Tag: the twelve

“Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel.” | Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle

. . .

From the Gospel acclamation:

“For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 16:15-18)

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

As Jesus speaks to the apostles, he describes the signs that will accompany them. Those who have been baptized and believe, he tells them, will be able to accomplish supernatural works through the Holy Spirit. Called by the same Lord and sent out to proclaim the Gospel is Paul, who describes himself as one to whom the risen Christ appeared last of all; in Paul’s words, “as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.” The story of the apostles and the story of Paul teach us something about the call to discipleship. Among those who are baptized, the call will come early or the call will come late. Like Paul, with our many gifts, we are a “chosen instrument,” responding to the voice of Jesus who calls us to “get up and go” by proclaiming the Gospel.

God, help me throughout the day to consider the conversion of Saint Paul. He was literally knocked off his high horse, blinded by your light, and brought to wholeness through fasting and with the help of others. How familiar is the armor of self-preservation that keeps me moment by moment from receiving your grace. Yet, Jesus calls the apostles and Paul and all who hear his voice to put on the armor or Christ for a purpose the Gospel acclamation states perfectly: “I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.” Jesus chose the apostles from the world, from out of the world, and he chose Paul as “a chosen instrument of mine.” Saint Paul, 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.

“He appointed the Twelve.” | Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

From the Gospel acclamation: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 3:13-19)

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Mark describes the spiritual context in which Jesus chooses the Twelve. The scene follows yesterday’s Gospel, where so many people were pressing upon Jesus that he was in danger of being crushed by the crowd. From the mountain, a place of revelation of his divine authority, Jesus entrusts to the apostles full and active participation in his mission. Just as the apostles are given a unique role in the mission of spreading the Gospel and combating evil, so are we through baptism made priests, prophets, and kings, incorporating us into the life and mission of Christ. 

God, help me see how today’s Gospel unfolds. Jesus summons the Twelve from upon the mountain, appointing the apostles to call people to you through their witness of Jesus Christ your Son. In my role as priest, prophet, and king through baptism, give me the grace to fulfill these roles as part of the Body of Christ. Guide me in prayer and sacrifice as priest; strengthen me to live out my faith publicly as prophet; and, in keeping with the Catechism, consecrate me to be “a spiritual house and a holy priesthood.” Help me, Lord, grow in understanding of the freedom and responsibility that comes with baptism. Saint Francis de Sales, 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.

“He appointed the Twelve.” | Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

From the Gospel acclamation: “God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 3:13-19)

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Mark describes the spiritual context in which Jesus chooses the Twelve. The scene follows yesterday’s Gospel, where so many people were pressing upon Jesus that he was in danger of being crushed by the crowd. From the mountain, a place of revelation of his divine authority, Jesus entrusts to the apostles full and active participation in his mission. Just as the apostles are given a unique role in the mission of spreading the Gospel and combating evil, so are we through baptism made priests, prophets, and kings, incorporating us into the life and mission of Christ. 

God, help me see how today’s Gospel unfolds. Jesus summons the Twelve from upon the mountain, appointing the apostles to call people to you through their witness of Jesus Christ your Son. In my role as priest, prophet, and king through baptism, give me the grace to fulfill these roles as part of the Body of Christ. Guide me in prayer and sacrifice as priest; strengthen me to live out my faith publicly as prophet; and, in keeping with the Catechism, consecrate me to be “a spiritual house and a holy priesthood.” Help me, Lord, grow in understanding of the freedom and responsibility that comes with baptism. Saint Francis de Sales, 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.

“No food . . . no money in their belts.” | Thursday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Free Catholic Prayer Guide

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mk 6:7-13)

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 tells us in these two short sentences what the Twelve do in response to Jesus’ instructions. He tells them to take nothing with them—”no food, no sack, no money in their belts.” In simple terms, he tells them that whatever house they enter, to remain in peace there until they leave; if they are unwelcome or encounter those who fail to listen, they are to leave and shake the dust from their feet “in testimony against them.” In giving the Twelve authority over unclean spirits, Jesus consecrates them in both words and actions, in preaching repentance and in healing the sick. Mark notes that they drove out many demons and cured many who were sick. Despite their lack of resources for the mission, the Twelve hear and respond powerfully to the call of Jesus.

God, thank you for the mission of the Twelve, those who first received the authority Jesus gave them to preach and expel demons. The divine power Jesus gave them relied on no material dependence or advantage. Help me today be grateful for the early Church and her transmission of the Gospel throughout the ages to the present day. Give me the grace, Lord, to let go of the attachments that I have come to depend on, that keep me from hearing and responding to your call. In your name, I ask for this.

From the responsorial psalm: “‘In your hand are power and might; it is yours to give grandeur and strength to all.'” Lord, you are exalted over all.”

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 Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:20-24)

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus reproaches the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance. Despite witnessing his mighty works, they fail to believe in him. His response highlights the seriousness of rejecting his message and is a reminder of the consequences of unbelief. Today’s reading also makes clear the responsibility of people and communities to respond to the message of Jesus and to embrace the gift of salvation he offers. As the Cathechism of the Catholic Church says, “Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation.” 

God, the words from today’s Gospel were spoken long ago to people in a specific time and place in history. Yet, I want to resist the conclusion that the importance of Jesus’ judgment is relegated to the past. How clearly Jesus calls for repentance, not for the sake of punishment but to draw me to him. The mighty deeds Jesus had done were enough to wake them up and see his divinity. Even more is the burden on me to return to you with my whole heart, believing in his death and resurrection and partaking of his body and blood in the Eucharist. Help me take seriously the words of your Son.

From the Gospel acclamation: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Lord, give me the grace today to hear your voice, repentant and desiring to return to you with my whole heart.

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.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY
EWTN Polska | Adoracja z Niepokalanowa

Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:34—11:1)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Jesus talks to his disciples about the conditions of discipleship and its rewards. Unless we accept what Jesus says as the Son of God, the Word incarnate, his words sound like those of an insane person. “Whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,” Jesus says. What greater love can a person experience than that of love for a child or love for a mother or father? Jesus goes on to name the conditions of being worthy of him. What Jesus says as the Son of the Father is something only the creator of the universe can say. It is reality spoken into existence. “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” In losing life, God grants life; in taking up his cross, we love all the more as mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. God transforms all loss into all gain.

God, help me trust in the words of your Son. In the mystery and invitation of the Word incarnate, you give me your unconditional love and mercy. You grasp me by the hand. In the psalmists words, I see your majesty and the depth of your mercy through your Son: “We were rescued like a bird  from the fowlers’ snare; Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” Lord, give me the grace to recognize my cross and the strength to follow after you.

Jesus, you said to your Apostles: “And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.” Bring to me today the means to give to one of your little ones a cup of cold water to drink—the one true living presence they thirst for.

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.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY
EWTN Polska | Adoracja z Niepokalanowa

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:1-9)

Jesus said to the disciples: “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shares with the crowds surrounding him the Parable of the Sower. The seed the sower sowed fell on different soil and failed to grow; some seeds fall on the path and are eaten by birds, some fall on rocky ground and wither away, and some fall among thorns and are choked. “But some seed fell on rich soil,” Jesus says, “and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.” The seeds represent the word of God, which is sown in the hearts of people. Jesus later explains to the disciples what the parable means. The response to the word varies among its hearers. Some may not understand or accept the word, while others may initially respond but later give way to certain challenges. But some receive the word with understanding and allow it to take root in their hearts. The result is a fruitful and abundant life in Christ.

God, give me strength and perseverance to hear and understand your word, especially when I reject what is contrary to your name and tend toward sin. Give me the grace to strive after all that gives honor and glory to your name. Help me recall the words of Saint Paul from today’s second reading: “For creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God.”

Lord, let me call you to mind throughout the day. As Saint Gregory the Great said: “Take care that the seed does not fall beside the way, lest the evil spirit come and take away the word from your memory.” Christ the sower, let the seed you sow take root and bring me to eternal life.

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.

https://youtu.be/2W-KSOPWWBY
EWTN Polska | Adoracja z Niepokalanowa

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:24-33)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

As he prepares the Apostles for their mission, he offers them encouragement even in the face of persecutors. He tells them: “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Just as he begins by telling them not to be afraid, he completes his thought by repeating what he first says: the Father’s eye is upon them and on every part of his precious creation. “So do not be afraid,” Jesus says.

God, help me understand that what Jesus says to the disciples, he says to me. Through the gift of faith you first gave me, I trust that nothing happens to me that you fail to notice. Give me the grace to strengthen my faith in that trust. Help me to be faithful to you in my words and actions. Jesus told the disciples: “What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” Let me be unafraid to make your name known. Saint Bonaventure, pray for us!

From the Gospel acclamation: “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.” Spirit of God, rest upon me today.

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 Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:16-23)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Jesus continues to instruct the Apostles as he prepares to send them out “like sheep in the midst of wolves.” He tells them that they will be handed over to courts and scourged in synagogues, led as witnesses before governors, kings, and pagans for his sake. When they are to be handed over, Jesus reassures them, they are not to worry about what to say but that it will be the Spirit of the Father speaking through them. In the first reading, Jacob responds to God who calls his name. “Here I am,” Jacob says. God says to him: “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you a great nation.” Just as God made of Jacob a great nation, through his Son he prepares the apostles and every believer for challenges and opposition in carrying out his mission.

God, help me realize that in interacting with others as I proclaim your kingdom—even in speaking your name—that I may face contempt and rejection. I am often hesitant when the opportunity comes and fail to find words. Give me the grace to be, as Jesus says, shrewd as a serpent and as simple as a dove. Teach me to put aside any worry and trust that it is you speaking through me when the moment comes. Help me call to mind the words of Jesus when I am hated because of your name: “whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Lord, help me be unafraid to know and do your will today. From the Gospel acclamation: “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth and remind you of all I told you.” Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, 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.

Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 10:7-15)

Jesus said to his Apostles: “Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”

Today’s Gospel continues from yesterday’s. Jesus sends the apostles out to proclaim the kingdom of heaven. Instructing them to trust God, he tells the apostles what not to take: no money or possessions; no extra clothing; no sandals or walking stick. Again, teaching them that God can provide for their needs through the generosity and hospitality of others, he tells them to wish peace on every house they enter. “If the house is worthy,” Jesus says, “let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.” He also tells them to shake off the dust from their feet if they are rejected. Just as the apostles would enter many houses, every new day is an opportunity to enter the lives of many people to wish them peace and to proclaim the kingdom of God.

God, how willing am I to take your Son’s invitation to detach from material possessions and abandon myself completely to your providence? When I leave provision to myself, I fall face down and never get enough, never gain enough, and by doing that close off all channels to receive your grace. To the extent that I proclaim your kingdom, I rely on others’ hospitality and openheartedness and swallow my pride—not a comfortable place to be. Yet, it is peace that enters into that place, and peace that returns to me if I am rejected because of you. God, give me the grace to trust that you will provide all that I need; let my trust in you be a means of your peace to others.

Lord, thank you for all your gifts. Help me see how you provide for me as I proclaim your kingdom to the people I encounter today.

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.