Wednesday, May 11, 2011 {St. Ignatius of Laconi, Religious (Memorial)}

READINGS FOR THE DAY
First Reading: Acts 8:1-8
1     And Saul was consenting to his death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Sama'ria, except the apostles.
2     Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.
3     But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.
4     Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
5     Philip went down to a city of Sama'ria, and proclaimed to them the Christ.
6     And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did.
7     For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
8     So there was much joy in that city.

Psalms: Psalm 66:1-7
1     Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
2     sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise!
3     Say to God, "How terrible are thy deeds! So great is thy power that thy enemies cringe before thee.
4     All the earth worships thee; they sing praises to thee, sing praises to thy name." [Selah]
5     Come and see what God has done: he is terrible in his deeds among men.
6     He turned the sea into dry land; men passed through the river on foot. There did we rejoice in him,
7     who rules by his might for ever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations -- let not the rebellious exalt themselves. [Selah]

Gospel: John 6:35-40
35     Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.
36     But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe.
37     All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out.
38     For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me;
39     and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day.
40     For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

REFLECTIONS OF THE DAY
Those who trust in themselves are worse than the devil!!

-- St. John of the Cross