August 3, 2025 - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

 

1st Reading - Eccl 1:2; 2:21-23

    Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!

    Here is one who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and yet to another who has not labored over it, he must leave his property. This also is vanity and a great misfortune.

    For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This is also vanity. 

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 90:3-4.5-6.12-13

R –If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 

* You turn man back to dust saying, “Return, O children of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. R.

* You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. R.

* Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! R.

* Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. And may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! R.

2nd Reading - Col 3:1-5.9-11 

    Brothers and sisters:

    If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.

    Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, pas- sion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry. Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its Creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.

Gospel Acclamation - Mt 5:3

All –Alleluia, Alleluia. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
Alleluia, Alleluia.

Gospel - Lk 12:13-21

    Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.” He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”

    Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

    Then he told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’ And he said, ‘This is what I shall do: I shall tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods and I shall say to myself, “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years. Rest, eat, drink, be merry!” ’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’

Thus will it be for all who store up treasure for themselves but are not rich in what matters to God.” 

July 27, 2025 - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

 

 1st Reading - Gn 18:20-32

    In those days, the Lord said: “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great, and their sin so grave, that I must go down and see whether or not their actions fully correspond to the cry against them that comes to me. I mean to find out.” While Abraham’s visitors walked on farther toward Sodom, the Lord remained standing before Abraham. 

     Then Abraham drew near er and said: “Will you sweep away the innocent with the guilty? Suppose there were fifty innocent people in the city; would you wipe out the place, rather than spare it for the sake of the fifty innocent people within it? Far be it from you to do such a thing, to make the innocent die with the guilty, so that the innocent and the guilty would be treated alike! Should not the judge of all the world act with justice?” He replied, “If I find fifty innocent people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.” 

     Abraham spoke up again: “See how I am presuming to speak to my Lord, though I am but dust and ashes! What if there are five less than fifty innocent people? Will you destroy the whole city because of those five?” He answered, “I will not destroy it, if I fi nd forty-fi ve there.” 

     But Abraham persisted, saying, “What if only forty are found there?” The Lord replied, “I will forbear doing it for the sake of the forty.” Then Abraham said, “Let not my Lord grow impatient if I go on. What if only thirty are found there?” The Lord replied, “I will forbear doing it if I can find but thirty there.” Still, Abraham went on, “Since I have thus dared to speak to my Lord, what if there are no more than twenty?” The Lord answered, “I will not destroy it, for the sake of the twenty.” 

     But Abraham still persisted: “Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?” He replied, “For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.”

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 138 

 R –Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me!

 * I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels, I will sing your praise;   I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. R. 

 * Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. R. 

 * The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar. Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me; against the anger of my enemies, you raise your hand. R. 

 * Your right hand saves me. The Lord will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O Lord, endures forever. Forsake not the work of your hands. R. 

2nd Reading - Col 2:12-14

    Brothers and sisters: 

     You were buried with Christ in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us. He also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross. 

Gospel Acclamation 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 You have received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father.” 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Lk 11:1-13

 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say:

     ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 

     Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.’ ” 

     Jesus said to them: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to off er him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give the visitor the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give whatever he needs because of his persistence. 

     And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

July 20, 2025 -16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

 

 1st Reading - Gn 18:1-10

    The Lord appeared to Abraham by the terebinth of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. Looking up, Abraham saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and bowing to the ground, he said: “Sir, if I may ask you this favor, please do not go on past your servant. Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest yourselves under the tree. Now that you have come this close to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.” The men replied, “Very well, do as you have said.” 

     Abraham hastened into the tent and told Sarah, “Quick, three measures of fine flour! Knead it and make rolls.” He ran to the herd, picked out a tender, choice steer, and gave it to a servant, who quickly prepared it. Then Abraham got some curds and milk, as well as the steer that had been prepared, and set these before the three men; and he waited on them under the tree while they ate. 

     They asked Abraham, “Where is your wife Sarah?” He replied, “There in the tent.” One of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah will then have a son.”

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 15 

 R –He who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord!

* One who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue. R. 

 * Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the Lord. R. 

 * Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. One who does these things shall never be disturbed. R. 

 2nd Reading - Col 1:24-28

    Brothers and sisters: 

     Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the Church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

Gospel Acclamation 

 All – Alleluia! Alleluia! Blessed are they who have kept the word with a generous heart and yield a harvest through perseverance. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Lk 10:38-42

    Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet, listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is a need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, and it will not be taken from her.”

July 13, 2025 -15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

 

1st Reading Dt 30:10-14

    Moses said to the people: “If only you would heed the voice of the Lord, your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the law, when you return to the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul. 

     For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky, that you should say, ‘Who will go up in the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts. You have only to carry it out.”

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 69 

 R –Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live!

* I pray to you, O Lord, for the time of your favor, O God!   In your great kindness, answer me with your constant help. Answer me, O Lord, for bounteous is your kindness: in your great mercy turn toward me. R.

 * I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify Him with thanksgiving. R. 

 * See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not. R. 

 * For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. The descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it. R. 

 2nd Reading - Col 1:15-20

    Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 

     For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 

     He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the Church. 

     He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. 

     For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

Gospel Acclamation 

Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. You have the words of everlasting life. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Lk 10:25-37

    There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, 

     “You shall love the Lord, your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 

     Jesus said, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But because he wished to justify himself, the man said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

     Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off,  leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise,  a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day, he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 

     Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” The man answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

July 6, 2025 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

 

1st Reading - Is 66:10-14  

    Thus says the Lord: Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her. Exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her! Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! 

     For thus says the Lord: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms and fondled in her lap. As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. In Jerusalem, you shall find your comfort. When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bodies flourish like the grass. The Lord’s power shall be known to his servants.

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 66 

 R –Let all the earth cry out to God with joy!

 * Shout joyfully to God, all the earth, sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!” R. 

 * “Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!” Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. R. 

 * He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore let us rejoice in him. He rules by his might forever. R. 

 * Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness! R. 

 2nd Reading - Gal 6:14-18

    Brothers and sisters: 

     May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Je sus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 

     For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. 

     From now on, let no one make troubles for me, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Je sus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen!

 Gospel Acclamation 

 All – Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Lk 10:1-12.17-20

    At that time, the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. 

     Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.’ Whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go out into the streets and say, ‘The dust of your town that clings to our feet, even that we shake off against you.’ Yet know this: the Kingdom of God is at hand! I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom on that day than for that town.” 

     The seventy-two returned rejoicing, and said, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy, and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

June 29, 2025 - Solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul

 

 1st Reading -  Acts 12:1-11

     In those days, King Herod laid hands upon some members of the Church to harm them. He had James, the brother of John, killed by the sword, and when he saw that this was pleasing to the Jews he proceeded to arrest Peter also. 

     It was the feast of Unleavened Bread. Herod had Peter taken into custody and put in prison under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. He intended to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter thus was being kept in prison, but prayer by the Church was fervently being made to God on his behalf. 

     On the very night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter, secured by double chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while outside the door guards kept watch on the prison. Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and awakened him, saying, “Get up quickly.” The chains fell from his wrists. The angel said to him, “Put on your belt and your sandals.” He did so. Then he said to him, “Put on your cloak and follow me.” So he followed him out, not realizing that what was happening through the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first guard, then the second, and came to the iron gate leading out to the city, which opened for them by itself. They emerged and made their way down an alley, and suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter recovered his senses and said: “Now I know or certain that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from the hands of Herod and from all that the Jewish people had been expecting.”

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 34 

 R –The Lord delivered me from all my fears!

 * I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. R

 * Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. R . 

 * Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the afflicted man called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. R. 

 * The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. R. 

 2nd Reading - 2 Tim 4:6-8.17-18

     I, Paul, am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 

     From now on the crown of the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. 

     The Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 Gospel Acclamation 

 All –Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Mt 16:13-19

     When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 

     He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 

     Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the  gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

June 22, 2025 - Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Year C)

 

 1st Reading - Gn 14:18-20

    In those days, Melchize dek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine, and be ing a priest of God Most High, he blessed Abram with these words: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, the creator of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who de livered your foes into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 110 

 R –You are a priest forever, in the line of Melchizedek!

 * The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand  till I make your enemies your footstool.” R. 

 * The scepter of your power the Lord will stretch forth from Zion: “Rule in the midst of your enemies.” R. 

 * “Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor; before the day star, like the dew, I have begotten you.” R. 

 * The Lord has sworn, and he will not repent: “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” R. 

 2nd Reading - 1 Cor 11:23-26

    Brothers and sisters: 

    I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 

     In the same way, he also [took] the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.

 SEQUENCE 

 Lo! The angel's food is given 
 To the pilgrim who has striven; 
 See the children's bread from heaven, 
Which on dogs may not be spent. 
 Truth, the ancient types fulfilling, 
Isaac bound, a victim willing, 
 Paschal lamb, its lifeblood spilling, 
 Manna to the fathers sent. 
 Very bread, good shepherd, tend us, 
 Jesus, of your love befriend us, 
 You refresh us, you defend us, 
 Your eternal goodness send us 
 In the land of life to see. 
 You who all things can and know, 
 Who on earth such food bestow, 
 Grant us with your saints, though lowest, 
 Where the heav'nly feast you show, 
 Fellow heirs and guests to be. 
 Amen! Alleluia! 

 Gospel Acclamation - Jn 6:51 

 All –Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 “I am the living bread that came down from heaven,” says the Lord; 
 “whoever eats this bread will live forever.” 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Lk 9:11-17

    Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. 

     As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dis miss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and fi nd lodg ing and provisions, for we are in a deserted place here.” Je sus said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.” 

     Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty.” They did so and made them all sit down. Then, taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

June 15, 2025 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (Year C)

 

1st Reading - Prv 8:22-31

    Thus says the Wisdom of God: “The Lord possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago. From of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; before the mountains were set tled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet the earth and fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. 

     When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foun dations of the earth; when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not trans gress his command; then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while, playing on the surface of his earth; and I found de light in the human race.”

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 8 

 R –O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

 * When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place – what is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? R. 

 * You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet: R. 

 * All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas. R. 

 2nd Reading - Rom 5:1-5

    Brothers and sisters: 

    Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that af fl iction produces endurance, and endurance, proven char acter, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disap point, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. 

Gospel Acclamation 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come. Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel Jn - 16:12-15

    Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. 

    He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason, I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

June 8, 2025 - Solemnity of Pentecost Year C

 

1st Reading - Acts 2:1-11

    When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, the disciples were all together in one place. And suddenly, there came from the sky a noise like a strong, driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 

 Now, there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? Then how does each of us hear them in his native language? We are Parthians, Medes and Elamites, inhabit ants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphy lia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, both Jews and converts to Juda ism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.”

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 104 

 R –Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth!

 * Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord, my God, you are great indeed! How manifold are your works, O Lord! The earth is full of your creatures. R. 

 * If you take away their breath, they perish and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. R. 

 * May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord be glad in his works! Pleasing to him be my theme; I will be glad in the Lord. R.

 2nd Reading - 1 Cor 12:3-7.12-13

     Brothers and sisters: 

     No one can say, “Jesus is   Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 

     As a body is one, though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 

 SEQUENCE 

     Come, Holy Spirit, come, 
     And from your celestial home 

     Shed a ray of light divine! 
     Come, Father of the poor! 
     Come, source of all our store! 
     Come, within our bosoms shine! 
     You, of comforters the best; 
     You, the soulÊs most welcome guest; 
     Sweet refreshment here below; 

     In our labor, rest most sweet; 
     Grateful coolness in the heat; 
     Solace in the midst of woe. 
     O most blessed Light divine, 
     Shine within these hearts of yours, 
     And our inmost being fill! 
     Where you are not, we have naught, 
     Nothing good in deed or thought, 
     Nothing free from taint of ill. 
     Heal our wounds, our strength renew; 
     On our dryness, pour your dew; 
     Wash the stains of guilt away. 
     Bend the stubborn heart and will; 
     Melt the frozen, warm the chill; 
     Guide the steps that go astray. 
     On the faithful, who adore 
     And confess you, evermore 
     In your sevenfold gift descend. 
     Give them virtueÊs sure reward; 
     Give them your salvation, Lord; 
     Give them joys that never end. 
     Amen! Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Jn 20:19-23

    On the evening of that first  day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

     Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

1June 1, 2025 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord Year C

 

1st Reading - Acts 1:1-11

    In the first book, Theophilus, I dealt with all that Jesus did and taught until the day he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 

     He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 

     When they had gathered together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to  Israel?” 

 He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 

     When he had said this, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight. While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. 

     They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will return in the same way as you have seen him going into heaven.”

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 47 

 R –God mounts his throne to shouts of joy; a blare of trumpets for the Lord!

 * All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness. For the Lord, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth. R. 

 * God mounts his throne amid shouts of joy; the Lord, amid trumpet blasts. Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise. R. 

 * For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise. God reigns over the nations, God sits upon his holy throne. R. 

 2nd Reading - Eph 1:17-23

    Brothers and sisters: 

     May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a Spirit of wisdom and revelation, resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlight ened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glo ry in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, far above every principality, au thority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come. 

     He put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the Church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way

 Gospel Acclamation 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 “Go and teach all nations,” says the Lord. “I am with you always, until the end of the world.” 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Lk 24:46-53

    Jesus said to his disciples: “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

     Then he led them out as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them, he parted from them and was taken up to heaven. 

     They did him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God. 

May 25, 2025 - 6th Sunday of Easter (Year C)

 

1st Reading Acts 15:1-2.22-29  

     Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice, you can not be saved.” Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. 

 The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the elders, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. Since we have heard that some of our number who went out without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord JeJudas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: ‘It is the deci sion of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any bur den beyond these necessities, namely, to abstain from meat sacrifi ced to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled ani mals, and from unlawful mar riage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’ ”

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 67 

R –O God, let all the nations praise you!

* May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. R. 

 * May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. R. 

 * May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! R. 

 2nd Reading - Rv 21:10-14.22-23

The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. It gleamed with the splendor of God. Its radiance was like that of a precious stone, like jasper, clear as crystal. It had a massive, high wall, with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed and on which names were inscribed, the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. There were three gates facing east, three north, three south, and three west. 

     The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation, on which were inscribed the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 

     I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb. The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gave it light, and its lamp was the Lamb.

 Gospel Acclamation - Jn 14:23 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 “Whoever loves me will keep my word,” says the Lord, “and my Father will love him and we will come to him.” 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Gospel - Jn 14:23-29

     Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

`    Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. Yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. 

     I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. 

     Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. 

     Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. 

     You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe.” 

May 18, 2025 - 5th Sunday of Easter (Year C)

 

First Reading - Acts 14:21-27  

    After Paul and Barnabas had proclaimed the good news to the city (of Derbe) and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch. They strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” 

     They appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith. Then they traveled through Pisidia  and reached Pamphylia. After proclaiming the word at Perga, they went down to Attalia. From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had now accomplished. 

`     And when they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 145 

R –I will praise your name forever, my King and my God!

 * The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The Lord is good to all and compassionate toward all his works. R. 

 * Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord, and let your faithful ones bless you. Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might. R. 

 * Let them make known your might to the children of Adam, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion endures through all generations. R. 

 Second Reading -  Rv 21:1-5

    Then I, John, saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 

     I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself will always be with them as their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” 

     The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”

 Gospel Acclamation Jn 13:34 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 “I give you a new commandment,” says the Lord. “Love one another as I have loved you.” 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Jn 13:31-33.34-35

    When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified  in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and God will glorify him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. 

     I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. 

     This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

May 11, 2025 - 4th Sunday of Easter (Year C)

 

1st Reading Acts 13:14.43-52

     Paul and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the sabbath, they entered the synagogue and took their seats. Many Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the grace of God. 

     On the following sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 

     When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and, with violent abuse, contradicted what Paul said. Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” 

     The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. The Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 100 

 R –We are his people, the sheep of his flock!

 * Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him with joyful song. R. 

 * Know that the Lord is God. He made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. R. 

 * The Lord is good; his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. R. 

 2nd Reading - RV 7:9.14-17

    I, John, had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. Then one of the Elders said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and night in his temple. 

     The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

 Gospel Acclamation Jn 10:14 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 “I am the good shepherd,” says the Lord. “I know my sheep, and mine know me.” 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Jn 10:27-30

    Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. 

     I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. 

     My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” 

May 4, 2025 - Third Sunday of Easter Year C

 

 1st Reading Acts 5:27-32.40-41

     When the captain and the court officers had brought the apostles in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, the high priest questioned them, “We gave you strict orders, did we not, to stop teaching in that name? Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and want to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” 

     The Sanhedrin ordered the apostles to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. So they left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the Name. 

Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 30

R –I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me!  

 * I will extol you, O Lord, for you drew me clear and did not let my enemies rejoice over me. O Lord, you brought me up from the netherworld; you preserved me from among those going down into the pit. R.

 * Sing praise to the Lord, you his faithful ones, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger lasts but a moment; a lifetime, his goodwill. At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing. R. 

 * Hear, O Lord, and have pity on me; O Lord, be my helper. You changed my mourning into dancing; O Lord, my God, forever will I give you thanks. R. 

2nd Reading Rv 5:11-14

     I, John, looked and heard the voices of many angels who surrounded the throne and the living creatures and the elders. They were countless in number, and they cried out in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and blessing.” 

     Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, everything in the universe, cry out: “To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor, glory and might, forever and ever.” 

     The four living creatures answered, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

 Gospel Acclamation 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 Christ is risen, creator of all; he has shown pity on all people. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Jn 21:1-19

     At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself in this way. Together were Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, Zebedee’s sons, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 

     When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Young men, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him,  “No.” So he said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore (only about a hundred yards), dragging the net with the fish. 

     When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hun dred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. 

     Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”

27 April 2025 - 2nd Sunday of Easter / Feast of Jesus, King of Divine Mercy (Year C)

 

1st Reading - Acts 5:12-16

    Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s portico. None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them. Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were added to them. 

     Thus, they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them. A large number of people from the towns in the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered, bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits, and they were all cured. 

 Responsorial Psalm - Ps 118 

 R –Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting!

 * Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say, “His mercy endures for ever.” R. 

 * I was hard pressed and was falling, but the Lord helped me. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. The joyful shout of victory in the tents of the just. R. 

 * The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. R. 

 2nd Reading - Rv 1:9-11. 12-13.17-19

     I, John, your brother, who share with you the distress, the kingdom, and the endurance we have in Jesus, found myself on the island called Patmos because I proclaimed God’s word and gave testimony to Jesus. I was caught up in spirit on the Lord’s Day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, which said, “Write on a scroll what you see.” 

     Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, wearing an ankle-length robe, with a gold sash around his chest. 

     When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead. He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the nether world. Write down, therefore, what you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards.”

Gospel Acclamation - Jn 20:29 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 “You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me,” says the Lord; “blessed are they who have not seen me, but still believe!” 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel - Jn 20:19-31

    On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 

     Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” 

     Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail-marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 

     Now, a week later, his disciples were again inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thom as, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” 

     Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 

     But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

April 20, 2025 EASTER SUNDAY

 

First Reading:   Acts 10:34.37-43

    Peter proceeded to speak and said: “You know what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses of all that he did, both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree. 

     This man God raised on the third day and granted that he be seen, not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 

     He commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Responsorial Psalm:    Ps 118 

R –This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!

 * Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. Let the house of Israel say, “His mercy endures forever.” R. 

 * The right hand of the Lord has struck with power; the right hand of the Lord is exalted. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. R. 

 * The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. R. 

 Second Reading:  Col 3:1-4

    Brothers and sisters: 

     If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. 

     For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your life, appears, then you, too, will appear with him in glory.

Sequence 

 C –With the ancient poet, let us proclaim the joy of Mary Magdalene at Jesus’ resurrection. 

 All –Christians, to the Paschal Victim offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems: Christ, who only is sinless, reconciles sinners to the Father. 

     Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: the Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. 

     Speak, Mary, declaring what you saw, wayfaring. “The tomb of Christ, who is living, the glory of Jesus’ resurrection; bright angels attesting, the shroud and napkin resting. Yes, Christ my hope is arisen: to Galilee he goes before you.”

    Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen! Alleluia!

Gospel Acclamation: 1 Cor 5:7-8 

 Alleluia! Alleluia! 
 Christ, our Paschal Lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us then feast with joy in the Lord. 
 Alleluia! Alleluia! 

 Gospel Jn 20:1-9

    On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” 

     So Peter and the other disciples went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first. He bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went in. He saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead. 

April 13, 2025 - PALM SUNDAY / ALAY KAPWA SUNDAY (Year C)

 

 Part 1: COMMEMORATION OF THE LORD’S ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM

 Gospel - Lk 19:28-40

     Jesus proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. As he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples. He said, "Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, "Why are you untying it?" you will answer, "The Master has need of it."

 So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying this colt?" They answered, "The Master has need of it" So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road. And now as he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest." 

    Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." He said in reply, "I tell you, if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!"

 Part 2: THE EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION

First Reading - Is 50:4-7

    The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. 

     I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard. My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. 

     The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced. I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 22 

R –My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?

 * All who see me scoff at me; they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads: “He relied on the Lord; let him deliver him, let him rescue him, if He loves him.” R. 

 * Indeed, many dogs surround me, a pack of evildoers closes in upon me. They have pierced my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones. R. 

 * They divide my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots. But you, O Lord, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me! R. 

 * I will proclaim your name to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise you: “You who fear the Lord, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to  him; revere him, all you descendants of Israel!” R. 

Second Reading - Phil 2:6-11

    Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness. And found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

     Because of this, God greatly exalted him and be stowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Verse before the Gospel 

 (Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!) 
 Christ became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. 
 (Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory!) 

 Gospel - Lk 23:1-49

 N1 –The elders of the people, chief priests, and scribes arose and brought Jesus before Pilate. They brought charges against him, saying, 

C –"We found this man misleading our people; he opposes the payment of taxes to Caesar, and maintains that he is the Christ, a king." 

N1 –Pilate asked him, P –"Are you the king of the Jews?" 

N1 –(Jesus said to him in reply,) 

 J –“You say so.” 

N1 –Pilate then addressed the chief priests and the crowds, 

P –"I find this man not guilty." 

N1 –But they were adamant and said, 

 C –"He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee, where he began, even to here." 

N2 –On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was a Galilean; and upon learning that he was under Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod who was in Jerusalem at that time. 

N1 –Herod was very glad to see Jesus. He had been wanting to see him for a long time, for he had heard about him and had been hoping to see him perform some sign. He questioned Jesus at length, but he gave him no answer. 

N2 – The chief priests and scribes, meanwhile, stood by accusing him harshly. Even Herod and his soldiers treated him, and after clothing him in resplendent garb, he sent him back to Pilate. Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, even though they had been enemies formerly. 

N1 –Pilate then summoned the chief priests, the rulers, and the people and said to them: 

P –"You brought this man to me and accused him of inciting the people to revolt. I have conducted my investigation in your presence and have not found this man guilty of the charges you have brought against him, nor did Herod, for he sent him back to us. So no capital crime has been committed by him. Therefore, I shall have him flogged and then release him." 

N2 –But all together they shouted out, C –"Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us." 

N1 – Now Barabbas had been imprisoned for a rebellion that had taken place in the city and for murder. Again Pilate addressed them, still wishing to release Jesus, but they continued their shouting, 

C –"Crucify him! Crucify him!" 

N2 – Pilate addressed them a third time, 

P –"What evil has this man done? I found him guilty of no capital crime. Therefore, I shall have him flogged and then re-lease him."

N1 –With loud shouts, however, they persisted in calling for his crucifixion, and their voices prevailed. The verdict of Pilate was that their demand should be granted. So he released the man who had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder, for whom they asked, and he handed Jesus over to them to deal with as they wished. 

N2 –As they led him away, they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian, who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Je sus turned to them and said, J –“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves and for your children, for indeed, the days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed.’ At that time people will say to the mountains, ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ for if these things are done when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” 

N1 –Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. 

N2 –When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him and the criminals there, one on his right, the other on his left. Then Jesus said, 

J –“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” 

N2 –They divided his garments by casting lots. 

N1 –The people stood by and watched; the rulers, meanwhile, sneered at him and said, 

C –"He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." 

N1 –Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine, they called out, 

C –"If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 

N1 –Above him there was an inscription that read, "This is the King of the Jews."

N2 –Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, 

C –„Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 

N2 –The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, 

C –"Have you no fear of God? For you are subject to the same condemnation! And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal." 

N1 –(Then he said,) C –"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 

N1 – (Jesus replied to him,) 

J –“Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” 

N2 –It was now about noon and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon because of an eclipse of the sun. Then the veil of the temple was torn down the middle. Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 

J –“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit!” 

N2 –And when he had said this, he breathed his last. (All kneel and pause for a while.)

N1 – The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said, 

S –"This man was innocent beyond doubt." 

N2 –When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance, including the women who had followed him from Galilee and saw these events.