Wednesday, October 05, 2011 {St. Faustina, Virgin (Optional Memorial) Mass Prayers}

REFLECTION FOR TODAY
If we have obtained the grace of God, none shall prevail against us, but we shall be stronger than all who oppose us.
-- St John Chrysostom


READINGS FOR TODAY (Today's Gospel is Our Lord's Prayer)
First Reading: Jonah 4:1-11
(Jonah Gets Angry at the Lord)
1 Jonah was really upset and angry.
2 So he prayed: Our Lord, I knew from the very beginning that you wouldn't destroy Nineveh. That's why I left my own country and headed for Spain. You are a kind and merciful God, and you are very patient. You always show love, and you don't like to punish anyone, not even foreigners.
3 Now let me die! I'd be better off dead.

4 The Lord replied, “What right do you have to be angry?”
5 Jonah then left through the east gate of the city and made a shelter to protect himself from the sun. He sat under the shelter, waiting to see what would happen to Nineveh.
6 The Lord made a vine grow up to shade Jonah's head and protect him from the sun. Jonah was very happy to have the vine, 
7 but early the next morning the Lord sent a worm to chew on the vine, and the vine dried up.
8 During the day the Lord sent a scorching wind, and the sun beat down on Jonah's head, making him feel faint. Jonah was ready to die, and he shouted, “I wish I were dead!”
9 But the Lord asked, “Jonah, do you have the right to be angry about the vine?”
“Yes, I do,” he answered, “and I'm angry enough to die.”
10 But the Lord said:
You are concerned about a vine that you did not plant or take care of, a vine that grew up in one night and died the next. 
11 In that city of Nineveh there are more than a hundred twenty thousand people who cannot tell right from wrong, and many cattle are also there. Don't you think I should be concerned about that big city?
Psalms: Psalm 86:3-6, 9-10
3 Be kind to me! I pray to you all day.
4 Make my heart glad! I serve you, and my prayer is sincere.
5 You willingly forgive, and your love is always there for those who pray to you.
6 Please listen, Lord! Answer my prayer for help.  You created each nation, and they will all bow down
to worship and honor you.
10 You perform great wonders because you alone are God.
Gospel: Luke 11:1-4
(The Lords Prayer)
1 When Jesus had finished praying, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his followers to pray.” 
2 So Jesus told them, “Pray in this way: ‘Father, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom.
3 Give us each day the food we need. 
4 Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And keep us from being tempted.’ ”