Category: lectiodiv

“Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” | Thursday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 7:24-30, today’s readings)

The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then he said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter.”

Wherever he goes, Jesus cannot escape notice, even among the Gentiles. People come to him from all sides, as the woman in today’s Gospel does for the sake of her daughter. In responding to the woman, Jesus refers to the claim of the Jews that they first receive his ministry as God’s chosen ones. But for the mother who sees the suffering of her daughter, that claim does nothing to hold her back. Jesus gives her the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of her faith expressed in desperate need. Similarly, in the first reading from Genesis, we see the dignity of Adam and Eve standing before God in complete reliance on him, both naked yet feeling no shame. Jesus invites us to come to him with the same dignity, in complete recognition of all he can do for us in his mercy as our Lord and creator.

God, just as the woman approached Jesus, aware of her otherness but in great need, I ask for the grace to do the same. In willing to do anything to restore her daughter’s health, the mother had heard of Jesus and simply fell at his feet on meeting him. Help me today put to work the exemplary persistent faith of the woman and her holy fear and reverence as she knelt before you. At creation, “The man and his wife were both naked, yet they felt no shame.” In humility and childlike trust, let me remember to come to you throughout the day, to come with persistence, and to plead that your will—which is love—be done for me and others. Blessed are those who fear the Lord!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Evils come from within and they defile.”| Wednesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory, robed in light as with a cloak. O bless the Lord, my soul!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 7:14-23, today’s readings)

“But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”

After the Pharisees criticize the disciples of Jesus for not following Jewish traditions of purification, Jesus tells the disciples, “Nothing that enters one from from outside can defile that person.” From the heart come a host of evil thoughts and actions, extending all the way back to original sin in the Garden of Eden. What defiles, Jesus tells us, is not what enters the stomach but what enters the heart and comes from within. This is why baptism and repentance are necessary to restore us to God, because God restores us to the truth. The Gospel acclamation for today is: “Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.” What we once took for ourselves from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Jesus gives us abundantly through the sacraments—the embodiment of his passion, death, and resurrection.

God, in recognition that what defiles comes from within, flood me with your grace and mercy today. Left to myself, I have nothing; you are the source of every good gift. The vices that come from my heart have no place to hide in the dark but are scattered by the light of your face. Help me call to mind that after looking on everything you made, you found it very good. Be with me today, Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.” | Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place—What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 7:1-13, today’s readings)

He responded, “Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts. You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”

The Pharisees observe that the disciples of Jesus eat their meals with unwashed hands and fail to purify themselves after coming from the marketplace, according to Jewish tradition. In questioning Jesus about this, they point out that the disciples are not followers of the tradition of the elders. Jesus’ response cuts to the heart of the issue as he quotes Isaiah to reveal their oppressive teaching and deep-rooted hypocrisy. He criticizes the Pharisees for allowing traditions to undermine God’s inherently good commandments through their strict adherence to rituals. Intentions matter; in prayer and ritual observance, where do we find God except in hearing and doing his will, inclining our hearts to his decrees?

God, your law is rooted in love, mercy, and justice. Through the person of Jesus, you give us every one of these gifts—not a set of prohibitions or obligations but a call toward the good to build relationship with you and others in a way that corresponds to your will. When Jesus says the Pharisees nullify your word and that they “do many such things,” give me the grace to recognize the ways I turn away from you and your word. When I am tempted to think that those who set aside your commandments and instead upheld tradition lived and died a long time ago, guide me to the realization that I myself have done the same and will do the same again. From Genesis, I read: “God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good.” Guide me, Lord, to see as you see. Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“That they might touch only the tassel on his cloak.” | Memorial of Saint Scholastica, Virgin

From the responsorial psalm: “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory, robed in light as with a cloak. May the Lord be glad in his works.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:53-56, today’s readings)

They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.

Word of Jesus spread quickly throughout the whole region. In Gennesaret, as soon as people realized Jesus set foot on the shore, they begin to bring their sick to him. Not long before, on his way to heal Jairus’s daughter, a woman came to Jesus only to touch his cloak and was healed. Perhaps people heard this story told and began to hurry to get their sick loved ones to Jesus as soon as he was present. Mark tells us this about the places Jesus visits: “Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.” Jesus rewards the great faith these people act on with teaching and healing, bringing them to wholeness in this life while preparing them for life in the world to come.

God, help me rest today in the true hope and consolation of Jesus Christ your Son. “Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people,” the Gospel acclamation says. Time after time, Lord, let me come to you to hear your word and to know genuine gratitude for all your good gifts. In receiving you in the Eucharist, I begin to perceive the peace the people experienced as you healed them of their illnesses. Stay with me, Lord; make me whole. Memorial of Saint Scholastica, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Put out into deep water.” | Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Your right hand saves me. The LORD will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O LORD, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 5:1-11, today’s readings)

After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing.

Luke describes the calling of the first disciples, namely Simon Peter, James, and John. Commenting on this passage, Saint John Paul II said, “Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” By saying this, he reminded us that God continually calls us to live a deeper, more purposeful life. Simon Peter’s response to Jesus is an example of faith and humility; an experienced fisherman, Peter would have known well when and where to catch fish. Returning to the shore, Peter professes Jesus as Lord, not fit to be in his presence. Jesus says to him, calling him to his mission of evangelization: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”

God, help me understand that you dwell in depth and mystery yet are ever present in the sacraments of the Church, especially in the real presence of the Eucharist. My own will, like Peter’s, moves from what it knows and toward what it knows. Give me the grace to hear and understand your will in the depth of my heart and then act on it. Guide me away from the mediocrity of determining that my life’s purpose is self-circumscribed. From the deep, unseen places where you are and through the body and blood of Jesus, guide me toward accepting your will and doing what you ask of me. Make clear to me, Lord, what it is you wish me for to do.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“His heart was moved with pity for them.” | Saturday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:30-34, today’s readings)

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

After the apostles return to Jesus and report all that they accomplished and taught, Jesus recognizes their need for rest and retreat after a round of strenuous ministry. He invites them to come away to “a deserted place and rest a while.” But as they try to find a secluded place, a large crowd follows them. The compassion Jesus reveals his boundless empathy and care for his people, and he provides for their needs with the comfort of his presence and teachings. As his followers, it is no stretch to say that the disciples see and follow Jesus as he once again does the work of God among the crowds.

God, in the midst of the day’s events, help me remember that you are always at my side. Just as Jesus invited the disciples to retreat from their busy ministry to restore their spirit, help me recognize when I need to step back and consciously choose to rest. Through your grace, teach me to respond to the needs of other as an instrument of your peace. Help me think about the words of Saint Paul from the first reading: “Through Jesus, let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “For he will hide me in his abode in the day of trouble; He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent, he will set me high upon a rock. The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.

Because John the Baptist addresses the wrong done by King Herod in marrying Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias holds a grudge that results in John’s gruesome beheading through the manipulation of her daughter. Regardless of the consequences and mortal costs of speaking up, John remains faithful to carrying out God’s commandments and teaching moral truths as a prophet. The consequences of Herodias’s grudge quickly disintegrates into the worst outcome. Saint Paul reminds us instead to follow Jesus who is the same today, yesterday, and forever: “Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled.” In our own lives, what is the cost of steadfast commitment to God’s truth, especially in the face of adversity?

God, help me keep in mind the words of Saint Paul as I move throughout the day. He says, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” He urges his us to remain free of love of money and to be content with what we have. Herodias made her daughter an accomplice in the murder of John the Baptist. Keep me on guard against sin but especially in causing others to sin. Give me the grace to recognize that nothing separates me from your love as I hold to my commitment to your truth and justice, fully aware of the cost of discipleship. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; Though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust.” Be with me, Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs

From the responsorial psalm: “O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple. As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full. O God, we ponder your mercy within your temple.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

So they went off and preached repentance. The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Mark describes in detail how Jesus sends out the Twelve to preach, heal the sick, and exorcise demons. He sends them out in pairs with specific instructions for what they are to take with them, which is practically nothing. This turns their reliance entirely to God and to the hospitality of the people they stay with. He says, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave from there.” This line alone contains profound teaching not only for the apostles but for every one of us. To enter into a house and stay means to be at peace in the place you are and not to seek a constant upgrade or rely on another, greater source of security and shelter. To “stay until you leave from there” also means to glorify God in the authority he gives us by being present in mind, body, and spirit in order to carry out his work as disciples.

God, I can only imagine what Jesus would say to people of today as he sends them out to proclaim the Gospel. So much of what I have goes far beyond basic needs. Yet although material things have good, legitimate uses, they are useless if they prevent me from entering in and staying with you. Saint Paul says in the first reading that Moses, on hearing you—”a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them”—was terrified and trembling. How much good there is in putting things down that make noise but don’t speak. Give me the grace, Lord, to stay where I am today and be grateful for the hospitality I receive from others as I witness to your goodness and mercy. Saint Paul Miki and martyrs, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

From the responsorial psalm: “But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him, And his justice toward children’s children among those who keep his covenant. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

As Jesus return to his hometown of Nazareth, he receives mixed reactions from people who have known him and seen him grow up in the home of Mary and Joseph. Some of those people who knew him well regarded him with disbelief. What this suggests about faith is that that a lack of it can limit the recognition of and response to divine power at work in our lives. The rejection Jesus experiences in Nazareth is a reminder of our own understanding and discernment of the complexities of faith in light of what is familiar to us.

God, help me understand how thin the veil is that separates the reality of your presence from what I see with my eyes. Often, I go through the day attentive to what I perceive through my senses, yet you are no less real or no less present than the outdoors just beyond my dining room window. Give me the grace to grow in my faith that the same Jesus who lived among his neighbors, friends, and family is the risen Christ alive today at your right hand and truly present in the sacraments. Saint Agatha, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the Gospel acclamation: “Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

She said, “If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” Immediately her flow of blood dried up. She felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. Jesus, aware at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who has touched my clothes?” But his disciples said to him, “You see how the crowd is pressing upon you, and yet you ask, Who touched me?” And he looked around to see who had done it. The woman, realizing what had happened to her, approached in fear and trembling. She fell down before Jesus and told him the whole truth.

Mark tells us about two intertwined miracles performed by Jesus: the healing of a woman with a hemorrhage and the raising of Jairus’s daughter from the dead. Jairus, a synagogue leader, falls at Jesus’ feet and begs him to go to his young, dying daughter. As Jesus makes his way, a woman who has been suffering from a hemorrhage for twelve years approaches him with a condition that has worsened over time. Believing that if she can just touch Jesus’ clothes, she will be healed of her affliction, she touches his garment and is immediately healed and tells Jesus “the whole truth.” Jesus then goes to Jairus’s daughter and hears that she has already died. He continues anyway, and despite facing ridicule for saying she is only sleeping, Jesus takes the girl by the hand, tells her to arise, and she immediately rises to new life. Jesus heals in two ways: by responding to Jairus’s desperate plea and by restoring the woman through her quiet faith. In both miracles, faith is the key.

Father in heaven, let me remember to come to you today whether for long-held afflictions or for acute, urgent needs. The quiet faith of the woman and the distressed prayer of Jairus both reveal ways to call out to you for your grace and healing. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and let me trust that when I bring myself before you, you already know what I need and will provide.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.