By his obedience to the Father's will and in solidarity with sinful humanity, Jesus wanted to justify and save us. Let us express our gratitude to the Lord, who comes to the aid of our weaknesses and wants to meet us with doors always open to his grace. ***

 

By his obedience to the Father's will and in solidarity with sinful humanity, Jesus wanted to justify and save us. Let us express our gratitude to the Lord, who comes to the aid of our weaknesses and wants to meet us with doors always open to his grace. ***

I cry out to you, my God, because you answered me; incline your ear and listen to me. Guard me like the pupil of your eye, shelter me in the shadow of your wings (Ps 16,6.8).

First Reading: Romans 5,12,15,17-21

Reading of Saint Paul's letter to the Romans – Brothers, 12 sin entered the world through one man. Through sin, death entered. And death spread to all men, because they all sinned. 15The transgression of one person led the human multitude to death, but it was much more superior than the grace of God, that is, the free gift granted through one man, Jesus Christ, was poured out in abundance on all. 17For one man, for the lack of one man, death began to reign. Many more will reign in life, through the mediation of one, Jesus Christ, those who receive the free and superabundant gift of righteousness. 18As the fault of one man brought condemnation to all men, so the act of righteousness of one man brought to all men the justification that gives life. 19For just as, through the disobedience of one man, all mankind were placed in a state of sin, so also, through the obedience of one man, all mankind will pass into a state of righteousness. 20But where sin multiplied, there grace abounded all the more. 21Finally, as sin reigns through death, let grace reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm: 39(40)

Behold, I come to do, with pleasure, / your will, Lord!

1. Sacrifice and oblation you did not want, / but you opened, Lord, my ears; / you did not ask for offerings or victims, † burnt offerings for our sins, / and then I said to you: “Behold, I come!” – R.

2. About me it is written in the book: † “I gladly do your will, / I keep your law in my heart!” – R.

3. I announced the good news of your righteousness in a large assembly; / you know: I didn't close my lips! – R.

4. But be glad and rejoice in you / every being that seeks you, Lord! / Always say: “The Lord is great!” / those who look to you for help. – R.

Gospel: Luke 12,35-38

Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah.

Watch and pray to stand before the Son of Man! (Lc 21,36) – R.

Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Luke – At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: 35 “May your waist be girded and the lamps lit. 36Be like men who are waiting for their master to return from a wedding feast so that they can immediately open the door for him as soon as he arrives and knocks. 37Happy are the employees you find awake when you arrive. Truly I tell you, he himself will gird himself, make them sit at the table, and pass by and serve them. 38And if he arrives at midnight or three in the morning, happy will they be if he finds them!” – Word of salvation.

Reflection:

Girdled kidneys and lighted lamps indicate readiness and active vigilance. Immersed in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in the administration of earthly goods, people miss the opportunity to live the values of the Kingdom. This is the danger that surrounds everyone who lives surrounded by constant proposals and seductions from the consumer society. The Christian lives in the world without being of the world, as Jesus stated about his disciples (John 17,11.16). The community must be in continuous vigilance, faithful to the word and action of Jesus. May the world not distract us from our Christian commitments. Thus, when the Lord visits us with his grace or at the hour of our death, he finds us ready to serve justice and fraternity. Jesus himself will honor us with his favors.

(Day by Day with the Gospel 2023)