Thursday, July 02, 2026

Halftime Speech

This is the 183rd. day of the calendar year (184th., if it is a leap year).

We are half-way through.

Go back to your New Year's resolutions, if you made them. How are you doing with them? Which ones have you successfully completed? Which ones are still a work in progress but moving steadily toward your goal? Which ones have faltered, even though they still are worthy of your effort?

Take an honest look at where you were, where you are, and where you would like to be. Have you seen a change, even though it may seem imperceptible? Perhaps now is the time to renew your resolve and commitment, whether with what you are striving to accomplish or some new challenge.

As Theodore Roosevelt stated, humanity is at its best when it is in striving for something:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Go Forward.

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Originally posted 7/3/2006, including the year and this {UPDATE (7/5): I goofed. July 2 is the half-way point of the year. The message still stands.}
Re-posted 7/2/2021.
Re-posted 7/2/2022.
Re-posted 7/2/2024.
Re-posted 7/2/2025.

Resolutely Free

There are claims that today should be our Independence Day, based on the approval of this resolution present by Richard Henry Lee to the Continental Congress this day in 1776:
Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.

That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective Colonies for their consideration and approbation.
While eloquent enough, what followed two days later is certainly more edifying.


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Originally posted 7/2/2011.
Re-posted 7/2/2013.
Re-posted 7/2/2019.
Re-posted 7/2/2020.
Re-posted 7/2/2021.
Re-posted 7/2/2022.
Re-posted 7/2/2024.
Re-posted 7/2/2025.

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

First Reading:  Amos 7:10-17
And Amasias the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying: Amos hath rebelled against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus saith Amos: Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall be carried away captive out of their own land. And Amasias said to Amos: Thou seer, go, flee away into the land of Juda: and eat bread there, and prophesy there. But prophesy not again any more in Bethel: because it is the king's sanctuary, and it is the house of the kingdom.  And Amos answered and said to Amasias: I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet: but I am a herdsman plucking wild figs. And the Lord took me when I followed the flock, and the Lord said to me: Go, prophesy to my people Israel. And now hear thou the word of the Lord: Thou sayest, thou shalt not prophesy against Israel, and thou shalt not drop thy word upon the house of the idol. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Thy wife shall play the harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be measured by a line: and thou shalt die in a polluted land, and Israel shall go into captivity out of their land.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 19 (18):10cd; V. 8, 9, 10, 11
R.  (T)he judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

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:  Matthew 9:1-8
And entering into a boat, he passed over the water and came into his own city. And behold they brought to him one sick of the palsy lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the man sick of the palsy: Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee. And behold some of the scribes said within themselves: He blasphemeth.  4 And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, Arise, and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. And he arose, and went into his house. And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that gave such power to men.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Wednesday, July 01, 2026

July 2026 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when praying the Morning Offering:
For Respect For Human Life. Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.
A link is provided for further reflection.

National Anthem Sweet


In honor of Canada Day (once upon a time called Dominion Day), I present the lyrics to one of the most melodious national anthems in the world.

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O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
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A history of how the song developed can be found here.

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Originally posted on 7/1/2009.
Re-posted on 7/1/2010.
Re-posted on 7/1/2011.
Re-posted on 7/1/2013.
Re-posted on 7/1/2014.
Re-posted on 7/1/2016.
Re-posted on 7/1/2017.
Re-posted on 7/1/2018.
Re-posted on 7/1/2019.
Re-posted on 7/1/2020.
Re-posted on 7/1/2021.
Re-posted on 7/1/2022.
Re-posted on 7/1/2023.
Re-posted on 7/1/2024.
Re-posted on 7/1/2025.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Junipero Serra, Priest [In The Dioceses Of The United States]

There are no assigned readings; they may be selected from the Common of Pastors:  For Missionaries or the Common of Holy Men and Women:  Religious. This post will not have a Douay-Rhimes submission.

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

First Reading:  Amos 5:14-15, 21-24
Seek ye good, and not evil, that you may live: and the Lord the God of hosts will be with you, as you have said. Hate evil, and love good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be the Lord the God of hosts may have mercy on the remnant of Joseph. I hate, and have rejected your festivities: and I will not receive the odour of your assemblies. And if you offer me holocausts, and your gifts, I will not receive them: neither will I regard the vows of your fat beasts. Take away from me the tumult of thy songs: and I will not hear the canticles of thy harp. But judgment shall be revealed as water, and justice as a mighty torrent.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 50:7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 16bc-17
R.  (A)nd there is the way by which I will shew him the salvation of God.

V.  Hear, O my people, and I will speak:
     O Israel, and I will testify to thee:
     I am God, thy 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.  For all the beasts of the woods are mine:
     the cattle on the hills, and the oxen.
     I know all the fowls of the air:
     and with me is the beauty of the field.

V.  If I should be hungry, I would not tell thee:
     for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
     Shall I eat the flesh of bullocks?
     or shall I drink the blood of goats?

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.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 8:28-34
And when he was come on the other side of the water, into the country of the Gerasens, there met him two that were possessed with devils, coming out of the sepulchres, exceeding fierce, so that none could pass by that way. And behold they cried out, saying: What have we to do with thee, Jesus Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was, not far from them, an herd of many swine feeding. And the devils besought him, saying: If thou cast us out hence, send us into the herd of swine. And he said to them: Go. But they going out went into the swine, and behold the whole herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea: and they perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled: and coming into the city, told every thing, and concerning them that had been possessed by the devils. And behold the whole city went out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart from their coasts.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of The First Holy Martyrs Of The Holy Roman Church

First Reading:  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 124 (123):7a; V. 2-3, 4-5, 7b-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.  The snare is broken,
     and we are delivered.
     Our help is in the name of the Lord,
     who made heaven and earth.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 24:4-13
And Jesus answering, said to them: Take heed that no man seduce you:  For many will come in my name saying, I am Christ: and they will seduce many. And you shall hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that ye be not troubled. For these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be pestilences, and famines, and earthquakes in places:  Now all these are the beginnings of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall put you to death: and you shall be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be scandalized: and shall betray one another: and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many. And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold. But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/30/2025.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Thirteenth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  Amos 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Hear the word that the Lord hath spoken concerning you, O ye children of Israel: concerning the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying:  You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore will I visit upon you all your iniquities. Shall two walk together except they be agreed? Will a lion roar in the forest, if he have no prey? will the lion's whelp cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? Will the bird fall into the snare upon the earth, if there be no fowler? Shall the snare be taken up from the earth, before it hath taken somewhat? Shall the trumpet sound in a city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, which the Lord hath not done? For the Lord God doth nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. The lion shall roar, who will not fear? The Lord God hath spoken, who shall not prophesy?  destroyed some of you, as God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrha, and you were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning: yet you returned not to me, saith the Lord. Therefore I will do these things to thee, O Israel: and after I shall have done these things to thee, be prepared to meet thy God, O Israel.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 5:9a; V. 4b-6a, 6b-7, 8
R.  Conduct me, O Lord, in thy justice:

V.  O Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear my voice.
     In the morning I will stand before thee, and will see:
     because thou art not a God that willest iniquity.
     Neither shall the wicked dwell near thee:

V.  (N)or shall the unjust abide before thy eyes.
     Thou hatest all the workers of iniquity:
     Thou wilt destroy all that speak a lie.
     The bloody and the deceitful man the Lord will abhor.

V.  But as for me in the multitude of thy mercy,
     I will come into thy house;
     I will worship towards thy holy temple,
     in thy fear.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 8:23-27
And when he entered into the boat, his disciples followed him:  And behold a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves, but he was asleep. And they came to him, and awaked him, saying: Lord, save us, we perish. And Jesus saith to them: Why are you fearful, O ye of little faith? Then rising up he commanded the winds, and the sea, and there came a great calm. But the men wondered, saying: What manner of man is this, for the winds and the sea obey him?
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Monday, June 29, 2026

DR Squared: Solemnity Of Saints Peter And Paul, Apostles--Mass During The Day

First Reading:  Acts 12:1-11
And at the same time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands, to afflict some of the church. And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers to be kept, intending, after the pasch, to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him: and a light shined in the room: and he striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said to him: Gird thyself, and put on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And going out, he followed him, and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but thought he saw a vision. And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city, which of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through one street: and immediately the angel departed from him. And Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 34 (33):5b; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R.  (H)e delivered me from all my troubles.

V.  I will bless the Lord at all times,
     his praise shall be always in my mouth.
     In the Lord shall my soul be praised:
     let the meek hear and rejoice.

V.  O magnify the Lord with me;
     and let us extol his name together.
     I sought the Lord, and he heard me;
     and he delivered me from all my troubles.

V.  Come ye to him and be enlightened:
     and your faces shall not be confounded.
     This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him:
     and saved him out of all his troubles.

V.  The angel of the Lord shall encamp round about them that fear him:
     and shall deliver them.
     O taste, and see that the Lord is sweet:
     blessed is the man that hopeth in him. 
Second Reading:  2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly. But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished, and that all the Gentiles may hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work: and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 16:13-19
And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/29/2025.

Sunday, June 28, 2026

DR Squared: Solemnity Of Saints Peter And Paul, Apostles--Vigil

First Reading:  Acts 3:1-10
Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer. And a certain man who was lame from his mother's womb, was carried: whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went into the temple. He, when he had seen Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive an alms. But Peter with John fastening his eyes upon him, said: Look upon us. But he looked earnestly upon them, hoping that he should receive something of them.
But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise, and walk. And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up, and forthwith his feet and soles received strength. And he leaping up, stood, and walked, and went in with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. And they knew him, that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 19 (18):5a; V. 2-3, 4-5
R.  Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth:

V.  The heavens shew forth the glory of God,
     and the firmament declareth the work of his hands.
     Day to day uttereth speech,
     and night to night sheweth knowledge.

V.  There are no speeches nor languages,
     where their voices are not heard.
     Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth:
     and their words unto the ends of the world.
Second Reading:  Galatians 1:11-20
For I give you to understand, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For neither did I receive it of man, nor did I learn it; but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion: how that, beyond measure, I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it. And I made progress in the Jews' religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased him, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, immediately I condescended not to flesh and blood. Neither went I to Jerusalem, to the apostles who were before me: but I went into Arabia, and again I returned to Damascus. Then, after three years, I went to Jerusalem, to see Peter, and I tarried with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles I saw none, saving James the brother of the Lord. Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Gospel Reading:  John 21:15-19
When therefore they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter: Simon son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? He saith to him: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him: Feed my lambs. He said to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved, because he had said to him the third time: Lovest thou me? And he said to him: Lord, thou knowest all things: thou knowest that I love thee. He said to him: Feed my sheep. Amen, amen I say to thee, when thou wast younger, thou didst gird thyself, and didst walk where thou wouldst. But when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee whither thou wouldst not. And this he said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had said this, he saith to him: Follow me.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/28/2025.

DR Squared: Thirteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year A)

First Reading:  2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16a
And there was a day when Eliseus passed by Sunam: now there was a great woman there, who detained him to eat bread; and as he passed often that way, he turned into her house to eat bread. And she said to her husband: I perceive that this is a holy man of God, who often passeth by us. Let us therefore make him a little chamber, and put a little bed in it for him, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick, that when he cometh to us, he may abide there. Now there was a certain day when he came and turned in to the chamber, and rested there. And he said: What will she then that I do for her? And Giezi said: Do not ask, for she hath no son, and her husband is old. Then he bid him call her: And when she was called, and stood before the door. He said to her: At this time, and this same hour, if life accompany, thou shalt have a son in thy womb.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):2a; V. 2-3, 16-17, 18-19
R.  The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.

V.  The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.
     I will shew forth thy truth with my mouth to generation and generation.
     For thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up for ever in the heavens:
     thy truth shall be prepared in them.

V.  Blessed is the people that knoweth jubilation.
     They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance:
     And in thy name they shall rejoice all the day,
     and in thy justice they shall be exalted.

V.  For thou art the glory of their strength:
     and in thy good pleasure shall our horn be exalted.
     For our protection is of the Lord,
     and of our king the holy one of Israel.
Second Reading:  Romans 6:3-4, 8-11
Know you not that all we, who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized in his death? For we are buried together with him by baptism into death; that as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also together with Christ:  Knowing that Christ rising again from the dead, dieth now no more, death shall no more have dominion over him. For in that he died to sin, he died once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God:  So do you also reckon, that you are dead to sin, but alive unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 10:37-42
He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it. He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man. And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Saturday, June 27, 2026

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

First Reading:  2 Timothy 4:1-5
I charge thee, before God and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead, by his coming, and his kingdom:  Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears:  And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables. But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):2; V. 2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27
R.  The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.

V.  The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.
     I will shew forth thy truth with my mouth to generation and generation.
     For thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up for ever in the heavens:
     thy truth shall be prepared in them.

V.  I have made a covenant with my elect:
     I have sworn to David my servant:
     Thy seed will I settle for ever.
     And I will build up thy throne unto generation and generation.

V.  I have found David my servant:
     with my holy oil I have anointed him.
     For my hand shall help him:
     and my arm shall strengthen him.

V.  And my truth and my mercy shall be with him:
     and in my name shall his horn be exalted.
     He shall cry out to me: Thou art my father:
     my God, and the support of my salvation.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5:13-19
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here 

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

First Reading:  Lamentations 2:2, 10-14, 18-19
The Lord hath cast down headlong, and hath not spared, all that was beautiful in Jacob: he hath destroyed in his wrath the strong holds of the virgin of Juda, and brought them down to the ground: he hath made the kingdom unclean, and the princes thereof. The ancients of the daughter of Sion sit upon the ground, they have held their peace: they have sprinkled their heads with dust, they are girded with haircloth, the virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground. My eyes have failed with weeping, my bowels are troubled: my liver is poured out upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people, when the children, and the sucklings, fainted away in the streets of the city.  They said to their mothers: Where is corn and wine? when they fainted away as the wounded in the streets of the city: when they breathed out their souls in the bosoms of their mothers. To what shall I compare thee? or to what shall I liken thee, O daughter of Jerusalem? to what shall I equal thee, that I may comfort thee, O virgin daughter of Sion? for great as the sea is thy destruction: who shall heal thee? Thy prophets have seen false and foolish things for thee: and they have not laid open thy iniquity, to excite thee to penance: but they have seen for thee false revelations and banishments. Their heart cried to the Lord upon the walls of the daughter of Sion: Let tears run down like a torrent day and night: give thyself no rest, and let not the apple of thy eye cease. Arise, give praise in the night, in the beginning of the watches: pour out thy heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands to him for the life of thy little children, that have fainted for hunger at the top of all the streets.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 74:1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21
R.  (A)nd forget not to the end the souls of thy poor.

V.  O God, why hast thou cast us off unto the end:
     why is thy wrath enkindled against the sheep of thy pasture?
     Remember thy congregation, which thou hast possessed from the beginning. 
     The sceptre of thy inheritance which thou hast redeemed:
     mount Sion in which thou hast dwelt.

V.  Lift up thy hands against their pride unto the end;
     see what things the enemy hath done wickedly in the sanctuary.
     And they that hate thee have made their boasts, in the midst of thy solemnity.
     They have set up their ensigns for signs,
     And they knew not both in the going out and on the highest top. As with axes in a wood of trees,

V.  They have cut down at once the gates thereof, with axe and hatchet they have brought it down.
     They have set fire to thy sanctuary:
     they have defiled the dwelling place of thy name on the earth.

V.  Have regard to thy covenant:
     for they that are the obscure of the earth have been filled with dwellings of iniquity.
     Let not the humble be turned away with confusion:
     the poor and needy shall praise thy name.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 8:5-17
And when he had entered into Capharnaum, there came to him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grieviously tormented. And Jesus saith to him: I will come and heal him. And the centurion making answer, said: Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof: but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed. For I also am a man subject to authority, having under me soldiers; and I say to this, Go, and he goeth, and to another, Come, and he cometh, and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. And Jesus hearing this, marvelled; and said to them that followed him: Amen I say to you, I have not found so great faith in Israel. And I say to you that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven:  But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. And Jesus said to the centurion: Go, and as thou hast believed, so be it done to thee. And the servant was healed at the same hour. And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother lying, and sick of a fever:  And he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she arose and ministered to them. And when evening was come, they brought to him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word: and all that were sick he healed:  That it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet Isaias, saying: He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Friday, June 26, 2026

DR Squared: Friday Of The Twelfth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  2 Kings 25:1-12
And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, the tenth day of the month, that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon came, he and all his army against Jerusalem: and they surrounded it: and raised works round about it. And the city was shut up and besieged till the eleventh year of king Sedecias, The ninth day of the month: and a famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land. And a breach was made into the city: and all the men of war fled in the night between the two walls by the king's garden, (now the Chaldees besieged the city round about,) and Sedecias fled by the way that leadeth to the plains of the wilderness. And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all the warriors that were with him were scattered, and left him:  So they took the king, and brought him to the king of Babylon to Reblatha, and he gave judgment upon him. And he slew the sons of Sedecias before his face, and he put out his eyes, and bound him with chains, and brought him to Babylon. In the fifth month, the seventh day of the month, that is, the nineteenth year of the king of Babylon, came Nabuzardan commander of the army, a servant of the king of Babylon, into Jerusalem. And he burnt the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and the houses of Jerusalem, and every house he burnt with fire. And all the army of the Chaldees, which was with the commander of the troops, broke down the walls of Jerusalem round about. And Nabuzardan the commander of the army, carried away the rest of the people that remained in the city, and the fugitives that had gone over to the king of Babylon, and the remnant of the common people. But of the poor of the land he left some dressers of vines and husbandmen.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 137 (136):6ab; V. 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6
R.  Let my tongue cleave to my jaws, if I do not remember thee:

V.  Upon the rivers of Babylon,
     there we sat and wept:
     when we remembered Sion:
     On the willows in the midst thereof
     we hung up our instruments.

V.  For there they that led us into captivity required of us
     the words of songs.
     And they that carried us away, said:
     Sing ye to us a hymn of the songs of Sion.

V.  How shall we sing the song of the Lord
     in a strange land?
     If I forget thee, O Jerusalem,
     let my right hand be forgotten.

V.  Let my tongue cleave to my jaws,
     if I do not remember thee:
     If I make not Jerusalem
     the beginning of my joy.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 8:1-4
And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him:  And behold a leper came and adored him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus stretching forth his hand, touched him, saying: I will, be thou made clean. And forthwith his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith to him: See thou tell no man: but go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift which Moses commanded for a testimony unto them.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Thursday, June 25, 2026

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

First Reading:  2 Kings 24:8-17
Joachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem: the name of his mother was Nohesta the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. And he did evil before the Lord, according to all that his father had done. At that time the servants of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was surrounded with their forts. And Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon came to the city with his servants to assault it. And Joachin king of Juda went out to the king of Babylon, he and his mother, and his servants, and his nobles, and his eunuchs: and the king of Babylon received him in the eighth year of his reign. And he brought out from thence all the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king's house: and he cut in pieces all the vessels of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the Lord, according to the word of the Lord. And he carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the valiant men of the army, to the number of ten thousand into captivity: and every artificer and smith: and none were left, but the poor sort of the people of the land. And he carried away Joachin into Babylon, and the king's mother, and the king's wives, and his eunuchs: and the judges of the land he carried into captivity from Jerusalem into Babylon. And all the strong men, seven thousand, and the artificers, and the smiths a thousand, all that were valiant men and fit for war: and the king of Babylon led them captives into Babylon. And he appointed Matthanias his uncle in his stead: and called his name Sedecias.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 79 (78):9b; V. 1b-2, 3-5, 8, 9
R.  (A)nd for the glory of thy name, O Lord, deliver us:

V.  O God, the heathens are come into thy inheritance,
     they have defiled thy holy temple:
     they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit.
     They have given the dead bodies of thy servants
     to be meat for the fowls of the air:
     the flesh of thy saints for the beasts of the earth.

V.  They have poured out their blood as water,
     round about Jerusalem
     and there was none to bury them.
     We are become a reproach to our neighbours:
     a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
     How long, O Lord, wilt thou be angry for ever:
     shall thy zeal be kindled like a fire?

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:
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.

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

May & June 2026 Morning Offering Prayer Intentions

Here was the intention for last month when praying the Morning Offering:
That everyone might have food. Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food.
A link is provided for further reflection.

Here is the intention for this month when praying the Morning Offering:
For the values of sports. Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, of encounter, and lead to dialogue among cultures and nations so that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.
A link is provided for further reflection.

(I have no excuse for being this late with both. I am sorry.)

Solfege's Start

The article from New Advent describes the use of this hymn during today's Divine Office/Liturgy of the Hours. Wikipedia gives another brief account of its history. It is the cornerstone of sight reading and ear training for musicians.

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Ut queant laxis resonare fibris
mira gestorum famuli tuorum,
solve polluti labiis reatum,
sancte Joannes.

Nuntius celso veniens Olympo,
te patri magnum fore nasciturum,
nomen, et vitae seriem gerendae,
ordine promit.

Ille promissi dubius superni
per didit promptae modulos loquelae;
sed reformasti genitus peremptae
organa vocis.

Laudibus cives celebrant superni
te, Deus simplex pariterque trine;
supplices ac nos veniam precamur:
parce redemptis.

Ventris obstruso recubans cubili,
senseras Regem thalamo manentem:
hinc parens, nati, meritis, uterque,
abdita pandit.

Sit decus Patri, genitaeque proli
et tibi, compare utriusque virtus,
Spiritus semper, Deus unus, omni
Temporis aevo. Amen.

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For thy spirit, holy John, to chasten
Lips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen;
So by thy children might thy deeds of wonder
Meetly be chanted.

Lo! a swift herald, from the skies descending,
Bears to thy father promise of thy greatness;
How he shall name thee, what thy future story,
Duly revealing.

Scarcely believing message so transcendent,
Him for a season power of speech forsaketh,
Till, at thy wondrous birth, again returneth
Voice to the voiceless.

The heavenly citizens celebrate you
with lauds, one God and at once triune;
we also come imploring forgiveness;
spare us among the redeemed.

Thou, in thy mother's womb all darkly cradled,
Knewest thy Monarch, biding in His chamber,
Whence the two parents, through their children's merits,
Mysteries uttered.

Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten,
And to the Spirit, equal power. possessing,
One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages,
Ever resoundeth.
Amen.

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Originally posted 6/24/2024.
Re-posted 6/24/2025.

DR Squared: Solemnity Of The Nativity Of Saint John The Baptist--Mass During The Day

First Reading:  Isaiah 49:1-6
Give ear, ye islands, and hearken, ye people from afar. The Lord hath called me from the womb, from the bowels of my mother he hath been mindful of my name. And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword: in the shadow of his hand he hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow: in his quiver he hath hidden me. And he said to me: Thou art my servant Israel, for in thee will I glory. And I said: I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength without cause and in vain: therefore my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. And now saith the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be his servant, that I may bring back Jacob unto him, and Israel will not be gathered together: and I am glorified in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is made my strength. And he said: It is a small thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given thee to be the light of the Gentiles, that thou mayst be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15
R.  I will praise thee, for thou art fearfully magnified:

V.  Lord, thou hast proved me, and known me:
     Thou hast known my sitting down, and my rising up.
     Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off:
     my path and my line thou hast searched out.

V. For thou hast possessed my reins:
     thou hast protected me from my mother's womb.
     I will praise thee, for thou art fearfully magnified:
     wonderful are thy works,

V.  (A)nd my soul knoweth right well.
     My bone is not hidden from thee,
     which thou hast made in secret:
     and my substance in the lower parts of the earth. 
Second Reading:  Acts 13:22-26
And when he had removed him, he raised them up David to be king: to whom giving testimony, he said: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man according to my own heart, who shall do all my wills. Of this man's seed God according to his promise, hath raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus:  John first preaching, before his coming, the baptism of penance to all the people of Israel. And when John was fulfilling his course, he said: I am not he, whom you think me to be: but behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fear God, to you the word of this salvation is sent.
Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:57-66, 80
Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her, and they congratulated with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him by his father's name Zachary. And his mother answering, said: Not so; but he shall be called John. And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came upon all their neighbours; and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea. And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What an one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him. And the child grew, and was strengthened in spirit; and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/24/2025.

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

DR Squared: Solemnity Of the Nativity Of Saint John The Baptist--Vigil

First Reading:  Jeremiah 1:4-10
And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:  Before I formed thee in the bowels of thy mother, I knew thee: and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and made thee a prophet unto the nations. And I said: Ah, ah, ah, Lord God: behold, I cannot speak, for I am a child. And the Lord said to me: Say not: I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee: and whatsoever I shall command thee, thou shalt speak. Be not afraid at their presence: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord. And the Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth: and the Lord said to me: Behold I have given my words in thy mouth:  Lo, I have set thee this day over the nations, and over the kingdoms, to root up, and pull down, and to waste, and to destroy, and to build, and to plant.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 71 (70):6b; V. 1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17
R.  (F)rom my mother's womb thou art my protector.

V.  In thee, O Lord, I have hoped,
     let me never be put to confusion:
     Deliver me in thy justice, and rescue me.
     Incline thy ear unto me, and save me.

V.  Be thou unto me a God, a protector, and a place of strength:
     that thou mayst make me safe.
     For thou art my firmament and my refuge.
     Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the sinner,

V.  For thou art my patience, O Lord:
     my hope, O Lord, from my youth;
     By thee have I been confirmed from the womb:
     from my mother's womb thou art my protector.

V.  My mouth shall shew forth thy justice;
     thy salvation all the day long.
     Thou hast taught me, O God, from my youth:
     and till now I will declare thy wonderful works. 
Second Reading:  1 Peter 1:8-12
Whom having not seen, you love: in whom also now, though you see him not, you believe: and believing shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorified; Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and diligently searched, who prophesied of the grace to come in you. Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them did signify: when it foretold those sufferings that are in Christ, and the glories that should follow: To whom it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you they ministered those things which are now declared to you by them that have preached the gospel to you, the Holy Ghost being sent down from heaven, on whom the angels desire to look.
Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:5-17
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zachary, of the course of Abia; and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name Elizabeth. And they were both just before God, walking in all the commandments and justifications of the Lord without blame. And they had no son, for that Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years. And it came to pass, when he executed the priestly function in the order of his course before God, According to the custom of the priestly office, it was his lot to offer incense, going into the temple of the Lord. And all the multitude of the people was praying without, at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zachary seeing him, was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him: Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elizabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John:  And thou shalt have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice in his nativity. For he shall be great before the Lord; and shall drink no wine nor strong drink: and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. And he shall convert many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias; that he may turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and the incredulous to the wisdom of the just, to prepare unto the Lord a perfect people.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/23/2025.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Twelfth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  2 Kings 19:9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36
(A)nd was going against him, he sent messengers to Ezechias, saying:  Thus shall you say to Ezechias king of Juda: Let not thy God deceive thee, in whom thou trustest: and do not say: Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hands of the king of the Assyrians. Behold thou hast heard what the kings of the Assyrians have done to all countries, how they have laid them waste: and canst thou alone be delivered? And when Ezechias had received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and had read it, he went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord, And he prayed in his sight, saying: O Lord God of Israel, who sitteth upon the cherubims, thou alone art the God of all the kings of the earth: thou madest heaven and earth:  Incline thy ear, and hear: open, O Lord, thy eyes, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, who hath sent to upbraid unto us the living God. Of a truth, O Lord, the kings of the Assyrians have destroyed nations, and the lands of them all. And they have cast their gods into the fire: for they were not gods, but the works of men's hands of wood and stone, and they destroyed them. Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know, that thou art the Lord the only God. And Isaias the son of Amos sent to Ezechias, saying: Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: I have heard the prayer thou hast made to me concerning Sennacherib king of the Assyrians. This is the word, that the Lord hath spoken of him: The virgin the daughter of Sion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn: the daughter of Jerusalem hath wagged her head behind thy back. For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and that which shall be saved out of mount Sion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this. Wherefore thus saith the Lord concerning the king of the Assyrians: He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow into it, nor come before it with shield, nor cast a trench about it. By the way that he came, he shall return: and into this city he shall not come, saith the Lord. And I will protect this city, and will save it for my own sake, and for David my servant's sake. And it came to pass that night, that an angel of the Lord came, and slew in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and eighty-five thousand. And Sennacherib king of the Assyrians departing went away, and he returned and abode in Ninive.
Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 48 (47):9d; V. 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 10-11
R.  God hath founded it for ever.

V.  Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised
     in the city of our God,
     in his holy mountain.
     With the joy of the whole earth

V.  (I)s mount Sion founded,
     on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.
     In her houses shall God be known,
     when he shall protect her.

V.  We have received thy mercy, O God,
     in the midst of thy temple.
     According to thy name, O God, so also is thy praise
     unto the ends of the earth:
     thy right hand is full of justice.  
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 7:6, 12-14
Give not that which is holy to dogs; neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turning upon you, they tear you. 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. Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat. How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Monday, June 22, 2026

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Paulinus Of Nola, Bishop

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 8:9-15
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich he became poor, for your sakes; that through his poverty you might be rich. And herein I give my advice; for this is profitable for you, who have begun not only to do, but also to be willing, a year ago. Now therefore perform ye it also in deed; that as your mind is forward to be willing, so it may be also to perform, out of that which you have. For if the will be forward, it is accepted according to that which a man hath, not according to that which he hath not. For I mean not that others should be eased, and you burthened, but by an equality. In this present time let your abundance supply their want, that their abundance also may supply your want, that there may be an equality, As it is written: He that had much, had nothing over; and he that had little, had no want.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 40 (39):8a, 9a; V. 2 and 4ab, 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:  Luke 12:32-34
Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom. Sell what you possess and give alms. Make to yourselves bags which grow not old, a treasure in heaven which faileth not: where no thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint John Fisher, Bishop And Saint Thomas More, Martyrs

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 126 (125):5; V. 1bc-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6 (DR--1-2b, 2c-3, 4-5, 6-7)
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 10:34-39
Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword. For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's enemies shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Twelfth Week In Ordinary Time (Year II)

First Reading:  2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18
And he went through all the land: and going up to Samaria, he besieged it three years. And in the ninth year of Osee, the king of the Assyrians took Samaria, and carried Israel away to Assyria: and he placed them in Hala and Habor by the river of Gozan, in the cities of the Medes. For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharao king of Egypt, and they worshipped strange gods. And they walked according to the way of the nations which the Lord had destroyed in the sight of the children of Israel and of the kings of Israel: because they had done in like manner. And the Lord testified to them in Israel and in Juda by the hand of all the prophets and seers, saying: Return from your wicked ways, and keep my precepts, and ceremonies, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers: and as I have sent to you in the hand of my servants the prophets. And they hearkened not, but hardened their necks like to the neck of their fathers, who would not obey the Lord their God. And they rejected his ordinances and the covenant that he made with their fathers, and the testimonies which he testified against them:  And the Lord was very angry with Israel, and removed them from his sight, and there remained only the tribe of Juda.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 60 (59):7; V. 3, 4-5, 12-13
R.  Save me with thy right hand, and hear me.

V.  O God, thou hast cast us off, and hast destroyed us;
     thou hast been angry, and hast had mercy on us.

V.  Thou hast moved the earth, and hast troubled it:
     heal thou the breaches thereof, for it has been moved.
     Thou hast shewn thy people hard things;
     thou hast made us drink wine of sorrow.

V.  Wilt not thou, O God, who hast cast us off?
     and wilt not thou, O God, go out with our armies?
     Give us help from trouble:
     for vain is the salvation of man.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 7:1-5
Judge not, that you may not be judged, For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why seest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye; and seest not the beam that is in thy own eye? Or how sayest thou to thy brother: Let me cast the mote out of thy eye; and behold a beam is in thy own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam in thy own eye, and then shalt thou see to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.
The readings form the USCCB can be found here.

Sunday, June 21, 2026

DR Squared: Twelfth Sunday In Ordinary Time (Year A)

First Reading:  Jeremiah 20:10-13
For I heard the reproaches of many, and terror on every side: Persecute him, and let us persecute him: from all the men that were my familiars, and continued at my side: if by any means he may be deceived, and we may prevail against him, and be revenged on him. But the Lord is with me as a strong warrior: therefore they that persecute me shall fall, and shall be weak: they shall be greatly confounded, because they have not understood the everlasting reproach, which never shall be effaced. And thou, O Lord of hosts, prover of the just, who seest the reins and the heart: let me see, I beseech thee, thy vengeance on them: for to thee I have laid open my cause. Sing ye to the Lord, praise the Lord: because he hath delivered the soul of the poor out of the hand of the wicked.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35
R.  In the multitude of thy mercy hear me,

V.  Because for thy sake I have borne reproach;
     shame hath covered my face.
     I am become a stranger to my brethren,
     and an alien to the sons of my mother.
     For the zeal of thy house hath eaten me up:
     and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

V.  But as for me, my prayer is to thee, O Lord;
     for the time of thy good pleasure, O God.
     In the multitude of thy mercy hear me,
     in the truth of thy salvation.
     Hear me, O Lord, for thy mercy is kind;
     look upon me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

V,  Let the poor see and rejoice:
     seek ye God, and your soul shall live.
     For the Lord hath heard the poor:
     and hath not despised his prisoners.
     Let the heavens and the earth praise him;
     the sea, and every thing that creepeth therein.
Second Reading:  Romans 5:12-15
Wherefore as by one man sin entered into this world, and by sin death; and so death passed upon all men, in whom all have sinned. For until the law sin was in the world; but sin was not imputed, when the law was not. But death reigned from Adam unto Moses, even over them also who have not sinned after the similitude of the transgression of Adam, who is a figure of him who was to come. But not as the offence, so also the gift. For if by the offence of one, many died; much more the grace of God, and the gift, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 10:26-33
Therefore fear them not. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed: nor hid, that shall not be known. That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops. 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.

Saturday, June 20, 2026

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

First Reading:  2 Chronicles 24:17-25
And after the death of Joiada, the princes of Juda went in, and worshipped the king: and he was soothed by their services and hearkened to them. And they forsook the temple of the Lord the God of their fathers, and served groves and idols, and wrath came upon Juda and Jerusalem for this sin. And he sent prophets to them to bring them back to the Lord, and they would not give ear when they testified against them. The spirit of God then came upon Zacharias the son of Joiada the priest, and he stood in the sight of the people, and said to them: Thus saith the Lord God: Why transgress you the commandment of the Lord which will not be for your good, and have forsaken the Lord, to make him forsake you? And they gathered themselves together against him, and stoned him at the king's commandment in the court of the house of the Lord. And king Joas did not remember the kindness that Joiada his father had done to him, but killed his son. And when he died, he said: The Lord see, and require it. And when a year was come about, the army of Syria came up against him: and they came to Juda and Jerusalem, and killed all the princes of the people, and they sent all the spoils to the king of Damascus. And whereas there came a very small number of the Syrians, the Lord delivered into their hands an infinite multitude, because they had forsaken the Lord the God of their fathers: and on Joas they executed shameful judgments. And departing they left him in diseases: and his servants rose up against him, for revenge of the blood of the son of Joiada the priest, and they slew him in his bed, and he died: and they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):29a; V. 4-5, 29-30, 31-32, 33-34
R.  I will keep my mercy for him for ever:

V.  I have made a covenant with my elect:
     I have sworn to David my servant:
     Thy seed will I settle for ever.
     And I will build up thy throne unto generation and generation.

V.  I will keep my mercy for him for ever:
     and my covenant faithful to him.
     And I will make his seed to endure for evermore:
     and his throne as the days of heaven.

V.  And if his children forsake my law,
     and walk not in my judgments:
     If they profane my justices:
     and keep not my commandments:

V.  I will visit their iniquities with a rod:
     and their sins with stripes.
     But my mercy I will not take away from him:
     nor will I suffer my truth to fail.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 6:24-34
No man can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one, and love the other: or he will sustain the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say to you, be not solicitous for your life, what you shall eat, nor for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the meat: and the body more than the raiment? Behold the birds of the air, for they neither sow, nor do they reap, nor gather into barns: and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not you of much more value than they? And which of you by taking thought, can add to his stature by one cubit? And for raiment why are you solicitous? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they labour not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of the field, which is today, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith? Be not solicitous therefore, saying, What shall we eat: or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things. Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore solicitous for tomorrow; for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Friday, June 19, 2026

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Romuald, Abbot

First Reading:  Philippians 3:8-14
Furthermore I count all things to be but loss for the excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but as dung, that I may gain Christ:  And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God, justice in faith:  That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death, If by any means I may attain to the resurrection which is from the dead. Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect; but I follow after, if I may by any means apprehend, wherein I am also apprehended by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing I do: forgetting the things that are behind, and stretching forth myself to those that are before, I press towards the mark, to the prize of the supernal vocation of God in Christ Jesus.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 131 (130):1bcde, 2, 3
R.  (NB:  There seems to be no corresponding verse.)

V.  Lord, my heart is not exalted:
     nor are my eyes lofty.
     Neither have I walked in great matters,
     nor in wonderful things above me.

V.  If I was not humbly minded,
     but exalted my soul:
     As a child that is weaned is towards his mother,
     so reward in my soul.

V.  Let Israel hope in the Lord,
     from henceforth now and for ever. 
Gospel Reading:  Luke 14:25-33
And there went great multitudes with him. And turning, he said to them:  If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not carry his cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you having a mind to build a tower, doth not first sit down, and reckon the charges that are necessary, whether he have wherewithal to finish it:  Lest, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to mock him, Saying: This man began to build, and was not able to finis  Or what king, about to go to make war against another king, doth not first sit down, and think whether he be able, with ten thousand, to meet him that, with twenty thousand, cometh against him? Or else, whilst the other is yet afar off, sending an embassy, he desireth conditions of peace. So likewise every one of you that doth not renounce all that he possesseth, cannot be my disciple.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/19/2025.

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

First Reading:  2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20
And Athalia the mother of Ochozias seeing that her son was dead, arose, and slew all the royal seed. But Josaba the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ochozias, took Joas the son of Ochozias, and stole him from among the king's sons that were slain, out of the bedchamber with his nurse: and hid him from the face of Athalia, so that he was not slain. And he was with her six years hid in the house of the Lord. And Athalia reigned over the land. And in the seventh year Joiada sent, and taking the centurions and the soldiers, brought them in to him into the temple of the Lord, and made a covenant with them: and taking an oath of them in the house of the Lord, shewed them the king's son:  And the centurions did according to all things that Joiada the priest had commanded them: and taking every one their men, that went in on the sabbath, with them that went out on the sabbath, came to Joiada the priest. And he gave them the spears, and the arms of king David, which were in the house of the Lord. And they stood having every one their weapons in their hands, from the right side of the temple, unto the left side of the altar, and of the temple, about the king. And he brought forth the king's son, and put the diadem upon him, and the testimony: and they made him king, and anointed him: and clapping their hands. they said, God save the king. And Athalia heard the noise of the people running: and going in to the people into the temple of the Lord, She saw the king standing upon a tribunal, as the manner was, and the singers, and the trumpets near him, and all the people of the land rejoicing, and sounding the trumpets: and she rent her garments, and cried: A conspiracy, a conspiracy. But Joiada commended the centurions that were over the army, and said to them: Have her forth without the precinct of the temple, and whosoever shall follow her, let him be slain with the sword. For the priest had said: Let her not be slain in the temple of the Lord. And they laid hands on her: and thrust her out by the way by which the horses go in, by the palace, and she was slain there. And Joiada made a covenant between the Lord, and the king, and the people, that they should be the people of the Lord, and between the king and the people. And all the people of the land went into the temple of Baal, and broke down his altars, and his images they broke in pieces thoroughly: they slew also Mathan the priest of Baal before the altar. And the priest set guards in the house of the Lord. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet: but Athalia was slain with the sword in the king's house.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 132:11, 12, 13-14, 17-18
R.  For the Lord hath chosen Sion: he hath chosen it for his dwelling.

V.  The Lord hath sworn truth to David,
     and he will not make it void:
     of the fruit of thy womb
     I will set upon thy throne.

V.  If thy children will keep thy covenant,
     and these my testimonies which I shall teach them:
     Their children also for evermore
     shall sit upon thy throne.

V.  For the Lord hath chosen Sion:
     he hath chosen it for his dwelling.
     This is my rest for ever and ever:
     here will I dwell, for I have chosen it.

V.  There will I bring forth a horn to David:
     I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.
     His enemies I will clothe with confusion:
     but upon him will my sanctification flourish.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 6:19-23
Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust, and moth consume, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither the rust nor moth doth consume, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also. The light of thy body is thy eye. If thy eye be single, thy whole body shall be lightsome. But if thy eye be evil thy whole body shall be darksome. If then the light that is in thee, be darkness: the darkness itself how great shall it be!
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Thursday, June 18, 2026

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

First Reading:  Sirach 48:1-14
And Elias the prophet stood up, as a fire, and his word burnt like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and they that provoked him in their envy, were reduced to a small number, for they could not endure the commandments of the Lord. By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and he brought down fire from heaven thrice. Thus was Elias magnified in his wondrous works. And who can glory like to thee? Who raisedst up a dead man from below, from the lot of death, by the word of the Lord God. Who broughtest down kings to destruction, and brokest easily their power in pieces, and the glorious from their bed. Who heardest judgment in Sina, and in Horeb the judgments of vengeance. Who anointedst kings to penance, and madest prophets successors after thee. Who wast taken up in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot of fiery horses. Who art registered in the judgments of times to appease the wrath of the Lord, to reconcile the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob. Blessed are they that saw thee, and were honoured with thy friendship. For we live only in our life, but after death our name shall not be such. Elias was indeed covered with the whirlwind, and his spirit was filled up in Eliseus: in his days he feared not the prince, and no man was more powerful than he. No word could overcome him, and after death his body prophesied.
Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 97 (96):12a; V. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7
R.  Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord:

V.  The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice:
     let many islands be glad.
     Clouds and darkness are round about him:
     justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

V.  A fire shall go before him,
     and shall burn his enemies round about.
     His lightnings have shone forth to the world:
     the earth saw and trembled.

V.  The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord:
     at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.
     The heavens declared his justice:
     and all people saw his glory.

V.  Let them be all confounded that adore graven things,
     and that glory in their idols.
     Adore him, all you his angels:
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.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

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

First Reading:  2 Kings 2:1, 6-14
And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elias into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elias and Eliseus were going from Galgal. And Elias said to him: Stay here, because the Lord hath sent me as far as the Jordan. And he said: As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee; and they two went on together, And fifty men of the sons of the prophets followed them, and stood in sight at a distance: but they two stood by the Jordan. And Elias took his mantle and folded it together, and struck the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, and they both passed over on dry ground. And when they were gone over, Elias said to Eliseus: Ask what thou wilt have me to do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Eliseus said: I beseech thee that in me may be thy double spirit. And he answered: Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless if thou see me when I am taken from thee, thou shalt have what thou hast asked: but if thou see me not, thou shalt not have it. And as they went on, walking and talking together, behold a fiery chariot, and fiery horses parted them both asunder: and Elias went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Eliseus saw him, and cried: My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the driver thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own garments, and rent them in two pieces. And he took up the mantle of Elias, that fell from him: and going back, he stood upon the bank of the Jordan, And he struck the waters with the mantle of Elias, that had fallen from him, and they were not divided. And he said: Where is now the God of Elias? And he struck the waters, and they were divided, hither and thither, and Eliseus passed over.
Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 31 (30):25; V. 20, 21, 24
R.  (L)et your heart be strengthened, all ye that hope in the Lord.

V.  O how great is the multitude of thy sweetness, O Lord,
     which thou hast hidden for them that fear thee!
     Which thou hast wrought for them that hope in thee,
     in the sight of the sons of men.

V.  Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy face,
     from the disturbance of men.
     Thou shalt protect them in thy tabernacle
     from the contradiction of tongues.

V.  O love the Lord, all ye his saints:
     for the Lord will require truth,
     and will repay them abundantly that act proudly.
Gospel Reading:  Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
Take heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them: otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven. Therefore when thou dost an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth. That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. And when ye pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men: Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. And when you fast, be not as the hypocrites, sad. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest anoint thy head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not to men to fast, but to thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret, will repay thee.
The readings from the USCCB can be found here.