Fr Aaron’s Homilies For His Mom

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time ◼︎Exodus 19:2–6aPsalm 100:1–2, 3, 5Romans 5:6–11Matthew 9:36—10:8 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First Reading — Exodus 34:4b–6, 8–9Moses rose up early, and went up into mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, carrying with him the tables.And when the Lord was come down in a cloud, Moses stood with him, calling upon the name of the Lord.And when he passed before him, he said: O the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, patient and of much compassion, and true,And Moses making haste, bowed down prostrate unto the earth, and adoring,Said: If I have found favour in thy sight, O Lord, I beseech thee that thou wilt go with us (for it is a stiff-necked people), and take away our iniquities and sin, and possess us.Responsorial Canticle — Daniel 3:52–56Response: Glory and praise for ever!Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of our fathers:and worthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever.Blessed is the holy name of thy glory:worthy to be praised and exalted above all in all ages.Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory:and exceedingly to be praised and exceeding glorious for ever.Blessed art thou on the throne of thy kingdom:and exceedingly to be praised and exalted above all for ever.Blessed art thou who beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims:and worthy to be praised and exalted above all for ever.Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven:and worthy of praise and glorious for ever.Second Reading — 2 Corinthians 13:11–13For the rest, brethren, rejoice, be perfect, take exhortation, be of one mind, have peace; and the God of peace and of love shall be with you.Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the saints salute you.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the charity of God, and the communication of the Holy Ghost be with you all. Amen.Gospel — John 3:16–18For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him may not perish, but may have life everlasting.For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.He that believeth in him is not judged. But he that doth not believe, is already judged: because he believeth not in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

FIRST READINGActs 2:1–11When the feast of Pentecost had arrived, they were gathered together in one place. Suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared among them what seemed like tongues of fire, separating and resting upon each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in various languages as the Spirit gave them utterance.Now there were devout Jews staying in Jerusalem from every nation beneath heaven. When this sound was heard, a large crowd assembled, bewildered because each person heard them speaking in his own native tongue. Amazed and astonished, they said, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? How then do we each hear our own language being spoken? We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the regions of Libya around Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts, Cretans and Arabs — yet we hear them declaring in our own languages the mighty works of God.”RESPONSORIAL PSALMPsalm 104Lord, send forth your Spirit,and renew the face of the earth.—or—Alleluia.Bless the Lord, O my soul!O Lord my God, how great you are!How countless are your works, O Lord;the earth is filled with your creatures.Lord, send forth your Spirit,and renew the face of the earth.—or—Alleluia.If you take away their breath, they dieand return again to dust.When you send out your Spirit, they are created,and you make the earth new once more.Lord, send forth your Spirit,and renew the face of the earth.—or—Alleluia.May the glory of the Lord endure forever;may the Lord rejoice in all he has made.May my meditation be pleasing to him;as for me, I will rejoice in the Lord.Lord, send forth your Spirit,and renew the face of the earth.—or—Alleluia.SECOND READING1 Corinthians 12:3b–7, 12–13Brothers and sisters: no one can truly say, “Jesus is Lord,” except through the Holy Spirit. There are many kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit; many forms of ministry, but the same Lord; many kinds of workings, but the same God who accomplishes everything in everyone. To each person the Spirit is revealed for the good of all.Just as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members, though many, form one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body — Jews or Greeks, slaves or free — and all were given the same Spirit to drink.GOSPELJohn 20:19–23On the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered behind locked doors because they feared the authorities. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they recognized the Lord.Jesus said again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so now I send you.” Then he breathed upon them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Those whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and those whose sins you retain are retained.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingActs 1:1–11As the Apostles were looking on, Jesus was lifted up.In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 47:2–3, 6–7, 8–9God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.orAlleluia.All you peoples, clap your hands,shout to God with cries of gladness.For the LORD, the Most High, the awesome,is the great king over all the earth.God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.orAlleluia.God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy;the LORD, amid trumpet blasts.Sing praise to God, sing praise;sing praise to our king, sing praise.God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.orAlleluia.For king of all the earth is God;sing hymns of praise.God reigns over the nations,God sits upon his holy throne.God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.orAlleluia.________Second readingEphesians 1:17–23God seated Jesus at his right hand in the heavens.Brothers and sisters: May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.________Gospel AcclamationMatthew 28:19a, 20bAlleluia, alleluia.Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;I am with you always, until the end of the world.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelMatthew 28:16–20All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”________ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingActs 8:5–8, 14–17Peter and John laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed or crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city.Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 66:1–3, 4–5, 6–7, 16, 20Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.orAlleluia.Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,sing praise to the glory of his name;proclaim his glorious praise.Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.orAlleluia.“Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,sing praise to your name!”Come and see the works of God,his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.orAlleluia.He has changed the sea into dry land;through the river they passed on foot;therefore let us rejoice in him.He rules by his might forever.Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.orAlleluia.Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declarewhat he has done for me.Blessed be God who refused me notmy prayer or his kindness!Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.orAlleluia.________Second reading1 Peter 3:15–18Put to death in the flesh, Christ was raised to life in the Spirit.Beloved: Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit.________Gospel AcclamationJohn 14:23Alleluia, alleluia.Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,and my Father will love him and we will come to him.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelJohn 14:15–21I will ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate.Jesus said to his disciples: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, because he remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingActs 6:1–7They chose seven men filled with the Spirit.As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 33:1–2, 4–5, 18–19Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.orAlleluia.Exult, you just, in the LORD;praise from the upright is fitting.Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.orAlleluia.Upright is the word of the LORD,and all his works are trustworthy.He loves justice and right;of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.orAlleluia.See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,upon those who hope for his kindness,to deliver them from deathand preserve them in spite of famine.Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.orAlleluia.________Second reading1 Peter 2:4–9You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.Beloved: Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture:Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,a cornerstone, chosen and precious,and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:The stone that the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone, anda stone that will make people stumble,and a rock that will make them fall.They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.You are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.________Gospel AcclamationJohn 14:6Alleluia, alleluia.I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord;no one comes to the Father, except through me.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelJohn 14:1–12I am the way and the truth and the life.Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingActs 2:14a, 36–41God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day.So if anyone or anything comes along who wants you to follow them or to align yourself to their way of thinking, who tells you you don’t belong with the other sheep, but shows no signs of following the example of Christ’s humility, gentleness, of returning no insult for insult, of self-sacrificial love, that person is not a shepherd for whom Christ has opened the gate.Anyone who presents himself as a Saviour but shows none of these qualities is a thief who has come to divide and destroy the sheep, the people of God called who are called to unity, self-sacrificial love, love of enemies, self-sacrificial love of the poor, of the defenceless and weak.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 23:1–3a, 3b–4, 5, 6The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.orAlleluia.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.orAlleluia.He guides me in right pathsfor his name’s sake.Even though I walk in the dark valleyI fear no evil; for you are at my side,with your rod and your staffthat give me courage.The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.orAlleluia.You spread the table before mein the sight of my foes;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.orAlleluia.Only goodness and kindness follow meall the days of my life;and I shall dwell in the house of the LORDfor years to come.The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.orAlleluia.________Second reading1 Peter 2:20b–25You have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.Beloved: If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.When he was insulted, he returned no insult; when he suffered, he did not threaten; instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.________Gospel AcclamationJohn 10:14Alleluia, alleluia.I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;I know my sheep, and mine know me.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelJohn 10:1–10I am the gate for the sheep.Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingActs 2:14, 22–33It was impossible for Jesus to be held by death.Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. You who are Israelites, hear these words. Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know. This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it. For David says of him:I saw the Lord ever before me,with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.You have made known to me the paths of life;you will fill me with joy in your presence.“My brothers, one can confidently say to you about the patriarch David that he died and was buried, and his tomb is in our midst to this day. But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne, he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld nor did his flesh see corruption. God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured him forth, as you see and hear.”________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 16:1–2, 5, 7–8, 9–10, 11Lord, you will show us the path of life.orAlleluia.Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;I say to the LORD, “My LORD are you.”O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,you it is who hold fast my lot.Lord, you will show us the path of life.orAlleluia.I bless the LORD who counsels me;even in the night my heart exhorts me.I set the LORD ever before me;with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.Lord, you will show us the path of life.orAlleluia.Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,my body, too, abides in confidence;because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.Lord, you will show us the path of life.orAlleluia.You will show me the path to life,abounding joy in your presence,the delights at your right hand forever.Lord, you will show us the path of life.orAlleluia.________Second reading1 Peter 1:17–21You were saved with the precious Blood of Christ, as with that of a spotless, unblemished lamb.Beloved: If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially according to each one’s works, conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning, realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb.He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.________Gospel Acclamationsee Luke 24:32Alleluia, alleluia.Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us;make our hearts burn while you speak to us.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelLuke 24:13–35They recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread.That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingActs 2:42–47All who believed were together and had all things in common.They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.orAlleluia.Let the house of Israel say,“His mercy endures forever.”Let the house of Aaron say,“His mercy endures forever.”Let those who fear the LORD say,“His mercy endures forever.”Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.orAlleluia.I was hard pressed and was falling,but the LORD helped me.My strength and my courage is the LORD,and he has been my savior.The joyful shout of victoryin the tents of the just.Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.orAlleluia.The stone which the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes.This is the day the LORD has made;let us be glad and rejoice in it.Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.orAlleluia.________Second reading1 Peter 1:3–9God has given us new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.Gospel AcclamationJohn 20:29Alleluia, alleluia.You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelJohn 20:19–31Eight days later Jesus came and stood in their midst.On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingActs 10:34a, 37–43We ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.Peter proceeded to speak and said: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 118:1–2, 16–17, 22–23This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.orAlleluia.Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,for his mercy endures forever.Let the house of Israel say,“His mercy endures forever.”This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.orAlleluia.“The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;the right hand of the LORD is exalted.I shall not die, but live,and declare the works of the LORD.This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.orAlleluia.The stone which the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.By the LORD has this been done;it is wonderful in our eyes.This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.orAlleluia.________Second readingColossians 3:1–4Seek what is above, where Christ is.Brothers and sisters: If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.SequenceVictimae Paschali LaudesChristians, to the Paschal VictimOffer your thankful praises!A Lamb the sheep redeems;Christ, who only is sinless,Reconciles sinners to the Father.Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.Speak, Mary, declaringWhat you saw, wayfaring.“The tomb of Christ, who is living,The glory of Jesus’ resurrection;bright angels attesting,The shroud and napkin resting.Yes, Christ my hope is arisen;to Galilee he goes before you.”Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!Amen. Alleluia.________Gospel Acclamationsee 1 Corinthians 5:7b-8aAlleluia, alleluia.Christ, our paschal lamb, has been sacrificed;let us then feast with joy in the Lord.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelJohn 20:1–9He had to rise from the dead.On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.________ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

GospelMatthew 21:1–11Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:Say to daughter Zion,“Behold, your king comes to you,meek and riding on an ass,and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.”The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying:“Hosanna to the Son of David;blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord;hosanna in the highest.”And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”________These are the readings for the Mass itself, after the blessing of the palms.________Entrance AntiphonCf. Jn 12: 1, 12-13; Ps 23: 9-10Six days before the Passover,when the Lord came into the city of Jerusalem,the children ran to meet him;in their hands they carried palm branchesand with a loud voice cried out:Hosanna in the highest!Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!O gates, lift high your heads;grow higher, ancient doors.Let him enter, the king of glory!Who is this king of glory?He, the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory.Hosanna in the highest!Blessed are you, who have come in your abundant mercy!________First readingIsaiah 50:4–7My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.The Lord GOD has given mea well-trained tongue,that I might know how to speak to the wearya word that will rouse them.Morning after morninghe opens my ear that I may hear;and I have not rebelled,have not turned back.I gave my back to those who beat me,my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;my face I did not shieldfrom buffets and spitting.The Lord GOD is my help,therefore I am not disgraced;I have set my face like flint,knowing that I shall not be put to shame.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 22:8–9, 17–18, 19–20, 23–24My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?All who see me scoff at me;they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads:“He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him,let him rescue him, if he loves him.”My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?Indeed, many dogs surround me,a pack of evildoers closes in upon me;they have pierced my hands and my feet;I can count all my bones.My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?They divide my garments among them,and for my vesture they cast lots.But you, O LORD, be not far from me;O my help, hasten to aid me.My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?I will proclaim your name to my brethren;in the midst of the assembly I will praise you:“You who fear the LORD, praise him;all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him;revere him, all you descendants of Israel!”My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?________Second readingPhilippians 2:6–11Christ humbled himself. Because of this God greatly exalted him.Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,did not regard equality with Godsomething to be grasped.Rather, he emptied himself,taking the form of a slave,coming in human likeness;and found human in appearance,he humbled himself,becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross.Because of this, God greatly exalted himand bestowed on him the namewhich is above every name,that at the name of Jesusevery knee should bend,of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess thatJesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.________Gospel AcclamationPhilippians 2:8-9Christ became obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross.Because of this, God greatly exalted himand bestowed on him the name which is above every name.________Matthew 26:14—27:66The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?” They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over.On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The teacher says, “My appointed time draws near; in your house I shall celebrate the Passover with my disciples.”’” The disciples then did as Jesus had ordered, and prepared the Passover.When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, “Surely it is not I, Lord?” He said in reply, “He who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me. The Son of Man indeed goes, as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed. It would be better for that man if he had never been born.” Then Judas, his betrayer, said in reply, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” He answered, “You have said so.”While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, from now on I shall not drink this fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it with you new in the kingdom of my Father.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.Then Jesus said to them, “This night all of you will have your faith in me shaken, for it is written:I will strike the shepherd,and the sheep of the flock will be dispersed;but after I have been raised up, I shall go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to him in reply, “Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.” Jesus said to him, “Amen, I say to you, this very night before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter said to him, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And all the disciples spoke likewise.Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!” Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open. He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived, accompanied by a large crowd, with swords and clubs, who had come from the chief priests and the elders of the people. His betrayer had arranged a sign with them, saying, “The man I shall kiss is the one; arrest him.” Immediately he went over to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and he kissed him. Jesus answered him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then stepping forward they laid hands on Jesus and arrested him. And behold, one of those who accompanied Jesus put his hand to his sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call upon my Father and he will not provide me at this moment with more than twelve legions of angels? But then how would the Scriptures be fulfilled which say that it must come to pass in this way?” At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? Day after day I sat teaching in the temple area, yet you did not arrest me. But all this has come to pass that the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples left him and fled.Those who had arrested Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. Peter was following him at a distance as far as the high priest’s courtyard, and going inside he sat down with the servants to see the outcome. The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward who stated, “This man said, ‘I can destroy the temple of God and within three days rebuild it.’” The high priest rose and addressed him, “Have you no answer? What are these men testifying against you?” But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him, “I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you:From now on you will see the ‘Son of Manseated at the right hand of the Power’and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’”Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses? You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion?” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him, saying, “Prophesy for us, Christ: who is it that struck you?”Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. One of the maids came over to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” But he denied it in front of everyone, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about!” As he went out to the gate, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus the Nazorean.” Again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!” A little later the bystanders came over and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; even your speech gives you away.” At that he began to curse and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately a cock crowed. Then Peter remembered the words that Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly.When it was morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate, the governor.Then Judas, his betrayer, seeing that Jesus had been condemned, deeply regretted what he had done. He returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? Look to it yourself.” Flinging the money into the temple, he departed and went off and hanged himself. The chief priests gathered up the money, but said, “It is not lawful to deposit this in the temple treasury, for it is the price of blood.” After consultation, they used it to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. That is why that field even today is called the Field of Blood. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet,And they took the thirty pieces of silver,the value of a man with a price on his head,a price set by some of the Israelites,and they paid it out for the potter’s fieldjust as the Lord had commanded me.Now Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he made no answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are testifying against you?” But he did not answer him one word, so that the governor was greatly amazed.Now on the occasion of the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the crowd one prisoner whom they wished. And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. So when they had assembled, Pilate said to them, “Which one do you want me to release to you, Barabbas, or Jesus called Christ?” For he knew that it was out of envy that they had handed him over. While he was still seated on the bench, his wife sent him a message, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man. I suffered much in a dream today because of him.” The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas but to destroy Jesus. The governor said to them in reply, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They answered, “Barabbas!” Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” But he said, “Why? What evil has he done?” They only shouted the louder, “Let him be crucified!” When Pilate saw that he was not succeeding at all, but that a riot was breaking out instead, he took water and washed his hands in the sight of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. Look to it yourselves.” And the whole people said in reply, “His blood be upon us and upon our children.” Then he released Barabbas to them, but after he had Jesus scourged, he handed him over to be crucified.Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus inside the praetorium and gathered the whole cohort around him. They stripped off his clothes and threw a scarlet military cloak about him. Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat upon him and took the reed and kept striking him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and led him off to crucify him.As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross.And when they came to a place called Golgotha —which means Place of the Skull—, they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. So he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.From noon onward, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. And about three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Some of the bystanders who heard it said, “This one is calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran to get a sponge; he soaked it in wine, and putting it on a reed, gave it to him to drink. But the rest said, “Wait, let us see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit.Here all kneel and pause for a short time.And behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, rocks were split, tombs were opened, and the bodies of many saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And coming forth from their tombs after his resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. The centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus feared greatly when they saw the earthquake and all that was happening, and they said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” There were many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him. Among them were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.The next day, the one following the day of preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember that this impostor while still alive said, ‘After three days I will be raised up.’ Give orders, then, that the grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’ This last imposture would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “The guard is yours; go, secure it as best you can.” So they went and secured the tomb by fixing a seal to the stone and setting the guard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingEzekiel 37:12–14I will put my spirit in you that you may live.Thus says the Lord GOD: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the LORD. I have promised, and I will do it, says the LORD.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 130:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;LORD, hear my voice!Let your ears be attentiveto my voice in supplication.With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,LORD, who can stand?But with you is forgiveness,that you may be revered.With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.I trust in the LORD;my soul trusts in his word.More than sentinels wait for the dawn,let Israel wait for the LORD.With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.For with the LORD is kindnessand with him is plenteous redemption;and he will redeem Israelfrom all their iniquities.With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.________Second readingRomans 8:8–11The Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.Brothers and sisters: Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is alive because of righteousness. If the Spirit of the One who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, the One who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.________Gospel AcclamationJohn 11:25a, 26I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord;whoever believes in me will never die.________GospelJohn 11:1–45I am the resurrection and the life.Now a man was ill, Lazarus from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who had anointed the Lord with perfumed oil and dried his feet with her hair; it was her brother Lazarus who was ill. So the sisters sent word to Jesus saying, “Master, the one you love is ill.” When Jesus heard this he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. Then after this he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you want to go back there?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in a day? If one walks during the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks at night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” He said this, and then told them, “Our friend Lazarus is asleep, but I am going to awaken him.” So the disciples said to him, “Master, if he is asleep, he will be saved.” But Jesus was talking about his death, while they thought that he meant ordinary sleep. So then Jesus said to them clearly, “Lazarus has died. And I am glad for you that I was not there, that you may believe. Let us go to him.” So Thomas, called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go to die with him.”When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.”When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, “The teacher is here and is asking for you.” As soon as she heard this, she rose quickly and went to him. For Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him. So when the Jews who were with her in the house comforting her saw Mary get up quickly and go out, they followed her, presuming that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping, he became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Sir, come and see.” And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” But some of them said, “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?”So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.”Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First reading1 Samuel 16:1b, 6–7, 10–13aDavid is anointed as king of Israel.The LORD said to Samuel: “Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.”As Jesse and his sons came to the sacrifice, Samuel looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is here before him.” But the LORD said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart.” In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any one of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.” Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The LORD said, “There—anoint him, for this is the one!” Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed David in the presence of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 23:1–3a, 3b–4, 5, 6The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.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.He guides me in right pathsfor his name’s sake.Even though I walk in the dark valleyI fear no evil; for you are at my sidewith your rod and your staffthat give me courage.The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.You spread the table before mein the sight of my foes;you anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.Only goodness and kindness follow meall the days of my life;and I shall dwell in the house of the LORDfor years to come.The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.________Second readingEphesians 5:8–14Arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.Brothers and sisters: You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says: “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”________Gospel AcclamationJohn 8:12I am the light of the world, says the Lord;whoever follows me will have the light of life.________GospelJohn 9:1–41The man who was blind went off and washed himself and came back able to see.As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him. We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam”—which means Sent—. So he went and washed, and came back able to see.His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” So they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” He replied, “The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So I went there and washed and was able to see.” And they said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I don’t know.”They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.”Now the Jews did not believe that he had been blind and gained his sight until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight. They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How does he now see?” His parents answered and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ, he would be expelled from the synagogue. For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; question him.”So a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner.” He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” So they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” They ridiculed him and said, “You are that man’s disciple; we are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from.” The man answered and said to them, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him. Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingExodus 17:3–7Give us water, so that we may drink.In those days, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “Why did you ever make us leave Egypt? Was it just to have us die here of thirst with our children and our livestock?” So Moses cried out to the LORD, “What shall I do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!” The LORD answered Moses, “Go over there in front of the people, along with some of the elders of Israel, holding in your hand, as you go, the staff with which you struck the river. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock in Horeb. Strike the rock, and the water will flow from it for the people to drink.” This Moses did, in the presence of the elders of Israel. The place was called Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled there and tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD in our midst or not?”________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 95:1–2, 6–7, 8–9If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us joyfully sing psalms to him.If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Come, let us bow down in worship;let us kneel before the LORD who made us.For he is our God,and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Oh, that today you would hear his voice:“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,as in the day of Massah in the desert.Where your fathers tempted me;they tested me though they had seen my works.”If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.________Second readingRomans 5:1–2, 5–8The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.Brothers and sisters: Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God.And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.________Gospel Acclamationsee John 4:42, 15Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world;give me living water, that I may never thirst again.________GospelJohn 4:5–42The water that I shall give will become a spring of eternal life.Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon.A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” —For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.— Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.”Jesus said to her, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus answered her, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one speaking with you.”At that moment his disciples returned, and were amazed that he was talking with a woman, but still no one said, “What are you looking for?” or “Why are you talking with her?” The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?” They went out of the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” So the disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work. Do you not say, ‘In four months the harvest will be here’? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For here the saying is verified that ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work.”Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me everything I have done.” When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingGenesis 12:1–4aThe call of Abraham, the father of God’s people.The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.“I will make of you a great nation,and I will bless you;I will make your name great,so that you will be a blessing.I will bless those who bless youand curse those who curse you.All the communities of the earthshall find blessing in you.”Abram went as the LORD directed him.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 33:4–5, 18–19, 20, 22Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.Upright is the word of the LORD,and all his works are trustworthy.He loves justice and right;of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,upon those who hope for his kindness,to deliver them from deathand preserve them in spite of famine.Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.Our soul waits for the LORD,who is our help and our shield.May your kindness, O LORD, be upon uswho have put our hope in you.Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.________Second reading2 Timothy 1:8b–10God has saved us and called us to be holy.Beloved: Bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.He saved us and called us to a holy life, not according to our works but according to his own design and the grace bestowed on us in Christ Jesus before time began, but now made manifest through the appearance of our savior Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.________Gospel Acclamationsee Matthew 17:5From the shining cloud the Father’s voice is heard:This is my beloved Son, hear him.________GospelMatthew 17:1–9Jesus’ face shone like the sun.Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingGenesis 2:7–9; 3:1–7The creation of our first parents, and sin.The LORD God formed man out of the clay of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and so man became a living being.Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and placed there the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the LORD God made various trees grow that were delightful to look at and good for food, with the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.Now the serpent was the most cunning of all the animals that the LORD God had made. The serpent asked the woman, “Did God really tell you not to eat from any of the trees in the garden?” The woman answered the serpent: “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; it is only about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden that God said, ‘You shall not eat it or even touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman: “You certainly will not die! No, God knows well that the moment you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods who know what is good and what is evil.” The woman saw that the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eyes, and desirable for gaining wisdom. So she took some of its fruit and ate it; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized that they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 51:3–4, 5–6, 12–13, 17Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.For I acknowledge my offense,and my sin is before me always:“Against you only have I sinned,and done what is evil in your sight.”Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.A clean heart create for me, O God,and a steadfast spirit renew within me.Cast me not out from your presence,and your Holy Spirit take not from me.Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.Give me back the joy of your salvation,and a willing spirit sustain in me.O Lord, open my lips,and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.________Second readingRomans 5:12–19Where sin increased, there grace increased all the more.Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned— for up to the time of the law, sin was in the world, though sin is not accounted when there is no law. But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who did not sin after the pattern of the trespass of Adam, who is the type of the one who was to come. But the gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one, the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many. And the gift is not like the result of the one who sinned. For after one sin there was the judgment that brought condemnation; but the gift, after many transgressions, brought acquittal. For if, by the transgression of the one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act, acquittal and life came to all. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one, the many will be made righteous.________Gospel AcclamationMatthew 4:4bOne does not live on bread alone,but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.________GospelMatthew 4:1–11Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights and was tempted.At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply, “It is written:One does not live on bread alone,but on every word that comes forthfrom the mouth of God.”Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:He will command his angels concerning youand with their hands they will support you,lest you dash your foot against a stone.”Jesus answered him, “Again it is written,You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.”Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written:The Lord, your God, shall you worshipand him alone shall you serve.”Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingSirach 15:15–20No one does he command to act unjustly.If you choose you can keep the commandments, they will save you;if you trust in God, you too shall live;he has set before you fire and water;to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.Before man are life and death, good and evil,whichever he chooses shall be given him.Immense is the wisdom of the LORD;he is mighty in power, and all-seeing.The eyes of God are on those who fear him;he understands man’s every deed.No one does he command to act unjustly,to none does he give license to sin.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 119:1–2, 4–5, 17–18, 33–34Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!Blessed are they whose way is blameless,who walk in the law of the LORD.Blessed are they who observe his decrees,who seek him with all their heart.Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!You have commanded that your preceptsbe diligently kept.Oh, that I might be firm in the waysof keeping your statutes!Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!Be good to your servant, that I may liveand keep your words.Open my eyes, that I may considerthe wonders of your law.Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!Instruct me, O LORD, in the way of your statutes,that I may exactly observe them.Give me discernment, that I may observe your lawand keep it with all my heart.Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!________Second reading1 Corinthians 2:6–10God predestined wisdom before the ages for our glory.Brothers and sisters: We speak a wisdom to those who are mature, not a wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age who are passing away. Rather, we speak God’s wisdom, mysterious, hidden, which God predetermined before the ages for our glory, and which none of the rulers of this age knew; or, if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written:What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard,and what has not entered the human heart,what God has prepared for those who love him,this God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit scrutinises everything, even the depths of God.________GospelMatthew 5:17–37So it was said to your ancestors; but I say this to you.Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. Amen, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or the smallest part of a letter will pass from the law, until all things have taken place. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven. I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; and whoever says to his brother, ‘Raqa,’ will be answerable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.“You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into Gehenna. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your members than to have your whole body go into Gehenna.“It was also said, Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce. But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife—unless the marriage is unlawful— causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.“Again you have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingIsaiah 58:7–10Your light shall break forth like the dawn.Thus says the LORD:Share your bread with the hungry,shelter the oppressed and the homeless;clothe the naked when you see them,and do not turn your back on your own.Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,and your wound shall quickly be healed;your vindication shall go before you,and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am!If you remove from your midstoppression, false accusation and malicious speech;if you bestow your bread on the hungryand satisfy the afflicted;then light shall rise for you in the darkness,and the gloom shall become for you like midday.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 112:4–5, 6–7, 8–9The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.Light shines through the darkness for the upright;he is gracious and merciful and just.Well for the man who is gracious and lends,who conducts his affairs with justice.The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.He shall never be moved;the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.An evil report he shall not fear;his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear.Lavishly he gives to the poor;his justice shall endure forever;his horn shall be exalted in glory.The just man is a light in darkness to the upright.________Second reading1 Corinthians 2:1–5I have announced to you the mystery of Christ crucified.When I came to you, brothers and sisters, proclaiming the mystery of God, I did not come with sublimity of words or of wisdom. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear and much trembling, and my message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.________GospelMatthew 5:13–16You are the light of the world.Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingZephaniah 2:3; 3:12–13I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly.Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth,who have observed his law;seek justice, seek humility;perhaps you may be shelteredon the day of the LORD’s anger.But I will leave as a remnant in your midsta people humble and lowly,who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:the remnant of Israel.They shall do no wrongand speak no lies;nor shall there be found in their mouthsa deceitful tongue;they shall pasture and couch their flockswith none to disturb them.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 146:6–7, 8–9, 9–10Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!The LORD keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!The LORD gives sight to the blind;the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.The LORD loves the just;the LORD protects strangers.Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations.Alleluia.Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!________Second reading1 Corinthians 1:26–31God chose the weak of the world.Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.”________Gospel AcclamationMatthew 5:12aAlleluia, alleluia.Rejoice and be glad;your reward will be great in heaven.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelMatthew 5:1–12aBlessed are the poor in spirit.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.Blessed are they who mourn,for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the land.Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the clean of heart,for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute youand utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.Rejoice and be glad,for your reward will be great in heaven.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingIsaiah 8:23—9:3In Galilee of the Gentiles, the people have seen a great light.First the LORD degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles.Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness:for there is no gloom where until now there was distress.The people who walked in darknesshave seen a great light;upon those who dwelt in the land of glooma light has shone.You have brought them abundant joyand great rejoicing,as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,as people make merry when dividing spoils.For the yoke that burdened them,the pole on their shoulder,and the rod of their taskmasteryou have smashed, as on the day of Midian.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 27:1, 4, 13–14The Lord is my light and my salvation.The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom should I fear?The LORD is my life’s refuge;of whom should I be afraid?The Lord is my light and my salvation.One thing I ask of the LORD;this I seek:to dwell in the house of the LORDall the days of my life,that I may gaze on the loveliness of the LORDand contemplate his temple.The Lord is my light and my salvation.I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORDin the land of the living.Wait for the LORD with courage;be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.The Lord is my light and my salvation.________Second reading1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17That all of you may agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you.I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.________Gospel Acclamationsee Matthew 4:23Alleluia, alleluia.Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdomand cured every disease among the people.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelMatthew 4:12–17Jesus went to Capernaum, so that what had been said through Isaiah might be fulfilled.When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled:Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles,the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by deathlight has arisen.From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingIsaiah 49:3, 5–6I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends ofthe earth.The LORD said to me:You are my servant,Israel, through whom I show my glory.Now the LORD has spokenwho formed me as his servant from the womb,that Jacob may be brought back to himand Israel gathered to him;and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,and my God is now my strength!It is too little, the LORD says, for you to be my servant,to raise up the tribes of Jacob,and restore the survivors of Israel;I will make you a light to the nations,that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 40:2, 4, 7–8, 8–9, 10Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.I have waited, waited for the LORD,and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.And he put a new song into my mouth,a hymn to our God.Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.Sacrifice or offering you wished not,but ears open to obedience you gave me.Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;then said I, “Behold I come.”Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,to do your will, O my God, is my delight,and your law is within my heart!”Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.I announced your justice in the vast assembly;I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.________Second reading1 Corinthians 1:1–3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.________Gospel AcclamationJohn 1:14a, 12aAlleluia, alleluia.The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.To those who accepted him,he gave power to become children of God.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelJohn 1:29–34Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingIsaiah 42:1–4, 6–7Behold my servant with whom I am well pleased.Thus says the LORD:Here is my servant whom I uphold,my chosen one with whom I am pleased,upon whom I have put my spirit;he shall bring forth justice to the nations,not crying out, not shouting,not making his voice heard in the street.A bruised reed he shall not break,and a smoldering wick he shall not quench,until he establishes justice on the earth;the coastlands will wait for his teaching.I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,I have grasped you by the hand;I formed you, and set youas a covenant of the people,a light for the nations,to open the eyes of the blind,to bring out prisoners from confinement,and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 29:1–2, 3–4, 3, 9–10The Lord will bless his people with peace.Give to the LORD, you sons of God,give to the LORD glory and praise,Give to the LORD the glory due his name;adore the LORD in holy attire.The Lord will bless his people with peace.The voice of the LORD is over the waters,the LORD, over vast waters.The voice of the LORD is mighty;the voice of the LORD is majestic.The Lord will bless his people with peace.The God of glory thunders,and in his temple all say, “Glory!”The LORD is enthroned above the flood;the LORD is enthroned as king forever.The Lord will bless his people with peace.________Second readingActs 10:34–38God anointed him with the Holy Spirit.Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”________Gospel Acclamationsee Mark 9:7Alleluia, alleluia.The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered:This is my beloved Son, listen to him.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelMatthew 3:13–17After Jesus was baptized, he saw the Spirit of God coming upon him.Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingIsaiah 7:10–14Behold, the virgin shall conceive.The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 24:1–2, 3–4, 5–6Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.The LORD’s are the earth and its fullness;the world and those who dwell in it.For he founded it upon the seasand established it upon the rivers.Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.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.Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,a reward from God his savior.Such is the race that seeks for him,that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.________Second readingRomans 1:1–7Jesus Christ, descended from David, is the Son of God.Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.HW________Gospel AcclamationMatthew 1:23Alleluia, alleluia.The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelMatthew 1:18–24Jesus will be born of Mary, the betrothed of Joseph, a son of David.This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingZechariah 2:14-17Rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming.Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion!See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD.Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day,and they shall be his people,and he will dwell among you,and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.The LORD will possess Judah as his portion in the holy land,and he will again choose Jerusalem.Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD!For he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.Responsorial PsalmJudith 13:18bcde, 19You are the highest honor of our race.Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God,above all the women on earth;and blessed be the LORD God,the creator of heaven and earth.You are the highest honor of our race.Your deed of hope will never be forgottenby those who tell of the might of God.You are the highest honor of our race.[Second Reading]Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10abA great sign appeared in the sky.God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth. She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God.Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed.”GospelLuke 1:39-47Blessed is she who believed.Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”And Mary said:“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingIsaiah 11:1–10He shall judge the poor with justice.On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,and from his roots a bud shall blossom.The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,a spirit of counsel and of strength,a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.Not by appearance shall he judge,nor by hearsay shall he decide,but he shall judge the poor with justice,and decide aright for the land’s afflicted.He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.Justice shall be the band around his waist,and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;the calf and the young lion shall browse together,with a little child to guide them.The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,together their young shall rest;the lion shall eat hay like the ox.The baby shall play by the cobra’s den,and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair.There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain;for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD,as water covers the sea.On that day, the root of Jesse,set up as a signal for the nations,the Gentiles shall seek out,for his dwelling shall be glorious.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 72:1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.O God, with your judgment endow the king,and with your justice, the king’s son;he shall govern your people with justiceand your afflicted ones with judgment.Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.Justice shall flower in his days,and profound peace, till the moon be no more.May he rule from sea to sea,and from the River to the ends of the earth.Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out,and the afflicted when he has no one to help him.He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;the lives of the poor he shall save.Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.May his name be blessed forever;as long as the sun his name shall remain.In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.________Second readingRomans 15:4–9Christ saves everyone.Brothers and sisters: Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises of the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentilesand sing praises to your name.________Gospel AcclamationLuke 3:4, 6Alleluia, alleluia.Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:all flesh shall see the salvation of God.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelMatthew 3:1–12Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:A voice of one crying out in the desert,‘Prepare the way of the Lord,make straight his paths.’John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingIsaiah 2:1–5The Lord will gather all nations into the eternal peace of the Kingdom of God.This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.In days to come,the mountain of the LORD’s houseshall be established as the highest mountainand raised above the hills.All nations shall stream toward it;many peoples shall come and say:“Come, let us climb the LORD’s mountain,to the house of the God of Jacob,that he may instruct us in his ways,and we may walk in his paths.”For from Zion shall go forth instruction,and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.He shall judge between the nations,and impose terms on many peoples.They shall beat their swords into plowsharesand their spears into pruning hooks;one nation shall not raise the sword against another,nor shall they train for war again.O house of Jacob, come,let us walk in the light of the LORD!________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 122:1–2, 3–4, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.I rejoiced because they said to me,“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”And now we have set footwithin your gates, O Jerusalem.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.Jerusalem, built as a citywith compact unity.To it the tribes go up,the tribes of the LORD.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.According to the decree for Israel,to give thanks to the name of the LORD.In it are set up judgment seats,seats for the house of David.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!May those who love you prosper!May peace be within your walls,prosperity in your buildings.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.Because of my brothers and friendsI will say, “Peace be within you!”Because of the house of the LORD, our God,I will pray for your good.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.________Second readingRomans 13:11–14Our salvation is nearer.Brothers and sisters: You know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and lust, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.________Gospel AcclamationPsalm 85:8Alleluia, alleluia.Show us, Lord, your love;and grant us your salvation.Alleluia, alleluia.________GospelMatthew 24:37–44Stay awake, that you may be prepared!Jesus said to his disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First reading2 Samuel 5:1–3They anointed David king of Israel.In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said: “Here we are, your bone and your flesh. In days past, when Saul was our king, it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall shepherd my people Israel and shall be commander of Israel.’” When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD, and they anointed him king of Israel.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 122:1–2, 3–4, 4–5Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.I rejoiced because they said to me,“We will go up to the house of the LORD.”And now we have set footwithin your gates, O Jerusalem.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.Jerusalem, built as a citywith compact unity.To it the tribes go up,the tribes of the LORD.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.According to the decree for Israel,to give thanks to the name of the LORD.In it are set up judgment seats,seats for the house of David.Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.________Second readingColossians 1:12–20He transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.Brothers and sisters: Let us give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn of all creation.For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,the visible and the invisible,whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;all things were created through him and for him.He is before all things,and in him all things hold together.He is the head of the body, the church.He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,that in all things he himself might be preeminent.For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,and through him to reconcile all things for him,making peace by the blood of his crossthrough him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.GospelLuke 23:35–43Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the King of the Jews.”Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingMalachi 3:19–20aThe sun of justice will shine on you.Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,and the day that is coming will set them on fire,leaving them neither root nor branch,says the LORD of hosts.But for you who fear my name, there will arisethe sun of justice with its healing rays.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 98:5–6, 7–8, 9The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,with the harp and melodious song.With trumpets and the sound of the hornsing joyfully before the King, the LORD.The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.Let the sea and what fills it resound,the world and those who dwell in it;let the rivers clap their hands,the mountains shout with them for joy.The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.Before the LORD, for he comes,for he comes to rule the earth;he will rule the world with justiceand the peoples with equity.The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice.________Second reading2 Thessalonians 3:7–12If anyone is unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.Brothers and sisters: You know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food.GospelLuke 21:5–19By your perseverance you will secure your lives.While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here— the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”Then they asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.“Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingEzekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12I saw water flowing from the temple, and all who were touched by it were savedThe angel brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing out from beneath the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the façade of the temple was toward the east; the water flowed down from the southern side of the temple, south of the altar. He led me outside by the north gate, and around to the outer gate facing the east, where I saw water trickling from the southern side. He said to me, “This water flows into the eastern district down upon the Arabah, and empties into the sea, the salt waters, which it makes fresh. Wherever the river flows, every sort of living creature that can multiply shall live, and there shall be abundant fish, for wherever this water comes the sea shall be made fresh. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of every kind shall grow; their leaves shall not fade, nor their fruit fail. Every month they shall bear fresh fruit, for they shall be watered by the flow from the sanctuary. Their fruit shall serve for food, and their leaves for medicine.”Responsorial PsalmPsalm 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!God is our refuge and our strength,an ever-present help in distress.Therefore, we fear not, though the earth be shakenand mountains plunge into the depths of the sea.The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!There is a stream whose runlets gladden the city of God,the holy dwelling of the Most High.God is in its midst; it shall not be disturbed;God will help it at the break of dawn.The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!The LORD of hosts is with us;our stronghold is the God of Jacob.Come! behold the deeds of the LORD,the astounding things he has wrought on earth.The waters of the river gladden the city of God, the holy dwelling of the Most High!________Second reading1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17You are God’s temple.Brothers and sisters: You are God’s building. According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.GospelJohn 2:13-22Jesus was speaking about the temple of his Body.Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money-changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, “Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of Scripture, Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his Body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

Reading IWisdom 3:1-9The souls of the just are in the hand of God,and no torment shall touch them.They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead;and their passing away was thought an afflictionand their going forth from us, utter destruction.But they are in peace.For if before men, indeed, they be punished,yet is their hope full of immortality;chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed,because God tried themand found them worthy of himself.As gold in the furnace, he proved them,and as sacrificial offerings he took them to himself.In the time of their visitation they shall shine,and shall dart about as sparks through stubble;they shall judge nations and rule over peoples,and the Lord shall be their King forever.Those who trust in him shall understand truth,and the faithful shall abide with him in love:because grace and mercy are with his holy ones,and his care is with his elect.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.or:R. Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.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.R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.or:R. Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.He guides me in right pathsfor his name’s sake.Even though I walk in the dark valleyI fear no evil; for you are at my sidewith your rod and your staffthat give me courage.R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.or:R. Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.You spread the table before mein the sight of my foes;You anoint my head with oil;my cup overflows.R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.or:R. Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.Only goodness and kindness follow meall the days of my life;and I shall dwell in the house of the LORDfor years to come.R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.or:R. Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.Reading IIRomans 6:3-9Brothers and sisters:Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin.For a dead person has been absolved from sin.If, then, we have died with Christ,we believe that we shall also live with him.We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more;death no longer has power over him.AlleluiaMatthew 25:34R. Alleluia, alleluia.Come, you who are blessed by my Father;inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.R. Alleluia, alleluia.GospelJohn 6:37-40Jesus said to the crowds:“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me,and I will not reject anyone who comes to me,because I came down from heaven not to do my own willbut the will of the one who sent me.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.For this is the will of my Father,that everyone who sees the Son and believes in himmay have eternal life,and I shall raise him on the last day.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingSirach 35:12–14, 16–18The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds.The LORD is a God of justice,who knows no favorites.Though not unduly partial toward the weak,yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.The one who serves God willingly is heard;his petition reaches the heavens.The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;it does not rest till it reaches its goal,nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,judges justly and affirms the right,and the Lord will not delay.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 34:2–3, 17–18, 19, 23The Lord hears the cry of the poor.I will bless the LORD at all times;his praise shall be ever in my mouth.Let my soul glory in the LORD;the lowly will hear me and be glad.The Lord hears the cry of the poor.The LORD confronts the evildoers,to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,and from all their distress he rescues them.The Lord hears the cry of the poor.The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.The Lord hears the cry of the poor.________Second reading2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18From now on, the crown of righteousness awaits me.Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.GospelLuke 18:9–14The tax collector, not the Pharisee, went home justified.Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity— greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingExodus 17:8–13As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight.In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel. Moses, therefore, said to Joshua, “Pick out certain men, and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him: he engaged Amalek in battle after Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur. As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 121:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;whence shall help come to me?My help is from the LORD,who made heaven and earth.Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.May he not suffer your foot to slip;may he slumber not who guards you:indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps,the guardian of Israel.Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade;he is beside you at your right hand.The sun shall not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.The LORD will guard you from all evil;he will guard your life.The LORD will guard your coming and your going,both now and forever.Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.________Second reading2 Timothy 3:14–4:2One who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.Beloved: Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.GospelLuke 18:1–8God will secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him.Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First reading2 Kings 5:14–17Naaman returned to the man of God and acknowledged the Lord.Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy.Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant.”Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it;” and despite Naaman’s urging, he still refused. Naaman said: “If you will not accept, please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth, for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the LORD.”Responsorial PsalmPsalm 98:1, 2–3, 3–4The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;his right hand has won victory for him,his holy arm.The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands:break into song; sing praise.The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.________Second reading2 Timothy 2:8–13If we persevere we shall also reign with Christ.Beloved: Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains, like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy:If we have died with himwe shall also live with him;if we perseverewe shall also reign with him.But if we deny himhe will deny us.If we are unfaithfulhe remains faithful,for he cannot deny himself.GospelLuke 17:11–19None but this foreigner has returned to give thanks to God.As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingHabakkuk 1:2–3; 2:2–4The just one, because of his faith, shall live.How long, O LORD? I cry for helpbut you do not listen!I cry out to you, “Violence!”but you do not intervene.Why do you let me see ruin;why must I look at misery?Destruction and violence are before me;there is strife, and clamorous discord.Then the LORD answered me and said:Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets,so that one can read it readily.For the vision still has its time,presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;if it delays, wait for it,it will surely come, it will not be late.The rash one has no integrity;but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 95:1–2, 6–7, 8–9If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;let us joyfully sing psalms to him.If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Come, let us bow down in worship;let us kneel before the LORD who made us.For he is our God,and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Oh, that today you would hear his voice:“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,as in the day of Massah in the desert,where your fathers tempted me;they tested me though they had seen my works.”If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.________Second reading2 Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14Do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord.Beloved: I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for his sake; but bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.GospelLuke 17:5–10If you have faith!The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.“Who among you would say to your servant who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, ‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’? Would he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat. Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink. You may eat and drink when I am finished’? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingAmos 6:1a, 4–7Their wanton revelry shall be done away with.Thus says the LORD, the God of hosts:Woe to the complacent in Zion!Lying upon beds of ivory,stretched comfortably on their couches,they eat lambs taken from the flock,and calves from the stall!Improvising to the music of the harp,like David, they devise their own accompaniment.They drink wine from bowlsand anoint themselves with the best oils;yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph!Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile,and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 146:7, 8–9, 9–10Praise the Lord, my soul!Blessed is he who keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.Praise the Lord, my soul!The LORD gives sight to the blind;the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.The LORD loves the just;the LORD protects strangers.Praise the Lord, my soul!The fatherless and the widow he sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations.Praise the Lord, my soul!________Second reading1 Timothy 6:11–16Keep the commandment until the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ.But you, man of God, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession, to keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ that the blessed and only ruler will make manifest at the proper time, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power. Amen.GospelLuke 16:19–31You received what was good, Lazarus what was bad; now he is comforted, whereas you are tormented.Jesus said to the Pharisees: “There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen and dined sumptuously each day. And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even used to come and lick his sores. When the poor man died, he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and from the netherworld, where he was in torment, he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am suffering torment in these flames.’ Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented. Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is established to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go from our side to yours or from your side to ours.’ He said, ‘Then I beg you, father, send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come to this place of torment.’ But Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ He said, ‘Oh no, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

Homily for the feast day mass of St Matthew, held at San Mateo parish in San Mateo. Matthew 9:9-13As Jesus passed by,he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.He said to him, "Follow me."And he got up and followed him.While he was at table in his house,many tax collectors and sinners cameand sat with Jesus and his disciples.The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples,"Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"He heard this and said,"Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.Go and learn the meaning of the words,I desire mercy, not sacrifice.I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingAmos 8:4–7Against those who buy the poor for money.Hear this, you who trample upon the needyand destroy the poor of the land!“When will the new moon be over,” you ask,“that we may sell our grain,and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat?We will diminish the ephah,add to the shekel,and fix our scales for cheating!We will buy the lowly for silver,and the poor for a pair of sandals;even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!”The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob:Never will I forget a thing they have done!Responsorial PsalmPsalm 113:1–2, 4–6, 7–8Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.Praise, you servants of the LORD,praise the name of the LORD.Blessed be the name of the LORDboth now and forever.Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.High above all nations is the LORD;above the heavens is his glory.Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on highand looks upon the heavens and the earth below?Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.He raises up the lowly from the dust;from the dunghill he lifts up the poorto seat them with princes,with the princes of his own people.Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.________Second reading1 Timothy 2:1–8Let prayers be offered for everyone to God who wills everyone to be saved.Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.For there is one God.There is also one mediator between God and men,the man Christ Jesus,who gave himself as ransom for all.This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and apostle —I am speaking the truth, I am not lying—, teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.GospelLuke 16:1–13You cannot serve both God and mammon.Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another the steward said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred kors of wheat.’ The steward said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently.“For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingNumbers 21:4b-9With their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in this desert, where there is no food or water? We are disgusted with this wretched food!”In punishment the LORD sent among the people saraph serpents, which bit the people so that many of them died. Then the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned in complaining against the LORD and you. Pray the LORD to take the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people, and the LORD said to Moses, “Make a saraph and mount it on a pole, and if any who have been bitten look at it, they will live.” Moses accordingly made a bronze serpent and mounted it on a pole, and whenever anyone who had been bitten by a serpent looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.________Responsorial PsalmPsalm 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38Do not forget the works of the Lord!Hearken, my people, to my teaching;incline your ears to the words of my mouth.I will open my mouth in a parable,I will utter mysteries from of old.Do not forget the works of the Lord!While he slew them they sought himand inquired after God again,Remembering that God was their rockand the Most High God, their redeemer.Do not forget the works of the Lord!But they flattered him with their mouthsand lied to him with their tongues,Though their hearts were not steadfast toward him,nor were they faithful to his covenant.Do not forget the works of the Lord!But he, being merciful, forgave their sinand destroyed them not;Often he turned back his angerand let none of his wrath be roused.Do not forget the works of the Lord!Second readingPhilippians 2:6-11Brothers and sisters:Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,did not regard equality with Godsomething to be grasped.Rather, he emptied himself,taking the form of a slave,coming in human likeness;and found human in appearance,he humbled himself,becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross.Because of this, God greatly exalted himand bestowed on him the namewhich is above every name,that at the name of Jesusevery knee should bend,of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,and every tongue confess thatJesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.GospelJohn 3:13-17Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

Wisdom 9:13–18bWho can conceive what the Lord intends?Who can know God’s counsel,or who can conceive what the LORD intends?For the deliberations of mortals are timid,and unsure are our plans.For the corruptible body burdens the souland the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns.And scarce do we guess the things on earth,and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty;but when things are in heaven, who can search them out?Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdomand sent your holy spirit from on high?And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.Responsorial PsalmPsalm 90:3–4, 5–6, 12–13, 14, 17In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.You turn man back to dust,saying, “Return, O children of men.”For a thousand years in your sightare as yesterday, now that it is past,or as a watch of the night.In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.You make an end of them in their sleep;the next morning they are like the changing grass,which at dawn springs up anew,but by evening wilts and fades.In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.Teach us to number our days aright,that we may gain wisdom of heart.Return, O LORD! How long?Have pity on your servants!In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours;prosper the work of our hands for us!Prosper the work of our hands!In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.________Second readingPhilemon 9–10, 12–17Receive him no longer as a slave but as a beloved brother.I, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus, urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment; I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel, but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.GospelLuke 14:25–33Anyone of you who does not renounce all possessions cannot be my disciple.Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

First readingSirach 3:17–18, 20, 28–29Humble yourself and you will find favor with God.My child, conduct your affairs with humility,and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts.Humble yourself the more, the greater you are,and you will find favor with God.What is too sublime for you, seek not,into things beyond your strength search not.The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs,and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise.Water quenches a flaming fire,and alms atone for sins.Psalm 68:4–5, 6–7, 10–11God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.The just rejoice and exult before God;they are glad and rejoice.Sing to God, chant praise to his name;whose name is the LORD.God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.The father of orphans and the defender of widowsis God in his holy dwelling.God gives a home to the forsaken;he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;you restored the land when it languished;your flock settled in it;in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.________Second readingHebrews 12:18–19, 22–24aYou have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God.Brothers and sisters: You have not approached that which could be touched and a blazing fire and gloomy darkness and storm and a trumpet blast and a voice speaking words such that those who heard begged that no message be further addressed to them. No, you have approached Mount Zion and the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and countless angels in festal gathering, and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of the just made perfect, and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.GospelLuke 14:1, 7–14Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com

Read the Readings HereJeremiah 38:4–6, 8–10Psalm 40:2, 3, 4, 18Hebrews 12:1–4Luke 12:49–53 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit aarona851065.substack.com