Gospel LK 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the whole world should be enrolled.

This was the first enrollment,

when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth

to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,

because he was of the house and family of David,

to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

While they were there,

the time came for her to have her child,

and she gave birth to her firstborn son.

She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Note:

Augustus's reign laid the foundations of a regime that lasted, in one form or another, for nearly fifteen hundred years through the ultimate decline of the Western Roman Empire and until the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. Both his adoptive surname, Caesar, and his title Augustus became the permanent titles of the rulers of the Roman Empire for fourteen centuries after his death, in use both at Old Rome and at New Rome. In many languages, Caesar became the word for Emperor, as in the German Kaiser and in the Bulgarian and subsequently Russian Tsar (sometimes Csar or Czar). The cult of Divus Augustus continued until the state religion of the Empire was changed to Christianity in 391 by Theodosius I.

There is a reference to Quirinius in the Gospel of Luke chapter 2, which links the birth of Jesus to the time of the Census of Quirinius, although this appears to contradict the time of Jesus birth given in the Gospel of Matthew.  Quirinius served as governor of Syria with authority over Iudaea until 12 AD, when he returned to Rome as a close associate of Tiberius. Nine years later he died and was given a public funeral.

* Matthew 1:18–25 This first story of the infancy narrative spells out what is revealed in Mt 1:16.
 Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Messiah.
The virginal conception of Jesus is the work of the Spirit of God. Joseph’s decision to divorce Mary is overcome by the Holy Spirit that he take her into his home and accept the child as his own. The natural genealogical line is broken but the promises to David are fulfilled; through Joseph’s adoption the child belongs to the family of David. Matthew sees the virginal conception as the fulfillment of Is 7:14.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign;* the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.

FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END
Ecclesiastes Qoh.3 [1] For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  [2] a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; [3] a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; [4] a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; [5] a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; [6] a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; [7] a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; [8] a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. [9] What gain has the worker from his toil? [10]  I have seen the business that God has given to the sons of men to be busy with.  [11] He has made everything beautiful in its time; also he has put eternity into man's mind, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.  [12] I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live;  [13] also that it is God's gift to man that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil.  [14] I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; God has made it so, in order that men should fear before him.  [15] That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.

LK 1:39-45 BLESSED ARE YOU WHO BELIEVED

Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

11Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.
Messengers from John the Baptist
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ 4Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’ Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. 21‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22But I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23And you, Capernaum,
will you be exalted to heaven?
   No, you will be brought down to Hades.
For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24But I tell you that on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.’
Jesus Thanks His Father
25 At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Matthew 17

The Transfiguration

17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ 10And the disciples asked him, ‘Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ 11He replied, ‘Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; 12but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.’ 13Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Matthew 17

The Transfiguration

17Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4Then Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ 5While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!’ 6When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, ‘Get up and do not be afraid.’ 8And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, ‘Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.’ 10And the disciples asked him, ‘Why, then, do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ 11He replied, ‘Elijah is indeed coming and will restore all things; 12but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but they did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man is about to suffer at their hands.’ 13Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them about John the Baptist.

Jesus Praises John the Baptist
Matt 11    7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,  who will prepare your way before you.”  11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; 14and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15Let anyone with ears listen!  16 ‘But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another,  17“We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;    we wailed, and you did not mourn.”  18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He has a demon”; 19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners!” Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe), also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe (Spanish: Virgen de Guadalupe), is a Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a Marian apparition and a venerated image enshrined within the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The basilica is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world, and the world's third most-visited sacred site.  Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, also known as Juan Diego (1474–1548), a native of Mexico, is the first Roman Catholic indigenous saint from the Americas. He is said to have been granted an apparition of the Virgin Mary on four separate occasions in December 1531 at the hill of Tepeyac, then a rural area but now within the borders of Mexico City.

LUKE 1;                                 LET IT BE WITH ME ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’* 29But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ 34Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’* 35The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born* will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.’ 38Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.

"The United States has always had a pretty sacred rule, and that is: we don't leave our men or women in uniform behind."
MT 18:12-14
Jesus said to his disciples: "What is your opinion? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray. In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost."

ACCORDING TO YOUR FAITH
MATT, 9   27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David!’ 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ 29Then he touched their eyes and said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, ‘See that no one knows of this.’ 31  But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.

A SAINT FROM EL PASO
Saint Pedro de Jesús Maldonado was born in a neighborhood of Chihuahua City known as San Nicolás and was one of seven children of Apolinar Maldonado and Micaela Lucero. When he was 17 years old, he entered the diocesan seminary, where he was known for his piety; once, after completing the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, he told the rector of the seminary "I have thought of always having my heart in heaven and in the Tabernacle." In 1913 and 1914, many seminarians fled to El Paso, Texas, because of religious persecution in Mexico, but Maldonado remained in Chihuahua and studied music. Later, he continued his religious studies and was ordained as a priest on January 25, 1918. His ordination took place in the Cathedral of St. Patrick, in the Diocese of El Paso. October 12, 1984, the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints exhorted the Archdiocese of Chihuahua to speed up Fr. (Father) Maldonado's process, formally initiating the cause of canonization. On November 22, 1992, Fr. Maldonado was beatified by Pope John Paul II. On May 25, 2000, John Paul canonized him.

Andrew and his brother Peter were fishermen by trade, hence the tradition that Jesus called them to be his disciples by saying that he will make them "fishers of men" (Greek: ἁλιεῖς ἀνθρώπων, halieis anthrōpōn). At the beginning of Jesus' public life, they were said to have occupied the same house at Capernaum.
In the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 4:18–22) and in the Gospel of Mark (Mark 1:16–20) Simon Peter and Andrew were both called together to become disciples of Jesus and "fishers of men". These narratives record that Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, observed Simon and Andrew fishing, and called them to discipleship.
In the parallel incident in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 5:1–11) Andrew is not named, nor is reference made to Simon having a brother. In this narrative, Jesus initially used a boat, solely described as being Simon's, as a platform for preaching to the multitudes on the shore and then to achieving a huge trawl of fish on a night which had hitherto proved fruitless. The narrative indicates that Simon was not the only fisherman in the boat (they signaled to their partners in the other boat … (Luke 5:7)) but it is not until the next chapter (Luke 6:14) that Andrew is named as Simon's brother. However, it is generally understood that Andrew was fishing with Simon on the night in question.
In contrast, the Gospel of John (John 1:35–42) states that Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, whose testimony first led him, and another unnamed disciple of John the Baptist, to follow Jesus. Andrew at once recognized Jesus as the Messiah and hastened to introduce him to his brother. The Byzantine Church honors him with the name Protokletos, which means "the first called". Thenceforth, the two brothers were disciples of Christ. On a subsequent occasion, prior to the final call to the apostolate, they were called to a closer companionship, and then they left all things to follow Jesus.

Thank you, God.  I’m grateful, God, for so many things. Now, I know I’m not the most grateful person you know, God, so let me take some time to tell you what I’m thankful for.

I’m grateful, God, for the gift of life. Without you I wouldn’t be here. Without you nothing would be here. Without you nothing would be at all.

I’m grateful for my parents, God. Even if they weren’t perfect, or completely functional, they loved me the best they could, and they worked hard to make sure that I had enough to eat, that I was clothed and that I had a place to sleep. I’ll never know all that they did for me, like the things they did for me when I was a baby, but I can be grateful for the things that I know. Help me to be a grateful child and remind me to be grateful in person. My parents have ended their time on earth and are with you, so help me to be thankful for their lives, and fill me with the hope of meeting them again in your company, where I’ll be able to say thanks again.

I know I’m not the most grateful person you know, God, so let me take some time to tell you what I’m thankful for.

I’m grateful for my friends, God. Even if I have only one good friend in my life right now, I’m so grateful. God, you show your love for me through my friends in ways that I sometimes overlook. They give me advice, sometimes when I need it, sometimes when I don’t, which in both situations is a sign of their care for me. They listen to me complain, which I do too much, and they celebrate with me, even if things aren’t always going well for them. They help me to laugh. And they help me to laugh at myself. That alone is reason to be thankful. Help me to be a good friend in return.

I’m grateful for my family, God. Yes, I know that all families are a little nutty, and mine is no exception. Even Jesus’s family tree had its share of complications. But I’m thankful that, even with the nuttiness, I’m part of a family that has helped to make me the person I am. I know that they try to love me the best that they can. Help me to be a good family member, trying to help out when I can, make the phone call or pay a visit when they’re lonely, and keep my mouth shut when I should be listening, or when I don’t have anything sensible to add to the conversation.

I’m grateful for my job, God. It’s not always a bed of roses, but at least I have a place to work and I am able to make ends meet. That’s more than many people have. And I know the people I work with can drive me crazy, but they are doing their best, too. Help me to be a good co-worker, to give people the benefit of the doubt, to care for the people with whom I work, and not to take everything so seriously on the job. And help me remember that all work done freely and with a loving heart is worthy in your sight.

I’m grateful, God, for all the things that I know many people in this world don’t have. And that’s a long list. So, I’m grateful for food. And clean water that is easily available. And clothes. And heat in the winter and air conditioning and screens in the summer. I’m grateful that I can go to the doctor and get a checkup and even get shots to help me avoid illness. That’s a lot more than most people have. Help me to be grateful and help me remember that I can help those who have less by being generous. That’s one way of thanking you.   (James Martin, SJ, AMERICA MAGAZINE)

CRISTO REY- CHRIST THE KING
Pope Pius XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King in his encyclical Quas primas of 1925, in response to growing secularism and nationalism.
The title of the feast was "Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Regis" ( of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King), and the date was established as "the last Sunday of the month of October – the Sunday, that is, which immediately precedes the Feast of All Saints". In Pope John XXIII's revision of the calendar in 1960, the date and title were unchanged but, according to the simplification of the ranking of feasts, it was classified as a feast of the first class.
In his motu proprio Mysterii Paschalis of 1969, Pope Paul VI amended the title of the Feast to "D. N. Iesu Christi universorum Regis" (Our Lord Jesus Christ King of the Universe). He also moved it to the new date of the final Sunday of the liturgical year, before the commencement of a new liturgical year on the First Sunday of Advent (the earliest date for which is 27 November). Through this choice of date "the eschatological importance of this Sunday is made clearer". He assigned to it the highest rank of "solemnity".
Anglican and Protestant Churches
Those churches that use the Revised Common Lectionary observe Christ the King Sunday as the final Sunday of their liturgical year.  These churches include most Anglican and major mainline Protestant groups, including the Church of England, Episcopal Church, Anglican Church in North America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other Lutheran groups, United Methodist Church and other Methodist groups, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, and the Moravian Church. Some, such as the Uniting Church in Australia refer to it in non-gendered terms as feast of The Reign of Christ.

LUKE 21             BY YOUR PERSEVERANCE YOU WILL GAIN YOUR SOULS.

 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’  7 They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ 8And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!”* and, “The time is near!”* Do not go after them.  9 ‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ 10Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.  12 ‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; 15for I will give you words* and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.

We should be obedient unto God, rather than follow those who in arrogance and disruptiveness have set themselves up as leaders in abominable jealousy.... For Christ is with them that are humble of mind, not with them that exalt themselves over the flock. 1Clem 14:1; 16:1

LUKE 20

34 Jesus said to them, ‘Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage; 35but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36Indeed they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38Now he is God not of the dead, but of the living; for to him all of them are alive.’ 39Then some of the scribes answered, ‘Teacher, you have spoken well.’ 40For they no longer dared to ask him another question.  41 Then he said to them, ‘How can they say that the Messiah* is David’s son? 42For David himself says in the book of Psalms, “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at my right hand,  43   until I make your enemies your footstool.’ ”  44David thus calls him Lord; so how can he be his son?’  45 In the hearing of all the people he said to the* disciples, 46‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love to be greeted with respect in the market-places, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

Luke 17

Jesus* said to his disciples, ‘Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! 2It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3Be on your guard! If another disciple* sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. 4And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, “I repent”, you must forgive.’

LK 20:27, 34-38 Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward.  Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out 'Lord, ' the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

 Review of Federal Action While there is no explicit textual authority for federal court review of the acts of the President and the Congress, this power has been inferred from a number of sources, including the Art. III grant of judicial power to the Supreme Court and inferior federal courts and the principle that it is the judicial power to say what the law, i.e., the Constitution, is.
Review of State Action a. The Supremacy Clause of Art. VI establishes federal judicial power over the acts of state officials. b. Art. VI requires state courts to make decisions in conformity with the U.S. Constitution. These “cases arising under the Constitution” are reviewable by the Supreme Court under Art. III.

LUKE 14

[27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple. [28] For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? [29] Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, [30] saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.' [31] Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? [32] And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an ambassador and asks terms of peace. [33] So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. [34] "Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? [35] It is fit neither for the land nor for the garbage dump; men throw it away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Matthew 5
The Beatitudes
5When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

LUKE 18
9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax-collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax-collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.” 13But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’

Luke 12  GOD’S CLOCK, NOT OURS
 [39] But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.  [40] You also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an unexpected hour."  [41] Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?"  [42] And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?  [43] Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing.  [44] Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.  [45] But if that servant says to himself, `My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,  [46] the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the unfaithful.  [47] And that servant who knew his master's will but did not make ready or act according to his will, shall receive a severe beating.  [48] But he who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, shall receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more.

LUKE 11
One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying this you reproach us also."
[46] And he said, "Woe to you lawyers also! for you load men with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.
[47] Woe to you! for you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.
[48] So you are witnesses and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed them, and you build their tombs.
[49] Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, `I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,'
[50] that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation,
[51] from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechari'ah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it shall be required of this generation.
[52] Woe to you lawyers! for you have taken away the key of knowledge; you did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering." L

GospelLK 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem,
he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him.
They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying,
"Jesus, Master!  Have pity on us!"
And when he saw them, he said,
"Go show yourselves to the priests."
As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply,
"Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
Then he said to him, "Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you."

Lc 17, 11-19

En aquel tiempo, cuando Jesús iba de camino a Jerusalén, pasó entre Samaria y Galilea. Estaba cerca de un pueblo, cuando le salieron al encuentro diez leprosos, los cuales se detuvieron a lo lejos y a gritos le decían: "Jesús, maestro, ten compasión de nosotros".

Al verlos, Jesús les dijo: "Vayan a presentarse a los sacerdotes". Mientras iban de camino, quedaron limpios de la lepra.

Uno de ellos, al ver que estaba curado, regresó, alabando a Dios en voz alta, se postró a los pies de Jesús y le dio las gracias. Ese era un samaritano. Entonces dijo Jesús: "¿No eran diez los que quedaron limpios? ¿Dónde están los otros nueve? ¿No ha habido nadie, fuera de este extranjero, que volviera para dar gloria a Dios?" Después le dijo al samaritano: "Levántate y vete. Tu fe te ha salvado".

AND I TELL YOU, ASK, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN YOU
Luke.11                                           [1]  He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."  [2] And he said to them, "When you pray, say:  "Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.  [3] Give us each day our daily bread;  [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."  [5]  And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves;  [6] for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him';  [7] and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'?  [8] I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs.  [9] And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  [10] For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  [11] What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent;  [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?  [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 17                              5 The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ 6The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a* mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you. 7 ‘Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from ploughing or tending sheep in the field, “Come here at once and take your place at the table”? 8Would you not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink”? 9Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? 10So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, “We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!” ’ 11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus* was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12As he entered a village, ten lepers* approached him. Keeping their distance, 13they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ 14When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. 15Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16He prostrated himself at Jesus’* feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ 19Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’

LUKE 16     19 ‘There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham.* The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.* 24He called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on 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.” 25But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.” 27He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” 29Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.” 30He said, “No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” 31He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”---------------------
[16:19–31] The parable of the rich man and Lazarus again illustrates Luke’s concern with Jesus’ attitude toward the rich and the poor. The reversal of the fates of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk 16:22–23) illustrates the teachings of Jesus in Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” (Lk 6:20–21, 24–25).
* [16:19] The oldest Greek manuscript of Luke dating from ca. A.D. 175–225 records the name of the rich man as an abbreviated form of “Nineveh,” but there is very little textual support in other manuscripts for this reading. “Dives” of popular tradition is the Latin Vulgate’s translation for “rich man” (Lk 16:19–31)

LUKE 16    10 ‘Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. 11If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth,* who will entrust to you the true riches? 12And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’*

14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. 15So he said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.

16 ‘The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force.* 17But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped.

luke 15        11 Then Jesus* said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. 13A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16He would gladly have filled himself with* the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” 20So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”* 22But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.

25 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” 28Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” 31Then the father* said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’

LUKE                     38 After leaving the synagogue he entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked him about her. 39Then he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately she got up and began to serve them.
40 As the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various kinds of diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on each of them and cured them. 41Demons also came out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Messiah.*
42 At daybreak he departed and went into a deserted place. And the crowds were looking for him; and when they reached him, they wanted to prevent him from leaving them. 43But he said to them, ‘I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other cities also; for I was sent for this purpose.’ 44So he continued proclaiming the message in the synagogues of Judea.

9/1/19   126         22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - C             Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29      Ps 68:4-5, 6-7, 10-11        Heb 12:18-19, 22-24a           Matt 11:29ab     Luke 14:1, 7-14

Sir 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Humility* 17 My son, conduct your affairs with humility, and you will be loved more than a giver of gifts. 18 Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find mercy in the sight of God.† f 20 For great is the power of the Lord; by the humble he is glorified. 21 What is too sublime for you, do not seek; do not reach into things that are hidden from young 22 What is committed to you, pay heed to; what is hidden is not your concern. 23 In matters that are beyond you do not meddle, when you have been shown more than you can understand. 24 Indeed, many are the conceits of human beings; evil imaginations lead them astray. Docility* 25 Without the pupil of the eye, light is missing; without knowledge, wisdom is missing. 26 A stubborn heart will fare badly in the end; those who love danger will perish in it. 27 A stubborn heart will have many a hurt; adding sin to sin is madness. 28 When the proud are afflicted, there is no cure; for they are offshoots of an evil plant.29 The mind of the wise appreciates proverbs, and the ear that listens to wisdom rejoices.

Psalm 68  To the leader. Of David. A Psalm. A Song. 1 Let God rise up, let his enemies be scattered;    let those who hate him flee before him.  2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away;    as wax melts before the fire,    let the wicked perish before God.  3 But let the righteous be joyful;    let them exult before God;    let them be jubilant with joy.   4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name;    lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds*— his name is the Lord—    be exultant before him.   5 Father of orphans and protector of widows    is God in his holy habitation.  6 God gives the desolate a home to live in;    he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,    but the rebellious live in a parched land.   7 O God, when you went out before your people,    when you marched through the wilderness,           Selah  8 the earth quaked, the heavens poured down rain    at the presence of God, the God of Sinai,    at the presence of God, the God of Israel.  9 Rain in abundance, O God, you showered abroad;    you restored your heritage when it languished;  10 your flock found a dwelling in it;    in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.   11 The Lord gives the command;    great is the company of those* who bore the tidings:  12   ‘The kings of the armies, they flee, they flee!’ The women at home divide the spoil,  13   though they stay among the sheepfolds— the wings of a dove covered with silver,    its pinions with green gold.  14 When the Almighty* scattered kings there,    snow fell on Zalmon.   15 O mighty mountain, mountain of Bashan;    O many-peaked mountain, mountain of Bashan!  16 Why do you look with envy, O many-peaked mountain,    at the mount that God desired for his abode,    where the Lord will reside for ever?   17 With mighty chariotry, twice ten thousand,    thousands upon thousands,    the Lord came from Sinai into the holy place.*  18 You ascended the high mount,    leading captives in your train    and receiving gifts from people, even from those who rebel against the Lord God’s abiding there.  19 Blessed be the Lord,    who daily bears us up;    God is our salvation.           Selah  20 Our God is a God of salvation,    and to God, the Lord, belongs escape from death.   21 But God will shatter the heads of his enemies,    the hairy crown of those who walk in their guilty ways.  22 The Lord said,    ‘I will bring them back from Bashan, I will bring them back from the depths of the sea,  23 so that you may bathe* your feet in blood,    so that the tongues of your dogs may have their share from the foe.’   24 Your solemn processions are seen,* O God,    the processions of my God, my King, into the sanctuary—  25 the singers in front, the musicians last,    between them girls playing tambourines:  26 ‘Bless God in the great congregation,    the Lord, O you who are of Israel’s fountain!’  27 There is Benjamin, the least of them, in the lead,    the princes of Judah in a body,    the princes of Zebulun, the princes of Naphtali.   28 Summon your might, O God;    show your strength, O God, as you have done for us before.  29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem    kings bear gifts to you.  30 Rebuke the wild animals that live among the reeds,    the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample* under foot those who lust after tribute;    scatter the peoples who delight in war.*  31 Let bronze be brought from Egypt;    let Ethiopia* hasten to stretch out its hands to God.   32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth;    sing praises to the Lord,           Selah  33 O rider in the heavens, the ancient heavens;    listen, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.  34 Ascribe power to God,    whose majesty is over Israel;    and whose power is in the skies.  35 Awesome is God in his* sanctuary,    the God of Israel;    he gives power and strength to his people.

Luke.14 [1]  One sabbath when he went to dine at the house of a ruler who belonged to the Pharisees, they were watching him.  [2] And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy.  [3] And Jesus spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath, or not?"  [4] But they were silent. Then he took him and healed him, and let him go.  [5] And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well, will not immediately pull him out on a sabbath day?"  [6] And they could not reply to this.  [7]  Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he marked how they chose the places of honor, saying to them,  [8] "When you are invited by any one to a marriage feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest a more eminent man than you be invited by him;  [9] and he who invited you both will come and say to you, `Give place to this man,' and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place.  [10] But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, `Friend, go up higher'; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you.  [11] For every one who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."  [12]  He said also to the man who had invited him, "When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your kinsmen or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return, and you be repaid.  

[13] But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind,  [14] and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. You will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."  [15]  When one of those who sat at table with him heard this, he said to him, "Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!"  [16] But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many;  [17] and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, `Come; for all is now ready.'  [18] But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, `I have bought a field, and I must go out and see it; I pray you, have me excused.'  [19] And another said, `I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to examine them; I pray you, have me excused.'  [20] And another said, `I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.'  [21] So the servant came and reported this to his master. Then the householder in anger said to his servant, `Go out quickly to the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor and maimed and blind and lame.'  [22] And the servant said, `Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.'  [23] And the master said to the servant, `Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.  [24] For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.'"  

LUKE 14:  [25]  Now great multitudes accompanied him; and he turned and said to them,  [26] "If any one comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.  Εἴ τις ἔρχεται πρός με καὶ οὐ μισεῖ τὸν πατέρα ἑαυτοῦ καὶ τὴν μητέρα καὶ τὴν γυναῖκα καὶ τὰ τέκνα καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς καὶ τὰς ἀδελφάς, ἔτι τε καὶ τὴν ψυχὴν ἑαυτοῦ, οὐ δύναται εἶναί μου μαθητής.

* [14:25–33] This collection of sayings, most of which are unusual to Luke, focuses on the total dedication necessary for the disciple of Jesus. No attachment to family (Lk 14:26) or possessions (Lk 14:33) can stand in the way of the total commitment demanded of the disciple. Also, acceptance of the call to be a disciple demands readiness to accept persecution and suffering (Lk 14:27) and a realistic assessment of the hardships and costs (Lk 14:28–32). * [14:26] Hating his father…: cf. the similar saying in Mt 10:37. The disciple’s family must take second place to the absolute dedication involved in following Jesus (see also Lk 9:59–62).

[27] Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me, cannot be my disciple.  [28] For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?  [29] Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,  [30] saying, `This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'  [31] Or what king, going to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?  [32] And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an ambassador and asks terms of peace.  

[33] So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.  [34]  "Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored?  [35] It is fit neither for the land nor for the dunghill; men throw it away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."