1st READING
Paul’s conversion and his general temperament narrows his vision for his life—all-out proclamation of the Gospel. Nothing will distract him from this goal. In this context, we place Paul’s preference for people to remain celibate; thus, able to go where the work of the Gospel needs them most.
1 Corinthians 7:25-31
25 Brothers and sisters: In regard to virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 So this is what I think best because of the present distress: that it is a good thing for a person to remain as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife. 28 If you marry, however, you do not sin, nor does an unmarried woman sin if she marries; but such people will experience affliction in their earthly life, and I would like to spare you that. 29 I tell you, brothers, the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, 30 those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, 31 those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.
PSALM
Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17
R: Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
11 Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. 12 So shall the king desire your beauty; for he is your lord, and you must worship him. (R) 14 All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters; her raiment is threaded with spun gold. 15 In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king; behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you. (R) 16 They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king. 17 The place of your fathers your sons shall have; you shall make them princes through all the land. (R)
GOSPEL
The blessings and woes of today’s Gospel parallel the Beatitudes in Matthew’s. They seem to come from the same source but developed differently by the two authors. It is a challenge to follow the high standards that Jesus sets for our Christian lives. But it is always worth the effort into growing in holiness.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Rejoice and leap for joy! Your reward will be great in heaven.
Luke 6:20-26
20 Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. 21 Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. 24 But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 But woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. 26 Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”
Reflect: “The Beatitudes say, ‘Blessed are the poor.’ They don’t say, ‘Blessed are those who care for the poor.’” – Henri Nouwen
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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
thank You, Lord, for:
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Read the Bible in one year - Psalms 76-80
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