This Weeks Scripture Readings
October 1, 2023
Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ezekiel 18: 25-28
Psalm 25
Philippians 2: 1-11
Matthew 21: 28-32
Align with God and Be Saved
I can think of times I have struggled to overcome sin and to remain sincerely faithful to God. Remaining with the Lord is a daily endeavor. I am aware that I cannot rest on what I have done in the past. What am I doing now? Ezekiel says, “When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.” So, what do I do?
In order to stay on track with the Lord’s way I pray and meditate. I align myself with God. To start, periodically throughout the day I will recite the Praise Phrase, “Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory”. Invoking the Praise Phrase helps jolt me into God’s zone. I emerge from whatever earthly concerns I have at the moment and pause for refreshment with God.
Once in the zone that aligns me with God, I take a few moments in prayer. Usually I recite the Jesus Prayer, “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner”. I let my mind focus on it for a while. In time God centered thoughts may enter my mind. I may think of scriptures that inform me. Or I recall moments in my life when I have encountered God’s mercy. Such recollections guide me and give me comfort in the midst of a busy day.
The refrain to today’s psalm is one scripture verse I sometimes use as a plead to God, “Remember your mercies, O Lord.” It is intriguing in itself. We remind God he has been merciful in the past. Then we ask him to be so again, now. Through the psalm we ask God to guide and love us, “your ways, O Lord, make known to me….” But do I truly need to tell God to do so? Is he not already making his ways known? Rather, prayer time is a moment when I open myself to God’s presence and recognize his availability to me. I become disposed to hearing and seeing his path for me.
Brief moments of prayer throughout the day align me with the Jesus of history and the Jesus of eternity. I come to recognize him as Saint Paul does in Philippians. As Paul explains, Jesus is the one sent by the Father to be one like us. Jesus is aware through experience of all that I experience. Furthermore, he gives me his Grace to overcome sin and rise with him to Glory.
Brothers and sisters, I am a sinner subject to temptation. I may tell God to leave me alone and not want to serve him, just like the first son in the Gospel story. Then my conscience gets the better of me, thankfully, and I give over to the Lord and do his will. I do not want to be the second son, however. The second son is all talk and no action. He says, “yes sir” to his father and never goes to work. The first son might be a sinner, but he is redeemed. His blessed actions now make up for his earlier indiscretion. As the Lord says, “…tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”
Thus, you might be in a state of sin at the moment. However, you may be redeemed. Shout out the Praise Phrase. Then, spend some moments in prayer. Take in a scripture verse or story. Remember God’s earlier mercies toward you. Align with God and be saved.
In order to stay on track with the Lord’s way I pray and meditate. I align myself with God. To start, periodically throughout the day I will recite the Praise Phrase, “Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory”. Invoking the Praise Phrase helps jolt me into God’s zone. I emerge from whatever earthly concerns I have at the moment and pause for refreshment with God.
Once in the zone that aligns me with God, I take a few moments in prayer. Usually I recite the Jesus Prayer, “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner”. I let my mind focus on it for a while. In time God centered thoughts may enter my mind. I may think of scriptures that inform me. Or I recall moments in my life when I have encountered God’s mercy. Such recollections guide me and give me comfort in the midst of a busy day.
The refrain to today’s psalm is one scripture verse I sometimes use as a plead to God, “Remember your mercies, O Lord.” It is intriguing in itself. We remind God he has been merciful in the past. Then we ask him to be so again, now. Through the psalm we ask God to guide and love us, “your ways, O Lord, make known to me….” But do I truly need to tell God to do so? Is he not already making his ways known? Rather, prayer time is a moment when I open myself to God’s presence and recognize his availability to me. I become disposed to hearing and seeing his path for me.
Brief moments of prayer throughout the day align me with the Jesus of history and the Jesus of eternity. I come to recognize him as Saint Paul does in Philippians. As Paul explains, Jesus is the one sent by the Father to be one like us. Jesus is aware through experience of all that I experience. Furthermore, he gives me his Grace to overcome sin and rise with him to Glory.
Brothers and sisters, I am a sinner subject to temptation. I may tell God to leave me alone and not want to serve him, just like the first son in the Gospel story. Then my conscience gets the better of me, thankfully, and I give over to the Lord and do his will. I do not want to be the second son, however. The second son is all talk and no action. He says, “yes sir” to his father and never goes to work. The first son might be a sinner, but he is redeemed. His blessed actions now make up for his earlier indiscretion. As the Lord says, “…tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.”
Thus, you might be in a state of sin at the moment. However, you may be redeemed. Shout out the Praise Phrase. Then, spend some moments in prayer. Take in a scripture verse or story. Remember God’s earlier mercies toward you. Align with God and be saved.
Peace and Blessings,
Father Bob
Father Bob's
Video Reflections
Each week Father Bob posts a Video Reflection on the Spiritual readings for the weekend Mass. These Videos are not intended to replace your prescence at mass each week! Much like Scripture Sharing on Thursday evening from 7 pm - 8 pm, these videos act as a point of reference to enhance your knowledge and better prepare you to participate in each weeks celebration.
Each week the videos are archive and can be streamed by clicking on the Bulletin/Videos button above.
Each week the videos are archive and can be streamed by clicking on the Bulletin/Videos button above.
Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Make time During the day....
1. Thanksgiving. As you awake give thanks for life, relative health, the day, etc. Just express gratitude.
2. Pray for Insight. As your day gets going such as arrival at school or at work pray for direction, wisdom, and discernment from God. Ask that God guides you through the day and that He enlightens you.
3. “Where Is God?” After Lunch reflect on what has occupied your mind during the morning. How have you been asked to act based on how God has guided you up to this point. This will give direction for the rest of the day.
4. Petitions. Look at the day’s experiences and ask God’s grace to touch all the day’s situations. For example, what people entered into your life that can use God’s love?
5. Reflection and resolution. What elements of the day gave glory to God? What do you need to do tomorrow to give glory to God? In what way can you reform what you did today to do so?
Whatever you do to pray, be persistent.
2. Pray for Insight. As your day gets going such as arrival at school or at work pray for direction, wisdom, and discernment from God. Ask that God guides you through the day and that He enlightens you.
3. “Where Is God?” After Lunch reflect on what has occupied your mind during the morning. How have you been asked to act based on how God has guided you up to this point. This will give direction for the rest of the day.
4. Petitions. Look at the day’s experiences and ask God’s grace to touch all the day’s situations. For example, what people entered into your life that can use God’s love?
5. Reflection and resolution. What elements of the day gave glory to God? What do you need to do tomorrow to give glory to God? In what way can you reform what you did today to do so?
Whatever you do to pray, be persistent.
Prayer for Peace
Mary, Queen of Peace, save us all, who have so much trust in you, from wars, hatred, and oppression. Make us all learn to live in peace, and educate ourselves for peace, do what is demanded by justice and respect the rights of every person, so that peace may be firmly established. Amen.
The Jesus Prayer...
Lord Jesus Christ
have Mercy on me a Poor Sinner.
have Mercy on me a Poor Sinner.
Click on the links below for more information
October 8, 2023
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1
Is 5:1-7
Let me now sing of my friend,
my friend's song concerning his vineyard.
My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside;
he spaded it, cleared it of stones,
and planted the choicest vines;
within it he built a watchtower,
and hewed out a wine press.
Then he looked for the crop of grapes,
but what it yielded was wild grapes.
Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard:
What more was there to do for my vineyard
that I had not done?
Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes,
did it bring forth wild grapes?
Now, I will let you know
what I mean to do with my vineyard:
take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled!
Yes, I will make it a ruin:
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
but overgrown with thorns and briers;
I will command the clouds
not to send rain upon it.
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!
for justice, but hark, the outcry!
Let me now sing of my friend,
my friend's song concerning his vineyard.
My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside;
he spaded it, cleared it of stones,
and planted the choicest vines;
within it he built a watchtower,
and hewed out a wine press.
Then he looked for the crop of grapes,
but what it yielded was wild grapes.
Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard:
What more was there to do for my vineyard
that I had not done?
Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes,
did it bring forth wild grapes?
Now, I will let you know
what I mean to do with my vineyard:
take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled!
Yes, I will make it a ruin:
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
but overgrown with thorns and briers;
I will command the clouds
not to send rain upon it.
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!
for justice, but hark, the outcry!
my friend's song concerning his vineyard.
My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside;
he spaded it, cleared it of stones,
and planted the choicest vines;
within it he built a watchtower,
and hewed out a wine press.
Then he looked for the crop of grapes,
but what it yielded was wild grapes.
Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard:
What more was there to do for my vineyard
that I had not done?
Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes,
did it bring forth wild grapes?
Now, I will let you know
what I mean to do with my vineyard:
take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled!
Yes, I will make it a ruin:
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
but overgrown with thorns and briers;
I will command the clouds
not to send rain upon it.
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!
for justice, but hark, the outcry!
Let me now sing of my friend,
my friend's song concerning his vineyard.
My friend had a vineyard
on a fertile hillside;
he spaded it, cleared it of stones,
and planted the choicest vines;
within it he built a watchtower,
and hewed out a wine press.
Then he looked for the crop of grapes,
but what it yielded was wild grapes.
Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and people of Judah,
judge between me and my vineyard:
What more was there to do for my vineyard
that I had not done?
Why, when I looked for the crop of grapes,
did it bring forth wild grapes?
Now, I will let you know
what I mean to do with my vineyard:
take away its hedge, give it to grazing, break through its wall, let it be trampled!
Yes, I will make it a ruin:
it shall not be pruned or hoed,
but overgrown with thorns and briers;
I will command the clouds
not to send rain upon it.
The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah are his cherished plant;
he looked for judgment, but see, bloodshed!
for justice, but hark, the outcry!
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 80:9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20
R. (Is 5:7a) The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
A vine from Egypt you transplanted;
you drove away the nations and planted it.
It put forth its foliage to the Sea,
its shoots as far as the River.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Why have you broken down its walls,
so that every passer-by plucks its fruit,
The boar from the forest lays it waste,
and the beasts of the field feed upon it?
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted,
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
O LORD, God of hosts, restore us;
if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
A vine from Egypt you transplanted;
you drove away the nations and planted it.
It put forth its foliage to the Sea,
its shoots as far as the River.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Why have you broken down its walls,
so that every passer-by plucks its fruit,
The boar from the forest lays it waste,
and the beasts of the field feed upon it?
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted,
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
O LORD, God of hosts, restore us;
if your face shine upon us, then we shall be saved.
R. The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel.
Reading 2
Phil 4:6-9
Brothers and sisters:
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters,
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,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters,
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,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.
Alleluia
cf. Jn 15-16
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will remain.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord,
to go and bear fruit that will remain.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Gospel
Mt 21:33-43
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
"Hear another parable.
There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,
another they killed, and a third they stoned.
Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way.
Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking,
'They will respect my son.'
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another,
'This is the heir.
Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'
They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"
"Hear another parable.
There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,
put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower.
Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.
When vintage time drew near,
he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce.
But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,
another they killed, and a third they stoned.
Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,
but they treated them in the same way.
Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking,
'They will respect my son.'
But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another,
'This is the heir.
Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'
They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.
What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"
Scripture Readings for:
October 22, 2023
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time