IGNORANCE OF SCRIPTURE IS IGNORANCE OF CHRIST - SAINT JEROME

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS Act of Love beforeMass

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Readings Lectures Reflection Saint Jerome

First Reading Nehemiah 8:1-12

All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law

When the seventh month came, all the people gathered as one man on the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses which the Lord had prescribed for Israel. Accordingly Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, consisting of men, women, and children old enough to understand. This was the first day of the seventh month. On the square before the Water Gate, in the presence of the men and women, and children old enough to understand, he read from the book from early morning till noon; all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. 

Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden dais erected for the purpose. In full view of all the people – since he stood higher than all the people – Ezra opened the book; and when he opened it all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people raised their hands and answered, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and, face to the ground, prostrated themselves before the Lord. And Ezra read from the Law of God, translating and giving the sense, so that the people understood what was read. 

Then Nehemiah – His Excellency – and Ezra, priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people, said to all the people, ‘This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep.’ For the people were all in tears as they listened to the words of the Law. 

He then said, ‘Go, eat the fat, drink the sweet wine, and send a portion to the man who has nothing prepared ready. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.’ And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be at ease; this is a sacred day. Do not be sad.’ And all the people went off to eat and drink and give shares away and begin to enjoy themselves since they had understood the meaning of what had been proclaimed to them.

Responsorial Psalm

The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart   Psalm 19

Gospel acclamation

The kingdom of God is close at hand:

repent and believe the Good News.

Alleluia! Mk. 1:15

Gospel Luke 10:1-12 

Your peace will rest on that man

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’

My Father, my God your words are true and they are life. They gladden the heart. Father keep me true to your words. Help me understand your word.  God my Father, Jesus Christ is your word made flesh, I want to have intimate relationship with him that I may understand and obey your commands.  It is true loving Father your apostles, disciples, saints were persecuted because of your Son Jesus Christ while teaching your word.  They were willing to give their lives in teaching your words. 

Thank you loving Father for your Son Jesus Christ. Father make us labourers of your harvest we pray through through Jesus Christ our Lord. Virgin Mary Queen of  all Saints and Apostles pray for us. Saint Joseph pray for us. Saint Jerome pray for us. God's Guardian Angels pray for us. My Guardian Angel pray for me, protect and defend me.

Lord Jesus Christ my Lord and Master I trust in you.

SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL ARCHANGELS

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS Act of Love beforeMass

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. 

Readings Lectures Reflection Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

First Reading Daniel Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

His robe was white as snow

As I watched: Thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence. A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. I gazed into the visions of the night. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal
sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm

In the presence of the angels I will bless you O Lord

 

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts,

his servants who do his will.

Alleluia! Ps. 102:21

 

Gospel John 1:47-51

You will see heaven laid open, and the Son of Man

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael. ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’

Heavenly Father thank you for your Angels. We join the heavenly hosts of Angels: Archangels, Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities,  Guardian Angels and all Angels of God in worship before your Holy Throne. Loving Father take all the glory, honor, adoration and thanksgiving through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  May all your hosts of Angels worship and adore you God our Father in heaven.

Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael pray for us, defend us, teach us. My Guardian Angel pray for me, protect and guard me.  Our Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Angels pray for us. Lord Jesus Christ my Lord and Master, I trust in you.

GOD IS WITH US

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS  Act of Love before Mass 

TUESDAY 26TH WEEK  IN ORD. TIME

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Readings  Lectures Reflection

First Reading Zechariah 8:20-23

Many people and great nations will come to seek the Lord of Hosts

The Lord of Hosts says this: 

‘There will be other peoples yet, and citizens of great cities. And the inhabitants of one city will go to the next and say, “Come, let us go and entreat the favour of the Lord, and seek the Lord of Hosts; 

I am going myself.” And many peoples and great nations will come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favour of the Lord.’ 

 The Lord of Hosts says this: 

‘In those days, ten men of nations of every language will take a Jew by the sleeve and say, “We want to go with you, since we have learnt that God is with you.”’

Responsorial Psalms

God is with us

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Son of Man came to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Alleluia! Mk.10:45

Gospel Luke 9:51-56

Jesus sets out for Jerusalem

As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village. 

My Father in heaven, may I follow the  example of my Master your Son Jesus Christ  to submit to your will without wavering. Remove from me fear and give me courage in my daily challenges. May I understand that it is your love and divine providence that will see me through for those you love you guide their steps to lead them to victory if they believe and trust in your love Father.  

Father give me courage remove every fear and anxiety from me as I face every challenge in life.  May your Spirit guide me and give me courage for I know Father this will lead to my transformation.  Thank you Father for loving me. 

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ my loving Master. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God's Arch Angels protect and defend  me. My Guardian Angel pray for me, protect and guide. Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you.

SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS Act of Love beforeMass

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Mass Readings Lectures Reflection St. Vincent de Paul 

First reading Zechariah 8:1-8

The Lord will return to Zion

The word of the Lord of Hosts was addressed to me as follows:

‘The Lord of Hosts says this. I am burning with jealousy for Zion, with great anger for her sake. ‘The Lord of Hosts says this. I am coming back to Zion and shall dwell in the middle of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called Faithful City and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the Holy Mountain.  ‘The Lord of Hosts says this. Old men and old women will again sit down in the squares of Jerusalem; every one of them staff in hand because of their great age. And the squares of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in the squares.

 ‘The Lord of Hosts says this. If this seems a miracle to the remnant of this people (in those days), will it seem one to me? It is the Lord of Hosts who speaks. ‘The Lord of Hosts says this. Now I am going to save my people from the countries of the East and from the countries of the West. I will bring them back to live inside Jerusalem. They shall be my people and I will be their God in faithfulness and integrity.’

 

Responsorial Psalm

The Lord shall build up Zion again and appear in all his glory

Gospel acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Son of Man came to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Alleluia! Mk 10:45

Gospel  Luke 9:46-50

The Least among you all is the greatest

An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’ 

John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.’

Loving Father, my God. come and dwell in our midst, do not abandon us your children. Make us faithful to you Father. Come and save us your people from  sins, from jealousy, and vain glory. Father save us from pride and arrogance. Bring us back to you, may your Holy Spirit dwell in our hearts.  Father you are our  God may we be faithful and sincere in loving and serving you. 

Lord Jesus Christ open my heart to hear your gentle voice directing, and correcting me.  You are ever near to guide me, to teach me and direct me. Lord be with me. Make me gentle and holy. Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. Saint Vincent de Paul pray for me. God's Arch Angels protect and defend me. My Guardian Angel pray for me, protect and guide me.

 

DO NOT STOP ANYONE FROM WORKING MIRACLE IN MY NAME

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS  Act of Love before Mass 

SUNDAY 26TH WEEK  IN ORD. TIME

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

Readings  Lectures Reflection

First Reading Number 11:25-29

If only all the whole people of the Lord were prophets

The Lord came down in the Cloud. He spoke with Moses, but took some of the spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders. When the spirit came on them they prophesied, but not again. 

Two men had stayed back in the camp; one was called Eldad and the other Medad. The spirit came down on them; though they had not gone to the Tent, their names were enrolled among the rest. These began to prophesy in the camp. The young man ran to tell this to Moses, ‘Look,’ he said ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.’ Then said Joshua the son of Nun, who had served Moses from his youth, ‘My Lord Moses, stop them!’ Moses answered him, ‘Are you jealous on my account? If only the whole people of the Lord were prophets, and the Lord gave his Spirit to them all!’

Responsorial Psalm

The Precepts of the Lord are right they gladden the heart

Second Reading James 5:1-6

The Lord hears the cries of those you have cheated

An answer for the rich. Start crying, weep for the miseries that are coming to you. Your wealth is all rotting, your clothes are all eaten up by moths. All your gold and your silver are corroding away, and the same corrosion will be your own sentence, and eat into your body. It was a burning fire that you stored up as your treasure for the last days. Labourers mowed your fields, and you cheated them – listen to the wages that you kept back, calling out; realise that the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. On earth you have had a life of comfort and luxury; in the time of slaughter you went on eating to your heart’s content. It was you who condemned the innocent and killed them; they offered you no resistance.

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

Your word is truth, O Lord:

consecrate us in the truth.

Alleluia! Jn17:17

Gospel  Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48

Do not stop anyone from working miracle in my name

John said to Jesus, ‘Master, we saw a man who is not one of us casting out devils in your name; and because he was not one of us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said, ‘You must not stop him: no one who works a miracle in my name is likely to speak evil of me. Anyone who is not against us is for us.

‘If anyone gives you a cup of water to drink just because you belong to Christ, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward. 

‘But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea with a great millstone round his neck. And if your hand should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life crippled, than to have two hands and go to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out. And if your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter into life lame, than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where their worm does not die nor their fire go out.’

Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for in your name we have victory over all challenges. Deliverance, Healing, Salvation, Assurance of eternal life. You gave yourself for our goodness.  Thank you heavenly Father for your Son Jesus Christ. Give me a generous heart. Make me realise the beauty of sharing. May I never be jealous of the spiritual and material gifts of my fellow creatures. Help me appreciate your gifts to me and give me a heart  full of gratitude for your gifts. Father there is no limit to your power. I give you thanks my loving Father. Give me your Holy Spirit Father. This I as from you through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God's Arch Angels protect and defend me. My Guardian Angel pray for me, defend and protect me. 

OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST ABOLISHED DEATH

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS  Act of Love before Mass 

SATURDAY 25TH WEEK  IN ORD. TIME

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

Readings  Lectures Reflection

First Reading Zechariah 2:5-9,14-15

'I will be the glory of Jerusalem'

Raising my eyes, I saw a vision. It was this: there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. I asked him, ‘Where are you going?’ He said, ‘To measure Jerusalem, to find out her breadth and her length. And then, while the angel who was talking to me stood still, another angel came forward to meet him. He said to him, ‘Run, and tell that young man this, “Jerusalem is to remain unwalled, because of the great number of men and cattle there will be in her. But I – it is the Lord who speaks – I will be a wall of fire for her all round her, and I will be her glory in the midst of her.”’

Sing, rejoice,

daughter of Zion;

for I am coming

to dwell in the middle of you

– it is the Lord who speaks.

Many nations will join the Lord,

on that day;

they will become his people.

 

 Responsorial Psalm

The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

Our Saviour Jesus Christ abolished death

and he has proclaimed life through the Good News.

Alleluia! cf. 2Tim. 1:10

 

Gospel  Luke 9:43-45

.They were afraid to ask him what he meant

At a time when everyone was full of admiration for all he did, Jesus said to his disciples, ‘For your part, you must have these words constantly in your mind: “The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men.”’ But they did not understand him when he said this; it was hidden from them so that they should not see the meaning of it, and they were afraid to ask him about what he had just said.

Heavenly Father, most times I do not understand the happenings around me.  Most times you try to teach through everyday events in my life. It is joyful to accept good things happening around me.  My Lord most times I fail to appreciate your goodness in everyday events I may experience.  

There are times certain events makes me unhappy, I am sad, I question your love, failing to understand that your plan over my life is perfect as long as you are in control, that you Father have my life in your hands.  I may see these as evil and works of the enemy. Father if I trust in you, I trust in your divine providence, not wanting to do it my own way, according to my understanding, Father you will take me through and bring me safe.

The meaning of suffering Father I cannot understand despite Christ coming to show me the way, to lead me, and instructed that I should carry my cross to follow Him.

Teach me Lord Jesus Christ, for you came to abolish death and give us the assurance of eternity through you. Father surround me with a wall of Fire to protect and shield me as you promise through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God's Arch angels protect and defend me. My guardian angel pray for me, protect and guide me.

 

THE CHRIST OF GOD

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS  Act of Love before Mass 

FRIDAY 25TH WEEK  IN ORD. TIME

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit. 

Readings  Lectures Reflection

First Readings Haggai 1:15-2:9

The new glory of this Temple is to surpass the old

In the second year of King Darius, on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai, as follows, ‘You are to speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the high commissioner of Judah, to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to all the remnant of the people. Say this, “Who is there left among you that saw this Temple in its former glory? And how does it look to you now? Does it seem nothing to you? But take courage now, Zerubbabel – it is the Lord who speaks. Courage, High Priest Joshua son of Jehozadak! Courage, all you people of the country! – it is the Lord who speaks. To work! I am with you – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks – and my spirit remains among you. Do not be afraid! For the Lord of Hosts says this: A little while now, and I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all the nations and the treasures of all the nations shall flow in, and I will fill this Temple with glory, says the Lord of Hosts. Mine is the silver, mine the gold! – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks. The new glory of this Temple is going to surpass the old, says the Lord of Hosts, and in this place I will give peace – it is the Lord of Hosts who speaks.”’

Responsorial Psalm

Hope in God, I will praise him still my Saviour and my God

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Son of Man came to serve

and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Alleluia!  Mk 10:45

Gospel Luke 9:18-22

You are the Christ of  God

One day when Jesus was praying alone in the presence of his disciples he put this question to them, ‘Who do the crowds say I am?’ And they answered, ‘John the Baptist; others Elijah; and others say one of the ancient prophets come back to life.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ It was Peter who spoke up. ‘The Christ of God’ he said. But he gave them strict orders not to tell anyone anything about this.

‘The Son of Man’ he said ‘is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.’

My Father in heaven I hope in you. All my trust is in you. You are my God. Lord Jesus Christ you are my Saviour, you are the Son of God most High.  I want to have communion with you.  Lord teach me how to pray.  May your Holy Spirit abide in me. Thank you for saving me. 

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you.  Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My guardian angel pray for me, defend and protect me. God's Arch Angels defend me.

SAINT PIUS PIETRELCINA (PADRE PIO)

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS Act of Love beforeMass

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.  Mass Readings Lectures Reflection St. Pius (Padre Pio)

First Reading Haggi 1:1-8

Rebuild the House

In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, high commissioner of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as follows, ‘The Lord of Hosts says this, “This people says: The time has not yet come to rebuild the
Temple of the Lord. (And the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai, as follows:) Is this a time for you to live in your paneled houses, when this House lies in ruins? So now, the Lord of Hosts says this: Reflect carefully how things have gone for you. You have sown much and harvested little; you eat but never have enough, drink but never
have your fill, put on clothes but do not feel warm. The wage earner gets his wages only to put them in a purse riddled with holes. So go to the hill country, fetch wood, and rebuild the House: I shall then take pleasure in it, and be glorified there, says the Lord.”’

Responsorial Psalm

The Lord takes delight in his people

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord;

No one can come to the Father except through me.

Alleluia! Jn 14:6

Gospel Luke 9:7-9

John? I beheaded so who is this?

Herod the tetrarch had heard about all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had reappeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said, ‘John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?’ And he was anxious to see Jesus.

Give me a change of heart Lord. Let me take pleasure in glorifying your Holy name. keep me prayerful. Lord watch over me. Direct my actions.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. Saint Padre Pio pray for me. My guardian angel pray for me, watch over me, protect and guide me.

GOD HAS NOT FORGOTTEN US

PRAYER BEFORE HOLY MASS  Act of Love before Mass 

WEDNESDAY 25TH WEEK  IN ORD. TIME

O my God, I love Thee with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with no other desire than to be inseparably united to Thee. It is through Thy Divine Son that this union is about to be realized within me. In Holy Communion I long to identify myself with Him, that it will no longer be myself, but Him, who lives in me; and when I have received Jesus within myself, then I shall love and be loved by Thee in that same measure, in which I am united to Him. Hasten then, to give me Thy Divine Son, at the hands of Thy priest, that through Jesus, I may unite myself forever to Thee, O God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

Readings Lectures Reflection

First Reading  Ezra 9:5-9

God has not forgotten us in our slavery

At the evening sacrifice I, Ezra, came out of my stupor and falling on my knees, with my garment and cloak torn, I stretched out my hands to the Lord my God, and said: 

‘My God, I am ashamed, I blush to lift my face to you, my God. For our crimes have increased, until they are higher than our heads, and our sin has piled up to heaven. From the days of our ancestors until now our guilt has been great; on account of our crimes we, our kings and our priests, were given into the power of the kings of other countries, given to the sword, to captivity, to pillage and to shame, as is the case today. But now, suddenly, the Lord our God by his favour has left us a remnant and granted us a refuge in his holy place; this is how our God has cheered our eyes and given us a little respite in our slavery. For we are slaves; but God has not forgotten us in our slavery; he has shown us kindness in the eyes of the kings of Persia, obtaining permission for us to rebuild the Temple of our God and restore its
ruins, and he has found us safety and shelter in Judah and in Jerusalem.’

    

Responsorial Psalm

Blessed be God who lives  for ever

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!

The kingdom of God is close at hand:

repent and believe the Good News.

Alleluia! Mk 1:15

Gospel Luke 9:1-6

Take nothing for the journey

Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all devils and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, ‘Take nothing for the journey: neither staff, nor haversack, nor bread, nor money; and let none of you take a spare tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there; and when you leave, let it be from there. As for those who do not welcome you, when you leave their town shake the dust from your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the Good News and healing everywhere.

My Father in  I am ashamed, I blush to lift my face to you, my God. For our crimes have increased, until they are higher than our heads, and our sin has piled up to heaven. From the days of our ancestors until now our guilt has been great. On account of our crimes we are given to the sword, to captivity, to pillage, to diseases, to sickness, to destruction,  and to shame, as is the case today. 

Father do not forget us. Let your love and favor grant us deliverance and save us from slavery. Father in heaven show us kindness and restore all that we have lost as a result of our disobedience. Father grant us your safety and protection. Deliver us loving Father through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. My guardian angel pray for me, protect and guide me. God's guardian angels protect me. You Arch Angels defend us, defend our world from evil.