HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 1, 2024

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter            (White)

Optional memorial of St. Joseph the Worker   (White)

LH: Office of the day or memorial, Week I

Mass of the day or memorial, Preface of Easter  

FIRST READING
“They were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 15:1-6)

In those days: Some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and the elders about this question. So, being sent on their way by the Church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, reporting the conversion of the Gentiles, and they gave great joy to all the brethren. When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Church and the apostles and the elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees rose up, and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the Law of Moses.” The apostles and the elders were gathered together to consider this matter.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 122: 1-2.3-4ab.4cd-5 (R. see1)

R/. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Or: Alleluia

I rejoiced when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
And now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem. R/.

Jerusalem is built as a city
bonded as one together.
It is there that the tribes go up,
he tribes of the Lord. R/.

For Israel’s witness it is
to praise the name of the Lord.
There were set the thrones for judgement,
the thrones of the house of David. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 15:4a.5b

Alleluia. 

Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; he who abides in me bears much fruit. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 15:1-8)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”

The Gospel of the Lord

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 30, 2024

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter     (White)

Feast of Our Lady of Africa

LH: Office of the Feast, Week I

Mass of the Feast, Gloria, Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

READINGS OF THE DAY 

FIRST READING

They gathered the Church together and declared all that God had done with them.’’

A reading from the Acts of the Apostle (ACTS 14: 19 - 28)

In those days: Jews came [to Lystra] from Antioch and Iconium; and having persuaded the people, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city; and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every Church, with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they believed.  Then they passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia. And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled. And when they arrived, they gathered the Church together and declared all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they remained no little time with the disciples.

The Word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM  

Psalm 145: 10 - 11, 12 - 13ab, 21 (R.) 12a

R/. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glory of your reign.

Or: 

Alleluia.

All your works shall thank you, O Lord,

and all your faithful ones bless you.

They shall speak of the glory of your reign,

and declare your mighty deeds. R.

They shall make known your might to the children of men,

and the glorious splendour of your reign.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom;

your rule endures for all generations. R.

Let my mouth speak the praise of the Lord;

let all flesh bless his holy name

forever, for ages unending. R.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

Luke 24: 46, 26

Alleluia. 

Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory. 

Alleluia.

 

GOSPEL

“My peace I give you.’’

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (JOHN 14: 27 - 31a)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place, you may believe. I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

OR THE READINGS OF THE FEAST

FIRST READING
They devoted themselves to prayer with Mary the Mother of Jesus.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostle (Acts1:12-14)

(After Jesus was taken up into heaven,) the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away; and when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Luke 1:46-47.48-49.50-51.52-53.54-55 (R. 49)

R/. He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my savior. R/.

For he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.
For behold, henceforth all generation will call me blessed;
For he who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is his name. R/.

And his mercy is on those who fear him
From generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm,
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. R/.

He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalt those of low degree;
He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich he has sent empty away. R/.

He has helped his servant Israel,
In remembrance of his mercy,
As he spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his posterity forever. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia. 

Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise. You are the Mother of Christ, you are the Mother of the Church. 

Alleluia. 

GOSPEL
And the mother of Jesus was there.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 2:1-11)

At that time: There was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “O woman, what is that to you or to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now six stone jars were standing there, for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the steward of the feast.” So they took it. When the steward of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who has drawn the water knew), the steward of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

LOVING JESUS BEYOND WORDS

Divine Appeal Reflection - 81

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 81: "Many souls think that love consists in saying ‘Lord I love you’. Not this way. Love is good and it begets because I love. Keep My love in pain, in rest, in prayer, in comfort, as in distress. If souls would really understand My love they would be able to follow My path of truth and justice."

It imparts in us the urge to come close to the wellspring of all love, Jesus Himself, and to let His love flow into every part of our being. "Many souls think that love consists in saying ‘Lord I love you’. Not this way." These words echo the sentiment expressed by St. James in his epistle, where he emphasizes that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Love is not simply a verb that is expressed in words, but it is shown in actions reflecting a heart’s commitment to Jesus and to our neighbors. "Love is good and it begets because I love." This is a representation of Jesus' essence, which is love (1 John 4:8). Love flows from the very essence of Jesus and is poured out into the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). In receiving the love of Jesus, we become all the more capable of loving others as well as being an earnest witness of the transforming grace that is His. "Keep My love in pain, in rest, in prayer, in comfort, as in distress." This injunction from Jesus mirrors St. Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians regarding the nature of love: "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7). True love is undisputed and steadfast until the end, even when the trials and tribulations of life come along, looking for solace and aid from Jesus through prayer.

Such a mode of living is reflective of love in action, where daily crosses are accepted joyfully for the salvation of sinners. Just as Christ embraced the cross for the redemption of humanity, we are called to unite our sufferings with His for the sake of others (Colossians 1:24). We participate in the work of salvation and show love for Jesus and our neighbor when we take our crosses joyfully and offer them up in union with Jesus' sacrifice. Loving infinitely every day just as if it were the last day we live, and giving the highest love to Jesus in all conditions, is a powerful way of honoring Him and growing together with Him. It reminds us to live life in a very intentional way, starting with loving one another, giving a hand to the needy, and anything in between. A very encouraging instance is that of Sr. Anna Ali who dedicated all her life to loving Our Adorable Jesus. She constantly spent time in prayer, adoration, and putting into practice the love of Jesus in her encounters with other people. May the Holy Spirit fill us with power to fulfill Jesus' Appeal to love in action and that our lives prove to be a clear manifestation that love lived with authenticity and honest commitment can influence hearts, cure souls, and ultimately be the stepping stone to God's kingdom of justice and peace.

DIVINE APPEAL 81

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

(Revelation to Sr Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist)

VOLUME 1

“I thirst for souls.”

“My daughter, never mind, let Me speak to you. Offer yourself as a 

victim in such a way as to make reparation for all the pains I receive 

from many souls. I hope to find consolation from you. Open your 

whole souls to Me. I shall be the Divine torment of your whole being.

I make you a victim of My Love. Being a victim you shall suffer. 

I will join all fidelity of other souls to yours.

In the Sacrament of My Love I remain so lonely and abused by My

own. What a pain to Me! Many souls think that love consists in

saying ‘Lord I love you’. Not this way. Love is good and it begets

because I love. Keep My love in pain, in rest, in prayer, in comfort,

as in distress. If souls would really understand My love they would

be able to follow My path of truth and justice.

In your sufferings I shall come and ask you for the love that many

of My own refuse Me so that you may understand My sorrows. Give

Me rest in your heart. I want you to be one of those helping Me to

snatch souls from the evil one. Suffer in silence.

Love very much without introspection. I love you. Do not be afraid.

I will not abandon you to death. I want you to leave Me a current

between your heart and Mine.

I need souls to know that weakness will never surpass My strength.

As I am exposed, I will pour My infinite mercy into human souls. I

want them to repent. I address myself to souls. The souls that I love

so much pay no heed to My call of Love. Instead they pay heed to

the evil one. Consider how I suffer from loneliness, rejected by My

own loved ones. Come closer to Me.

In My Divine Sacrament defend Me from the abuses and insults. My

soul is devoured while praying for the souls that have whipped Me.

They only think of abolishing My Presence. What a pain!

Share My agony. When I raise My eyes with tears to them, let Me

find yours looking at Me in My prison. I thirst for souls. Pray for

them and cloister them in your heart. Receive My share of pains.”

“I give My blessing.”

3.00 a.m., 9th February 1988

Copyright © 2015 Bishop Cornelius K. Arap Korir, Catholic Diocese 
of Eldoret, Kenya. All rights reserved. 
Reproduced by www.adivineappeal.com

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 29, 2024

Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter     (White)

Memorial of St. Catherine of Siena

LH: Office of the Memorial, Week I

Mass of the Memorial, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“We bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 14:5 -18)

In those days: When an attempt was made [at Iconium] by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to molest Paul and Barnabas and to stone them, they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country; and there they preached the gospel. Now at Lystra there was a man sitting, who could not use his feet; he was a cripple from birth, who had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking; and Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and walked. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, because he was the chief speaker, they called Hermes. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the people. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out among the multitude, crying, “Men, why are you doing this? We also are men, of like nature with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways; yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” With these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 115:1-2.3-4. 15- 16 (R. lab)

R/. Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory.
Or: Alleluia.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name give the glory,
for your merciful love and fidelity.
Why should the nations say:
“Where is their God?” R/.

But our God is in the heavens;
he does whatever he wills.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands. R/.

May you be blest by the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth.
The heavens, the heavens belong to the Lord,
but to the children of men, he has given the earth. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

 John 14:26

Alleluia. 

The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send will teach you all things.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 14:21-26)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me. “These things I have spoken to you, while I am still with you. But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

The Gospel of the Lord

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 28, 2024

Fifth Sunday of Easter   (White)

LH: Office of the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Week I

Mass proper, Gloria, Creed, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“He declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:26-31)

In those days: When Saul had come to Jerusalem he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists; but they were seeking to kill him. And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus. So the Church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Ps 22:26b-27.28 and 30.31-32 (R. 26a)

R/. You are my praise, Lord, in the great assembly.
Or: Alleluia.

My vows I will pay before those who fear him.
The poor shall eat and shall have their fill.
They shall praise the Lord, those who seek him.
May their hearts live on forever and ever! R/.

All the earth shall remember and return to the Lord,
all families of the nations worship before him.
They shall worship him, all the mighty of the earth;
before him shall bow all who go down to the dust. R/.

And my soul shall live for him, my descendants serve him.
They shall tell of the Lord to generations yet to come,
declare his saving justice to peoples yet unborn:
“These are the things the Lord has done.” R/.

SECOND READING
“This is his commandment, that we should believe. . . and love one an- other.”
A reading from the first Letter of Saint John (1 John 3: 1b-24)

Little children, let us not love in word or speech but indeed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth, and reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us.

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 15:4a.5b

Alleluia. 

Abide in me, and I in you, says the Lord; he who abides in me bears much fruit. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 15: 1-8)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that bears no fruit, he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire and burnt. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 27, 2024

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day, Week IV

Morning Mass of the day, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
Behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 13:44-52)

The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted what was spoken by Paul, and reviled him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.”’ And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord spread throughout all the region. But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 98: 1 .2-3ab.3cd-4 (R. 3cd)

R/. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Or: Alleluia.

O sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
have brought salvation. R/.

The Lord has made known his salvation,
has shown his deliverance to the nations.
He has remembered his merciful love
and his truth for the house of Israel. R/.

All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song,
and sing out your praise. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 8:31b-32

Alleluia. 

If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“He who has seen me has seen the Father.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 14:7-14)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 26, 2024

Friday of the Fourth Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day, Week IV

Mass of the day, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING

Behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 13:26-33)

In those days: (When Paul came to Antioch of Pisidia, he said in the synagogue,) “Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation. For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning him. Though they could charge him with nothing deserving death, yet they asked Pilate to have him killed. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead; and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.”’

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 2:6-7.8-9.10-12a (R. 7bc)

R/. You are my son. It is I who have begotten you this day.
Or: Alleluia.

“It is I who have appointed my king
on Sion, my holy mountain.”
I will announce the decree of the Lord:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son.
It is I who have begotten you this day.” R/.

“Ask of me and I will give you
the nations as your inheritance,
and the ends of the earth as your possession.
With a rod of iron you will rule them;
like a potter’s jar you will shatter them.” R/.

“So now, O kings, understand;
take warning, rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear;
exult with trembling, pay him your homage.” R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

John 14:6

Alleluia. 

I am the way, and the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, but by me.

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 14:1-6)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the’ Father, but by me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

UNLOCKING DOORS THROUGH PRAYER

Divine Appeal Reflection - 80

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 80: "Pray and do not be tired nor fear to be importunate for prayer is the key that opens every door."

Unceasing prayer is not merely an obligation, but an incredibly moving call to fellowship with God. Paul's advice to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) gives us insight into praying as a continuous conversation with our Creator, Redeemer, and Friend. In the silence of our hearts, we create a sanctuary where we are free to voice our requests to Our Adorable Jesus and experience the transformative power of faith and surrender. A vital factor for the practice of constant prayer is the presence of our Eucharistic Lord living among us in the Tabernacle. His peaceful silence allows us to become more familiar with Him, expressing not only our requests but also our undivided time and admiration.

In the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, silence plays the role of our most powerful prayer, inviting us to listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit. Through unceasing prayers, we become channels of God's mercy, united with the heavenly company of Angels in unending adoration. Sister Anna Ali embodied this sensitivity, dedicating herself tirelessly to prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament. Prayer was an integral part of her life, reflecting her love for God and the people around her.

In imitation of Sister Anna Ali, prayer should be our path towards Jesus, through which we communicate our needs with fervent supplications. May it be through our prayers that we always become blessings or a source of healing, hope, and comfort to all those who seek solace in God's presence through our prayers. May our lives become a shining testimony of the powerful transformative tool of prayer, offering a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness.

DIVINE APPEAL 80

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

(Revelation to Sr Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist)

VOLUME 1

“Prayer is the key that opens every door.”

“My daughter, pray, keep awake and in the light. I want you to learn 

to be generous. Do not fear sufferings. They will pass but merit is

eternal. Do not lose sight of Me. Pray that souls may learn and accept

to despise the pleasures of this world in order to acquire those that are

eternal. I desire and long for the entry into many lost souls.

Pray and do not be tired nor fear to be importunate for prayer is the

key that opens every door. Pray now that you may see My sufferings

for souls that I love so much. Lose yourself in Me always for the

sake of souls. My Divine Sacrament is here every day and night full

of tenderness, waiting and longing for souls.

What a pain to see souls on the way to perdition! Many believe

in Me but few believe in My love. There are too few who rely on

My mercy. I want to reign over souls. I address My appeal to all.

My own persecute Me in the Sacrament of My Love. They have

wounded Me and they still continue to. They have despised My

graces continuously. I am left alone in empty churches. Led by the

devil they labour hard to abolish the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. My

heart takes comfort in forgiving. I have no greater desire, no greater

joy than when I can pardon a soul. Pray a great deal and implore

mercy for souls. I want you to fulfil My plans by the docility with

which you allow yourself to be handled. Do not leave Me alone.

Many souls do not think of My feelings. I want them to know how

much I love them. They celebrate and assist at the Holy Sacrifice of

the Mass for their own interest. Pray a great deal. Implore mercy for

them. Cloister them in your heart.”

“I give My blessing.”

3.00 a.m., 8th February 1988

Copyright © 2015 Bishop Cornelius K. Arap Korir, Catholic Diocese 
of Eldoret, Kenya. All rights reserved. 
Reproduced by www.adivineappeal.com

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 25, 2024

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter                   (Red)

Feast of St. Mark the Evangelist

LH: Office of the Feast

Mass of the Feast, Gloria, Preface II of the Apostles

FIRST READING
My son, Mark, sends you greetings.
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter (1 Peter 5:5b-14)

Beloved: Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility towards one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experience of suffering is required of your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God; stand fast in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you that are in Christ.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 89:2-3.6-7.16-17 (R. see 2a)

R/. I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord.
Or: Alleluia.

I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord,
through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity.
I have declared your mercy is established for ever;
your fidelity stands firm as the heavens. R/.

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord,
your fidelity in the assembly of your holy ones.
For who in the skies can compare with the Lord,
or who is like the Lord among the heavenly powers? R/.

How blessed the people who know your praise,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who find their joy every day in your name,
who make your justice their joyful acclaim. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

1 Corinthians 1:23a-24b

Alleluia. 

We preach Christ crucified; the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Preach the Gospel to the whole creation. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 16:15-20)

At that time: [Appearing to the Eleven,] Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them 8nd confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 24, 2024

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter                   (White)

Optional Memorial of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen       (Red)

LH: Office of the day or memorial , Week IV

Mass of the day or memorial, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul,”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 12:24-13:5a)

In those days: The word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, bringing with them John whose other name was Mark. Now in the Church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews.

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 67:2-3.5.6 and 8 (R. 4)

R/. Let the people praise you, O God; let all the people praise you!
Or: Alleluia.

O God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your salvation. R/.

Let the nations be glad and shout for joy,
with uprightness you rule the peoples;
you guide the nations on earth. R/.

Let the peoples praise you,
O God; let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
that all the ends of the earth may revere him. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 8:12

Alleluia. 

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; he who follows me will have the light of life.

 Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“I have come as light into the world.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 12:44-50)

At that time: Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And he who sees me sees him who sent me. I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 23, 2024

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter     (White)

Optional Memorial of St. George              (Red)

Optional Memorial of St. Adalbert            (Red)

LH: Office of the day or one of the memorials, Week IV

Mass of the day or one of the memorials, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“They spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11:19-26)

In those days: Those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad; and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large company was added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 87: 1-3.4-5.6-7 (Psalm 117:1a)

R/. O praise the Lord, all you nations.
Or: Alleluia.

Founded by him on the holy mountain,
the Lord loves the gates of Sion,
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Of you are told glorious things, you, O city of God! R/.

“Rahab and Babylon I will count
among those who know me;
Of Tyre, Philistia, Ethiopia, it is told,
‘There was this one born. ’
But of Sion it shall be said,
‘Each one was born in her. ”’
He, the Most High, established it. R/.

In his register of peoples the Lord writes,
“Here was this one born.”
The singers cry out in chorus,
“In you, all find their home.” R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

John 10:27

Alleluia. 

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me.

 Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“I and the Father are one.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 10:22-30)

It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

INNUMERABLE GRACES OF HOPE

Divine Appeal Reflection - 79

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 79: "Hope obtains innumerable graces for self and souls. I desire this to be understood so that My mercy may be revealed to the poor souls who have gone astray on the way to perdition."  The Catechism presupposes "hope" as one of the three theological virtues alongside faith and charity (CCC 1812). It declares that hope helps a person to remain spiritually strong, keep moving forward, and trust in God's promises by believing in His grace (CCC 1818). Hope serves as an anchor for souls, providing them with a path to universal salvation and unity with God. In Romans 15:13, St. Paul demonstrates that hope is a source of joy and peace granted by God Himself. Furthermore, hope is described as "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure" in Hebrews 6:19, demonstrating the capacity to weather life's storms. Prominent for her enduring commitment to serving the less fortunate and marginalized, St. Teresa of Calcutta famously remarked, "I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he hadn't trusted me so much." Her words can be seen as a saintly perspective on facing life's challenges as opportunities for growth rather than despair.

Many souls stumble in their faith because they do not trust in the actual presence of Jesus in the sacraments. This lack of belief weakens their expectations of Eucharistic grace and sacramental mercy, as they are unaware of the profound mercy and grace available to them. Jesus' Divine Appeal conveys to these souls the importance of understanding and the comforting reality of His presence, which fills their hearts with hope and salvation. Moreover, the world is filled with people who lose hope when faced with unexpected challenges, seeing them as impossible obstacles instead of opportunities for spiritual growth along the daily way of the cross. The Divine Appeal should help these souls understand that any fight in life, when faced with faith and persistence, can be the sacred path by which they are to cooperate in the mission of Christ's redemption. Their anguish is not put to waste as they incorporate their sufferings in the daily way of the Cross, in which they not only find peace and hope but also contribute to the salvation of souls.

Psalm 147:11 declares, "The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love." Through this declaration, souls are encouraged by the certainty of God's unwavering love, which ultimately propels them through the tumult of life. Sr. Anna Ali, in personification of this hope, found peace, solace, and strength in her deep love for the Blessed Sacrament. Sr. Anna Ali's life is a living proof that the love of Our Adorable Jesus exists inside the Blessed Sacrament and can bring real change. She found spiritual healing, strength, and hope in her profound prayer and adoration, as she knew that Our Adorable Jesus was indeed present there, giving Himself completely for the salvation of souls. She embodies this spirit of commitment when she invites Christians to cultivate this deep longing for the Eucharist, through which they realize that it is a refuge of hope and grace in their life’s journey toward salvation. May we likewise moor to hope that will illuminate our path to eternal life with full confidence that God loves us in the most trustworthy way.

DIVINE APPEAL 79

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

(Revelation to Sr Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist)

VOLUME 1

“Hope obtains innumerable graces for self and souls.”

“My daughter, pray a great deal. Watch and atone. Listen to Me and 

write.

Fathom the pain that I receive in the Sacraments of My Love. My own 

deny Me. The world revolts against Me and so many souls pour scorn 

upon Me.

I speak to My beloved servant and I assure him that grace will

accompany my words continuously as he speaks them and truth

will triumph. I am agonizing over souls. What a pain to see My

own... They treat Me as one very far from them. They do not want to

understand My feelings.

Pray a great deal and atone. Hope obtains innumerable graces for

self and souls. I desire this to be understood so that My mercy may

be revealed to the poor souls who have gone astray on the way to

perdition.

I want them to know how greatly I long for them. I am calling souls

before it is too late. I want souls to be saved. It is My will to reign in

the souls through reparation that I ask (made by many and through

small hosts).

Through the small hosts My words will be known to many and they

will be printed and read and I will grant special graces that through

them souls may be transformed. Let Me plunge your soul into My

bitterness. I need you to dress the wounds that are caused by My

own... Do it for Me through your prayers. Do not be afraid.

Give Me freedom to share My feelings. In the Sacrament of My

Love I feel great pain. My own... are labouring hard to abandon the

Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Pray a great deal. Cloister souls in your

heart. Follow My words to my beloved servant and heed them. As

he lifts Me up I will pour My infinite mercy in the human souls.”

“I give My blessing.”

3.00 a.m., 7th February 1988

Copyright © 2015 Bishop Cornelius K. Arap Korir, Catholic Diocese 
of Eldoret, Kenya. All rights reserved. 
Reproduced by www.adivineappeal.com

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 22, 2024

Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day, Week IV

Mass of the day, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING

“Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 11: 1-18)

In those days: The apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party criticized him, saying, “Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?” But Peter began and explained to them in order: “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, something descending, like a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came down to me. Looking at it closely I observed animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter; kill and eat.’ “But I said, ‘No, Lord; for nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth. ’ “But the voice answered a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ “This happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. At that very moment three men arrived at the house in which we were, sent to me from Caesarea. And the Spirit told me to go with them, making no distinction. These six brethren also accompanied me, and we entered the man’s house. And he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon called Peter; he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household. ’ As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit. ’ If then God gave the same gift to them as he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” When they heard this they were silenced. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance unto life.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 42:2-3; 43 :3.4 (R. see 42:3ab)

R/. My soul is thirsting for you, the living God.
or: Alleluia.

Like the deer that yearns for running streams,
so my soul is yearning for you, my God.
My soul is thirsting for God, the living God;
when can I enter and appear before the face of God? R/.

O send forth your light and your truth;
they will guide me on.
They will bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell. R/.

And I will come to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and gladness.
To you will I give thanks on the harp,
O God, my God. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 10: 14

Alleluia. 

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own, and my own know me. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“I am the door of the sheep.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 10:1-10)

At that time: Jesus said, “Truly, Truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” This figures Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, Truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 21, 2024

Fourth Sunday of Easter   (White)

Good Shepherd Sunday (Vocations Sunday)

LH: Office of the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Week IV

Mass proper, Gloria, Creed, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“There is no other name by which we must be saved.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4: 8-12)

In those days: Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 118: 1 and 5-9.21-23.26 and 28-29 (R. 22)

R/. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Or: Alleluia.

Give praise to the Lord, for he is good;
his mercy endures forever.
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in man;
it is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in princes. R/.

I will thank you, for you have answered,
and you are my saviour.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the Lord has this been done,
a marvel in our eyes. R/.

Blest is he who comes
in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
You are my God, I praise you.
My God, I exalt you.
Give praise to the Lord, for he is good;
his mercy endures forever. R/.

SECOND READING
“We shall see God as he is.”
A reading from the first Letter of Saint John (1 John 3: 1-2)

Beloved: See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia. 

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own, and my own know me. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 10:11-18)

At that time: Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 20, 2024

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter     (White)

Optional Memorial of St. Marcellinus       (White)

LH: Office of the day or memorial , Week III

Morning Mass of the day or memorial, Preface of Easter  

FIRST READING
“The Church was built up,’ and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:31-42)

In those days: The Church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied. Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas or Gazelle. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, rise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 116: 12-13.14-1:5.16-17 (R. 12)

R/. How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?
Or: Alleluia.

How can I repay the Lord
for all his goodness to me?
The cup of salvation I will raise;
I will call on the name of the Lord. R/.

My vows to the Lord I will fulfil
before all his people.
How precious in the eyes of the Lord
is the death of his faithful. R/.

Your servant, Lord, your servant am I,
the son of your handmaid;
you have loosened my bonds.
A thanksgiving sacrifice I make;
I will call on the name of the Lord. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

John 6:63c, 68c

Alleluia. 

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of eternal life. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 6: 60-69)

At that time: Many of the disciples of Jesus said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at it, said to them, “Do you take offence at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of man ascending where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you that do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who those were that did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer walked with him. Jesus said to the Twelve, “Will you also go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord

OVERFLOWING MERCY AND APPROACHING JUSTICE

Divine Appeal Reflection -78

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 78: "I have two measures  for every soul. First is of Mercy and it has overflowed. The second  is of Justice, it is approaching. Pray for more souls, watch and atone." Jesus reveals a timeless reality that reaches the heights of the soul, thus convicting us of the journey of change and conversion. Through her spiritual experiences, St. Faustina Kowalska, a poor Polish nun who went on to become an apostle of Divine Mercy, opened our eyes to the depths of Jesus' love. Jesus says, "Let the greatest sinners place their trust in My mercy. They have the right before others to trust in the abyss of My mercy"(Diary, 1146). This suggests that we are destined for a life of sanctity and virtue, and the culmination will be that special moment when we are face to face with God.

Nevertheless, belief in divine justice does not rob us of the hope of a better future. St. Augustine wrote, "God judged it better to bring good out of evil than to suffer no evil to exist" (The City of God). In His mercy, God gives us a choice for redemption and salvation, calling us to turn away from sin and follow the life of grace He offers us. In our pursuit of embracing Jesus' mercy and preparing for divine justice, two essential practices stand out: frequent confession and daily participation in the Eucharist. 

Just as Sr. Anna Ali was an example to others with her passionate devotion for these sacramental practices, so are souls enticed to imitate her. Weekly confession allows us to face up to our sins with a humble heart and experience God's mercy, while daily communion nourishes our souls and deepens our communion with Jesus. Through following these practices, Sr. Anna Ali's example inspires us to become holier and readies our hearts for the divine judgment day filled with hopefulness and trust. May her intercession lead our way on this journey of faith.

DIVINE APPEAL 78

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

(Revelation to Sr Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist)

VOLUME 1

“I have two measures for every soul. First is of Mercy and it has

overflowed. The second is of Justice, it is approaching.”

“My daughter, I speak to you amid tears. Save My pains. The pain is 

almost forcing My justice to act. The sins of mankind wound me 

deeply but not nearly so much as those of... I have two measures 

for every soul. First is of Mercy and it has overflowed. The second 

is of Justice, it is approaching. Pray for more souls, watch and atone.

You shall be the victim of My Presence in the Divine Sacrament.

Through a bitter dislike for all that is not of Me I want to use you to

save many souls. They have cost Me so dear. For the sake of souls

do not refuse Me anything. I beg you not to desert Me. When I leave

you prey to anguish your suffering wards off Divine Justice when it

is about to strike many sinners.

I have come to reveal to you the feeling of My Heart. Draw near

to Me. When you see Me submerged in grief, rise and go with Me.

Give Me company. Contemplate Me in the prison of My tabernacle.

I endure cold, sleeplessness, hunger, thirst, pain and desertion. Pray

for the soul that receives Me. How many days and nights should I

spend longing for souls to come back? Shout out and assure them

that I am thirsty for them. I love them all. I am calling them all

into My sheepfold. These are grave moments. I am in the state of

ignominy. What a pain from... blow after blow is discharged by the

blasphemers. The Freemasons with whips and fretted cords strike

me with such violence that My very bones are shaken and I am torn

with innumerable wounds.

Pray and console Me. Implore mercy for souls. Let yourself be

guided by grace and by the desire to console Me. My grace will

help you to do whatever I ask of you. Do not fear. Give Me all the

freedom over you. See the pains that I receive from My own...

Pray and cloister them in your heart. Put yourself in the high spirit

of contemplation. I love mankind.”

“I give My blessing.”

2.30 a.m., 6th February 1988

Copyright © 2015 Bishop Cornelius K. Arap Korir, Catholic Diocese 
of Eldoret, Kenya. All rights reserved. 
Reproduced by www.adivineappeal.com

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 19, 2024

Friday of the Third Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day , Week III

Mass of the day, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“He is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles. ”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 9:1-20)

In those days: Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting; but rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were travelling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul arose from the ground; and when his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying, and he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptised, and took food and was strengthened. For several days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And in the synagogues immediately he proclaimed Jesus, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm117:1.2 (R. Mark 16:15)

R/. Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel.
Or: Alleluia.

O praise the Lord, all you nations;
acclaim him, all you peoples! R/.

For his merciful love has prevailed over us;
and the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 6:56

Alleluia. 

He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him, says the Lord. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“My flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 6:52-59)

At that time: The Jews disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever.” This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 18, 2024

Thursday of the Third Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day , Week III

Mass of the day, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptised? ”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 8:26-40)

In those days: An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go towards the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. And he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a minister of Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless some one guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this: “As a sheep led to the slaughter or a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken up from the earth.” And the eunuch said to Philip, “Please, about whom does the prophet say this, about himself or about some one else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news of Jesus. And as they went along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What is to prevent my being baptised?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptised him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on he preached the gospel to all the towns till he came to Caesarea.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 66:8-9.16-17.20 (R. 1)

R/.Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.
Or: Alleluia.

O peoples, bless our God;
let the voice of his praise resound,
of the God who gave life to our souls
and kept our feet from stumbling. R/.

Come and hear, all who fear God;
I will tell what he did for my soul.
To him I cried aloud,
with exaltation ready on my tongue. R/.

Blest be God, who did not reject my prayer,
nor withhold from me his merciful love. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 6:51

Alleluia. 

I am the living bread which came down from heaven, says the Lord; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“I am the living bread which came down from heaven. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 6:44-51)

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Every one who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that any one has seen the Father except him who is from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; and the bread which I shall give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR APRIL 17, 2024

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day , Week III

Mass of the day, Preface of Easter 

FIRST READING
“They went about preaching the word.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 8: 1b-8)

On that day a great persecution arose against the Church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the region of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. But Saul laid waste the Church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to a city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 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. For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralysed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 66:1-3a.4-5.6-7a (R. 1)

R/. Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.
Or: Alleluia.
Cry out with joy to God, all the earth;
O sing to the glory of his name.
O render him glorious praise.
Say to God, “How awesome your deeds!” R/.

“Before you all the earth shall bow down,
shall sing to you, sing to your name!”
Come and see the works of God:
awesome his deeds among the children of men. R/.

He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
Let our joy, then, be in him;
he rules forever by his might. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

 John 6:40

Alleluia. 

Every one who believes in the Son has eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day, says the Lord. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“This is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son should have eternal life.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 6:35-40)

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. For I have come down ‘from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; 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. 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.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Divine Appeal Reflection -77

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 77: "As I am exposed, I will pour My infinite mercy into human souls."  Liturgically, exposition of Our Eucharistic Lord is when the consecrated host is displayed in a monstrance, a sacred vessel adorned to contain and display the Holy Eucharist for public adoration. Knowing the Eucharistic exposition schedule in one's parish is important for Christians to take advantage of the spiritual graces that come from holy hours spent in adoration. Eucharistic exposition can vary from one parish to another. In some parishes, perpetual adoration chapels are available for adoration twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and the Blessed Sacrament is continually exposed. In other parishes, Eucharistic exposition is scheduled during the week, especially on Thursdays, during feast days, and other liturgical days or seasons. At this scheduled time, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for a certain time, enabling souls to gather for communal adoration and prayer in the presence of the Eucharist. 

In this world of noise, distractions, and busyness, Eucharistic adoration provides a sanctuary of silence and a quiet place where the presence of Our Adorable Jesus transforms us. This is essentially a sacred place where hearts are laid bare before Jesus, and burdens are lifted thanks to His infinite goodness. Pope Benedict XVI, in his elegant articulation of Eucharistic adoration, said, "In adoration, we enter the radiation of the truth, which is not merely an idea but a person." Adoration unites the faithful not just with Christ but also with one another, creating a link of love and solidarity within the Body of Christ. Renowned mystic and Doctor of the Church St. Teresa of Ávila once stated, "When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now."

In order to reap full graces of this spiritual encounter with Jesus, it is necessary for souls to devote at least one holy hour each week or at least one night vigil each month for spending time with Our Adorable Jesus. This commitment allows souls to spend sacred time in their lives encountering Jesus in the Eucharist, basking in His heavenly presence, and receiving His infinite mercy and grace. Sister Anna Ali’s commitment to devote many hours each day, including the daily night vigils, is an inspiring example for all souls. Her dedication reflects her deep understanding of the need to exercise God’s mercy through intimate communion with Christ in the Eucharist.

DIVINE APPEAL 77

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

(Revelation to Sr Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist)

VOLUME 1

“In My vigil for sinners I never sleep.”

“My daughter, pray a great deal. I want you to be little and humble. 

Suffer with great love and never cease to bring Me souls through your

prayers. Pray hard that they may allow grace to penetrate them. 

If souls knew the excess of My love they would not disregard it. 

This is why I go seeking them and spare nothing to get them back.

Contemplate Me in the prison where I spend days and nights

loving and waiting for mankind. In the prison of My tabernacle I

am enduring solitude and desertion. I lack the shelter of love. How

often should I wait for souls to visit Me in the Divine Sacrament and

receive Me in their hearts. They would comfort Me in my sorrow

by their repentance. I exult in forgiving sins. I ask you to bring Me

souls. I forgive them. It was My love for mankind that made Me to

suffer the most ignominious contempt and horrible tortures.

I want souls to know Me and desire My chosen souls to make Me

known to those I place in their care. Instead... mistreat and abuse

Me.

In My vigil for sinners I never sleep.

What a pain to Me! Satan has been able to enter... provoking great

confusion.

Pray a great deal. I am agonizing for many. Souls are falling into

perdition.

I plead with you to stay awake and hold mankind in your heart. Keep

Me company in these dark and terrible hours. Pray to appease the

wrath of My Eternal Father.

I need your obedience and humility. I make myself visible to you in

order to call back many lost souls to My sheepfold with love. I do

not want anyone to perish.

As I am exposed, I will pour My infinite mercy into human souls. I

came into the world to give the life of grace to mankind but many

have rejected and abused it. What more could I have suffered for

mankind! Pray and atone. Do not lose this short and precious time.

Days are approaching when I will speak with My Judge’s Voice. I

call all in the stream of My mercy.”

“I give My blessing.”

2.30 a.m., 2nd February 1988

Copyright © 2015 Bishop Cornelius K. Arap Korir, Catholic Diocese 
of Eldoret, Kenya. All rights reserved. 
Reproduced by www.adivineappeal.com