DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint John Bosco, Priest

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:  Psalm 103 (102):1b; V. 1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18

R.  Bless the Lord, O my soul:

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.  Who forgiveth all thy iniquities:

     who healeth all thy diseases.

     Who redeemeth thy life from destruction:

     who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion.

V.  The Lord is compassionate and merciful:

     longsuffering and plenteous in mercy.

     He will not always be angry:

     nor will he threaten for ever.

V.  As a father hath compassion on his children,

     so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him:

     For he knoweth our frame.

     He remembereth that we are dust:

V.  But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity

     and unto eternity upon them that fear him:

     And his justice unto children's children,

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

 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 18:1-5

At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 1/31/2025

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

First Reading:  2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17

And the Lord sent Nathan to David: and when he was come to him, he said to him: There were two men in one city, the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many sheep and oxen. But the poor man had nothing at all but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up, and which had grown up in his house together with his children, eating of his bread, and drinking of his cup, and sleeping in his bosom: and it was unto him as a daughter. And when a certain stranger was come to the rich man, he spared to take of his own sheep and oxen, to make a feast for that stranger, who was come to him, but took the poor man's ewe, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David's anger being exceedingly kindled against that man, he said to Nathan: As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this is a child of death. He shall restore the ewe fourfold, because he did this thing, and had no pity. And Nathan said to David: Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord the God of Israel: Therefore the sword shall never depart from thy house, because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Urias the Hethite to be thy wife. Thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thy own house, and I will take thy wives before thy eyes and give them to thy neighhour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing in the sight of all Israel, and in the sight of the sun. And David said to Nathan: I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said to David: The Lord also hath taken away thy sin: thou shalt not die. Nevertheless, because thou hast given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, for this thing, the child that is born to thee, shall surely die. And Nathan returned to his house. The Lord also struck the child which the wife of Urias had borne to David, and his life was despaired of. And David besought the Lord for the child: and David kept a fast, and going in by himself lay upon the ground. And the ancients of his house came, to make him rise from the ground: but he would not, neither did he eat meat with them.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 51 (50):12a; V. 12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R.  Create a clean heart in me, O God:

V.  Create a clean heart in me, O God:

     and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

     Cast me not away from thy face;

     and take not thy holy spirit from me.

V.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation,

     and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.

     I will teach the unjust thy ways:

     and the wicked shall be converted to thee.

V.  Deliver me from blood, O God, thou God of my salvation:

     and my tongue shall extol thy justice.

     O Lord, thou wilt open my lips:

     and my mouth shall declare thy praise.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 4:35-41  (DR--35-40)

And he saith to them that day, when evening was come: Let us pass over to the other side. And sending away the multitude, they take him even as he was in the ship: and there were other ships with him. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that the ship was filled. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, sleeping upon a pillow; and they awake him, and say to him: Master, doth it not concern thee that we perish? And rising up, he rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: Peace, be still. And the wind ceased: and there was made a great calm. And he said to them: Why are you fearful? have you not faith yet? And they feared exceedingly: and they said one to another: Who is this (thinkest thou) that both wind and sea obey him?

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Samuel 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17

And it came to pass at the return of the year, at the time when kings go forth to war, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel, and they spoiled the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabba: but David remained in Jerusalem. In the mean time it happened that David arose from his bed after noon, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and he saw from the roof of his house a woman washing herself, over against him: and the woman was very beautiful. And the king sent, and inquired who the woman was. And it was told him, that she was Bethsabee the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Urias the Hethite. And David sent messengers, and took her, And she returned to her house having conceived. And she sent and told David, and said: I have conceived. And David sent to Joab, saying: Send me Urias the Hethite. And Joab sent Urias to David. And Urias came to David. And David asked how Joab did, and the people, and how the war was carried on. And David said to Urias: Go into thy house, and wash thy feet. And Urias went out from the king's house, and there went out after him a mess of meat from the king. But Urias slept before the gate of the king's house, with the other servants of his lord, and went not down to his own house. And it was told David by some that said: Urias went not to his house. And David called him to eat and to drink before him, and he made him drunk: and he went out in the evening, and slept on his couch with the servants of his lord, and went not down into his house. And when the morning was come, David wrote a letter to Joab: and sent it by the hand of Urias, Writing in the letter: Set ye Urias in the front of the battle, where the fight is strongest: and leave ye him, that he may be wounded and die. Wherefore as Joab was besieging the city, he put Urias in the place where he knew the bravest men were. And the men coming out of the city, fought against Joab, and there fell some of the people of the servants of David, and Urias the Hethite was killed also. 

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 51 (50):3a; V. 3-4, 5-6a, 6bcd-7, 10-11

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

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

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

     Wash me yet more from my iniquity,

     and cleanse me from my sin.

V.  For I know my iniquity,

     and my sin is always before me.

     To thee only have I sinned,

     and have done evil before thee:

V.  (T)hat thou mayst be justified in thy words

     and mayst overcome when thou art judged.

     For behold I was conceived in iniquities;

     and in sins did my mother conceive me.

V.  To my hearing thou shalt give joy and gladness:

     and the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice.

     Turn away thy face from my sins,

     and blot out all my iniquities.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 4:26-34

And he said: So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the earth, And should sleep, and rise, night and day, and the seed should spring, and grow up whilst he knoweth not. For the earth of itself bringeth forth fruit, first the blade, then the ear, afterwards the full corn in the ear. And when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come. And he said: To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? or to what parable shall we compare it? It is as a grain of mustard seed: which when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that are in the earth:  And when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches, so that the birds of the air may dwell under the shadow thereof. And with many such parables, he spoke to them the word, according as they were able to hear. And without parable he did not speak unto them; but apart, he explained all things to his disciples.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29

And David went in, and sat before the Lord, and said: Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that thou hast brought me thus far? But yet this hath seemed little in thy sight, O Lord God, unless thou didst also speak of the house of thy servant for a long time to come: for this is the law of Adam, O Lord God. For thou hast confirmed to thyself thy people Israel to be an everlasting people: and thou, O Lord God, art become their God. And now, O Lord God, raise up for ever the word that thou hast spoken, concerning thy servant and concerning his house: and do as thou hast spoken, That thy name may be magnified for ever, and it may be said: The Lord of hosts is God over Israel. And the house of thy servant David shall be established before the Lord. Because thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to the ear of thy servant, saying: I will build thee a house: therefore hath thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer to thee. And now, O Lord God, thou art God, and thy words shall be true: for thou hast spoken to thy servant these good things. And now begin, and bless the house of thy servant, that it may endure for ever before thee: because thou, O Lord God, hast spoken it, and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

Responsorial Psalm:  Lk 1:32b; V. Psalm 132 (131):1-2, 3-5, 11, 12, 13-14

R.  (A)nd the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father;

V.  O Lord, remember David,

     and all his meekness.

     How he swore to the Lord,

     he vowed a vow to the God of Jacob:

V.  If I shall enter into the tabernacle of my house:

     if I shall go up into the bed wherein I lie:

     If I shall give sleep to my eyes,

     or slumber to my eyelids,

     Or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord,

     a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

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.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 4:21-25

And he said to them: Doth a candle come in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? For there is nothing hid, which shall not be made manifest: neither was it made secret, but that it may come abroad. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said to them: Take heed what you hear. In what measure you shall mete, it shall be measured to you again, and more shall be given to you. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, that also which he hath shall be taken away from him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

Frist Reading:  Wisdom 7:7-10, 15-16

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

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

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

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

     by observing thy words.

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

     let me not stray from thy commandments.

V.  Thy words have I hidden in my heart,

     that I may not sin against thee.

V.  Blessed art thou, O Lord:

     teach me thy justifications.

V.  With my lips I have pronounced

     all the judgments of thy mouth.

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

     as in all riches. 

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 23:8-12

But be not you called Rabbi. For one is your master; and all you are brethren. And call none your father upon earth; for one is your father, who is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your master, Christ. He that is the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled: and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 1/28/2025.

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

First Reading:  2 Samuel 7:4-17

But it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying:  Go, and say to my servant David: Thus saith the Lord: Shalt thou build me a house to dwell in? Whereas I have not dwelt in a house from the day that I brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt even to this day: but have walked in a tabernacle, and in a tent. In all the places that I have gone through with all the children of Israel, did ever I speak a word to any one of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed my people Israel, saying: Why have you not built me a house of cedar? And now thus shalt thou speak to my servant David: Thus saith the Lord of hosts: I took thee out of the pastures from following the sheep to be ruler over my people Israel:  And I have been with thee wheresoever thou hast walked, and have slain all thy enemies from before thy face: and I have made thee a great man, like unto the name of the great ones that are on the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and I will plant them, and they shall dwell therein, and shall be disturbed no more: neither shall the children of iniquity afflict them any more as they did before, From the day that I appointed judges over my people Israel: and I will give thee rest from all thy enemies. And the Lord foretelleth to thee, that the Lord will make thee a house. And when thy days shall be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house to my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son: and if he commit any iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men. But my mercy I will not take away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before my face. And thy house shall be faithful, and thy kingdom for ever before thy face, and thy throne shall be firm for ever. According to all these words and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak to David. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):29a; V. 4-5, 27-28, 29-30

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.  He shall cry out to me: Thou art my father:

     my God, and the support of my salvation.

     And I will make him my firstborn,

     high above the kings of the earth.

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.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 4:1-20

And again he began to teach by the sea side; and a great multitude was gathered together unto him, so that he went up into a ship, and sat in the sea; and all the multitude was upon the land by the sea side. And he taught them many things in parables, and said unto them in his doctrine:  Hear ye: Behold, the sower went out to sow. And whilst he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the birds of the air came and ate it up. And other some fell upon stony ground, where it had not much earth; and it shot up immediately, because it had no depth of earth. And when the sun was risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And some fell upon good ground; and brought forth fruit that grew up, and increased and yielded, one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred. And he said: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. And when he was alone, the twelve that were with him asked him the parable. And he said to them: To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but to them that are without, all things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand: lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And he saith to them: Are you ignorant of this parable? and how shall you know all parables? He that soweth, soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown, and as soon as they have heard, immediately Satan cometh and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these likewise are they that are sown on the stony ground: who when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but are only for a time: and then when tribulation and persecution ariseth for the word they are presently scandalized. And others there are who are sown among thorns: these are they that hear the word, And the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts after other things entering in choke the word, and it is made fruitless. And these are they who are sown upon the good ground, who hear the word, and receive it, and yield fruit, the one thirty, another sixty, and another a hundred.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Angela Merici, Virgin

First Reading:  1 Peter 4:7b-11

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

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 148:1bc-2, 11-13a, 13c-14

R.  Young men and maidens:...praise the name of the Lord:

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,

     praise the name of the Lord:

     For his name alone is exalted.

V.  The praise of him is above heaven and earth:

     and 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:  Mark 9:34b-37  (DR--33b-36)

(F)or in the way they had disputed among themselves, which of them should be the greatest. And sitting down, he called the twelve, and saith to them: If any man desire to be first, he shall be the last of all, and the minister of all. And taking a child, he set him in the midst of them. Whom when he had embraced, he saith to them:  Whosoever shall receive one such child as this in my name, receiveth me. And whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  2 Samuel 6:12b-15, 17-19

So David went, and brought away the ark of God out of the house of Obededom into the city of David with joy. And there were with David seven choirs, and calves for victims. And when they that carried the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a ram:  And David danced with all his might before the Lord: and David was girded with a linen ephod. And David and all the house of Israel brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord with joyful shouting, and with sound of trumpet. And they brought the ark of the Lord, and set it in its place in the midst of the tabernacle, which David had pitched for it: and David offered holocausts, and peace offerings before the Lord. And when he had made an end of offering holocausts and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. And he distributed to all the multitude of Israel both men and women, to every one, a cake of bread, and a piece of roasted beef, and fine flour fried with oil: and all the people departed every one to his house.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 24 (23):8a; V. 7, 8, 9, 10

R.  Who is this King of Glory? the Lord

V.  Lift up your gates, O ye princes,

     and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates:

     and the King of Glory shall enter in.

V.  Who is this King of Glory?

     the Lord who is strong and mighty:

     the Lord mighty in battle.

V.  Lift up your gates, O ye princes,

     and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates:

     and the King of Glory shall enter in.

V.  Who is this King of Glory?

     the Lord of hosts,

     he is the King of Glory. 

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:31-35

And his mother and his brethren came; and standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him; and they say to him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And answering them, he said: Who is my mother and my brethren? And looking round about on them who sat about him, he saith: Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall do the will of God, he is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saints Timothy And Titus, Bishops

First Reading:  2 Timothy 1:1-8

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus. To Timothy my dearly beloved son, grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord. I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, that without ceasing, I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day. Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy, Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also. For which cause I admonish thee, that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee, by the imposition of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of sobriety. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labour with the gospel, according to the power of God,

OR

Titus 1:1-5

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:  Unto the hope of life everlasting, which God, who lieth not, hath promised before the times of the world:  But hath in due times manifested his word in preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour:  To Titus my beloved son, according to the common faith, grace and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Saviour.  For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:

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

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

V.  Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle:

     sing to the Lord, all the earth.

     Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name:

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

     Declare his glory among the Gentiles:

     his wonders among all people.

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

     bring ye to the Lord glory and honour:

     Bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

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

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

     he will judge the people with justice.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 10:1-9

And after these things the Lord appointed also other seventy-two: and he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come. And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send labourers into his harvest. Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. Into whatsoever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. And heal the sick that are therein, and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

OR

Mark 3:22-30 (NB:  This is the Gospel Reading for the Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time.)

And the scribes who were come down from Jerusalem, said: He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of devils he casteth out devils. And after he had called them together, he said to them in parables: How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan be risen up against himself, he is divided, and cannot stand, but hath an end. No man can enter into the house of a strong man and rob him of his goods, unless he first bind the strong man, and then shall he plunder his house. Amen I say to you, that all sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and the blasphemies wherewith they shall blaspheme:  But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, shall never have forgiveness, but shall be guilty of an everlasting sin. Because they said: He hath an unclean spirit.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  Isaiah 8:23—9:3 (DR:  9:1-3)

At the first time the land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephtali was lightly touched: and at the last the way of the sea beyond the Jordan of the Galilee of the Gentiles was heavily loaded. The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen. Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14

R.  The Lord is my light and my salvation,

V.  The Lord is my light and my salvation,

     whom shall I fear?

     The Lord is the protector of my life:

     of whom shall I be afraid?

V.  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.  I believe to see the good things of the Lord

     in the land of the living.

     Expect the Lord, do manfully,

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

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no schisms among you; but that you be perfect in the same mind, and in the same judgment.  For it hath been signified unto me, my brethren, of you, by them that are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith: I indeed am of Paul; and I am of Apollo; and I am of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul then crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 4:12-23 or 4:12-17

And when Jesus had heard that John was delivered up, he retired into Galilee:  And leaving the city Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capharnaum on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim; That it might be fulfilled which was said by Isaias the prophet:  Land of Zabulon and land of Nephthalim, the way of the sea beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles:  The people that sat in darkness, hath seen great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say: Do penance, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea (for they were fishers). And he saith to them: Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men. And they immediately leaving their nets, followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and he called them. And they forthwith left their nets and father, and followed him. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom: and healing all manner of sickness and every infirmity, among the people.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Francis De Sales, Bishop And Doctor Of The Church

First Reading:  Ephesians 3:8-12

To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ, And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things:  That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church, According to the eternal purpose, which he made, in Christ Jesus our Lord:  In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

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

R.  The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom:

V.  Trust in the Lord, and do good,

     and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches.

     Delight in the Lord,

     and he will give thee the requests of thy heart.

V.  Commit thy way to the Lord,

     and trust in him, and he will do it.

     And he will bring forth thy justice as the light,

     and thy judgment as the noonday.

V.  The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom:

     and his tongue shall speak judgment.

     The law of his God is in his heart,

     and his steps shall not be supplanted.  

Gospel Reading:  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 reading from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 1/24/2025.

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

First Reading:  2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27

Now it came to pass, after Saul was dead, that David returned from the slaughter of the Amalecites, and abode two days in Siceleg. And on the third day, there appeared a man who came out of Saul's camp, with his garments rent, and dust strewed on his head: and when he came to David, he fell upon his face, and adored. And David said to him: From whence comest thou? And he said to him: I am fled out of the camp of Israel. And David said unto him: What is the matter that is come to pass? tell me. He said: The people are fled from the battle, and many of the people are fallen and dead: moreover Saul and Jonathan his son are slain. Then David took hold of his garments and rent them, and likewise all the men that were with him. And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the Lord, and for the house of Israel, because they were fallen by the sword. The illustrious of Israel are slain upon thy mountains: how are the valiant fallen? Saul and Jonathan, lovely, and comely in their life, even in death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, stronger than lions. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with scarlet in delights, who gave ornaments of gold for your attire. How are the valiant fallen in battle? Jonathan slain in the high places? I grieve for thee, my brother Jonathan: exceeding beautiful, and amiable to me above the love of women. As the mother loveth her only son, so did I love thee. How are the valiant fallen, and the weapons of war perished?

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 80 (79):5b; V. 2-3, 5-7

R.  (A)nd shew us thy face, and we shall be saved.

V.  Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel:

     thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep.

     Thou that sittest upon the cherubims, shine forth

     Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses.

     Stir up thy might, and come to save us.

V.  O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry

     against the prayer of thy servant?

     How long wilt thou feed us with the bread of tears:

     and give us for our drink tears in measure?

     Thou hast made us to be a contradiction to our neighbours:

     and our enemies have scoffed at us.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:20-21

And they come to a house, and the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread. And when his friends had heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him. For they said: He is become mad.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Vincent, Deacon And Martyr [In The Dioceses Of The United States]

(NB:  Today is also the Optional Memorial of Saint Marianne Cope, Virgin [in the dioceses of the United States]. There are no assigned readings; they may be selected from the Common of Virgins or Common of Holy Men and Women [see here for more details].)

First Reading:  2 Corinthians 4:7-15

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency may be of the power of God, and not of us. In all things we suffer tribulation, but are not distressed; we are straitened, but are not destitute; We suffer persecution, but are not forsaken; we are cast down, but we perish not:  Always bearing about in our body the mortification of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our bodies. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake; that the life also of Jesus may be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, as it is written: I believed, for which cause I have spoken; we also believe, for which cause we speak also:  Knowing that he who raised up Jesus, will raise us up also with Jesus, and place us with you. For all things are for your sakes; that the grace abounding through many, may abound in thanksgiving unto the glory of God.

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:  Matthew 10:17-22

But beware of men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. And you shall be brought before governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles:  But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall put them to death. And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  1 Samuel 24:3-21

Saul therefore took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went out to seek after David, and his men, even upon the most craggy rocks, which are accessible only to wild goats. And he came to the sheepcotes, which were in his way. And there was a cave, into which Saul went, to ease nature: now David and his men lay hid in the inner part of the cave. And the servants of David said to him: Behold the day, of which the Lord said to thee: I will deliver thy enemy unto thee, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good in thy eyes. Then David arose, and secretly cut off the hem of Saul's robe. After which David's heart struck him, because he had cut off the hem of Saul's robe. And he said to his men: The Lord be merciful unto me, that I may do no such thing to my master the Lord's anointed, as to lay my hand upon him, because he is the Lord's anointed. And David stopped his men with his words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rising up out of the cave, went on his way. And David also rose up after him: and going out of the cave cried after Saul, saying: My lord the king. And Saul looked behind him: and David bowing himself down to the ground, worshipped, And said to Saul: Why dost thou hear the words of men that say David seeketh thy hurt? Behold this day thy eyes have seen, that the Lord hath delivered thee into my hand, in the cave, and I had a thought to kill thee, but my eye hath spared thee. For I said: I will not put out my hand against my lord, because he is the Lord's anointed. Moreover see and know, O my father, the hem of thy robe in my hand, that when I cut, off the hem of thy robe, I would not put out my hand against thee. Reflect, and see, that there is no evil in my hand, nor iniquity, neither have I sinned against thee: but thou liest in wait for my life, to take it away. The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord revenge me of thee: but my hand shall not be upon thee. As also it is said in the old proverb: From the wicked shall wickedness come forth: therefore my hand shall not be upon thee. After whom dost thou come out, O king of Israel? After whom dost thou pursue? After a dead dog, after a flea. Be the Lord judge, and judge between me and thee, and see, and judge my cause, and deliver me out of thy hand. And when David had made an end of speaking these words to Saul, Saul said: Is this thy voice, my son David? And Saul lifted up his voice, and wept. And he said to David: Thou art more just than I: for thou hast done good to me, and I have rewarded thee with evil. And thou hast shewn this day what good things thou hast done to me: how the Lord delivered me into thy hand, and thou hast not killed me. For who when he hath found his enemy, will let him go well away? But the Lord reward thee for this good turn, for what thou hast done to me this day. And now as I know that thou shalt surely be king, and have the kingdom of Israel in thy hand:

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 57:2a; V. 2, 3-4, 6 and 11

R.  Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me:

V.  Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me:

     for my soul trusteth in thee.

     And in the shadow of thy wings will I hope,

     until iniquity pass away.

V.  I will cry to God the most High;

     to God who hath done good to me.

     He hath sent from heaven and delivered me:

     he hath made them a reproach that trod upon me.

     God hath sent his mercy and his truth,

V.  Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens,

     and thy glory above all the earth.

     For thy mercy is magnified even to the heavens:

     and thy truth unto the clouds.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:13-19

And going up into a mountain, he called unto him whom he would himself: and they came to him. And he made that twelve should be with him, and that he might send them to preach. And he gave them power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. And to Simon he gave the name Peter:  And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James; and he named them Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder:  And Andrew and Philip, and Bartholomew and Matthew, and Thomas and James of Alpheus, and Thaddeus, and Simon the Cananean:  And Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

Stalemate(?)

The National March For Life will take place tomorrow in Washington, DC. Since 1973, it has taken place on or around the anniversary of the Supreme Court decisions Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, the two ruling that at the time gave unrestricted access to abortion. Up until 2022, it was a time of peaceful protest (yes, this is what the phrase really looks like) and the marshalling of forces to overturn those decisions. With the ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, it has now become celebration of victories for life as well.

As I wrote in a previous post:

In the over 18 months since Dobbs took effect, the battles have increased and intensified in individual state legislatures, courts, and ballot boxes. And it is easier to keep score. Progress or regression has more measurables now--the passing of laws, rulings, or constitutional amendments at the state level. But the color representing those achievements still remains the same. Unfortunately, depending on your political persuasion, the country can still be colored red or blue regarding this. It is just becoming more clearer which hue goes where.

Since then, the coloring has continued and become more vivid. Both sides have gained ground and/or ceded territory. Both sides are in it for the long haul. No one can say who is really winning this battle in the Culture War.

It continues to be a fight for hearts first and foremost; rational arguments only go so far in a society that now values subjective emotions as the ultimate arbiter. Civil discourse was doused with a cold bucket of water with the murder of Charlie Kirk. And there are still reports of vandalism to pregnancy resource centers. (One could wonder if this is in reply to the diminished funding of Planned Parenthood, the biggest and loudest cheerleader for the pro-abortion movement.)

This is far from over.. If one wishes to draw a parallel perspective, it is akin to the enacting of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution and the 1963 Civil Rights Act. The law has been established--its implementation is still ongoing. Neither is a finished process.

So, the activities tomorrow, including another speech by Vice-President J.D. Vance, are needed. The pro-life movement will boldly proclaim it rasion d'etre. It will make its case to "choose life". It will speak the truth in love.

As it was in the beginning of this movement, is now, and ever shall be, a heroic act of witness.

DR Squared: Mass For The Day Of Prayer For The Legal Protection Of Unborn Children

(NB:  There can either be one or two readings plus the Responsorial Psalm for this Liturgy of the Word.)

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 8:2ab; V. 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R.  O Lord our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth!

V.  For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers:

     the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.

     What is man that thou art mindful of him?

     or the son of man that thou visitest him?

V.  Thou hast made him a little less than the angels,

     thou hast crowned him with glory and honour:

     And hast set him over the works of thy hands.

     Thou hast subjected all things under his feet,

V.  (A)ll sheep and oxen:

     moreover the beasts also of the fields.

     The birds of the air, and the fishes of the sea,

     that pass through the paths of the sea.

Second Reading:  Ephesians 3:14-21

For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened by his Spirit with might unto the inward man, That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts; that being rooted and founded in charity, You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth:  To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God. Now to him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us; To him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus unto all generations, world without end. Amen.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 1:39-56

And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord. And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is his name. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him. He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy:  As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months; and she returned to her own house.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7

Now when David returned, after he slew the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet king Saul, with timbrels of joy, and cornets. And the women sung as they played, and they said: I Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands. And Saul was exceeding angry, and this word was displeasing in his eyes, and he said: They have given David ten thousands, and to me they have given but a thousand; what can he have more but the kingdom? And Saul did not look on David with a good eye from that day and forward. And Saul spoke to Jonathan his son and to all his servants, that they should kill David. But Jonathan the son of Saul loved David exceedingly. And Jonathan told David, saying: Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: wherefore look to thyself, I beseech thee, in the morning, and thou shalt abide in a secret place and shalt be hid. And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art: and I will speak of thee to my father, and whatsoever I shall see, I will tell thee. And Jonathan spoke good things of David to Saul his father: and said to him: Sin not, O king, against thy servant, David, because he hath not sinned against thee, and his works are very good towards thee. And he put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the Lord wrought great salvation for all Israel. Thou sawest it and didst rejoice. Why therefore wilt thou sin against innocent blood by killing David, who is without fault? And when Saul heard this he was appeased with the words of Jonathan, and swore: As the Lord liveth he shall not be slain. Then Jonathan called David and told him all these words: and Jonathan brought in David to Saul, and he was before him, as he had been yesterday and the day before.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 56 (55):2b; V. 2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13

R.  (I)n God I have put my trust:

V.  Have mercy on me, O God, for man hath trodden me under foot;

     all the day long he hath afflicted me fighting against me.

     My enemies have trodden on me all the day long;

     for they are many that make war against me.

V.  I have declared to thee my life:

     thou hast set my tears in thy sight,

     As also in thy promise.

     Then shall my enemies be turned back.

V.  In what day soever I shall call upon thee,

     behold I know thou art my God.

     In God will I praise the word, in the Lord will I praise his speech.

     In God have I hoped, I will not fear what man can do to me.

V.  In me, O God, are vows to thee,

     which I will pay, praises to thee:

     Because thou hast delivered my soul from death, my feet from falling:

     that I may please in the sight of God, in the light of the living.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:7-12

But Jesus retired with his disciples to the sea; and a great multitude followed him from Galilee and Judea, And from Jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond the Jordan. And they about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing the things which he did, came to him. And he spoke to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, lest they should throng him. For he healed many, so that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had evils. And the unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him: and they cried, saying:  Thou art the Son of God. And he strictly charged them that they should not make him known.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Agnes, Virgin And Martyr

First Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:26-31

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

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 23 (22):1b; V. 1b-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:  Matthew 13:44-46

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in a field. Which a man having found, hid it, and for joy thereof goeth, and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls. Who when he had found one pearl of great price, went his way, and sold all that he had, and bought it.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 1/21/2025

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

First Reading:  1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51

And when he was brought to him, he said to him: Let not any man's heart be dismayed in him: I thy servant will go, and will fight against the Philistine. And Saul said to David: Thou art not able to withstand this Philistine, nor to fight against him: for thou art but a boy, but he is a warrior from his youth. And David said: The Lord who delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David: Go, and the Lord be with thee. And he took his staff, which he had always in his hands: and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them into the shepherd's scrip, which he had with him, and he took a sling in his hand, and went forth against the Philistine. And the Philistine came on, and drew nigh against David, and his armourbearer before him. And when the Philistine looked, and beheld David, he despised him. For he was a young man, ruddy, and of a comely countenance. And the Philistine said to David: Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with a staff? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And he said to David: Come to me, and I will give thy flesh to the birds of the air, and to the beasts of the earth. And David said to the Philistine: Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, which thou hast defied. This day, and the Lord will deliver thee into my hand, and I will slay thee, and take away thy head from thee: and I will give the carcasses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air, and to the beasts of the earth: that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know, that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for it is his battle, and he will deliver you into our hands. And when the Philistine arose and was coming, and drew nigh to meet David, David made haste, and ran to the fight to meet the Philistine. And he put his hand into his scrip, and took a stone, and cast it with the sling, and fetching it about struck the Philistine in the forehead: and the stone was fixed in his forehead, and he fell on his face upon the earth. And David prevailed over the Philistine, with a sling and a stone, and he struck, and slew the Philistine. And as David had no sword in his hand, He ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath, and slew him, and cut off his head. And the Philistines seeing that their champion was dead, fled away.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 144 (143):1a; V. 1b, 2, 9-10

R.  Blessed be the Lord my God,

V.  Blessed be the Lord my God,

     who teacheth my hands to fight, and my fingers to war.

V.  My mercy, and my refuge:

     my support, and my deliverer:

     My protector, and I have hoped in him:

     who subdueth my people under me.

V.  To thee, O God, I will sing a new canticle:

     on the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings I will sing praises to thee.

     Who givest salvation to kings:

     who hast redeemed thy servant David from the malicious sword:

Gospel Reading:  Mark 3:1-6

And he entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. And they watched him whether he would heal on the sabbath days; that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand: Stand up in the midst. And he saith to them: Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy? But they held their peace. And looking round about on them with anger, being grieved for the blindness of their hearts, he saith to the man: Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth: and his hand was restored unto him. And the Pharisees going out, immediately made a consultation with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Fabian, Pope And Martyr

First Reading:  1 Peter 5:1-4

The ancients therefore that are among you, I beseech, who am myself also an ancient, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: as also a partaker of that glory which is to be revealed in time to come:  Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking care of it, not by constraint, but willingly, according to God: not for filthy lucre's sake, but voluntarily:  Neither as lording it over the clergy, but being made a pattern of the flock from the heart. And when the prince of pastors shall appear, you shall receive a never fading crown of glory.

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

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.

Gospel Reading:  John 21:15-17

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.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Optional Memorial Of Saint Sebastian, Martyr

First Reading:  1 Peter 3:14-17

But if also you suffer any thing for justice' sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not troubled. 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.

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:  Matthew 10:28-33

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

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  1 Samuel 16:1-13

And the Lord said to Samuel: How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, whom I have rejected from reigning over Israel? fill thy horn with oil, and come, that I may send thee to Isai the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons. And Samuel said: How shall I go? for Saul will hear of it, and he will kill me. And the Lord said: Thou shalt take with thee a calf of the herd, and thou shalt say: I am come to sacrifice to the Lord. And thou shalt call Isai to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou art to do, and thou shalt anoint him whom I shall shew to thee. Then Samuel did as the Lord had said to him. And he came to Bethlehem, and the ancients of the city wondered, and meeting him, they said: Is thy coming hither peaceable? And he said: It is peaceable: I am come to offer sacrifice to the Lord, be ye sanctified, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Isai and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice. And when they were come in, he saw Eliab, and said: Is the Lord's anointed before him? And the Lord said to Samuel: Look not on his countenance, nor on the height of his stature: because I have rejected him, nor do I judge according to the look of man: for man seeth those things that appear, but the Lord beholdeth the heart. And Isai called Abinadab, and brought him before Samuel. And he said: Neither hath the Lord chosen this. And Isai brought Samma, and he said of him: Neither hath the Lord chosen this. Isai therefore brought his seven sons before Samuel: and Samuel said to Isai: The Lord hath not chosen any one of these. And Samuel said to Isai: Are here all thy sons? He answered: There remaineth yet a young one, who keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said to Isai: Send, and fetch him, for we will not sit down till he come hither. He sent therefore and brought him Now he was ruddy and beautiful to behold, and of a comely face. And the Lord said: Arise, and anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward: and Samuel rose up, and went to Ramatha.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89  (88):21a; V. 20, 21-22, 27-28

R.  I have found David my servant:

V.  Then thou spokest in a vision to thy saints,

     and saidst:

     I have laid help upon one that is mighty,

     and have exalted one chosen out of my people.

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.  He shall cry out to me: Thou art my father:

     my God, and the support of my salvation. 

     And I will make him my firstborn,

     high above the kings of the earth.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 2:23-28

And it came to pass again, as the Lord walked through the corn fields on the sabbath, that his disciples began to go forward, and to pluck the ears of corn. And the Pharisees said to him: Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful? And he said to them: Have you never read what David did when he had need, and was hungry himself, and they that were with him? How he went into the house of God, under Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the loaves of proposition, which was not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave to them who were with him? And he said to them: The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord of the sabbath also.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  1 Samuel 15:16-23

And Samuel said to Saul: Suffer me, and I will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this night. And he said to him: Speak. And Samuel said: When thou wast a little one in thy own eyes, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the Lord anointed thee to be king over Israel. And the Lord sent thee on the way, and said: Go, and kill the sinners of Amalec, and thou shalt fight against them until thou hast utterly destroyed them. Why then didst thou not hearken to the voice of the Lord: but hast turned to the prey, and hast done evil in the eyes of the Lord. And Saul said to Samuel: Yea I have hearkened to the voice of the Lord, and have walked in the way by which the Lord sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalec, and Amalec I have slain. But the people took of the spoils sheep and oxen, as the firstfruits of those things that were slain, to offer sacrifice to the Lord their God in Galgal. And Samuel said: Doth the Lord desire holocausts and victims, and not rather that the voice of the Lord should be obeyed? For obedience is better than sacrifices: and to hearken rather than to offer the fat of rams. Because it is like the sin of witchcraft, to rebel: and like the crime of idolatry, to refuse to obey. Forasmuch therefore as thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord hath also rejected thee from being king.

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

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

V.  I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices:

     and thy burnt offerings are always in my sight.

     I will not take calves out of thy house:

     nor he goats out of thy flocks.

V.  Why dost thou declare my justices,

     and take my covenant in thy mouth?

     Seeing thou hast hated discipline:

     and hast cast my words behind thee.

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

     Thou thoughtest unjustly that I should be like to thee:

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

     The sacrifice of praise shall glorify me:

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

Gospel Reading:  Mark 2:18-22

And the disciples of John and the Pharisees used to fast; and they come and say to him: Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast; but thy disciples do not fast? And Jesus saith to them: Can the children of the marriage fast, as long as the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them; and then they shall fast in those days. No man seweth a piece of raw cloth to an old garment: otherwise the new piecing taketh away from the old, and there is made a greater rent. And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: otherwise the wine will burst the bottles, and both the wine will be spilled, and the bottles will be lost. But new wine must be put into new bottles.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

First Reading:  Isaiah 49:3, 5-6

And he said to me: Thou art my servant Israel, for in thee will I glory. 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 40 (39):8a, 9a; V. 2, 4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10

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.

Second Reading:  1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes a brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that invoke the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, in every place of theirs and ours. Grace to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Reading:  John 1:29-34

The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world. This is he, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because he was before me. And I knew him not, but that he may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John gave testimony, saying: I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven, and he remained upon him. And I knew him not; but he who sent me to baptize with water, said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon him, he it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

DR Squared: Memorial Of Saint Anthony, Abbot

First Reading: Ephesians 6:10-13, 18

Finally, brethren, be strengthened in the Lord, and in the might of his power. Put you on the armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the deceits of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places. Therefore take unto you the armour of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and to stand in all things perfect. By all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the spirit; and in the same watching with all instance and supplication for all the saints:

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

R.  The Lord is the portion of my inheritance

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

     I have said to the Lord, thou art my God,

     The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my cup:

     it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me.

V.  I will bless the Lord, who hath given me understanding:

     moreover my reins also have corrected me even till night.

     I set the Lord always in my sight:

     for he is at my right hand, that I be not moved.

V.  Thou hast made known to me the ways of life,

     thou shalt fill me with joy with thy countenance:

     at thy right hand are delights even to the end.

Gospel Reading:  Matthew 19:16-26

And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting Who said to him: Why asketh thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith to him: All these I have kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me? Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me. And when the young man had heard this word, he went away sad: for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to his disciples: Amen, I say to you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven. And when they had heard this, the disciples wondered very much, saying: Who then can be saved? And Jesus beholding, said to them: With men this is impossible: but with God all things are possible.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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Originally posted 1/17/2024

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

First Reading:  1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1

Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Cis, the son of Abiel, the son of Seror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphia, the son of a man of Jemini, valiant and strong. And he had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and goodly man, and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he appeared above all the people. And the asses of Cis, Sauls father, were lost: and Cis said to his son Saul: Take one of the servants with thee, and arise, go, and seek the asses. And when they had passed through mount Ephraim, And through the land of Salisa, and had not found them, they passed also through the land of Salim, and they were not there: and through the land of Jemini, and found them not. And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him: Behold the man, of whom I spoke to thee, this man shall reign over my people. And Saul came to Samuel in the midst of the gate and said: Tell me, I pray thee, where is the house of the seer? And Samuel answered Saul, saying: I am the seer, go up before me to the high place, that you may eat with me today, and I will let thee go in the morning: and tell thee all that is in thy heart. And Samuel took a little vial of oil and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said: Behold, the Lord hath anointed thee to be prince over his inheritance, and thou shalt deliver his people out of the hands of their enemies, that are round about them. And this shall be a sign unto thee, that God hath anointed thee to be prince.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 21 (20):2a; V. 2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R.  In thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy; 

V.  In thy strength, O Lord, the king shall joy;

and in thy salvation he shall rejoice exceedingly.

Thou hast given him his heart's desire:

and hast not withholden from him the will of his lips.

V.  For thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness:

thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.

He asked life of thee:

and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.

V.  His glory is great in thy salvation:

glory and great beauty shalt thou lay upon him.

For thou shalt give him to be a blessing for ever and ever:

thou shalt make him joyful in gladness with thy countenance.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 2:13-17

And he went forth again to the sea side; and all the multitude came to him, and he taught them. And when he was passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom; and he saith to him: Follow me. And rising up, he followed him. And it came to pass, that as he sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat down together with Jesus and his disciples. For they were many, who also followed him. And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing that he ate with publicans and sinners, said to his disciples: Why doth your master eat and drink with publicans and sinners? Jesus hearing this, saith to them: They that are well have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. For I came not to call the just, but sinners.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

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

First Reading:  1 Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a

Then all the ancients of Israel being assembled, came to Samuel to Ramatha. And they said to him: Behold thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: make us a king, to judge us, as all nations have. And the word was displeasing in the eyes of Samuel, that they should say: Give us a king, to judge us. And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel: Hearken to the voice of the people in all that they say to thee. For they have not rejected thee, but me, that I should not reign over them. Then Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people that had desired a king of him, And said: This will be the right of the king, that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and put them in his chariots, and will make them his horsemen, and his running footmen to run before his chariots, And he will appoint of them to be his tribunes, and centurions, and to plough his fields, and to reap his corn, and to make him arms and chariots. Your daughters also he will take to make him ointments, and to be his cooks, and bakers. And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your best oliveyards, and give them to his servants. Moreover he will take the tenth of your corn, and of the revenues of your vineyards, to give his eunuchs and servants. Your servants also and handmaids, and your goodliest young men, and your asses he will take away, and put them to his work. Your flocks also he will tithe, and you shall be his servants. And you shall cry out in that day from the face of the king, whom you have chosen to yourselves. and the Lord will not hear you in that day, because you desired unto yourselves a king. But the people would not hear the voice of Samuel, and they said: Nay: but there shall be a king over us. And we also will be like all nations: and our king shall judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles for us. And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and rehearsed them in the ears of the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel: Hearken to their voice, and make them a king.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 89 (88):2a; V. 16-17, 18-19

R.  The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.

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.

Gospel Reading:  Mark 2:1-12

And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days. And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word. And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four. And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay. And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee. And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:  Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only? Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.