DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Pontian, Pope And Martyr, And Saint Hippolytus, Priest And Martyr

First Reading:  1 Peter 4:12-19

Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you, as if some new thing happened to you; But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory, and power of God, and that which is his Spirit, resteth upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a railer, or a coveter of other men's things. But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God? And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God, commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 124 (123):7a; V. 2-3, 4-5, 7-8

R.  Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers.

V.  If it had not been that the Lord was with us,

     When men rose up against us,

     Perhaps they had swallowed us up alive.

     When their fury was enkindled against us,

V.  Perhaps the waters had swallowed us up.

     Our soul hath passed through a torrent:

     perhaps our soul had passed

     through a water insupportable.

V.  Our soul hath been delivered as a sparrow out of the snare of the fowlers.

     The snare is broken, and we are delivered.

     Our help is in the name of the Lord,

     who made heaven and earth.

Gospel Reading:  John 15:18-21

If the world hate you, know ye, that it hath hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for my name's sake: because they know not him who sent me.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.