Mass Reading: Sunday -11th October 2026

Entrance Antiphon
Ps 129: 3-4

If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But with you is found forgiveness,
O God of Israel.

________

First reading
Isaiah 25:6-10
The Lord will prepare a banquet for every nation

On this mountain,
the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples
a banquet of rich food, a banquet of fine wines,
of food rich and juicy, of fine strained wines.
On this mountain he will remove
the mourning veil covering all peoples,
and the shroud enwrapping all nations,
he will destroy Death for ever.
The Lord will wipe away
the tears from every cheek;
he will take away his people’s shame
everywhere on earth,
for the Lord has said so.
That day, it will be said: See, this is our God
in whom we hoped for salvation;
the Lord is the one in whom we hoped.
We exult and we rejoice
that he has saved us;
for the hand of the Lord
rests on this mountain.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 22(23)

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

The Lord is my shepherd;
    there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures
    where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me,
    to revive my drooping spirit.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

He guides me along the right path;
    he is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness
    no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff;
    with these you give me comfort.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

You have prepared a banquet for me
    in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil;
    my cup is overflowing.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
    all the days of my life.
In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
    for ever and ever.

In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

________

Second reading
Philippians 4:12-14,19-20
With the help of the One who gives me strength, there is nothing I cannot master

    I know how to be poor and I know how to be rich too. I have been through my initiation and now I am ready for anything anywhere: full stomach or empty stomach, poverty or plenty. There is nothing I cannot master with the help of the One who gives me strength. All the same, it was good of you to share with me in my hardships. In return my God will fulfil all your needs, in Christ Jesus, as lavishly as only God can. Glory to God, our Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn1:14,12

Alleluia, alleluia!

The Word was made flesh and lived among us:
to all who did accept him 
he gave power to become children of God.

Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Ep1:17,18

Alleluia, alleluia!

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our mind,
so that we can see what hope his call holds for us.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 22:1-14
Invite everyone you can to the wedding

    Jesus began to speak to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a feast for his son’s wedding. He sent his servants to call those who had been invited, but they would not come. Next he sent some more servants. “Tell those who have been invited” he said “that I have my banquet all prepared, my oxen and fattened cattle have been slaughtered, everything is ready. Come to the wedding.” But they were not interested: one went off to his farm, another to his business, and the rest seized his servants, maltreated them and killed them. The king was furious. He despatched his troops, destroyed those murderers and burnt their town. Then he said to his servants, “The wedding is ready; but as those who were invited proved to be unworthy, go to the crossroads in the town and invite everyone you can find to the wedding.” So these servants went out on to the roads and collected together everyone they could find, bad and good alike; and the wedding hall was filled with guests. When the king came in to look at the guests he noticed one man who was not wearing a wedding garment, and said to him, “How did you get in here, my friend, without a wedding garment?” And the man was silent. Then the king said to the attendants, “Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” For many are called, but few are chosen.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday -11th October 2026

 

IS 25:6-10A; PS 23:1-6; PHIL 4:12-14, 19-20; MT 22:1-14 or 22:1-10

Life has a way of pulling our attention toward immediate concerns, making it easy to lose sight of what matters most — our call to live for the Kingdom of Heaven. The stewardship way of life helps us keep our priorities in order, teaching us to live each day with eternity in view.

In our First Reading, Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of the joy awaiting those who remain faithful to God. The Lord prepares "a feast of rich food and choice wines" for His people and promises to remove every sorrow. "The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face." It is a powerful reminder that God desires everlasting joy for each of His children.

Yet our attention is often drawn elsewhere. Prayer can be crowded out by busy schedules. The sacraments can become routine or neglected. We can become so focused on today's demands that we lose sight of the eternal life God is preparing for us.

St. Paul shows us how to keep the right perspective. In today's Second Reading from Philippians, he writes, "I know how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance." Whether he experienced hardship or prosperity, Paul's confidence rested in Christ rather than in changing circumstances.

His secret is simple: "I can do all things in him who strengthens me." And he reminds us why that confidence is well placed: "My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

Jesus returns to the image of a great feast in today's Gospel. He compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a king who prepares a wedding banquet for his son. Many of those invited refuse to come. Some simply ignore the invitation, choosing their farms, businesses, and daily concerns instead.

It is a question worth asking ourselves. How often do we allow ordinary responsibilities, worthwhile though they may be, to crowd out the Lord's invitation to deeper communion with Him?

God continues to invite us every day through prayer, the sacraments, His Word, and the people He places in our lives. As Christian stewards, we respond by placing Him first and allowing every other part of life to find its proper place in Him.

When we live this way, we begin to experience the joy of His Kingdom even now while looking forward to its fullness in heaven.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 04th October 2026

 

IS 5:1-7; PS 80:9, 12-16, 19-20; PHIL 4:6-9; MT 21:33-43

We have been given so many gifts and blessings by our Heavenly Father. Yet, in our fallen state it is all too easy to take them for granted. Our readings today teach us that we must live with an intentional awareness of our many blessings and use them gratefully to glorify God.

Our First Reading, from Isaiah, foreshadows today’s Gospel passage. Both passages employ images of a landowner and his vineyard. The First Reading tells the story of a landowner who, with great love and care, creates the perfect vineyard and fills it with the choicest vines. Yet, it fails to produce good fruit. As a result, the landowner allows the vineyard to go to ruin. This is a reminder that while Our Heavenly Father is merciful and kind, He is also just. As Christian stewards, we must continuously fight the tendency towards complacency and instead use our blessings to produce good fruit.

Our Second Reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, is a reminder of one key blessing that is surprisingly easy to take for granted — the gift of our thought life. Our intellect is a gift from God and we are called to steward it well. Lack of discipline in our thoughts can easily lead us down a path of discontentment and fear. St. Paul instructs us rather to “have no anxiety at all.” How are we to do this? He tells us, “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” And as it turns out, by turning our thoughts towards God with gratitude, we will be blessed immediately. Paul continues, “Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul gives specific advice for intentionally maintaining an attitude of gratitude in our thought life. “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise” these are the things we should focus on. As we develop this habit we will discover a powerful way to navigate life with peace and joy despite the troubles that surround us.

In our Gospel passage from Matthew, we return to the image of a vineyard in a parable Jesus uses to teach the importance of using our blessings well. It is the story of a landowner who plants a vineyard and leases it to tenants before he goes on a journey. Instead of tending the vineyard, the tenants mistreat the servants in the vineyard and even the son of the landowner, whom they kill. When the landowner realizes what the tenants have done, he puts them to death and leases his vineyard to tenants who “will give him the produce at the proper times.”

By Baptism, we have received the gift of salvation and membership in the Kingdom of God — we are now “tenants” called to work in the “vineyard” and produce fruit for its owner, our Heavenly Father. This calling is a gift from God to be treasured above all other gifts. Jesus makes it clear that if we squander the gift of salvation, we will lose it. It is a sobering truth.

So, let us live each day with a profound awareness of all that we have been given by God. Let us use our intellect to think on these gifts throughout the day and resolve to use all our gifts for God’s glory. We will find peace, joy, and purpose as we do.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 04th October 2026

First reading
Isaiah 5:1-7
Against the Lord’s vineyard

Let me sing to my friend
the song of his love for his vineyard.

My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside.
He dug the soil, cleared it of stones
and planted choice vines in it.
In the middle he built a tower,
he dug a press there too.
He expected it to yield grapes,
but sour grapes were all that it gave.

And now, inhabitants of Jerusalem
and men of Judah,
I ask you to judge
between my vineyard and me.
What could I have done for my vineyard
that I have not done?
I expected it to yield grapes.
Why did it yield sour grapes instead?

Very well, I will tell you
what I am going to do to my vineyard:
I will take away its hedge for it to be grazed on,
and knock down its wall for it to be trampled on.
I will lay it waste, unpruned, undug;
overgrown by the briar and the thorn.
I will command the clouds
to rain no rain on it.
Yes, the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts
is the House of Israel,
and the men of Judah
that chosen plant.
He expected justice, but found bloodshed,
integrity, but only a cry of distress.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 79(80):9,12-16,19-20

The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

You brought a vine out of Egypt;
    to plant it you drove out the nations.
It stretched out its branches to the sea,
    to the Great River it stretched out its shoots.

The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

Then why have you broken down its walls?
    It is plucked by all who pass by.
It is ravaged by the boar of the forest,
    devoured by the beasts of the field.

The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

God of hosts, turn again, we implore,
    look down from heaven and see.
Visit this vine and protect it,
    the vine your right hand has planted.

The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

And we shall never forsake you again;
    give us life that we may call upon your name.
God of hosts, bring us back;
    let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.

The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.

________

Second reading
Philippians 4:6-9
If there is anything you need, pray for it.

There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, fill your minds with everything that is true, everything that is noble, everything that is good and pure, everything that we love and honour, and everything that can be thought virtuous or worthy of praise. Keep doing all the things that you learnt from me and have been taught by me and have heard or seen that I do. Then the God of peace will be with you.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn15:15

Alleluia, alleluia!

I call you friends, says the Lord,
because I have made known to you
everything I have learnt from my Father.

Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Jn15:16

Alleluia, alleluia!

I chose you from the world
to go out and bear fruit,
fruit that will last,
says the Lord.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 21:33-43
This is the landlord's heir: come, let us kill him

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad. When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a third. Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them. “They will respect my son” he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.” So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They answered, ‘He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures:

It was the stone rejected by the builders
that became the keystone.
This was the Lord’s doing
and it is wonderful to see?

‘I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 27th September 2026

 

EZ 18:25-28; PS 25:4-5, 8-10, 14; PHIL 2:1-11 or 2:1-5; MT 21:28-32

Today’s readings challenge the modern-day disciple to imitate more fully both the actions and attitudes of Christ. This is, after all, the point of our stewardship way of life.

St. Paul encapsulates the actions and attitudes we must strive for in the Second Reading, from the Letter to the Philippians. “Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, each looking out not for his own interests, but also for those of others.” In other words, Paul continues, “Have in you the same attitude that is also in Christ Jesus.” Whether we are at work or school or within our own homes, our actions should be focused on others first in imitation of Christ, Who is always perfectly focused on others.

But there is another reason for seeing others as more important than ourselves, a reason that will help us to become better stewards. It is the recognition that the “others” in my life — whether my spouse and children, my next-door neighbor, or even the co-worker that gets on my last nerve — all these others are gifts from God, to be treasured and nurtured for God’s glory.

And just in case this seems like a bit too much to ask of us, St. Paul gives us another reminder about the Savior we are imitating as we embrace this attitude towards others. “Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave… he humbled Himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Unimaginable humility.

We should not be overwhelmed by this high bar, however. Our God is a loving and patient Father. He embraces every faltering step we take in imitation of His Son. Jesus demonstrates this comforting truth through the parable He tells in today’s Gospel from Matthew. It is the story of two sons whose father instructs them to go out and work in his vineyard that day. The second son gives the right answer, right away: “Yes, sir.” But he does not follow through. Despite the lip service, he has failed to follow his father’s will.

The first son just can’t seem to get on board with his father’s command. He responds, “I will not.” At least he is honest! And this honest, less-than-perfect response should be consoling to us, Christian stewards. Haven’t we all felt this way at times when God’s will for us seems to be just too hard? We can be honest with God at these times. He knows already, after all. But when we stay engaged in a real relationship with Him, even if it’s just to say, “I don’t think I can, Lord,” He will supply us with just the grace we need to change our minds and do what He is asking us to do.

We can even take a step backward from time to time because our Father is merciful and kind. What matters is that we keep baby-stepping along, assured of the grace we need to more closely imitate the actions and attitudes of Christ. This is the beauty of the stewardship way of life.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 27th September 2026

First reading
Ezekiel 18:25-28
When the sinner renounces sin, he shall certainly live

    The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘You object, “What the Lord does is unjust.” Listen, you House of Israel: is what I do unjust? Is it not what you do that is unjust? When the upright man renounces his integrity to commit sin and dies because of this, he dies because of the evil that he himself has committed. When the sinner renounces sin to become law-abiding and honest, he deserves to live. He has chosen to renounce all his previous sins; he shall certainly live; he shall not die.’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 24(25):4-9

Remember your mercy, Lord.

Lord, make me know your ways.
    Lord, teach me your paths.
Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:
    for you are God my saviour.

Remember your mercy, Lord.

Remember your mercy, Lord,
    and the love you have shown from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth.
    In your love remember me,
    because of your goodness, O Lord.

Remember your mercy, Lord.

The Lord is good and upright.
    He shows the path to those who stray,
He guides the humble in the right path,
    He teaches his way to the poor.

Remember your mercy, Lord.

________

Second reading
Philippians 2:1-11
Be united in your love

    If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing which would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, so that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead. In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus:

His state was divine,
yet he did not cling
to his equality with God
but emptied himself
to assume the condition of a slave,
and became as men are;
and being as all men are,
he was humbler yet,
even to accepting death,
death on a cross.
But God raised him high
and gave him the name
which is above all other names
so that all beings in the heavens,
on earth and in the underworld,
should bend the knee at the name of Jesus
and that every tongue should acclaim
Jesus Christ as Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn14:23

Alleluia, alleluia!

If anyone loves me he will keep my word,
and my Father will love him, 
and we shall come to him.

Alleluia!

Or:
Jn10:27

Alleluia, alleluia!

The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, 
says the Lord, 
I know them and they follow me.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 21:28-32
Tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you

    Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reading: Sunday -20th September 2026

First reading
Isaiah 55:6-9
My thoughts are not your thoughts

Seek the Lord while he is still to be found,
call to him while he is still near.
Let the wicked man abandon his way,
the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn back to the Lord who will take pity on him,
to our God who is rich in forgiving;
for my thoughts are not your thoughts,
my ways not your ways – it is the Lord who speaks.
Yes, the heavens are as high above earth
as my ways are above your ways,
my thoughts above your thoughts.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 144(145):2-3,8-9,17-18

The Lord is close to all who call him.

I will bless you day after day
    and praise your name for ever.
The Lord is great, highly to be praised,
    his greatness cannot be measured.

The Lord is close to all who call him.

The Lord is kind and full of compassion,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
How good is the Lord to all,
    compassionate to all his creatures.

The Lord is close to all who call him.

The Lord is just in all his ways
    and loving in all his deeds.
He is close to all who call him,
    who call on him from their hearts.

The Lord is close to all who call him.

________

Second reading
Philippians 1:20-24,27
Life to me is Christ; but death would bring me more

    Christ will be glorified in my body, whether by my life or by my death. Life to me, of course, is Christ, but then death would bring me something more; but then again, if living in this body means doing work which is having good results – I do not know what I should choose. I am caught in this dilemma: I want to be gone and be with Christ, which would be very much the better, but for me to stay alive in this body is a more urgent need for your sake.

    Avoid anything in your everyday lives that would be unworthy of the gospel of Christ.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Lk19:38,2:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessings on the King who comes,
in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest heavens!

Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Ac16:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

Open our heart, O Lord,
to accept the words of your Son.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 20:1-16
Why be envious because I am generous?

    Jesus said to his disciples: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner going out at daybreak to hire workers for his vineyard. He made an agreement with the workers for one denarius a day, and sent them to his vineyard. Going out at about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the market place and said to them, “You go to my vineyard too and I will give you a fair wage.” So they went. At about the sixth hour and again at about the ninth hour, he went out and did the same. Then at about the eleventh hour he went out and found more men standing round, and he said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?” “Because no one has hired us” they answered. He said to them, “You go into my vineyard too.” In the evening, the owner of the vineyard said to his bailiff, “Call the workers and pay them their wages, starting with the last arrivals and ending with the first.” So those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came forward and received one denarius each. When the first came, they expected to get more, but they too received one denarius each. They took it, but grumbled at the landowner. “The men who came last” they said “have done only one hour, and you have treated them the same as us, though we have done a heavy day’s work in all the heat.” He answered one of them and said, “My friend, I am not being unjust to you; did we not agree on one denarius? Take your earnings and go. I choose to pay the last comer as much as I pay you. Have I no right to do what I like with my own? Why be envious because I am generous?” Thus the last will be first, and the first, last.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 20th September 2026

 

IS 55:6-9; PS 145:2-3, 8-9, 17-18; PHIL 1:20C-24, 27A; MT 20:1-16A

Though we can never fully comprehend the perfection of God and His ways, Sacred Scripture reminds us that God's ways and priorities are often very different from our own. As Christian stewards, we are called to adopt His way of thinking rather than the world's.

Our First Reading from Isaiah begins with an urgent invitation: "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call him while he is near." Stewardship reminds us that time itself is a gift from God. The time to know, love, and serve Him is now. We cannot afford to waste the precious moments He has entrusted to us.

The world often tells us that success is measured by getting ahead, looking out for ourselves, or believing that time is money. God offers a different perspective: "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways." As His disciples, we are called to see life from God's perspective, using our time, talents, and treasure with eternity in mind.

St. Paul models this way of thinking in today's Second Reading. He writes, "For to me life is Christ." Paul's life no longer revolves around himself. Everything is centered on Christ. The same should be true for every Christian steward.

In today's Gospel, Jesus illustrates this divine perspective through the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Some labor from early morning, while others are called only near the end of the day. Yet the landowner gives each worker the same wage. Those who worked the longest grumble because they are measuring fairness according to human standards rather than recognizing God's extraordinary generosity.

That same temptation can affect us. We may compare ourselves to others and wonder whether everyone else is contributing as much as we are at home, in our parish, or in our community. At those moments, we need to remember that it is a privilege simply to have been invited into the Lord's vineyard. The more opportunities we have to serve Him, the greater the gift.

Living the stewardship way of life, with Christ at the center of everything, fills our lives with meaning, purpose, and lasting joy. May we thank God each day for calling us to share in His work.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 13th September 2026

First reading
Ecclesiasticus 27:33-28:9
Forgive your neighbour the hurt he does you; and when you pray, your sins will be forgiven

Resentment and anger, these are foul things,
    and both are found with the sinner.
He who exacts vengeance will experience the vengeance of the Lord,
    who keeps strict account of sin.
Forgive your neighbour the hurt he does you,
    and when you pray, your sins will be forgiven.
If a man nurses anger against another,
    can he then demand compassion from the Lord?
Showing no pity for a man like himself,
    can he then plead for his own sins?
Mere creature of flesh, he cherishes resentment;
    who will forgive him his sins?
Remember the last things, and stop hating,
    remember dissolution and death, and live by the commandments.
Remember the commandments, and do not bear your neighbour ill-will;
    remember the covenant of the Most High, and overlook the offence.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 102(103):1-4,9-12

The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.

My soul, give thanks to the Lord
    all my being, bless his holy name.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord
    and never forget all his blessings.

The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.

It is he who forgives all your guilt,
    who heals every one of your ills,
who redeems your life from the grave,
    who crowns you with love and compassion.

The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.

His wrath will come to an end;
    he will not be angry for ever.
He does not treat us according to our sins
    nor repay us according to our faults.

The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.

For as the heavens are high above the earth
    so strong is his love for those who fear him.
As far as the east is from the west
    so far does he remove our sins.

The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy.

________

Second reading
Romans 14:7-9
Alive or dead, we belong to the Lord

    The life and death of each of us has its influence on others; if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord. This explains why Christ both died and came to life: it was so that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
1S3:9,Jn6:68

Alleluia, alleluia!

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening:
you have the message of eternal life.

Alleluia!

Or:
Jn13:34

Alleluia, alleluia!

I give you a new commandment:
love one another just as I have loved you, 
says the Lord.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 18:21-35
To be forgiven, you must forgive

    Peter went up to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.

    ‘And so the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who decided to settle his accounts with his servants. When the reckoning began, they brought him a man who owed ten thousand talents; but he had no means of paying, so his master gave orders that he should be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, to meet the debt. At this, the servant threw himself down at his master’s feet. “Give me time” he said “and I will pay the whole sum.” And the servant’s master felt so sorry for him that he let him go and cancelled the debt. Now as this servant went out, he happened to meet a fellow servant who owed him one hundred denarii; and he seized him by the throat and began to throttle him. “Pay what you owe me” he said. His fellow servant fell at his feet and implored him, saying, “Give me time and I will pay you.” But the other would not agree; on the contrary, he had him thrown into prison till he should pay the debt. His fellow servants were deeply distressed when they saw what had happened, and they went to their master and reported the whole affair to him. Then the master sent for him. “You wicked servant,” he said “I cancelled all that debt of yours when you appealed to me. Were you not bound, then, to have pity on your fellow servant just as I had pity on you?” And in his anger the master handed him over to the torturers till he should pay all his debt. And that is how my heavenly Father will deal with you unless you each forgive your brother from your heart.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 13th September 2026

 

SIR 27:30-28:7; PS 103:1-4, 9-12; ROM 14:7-9; MT 18:21-35

Christian stewardship begins with the recognition that everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. We respond to His extraordinary generosity by offering our lives back to Him in gratitude. The stewardship of our time, talents, and treasure helps form us as disciples, but true stewardship also transforms our hearts.

Today's readings invite us to examine the state of our hearts — our thoughts, attitudes, and emotions.

In our First Reading from Sirach, we hear about the destructive power of anger: "Wrath and anger are hateful things, yet the sinner hugs them tight... Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord?" All of us have been hurt by others at some point, some more deeply than others. While our emotions are gifts from God, we are called to steward them well rather than allowing them to control us.

How do we do that? Sirach gives us the answer: "Remember your last days, set enmity aside... Think of the commandments... remember the Most High's covenant, and overlook faults." Instead of dwelling on past hurts, we choose gratitude. We remember God's countless blessings, His unfailing mercy, and His faithful love, placing our trust in Him.

When we adopt this perspective, we discover real freedom. We remember that our lives belong to God, not to ourselves. St. Paul expresses this beautifully in today's Second Reading: "Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's." Because everything we have comes from Him, we need not cling to anger or resentment. We can entrust every hurt and every injustice to the Lord.

In today's Gospel, Jesus deepens this lesson through the parable of the unforgiving servant. A king forgives a debt so enormous it could never be repaid, yet that same servant refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him.

The story should sound familiar. God has given us life, forgiven our sins through His Son, and opened the way to eternal life. Like the servant in the parable, we could never repay such a gift. The only fitting response is to offer Him our whole lives and to extend the same mercy and forgiveness He has shown to us. As Jesus teaches, we are called to "forgive your brother from your heart."

That is the freedom and joy found in the stewardship way of life.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 6th September 2026

 

EZ 33:7-9; PS 95:1-2, 6-9; ROM 13:8-10; MT 18:15-20

Today's readings remind us of the importance of our relationships. God created us to live in communion with Him and with one another. Our families, neighbors, friends, and parish community need us, and we need them as we encourage one another on the journey toward heaven.

Our First Reading from Ezekiel shows us that each of us has a responsibility for one another. God tells the prophet, "I have appointed you watchman for the house of Israel; when you hear me say anything, you shall warn them for me." Through our Baptism, we too are called to be "watchmen" for one another. We have received the gift of the Catholic faith, and we are called to share that gift with love, humility, and generosity wherever God places us.

At first, this responsibility can seem intimidating. Does God expect us to preach a sermon wherever we go? Not at all.

Instead, St. Paul gives us a simple guide in today's Second Reading: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love is the guiding principle that helps us become good stewards of every relationship God has entrusted to us.

Authentic love always seeks the good of the other. Sometimes that means speaking the truth with charity when it would be easier to remain silent. At other times, love calls us to remain silent when we are tempted to speak in anger.

In today's Gospel, Jesus shows us what that love looks like, even when relationships become strained. He tells His disciples, "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother."

Those words are especially relevant today. Our first instinct can be to complain to others, vent publicly, or avoid the difficult conversation altogether. Jesus points us toward a better way. He teaches us to approach one another directly, with humility, charity, and a sincere desire for reconciliation. This is faithful stewardship of our relationships.

Near the end of the passage, Jesus reminds us of the strength found in Christian community: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

God never intended us to journey to heaven alone. May we care for the relationships He has entrusted to us and help one another grow as faithful disciples.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 6th September 2026

First reading
Ezekiel 33:7-9
If you do not speak to the wicked man, I will hold you responsible for his death

    The word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows: ‘Son of man, I have appointed you as sentry to the House of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, warn them in my name. If I say to a wicked man: Wicked wretch, you are to die, and you do not speak to warn the wicked man to renounce his ways, then he shall die for his sin, but I will hold you responsible for his death. If, however, you do warn a wicked man to renounce his ways and repent, and he does not repent, then he shall die for his sin, but you yourself will have saved your life.’

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 94(95):1-2,6-9

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Come, ring out our joy to the Lord;
    hail the rock who saves us.
Let us come before him, giving thanks,
    with songs let us hail the Lord.

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

Come in; let us bow and bend low;
    let us kneel before the God who made us:
for he is our God and we
    the people who belong to his pasture,
    the flock that is led by his hand.

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

O that today you would listen to his voice!
    ‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
    as on that day at Massah in the desert
when your fathers put me to the test;
    when they tried me, though they saw my work.’

O that today you would listen to his voice! ‘Harden not your hearts.’

________

Second reading
Romans 13:8-10
Your only debt should be the debt of mutual love

    Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn17:17

Alleluia, alleluia!

Your word is truth, O Lord:
consecrate us in the truth.

Alleluia!

Or:
2Co5:19

Alleluia, alleluia!

God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself,
and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 18:15-20
If your brother listens to you, you have won back your brother

    Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If your brother does something wrong, go and have it out with him alone, between your two selves. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you: the evidence of two or three witnesses is required to sustain any charge. But if he refuses to listen to these, report it to the community; and if he refuses to listen to the community, treat him like a pagan or a tax collector.

    ‘I tell you solemnly, whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.

    ‘I tell you solemnly once again, if two of you on earth agree to ask anything at all, it will be granted to you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three meet in my name, I shall be there with them.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 30th August 2026

First reading
Jeremiah 20:7-9
The word of the Lord has meant insult for me

You have seduced me, Lord, and I have let myself be seduced;
you have overpowered me: you were the stronger.
I am a daily laughing-stock,
everybody’s butt.
Each time I speak the word, I have to howl
and proclaim: ‘Violence and ruin!’
The word of the Lord has meant for me
insult, derision, all day long.
I used to say, ‘I will not think about him,
I will not speak in his name any more.’
Then there seemed to be a fire burning in my heart,
imprisoned in my bones.
The effort to restrain it wearied me,
I could not bear it.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 62(63):2-6,8-9

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

O God, you are my God, for you I long;
    for you my soul is thirsting.
My body pines for you
    like a dry, weary land without water.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
    to see your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
    my lips will speak your praise.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

So I will bless you all my life,
    in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
    my mouth shall praise you with joy.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

For you have been my help;
    in the shadow of your wings I rejoice.
My soul clings to you;
    your right hand holds me fast.

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord my God.

________

Second reading
Romans 12:1-2
Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice

    Think of God’s mercy, my brothers, and worship him, I beg you, in a way that is worthy of thinking beings, by offering your living bodies as a holy sacrifice, truly pleasing to God. Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you, but let your behaviour change, modelled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Ep1:17,18

Alleluia, alleluia!

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our mind,
so that we can see what hope his call holds for us.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 16:21-27
'Get behind me, Satan!'

    Jesus began to make it clear to his disciples that he was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer grievously at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, to be put to death and to be raised up on the third day. Then, taking him aside, Peter started to remonstrate with him. ‘Heaven preserve you, Lord;’ he said ‘this must not happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my path, because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.’

    Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it. What, then, will a man gain if he wins the whole world and ruins his life? Or what has a man to offer in exchange for his life?

    ‘For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and, when he does, he will reward each one according to his behaviour.’

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 30th August 2026

 

JER 20:7-9; PS 63:2-6, 8-9; ROM 12:1-2; MT 16:21-27

Living the stewardship way of life is not easy. Dying to self and living for Christ and others requires sacrifice. It is the work of a lifetime. Yet it is also the only work that truly matters and the only life that ultimately satisfies. Today's readings remind us that faithful discipleship is demanding, but always worthwhile.

In our First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah expresses the struggle that every disciple experiences at times. After enduring rejection and hardship while proclaiming God's message, he is tempted to remain silent: "I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more." Yet God's call burns within him "like fire burning in my heart... I grow weary holding it in."

Many of us have experienced similar moments. We may become discouraged in ministry, weary of doing the right thing, or hesitant to live our Catholic faith openly. Yet God's goodness and faithfulness continue to draw us back to Him. Like Jeremiah, we discover that we cannot turn away from the One who has given us everything.

St. Paul shows us how to persevere in today's Second Reading. He urges us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God," and reminds us, "Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind."

For today's Christian steward, this means intentionally shaping our lives through prayer, the sacraments, ongoing formation in our Catholic faith, and the daily effort to set aside anything that draws us away from God. Left to ourselves, this would be impossible. But God's grace is always available to strengthen us whenever we ask for it.

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues this same theme of sacrificial discipleship. He tells His followers, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." Those words are challenging, but Jesus immediately explains why they are worth embracing: "Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

Everything comes down to love. Jesus loved us completely, giving Himself for us on the Cross. He continues to give Himself to us through His Word and, most especially, in the Eucharist.

Each day we are faced with a choice: to live for ourselves or to live for God and for others. The second path is more demanding, but it leads to lasting joy and the promise of eternal life. Christ assures us that He "will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct."

May we choose each day to lose our lives for Christ's sake, offering them back to Him in grateful response to His immeasurable love.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 23rd August 2026

First reading
Isaiah 22:19-23
I place the key of the House of David on my servant's shoulder

Thus says the Lord of Hosts to Shebna, the master of the palace:

I dismiss you from your office,
I remove you from your post,
and the same day I call on my servant
Eliakim son of Hilkiah.
I invest him with your robe,
gird him with your sash,
entrust him with your authority;
and he shall be a father
to the inhabitants of Jerusalem
and to the House of Judah.
I place the key of the House of David
on his shoulder;
should he open, no one shall close,
should he close, no one shall open.
I drive him like a peg
into a firm place;
he will become a throne of glory
for his father’s house.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 137(138):1-3,6,8

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

I thank you, Lord, with all my heart:
    you have heard the words of my mouth.
In the presence of the angels I will bless you.
    I will adore before your holy temple.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

I thank you for your faithfulness and love,
    which excel all we ever knew of you.
On the day I called, you answered;
    you increased the strength of my soul.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

The Lord is high yet he looks on the lowly
    and the haughty he knows from afar.
Your love, O Lord, is eternal,
    discard not the work of your hands.

Your love, O Lord, is eternal: discard not the work of your hands.

________

Second reading
Romans 11:33-36
All that exists comes from him; all is by him and from him.

    How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
2Co5:19

Alleluia, alleluia!

God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself,
and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.

Alleluia!

Or:
Mt16:18

Alleluia, alleluia!

You are Peter 
and on this rock I will build my Church.
And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 16:13-20
You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church

    When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi he put this question to his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say he is John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ ‘But you,’ he said ‘who do you say I am?’ Then Simon Peter spoke up, ‘You are the Christ,’ he said, ‘the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Simon son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. So I now say to you: You are Peter and on this rock I will build my Church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold out against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: whatever you bind on earth shall be considered bound in heaven; whatever you loose on earth shall be considered loosed in heaven.’ Then he gave the disciples strict orders not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 23rd August 2026

 

IS 22:19-23; PS 138:1-3, 6, 8; ROM 11:33-36; MT 16:13-20

Today's readings reveal beautiful truths about God while inviting us to examine the truth about ourselves.

In today's Second Reading, St. Paul marvels at the greatness of God: "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!" His words naturally lead us to praise the Lord. Paul concludes with a magnificent profession of faith: "For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."

Those words deserve more than our admiration. They call us to respond. We give God glory not only through our prayers and praise but by offering Him our very lives. A life of grateful discipleship is our most fitting response to the God from whom all blessings come.

Today's Gospel from Matthew invites us to examine whether our lives truly give God the glory He deserves. It begins with a question Jesus asks His disciples. First He asks, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They offer several responses. Then Jesus makes the question personal: "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answers without hesitation: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

Jesus asks each of us that same question today. As Christian stewards and disciples, we would likely answer just as Peter did. We believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

But does the way we live reflect that profession of faith? If we truly believe Christ came to save us from our sins and lead us to heaven, then our lives should proclaim that truth as clearly as our words. Do my priorities and ambitions reflect that Christ is my Savior? Does my family life, the way I spend my money, my use of time, and my daily choices show that I am His disciple?

Every blessing God has entrusted to us is meant to be used for His glory. Our time, our talents, and our treasure are gifts to be offered back to Him in gratitude. The greatest praise we can offer the Lord is a life lived in grateful response to His unfathomable love. That is the beauty and power of the stewardship way of life.

Mass Reflection: Sunday - 16th August 2026

 

IS 56:1, 6-7; PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; ROM 11:13-15, 29-32; MT 15:21-28

Today's readings remind us that God is always faithful, even when we are not. They challenge us as Christian stewards to respond to His faithful love through grateful discipleship and to trust Him even when it seems our prayers go unanswered.

In our First Reading from Isaiah, we hear that God's invitation extends to all people. But accepting that invitation requires more than simply hearing His call. It requires living as His disciples. "Observe what is right, do what is just... All who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant, them I will bring to my holy mountain... for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

Our parish is not an exclusive club. It is the family of God, where people from every background are welcomed to worship, grow in faith, and serve the Lord together.

God knows we will not always live this calling perfectly. At times we will choose selfishness over generosity or comfort over discipleship. Yet He never withdraws His love from us.

St. Paul reminds us of this in today's Second Reading: "For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." God remains patient and merciful even when we stumble. He can bring good even from our failures if we continue striving to follow Him. As Paul concludes, "For God delivered all to disobedience that he might have mercy upon all."

Because God is so faithful and merciful, His desire is to lead us to the joy of heaven and eternal life with Him. To prepare us for that day, He calls us to grow in faith and to live each day as a grateful response to His goodness. In other words, He is forming us into saints. This is what the stewardship way of life is meant to accomplish. At times that process is difficult. Often, it stretches us beyond our comfort.

Jesus certainly challenged the Canaanite woman in today's Gospel. She cried out to Him on behalf of her daughter, who was tormented by a demon. At first, Jesus "did not say a word in answer to her." Yet she refused to give up. Even when the disciples urged Jesus to send her away, she remained steadfast in her faith.

Jesus continued to test her trust, and she responded with such humility and confidence that He proclaimed, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." Imagine hearing those words spoken to us by our Lord. There could be no greater affirmation of a life lived in faithful discipleship.

The stewardship way of life will test our trust in God at times. But those are often the moments when He is doing His greatest work within us. Let us persevere in faith, trusting that His plan is always leading us toward the joy He has prepared for us — a gift He desires every one of His children to receive.

Mass Reading: Sunday - 16th August 2026

First reading
Isaiah 56:1,6-7
I will bring foreigners to my holy mountain

    Thus says the Lord: Have a care for justice, act with integrity, for soon my salvation will come and my integrity be manifest.

    Foreigners who have attached themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love his name and be his servants – all who observe the sabbath, not profaning it, and cling to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain. I will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their holocausts and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 66(67):2-3,5-6,8

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

O God, be gracious and bless us
    and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
    and all nations learn your saving help.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and exult
    for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples,
    you guide the nations on earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;
    let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
    till the ends of the earth revere him.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

________

Second reading
Romans 11:13-15,29-32
With Israel, God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice

    Let me tell you pagans this: I have been sent to the pagans as their apostle, and I am proud of being sent, but the purpose of it is to make my own people envious of you, and in this way save some of them. Since their rejection meant the reconciliation of the world, do you know what their admission will mean? Nothing less than a resurrection from the dead! God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.

    Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
Jn10:27

Alleluia, alleluia!

The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, 
says the Lord, 
I know them and they follow me.

Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Mt4:23

Alleluia, alleluia!

Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the kingdom
and cured all kinds of sickness among the people.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 15:21-28
The Canaanite woman debates with Jesus and saves her daughter

    Jesus left Gennesaret and withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. Then out came a Canaanite woman from that district and started shouting, ‘Sir, Son of David, take pity on me. My daughter is tormented by a devil.’ But he answered her not a word. And his disciples went and pleaded with him. ‘Give her what she wants,’ they said ‘because she is shouting after us.’ He said in reply, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel.’ But the woman had come up and was kneeling at his feet. ‘Lord,’ she said ‘help me.’ He replied, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the house-dogs.’ She retorted, ‘Ah yes, sir; but even house-dogs can eat the scraps that fall from their master’s table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, you have great faith. Let your wish be granted.’ And from that moment her daughter was well again.

The Gospel of the Lord.

 

Mass Reading: Sunday - 09th August 2026

First reading
1 Kings 19:9,11-13
The Lord was not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire

    When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of God, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

The word of the Lord.

________

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 84(85):9-14

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
    a voice that speaks of peace.
His help is near for those who fear him
    and his glory will dwell in our land.

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;
    justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth
    and justice look down from heaven.

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

The Lord will make us prosper
    and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him
    and peace shall follow his steps.

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.

________

Second reading
Romans 9:1-5
I would willingly be condemned if it could help my brothers

    What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.

The word of the Lord.

________

Gospel Acclamation
cf.Lk19:38,2:14

Alleluia, alleluia!

Blessings on the King who comes,
in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven
and glory in the highest heavens!

Alleluia!

Or:
cf.Ps129:5

Alleluia, alleluia!

My soul is waiting for the Lord,
I count on his word.

Alleluia!

________

Gospel
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus walks on the water

    Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’

The Gospel of the Lord.