"EVEN ON THE CROSS HE DID NOT HIDE HIMSELF FROM SIGHT;

RATHER, HE MADE ALL CREATION WITNESS TO THE PRESENCE OF ITS MAKER."

                                                                      - Saint Athanasius

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Acts 13:44-52

The following Sabbath

 "He gives his life for the sheep"

where Jesus describes himself as the "Good Shepherd." Unlike a hired hand who flees from danger,

the Good Shepherd willingly sacrifices his life to protect and save his flock.

The Good Shepherd protects his sheep from the "wolf,"

which represents dangers or, in a spiritual sense, attackers or evil.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 11:1-18*

News came to the apostles

The Feast of St. Joseph.

Honoring Joseph’s work foster father of Jesus.

It serves as a reminder that work is a participation

in the creative work of God and is a "Gospel of Work,"

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Acts 13:26-33

Brothers,

 

 " Truly, i say to you, anyone who does not enter the 

sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way,

is a thief and a robber."

Only that shepherd is approved by the gatekeeper.

This teaching also relies on the unique way sheep naturally learn to

respond only to the voice of "their" shepherd, and not to others.

 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Then Peter stood up

  "No servant is greater than his master"

it emphasizes humility, service, and imitation of Christ,

reminding believers that if the Master served,

his servants should also serve rather than seeking high positions.

It is a call to follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love, 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 13:13-25

From Paphos,

 Inspire hope and faith in a world hungry for the Good News.

Our hope is anchored in Jesus.

Trust that God is in control, working today, and can guide you.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Peter 5:5b-14

All of you

 

"BE WHO GOD MEANT YOU TO BE AND YOU WILL SET THE WORLD ON FIRE."

                                                        - Saint Catherine of Siena

 

 It encourages embracing one's unique, God-given identity

and purpose to profoundly influence the world

through authentic living, love, and courage. 

 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 12:24-13:5a

Meanwhile

 "WOE TO ME IF I SHOULD PROVE MYSELF BUT A HALF-HEARTED SOLDIER

  IN THE SERVICE OF MY THORN-CROWNED CAPTAIN.

                                                            - Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Acts 9:1-20*

 Meanwhile,

 

 "IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER OR NOT I AM KILLED; THE RELIGION HAS TAKEN ROOT ON THE ISLAND;

IT WILL NOT BE DESTROYED BY MY DEATH, SINCE IT COMES NOT FROM MEN BUT FROM GOD."

                                                                       - Saint Peter Chanel

 

"WHEN MARY HAS STRUCK HER ROOTS IN A SOUL, SHE PRODUCES THERE MARVELS OF GRACE,

WHICH SHE ALONE CAN PRODUCE, BECAUSE SHE ALONE IS THE FRUITFUL VIRGIN WHO NEVER HAS HAD,

AND NEVER WILL HAVE, EQUAL IN PURITY AND IN FRUITFULNESS."

                                                                    - Saint Louis Mary de Montfort

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Acts 11:19-26

Those who had been

 

 "DOUBT NOT. BELIEVE IN GOD AND JESUS CHRIST,

AND BE BAPTIZED, AND SHALL SLAY THE DRAGON."

                                            - Saint George 

If they believe in Jesus Christ and are baptized,

It appears as a declaration of faith to overcome evil.

Is often interpreted symbolically as the victory of faith over wickedness.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 8:26-40

An angel of the Lord