Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 27 The Abbot's Concern for the Excommunicated
Mass: Wis 11:22-12:2; Resp Ps 145; Th 1:11-2:2; Lk 19:1-10

With a first glance at the readings for this Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, I thought of the Prologue of the Holy Rule of St Benedict. My mind went to the Holy Rule with the words from the Book of Wisdom: "But you [Lord] have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people's sins that they may repent" (Wis 11:23). St Benedict writes this: "The Lord waits for us daily to translate into action, as we should, his holy teachings. Therefore our life span has been lengthened by way of truce, that we may amend our misdeeds. As the Apostle says:Do you not know that the patience of God is leading you to repent (Rm 2:4)? And indeed the Lord assures us in his love: I do not wish the death of a sinner, but that he turn back to me and live (Ezk 33:11). (Prol. 35-38).

In today’s First Reading the author of the Letter to the Hebrews refers to the great Old Testament hero’s and their mighty deeds. However, one sentence is eye-catching: ‘Out of weakness they were made powerful’.

Readings of the Day
RB: 48:1-9 The Daily Manual Labor
Mass: Rev 14:14-19; Resp Ps 96; Lk 21:5-11


Let the plains be joyful and all that is in them! Then all the trees of the forest exult.

Several texts from today's Mass stand out. First, the Gospel Acclamation: Remain

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 36 Care of the Sick
Mass: Tt 3:1-7; Resp Ps 23; Lk 17:11-19

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

In today's General Audience, Pope Francis continued his catechesis on the commandments, offering teaching on the eighth commandment.