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.