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 called
when 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 reproach
until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ
that the blessed and only ruler
will 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 linen
and 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 scraps
that 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 off
and 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 received
what 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 established
to prevent anyone from crossing who might wish to go
from 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.’”

From: Amos 6:1a; 4-7

A life of luxury gives a false sense of security

Thus says the Lord the God of hosts:
[1] “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion!

[4] Woe to those who lie upon beds of ivory,
and stretch themselves upon their couches,
and eat lambs from the flock,
and calves from the midst of the stall;
[5] who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp,
and like David invent for themselves instruments of music;
[6] who drink wine in bowls,
and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!
[7] Therefore they shall now be the first of those to go into exile,
and the revelry of those who stretch themselves shall pass away.”

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

6:1-7. The third “woe” (v. 1; cf. 5:7, 18) marks the start of the last section of this
part of the book. Two distinct fragments can be detected in this passage, but
they both attack pleasure-seeking and pride. The first (vv. 1-7) reproaches those
who live thoughtlessly (vv. 4-6), be they in Samaria or in Zion (v. 1), putting their
trust in the ruling classes of “the first of the nations”, that is, the Northern king-
dom, Samaria. In describing the country in that way, Amos is being sarcastic.
But there is no sarcasm about his threat that those who “anoint themselves with
the finest oils” (v. 6) “will be the first of those who go into exile” (v. 7). The main
charge laid against them is that of living a life of luxury, heedless of the misfor-
tunes of others, of “the ruin of Joseph (v. 6). Concern for others is always a religi-
ous duty: “Coming down to practical and particularly urgent consequences, this
council [Vatican II] lays stress on reverence for man; everyone must consider his
every neighbour without exception as another self, taking into account first of all
his life and the means necessary to living it with dignity. […] In our times a spe-
cial obligation binds us to make ourselves the neighbour of every person without
exception and to actively help him when he comes across our path, whether he
be an old person abandoned by all, a foreign labourer unjustly looked down upon,
a refugee, a child born of an unlawful union and wrongly suffering for a sin he did
not commit, or a hungry person who disturbs our conscience by recalling the
voice of the Lord, ‘As long as you did it for one of these the least of my brethren,
you did it for me’ (Mt 35:40)” (Gaudium et spes, 27).

*********************************************************************************************
Source: “The Navarre Bible: Text and Commentaries”. Biblical text from the
Revised Standard Version and New Vulgate. Commentaries by members of
the Faculty of Theology, University of Navarre, Spain.

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

From: 1 Timothy 6:11-16

An Appeal to Defend the Faith

[11] But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. [12] Fight the good fight of the faith; take
hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confes-
sion in the presence of many witnesses. [13] In the presence of God who gives
life to all things, and of Christ Jesus who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate
made the good confession, [14] I charge you to keep the commandment un-
stained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; [15]
and this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sove-
reign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, [16] who alone has immortality and
dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has ever seen or can see. To him
be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

11-16. The letter’s final piece of advice is given with special solemnity. There are
two reasons for constancy in the fight (v. 12): the call to eternal life, and fidelity to
the confession of faith made at Baptism. The second obligation, to keep what is
commanded (v. 14), is urged with an appeal to the presence of two witnesses —
God the Father, and Jesus Christ (v. 13), who firmly proclaimed his kingship to
Pontius Pilate.

There is a very close connection between perseverance and the eternal sovereign-
ty of God (v. 16): “The eternity of God”, St Bernard teaches, “is the source of per-
severance [...]. Who hopes and perseveres in love but he who imitates the eterni-
ty of his charity? Truly, perseverance reflects eternity in some way; only to per-
severance is eternity granted or, to put it better, only perseverance obtains eterni-
ty for man” (”Book of Consideration”, 5, 14).

11. “Man of God”: this expression was used in the Old Testament of men who
performed some special God-given mission — for example, Moses (Deut 33:1;
Ps 40:1), Samuel (1 Sam 9:6-7); Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 17:18; 2 Kings 4:7,
27, 42). In the Pastoral Epistles (cf. also 2 Tim 3:17) it is applied to Timothy in-
sofar as ordination has conferred on him a ministry in the Church. Through ordi-
nation “the priest is basically a consecrated man, a “man of God” (1 Tim 6:11)
[...]. The ministerial priesthood in the people of God is something more than a
holy public office exercised on behalf of the community: it is primarily a configu-
ration, a sacramental and mysterious transformation of the person of the man-
priest into the person of Christ himself, the only mediator (cf. 1 Tim 2:5) “ (A.
del Portillo, “On Priesthood”, pp. 44-45).

“Fight the good fight”: St Paul often uses military comparisons to describe the
Christian life (cf., e.g., 2 Cor 10:3-6; Eph 6:10-17; Col 1:29; 2 Tim 2:3; 4:7), and
they have found their way into the ascetical tradition of the Church (cf. note on
1 Tim 1:17-19). Here and in 2 Timothy he is referring more to keeping the truth
unsullied, and to preaching: the “good fight of the faith” is of great importance
to everyone.

“Confession in the presence of many witnesses”: in addition to the day of his
consecration (cf. 1 Tim 4:14), Timothy would have often had occasion to make
public confession of his faith. However, this phrase is couched in such formal
terms that it seems to refer rather to the profession of faith which has been
made at Baptism ever since the early years of the Church (cf. Acts 2:38-41).

13-14. “Keep the commandments”: the Greek may be referring to one specific
commandment (as the RSV reflects); but it can also mean law as a whole and,
more likely, the truths of Revelation, that is, the deposit of the faith professed
at Baptism.

St Paul very formally calls in, as witnesses to this instruction, God the Father
and Christ Jesus, “who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good
confession”. Jesus’ “testimony” includes his entire passion and the declaration
he made to the Roman procurator about messianic kingship and his true identi-
ty (cf. Jn 18:36-37).

“Until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ”: when referring to the second co-
ming of Christ the New Testament often uses the term “parousia” (cf. 1 Cor 15:
23; 2 Pet 3:4) or “revealing” (cf., e.g., 1 Cor 1:7); the Pastoral Epistles prefer
“appearing”, epiphany, manifestation (cf. 2 Tim 4:1, 8; Tit 2:13), which better re-
flect the coming of Christ in glory as Savior (cf. 2 Tim 1:10). There is, of course,
a wonderful continuity between the redemptive work of Christ, the action of the
Church in conserving Revelation and passing it on, and the final coming of Christ
at the end of time.

15-16. This doxology or hymn of praise, one of the richest and most beautiful in
the New Testament, may have been taken from the Church’s liturgy (which may
also be the case with the other hymns in this letter: cf. 1:17 and 3:15 -16). It
was possibly a reply to pagan hymns honoring rulers and emperors as gods.
However, it is more likely that this particular hymn was inspired by the Old Tes-
tament, which speaks of God in similar language. Whatever its origin, the impor-
tant thing about the hymn is that it expresses faith in God who merits all praise.

At a time known only to him (cf. Mt 24:36), God the Father will bring about the
glorious manifestation of Jesus Christ. The text refers to four attributes which
show the power and sublimity of God: he is the “only Sovereign”, from whom
all lawful rulers on earth receive their authority (cf. Jn 19:11). He is the “King of
kings and Lord of lords” (literally, “the King of those who reign and the Lord of
those who wield lordship”); this is not, then, a merely honorific title: he does ac-
tually exercise sovereignty over those who claim to possess it (cf. Rev 17:14;
19: 16). He is “immortal”, for immortality is proper to God, who is Life (cf. Jn 1:
4); angels and souls are immortal only by virtue of the nature given them by God.
Finally, he is “light” and brightness: these are attributed to God (cf. Ps 104:2) to
show his sublimity: God transcends all created things and cannot be fully com-
prehended by man. St Thomas explains that an object can be invisible on two
counts either because it lacks brightness, as occurs with things which are dark
and opaque, or because it is too bright, as occurs in the case of the sun, which
is so bright that the human eye cannot look at it; God is so far beyond the capa-
city of the human mind that man cannot entirely take him in even though what
we can learn about him by the right use of reason and through revelation is true
and accurate (cf. “Commentary on 1 Tim, ad loc.”). The conclusion of the hymn,
which is liturgical and pedagogical in style, is similar to that found in 1:17: there
it says “honor and glory”, here “heaven and eternal dominion”, putting more
stress on God’s sovereignty.

This and the other hymns which appear in the letter show that the first Christians
were fully aware that man’s true purpose in life is to give glory to God. “We do
not live for the world, or for our own honor, but for the honor of God, for the glory
of God, for the service of God. That is what should motivate us!” (St. J. Escriva,
“The Forge”, 851).

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

From: Luke 16:19-31

Lazarus and the Rich Man

(Jesus told them this parable:) [19] “There was a rich man, who was clothed in
purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. [20] And at his
gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, [21] who desired to be fed
with what fell from the rich man’s table; moreover the dogs came and licked his
sores. [22] The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bo-
som. The rich man also died and was buried; [23] and in Hades, being in tor-
ment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom.
[24] And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Laza-
rus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish
in this flame.’ [25] But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you in your lifetime
received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things, but now he is
comforted here, and you are in anguish. [26] And besides in all this, between us
and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from
here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ [27] And he
said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, [28] for I have five
brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of tor-
ment.’ [29] But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear
them.’ [30] And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from
the dead, they will repent.’ [31] He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and
the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the
dead.’”

*********************************************************************************************
Commentary:

19-31. This parable disposes of two errors—that of those who denied the survival
of the soul after death and, therefore, retribution in the next life; and that of those
who interpreted material prosperity in this life as a reward for moral rectitude, and
adversity as punishment. This parable shows that, immediately after death, the
soul is judged by God for all its acts—the “particular judgment”—and is rewarded
or punished; and that divine revelation is by itself sufficient for men to be able to
believe in the next life.

In another area, the parable teaches the innate dignity of every human person,
independently of his social, financial, cultural or religious position. And respect
for this dignity implies that we must help those who are experiencing any mate-
rial or spiritual need: “Wishing to come down to topics that are practical and of
some urgency, the Council lays stress on respect for the human person: every-
one should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as another self, bea-
ring in mind above all his life and the means necessary for living it in a dignified
way lest he follow the example of the rich man who ignored Lazarus, the poor
man” (Vatican II, “Gaudium Et Spes”, 27).

Another practical consequence of respect for others is proper distribution of ma-
terial resources and protection of human life, even unborn life, as Paul VI pleaded
with the General Assembly of the United Nations: “Respect for life, even with re-
gard to the great problem of the birth rate, must find here in your assembly its
highest affirmation and its most reasoned defense. You must strive to multiply
bread so that it suffices for the tables of mankind, and not rather favor an artifi-
cial control of birth, which would be irrational, in order to diminish the number of
guests at the banquet of life” (”Address to the UN”, 4 October 1965).

21. Apparently this reference to the dogs implies not that they alleviated Laza-
rus’s sufferings but increased them, in contrast with the rich man’s pleasure: to
the Jews dogs were unclean and therefore were not generally used as domestic
animals.

22-26. Earthly possession, as also suffering, are ephemeral things: death marks
their end, and also the end of our testing-time, our capacity to sin or to merit re-
ward for doing good; and immediately after death we begin to enjoy our reward
or to suffer punishment, as the case may be. The Magisterium of the Church has
defined that the souls of all who die in the grace of God enter Heaven, immedia-
tely after death or after first undergoing a purging, if that is necessary. “We be-
lieve in eternal life. We believe that the souls of all those who die in the grace of
Christ — whether they must still make expiation in the fire of Purgatory, or whe-
ther from the moment they leave their bodies they are received by Jesus into Pa-
radise like the Good Thief—go to form that people of God which succeeds death,
death which will be totally destroyed on the day of the resurrection when these
souls are reunited with their bodies” (Paul VI, “Creed of the People of God”, 28).

The expression of “Abraham’s bosom” refers to the place or state “into which the
souls of the just, before the coming of Christ the Lord were received, and where,
without experiencing any sort of pain, but supported by the blessed hope of re-
demption, they enjoyed peaceful repose. To liberate these holy souls, who, in
the bosom of Abraham were expecting the Savior, Christ the Lord descended in-
to hell” (”St. Pius V Catechism”, I, 6, 3).

22. “Both the rich man and the beggar died and were carried before Abraham,
and there judgment was rendered on their conduct. And the Scripture tells us
that Lazarus found consolation, but that the rich man found torment. Was the
rich man condemned because he had riches, because he abounded in earthly
possessions, because he ‘dressed in purple and linen and feasted sumptuously
every day’? No, I would say that it was not for this reason. The rich man was con-
demned because he did not pay attention to the other man, because he failed to
take notice of Lazarus, the person who sat at his door and who longed to eat the
scraps from his table. Nowhere does Christ condemn the mere possession of
earthly goods as such. Instead, He pronounces very harsh words against those
who use their possessions in a selfish way, without paying attention to the
needs of others[...].”

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus must always be present in our memory;
it must form our conscience. Christ demands openness to our brothers and sis-
ters in need—openness from the rich, the affluent, the economically advantaged;
openness to the poor, the underdeveloped and the disadvantaged. Christ de-
mands an openness that is more than benign attention, more than token actions
or half-hearted efforts that leave the poor as destitute as before or even more so
[...].

“We cannot stand idly by, enjoying our riches and freedom, if, in any place, the
Lazarus of the Twentieth Century stands at our doors. In the light of the parable
of Christ, riches and freedom mean a special responsibility. Riches and freedom
create a special obligation. And so, in the name of the solidarity that binds us
all together in a common humanity, I again proclaim the dignity of every human
person: the rich man and Lazarus are both human beings, both of them equally
created in the image and likeness of God, both of them equally redeemed by
Christ, at a great price of the ‘precious blood of Christ’ (1 Peter 1:19)” (Bl. John
Paul II, “Homily in Yankee Stadium”, 2 October 1979).

24-31. The dialogue between the rich man and Abraham is a dramatization aimed
at helping people remember the message of the parable: strictly speaking, there
is no room in Hell for feelings of compassion toward one’s neighbor: in Hell hatred
presides. “When Abraham said to the rich man ‘between us and you a great
chasm has been fixed...’ he showed that after death and resurrection there will be
no scope for any kind of penance. The impious will not repent and enter the King-
dom, nor will the just sin and go down into Hell. This is the unbridgeable abyss”
(Aphraates, “Demonstratio”, 20; “De Sustentatione Egenorum”, 12). This helps
us to understand what St. John Chrysostom says: “I ask you and I beseech you
and, falling at your feet, I beg you: as long as we enjoy the brief respite of life, let
us repent, let us be converted, let us become better, so that we will not have to
lament uselessly like that rich man when we die and tears can do us no good.
For even if you have a father or a son or a friend or anyone else who [has] influ-
ence with God, no one will be able to set you free, for your own deeds condemn
you” (”Hom. on 1 Cor.”).

Published by Four Courts Press, Kill Lane, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland, and
by Scepter Publishers in the United States.

Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible by Darton, Longman & Todd

Readings at Mass

Liturgical Colour: Green.

First reading	Amos 6:1,4-7 ©

The almighty Lord says this:

Woe to those ensconced so snugly in Zion

and to those who feel so safe on the mountain of Samaria,

those famous men of this first of nations

to whom the House of Israel goes as client.

Lying on ivory beds

and sprawling on their divans,

they dine on lambs from the flock,

and stall-fattened veal;

they bawl to the sound of the harp,

they invent new instruments of music like David,

they drink wine by the bowlful,

and use the finest oil for anointing themselves,

but about the ruin of Joseph they do not care at all.

That is why they will be the first to be exiled;

the sprawlers’ revelry is over.

Responsorial Psalm	Psalm 145:7-10 ©

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Alleluia!

It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever,

who is just to those who are oppressed.

It is he who gives bread to the hungry,

the Lord, who sets prisoners free.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Alleluia!

It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind,

who raises up those who are bowed down.

It is the Lord who loves the just,

the Lord, who protects the stranger.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Alleluia!

The Lord upholds the widow and orphan

but thwarts the path of the wicked.

The Lord will reign for ever,

Zion’s God, from age to age.

My soul, give praise to the Lord.

Alleluia!

Second reading
1 Timothy 6:11-16 ©

As a man dedicated to God, you must aim to be saintly and religious, filled with faith and love, patient and gentle. Fight the good fight of the faith and win for yourself the eternal life to which you were called when you made your profession and spoke up for the truth in front of many witnesses. Now, before God the source of all life and before Christ, who spoke up as a witness for the truth in front of Pontius Pilate, I put to you the duty of doing all that you have been told, with no faults or failures, until the Appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who at the due time will be revealed

by God, the blessed and only Ruler of all,

the King of kings and the Lord of lords,

who alone is immortal,

whose home is in inaccessible light,

whom no man has seen and no man is able to see:

to him be honour and everlasting power. Amen.

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	2Co8:9

Alleluia, alleluia!

Jesus Christ was rich,

but he became poor for your sake,

to make you rich out of his poverty.

Alleluia!

Gospel	Luke 16:19-31 ©

Jesus said to the Pharisees, ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.”

‘The rich man replied, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham “let them listen to them..” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’

Jesus, High Priest

We thank you, God our Father, for those who have responded to your call to priestly ministry.

Accept this prayer we offer on their behalf: Fill your priests with the sure knowledge of your love.

Open their hearts to the power and consolation of the Holy Spirit.

Lead them to new depths of union with your Son.

Increase in them profound faith in the Sacraments they celebrate as they nourish, strengthen and heal us.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant that these, your priests, may inspire us to strive for holiness by the power of their example, as men of prayer who ponder your word and follow your will.

O Mary, Mother of Christ and our mother, guard with your maternal care these chosen ones, so dear to the Heart of your Son.

Intercede for our priests, that offering the Sacrifice of your Son, they may be conformed more each day to the image of your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Saint John Vianney, universal patron of priests, pray for us and our priests

This icon shows Jesus Christ, our eternal high priest.

The gold pelican over His heart represents self-sacrifice.

The border contains an altar and grapevines, representing the Mass, and icons of Melchizedek and St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney.

Melchizedek: king of righteousness (left icon) was priest and king of Jerusalem. He blessed Abraham and has been considered an ideal priest-king.

St. Jean-Baptiste Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests.

Pray a Rosary each day for our nation.

1. Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. The Apostles Creed: I BELIEVE in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

3. The Lord's Prayer: OUR Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

4. (3) Hail Mary: HAIL Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen. (Three times)

5. Glory Be: GLORY be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

6. Fatima Prayer: Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.

Announce each mystery, then say 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be and 1 Fatima prayer. Repeat the process with each mystery.

End with the Hail Holy Queen:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve! To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears! Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus!

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Final step -- The Sign of the Cross

The Mysteries of the Rosary By tradition, Catholics meditate on these Mysteries during prayers of the Rosary. The biblical references follow each of the Mysteries below.

The Glorious Mysteries
(Wednesdays and Sundays)
1.The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8, Mark 16:1-18, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29) [Spiritual fruit - Faith]
2. The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:50-53, Acts 1:6-11) [Spiritual fruit - Christian Hope]
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13) [Spiritual fruit - Gifts of the Holy Spirit]
4. The Assumption [Spiritual fruit - To Jesus through Mary]
5. The Coronation [Spiritual fruit - Grace of Final Perseverance]

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September 25, 2016

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Am 6:1a, 4-7

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

Reading 2 1 Tm 6:11-16

Alleluia Cf. 2 Cor 8:9

Gospel Lk 16:19-31

Readings at Mass