HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 31, 2024

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time   (White)

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

LH: Office of the feast

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

 FIRST READING
“The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.”
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah (Zephaniah 3: 14- 18a)

Sing aloud, O daughter of Sion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgements against you, he has cast out your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear evil no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear, O Sion; let not your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival.

The word of the Lord.

Or the following:

FIRST READING
“Contribute to the needs of the, saints, practice hospitality.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 12:9-16b)

Brethren: Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Never flag in zeal, be a glow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Isaiah l2:2-3.4bcde.5-6 (R. 6b)

R/. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the Lord God is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. R/.

“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the nations,
proclaim that his name is exalted.” R/.

“Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;
let this be known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitants of Sion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

Luke 1:45

Alleluia. 

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to you from the Lord.

 Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1:39—56)

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the child leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 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, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

The Gospel of the Lord.

DIVINE APPEAL 91

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“As I am exposed, I will pour My infinite mercy in the human soul.”

“My daughter, spend these dark hours with Me. Watch and pray. 

With love and mercy I am calling. I do not want anyone to perish.

Pray and bring Me souls. Let nothing else count for you any more 

apart from what grieves Me.

Never suffer outside My Love but let your sufferings be like new

accents of love for Me. You know that I love you. Stay with Me. Do

this for the sake of souls. Do it as though it were in your power to

give Me every living person in a single instant. You can quench My

thirst with it.

For the sake of souls let your ears always be on the alert to listen to

Me. Look how alone I am in the empty churches. You will be My

victim and offer yourself in union with Me. I feel that need of being

surrounded by all My beloved ones. Adore My love and My hunger

for souls. Pray with me. Now that you have seen how deep is My

love.

I do assure souls that I am calling them all to repent. These are tragic

times. The evil one already knows that the time is short. The children

of darkness calumniate Me because they will never see My Truth. I

accept this offering of sufferings.

As I am exposed, I will pour My infinite mercy in the human

souls. My great love for mankind forces Me to remain lonely in the

tabernacle.

Give Me your heartfelt adoration. Pray more. Do not blame yourself

as if you were responsible for your happenings. I do not want you

to be imprudently sad for I tell you whatever you do you will have

sorrow. This is why I want you to be wisely aware of the state of

penance in which you always dwell. Take it for souls.”

In weariness and sickness your prayers are pleasing to Me. Do not

waste any of these precious times. Bring Me souls. As a traveller

seeks a shelter where he may rest along the way, you are such a

shelter for Me. You are suffering because you are a victim for Me.

Pray a great deal.”

“I give My blessing.”

20th 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 MAY 30, 2024

Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

LH: Office of the day, Week IV

Mass of the choice

 FIRST READING
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you. ”
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter (1 Peter 2:2-5.9-12)

Beloved: Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Come to him, to that living stone, rejected by men but in God’s sight chosen and precious; and like living stones be yourselves built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I beg you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against your soul. Maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that in case they speak against you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 100: 1-2.3.4.5 (R. 2b)

R/. Come before the Lord, singing for joy.

Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing for joy. R/.

Know that he, the Lord, is God.
He made us; we belong to him.
We are his people, the sheep of his flock. R/.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and
his courts with songs of praise.
Give thanks to him, and bless his name. R/.

Indeed, how good is the Lord,
eternal his merciful love.
He is faithful from age to age. 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
“Master let me receive my sight. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:46-52)

At that time: As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great multitude, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; rise, he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Master, let me receive my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

The Gospel of the Lord.

PRAYING A GREAT DEAL

 Divine Appeal Reflection  - 90

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 90: "These are grave moments. I am agonising over souls. The world advances towards the precipice from one day to the next. Pray a great deal."

As a demand for a continuous, close relationship with God, the command to "pray a great deal" has significant theological implications. Reflecting the scriptural exhortation to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), this idea proposes that prayer should pervade all parts of a believer's life. The concept that prayer is the soul's lifeline, connecting it to the divine source of grace and strength, is theologically reinforced by this consistent prayer habit. The urgency of "praying a great deal" is particularly highlighted in times of moral and spiritual crises, as emphasized in Jesus' Divine Appeal 90. This appeal underscores the theological fact that prayer can influence the course of events and bring about divine intervention. Through fervent and persistent prayer, mankind can help mitigate the evils of the world and aid in the salvation of souls.

Integrating extensive prayer into daily life involves various practices that contribute to the spiritual battle against evil and the salvation of souls. For instance, making the sign of the cross when witnessing sinful actions invokes the Holy Trinity and serves as a silent plea for God's mercy. Praying the Rosary while walking sanctifies the day and brings Christ’s presence into the world. Meditating on the Passion of Christ through reading Gospel narratives, participating in the Stations of the Cross, or praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows deepens understanding of Christ's love and sacrifice, motivating prayer for salvation. Fasting and offering personal sacrifices are potent forms of prayer, uniting small sufferings with Christ's. This practice can involve skipping meals, abstaining from favorite foods, or engaging in acts of charity, intensifying prayer and intercession. Taking time to adore the Blessed Sacrament enables one to become deeply united with Christ and ask for His mercy, forgiveness and grace.

Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet places a strong emphasis on asking God for mercy and personally answering Christ's invitation, particularly during the hour of mercy at 3:00 PM. Contemplation, lectio divina (sacred reading), or spontaneous prayer can all be used in personal prayer to develop a close relationship with God, offering ongoing intercession and receiving wisdom from above. Maintaining a prayerful awareness of God's presence throughout the day, even beyond scheduled Eucharistic adoration, transforms daily life into constant adoration.

The call to "pray a great deal" is both urgent and profound, urging humanity to engage deeply in spiritual practices that intercede for the world and contribute to the salvation of souls. These practices enable the faithful to unite with Christ in His redemptive mission, addressing spiritual crises and bringing forth God's mercy and grace. Inspired by the example and intercession of Sr. Anna Ali, souls are encouraged to strive to pray without ceasing for the salvation of souls and the triumph of God's love.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 29, 2024

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

Optional Memorial of St. Paul VI (White)

LH: Office of the day or Memorial, Week IV

Mass of the choice

FIRST READING
You have been ransomed with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter (1 Peter 1 : 15-25)

Beloved: You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was destined before the foundation of the world but was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake. Through him you have confidence in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord abides for ever.” That word is the good news which was preached to you.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 147:12-13.14-15. 19-20 (R. 12a)

R/. O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!

O Jerusalem, glorify the Lord!
O Sion, praise your God!
He has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you. R/.

He established peace on your borders;
he gives you your fill of finest wheat.
He sends out his word to the earth,
and swiftly runs his command. R/.

He reveals his word to Jacob;
to Israel, his decrees and judgements.
He has not dealt thus with other nations;
he has not taught them his judgements. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Mark 10:45

Alleluia. 

The Son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man will be delivered.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:32-45)

At that time: The disciples were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the Twelve again, he began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise.” And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him, and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the chalice that I drink, or to be baptised with the baptism with which I am baptised?” And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptised, you will be baptised; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” And when the Ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 28, 2024

Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

LH: Office of the day, Week IV

Mass of the choice

FIRST READING
They prophesied the grace that was to be yours, so be sober set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you.
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter ( 1 Peter 1:10- 16)

Beloved: The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about the salvation of souls; they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Therefore gird up your minds, be sober, set your hope fully upon the grace that is coming to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 98: 1.2-3ab.3cd-4 (R. 2a)

R/. The Lord has made known his salvation.

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

Matthew 11:25

Alleluia. 

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
You will receive a hundredfold now in this time with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:28-31)

At that time: Peter began to say to Jesus, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you; there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

DIVINE APPEAL 90

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“Innumerable are the sins committed innumerable the souls that are

damned.”

“My daughter, spend these hours with Me. Pray a great deal and cloister 

souls in your heart.

My great love for mankind keeps Me day and night a prisoner in the 

tabernacle. What a pain to Me! So many of My own... pour scorn upon 

Me. They treat Me as one far away from them.

Pray and atone. Innumerable are the sins committed and innumerable

the souls that are damned. Pray and implore mercy for souls. I ask

you to hide Me in your soul. Do not be tired or fear to be importunate.

I remain in the tabernacle full of tenderness thirsting and longing for

souls. Bring Me souls in your prayers.

Do not leave Me alone. I am like a terrified child begging not to be

left alone.

The ingratitude of My own... continuously pains Me. I am so lonely

and afflicted in so many tabernacles of the world. With My voice

full of supplication I want to fly to the very ends of the earth saying

again and again ‘repent!’

I love mankind. I am never tired of My vigil for sinners. Pray a great

deal for souls. Many of them are heading for perdition. With love I

call all back to My sheepfold before it is too late.

These are grave moments. I am agonising over souls. The world

advances towards the precipice from one day to the next.

Pray a great deal. As I am exposed I will pour my infinite mercy in

human souls.”

“I give My blessing.”

19th 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 MAY 27, 2024

Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

Optional Memorial of St. Augustine of Canterbury  (White)

LH: Office of the day or Memorial, Week IV

Mass of the choice

FIRST READING

“Without having seen him you love him,’ you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy.”

The beginning of the first Letter of Saint Peter (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Without having seen him you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm111: 1b-2.5-6.9 and 10c (R. 5b)

R/. The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.

I will praise the Lord with all my heart,

in the meeting of the just and the assembly.

Great are the works of the Lord,

to be pondered by all who delight in them. R/.

He gives food to those who fear him;

keeps his covenant ever in mind.

His mighty works he has shown to his people

by giving them the heritage of nations. R/.

He has sent redemption to his people,

and established his covenant forever.

Holy his name, to be feared.

His praise endures forever! R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

 2 Corinthians 8:9

Alleluia.

 

Though Jesus Christ was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“Go, sell what you have, and follow me.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:17-27)

At that time: As Jesus was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honour your father and mother. ”’ And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.” And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 26, 2024

Sunday - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity  (White)

LH: Office of the Solemnity

Mass of the Solemnity, Gloria, Creed, Proper Preface

FIRST READING
“The Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath, there is no other.”
A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 4:32-34.39-40)

Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of. Did any people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? Or has God ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? “Know therefore this day, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which the Lord your God gives you for ever.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 33:4-5.5 and 9.18-19.20 and 22 (R. cf. 12b)

R/. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen as his heritage.

The word of the Lord is faithful,
and all his works to be trusted.
The Lord loves justice and right,
and his merciful love fills the earth. R/.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
by the breath of his mouth all their host.
He spoke, and it came to be.
He commanded; it stood in place. R/.

Yes, the Lord’s eyes are on those who fear him,
who hope in his merciful love,
to rescue their souls from death,
to keep them alive in famine. R/.

Our soul is waiting for the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
May your merciful love be upon us,
as we hope in you, O Lord. R/.

SECOND READING
"You have received the Spirit of sonship, in which we cry, “Abba! Father! ”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:14-17)

Brethren: All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Revelation 1:8

Alleluia. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: to God who is, who was, and who is to come. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 28:16-20)

At that time: The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 25, 2024

Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

Optional Memorial of St. Bede the Venerable (White)

Optional Memorial of St. Gregory VII (White)

Optional Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (White)

Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary (White)

LH: Office of the day or one of the Memorials, Week III

Morning Mass of the choice

FIRST READING
“The prayer of a righteous man has great power.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint James (James 5: 13-20)

Beloved: Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. Elijah was a man of like nature with ourselves and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. My brethren, if any one among you wanders from the truth and some one brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm l4l: 1-2.3 and 5 (R. 2a)

R/. O Lord, let my prayer be accepted as incense before you.
I have called to you, Lord; hasten to help me!
Hear my voice when I cry to you.
Let my prayer be accepted as incense before you,
the raising of my hands like an evening oblation. R/.

Set, O Lord, a guard on my mouth;
keep watch at the door of my lips!
To you my eyes are turned, O Lord, my Lord.
In you I take refuge; spare my soul! R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Matthew 11:25

Alleluia. 

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:13-16)

At that time: They were bringing children to Jesus, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

The Gospel of the Lord.

REDEMPTIVE SUFFERING

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 89

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 89: "Be in My pain for the sake of souls. Give Me this token of kindness. It is an offering for souls."

The perfect example of redemptive suffering is Our Adorable Jesus. He presented the Eternal Father with His passion and death on the cross as the ideal sacrifice for the salvation of humanity. With great love and obedience, Jesus took on His sufferings, turning what appeared to be a complete failure into a way of the salvation of souls. He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not as I will, but as you will," in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). Despite the pain He endured, this obedience to the Father's will serves as an example of how suffering can be accepted in order to achieve a higher goal. His silent, selfless crucifixion was the greatest sacrifice made for the sake of countless souls.

There are many opportunities in daily life to connect our suffering with Jesus'. Workplace conflicts with coworkers, unjust criticism, and heavy workloads are all possible for an employee. In addition to managing domestic duties and enduring financial strain at home, parents may feel worn out from raising children. When presented to God for the sake of soul salvation, any of these difficulties can transform into a means of grace. Think about a worker who has a demanding boss. They can choose to face this hardship with patience rather than reacting with bitterness, offering up their frustration and stress as a prayer for those who are in need of spiritual support. Similarly, a mother overwhelmed by the chaos of balancing work and family duties might offer her daily fatigue and moments of frustration to Jesus, uniting her trials with His for the benefit of others.

Sr. Anna Ali experienced intense physical and spiritual sufferings, which she bore with remarkable submission and silence. Despite the profound pain, she offered her sufferings to Our Adorable Jesus, believing deeply in their redemptive value. Sr. Anna's life was marked by her willingness to participate in the sufferings of Christ for the salvation of others. Her acceptance of pain and hardship without complaint, and her deliberate offering of these trials, echo the call of the Divine Appeal. Through her silent suffering, she participated in the redemptive mission of Jesus, offering her life as a prayer for the world.

Jesus' Divine Appeal calls us to embrace our sufferings and offer them for the sake of souls. Whether at work or at home, we experience a variety of pains and hardships on a regular basis. We partake in the redemptive mystery of salvation by combining these with Christ's sufferings and surrendering them to the Eternal Father. Following the example of Jesus and Sr. Anna Ali, we can transform our pains into powerful offerings, contributing to the spiritual well-being of souls in need. May we, with hearts full of faith and love, accept this divine invitation to join our sufferings with Christ's for the redemption of the world.

DIVINE APPEAL 89

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“I raise My eyes with tears towards My own.”

“My daughter, pray a great deal and spend these

hours with Me. Keep Me company. Implore

mercy for sinners.

You will be My victim. Offer yourself in

union with Me. Offer yourself in each moment with the purpose of

bringing Me souls. Forget everything. Achieve the grandiose of this

grace.

In the Sacrament of My Love it is My desire that many souls may

know My clemency. Pray a great deal for souls. I want you to repent.

My joy is to forgive and to save souls. The great love for mankind

keeps Me day and night a prisoner in the tabernacle.

I am agonising over souls. What a pain for Me to see many among

My own... who treat Me as one far away and unable to understand

My feelings towards souls that I love so much. I come to call the

lost souls back to My sheepfold. Never shall I weary of repentant

sinners.

Be in My pain for the sake of souls. Give Me this token of kindness.

It is an offering for souls.

In the Sacrament of My Love I am so lonely in the empty churches.

Pray to console Me and implore mercy for souls. These are grave

moments. Never before has the world needed prayers as at this

fragile time. Be gracious to souls.

In the Sacrament of My Love I am so ridiculed and insulted. I raise

My eyes with tears towards My own... Receive My share of pain.

What more could I have suffered for mankind? Pray and atone. Do

not waste any of these precious times.

I am always watching beneath My Sacramental veils, waiting for

souls to come to Me.

What a pain for Me to see so many souls on the way to perdition.

With humility and concern, pray for souls.”

“I give My blessing.”

3.00 a.m., 18th 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 MAY 24, 2024

Friday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians  (White)

LH: Office of the day or Memorial, Week III

Mass of the choice

FIRST READING
“Behold, the Judge is standing at the doors.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint James (James 5:9- 12)

Do not grumble, brethren, against one another, that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the doors. As an example of suffering and patience, brethren, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm103:1-2.3-4.8-9. 11-12 (R. 8a)

R/. The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all within me, his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and never forget all his benefits. R/.

It is the Lord who forgives all your sins,
who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave,
who crowns you with mercy and compassion. R/.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger and rich in mercy.
He will not always find fault;
nor persist in his anger forever. R/.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so strong his mercy for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far from us does he remove our transgressions. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

John 17:17ba

Alleluia. 

Your word, O Lord, is truth; sanctify us in the truth. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“What God has joined together, let not man put asunder. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 10:1-12)

At that time: Jesus went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again; and again, as his custom was, he taught them. And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” He answered them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to put her away.” But Jesus said to them, “For your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter. And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 23, 2024

Thursday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

LH: Office of the day, Week III

Mass of the choice

FIRST READING
“The wages of the labourers, which you kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries have reached the ears of the Lord.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint James (James 5:1-6)

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages of the labourers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have killed the righteous man; he does not resist you.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm49:14-15c. 15d-16.17-18.19-20 (R. Mt 5:3)

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

This is the way of the foolish,
the outcome of those pleased with their lot:
like sheep they are driven to the grave,
where death shall become their shepherd,
And the upright shall have dominion. R/.

Their outward show wastes away with the morning,
and the grave becomes their home.
But God will ransom my soul from the grasp of hell;
for he indeed will receive me. R/.

Then do not fear when a man grows rich,
when the glory of his house increases.
He takes nothing with him when he dies,
his glory does not follow him below. R/.

.Though he flattered himself while he lived,
“People will praise me for all my success,”
yet he will go to join his forebears,
and will never see the light any more. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

1 Thessalonians 2: 13

Alleluia.

 Accept the word of God, not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God.

 Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 9:41-50)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you bear the name of Christ, will by no means lose his reward. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. For every one will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024

Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Green)

Optional Memorial of St. Rita of Cascia                 (White)

LH: Office of the day or memorial, Week III

Mass of the choice

FIRST READING
“What is your life? You ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint James (James 4: 13-17)

Beloved: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and get gain”; whereas you do not know about tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and we shall do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Whoever knows what is right to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 49:2-3.6-7.8-10.11 (R. Mt 5:3)

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

Hear this, all you peoples,
give ear, all who dwell in the world,
people both high and low,
rich and poor alike! R/.

Why should I fear in evil days
the malice of the foes who surround me,
those who trust in their wealth,
and boast of the vastness of their riches? R/.

No man can ransom a brother,
nor pay a price to God for his life.
How high is the price of his soul!
The ransom can never be enough!
No one can buy life unending,
nor avoid coming to the grave. R/.

Anyone sees that the wise will die;
the foolish will perish with the senseless,
and leave their wealth to others. 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
“He that is not against us is for us.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 9:38-40)

At that time: John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons in your name, and we forbade him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him; for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon after to speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is for us.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

UNIVERSAL CALL TO CONVERSION AND HOLINESS

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 88

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 88: "My appeal is addressed to all those living in the world: the good, sinners and those consecrated to Me. To those who obey and to those in authority I say: ‘I AM  LOVE AND MERCY."

This message is a very strong appeal confirming that Our Adorable Jesus is merciful to all. He invites us to love Him, to accept His mercy in the sacraments, to be His faithful friends. This love and mercy of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament urges us to reject evil and abandon worldliness. According to Matthew 6:19–20, we should store up our wealth in heaven rather than on earth. To put it another way, we need to keep our attention on spiritual things and fight the urge to let material belongings divert us. According to St. Paul, who highlights the necessity of spiritual transformation and renewal (Romans 12:2), living a life of conversion entails continuously shifting our hearts from wickedness to God. 

Sacraments are the dominant means of grace in enhancing our spiritual life. Confession of sins and frequenting of the Holy Eucharist are among the important practices which an individual needs to adopt to be holy. Jesus advises us to go to the Holy Mass as much as we can and possibly daily. In the Gospel of John, He assures us that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood remain in Him, and He in them (John 6:56). The Eucharistic meal serves to feed our souls, make us a part of Christ in a sacramental sense, and empower us for the work of the salvation of souls. Weekly confession is one aspect of the holy life. The sacrament of reconciliation pardons sins and brings us back into God's compassion. St. John (1 John 1:9) asserts that God is faithful and just in forgiving us of our transgressions and purifying us of all wickedness. Additionally, confession makes sure that people never forget their wrongdoings and continuously motivates them to do good and avoid evil.

There’s no alternative to daily prayer for those longing to be genuinely holy. Jesus was the best example who felt the need to pray and could be found looking for lonely places to pray. He instructs us to pray in secret, ensuring that our relationship with God remains personal and profound (Matthew 6:6). Prayer and fasting strengthen one’s faith in Him, God; it ensures that one’s will is conforming to God’s will and also equips one’s soul to face the daily challenges. One of the most effective actions to follow in order to be holy is to live every day as if it is our last – as a holy human being should be. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus warns us to be prepared, for we do not know the day or the hour of His return (Matthew 25:1-13). This mentality helps us to live with the mind of urgency and purpose with passion always kept in readiness to meet the Lord. It creates a sense of spiritual warfare and encourages us to live a Christian life as per the will of God.

Sr. Anna Ali’s dealings with Jesus serve to emphasize the value of taking the sacraments often and having an earnest Christian life. Her example shows us the importance of being mindful of the Lord’s presence in our lives and how we should fully submit our lives to His will. Her testimony resets the stage for our understanding that a life of radical sanctity can be lived and is profoundly satisfying when lived in love and the mercy of Christ. We should follow the example of Sr. Anna Ali and her undying love for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. In doing so, we subject ourselves to the open and endless grace and mercy of Jesus, and we are guided along the path of true conversion and sanctity.

DIVINE APPEAL 88

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“I am Love and Mercy.”

“My daughter, pray and bring Me souls. My appeal is addressed to 

all those living in the world: the good, sinners and those consecrated

to Me. To those who obey and to those in authority I say: ‘I AM 

LOVE AND MERCY.’

To My consecrated ones I want the need and desire for reparation to

be re-awakened and grow among the faithful souls for the world is

full of sin. More than ever I am very much abused and blasphemed

in the Sacrament of My Love. The world is full of sin and at present

nations are arousing the wrath of My Eternal Father. I want souls

back to My sheepfold and peace to prevail. I am agonizing over

souls.

Pray and watch with Me. Do not leave Me! I am like a terrified child

begging not to be left alone.

In My Divine Sacrament I am only poor, full of distress even though

I remain there day and night. No one will ever understand the depth

of My desolation. Adore My love and My hunger for souls.

Adore the supremely delicate manner in which I share My secret

thoughts and reveal my desires to you. I desire you to be simple as I

am for you. It is My joy to offer gifts in silence.

I am thirsting for souls that I love so much. For the love of souls I

remain a prisoner in the tabernacle. I never weary of sinners. I want

to rest in souls. What a pain for Me to see so many souls on the way

to perdition. Pray a great deal and share My bitterness. I come here

seeking shade and consolation. In My Divine Sacrament I am so

lonely in empty churches.

Many entertain Me only when they receive Me in Holy Communion.

Share My anguish and the loneliness of My Heart.

Pray a great deal. Do not lose any of these precious times.”

“I leave you prey to anguish. I want you to be ready to console Me

with your pains.”

3.00 a.m., 17th 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 TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2024

Tuesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Weekday

LH: Office of the day, Week III

Mass of the choice

FIRST READING“
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint James (James 4: 1-10)

Beloved: What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. And you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. Unfaithful creatures! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is in vain that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit which he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace; therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men of double mind. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 55:7-5.9-10a.10b-1 1.23 (R. 23ab)

R/. Entrust your cares to the Lord, and he will support you.

I say, “O that I had wings like a dove,
to fly away and be at rest!
I would indeed escape far away,
and take refuge in the desert.” R/.

“I shall await him who saves me
from the raging wind and tempest.”
Engulf and confuse their speech, O Lord. R/.

For I see violence and strife in the city!
Night and day they patrol its walls.
In its midst are wickedness and evil. R/.

Entrust your cares to the Lord,
and he will support you. He will never allow
the just man to stumble. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

Galatians 6:14

Alleluia. 

Far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
The Son of man will be betrayed. If anyone would be first, he must be last.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 9:30-37)

At that time: Jesus and his disciples went on from the mountain and passed through Galilee. And he would not have any one know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him; and when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to ask him. And they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” But they were silent; for on the way they had discussed with one another who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the Twelve; and he said to them, “If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” And he took a child, and put him in the midst of them; and taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

RELIEVING THE SORROW OF JESUS' HEART

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 87

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 87: "My own... cannot realise how greatly they relieve the sorrow of My  Heart by giving Me a place in their own hearts."

Jesus' sorrowful heart is a mirror of His selfless love and the voracity with which He yearns for humans to owe Him equal love and respect. His sorrow here precedes man’s ingratitude, neglect, wickedness, and sinfulness that hurts Him and makes Him bleed in abundance. In the Gospels, Jesus expresses His sorrow over humanity’s waywardness, lamenting how often He has longed to gather His flock together and how they were unwilling (Matthew 23:37). This touching comparison illustrates the bitter pain experienced as a result of the disregard by people of His affectionate love and insight. To console the heart of Jesus, souls are asked to render Him a place in their hearts, which is an expression of personal, devoted friendship built on love, faith, and obedience. Reciprocally, they will experience that peace and joy which Jesus has for them.

Persistent daily prayer and meditation are essential in order to grow in an intimate relationship with Jesus. As a result of prayer, particularly Mass, Rosaries, Way of the Cross, and Eucharistic Adoration, souls give their hearts to Jesus and speak to Him about joys, sorrows, and aspirations. Setting up a routine of meditation and prayer will be of great help as it will help one to move Jesus to the center of their life. Through this, they will become able to dialogue with Him personally on a daily basis as their relationship keeps on evolving. Daily practice can be our lifeboat in trials of life, delivering us to the Heart of Jesus.

Acts of charity and love also align with giving Jesus a place in our hearts, fulfilling His commandment to love one another (John 13:34-35). These manifestations of love, such as kindness, charity, and service to the less fortunate, are the most possible and powerful. By serving others, souls show their love for Jesus in action, as they imitate His compassion and mercy. This service is further emphasized in the teaching that whatever is done for the least of His brothers and sisters is done for Him (Matthew 25:40). Generous acts of charity allow Christians to spread God’s love in the world, and people in need witness our good deeds, realizing and being inspired by the presence of the light of the world.

The divine appeal includes dedication of one’s life in totality, so that Christ would live in one’s mind, heart, and body. By following Mary’s example of complete surrender (Luke 1:18) souls can open their hearts to receive Jesus fully. Sister Anna Ali's testimony reinforces this call for deep personal devotion. This unified approach does not just console Jesus but also transform humanity, among which they become burning lamps of Christ, whose love and peace continue to illuminate the universe. May we, like Sister Anna Ali and the Blessed Mother Mary, open our hearts fully to Jesus, embracing His love and sharing it with others, thus relieving the sorrow of His Heart and becoming true instruments of His grace and peace.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 20, 2024

Monday after Pentecost                                        (White)

Memorial of Our Lady, Mother of the Church   

LH: Office of the memorial, Week III

Mass of the memorial, Gloria, proper readings

FIRST READING
‘The offspring of the woman will crush your’
A reading from the book of Genesis (Genesis 3:9-15, 20)

After Adam had eaten of the tree, the Lord God called him and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me – she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it. “The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will stride at you head, while you strike at his heel.” The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all those who live.

The Word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 86 

R/. Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!

On the holy mountain is his city
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Zion
to all Jacob’s dwellings. R/.

Of you are told glorious things,
O city of God!
‘Zion shall be called “Mother”
for all shall be her children R/.

It is he, the Lord Most High,
who gives each his place.
In his register of peoples he writes:
‘These are her children,’
and while they dance they will sing:
‘In you all find their home,’ R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia. 

Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from you arose the sun of justice, Christ our God.

Alleluia. 

GOSPEL
‘Behold your son. Behold your mother.’
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John (John 19:25-34)

Stand by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciples there whom he loved, he said to his mother. “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold you mother,” And from that hour the disciples took her into his home. After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled. Jesus said, “I thirst.” There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth. When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head he handed over the spirit. Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, for the Sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and them of the other one who was crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 19, 2024

Pentecost Sunday, Solemnity    (Red)

LH: Office of the solemnity of Pentecost

Mass proper, Gloria, Creed, Preface of Pentecost 

 FIRST READING
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in other tongues.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1- 11)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and wondered, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Ps 104: lab and 24ac.29bc-3tJ.31 and 34 (R. cf. 30)

R/. Lord, send forth your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Or: Alleluia.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!
O Lord my God, how great you are.
How many are your works, O Lord!
The earth is full of your creatures. R/.

You take away their breath, they die,
returning to the dust from which they came.
You send forth your spirit, and they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth. R/.

May the glory of the LORD last forever!
May the Lord rejoice in his works !
May my thoughts be pleasing to him.
I will rejoice in the Lord. R/.

SECOND READING
“The fruit of the Spirit.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Galatians (Galatians 5:16-25)

Brethren: Walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. 
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are plain: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another.

The word of the Lord.

SEQUENCE (prose text) Sequence (prose text)

Come, Holy Spirit,
and from heaven direct on man the rays of your light. Come, Father of the poor;
come, giver of God’s gifts; come, light of men’s hearts.
Kindly Paraclete, in your gracious visits to man’s soul you bring relief and consolation.
If it is weary with toil, you bring it ease;
in the heat of temptation, your grace cools it; if sorrowful, your words console it.
Light most blessed, shine on the hearts of your faithful— even into their darkest corners;
for without your aid man can do nothing good, and everything is sinful.
Wash clean the sinful soul,
rain down your grace on the parched soul and heal the injured soul.
Soften the hard heart,
cherish and warm the ice-cold heart, and give direction to the wayward.
Give your seven holy gifts to your faithful, for their trust is in you.
Give them reward for their virtuous acts; give them a death that ensures salvation; give them unending bliss. Amen. Alleluia.

OR THE FOLLOWING:

SEQUENCE (poetic text)

Come, Holy Spirit, come! And from thy celestial home
Shed a ray of light divine!
Come, Father of the poor! Come, source of all our store!
Come, within our bosoms shine!
Thou, of comforters the best;
Thou, the soul’s most welcome guest;
Sweet refreshment here below;
In our labour, rest most sweet; Grateful coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe. O most blessed Light divine,
Shine within these hearts of thine,
And our inmost being fill!
Where thou art not, man has naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
Heal our wounds,
our strength renew;
On our dryness pour thy 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 thee, evermore
In thy sev’nfold gift descend;
Give them virtue’s sure reward;
Give them thy salvation,
Lord; Give them joys that never end.
Amen. Alleluia.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Alleluia. 

Come, O Holy Spirit, fil1 the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love.

 Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“The Spirit of truth will guide you into all the truth.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 15:26-27; 16: 12-15)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “When the Counsellor comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me; and you also are witnesses, because you have been with me from the beginning. “I have yet many things to say to you, but you can- not bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR MAY 18, 2024

Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day , Week III

Morning Mass of the day, Preface of Easter

FIRST READING
He lived in Rome, preaching the kingdom of God.
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 28: 16-20.30-31)

When we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier that guarded him. After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews; and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brethren, though I had done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar — though I had no charge to bring against my nation. For this reason therefore I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” And he lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalms 11:4.5and7 (R.7b)

R/. The upright shall behold your face, O Lord.
Or: Alleluia.

The Lord is in his holy temple;
The throne of the Lord is in heaven.
His eyes behold the world;
His gaze probes the children of men. R/.

The Lord inspects the just and the wicked;
The lover of violence he hates.
For the Lord is just and loves deeds of justice;
The upright shall behold his face. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

John16:7.13

Alleluia. 

I will send the Spirit of truth to you, says the Lord; he will guide you into all the truth. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“This is the disciple who has written these things, and his testimony is true.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 21:20-25)

At that time: Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

The Gospel of the Lord.

DIVINE APPEAL 87

 ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“My heart is wounded by sin and torn by grief.”

“My daughter, pray a great deal. Bring Me souls. I want to forgive. 

I want souls to know that My heart is overflowing with love and mercy.

My own... cannot realise how greatly they relieve the sorrow of My 

Heart by giving Me a place in their own hearts. Many accept when 

I visit them in Holy Communion but few welcome Me when I visit 

them with My Cross.

What a pain to Me that the world is full of perils. Many souls are

dragged towards sin and constantly they need visible or invisible

help. Many do not know how much they can do to draw near to Me.

My Heart is so much wounded by sin and torn by grief.

I am thirsting for souls. It was My great love for mankind that made

Me suffer the most ignominious contempt and horrible tortures.

In the Sacrament of My Love I remain day and night as a prisoner in

the tabernacle for love of repentant sinners. Pray a great deal. Do not

complain about your sufferings. I desire you to suffer silently. Let

Me work in you and save souls silently. Forget everything and above

all forget yourself for the sake of saving souls. Many abuse and spit

on Me in My Divine and Living Sacrament.

Pray a great deal and cloister souls in your heart.

I am thirsting for souls.”

“I give My blessings.”

16th 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 MAY 17, 2024

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter     (White)

LH: Office of the day , Week III

Mass of the day, Preface of Easter

FIRST READING
“Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 25: 13b-21)

In those days: Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to welcome Festus. And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a man left prisoner by Felix; and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews gave information about him, asking for sentence against him. I answered them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give up any one before the accused met the accusers face to face, and had opportunity to make his defence concerning the charge laid against him. When therefore they came together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal and ordered the man brought in. When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge in his case of such evils as I supposed; but they had certain points of dispute with him about their own superstition and about one Jesus, who was dead, but whom Paul asserted to be alive. Being at a loss how to investigate these questions, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there regarding them. But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 103:1-2.11-12.19-20ab (R. 19a)

R/. The Lord has fixed his throne in heaven.
Or: Alleluia.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all within me, his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and never forget all his benefits. R/.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so strong his mercy for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west,
so far from us does he remove
our transgressions. R/.

The Lord has fixed his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom is ruling over all.
Bless the Lord, all you his angels,
mighty in power, fulfilling his word. 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

“Feed my lambs, tend my sheep.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 21: 15-19)

When [Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and] they had finished breakfast, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the 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. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you fastened your own belt and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will fasten your belt for you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to him, “Follow me.”

The Gospel of the Lord.