"I have come to bring fire upon the earth"

Jesus uses the image of fire to describe the transformative and sometimes disruptive impact of his message.

It signifies the Holy Spirit's purifying and renewing power, but also the division and conflict that can arise

when people are challenged to choose between worldly values and the teachings of Christ. 

 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

Then the officials told the king,

 

 ” Hold your eyes on God and leave the

doing to him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.”

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

When moses finished telling all Israel these words,

 

'I desire mercy and not sacrifice. “

God values heartfelt compassion, forgiveness,

and a genuine desire to help others over the performance of religious rituals without a corresponding change of heart.

 

 Blessed Virgin Mary

St. Roch

St. Stephen of Hungary

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

 Joshua 24:14-29

So fear the Lord,

“ Do not be disturbed by the clamor the world, which passes like a shadow.” ---- St. Clare, virgin

It encourages detachment from worldly distractions and fleeting pursuits,
emphasizing the ephemeral nature of material things and the importance of focusing on what is eternal.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Deuteronomy 10:12-22

So now, Israel,

 

Today we celebrate the Assumption of Our Lady,

because her participation in God's saving plan has decisively changed humanity forever.

The salvation of the human race, in all places and at all times, is found only in Jesus,

the Offspring of Mary. She is Mother of God.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

 Revelation

Then, the Sanctuary of God,

 

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be."

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Wisdom of Solomon 18:6-9

That night had been foretold

 

 

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest and martyr

 “ If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so, for one reason: holy communion. ”

 

 Because we, mere humans, can receive Jesus in the Eucharist. We get to hold Him,

taste His love, and be one with Him in a way that even they cannot.⁠

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Joshua 3:7-10a, 11,13-17

 

 Ps 114:1-2, 3-4, 5-6    Alleluia!

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Gospel: Matthew 18:21-19:1

Then Peter asked him,

  

 “ Let go of your plans. The first hour of your morning belongs to God. Tackle

the day's work that He charges you with and he will give you the power to accomplish it. “

                                                                                 St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, virgin and martyr

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Deuteronomy 6:4-13

Listen, Israel:

 "He is present among us.

Christ declares that he is present among us.

Many Christians believe Christ is present in the Church,

his body, and specifically in the sacraments, such as the Eucharist.

Christ's presence is also recognized when believers gather in his name,

study his word, and serve others.

 

 St. Pontian, pope, and   

St. Hippolytus, priest, martyrs

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Deuteronomy 34:1-12

From the barren plain of Moab,

 "If you want to follow me, deny yourself"

Denying oneself means choosing to put God's will and the needs of others before one's own desires and ambitions.

It's about dying to one's selfishness and pride, and embracing humility and service.

 

St. Dominic, priest

"We must sow the seed,not hoard it. “

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Deuteronomy 4:32-40

Ask of the times past.