DR Squared: Second Sunday Of Easter--Sunday Of Divine Mercy (Year C)

First Reading:  Acts 5:12-16

And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. But of the rest no man durst join himself unto them; but the people magnified them. And the multitude of men and women who believed in the Lord, was more increased:  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that when Peter came, his shadow at the least, might overshadow any of them, and they might be delivered from their infirmities. And there came also together to Jerusalem a multitude out of the neighbouring cities, bringing sick persons, and such as were troubled with unclean spirits; who were all healed.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 118 (117):1; V. 2-4, 13-15, 22-24

R.  Give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

V.  Let Israel now say that he is good: that his mercy endureth for ever.

     Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

     Let them that fear the Lord now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

V.  Being pushed I was overturned that I might fall: but the Lord supported me.

     The Lord is my strength and my praise: and he is become my salvation.

     The voice of rejoicing and of salvation is in the tabernacles of the just.

V.  The stone which the builders rejected; the same is become the head of the corner.

     This is the Lord's doing: and it is wonderful in our eyes.

     This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us be glad and rejoice therein.

Second Reading:  Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

I John, your brother and your partner in tribulation, and in the kingdom, and patience in Christ Jesus, was in the island, which is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus. I was in the spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying: What thou seest, write in a book,...And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks:  And in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one like to the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. And when I had seen him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying: Fear not. I am the First and the Last, And alive, and was dead, and behold I am living for ever and ever, and have the keys of death and of hell. Write therefore the things which thou hast seen, and which are, and which must be done hereafter.

Gospel Reading:  John 20:19-31

Now when it was late that same day, the first of the week, and the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them: Peace be to you. And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad, when they saw the Lord. He said therefore to them again: Peace be to you. As the Father hath sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Now Thomas, one of the twelve, who is called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him: We have seen the Lord. But he said to them: Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Jesus cometh, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said: Peace be to you. Then he saith to Thomas: Put in thy finger hither, and see my hands; and bring hither thy hand, and put it into my side; and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered, and said to him: My Lord, and my God. Jesus saith to him: Because thou hast seen me, Thomas, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and have believed. Many other signs also did Jesus in the sight of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing, you may have life in his name.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

A Broken Fisherman's Ring

I just heard this about two hours ago.

May he, who was called "the Pope of Mercy", receive the mercy he so proclaimed while sitting in the chair of St. Peter as the 266th. Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church.

Réquiem ætérnam dona ei Dómine; et lux perpétua lúceat ei. Requiéscat in pace. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

2025 Easter Card

May your faith increase as we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

May your hope abound as we remember that "through Him, with Him, and in Him" we strengthen our life with the Trinity.

May your love grow for God and neighbor, knowing the victory over sin and death He won for us.

Happy Easter, Everybody!

"He is risen. He is risen, indeed!"

Illuminating This Blessed Night

Tenebrae facta sunt.

Since midday on Good Friday, darkness had covered the earth. A most horrible shade of black, culminating with the death of Jesus Christ. It was an eerie reminder of the darkness Moses and the Israelites experienced on that first Passover. And how ironic (or, perhaps, providential) this Sabbath would also be another commemoration of that feast.

The only thing matching the gloom of this night would be the grief of the followers of this man from Galilee. Inside and out, they were engulfed in an unspeakable dread. But they only had to remember the details of the first Passover and what resulted from it. History, even in disguise, has a way of repeating.

The pillar of fire came to their aid. It does so once again. No matter how many of the readings are proclaimed at your Easter Vigil tonight, the Third Reading (Exodus 14:15-15:1) is mandatory. And we get a foretaste of it when the Pascal Candle is blessed, lit, and processed into the church.

"This is the night." You will hear this phrase seven times (five times as is and twice as "O truly blessed night") as the Exsultet is proclaimed at the end of this procession. Our pillar of fire as the People of God is Jesus Christ. Our exodus from sin and death is echoed in the recounting of the crossing of the Red Sea (as well as being the archetype of the Sacrament of Baptism).

Our redemption is here.

Our salvation is at hand.

Reclaim it as you renew your Baptismal Promises.

The Latin and English text for the chant are provided for your edification.

DR Squared: Holy Saturday--At the Easter Vigil In The Holy Night Of Easter (Year C)

Reading I:  Genesis 1:1—2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a

In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters. 

And God said: Be light made. And light was made. And God saw the light that it was good; and he divided the light from the darkness. And he called the light Day, and the darkness Night; and there was evening and morning one day.

And God said: Let there be a firmament made amidst the waters: and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made a firmament, and divided the waters that were under the firmament, from those that were above the firmament, and it was so. And God called the firmament, Heaven; and the evening and morning were the second day.

God also said: Let the waters that are under the heaven, be gathered together into one place: and let the dry land appear. And it was so done. And God called the dry land, Earth; and the gathering together of the waters, he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And he said: Let the earth bring forth the green herb, and such as may seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, which may have seed in itself upon the earth. And it was so done. And the earth brought forth the green herb, and such as yieldeth seed according to its kind, and the tree that beareth fruit, having seed each one according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And the evening and the morning were the third day.

And God said: Let there be lights made in the firmament of heaven, to divide the day and the night, and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years:  To shine in the firmament of heaven, and to give light upon the earth. And it was so done. And God made two great lights: a greater light to rule the day; and a lesser light to rule the night: and the stars. And he set them in the firmament of heaven to shine upon the earth. And to rule the day and the night, and to divide the light and the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And the evening and morning were the fourth day.

God also said: Let the waters bring forth the creeping creature having life, and the fowl that may fly over the earth under the firmament of heaven. And God created the great whales, and every living and moving creature, which the waters brought forth, according to their kinds, and every winged fowl according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And he blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the waters of the sea: and let the birds be multiplied upon the earth. And the evening and morning were the fifth day.

And God said: Let the earth bring forth the living creature in its kind, cattle and creeping things, and beasts of the earth, according to their kinds. And it was so done. And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds, and cattle, and every thing that creepeth on the earth after its kind. And God saw that it was good. And he said: Let us make man to our image and likeness: and let him have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and the beasts, and the whole earth, and every creeping creature that moveth upon the earth. And God created man to his own image: to the image of God he created him: male and female he created them. And God blessed them, saying: Increase and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it, and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth. And God said: Behold I have given you every herb bearing seed upon the earth, and all trees that have in themselves seed of their own kind, to be your meat:  And to all beasts of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to all that move upon the earth, and wherein there is life, that they may have to feed upon. And it was so done. And God saw all the things that he had made, and they were very good. And the evening and morning were the sixth day. So the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the furniture of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made: and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. Psalm 104 (103):30; V. 1-2ab, 5-6, 10, 12, 13-14, 24, 35c

R.  Thou shalt send forth thy spirit,...and thou shalt 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.  Who hast founded the earth upon its own bases:

      it shall not be moved for ever and ever.

     The deep like a garment is its clothing:

     above the mountains shall the waters stand.

V.  Thou sendest forth springs in the vales:

      between the midst of the hills the waters shall pass.

      Over them the birds of the air shall dwell:

      from the midst of the rocks they shall give forth their voices.

V.  Thou waterest the hills from thy upper rooms:

     the earth shall be filled with the fruit of thy works:

     Bringing forth grass for cattle, and herb for the service of men.

     That thou mayst bring bread out of the earth:

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.

OR

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 33 (32):5b; V. 4-5, 6-7, 12-13, 20 and 22

R.  (T)he earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

V. For the word of the Lord is right,

     and all his works are done with faithfulness.

     He loveth mercy and judgment;

     the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

V.  By the word of the Lord the heavens were established;

     and all the power of them by the spirit of his mouth:

     Gathering together the waters of the sea, as in a vessel;

     laying up the depths in storehouses.

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.  Our soul waiteth for the Lord:

     for he is our helper and protector.

     Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us,

     as we have hoped in thee.

Reading II:  Genesis 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18

After these things, God tempted Abraham, and said to him: Abraham, Abraham. And he answered: Here I am.  2 He said to him: Take thy only begotten son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and go into the land of vision: and there thou shalt offer him for an holocaust upon one of the mountains which I will shew thee. So Abraham rising up in the night, saddled his ass: and took with him two young men, and Isaac his son: and when he had cut wood for the holocaust he went his way to the place which God had commanded him. And on the third day, lifting up his eyes, he saw the place afar off. And he said to his young men: Stay you here with the ass: I and the boy will go with speed as far as yonder, and after we have worshipped, will return to you. And he took the wood for the holocaust, and laid it upon Isaac his son: and he himself carried in his hands fire and a sword. And as they two went on together,  7 Isaac said to his father: My father. And he answered: What wilt thou, son? Behold, saith he, fire and wood: where is the victim for the holocaust? And Abraham said: God will provide himself a victim for an holocaust, my son. So they went on together. And they came to the place which God had shewn him, where he built an altar, and laid the wood in order upon it: and when he had bound Isaac his son, he laid him on the altar upon the pile of wood. And he put forth his hand and took the sword, to sacrifice his son. And behold an angel of the Lord from heaven called to him, saying: Abraham, Abraham. And he answered: Here I am. And he said to him: Lay not thy hand upon the boy, neither do thou any thing to him: now I know that thou fearest God, and hast not spared thy only begotten son for my sake. Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw behind his back a ram amongst the briers sticking fast by the horns, which he took and offered for a holocaust instead of his son. And he called the name of that place, The Lord seeth. Whereupon even to this day it is said: In the mountain the Lord will see. And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven, saying: By my own self have I sworn, saith the Lord: because thou hast done this thing, and hast not spared thy only begotten son for my sake:  I will bless thee, and I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that is by the sea shore: thy seed shall possess the gates of their enemies. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice.  

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 16 (15):5; V. 5, 8, 9-10, 11

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

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

      it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me.

      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.

Reading III:  Exodus 14:15—15:1

And the Lord said to Moses: Why criest thou to me? Speak to the children of Israel to go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch forth thy hand over the sea, and divide it: that the children of Israel may go through the midst of the sea on dry ground. And I will harden the heart of the Egyptians to pursue you: and I will be glorified in Pharao, and in all his host, and in his chariots, and in his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall be glorified in Pharao, and in his chariots and in his horsemen.

And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, removing, went behind them: and together with him the pillar of the cloud, leaving the forepart, Stood behind, between the Egyptians' camp and the camp of Israel: and it was a dark cloud, and enlightening the night, so that they could not come at one another all the night. And when Moses had stretched forth his hand over the sea, the Lord took it away by a strong and burning wind blowing all the night, and turned it into dry ground: and the water was divided. And the children of Israel went in through the midst of the sea dried up: for the water was as a wall on their right hand and on their left.

And the Egyptians pursuing went in after them, and all Pharao's horses, his chariots and horsemen through the midst of the sea, And now the morning watch was come, and behold the Lord looking upon the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, slew their host. And overthrew the wheels of the chariots, and they were carried into the deep. And the Egyptians said: Let us flee from Israel: for the Lord fighteth for them against us.

And the Lord said to Moses: Stretch forth thy hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots and horsemen. And when Moses had stretched forth his hand towards the sea, it returned at the first break of day to the former place: and as the Egyptians were fleeing away, the waters came upon them, and the Lord shut them up in the middle of the waves. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen of all the army of Pharao, who had come into the sea after them, neither did there so much as one of them remain. But the children of Israel marched through the midst of the sea upon dry land, and the waters were to them as a wall on the right hand and on the left:  And the Lord delivered Israel on that day out of the hands of the Egyptians. And they saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore, and the mighty hand that the Lord had used against them: and the people feared the Lord, and they believed the Lord, and Moses his servant. 

Then Moses and the children of Israel sung this canticle to the Lord: and said: Let us sing to the Lord: for he is gloriously magnified, the horse and the rider he hath thrown into the sea. 

Responsorial Psalm:  Exodus 15:1b; V. 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 17-18

R.  Let us sing to the Lord: for he is gloriously magnified,

V. Let us sing to the Lord: for he is gloriously magnified,

     the horse and the rider he hath thrown into the sea.

     The Lord is my strength and my praise,

     and he is become salvation to me:

     he is my God and I will glorify him:

     the God of my father, and I will exalt him.

V.  The Lord is as a man of war,

     Almighty is his name.

     Pharao's chariots and his army he hath cast into the sea:

     his chosen captains are drowned in the Red Sea.

V.  The depths have covered them,

     they are sunk to the bottom like a stone.

     Thy right hand, O Lord, is magnified in strength:

     thy right hand, O Lord, hath slain the enemy.

V.  Thou shalt bring them in,

     and plant them in the mountain of thy inheritance,

     in thy most firm habitation which thou hast made, O Lord;

     thy sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

     The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.

Reading IV:  Isaiah 54:5-14

For he that made thee shall rule over thee, the Lord of hosts is his name: and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, shall be called the God of all the earth. For the Lord hath called thee as woman forsaken and mourning in spirit, and as a wife cast off from her youth, said thy God. For a, small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a moment of indignation have I hid my face a little while from thee, but with everlasting kindness have I had mercy on thee, said the Lord thy Redeemer. This thing is to me as in the days of Noe, to whom I swore, that I would no more bring in the waters of Noe upon the earth: so have I sworn not to be angry with thee, and not to rebuke thee. For the mountains shall be moved, and the hills shall tremble; but my mercy shall not depart from thee, and the covenant of my peace shall not be moved: said the Lord that hath mercy on thee. O poor little one, tossed with tempest, without all comfort, behold I will lay thy stones in order, and will lay thy foundations with sapphires, And I will make thy bulwarks of jasper: and thy gates of graven stones, and all thy borders of desirable stones. All thy children shall be taught of the Lord: and great shall be the peace of thy children. And thou shalt be founded in justice: depart far from oppression, for thou shalt not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near thee.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 30 (29):2a; V. 2, 4, 5-6, 11-12, 13

R.  I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me:

V.  I will extol thee, O Lord, for thou hast upheld me:

     and hast not made my enemies to rejoice over me.

     Thou hast brought forth, O Lord, my soul from hell:

     thou hast saved me from them that go down into the pit.

V.  Sing to the Lord, O ye his saints:

     and give praise to the memory of his holiness.

     For wrath is in his indignation;

     and life in his good will.

     In the evening weeping shall have place,

     and in the morning gladness.

V.  The Lord hath heard, and hath had mercy on me:

     the Lord became my helper.

     Thou hast turned for me my mourning into joy:

     thou hast cut my sackcloth, and hast compassed me with gladness:

     To the end that my glory may sing to thee, and I may not regret:

     O Lord my God, I will give praise to thee for ever.

Reading V:  Isaiah 55:1-11

All you that thirst, come to the waters: and you that have no money make haste, buy, and eat: come ye, buy wine and milk without money, and without any price. Why do you spend money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which doth not satisfy you? Hearken diligently to me, and eat that which is good, and your soul shall be delighted in fatness. Incline your ear and come to me: hear and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the faithful mercies of David. Behold I have given him for a witness to the people, for a leader and a master to the Gentiles. Behold thou shalt call a nation, which thou knewest not: and the nations that knew not thee shall run to thee, because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel, for he hath glorified thee.

Seek ye the Lord, while he may be found: call upon him, while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unjust man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God: for he is bountiful to forgive. For my thoughts are not your thoughts: nor your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are exalted above the earth, so are my ways exalted above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts.

And as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return no more thither, but soak the earth, and water it, and make it to spring, and give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be, which shall go forth from my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall do whatsoever I please, and shall prosper in the things for which I sent it.

Responsorial Psalm:  Isaiah 12:3; V. 2-3, 4, 5-6

R.  You shall draw waters with joy out of the saviour's fountains:

V.  Behold, God is my saviour, I will deal confidently, and will not fear

     O because the Lord is my strength, and my praise, and he is become my salvation.

     You shall draw waters with joy out of the saviour's fountains:

V.  And you shall say in that day: Praise ye the Lord, and call upon his name:

     make his works known among the people:

     remember that his name is high.

V.  Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath done great things:

     shew this forth in all the earth.

     Rejoice, and praise, O thou habitation of Sion:

     for great is he that is in the midst of thee, the Holy One of Israel.  

Reading VI:  Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4

Hear, O Israel, the commandments of life: give ear, that thou mayst learn wisdom. How happeneth it, O Israel, that thou art in thy enemies' land? Thou art grown old in a strange country, thou art defiled with the dead: thou art counted with them that go down into hell. Thou hast forsaken the fountain of wisdom:  For if thou hadst walked in the way of God, thou hadst surely dwelt in peace for ever. Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is understanding: that thou mayst know also where is length of days and life, where is the light of the eyes, and peace. Who hath found out her place? and who hath gone in to her treasures?

But he that knoweth all things, knoweth her, and hath found her out with his understanding: he that prepared the earth for evermore, and filled it with cattle and fourfooted beasts:  He that sendeth forth light, and it goeth: and hath called it, and it obeyeth him with trembling. And the stars have given light in their watches, and rejoiced:  They were called, and they said: Here we are: and with cheerfulness they have shined forth to him that made them. This is our God, and there shall no other be accounted of in comparison of him. He found out all the way of knowledge, and gave it to Jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved.  

Afterwards he was seen upon earth, and conversed with men. This is the book of the commandments of God, and the law, that is for ever: all they that keep it, shall come to life: but they that have forsaken it, to death. Return, O Jacob, and take hold of it, walk in the way by its brightness, in the presence of the light thereof. Give not thy honour to another, nor thy dignity to a strange nation. We are happy, O Israel: because the things that are pleasing to God, are made known to us.

Responsorial Psalm:  cf. John 6:69c; 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.  

Reading VII:  Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28

And the word of the Lord came to me, saying:  Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelt in their own land, they defiled it with their ways, and with their doings:  And I poured out my indignation upon them for the blood which they had shed upon the land, and with their idols they defiled it. And I scattered them among the nations, and they are dispersed through the countries: I have judged them according to their ways, and their devices. And when they entered among the nations whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when it was said of them: This is the people of the Lord, and they are come forth out of his land. And I have regarded my own holy name, which the house of Israel hath profaned among the nations to which they went in. Therefore thou shalt say to the house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God: It is not for your sake that I will do this, O house of Israel, but for my holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations whither you went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the Gentiles, which you have profaned in the midst of them: that the Gentiles may know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord of hosts, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the Gentiles, and will gather you together out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. And I will pour upon you clean water, and you shall be cleansed from all your filthiness, and I will cleanse you from all your idols. And I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit in the midst of you: and I will cause you to walk in my commandments, and to keep my judgments, and do them. And you shall dwell in the land which I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Responsorial Psalm (When Baptism is celebrated):  Psalm 42 (41):2; V. 3, 5; 43 (42):3, 4,5a

R.  As the hart panteth after the fountains of water; so my soul panteth after thee, O God.

V.  My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God;

     when shall I come and appear before the face of God?

V.  These things I remembered, and poured out my soul in me:

     for I shall go over into the place of the wonderful tabernacle, even to the house of God:

     With the voice of joy and praise;

     the noise of one feasting.

V.  Send forth thy light and thy truth:

     they have conducted me,

     and brought me unto thy holy hill,

     and into thy tabernacles.

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

     to God who giveth joy to my youth.

     To thee, O God my God,

     I will give praise upon the harp:

OR

Responsorial Psalm (When Baptism is not celebrated):  Isaiah 12:3; V. 2-3, 4bcd, 5-6

R.  You shall draw waters with joy out of the saviour's fountains:

V.  Behold, God is my saviour, I will deal confidently, and will not fear

     O because the Lord is my strength, and my praise, and he is become my salvation.

     You shall draw waters with joy out of the saviour's fountains:

V.  Praise ye the Lord, and call upon his name:

     make his works known among the people:

     remember that his name is high.

V.  Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath done great things:

     shew this forth in all the earth.

     Rejoice, and praise, O thou habitation of Sion:

     for great is he that is in the midst of thee, the Holy One of Israel.   

OR

Responsorial Psalm (When Baptism is not celebrated):  Psalm 51 (50):12a; V. 12-13, 14-15, 18-19

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.  For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it:

     with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.

     A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit:

     a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

Epistle:  Romans 6:3-11

Know you not that all we, who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized in his death? For we are buried together with him by baptism into death; that as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin may be destroyed, to the end that we may serve sin no longer. For he that is dead is justified from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also together with Christ:  Knowing that Christ rising again from the dead, dieth now no more, death shall no more have dominion over him. For in that he died to sin, he died once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God:  So do you also reckon, that you are dead to sin, but alive unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gospel Acclimation:  V. Psalm 118 (117):1-2, 16ab-17, 22-23

R.  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

V.  Give praise to the Lord, for he is good:

     for his mercy endureth for ever.

     Let Israel now say that he is good:

     that his mercy endureth for ever.

V.  The right hand of the Lord hath wrought strength:

      the right hand of the Lord hath exulted me:

      I shall not die, but live:

      and shall declare the works of the Lord.

V.  The stone which the builders rejected;

      the same is become the head of the corner.

      This is the Lord's doing:

      and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Gospel Reading:  Luke 24:1-12

And on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled back from the sepulchre. And going in, they found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were astonished in their mind at this, behold, two men stood by them, in shining apparel. And as they were afraid, and bowed down their countenance towards the ground, they said unto them: Why seek you the living with the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spoke unto you, when he was in Galilee, Saying: The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words. And going back from the sepulchre, they told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest. And it was Mary Magdalen, and Joanna, and Mary of James, and the other women that were with them, who told these things to the apostles. And these words seemed to them as idle tales; and they did not believe them. But Peter rising up, ran to the sepulchre, and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths laid by themselves; and went away wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.

A Silver Reminder

This year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of Divine Mercy Sunday by St. John Paul II. This devotion has grown in popularity over that time; I have even made the simple version of the Divine Mercy Chaplet part of my prayer life. This article gives an excellent overview on many aspects of it.

We come upon the start of the Divine Mercy Novina today. There are nine special intention connected to the recitation of the Chaplet from Good Friday until Divine Mercy Sunday; each focused on the the souls of a certain group of people. A plenary indulgence is granted on that day (subject to the usual conditions) for reciting the Chaplet under special conditions.

This is my reminder to being the novena.

My hope is you can take advantage of the indulgence as well. 

"Jesus, I trust in You!"

Your Upper Room

All three synoptic Gospels (Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:13–16; Luke 22:7–13) recall the need for Jesus' disciples to go prepare for the upcoming Passover. The details found in the latter two are the first mention the Upper Room. But all three state the disciples did what they were asked to do.

What about you? How well is your Upper Room prepared as we enter the Sacred Triduum--the three most holiest days of the liturgical year? How ready is your whole soul, heart, mind, and body after these last forty days? What harvest are you expecting after planting those seeds of renewal and repentance last Ash Wednesday? What plants sprouted, ready to be transplanted into the fertile ground of Easter?

Hopefully, you are more tax collector than Pharisee. In any case, the Church invites you to partake in the ultimate source and summit of its liturgies. Unlike the "sprint" of the four Christmas Masses, these liturgies are more like a "marathon". With no formal dismissal after Holy Thursday's Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper or Good Friday's Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, they are designed to lead you into either the ceremonies of the Easter Vigil and/or the Mass of Easter Day, when the Resurrection is celebrated. It is here we get a foretaste of the eternal banquet, the Wedding Feast of the Lamb, where our worship, adoration, and praise of God will be without end.

Partake as your schedule allows.

But do partake.

That's what his disciples did after preparation.

DR Squared: Day--Night Twinbill

Traditionally, the Chrism Mass and Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper are celebrated on the same day. For pastoral and practical reasons, however, many diocese opt to celebrate the Chrism Mass at another time. In the Diocese of Salt Lake, it is done the Thursday before Palm Sunday, so as to at least keep some of the symbolism. If you have not had the opportunity, I strongly encourage you to assist at this, as I did in 2012.

Nevertheless, and in keeping with the calendar, I will present the readings from both Masses today.

Consider it priming the pump for the Sacred Triduum.

Say Those "Words" Again

The "week that changed the world" is upon us.

Once again, we find ourselves in and around Jerusalem, following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in what were to become His last days on Earth (at least in a familiar form to us).

Crowds were in a frenzy on both sides of the coin as to the debate of the question He asked to St. Peter--"Who do you say that I am?"

Everybody was about to find out at the end of it all.

He demonstrated it at the Last Supper and His crucifixion--the ultimate cosmic act.

And to go along with what he did, He also backed it up with what He said.

As is tradition at this time of the year in this infinitesimal corner of the universe in which He redeemed, I present my brief meditations on the "Seven Last Words", the sentences spoken by Jesus as He hung on the Cross.

As always, I hope they are still edifying.

As always, I hope they spark further reflection on your part.

As always, every day this week, they will be available at the hour of mercy. 

DR Squared: Palm Sunday Of The Lord's Passion (Year C)

Gospel Reading Before Palm Procession:   Luke 19:28-40

And having said these things, he went before, going up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethania, unto the mount called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, Saying: Go into the town which is over against you, at your entering into which you shall find the colt of an ass tied, on which no man ever hath sitten: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man shall ask you: Why do you loose him? you shall say thus unto him: Because the Lord hath need of his service. And they that were sent, went their way, and found the colt standing, as he had said unto them. And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said to them: Why loose you the colt? But they said: Because the Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to Jesus. And casting their garments on the colt, they set Jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes underneath in the way. And when he was now coming near the descent of mount Olivet, the whole multitude of his disciples began with joy to praise God with a loud voice, for all the mighty works they had seen, Saying: Blessed be the king who cometh in the name of the Lord, peace in heaven, and glory on high! And some of the Pharisees, from amongst the multitude, said to him: Master, rebuke thy disciples. To whom he said: I say to you, that if these shall hold their peace, the stones will cry out.

First Reading:  Isaiah 50:4-7

The Lord hath given me a learned tongue, that I should know how to uphold by word him that is weary: he wakeneth in the morning, in the morning he wakeneth my ear, that I may hear him as a master. The Lord God hath opened my ear, and I do not resist: I have not gone back. I have given my body to the strikers, and my cheeks to them that plucked them: I have not turned away my face from them that rebuked me, and spit upon me. The Lord God is my helper, therefore am I not confounded: therefore have I set my face as a most hard rock, and I know that I shall not be confounded.

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 22 (21):2a; V. 8-9, 17-18a, 19-20, 23-24.

R.  O God my God, look upon me: why hast thou forsaken me?

V.  All they that saw me have laughed me to scorn:

     they have spoken with the lips, and wagged the head.

     He hoped in the Lord, let him deliver him:

     let him save him, seeing he delighteth in him.

V.  For many dogs have encompassed me:

     the council of the malignant hath besieged me.

     They have dug my hands and feet.

     They have numbered all my bones.

V.  They parted my garments amongst them;

      and upon my vesture they cast lots.

     But thou, O Lord, remove not thy help to a distance from me;

     look towards my defence.

V.  I will declare thy name to my brethren:

      in the midst of the church will I praise thee.

     Ye that fear the Lord, praise him:

     all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him.  

Second Reading:  Philippians 2:6-11

Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names:  That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:  And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

Passion Narrative:  Luke 22:14—23:56 or 23:1-49

And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him. And he said to them: With desire I have desired to eat this pasch with you, before I suffer. For I say to you, that from this time I will not eat it, till it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And having taken the chalice, he gave thanks, and said: Take, and divide it among you:  For I say to you, that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, till the kingdom of God come. And taking bread, he gave thanks, and brake; and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me. In like manner the chalice also, after he had supped, saying: This is the chalice, the new testament in my blood, which shall be shed for you.

But yet behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And the Son of man indeed goeth, according to that which is determined: but yet, woe to that man by whom he shall be betrayed.

And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was that should do this thing. 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.

 And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:  But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren. Who said to him: Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. And he said: I say to thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, till thou thrice deniest that thou knowest me.

And he said to them:  When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, did you want anything? But they said: Nothing. Then said he unto them: But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a scrip; and he that hath not, let him sell his coat, and buy a sword. For I say to you, that this that is written must yet be fulfilled in me: And with the wicked was he reckoned. For the things concerning me have an end. But they said: Lord, behold here are two swords. And he said to them, It is enough.

And going out, he went, according to his custom, to the mount of Olives. And his disciples also followed him. And when he was come to the place, he said to them: Pray, lest ye enter into temptation. And he was withdrawn away from them a stone's cast; and kneeling down, he prayed, Saying: Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony, he prayed the longer. And his sweat became as drops of blood, trickling down upon the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow. And he said to them: Why sleep you? arise, pray, lest you enter into temptation.

As he was yet speaking, behold a multitude; and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near to Jesus, for to kiss him. And Jesus said to him: Judas, dost thou betray the Son of man with a kiss? And they that were about him, seeing what would follow, said to him: Lord, shall we strike with the sword? And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. But Jesus answering, said: Suffer ye thus far. And when he had touched his ear, he healed him. And Jesus said to the chief priests, and magistrates of the temple, and the ancients, that were come unto him: Are ye come out, as it were against a thief, with swords and clubs? When I was daily with you in the temple, you did not stretch forth your hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

And apprehending him, they led him to the high priest's house. But Peter followed afar off. And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were sitting about it, Peter was in the midst of them. Whom when a certain servant maid had seen sitting at the light, and had earnestly beheld him, she said: This man also was with him. But he denied him, saying: Woman, I know him not. And after a little while, another seeing him, said: Thou also art one of them. But Peter said: O man, I am not. And after the space, as it were of one hour, another certain man affirmed, saying: Of a truth, this man was also with him; for he is also a Galilean. And Peter said: Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, as he was yet speaking, the cock crew. And the Lord turning looked on Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, as he had said: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter going out, wept bitterly. And the men that held him, mocked him, and struck him. And they blindfolded him, and smote his face. And they asked him, saying: Prophesy, who is it that struck thee? And blaspheming, many other things they said against him.

And as soon as it was day, the ancients of the people, and the chief priests and scribes, came together; and they brought him into their council, saying: If thou be the Christ, tell us. And he saith to them: If I shall tell you, you will not believe me. And if I shall also ask you, you will not answer me, nor let me go. But hereafter the Son of man shall be sitting on the right hand of the power of God. Then said they all: Art thou then the Son of God? Who said: You say that I am. And they said: What need we any further testimony? for we ourselves have heard it from his own mouth.

And the whole multitude of them rising up, led him to Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying: We have found this man perverting our nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he is Christ the king. And Pilate asked him, saying: Art thou the king of the Jews? But he answering, said: Thou sayest it. And Pilate said to the chief priests and to the multitudes: I find no cause in this man. But they were more earnest, saying: He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee to this place.

But Pilate hearing Galilee, asked if the man were of Galilee?  And when he understood that he was of Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him away to Herod, who was also himself at Jerusalem, in those days. And Herod, seeing Jesus, was very glad; for he was desirous of a long time to see him, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to see some sign wrought by him. And he questioned him in many words. But he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and the scribes stood by, earnestly accusing him. And Herod with his army set him at nought, and mocked him, putting on him a white garment, and sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate were made friends, that same day; for before they were enemies one to another. And Pilate, calling together the chief priests, and the magistrates, and the people, Said to them: You have presented unto me this man, as one that perverteth the people; and behold I, having examined him before you, find no cause in this man, in those things wherein you accuse him. No, nor Herod neither. For I sent you to him, and behold, nothing worthy of death is done to him. I will chastise him therefore, and release him.

Now of necessity he was to release unto them one upon the feast day. But the whole multitude together cried out, saying: Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:  Who, for a certain sedition made in the city, and for a murder, was cast into prison. And Pilate again spoke to them, desiring to release Jesus. But they cried again, saying: Crucify him, crucify him. And he said to them the third time: Why, what evil hath this man done? I find no cause of death in him. I will chastise him therefore, and let him go. But they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified; and their voices prevailed. And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required. And he released unto them him who for murder and sedition, had been cast into prison, whom they had desired; but Jesus he delivered up to their will.

And as they led him away, they laid hold of one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country; and they laid the cross on him to carry after Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of people, and of women, who bewailed and lamented him. But Jesus turning to them, said: Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not over me; but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For behold, the days shall come, wherein they will say: Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that have not borne, and the paps that have not given suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: Fall upon us; and to the hills: Cover us. For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry? And there were also two other malefactors led with him to be put to death. 

And when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified him there; and the robbers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. And Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. But they, dividing his garments, cast lots. And the people stood beholding, and the rulers with them derided him, saying: He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the elect of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, And saying: If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And there was also a superscription written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 

And one of those robbers who were hanged, blasphemed him, saying: If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art condemned under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done no evil. And he said to Jesus: Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom. And Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise.

And it was almost the sixth hour; and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And Jesus crying out with a loud voice, said: Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. And saying this, he gave up the ghost.

Now the centurion, seeing what was done, glorified God, saying: Indeed this was a just man. And all the multitude of them that were come together to that sight, and saw the things that were done, returned striking their breasts. And all his acquaintance, and the women that had followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.

And behold there was a man named Joseph, who was a counsellor, a good and just man, (The same had not consented to their counsel and doings;) of Arimathea, a city of Judea; who also himself looked for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And taking him down, he wrapped him in fine linen, and laid him in a sepulchre that was hewed in stone, wherein never yet any man had been laid. And it was the day of the Parasceve, and the sabbath drew on. And the women that were come with him from Galilee, following after, saw the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And returning, they prepared spices and ointments; and on the sabbath day they rested, according to the commandment.

The readings from the USCCB can be found here.