1ST READING
We read here a very important text for our understanding of the nature and role of our conscience in moral decision making. Paul affirms that every human person has natural access to the truth of who we are. It is this access that forms the foundation for the faculty of our conscience and making judgments that are guided by the truth, as long as we are willing to listen to this voice and follow its lead.
Romans 1:16-25 (or Romans 8:22-27)
16 Brothers and sisters: I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. 17 For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.” 18 The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; 21 for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. 24 Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshipped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
P S A L M
Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5 (or Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11)
R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)
GOSPEL
We celebrate today a great reformer, St. Teresa of Avila. She endured many trials and difficulties in trying to reform the Carmelite Order, yet she never despaired or gave up. One of the great contributions she made to the spiritual life of the Church is her description of her spiritual journey as “The Interior Castle.” It is worth reading. Let us look to St. Teresa’s example of faith and trust in God and always seek to be faithful to our understanding of His call for our lives.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
Luke 11:37-41 (or John 15:1-8)
37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”
think: Let us look to St. Teresa’s example of faith and trust in God and always seek to be faithful to our understanding of His call for our lives.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today_
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Nahum 1-3
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