But many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Very great wrath came upon Israel. From 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64, NRSV It is testimony…
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‘At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise. There shall be a time of anguish, such as has never occurred since nations first came into existence. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in…
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The cloud was seen overshadowing the camp,and dry land emerging where water had stood before,an unhindered way out of the Red Sea,and a grassy plain out of the raging waves,where those protected by your hand passed through as one nation,after gazing on marvellous wonders.For they ranged like horses,and leapt like lambs,praising you, O Lord, who…
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For from the greatness and beauty of created thingscomes a corresponding perception of their Creator. From Wisdom 13:1-9, NRSV For many people, gazing at the beauties and wonders of nature brings a greater appreciation of God as Creator. However, for others, the thought does not go beyond what they are seeing and experiencing. The writer…
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She is more beautiful than the sun,and excels every constellation of the stars.Compared with the light she is found to be superior,for it is succeeded by the night,but against wisdom evil does not prevail. She reaches mightily from one end of the earth to the other,and she orders all things well. From Wisdom 7:22-8:1, NRSV…
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Listen therefore, O kings, and understand;learn, O judges of the ends of the earth.Give ear, you that rule over multitudes,and boast of many nations.For your dominion was given you from the Lord,and your sovereignty from the Most High;he will search out your works and inquire into your plans. From Wisdom 6:1-11, NRSV Today’s words from the…
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The river enters the sea, the sea of stagnant waters, the water will become fresh. Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. On the banks, on both…
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Love righteousness, you rulers of the earth,think of the Lord in goodnessand seek him with sincerity of heart;because he is found by those who do not put him to the test,and manifests himself to those who do not distrust him. From Wisdom 1:1-7 NRSV In today’s First Reading we begin reading from the Book of…
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Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet…
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I myself feel confident about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. Nevertheless, on some points I have written to you rather boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of…
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