Friday, November 18, 2011 {Dedication of the Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul (Optional Memorial)}

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Burning the candle at both ends for God's sake may be foolishness to the world, but it is a profitable Christian exercise-for so much better the light. Only one thing in life matters. Being found worthy of the Light of the World in the hour of His visitation. We need have no undue fear for our health if we work hard for the kingdom of God; God will take care of our health if we take care of His cause. In any case it is better to burn out than to rust out.
-- Bishop Fulton Sheen

READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Acts 28:11-16, 30-31
11 After three months we sailed away on a ship from Alexandria, called “The Twin Gods,” which had spent the winter in the island.
12 We arrived in the city of Syracuse and stayed there for three days.
13 From there we sailed on and arrived in the city of Rhegium. The next day a wind began to blow from the south, and in two days we came to the town of Puteoli.

14 We found some believers there who asked us to stay with them a week. And so we came to Rome.

15 The believers in Rome heard about us and came as far as the towns of Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was greatly encouraged.

16 When we arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier guarding him.

30 For two years Paul lived in a place he rented for himself, and there he welcomed all who came to see him.

31 He preached about the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking with all boldness and freedom.

Psalms: Psalm 98:1-6
(God the Ruler of the World)

1 Sing a new song to the Lord; he has done wonderful things! By his own power and holy strength he has won the victory.

2 The Lord announced his victory; he made his saving power known to the nations.

3 He kept his promise to the people of Israel with loyalty and constant love for them. All people everywhere have seen the victory of our God.

4 Sing for joy to the Lord, all the earth; praise him with songs and shouts of joy!

5 Sing praises to the Lord! Play music on the harps!

6 Blow trumpets and horns, and shout for joy to the Lord, our king.

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
(Jesus Walks on the Water)

22 Then Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people away.

23 After sending the people away, he went up a hill by himself to pray. When evening came, Jesus was there alone;

24 and by this time the boat was far out in the lake, tossed about by the waves, because the wind was blowing against it.

25 Between three and six o'clock in the morning Jesus came to the disciples, walking on the water.

26 When they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It's a ghost!” they said, and screamed with fear.

27 Jesus spoke to them at once. “Courage!” he said. “It is I. Don't be afraid!”

28 Then Peter spoke up. “Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you.”

29 “Come!” answered Jesus. So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus.

30 But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. “Save me, Lord!” he cried.

31 At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, “What little faith you have! Why did you doubt?”

32 They both got into the boat, and the wind died down.

33 Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus. “Truly you are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.