Tag: evangelio del dia

“I shall raise him on the last day.” | The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (Jn 6:37-40)

“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”

Speaking to the crowds, Jesus reveals the intimate relationship he has with the Father. In receiving anyone who comes to him, Jesus receives everything that the Father gives him, accomplishing his will. Jesus tells those who hear him, “And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.” Seeing the Son as he does the will of the Father in receiving us, we have the hope of eternal life and the promise of Christ that he will raise all who believe in him on the last day. From the Communion antiphon: “I am the Resurrection and the Life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in me, even though he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will not die for ever.”

Remember, Lord, those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially those we call to mind today. Let me remember the words of Jesus to the crowds and to all humanity as he does your will: “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” In these words, teach me to trust in the mercy and care you give to your children—those on earth in this life, those in purgatory who prepare to see you face to face, and those in heaven who have attained the Beatific Vision in your eternal presence. Let us give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever!

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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“Blessed are you.” | Solemnity of All Saints

From the responsorial psalm: “Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? or who may stand in his holy place? One whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 5:1-12a)

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.”

Today’s Solemnity of All Saints honors the men and women throughout the ages who lived a life of holiness. The Beatitudes reveal the roadmap—the guidelines Jesus gave to them and to all of us—to achieve sanctity. Each of the saints, a cloud of witnesses who intercede for us to the Father, lived out the Beatitudes as they accomplished his will. For each of the Beatitudes that is lived out, Jesus promises a reward now (“for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven”) and in the life of the world to come. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. . . . Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”

God, help me see in the Beatitudes a way of being and the goodness that follows. Each Beatitude is in itself a way to holiness and results in its natural end: to the merciful mercy will be shown; to peacemakers, peace as children of God; to the persecuted for the sake of Christ, the kingdom of heaven. In the first reading, John describes the great multitude of the saints in heaven as they cry out to you: “Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” With the psalmist, in the company of all the holy men and women who have gone before us, I pray: “Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.” Bless me, Lord, as I hunger and thirst for the truth of your love. All you angels and saints, 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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“I yearned to gather your children together.” | Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “My mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust, who subdues my people under me. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 13:31-35)

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

To hear the Son of God say these words to his people–“I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings”–is to hear in the words of the Son the lovingkindness of the Father. A love such as this, where we are taken under its wings, is irresistible. Yet, Jesus knows the hardness of heart of Herod and others who want to see him destroyed, even as he performs healings today, tomorrow, and the following day, accomplishing his purpose in willingly accepting his passion and death to rise to glory in the resurrection.

God, give me the grace today to know peace in the confidence of your presence and loving care. Jesus is told to go away to preserve his life, but he ignores the fear and manipulation that Herod and the Pharisees are trying to exercise over him. Instead, Jesus says, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Blessed is he who continues today, and tomorrow, and the following day unafraid and in confident obedience to the Father’s will. Guide me, Lord, my mercy and my fortress. Blessed be the LORD, my rock!

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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.” | Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works. The LORD lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The Lord is faithful in all his words.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 13:22-30)

Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” He answered them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

Jesus invites all who hear him to enter into the kingdom of God. Some will reject the invitation, and some will not be strong enough. For those who first hear the Gospel and reject it, the choice is theirs to remain outside the kingdom. But the invitation to come into the kingdom is not indefinite, and there will be a time when people knock but are not admitted. Remaining strong in faith and trusting in the call of Christ to follow him, we are called, as the Gospel acclamation says, “to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” now and in the life of the world to come.

God, you are faithful in all your words and holy in all your works. How can I not strive to enter in and remain with you, the God who “lifts up all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down”? Give me the grace today to recognize that the unique gifts you have given me are the same means by which I give glory to you. Help me be a doer of your word and not a hearer only. Strengthen my faith, and help me recognize your divine power to work all things for the good. As Saint Paul says, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 13:18-21)

Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.”

Jesus uses this parable to compare a heavenly mystery to a phenomenon familiar to anyone who has ever observed the growth of a planted seed. A child who marvels at the sprouting and growth of a tiny seed takes in this mystery just as the childlike in faith take in the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Jesus asks a rhetorical question, suggesting the inadequacy of comparisons and the completeness that lies in the mystery. “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” “To what can I compare it?” At the coming of his passion, Jesus would later reveal to the disciples what would become of a planted seed: “Amen, amen, I say to you, “. . . unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”

Father in heaven, help me take in the mystery of your kingdom that Jesus reveals to all who would hear him. “Blessed are those who fear the Lord,” the psalmist prays. “You shall eat the fruit of your handiwork.” Although hidden in mystery, you are fully present and at work in the world. Guide me today, Lord, as I look confidently to you in faith. Give me the grace to trust in you, especially when your work in my life is not readily apparent to me but is hidden in mystery. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.

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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“He called his disciples to himself.” | Feast of Saints Simon and Jude, Apostles

From the responsorial psalm: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. Their message goes out through all the earth.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 6:12-16)

Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Luke tells us that Jesus spent a night in prayer on the mountain before coming down. As day came, he called the disciples to himself and from among them chose the Twelve. Through prayer, Jesus discerned the Father’s will. We hear in the responsorial psalm: “Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge.” The result of appointing the Twelve is that the word of God pours out from them—“a dwelling place of God in the spirit”—over all the earth. Jesus comes down to us as he did to the Apostles. He condescends to offer us the same blessedness as we share the Gospel and participate as the apostles did in the mystery of his passion, death, and resurrection.

Father in heaven, you observe all know my every need even when I am unable to ask you for it. As Jesus appointed the Twelve, did they willingly accept this in anticipation of honor, or did they dread the responsibility or the consequences of following Jesus? Help me choose to be unafraid when you provide me with opportunities to give glory to you. Give me the grace to discern the unassuming ways you make yourself present so that even “the heavens declare the glory of God.” Saints Simon and Jude, 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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“Go your way; your faith has saved you.”| Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Then they said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 10:46-52)

But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.” He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

As Bartimaeus persists in calling out to Jesus, something inside him changes. He hears that Jesus of Nazareth approaches and recognizes the divinity of Jesus. “Son of David, have pity on me.” Although blind, Bartimaeus knows who Jesus is and that he can heal him, make whole what is partial. Although others tried to silence him, he kept calling out all the more. “Son of David, have pity on me.” Throwing off his cloak, Bartimaeus springs up to go to Jesus. With a word, Jesus restores his sight, and Bartimaeus follows him on the way. The faith of Bartimaeus restores him, makes him whole, and sets him on the way to salvation.

God, help me see, even if I don’t want to see or am afraid of what I might see. Bartimaeus said, “Master, I want to see.” I’m not sure I have what Bartimaeus had in that desire. Yet, like him, I cry out to you for your mercy. What would you have me see about myself, about my relationship with you, about my ability to hear your voice and do what is pleasing in your sight? Help me trust that when I call out to you, you hear me and provide what I need. Throughout the day, help me recall the prayer of the psalmist, who asks you to restore in overflowing grace what is sorely lacking: “Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the torrents in the southern desert. Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.”

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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“It may bear fruit in the future.” | Saturday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “I rejoiced because they said to me, “We will go up to the house of the LORD.” And now we have set foot within your gates, O Jerusalem. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 13:1-9)

And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

Before sharing this parable with his listeners, Jesus responds to their interpretation about Pilate’s brutal act toward Jewish people, concluding that this is a demonstration of God’s treatment of the worst sinners. Jesus calls all who would hear him to turn away from sin and toward God: “I tell you,” he says, “if you do not repent, you will all perish.” In the parable, the fig tree symbolizes Israel. In judgment of Israel, God possesses both the truth of justice and the truth of mercy. Instead of cutting it down, the gardener asks to care for it another year, nurturing it so that it ultimately bears fruit. In God’s perfect judgment, he does the same for us, showing mercy to the contrite time and again in spite of our sins.

God, help me today remain faithful to you. Faithful to your plan for me and trusting in your mercy, give me the grace to remain in you. I don’t want to be the one who exhausts the soil but instead who produces fruit from the gifts of your grace and mercy. Jesus, I trust in you! 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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“Make an effort to settle the matter on the way.” | Friday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Who can ascend the mountain of the LORD? or who may stand in his holy place? He whose hands are sinless, whose heart is clean, who desires not what is vain. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 12:54-59)

Jesus said to the crowds, “Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”

Jesus points out to the crowds that people can predict the weather but fail to recognize who is present before them and the urgent message he bears. The spiritual realities that people don’t see, Jesus brings to light so they can see them as clearly as they know that a storm is coming from an approaching storm cloud. What is necessary, Jesus says, is repentance and reconciliation. Doing anything else is self-enslavement to some human power. To reconcile with one another in facing disputes is to open our hearts to the Father of mercies and live in relationship with others through him.

God, you know me well; my shortcomings and hesitations and fears you know. Yet you remain faithful to me, though I fail to do the same. Give me discernment to know your will and courage to follow it with confidence. I look up at the night sky and marvel at how it all came to be; yet it is. Help me be steadfast in seeking you, who are being itself, as I strive through Christ your Son to do what pleases you, as Saint Paul said, “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”

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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

“I have come to set the earth on fire.” | Thursday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “But see, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness, To deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 12:49-53)

Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! There is a baptism with which I must be baptized, and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.”

After saying this, Jesus goes on to describe the consequences of the division, that household members will be divided against each other. As the Son of God, Jesus comes to “set the earth on fire” and to be baptized according to the Father’s will. This can lead to division and conflict among even the closest relationships. All on earth that can be held in possession, close to the chest, Jesus will set ablaze to give glory to his Father in the final judgment. The peace on earth that Jesus disrupts is temporal peace, not the ultimate and unchanging peace of the risen Christ come again in glory.

God, help me come to know you in the words of your Son. In you there is not division but eternal union of Father and Son through the Holy Spirit. Jesus says, “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized.” In knowing and accomplishing your will through his passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus experiences great anguish to see the results of his saving work, to set the world on fire in the cleansing and purifying love between the Father and the Son. Lord, help me understand. “Father, give me your love and your grace,” Saint Anthony Mary Claret said, “and I will be rich enough. My God, my Jesus, and my all!” Saint Anthony Mary Claret, 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.

Perpetual adoration live stream Kolbe Shrine.

Saint Anthony Mary Claret Edu Tain Daza, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons