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Sunday, June 30, 2024

HOLINESS LEADING TO HEAVEN

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 100

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 100: "I assure you by My Divine fidelity that I need souls. I am crying for them. There are no more souls who go straight to heaven, instead they go to perdition. I do not want anyone to perish."

The core of Jesus' purpose is made clear in His Divine Appeal: to find and rescue the lost and bring every soul into the loving arms of God. Today, this divine appeal is more urgent than ever, as many remain unaware of Jesus or reject Him, much like the people of Nazareth did during His earthly ministry. Many souls do not know Jesus, either because they have never heard of Him or because they have encountered distorted representations of His message. Others dismiss His divinity and the salvation He offers. This disbelief mirrors Jesus' experience in His hometown, where His own people rejected Him. Belief in Jesus is not merely an intellectual assent but a profound trust in His love and sacrifice. Through this belief, we receive the grace to become children of God and inherit eternal life. As followers of Christ, our faith should draw others to Him. Our deeds of justice, mercy, and love serve as evidence of Jesus' existence in our lives.

To "be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect," is Jesus' command to strive for holiness. This call is a journey of growth and change in God's grace, shaping our lives to reflect the teachings of Christ, despite challenges and temptations. In a world dominated by vanities, immorality, and secularism, striving for holiness can seem countercultural. Yet, our witness is needed precisely in this corrupt world. We are called to be saints, living lives of virtue and integrity, shining as lights in the darkness. Many souls have separated from the Church and sacraments, lured by worldly pleasures. The sacraments are vital means of grace, providing strength and nourishment for holy lives. We must pray for those who have drifted away, asking the Holy Spirit to draw them back. Our prayers and outreach can lead them to the sacraments, where they encounter God's transformative grace.

Jesus' appeal compels us to evangelize through holy deeds—acts of kindness, compassion, and service. These actions demonstrate Christ's love and invite others to experience the joy and peace of knowing Jesus. In this mission, we can draw inspiration from Sr. Anna Ali, whose life of profound faith and dedication to Jesus' message serves as a model for us all. By learning from and imitating Sr. Anna Ali's example, we respond to His cry for souls with fervent prayer, faithful witness, and a commitment to living out the Gospel. Through our efforts, may we lead many souls to the eternal embrace of our loving Savior.

DIVINE APPEAL 100


ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“I want many to know My clemency.”

“I speak to you My daughter, let Me in. I come to seek for souls that 
I love so much. Pray a great deal. In the Sacrament of My Love give
Me company. Do not waste any of these precious times. Bring Me 
souls. I assure you by My Divine fidelity that I need souls. I am 
crying for them. There are no more souls who go straight to heaven, 
instead they go to perdition. I do not want anyone to perish. I do not
release you because I want you to bring Me souls. Time is short for 
saving souls. Do not be afraid to suffer for souls. Suffer to gain souls 
for Me. The pain of your loneliness in which I leave you in makes up
for many ingratitude and abuses of which I am the object. Pray and
give Me water in My thirst. You are a victim in the Sacrament of
My Love.

I want many to know My clemency. In the prison of My tabernacle I
wait for souls with My open hands. I want souls to be saved. Watch
with Me and adore My hunger and love for souls. Pray a great deal
and atone. What a pain to see many souls on the way to perdition!

Follow My words. I need your obedience. Put yourself in the most
high spirit of contemplation. Pray a great deal and cloister souls in
your heart. Do not waste any of these precious moments.”

“I bless you.”

2.00 a.m., 26th March 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 JULY 1, 2024

Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Weekday (Green)

LH: Office of the Day, Week I

Mass of the Choice

FIRST READING
“They trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth.”
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Amos (Amos 2:6-10.13-16)

Thus says the Lord: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they sell the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes — they that trample the head of the poor into the dust of the earth, and turn aside the way of the afflicted; a man and his father go in to the same maiden, so that my holy name is profaned; they lay themselves down beside every altar upon garments taken in pledge; and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined. “Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and who was as strong as the oaks; I destroyed his fruit above, and his roots beneath. Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. “Behold, I will press you down in your place, as a cart full of sheaves presses down. Flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not retain his strength, nor shall the mighty save his life; he who handles the bow shall not stand, and he who is swift of foot shall not save himself, nor shall he who rides the horse save his life; and he who is stout of heart among the mighty shall flee away naked in that day,” says the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Ps 50:16bc-17.18 - 20.21.22-23 (R. 22a)

R/. Mark this, you who are forgetful of God.

“How can you recite my commandments,
and take my covenant on your lips,
you who despise correction,
and cast my words behind you?” R/.

“You who see a thief and befriend him,
who throw in your lot with adulterers,
who unbridle your mouth for evil,
and yoke your tongue to deceit,
you who sit and malign your own brother,
and slander your own mother’s son?” R/.

R/. Mark this, you who are forgetful of God.
“You do this, and should I keep silence?
Do you think that I am like you?
I accuse you, lay the charge before you.” R/.

“Mark this, you who are forgetful of God,
lest l seize you and none can deliver you.
A sacrifice of praise gives me honour,
and to one whose way is blameless,
I will show the salvation of God.” R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Psalm 95:7d.8a

Alleluia. 

Today, harden not your hearts, but listen to the voice of the Lord. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Follow Me’
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 8: 18-22)

At that time: When Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Saturday, June 29, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 30, 2024

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B   (Green)

Mass of the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

LH: Office of the Thirteenth Sunday, Week I

Gloria, Creed, Preface of Sundays in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
“Through ’the devil’s envy death entered the world.”
A reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24)

God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living. For he created all things that they might exist, and the creatures of the world are wholesome, and there is no destructive poison in them; and the dominion of Hades is not on earth. For righteousness is immortal. For God created man for incorruption, and made him in the image of his own eternity, but through the devil’s envy death entered the world, and those who belong to his party experience it.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Ps 30:2 and 4.5-6.11-12a and 13b (R. 2a)

R/. I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up.

I will extol you, Lord, for you have raised me up,
and have not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord, you have lifted up my soul from the grave,
restored me to life from those who sink into the pit. R/.

Sing psalms to the Lord, you faithful ones;
give thanks to his holy name.
His anger lasts a moment; his favour all through life.
At night there are tears, but at dawn comes joy. R/.

Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
be my helper, O Lord.
You have changed my mourning into dancing,
O Lord my God, I will thank you forever. R/.

SECOND READING
“Your abundance should supply their want.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15)

Brethren: As you excel in everything — in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in your love for us — see that you excel in this gracious work also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality. As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 
2 Timothy 1: 10

Alleluia. 

Our Saviour Christ Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Little girl, I say to you, arise.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 5:21-43)

*At that time: When Jesus had crossed in the boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, a great crowd gathered about him; and he was beside the sea. Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and seeing him, he fell at his feet, and begged him, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” And he went with him.* And a great crowd followed him and thronged about him. And there was a Woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard reports about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I shall be made well.” And immediately the haemorrhage ceased; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone forth from him, immediately turned about in the crowd, and said, “Who touched my garments?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?”’ And he looked around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had been done to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
While he was still speaking, * there came from the ruler’s house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” But ignoring what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. When they came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, he saw a tumult, and people weeping and wailing loudly. And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a tumult and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi”; which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” And immediately the girl got up and walked; for she was twelve years old. And immediately they were overcome with amazement. And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

The Gospel of the Lord. *

Friday, June 28, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 29, 2024

Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Weekday   (Red)

Solemnity of  Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles

LH: Office of the Solemnity

Mass of the Solemnity, Gloria, Creed, Preface of St Peter and St Paul

FIRST READING
“Now I am sure that the Lord has rescued me from the hand of Herod.”
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 12: 1- 11)

In those days: Herod the king laid violent hands upon some who belonged to the Church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword; and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison; but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Church. The very night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison; and behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” And he went out and followed him; he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened to them of its own accord, and they went out and passed on through one street; and immediately the angel left him. And Peter came to himself, and said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Ps 34:2-3.4-5.6-7.5-9 (R. cf. 5b)

R/. From all my terrors, the Lord set me free.

I will bless the Lord at all times,
praise of him is always in my mouth.
In the Lord my soul shall make its boast;
the humble shall hear and be glad. R/.

Glorify the Lord with me;
together let us praise his name.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
from all my terrors he set me free. R/.

Look towards him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
This lowly one called; the Lord heard,
and rescued him from all his distress. R/.

The angel of the Lord is encamped
around those who fear him, to rescue them.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessed the man who seeks refuge in him. R/.

SECOND READING
“From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.”
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17- 18)

Beloved: I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to proclaim the word fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Matthew 16:18

Alleluia. 

You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“You are Peter and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 16:13-19)

At that time: When Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon BarJona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Thursday, June 27, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 28, 2024

Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Weekday (Red)

Memorial of St. Irenaeus 

LH: Office of the Memorial, Week IV

Mass of the Memorial

FIRST READING
Judah was taken into exile of its land
A reading from the second Book of Kings (2 Kings 25:1-12)

In the ninth year of the reign of Zedekiah, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came with all his army against Jerusalem, and laid siege to it; and they built siege works against it round about. So the city was besieged till the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. Then a breach was made in the city; the king with all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, by the king’s garden, though the Chaldeans were around the city. And they went in the direction of Arbah. But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho; and all his army was scattered from him. Then they captured the king, and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, who passed sentence upon him. They slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him in fetters, and took him to Babylon. In the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month – which was the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon – Nebuzaradan, the captain of the bodyguard, a servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. And he burned the house of the Lord, and the king’s house and all the house of Jerusalem; every great house he burned down. And all the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls around Jerusalem. And the rest of the people who were left in the city and the deserters who had deserted to the king in Babylon, together with the rest of the multitude, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried into exile. But the captain of the guard left some of the poorest of the land to be vinedressers and ploughmen.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6(R 6ab)

R/. O let my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not!

By the rivers of Babylon
There we sat and wept,
Remembering Sion;
On the poplars that grew there
We hung up our harps. R/.

For it was there that they asked us,
Our captors, for songs,
Our oppressors, for joy.
“Sing to us,” they said,
“one of Sion’s songs.”. R/.

O how could we sing
The song of the Lord
On foreign soil?
If I forget you, Jerusalem,
Let my right hand wither! R/.

O let my tongue
Cleave to my plate
If I remember you not,
If I prize not Jerusalem
As the first of my joys! R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 
Matthew 8:17

Alleluia. 

Christ took our infirmities and bore our diseases. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“If you will, you can make me clean.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 8: 1-4)

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Wednesday, June 26, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 27, 2024

Thursday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Weekday (Green)

Optional Memorial of St. Cyril of Alexandria, Bishop and Doctor        (White)

LH: Office of the Day or Memorial, Week IV

Mass of the Choice

FIRST READING
The king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon Jehoiachin and all the men of valour.
A reading from the second Book of Kings (2 Kings 24:8-17)

Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Nehushta the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father had done. At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city, while his servants were besieging it; and Jehoiachin the king of Judah gave himself up to the king of Babylon, himself, and his mother, and his servants, and his princes, and his palace officials. The king of Babylon took him prisoner in the eighth year of his reign, and carried off all the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the Lord had foretold. He carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valour, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; none remained, except the poorest people of the land. And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon; the king’s mother, the king’s wives, his officials, and the chief men of the land, he took into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. And the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon all the men of valour, seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths, one thousand, all of them strong and fit for war. And the King of Babylon made Mattainah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekiah.

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm79:1-2.3-5.8.9 (R. 9bc)

R/. For the sake of the glory of your name, free us, O Lord.

O God, the nations have invaded your heritage;
They have profaned your holy temple.
They have made Jerusalem a heap of ruins.
They have handed over the bodies of your servants
As food to feed the birds of heaven,
and the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth. R/.

They have poured out their blood like water round Jerusalem;
no one is left to bury the dead.
We have become the taunt of our neighbours,
The mockery and scorn of those around us.
How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealous anger burn like fire? R/.

Do not remember against us
The guilt of former times.
Let your compassion hasten to meet us;
For we have been brought very low. R/.

Help us, O God our savior,
For the sake of the glory of your name.
Free us and forgive us our sins,
Because of your name. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
John14:23

Alleluia. 

If a man loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
The house built upon the rock and the house built upon the sand.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew7:21-29)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Not every one who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers. ’ Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came; and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it.” And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 26, 2024

Wednesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Weekday (Green)

Optional Memorial of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, Priest         (White)

LH: Office of the Day or Memorial, Week IV

Mass of the Choice

FIRST READING
The king read all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord and made a covenant before the Lord.
A reading from the second Book of Kings (2 Kings 22:8-13; 23: 1-3)

In those days: Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. And Shaphan the secretary came to the king, and reported to the king, “Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of the Lord.” Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. And when the king heard the words. of the i›ook of the lay, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah thy priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah; and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that‘ has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning Its.” Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found in the house of the Lord. And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his covenants and his statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book; and all the people joined in the covenant.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 119:33.34.35.3é*.37.40 (R. 33a)

R/. Lord, teach me the way of your statutes.

Lord, teach me the way of your statutes,
and I will keep them to the end. R/.

Grant me insight that I may keep your law,
and observe it wholeheartedly. R/.

Guide me in the path of your commands;
for in them is my delight. R/.

Bend my heart to your decrees,
and not to wrongful gain. R/.

Turn my eyes from gazing on vanities;
in your way, give me life. R/.

See, I long for your precepts;
give me life by your justice. 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
“You will know then by their fruits.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 7: 15-20)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Monday, June 24, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 25, 2024

Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Weekday (Green)

LH: Office of the Day, Week IV

Mass of the Choice

FIRST READING
“I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of David.”
A reading from the second Book of Kings (2 Kings 19:9b- l1.14-21.31-35a.36)

In those days: Sennacherib king of Assyria sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God on whom you rely deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, destroying them utterly. And shall you be delivered?” Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said: “O Lord the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. Of a truth, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone; therefore they were destroyed. So now, O Lord our God, save us, I beg you, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.” Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Your prayer to me about Sennacherib king of Assyria I have heard. This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him: “She despises you, she scorns you — the virgin daughter of Zion; she wags her head behind you — the daughter of Jerusalem.” For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord will do this. Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, says the Lord. For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.” And that night the angel of the Lord went forth, and slew a hundred and eighty- five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went home, and dwelt at Nineveh.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 48:2-3ab.3cd-4. I 11-11 (R. see 9cd)

R/. God establishes his city forever.

Great is the Lord and highly to be praised
in the city of our God.
His holy mountain rises in beauty,
the joy of all the earth. R/.

Mount Sion, in the heart of the North,
the city of the Mighty King!
God, in the midst of its citadels,
has shown himself its stronghold. R/.

Your merciful love, O God,
we ponder in your temple.
Your praise, O God, like your name,
reaches the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with saving justice. 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
“Whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 7:6. 12-14)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Sunday, June 23, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 24, 2024

Monday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Weekday   (White)

Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist.

LH: Office of the Solemnity

Mass of the Solemnity, Gloria, Creed, Preface of St. John the Baptist 

FIRST READING
“I will give you as a light to the nations.”

A reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 49:1-6)

Listen to me, O Islands, and pay attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.” And now the Lord says, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honoured in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength — he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 139:1-3. 13- 14.15 (R. 14a)

R/. I thank you who wonderfully made me.

O Lord, you search me and you know me.
You yourself know my resting and my rising;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You mark when I walk or lie down;
you know all my ways through and through. R/.

For it was you who formed my inmost being,
knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I thank you who wonderfully made me;
how wonderful are your works,
which my soul knows well! R/.

My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being fashioned in secret
and moulded in the depths of the earth. R/.

SECOND READING

John had preached before Christ’s coming,
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 13:22-26)

In those days: Paul said, “God raised up David to be our fathers’ king; of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in David, the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will. ’ Of this man’s posterity God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as he promised. Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ “Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.”

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
 
Luke 1:76

Alleluia. 

You, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“His name is John.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1:57-66.80)

Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. And her neighbours and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said, “Not so; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your kindred is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he would have him called. And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all marvelled. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbours. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea; and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Saturday, June 22, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 23, 2024

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B   (Green)

Mass of the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

LH: Office of the Twelfth Sunday, Week IV

Gloria, Creed, Preface of Sundays in Ordinary Time

FIRST READING
Here I have prescribed bounds for the sea.
A reading from the Book of Job (Job 38:1, 8-11)

The lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth from the womb; when I made clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Ps l07:23-24.25-26.28-29.30-3 I (R. 1)

R/. O give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his mercy endures forever!

Some went down to the sea in ships,
to trade on the mighty waters.
These have seen the deeds of the Lord;
the wonders he does in the deep. R/.

For he spoke and raised up the storm-wind,
tossing high the waves of the sea
that surged to heaven and dropped to the depths.
Their souls melted away in their distress. R/.

Then they cried to the Lord in their need,
and he rescued them from their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper,
and the waves of the sea were hushed. R/.

They rejoiced because of the calm,
and he led them to the haven they desired.
Let them thank the LORD for his mercy,
his wonders for the children of men. R/.

SECOND READING
“Behold, the new has come.”
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 5:14- 17)

Brethren: The love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, that those who live might live no longer for them- selves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh; even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Luke 7:16

Alleluia. 

A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his people. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL

“Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?”
 A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 4:35-41)

On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.”. And leaving the crowd, they took him with them, just as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the. Cushion; and they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?”

The Gospel of the Lord.

HAVE NO FEAR

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 99

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 99: "Have no fear. The power of the evil one is not greater than Mine. Do not worry."

Our strong Catholic faith is crucial and more necessary than ever during these difficult times. We have to hold firm to our faith in the Church's teachings and the actual presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and the sacraments at large. Though it may appear overpowering, the power of Christ is greater than the strength of evil. The early apostles' steadfast faith which persisted even in the face of martyrdom inspires us. The strength of trust in the risen Christ is demonstrated by their bravery in the face of persecution.

Saint John Paul II, whose entire papacy was marked by the fearless proclamation of the Gospel, often invoked this divine assurance. In his inaugural address, he boldly declared, "Be not afraid! Open wide the doors to Christ!" In spite of extreme persecution and personal suffering, millions of people were inspired to put their faith in God's higher power by this appeal to courage that echoed the words of Jesus. Saint John Paul II exhorted Christians to "put out into the deep" with courage and faith in his Apostolic Letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, even if it entails suffering or martyrdom. He urged us to look up, set high priorities, and have faith in a future of justice, peace, and unity because God has planned a hopeful future for us.

May we, like Sr. Anna Ali, foster an intense prayer life, trusting in Our Adorable Jesus completely with our lives and worries. Let us spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, allowing His real presence to envelop us with peace and fortify our spirits. By living out our faith with courage and dedication, we become beacons of His light in a troubled world. In these most trying times, our unwavering Catholic faith is essential. Let us continue to firmly maintain our faith in the Church's teachings and the actual presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Remembering Jesus' declaration that His strength is greater than any force we face and will help us as we confront the fierce attacks of evil. By entrusting our lives to Him and allowing His peace to reign in our hearts, we can live without fear, confident in His victory and love.

DIVINE APPEAL 99

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1


“In the Sacrament of My Love, I am submerged in an ocean of grief.”

“My daughter, I stay in the tabernacle that all may come and find 
consolation and find all they need in My Love. It is this great love
which keeps Me day and night a prisoner in the tabernacle. Pray 
a great deal. Spend these dark hours with Me. Give Me company. 
Outrages and all the nameless abominations are committed against 
Me, passing before My eyes from My own... With tears, My heart 
is in search of souls. These are My feelings. I desire you to dress the 
wounds caused in the body of My Eucharist by My own...

Let Me plunge your soul in bitterness. Have no fear. The power of
the evil one is not greater than Mine. Do not worry. Let Me help
you and pour out all the feelings of My heart. Give Me yourself and
make reparation for the sacrileges that I receive from My own... I
am here to reveal to you the painful feelings of My Heart. In the
Sacrament of My Love I am submerged in an ocean of grief. Share
My agony.

Time is approaching. I assure him that many will turn away from
Me. Many will hear My call and they will not listen. My sacred
places will be blasphemed. Never before has the world needed
prayers like the present time. I must speak to the souls before it is
too late. Contemplate Me in this state of ignominy. Look at My pains
and let yourself be guided by grace and by the desire to console Me.
I am so lonely.

What more could I have suffered for mankind! The souls I love so
much do not understand Me. I willingly endured all the pains in
order to draw mankind to follow My way and have eternal life. Pray
more and bring Me souls.

My daughter, spend these dark hours with Me. Pray and atone
for souls. Contemplate Me in this state of ignominy. Give Me
your adoration and reparation. I am thirsting. Bring Me souls. My
great love for mankind keeps Me always watching beneath My
Sacramental veil. I am so lonely like a terrified child with no one to
hold on to. I am in search of love and consolation.

The souls I love so much do not understand Me. The ingratitude
of... continuously pains Me. Abused and blasphemed I remain in the
tabernacle. Led by the devil... labour hard to abolish My presence.
I am calling them all back to My sheepfold. If they do not they will
only know desolation. The anger of My Eternal Father is flowing. I
come to seek shade. I let you spend these hours with My feelings.
I do not want anyone to perish. I feel pain to see very many souls
on the way to perdition. In the front line,... Satan wants victory over
all souls. These times demand accelerated action. Freemasons hurl
themselves against the Church using My own...

These are grave moments. What a pain! The majority of... have
degraded the nobility of their ministry through living superficially
and not holding fast to the greatness of the works they have received.
Bending over the world, I pity the souls that I entrusted to them. I
wish to pour My Mercy in their hearts. Pray and implore mercy for
them.”

“I give My blessings.”

3.00 a.m., 2nd March 1988

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

Friday, June 21, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 22, 2024

Saturday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Weekday     (Green)

Optional Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary                  (White)

Optional Memorial of St Paulinus of Nola, Bishop              (White)

Optional Memorial of St Thomas More, Martyr and St John Fisher, Bishop and Martyr  (Red)

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

Morning Mass of the Day or one of the memorials

FIRST READING
You murdered Zechariah between the sanctuary and the altar (Mt 23.35)
A reading from the second Book of Chronicles (2 Chronicles 24: 17-25)

After the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and did obeisance to the king; then the king listened to them. And they forsook the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their guilt. Yet he sent prophets among them to bring them back to the Lord; these testified against them, but they would not give heed. Then the Spirit of God took possession of Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.”’ But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord. Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge!” At the end of the year the army of the Syrians came up against Joash. They came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. Though the army of the Syrians had come with few men, the Lord delivered into their hand a very great army, because they had forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers. Thus they executed judgement on Joash. When they had departed from him, leaving him severely wounded, his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on his bed. So he died; and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Ps 89:4-5.29-30.31-32.33-34 (R. cf. 29a)

R/. I will keep my faithful love for him always.

“With my chosen one I have made a covenant;
I have sworn to David my servant:
I will establish your descendants forever,
and set up your throne through all ages.” R/.

“I will keep my faithful love for him always;
with him my covenant shall last.
I will establish his descendants forever,
and his throne as lasting as the days of heaven.” R/.

 “If his descendants forsake my law
and refuse to walk as I decree,
and if ever they violate my statutes,
failing to keep my commands.” R/.

“Then I will punish their offences with the rod;
then I will scourge them on account of their guilt.
But I will never take back my mercy;
my fidelity will never fail.” 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
“Do not be anxious about tomorrow. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 6:24-34)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Thursday, June 20, 2024

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR JUNE 21, 2024

Friday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Weekday (White)

Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga 

LH: Office of the Memorial, Week III

Mass of the Memorial

FIRST READING
They anointed Joash king and said, “Long live the king!”
A reading from the second Book of Kings (2 Kings 11:1-4.9-18, 20)

In those days: When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal family. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were about to be slain, and she put him and his nurse in a bedchamber. Thus she hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not slain; and he remained with her six years, hid in the house of the Lord, while Athaliah reigned over the land. But in the seventh year Jehoiada sent and brought the captains of the Carites and of the guards, and had them come to him in the house of the Lord; and he made a covenant with them and put them under oath in the house of the Lord, and he showed them the king’s son. The captains did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded, and each brought his men who were to go off duty on the sabbath, with those who were to come on duty on the sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest. And the priest delivered to the captains the spears and shields that had been King David’s, which were in the house of the Lord; and the guards stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the south side of the house to, the north side of the house, around the altar and the house. Then he brought out the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the covenant; and they proclaimed him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, “Long live the king!” When Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she went into the house of the Lord to the people; and when she looked, there was the king standing by the pillar, according to the custom, and the captains and the trumpeters beside the king, and all the people of the land rejoicing and blowing trumpets. And Athaliah tore her clothes, and cried, “Treason! Treason!” Then Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains who were set over the army, “Bring her out between the ranks; and slay with the sword any one who follows her.” For the priest said, “Let her not be slain in the house of the Lord.” So they laid hands on her; and she went through the horses’ entrance to the king’s house, and there she was slain. And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people, that they should be the Lord’s people; and also between the king and the people. Then all the people of the land went to the house of Baal, and tore it down; his altars and his images they broke in pieces, and they slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest posted watchmen over the house of the Lord. So all the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the king’s house.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 132:11.12. 13-14.17-18 (R. 13)

R/. The Lord has chosen Sion, he has desired it for his dwelling.

The Lord swore an oath to David;
he will not go back on his word:
“A son, the fruit of your body,
will I set upon your throne. R/.

If your sons hold fast to my covenant,
and my laws that I have taught them,
their sons, in turn, shall sit
on your throne from age to age.” R/.

For the Lord has chosen Sion;
he has desired it for his dwelling:
“This is my resting-place from age to age;
here have I chosen to dwell.” R/.

“I will make a stock sprout up for! David;
I will prepare a lamp for my anointed.
I will cover his enemies with shame,
but on him my crown shall shine.” R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Matthew 5:3

Alleluia. 

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

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 6:19-23)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

SUFFERING FOR THE GLORY OF CHRIST

 Divine Appeal Reflection  - 98

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 98: "Keep going. Do not stop. I kept going on the road to Calvary and in spite of such agony, I got there.  Gaze on Me and find courage." 

Jesus' journey to Calvary exemplifies unparalleled love and unwavering obedience to God's will. Even though He endured betrayal, physical torment, and emotional suffering, He was able to continue because of the love for humanity as well as to complete the plan of the Father, which is redemption. This profound sacrifice is captured in Hebrews 12:2, which calls humanity to look at Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame. The Psalms reassure us of God's constant presence and guidance, particularly in times of trial and darkness, affirming that He is our shepherd who leads us beside quiet waters and restores our souls (Psalm 23:1-3).

Suffering should therefore be viewed as a redemptive process for Jesus in His journey to Calvary. His sacrificial death on the cross opened the door to eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe in Him (John 3:16). This act of redemption calls upon souls to join their own crosses with the Cross of Christ, knowing that in the midst of these afflictions, they are co-redeemers. Romans 8:17 reminds us that whoever suffers for the sake of Christ also suffers for the glory of Christ.

On our individual paths of sorrow and joy, success and failure, health and sickness ,let us remember the teachings and actions of Our Adorable Jesus. By looking at Him, we are enabled to fight our struggles and overcome our falls, thus living a redeemed life. The suffering and sacrifices that Sister Anna Ali made for the sake of saving souls is a modern-day example of the divine appeal message. Her faith was unshaken, and her union with the suffering Christ offers souls hope in the midst of suffering fully endured. Through Jesus' grace, we can press on, knowing that our ultimate destination is eternal union with Our Adorable Jesus (1 Peter 4:13).

DIVINE APPEAL 98

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“I am like the hunter who would let himself be wounded to death in
order to lure his coveted prey.”

“My daughter, pray a great deal. Keep going. Do not stop. I kept 
going on the road to Calvary and in spite of such agony, I got there. 
Gaze on Me and find courage. My love knows no seasons. I am the 
changeless one. Give Me even the rhythm of your breathing and not 
only of the body but of your stream of your thoughts. I always 
accompany my faithful ones and give strength and comfort to those 
who suffer for Me. You are in My Heart though you feel you are far 
from Me. Hide Me in your heart as though in this way you could save 
Me from wounds, insults, blasphemies and abuses. For I receive them 
above all in My Divine Sacrament from... to whom I entrusted my 
children.

There is your heart to console Me with your sufferings. Do not get
the idea that it is only prayers that console Me. Rest on Me. Do not
grow weary of looking at Me. Do not waste any of your precious
suffering. Bring Me souls. I suffer and thirst for souls.
I am like the hunter who would let himself be wounded to death in
order to lure his coveted prey... I tell him to go with My living words
continually and find sinners for Me.

Never before has the world needed prayers as at this tragic times.
My Heart is full of tears to see many innocent souls on the way
to perdition. My Eternal Father’s anger is flowing. Pray and atone
to appease His wrath and console Me. Drenched with blood I am
walking through the multitudes of souls. My Mercy is followed by
Divine Justice.

Pray and cloister souls in your heart. Implore mercy for them. Do
not fear to suffer. Rest in Me.”

“I give My blessing.”

1st March 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 JUNE 20, 2024

Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Weekday (Green)

Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Consolata               (White)

LH: Office of the Day or Memorial, Week III

Mass of the Choice

FIRST READING
“Elijah was covered by the whirlwind, and Elisha was filled with his spirit.”
A reading from the Book of Sirach (Sirach 48: 1 - 14)

The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch. He brought a famine upon them, and by his zeal he made them few in number. By the word of the Lord he shut up the heavens, and also three times brought down fire. How glorious you were, O Elijah, in your wondrous, deeds! And who has the right to boast which you have? You who raised a corpse from death and from Hades, by the word of the Most High; who brought kings down to destruction, and famous men from their beds, and easily destroyed their dominion; who heard rebuke at Sinai and judgements of vengeance at Horeb; who anointed kings to inflict retribution, and prophets to succeed you. You who were taken up by a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with horses of fire; you who are ready at the appointed time, it is written, to calm the wrath of God before it breaks out in fury, to turn the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob. Blessed are those who saw you, and those who have fallen asleep in your love; for we also shall surely live, but our name, after death, will not be such. It was Elijah who was covered by the whirlwind, and Elisha was filled with his spirit; in all his days he did not tremble before any ruler, and no one brought him into subjection. Nothing was too hard for him, and when he was dead his body prophesied. As in his life he did wonders, so in death his deeds were marvellous.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORI AL PSALM 
Psalm 97:1-2.3-4, 5-6. 7(R. 12a)

R/. Rejoice in the Lord, you just.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice;
let the many islands be glad.
Cloud and darkness surround him;
justice and right are the foundation of his throne. R/.

A fire prepares his path;
it bums up his foes on every side.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth looks on and trembles. R/.

The mountains melt like wax 
before the face of the Lord,
before the face of the Lord of all the earth.
The skies proclaim his justice; 
all peoples see his glory. R/.

Let those who serve idols be ashamed,
those who boast of their worthless gods.
All you angels, worship him. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Romans 8:15bc

Alleluia. 

You have received the spirit of sonship; in him we cry, “Abba! Father!” 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Pray then like this.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 6:7-15)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “In praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

MERCY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 97

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 97: "I have two measures for every soul: the first is Mercy and it has  overflowed. The second is Justice and it is approaching."

While we still have time, we must accept Jesus' mercy through the sacraments as part of our journey of faith. The sacraments are essential conduits for God's unending mercy, established by Christ. The healing power of Jesus' forgiveness is especially available through the Sacrament of Confession. Every confession refreshes our inner being and puts us back in a state of grace. By truthfully receiving this sacrament on a regular basis—ideally on a weekly basis—we can reinforce our resolve to live a life that pleases God and prevent instances of sin. The Holy Eucharist also gives us the opportunity to receive Jesus Himself, who strengthens us to show His love to others on a regular basis.

We are compelled to treat others with mercy when we embrace Jesus' mercy. Serving the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, and paying sick visits are some of the deeds of kindness that we are obligated to carry out. Practical acts of kindness demonstrate God's love, but spiritual acts of mercy—like giving doubtful souls advice and praying for both the living and the dead—take care of the soul's deeper needs. To live a merciful life, one must forgive others, respond with love and compassion, see Christ in our neighbors, and show kindness even in the face of hardship.

We must actively pray for those who do not yet believe in God's mercy, asking Our Adorable Jesus to touch their hearts and draw them back to Him. Many souls are burdened by sin and unaware of the forgiveness available to them, and our prayers can be powerful intercessions for their conversion. To merit God's mercy, we must strive to live humble lives, recognizing our need for His forgiveness. No sin supersedes God's mercy, and whenever we offend Him, we should quickly embrace His forgiveness. Jesus' Divine Appeal 97 reminds us that while His mercy overflows now, divine justice is approaching. Therefore, we should strive to remain in a state of grace, ready to meet Him. Let us not delay in responding to His call, for His mercy is abundant, and His justice is near.

Let us turn to Sr. Anna Ali's intercession as we endeavor to live out Jesus' plea; she devotedly exemplified these teachings. Her life serves as an example of the transformational potential that comes from accepting and sharing God's mercy with others. May we live mercifully, humbly, and steadfastly in our faith through her intercession so that we will be prepared for the full establishment of God's kingdom.

DIVINE APPEAL 97

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: the first is Mercy and it has
overflowed. The second is Justice and it is approaching.”

“My daughter, spend these dark moments with Me. Pray and atone. 
Bring Me souls.

My pain is immense. The offences of mankind wound Me bitterly. 
I have two measures for every soul: the first is Mercy and it has 
overflowed. The second is Justice and it is approaching. What 
a pain for Me to see souls falling into perdition! Anyhow I do 
not want anyone to perish.

For the sake of souls do not refuse Me anything. You are a victim.
I beg you not to desert Me when I leave you as a prey to anguish. I
have come to obtain shelter and to preach to you My feelings.
Keep Me company. I am thirsting for souls that I love so much. It
is this great love that keeps Me in My vial for mankind. In your
prayers bring Me souls.

Do not be afraid of suffering. My visits will not harm you. Share
My agony when I raise My eyes with tears. In the Sacrament of My
Love I only receive wounds from My own... Pray a great deal and
defend Me. The weight of insults and abuses presses on Me. Pray
and put yourself in the high spirit of contemplation.

Implore mercy for souls before it is too late.”

“I give my blessing.”

3.00 a.m., 29th 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 JUNE 19, 2024

Wednesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Weekday (Green)

Optional Memorial of St. Romuald, Abbot              (White)

LH: Office of the Day or Memorial, Week III

Mass of the Choice

FIRST READING
A chariot of fire appeared, and Elijah went up into heaven.
A reading from the second Book of Kings (2 Kings 2:1.6-14)

Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. [They came to Jericho, and] Elijah said to Elisha, “Tarry here, I beg you; for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went, and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan. Then Elijah took his coat, and rolled it up, and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “I beg you, let me inherit a double share of your spirit.” And he said, “You have asked a hard thing; yet, if you see me as I am being taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if you do not see me, it shall not be so.” And as they still went on and talked, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and cried, “My father, my father! the chariots of Israel and its horsemen! ” And he saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. And he took up the coat of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the coat of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other; and Elisha went over.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 31:20.21.24 (R. 25)

R/. Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the Lord.

How great is the goodness, Lord,
that you keep for those who fear you,
that you show to those who trust you
in the sight of the children of men. R/.

You hide them in the shelter of your presence,
secure from human scheming;
you keep them safe within your tent
from disputing tongues. R/.

Love the Lord, all you his saints.
The Lord guards the faithful.
But the Lord will repay to the full
the one who acts with pride. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 
John 14:23

Alleluia. 

If a man loves me, he will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 6:1-6. 16 - 18)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street comers, that they may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

The Gospel of the Lord

Monday, June 17, 2024

A LIFE OF PRAYER AND PURPOSE

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 96

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 96: "I desire the consolation of leading you. Walk with prayerfulness and seek souls for Me. I thirst and hunger for souls".

Jesus expresses His desire for us to walk prayerfully and seek souls for Him. Every soul's purpose is to live in a way that draws others to Christ, and this appeal strikes a deep chord with that purpose. Since Jesus is at our side every time, when we submit to His direction, we experience genuine freedom and fulfillment. Deep, continuous prayer and submission are necessary if we are to let Jesus guide our life, as Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us. By trusting Jesus, we acknowledge that His ways and plans for us are perfect, even when they diverge from our own expectations.

Maintaining a prayerful spirit as we navigate our daily endeavors is crucial. This continuous prayer is not necessarily vocal but a constant awareness of God's presence in our lives. A great method to maintain your relationship with Jesus is to pray the Rosary. Take a rosary with you, and when you're walking, driving, or taking breaks, recite a decade or a mystery. We can strengthen our relationship with Jesus by reflecting on the life of Christ and His Mother through the mysteries of the Rosary. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is another profound prayer that can be recited anywhere, inviting God's mercy upon us and the whole world, especially for the conversion of sinners. Reflecting on Jesus' suffering and sacrifice during His Passion helps us connect our daily challenges with His Passion and serves as a reminder of His great love. It's also crucial to read and consider Scripture. Read and reflect on a verse or passage throughout the day by keeping a pocket Bible with you or using a Bible app. The Bible is a source of support and direction. Offering our daily activities to God is another way to maintain a prayerful spirit. By intentionally offering each task, joy, and challenge of the day to God as a prayer, we transform ordinary moments into acts of adoration.

Jesus' thirst and hunger for souls should ignite in us a missionary zeal. Our prayers and sacrifices should particularly focus on those most in need of God's mercy, including hardened sinners and, importantly, priests and consecrated souls. By doing so, we participate in Jesus' mission of salvation. By incorporating practical ways to maintain a prayerful spirit and dedicating our efforts for the conversion of souls, especially those of priests and consecrated souls, we align ourselves with Jesus’ mission and heart. Living each day as if it were our last on earth and maintaining a good relationship with our Adorable Jesus is crucial. Let us embrace His call, trusting that as we walk with Him, our lives will bear fruit for His Kingdom. May we follow the example of Sr. Anna Ali, who dedicated her life to prayer and the service of others, constantly seeking to console the heart of Jesus by leading souls to Him.

DIVINE APPEAL 96

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1


“My Love for souls is like fire that suffers when its consuming flame
is diminished.”

“My daughter, pray with Me. Help Me. Help souls, pray as best as 
you can. Spend these dark hours for souls and My consolation.

I desire the consolation of leading you. Walk with prayerfulness 
and seek souls for Me. I thirst and hunger for souls. My love for 
souls is like fire that suffers when its consuming flame is diminished. 
My desire is that the whole of mankind be saved. Do not be afraid.

Nothing in you escapes Me. Pray a great deal. Time is short for
saving souls. In the Sacrament of My Love I live in the midst of
sinners, that I may forgive and heal them. In return, in the forefront,
my best loved forsake, abuse, and despise Me.

Day and night I am watching for you all in the tabernacle. I grieve
for the many souls who always leave Me deserted in My tabernacle
and many do not receive Me in My Real Presence. Do not leave
Me alone. Comfort Me and bring Me souls in your prayers. Pray to
appease the wrath of My Eternal Father.

Do not fear. You are a victim. Keep your heart in this desire of seeing
Me loved.

The ingratitude of My own... keep Me in this painful state. Many
souls are eternally lost. I make you share My sorrows so that you
may console My Heart and bring me souls. The souls I love so much
do not understand. I so much want souls to know My love.

I come here to seek shade and consolation. Heed My words and
listen to My servant. I need your obedience. I guide you through
him. It is what I want. Implore mercy for souls.”

“I give my blessing.”

3.00 a.m., 28th 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 JUNE 18, 2024

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Weekday (Green)

LH: Office of the Day, Week III

Mass of the Choice

FIRST READING
You have made Israel to sin.
A reading from the first Book of Kings (1 Kings 21: 17-29)

After the death of Naboth, the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession. And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Have you killed, and also taken possession?”’ And you shall say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.””’ Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring evil upon you; I will utterly sweep you away, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel; and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. And of Jezebel the Lord also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the bounds of Jezreel.’ Any one belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat; and any one of his who dies in the open country the birds of the air shall eat.” (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. He did very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the sons of Israel.) And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the evil upon his house.”

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 
Psalm 51:3-4.5-6ab.1 1 and 16 (R. see 3a)

R/. Have mercy, O Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your merciful love;
according to your great compassion,
blot out my transgressions.
Wash me completely from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin. R/.

My transgressions, truly I know them;
Any sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned;
what is evil in your sight I have done. R/.

Turn away your face from my sins,
and blot out all my guilt.
Rescue me from bloodshed, O God,
God of my salvation,
and then my tongue shall
ring out your justice. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 
John 13:34

Alleluia.

 A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

 Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Love your enemies.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:43-48)

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The Gospel of the Lord

JESUS' NEED FOR EVERY SOUL

Divine Appeal Reflection  - 125 Today, consider in Divine Appeal 125: "I have dwelt in the tabernacles for centuries waiting and longin...