Readings for the Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and companions, martyrsReading 1 Sir 51:12 cd-20 I thank the LORD and I praise him;I bless the name of the LORD.When I was young and innocent,I sought wisdom openly in my prayerI prayed for her before the temple,and I will seek her until the end,and she flourished as a grape soon ripe.My heart delighted in her,My feet kept to the level pathbecause from earliest youth I was familiar with her.In the short time I paid heed,I met with great instruction.Since in this way I have profited,I will give my teacher grateful praise.I became resolutely devoted to her—the good I persistently strove for.My soul was tormented in seeking her, My hand opened her gateand I came to know her secrets.I directed my soul to her,and in cleanness I attained to her. Responsorial Psalm PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11 R. (9ab) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.The law of the LORD is perfect,refreshing the soul.The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,giving wisdom to the simple.R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.The precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heart.The command of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eye.R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring forever;The ordinances of the LORD are true,all of them just.R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.They are more precious than gold,than a heap of purest gold;Sweeter also than syrupor honey from the comb.R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Alleluia See Col 3:16a, 17c R. Alleluia, alleluia.Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly;giving thanks to God the Father through him.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 11:27-33 Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem.As he was walking in the temple area,the chief priests, the scribes, and the eldersapproached him and said to him,“By what authority are you doing these things?Or who gave you this authority to do them?”Jesus said to them, “I shall ask you one question.Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John’s baptism of heavenly or of human origin? Answer me.”They discussed this among themselves and said,“If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say,‘Then why did you not believe him?’But shall we say, ‘Of human origin’?”–they feared the crowd,for they all thought John really was a prophet.So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.”Then Jesus said to them,“Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Sir 44:1, 9-13 Now will I praise those godly men,our ancestors, each in his own time.But of others there is no memory,for when they ceased, they ceased.And they are as though they had not lived,they and their children after them.Yet these also were godly menwhose virtues have not been forgotten;Their wealth remains in their families,their heritage with their descendants;Through God’s covenant with them their family endures,their posterity, for their sake.And for all time their progeny will endure,their glory will never be blotted out. Responsorial Psalm PS 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b R. (see 4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia. Sing to the LORD a new songof praise in the assembly of the faithful.Let Israel be glad in their maker,let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia.Let them praise his name in the festive dance,let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.For the LORD loves his people,and he adorns the lowly with victory.R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia. Let the faithful exult in glory;let them sing for joy upon their couches;Let the high praises of God be in their throats.This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. R. The Lord takes delight in his people.or:R. Alleluia. Alleluia See Jn 15:16 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I chose you from the world,to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 11:11-26 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple area.He looked around at everything and, since it was already late,went out to Bethany with the Twelve.The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf,he went over to see if he could find anything on it.When he reached it he found nothing but leaves;it was not the time for figs.And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!”And his disciples heard it.They came to Jerusalem,and on entering the temple areahe began to drive out those selling and buying there.He overturned the tables of the money changersand the seats of those who were selling doves.He did not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple area.Then he taught them saying, “Is it not written:My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples?But you have made it a den of thieves.”The chief priests and the scribes came to hear of itand were seeking a way to put him to death,yet they feared himbecause the whole crowd was astonished at his teaching.When evening came, they went out of the city.Early in the morning, as they were walking along,they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look!The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’and does not doubt in his heartbut believes that what he says will happen,it shall be done for him.Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.When you stand to pray,forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance,so that your heavenly Father may in turnforgive you your transgressions.” - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Justin, martyrReading 1 Sir 42:15-25 Now will I recall God’s works;what I have seen, I will describe.At God’s word were his works brought into being;they do his will as he has ordained for them.As the rising sun is clear to all,so the glory of the LORD fills all his works;Yet even God’s holy ones must failin recounting the wonders of the LORD,Though God has given these, his hosts, the strengthto stand firm before his glory.He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart;their innermost being he understands.The Most High possesses all knowledge,and sees from of old the things that are to come:He makes known the past and the future,and reveals the deepest secrets.No understanding does he lack;no single thing escapes him.Perennial is his almighty wisdom;he is from all eternity one and the same,With nothing added, nothing taken away;no need of a counselor for him!How beautiful are all his works!even to the spark and fleeting vision!The universe lives and abides forever;to meet each need, each creature is preserved.All of them differ, one from another,yet none of them has he made in vain,For each in turn, as it comes, is good;can one ever see enough of their splendor? Responsorial Psalm PS 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 R. (6a) By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.Sing to him a new song;pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness.R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.For upright is the word of the LORDand all his works are trustworthy.He loves justice and right;of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.By the word of the LORD the heavens were made;by the breath of his mouth all their host.He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask;in cellars he confines the deep.R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.Let all the earth fear the LORD;let all who dwell in the world revere him.For he spoke, and it was made;he commanded, and it stood forth.R. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made. Alleluia Jn 8:12 R. Alleluia, alleluia.I am the light of the world, says the Lord;whoever follows me will have the light of life.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Mk 10:46-52 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,sat by the roadside begging.On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,he began to cry out and say,“Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.”Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”So they called the blind man, saying to him,“Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?”The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.”Immediately he received his sightand followed him on the way. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18a Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!Sing joyfully, O Israel!Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!The LORD has removed the judgment against you,he has turned away your enemies;The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,you have no further misfortune to fear.On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!The LORD, your God, is in your midst,a mighty savior;He will rejoice over you with gladness,and renew you in his love,He will sing joyfully because of you,as one sings at festivals. Or    Rom 12:9-16 Brothers and sisters:Let love be sincere;hate what is evil,hold on to what is good;love one another with mutual affection;anticipate one another in showing honor.Do not grow slack in zeal,be fervent in spirit,serve the Lord.Rejoice in hope,endure in affliction,persevere in prayer.Contribute to the needs of the holy ones,exercise hospitality.Bless those who persecute you,bless and do not curse them.Rejoice with those who rejoice,weep with those who weep.Have the same regard for one another;do not be haughty but associate with the lowly;do not be wise in your own estimation. Responsorial Psalm Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6 R.(6)  Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.God indeed is my savior;I am confident and unafraid.My strength and my courage is the LORD,and he has been my savior.With joy you will draw waterat the fountain of salvation.R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;among the nations make known his deeds,proclaim how exalted is his name.R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;let this be known throughout all the earth.Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Alleluia See Lk 1:45 R. Alleluia, alleluia.Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believedthat what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Lk 1:39-56 Mary set outand traveled to the hill country in hasteto a town of Judah,where she entered the house of Zechariahand 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 believedthat what was spoken to you by the Lordwould be fulfilled."And Mary said:"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.From this day all generations will call me blessed:the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name.He has mercy on those who fear himin every generation.He has shown the strength of his arm,he has scattered the proud in their conceit.He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,and has lifted up the lowly.He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty.He has come to the help of his servant Israelfor he has remembered his promise of mercy,the promise he made to our fathers,to Abraham and his children for ever."Mary remained with her about three monthsand then returned to her home. - - -Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.