A father thinks that it is quite enough to maintain good order in his house; he will not have anyone swearing or using obscene words. That is very good. But he has no scruple about allowing his boys to go to amusements, to fairs, and all sorts of pleasures. This same father permits work to be done on Sundays on the slightest pretext. However, you see him in church adoring God. Carry on my poor friend, you are blind. Do you not see that you are doing the work of Pontius Pilate, who recognized Jesus Christ and then condemned Him. Go and learn your duties, then you may come to offer your prayers to God.
-- St. John Vianney
READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
How To Pray / Church Worship
1 First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.
2 Pray for kings and others in power, so that we may live quiet and peaceful lives as we worship and honor God.
3 This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior.
4 God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is,
5 There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us.
6 God showed us this at the right time.
7 This is why God chose me to be a preacher and an apostle of the good news. I am telling the truth. I am not lying. God sent me to teach the Gentiles about faith and truth.
8 I want everyone everywhere to lift innocent hands toward heaven and pray, without being angry or arguing with each other.
Psalms: Psalm 28:2, 7-9
2 Hear me when I cry to you for help, when I lift my hands toward your holy Temple.
7 The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.
8 The Lord protects his people; he defends and saves his chosen king.
9 Save your people, Lord, and bless those who are yours. Be their shepherd, and take care of them forever.
Gospel: Luke 7:1-10
Jesus Heals a Roman Officer's Servant
1 When Jesus had finished saying all these things to the people, he went to Capernaum.
2 A Roman officer there had a servant who was very dear to him; the man was sick and about to die.
3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his servant.
4 They came to Jesus and begged him earnestly, “This man really deserves your help.
5 He loves our people and he himself built a synagogue for us.”
6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the officer sent friends to tell him, “Sir, don't trouble yourself. I do not deserve to have you come into my house,
7 neither do I consider myself worthy to come to you in person. Just give the order, and my servant will get well.
8 I, too, am a man placed under the authority of superior officers, and I have soldiers under me. I order this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; I order that one, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and I order my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
9 Jesus was surprised when he heard this; he turned around and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you, I have never found faith like this, not even in Israel!”
10 The messengers went back to the officer's house and found his servant well.
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