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

First Reading:  2 Timothy 3:14-17

But continue thou in those things which thou hast learned, and which have been committed to thee: knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And because from thy infancy thou hast known the holy scriptures, which can instruct thee to salvation, by the faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice, That the man of God may be perfect, furnished to every good work.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 119 (118):12b; V. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

R.  O Lord: teach me thy justifications.

V.  By what doth a young man correct his way?

     by observing thy words. 

V.  With my whole heart have I sought after thee:

     let me not stray from thy commandments.

V.  Thy words have I hidden in my heart,

     that I may not sin against thee.

V.  Blessed art thou, O Lord:

     teach me thy justifications.

V. With my lips I have pronounced

     all the judgments of thy mouth.

V.  I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies,

     as in all riches.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 13:47-52

Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a net cast into the sea, and gathering together of all kind of fishes. Which, when it was filled, they drew out, and sitting by the shore, they chose out the good into vessels, but the bad they cast forth. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall go out, and shall separate the wicked from among the just. And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have ye understood all these things? They say to him: Yes. He said unto them: Therefore every scribe instructed in the kingdom of heaven, is like to a man that is a householder, who bringeth forth out of his treasure new things and old. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Twenty-Sixth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Zechariah 8:20-23

Thus saith the Lord of hosts, until people come, and dwell in many cities, And the inhabitants go one to another, saying: Let us go, and entreat the face of the Lord, and let us seek the Lord of hosts: I also will go. And many peoples, and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the face of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: In those days, wherein ten men of all languages of the Gentiles shall take hold, and shall hold fast the shirt of one that is a Jew, saying: We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Zechariah 8:23; V. Psalm 87 (86):1b-3, 4-5, 6-7

R.  God is with you.

V.  The foundations thereof are in the holy mountains:

     The Lord loveth the gates of Sion

     above all the tabernacles of Jacob.

     Glorious things are said of thee,

     O city of God.

V.  I will be mindful of Rahab and of Babylon knowing me.

     Behold the foreigners, and Tyre, and the people of the Ethiopians, these were there.

     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:  Luke 9:51-56

And it came to pass, when the days of his assumption were accomplishing, that he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers before his face; and going, they entered into a city of the Samaritans, to prepare for him. And they received him not, because his face was of one going to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John had seen this, they said: Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them? And turning, he rebuked them, saying: You know not of what spirit you are. The Son of man came not to destroy souls, but to save. And they went into another town.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Choir (Of Angels) Members

Today marks the feast of the Archangels St. Michael (Who is like God?), St. Gabriel (God is my strength), and St. Raphael (God has healed).

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf at What Does The Prayer Really Say gives a brief synopsis of the origins of today (and from where I found the photo--fedora doff to the good priest).

At the 'blog of Ignatius Press is a re-post (see, I am not the only one who does this) from an excerpt of a book by Dr. Peter Kreeft, a professor of philosophy at Boston College.

Speaking of priests, Fr. Philip Neri Powell, OP, who has his own 'blog (Domine, da nihi hanc aquam!) shares his homily.

Finally, there is my post from 2006 which links to a post from the Happy Catholic.

********

Originally posted 9/29/2012.
Re-posted 9/29/2015.
Re-posted 9/29/2016.

Re-posted 9/29/2017.

Re-posted 9/29/2020.

Re-posted 9/29/2021.

Re-posted 9/29/2022.

Re-posted 9/29/2023.

DR Squared: Feast Of Saints Michael, Gabriel, And Raphael, Archangels

First Reading:  Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

I beheld till thrones were placed, and the Ancient of days sat: his garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like clean wool: his throne like flames of fire: the wheels of it like a burning fire. A swift stream of fire issued forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times a hundred thousand stood before him: the judgment sat, and the books were opened. I beheld therefore in the vision of the night, and lo, one like the son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and he came even to the Ancient of days: and they presented him before him. And he gave him power, and glory, and a kingdom: and all peoples, tribes and tongues shall serve him: his power is an everlasting power that shall not be taken away: and his kingdom that shall not be destroyed.

OR

Revelation 12:7-12ab

And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels:  And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduceth the whole world; and he was cast unto the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying: Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: because the accuser of our brethren is cast forth, who accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of the testimony, and they loved not their lives unto death. Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you that dwell therein.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 138 (137):1b; V. 1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5

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

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.  May all the kings of the earth give glory to thee:

     for they have heard all the words of thy mouth.

     And let them sing in the ways of the Lord:

     for great is the glory of the Lord.

Gospel Reading:  John 1:47-51

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him: and he saith of him: Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile. Nathanael saith to him: Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered, and said to him: Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered him, and said: Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered, and said to him: Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, thou believest: greater things than these shalt thou see. And he saith to him: Amen, amen I say to you, you shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Twenty-Sixth Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year C)

First Reading:  Amos 6:1a, 4-7

Woe to you that are wealthy in Sion, You that sleep upon beds of ivory, and are wanton on your couches: that eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the herd; You that sing to the sound of the psaltery: they have thought themselves to have instruments of music like David; That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best ointments: and they are not concerned for the affliction of Joseph. Wherefore now they shall go captive at the head of them that go into captivity: and the faction of the luxurious ones shall be taken away.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 146 (145):2b; V. 7, 8-9a, 9b-10

R.  Praise the Lord, O my soul,

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,

V.  (H)e will support the fatherless and the widow:

     and the ways of sinners he will destroy.

     The Lord shall reign for ever:

     thy God, O Sion, unto generation and generation.

Second Reading:  1 Timothy 6:11-16

But thou, O man of God, fly these things: and pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness. Fight the good fight of faith: lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses. I charge thee before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate, a good confession, That thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Which in his times he shall shew who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, and inhabiteth light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen.

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: Memorial Of Saint Vincent De Paul, Priest

First Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble:  But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that he may confound the strong. And the base things of the world, and the things that are contemptible, hath God chosen, and things that are not, that he might bring to nought things that are:  That no flesh should glory in his sight. But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and justice, and sanctification, and redemption:  That, as it is written: He that glorieth, may glory in the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 112 (111):1a; V. 1bc-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7b-8, 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.  Acceptable is the man that sheweth mercy and lendeth:

     he shall order his words with judgment:

     Because he shall not be moved for ever.

     The just shall be in everlasting remembrance:

V.  (H)e shall not fear the evil hearing.

     His heart is ready to hope in the Lord:

     His heart is strengthened, he shall not be moved

     until he look over his enemies.

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 9:35-38

And Jesus went about all the cities, and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease, and every infirmity. And seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them: because they were distressed, and lying like sheep that have no shepherd. Then he saith to his disciples, The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Twenty-Fifth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Zechariah 2:5-9, 14-15a (DR--1-5, 10-11a)

And I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold a man, with a measuring line in his hand. And I said: Whither goest thou? and he said to me: To measure Jerusalem, and to see how great is the breadth thereof, and how great the length thereof. And behold the angel that spoke in me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him. And he said to him: Run, speak to this young man, saying: Jerusalem shall be inhabited without walls, by reason of the multitude of men, and of the beasts in the midst thereof. And I will be to it, saith the Lord, a wall of fire round about: and I will be in glory in the midst thereof. Sing praise, and rejoice, O daughter of Sion: for behold I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee: saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall be my people, and I will dwell in the midst of thee: 

Responsorial Psalm:  Jeremiah 31:10d; V. 10, 11-12ab, 13

R.  (A)nd he will keep him as the shepherd doth his flock.

V.  Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations,

     and declare it in the islands that are afar off,

     and say: He that scattered Israel will gather him:

     and he will keep him as the shepherd doth his flock.

V.  For the Lord hath redeemed Jacob,

     and delivered him out of the hand of one that was mightier than he.

     And they shall come, and shall give praise in mount Sion:

     and they shall flow together to the good things of the Lord,

V.  Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance,

     the young men and old men together:

     and I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them,

     and make them joyful after their sorrow.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 9:43b-45 (DR--44-45)

And all were astonished at the mighty power of God. But while all wondered at all the things he did, he said to his disciples: Lay you up in your hearts these words, for it shall come to pass, that the Son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men. But they understood not this word; and it was hid from them, so that they perceived it not. And they were afraid to ask him concerning this word.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saints Cosmas And Damian, Martyrs

First Reading:  Wisdom 3:1-9

But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery:  And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his elect.

 Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 126 (125):5; V. 1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R.  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

V. When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion,

     we became like men comforted. 

     Then was our mouth filled with gladness;

     and our tongue with joy.

V.  Then shall they say among the Gentiles:

     The Lord hath done great things for them.

     The Lord hath done great things for us:

     we are become joyful.

V.  Turn again our captivity, O Lord,

     as a stream in the south.

     They that sow in tears

     shall reap in joy.

V.  Going they went and wept,

     casting their seeds.

     But coming they shall come with joyfulness,

     carrying their sheaves.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 10:28-33

And fear ye not them that kill the body, and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him that can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows. Every one therefore that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven. But he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here. 

DR Squared: Friday Of The Twenty-Fifth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Haggai 2:1-9

In the four and twentieth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king, they began. And in the seventh month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Aggeus the prophet, saying: Speak to Zorobabel the son of Salathiel the governor of Juda, and to Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, and to the rest of the people, saying:  Who is left among you, that saw this house in its first glory? and how do you see it now? is it not in comparison to that as nothing in your eyes? Yet now take courage, O Zorobabel, saith the Lord, and take courage, O Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, and take courage, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord of hosts: and perform (for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts) The word that I covenanted with you when you came out of the land of Egypt: and my spirit shall be in the midst of you: fear not. For thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet one little while, and I will move the heaven and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will move all nations: AND THE DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS SHALL COME: and I will fill this house with glory: saith the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 43 (42):6; V. 1, 2, 3, 4

R.  Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance, and            my God.

V.  O God, and distinguish my cause from the nation that is not holy:

     deliver me from the unjust and deceitful man.

V.  For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off?

     and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me?

V.  Send forth thy light and thy truth:

     they have conducted me,

     and brought me unto thy holy hill,

     and into thy tabernacles.

V.  And I will go in to the altar of God:

     to God who giveth joy to my youth.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 9:18-22

And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples also were with him: and he asked them, saying: Whom do the people say that I am? But they answered, and said: John the Baptist; but some say Elias; and others say that one of the former prophets is risen again. And he said to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answering, said: The Christ of God. But he strictly charging them, commanded they should tell this to no man. 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.

The readings form the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Twenty-Fifth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Haggai 1:1-8

In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the hand of Aggeus the prophet, to Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, governor of Juda, and to Jesus the son of Josedec the high priest, saying:  Thus saith the Lord of hosts, saying: This people saith: The time is not yet come for building the house of the Lord. And the word of the Lord came by the hand of Aggeus the prophet, saying:  Is it time for you to dwell in ceiled houses, and this house lie desolate? And now thus saith the Lord of hosts: Set your hearts to consider your ways. You have sowed much, and brought in little: you have eaten, but have not had enough: you have drunk, but have not been filled with drink: you have clothed yourselves, but have not been warmed: and he that hath earned wages, put them into a bag with holes. Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Set Your hearts upon your ways:  Go up to the mountain, bring timber, and build the house: and it shall be acceptable to me, and I shall be glorified, saith the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 149:4a; V. 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R.  For the Lord is well pleased with his people:

V.  Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle:

     let his praise be in the church of the saints.

     Let Israel rejoice in him that made him:

     and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king.

V.  Let them praise his name in choir:

     let them sing to him with the timbrel and the psaltery.

     For the Lord is well pleased with his people:

     and he will exalt the meek unto salvation.

V.  The saints shall rejoice in glory:

     they shall be joyful in their beds.

     The high praise of God shall be in their mouth:

     this glory is to all his saints. Alleluia.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 9:7-9

Now Herod, the tetrarch, heard of all things that were done by him; and he was in a doubt, because it was said By some, that John was risen from the dead: but by other some, that Elias had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said: John I have beheaded; but who is this of whom I hear such things? And he sought to see him. 

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Twenty-Fifth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Ezra 9:5-9

And at the evening sacrifice I rose up from my affliction, and having rent my mantle and my garment, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands to the Lord my God, And said: My God I am confounded and ashamed to lift up my face to thee: for our iniquities are multiplied over our heads, and our sins are grown up even unto heaven, From the days of our fathers: and we ourselves also have sinned grievously unto this day, and for our iniquities we and our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the hands of the kings of the lands, and to the sword, and to captivity, and to spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is at this day. And now as a little, and for a moment has our prayer been made before the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant, and give us a pin in his holy place, and that our God would enlighten our eyes, and would give us a little life in our bondage. For we are bondmen, and in our bondage our God hath not forsaken us, but hath extended mercy upon us before the king of the Persians, to give us life, and to set up the house of our God, and rebuild the desolations thereof, and to give us a fence in Juda and Jerusalem.

Responsorial Psalm:  Tobit 13:1b; V. 2, 3-4a, 6, 7, 9-10

R.  Thou art great, O Lord, for ever, and thy kingdom is unto all ages:

V.  For thou scourgest, and thou savest:

     thou leadest down to hell, and bringest up again:

     and there is none that can escape thy hand.

V.  Give glory to the Lord, ye children of Israel,

     and praise him in the sight of the Gentiles:

     Because he hath therefore scattered you among the Gentiles,

V.  See then what he hath done with us,

     and with fear and trembling give ye glory to him:

     and extol the eternal King of worlds in your works.

V.  As for me, I will praise him in the land of my captivity:

     because he hath shewn his majesty toward a sinful nation.

V.  And I and my soul will rejoice in him.

     Bless ye the Lord, all his elect,

     keep days of joy, and give glory to him.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 9:1-6

Then calling together the twelve apostles, he gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said to them: Take nothing for your journey; neither staff, nor scrip, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats. And whatsoever house you shall enter into, abide there, and depart not from thence. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off even the dust of your feet, for a testimony against them. And going out, they went about through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Twenty-Fifth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20

And let that temple of God be built by the governor of the Jews, and by their ancients, that they may build that house of God in its place. I also have commanded what must be done by those ancients of the Jews, that the house of God may be built, to wit, that of the king's chest, that is, of the tribute that is paid out of the country beyond the river, the charges be diligently given to those men, lest the work be hindered. I Darius have made the decree, which I will have diligently complied with. And the ancients of the Jews built and prospered according to the prophecy of Aggeus the prophet, and of Zacharias the son of Addo: and they built and finished, by the commandment of the God of Israel, and by the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes kings of the Persians. And they were finishing this house of God, until the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of king Darius. And the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity kept the dedication of the house of God with joy. And they offered at the dedication of the house of God, a, hundred calves, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and for a sin offering for all Israel twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses over the works of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. And the children of Israel of the captivity kept the phase, on the fourteenth day of the first month. For all the priests and the Levites were purified as one man: all were clear to kill the phase for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and themselves.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 122 (121):1; V. 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5

R.  I rejoiced...We shall go into the house of the Lord.

V.  I rejoiced at the things that were said to me:

     We shall go into the house of the Lord.

     Our feet were standing

     in thy courts, O Jerusalem.

V.  Jerusalem, which is built as a city,

     which is compact together.

     For thither did the tribes go up,

     the tribes of the Lord:

V. (T)he testimony of Israel,

     to praise the name of the Lord.

     Because their seats have sat in judgment,

     seats upon the house of David.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 8:19-21

And his mother and brethren came unto him; and they could not come at him for the crowd. And it was told him: Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee. Who answering, said to them: My mother and my brethren are they who hear the word of God, and do it.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Twenty-Fifth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Ezra 1:1-6

In the first year of Cyrus king of the Persians, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremias might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of the Persians: and he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and in writing also, saying:  Thus saith Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord the God of heaven hath given to me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judea. Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him. Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judea, and build the house of the Lord the God of Israel: he is the God that is in Jerusalem. And let all the rest in all places wheresoever they dwell, help him every man from his place. with silver and gold, and goods, and cattle, besides that which they offer freely to the temple of God, which is in Jerusalem. Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Juda and Benjamin, and the priests, and Levites, and every one whose spirit God had raised up, to go up to build the temple of the Lord, which was in Jerusalem. And all they that were round about, helped their hands with vessels of silver, and gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with furniture, besides what they had offered on their own accord.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 126 (125):3a; V. 1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R.  The Lord hath done great things for us: 

V.  When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion,

     we became like men comforted. 

     Then was our mouth filled with gladness;

     and our tongue with joy.

V.  Then shall they say among the Gentiles:

     The Lord hath done great things for them.

     The Lord hath done great things for us:

     we are become joyful.

V.  Turn again our captivity, O Lord,

     as a stream in the south.

     They that sow in tears

     shall reap in joy.

V.  Going they went and wept,

     casting their seeds.

     But coming they shall come with joyfulness,

     carrying their sheaves. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 8:16-18

Now no man lighting a candle covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it upon a candlestick, that they who come in may see the light. For there is not any thing secret that shall not be made manifest, nor hidden, that shall not be known and come abroad. Take heed therefore how you hear. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given: and whosoever hath not, that also which he thinketh he hath, shall be taken away from him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Twenty-Fifth Sunday In Ordinary Time

First Reading:  Amos 8:4-7

Hear this, you that crush the poor, and make the needy of the land to fail, Saying: When will the month be over, and we shall sell our wares: and the sabbath, and we shall open the corn: that we may lessen the measure, and increase the sicle, and may convey in deceitful balances, That we may possess the needy for money, and the poor for a pair of shoes, and may sell the refuse of the corn? The Lord hath sworn against the pride of Jacob: surely I will never forget all their works.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 113 (112):1a, 7b; V. 1-2, 4-6, 7-8

R.  Praise the Lord, ye children:  Raising up the needy from the earth,

V.  Praise the Lord, ye children:

     praise ye the name of the Lord.

     Blessed be the name of the Lord,

     from henceforth now and for ever.

V.  The Lord is high above all nations;

     and his glory above the heavens.

     Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high:

     And looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?

V.  Raising up the needy from the earth,

     and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:

     That he may place him with princes,

     with the princes of his people.

Second Reading:  1 Timothy 2:1-8

I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men:  For kings, and for all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all piety and chastity. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus:  Who gave himself a redemption for all, a testimony in due times. Whereunto I am appointed a preacher and an apostle, (I say the truth, I lie not,) a doctor of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 16:1-13 OR 10-13

And he said also to his disciples: There was a certain rich man who had a steward: and the same was accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said to him: How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship: for now thou canst be steward no longer. And the steward said within himself: What shall I do, because my lord taketh away from me the stewardship? To dig I am not able; to beg I am ashamed. I know what I will do, that when I shall be removed from the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. Therefore calling together every one of his lord's debtors, he said to the first: How much dost thou owe my lord? But he said: An hundred barrels of oil. And he said to him: Take thy bill and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then he said to another: And how much dost thou owe? Who said: An hundred quarters of wheat. He said to him: Take thy bill, and write eighty. And the lord commended the unjust steward, forasmuch as he had done wisely: for the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. And I say to you: Make unto you friends of the mammon of iniquity; that when you shall fail, they may receive you into everlasting dwellings. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in that which is greater: and he that is unjust in that which is little, is unjust also in that which is greater. If then you have not been faithful in the unjust mammon; who will trust you with that which is the true? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's; who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Andrew Kim Taegon, Priest And Martyr, And Saint Paul Chong Hasang, Catechist And Martyr, And Their Companions, Martyrs

First Reading:  Wisdom 3:1-9

But the souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure was taken for misery:  And their going away from us, for utter destruction: but they are in peace. And though in the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is full of immortality. Afflicted in few things, in many they shall be well rewarded: because God hath tried them, and found them worthy of himself. As gold in the furnace he hath proved them, and as a victim of a holocaust he hath received them, and in time there shall be respect had to them. The just shall shine, and shall run to and fro like sparks among the reeds. They shall judge nations, and rule over people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that trust in him, shall understand the truth: and they that are faithful in love shall rest in him: for grace and peace is to his elect.

OR

Romans 8:31b-39

If God be for us, who is against us? He that spared not even his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how hath he not also, with him, given us all things? Who shall accuse against the elect of God? God that justifieth. Who is he that shall condemn? Christ Jesus that died, yea that is risen also again; who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who then shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation? or distress? or famine? or nakedness? or danger? or persecution? or the sword (As it is written: For thy sake we are put to death all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.) But in all these things we overcome, because of him that hath loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor might, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 126 (125):5; V. 1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R.  They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

V. When the Lord brought back the captivity of Sion,

     we became like men comforted. 

     Then was our mouth filled with gladness;

     and our tongue with joy.

V.  Then shall they say among the Gentiles:

     The Lord hath done great things for them.

     The Lord hath done great things for us:

     we are become joyful.

V.  Turn again our captivity, O Lord,

     as a stream in the south.

     They that sow in tears

     shall reap in joy.

V.  Going they went and wept,

     casting their seeds.

     But coming they shall come with joyfulness,

     carrying their sheaves.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 9:23-26

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? For he that shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him the Son of man shall be ashamed, when he shall come in his majesty, and that of his Father, and of the holy angels.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Twenty-Fourth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 6:13-16

I charge thee before God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate, a good confession, That thou keep the commandment without spot, blameless, unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, Which in his times he shall shew who is the Blessed and only Mighty, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, and inhabiteth light inaccessible, whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and empire everlasting. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 100 (99):2b; V. 1b-2, 3, 4, 5

R.  Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy.

V.  Sing joyfully to God, all the earth:

     serve ye the Lord with gladness.

     Come in before his presence with exceeding great joy.

V.  Know ye that the Lord he is God:

     he made us, and not we ourselves.

     We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

V.  Go ye into his gates with praise,

     into his courts with hymns:

     and give glory to him. Praise ye his name:

V.  For the Lord is sweet,

     his mercy endureth for ever,

     and his truth to generation and generation.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 8:4-15

And when a very great multitude was gathered together, and hastened out of the cities unto him, he spoke by a similitude. The sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. And other some fell upon a rock: and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. And other some fell among thorns, and the thorns growing up with it, choked it. And other some fell upon good ground; and being sprung up, yielded fruit a hundredfold. Saying these things, he cried out: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And his disciples asked him what this parable might be. To whom he said: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to the rest in parables, that seeing they may not see, and hearing may not understand. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. And they by the way side are they that hear; then the devil cometh, and taketh the word out of their heart, lest believing they should be saved. Now they upon the rock, are they who when they hear, receive the word with joy: and these have no roots; for they believe for a while, and in time of temptation, they fall away. And that which fell among thorns, are they who have heard, and going their way, are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and yield no fruit. But that on the good ground, are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit in patience.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Friday Of The Twenty-Fourth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 6:2c-12

These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to that doctrine which is according to godliness, He is proud, knowing nothing, but sick about questions and strifes of words; from which arise envies, contentions, blasphemies, evil suspicions, Conflicts of men corrupted in mind, and who are destitute of the truth, supposing gain to be godliness. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world: and certainly we can carry nothing out. But having food, and wherewith to be covered, with these we are content. For they that will become rich, fall into temptation, and into the snare of the devil, and into many unprofitable and hurtful desires, which drown men into destruction and perdition. For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, fly these things: and pursue justice, godliness, faith, charity, patience, mildness.  Fight the good fight of faith: lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast confessed a good confession before many witnesses.

Responsorial Psalm:  Matthew 5:3; V. Psalm 49 (48):6-7, 8-10, 17-18, 19-20

R.  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

V.  Why shall I fear in the evil day?

     the iniquity of my heel shall encompass me.

     They that trust in their own strength,
     and glory in the multitude of their riches,

V.  No brother can redeem, nor shall man redeem:

     he shall not give to God his ransom,

     Nor the price of the redemption of his soul: and shall labour for ever,

     And shall still live unto the end.

V.  Be not thou afraid, when a man shall be made rich,

     and when the glory of his house shall be increased.

     For when he shall die he shall take nothing away;

     nor shall his glory descend with him.

V.  For in his lifetime his soul will be blessed:

     and he will praise thee when thou shalt do well to him.

     He shall go in to the generations of his fathers:

     and he shall never see light.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 8:1-3

And it came to pass afterwards, that he travelled through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God; and the twelve with him:  And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities; Mary who is called Magdalen, out of whom seven devils were gone forth, And Joanna the wife of Chusa, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who ministered unto him of their substance.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Twenty-Fourth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 4:12-16

Let no man despise thy youth: but be thou an example of the faithful in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity. Till I come, attend unto reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine. Neglect not the grace that is in thee, which was given thee by prophesy, with imposition of the hands of the priesthood. Meditate upon these things, be wholly in these things: that thy profiting may be manifest to all. Take heed to thyself and to doctrine: be earnest in them. For in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 111 (110):2a; V. 7-8, 9, 10

R.  Great are the works of the 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.

V.  He hath sent redemption to his people:

     he hath commanded his covenant for ever.

     Holy and terrible is his name:

V. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

     A good understanding to all that do it:

     his praise continueth for ever and ever.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 7:36-50

And one of the Pharisees desired him to eat with him. And he went into the house of the Pharisee, and sat down to meat. And behold a woman that was in the city, a sinner, when she knew that he sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment; And standing behind at his feet, she began to wash his feet, with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. And the Pharisee, who had invited him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying: This man, if he were a prophet, would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner. And Jesus answering, said to him: Simon, I have somewhat to say to thee. But he said: Master, say it. A certain creditor had two debtors, the one who owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which therefore of the two loveth him most? Simon answering, said: I suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And he said to him: Thou hast judged rightly. And turning to the woman, he said unto Simon: Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest me no water for my feet; but she with tears hath washed my feet, and with her hairs hath wiped them. Thou gavest me no kiss; but she, since she came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint; but she with ointment hath anointed my feet. Wherefore I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less. And he said to her: Thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves: Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: Thy faith hath made thee safe, go in peace.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Twenty-Fourth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 3:14-16

These things I write to thee, hoping that I shall come to thee shortly. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And evidently great is the mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, appeared unto angels, hath been preached unto the Gentiles, is believed in the world, is taken up in glory.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 111 (110):2a; V. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (DR--7a)

R.  Great are the works of the Lord:

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.  He hath given food to them that fear him.

     He will be mindful for ever of his covenant:

     He will shew forth to his people the power of his works.

     That he may give them the inheritance of the Gentiles:

Gospel Reading:  Luke 7:31-35

And the Lord said: Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like to children sitting in the marketplace, and speaking one to another, and saying: We have piped to you, and you have not danced: we have mourned, and you have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and you say: He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking: and you say: Behold a man that is a glutton and a drinker of wine, a friend of publicans and sinners. And wisdom is justified by all her children.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Twenty-Fourth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 3:1-13

A faithful saying: if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. It behoveth therefore a bishop to be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, of good behaviour, chaste, given to hospitality, a teacher, Not given to wine, no striker, but modest, not quarrelsome, not covetous, but One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all chastity. But if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God? Not a neophyte: lest being puffed up with pride, he fall into the judgment of the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony of them who are without: lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons in like manner chaste, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre:  Holding the mystery of faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved: and so let them minister, having no crime. The women in like manner chaste, not slanderers, but sober, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife: who rule well their children, and their own houses. For they that have ministered well, shall purchase to themselves a good degree, and much confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 101 (100):2c; V. 1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6

R.  I walked in the innocence of my heart,

V.  Mercy and judgment I will sing to thee,

     O Lord: I will sing,

     And I will understand in the unspotted way,

     when thou shalt come to me.

V.  I walked in the innocence of my heart,

     in the midst of my house.

     I did not set before my eyes

     any unjust thing:

V.  The man that in private detracted his neighbour,

     him did I persecute.

     With him that had a proud eye, and an unsatiable heart,

     I would not eat.

V.  My eyes were upon the faithful of the earth,

     to sit with me:

     the man that walked in the perfect way,

     he served me.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 7:11-17

And it came to pass afterwards, that he went into a city that is called Naim; and there went with him his disciples, and a great multitude. And when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow: and a great multitude of the city was with her. Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with mercy towards her, he said to her: Weep not. And he came near and touched the bier. And they that carried it, stood still. And he said: Young man, I say to thee, arise. And he that was dead, sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all: and they glorified God, saying: A great prophet is risen up among us: and, God hath visited his people. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the country round about.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Twenty-Fourth Week In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 2:1-8

I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men:  For kings, and for all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all piety and chastity. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus:  Who gave himself a redemption for all, a testimony in due times. Whereunto I am appointed a preacher and an apostle, (I say the truth, I lie not,) a doctor of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I will therefore that men pray in every place, lifting up pure hands, without anger and contention.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 28 (27):6; V. 2, 7, 8-9

R.  Blessed be the Lord, for he hath heard the voice of my supplication.

V.  Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication, when I pray to thee;

     when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple.

V.  The Lord is my helper and my protector:

     in him hath my heart confided, and I have been helped.

     And my flesh hath flourished again,

     and with my will I will give praise to him.

V.  The Lord is the strength of his people,

     and the protector of the salvation of his anointed.

     Save, O Lord, thy people, and bless thy inheritance:

     and rule them and exalt them for ever.

Gospel Reading:  John 19:25-27

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.

OR

Luke 2:33-35

And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him. And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop And Doctor Of The Church

First Reading:  Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

I therefore, a prisoner in the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation in which you are called, With all humility and mildness, with patience, supporting one another in charity. Careful to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. One body and one Spirit; as you are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all. But to every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the giving of Christ. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and other some evangelists, and other some pastors and doctors, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Until we all meet into the unity of faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ; 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40 (39):8a and 9a; V. 2 and 4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 11

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

V.  With expectation I have waited for the Lord,

     and he was attentive to me.

     And he put a new canticle into my mouth,

     a song to our God.

V.  Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire;

     but thou hast pierced ears for me.

     Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require:

     Then said I, Behold I come.

V.  In the head of the book it is written of me

     That I should do thy will:

     O my God, I have desired it,

     and thy law in the midst of my heart.

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

     lo, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.

V.  I have not hid thy justice within my heart:

     I have declared thy truth and thy salvation.

     I have not concealed thy mercy

     and thy truth from a great council. 

Gospel Reading:  Mark 4:1-10, 13-20

And again he began to teach by the sea side; and a great multitude was gathered together unto him, so that he went up into a ship, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude was upon the land by the sea side. And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his doctrine:  Hear ye: Behold, the sower went out to sow. And whilst he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the birds of the air came and ate it up. And other some fell upon stony ground, where it had not much earth; and it shot up immediately, because it had no depth of earth. And when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And some fell upon good ground; and brought forth fruit that grew up, and increased and yielded, one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred. And he said: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, the twelve that were with him asked him the parable. And he saith to them: Are you ignorant of this parable? and how shall you know all parables? He that soweth, soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown, and as soon as they have heard, immediately Satan cometh and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these likewise are they that are sown on the stony ground: who when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but are only for a time: and then when tribulation and persecution ariseth for the word they are presently scandalized. And others there are who are sown among thorns: these are they that hear the word, And the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts after other things entering in choke the word, and it is made fruitless. And these are they who are sown upon the good ground, who hear the word, and receive it, and yield fruit, the one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Twenty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 1:15-17

A faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. But for this cause have I obtained mercy: that in me first Christ Jesus might shew forth all patience, for the information of them that shall believe in him unto life everlasting. Now to the king of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 113 (112):2; V. 1b-2, 3-4, 5 and 6-7

R.  Blessed be the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.

V.  Praise the Lord, ye children:

     praise ye the name of the Lord.

     Blessed be the name of the Lord,

     from henceforth now and for ever.

V.  From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same,

     the name of the Lord is worthy of praise.

     The Lord is high above all nations;

     and his glory above the heavens.

V.  Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high:

     And looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth?

     Raising up the needy from the earth,

     and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill:

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:43-49

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. And why call you me, Lord, Lord; and do not the things which I say? Every one that cometh to me, and heareth my words, and doth them, I will shew you to whom he is like. He is like to a man building a house, who digged deep, and laid the foundation upon a rock. And when a flood came, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and it could not shake it; for it was founded on a rock. But he that heareth, and doth not, is like to a man building his house upon the earth without a foundation: against which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Score!

20 years now.
Where'd they go?
20 years.
I don't know.
I sit and I wonder sometimes
Where they've gone.

                                                                                              From "Like A Rock", by Bob Seger 

My, does time fly.

Has it really been that long since this appeared on the world wide web?

Yes, it has.

But I don't have to wonder about where the last two decades have gone. The broad outline of my life as well as the focus of this infinitesimal corner of the universe has been there, hiding in plain sight. The ups and downs, highs and lows, comings and goings of a very insignificant human being in the eyes of the world as well as his very simplistic, meager, and measly musings on liturgy and music and the Church are somewhere in the ether. It just takes some searching to find them.

This 'blog and its author are still a work in progress. (Aren't we all?) But as I look back on this project/hobby, I can take some satisfaction in what I have posted. My meditations on the "O" Antiphons and the "Seven Last Words", my Christmas Eve reflections, my Independence Day tribute, my posts acknowledging significant dates (e.g. January 22, September 11), my gentle invitations to enter deeper into the Advent and Lenten Seasons and the Sacred Triduum--if there were highlights, they would be these. And with my current project well underway, I won't be disappearing anytime soon.

I want to thank anyone and everyone who has come across this 'blog for taking some time to view what I have posted. If anything has enriched your life, I thank God for it. I have never promised anything but thoughtful and (hopefully) meaningful thoughts. YMMV.

So as I enter my third decade,  I will only do what I have been doing the past two.

More of the same (including re-posts), hopefully better.

With all the sincerity I offered "In The Beginning", I again say, "Welcome to my infinitesimal corner of the universe!"

DR Squared: Friday Of The Twenty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  1 Timothy 1:1-2, 12-14

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the commandment of God our Saviour, and of Christ Jesus our hope:  To Timothy, his beloved son in faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord. I give thanks who hath strengthened me, even to Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he hath counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry; Who before was a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and contumelious. But I obtained the mercy of God, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. Now the grace of our Lord hath abounded exceedingly with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 16 (15):5a; V. 1b-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:  Luke 6:39-42

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.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Twenty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Colossians 3:12-17

Put ye on therefore, as the elect of God, holy, and beloved, the bowels of mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, patience:  Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a complaint against another: even as the Lord hath forgiven you, so do you also. But above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection:  And let the peace of Christ rejoice in your hearts, wherein also you are called in one body: and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you abundantly, in all wisdom: teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing in grace in your hearts to God. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6

R.  (L)et every spirit praise the Lord.

V.  Praise ye the Lord in his holy places:

     praise ye him in the firmament of his power.

     Praise ye him for his mighty acts:

     praise ye him according to the multitude of his greatness.

V.  Praise him with sound of trumpet:

     praise him with psaltery and harp.

     Praise him with timbrel and choir:

     praise him with strings and organs.

V.  Praise him on high sounding cymbals:

     praise him on cymbals of joy:

     let every spirit

     praise the Lord. Alleluia.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:27-38

But I say to you that hear: Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you. Bless them that curse you, and pray for them that calumniate you. And to him that striketh thee on the one cheek, offer also the other. And him that taketh away from thee thy cloak, forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every one that asketh thee, and of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again. And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them in like manner. And if you love them that love you, what thanks are to you? for sinners also love those that love them. And if you do good to them who do good to you, what thanks are to you? for sinners also do this. And if you lend to them of whom you hope to receive, what thanks are to you? for sinners also lend to sinners, for to receive as much. But love ye your enemies: do good, and lend, hoping for nothing thereby: and your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest; for he is kind to the unthankful, and to the evil. 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.

"Never Forget"ting Two Dozen Times

 

It is a scar on the body of this country, a memory of a horrific event.

It is the anniversary of the event that took place on September 11, 2001. Four hijacked airplane became lethal weapons. One each to the "Twin Towers" which graced the skyline of New York, NY; the third to the Pentagon Building in Washington, DC; the last headed toward the White House before it was diverted to Shanksville, PA. An act of terror never seen before or duplicated since.

2,996 killed. The lives of those who knew them altered forever. Uncle Sam took a blow that required a standing eight-count. The nation reeled under the magnitude of such callousness and cruelty. Those who thought of us as some kind of bully were giddy with glee, thinking we had received some type of retribution. Our allies gasped in shock, fearing the same could happen to them.

So, what did we do?

We showed our resiliency. We mourned our losses (and continue to do so on this day). We vowed to never let this happen again. We sought some type of justice (some might call it vengeance). We demonstrated our resolve. We arose from the rubbles and ashes to regain our dignity. This eagle may have been wounded, but it has and continues to regain its strength. This constitutional republic, warts and all, still remains. This "star-spangled banner yet waves o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave."

The ceremonies marking this day across this land that we love will be plenteous. I encourage you to partake of one, if your schedule permits. This Saturday will also continue a tradition of service projects in your communities. The same request applies. There will also be tributes better than this brief post in the 'blogosphere and other social media. Go and patronize them. In whatever way you choose to commemorate this day, do it with true patriot love.

Never Forget.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Twenty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Colossians 3:1-11

Therefore, if you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above; where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God:  Mind the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth. For you are dead; and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ shall appear, who is your life, then you also shall appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, lust, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is the service of idols. For which things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of unbelief, In which you also walked some time, when you lived in them. But now put you also all away: anger, indignation, malice, blasphemy, filthy speech out of your mouth. Lie not one to another: stripping yourselves of the old man with his deeds, And putting on the new, him who is renewed unto knowledge, according to the image of him that created him. Where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, bond nor free. But Christ is all, and in all.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 145 (144):9; V. 2-3, 10-11, 12-13ab

R.  The Lord is sweet to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

V.  Every day I will bless thee:

     and I will praise thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

     Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised:

     and of his greatness there is no end.

V.  Let all thy works, O lord, praise thee:

     and let thy saints bless thee.

     They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom:

     and shall tell of thy power:

V.  To make thy might known to the sons of men:

     and the glory of the magnificence of thy kingdom.

     Thy kingdom is a kingdom of all ages:

     and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.  

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:20-26

And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets. But woe to you that are rich: for you have your consolation. Woe to you that are filled: for you shall hunger. Woe to you that now laugh: for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when men shall bless you: for according to these things did their fathers to the false prophets.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Twenty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year I)

First Reading:  Colossians 2:6-15

As therefore you have received Jesus Christ the Lord, walk ye in him; Rooted and built up in him, and confirmed in the faith, as also you have learned, abounding in him in thanksgiving. Beware lest any man cheat you by philosophy, and vain deceit; according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ:  For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead corporeally; And you are filled in him, who is the head of all principality and power:  In whom also you are circumcised with circumcision not made by hand, in despoiling of the body of the flesh, but in the circumcision of Christ:  Buried with him in baptism, in whom also you are risen again by the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him up from the dead. And you, when you were dead in your sins, and the uncircumcision of your flesh; he hath quickened together with him, forgiving you all offences:  Blotting out the handwriting of the decree that was against us, which was contrary to us. And he hath taken the same out of the way, fastening it to the cross:  And despoiling the principalities and powers, he hath exposed them confidently in open shew, triumphing over them in himself.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 145 (144):9; V. 1b-2, 8-9, 10-11

R.  The Lord is sweet to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

V.  I will extol thee, O God my king:

     and I will bless thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

     Every day I will bless thee:

     and I will praise thy name for ever; yea, for ever and ever.

V.  The Lord is gracious and merciful:

     patient and plenteous in mercy.

     The Lord is sweet to all:

     and his tender mercies are over all his works.

V.  Let all thy works, O lord, praise thee:

     and let thy saints bless thee.

     They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom:

     and shall tell of thy power: 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:12-19

And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and he passed the whole night in the prayer of God. And when day was come, he called unto him his disciples; and he chose twelve of them (whom also he named apostles). Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon who is called Zelotes, And Jude, the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was the traitor. And coming down with them, he stood in a plain place, and the company of his disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast both of Tyre and Sidon, Who were come to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits, were cured. And all the multitude sought to touch him, for virtue went out from him, and healed all.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Twenty-Third Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year C)

First Reading:  Wisdom 9:13-18b

For who among men is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of God is? For the thoughts of mortal men are fearful, and our counsels uncertain. For the corruptible body is a load upon the soul, and the earthly habitation presseth down the mind that museth upon many things. And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth: and with labour do we find the things that are before us. But the things that are in heaven, who shall search out? And who shall know thy thought, except thou give wisdom, and send thy Holy Spirit from above:  And so the ways of them that are upon earth may be corrected,

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 90 (89):1; V. 3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

R.  Lord, thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation.

V.  Turn not man away to be brought low:

     and thou hast said: Be converted, O ye sons of men.

     For a thousand years in thy sight are as yesterday, which is past.

     And as a watch in the night,

V.  Things that are counted nothing, shall their years be.

     In the morning man shall grow up like grass;

     in the morning he shall flourish and pass away:

     in the evening he shall fall, grow dry, and wither.

V.  Can number thy wrath? So make thy right hand known:

     and men learned in heart, in wisdom.

     Return, O Lord, how long?

     and be entreated in favour of thy servants.

V.  We are filled in the morning with thy mercy:

     and we have rejoiced, and are delighted all our days.

     And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us:

     and direct thou the works of our hands over us;

     yea, the work of our hands do thou direct.

Second Reading:  Philemon 9-10, 12-17

For charity sake I rather beseech, whereas thou art such a one, as Paul an old man, and now a prisoner also of Jesus Christ. I beseech thee for my son, whom I have begotten in my bands, Onesimus, Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel:  But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary. For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee, that thou mightest receive him again for ever:  Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me: but how much more to thee both in the flesh and in the Lord? If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself.

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.