Today's readings:

1. First reading: Ezekiel 16:59-63
2. Gospel: Matthew 19:3-12

Today we are reminded of God’s covenantal love and the sanctity of marriage. The reading from Ezekiel is a vivid portrayal of God’s relationship with Israel, depicted as a husband who cares for, adorns, and loves his wife despite her unfaithfulness. The passage emphasizes God’s mercy and His willingness to forgive and renew the covenant despite Israel's infidelity.

In the Gospel, Jesus reaffirms the sanctity of marriage, teaching that from the beginning, marriage was meant to be a lifelong union. His response to the Pharisees challenges the practices of his time, calling for a return to the original intent of marriage as a permanent and sacred bond. Jesus’ words also acknowledge the difficulty of this teaching, noting that the call to lifelong commitment and even celibacy for the sake of the kingdom is a special vocation, one that not everyone can accept but is embraced by those to whom it is given.

Saint Stephen of Hungary, whose optional memorial is celebrated today, exemplified a life of faithfulness to God’s covenant. As the first king of Hungary, he worked to establish Christianity in his kingdom, embodying the principles of justice, mercy, and devotion to God.

Today's readings and the example of Saint Stephen of Hungary encourage us to honor our commitments, particularly in marriage, and to trust in God’s mercy and covenantal love. They remind us that God’s grace is available to help us live out these challenging teachings, whether in marriage or in a life dedicated to the kingdom.

Today's readings:

1. First reading: Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab
2. Second Reading: Corinthians 15:20-27
3. Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Today we celebrate the belief that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. This feast reflects the culmination of Mary's life of faith and her unique role in salvation history as the mother of Jesus.

The first reading from Revelation presents a powerful and symbolic vision of a woman clothed with the sun, representing both Mary and the Church, and her victory over the forces of evil, symbolized by the dragon. This passage highlights the cosmic significance of Mary’s role and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

In the second reading, Saint Paul reminds us that Christ's resurrection is the first fruits of those who have died, and through Him, all who belong to Him will be made alive. Mary, who was without sin and fully united with her Son, shares in His victory over death in a unique way, being assumed into heaven.

The Gospel from Luke recounts Mary's visit to Elizabeth and her Magnificat, a song of praise to God for His greatness and mercy. Mary’s humility, faith, and total devotion to God's will are exemplified in this passage, making her a model for all believers.

As we celebrate the Assumption, we are called to reflect on Mary's life of faith and her complete trust in God's plan. Her Assumption is a sign of hope for all of us, pointing to the promise of eternal life and the resurrection of the body. Mary’s life and Assumption remind us to live with our eyes fixed on heaven, trusting in God's promises and following her example of humble service and unwavering faith.

Today's readings:

1. First reading:
2. Gospel:

Today we honor a priest who gave his life for another in the horrors of Auschwitz, reflecting the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. The readings of the day call us to reflect on justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

In the first reading from Ezekiel, we see a vivid and sobering vision of judgment upon the city of Jerusalem. God commands a mark to be placed on those who mourn over the sins of the city, sparing them from destruction. This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the holiness of God, who is just in His judgments, yet merciful to those who are faithful to Him.

The Gospel from Matthew addresses the importance of reconciliation within the community. Jesus provides a process for addressing sin among members of the Church, emphasizing the need for private correction, the involvement of witnesses, and ultimately, the involvement of the community. The passage underscores the power of prayer and unity, promising that where two or three are gathered in His name, He is present among them.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe's life was a profound testament to this Gospel message. He lived out the call to selfless love, choosing to die in place of another prisoner, an act of ultimate reconciliation and sacrifice. His life reminds us that love and forgiveness are at the heart of Christian life, and that true greatness is found in serving others, even to the point of laying down one's life.

Today's readings:

1. First reading: Ezekiel 2:8 - 3:4
2. Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14

Today we focus on humility, obedience, and God's relentless care for each of His children. In the first reading from Ezekiel, the prophet is commanded to eat a scroll filled with lamentation and woe. Despite its contents, the scroll tastes as sweet as honey in Ezekiel’s mouth, symbolizing that even the difficult messages from God are to be embraced with obedience and acceptance. Ezekiel is then tasked with delivering God's words to the people of Israel, emphasizing the prophet’s role as a messenger who faithfully communicates God’s will, even when the message is challenging.

In the Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of humility and the value of each person in the kingdom of heaven. He uses the example of a child to illustrate the necessity of becoming humble and dependent like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven. The parable of the lost sheep further underscores God’s deep care and concern for every individual, particularly those who have gone astray. God’s joy in finding the lost sheep reflects His desire that none should be lost.

These readings remind us to approach God with humility, like a child, trusting in His care and being open to His guidance, even when it is difficult. They also call us to value and care for every person, recognizing the preciousness of each soul to God. As we navigate our spiritual journey, we are encouraged to embrace God’s word with obedience and to seek out those who are lost, reflecting the boundless love and compassion of our Heavenly Father.

Today's readings:

1. First reading: Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28c
2. Gospel: Matthew 17:22-27

Today we reflect on the majesty of God and the humility of Jesus. In Ezekiel, the prophet describes a powerful vision of God's glory, with vivid imagery of fire, brightness, and a throne-like sapphire. This vision reminds us of God's transcendence and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. It calls us to recognize the glory and majesty of God, who is beyond our full comprehension.

The Gospel of Matthew recounts Jesus predicting His betrayal, death, and resurrection, revealing His foreknowledge of the suffering He would endure for humanity's salvation. Additionally, the episode of the temple tax highlights Jesus' humility and His consideration for social norms, despite His divine authority. By instructing Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish, Jesus demonstrates His control over creation and His willingness to comply with societal obligations to avoid causing offense.

Together, these readings encourage us to maintain a sense of reverence and awe for God’s glory while embracing the humility and obedience exemplified by Jesus. They remind us that true greatness is found in humility and service, and that recognizing God’s majesty should lead us to live lives of faithful devotion and compassionate action.

Today's readings:

1. First reading: Kings 19:4-8
2. Second reading: Ephesians 4:30-5:2
3. Gospel: John 6:41-51

Today we focus our attention to God's provision, the call to live in love, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus, the Bread of Life.

In the first reading from Kings, Elijah, feeling overwhelmed and despondent, receives sustenance from an angel, enabling him to continue his journey to Mount Horeb. This passage reminds us of God's care and provision during our times of need and despair.

The second reading from Ephesians calls us to live in love, imitating God by being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Paul urges us to put away bitterness and anger, encouraging us to embody the love and sacrifice of Christ in our interactions with others.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares Himself as the Bread of Life, offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. This passage emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus and the transformative power of the Eucharist. Jesus' teaching challenges us to recognize Him as the true source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life.

Together, these readings encourage us to trust in God's provision, live lives of love and forgiveness, and deepen our faith in Jesus, the Bread of Life. They remind us that through Christ, we receive the sustenance and strength needed for our spiritual journey and the promise of eternal life.

Today's readings:

1. First reading: Corinthians 9:6-10
2. Gospel: John 12:24-26

Today we celebrate the life of a deacon who exemplified the virtues of generosity, service, and sacrifice. The first reading from 2 Corinthians emphasizes the principle of generous giving. Saint Paul encourages believers to give cheerfully and abundantly, promising that God will provide for them in every way, enabling them to continue doing good works. This passage highlights the joy and blessings that come from selfless generosity.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus uses the metaphor of a grain of wheat to teach about the necessity of sacrifice for producing abundant fruit. By dying to oneself and embracing the sacrifices of discipleship, one gains eternal life. Jesus calls His followers to serve and follow Him, promising that those who do so will be honored by the Father.

Saint Lawrence, a third-century deacon in Rome, is remembered for his charitable works and his courageous martyrdom. According to tradition, when asked to surrender the treasures of the Church, Lawrence presented the poor and the sick, declaring them the true treasures. His steadfast faith and ultimate sacrifice embody the teachings of today’s readings.

These readings and the example of Saint Lawrence encourage us to live lives of generous service and self-sacrifice. We are reminded that true discipleship involves giving of ourselves cheerfully and trusting in God's provision, leading to an abundant harvest of righteousness and eternal life.

Today's readings:

1. First reading: Nahum 2:1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7
2. Gospel: Matthew 16:24-28

Today we reflect on the call to discipleship and the ultimate victory of justice. The prophet Nahum announces the downfall of Nineveh, a city renowned for its violence and deceit. This passage serves as a reminder of God’s justice and the eventual triumph over wickedness. It calls us to trust in God's righteous judgment and to live lives that align with His will.

In the Gospel, Jesus lays out the conditions for true discipleship: self-denial, taking up one's cross, and following Him. This teaching challenges us to prioritize our spiritual life over worldly gains, recognizing that true life is found in surrendering to God’s will. Jesus’ words also remind us that eternal rewards far outweigh any temporary sacrifices we make in this life.

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), whose optional memorial is today, exemplified this call to discipleship. A brilliant philosopher and a convert from Judaism to Catholicism, she ultimately became a Carmelite nun. Her life of faith and her martyrdom in Auschwitz during World War II witness to her total commitment to Christ, even unto death.

Today's readings and the example of Saint Teresa Benedicta encourage us to embrace the challenges of discipleship with faith and courage, trusting in God’s ultimate justice and the promise of eternal life.