It appears as if there is a strong biblical importance tied to vineyards,

  the life-giving properties they possess.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊  

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a*

(...) They saw (Joseph) in the distance

  "The light of God shining through the darkness."

 The Transfiguration of Jesus, and a testament to Jesus’ divine identity and mission.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18

Then the Lord brought him outside

 Riches, be instruments rather than obstacles to God's help.

Let us break the shell of self-interest and get interested in others.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Jeremiah 17:5-10

This is what the Lord says,

 “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

He emphasizes love for enemies,

This sounds like an impossible standard Jesus is placing before us.

Jesus is the only One who has lived a perfect life,

and it is through Him that we meet God’s standard.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Deuteronomy 26:16-19

On this day,

   "Joseph is attuned to God's ways."

If God was going to give someone the greatest assignment that had ever been given to any man in the human race.

Joseph, the right person — someone kind, humble, faithful, spiritually attuned to the voice of God.

1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16

But that very night,

 In today's Gospel, Jesus exhorts his disciples to surpass the righteousness

of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.

True righteousness involves being reconciled.

This principle involves treating others with dignity,

valuing the opinions of others and acknowledging their feelings.

Day of abstinence from meat (age 14 and up).

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊   

Ezekiel 18:21-28

If the sinner turns from his sin,

  "Christ is the only Leader."

The Lord speaks to the crowds and disciples, to warn them about the Pharisees.

we must be careful not to think that the Lord is always talking

about ‘others, He also speaks to us.

St. Cyril of Jerusalem, bishop and doctor

In the person of Christ, a man has not become God; God has become man.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Isaiah 1:10, 16-20

Hear the warning of the Lord,

On the day I called, you answered me;

With your right hand you save me;

you increased the strength of my soul.

O Lord, your merciful love is eternal;

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-256

Seized with anguish

 In the love of God,

By forgiving, we not only find peace of mind but also free ourselves to move on and forward.

Let go and give yourself a better chance.

St. Patrick, bishop

 ＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Daniel 9:4b-10

I prayed to the Lord,

Jesus is calling us to repent and believe,

David, he confesses to the Lord: “Against you—you alone—

I have sinned and done this evil in your sight”

David is grieving his sin before his Maker.

Like David, we all have sinned.

Repentance is something God gives—

it is only possible because of His grace.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Jonah 3:1-10

The word of the Lord