Readings of the day: RB 11Mass: Joel 4:12-21; Resp. Psalm 97; Luke 11:27-28
We are gifted with two profound verses in today’s Gospel; both point to the announcement of the birth of Jesus:
First, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.”
Second, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe.”
“Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
“Let it be done to me according to your word.”
The greatness

Readings of the day: RB 10Mass: Joel 1:13-15; 2:1-2; Resp. Psalm 9; Luke 11:15-26
The gospel passage proclaimed at today’s Mass leaves out the whole of verse 14:
When Jesus had driven out a demon that was mute, the demon came out,the mute person spoke, and the crowds were amazed.
How do you suppose the previously mute person felt after being relieved of the demon?

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart;I will declare all you wondrous deeds.I will b

Readings of the day: RB 9Mass: Malachi 3:13-20b; Resp. Psalm 1; Luke 11:5-13
Today’s commentary brought to you by Cardinal Basil Hume (1923-1999).
“How often have we prayed for something, and our prayer has been ignored, or so it would seem. And how irritating this is when we have been told quite clearly: ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you’ (Mt 7:7/Luke 11:9-10).
Is there such a thing as unanswered prayer?

Readings of the day: RB 8Mass: Jonah 4:1-11; Resp. Psalm 86; Luke 11:1-4
Jesus taught the disciples many things, sometimes using words, other times not. As far as I know the disciples only asked Jesus once to teach them anything at all. Today they ask the Lord to teach them to pray. It seems a reasonable request considering they, with us, don’t know how to pray as we ought (Romans 8:26). Jesus doesn’t waste time, stating clearly,
When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed by your nam

Readings of the day: RB 7:62-70Mass: Jonah 3:1-10; Resp. Psalm 130; Luke 10:38-42
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.(Gospel Acclamation, Mass)
It seems dear Jonah has had a change of heart, not without God in hot pursuit. Today Jonah heeds the Lord’s bidding and sets off for Nineveh. That said, there is more to come.
We are also presented with Martha and Mary, friends of the Lord. Martha was busy asking Jesus questions and telling him what to do. Mary