READINGS AND REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK (4th August to 10th August, 2013)

Sunday, August 04, 2013 (Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

READINGS
First Reading: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23
Psalm: Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21

REFLECTIONS
The dignity of man rests above all on the fact that he is called to communion with God. This invitation to converse with God is addressed to man as soon as he comes into being. For if man exists it is because God has created him through love, and through love continues to hold him in existence. He cannot live fully according to truth unless he freely acknowledges that love and entrusts himself to his Creator.
-- Gaudium et spes


Monday, August 05, 2013 [Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome (Optional Memorial)]
READINGS
First Reading: Numbers 11:4-15
Psalm: Psalm 81:12-17
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21

REFLECTION
When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete.
-- St. Augustine


Tuesday, August 06, 2013 [The Transfiguration of the Lord (Feast)]
READINGS
First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Psalm: Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9
Second Reading: 2 Peter 1:16-19
Gospel:Luke 9:28-36

REFLECTION
It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together, each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.
-- Dei Verbum


Wednesday, August 07, 2013 (Weekday)
READINGS
First Reading: Numbers 13:1-2, 25 -- 14:1, 26-29, 34-35
Psalm: Psalm 106:6-7, 13-14, 21-23
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

REFLECTION
Belief in the Eucharist is a treasure we must seek by submissiveness, preserve by piety, and defend at any cost. Not to believe in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest of misfortunes.
-- St Peter Emyard


Thursday, August 08, 2013 [Holy Father Dominic, Priest, Founder of the Order of Preachers (Feast)]
READINGS
First Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Psalm: Psalm 37:3-6, 30-31
Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16

REFLECTION
Behold a great priest who in his days pleased the Lord, and was found righteous; and in the time of wrath he was taken in exchange for the world.
-- Ecclus 44:16


Friday, August 09, 2013 [St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin and Martyr (Optional Memorial)]
READINGS
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Psalm: Psalm 77:12-16, 21
Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

REFLECTION
I have found David My servant, with My holy oil I have anointed him; for My hand shall help him, and My arm shall strengthen him. The enemy shall have no advantage over him, and the son of iniquity shall not hurt him.
-- Psalm 88: 21-23


Saturday, August 10, 2013 [St. Lawrence, Deacon, Martyr (Feast)]
READINGS
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-10
Psalm 112:1-2, 5-9
Gospel: John 12:24-26

REFLECTION
Consequently, methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made them what they are.
-- Gaudium et Spes

READINGS AND REFLECTIONS FOR THE WEEK (28th July to 3rd August, 2013)

Sunday, July 28, 2013 (Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time)
Readings
First Reading: Genesis 18:20-32
Psalm: Psalm 138:1-3, 6-8
Second Reading: Colossians 2:12-14
Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

Reflections
Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings, O God, Thou hast perfected praise, because of Thy enemies.
-- Psalm viii. 3

Monday, July 29, 2013 {St. Martha (Memorial)}
Readings
First Reading: Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34
Psalm: Psalm 106:19-23
Gospel: John 11:19-27 or Luke 10:38-42

Reflections
The father of the just rejoiceth greatly, let Thy father and mother be joyful, and let her rejoice that bore Thee.
-- Proverbs xxiii. 24,25

Tuesday, July 30, 2013 (Weekday)
Readings
First Reading: Exodus 33:7-11; 34:5-9, 28
Psalm: Psalm 103:6-13
Gospel: Matthew 13:36-43

Reflections
For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God.
-- St. Irenaeus, Adversus haereses

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 {St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (Memorial)}
Readings
First Reading: Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm: Psalm 99:5-7, 9
Gospel: Matthew 13:44-46

Reflection
Come ye after me and I will make you to be fishers of men; and they, immediately leaving their nets, followed the lord.
-- Matt. 4: 19-20

Thursday, August 01, 2013 {St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop, Doctor of the Church (Memorial)}
Readings
First Reading: Exodus 40:16-21, 34-38
Psalm: Psalm 84:3-6, 8, 11
Gospel: Matthew 13:47-53

Reflections
He who walking on the sea could calm the bitter waves, who gives life to the dying seeds of the earth; he who was able to loose the mortal chains of death, and after three days' darkness could bring again to the upper world the brother for his sister Martha: He, I believe, will make Damasus rise again from the dust.
-- St Damasus (from an epitaph written for himself)

Friday, August 02, 2013 {Our Lady of the Angels of Portiuncula (Solemnity)}
Readings
First Reading: Sirach 24:1-4, 16, 22-24
Psalm: Psalm 34:5, 7, 9-10, 18-19
Second Reading: Galatians 4:3-7
Gospel: Luke 1:26-33

Reflection
The more Christian and conscious people are of their dignity and of their vital role in the Church, the more they urgently feel the need for priests who are truly priests.
-- Pope John Paul

Saturday, August 03, 2013 (Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Readings
First Reading: Leviticus 25:1, 8-17
Psalm: Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 7-8
Gospel: Matthew 14:1-12

Reflection
Fidélium ánimae per misericordiam Dei requiéscant in pace. Amen May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
-- Fidélium ánimae