HOLY MASS READINGS FOR NOVEMBER 2, 2024

Saturday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time   (Purple)

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

LH: Office of the Dead

Mass and Preface of the Dead

FIRST READING
He accepted them like a sacrificial burnt offering.
A reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 3:1-9c)

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them. In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction, and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace. For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality. Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself; like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them. In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble. They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever. Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 23: 1-3, 4, 5, 6 (R/.1 or 4)

R/. The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.

OR: 

R/. Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death, no evil would I fear,
for you are with me.

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me;
he revives my soul. R/.

He guides me along the right path,
for the sake of his name.
Though I should walk in the valley of the shadow of death,
no evil would I fear, for you are with me.
Your crook and your staff will give me comfort. R/.

You have prepared a table before me
in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
my cup is overflowing. R/.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
for length of days unending. R/.

SECOND READING

“Since we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 5:5-11)

Brethren: Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. While we were yet helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man— though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

The word of the Lord.

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.

OR

Come, O blessed of my Father, says the Lord; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5: 1-12a)

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

OR

GOSPEL READING
Every one who believes in the Son should have eternal life, and will raise him up at the last day.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 6:37-40)

At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, “All that the Father gives me will come to me; and him who comes to me I will not cast out. For I have. come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me; and this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that every one who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

The Gospel of the Lord

REALITY OF THE DEVIL'S NATURE

Divine Appeal Reflection - 138

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 138: "Encourage yourself in Me. The devil has no kindness. Be brave. I give you all the strength to pray. Take time for Me."

The Bible describes the devil as the epitome of deception and malevolence, whose intent is to lead souls away from God. Our Adorable Jesus Himself refers to the devil as a liar and the father of lies, emphasizing that there is no truth in him (John 8:44). This depiction reveals that the devil’s essence is entirely opposed to kindness, goodness, and love. Unlike God, who is infinite love and mercy, the devil's sole objective is to sow discord, cause harm, and draw souls into spiritual ruin.

The devil uses one of his most cunning strategies, which is to make temptations seem innocent or even desirable. Tricks of serenity and false comfort are nothing more than snares set out to catch and mislead souls. Because of this, Christians must always keep in mind that any solace or happiness the devil gives is fundamentally false. The devil frequently poses as an angel of light, according to Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:14), which implies that things that appear pleasant or consoling may actually be concealing more serious spiritual threats. The statement “The devil has no kindness” thus unmasks these illusions, urging Christians to be wary of anything that does not align with God’s truth and commandments.

Understanding that the devil is incapable of genuine kindness highlights the importance of discernment in the Christian life. St. John advises souls to test every spirit to see if it comes from God (1 John 4:1). This discernment is crucial, as it helps distinguish between what is inspired by divine goodness and what is rooted in the devil’s deceit. True kindness, love, and peace are always consistent with God’s teachings of selfless love and virtue. If an experience, idea, or influence contradicts the Gospel’s call to holiness, it should be seen as suspect.

Yet, amid these reflections on the devil’s relentless pursuit, there is hope and assurance in Christ. Jesus’ promise, “I give you all the strength to pray,” reminds us that we are not left defenseless. God’s grace enables us to persevere and overcome the enemy’s schemes with courage and trust. While we recognize the reality that “the devil has no kindness,” this awareness should lead us to cling even more to the boundless kindness and love of our Adorable Jesus. The power of His Word, the support of the sacraments, and His unwavering presence provide all that we need to resist the devil and remain faithful (James 4:7)

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, grant us the grace to recognize Your infinite love and truth. Shield us from the deceptions of the evil one, who has no kindness. Strengthen us in prayer, guide our hearts with Your light, and keep us steadfast in faith. We trust in Your boundless mercy and protection.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.

DIVINE APPEAL 138

ON THE EUCHARIST:A DIVINE APPEAL

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

VOLUME 1

“I pour My tears of blood over mankind. I want to bring it back but

it refuses My words.” “The devil has no kindness.”

“My daughter, listen to Me and write My words. I am thirsty. I collect 

miseries and make glorious things out of them. Pray a great deal.

Spend this dark hour with Me. I am so lonely. I come here to 

seek shelter. I assure you I am very thirsty, more than how the 

desert burns. Pains and wounds are caused in My Presence

more by the souls I consecrated. What more could I have suffered

for mankind! For the sake of souls I lead you in silence and solitude

so that you may bring Me more souls in your prayers. Bring Me

everything. From My great love for mankind I give My warnings.

I am patiently waiting for souls. Bending over the world I pour My

tears of blood over mankind. I want to bring it back but it refuses

My words. I am agonised to see souls falling into perdition, in the

frontline are those consecrated to Me. I speak to My beloved servant.

I bless him so that he is able to continue to reach out to souls. I hide

Myself in him in order to speak out and assure souls before it is too

late. Blessed are those who hear My words and return to the shelter

of My Love. It was My great Love for mankind that keeps Me a

prisoner in the tabernacles. I need the desire for reparation.

I am so much blasphemed and ridiculed mostly by the souls

consecrated to Me. I do not stay where I am not welcomed. Pray

a great deal and atone for souls. Give Me company in My lonely

prison. I remain patient longing for souls. I come here to seek shelter

and I find My rest. For the sake of souls put yourself in the high

spirit of contemplation. Heed the words from My servant. Do not be

afraid. Pray and atone. Encourage yourself in Me. The devil has no

kindness. Be brave. I give you all the strength to pray. Take time

for Me. Dress the wounds caused by consecrated souls.

Pray a great deal.”

“I bless you.”

3.00 a.m., 1st May 1988

Copyright © 2015 Bishop Cornelius K. Arap Korir, Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Kenya. All rights reserved. Reproduced from ON THE EUCHARIST: A DIVINE APPEAL, Volume 1 by www.adivineappeal.com

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2024

Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time   (White)

Solemnity of All Saints

LH: Office of the Solemnity

Mass of the Solemnity, Gloria, Creed, Preface of All Saints

FIRST READING

I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues.
A reading from the Book of Revelation (Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14)

I, John, saw another angel ascend from the rising of the sun, with the seal of the living God, and he called with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm earth and sea, saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads.” And I heard the number of the sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand sealed, out of every tribe of the sons of Israel. After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no man could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood round the throne and round the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honour and power and might be to our God for ever and ever! Amen.” Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where they have come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6(R.cf. 6a)

R/. These are the people who seek your face, O Lord.

The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness,
the world, and all who dwell in it.
It is he who set it on the seas;
on the rivers he made it firm. R/.

Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who shall stand in his holy place?
The clean of hands and pure of heart,
whose soul is not set on vain things. R/.

Blessings from the Lord shall he receive,
and right reward from the God who saves him.
Such are the people who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. R/.

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

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

The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Matthew 11:28

Alleluia. 

Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:1-12a)

At that time: Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

The Gospel of the Lord.

HOLY MASS READINGS FOR OCTOBER 31, 2024

Thursday of  the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Weekday  (Green)

LH: Office of the Day, Week II

Mass and Preface of the day

FIRST READING
“Take the whole armour of God, that you may be able, having done all, to stand. ”
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6: 10-20)

Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 

Psalm 144: 1.2.9-10 (R. 1 a)

R/. Blest be the Lord, my rock.

Blest be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle,
who prepares my fingers for war. R/.

He is my merciful love, my fortress;
he is my stronghold, my saviour,
my shield in whom I take refuge.
He brings peoples under my rule. R/.

To you, O God, will I sing a new song;
I will play on the ten-stringed harp to you
who give kings their victory,
who set David your servant free from the evil sword. R/.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Luke 19:38; 2: 14

Alleluia. 

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; peace on earth, and glory in the highest. 

Alleluia.

GOSPEL
“It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem. ”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 13:31-35)

On that day some Pharisees came, and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem. ’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! ”’

The Gospel of the Lord.

GUARDING AGAINST EVIL

Divine Appeal Reflection - 137

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 137: "The devil is in all ways wounding you. Do not allow yourself to be in his possession."

Reflecting on Jesus’ warning, “The devil is in all ways wounding you,” we are made aware of the relentless and all-encompassing nature of spiritual warfare. The adversary uses every possible tactic to harm our souls, erode our determination, and divert us from God's love and truth. Our Adorable Jesus demonstrates that the devil's attacks are not sporadic but rather ongoing. This expression emphasizes the devil's subtle yet ubiquitous influence, which aims to permeate every part of our existence and create doubt, fear, and uncertainty.

This warning aligns with the Church’s teaching on the reality of evil and the devil’s unceasing efforts to separate souls from God (CCC 407). These wounds can manifest as inner struggles, anxieties, and temptations that seem overwhelming—all aimed at eroding our trust in God. Through such ongoing attacks, the devil attempts to drive a wedge between us and the peace and grace that can only be found in a deep, committed relationship with Christ.

Our Adorable Jesus invites us through His words to strengthen our spiritual defenses, reminding us that, although the devil’s attempts are relentless, God’s grace is infinitely more powerful. We are called to remain vigilant, arming ourselves through prayer and the sacraments. St. Paul speaks of the need to “put on the whole armor of God” so that we may stand firm against spiritual assaults (Ephesians 6:11), fortifying our souls against each subtle or overt wound the devil seeks to inflict.

In hearing Jesus’ appeal, “The devil is in all ways wounding you,” we are encouraged to take seriously the call to a life of spiritual discipline, relying wholly on God’s grace and protection. Through prayer, frequent confession, and devotion to the Eucharist, we draw from the strength of our Adorable Jesus to face every attack. With Christ as our shield and our refuge, we can stand unshaken, trusting in His promise to protect, heal, and guide us on the path to holiness.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, we seek refuge in Your Sacred Heart. Protect us from the devil’s wounds, strengthen our resolve, and fill us with Your grace. Grant us vigilance in prayer and devotion to the Eucharist, that we may stand firm against all evil, trusting in Your unfailing love.

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.

DIVINE APPEAL 137

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 the treasures of My infinite MERCY

into human souls.”

“My daughter, come with Me. The devil is in all ways wounding you. 

Do not allow yourself to be in his possession. Listen to Me. I lead and

direct you.

When you pray for souls nothing is lost. You cannot see it but I see

it. Watch with Me in the Sacrament of My Love. I am very thirsty.

Hunt souls for Me. My thirst is more than the thirst of mankind. Pray

a great deal. Time is short for saving souls. I do not wish anyone to

perish. When a soul goes to perdition it is eternally lost.

In the Sacrament of My Love, I need the desire of reparation from

the souls of good will. As I am exposed I will pour the treasures of

My infinite mercy into human souls. I am forced to walk in the midst

of the milling crowds with My tears of blood. I am a prisoner of My

tabernacle. I feel a stranger to the souls I love so much. Pray and

atone to appease the wrath of My Eternal Father.

Mankind has lost its senses. From My Divine Mercy I give My

warnings which will be followed by Divine Justice.”

“I bless you.”

3.00 a.m., 30th April 1988

Copyright © 2015 Bishop Cornelius K. Arap Korir, Catholic Diocese of Eldoret, Kenya. All rights reserved. Reproduced from ON THE EUCHARIST: A DIVINE APPEAL, Volume 1 by www.adivineappeal.com