness shall be as the noonday. And the Lord will give thee rest continually, and will fill thy soul with brightness, and deliver thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a fountain of water whose waters shall not fail. And the places that have been desolate for ages shall be built in thee: thou shalt raise up the foundations of generation and generation: and thou shalt be called the repairer of the fences, turning the paths into rest. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy own will in my holy day, and call the sabbath delightful, and the holy of the Lord glorious, and glorify him, while thou dost not thy own ways, and thy own will is not found: to speak a word:  Then shalt thou be delighted in the Lord, and I will lift thee up above the high places of the earth, and will feed thee with the inheritance of Jacob thy father. For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 86 (85):11ab; V. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R. Conduct me, O Lord, in thy way, and I will walk in thy truth:

V. Incline thy ear, O Lord, and hear me: for I am needy and poor.

    Preserve my soul, for I am holy:

    save thy servant, O my God, that trusteth in thee.

V. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I have cried to thee all the day.

    Give joy to the soul of thy servant, for to thee, O Lord, I have lifted up my soul.

V. For thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon thee.

    Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer: and attend to the voice of my petition.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 5:27-32

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom, and he said to him: Follow me. And leaving all things, he rose up and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house; and there was a great company of publicans, and of others, that were at table with them. But the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying to his disciples: Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering, said to them: They that are whole, need not the physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the just, but sinners to penance.

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Friday After Ash Wednesday

First Reading:  Isaiah 58:1-9a

Cry, cease not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their wicked doings, and the house of Jacob their sins. For they seek me from day to day, and desire to know my ways, as a nation that hath done justice, and hath not forsaken the judgment of their God: they ask of me the judgments of justice: they are willing to approach to God. Why have we fasted, and thou hast not regarded: have we humbled our souls, and thou hast not taken notice? Behold in the day of your fast your own will is found, and you exact of all your debtors. Behold you fast for debates and strife, and strike with the fist wickedly. Do not fast as you have done until this day, to make your cry to be heard on high. Is this such a fast as I have chosen: for a man to afflict his soul for a day? is this it, to wind his head about like a circle, and to spread sackcloth and ashes? wilt thou call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this rather the fast that I have chosen? loose the bands of wickedness, undo the bundles that oppress, let them that are broken go free, and break asunder every burden. Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the needy and the harbourless into thy house: when thou shalt see one naked, cover him, and despise not thy own flesh. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall speedily arise, and thy justice shall go before thy face, and the glory of the Lord shall gather thee up. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall hear: thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 51 (50):19b; V. 3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19

R. (A) contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

V. Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy.

     And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.

    Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

V. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.

    To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee:

V. For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it:

    with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.

    A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit:

    a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 9:14-15

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying: Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but thy disciples do not fast? And Jesus said to them: Can the children of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they shall fast.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday After Ash Wednesday

First Reading:  Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Consider that I have set before thee this day life and good, and on the other hand death and evil:  That thou mayst love the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways, and keep his commandments and ceremonies and judgments, and thou mayst live, and he may multiply thee, and bless thee in the land, which thou shalt go in to possess. But if thy heart be turned away, so that thou wilt not hear, and being deceived with error thou adore strange gods, and serve them:  I foretell thee this day that thou shalt perish, and shalt remain but a short time in the land, to which thou shalt pass over the Jordan, and shalt go in to possess it. I call heaven and earth to witness this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose therefore life, that both thou and thy seed may live:  And that thou mayst love the Lord thy God, and obey his voice, and adhere to him (for he is thy life, and the length of thy days,) that thou mayst dwell in the land, for which the Lord swore to thy fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that he would give it them.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40 (39):5a; V. 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R. Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord;

V. Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the            way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.

    But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

V. And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring              forth its fruit, in due season.

    And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

V. Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the          earth.

    For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 9:22-25

Saying: The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the ancients and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and the third day rise again. And he said to all: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it; for he that shall lose his life for my sake, shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, and cast away himself?

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Ash Wednesday

First Reading:  Joel 2:12-18

Now therefore saith the Lord: Be converted to me with all your heart, in fasting, and in weeping, and in mourning. And rend your hearts, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, patient and rich in mercy, and ready to repent of the evil. Who knoweth but he will return, and forgive, and leave a blessing behind him, sacrifice and libation to the Lord your God? Blow the trumpet in Sion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, Gather together the people, sanctify the church, assemble the ancients, gather together the little ones, and them that suck at the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth from his bed, and the bride out of her bride chamber. Between the porch and the altar the priests the Lord's ministers shall weep, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare thy people: and give not thy inheritance to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them. Why should they say among the nations: Where is their God? The Lord hath been zealous for his land, and hath spared his people.

Responsorial Psalm:  Cf. Psalm 51 (50):3a; V. 3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14 and 17

R. Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy.

V. Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy.

     And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.

    Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

V. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is always before me.

    To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee:

V. Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

    Cast me not away from thy face; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

V. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.

    O Lord, thou wilt open my lips: and my mouth shall declare thy praise. 

Second Reading:  2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

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. 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.

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.  2 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.  3 But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth.  4 That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee.  5 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.

Day One Of Forty

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

This is one of the two sentences you may hear if you assist at Mass today. It is a familiar ritual to many not only in Catholicism, but also Christianity. The receiving of ashes, the remnant of burnt palm branches from the preceding Palm Sunday, serves as a reminder of our own mortality.

Thus begins Lent, with its focus on repentance and renewal. The Church's annual six-plus week retreat before Easter. The opportunity to examine our relationship with God. The chance to develop more as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The Church again offers the ways of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as a means to this end. The challenge, as always, is how intentional, more deliberate we are going to be. What tried and true methods will we use? What more can we incorporate into our spiritual life at this time so as to carry it beyond the Sacred Triduum? How can we become more holy, more perfect?

I offer these questions for your discernment.

Perhaps the best starting point can be found in the other sentence you may hear as you come forward.

"Repent and believe in the Gospel."

Today begins the acceptable time to find more answers to our universal call to holiness.

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

First Reading:  Sirach 35:1-12

He that keepeth the law, multiplieth offerings. It is a wholesome sacrifice to take heed to the commandments, and to depart from all iniquity. And to depart from injustice, is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices, and a begging of pardon for sins. He shall return thanks, that offereth fine flour: and he that doth mercy, offereth sacrifice. To depart from iniquity is that which pleaseth the Lord, and to depart from injustice, is an entreaty for sins. Thou shalt not appear empty in the sight of the Lord. For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God. The oblation of the just maketh the altar fat, and is an odour of sweetness in the sight of the most High. The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will not forget the memorial thereof. Give glory to God with a good heart: and diminish not the firstfruits of thy hands. In every gift shew a cheerful countenance, and sanctify thy tithes with joy. Give to the most High according to what he hath given to thee, and with a good eye do according to the ability of thy hands:

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 50 (49):23b; V. 5-6, 7-8, 14, 23

R. (A)nd there is the way by which I will shew him the salvation of God.

V. Gather ye together his saints to him: who set his covenant before sacrifices.

     And the heavens shall declare his justice: for God is judge.

V. Hear, O my people, and I will speak: O Israel, and I will testify to thee: I am God, thy God.

     I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices: and thy burnt offerings are always in my sight.

V. Offer to God the sacrifice of praise: and pay thy vows to the most High.

    The sacrifice of praise shall glorify me: and there is the way by which I will shew him the        salvation of God.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 10:28-31

And Peter began to say unto him: Behold, we have left all things, and have followed thee. Jesus answering, said: Amen I say to you, there is no man who hath left house or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, Who shall not receive an hundred times as much, now in this time; houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions: and in the world to come life everlasting. But many that are first, shall be last: and the last, first. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  Sirach 17:20-24

But to the penitent he hath given the way of justice, and he hath strengthened them that were fainting in patience, and hath appointed to them the lot of truth. Turn to the Lord, and forsake thy sins:  Make thy prayer before the face of the Lord, and offend less. Return to the Lord, and turn away from thy injustice, and greatly hate abomination. And know the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the lot set before thee, and in prayer to the most high God.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 32 (31):11a; V. 1-2, 5, 6, 7

R. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just,

V. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

    Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is        no guile.

V.  I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed.

     I said I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the       wickedness of my sin.

V. For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a seasonable time.

    And yet in a flood of many waters, they shall not come nigh unto him.

V. Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me:

     my joy, deliver me from them that surround me.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 10:17-27

And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting? And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother. But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth. And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God? It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  Sirach 27:4-7 (D-R:  5-8)

As when one sifteth with a sieve, the dust will remain: so will the perplexity of a man in his thoughts. The furnace trieth the potter's vessels, and the trial of affliction just men. As the dressing of a tree sheweth the fruit thereof, so a word out of the thought of the heart of man. Praise not a man before he speaketh, for this is the trial of men.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 92 (91):2a; V. 2-3, 13-14, 15-16

R. It is good to give praise to the Lord:

V. It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to thy name, O most High.

    To shew forth thy mercy in the morning, and thy truth in the night:

V. The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus.

    They that are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of the house of          our God.

V. They shall still increase in a fruitful old age: and shall be well treated,

    That they may shew, That the Lord our God is righteous, and there is no iniquity in him.

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 15:54-58

And when this mortal hath put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? Now the sting of death is sin: and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast and unmoveable; always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:39-45

And he spoke also to them a similitude: Can the blind lead the blind? do they not both fall into the ditch The disciple is not above his master: but every one shall be perfect, if he be as his master. And why seest thou the mote in thy brother's eye: but the beam that is in thy own eye thou considerest not? Or how canst thou say to thy brother: Brother, let me pull the mote out of thy eye, when thou thyself seest not the beam in thy own eye? Hypocrite, cast first the beam out of thy own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to take out the mote from thy brother's eye. For there is no good tree that bringeth forth evil fruit; nor an evil tree that bringeth forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns; nor from a bramble bush do they gather the grape. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

March 2025 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when praying the Morning Offering:

For families in crisis. Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.

(UPDATE: 3/6/2025) A reflection for this intention can be found here.

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

First Reading:  Sirach 17:1-15

God created man of the earth, and made him after his own image. And he turned him into it again, and clothed him with strength according to himself. He gave him the number of his days and time, and gave him power over all things that are upon the earth. He put the fear of him upon all flesh, and he had dominion over beasts and fowls. He created of him a helpmate like to himself: he gave them counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, and ears, and a heart to devise: and he filled them with the knowledge of understanding. He created in them the science of the spirit, he filled their heart with wisdom, and shewed them both good and evil. He set his eye upon their hearts to shew them the greatness of his works:  That they might praise the name which he hath sanctified: and glory in his wondrous acts, that they might declare the glorious things of his works. Moreover he gave them instructions, and the law of life for an inheritance. He made an everlasting covenant with them, and he shewed them his justice and judgments. And their eye saw the majesty of his glory. and their ears heard his glorious voice, and he said to them: Beware of all iniquity. And he gave to every one of them commandment concerning his neighbour. Their ways are always before him, they are not hidden from his eyes. Over every nation he set a ruler. And Israel was made the manifest portion of God.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 103 (102):17a; V. 13-14, 15-16, 17-18

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

V. As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that        fear him:

    For he knoweth our frame. He remembereth that we are dust:

V. Man's days are as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish.

     For the spirit shall pass in him, and he shall not be: and he shall know his place no               more.

V. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity and unto eternity upon them that fear him:           And his justice unto children's children,

    To such as keep his covenant, And are mindful of his commandments to do them. 

Gospel Reading:  Mark 10:13-16

And they brought to him young children, that he might touch them. And the disciples rebuked them that brought them. Whom when Jesus saw, he was much displeased, and saith to them: Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Amen I say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, shall not enter into it. And embracing them, and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  Sirach 6:5-17

A sweet word multiplieth friends, and appeaseth enemies, and a gracious tongue in a good man aboundeth. Be in peace with many, but let one of a thousand be thy counsellor. If thou wouldst get a friend, try him before thou takest him, and do not credit him easily. For there is a friend for his own occasion, and he will not abide in the day of thy trouble. And there is a friend that turneth to enmity; and there is a friend that will disclose hatred and strife and reproaches. And there is a friend a companion at the table, and he will not abide in the day of distress. A friend if he continue steadfast, shall be to thee as thyself, and shall act with confidence among them of thy household. If he humble himself before thee, and hide himself from thy face, thou shalt have unanimous friendship for good. Separate thyself from thy enemies, and take heed of thy friends. A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found him, hath found a treasure. Nothing can be compared to a faithful friend, and no weight of gold and silver is able to countervail the goodness of his fidelity. A faithful friend is the medicine of life and immortality: and they that fear the Lord, shall find him. He that feareth God, shall likewise have good friendship: because according to him shall his friend be.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119 (118):35a; V. 12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35

R. Lead me into the path of thy commandments;

V. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications.

V. I will think of thy justifications: I will not forget thy words.

V. Open thou my eyes: and I will consider the wondrous things of thy law.

V. Make me to understand the way of thy justifications: and I shall be exercised in thy              wondrous works.

V. Give me understanding, and I will search thy law; and I will keep it with my whole               heart.

V. Lead me into the path of thy commandments; for this same I have desired.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 10:1-12

And rising up from thence, he cometh into the coasts of Judea beyond the Jordan: and the multitudes flock to him again. And as he was accustomed, he taught them again. And the Pharisees coming to him asked him: Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. But he answering, saith to them: What did Moses command you? Who said: Moses permitted to write a bill of divorce, and to put her away. To whom Jesus answering, said: Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you that precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother; and shall cleave to his wife. And they two shall be in one flesh. Therefore now they are not two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. And in the house again his disciples asked him concerning the same thing. And he saith to them: Whosoever shall put away his wife and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if the wife shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Gregory Of Narek, Abbot And Doctor Of The Church

First Reading:  Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16

Wherefore I wished, and understanding was given me: and I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came upon me:  And I preferred her before kingdoms and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her. Neither did I compare unto her any precious stone: for all gold in comparison of her, is as a little sand, and silver in respect to her shall be counted as clay. I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for her light cannot be put out. And God hath given to me to speak as I would, and to conceive thoughts worthy of those things that are given me: because he is the guide of wisdom, and the director of the wise:  For in his hand are both we, and our words, and all wisdom, and the knowledge and skill of works.

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

R. The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 7:21-29

Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have not we prophesied in thy name, and cast out devils in thy name, and done many miracles in thy name? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity. Every one therefore that heareth these my words, and doth them, shall be likened to a wise man that built his house upon a rock, And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on a rock. And every one that heareth these my words, and doth them not, shall be like a foolish man that built his house upon the sand, And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall thereof. And it came to pass when Jesus had fully ended these words, the people were in admiration at his doctrine. For he was teaching them as one having power, and not as the scribes and Pharisees.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  Sirach 5:1-8

Set not thy heart upon unjust possessions, and say not: I have enough to live on: for it shall be of no service in the time of vengeance and darkness. Follow not in thy strength the desires of thy heart:  And say not: How mighty am I? and who shall bring me under for my deeds? for God will surely take revenge. Say not: I have sinned, and what harm hath befallen me? for the most High is a patient rewarder. Be not without fear about sin forgiven, and add not sin upon sin:  And say not: The mercy of the Lord is great, he will have mercy on the multitude of my sins. For mercy and wrath quickly come from him, and his wrath looketh upon sinners. Delay not to be converted to the Lord, and defer it not from day to day. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40 (39):5a; V. 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6

R. Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord;

V. Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly,

     nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence.

     But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

V. And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring          forth its fruit, in due season.

     And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

V. Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the       earth.

     For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 9:41-50 (D-R:40-49)

For whosoever shall give you to drink a cup of water in my name, because you belong to Christ: amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward. And whosoever shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me; it were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck, and he were cast into the sea. And if thy hand scandalize thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life, maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into unquenchable fire:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished. And if thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off. It is better for thee to enter lame into life everlasting, than having two feet, to be cast into the hell of unquenchable fire:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished. And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out. It is better for thee with one eye to enter into the kingdom of God, than having two eyes to be cast into the hell of fire:  Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not extinguished.  For every one shall be salted with fire: and every victim shall be salted with salt. Salt is good. But if the salt became unsavoury; wherewith will you season it? Have salt in you, and have peace among you.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.