Pod Apostle

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 147

Reading 1 Ex 17:8-13

In those days, Amalek came and waged war against Israel.Moses, therefore, said to Joshua,"Pick out certain men,and tomorrow go out and engage Amalek in battle. I will be standing on top of the hillwith the staff of God in my hand." So Joshua did as Moses told him:he engaged Amalek in battleafter Moses had climbed to the top of the hill with Aaron and Hur.As long as Moses kept his hands raised up,Israel had the better of the fight,but when he let his hands rest,Amalek had the better of the fight.Moses'hands, however, grew tired;so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands,one on one side and one on the other,so that his hands remained steady till sunset.And Joshua mowed down Amalek and his peoplewith the edge of the sword.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R.(cf. 2)  Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.I lift up my eyes toward the mountains;whence shall help come to me?My help is from the LORD,who made heaven and earth.R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.May he not suffer your foot to slip;may he slumber not who guards you:indeed he neither slumbers nor sleeps,the guardian of Israel.R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.The LORD is your guardian; the LORD is your shade;he is beside you at your right hand.The sun shall not harm you by day,nor the moon by night.R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.The LORD will guard you from all evil;he will guard your life.The LORD will guard your coming and your going,both now and forever.R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Reading 2 2 Tm 3:14-4:2

Beloved:Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed,because you know from whom you learned it,and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures,which are capable of giving you wisdom for salvationthrough faith in Christ Jesus.All Scripture is inspired by Godand is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction,and for training in righteousness,so that one who belongs to God may be competent,equipped for every good work.I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,who will judge the living and the dead,and by his appearing and his kingly power:proclaim the word;be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.Alleluia Heb 4:12

R. Alleluia, alleluia.The word of God is living and effective,discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parableabout the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, "There was a judge in a certain townwho neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering meI shall deliver a just decision for herlest she finally come and strike me.'" The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen oneswho call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 144

Reading 1 2 Kgs 5:14-17

Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven timesat the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child,and he was clean of his leprosy.Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said,"Now I know that there is no God in all the earth,except in Israel.Please accept a gift from your servant."Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it;"and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. Naaman said: "If you will not accept,please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth,for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrificeto any other god except to the LORD."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;his right hand has won victory for him,his holy arm.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands:break into song; sing praise.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Reading 2 2 Tm 2:8-13

Beloved:Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:such is my gospel, for which I am suffering,even to the point of chains, like a criminal.But the word of God is not chained.Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.This saying is trustworthy:If we have died with himwe shall also live with him;if we perseverewe shall also reign with him.But if we deny himhe will deny us.If we are unfaithfulhe remains faithful,for he cannot deny himself.Alleluia 1 Thes 5:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.In all circumstances, give thanks,for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,"Jesus, Master!  Have pity on us!"And when he saw them, he said,"Go show yourselves to the priests."As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed,returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.Jesus said in reply,"Ten were cleansed, were they not?Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;your faith has saved you."

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 144

Reading 1 2 Kgs 5:14-17

Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven timesat the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child,and he was clean of his leprosy.Naaman returned with his whole retinue to the man of God. On his arrival he stood before Elisha and said,"Now I know that there is no God in all the earth,except in Israel.Please accept a gift from your servant."Elisha replied, "As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it;"and despite Naaman's urging, he still refused. Naaman said: "If you will not accept,please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth,for I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrificeto any other god except to the LORD."

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.Sing to the LORD a new song,for he has done wondrous deeds;his right hand has won victory for him,his holy arm.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.The LORD has made his salvation known:in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulnesstoward the house of Israel.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.All the ends of the earth have seenthe salvation by our God.Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands:break into song; sing praise.R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

Reading 2 2 Tm 2:8-13

Beloved:Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:such is my gospel, for which I am suffering,even to the point of chains, like a criminal.But the word of God is not chained.Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.This saying is trustworthy:If we have died with himwe shall also live with him;if we perseverewe shall also reign with him.But if we deny himhe will deny us.If we are unfaithfulhe remains faithful,for he cannot deny himself.Alleluia 1 Thes 5:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.In all circumstances, give thanks,for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,"Jesus, Master!  Have pity on us!"And when he saw them, he said,"Go show yourselves to the priests."As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed,returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.Jesus said in reply,"Ten were cleansed, were they not?Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;your faith has saved you."

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 141

Reading 1 Hab 1:2-3; 2:2-4

How long, O LORD?  I cry for help but you do not listen! I cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not intervene. Why do you let me see ruin; why must I look at misery? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and clamorous discord. Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. The rash one has no integrity; but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9

R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him.R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us.For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.Oh, that today you would hear his voice: "Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert,Where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works."R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Reading 2 2 Tm 1:6-8, 13-14

Beloved:I remind you, to stir into flamethe gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardicebut rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;but bear your share of hardship for the gospelwith the strength that comes from God.Take as your norm the sound words that you heard from me,in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spiritthat dwells within us.Alleluia 1 Pt 1:25

R. Alleluia, alleluia.The word of the Lord remains forever.This is the word that has been proclaimed to you.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 17:5-10

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." The Lord replied,"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,you would say to this mulberry tree,'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you."Who among you would say to your servantwho has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,'Come here immediately and take your place at table'? Would he not rather say to him,'Prepare something for me to eat.Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.You may eat and drink when I am finished'? Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you.When you have done all you have been commanded,say, 'We are unprofitable servants;we have done what we were obliged to do.'"

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 138

Reading 1 Am 6:1a, 4-7

Thus says the LORD the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall! Improvising to the music of the harp, like David, they devise their own accompaniment. They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils; yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph! Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 146:7, 8-9, 9-10

R. (1b) Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia. Blessed he who keeps faith forever,  secures justice for the oppressed,  gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets captives free. R. Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia. The LORD gives sight to the blind;  the LORD raises up those who were bowed down. The LORD loves the just;  the LORD protects strangers. R. Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia. The fatherless and the widow he sustains,  but the way of the wicked he thwarts. The LORD shall reign forever;  your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia. R. Praise the Lord, my soul! or: R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 Tm 6:11-16

But you, man of God, pursue righteousness,devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for the faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were calledwhen you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses.I charge you before God, who gives life to all things,and before Christ Jesus,who gave testimony under Pontius Pilate for the noble confession,to keep the commandment without stain or reproachuntil the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christthat the blessed and only rulerwill make manifest at the proper time,the King of kings and Lord of lords,who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light,and whom no human being has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal power.  Amen.Alleluia Cf. 2 Cor 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor,so that by his poverty you might become rich.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees:"There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linenand dined sumptuously each day.And lying at his door was a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,who would gladly have eaten his fill of the scrapsthat fell from the rich man's table.Dogs even used to come and lick his sores.When the poor man died,he was carried away by angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried,and from the netherworld, where he was in torment,he raised his eyes and saw Abraham far offand Lazarus at his side.And he cried out, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue,for I am suffering torment in these flames.'Abraham replied,'My child, remember that you receivedwhat was good during your lifetime while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.Moreover, between us and you a great chasm is establishedto prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to gofrom our side to yours or from your side to ours.'He said, 'Then I beg you, father,send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers,so that he may warn them,lest they too come to this place of torment.'But Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets.Let them listen to them.'He said, 'Oh no, father Abraham,but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.'Then Abraham said, 'If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 135

Reading 1 Am 8:4-7

Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! "When will the new moon be over," you ask, "that we may sell our grain, and the sabbath, that we may display the wheat? We will diminish the ephah, add to the shekel, and fix our scales for cheating! We will buy the lowly for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals; even the refuse of the wheat we will sell!" The LORD has sworn by the pride of Jacob: Never will I forget a thing they have done!

Responsorial Psalm Ps 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8

R. (cf. 1a, 7b) Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.or:R. Alleluia.Praise, you servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forever.R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.or:R. Alleluia.High above all nations is the LORD; above the heavens is his glory.Who is like the LORD, our God, who is enthroned on high and looks upon the heavens and the earth below?R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.or:R. Alleluia.He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poorto seat them with princes, with the princes of his own people.R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.or:R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 1 Tm 2:1-8

Beloved:First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers,petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone,for kings and for all in authority,that we may lead a quiet and tranquil lifein all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior,who wills everyone to be savedand to come to knowledge of the truth.For there is one God.There is also one mediator between God and men,     the man Christ Jesus,who gave himself as ransom for all.This was the testimony at the proper time. For this I was appointed preacher and apostle— I am speaking the truth, I am not lying —,teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray,lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.Alleluia Cf. 2 Cor 8:9

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Though our Lord Jesus Christ was rich, he became poor,so that by his poverty you might become rich.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 16:1-13

Jesus said to his disciples,"A rich man had a stewardwho was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said,'What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship,because you can no longer be my steward.'The steward said to himself, 'What shall I do,now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that,when I am removed from the stewardship,they may welcome me into their homes.'He called in his master's debtors one by one. To the first he said,'How much do you owe my master?'He replied, 'One hundred measures of olive oil.'He said to him, 'Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.'Then to another the steward said, 'And you, how much do you owe?'He replied, 'One hundred kors of wheat.'The steward said to him, 'Here is your promissory note;write one for eighty.'And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently."For the children of this worldare more prudent in dealing with their own generationthan are the children of light. I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth,so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.The person who is trustworthy in very small mattersis also trustworthy in great ones;and the person who is dishonest in very small mattersis also dishonest in great ones. If, therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth,who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another,who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other,or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and ma

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 132

Reading 1 Ex 32:7-11, 13-14

The LORD said to Moses,"Go down at once to your people,whom you brought out of the land of Egypt,for they have become depraved. They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them,making for themselves a molten calf and worshiping it,sacrificing to it and crying out,'This is your God, O Israel,who brought you out of the land of Egypt!'"I see how stiff-necked this people is, " continued the LORD to Moses.Let me alone, then,that my wrath may blaze up against them to consume them. Then I will make of you a great nation."But Moses implored the LORD, his God, saying,"Why, O LORD, should your wrath blaze up against your own people,whom you brought out of the land of Egyptwith such great power and with so strong a hand? Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,and how you swore to them by your own self, saying,'I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky;and all this land that I promised,I will give your descendants as their perpetual heritage.'" So the LORD relented in the punishmenthe had threatened to inflict on his people.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19

R. (Lk 15:18)  I will rise and go to my father.Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.Thoroughly wash me from my guiltand of my sin cleanse me.R. I will rise and go to my father.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. I will rise and go to my father.O Lord, open my lips,and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.R. I will rise and go to my father.

Reading 2 1 Tm 1:12-17

Beloved:I am grateful to him who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord,because he considered me trustworthyin appointing me to the ministry. I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and arrogant,but I have been mercifully treatedbecause I acted out of ignorance in my unbelief. Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant,along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance:Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated,so that in me, as the foremost,Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an examplefor those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life. To the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God,honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen.Alleluia 2 Cor 5:19

R. Alleluia, alleluia.God was reconciling the world to himself in Christand entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 15:1-32

Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus,but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them he addressed this parable.“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of themwould not leave the ninety-nine in the desertand go after the lost one until he finds it?And when he does find it,he sets it on his shoulders with great joyand, upon his arrival home,he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them,‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’I tell you, in just the same waythere will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repentsthan over ninety-nine righteous peoplewho have no need of repentance.“Or what woman having ten coins and losing onewould not light a lamp and sweep the house,searching carefully until she finds it?And when she does find it,she calls together her friends and neighborsand says to them,‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’In just the same way, I tell you,there will be rejoicing among the angels of Godover one sinner who repents.”Then

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 129

Reading 1 Wis 9:13-18b

 Who can know God’s counsel, or who can conceive what the LORD intends? For the deliberations of mortals are timid, and unsure are our plans. For the corruptible body burdens the soul and the earthen shelter weighs down the mind that has many concerns. And scarce do we guess the things on earth, and what is within our grasp we find with difficulty; but when things are in heaven, who can search them out? Or who ever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom and sent your holy spirit from on high? And thus were the paths of those on earth made straight.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14 and 17

R. (1) In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.You turn man back to dust,saying, “Return, O children of men.”For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past,or as a watch of the night.R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass,Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades.R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.Return, O LORD! How long?Have pity on your servants!R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days.And may the gracious care of the LORD our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us!Prosper the work of our hands!R. In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

Reading 2 Phmn 9-10, 12-17

I, Paul, an old man,and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus,urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus,whose father I have become in my imprisonment;I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you.I should have liked to retain him for myself,so that he might serve me on your behalfin my imprisonment for the gospel,but I did not want to do anything without your consent,so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary.Perhaps this is why he was away from you for a while,that you might have him back forever,no longer as a slavebut more than a slave, a brother,beloved especially to me, but even more so to you,as a man and in the Lord. So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me.Alleluia Ps 119:135

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Let your face shine upon your servant;and teach me your laws.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 14:25-33

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

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 126

Reading 1 Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

My child, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God. What is too sublime for you, seek not, into things beyond your strength search not. The mind of a sage appreciates proverbs, and an attentive ear is the joy of the wise. Water quenches a flaming fire, and alms atone for sins.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11

R. (cf. 11b)  God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.The just rejoice and exult before God;they are glad and rejoice.Sing to God, chant praise to his name;whose name is the LORD.R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.The father of orphans and the defender of widowsis God in his holy dwelling.God gives a home to the forsaken;he leads forth prisoners to prosperity.R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.A bountiful rain you showered down, O God, upon your inheritance;you restored the land when it languished;your flock settled in it;in your goodness, O God, you provided it for the needy.R. God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor.

Reading 2 Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a

Brothers and sisters:You have not approached that which could be touchedand a blazing fire and gloomy darknessand storm and a trumpet blastand a voice speaking words such that those who heardbegged that no message be further addressed to them.No, you have approached Mount Zionand the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,and countless angels in festal gathering,and the assembly of the firstborn enrolled in heaven,and God the judge of all,and the spirits of the just made perfect,and Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant,and the sprinkled blood that speaks more eloquently than that of Abel.Alleluia Mt 11:29ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.Take my yoke upon you, says the Lord,and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 14:1, 7-14

On a sabbath Jesus went to dineat the home of one of the leading Pharisees,and the people there were observing him carefully.He told a parable to those who had been invited,noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table."When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,'Give your place to this man,'and then you would proceed with embarrassmentto take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited,go and take the lowest placeso that when the host comes to you he may say,'My friend, move up to a higher position.'Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Then he said to the host who invited him,"When you hold a lunch or a dinner,do not invite your friends or your brothersor your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.Rather, when you hold a banquet,invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary TimeLectionary: 123

Reading 1 Is 66:18-21

Thus says the LORD:I know their works and their thoughts,and I come to gather nations of every language;they shall come and see my glory. I will set a sign among them;from them I will send fugitives to the nations:to Tarshish, Put and Lud, Mosoch, Tubal and Javan,to the distant coastlandsthat have never heard of my fame, or seen my glory;and they shall proclaim my glory among the nations. They shall bring all your brothers and sisters from all the nationsas an offering to the LORD,on horses and in chariots, in carts, upon mules and dromedaries,to Jerusalem, my holy mountain, says the LORD,just as the Israelites bring their offeringto the house of the LORD in clean vessels. Some of these I will take as priests and Levites, says the LORD.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 117:1, 2

R.(Mk 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.or:R. Alleluia.Praise the LORD all you nations;glorify him, all you peoples!R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.or:R. Alleluia.For steadfast is his kindness toward us,and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.or:R. Alleluia.

Reading 2 Heb 12:5-7, 11-13

Brothers and sisters,You have forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:"My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lordor lose heart when reproved by him;for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;he scourges every son he acknowledges."Endure your trials as "discipline";God treats you as sons. For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline?At the time,all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain,yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousnessto those who are trained by it.So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet,that what is lame may not be disjointed but healed.Alleluia Jn 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord;no one comes to the Father, except through me.R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 13:22-30

Jesus passed through towns and villages,teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him,"Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them,"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,for many, I tell you, will attempt to enterbut will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,then will you stand outside knocking and saying,'Lord, open the door for us.'He will say to you in reply,'I do not know where you are from.And you will say,'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'Then he will say to you,'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!'And there will be wailing and grinding of teethwhen you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacoband all the prophets in the kingdom of Godand you yourselves cast out.And people will come from the east and the westand from the north and the southand will recline at table in the kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first,and some are first who will be last."