#//good lord he went full youth pastor

[cielenruine]

"I have decided your time is up."

Where Sara's voice once held innocent interest towards his preaching, there is only insurmountable distance now that she would like to pass judgment. The frigid goddess he prays to has once more forsaken not only him but her most devout followers. Those that carry out worship daily in her very own house, battered by the soulless husks of buildings built to honor her name. It sickens Sara beyond belief and disfigures more rational thought, drags her back to a dark place she'd left behind ages ago.

"Where is your goddess? Keep the answer to yourself, you know the truth. Nothing can justify the trial we are facing. Your goddess is merely decoration, refusing to intercede even now. She gives with one hand, then takes with two. The divine do not deserve our faith."

There's an older way darkness layered under her words, an archaic anger that will not subside in her blood. Sara stares at him coldly, defiantly, "I won't make that mistake twice."

He was surprised to hear such a thing, turning swiftly on his heel to meet with a face it had been some time since he'd seen. He cannot fault her, part of him is even glad that it would be someone like him who receives her scorn than any of the priests to whom it might actually cut through. "Where she has been since the time be betrayed her." He stands firm. "The goddess gives not and takes not. That which is done in her name, giving and taking. Aside from life, she leaves your fate in your hands." And that was where it remained. "If you wish her to be despicable, then she will be, if you place faith enough she might help you save yourself, then she will be your savior. I've long since made my peace with it. She watches and bears witness and those who've faith in her recount cautionary tales for those who might need them." Where was the goddess in all of this? The same place she ever was for all the ills that had occurred, all of the ills that would come to pass as well. "The divine do not deserve our faith because they do not serve us? We ill deserve to be served when we place our faith only within ourselves. I will not tell you it is wrong to scorn her, to not place your faith in my goddess or any other, but is a time like this truly one in which you benefit from having one less tether?" It was an odd conversation. Of course he had reflected on himself, on his faith time and again as he watched men and women die for purpose that only the living could attribute to them. "If you feel tricked by my words back then, I apologize to you now...but the goddess has never stopped tragedy, merely given us the strength needed to persist through and after. Given us a rope to pull ourselves up with. She cannot touch us nor we her until it is our time to return to her. The only solace you will know is the she watches over your actions and that those of us who do follow her will help you regardless of where you see such a thing as solace enough to give your faith."

[rainsmediaradio]

Open Heaven Daily Devotional 3rd January 2023 By Pastor E. A. Adeboye – New Year Resolution 2

Open Heaven Daily Devotional - New Year Resolution 2

The Topic of Open Heavens for 3rd January 2024 Is “New Year Resolution 2”

MEMORISE: Matthew 7:7 (KJV) “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” READ: 2 Kings 2:19-22 (KJV) 19 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. 20 And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. 21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the Lord, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land. 22 So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake. BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Genesis 9-12

OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY

I started sharing what you may call my ‘New Year resolutions’ yesterday and I will be discussing the second resolution on my list today. This year, I will open my mouth and tell God exactly how things are with me. I have discovered from experience that many people have become so good at pretending that all is well when all is not, even before God, the One who knows everything. In our Bible reading today, the men of Jericho revealed the true state of their city to Elisha and God used the prophet to put an end to the problem in their land. Come to think of it, however, Elijah, the spiritual father of Elisha, walked among the people of Jericho for years, but it was not recorded in the Bible that they informed him of the problems they were facing. They suffered for so long because of their silence! This year, I have decided that I am not going to suffer in silence. I am going to tell the Almighty God what my problems are; I am going to tell Him everything because I know that He will solve them all. I will not wait until I am about to lose things that are precious to me before I cry out like the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 did. I visited one of my uncles many years ago and his wife served me pounded yam about the size of a baby’s fist. If I had intended to stay for one day, I would have kept my mouth shut, but I was going to stay for one week and pounded yam of that size will not satisfy me at all. I was very young, and I had a healthy appetite. So, I called the woman, “Excuse me ma’am, am I welcome here?” She said, “Yes, of course you are.” I said, “In that case, this pounded yam cannot satisfy me; please let me have some more.” She went into her bedroom, and I did not know what she told her husband, but I heard them laughing. I couldn’t have cared less; as long as she came back with more pounded yam, I was fine. This year, ensure that you do not pretend or form as the youths will say, before God. Tell Him exactly where the shoe hurts. Make up your mind like me to ask for His help more than ever before and He will surely answer you (Matthew 21:22). KEY POINT Stop suffering in silence, tell God all your needs this year. HYMN 8 – I Need Thee Every Hour 1 I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine Can peace afford. Refrain I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee. 2 I need Thee every hour, Stay Thou near by; Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh. 3 I need Thee every hour, In joy or pain; Come quickly and abide, Or life is vain. 4 I need Thee every hour, Teach me Thy will; And Thy rich promises In me fulfill. 5 I need Thee every hour, Most Holy One; Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son. Read the full article

[jdgo51]

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR MAY 27, 2023

Unity in Christ

By Kaiya Matthews (Texas, USA)

READ EPHESIANS 4:1-16

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"

PSALM 133:1 (NIV)

"In high school, I didn’t fully grasp how important it is to be a part of a Christ-centered community. I heard other students in my church’s youth ministry talk about the ways they were growing in their different Christian groups, but I just didn’t get it. My focus began to shift from finding people who would encourage my spiritual growth to simply finding more people to hang out with.

When the many superficial relationships I had developed fell apart after graduation, I realized my mistake. I had been searching for the wrong thing. College was the perfect opportunity to try again. Because God had drawn my attention to the superficiality of my high school relationships, I was more aware and better equipped to make deeper connections in college. I was truly ready to work on building a Christ-centered circle of friends. God directed me to my current group of friends, and I have been able to grow in my faith in tremendous ways. Now I understand the power of having people to keep us accountable, to encourage us, and to remind us of God’s love." Surround yourself with caring friends who support you.

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Dear God, thank you for giving us the opportunity to share your love with others and the opportunity to receive that love. Help us to find others who can encourage growth in our relationship with you." Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-16

"'1 Therefore, as a prisoner for the Lord, I encourage you to live as people worthy of the call you received from God. 2 Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, 3 and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together. 4 You are one body and one spirit, just as God also called you in one hope. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all. 7 God has given his grace to each one of us measured out by the gift that is given by Christ. 8 That’s why scripture says, When he climbed up to the heights, he captured prisoners, and he gave gifts to people. 9 What does the phrase “he climbed up” mean if it doesn’t mean that he had first gone down into the lower regions, the earth? 10 The one who went down is the same one who climbed up above all the heavens so that he might fill everything. 11 He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. 12 His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ 13 until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, 16 who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part." Be humble , gentle and patient. And love one another as you take this journey. Stay grounded in the Spirit and all will go well on the road ahead. Bless you on this journey of life. Joe

[pamphletstoinspire]

Saint Blaise, Bishop, Martyr - Feast Day - February 3rd

St. Blaise (also spelled Blase and Blasius) — one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers — was a 3rd century physician who became Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. 

by St. Alphonsus de Liguori

Saint Blase was a native of the city of Sebaste, in Armenia, and in his younger days applied himself to the study of philosophy, in which he made considerable progress; he afterwards studied medicine with great success. The science of the saints, however, and a desire to improve in the love of God, occupied his principal attention, whereby being inflamed with an ardent charity towards the poor, he went frequently to relieve them in their sickness. Upon the death of the bishop, his fellow citizens unanimously elected him their pastor, by reason of his extraordinary virtues and great learning.

He accepted the office, as being unwilling to resist the will of God, which appeared too manifest in his election to be mistaken; but in the government of his church he lost not that spirit of holy retirement which he had had from his youth. He therefore retired to Mount Argeus, without the city, and dwelt in a cave there .

During our saint’s residence in this place the Lord was pleased to manifest his sanctity by honoring him with the gift of miracles, and numerous crowds of persons used constantly to come to him for the cure of their bodily diseases as well as of their spiritual maladies. Even the most ferocious animals are said to have proceeded to his cave to be relieved. If they found the saint in prayer, they would patiently wait until he had done; nor would they depart until they had received his blessing.

About the year 315, Agricolaus, governor of Cappadocia and the lesser Armenia, had been sent, by the Emperor Licinius, to Sebaste, to put to death the Christians of that city; and, immediately upon his arrival, commenced to put his bloody commission into execution, by commanding that all those who had been already imprisoned for the faith should be devoured by wild beasts. He accordingly sent huntsmen into the neighboring forest to catch the ferocious animals, in order to execute his barbarous design. When they arrived at Mount Argeus, they found a multitude of these beasts assembled round the cave of St. Blase, and the holy bishop in the midst of them, performing his devotions. Astonished at this sight, they returned to Agricolaus, and informed him of the fact; which, although it caused him to marvel greatly, did not prevent him from sending his soldiers to arrest our saint. When they intimated to him the order of the governor he answered with a cheerful countenance: “Let us go to shed our blood for Jesus Christ;” then turning to those who stood by, he protested that he had long sighed for the honor of martyrdom, and that on the preceding night the Lord had manifested to him that He would vouchsafe to accept the sacrifice of his life.

As soon as the news was spread among the citizens that their bishop was being led to Sebaste by order of the governor the streets were filled with people who, with tears in their eyes, asked his blessing. Among the rest was a woman, who, weeping bitterly, presented to him her child, who was expiring by reason of a small bone having stuck in his throat; full of holy confidence, she besought the saint to save his life. St. Blase, moved to compassion by the tears of the afflicted mother, prayed to the Lord not only for the relief of that child, but of all those who would find themselves similarly afflicted. Having terminated his prayer the child perfectly recovered; and hence the origin of the peculiar devotion of the faithful to this saint when afflicted with diseases of the throat.

When St. Blase arrived at the city and was presented to the governor, he was commanded to sacrifice to the immortal gods. The saint answered: “What a title for your demons, who can bring only evil on their worshipers! There is only One Immortal God, and Him do I adore.” Agricolaus, infuriated at this answer, caused the saint to undergo a scourging so prolonged and cruel that it was thought the saint could not possibly survive it; but having endured this torture with placid courage, he was sent to prison, where he continued to work miracles so extraordinary that the governor ordered him to be again lacerated with iron hooks.

The blood of the saint ran profusely, and certain pious women were induced to collect portions of it, which act of devotion was amply rewarded, for they were seized, with two of their children, and brought before the governor. He commanded them to sacrifice to the gods under pain of death. The holy women asked for their idols, as some thought, to sacrifice to them, but they no sooner laid hands upon them than they cast them into an adjoining lake, for which they were instantly beheaded, along with their children.

Agricolaus resolved to wreak his vengeance on St. Blase; and not content with the torture which he had already caused him to endure, commanded him to be stretched upon the rack, and his flesh to be torn with iron combs, in which state a red-hot coat of mail was placed upon him. Finally, the tyrant, despairing of overcoming his constancy, ordered him to be cast into the lake; the saint, arming himself with the sign of the cross, walked upon the waters, and, arriving at the middle, sat down, and invited the idolaters to do the same if they believed that their gods could enable them. Some were so rash as to make the attempt, but were immediately drowned.

St. Blase was admonished then by a voice from heaven to go forth from the lake and encounter his martyrdom. When he reached the land the impious tyrant ordered him to be beheaded. This sentence was executed in the year 313. The republic of Ragusa honor him as their principal patron, and he is the titular saint of many cities. 

Because of the cure of a boy’s throat when the boy was choking, St. Blaise is patron against troubles of the throat, and today our throats are blessed at Mass. The priest will bless two candles in honor of St. Blaise. The words of this blessing are:

V. Our help + is in the name of the Lord. R. Who made heaven and earth. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Let us pray.

Almighty and most gentle God, Who didst create the multiplicity of things through Thine only Word, and didst will that same Word through Whom all things were made to take flesh for the refashioning of man; Thou, Who art great and without measure, terrible and worthy of praise, a Worker of wonders: the glorious martyr and bishop Blaise, not fearing to suffer all sorts of diverse tortures because of his profession of faith in Thee, was suited happily to bear the palm of martyrdom: and Thou didst grant to him, among other graces, the favor that he should by Thy power cure all kinds of illnesses of the throat: we humbly beg Thy Majesty not to look upon our sins, but to be pleased by his merits and prayers and to deign in Thy venerable kindness to bless + and sanctify + this creature of wax by the outpouring of Thy grace; that all whose necks in good faith are touched by it may be freed by the merits of his sufferings from any illness of the throat, and that healthy and strong they may offer thanks to Thee within Thy Holy Church, and praise Thy glorious name, which is blessed forever and ever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.

R. Amen.

Then he will hold the two, unlit blessed candles crossed over our throats, intoning:

Per intercessionem S. Blasii liberet te Deus a malo gutteris et a quovis alio malo

English: May God at the intercession of St. Blasius preserve you from throat troubles and every other evil.

Then he will make a sign of the Cross over us.

St. Blaise is also the patron of veterinarians and against attacks of wild animals. He is represented in art as a Bishop holding two crossed candles, with wool combs, or in a cave surrounded by wild animals. 

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

8th February >> Mass Readings (USA)

Monday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

   or 

Saint Jerome Emilian

   or 

Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin.

Monday, Fifth Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green)

First Reading

Genesis 1:1-19

God spoke, and it was done.

In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters.    Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw how good the light was. God then separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” Thus evening came, and morning followed–the first day.    Then God said, “Let there be a dome in the middle of the waters, to separate one body of water from the other.” And so it happened: God made the dome, and it separated the water above the dome from the water below it. God called the dome “the sky.” Evening came, and morning followed–the second day.    Then God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered into a single basin, so that the dry land may appear.” And so it happened: the water under the sky was gathered into its basin, and the dry land appeared. God called the dry land “the earth,” and the basin of the water he called “the sea.” God saw how good it was. Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth vegetation: every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it.” And so it happened: the earth brought forth every kind of plant that bears seed and every kind of fruit tree on earth that bears fruit with its seed in it. God saw how good it was. Evening came, and morning followed–the third day.    Then God said: “Let there be lights in the dome of the sky, to separate day from night. Let them mark the fixed times, the days and the years, and serve as luminaries in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth.” And so it happened: God made the two great lights, the greater one to govern the day, and the lesser one to govern the night; and he made the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky, to shed light upon the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. God saw how good it was. Evening came, and morning followed–the fourth day.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 104:1-2a, 5-6, 10 and 12, 24 and 35c

R/ May the Lord be glad in his works.

Bless the LORD, O my soul!    O LORD, my God, you are great indeed! You are clothed with majesty and glory,    robed in light as with a cloak.

R/ May the Lord be glad in his works.

You fixed the earth upon its foundation,    not to be moved forever; With the ocean, as with a garment, you covered it;    above the mountains the waters stood.

R/ May the Lord be glad in his works.

You send forth springs into the watercourses    that wind among the mountains. Beside them the birds of heaven dwell;    from among the branches they send forth their song.

R/ May the Lord be glad in his works.

How manifold are your works, O LORD!    In wisdom you have wrought them all –    the earth is full of your creatures; Bless the LORD, O my soul! Alleluia.

R/ May the Lord be glad in his works.

Gospel Acclamation

cf. Matthew 4:23

Alleluia, alleluia. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Mark 6:53-56

As many as touched it were healed.

After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

----------------------------------------------------------

Saint Jerome Emilian

Liturgical Colour: White.

Readings at Mass

Readings for the memorial

There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Monday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise.

________

First reading Tobit 12:6-13 Prayer and fasting are good: but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness.

The angel Raphael said to Tobit and his son: “Thank God! Give him the praise and the glory. Before all the living, acknowledge the many good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Honor and proclaim God’s deeds, and do not be slack in praising him. A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known. Praise them with due honor. Do good, and evil will not find its way to you. Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than abundance with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold; for almsgiving saves one from death and expiates every sin. Those who regularly give alms shall enjoy a full life; but those habitually guilty of sin are their own worst enemies.    “I will now tell you the whole truth; I will conceal nothing at all from you. I have already said to you, ‘A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be made known with due honor.’ I can now tell you that when you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed, it was I who presented and read the record of your prayer before the Glory of the Lord; and I did the same thing when you used to bury the dead. When you did not hesitate to get up and leave your dinner in order to go and bury the dead, I was sent to put you to the test.”

________

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times;    his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD;    the lowly will hear and be glad.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me,    let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me    and delivered me from all my fears.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,    and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,    and from all his distress he saved him.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps    around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is;    blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,    for nought is lacking to those who fear him. The great grow poor and hungry;    but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:3

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Alleluia, alleluia.

________

EITHER: --------

Gospel Mark 10:17-30 Go, sell what you have and give to the poor; then come, follow me.

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him,  loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.    Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”

OR: --------

Gospel Mark 10:17-27 Go, sell what you have and give to the poor; then come, follow me.

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.    Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin

Liturgical Colour: White.

Readings at Mass

Readings for the memorial

There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Monday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise.

________

First reading 1 Corinthians 7:25-35 A virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord.

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. 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. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation. Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife. 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.    I tell you, brothers, the time is running out. From now on, let those having wives act as not having them, those weeping as not weeping, those rejoicing as not rejoicing, those buying as not owning, those using the world as not using it fully. For the world in its present form is passing away.    I should like you to be free of anxieties. An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But a married man is anxious about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit. A married woman, on the other hand, is anxious about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to impose a restraint upon you, but for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction.

________

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,    forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty;    for he is your lord, and you must worship him.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;    her raiment is threaded with spun gold. In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;    behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

They are borne in with gladness and joy;    they enter the palace of the king. The place of your fathers your sons shall have;    you shall make them princes through all the land.

Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

________

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia! This is the wise bridesmaid, whom the Lord found waiting; at his coming, she went in with him to the wedding feast. Alleluia!

________

Gospel Matthew 25:1-13 Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

[featherkittens]

Dad Sneezes

Hi, @snezfics-n-shit, I’m your Secret Santa! Sorry it took so long to deliver your present. This is my first attempt at writing anything for the snz community. I went with some good old Roseph since I’m familiar with Dream Daddy. Hope you like it!

Joseph was surprised Robert had agreed to have him over for a movie. He’d stopped by Joseph’s bake sale booth and the two had begun talking surprisingly comfortably considering Robert’s usual stand-offish nature. To Joseph’s suprise, the conversation had ended with Robert inviting him over.

So here he was, outside Robert’s front door. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. He thought Robert didn’t like him with Joseph’s whole “youth pastor” gig. He had thought religion unnerved the man. Joseph decided he would try his best to not make Robert too uncomfortable. He didn’t know why, but he had a pressing desire for Robert to... he wasn’t even sure. Like him? Approve of him? Think he was cool? 

Joseph knocked. A few moments later, Robert opened the door. 

“Hey,” Robert said. He sounded neither cruel, excited, nor bored - very mysterious. 

“Hey, thanks for having me over,” Joseph said. 

“Come on in,” Robert said, motioning. 

Joseph followed Robert in, peeking curiously at the layout. “Nice place you’ve got here,” he offered. 

Robert chuckled, “Thanks.” 

Suddenly Joseph felt a twitch in his nose. He scrunched his face up to alleviate the itch, not thinking much of it. 

“So I’ve got some movies I thought would be good to watch, any of these catch your eye?” Robert asked, motioning to an assortment of DVDs. 

Joseph looked over the assortment of films. He tried to focus on the titles, but his eyes were beginning to water as the tickle returned to his nose. He tried blinking a few times and focused harder on the boxes in front of him. After some concentration, he found one he recognized. 

“How about this one?” Joseph asked. As he spoke, the tickle flared even more. He quickly scrunched his nose up. The tickle was developing into a pressing need to sneeze, and Joseph felt shy to show such vulnerability in front of the stone-faced Robert. 

“Sounds good,” Robert responded. He opened the case and turned to put the movie into the dvd player. 

While Robert’s back was turned, Joseph quickly brought his hand up and rubbed furiously at his nose. He didn’t know what had come over him, but he was determined to squelch the buddling tickle, wanting to keep up appearances. 

Robert turned back around and sat on the couch, motioning for Joseph to join. Robert fiddled with the remote for a minute and soon their movie appeared on the screen. 

The sudden brightness of the TV screen brought a tiny remnant of the tickle he had just attempted to squash wiggling up, slowly but powerfully, through Joseph’s sinuses. It just itched so bad. But the movie had just started and Joseph didn’t want to make a scene. Glancing out the corner of his eye to make sure Robert’s focus was on the screen and not him, he did his best to casually bring a hand up to his nose. Still doing his best to move slowly and unsuspiciously, he rubbed the sides of his nose in small circles. 

That seemed to help a bit, so Joseph brought his hand back down and turned his attention to the screen. 

“God, this movie is a classic,” Robert said. “Sorry, uh... gosh.”

Joseph chuckled, “It sure is.” 

The two sat in silence, watching the screen. But hardly even a few minutes later, once again Joseph felt a twinge budding from the depths of his sinuses. It tickled along the inside of his nose and Joseph felt his nose twitch. He gave a quick sniff, hoping that would be the end of it and he could enjoy the movie without turning into a sneezing mess. But his nose appeared to have other ideas. Joseph’s sniff seemed to only provide the itch with more energy and it reared up its ticklish little head. 

Joseph’s hand flew to his nose, rubbing up and down. Joseph, a classic dad in every sense, also possessed an infamous loud dad sneeze. He realized especially since he had been trying to hold the tickle in, the sneeze would be louder still and deafening in such close capacity to Robert.

He doubled his efforts to keep a grip on his growing sneeze, and massaged his nose under his fingers, while still trying to appear as if his full attention was on the screen in front of him. The image looked very blurry to Joseph, however, his eyes having become exceedingly watery. 

“heh, heh...”

Oh no, he was hitching. Robert was sure to notice Joseph’s sneezy state, growing more pitful with each passing second. But he still wanted to preserve his image in front of his new potential buddy. He grabbed his nose with his second hand, praying he could hold in his need through force alone. 

“heh hEH, uhhh... HEH”

Joseph could feel the itch dancing up and down his nostrils, tickling each and every little hair. His nose seemed to pulse with a desire for relief, the tickle begging to burst out. But no, Joseph refused, he wouln’t let it escape. No matter how much it itched... and tickled... and twitched..... Oh dear Lord in heaven, how he needed to sneeze so BADLY. 

“HEH hEH uhhh, uhhHHH, UHH... HEH”

His eyes were squeezed tightly now as the itch continued to torture his sinuses. He was still rubbing furiously at his nose, trying to hold back his sneeze. It was becoming increasingly obvoius to Joseph, though, that there was no way he’d be able to keep this sneeze in. He could feel himself on the very brink, teetering over the edge. 

He managed to open his eyes and peek over at Robert, Joseph’s mouth hanging open pitifully in a pre-sneeze stance, his lips trembling from need. To Joseph’s surprise, Robert was looking right back at him. Robert’s piercing gaze made contact with Joseph’s pitiful watery one. 

“It’s okay,” Robert said in a startlingly soft and deep tone, “Go ahead and let it out.” 

Joseph didn’t need any more encouragement, he doubled over as the sneezes barrelled out of his nose, into prepared hands. 

“HHAAAAAAATTCHOOOOOO HEEEETCHOOOOO HEEEEETCHOOOOO.... EH, UH UHH HAHH HIIIIIIISHOOOO!” 

His loud sneezes boomed inside Robert’s living room. Joseph looked up sheepishly at Robert, another tickle already building. 

“Ahh s... sorry.... I... uh, eh, EH-HEETCHOO! Ugh, uhh, duh uh do you hahhh... have any tissues?” 

Robert leaned over the arm of the chair and grabbed a box. He pulled out a tissue and handed it to Joseph, who snatched it up immediately. 

“HIIIIIIIIIIIISHOOOO!” 

Joseph used the tissue to tend to his ticklish nose, He looked up at Robert, who was eyeing him intently. Surely out of concern, Joseph figured.

“Do you have a cat, by any chance?” Joseph ventured. 

“Yeah, He’s brand new, just got him the other week,” Robert said.

“HASHOO!”

“And I take it you’re allergic,” Robert said. 

Joseph nodded, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt the movie with my insane dad sneezes.” 

“I don’t mind,” Robert said in a deep tone. 

Joseph looked up at Robert who met his gaze with a sultry stare. 

“But we’ve just missed the last five minutes of...”

Robert interrupted bu putting a hand on Joseph’ s thigh. “I said,” he repeated in a soft tone, “I don’t mind.” 

Another tickle crept up on Joseph. This time he didn’t try to stop it.

“HAAATCHOOOO!” 

[magdalenadaniels]

THE LOST LAMB CHARACTER STUDY

FULL NAME: Magdalena Ameena Daniels BIRTH-DATE: May 12th, 1993 AGE: Twenty-seven  STAR-SIGN: Taurus GENDER IDENTITY: Cisfemale (she/her) ORIENTATION: Closeted homosexual/homoromantic OCCUPATION: Church Pianist/Organist TRIGGERS: Death, suicide, alcoholism, hints of homophobia, NSFW

The Beginning…

Lights flickered in the bathroom of the Daniels’ household. A storm was swirling outside the concrete walls of the home as the screams of a woman vibrated over the thunder that in itself, demanded to be heard. With a final cry from the new mother came the first of many from the first and only child brought into the world by Adam and Ameena Daniels.

“It’s a girl!” The father chirped, pulling their blessing into his arms.

But something wasn’t right. Whereas Adam’s eyes welled up with tears of joy, Ameena’s eyes glazed over and stared up at the trembling popcorn ceiling. The tub that was filled with warm water was now crimson, tainted with the blood of a beautiful daughter, wife and mother. Turns out that the newborn child wasn’t the only soul to wail into the night as the lights continued to flicker before going out completely.

Seven Years Later…

“I love you mommy.”

A little girl’s voice echoed through the empty cemetery, her small hands resting a bouquet of daisies against a tombstone marked with the name Ameena Daniels. She tugged at the hand of her father to kneel down with her in prayer. He obliged, pulling a cross from beneath his shirt and holding it between cupped hands.

“Father of all, we pray to you for Ameena, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” He prayed, pressing chapped lips to the rosary before the girl next to him began her own prayer.

“In your hands, O’ Lord, we humbly entrust our Ameena. In this life you embraced her with your tender love; deliver her now from every evil and bid her eternal rest. Welcome my mommy into paradise where there will be no pain, but peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.”

“Amen.” He repeated before putting the rosary back beneath his shirt. “Come now, Magdalena. We mustn’t be late to supper with grandma. We’ll be back next Sunday, okay?”

“Okay, daddy.” She quipped, getting up and taking his hand again to make their way back to the car.

Nine Years Later…

“Shh… You’re going to get us caught!” Magdalena whispered in between kisses shared in a closet during her church’s youth group. Her hands wandered over their bare shoulders as kisses were peppered down her neck and to her chest. Her pale blue button up that was a part of her uniform was undone, halfway hanging off her slender frame.

“No one comes back here, Lena. It’s okay.” The voice replied, but they didn’t whisper. They had no secrets to hide. Their lips returned to Lena’s, young and greedy hands finding their way to places they shouldn’t be.

She felt like she was on cloud nine. She knew the sins she was committing as she slid completely out of her shirt, pulling off her rosary and letting it drop to the ground. She lifted herself up onto a table, it creaking loudly in protest as she hiked up her skirt and wrapped her legs around her lover’s waist. Hands then found themselves in unholy places for two teenagers. In the same breath that she moaned a familiar name, the closet door creaked open and the light cast a yellow glow over the two of them.

“Father!” Lena gasped, quickly scrambling out from underneath the other teenager to grab her shirt in order to protect what modesty she had left.

Adam stood in the doorway, taking in a deep breath before leaning down to pick up the rosary that had been his wife’s. He gave it to her recently on her sixteenth birthday. Magdalena stared at her father in fear, holding a hand out for the jewelry to be returned. In no moment’s hesitation, he shoved it into his own pocket before grabbing his daughter by the arm and pulling her from the closet.

“Get yourself cleaned up and meet me in the car.” His eyes burned holes into her soul. Holes deeper and hotter than any scorched before. As she hurried out of the room, Adam turned back to the other teen now quickly putting what clothes that had come off back onto their body. “As for you, Elizabeth–” He paused to take a deep breath. “I will be having a word with your parents. You will not taint my daughter and I will make sure of that.” He didn’t give the girl a chance to respond before turning away and slamming the closet door behind him.

Three Years Later…

It had been a year and a half since Magdalena decided to leave her hometown and go off to college. It had been something her father disapproved of and was the source of a lot of arguments. As heavy bass thumped through the walls of the college fraternity, she could remember the day the left like it was yesterday.

“If you leave, you are not welcome back here, Magdalena.” Her father stood between her and the front door.

She dropped her suitcase, going up to her father with a sneer painted across her face. “Why would I ever come back here? So I can join the stupid church and be daddy’s little girl– just too perfect to be full of so much sin? To speak words of love just to underline them with hate?” She shook her head as she went to grab her keys. “I hope I never see this town again. I hope I never see the people in it.”

Adam furrowed his brows in frustration. “This is not you!” He boomed, reaching out for her hand as he started to whisper the same prayer she heard every single time she made a mistake. Dear God, let my daughter repent her sins, but with about 100 more meaningless words.

Lena jerked away, picking her things back up. “Shut up! Do you think He hears you? Do you think He cares? A God that does what He does in this world is no God in my eyes. I don’t need your prayers. Now, let me go.” She pushed past him, yanking the door open and walking out.

“You’ll end up going to Hell, Lena! I am only trying to protect you!”

She laughed, making it to her car and tossing her things into the back. “Fuck you!” Were the last words she spoke to her father before leaving and they haven’t spoken since.

Now she sits between some guy and his girlfriend, sharing sloppy kisses and sips of vodka from plastic cups. Her breath could start a fire if you placed a match before it. She giggled as she pulled away pick up her now ringing phone. When she saw it was her father, she declined the call only to pull herself in closer to the girl next to her. It was then that her phone rang again, his face popping up to taunt her, and again, she ignored it. That was until about three more calls later. She got up, excusing herself to the backyard to answer her phone.

“Stop calling me! I told you I don’t want to ta–”

She was cut of by the muffled voice of her uncle. They had found her father in the church bathroom, a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. He said that he left a note and told her when his funeral would be and before she hung up he said, “Just pray that your father makes it to his rightful destination. He was a good man. Pray he doesn’t end up going to Hell.”

Six Days Later…

The ivory casket lowered into freshly dug dirt. She could smell the Earth as it wafted through her senses. Her teeth clenched as they released the straps used to put her father in the ground. It was as if an iron rod were sliding down her throat, the overwhelming sensation of guilt burning all the way down into the pit of her stomach. She remembered when she was caught in the church closet and how the holes he stared into her were the worst at the time. Funny how she didn’t even know that on a scale that was only a five and this, well, you know how people save their tens. Tears threatened to leave her eyes, but she quickly slid on her over-sized sunglasses to hide the emotion.

“Now, if anyone would like to say a few words.” The pastor ended his prayer with the invitations, eyes looking in her direction. “Lena?”

It took her a moment, but she shook her head. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.” Her voice cracked as she pushed her way through the small crowd of people. All she wanted to do was get away from the guilt that swam through her mind. It had all come to head and for the frist time, Magdalena truly felt that her father’s suicide had been her own doing. She was callous and cruel. She was disobedient and full of sin. He couldn't live with the thought of his ruined daughter and there was no one to blame but herself. 

Dearest Magdalena,

      I am so sorry to have failed you as a father. I failed in saving your mother, I failed at saving myself and most disappointingly, I failed saving you. Forgive me for this final, damning sin and just know that I will forever and always love you. Don’t pray for me. It is too late. However, it is not too late for you. Please save yourself like I never could. Goodbye my beautiful.

The words were memorized. Of course they were memorized. They could never not be permanently etched into brain and as they repeated themselves over and over again, she found herself at the local Gas ‘N Dash, slipping a couple mini bottles of Stoli into her dress pockets and her bra. She was careful not to let anyone see before grabbing a bottle of water and making her way to the checkout. No one would question a grieving daughter whose father just ended his life in the town church.

She stepped outside after making her purchase and opened her water only to dump it out on the ground. A puddle formed around her feet until the plastic was empty. Then, she quickly got into her car, removing all the stolen bottles of liquor of refilling the bottle. Her car floor was littered with empty bottles and smelled of vodka and bile. It has been like this for so long that she didn’t even notice how bad it had gotten. All she could think about was the burn of the alcohol in her throat as she put the bottle to her lips and took a long drink. 

The Rest… 

It had been a week since Magdalena had been kicked out of school. Her grades had plummeted, she had too many absences and when she did show up to class it was either hungover or still intoxicated. The last straw was bringing a bottle of vodka to class, without switching it over to a water bottle first. She had all her things packed and the only place left to go was to her uncle’s house back in Wheeler, Indiana. He already had everything ready for her to go and somehow managed to convince her to go to AA meeting.

To her disbelief, the meetings worked and she was able to sober up with the support of her uncle. Then, she started going back to church on Wednesday… then, on Sundays and by the time she was twenty-three she was converted back to her religion and born anew.

She spent the next three years trying to become independent. She landed a job with the church, saving up enough money to move out on her own and finally be the adult she was meant to be. Her life was finally on the right track and she was doing a great job at keeping her demons hidden.

That was until Cassie went missing.

She had already felt herself slipping when all the chaos started, but upon hearing the news, something inside her snapped. She found herself going back to that place she was in after her father’s funeral, driving towards the place where it all started. She only went to get some coffee, too afraid to sleep. Then a mini bottle of Stoli caught her attention and the next thing she knew she was dropping the bottle and multiple other small items on the counter, hoping and praying the cashier didn’t notice and, from what she knows, they didn’t realize what she was doing.

[angelbun-png]

Corrupted (m)

Description: Jimin comes home from a late night church service and is greeted by a succubus who's been watching him for a while.

Pairing: Pastor!Jimin x Succubus!Reader

Word Count: 808 | Preview/Teaser

Warning: religious, suggestive

A/n: Hello! This is my first time posting something I wrote on here! I just wanted to say that this is a preview. If enough people like it I'll post the full thing and possibly make this a series. Enjoy!

“Pastor Jimin, I’m losing my faith.” A youthful man stopped before Jimin with an expression of worry plastered across his face.

The two are seated in a row in a clear Catholic Church. Today there was a night service that issued about 2 hours ago at 10 pm. Jimin stayed to tidy up and prepare everything for the approaching Sunday. Which is why seeing Hoseok confused the male. People came to talk to him after service, but at midnight? That was strange. Especially since it’s Hoseok; he’s one of the more quiet folks during service.

“Why’s that? Are there things going on at work? Home?” Jimin rested a hand on the other’s knee for comfort.

“Both. Me and Jiwoo haven’t been doing so well. We have been constantly fighting over everything. I think she’s planning on...leaving.” Hoseok’s eyes teared up, tipping his head skyward to keep them from spilling.

Jimin rubbed his back, ushering Hoseok to go on. “A-And, I got laid off the other day. I’ve been saving up, but that money will run out at some point. I prayed and prayed and prayed to God for him to please give me something good to balance out all the bad. But, things have only gotten worse for me..”

Jimin hugged the brunette. He hiccupped and sobbed into Jimin’s shoulder, appearing weaker than ever. This is the lowest Hoseok’s life has ever been, and he had no clue on how to deal with it. His world was collapsing before him and he couldn’t do anything about it. Hoseok felt powerless. Useless.

Hoseok regained his composure, drying his rosy cheeks. Jimin got a grip on his hands as he stared into his eyes.

“The Lord has an unusual way of doing things. You’re going through all this for a reason. You need bad things to happen for good things to happen. I promise you that God has a plan for you and this part of your life is working towards that plan.” Jimin squeezed Hoseok’s palms, “I promise something good will come out of all this.”

Hoseok nodded. “Thank you. I needed to hear that.”.

Jimin finished setting up everything by 1 am. Hoseok left a while ago. Jimin worried about him. He understands what it’s like to lose your faith. He would surely keep Hoseok in his prayers.

Jimin locked up the church and went into his car. A black Kia Soul which he had received a while ago for his birthday.

On the way home, Jimin couldn’t shake the sense that someone was watching him. He’s positive it wasn’t someone in a car; the streets were vacant. It seemed as if there was someone sitting in the backseat. Burning holes into the back of his head with their eyes. Jimin put slightly more pressure on the gas pedal, aching to go home.

The brown-eyed man parked in his driveway and ran inside his home. He dreaded what might’ve been hiding in the enveloping darkness. On the bright side, the feeling that made him uneasy disappeared as he shut the door.

Jimin changed into more comfortable attire. A t-shirt, sweatpants, and some fluffy socks. Jimin sat on his bed with his bible in one hand and a cross in the other. He planned to pray for Hoseok for at least 30 minutes. Hoseok’s ongoing struggles made Jimin pity the man. But, before he could go into his prayer, it came back. The awareness that you have when someone or something is present. The blonde ignored this and went on with his prayer.

“You realize that won’t work right?” A heavy voice murmured into his ear. It belonged to a woman.

Jimin’s stomach gurgled with fear as he rushed off the bed. He whirled his head around only to discover something that was not from this world.

The individual had a feminine, human-like face and frame, but other parts weren’t so human like. She had black horns sticking out of her forehead, her skin was an unnatural shade of (s/c), her eyes were (e/c), she had fangs that looked like they could pierce your skin with ease, and she was tall. 6’4, 6’5? She resembled what most would claim to be a demon. 

To suggest that the abrupt invasion startled Jimin is an understatement. He was in complete, pure shock. He remained fixed in place. Too frightened to run.

Jimin shoved the cross and bible he carried in his hands in the creature’s face. He stammered, “The p-power of Christ compels you!” But this merely caused the woman roar with laughter.

“Are you serious?! Jesus can’t save you, sweetheart~. Not from me.” She closed the distance between the two of them, pushing her greater than average chest onto his.

She leaned in close to lick and nip at his earlobe, whispering, “He’s no longer in charge...”

©cybercocaine

[eldritchsurveys]

601.

How long has loneliness been your friend? >> So, before I take this survey, let me just say that someone should check on joybucket @ bzoink dot com because... oof. That being said, she makes some of the more interesting surveys so I’ma try taking this one anyway... Loneliness is something I’m learning to live with, and not try to solve all the time. I feel more stressed out when I try to fix it or bury it than if I just... sit with it, and let it exist. After all, I’ve felt lonely on-and-off for most of my life, I know the feeling isn’t going to destroy me. No point in being afraid of it.

When was the last time you remember not being lonely? >> I mean, I don’t feel lonely right now. It’s not a constant feeling, it comes and goes as it pleases.

How many guys have attempted to rape you? >> I think I’ll skip that.

When was the last time a cop committed a crime against you? >> Never. Thankfully. Trying to get justice against a police officer is like, literally fucking impossible in this country.

Who was the last person you missed? >> ---

Who is the last person you heard about who died in a car accident? >> I... uh, I don’t know? Probably someone on the news.

Have you ever lost a best friend in a car accident? >> No.

Have you ever had a woman try to seduce you sexually? >> Sure.

Do you ever pretend to not be so alone, or are you honest about it? >> I’m honest about it to myself, but I don’t go telling other people about it. That would make me uncomfortable and probably just intensify the feeling.

Are you wearing leggings right now? >> Nope. (Also, lmao, the mood switch...)

Do you wish you had a new pair of fuzzy pajamas?  >> Nah. I mean, I love fuzzy pajamas, but I can’t wear them. I get too hot. :(

When was the last time you went to church? >> Easter.

Do you wish there were a good church in your town? >> There are multiple progressive, service-oriented, open-and-affirming churches in this city.

Do you wish you lived in a Christian bubble? >> I sure don’t.

What is your favorite Avril Lavigne song? >> I don’t have one.

Who are five of your favorite down-to-earth singers? >> I don’t know what a down-to-earth singer is.

Is your hair messed up? >> Nah.

Do you wish you could let your anger show, and not hold it in? >> I have no reason to want to vent my anger to other people. It’s really not productive.

Why do you hold in your anger? >> I don’t hold it in so much as I just... keep it to myself. I process it internally, not externally. Any time I try processing it externally, people (me or others) and/or objects get hurt/broken.

Name someone who sexually harassed or abused you. Have you ever told anyone about this? If not, do you want to? Do you fear that no one would believe you? >> I’m not going to name him. I’ve told multiple people about it. At least two of them did not believe me, and treated me either like a liar or like someone making a big deal out of nothing.

What's one thing you hate about being a woman? >> I’m not a woman. One thing I hate about society is that I have to be called one.

Do you wish you could be yourself without restraint? >> I am myself. Any restraint I employ is for good reason (like, you know, not being hurtful or needlessly disruptive), not because I feel pressured to stifle myself.

Name one good person you know. >> Meh.

Who would you like to talk to ? >> A good listener.

Was your last crush a good person, or a heartbreaker? >> ---

Have you ever had a crush like you back and be with you? >> Hm.

Have you ever told someone you had a crush on them? >> Sure.

Has anyone ever tried to force you to pretend you were suicidal, so they could get money? >> No??? This is... a really unfathomable situation for me. I need some more context.

Who do you wish you could trust? Name one person. >> ---

Has anyone ever accused you of being gay, then tried to seduce you? >> No.

Would you be more open about your faith if it weren't for persecution? >> ---

Do you dream about being loved? >> No.

Who do you love? Name one person . >> Can Calah.

Do you wish your parents loved you? >> Yeah, I really do, actually.

Would you be ok if your parents loved you? >> I mean, I don’t know how much of my life that would change, but it sure would be nice.

Why does everyone hate you? >> I don’t know anyone that hates me. If they do, it’s not my problem.

Do you stand up to bullies, or give in to them? >> The last time I was bullied was so long ago that I can’t even fathom what bullying would look like in my present life.

Do you think it's ok to last out at someone when you're angry? >> No, I don’t.

Why are you so nice? >> I’m not, though.

Do you realize that most people taking this survey are probably living in a bubble? >> I don’t believe that at all and I’m not sure why you do.

Do you know anyone who's not selfish? >> Most people I know are a pretty logical mix of self-serving and other-serving. Then some other people are more other-serving than self-serving, to a harmful degree.

Do you know any true Christian women? Women who aren't selfish or rude? >> Sigh...

When was the last time you had a hug? Can you remember how many years it's been? >> I don’t mean to be glib, but like... I’m almost amused at the sheer pathos in this survey. Anyway, uh. I get hugs a lot inworld and it’s nice.

When was the lsat time you switched doctors? and do you like your new one? >> ---

Have you ever overdosed? >> I’ve tried.

Do you wish all the people who have tried to kill you would get caught? >> I don’t think anyone’s tried to kill me, although one person did threaten it. I wish he’d gotten caught for multiple things he’s done to me, but that’s water under the bridge now.

Who was the last couple that you'd expect to get divorced (that did)? >> ---

Who was the last person that you'd expect to turn on you (that did)? >> ---

Name a church that just wants your money. >> I mean, I’m sure I don’t know.

What's the last church you left because of the way you were treated? >> ---

How bad do you want a mother? >> Sometimes I want one really badly, but most of the time I’m accustomed to the fact that I’ve never had one and I never will.

Do you pretend that you don't want a mother? >> I’m sure I did when I was younger, but I’m past pretending at this point. It’s just not as relevant anymore.

Do you wish you could afford make-up that wouldn't get ruined when you cry? >> This just makes me think of Jenna Marbles, I’m sorry.

What was the last church you loved that closed down? >> None, but the church down the road from us, where we go to Christmas and Easter services (and where I used to go when I was trying out Christianity again for the last time) got a new pastor and I’m mad lmao. I liked the old one!!!

Who was the last friend that betrayed you? >> ---

Name 6 people who have tried to kill you. >> Six??????

Do you think calling gossip "tea" is stupid? >> I really do not, and I don’t want to talk to anyone who thinks like this.

Who told you that reaching out to friends for support when you're grieving a loss is a sin? and is this person a leader at a church? >> You know, out of all the surprising-sounding things in this survey, this is the least-surprising. Christianity is full of horror stories and this just fits right in. (But no, I’ve never been told this.)

Do Avril Lavigne songs speak to you? >> I mean, I just don’t listen to Avril Lavigne, so I haven’t had the opportunity to find out if any of her songs speak to me.

Do you hate being poor? >> Sometimes I do, most of the time I deal with it with as much dignity as I can manage.

Were you bullied at youth group? >> Not to my recollection.

Which church has the biggest bullies? >> ---

Who lied to the police about you because they were mad at you? >> (The way these are worded, it’s like these are common occurrences? ... Are they? I need more people to take this survey.)

Do you trust any of your firends on facebook? >> Most of the people I have added on facebook (you know, all 20 or whatever) are people I trust in at least some capacity. Not necessarily the full capacity, but like... enough, I guess.

Are you a healer? >> No.

Do you have supernatural gifts? >> I have whatever I have.

Does anyone appreciate you? >> Sure.

What would you like to tell someone? >> Meh.

Do you look your age? >> According to popular opinion, I look younger.

Are you sleepy? >> No.

Do you hallucinate? >> Not unless I’ve taken something that makes me hallucinate.

Have you ever seen a spirit? >> Maybe.

Can you see spirits? >> Doubtful.

What do you want for Christmas? >> Money.

What's something the Lord healed you of? >> He hasn’t healed me of anything. We don’t have that kind of relationship.

Do you wish you didn't have to keep your faith a secret? and that you weren't persecuted? >> ---

Do you wish you were loved? >> Hmm.

Do you pretend you don't want to be loved? >> I used to, when I thought that was the way to protect myself.

Can remember how many years it's been since someone loved you? >> It hasn’t been that long.

[lifechurchgb]

The Book of James

I have been hearing a lot of great feedback about the series of messages we’re in on James.  It’s been an easy series to write because I’m just letting the scriptures speak for themselves.  It’s however not been an easy series to preach, because I’m letting the scriptures speak for themselves.  James is an incredibly practical book while simultaneously being an incredibly provocative book.  It’s challenging isn’t it?  I only have one regret when it comes to this series.  I wish I had more time to go through it.  Planning is really important to me so I try plan my preaching schedule well in advance.  I gave myself 7 weeks to journey through James – I wish I had given myself more.  With that thought in mind I am going to periodically jump over sections of the book on Sundays but I will supplement those times by writing an article or blog about the portions that have been passed over.  Today I want to come out of James 2:1-11 and talk to you about Judgment & Favoritism.  I pray that God will use these words to continue to challenge you from His Word.

Have you ever been judged?  Of course you have.  And, none of us like it.  No one likes being sized up.  No one likes being analyzed or criticized or categorized.  Yet, we do it every day.  We size people up.  We look at people and affix an endless number of labels to them.  We judge what people wear, what they drive, how they walk, the size of their waistline, how they wear their hair.  The list of examples could go on and on.  This is a serious problem in our culture, and it was during James culture as well.  So much that James takes this topic head on.  I want to look at what Pastor James has to say about judgment & favoritism as well as what his older brother Jesus had to say as well.  Let’s start with James.

Look at how Chapter 2:1-11 reads in the New Living Translation:

“1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.”

I don’t think there’s anyone who would be reading this blog who hasn’t thought about judgment.  However, many of our thoughts on judgment have focused on the effect it has on others.  We’ve likely considered the lasting hurt our judgment has inflicted on others, but James has an interesting angle on this issue. James considers the effect judgment has on us – the actual source of the judgment.  He lets us in on an insight that I have never considered.  When I judge someone, it actually creates more pain on me than it does on the person I am judging.  Many times, when you judge someone they have no idea you’re judging them at all.  Judgment has a lot to do with assumptions.  We assume things we have no idea about.

Years ago I had an amazing kid in my youth ministry.  Even to this day there have been few people God has placed under my leadership who have more natural talent or potential.  He had a clear call on his life to serve God in full-time ministry.  He dove into serving in our youth services and on our service teams.  He acted in dramas and served as an intern to Sonny & I.  I was so excited to see him growing and striving to fulfill his potential.  I served at that church for a few years before I transitioned to another church to serve as their youth pastor.  When I left the church this young man was in he almost immediately took several steps backward.  Before long he wasn’t attending church at all.  It took a few years but I was finally able to connect with him and got to ask him why he wasn’t serving God anymore.  His answer caught me a bit off guard.  He told me point blank – “It’s because of you.”  I didn’t even know how to respond other than to ask him what I had to do with it.  I had mentored him.  I had spent countless hours pouring into him.  I loved him like a little brother. He went on to tell me that I had told him I was going to be at his church forever, but the minute an opportunity was presented for me to go work at a bigger church with a bigger youth ministry I broke my promise and walked away leaving him and his friends in the rear view mirror.  He felt like I was a fake and a hypocrite.  What my young friend did was make an assumption about my actions.  He judged my motives based upon my actions.  He had no idea what went into me making that decision from my end.  The truth was, I wanted to serve as the youth pastor at his home church my whole life, but unfortunately that decision was not left entirely up to me.  When my Senior Pastor retired after leading the church for 30 years, a younger Pastor from another state was brought in to lead the church and that Pastor had a team of his own that he wanted to lead with. I was given my notice to find another place of ministry.  In case you’re not catching my drift, I was fired.  I hadn’t communicated that fact to the students or the church because I wanted to protect their view of the new Pastor.  I didn’t want their view of him to be hindered by their love of & loyalty to me.  When I explained that to my young friend years later he understood, but it had cost him years of hurt and disappointment and unfortunately had changed the trajectory of his life.  The point is, by making an assumption about me and judging my actions, he hadn’t brought any hurt to me, he only brought hurt to himself.    

Dr. Jim Richards defines judgment as; “Assuming to know why someone did what they did or said what they said.” Knowing what happened is an observation; trying to figure out why it happened takes us into the realm of judgment.  We have to be able to separate facts from the presumed motive.  

What does Jesus say about Judgment & favoritism?

In Matthew 7:1-5 He says;

“1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. 3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”

It’s so much easier for me to see your speck than it is for me to see my log.  It’s natural for me to see what’s wrong with you, while hoping you don’t see what’s wrong with me.  I want you to view me as perfect because I not only judge you, I also judge myself.  I want you to look at me like I’m perfect because of my own understanding of my deficiencies.  I make the assumption that, if you knew about me what I know about me, you may not want to know me at all.  I am judging myself right out of my own reality and our potential relationship.  If I can see what’s wrong with you maybe it’ll be a relief for what’s wrong with me.  Unfortunately, we don’t only judge others and judge ourselves, we also judge God.  We try to assume to know why He did what He did.  When something bad happens to us or someone we care for, we immediately begin to ask why He caused it, or in the very least why He allowed it to happen?  When we assume God’s motives we put ourselves into a position of judgment or authority over Him.  We fail to remember that God has but one motive.  God’s only motive is Love.  His only motive is good.  His ways are higher than ours, His view is higher than ours.  He sees the end from the beginning.  He understands the outcome when we don’t.  We simply can’t judge His motive when we don’t have all the facts.

So, a question arises; what do we need to do?  How do we stop?  How do we stop judging others, ourselves & our God?  I wanna give you:

4 Things To Combat Judgment In Our Lives

Here’s the first.  We need to…

Value People

Philippians 2:3 says;

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”

The great theologian and Apostle of the Church Paul tells us that the act of valuing others requires the characteristic of humility.  Judgment is the complete opposite of humility.  As soon as we judge someone we elevate ourselves above them.  We become the authority on their actions.  We assume to know why they did what they did or said what they said.  We assume we know why they hurt us.  I hate to break it to you but that’s not humility.  It takes humility to value people.  Now, it doesn’t take a lot of humility to treat someone good if they have something to offer you.  But, when there’s nothing to gain from that person we tend to not value them.  

When I was attending college in Minneapolis, I met a guy named Red.  I met Red because he was a regular “customer” at the Walgreens by my apartment.  I put the word customer in quotes because there was a 50/50 chance that Red wasn’t going to be paying for the items he needed from the store.  Red was homeless and a seemingly hopeless addict.  He would use whatever resources he could to escape his current reality.  One of his primary sources of alternate reality was Lysol.  You read that right – Lysol – the air freshener.  Red would get the biggest can of Lysol he could from the store and spray it into a paper cup then drink it.  Apparently, not only does Lysol instantly remove 99% of germs, but it also immediately gets you 100% messed up.  It would have been easy for me to assume Red was just some loser base head, but even back then, before Jesus, I valued people.  Let me take a side note and say, we have to be careful who we devalue, because God values every single person.  God knows something about that person that you don’t know.  Every person is the way they are for a reason.  We may not know anything about that person but God does.  God knows every moment of their life.  For example, God knows that Red wasn’t always drinking Lysol on the streets of Minneapolis.  God knows that Red used to be police officer in Phoenix Arizona and was a member of the SWAT team.  God knows that one-day on a raid of a drug house Red was distracted by a sound for a split second.  He was distracted just long enough to take his focus off the partner whose back he was responsible to watch.  He was distracted just long enough for that partner to be shot in the head by one of the drug dealers inside the house.  Red turned around to watch his partner fall to the ground dead.  Red shot and killed the dealer who shot his partner then in a fog he walked out of the drug house.  He didn’t stop walking until he hit Minneapolis.  I don’t know why he picked Minneapolis, but in listening to his story, I can understand a little better why he wanted to escape reality.  So, while Red is pan handling for enough money to buy another can of Lysol, God knows the back-story and values him while you judge him.  My point is, the more we get to know about people, the more our grace goes up & our judgment goes down.  We go from zero to judgment so quick but 1 Samuel 16:7 says;

…people judge by outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart.

Don’t you think there are people in your life you could value more?

Here’s the second thing to combat judgment in our lives…

Accept People

Romans 15:7 says…

“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”

Acceptance is so simple, when you understand the outcome.  God will be glorified when we accept each other.  It is the model of Jesus.  Jesus clearly communicated that you don’t have to change anything about you.  That’s what Jesus does.  He accepts us as is.  We don’t have to change a thing to be accepted.  It’s throughout the New Testament.  Jesus accepted sinners.  He accepted a woman caught in the act of adultery and a man possessed by demons and the list goes on.  He accepted them because, from His eternal perspective, they had great worth.  Let me give you a picture of acceptance.

If I took a $100 bill and handed it to you, almost all of you would readily accept it.  Now keep in mind, you have no idea where that $100 bill has been, whose dirty hands have been on it, or what it’s been used for.  That $100 bill may have been a part of a drug deal or a hit on someone’s life or paid for pornography or prostitution.  We have no idea the evil or the good that $100 bill has been used for.  When I hand you the money, you don’t care in the least how dirty or wrinkled it is, you immediately think what you could do with that money, because no matter how wrinkled or dirty it is the value of that $100 Bill is still $100.  The $100 bill hasn’t lost one ounce of value since the day it rolled off the press.  It would probably never even cross you mind where that money has been or who that money has been with when you decide whether or not to accept the $100 bill.

The same is true of you.  Regardless of how wrinkled or dirty you are, regardless of the journey you’ve been on or the current location in which you find yourself, none of that determines whether or not Jesus will accept you.  Today Jesus will accept you and assigns the same value to you as He did the day you were born.  Do you live by the same virtue?  Do you accept people in their current tattered condition as to be glory to the God who accepted you in your most tattered condition?  

Don’t you think there are people in your life you could accept more?

Here’s the third thing to combat judgment in our lives…

Forgive People

This is the most difficult, but if we don’t forgive, we will stay locked in a box of judgment.  We will never get free if we don’t forgive.  In the Gospels, Jesus’ disciples ask Him to teach them how to pray.  Jesus responds by reciting a prayer that is now famously referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.”  Look at how it reads in Matthew 6:9-13…

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’

If you’ve been a Jesus Person for very long, you probably know that prayer, and may even be able to recite it from heart.   But, check out what Jesus says next.  In the verse right after “The Lord’s Prayer” Jesus says this…

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Not only is it important to forgive, but according to Jesus it is necessary.  Jesus says that because He knows that forgiving others is a matter of the heart.  If you can’t forgive others, you ultimately can’t forgive yourself.  If you can’t forgive yourself, you can never see yourself through the lens of Jesus.  You are not who you think you are.  You are more than you will ever see yourself to be, but you have to forgive yourself, and for that debt to be forgiven, you must first forgive your debtor.  You have to forgive those who have hurt you, abused you, disrespected and dishonored you.  We’re hesitant because we think we’re giving the offender power, but in truth, when we forgive we’re taking the power back.  That person no longer has the power to minimize your life or hold you hostage by their actions.  We’re hesitant because we think we’re giving the offender our trust back, but we’re not.  We’re actually taking our trust from them and putting it in God.  When we forgive we acknowledge our trust in God to heal our hurts and hearts.  Forgiving people isn’t based on our feelings but on God’s heart.  Even after enduring unimaginable torture, from the cross Jesus said; “Father Forgive them…” and the “them” He was talking about included me and it included you.

Don’t you think there are people in your life you could accept more?

Here’s the fourth thing to combat judgment in our lives…

Get Close To People

Relationship is essential.  The closer you get to people, the further you get from judgment.  On the flip side, isolation is a breeding ground for judgment.  Some of the most critical people I know have no meaningful relationships.  It’s no wonder they sit around and think of everything that’s wrong with everyone they know.  They probably think those people are sitting around thinking about what’s wrong with them.  It’s a vicious circle.  Relationship is the antidote to judgment.  It’s why we have Life Groups.  If you can surround yourself with people who care about you, suddenly the overwhelming problems of your life become more manageable because now you have someone with whom to share the burden.  There’s a fascinating portion of scripture in the book of Luke.  You’ve probably heard it or read it before, but let me try to give you a different perspective on it today.

Luke 6:38 says…

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Like you, I’ve heard that scripture as a pre-offering message about money.  Let’s be honest, I’ve used that scripture as a pre-offering message about money.  In truth, that scripture can be used in regard to money because of the principle of sowing and reaping.  But, in this scripture Jesus is actually talking about relationships.  Reading the verse before will help you see the context.  Look at John 6:37-38

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

That’s the picture of a beautiful relationship.  People respond in direct accordance to how we treat them.  If we treat them with generosity, they’ll respond with generosity.  If we treat them with love, they’ll respond with love.  Treat them with acceptance, they’ll respond with acceptance.  If we treat them with cynicism, they’ll respond with cynicism. If we treat them with criticism, they’ll respond with criticism.  Treat them with judgment, they’ll respond with judgment.  It’s interesting to note that when you give, you generally get back more than you gave.  That rings true for the positive as well as with the negative.  Today I want love, so I will give love.  I don’t want to be judged so I won’t judge.  How do I do that?  I get close to you and I let you get close to me.  The closer I get to you, the less I’ll judge you because I begin to understand why you are the way you are.  

Again, relationship is the antidote to judgment.  A relationship with other people, but more importantly, a relationship with Jesus.  He’s the only one who knows you, understands you, and yet still values you, accepts you, forgives you and longs to have you close to Him.  Are you close to Him today?  If you’re not, you can be.  All you have to do is ask.  If you’ve never done that, will you do it now?  All you have to do is read these words and believe them in your heart:

Dear Jesus, I’m sorry.  I’m a sinner.  I repent of my sins and ask you to forgive me.  Would you come into my life and make it new.  I can’t live the way I’ve lived any more.  Save me from myself.  Empty me of me and fill me with you.  I receive you as my personal Lord and Savior.  In Jesus name Amen.

If you prayed that prayer we want to help you walk the Jesus Journey.  Will you do us the honor of emailing us to tell us you’ve received Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  I want to personally connect with you.  Thanks.  

See you Sunday;

Shawn

[pastorjdo3]

Disqualified before Starting

"You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.  You foolish people!  Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?" Luke 11:39-40

This encounter between the Pharisees and Jesus is powerful.  He finds himself reclining at the table of a Pharisees.   Via personal invitation, Jesus prepares to eat dinner with a local, no doubt to teach further about what was presented.  Though there to eat, the teaching began long before the meal was served.

The Pharisee, like many, watched Jesus closely.  He was measuring each action and word by the strict laws of the land, hoping to disqualify Jesus, and to dismiss His actions and purpose as not divine, and demonic in nature.  

Not that I am Jesus, cause I am not, but I have found myself in this position many times.  As a Youth Pastor, the teens were always measuring each action, word and deed, hoping to disqualify the message taught even before it went forth.

Is this you?  Are you the Pharisee?   I wonder how many people are like this? How many worshipers are like this? How many people are watching to disqualify?

This watching is both good and bad.

It's good in the sense that our actions and deeds should match the message that we preach.  We should all know this and be keenly aware of this while interacting with people.  This is a healthy action for most, that helps them to discern who they should trust and whom they can follow.

On the other hand, its bad.  It's bad when the person is looking and analyzing the smallest of details to disqualify a person.  It's bad when one uses one small action to over ride all the good and positive qualities and teachings of an individual.  It's not that we should make room and accept the sin in ones life, rather that it is foolish to dismiss all truth because of one mistake.

This present age has taken on the character of the prince of the air, in that it has been raised to be an accuser generation.  As a Youth Pastor, I knew all of the teachings and moments spent with the teens could be tainted by one event (be it truth or a lie).  This means we must do our best to live out before man the truths of God, and also must be diligent in protecting our reputation in the community.  Though we can't spend our days in defense, we must defend greatest by our commitment to righteousness.  It's this commitment what will testify for us, causing others to fight for us, and our reputation and lifestyle to testify against any attack.

Though the Pharisee had heard great things about Jesus, their concern was not to learn and confirm, but to disarm and disable the ministry that would pull people away from their structure that was making money and yielding them power.  Jesus, after teaching and healing, reclines at the table and finds himself disqualified for not washing his hands before he ate.  Because of this, it was thought that He was unsanitary and thus unclean.  Thus Jesus, knowing what disturbed them replied,

"You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness."

The Pharisee was measuring the righteousness of God in the way the measured their righteousness, and the righteousness of others.  They were not concerned about their soul, but were concerned about their public persona.  They left their homes each morning, and were meticulous about their outward presentation before other people.  This was done not to please the Father, but more to give them a platform to judge and condemn others.  They used this bit of obedience to elevate themselves above others, and not to elevate them in the sight of God.

People respected their commitment to God, and were impressed by their diligence to learn the law and master all of its tenets, but God was able to see the insides of the Pharisees.  He could see their heart, and thought the outside was impressive, He saw their thoughts, and knew their motives.   He knew they were not out to please the Father, but they were positioning themselves and leveraging their position to gain favor and wealth with Rome.

You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?

Jesus continues, by pointing to the Father.  He says, the one that made the outside, made the inside also.  In other words, these things stem from the same source.  God is the maker and creator of all things.  It is not the washing of your hands or the blessing over your meal that sanctifies, but it is your acknowledgement of God as the provider and protector that is required and measured by God.

Honestly, I have had food poison before, and been sick; and yes, I prayed over that meal, and thanked God for providing it.  I have had my blood pressure spike after eating things that are high in sodium, and yep, I asked God to bless the meal, and asked it to nourish my body.  Likewise, I have eaten without blessing my food, caught up in conversation, or just plain hungry, and have not bee poisoned by the food and gained strength and energy from consuming it.  I have also eaten meals without washing my hands, and eaten some after a good scrubbing and even using alcohol wipes and hand sanitizer, and found that they were not enough to protect me from unsanitary cooks, kitchens, in-properly stored food and the like.

I'm sure you too have found the same.  Jesus does not speak against us washing our hands, but lets us know that other factors are at work, and certain truths must be acknowledged.    God is the creator of all things.  It is how we handle things, and how we live that make them impure.

So how are you living?  Are you washing the outside and leaving the inside dirty?  The same piece of chicken properly prepared, must be properly stored or it will prove possibly fatal for the one that dines next.  In this, we must be aware that more than a blessing or hand-washing is needed to be considered clean before the Lord.

#PastorJDO3

[oz-smith]

Is that { he/him + Chris Hemsworth } walking through the door? Oh no, that’s just  { Oz Smith }. They’re { 32 } and room with { TBD }. Sometimes they might remind you of { open roads, worn out bibles, messy ponytails }, and they’ve lived in the house for { a week }.  [ tabs, 22, she/her, CST]

hello all! This is my sweet sunshine child, Oz! Uhm, I’m thinking he should be interesting here, and hopefully get some good plots, so without further ado, have an info dump!

tw: drug abuse tw: depression tw: suicidal thougths

The only thing Oz knows about his origin was that he was found on the steps of an orphanage/boys home with a blanket and a note saying “Our precious son, Oz.” He was given the last name Smith because it was simple and easy and that was all he ever knew about his family. 

That being said, his childhood wasn’t all bad. He grew up in an over-sized, dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless. He was the kid who got along with everyone. It could be a bit of a stretch, especially into his older years when he would spend Saturday nights going out and partying with the ‘trouble’ kids and get up early Sunday morning to go to church with the ‘good’ kids. He stretched himself a little too thin, and eventually felt like he was losing himself in it. 

At sixteen before he aged out of the system, he left. No warning, no information left, he cut all ties with his ‘family’ and left. He thought it would be easier out on his own, but instead he fell into a bad crowd. He was pulled into a gang, thinking it could be a family. He was used to move drugs, he was talked into doing them as well. It didn’t take long for him to hit rock bottom, then take out an axe and start going deeper. 

Fast forward a few years, Oz was an established junkie with a rap sheet and no hope for his future. He didn’t know enough to identify it, but he dealt with severe depression and started entertaining suicidal thoughts. He almost ‘bit the bullet’ in both metaphorical and literal terms one night, only to find himself wandering around the city and stumbling into a church in the middle of the night, instead. He passed out drunk and strung out on one of the pews and woke up in the home of the church’s pastor. 

He couldn’t say why, but he stayed. They took him in, helped him get clean through tough love and a lot of prayer. The road was long and painful, but Oz slowly remade himself under the influence of people who told him he was actually worth something. More than that, he found something to be passionate about. 

They ended up sending him to a church across the country, where he could be out from under the shadow of his old connections and Oz slowly worked on covering up the tattoos and scars from his time in the gang. Full of newfound passion for the church and the Lord, the church he found himself had had their hands full with him. Eventually, after lots of prayer and discussion, Oz knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to go, spread what he had been given. 

He didn’t have the schooling, no seminary and never having finished high school, but he went anyway. With the support of his church, he traveled to a group in Romania, where he really saw magic for the first time. Of course he had known about it before, seen a few things here and there. It was nothing like this, though. 

The church didn’t like magic all that much to begin with, but if they did, it was all textbook. Oz was interested in the strange, the different. He was passionate about the church, but he was much more passionate about people. It resulted in him getting kicked out of the program he was working in, thus beginning almost a decade of traveling, working with different groups, churches, peoples. Sometimes he moved on by his own decision, but more often than not, he was thrown out for disagreeing with the un-biblical hypocrisy of the church he was with. 

Recently, Oz got the opportunity he’s been praying for for years. A church in Paris asked him to come work with their youth and he jumped on the chance to go to the city of lights, the heart of magic. He had the option of letting the church put him up in a parsonage or hotel, but instead he chose to look for a place on his own and stumbled upon Les Amis de L’ABC. Instantly falling in love with the house, he dove on the chance to live in it and has decided that this one is going to stick for a while. 

Personality: to be honest, Oz can be a dumbass. I love him, but one of the things I love is that, even though he is smart, he is not highly educated. He never even finished high school and the school he did go to was not really a great one. He has a hard time sitting still bc he is always full of energy and he just LOVES people. He’s super friendly and personable and happy to talk to literally anyone. 

Magic: Oz has kind of toyed around with magic here and there, but he still doesn’t know much about it. He really wants to learn more about it, but he’s careful about the people he lets teach him bc he knows that he can be a follower still and doesn’t want to get dragged into the wrong side of things. 

[caveartfair]

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Little-Known Art Practice Shaped Middle-Earth

J. R. R. Tolkien, Dust jacket design for The Hobbit, 1937. © The Tolkien Estate Limited 1937.

At night and on the weekends, after John Ronald Reuel Tolkien had finished his duties as a professor of literature, a husband, and a father to four children, he would retire to his drawing room and craft the fabled lands of Middle-earth.

J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories The Hobbit (1937), The Lord of the Rings trilogy (1954–55), and the posthumous volume The Silmarillion (1977) were born from the elvish languages that the author created. But equally important to building these narratives were the illustrations and maps he drew to better understand Middle-earth and other lands and seas of Arda, the world he envisioned that predated our own recorded human history.

J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hill: Hobbiton-across-the Water, 1937. © The Tolkien Estate Limited 1937.

J. R. R. Tolkien, Bilbo comes to the Huts of the Raft-elves, 1937. © The Tolkien Estate Limited 1937.

Tolkien’s Middle-earth was not located on another planet, nor in a neighboring timeline, he revealed in letters written in the 1950s, but it lay on the same latitudes as Europe, long ago. “I have, I suppose, constructed an imaginary time, but kept my feet on my own mother-earth for place,” he wrote.

Through watercolor and ink illustrations, Tolkien imagined sunlit, sinuous rivers; snow-capped peaks; and the depths of dragon lairs, all of which needed to be carefully plotted on a map. As John T. McQuillen, Ph.D., curator of “Tolkien: Maker of Middle Earth” at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York, explained, the author began each of his stories with a map, because “the story didn’t create the geography; the geography helped create the story.”

The exhibition, open through May 12th (it was previously shown at the Bodleian Library at Oxford University, where Tolkien was a professor), features a number of artworks from the late high-fantasy author. Though some of his illustrations appeared in the first edition of The Hobbit—such as his pastoral view of Hobbiton-across-the-water, and his mountainous scenes for the book’s dust-jacket design—the original editions of The Lord of the Rings had no room for full illustrations, and many of his works were not available to the public until they were acquired by the Bodleian after his death. (Tolkien’s publisher in the United States declined to publish his dust-jacket art, believing it to be “too British,” according to the exhibition catalogue.)

J. R. R. Tolkien, The Shores of Faery, 1915. © The Tolkien Trust 1995.

Tolkien began his art practice in his youth; he learned how to draw and paint from his mother, and later, at school. In the 1910s, during his undergraduate years at Exeter College, Tolkien filled pages of his sketchbook with abstract settings from a technicolor fairy world, places redolent of Middle-earth. He sketched “distant mountain landscapes, or paths through dark forests,” McQuillen described. “That kind of imagery was so embedded in who he was. It comes out later in the stories.”

His first illustration that was directly related to Middle-earth, The Shores of Faery, dated May 1915, depicted Kôr, the city of elves in Valinor. A poem opposite the watercolor heralds the first appearance of Eärendil, a character in The Silmarillion, who finds the city abandoned by the gods. “It’s a beautiful drawing…but it’s also great to see the birth of Middle-earth,” McQuillen said. Being able to see that “initial moment,” he added, is “rare.”

Tolkien’s drawings weren’t limited to places in far-flung worlds or distant eras, however. He sketched nature prolifically and made artworks for his children. For example, he made a drawing of an owl for his son, Michael, to assuage the boy’s fears from a recurring avian nightmare, as well as yearly illustrated letters from Father Christmas. He was committed to his family, only turning to hobbits, elves, wizards, and orcs in his spare time. “This was not his main line of work, and he always felt guilty for taking time away from his academic duties and his children to work on his so-called ‘fairy stories,’” McQuillen said.

J. R. R. Tolkien, Conversation with Smaug, 1937. © The Tolkien Estate Limited 1937.

J. R. R. Tolkien in his study, ca. 1937. © The Tolkien Trust 2015.

But even so, Tolkien was still a prolific author and artist, though he never considered himself to be the latter. “It’s funny because he never thought much of his drawings, and in typical Tolkien and maybe British fashion, always disparaged them as not too good or of high quality,” McQuillen explained. But that doesn’t mean they weren’t an integral part of his process. “As he was writing the story, he would draw the scenes to help him create the textual description…and, in turn, what he was writing would inform his illustrations.” Tolkien conceptualized The Hobbit with a single opening line—“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit”—accompanied by his rendition of Thrór’s Map, which the protagonists would follow on their quest (and for a couple of years, McQuillen noted, that was as far as Tolkien got).

Likewise, Tolkien’s early poem about Eärendil and the deserted elven city also showed that he regarded both sides of his practice equally. “[It’s] important that it’s a poem and an illustration together,” McQuillen said. “It sets the stage for everything, that for him the visual and the textual [went] hand in hand.”

from Artsy News

[domesticateddog]

he desperately and obsessively wants to start a cleaning business with me, even though he has zero experience cleaning things (and doesn’t really do a good job when he does clean things…) and that’s like his main focus right now. to the point where that’s all he ever texts or talks to me about. like he doesn’t even see me as his girlfriend right now even though we had sex the other day, it’s like he sees me as a business partner/friend. he’s also OBSESSED with going to church and making friends there which i’d be all for if he wasn’t so goddamn naive and gullible and it wasn’t actively making him WORSE. he’s gone to 1 full service and one for 15 minutes, he didn’t even get past the singing before he left, then a prayer group for 2 hours and now he calls them his family and that he’d rather spend thanksgiving with them than me.

they fucking spoke in “tongues” at the prayer group and are ULTRA conservative and i KNOW they will guide him down the path of bigotry in the name of God because he is so easily impressionable/NAIVE/gullible that he will do anything to make them his “friends”. i haven’t even talked about the fucking homeless psychotic drug addict that wants to be his friend and take advantage of him and who he gave $30 to already…

i know this religious fanaticism will fade in time, just like it did earlier this year when he was manic, but good lord (lol) is this rough. i have NOT had good experiences with christianity and he has NO FUCKING CLUE anything about religion, like it’s shocking how little he understands yet is willing to throw everything away and dive head first into this fucking church. he even made me go out to lunch with these youth pastors and he told them EVERYTHINF he has done and i mean EVERYTHING…. and i kept trying to tell them “pls take this with a grain of salt he just wants to help right now but he’s having a lot of issues rn etc etc” anytime he left to use the bathroom. he went for FIFTEEN MINUTES and immediately applied to be a fucking youth pastor and had an interview with these pastors like WHAT THE FUCK and he doesn’t see anything wrong with it at all. occasionally he has brief moments of sanity and then he gets all cold and stubborn again like i’m taking the wind from his sails like im the bad guy and then we argue. i want to be supportive but he is so fucking lost right now and making such dumb decisions it’s maddening and hard for me to be extremely supportive and positive when he’s so ill right now.

he’s seeing another psych tomorrow and plans to switch medications again so god willing they help

[automatismoateo]

My mom is so lost, and it kills me that she thinks the same thing about me. via /r/atheism

My mom is so lost, and it kills me that she thinks the same thing about me.

I come from a long line of Christians (I have literally traced it back as far as 15 generations in my family tree), each generation stringently raising their children in the Protestant faith, each marrying some Irish/Scottish/British person. Then my mother met a Romanian immigrant in the military, helped him "come to Christ", then married him and I'm their child. My older brother is from another man that was never in the picture, so obviously, my mom was a little loosey-goosey when she was younger, but always staunchly anti-abortion.

We went to church every Sunday, sometimes bible study, sometimes psalm sing, youth group, etc. We were very involved with the other families in the church, and I met my best friend there - a girl that happened to be a closeted lesbian - but that's another story. Anyway, I had my doubts from the beginning, as early as age 7. I had questions that were never definitively answered, questions like "Why can't we see God?" and "If God knows everything and everything that will happen, then why did he put the tree of knowledge in the Garden of Eden if he knew the humans would eat from it? Doesn't that make God the ultimate tempter?" or "Why are all of Adam and Eve'sdescendants punished for their sins when it's their sin and not ours?". Their answers were pure bullshit. So bullshit, so roundabout and unclear that I can't even remember what the fuck they even said. And these bastards were taking 10% of any money I earned as a kid (if I got had a 20 dollar bill, I'd have to break it to donate $2, and that was a lot of money for a kid!). Things always felt...off.

I had several atheist friends that helped me put it 2 and 2 together over the course of several years, and luckily by age 15 I was a closeted atheist. Shit wasn't good at home, my dad was abusive, my mom was always depressed. She never really defended me... according to my dad she did because she wouldn't always side with him, but she never would have divorced him despite the horrible things he put me, my brother, and even my mother through. She didn't necessarily stray from Christianity for a while, but she wasn't at full strength, and even then, she had her ideals. I never felt that I could reveal myself to her, like I would be punished for admitting that I didn't share her faith and she would respond in anger. How could I tell her her Christian god was as ridiculous to me as Egyptian gods are to her?

Some years later, after my father divorced my mom (for "betraying him on my behalf"), she is now married to a pastor who - wait for it - was her youth pastor back in the day (11 years age difference in case you're wondering). He is genuinely a kind, gentle, non-judgmental man. Quiet, great listener, and constantly doing outreach in his community and giving anything he can. He works with a lot of families that have drug problems, helping them pay bills, giving them rides to appointments, taking their kids on excursions, fostering children whose parents have drug problems, etc. My mom went from working full time to being a housewife/support system for the community as well. She has allllll the fucking time in the world to talk about Jesus now, so I finally just snapped and told her I'm not a believer. I remember her indignant "Well that's just really sad." in response.

I was visiting her sometime after I'd moved out, we were sitting in Wegmans eating lunch and my mom started to cry. She said she was crying for me because I was going to hell. Looking back now, I'm laughing shaking my head because I should have laughed then. But instead, I cried because my mom just saw me as some sad, lost sheep that had strayed from the Lord's path, some lost cause, some unholy flounderer. It was ridiculous. I felt bad for her, for having to carry this imaginary weight that her parents had brainwashed her to carry. It's not her fault - I can understand that when you have clung to an idea for so long and it's constantly positively reinforced - and negatively reinforced - it is fucking terrifying to let it go. I myself was scared to stop praying at first. I felt guilty for it.

She is just too far gone and it was never in her personality to truly think for herself. She has faith, and that's the trouble with trying to rationalize with someone that has faith. Faith is BLIND BELIEF. They literally taught me that in church. One more time for the people in the back - BLIND BELIEF. They don't need answers for everything because no matter what, they must believe in God. Scientific evidence is a test of faith. Logical thinking is a test of faith. Anything that would lead them astray from God is a test of faith. There's no way out except for the faith to be overruled. She and I keep having these talks about it, and I usually lose my patience because it's like talking to a brick wall. Why do I put up with it? Because I love my mom and I don't want to end the dialogue with her. I want her to know my thinking and to see the flaws in her own thinking, even if I know she never will. She keeps sending me shit to "make her case", but I can't even bring myself to get into them because I. Don't. Fucking. Care. To. Hear. It. She sent me a whole ass DVD called "A Case for Christ" and I just never watched it even though I planned to watch it and take notes on things I wanted to refute with her.

On the bright side, my dad and I have a much-improved relationship. When I finally came out to him as an atheist, he shrugged and said "It's in God's hands". I really liked that response because he kept his beliefs, he didn't challenge mine, and he didn't tell me I was wrong. And ironically, it sounded the most like Christianity should sound like in theory. I wish more Christians were like that instead of imposing this ridiculous grievance over someone "losing their way". I'm just sad that my mom is brainwashed into feeling heartbroken for me. I'm sad that she can't realize what a trap blind faith is, that she always dismisses any kind of intellectual information I offer up to support my beliefs. It's fucking useless.

Sorry for the long rant, thanks for reading if you made it this far.

Submitted May 29, 2022 at 05:59AM by iamgob_bluth (From Reddit https://ift.tt/JiEnQDl)

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

9th December >> Mass Readings (USA)

Wednesday, Second Week of Advent 

    or 

Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin.

Wednesday, Second Week of Advent

(Liturgical Colour: Violet)

First Reading

Isaiah 40:25-31

The Lord God is almighty and gives strength to the fainting.

To whom can you liken me as an equal?    says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high    and see who has created these things: He leads out their army and numbers them,    calling them all by name. By his great might and the strength of his power    not one of them is missing! Why, O Jacob, do you say,    and declare, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD,    and my right is disregarded by my God”?

Do you not know    or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God,    creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary,    and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting;    for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary,    and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength,    they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary,    walk and not grow faint.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul!

Bless the LORD, O my soul;    and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and forget not all his benefits.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul!

He pardons all your iniquities,    he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction,    he crowns you with kindness and compassion.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul!

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,    slow to anger and abounding in kindness. Not according to our sins does he deal with us,    nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

R/ O bless the Lord, my soul!

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia. Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you who labor.

Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin

(Liturgical Colour: White)

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Wednesday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either: --------

First Reading

Genesis 12:1-4a

Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house.

The LORD said to Abram: “Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.

”I will make of you a great nation,    and I will bless you; I will make your name great,    so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you    and curse those who curse you. All the communities of the earth    shall find blessing in you.”

Abram went as the LORD directed him.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First Reading

Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the whole assembly of the children of Israel and tell them: Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.    “You shall not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. Though you may have to reprove your fellow citizen, do not incur sin because of him. Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

OR: --------

First reading Deuteronomy 6:3-9 Love the Lord your God with all your heart.

Moses said to the people: “Hear, Israel, and be careful to observe these commandments, that you may grow and prosper the more, in keeping with the promise of the LORD, the God of your fathers, to give you a land flowing with milk and honey.    “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today. Drill them into your children. Speak of them at home and abroad, whether you are busy or at rest. Bind them at your wrist as a sign and let them be as a pendant on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.”

OR: --------

First reading Deuteronomy 10:8-9 The Lord himself is our heritage.

Moses summoned all of Israel and said to them: “At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to be in attendance before the LORD and minister to him, and to give blessings in his name, as they have done to this day. For this reason, Levi has no share in the heritage with his brothers; the LORD himself is his heritage, as the LORD, your God, has told him.”

OR: --------

First reading 1 Kings 19:4-9a, 11-15a Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord.

Elijah went a day’s journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death saying: “This is enough, O LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat. He looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.    There he came to a cave, where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD— but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake– but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire– but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, why are you here?” He replied, “I have been most zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. But the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.” The LORD said to him, “Go, take the road back to the desert near Damascus.”

OR: --------

First reading 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21 Elisha left and followed Elijah.

The LORD said to Elijah: “You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you.”    Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?” Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

OR: --------

First reading Tobit 8:4b-8 Allow us to live together to a happy old age.

On their wedding night Tobiah arose from bed and said to his wife, “My love, get up. Let us pray and beg our Lord to have mercy on us and to grant us deliverance.” She got up, and they started to pray and beg that deliverance might be theirs. He began with these words:

“Blessed are you, O God of our fathers;    praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation    praise you forever. You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve    to be his help and support;    and from these two the human race descended. You said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone;    let us make him a partner like himself.’ Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine    not because of lust,    but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her,    and allow us to live together to a happy old age.”

They said together, “Amen, amen.”

OR: --------

First reading Tobit 12:6-14a Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness.

The angel Raphael said to Tobit and his son: “Thank God! Give him the praise and the glory. Before all the living, acknowledge the many good things he has done for you, by blessing and extolling his name in song. Before all people, honor and proclaim God’s deeds, and do not be slack in praising him. A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be declared and made known. Praise them with due honor. Do good, and evil will not find its way to you. Prayer and fasting are good, but better than either is almsgiving accompanied by righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than abundance with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold; for almsgiving saves one from death and expiates every sin. Those who regularly give alms shall enjoy a full life; but those habitually guilty of sin are their own worst enemies.    “I will now tell you the whole truth; I will conceal nothing at all from you. I have already said to you, ‘A king’s secret it is prudent to keep, but the works of God are to be made known with due honor.’ I can now tell you that when you, Tobit, and Sarah prayed, it was I who presented and read the record of your prayer before the Glory of the Lord; and I did the same thing when you used to bury the dead. When you did not hesitate to get up and leave your dinner in order to go and bury the dead, I was sent to put you to the test.”

OR: --------

First reading Judith 8:2-8 She was a very God-fearing woman.

Judith’s husband, Manasseh, of her own tribe and clan, had died at the time of the barley harvest. While he was in the field supervising those who bound the sheaves, he suffered sunstroke; and he died of this illness in Bethulia, his native city. Manasseh was buried with his fathers in the field between Dothan and Balamon. The widowed Judith remained three years and four months at home, where she set up a tent for herself on the roof of her house. She put sackcloth about her loins and wore widow’s weeds. She fasted all the days of her widowhood, except sabbath eves and sabbaths, new moon eves and new moons, feastdays and holidays of the house of Israel. She was beautifully formed and lovely to behold.    Her husband, Manasseh, the son of Joseph, the son of Ahitub, the son of Melchis, the son of Eliab, the son of Nathanael, the son of Sarasadai, the son of Simeon, had left her gold and silver, servants and maids, livestock and fields, which she was maintaining. No one had a bad word to say about her, for she was a very God-fearing woman.

OR: --------

First reading Esther C:1-7, 10 I acted as I did so as not to place the honor of man above that of God.

Mordecai prayed: “O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, blessed are you; O Lord God, almighty King, all things are in your power, and there is no one to oppose you in your will to save Israel. You made heaven and earth and every wonderful thing under the heavens. You are LORD of all, and there is no one who can resist you, LORD. You know all things. You know, O LORD, that gladly would I have kissed the soles of Haman’s feet for the salvation of Israel. But I acted as I did so as not to place the honor of man above that of God. I will not bow down to anyone but you, my LORD and God. Hear my prayer; have pity on your inheritance and turn our sorrow into joy: thus we shall live to sing praise to your name, O LORD. Do not silence those who praise you.”

OR: --------

First reading Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

When one finds a worthy wife,    her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her,    has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil,    all the days of her life. She obtains wool and flax    and makes cloth with skillful hands. She puts her hands to the distaff,    and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor,    and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting;    the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a reward of her labors,    and let her works praise her at the city gates.

OR: --------

First reading Sirach 2:7-13 You who fear the Lord, believe him, hope in him, love him.

You who fear the LORD, wait for his mercy,    turn not away lest you fall. You who fear the LORD, trust him,    and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the LORD, hope for good things,    for lasting joy and mercy. You who fear the Lord, love him    and your hearts will be enlightened. Study the generations long past and understand;    has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken?    Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed? Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;    he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble    and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth.

OR: --------

First reading Sirach 3:17-24 Humble yourself and you will find favor with God.

My child, conduct your affairs with humility,    and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are,    and you will find favor with God. The greater you are,    the more you must humble yourself in all things,    and you will find grace before God. For great is the power of God;    by the humble he is glorified. What is too sublime for you, seek not,    into things beyond your strength search not. What is committed to you, attend to;    for it is not necessary for you to see with your eyes    those things which are hidden. With what is too much for you meddle not,    when shown things beyond human understanding. Their own opinion has misled many,    and false reasoning unbalanced their judgment. Where the pupil of the eye is missing, there is no light,    and where there is no knowledge, there is no wisdom.

OR: --------

First reading Sirach 26:1-4, 13-16 Like the sun rising in the Lord’s heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.

Blessed the husband of a good wife,    twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband,    peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift    bestowed upon him who fears the LORD; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content,    and a smile is ever on his face.

A gracious wife delights her husband,    her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the LORD is her governed speech,    and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife,    priceless her chaste soul. A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace;    indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the LORD’s heavens,    the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 58:6-11 Share your bread with the hungry.

Thus says the LORD:

This is the fasting that I wish:    releasing those bound unjustly,    untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed,    breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry,    sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them,    and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn,    and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you,    and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer,    you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! If you remove from your midst oppression,    false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry    and satisfy the afflicted; Then light shall rise for you in darkness,    and the gloom shall become for you like midday; Then the LORD will guide you always    and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength,    and you shall be like a watered garden,    like a spring whose water never fails.

OR: --------

First reading Jeremiah 20:7-9 It becomes like fire burning in my heart.

You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped;    you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All the day I am an object for laughter;    everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out,    violence and outrage is my message; The word of the LORD has brought me    derision and reproach all the day. I say to myself, I will not mention him,    I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart,    imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in,    I cannot endure it.

OR: --------

First reading Micah 6:6-8 You have been told, O man, what the Lord requires of you.

With what shall I come before the LORD,    and bow before God most high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,    with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,    with myriad streams of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my crime,    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? You have been told, O man, what is good,    and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness,    and to walk humbly with your God.

OR: --------

First reading Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly.

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth,    who have observed his law; Seek justice, seek humility;    perhaps you may be sheltered    on the day of the LORD’s anger.

But I will leave as a remnant in your midst    a people humble and lowly, Who shall take refuge in the name of the Lord:    the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong    and speak no lies; Nor shall there be found in their mouths    a deceitful tongue; They shall pasture and couch their flocks    with none to disturb them.

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EITHER: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not    the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners,    nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD    and meditates on his law day and night.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

He is like a tree    planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season,    and whose leaves never fade.    Whatever he does, prospers.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

Not so, the wicked, not so;    they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just,    but the way of the wicked vanishes.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

He who walks blamelessly and does justice;    who thinks the truth in his heart    and slanders not with his tongue.

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Who harms not his fellow man,    nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; By whom the reprobate is despised,    while he honors those who fear the LORD.

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Who lends not his money at usury    and accepts no bribe against the innocent. He who does these things    shall never be disturbed.

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 16:1-2ab and 5, 7-8, 11

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;    I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.” O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,    you it is who hold fast my lot.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I bless the LORD who counsels me;    even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me;    with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

You will show me the path to life,    fullness of joys in your presence,    the delights at your right hand forever.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.    In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters he leads me;    he refreshes my soul. He guides me on right paths    for his name’s sake.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Even though I walk in the dark valley    I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff    that give me courage.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me    in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil;    my cup overflows.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me    all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD    for years to come.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times;    his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD;    the lowly will hear and be glad.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me,    let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me    and delivered me from all my fears.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy,    and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard,    and from all his distress he saved him.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps    around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is;    blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones,    for nought is lacking to those who fear him. The great grow poor and hungry;    but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18a

O bless the Lord, my soul!

Bless the LORD, O my soul;    and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul,    and forget not all his benefits.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

He pardons all your iniquities,    he heals all your ills, He redeems your life from destruction,    he crowns you with kindness and compassion.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,    slow to anger and abounding in kindness. He will not always chide,    nor does he keep his wrath forever.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

As a father has compassion on his children,    so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him, For he knows how we are formed;    he remembers that we are dust.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity    to eternity toward those who fear him, And his justice toward his children’s children    among those who keep his covenant.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7b-8, 9

Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or Alleluia.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD,    who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;    the upright generation shall be blessed.

Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or Alleluia.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house;    his generosity shall endure forever. Light shines through the darkness for the upright;    he is gracious and merciful and just.

Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or Alleluia.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends,    who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved;    the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.

Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or Alleluia.

An evil report he shall not fear;    his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear    till he looks down upon his foes.

Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or Alleluia.

Lavishly he gives to the poor,    his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.

Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or Alleluia.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD,    who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;    blessed shall you be, and favored.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine    in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants    around your table.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

Behold, thus is the man blessed    who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion:    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem    all the days of your life.

Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 131:1bcde, 2, 3

In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O LORD, my heart is not proud,    nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things,    nor with things too sublime for me.

In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted    my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother’s lap,    so is my soul within me.

In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O Israel, hope in the LORD,    both now and forever.

In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

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Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:3

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: Matthew 5:6

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: Matthew 5:8

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: See Matthew 11:25

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: Matthew 11:28

Alleluia, alleluia. Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: Matthew 23:11, 12b

Alleluia, alleluia. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: Luke 21:36

Alleluia, alleluia. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: John 8:12

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: John 8:31b-32

Alleluia, alleluia. If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, says the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: John 13:34

Alleluia, alleluia. I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: John 14:23

Alleluia, alleluia. Whoever loves me will keep my word and my Father will love him and we will come to him. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: John 15:4a, 5b

Alleluia, alleluia. Remain in me, as I remain in you, says the Lord; whoever remains in me will bear much fruit. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: John 15:9b, 5b

Alleluia, alleluia. Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. Alleluia, alleluia.

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EITHER: --------

Gospel Matthew 5:1-12a Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,    for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they who mourn,    for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek,    for they will inherit the land. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,    for they will be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful,    for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart,    for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers,    for they will be called children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,    for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you    and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad,    for your reward will be great in heaven.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 5:13-16 You are the light of the world.

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 7:21-27 The house built on rock and the house built on sand.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’    “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 11:25-30 Although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned, you have revealed them to the childlike.

At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.    “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 13:44-46 He sells all that he has and buys that field.

Jesus said to the crowds: “The Kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 16:24-27 Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay each one according to his conduct.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 18:1-5 Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.

The disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 19:3-12 For the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.

Some Pharisees approached Jesus and tested him, saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?” He said in reply, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator made them male and female and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.” They said to him, “Then why did Moses command that the man give the woman a bill of divorce and dismiss her?” He said to them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 19:27-29 You who have followed me will receive a hundred times more.

Peter said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 22:34-40 Love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 25:1-13 Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 25:14-30 Since you were faithful in small matters, come, share your master’s joy.

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Then the one who had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a demanding person, harvesting where you did not plant and gathering where you did not scatter; so out of fear I went off and buried your talent in the ground. Here it is back.’ His master said to him in reply, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter? Should you not then have put my money in the bank so that I could have got it back with interest on my return? Now then! Take the talent from him and give it to the one with ten. For to everyone who has more will be given and he will grow rich; but from the one who has not even what he has will be taken away. And throw this useless servant into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 25:14-23 Since you were faithful in small matters, come, share your master’s joy.

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “A man who was going on a journey called in his servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents; to another, two; to a third, one– to each according to his ability. Then he went away. Immediately the one who received five talents went and traded with them, and made another five. Likewise, the one who received two made another two. But the man who received one went off and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came back and settled accounts with them. The one who had received five talents came forward bringing the additional five. He said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I have made five more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ Then the one who had received two talents also came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I have made two more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 25:31-46 Whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me.

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the Devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

OR: --------

Gospel Matthew 25:31-40 Whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me.

Jesus said to his disciples: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, and all the nations will be assembled before him. And he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine you did for me.’”

OR: --------

Gospel Mark 3:31-35 Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.

The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

OR: --------

Gospel Mark 9:34-37 Whoever receives such a child as this, receives me.

Jesus’ disciples had been discussing among themselves who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

OR: --------

Gospel Mark 10:13-16 Let the children come to me; do not prevent them.

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

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Gospel Mark 10:17-30 Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor; then come, follow me.

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.    Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”

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Gospel Mark 10:17-27 Go, sell what you have and give to the poor; then come, follow me.

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.    Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

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Gospel Luke 6:27-38 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. If you lend money to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, and get back the same amount. But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as also your Father is merciful.    “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

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Gospel Luke 9:57-62 I will follow you wherever you go.

As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” And to another he said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But he answered him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” Jesus said to him, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

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Gospel Luke 10:38-42 Martha welcomed him. Mary has chosen the better part.

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” The Lord said to her in reply, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”

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Gospel Luke 12:32-34 Your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom. Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven that no thief can reach nor moth destroy. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.”

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Gospel Luke 12:35-40 You also must be prepared.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

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Gospel Luke 14:25-33 Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, ‘This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

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Gospel John 15:1-8 Whoever remains in me, and I in him, will bear much fruit.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and everyone that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

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Gospel John 15:9-17 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.    “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

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Gospel

John 17:20-26

I wish that where I am they also may be with me.

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Righteous Father, the world also does not know you, but I know you, and they know that you sent me. I made known to them your name and I will make it known, that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.