January 29, 2012

Readings for Jan 29-Feb 4, from the Word among us

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Dt. 18:15-20; Ps. 95;
1 Cor. 7:32-35; Mk. 1:21-28

In the name of Jesus, I command all evil spirits to be quiet and to depart from me and from every member of my family.  Lord, deliver us from the lies of the evil one and help us to be ever more alert (p. 49).

Monday: 2 Sm. 15:13-14, 30; 16:5-13; Ps. 3; Mk. 5:1-20
4th week in Ordinary Time

“Jesus, teach me how to be your instrument of healing, peace, and restoration” (p. 50).

Tuesday: 2 Sm. 18:9-10, 14, 24-25, 30—19:3; Ps. 86; Mk. 5:21-43
St. John Bosco, priest

Jesus, unleash a wave of healing power throughout your church.  Touch the sick and the suffering, and restore them to wholeness and well-being (p. 51).

Wednesday: 2 Sm. 24:2, 9-17; Ps. 32; Mk. 6:1-6
4th week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus, right now I lay aside my doubts and hesitancies.  I ask you to come into my heart and speak to me.  Give me a renewed faith in you and your power to work in my life (p. 21).

Thursday: Mal. 3:1-4; Ps. 24; Heb. 2:14-18; Lk. 2:22-40
Presentation of the Lord

Father, open my ears to the ways you will speak to me today.  I want to receive your revelation and embrace your word just as Simeon did (p. 22).

Friday: Sir. 47:2-11; Ps. 18; Mk. 6:14-29
St. Blaise, bishop & martyr

“Father, have mercy on all the vulnerable young ones who have no one to protect them and to teach them your ways” (p. 23).

Saturday: 1 Kgs. 3:4-13; Ps. 119; Mk. 6:30-34
Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

Jesus, I want to come away with you for a while.  Refresh me, renew me, and strengthen me.  Then send me out to build your kingdom (p. 24).

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January 22, 2012

Readings for Jan 22-28, from the Word among us

3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jon. 3:1-5, 10;
Ps. 25; 1 Cor. 7:29-31;
Mk. 1:14-20

Thank you, Jesus, for calling me to be your disciple.  With joy, knowing my life will never be the same, I take up your call.  I trust that you will be with me (p. 42).

Monday: 2 Sm. 5:1-7, 10; Ps. 89; Mk. 3:22-30
3rd week in Ordinary Time

Jesus, forgive us all!  Restore us, Lord, so that we can become one people united under your banner— the banner of life and love! (p. 43).

Tuesday: 2 Sm. 6:12-15, 17-19; Ps. 24; Mk. 3:31-35
St. Francis de Sales, bishop & doctor

Jesus, how awesome is your self-giving presence!  Open my eyes to see you and my mouth to praise you (p. 44).

Wednesday: Acts 22:3-16; Ps. 117; Mk. 16:15-18
Conversion of St. Paul the apostle

Praise you, Lord!  Your love for me is strong and mighty.  You are forever faithful to everyone who trusts in your name.  May I always live to give you glory and honor! (p. 45).

Thursday: 2 Tm. 1:1-8; Ps. 96; Mk. 4:21-25
Sts. Timothy & Titus, bishops

Lord, help me see the gift that my fellow Christians are to me— and the gift that I can be to them.  Show me how to participate more fully in your body, Lord (p. 46).

Friday: 2 Sm. 11:1-10, 13-17; Ps. 51; Mk. 4:26-34
St. Angela Merici, virgin

Lord, thank you for your work in my life!  Thank you for making the seed of faith sprout and grow in me, bringing me to conversion.  Now teach me how to sow these same seeds in other people’s lives so that you may draw them to yourself (p. 47).

Saturday: 2 Sm. 12:1-7, 10-17; Ps. 51; Mk. 4:35-41
St. Thomas Aquinas, priest & doctor 

Jesus, you know how frightening the storms of life can get.  Help me to see you in the midst of them.  Deepen my faith so that, even when you seem distant, I can still trust you to keep me safe (p. 48).

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January 15, 2012

Readings for Jan 15-21, from
the Word among us

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time:
1 Sm. 3:3-10, 19; Ps. 40;
1 Cor. 6:13-15, 17-20; Jn. 1:35-42

Lord, open my eyes.  I want to see you! (p. 35).

Monday: 1 Sm. 15:16-23; Ps. 50;
Mk. 2:18-22
2nd week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus, I want to receive your new wine.  Come and fill me to overflowing, Lord, and let me taste and see your goodness (p. 36).

Tuesday: 1 Sm. 16:1-13; Ps. 89; Mk. 2:23-28
St. Anthony of Egypt, abbot

Lord, I ask not to understand your will but to accept it.  Teach me to see your hand in the midst of every change and challenge! (p. 37).

Wednesday: 1 Sm. 17:32-33, 37, 40-51; Ps. 144; Mk. 3:1-6
2nd week in Ordinary Time

Father, make us one.  Help us to repent of our sins against unity.  Lord, heal every division! (p. 38).

Thursday: 1 Sm. 18:6-9, 19:1-7; Ps. 56; Mk. 3:7-12
2nd week in Ordinary Time

Lord Jesus, heal me of every hurtful situation and jealous thought.  Let your love and compassion restore my soul (p. 39).

Friday: 1 Sm. 24:3-21; Ps. 57; Mk. 3:13-19
St. Fabian, pope and martyr

Father, even in small ways, I don’t want to “get back” at someone who has hurt me.  Instead, I turn to you.  Heal my hurting heart, and give me the grace to trust in your justice and mercy (p. 40).

Saturday: 2 Sm. 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27; Ps. 80; Mk. 3:20-21
St. Agnes, virgin and martyr

Jesus, teach me to love my spouse, my family, and my friends in the same way that you love me.  Open my eyes to the ways you are calling me to lay down my life for my friends (p. 41).

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January 8, 2012

Readings for Jan 8-14, from the Word among us

Epiphany of the Lord:
Is. 60:1-6; Ps. 72;
Eph. 3:2-3, 5-6; Mt. 2:1-12

Lord, I am in awe of how vast your plan is!  Thank you for sending Jesus to redeem all of us.  Help me to become a shining example of your love and healing power today
(p. 28).

Monday: Is. 42:1-4, 6-7; Ps. 29; Mk. 1:7-11
Baptism of the Lord

Lord Jesus, your baptism reveals me to myself.  How marvelous is your work of creation– and your work of re-creation!  May all your works praise you!
(p. 29).

Tuesday: 1 Sm. 1:9-20; 1 Sm. 2:1, 4-8; Mk. 1:21-28
1st week in Ordinary Time

Father, as I lay my needs before you, let me touch your merciful heart.  Teach me to be attentive to other people so that I may show your compassion and mercy to them! (p. 30).

Wednesday: 1 Sm. 3:1-10, 19-20; Ps. 40; Mk. 1:29-39
1st week in Ordinary Time

Here I am, Father.  Teach me how to walk in your presence and peace today (p. 31).

Thursday: 1 Sm. 4:1-11; Ps. 44; Mk. 1:40-45
1st week in Ordinary Time

Jesus, our crucified Lord and King, teach us how to follow you all the way to Calvary, so we can share in the eternal life you have won for us! (p. 32).

Friday: 1 Sm. 8:4-7, 10-22; Ps. 89; Mk. 2:1-12
St. Hilary, bishop and doctor of the church

Holy Spirit, open my eyes to see the kingdom of God all around me.  Help me to recognize your presence and your work in the people I meet and the situations I encounter (p. 33).

Saturday: 1 Sm. 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1; Ps. 21; Mk. 2:13-17
Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Jesus, I want to become more like you.  Fill me with the kind of love that draws me to you– and me to other people as well (p. 34).

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January 1, 2012

Readings for Jan 1-7, from the Word among us

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God: Nm. 6:22-27;
Ps. 67; Gal. 4:4-7;
Lk. 2:16-21

“Mary, pray for me throughout this year so that I can walk in the dignity that your son has won for me!” (p. 21).

Monday: 1 Jn. 2:22-28; Ps. 98; Jn. 1:19-28
Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen, bishops & doctors

“Father, teach me to remain in your word so that I can bear great fruit for your kingdom” (p. 22).

Tuesday: 1 Jn. 2:29—3:6; Ps. 98; Jn. 1:29-34
Most Holy Name of Jesus

Father, you are wonderful and loving and kind.  Fill me with a new song today, a song of joy and hope (p. 23).

Wednesday: 1 Jn. 3:7-10; Ps. 98; Jn. 1:35-42
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, religious

Jesus, thank you so much for your invitation!  Yes, I want to come and see all that you have for me this day.  Open my eyes to the wonder of your love so that I can know you more (p. 24).

Thursday: 1 Jn. 3:11-21; Ps. 100; Jn. 1:43-51
St. John Newmann, bishop

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me unconditionally.  Help me to receive that love today.  Teach me how to build my life on it, too, as my one solid foundation (p. 25).

Friday: 1 Jn. 5:5-13; Ps. 147; Mk. 1:7-11
St. André Bessette, religious

“Lord, teach me how to share your good news with the people around me” (p. 26).

Saturday: 1 Jn. 5:14-21; Ps. 149; Jn. 2:1-12
St. Raymond of Peñafort, priest

Lord, I surrender to you.  I will wait on you (p. 27).

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A special thanks to Henry Finch who assisted Father Xaviour during Mass!
Henry, an A&M student at College Station, belongs to the Diocese of Austin.

December 25, 2011

Readings for Dec 25-31, from
the Word among us

Christmas: Nativity of the Lord:
Is. 52:7-10; Ps. 98; Heb. 1:1-6;
Jn. 1:1-18

Jesus, you are my Lord.  I consecrate myself to you (p. 50).

Monday: Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59;
Ps. 31; Mt. 10:17-22
St. Stephen, first martyr

“God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts” (Gal. 4:6).  I believe your word, Lord.  Show me what it means for me (p. 51).

Tuesday: 1 Jn. 1:1-4; Ps. 97; Jn. 20:1-8
St. John, apostle & evangelist

Jesus, I want to believe in you more fully.  Search my heart; and where there is any unbelief, fill me with belief (p. 52).

Wednesday: 1 Jn. 1:5—2:2; Ps. 124; Mt. 2:13-18
Holy Innocents, martyrs

Father, receive all the little ones slain in our era.  Collect the tears of the guilty as well, and use them to bring about change (p. 53).

Thursday: 1 Jn. 2:3-11; Ps. 96; Lk. 2:22-35
5th day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

Holy Spirit, thank you for showing me your love.  I give you my whole heart, and I believe that you can move any mountain in my life! (p. 54).

Friday: Sir. 3:2-6, 12-14; Ps. 128; Lk. 2:22-40
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph

Heavenly Father, author of family life, help me to bring a holy change in my family this year.  Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us! (p. 55).  

Saturday: 1 Jn. 2:18-21; Ps. 96; Jn. 1:1-18
7th day within the Octave of the Nativity of the Lord

“Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel, for you have come to set us free!” (p. 56).

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From the Christmas Eve bulletin…

Upon one more Christmas, we rejoice the birth of Christ.  There is no feast in the course of the year that moves us as deeply as Christmas.  It brings back many cherished and most intimate memories and awakens in us strong and deep sentiments, making our hearts spacious, luminous, and grateful.  What unaccountable blessings came to the world with the birth a little child in a stable in an obscure part of the world a very long time ago!  He is the fulfillment of God’s promise: A child is born for us, a son is given to us, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and he shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6).  His birth brought hope and salvation to the world and changed human history once and for all.  As Matthew, the evangelist, writes, “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those who live in a land overshadowed by death, a light has arisen” (4:16).  For the child was God building a bridge from himself to us, the dawn from on high coming to visit us.  Centuries have drawn comfort, hope, and joy from it; and it is still a dominant and powerful event to set human hearts in motion.  As we recall that fascinating story once again and reflect its significance, let us make a spiritual pilgrimage to Bethlehem to appropriate its saving grace in our lives (Father John Xaviour, 24 December 2011).

                

       

               

               

               

               

       

               

               

       

       

December 18, 2011

Readings for Dec 18-24, from
the Word among us

4th Sunday of Advent:
2 Sm. 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Ps. 89; Rom. 16:25-27; Lk. 1:26-38

Father, thank you for the gift of faith.  Knowing you is the greatest joy of my life (p. 43).

Monday: Jgs. 13:2-7, 24-25;
Ps. 71; Lk. 1:5-25
4th week of Advent

Father, I pray for children throughout the world.  Protect them from harm.  Give them parents and guardians who will manifest your love to them (p. 44).

Tuesday: Is. 7:10-14; Ps. 24; Lk. 1:26-38
4th week in Advent

Lord, I will keep moving on!  You have done so much in my life to show me your love!  Help me to be confident in your commitment to me (p. 45).

Wednesday: Sg. 2:8-14; Ps. 33; Lk. 1:39-45
4th week of Advent

Mary, teach us all the value of brotherhood and sisterhood.  Show me that none of us has to stand alone (p. 46).

Thursday: 1 Sm. 1:24-28; 1 Sm. 2:1, 4-8; Lk. 1:46-56
4th week in Advent

Jesus, take my life.  Let it be yours completely (p. 47).

Friday: Mal. 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps. 25; Lk. 1:57-66
4th week of Advent

Father, your plans are always for good.  Teach me, and give me a heart to follow you today without fear (p. 48).  

Saturday: 2 Sm. 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Ps. 89; Lk. 1:67-79
4th week of Advent

“Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel, for you have come to set us free!” (p. 49).

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December 11, 2011

Readings for Dec 11-17,
from the Word among us

3rd Sunday of Advent:
Is. 61: 1-2, 10-11; Lk. 1:46-50, 53-54; 1 Thes. 5:16-24; Jn. 1:6-8, 19-28

Jesus, I want to be a crucible witness for you!  Give me the right words to say.  Help me to live in a way that testifies to your light within me (p. 36).

Monday: Zec. 2:14-17; Jdt. 13:18-19; Lk. 1:26-38
Our Lady of Guadalupe

“Holy Mary, Mother of God and our mother as well– please pray for us and lead us closer to your son!” (p. 37).

Tuesday: Zep. 3:1-2, 9-13; Ps. 34; Mt. 21:28-32
St. Lucy, virgin and martyr

Lord, I want to hear your call.  Only you can change my life to be more like you.  Thank you for making me your child (p. 38).

Wednesday: Is. 45:6-8, 18, 21-25; Ps. 85; Lk. 7:18-23
St. John of the Cross, priest and doctor of the Church

Lord God, you are sovereign; indeed, there is none to compare with you in your greatness and mercy!  I surrender my life to you (p. 39).

Thursday: Is. 54:1-10; Ps. 30; Lk. 7:24-30
3rd week in Advent

Thank you, Jesus, that through your death I was buried with you and raised to new life with you.  Through the power of your Spirit, help me to bear fruit necessary to build your kingdom (p. 40).

Friday: Is. 56:1-3, 6-8; Ps. 67; Jn. 5:33-36
3rd week of Advent

Jesus, thank you for seeking me when I was a stranger.  Help me to see the ones you long to draw closer to your heart through me (p. 41).  

Saturday: Gn. 49:2, 8-10; Ps. 72; Mt. 1:1-17
3rd week of Advent

Jesus, my heart is filled with joy at your coming!  Show me new and creative ways to express my joy and share it with the people around me (p. 42).

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December 4, 2011

Readings for Dec 4-10, from
the Word among us

2nd Sunday of Advent: Is. 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps. 85; 2 Pt. 3:8-14; Mk. 1:1-8

Lord, I need your comfort.  Fill me with your joy and peace.  Teach me how to open my heart to you.  Jesus, I love you! (p. 29).

Monday: Is. 35:1-10; Ps. 85; Lk. 5:17-26
2nd week of Advent

Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on you this Advent.  I want to keep walking on the path– the holy way– that you have set before me (p. 30).

Tuesday: Is. 40:1-11; Ps. 96; Mt. 18:12-14
St. Nicholas, bishop

Jesus, how can you love me so much?  Thank you for leaving your heavenly throne to find me and carry me back home! (p. 31).

Wednesday: Is. 40:25-31; Ps. 103; Mt. 11:28-30
St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church

Jesus, I come to you.  Let it be done to me according to your word (p. 32).

Thursday: Gn. 3:9-15, 20; Ps. 98; Eph. 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk. 1:26-38
Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lord, I lift up my heart to you in awe and worship!  Your plans for me are wondrously and infinitely greater than anything I could ever imagine! (p. 33).

Friday: Is. 48:17-19; Ps. 1; Mt. 11:16-19
St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin

Lord, help me to recognize when you are speaking to me.  Thank you for making all things, even me, new (p. 34).  

Saturday: Sir. 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps. 80; Mt. 17:9, 10-13
2nd week of Advent

Lord, your love is a consuming fire.  Ignite that fire in my heart so that I can be ready to throw open the door and welcome you (p. 35).

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November 27, 2011

Readings for Nov 27-Dec 3, from
the Word among us

1st Sunday of Advent: Is. 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7; Ps. 80; 1 Cor. 1:3-9; Mk. 13:33-37

Jesus, I accept your invitation.  By your spirit and grace, help me to get ready for your coming on Christmas Day (p. 22).

Monday: Is. 2:1-5; Ps. 122; Mt. 8:5-11
1st week of Advent

Lord, I accept your invitation.  Come closer! (p. 23).

Tuesday: Is. 11:1-10; Ps. 72; Lk. 10:21-24
1st week of Advent

Father, I have nothing to hide from you.  I want to come to you today as a child.  Please make me like your Son (p. 24).

Wednesday: Rom. 10:9-18; Ps. 19; Mt. 4:18-22
St. Andrew, apostle

Jesus, I don’t want to stand still.  Teach me how to keep moving forward, just as Andrew did, bringing your good news to everyone I know (p. 25).

Thursday: Is. 26:1-6; Ps. 118; Mt. 7:21, 24-27
1st week of Advent

Jesus, give me the courage to make a good confession this Advent.  I don’t want to build my spiritual house on the shifting sands of this world’s empty promises.  I want to build on you, my true rock and my true Lord (p. 26).

Friday: Is. 29:17-24; Ps. 27; Mt. 9:27-31
1st week of Advent

Thank you, Jesus, for having won my redemption!  Thank you for pardoning my sins and removing the guilt and shame that have weighed so heavily upon me! (p. 27).  

Saturday: Is. 30:19-21, 23-26; Ps. 147; Mt. 9:35—10:1, 5, 6-8
Prayers: St. Francis Xavier, priest

Lord, touch everyone searching for you.  Use me to show others your abundant love and to lead them to the grace of a new life in you (p. 28).

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