READINGS FOR TODAY
First Reading: Hosea 2:16, 17, 21-22 or 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18
16 I promise that from that day on, you will call me your husband instead of your master.
o 2.16 husband ... master: In Hebrew the word “master” is the same as the name of the god Baal. But the Lord promises that his people will have a deep personal relationship with him (like a devoted wife and husband) rather than merely a legal tie (like a wife and her “master”).
17 I will no longer even let you mention the names of those pagan gods that you called “Master.”
21 I will command the sky to send rain on the earth, 22 and it will produce grain, grapes, and olives in Jezreel Valley.
OR
2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18
6The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.
7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.
8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up.
9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.
10-11 We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us.
Faith in the Lord
16 We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day.
17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing.
18 Things that are seen don't last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That's why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.
Psalms: Psalm 45:11-12, 14-16
11 Your beauty will make the king desire you;
he is your master, so you must obey him.
12 The people of Tyre will bring you gifts;
rich people will try to win your favor.
14 In her colorful gown she is led to the king,
followed by her bridesmaids,
and they also are brought to him.
15 With joy and gladness they come
and enter the king's palace.
16 You, my king, will have many sons
to succeed your ancestors as kings,
and you will make them rulers over the whole earth.
Gospel: John 15:4-10
4 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.
6 Those who do not remain in me are thrown out like a branch and dry up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, where they are burned.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. 8 My Father's glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples.
9 I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love.
10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Even though I had committed but one little sin, I should have ample reason to repent of it all my life.
-- St Francis of Assisi
First Reading: Hosea 2:16, 17, 21-22 or 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18
16 I promise that from that day on, you will call me your husband instead of your master.
o 2.16 husband ... master: In Hebrew the word “master” is the same as the name of the god Baal. But the Lord promises that his people will have a deep personal relationship with him (like a devoted wife and husband) rather than merely a legal tie (like a wife and her “master”).
17 I will no longer even let you mention the names of those pagan gods that you called “Master.”
21 I will command the sky to send rain on the earth, 22 and it will produce grain, grapes, and olives in Jezreel Valley.
OR
2 Corinthians 4:6-10, 16-18
6The Scriptures say, “God commanded light to shine in the dark.” Now God is shining in our hearts to let you know that his glory is seen in Jesus Christ.
7 We are like clay jars in which this treasure is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us.
8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up.
9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.
10-11 We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us.
Faith in the Lord
16 We never give up. Our bodies are gradually dying, but we ourselves are being made stronger each day.
17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing.
18 Things that are seen don't last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That's why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.
Psalms: Psalm 45:11-12, 14-16
11 Your beauty will make the king desire you;
he is your master, so you must obey him.
12 The people of Tyre will bring you gifts;
rich people will try to win your favor.
14 In her colorful gown she is led to the king,
followed by her bridesmaids,
and they also are brought to him.
15 With joy and gladness they come
and enter the king's palace.
16 You, my king, will have many sons
to succeed your ancestors as kings,
and you will make them rulers over the whole earth.
Gospel: John 15:4-10
4 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me.
6 Those who do not remain in me are thrown out like a branch and dry up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, where they are burned.
7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then you will ask for anything you wish, and you shall have it. 8 My Father's glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples.
9 I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love.
10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
REFLECTION FOR TODAY
Even though I had committed but one little sin, I should have ample reason to repent of it all my life.
-- St Francis of Assisi
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