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

 We, too, were offered to God in our baptism and confirmation."

Baptism cleanses from sin and incorporates one into the Body of Christ,

Confirmation Strengthens Confirmation perfects the grace of baptism,

Sacramental Commitment both sacraments signify a dedication of one's body and soul to God,

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

1st Reading: Malachi 3:1-4

Now I am

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

"Fortunate are those who mourn they shall be comforted."

Is the second of Jesus's Beatitudes,

Promising divine consolation to those grieving or sorrowful.

Mourning is temporary and will lead to ultimate comfort from God.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Seek the Lord,

 "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,

  Jesus is with us.

Jesus' name itself means "God with us.

Before ascending, Jesus promised His disciples,

" I am with you always, to the end of the age" 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊       

2 Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17 

So Yahweh sent the prophet

 "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

 A small kindness can inspire others,

that the eternal significance of actions isn't measured

by their size but by the love and faith invested in them.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

2 Sm 11:1-4a, 5-10a, 13-17

In the spring of that year,

 “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

 To let our light illuminate the world.

The living virtuous, good and truthful lives,

so that others see our positive actions.

It's a visible example of faith.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊       

2 Sm 7:18-19,24-29

Then King David went in,