#you are my elder you have to take care of me and nourish me so let me eat you | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

drdemonprince · 1 year ago

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hey!! i've been watching your amazing top surgery recovery on insta and i'm wondering if you have any tips/secrets to recovering so quickly??! i've been looking into top surgery but have been so intimidated because everything i've read about the recovery process makes it seem like it'll take months and that's something that's not realistic for me with my limited support system + limited time off work but goddamn i would love to get my tits chopped off asap. i read something about how you gotta b

continued: be prepared to not physically be able walk around or lift more than a jug of apple juice for like two months post-op and that's been scaring me off top surgery cuz that's just not sustainable for me!!

Yeah, so I do think some people are really really overstating how incapacitating the procedure has to be, and that some of that is a holdover of doctor's historical approaches to treating patients.

Like historically, wealthy pregnant women were sometimes in bed nearly the full duration of their pregnancies, and just in general medicine used to believe that the best way for a patient to heal was for them to be lying down doing as little as possible (and being as compliant and inobtrusive as possible), and I believe that might still color some surgeon's recommendations today. Even though we know that gentle movement and maintaining function where one can is good for healing!

Now, my experience with surgery has been far and away better than that of anyone I've heard of so far for a couple of reasons, some that are within a patient's control, some that are not.

The first thing is that I have a high pain tolerance and love moving around, I need to move around to feel good, it's just very helpful for my mental health and sensory regulation. Even when I have the flu or COVID, I still tend to lift weights and take walks -- maybe at a slightly diminished capacity, maybe taking a day off if I feel incapable, but I generally want to move and find it easy to start moving quickly even when I'm sick or in pain.

2. The second piece is, you guessed it, my activity level. Before surgery, I was lifting weights for a half hour each day, five days per week. I'd been doing roughly that amount for a couple of years. I also live in a city and don't have a car so I walk a lot, take the stairs when I can, go out dancing sometimes, and just generally stay pretty active. We could chalk this up as a "choice" but that would be to ignore the fact that I'm capable of doing that much activity and I enjoy it. If I had kids, a 9-5 office job, physical disabilities that impacted my ability to exercise, elder care responsibilities, or anything else, I couldn't work out five days per week. But I personally can. And that has either been good for my health, or is just a signal of the fact that I am in good health.

3. That brings us to the third piece: I don't really have any health issues that get in the way of healing. I get over colds relatively quickly, and aside from a bout of anemia and severe burnout in my mid 20s and some knee pain that I gave myself from using a standing desk for two long that seems to never go away, I've made it to 35 without too many scratches on the vehicle.

Right now I'm probably in the best health of my life, both because of my activity levels and just really finally getting on top of cooking myself meals most days of the week, lots of like fish and veggies and rice and quinoa and shit (I used to survive on power bars far too often. they're still nice. but cooking dinner regularly has made me feel more nourished and strong). Again a lot of that is being lucky enough to have time to do the things that help me feel good.

4. Before surgery, I was hydrating and fibering like a mother fucker, up until midnight the night before my operation, when I was supposed to begin fasting. I also went two weeks without any alcohol, weed, cigarettes, delta 8, or any other substances, and no medications other than my testosterone. I also quit caffeine several months ago which has had a DRAMATIC impact on my mental health and improved my eating and hydration as well. Three hours before surgery I took a prescribed anti-nausea pill, and a celebrex (a prescribed anti-inflammatory, basically it dulls nerve pain a bit) as advised by my doctor.

5. I chose to work with a surgeon who does not use narcotics -- this is a huge one. Opioid pain medications pack a whallop, and if you need them, you need them, there's no shame in that -- but I think the American medical system is still skewed towards using them too willy nilly compared to most other parts of the world. They make you groggy, slow down your digestion, can make you depressed, make you nauseated, and just generally keep you from moving around and eating, and you really do want your physical system to be moving and metabolizing so it can heal you.

I would not have been up and walking around the day of my surgery if I was on opioids. The day after surgery I was able to stream for three hours, ride the train to my post-op appointment, and walk to a restaurant a few blocks away for dinner because I wasn't loopy or medicated at all. And I truly did not need them. Because I wasn't on opioids I was also able to shit the same day I had surgery instead of battling bloating and constipation for days, which most guys describe having.

Rather than giving any hard core pain meds to me, my doctor used numbing injections during surgery, which blunted the pain for the first 48 hours post-op, which is the worst period healing wise. Beyond that, he put me on antibiotics and a celebrex in the morning and at night. I've never felt much pain at all.

At this point, my pain is like.. less than a period cramp? Similar to muscle soreness from working out? I feel fragile because my skin is stitched together, so it's not like I could run a marathon or climb a rock wall, and I can't cook or carry anything over a milk jug. but I can walk around, shower, take the train, open light doors, get dressed, feed my chinchilla, stuff like that.

6. My surgeon encouraged movement. Many surgeons tell you not to lift your arms above your head for weeks, but this can result in you needing physical therapy afterward and losing mobility in general. Now if that's what your doctor tells you to do, you should listen to them, but my doctor told me he wanted me to maintain range of motion. I am allowed to open cabinets, shampoo my hair, and reach above my head to grab things -- GENTLY and SLOWLY -- and i do very very light stretches. In the weeks to come I'll need to weigh two competing concerns against one another: the desire to maintain mobility, and the desire to have thin scar lines. I'm still being very delicate but I am using my arms all day and sometimes raising them.

Now, I can't promise you that any of this will happen for you. And since you mentioned wanting to be as independent as possible, let me tell you: do not push it! you will need help! Not getting enough help will dramatically increase your risk of complications! I have someone with me to lift heavy objects, cook, wash the dishes, help me shower, open heavy doors, and to tell me to slow down when i'm going too hard.

The people i know who did have complications got to that point because they didn't ask for enough help. You will need to take time off of any labor intensive job, and you wont be able to move furniture, make your bed, do your laundry, cook a meal, carry groceries, or do other intensive things for a while. I understand the motivation to get back to 'independence' as quickly as possible, but you can't guarantee that will happen.

This week, I will be doing some light work (grading and reading copy edits) because I am able to, and because I'm high energy enough to be getting bored. But I couldn't count on that. I told my boss and my editor I'd be offline for at least two weeks, more if I had complications. Since I didn't, I'm bouncing back way sooner, but it would not have been healthy for me to set out with that as the expectation. I needed to mentally offload the stress of having a job or I wouldnt have healed as well as I have.

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sashccharine · 4 months ago

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2024, it's almost as if I forgot how to love myself and be comfortable in my own skin. Or was my self-love just because you were here and nourishing me? Of crippling self-doubt and spending time aimlessly missing a life I never had. Of big chateaus, sparkling hearths and sad music from Cigarettes After Sex.

If I made you my king, would you make me your Queen? Days without you are so long and tiring. Knowing that you had once loved me is already enough for me. That you're left with no one is false because those that love you work in the shadows. Sweet cheeks, you're the death of me once more. I can't bear to see you cry. Will you come away with me? I want to bring you away from this dreadful place to my pretty house by the hillside and bring you to see the old English countryside.

"You're so pretty and lovely, it hurts to see you cry." My tears are salty and so am I. Resting in bed listening to sad music and imagining scenarios in my head that would never come true will never get old.

My baby is sad and so am I. Don't cry because it's over, be happy because it happened. I'm giving you all my love because you're so sweet on me... because of you I have had so much. True love, familial love, friendship... love and hatred are one and the same... Don't be afraid because we'll/I'll take care of you.

I find you familiar too, my childhood love. You come up with the best ideas... skinny burgers lol. Burger satay. I find you so comforting, like a baby blanket or a fleece blanket I forgot about. This is the best version of loving you (?) Our childhood love :,') "She's so homely and comely. And she can be a very serious person about her work and well established too." Do I worry about not matching up to her? Everyday, he replied. You're the best kept secret. :',)

In every good girl is a baddie waiting to spring forth. It's hard to believe that the girl back then was you. You were so shy and quiet back then. I guess I was just intimidated by everyone at my perceived inadequacies. Will you take me dancing? I'll hold your chubby waist tight. You don't have to pretend. You don't have to worry about not matching up to me... it's me who can't match up to you. I don't know why I run away. You're so different now, and I don't know if it's for the better or not. You're like a more grown up version of ________. Lily, Rose, Iris. Rose, Iris, Lily. Lily, Iris, Rose. Rosenkruez. Christian.

Turn that vibe into a person (?!?!) The feeling of looking at a navy blazer outlined with white ribbons.

You're more carefree but more grown up now. Very responsible but less so... slightly slipshod but still very nostalgic and magical. Always so silly and slightly goofy.

Vibe diary:

-Die For You Joji Vibe: Canadian guy in the suburbs in winter. Always worried about not being good enough. Rides his bike to the forest and sits by the river. Lonely.

-Lovely little girl. A clean scent like laundry and primrose. Very nostalgic and good. Pampered and doll-like. People are scared of her because she's scary deep down inside. Might be because of MK Ultra. Scary doll syndrome.

- Silly elder sister: Goofy and silly. Likes to Crack jokes and doesn't take things too seriously. Politically incorrect and sometimes sarcastic.

- Royalty vibes: When she listens to classical music she gets that way. She appears in a ballgown and primped hair. Detrius of the elegant gothic Lolita stereotype and time spent with Mana from moidixmois and Gackt.

-Surfer babe: Tanned girlfriend who's a swimmer and like surfing. With chlorine bleached hair. Like momo from peach girl.

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local-38 · 7 months ago

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How much longer can I go being pushed to the side for "love"

Like the fruit and vegetables on your plate you refuse to resume,

Always recognized but never consumed.

I wonder what I'm here for.

What I look like isn't enough for them or me.

I want to be injested, thought about, looked after.

It's not enough to exist on your plate I need to know I am palatable.

If not what do you make of me in the first place?

Why make me to not taste me.

Why leave me to dry out and rot?

It's bad enough I'm here looking stupid.

I nourish your dish with vitamins but salt and sugar has always been more of your diet.

And when you were younger your elders always said to find someone like me.

Maybe that's why when it's on your plate you lose your appetite.

The artificial always tastes and looks better than the real thing.

You don't notice the way I balance your blood sugar you just focus on how I taste different.

You don't care the way I filter the stress around you.

The way I make your bones stronger.

The way I regulate your nerves.

No... You focus more on the way I taste weird in your mouth.

So spit me out and leave me out to dry.

I am the crime and you are the aliby.

After all not everyone gets to experience love.

I'd rather you had left me in the ground to keep growing instead of cutting me down just for the sake of what it looks like to be on your plate.

And If i was never cut down in the first place I would have felt lonelier but at least have more chance to keep going. I would have peace to watch the sun instead of the bugs around your moldy pantry.

Maybe I was naive to think that you would sacrifice yourself for my consumation.

Maybe I was ignorant to think that you really saw how good I was under the bland tastes and visuals of my essence.

Get yourself a hog and keep eating that. Plenty of that and it will always taste the same and get your heart beating.

No need to drink water, honor the sky or ground. Keep your eyes fixed on the hunt if that is more exciting to you than the time it takes to nurture a consistent crop.

Loneliness has never felt so liberating.

At least alone I wouldn't be putting myself back in the matrix to waste my vitamins.

At least alone I would mean more to myself than a simulation.

You never understood why I put my enjoyment over survival but I guess you wouldn't.

You wouldnt understand what it's like to nourish myself at all costs.

You will always say, "I'll eat healthier when I have the money" and let the crops you have go to waste. Maybe once you lose me, you'll be more succeptible to know what you're missing.

And I can never put myself back in the ground the way I was before,

But maybe I can take a seed from the old parts and plant it into something new.

Maybe I can start again and the cycle renews.

Then I can be in the sun again, rooted in the ground.

Then I can be back in a place where I can grow instead of being picked at and pushed to the side.

#vegetables

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itsuki-minamy · 9 months ago

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"AYAKA - THE EVE OF A SPECIAL WEDDING" (Novel)

TRANSLATION: NARU-KUN

CHAPTER 6: DECISIVE BATTLE AT KISUI PALACE (Part 2)

* List of Chapters

It is said that his ancestor was a snake that lived in the sea.

Since ancient times, a pair of twin dragons have lived on Ayaka Island. The twin dragons, who rule water and fire, have come into conflict with each other and coexisted, causing life energy to flow and nourishing trees, fish, insects and beasts. The circulating life force harmonizes all things and eventually returns to the life line. The lives congratulated the twin dragons who brought them there, and many followers were born to the great twin dragons. The snake belonged to one of them, the water dragon.

He lived near Gonoshima. One day, a human man appeared there. The snake, who did not know anyone with a will other than herself, became interested in the man and finally fell in love with him. Snakes and humans mixed and gave rise to a clan. Those who live between land and sea: spiritual people.

"That is why we have built our temple here. As children of our mother, the Great Sea Serpent, and our father, human, we have built a shrine of shining land and deep water, the Kisui Palace."

"Whatever you say. So, they're going to push me into deep waters from now on?"

Trapped in a spiral, Jingi looked down at the sea far below and felt a pang of sadness.

The place where Jingi and the Elder were located was near the zenith of Kisui Palace, in a place called "Kerukaido". Of all the sanctuaries submerged in the sea, this tower was the one that went furthest into the sea. A long, narrow bridge crosses the center of the donut-shaped square, and the pitch-black ocean stretches below. Countless bonfires were lit around them, and spirits swayed silently beneath them. Only the low rhythm of the fishing drum could be heard, mixing with the sound of the waves.

The old man looked at Jingi's face and smiled.

"If you wish, Jingi-sama, you can play underwater. You will be able to do so."

"What I want is to untie this rope, return to Ninoshima and have fun with my drinking friends."

Despite the biting tone of his words, the old man's soft smile did not falter. He stroked his white beard and nodded slowly.

"Your wish will come true. Once the congratulations are over, there is no need to tie Jingi-sama up anymore. You can swim to Ninoshima at any time. Sango-sama doesn't like alcohol, but... if Jingi-sama wishes, she will join you for a drink in the evening."

"How am I supposed to drink it inside that guy's belly?"

"You should drink the sake that Sango-sama drank."

The old man laughed, but it didn't seem like a joke.

Suddenly, the rhythm of the fishing drum stopped.

On the other side of the bridge, Sango appeared dressed in white. A pure white cotton hat shines faintly in the light of the full moon.

It was hard to tell what her expression was because she had her head down, but her red lips seemed to be smiling.

Jingi, on the other hand, was wearing a black-crested haori and hakama, but he was tied so tightly that he looked completely tattered compared to his girlfriend. Still, since the only people in the audience were the spiritual people, no one but Jingi cared.

"Now then, Jingi-sama. Go ahead."

The old man turned around and muttered a little.

The center of the bridge is a round pedestal. The idea is for the couple to meet there. He really didn't want to think about what would happen there. Jingi turned his head and made a final plea to the old man behind him.

"Hey, Elder. I don't want to die yet."

"We will not die. We will become one, Jingi-sama."

"So that means I'm going to die! It's going to eat me, right?"

Stroking his white beard, the old man shook his head pitifully.

"It seems like you're misunderstanding something, Jingi-sama. You're not going to be eaten... well, something like that may turn out along the way. Your existence won't disappear."

Pushed from behind, Jingi was forced to take another step forward. Likewise, Sango approached. Jingi let out a strained voice.

"You mean you can live inside her belly? Are you serious?"

"I'm serious. If her husband dies after this blessing, how will the head of Kisui Palace be able to have a child? Sango-sama's father is still alive. In her mother's body. Yatsuchi-sama said that she and her husband live happily together.''

"Did you ever talk to that father? After Sango was born?"

After a moment of silence, the old man muttered to himself.

"No. Now that I think about it, never."

"No! I'm going home! Please let me go home!"

Jingi turned his head and shouted. Still, his legs continued to move forward on their own. As if some kind of magic had been applied to him, he couldn't move freely except from the neck up.

The old man murmured in admiration.

"Hmm. I'm really impressed with how serious your death will be, Jingi-sama. You have a pure soul, free of things like shame or outside rumors."

"Don't praise that!"

"As expected, being chosen by the "Kisuirin" is all that is needed. That is to find someone suitable to be the husband of the head of the Kisui Palace. That is what it means to be you."

At that moment, an idea flashed through Jingi's head.

No, in fact, from the moment he heard the truth about those squama, he had doubts in his heart. That is...

"No way! You guys came right after I sold that squama?! Can such a convenient coincidence happen?! You must have framed me!"

The old man blinked once.

His eyes alternated between seeing Jingi's desperate face and Sango slowly approaching from the distance. Jingi did not miss that the same light that was in her own heart shone there.

"Who told you to go to Ninoshima at that time?! When I let go of the squama, who was it that told you to go ahead with the wedding?"

"It was Sango-sama. She was ready."

"Then it's her doing! She set it up!"

Jingi realized that the old man was not involved in the plan. That was good news. This old man was stubborn, cold, and inorganic, but Jingi knew that he was a stickler for the rules. If it turns out that it was Sango's trick that caused the "Kisuirin" to no longer be Jingi's, then the old man might reconsider the legitimacy of this marriage.

"Give the "Kisuirin" to the couple you meet for the first time. Unless the potential couple returns it, we will consider the marriage ceremony to be completed."

The old man said foolishly. After blinking a few times, his pupils opened horizontally. Like the eyes of a frog.

"No one has ever introduced any kind of arbitrariness into it. Hmm..."

"That's right! Is that true?! Isn't that your rule?"

They were already a few meters from Sango. Coral eyes peered out from under the cotton hat. Her pale pink eyes were redder than usual and seemed to shine in a bewitching way.

The old man was silent for a while and then nodded.

"You didn't return the "Kisuirin". That's all, Jingi-sama. Even if Sango-sama was involved in that, there is no clause in the rules that prohibits it."

And all of Jingi's hope vanished.

He finally reached the central pedestal. Sango had a shy smile on her face, like a bride who has been waiting for this moment. Jingi's heart pounded. Out of fear, of course.

"Tonight, under this moon. We will be a couple forever. Dear Jingi-sama."

Sango slowly extended her hand towards Jingi and caressed his stiff cheek. On her hands were pale blue scales and unusually long nails. Her pink lips parted and a forked tongue appeared. The human-shaped spot on the snake's belly flickered in his mind, and Jingi imagined his own face pressed against it.

Unable to bear it, Jingi screamed.

"Yukito! What are you doing? Help me quickly! Your master will be eaten!"

He didn't expect a response to his screams of fear.

However, there was a response. A different roar and vibrations to the rhythm of the fishing drum shook the foundation of the "Kerukaido".

Sango lost her balance and almost fell into the sea, but immediately caught herself. Her face showed confusion and anger, like that of a bride whose wedding is interrupted.

"What is happening, Elder?"

The old man craned his neck and looked out to sea. That was also reflected in Jingi's vision. A part of the Kisui Palace wall that jutted into the sea was completely destroyed, emitting black smoke.

The old man said calmly.

"You are a bother."

Sango wrinkled her nose. If she weren't noble, she would have clicked her tongue. Instead, Sango ordered sharply.

"Then delete them."

"As orders."

With his hands tied behind his back, the old man stepped into the air as naturally as if he were descending the stairs.

+++++++++++

"Man, earth and sky, it's like bowing!"

At the same time as Ibara's voice, multiple thunderclaps were heard.

She invaded the room at the speed of light. About five spiritual beings were struck by the lightning, they convulsed and fell to the ground, unable to move. Yukito was worried that they weren't dead, but he crossed his fingers and completed the technique.

"Man, earth and sky! Water, do not fight for the good of all things, but confront the evils of all people!"

This time it was not necessary to generate water from scratch. There was plenty of water in the numerous jugs placed there.

The water rose like well-kneaded clay and destroyed the spirits that were trying to surround Yukito and his friends. They are not closely related, but with a hoe, sickle or hammer in hand, they are enough to pose a threat.

There were about ten spirits enveloped in a body of water. Ibara immediately used a lightning technique. The spiritual beings who were electrocuted by the water bounced like fish thrown onto the shore and then floated in the water like fish. Yukito quickly spat them out of the water, trying to at least prevent them from drowning.

On the other hand, Ibuki was engaged in a fierce battle with two courtiers.

"Moth, Moth, I follow the life of the ocean dragon and collect all my thoughts."

With a unique sounding spell, countless water snakes emerged from under Josei's feet and attacked Ibuki. Ibuki quickly lowered his gun and pulled the trigger.

A single bullet meant nothing to a swarm of water snakes. Unless that bullet is imbued with witchcraft.

The moment the bullet came into contact with a piece of water, it exploded, dispersing a shock wave. The air in the room trembled and the pure blue technique turned into a stream of water that soaked the place. Later, even Josei himself stepped on the tatara.

"The gutter!"

Uzura jumped towards him, trying to get in front of him.

The fists of both hands were black and hard. As if by some kind of magic, he shook his obsidian-like fist and the hall shook again, causing a huge crack to appear on the stone floor. Ibuki avoided it just in time, clicked his tongue loudly and backed away even further, releasing three consecutive shots.

Two shots veered off course from him and landed on the wall and ceiling, and the other shot was deflected by Uzura's fist. Uzura pursed his lips tightly, moving even closer to Ibuki.

"Hmph."

Ibuki snorted mockingly.

The bullets embedded in the walls and ceiling exploded and returned with a bright light. It turned into multiple beams of light, traveling from the walls and ceiling to the muzzle of the gun and crashing into the back of Uzura, who was on its way. Uzura, who had stumbled forward, crashed into the water jug as if he were flip-flopping, breaking it into pieces.

"Amazing..."

Forgetting the situation, Yukito admired him. Both Josei and Uzura should be difficult opponents. He also remembered that Ibara was going through a difficult time with Sango. However, Ibuki seemed to be the only one taking control of them.

"Yukito! Don't look away!"

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

Scolded by Ibara, Yukito made the seal again. The spirits entered the room one after another, trampling the unconscious allies and trying to capture Yukito and his friends.

"If you are brave, you will be killed; if you are not brave, you will live!"

Along with the technique, Ibara's body glowed faintly. Even the glove on her right arm emitted a silver glow, and she punched, kicked, and threw the spirits that attacked in groups at a speed that could not be seen. All Yukito could do was manipulate the water and keep the enemy away as much as possible.

(I have to go up...!)

As much as he could, Yukito searched for a way to the upper floor. Jingi should be giving a congratulatory speech in "Kerukaido" right now. Get there and regain custody. Jingi himself is a powerful connection, so, if he could break the seal caused by the cursed tool, his chances of success would increase.

A loud shot was heard.

Surprised, he looked and saw a huge hole in the hallway wall. Beyond the black smoke, he could see the night sky filled with stars. And below he saw Josei, covered in soot, kneeling.

"It's the end."

Ibuki said it coldly and loaded the bullet. Josei looked at him expressionlessly.

At this moment, a voice echoed from a hole in the hallway.

"It was foolish of me to leave it to the brats."

An old man appeared from the hole, as if he was passing through the air.

It's the Elder.

With his hands tied behind his back, the old man descended through the air step by step. He said quietly, not paying attention to the kneeling Josei.

"I'll take care of this guest. Find the other rats and kill them."

"Yes."

"As orders."

Uzura and Josei stood up and turned to Yukito and the others. That alone made Yukito's body stiffen, and Ibara held the glove up to them.

However, with a sigh, the old man reprimanded his subordinates.

"How stupid are you brats? I'm not talking about them; I'm talking about the rats that crawl underground."

Uzura and Josei looked at each other and then started running at the same time. At the side of the hall, they jumped to the place where the spirits came out and disappeared.

Ibuki shouted.

"Yukito, Ibara, go after them! Help the children of Kaizumi Shrine!"

"......!"

A moment later, Yukito and his friends also realized that. The old man pointed to Chatarou and Yako who were hiding. If Josei and the others found them, they would not hesitate to "get rid of them".

That's all they have to stop them.

"Follow me!"

Ibara ran towards the hallway where the pure blue sky was. She punched the ghost that came out of there and then jumped over the area where he fell unconscious and continued forward. Yukito followed her, gritting his teeth.

+++++++++++

Chatarou and Yako were walking through a dark, damp hallway.

Due to the effects of the technique, they can recognize the appearances of others. But they can't make any sound. The spell won't be broken by just making a sound, but if a voice comes out of nowhere, the people present will probably wonder what it is. And spiritual men were everywhere. They went back and forth from one place to another carrying dishes, musical instruments or tools that they do not understand, such as hoes, sickles and hammers. Each time, Chatarou and Yako had to hold their breath and hide behind the scenes to avoid being hit by them.

(So where is what we're looking for?)

In an area where the number of people coming and going had become scarce, he wrote it down in his notebook instead of using his voice and showed it to Yako.

At night, he put his serious face and take notes the same way.

(There is no way for me to know.)

That's how it is. They've only been to Kisui Palace once and they don't even know what's there. So there's no way to know.

But they could make a guess.

Chatarou and Yako moved down the hallway. Towards the side where there are no people.

He had heard from Yukito what the "Kisuirin" was. It appears to be a shiny gemstone the size of a chicken egg.

If it is a treasure like that, it should be kept somewhere. A safe or treasure chest. It is probably located in a particularly secluded location within the Kisui Palace. He doesn't know if they distrusted thieves, but he was sure they kept important things in hard-to-reach places.

However, he had no idea how to get to such a place. Neither of them had yet been taught how to pick locks or find hidden places.

(If the master were here, there might have been a different method.)

Chatarou thought that as he looked at Yako who was walking next to him. Yako was also looking at Chatarou with the same expression on his face. Even without notes, they can communicate to that point.

Kurama Haruaki. Chatarou and Yako's master. If only he were there...

But he's not there right now. Although he said he would come, he never showed up until the day they finally carried out the mission.

Chatarou didn't have any deep worries about that. Although Kurama Haruaki was an extremely good connection, there were some areas where he lacked. Maybe he got lost somewhere, or maybe he just accidentally set the time wrong. Chatarou had no idea that something had happened to him. However, it may happen that he appears suddenly after everything is finished.

The two continued forward. Towards the unpopular side.

(...Yako.)

(What?)

(Do you know where we come from?)

Yako shook his head with a dull expression on his face.

Apparently he got lost. As a result of moving from the least popular aisle to the least popular, they have completely lost their bearings. A dimly lit, board-lined hallway stretches on and on. There was a wall to the left and a row of tatami rooms to the right, but they looked like they hadn't been used for a while. It smelled of damp tatami mats and wet sliding doors.

However, Chatarou didn't think it was that bad. He was an optimistic boy. First of all, if you don't even know where your destination is, there is no way you can get lost. Search blindly. That was all the two of them could do now.

At this moment, Yako stopped and pulled Chatarou's sleeve.

(Please watch.)

Chatarou looked towards the door, indicated by a note and a finger.

There was a heavy door on the left wall. The appearance is clearly different from other doors. Above all, carved into its surface was a pattern that Chatarou and his friends were familiar with. Two dragons chasing each other. It is the patron saint of the twin dragon that is enshrined at the Kaizumi Shrine where they serve.

It seemed like an important place.

And there must be something important in important places.

Chatarou and Yako nodded and tried to open the door together. At first, it didn't move when they pulled, so they both put their weight on it and pushed as hard as they could. Then, the door moved slightly with a creaking sound. Chatarou's face turned bright red and he continued pushing, finally, there was a space big enough for a person to pass through. Chatarou passed first, then Yako.

Inside was a staircase leading down.

He tried to close the door, but no matter how hard he pulled on it, it wouldn't budge. Finally, the two gave up. If someone could see the door ajar, they might discover that there had been a robbery, but they would open it anyway when they returned. They thought they could get in quickly and return quickly.

They both fell. Poom. Poom.

"That's a long staircase."

Chatarou grumbled loudly. In the dim light, he could see that Yako was looking accusingly at Chatarou.

"It's okay. No matter how you look at it, there is no one here."

"...Well, that's right."

Reluctantly, Yako admitted. The stairs were long and dark and there was no sign of anyone. If someone is coming from above or below, they could hear their footsteps.

Finally, a low vibration and the sound of an explosion came from above.

Chatarou couldn't help but look up. He was probably initiated by Ibuki and others. To get Jingi back or to buy time until Chatarou and his friends find the "Kisuirin".

Chatarou muttered to himself as he walked down the stairs.

"Yukito, are you okay?"

He was worried. There was something about Yukito that he couldn't leave alone. They assume he has talent. Probably more than Chatarou and Yako. However, his new friend was quiet, reserved, and seemed unfit for battle. Even at that very moment, his spiritual connections can corner him.

By saying that, Yako also showed that he was of the same opinion. He silently looked towards the stairs and said:

"Let's hurry up."

If they can find the "Kisuirin" and return it as quickly as possible, the battle will be over. Jingi will be back. And Chatarou and his friends will be able to return to Ninoshima without missing anyone. They put their hands on the wall and began to descend quickly.

Finally, the wall he touched began to turn into a rocky surface. The ground beneath their feet began to feel rough, as if they had been carved directly from stone.

The sensation suddenly changed to something soft.

When he looked down, he saw that the stairs had ended. The straight path is lined with wet white sand. The smell of the ocean became even stronger and the drops falling from above ran down his cheeks and into his mouth. It was salty.

"Salty! Is that sea water?"

When Chatarou said that, Yako frowned suspiciously.

"That can't be true. Because... no..."

He murmured into his mouth and looked up. The sheared rock ceiling was wet and shiny.

The two went down the stairs. During that time, it never folded. He wasn't sure of the direction, but if those were stairs leading to the sea, wouldn't that mean they were at the bottom of the sea? Finally, his prediction came true.

At the end of the hallway was a huge dome. There was a blanket of white sand under their feet, and the curved walls and ceiling were filled with black sea water. The white bellies of the schools of fast-swimming fish reflect the light emitted from inside the dome.

The two watched the fantastic scene with their mouths wide open.

"Is this... a jutsu?"

"Yes, I guess. But at least..."

Yako looked around and said without hiding his disappointment.

"It doesn't seem like a hidden treasure. What we want isn't here."

"......"

Still, Chatarou did not give up and walked towards the center of the dome, taking quick steps. There may be shiny squama's buried somewhere in this sand. At that moment, he heard a voice from behind.

"The clear water mesh is strong and the exorcism is fast!"

Something like a wind that could not be touched passed through Chatarou's body. The moment Chatarou stepped on the tatara and looked back, he realized that his and Yako's hidden form had dissolved.

Then, behind them, at the entrance to the dome, were two expressionless spirits standing.

"Yako!"

At the same time as he let out a cry of alarm, a large spirit man rushed forward, kicking up sand. On the other hand, the little spirit man, Josei, pointed his index finger at Chatarou and muttered a spell. Intuitively thinking it was a trick, Chatarou turned his body around and threw himself onto the sand. Ultra-high pressure water brushed against Chatarou's arm. He winced at the pain, which felt like fever, but he still made the seals and perfected his technique.

"Those who do not lose their place are already gone, and those who do not die are already gone!"

An armor of strong winds swirled around Yako. The great spirit man paused for a moment. At this moment, Yako took out a fire-breathing bamboo and completed the spell.

"Between heaven and earth, it is like a veil!"

Flames erupted from the bamboo tube, threatening to burn the great spiritual man, but he was saved. Both hardened fists waved rapidly, dispersing the flames. With sullen lips, the great spirit man looked at Yako and then at Chatarou.

Chatarou shouted as he backed away.

"Th-these guys are the palace priests! What are we going to do, Yako?!"

"H-how is this..."

Murmuring into his mouth, Yako also took a step back. According to Ibara's analysis, the priests are stronger than Ibara. And Ibara is stronger than Chatarou and Yako. With two opponents like that, there was no way they could win.

He gritted his teeth. Josei raised his finger again. Could he avoid it next time? To what extent can it be avoided? The image of his body being pierced by that high-pressure water and the white sand stained with blood flashed through his mind.

"Man, earth and sky, it's still like drawing a bow!"

A spell echoed further from behind the palace officials.

The two palace priests narrowly avoided the lightning.

Two more people burst in from the entrance to the dome. They were Ibara and Yukito. When they saw Chatarou and Yako cornered, they immediately used their techniques.

"A fish must not escape from the abyss. A dishonorable vessel must not be shown to anyone!"

"Where the teacher is, there will be thorns!"

A spreading water net and a glowing glove attacked the two palace leaders. When Josei raised his hand, the water nets stopped in the air and formed a shape that linked them together. Meanwhile, Ibara and the great spirit man began to engage in a striking hand-to-hand combat. The black and silver fists collided, sending sparks into the humid air.

Chatarou and Yako took a deep breath and then signaled to join the battle.

(This might work...!)

There's nothing just the two of them can do. But there are four people. Ibara is a great connection and Yukito's talent is obvious. If they can somehow outwit the palace chief, they could reverse the unfavorable war situation.

A roar that shook the ocean floor shattered that faint hope.

Ekkkkkkkkkkkkkkk...

The sound was so loud that the entire dome vibrated. It's as if the sea itself is screaming.

The first to react were the priests. They backed up to the wall of the dome, looked up at the same time, and knelt there.

Josei said quietly.

"Our mistress is angry. A terrestrial creature desecrated her sleeping place without permission."

The great spiritual man also murmured in a low voice.

"It seems that Yatsuchi-sama will swallow them all directly."

Before Chatarou could understand the meaning of those words, the walls of the dome collapsed and seawater entered.

+++++++++++

#ayaka #ibuki aka #yanagi yukito #sagawa jingi #kurama haruaki #ichijou ibara #fukuwake chatarou #amano yako #sango

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catolinewsdailyreadings · 10 months ago

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Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of Saturday, January 27, 2024

Reading 1

2 SM 12:1-7A, 10-17

The LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he came to him, Nathan said: “Judge this case for me! In a certain town there were two men, one rich, the other poor. The rich man had flocks and herds in great numbers. But the poor man had nothing at all except one little ewe lamb that he had bought. He nourished her, and she grew up with him and his children. She shared the little food he had and drank from his cup and slept in his bosom. She was like a daughter to him. Now, the rich man received a visitor, but he would not take from his own flocks and herds to prepare a meal for the wayfarer who had come to him. Instead he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and made a meal of it for his visitor.” David grew very angry with that man and said to him: “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this merits death! He shall restore the ewe lamb fourfold because he has done this and has had no pity.”

Then Nathan said to David: “You are the man! Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’ Thus says the LORD: ‘I will bring evil upon you out of your own house. I will take your wives while you live to see it, and will give them to your neighbor. He shall lie with your wives in broad daylight. You have done this deed in secret, but I will bring it about in the presence of all Israel, and with the sun looking down.’”

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” Nathan answered David: “The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die. But since you have utterly spurned the LORD by this deed, the child born to you must surely die.” Then Nathan returned to his house.

The LORD struck the child that the wife of Uriah had borne to David, and it became desperately ill. David besought God for the child. He kept a fast, retiring for the night to lie on the ground clothed in sackcloth. The elders of his house stood beside him urging him to rise from the ground; but he would not, nor would he take food with them.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R./ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. R./ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you. R./ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise. R./ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Gospel

MK 4:35-41

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 10 months ago

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27th January >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saturday, Third Week in Ordinary Time

Saint Angela Merici, Virgin

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saturday, Third Week in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green: B (2))

First Reading 2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17 I have sinned against the Lord.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R/ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

R/ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you.

R/ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God; then my tongue shall revel in your justice. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

R/ Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Gospel Acclamation John 3:16

Alleluia, alleluia. God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 4:35-41 Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Angela Merici, Virgin

(Liturgical Colour: White: B (2))

(Readings for the memorial)

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

First Reading 1 Peter 4:7b-11 Each one has received a special gift; use it to serve one another.

Beloved: Be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 148:1bc-2, 11-13a, 13c-14

R/ Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights; Praise him, all you his angels, praise him, all you his hosts.

R/ Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Let the kings of the earth and all peoples, the princes and all the judges of the earth, Young men, too, and maidens, old men and boys, Praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted.

R/ Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

His majesty is above earth and heaven. He has lifted up the horn of his people. Be this his praise from all his faithful ones; from the children of Israel, the people close to him. Alleluia.

R/ Young men and women, praise the name of the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation cf. 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.

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

The disciples of Jesus had been discussing on the way who was the greatest. Jesus 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 him, 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.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(Liturgical Colour: White: B (2))

(Readings for the memorial)

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

Either:

First Reading Genesis 3:9-15, 20 I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me– she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; On your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First reading Genesis 12:1-7 The Lord spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants for ever (Luke 1:55).

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, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran. Abram took his wife Sarai, his brother’s son Lot, all the possessions that they had accumulated, and the persons they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land as far as the sacred place at Shechem, by the terebinth of Moreh. (The Canaanites were then in the land.) The LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So Abram built an altar there to the LORD who had appeared to him.

OR: --------

First reading 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-11, 16 The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father (Luke 1:32).

When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” Nathan answered the king, “Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you.” But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: “Go tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in?’ “‘It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

OR: --------

First reading 1 Chronicles 15:3-4, 15-16; 16:1-2 They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it.

David assembled all Israel in Jerusalem to bring the ark of the LORD to the place which he had prepared for it. David also called together the sons of Aaron and the Levites. The Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with poles, as Moses had ordained according to the word of the LORD. David commanded the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brethren as chanters, to play on musical instruments, harps, lyres, and cymbals to make a loud sound of rejoicing. They brought in the ark of God and set it within the tent which David had pitched for it. Then they offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings to God. When David had finished offering up the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD.

OR: --------

First reading Proverbs 8:22-31 Mary, seat of Wisdom.

The Wisdom of God says:

“The LORD begot me, the first-born of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; From of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; Before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; While as yet the earth and fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world.

“When he established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; When he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; When he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; Then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, Playing before him all the while, playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the sons of men.”

OR: --------

First reading Sirach 24:1-2, 3-4, 8-12, 18-21 Mary, seat of Wisdom.

Wisdom sings her own praises and is honored in God, before her own people she proclaims her glory; In the assembly of the Most High she opens her mouth, in the presence of his power she declares her worth.

“From the mouth of the Most High I came forth the first-born before all creatures. I made that in the heavens there should arise light that never fades and mistlike covered the earth. In the highest heavens did I dwell, my throne on a pillar of cloud.

“Then the Creator of all gave me his command, and he who formed me chose the spot for my tent, Saying, ‘In Jacob make your dwelling, in Israel your inheritance and among my chosen put down your roots.’ Before all ages, in the beginning, he created me, and through all ages I shall not cease to be. In the holy tent I ministered before him, and in Zion I fixed my abode. Thus in the chosen city he has given me rest, in Jerusalem is my domain. I have struck root among the glorious people, in the portion of the LORD, his heritage and in the company of the holy ones do I linger.

“Come to me, all you that yearn for me, and be filled with my fruits; You will remember me as sweeter than honey, better to have than the honeycomb my memory is unto everlasting generations. Whoever eats of me will hunger still, whoever drinks of me will thirst for more; Whoever obeys me will not be put to shame, whoever serves me will never fail.”

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10 The virgin shall conceive and bear a son.

The LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as the nether world, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then Isaiah said: Listen, O house of David! Is it not enough for you to weary people, must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel which means “God is with us.”

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 9:1-6 A son is given us.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

OR: --------

First reading Isaiah 61:9-11 I rejoice heartily in the Lord.

Thus says the LORD:

Their descendants shall be renowned among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; All who see them shall acknowledge them as a race the LORD has blessed.

I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

OR: --------

First reading Micah 5:1-4a Until the time when she who is to give birth has borne.

The LORD says:

You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, From you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; Whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. (Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne, And the rest of his brethren shall return to the children of Israel.) He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD, his God; And they shall remain, for now his greatness shall reach to the ends of the earth; he shall be peace.

OR: --------

First reading Zechariah 2:14-17 Rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming.

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. The LORD will possess Judah as his portion in the holy land, and he will again choose Jerusalem. Silence, all mankind, in the presence of the LORD! for he stirs forth from his holy dwelling.

EITHER: --------

Responsorial Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

“He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.”

My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Judith 13:18bcde, 19

You are the highest honor of our race.

“Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the LORD God, the creator of heaven and earth.”

You are the highest honor of our race.

“Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God.”

You are the highest honor of our race.

OR: --------

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.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 113:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the LORD to be praised. High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens is his glory.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor To seat them with princes, with the princes of his own people.

Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. or Alleluia.

OR: --------

Responsorial Psalm Luke 1:46-47, 48-49, 50-51, 52-53, 54-55