Tuesday – St. Angela Merici, virg.

 

Invitation

May I draw your attention to
the daily reading of the Gospel?

This invitation is intended to share with you the joy
of the Gospel. Everyone, without exception,
can experience that joy by opening their heart
to the healing power of God’s word.

Available every day.

Consideration

Through the conquest of Jerusalem and the transfer of the ark, David lays the foundation for a centralised approach, both politically and religiously. The heart of his empire lies in Jerusalem. The transfer of the ark legitimises and underpins his political status with a religious foundation. Note that all this is done in a very ritualistic and solemn manner. Yet that foundation is not as strong as it initially appears. Underlying currents will cause him and his successors a great deal of trouble.

FIRST READING                 2 Sam. 6:12b-15, 17-19

David and all the Israelites
brought the ark of the Lord with shouts of joy.

From the Second Book of Samuel

In those days,
David brought the ark of God
from the house of Obed-Edom
to the City of David with great joy.
After the bearers of the ark had taken six steps,
David sacrificed a fattened bull.
On the way, he danced enthusiastically before the Lord,
clothed only in a linen ephod.
So David and all the Israelites brought the ark of the Lord
with shouts of joy and the sound of trumpets.
It was carried into the city and placed in its place,
in the middle of the tent that David had set up for it.
Then David offered burnt offerings and sacrifices to the Lord.
After offering the burnt offerings and sacrifices,
he blessed the people in the name of God,
the Lord of heavenly forces.
To all those present, to all the Israelites who were gathered there,
men and women,
he distributed a flat loaf of bread,
a lump of dates and a raisin cake.
Then everyone went home.

INTERLUDIUM                Ps. 24(23), 7, 8, 9, 10

Who is this King of glory?
The Lord is the King of glory.

Gates, lift up your lintels,
open wide, ancient doors:
the King of Glory must enter.

Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord, the strong, the mighty,
the Lord, the hero in battle.

Lift up your heads, O gates,
and be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may enter.

Who is this King of glory?
He is the Lord of heavenly forces,
He is the King of glory.

ALLELUIA                     Ps. 119(118), 36a,29b

Alleluia.
May my heart be focused on what You decree, Lord;
give me Your law as my guide.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL                     Mk. 3:31-35

My brother and my sister and my mother
are those who do the will of God.

From the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark

Once Jesus’ mother and his brothers came,
and while they remained outside,
they sent someone to call Him.
There were many people around Him, who passed on the message:
“Your mother and your brothers are outside asking for You.”
Jesus answered them:
“Who is my mother,
who are my brothers?”
And looking at those who were sitting around him, he said:
“Here are my mother and my brothers.
For my brother and my sister and my mother are those
who do the will of God.”

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Laudato Si

Encyclical of

POPE FRANCIS

On Care for Our Common Home

Saint Francis of Assisi
10. I do not wish to proceed with this encyclical without first sharing a beautiful and motivating example. I took his name as a guide and inspiration at the time of my election as Bishop of Rome.
I believe that Francis is the prime example of care
for the weak and of an integral ecology,  lived with joy and authenticity.  He is the patron saint of all those who study and work in the field of ecology, and is also loved by many who are not Christians. He showed a special concern for God’s creation and for the poorest and most abandoned. He loved and was loved for his joy, his generous dedication, his simplicity and his humility and his universal heart. He was a mystic and a pilgrim who lived simply in marvellous harmony with God, others, nature and himself.
In him, one can see how much care for nature, justice towards the poor, commitment to society and inner peace are inseparable. 
To be continued
Every day at 1 am

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