DR Squared: Pentecost Sunday - Extended Vigil

First Reading:  Genesis 11:1-9

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

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

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

V.  The Lord bringeth to naught the counsels of nations;

     and he rejecteth the devices of people, and casteth away the counsels of princes.

     But the counsel of the Lord standeth for ever:

     the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

V.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord:

     the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.

     The Lord hath looked from heaven:

     he hath beheld all the sons of men.

V.  From his habitation which he hath prepared,

     he hath looked upon all that dwell on the earth.

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

     who understandeth all their works.

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

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

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

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

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

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

     and blessed is the holy name of thy glory:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

V.  Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven:

     and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.

OR

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

R.  (T)hou hast the words of eternal life. 

V.  The law of the Lord is unspotted,

     converting souls:

     the testimony of the Lord is faithful,

     giving wisdom to little ones.

V.  The justices of the Lord are right,

     rejoicing hearts:

     the commandment of the Lord is lightsome,

     enlightening the eyes.

V.  The fear of the Lord is holy,

     enduring for ever and ever:

     the judgments of the Lord are true,

     justified in themselves.

V.  More to be desired than gold

     and many precious stones:

     and sweeter than honey

     and the honeycomb.

Third Reading:  Ezekiel 37:1-14

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

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

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

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

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

     From the rising and the setting of the sun,

     from the north and from the sea.

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

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

     They were hungry and thirsty:

     their soul fainted in them.

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

     and he delivered them out of their distresses.

     And he led them into the right way:

     that they might go to a city of habitation.

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

     and his wonderful works to the children of men.

     For he hath satisfied the empty soul,

     and hath filled the hungry soul with good things.

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

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

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

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

V.  Bless the Lord, O my soul:

     O Lord my God, thou art exceedingly great.

     Thou hast put on praise and beauty: 

     And art clothed with light as with a garment.

V.  How great are thy works, O Lord?

     thou hast made all things in wisdom:

     the earth is filled with thy riches.

     O my soul, bless thou the Lord.

V.  All expect of thee

     that thou give them food in season.

     What thou givest to them they shall gather up:

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

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

     and shall return to their dust.

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

     and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.   

Second Reading:  Romans 8:22-27

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

Gospel Reading:  John 7:37-39

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

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/7/2025.

DR Squared: Pentecost Sunday - Vigil Mass

First Reading:  Genesis 11:1-9

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

OR

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

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

OR

Ezekiel 37:1-14

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

OR

Joel 3:1-5  (DR--2:28-32)

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

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

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

V.  Bless the Lord, O my soul:

     O Lord my God, thou art exceedingly great.

     Thou hast put on praise and beauty: 

     And art clothed with light as with a garment.

V.  How great are thy works, O Lord?

     thou hast made all things in wisdom:

     the earth is filled with thy riches.

     O my soul, bless thou the Lord.

V.  All expect of thee

     that thou give them food in season.

     What thou givest to them they shall gather up:

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

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

     and shall return to their dust.

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

     and thou shalt renew the face of the earth.   

Second Reading:  Romans 8:22-27

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

Gospel Reading:  John 7:37-39

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

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/7/2025.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Seventh Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 28:16-20, 30-31

And when we were come to Rome, Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him. And after the third day, he called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said to them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the people, or the custom of our fathers, was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans;  Who, when they had examined me, would have released me, for that there was no cause of death in me;  But the Jews contradicting it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had any thing to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore I desired to see you, and to speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain. And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging; and he received all that came in to him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without prohibition.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 11 (10):7b (8b); V. 4, 5 and 7 (DR 5,6 and 8)

R.  (H)is countenance hath beheld righteousness.  

V.  The Lord is in his holy temple,

     the Lord's throne is in heaven.

     His eyes look on the poor man:

     his eyelids examine the sons of men.

V.  The Lord trieth the just and the wicked:

     but he that loveth iniquity hateth his own soul.

     For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice:

     his countenance hath beheld righteousness.

Gospel Reading:  John 21:20-25

Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said: Lord, who is he that shall betray thee? Him therefore when Peter had seen, he saith to Jesus: Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith to him: So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? follow thou me. This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say to him: He should not die; but, So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/7/2025.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Rita Of Cascia, Religious

First Reading:  Philippians 4:4-9

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh. Be nothing solicitous; but in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline, think on these things. The things which you have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, these do ye, and the God of peace shall be with you.

Responsorial Psalm:  V. Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

R.  {Psalm 40 (39):5a}  Blessed is the man whose trust is in the name of the Lord;

OR

R.  {Psalm 1:2a}  But his will is in the law of the Lord,

OR

R.  {cf. Psalm 92 (91):13-14}  The just shall flourish like the palm tree:...in the courts of the house of our God.

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

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

But his will is in the law of the Lord,

and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

V.  And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters,

which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season.

And his leaf shall not fall off:

and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

V.  Not so the wicked, not so:

but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.  

For the Lord knoweth the way of the just:

and the way of the wicked shall perish.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 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.

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Originally posted 5/22/2025.

DR Squared: Friday Of The Seventh Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 25:13b-21

And after some days, king Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to salute Festus. And as they tarried there many days, Festus told the king of Paul, saying: A certain man was left prisoner by Felix. About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests, and the ancients of the Jews, came unto me, desiring condemnation against him. To whom I answered: It is not the custom of the Romans to condemn any man, before that he who is accused have his accusers present, and have liberty to make his answer, to clear himself of the things laid to his charge. When therefore they were come hither, without any delay, on the day following, sitting in the judgment seat, I commanded the man to be brought. Against whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation of things which I thought ill of:  But had certain questions of their own superstition against him, and of one Jesus deceased, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. I therefore being in a doubt of this manner of question, asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things. But Paul appealing to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I might send him to Caesar.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 103 (102):19a; V. 1-2, 11-12, 19-20ab

R.  The Lord hath prepared his throne in heaven:

V.  Bless the Lord, O my soul:

     and let all that is within me bless his holy name.

     Bless the Lord, O my soul,

     and never forget all he hath done for thee.

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

     he hath strengthened his mercy towards them that fear him.

     As far as the east is from the west,

     so far hath he removed our iniquities from us.

V.  The Lord hath prepared his throne in heaven:

     and his kingdom shall rule over all.

     Bless the Lord, all ye his angels:

     you that are mighty in strength, and execute his word, 

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 6/6/2025.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Christopher Magallanes, Priest, And Companions, Martyrs

First Reading:  Revelation 7:9-17

After this I saw a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and tribes, and peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne, and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands:  And they cried with a loud voice, saying: Salvation to our God, who sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and the ancients, and the four living creatures; and they fell down before the throne upon their faces, and adored God, Saying: Amen. Benediction, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, honour, and power, and strength to our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the ancients answered, and said to me: These that are clothed in white robes, who are they? and whence came they? And I said to him: My Lord, thou knowest. And he said to me: These are they who are come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he, that sitteth on the throne, shall dwell over them. They shall no more hunger nor thirst, neither shall the sun fall on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall rule them, and shall lead them to the fountains of the waters of life, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 34 (33):5b; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R.  (A)nd he 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.

Gospel Reading:  John 12:24-26

Amen, amen I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die, Itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, keepeth it unto life eternal. If any man minister to me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Thursday Of The Seventh Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 22:30; 23:6-11

But on the next day, meaning to know more diligently for what cause he was accused by the Jews, he loosed him, and commanded the priests to come together, and all the council: and bringing forth Paul, he set him before them. And Paul knowing that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, cried out in the council: Men, brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees: concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And there arose a great cry. And some of the Pharisees rising up, strove, saying: We find no evil in this man. What if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel? And when there arose a great dissension, the tribune fearing lest Paul should be pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle. And the night following the Lord standing by him, said: Be constant; for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 16 (15):1; V. 1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R.  Preserve me, O Lord, for I have put my trust in thee.

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.  Therefore my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced:

     moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.

     Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell;

     nor wilt thou give thy holy one to see corruption.

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:  John 17:20-26

And not for them only do I pray, but for them also who through their word shall believe in me; That they all may be one, as thou, Father, in me, and I in thee; that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou hast given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, as we also are one:  I in them, and thou in me; that they may be made perfect in one: and the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast also loved me. Father, I will that where I am, they also whom thou hast given me may be with me; that they may see my glory which thou hast given me, because thou hast loved me before the creation of the world. Just Father, the world hath not known thee; but I have known thee: and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have made known thy name to them, and will make it known; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/5/2025.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Bernardine Of Siena, Priest

First Reading:  Acts 4:8-12

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes of the people, and ancients, hear:  If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole:  Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him this man standeth here before you whole. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved. 

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

     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 9:57-62

And it came to pass, as they walked in the way, that a certain man said to him: I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. Jesus said to him: The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. But he said to another: Follow me. And he said: Lord, suffer me first to go, and to bury my father. And Jesus said to him: Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou, and preach the kingdom of God. And another said: I will follow thee, Lord; but let me first take my leave of them that are at my house. Jesus said to him: No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/20/2025.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Seventh Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 20:28-38

Take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. I know that, after my departure, ravening wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. And of your own selves shall arise men speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, keeping in memory, that for three years I ceased not, with tears to admonish every one of you night and day. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up, and to give an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have not coveted any man's silver, gold, or apparel, as You yourselves know: for such things as were needful for me and them that are with me, these hands have furnished. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive. And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he prayed with them all. And there was much weeping among them all; and falling on the neck of Paul, they kissed him, Being grieved most of all for the word which he had said, that they should see his face no more. And they brought him on his way to the ship.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 68 (67):33a; V. 29-30, 33-35a, 35bc-36ab

R.  Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth:

V.  Command thy strength, O God:

     confirm, O God, what thou hast wrought in us.

     From thy temple in Jerusalem,

     kings shall offer presents to thee.

V.  Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth:

     sing ye to the Lord: Sing ye to God,

     Who mounteth above the heaven of heavens, to the east.

     Behold he will give to his voice the voice of power:

     Give ye glory to God

V.  (F)or Israel, his magnificence,

     and his power is in the clouds.

     God is wonderful in his saints:

     the God of Israel is he who will give power and strength to his people.   

Gospel Reading:  John 17:11b-19

Holy Father, keep them in thy name whom thou has given me; that they may be one, as we also are. While I was with them, I kept them in thy name. Those whom thou gavest me have I kept; and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition, that the scripture may be fulfilled. And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy filled in themselves. I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world; as I also am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil. They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/4/2025.

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Seventh Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 20:17-27

And sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called the ancients of the church. And when they were come to him, and were together, he said to them:  You know from the first day that I came into Asia, in what manner I have been with you, for all the time, Serving the Lord with all humility, and with tears, and temptations which befell me by the conspiracies of the Jews; How I have kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have preached it to you, and taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, being bound in the spirit, I go to Jerusalem: not knowing the things which shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesseth to me, saying: That bands and afflictions wait for me at Jerusalem. But I fear none of these things, neither do I count my life more precious than myself, so that I may consummate my course and the ministry of the word which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And now behold, I know that all you, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to witness this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men;  For I have not spared to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 68 (67):33a; V. 10-11, 20-21

R.  Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth:

V.  Thou shalt set aside for thy inheritance a free rain, O God:

     and it was weakened, but thou hast made it perfect.

     In it shall thy animals dwell;

     in thy sweetness, O God, thou hast provided for the poor.

V.  Blessed be the Lord day by day:

     the God of our salvation will make our journey prosperous to us.

     Our God is the God of salvation:

     and of the Lord, of the Lord are the issues from death.

Gospel Reading:  John 17:1-11a

These things Jesus spoke, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said: Father, the hour is come, glorify thy Son, that thy Son may glorify thee. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he may give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. Now this is eternal life: That they may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now glorify thou me, O Father, with thyself, with the glory which I had, before the world was, with thee. I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou hast given me out of the world. Thine they were, and to me thou gavest them; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known, that all things which thou hast given me, are from thee:  Because the words which thou gavest me, I have given to them; and they have received them, and have known in very deed that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them whom thou hast given me: because they are thine:  And all my things are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am not in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/3/2025.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint John I, Pope, Martyr

First Reading:  Revelation 3:14b, 20-22

These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the beginning of the creation of God:  Behold, I stand at the gate, and knock. If any man shall hear my voice, and open to me the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne: as I also have overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6

R.  The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

V.  The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

     He hath set me in a place of pasture.

     He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:

     He hath converted my soul.

V.  For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death,

     I will fear no evils,

     for thou art with me.

     Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.

V.  Thou hast prepared a table before me 

     against them that afflict me.

     Thou hast anointed my head with oil; 

     and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it!

V.  And thy mercy will follow me

     all the days of my life.

     And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

     unto length of days.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 22:24-30

And there was also a strife amongst them, which of them should seem to be the greater. And he said to them: The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and they that have power over them, are called beneficent. But you not so: but he that is the greater among you, let him become as the younger; and he that is the leader, as he that serveth. For which is greater, he that sitteth at table, or he that serveth? Is it not he that sitteth at table? But I am in the midst of you, as he that serveth:  And you are they who have continued with me in my temptations:  And I dispose to you, as my Father hath disposed to me, a kingdom; That you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom: and may sit upon thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Seventh Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 19:1-8

And it came to pass, while Apollo was at Corinth, that Paul having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples. And he said to them: Have you received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? But they said to him: We have not so much as heard whether there be a Holy Ghost. And he said: In what then were you baptized? Who said: In John's baptism. Then Paul said: John baptized the people with the baptism of penance, saying: That they should believe in him who was to come after him, that is to say, in Jesus. Having heard these things, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And entering into the synagogue, he spoke boldly for the space of three months, disputing and exhorting concerning the kingdom of God.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 68 (67):33a; V. 2-3ab, 4-5acd, 6-7ab

R.  Sing to God, ye kingdoms of the earth:

V.  Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered:

     and let them that hate him flee from before his face. 

     As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish away:

     as wax melteth before the fire,

V.  And let the just feast, and rejoice before God:

     and be delighted with gladness.

     Sing ye to God, sing a psalm to his name, 

     the Lord is his name.

V.  Who is the father of orphans, and the judge of widows.

     God in his holy place:

     God who maketh men of one manner to dwell in a house:

     Who bringeth out them that were bound in strength; 

Gospel Reading:  John 16:29-33

His disciples say to him: Behold, now thou speakest plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now we know that thou knowest all things, and thou needest not that any man should ask thee. By this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them: Do you now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, and it is now come, that you shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress: but have confidence, I have overcome the world.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 6/2/2025.

DR Squared: Seventh Sunday Of Easter (Year A)

First Reading:  Acts 1:12-14

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

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 27 (26):13; V. 1, 4, 7-8

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

V.  The Lord is my light and my salvation,

     whom shall I fear?

     The Lord is the protector of my life:

     of whom shall I be afraid?

V.  One thing I have asked of the Lord,

     this will I seek after;

     that I may dwell in the house of the Lord

     all the days of my life.

     That I may see the delight of the Lord,

     and may visit his temple.

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

     have mercy on me and hear me.

     My heart hath said to thee:

     My face hath sought thee: thy face, O Lord, will I still seek.

Second Reading:  1 Peter 4:13-16

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.

Gospel Reading:  John 17:1-11a

These things Jesus spoke, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said: Father, the hour is come, glorify thy Son, that thy Son may glorify thee. As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he may give eternal life to all whom thou hast given him. Now this is eternal life: That they may know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now glorify thou me, O Father, with thyself, with the glory which I had, before the world was, with thee. I have manifested thy name to the men whom thou hast given me out of the world. Thine they were, and to me thou gavest them; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known, that all things which thou hast given me, are from thee:  Because the words which thou gavest me, I have given to them; and they have received them, and have known in very deed that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them whom thou hast given me: because they are thine:  And all my things are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am not in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Sixth Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 18:23-28

And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, in order, confirming all the disciples. Now a certain Jew, named Apollo, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, one mighty in the scriptures. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, spoke, and taught diligently the things that are of Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John. This man therefore began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Whom when Priscilla and Aquila had heard, they took him to them, and expounded to him the way of the Lord more diligently. And whereas he was desirous to go to Achaia, the brethren exhorting, wrote to the disciples to receive him. Who, when he was come, helped them much who had believed. For with much vigour he convinced the Jews openly, shewing by the scriptures, that Jesus is the Christ.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 47 (46):8a; V. 2-3, 8-9, 10

R.  For God is the king of all the earth:

V.  O clap your hands, all ye nations:

     shout unto God with the voice of Joy,

     For the Lord is high, terrible:

     a great king over all the earth.

V.  For God is the king of all the earth:

     sing ye wisely.

     God shall reign over the nations:

     God sitteth on his holy throne.

V.  The princes of the people are gathered together,

     with the God of Abraham:

     for the strong gods of the earth

     are exceedingly exalted.

Gospel Reading:  John 16:23b-28

Amen, amen I say to you: if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto you have not asked any thing in my name. Ask, and you shall receive; that your joy may be full. These things I have spoken to you in proverbs. The hour cometh, when I will no more speak to you in proverbs, but will shew you plainly of the Father. In that day you shall ask in my name; and I say not to you, that I will ask the Father for you:  For the Father himself loveth you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and I go to the Father.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7

Therefore, seeing we have this ministration, according as we have obtained mercy, we faint not; But we renounce the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor adulterating the word of God; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience, in the sight of God. For we preach not ourselves, but Jesus Christ our Lord; and ourselves your servants through Jesus. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Christ Jesus. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 37 (36):30a; V. 3-4, 5-6, 30-31

R.  The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom:

V.  Trust in the Lord, and do good, and dwell in the land,

     and thou shalt be fed with its riches.

     Delight in the Lord,

     and he will give thee the requests of thy heart.

V.  Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him,

     and he will do it.

     And he will bring forth thy justice as the light,

     and thy judgment as the noonday.

V.  The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom:

     and his tongue shall speak judgment.

     The law of his God is in his heart,

     and his steps shall not be supplanted.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 6:43-45

For there is no good tree that bringeth forth evil fruit; nor an evil tree that bringeth forth good fruit. For every tree is known by its fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns; nor from a bramble bush do they gather the grape. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 4/4/2025.

DR Squared: Friday Of The Sixth Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 18:9-18

And the Lord said to Paul in the night, by a vision: Do not fear, but speak; and hold not thy peace, Because I am with thee: and no man shall set upon thee, to hurt thee; for I have much people in this city. And he stayed there a year and six months, teaching among them the word of God. But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying: This man persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. And when Paul was beginning to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews: If it were some matter of injustice, or an heinous deed, O Jews, I should with reason bear with you. But if they be questions of word and names, and of your law, look you to it: I will not be judge of such things. And he drove them from the judgment seat. And all laying hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, beat him before the judgment seat; and Gallio cared for none of those things. But Paul, when he had stayed yet many days, taking his leave of the brethren, sailed thence into Syria (and with him Priscilla and Aquila), having shorn his head in Cenchrae: for he had a vow.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 47 (46):8a; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R.  For God is the king of all the earth:

V.  O clap your hands, all ye nations:

     shout unto God with the voice of Joy, 

     For the Lord is high, terrible:

     a great king over all the earth.

V.  He hath subdued the people under us;

     and the nations under our feet.

     He hath chosen for us his inheritance

     the beauty of Jacob which he hath loved.

V.  God is ascended with jubilee,

     and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.

     Sing praises to our God, sing ye:

    sing praises to our king, sing ye.

Gospel Reading:  John 16:20-23

Amen, amen I say to you, that you shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice; and you shall be made sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labour, hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but when she hath brought forth the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. So also you now indeed have sorrow; but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice; and your joy no man shall take from you. And in that day you shall not ask me any thing. Amen, amen I say to you: if you ask the Father any thing in my name, he will give it you.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/30/2025.

DR Squared: Feast Of Saint Matthias, Apostle

First Reading:  Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

In those days Peter rising up in the midst of the brethren, said: (now the number of persons together was about an hundred and twenty:)  Men, brethren, the scripture must needs be fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was the leader of them that apprehended Jesus:  Who was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let their habitation become desolate, and let there be none to dwell therein. And his bishopric let another take. Wherefore of these men who have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day wherein he was taken up from us, one of these must be made a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, To take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas hath by transgression fallen, that he might go to his own place. And they gave them lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 113 (112):8; V. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R.  That he may place him with princes, with the princes of his people. 

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?

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.

Gospel Reading:  John 15:9-17

As the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; as I also have kept my Father's commandments, and do abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be filled. This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do the things that I command you. I will not now call you servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth. But I have called you friends: because all things whatsoever I have heard of my Father, I have made known to you. You have not chosen me: but I have chosen you; and have appointed you, that you should go, and should bring forth fruit; and your fruit should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that you love one another.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/14/2025.

DR Squared: Solemnity Of The Ascension Of The Lord (Year A)

First Reading:  Acts 1:1-11

The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which Jesus began to do and to teach, Until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up. To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom of God. And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth. For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence. They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power:  But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two men stood by them in white garments. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come, as you have seen him going into heaven. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 47 (46):6; V. 2-3, 6-7, 8-9

R.  God is ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.

V.  O clap your hands, all ye nations:

     shout unto God with the voice of Joy, 

     For the Lord is high, terrible:

     a great king over all the earth.

V.  God is ascended with jubilee,

     and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.

     Sing praises to our God, sing ye:

     sing praises to our king, sing ye.

V.  For God is the king of all the earth:

     sing ye wisely.

     God shall reign over the nations:

     God sitteth on his holy throne.

Second Reading:  Ephesians 1:17-23

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:  The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power, Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places. Above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. And he hath subjected all things under his feet, and hath made him head over all the church, Which is his body, and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 28:16-20

And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And seeing him they adored: but some doubted. And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Our Lady Of Fatima

First Reading:  Isaiah 61:9-11

And they shall know their seed among the Gentiles, and their offspring in the midst of peoples: all that shall see them, shall know them, that these are the seed which the Lord hath blessed. I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation: and with the robe of justice he hath covered me, as a bridegroom decked with a crown, and as a bride adorned with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth her seed to shoot forth: so shall the Lord God make justice to spring forth, and praise before all the nations.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 45:11a; V. 11-12, 14-15, 16-17

R.  Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear:

V.  Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thy ear:

     and forget thy people and thy father's house.

     And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty;

     for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.

V.  All the glory of the king's daughter is within in golden borders,

     Clothed round about with varieties.

     After her shall virgins be brought to the king:

     her neighbours shall be brought to thee.

V.  They shall be brought with gladness and rejoicing:

     they shall be brought into the temple of the king.

     Instead of thy fathers, sons are born to thee:

     thou shalt make them princes over all the earth. 

Gospel Reading:  Luke 11:27-28

And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck. But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it.

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/13/2025.

DR Squared: Wednesday Of The Sixth Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 17:15, 22—18:1

And they that conducted Paul, brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a commandment from him to Silas and Timothy, that they should come to him with all speed, they departed. But Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious. For passing by, and seeing your idols, I found an altar also, on which was written: To the unknown God. What therefore you worship, without knowing it, that I preach to you:  God, who made the world, and all things therein; he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is he served with men's hands, as though he needed any thing; seeing it is he who giveth to all life, and breath, and all things:  And hath made of one, all mankind, to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, determining appointed times, and the limits of their habitation. That they should seek God, if happily they may feel after him or find him, although he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and are; as some also of your own poets said: For we are also his offspring. Being therefore the offspring of God, we must not suppose the divinity to be like unto gold, or silver, or stone, the graving of art, and device of man. And God indeed having winked at the times of this ignorance, now declareth unto men, that all should everywhere do penance. Because he hath appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in equity, by the man whom he hath appointed; giving faith to all, by raising him up from the dead. And when they had heard of the resurrection of the dead, some indeed mocked, but others said: We will hear thee again concerning this matter. So Paul went out from among them. But certain men adhering to him, did believe; among whom was also Dionysius, the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. After these things, departing from Athens, he came to Corinth.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf, Isaiah 6:3b (?); V. Psalm 148:1-2, 11-12ab, 12c-13, 14

R.  (Heaven and) all the earth is full of his glory.

V.  Praise ye the Lord from the heavens:

     praise ye him in the high places.

     Praise ye him, all his angels:

     praise ye him, all his hosts.

V.  Kings of the earth and all people:

     princes and all judges of the earth:

     Young men and maidens:

     let the old with the younger,

V,  (P)raise the name of the Lord.

     For his name alone is exalted.

     The praise of him is above heaven and earth:

V.  (A)nd he hath exalted the horn of his people.

     A hymn to all his saints:

     to the children of Israel, a people approaching to him. Alleluia.

Gospel Reading:  John 16:12-15

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

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/28/2025,

DR Squared: Tuesday Of The Sixth Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 16:22-34

And the people ran together against them; and the magistrates rending off their clothes, commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the gaoler to keep them diligently. Who having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight, Paul and Silas praying, praised God. And they that were in prison, heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bands of all were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drawing his sword, would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying: Do thyself no harm, for we all are here. Then calling for a light, he went in, and trembling, fell down at the feet of Paul and Silas. And bringing them out, he said: Masters, what must I do, that I may be saved? But they said: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they preached the word of the Lord to him and to all that were in his house. And he, taking them the same hour of the night, washed their stripes, and himself was baptized, and all his house immediately. And when he had brought them into his own house, he laid the table for them, and rejoiced with all his house, believing God.

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

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

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

     for thou hast heard the words of my mouth.

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

     I will worship towards thy holy temple,

     and I will give glory to thy name.

V,  For thy mercy, and for thy truth:

     for thou hast magnified thy holy name above all.

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

     thou shall multiply strength in my soul.

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

     The Lord will repay for me:

     thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever:

     O despise not the work of thy hands. 

Gospel Reading:  John 16:5-11

But I told you not these things from the beginning, because I was with you. And now I go to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me: Whither goest thou? But because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow hath filled your heart. But I tell you the truth: it is expedient to you that I go: for if I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he is come, he will convict the world of sin, and of justice, and of judgment. Of sin: because they believed not in me. And of justice: because I go to the Father; and you shall see me no longer. And of judgment: because the prince of this world is already judged.

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/27/2025.

DR Squared: Monday Of The Sixth Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 16:11-15

And sailing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the day following to Neapolis;  And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in this city some days conferring together. And upon the sabbath day, we went forth without the gate by a river side, where it seemed that there was prayer; and sitting down, we spoke to the women that were assembled. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, did hear: whose heart the Lord opened to attend to those things which were said by Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying: If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.

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:  John 15:26—16:4a

But when the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me. And you shall give testimony, because you are with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized. They will put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth a service to God. And these things will they do to you; because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things I have told you, that when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you of them.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/26/2025.

DR Squared: Sixth Sunday Of Easter (Year A)

First Reading:  Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

And Philip going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord were attentive to those things which were said by Philip, hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did. For many of them who had unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, went out. And many, taken with the palsy, and that were lame, were healed. Now when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost. For he was not as yet come upon any of them; but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 66 (65):1; V. 1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a, 16, 20

R.  Shout with joy to God, all the earth,

V.  Shout with joy to God, all the earth,

Sing ye a psalm to his name;

give glory to his praise. 

Say unto God, How terrible are thy works, O Lord!

V.  Let all the earth adore thee, and sing to thee:

let it sing a psalm to thy name.

Come and see the works of God;

who is terrible in his counsels over the sons of men.

V.  Who turneth the sea into dry land,

in the river they shall pass on foot:

there shall we rejoice in him.

Who by his power ruleth for ever:

V.  Come and hear, all ye that fear God,

and I will tell you what great things he hath done for my soul.

Blessed be God, who hath not turned away my prayer,

nor his mercy from me. 

Second Reading:  1 Peter 3:15-18

But sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you. But with modesty and fear, having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, they may be ashamed who falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better doing well (if such be the will of God) to suffer, than doing ill. Because Christ also died once for our sins, the just for the unjust: that he might offer us to God, being put to death indeed in the flesh, but enlivened in the spirit,

Gospel Reading:  John 14:15-21

If you love me, keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you for ever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him: but you shall know him; because he shall abide with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you. Yet a little while: and the world seeth me no more. But you see me: because I live, and you shall live. In that day you shall know, that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them; he it is that loveth me. And he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father: and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Saturday Of The Fifth Week Of Easter

First Reading:  Acts 16:1-10

And he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, there was a certain disciple there named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman that believed; but his father was a Gentile. To this man the brethren that were in Lystra and Iconium, gave a good testimony. Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking him he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile. And as they passed through the cities, they delivered unto them the decrees for to keep, that were decreed by the apostles and ancients who were at Jerusalem. And the churches were confirmed in faith, and increased in number daily. And when they had passed through Phrygia, and the country of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia. And when they were come into Mysia, they attempted to go into Bythynia, and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not. And when they had passed through Mysia, they went down to Troas. And a vision was shewed to Paul in the night, which was a man of Macedonia standing and beseeching him, and saying: Pass over into Macedonia, and help us. And as soon as he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, being assured that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

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

R.  Sing joyfully to God, all the earth:

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.  For the Lord is sweet,

     his mercy endureth for ever,

     and his truth to generation and generation.

Gospel Reading:  John 15:18-21

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

The reading from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 5/24/2025.