Everything is grace

What a grace it is to have faith! If I had no faith,

I would have inflicted death on myself without hesitating a moment!”

                                                   -St. Therese of Lisieux

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Kings 11:4-13

In Solomon's old age,

 Despite severe brutality, He offering forgiveness to his tormentors

and maintaining his mission of redemption, it was for the sake of mankind.

Jesus who demonstrates deep compassion for others. 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊      

1 Kings 3:4-13

The king used to sacrifice

Let us strive for true authenticity.

Authenticity means being consistent in word and deed,

When I’m authentic those voices are in harmony.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Kings 10:1-10

The queen of Sheba

The only reason for my being killed is that I have taught the doctrine of Christ.

I thank God it is for this reason that I die. I believe that I am telling the truth before I die.

I know you believe me and I want to say to you all once again: Ask Christ to help you become happy.

I obey Christ. After Christ’s example, I forgive my persecutors. I do not hate them.

I ask God to have pity on all, and I hope my blood will fall on my fellow men as a fruitful rain.

                                                                                          — St. Paul Miki

＊＊＊ 1st Reading   ＊＊＊

Sirach 47:2-11

 As fat is selected

 " I ASKED YOU FOR A FAVOR AND YOU WOULD NOT LISTEN,

SO I ASKED GOD AND HE DID LISTEN."

                                               —— Saint Scholastica 

This saint, whose name means “the learned one,”

was born of noble blood in Umbria, Italy. She was the twin sister of St. Benedict.

1st Reading: 1 Kings 8:22-23, 27-30

Then Solomon stood

 "MY COURAGE AND MY THOUGHT BE SO FIRMLY FOUNDED UPON THE FIRM STONE OF JESUS CHRIST,

THAT FOR NO PAIN IT MAY NOT BE CHANGED, YOUR WORDS BE NOT WIND, YOUR PROMISES BE BUT RAIN,

AND YOUR MENACES BE AS RIVERS THAT PASS,AND HOW WILL THAT

ALL THESE THINGS HURTLE AT THE FUNDAMENT OF MY COURAGE, YET FOR THAT IT SHALL NOT MOVE."

                                                                                                                                             - Saint Agatha

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Kings 2:1-4, 10-12

When David was about to die,

 Elbowing His Way to Touch the Master's Clothing.

And he determines to find him and be healed.

"If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed" 

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1 Kings 8:1-7, 9-13

Then Solomon assembled

 "And without faith it is impossible to please God,"

faith is essential for a relationship with God.

A person who doubts shouldn’t expect to receive anything from God.

    “I believe; help my unbelief!”

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17

The king said to Joab and the commanders

 Jesus is calling on us, With the gospel of Jesus Christ,

through the world, as salt and light, to reach the lost.

We are salt and we are light, here’s our job.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Isaiah 58:7-10

Fast by sharing your food

 “Deep faith and trust in the Lord.”

Trust in Trials, as exemplified by Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son and St. Joseph's obedient.

Trust in Trials: It represents finding peace during life's storms,

knowing God is present and in control or the promise that God is with us in the boat of life.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

2 Samuel 18:9-10, 14b, 24-25a, 30-19:3

Absalom was riding a mule