Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday, 24 March 2021

 Daily Mass Readings for Wednesday, 24 March 2021

First Reading: Daniel 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95

14 And Nabuchodonosor the king spoke to them, and said: Is it true, O Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago, that you do not worship my gods, nor adore the golden statue that I have set up?

15 Now therefore if you be ready at what hour soever you shall hear the sound of the trumpet, flute, harp, sackbut, and psaltery, and symphony, and of all kind of music, prostrate yourselves, and adore the statue which I have made: but if you do not adore, you shall be cast the same hour into the furnace of burning fire: and who is the God that shall deliver you out of my hand?

16 Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago answered and said to king Nabuchodonosor: We have no occasion to answer thee concerning this matter.

17 For behold our God, whom we worship, is able to save us from the furnace of burning fire, and to deliver us out of thy hands, O king.

18 But if he will not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not worship thy gods, nor adore the golden statue which thou hast set up.

19 Then was Nabuchodonosor filled with fury: and the countenance of his face was changed against Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago, and he commanded that the furnace should be heated seven times more than it had been accustomed to be heated.

20 And he commanded the strongest men that were in his army, to bind the feet of Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago, and to cast them into the furnace of burning fire.

91 Then Nabuchodonosor the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and said to his nobles: Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered the king, and said: True, O king.

92 He answered, and said: Behold I see four men loose, and walking in the midst of the fire, and there is no hurt in them, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

95 Then Nabuchodonosor breaking forth, said: Blessed be the God of them, to wit, of Sidrach, Misach, and Abdenago, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that believed in him: and they changed the king’s word, and delivered up their bodies that they might not serve, nor adore any god, except their own God.

Responsorial Psalm: Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R. (52b) Glory and praise for ever!

52 Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of our fathers: and worthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever: and blessed is the holy name of thy glory: and worthy to be praised, and exalted above all in all ages.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

53 Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory: and exceedingly to be praised, and exceeding glorious for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

54 Blessed art thou on the throne of thy kingdom, and exceedingly to be praised, and exalted above all for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

55 Blessed art thou, that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and worthy to be praised and exalted above all for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

56 Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and worthy of praise, and glorious for ever.

R. Glory and praise for ever!

Verse Before the Gospel: Luke 8: 15

15 Blessed are they who in a good and perfect heart, hearing the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit in patience.

Gospel: John 8: 31-42

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews, who believed him: If you continue in my word, you shall be my disciples indeed.

32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him: We are the seed of Abraham, and we have never been slaves to any man: how sayest thou: you shall be free?

34 Jesus answered them: Amen, amen I say unto you: that whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin.

35 Now the servant abideth not in the house for ever; but the son abideth for ever.

36 If therefore the son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

37 I know that you are the children of Abraham: but you seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and you do the things that you have seen with your father.

39 They answered, and said to him: Abraham is our father. Jesus saith to them: If you be the children of Abraham, do the works of Abraham.

40 But now you seek to kill me, a man who have spoken the truth to you, which I have heard of God. This Abraham did not.

41 You do the works of your father. They said therefore to him: We are not born of fornication: we have one Father, even God.

42 Jesus therefore said to them: If God were your Father, you would indeed love me. For from God I proceeded, and came; for I came not of myself, but he sent me:

✍️- Br. Biniush Topno

Copyright © www.atpresentofficial.blogspot.com

Praise the lord

24 मार्च 2021, बुधवार चालीसे का पांचवां सप्ताह

 

24 मार्च 2021, बुधवार

चालीसे का पांचवां सप्ताह

पहला पाठ : दानिएल का ग्रन्थ 3:14-20,91-92,95

14) नबूकदनेज़र ने कहा, ’’शद्र्रक, मेशक और अबेदनगो! क्या यह बात सच है कि तुम लोग न तो मेरे देवताओं की सेवा करते और न मेरे द्वारा संस्थापित स्वर्ण-मूर्ति की आराधना करते हो?

15) क्या तुम लोग अब तुरही, वंशी, सितार, सारंगी, वीणा और सब प्रकार के वाद्यों की आवाज सुनते ही मेरी बनायी मूर्ति को दण्डवत कर उसकी आराधना करने तैयार हो? यदि तुम उसकी आराधना नहीं करोग, तो उसी समय प्रज्वलित भट्टी में डाल दिये जाओगे। तब कौन देवता तुम लोगों को मेरे हाथों से बचा सकेगा?''

16) शद्रक, मेशक और अबेदनगो ने राजा नबूकदनेज़र को यह उत्तर दिया, ’’राजा! इसके सम्बन्ध में हमें आप से कुछ नहीं कहना है।

17) यदि कोई ईश्वर है, जो ऐसा कर सकता है, तो वह हमारा ही ईश्वर है, जिसकी हम सेवा करते हैं। वह हमें प्रज्वलित भट्टी से बचाने में समर्थ है और हमें आपके हाथों से छुडायेगा।

18) यदि वह ऐसा नहीं करेगा, तो राजा! यह जान लें कि हम न तो आपके देवताओं की सेवा करेंगे और न आपके द्वारा संस्थापित स्वर्ण-मूर्ति की आराधना ही।’’

19) यह सुन कर नबूकदनेज़र शद्रक, मेशक और अबेदनगो पर बहुत क्रुद्ध हो गया और उसके चेहरे का रंग बदल गया। उसने भट्टी का ताप सामान्य से सात गुना अधिक तेज करने की आज्ञा दी

20) और अपनी सेना से कुछ बलिष्ठ जवानों को आदेश दिया कि वे शद्रक, मेशक और अबेदनगो को बाँध कर प्रज्वलित भट्टी में डाल दें।

91) राजा नबूकदनेज़र बड़े अचम्भे में पड गया। वह घबरा कर उठ खड़ा हुआ और अपने दरबारियों से बोला, “क्या हमने तीन व्यक्तियों को बाँध कर आग में नहीं डलवाया?“ उन्होंने उत्तर दिया, “राजा! आप ठीक कहते हैं“।

92) इस पर उसने कहा, “मैं तो चार व्यक्तियों को मुक्त हो कर आग में सकुशल टहलते देख रहा हूँ। चैथा स्वर्गदूत-जैसा दिखता है।

95) तब नबूकदनेज़र बोल उठा, “धन्य है शद्रक, मेशक और अबेदनगो का ईश्वर! उसने अपने दूत को भेजा है, जिससे वह उसके उन सेवकों की रक्षा करे, जिन्होंने ईश्वर पर भरोसा रख कर राजाज्ञा का उल्लंघन किया और अपने शरीर अर्पित कर दिये; क्योंकि वे अपने ईश्वर को छोड कर किसी अन्य देवता की सेवा या आराधना नहीं करना चाहते थे।

सुसमाचार : सन्त योहन का सुसमाचार 8:31-42

31) जिन यहूदियों ने उन में विश्वास किया, उन से ईसा ने कहा, ‘‘यदि तुम मेरी शिक्षा पर दृढ़ रहोगे, तो सचमुच मेरे शिष्य सिद्ध होगे।

32) तुम सत्य को पहचान जाओगे और सत्य तुम्हें स्वतन्त्र बना देगा।’’

33) उन्होंने उत्तर दिया, ‘‘हम इब्राहीम की सन्तान हैं, हम कभी किसी के दास नहीं रहे। आप यह क्या कहते हैं- तुम स्वतन्त्र हो जाओगे?’’

34) ईसा ने उन से कहा, ‘‘मै तुम से यह कहता हूँ- जो पाप करता है, वह पाप का दास है।

35) दास सदा घर में नहीं रहता, पुत्र सदा रहता है।

36) इसलिए यदि पुत्र तुम्हें स्वतन्त्र बना देगा, तो तुम सचमुच स्वतन्त्र होगे।

37) ‘‘मैं जानता हूँ कि तुम लोग इब्राहीम की सन्तान हो। फिर भी तुम मुझे मार डालने की ताक में रहते हो, क्योंकि मेरी शिक्षा तुम्हारे हृदय में घर नहीं कर सकी।

38) मैंने अपने पिता के यहाँ जो देखा है, वही कहता हूँ और तुम लोगों ने अपने पिता के यहाँ जो सीखा है, वही करते हो।’’ उन्होंने उत्तर दिया, ‘‘इब्राहीम हमारे पिता हैं’’।

39) इस पर ईसा ने उन से कहा, ‘‘यदि तुम इब्राहीम की सन्तान हो, तो इब्राहीम-जैसा आचरण करो।

40) अब तो तुम मुझे इसलिए मार डालने की ताक में रहते हो कि मैंने जो सत्य ईश्वर से सुना, वह तुम लोगों को बता दिया। यह इब्राहीम-जैसा आचरण नहीं है।

41) तुम लोग तो अपने ही पिता-जैसा आचरण करते हो।’’ उन्होंने ईसा से कहा, ‘‘हम व्यभिचार से पैदा नहीं हुए। हमारा एक ही पिता है और वह ईश्वर है।’’

42) ईसा ने यहूदियों से कहा, ‘‘यदि ईश्वर तुम्हारा पिता होता, तो तुम मुझे प्यार करते, क्योंकि मैं ईश्वर से उत्पन्न हुआ हूँ और उसके यहाँ से आया हूँ। मैं अपनी इच्छा से नहीं आया हूँ, मुझे उसी ने भेजा है।

📚 मनन-चिंतन

आज के सुसमाचार में योहन 8ः31-32 येसु कहते है कि यदि तुम मेरी शिक्षा पर दृढ़ रहोगे, तो सचमुच मेरे शिष्य सिद्ध होगे। तुम सत्य को पहचान जाओगे और सत्य तुम्हें स्वतन्त्र बना देगा। कहने का तात्पर्य यह है कि येसु के शिष्य होने के लिए हमें उनकी शिक्षा पर दृढ़ रहना बहुत आवश्य है। उनकी शिक्षा का पालन न करते हुए कोई भी उनका शिष्य न हो सकता है। येसु यह भी कहते है कि जब हम उनकी शिक्षा पर दृढ़ रहते है तो हम सत्य को पहचान जाओगे और सत्य तुम्हें स्वतन्त्र बना देगा। सप्य कौन है? योहन 14ः6 में येसु कहते है कि वे सत्य है। तो येसु ही या येसु कि शिक्षा ही हमें स्वतन्त्र बना सकता है। योहन 8ः36 में वचन कहता है यदि पुत्र तुम्हें स्वतन्त्र बना देगा, तो तुम सचमुच स्वतन्त्र होगे।

आज कें पहले पाठ में हम देखते है कि जब शद्रक, मेशक और अबेदनगो ईश्वर की शिक्षा पर दृढ़ बने रहे तो धधकती भट्टी में डाला जाने के बावजूद भी आग उन्हें भस्म नहीं किया। वे तीनों स्वतन्त्र रहें। अगर हम भी पापों से भरा इस दुनिया में येसु कि शिक्षा पर दृढ़ बने रहेंगे तो पाप हमें कुछ नहीं कर पायेगा। हम हमारे जीवन में आध्यात्मिक रूप में स्वतन्त्र बने रह पायेंगे। येसु कहते है जो पाप करता है वह पाप का दास है। संत अगस्तिन कहते है कि जो पाप करता है, वह दास है भले वह राजा क्यों न हो और जो पाप नहीं करता है, वह स्वतन्त्र है भले वह दास क्यों न हो।

संत पौलूस (गलातियों 5ः1) हम से कहते है मसीह ने स्वतन्त्र बने रहने के लिए ही हमें स्वतन्त्र बनाया, इसलिए आप लोग दृढ़ रहें और फिर दासता के जुए में नहीं जुतें। और गलातियों 5ः13 में वचन कहता है आप जानते हैं कि आप लोग स्वतन्त्र होने के लिए बुलाये गये हैं। आप सावधान रहें, नहीं तो यह स्वतन्त्रता भोग विलास का कारण बन जायेगी। इस चालिसा काल में हम अपने आप से पूछे कि क्या सचमुच में हम स्वतन्त्र है कि नहीं। अगर हम अभी भी पाप के बन्धनों में है तो येसु के पास जायें वह हमें पुर्ण रूप से पाप से मुक्त करेगा, क्योंकि येसु हमें पाप की गुलामी से मुक्त करने के लिए इस दुनिया में आए।

📚 REFLECTION

In today’s gospel Jn 8:31-32 Jesus says: if you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. What Jesus emphasizes here is that to become a disciple of Jesus one needs to follow all the commandments of Jesus. One can never be a disciple of Jesus if he/she does not follow the commandments. Then Jesus says that if we continue in his word then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. In Jn 14:6 Jesus says that he is the truth. So it is Jesus or his words that sets us free. In Jn 8:36 if the son of man makes you free, you are free indeed.

In today’s first reading we hear that when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remained steadfast in the commandment of God they were saved from the fire. Even though they were put in to the fire for not worshipping the king, fire could not consume them. They were set free from the fire. In this world of sin if we remain with Jesus, continue in his teaching then sin will have no control over us. We will be able to experience freedom in our spiritual life. Jesus says that those who commit sin is a slave to sin. St. Augustine says that he who sins is a slave though he be a king, and he who does not commit sin is a free man though he be a slave.

St. Paul says to us in Galatians’ 5:1 for freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Again in Galatians’ 5:13 for you are called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as a opportunity for self indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. In this season of lent let us ask ourselves that are we really and truly free? If we are still in the bondage of sin, then let us go to Jesus, for He alone can set us free, He alone can give us true freedom. Jesus came into this world to set us free from sin.

✍ -Br. Biniush Topno



Copyright © www.atpresentofficial.blogspot.com

Praise the Lord!

Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday, 23 March 2021

 Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday, 23 March 2021

First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9

4 And they marched from mount Hor, by the way that leadeth to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom. And the people began to be weary of their journey and labour:

5 And speaking against God and Moses, they said: Why didst thou bring us out of Egypt, to die in the wilderness? There is no bread, nor have we any waters: our soul now loatheth this very light food.

6 Wherefore the Lord sent among the people fiery serpents, which bit them and killed many of them.

7 Upon which they came to Moses, and said: We have sinned, because we have spoken against the Lord and thee: pray that he may take away these serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.

8 And the Lord said to him: Make brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: whosoever being struck shall look on it, shall live.

9 Moses therefore made a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: which when they that were bitten looked upon, they were healed.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 102: 2-3, 16-18, 19-21

R. (2) Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to thee.

2 Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to thee.

3 Turn not away thy face from me: in the day when I am in trouble, incline thy ear to me. In what day soever I shall call upon thee, hear me speedily.

R. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to thee.

16 And the Gentiles shall fear thy name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

17 For the Lord hath built up Sion: and he shall be seen in his glory.

18 He hath had regard to the prayer of the humble: and he hath not despised their petition.

R. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to thee.

19 Let these things be written unto another generation: and the people that shall be created shall praise the Lord:

20 Because he hath looked forth from his high sanctuary: from heaven the Lord hath looked upon the earth.

21 That he might hear the groans of them that are in fetters: that he might release the children of the slain:

R. Hear, O Lord, my prayer: and let my cry come to thee.

Verse Before the Gospel

The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower; all who come to him will live for ever.

Gospel: John 8: 21-30

21 Again therefore Jesus said to them: I go, and you shall seek me, and you shall die in your sin. Whither I go, you cannot come.

22 The Jews therefore said: Will he kill himself, because he said: Whither I go, you cannot come?

23 And he said to them: You are from beneath, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world.

24 Therefore I said to you, that you shall die in your sins. For if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sin.

25 They said therefore to him: Who art thou? Jesus said to them: The beginning, who also speak unto you.

26 Many things I have to speak and to judge of you. But he that sent me, is true: and the things I have heard of him, these same I speak in the world.

27 And they understood not, that he called God his Father.

28 Jesus therefore said to them: When you shall have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know, that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself, but as the Father hath taught me, these things I speak:

29 And he that sent me, is with me, and he hath not left me alone: for I do always the things that please him.

30 When he spoke these things, many believed in him.

✍️- Br. Biniush Topno

Copyright © www.atpresentofficial.blogspot.com

Praise the lord

23 मार्च 2021, मंगलवार चालीसे का पांचवां सप्ताह

 

23 मार्च 2021, मंगलवार

चालीसे का पांचवां सप्ताह

पहला पाठ : गणना ग्रन्थ 21:4-9

4) होर पर्वत से वे एदोमियों के देश के किनारे-किनारे चल कर लाल समुद्र की ओर आगे बढ़े। यात्रा करते-करते लोगों का धैर्य टूट गया

5) और वे यह कहते हुए ईश्वर और मूसा के विरुद्ध भुनभुनाने लगे, ''आप हमें मिस्र देश से निकाल कर यहाँ मरुभूमि में मरने के लिए क्यों ले आये हैं? यहाँ न तो रोटी मिलती है और न पानी। हम इस रूखे-सूखे भोजन से ऊब गये हैं।''

6) प्रभु ने लोगों के बीच विषैले साँप भेजे और उनके दंष से बहुत-से इस्राएली मर गये।

7) तब लोग मूसा के पास आये और बोले, ''हमने पाप किया। हम प्रभु के विरुद्ध और आपके विरुद्ध भुनभुनाये। प्रभु से प्रार्थना कीजिए कि वह हमारे बीच से साँपों को हटा दे।'' मूसा ने जनता के लिए प्रभु से प्रार्थना की

8) और प्रभु ने मूसा से कहा, ''काँसे का साँप बनवाओ और उसे डण्डे पर लगाओ। जो साँप द्वारा काटा गया, वह उसकी ओर दृष्टि डाले और वह अच्छा हो जायेगा।''

9) मूसा ने काँसे का साँप बनवाया और उसे डण्डे पर लगा दिया। जब किसी को साँप काटता था, तो वह काँसे के साँप की ओर दृष्टि डाल कर अच्छा हो जाता था।

सुसमाचार : सन्त योहन का सुसमाचार 8:21-30

21) ईसा ने फिर लोगों से कहा, ‘‘मैं ज रहा हूँ। तमु लोग मुझे ढूँ़ढोगे, किन्तु तुम पाप की स्थिति में मर जाओगे। मैं जहाँ जा रहा हूँ, तुम वहाँ नहीं आ सकते।’’

22) इस पर यहूदियों ने कहा, ‘‘कहीं यह आत्महत्या तो नहीं करेगा? यह तो कहता है- ‘मैं जहाँ जा रहा हूँ, तुम वहाँ नहीं आ सकते’।’’

23) ईसा ने उन से कहा, ‘‘तुम लोग नीचे के हो, मैं ऊपर का हूँ। तुम इस संसार के हो, मैं इस संसार का नहीं हूँ।

24) इसलिए मैंने तुम से कहा कि तुम पाप की स्थिति में मर जाओगे। यदि तुम विश्वास नहीं करते कि मैं वही हूँ, तो तुम पाप की स्थिति में मर जाओगे।’

25) तब लोगों ने उन से पूछा, ‘‘आप कौन हैं?’’ ईसा ने उत्तर दिया, ‘‘इसके विषय में तुम लोगों से और क्या कहूँ?

26) मैं तुम लोगों को बहुत सी बातों में दोषी ठहरा सकता हूँ। किन्तु मैं संसार को वही बताता हूँ, जो मैंने उस से सुना है, जिसने मुझे भेजा; क्योंकि वह सच्चा है।’’

27) वे नहीं समझ रहे थे कि वे उन से पिता के विषय में कह रहे हैं।

28) इसलिए ईसा ने कहा, ‘‘जब तुम लोग मानव पुत्र को ऊपर उठाओगे, तो यह जान जाओगे कि मैं वही हूँ और मैं अपनी ओर से कुछ नहीं करता। मैं जो कुछ कहता हूँ, वैसे ही कहता हूँ, जैसे पिता ने मुझे सिखाया है।

29) जिसने मुझ को भेजा, वह मेरे साथ है। उसने मुझे अकेला नहीं छोड़ा; क्योंकि मैं सदा वही करता हूँ, जो उसे अच्छा लगता है।’’

30) बहुतों ने उन्हें यह सब कहते सुना और उन में विश्वास किया।

📚 मनन-चिंतन

इस्राएलियों ने उनकी दासता से कानान देश की ओर यात्रा के बीच में ईश्वर और मूसा के विरूद्ध भुनभुना कर पाप किया। इसलिए ईश्वर ने लोगों के बीच विषैले सॉप भेजे और उनके दंश से बहुत से इस्राएली मर गये। तब लोगों को एहसास हुआ कि उन्होंने पाप किया है। तब लोग मूसा के पास आये और बोले, हमने पाप किया। हम प्रभु के विरूद्ध और आपके विरूद्ध पाप किये। प्रभु से प्रर्थना कीजीए कि वह हमारे बीच से सॉपों को हटा दे। प्रभु ने मूसा से कहा कॉसे का सॉप बनवाओ और उसे डण्डे पर लगाओ। जो सॉप द्वारा काटा गया, वह उसकी ओर दृष्टि डाले और वह आच्छा हो जायेगा।

प्यंारे विश्वासियों, पुराने विधान के कॉसे का सॉप नए विधान के प्रभु येसु का प्रतीक है। आज के सुसमाचार में येसु स्वयं कहते है (संत योहन 8ः28) जब तुम लोग मानव पुत्र को ऊपर उठाआगे, तो यह जान जाओगे कि मैं वही हॅू। संत योहन के सुसमाचार 3ः 14-15 में भी येसु इस को दोहराते है-जिस तरह मूसा ने मरूभूमि में सॉप को ऊपर उठाया था, उसी तरह मानव पुत्र को भी ऊपर उठाया जाना है, जिससे जो उस में विश्वास करता है, वह अनन्त जीवन प्राप्त करे।

प्रभु येसु को पिता ईश्वर ने संसार में इसलिए भेजा कि उनके द्वारा समस्त मानव जाती को पाप क्षमा मिले और अनन्त जीवन मिले। संत योहन अपने पहला पत्र में 2ः2 में कहते है कि येसु ने हमारे पापों के लिए प्रायश्चित किया है और न केवल हमारे पापों के लिए, बल्कि समस्त संसार के पापों के लिए भी। प्यारे विश्वासियों, चालिसा काल प्रभु येसु की ओर देखने का समय है। इस्राएलीयों के समान हम भी येसु से कहे कि हमने अपराध किये है; हमने येसु के विरूद्ध अनेक पाप किये है। हम निस्वार्थत रूप् से हमारे जीवन में सारी मानव जाती के जीवन में आध्यात्मिक सुधार लाने केलिए प्रयत्न करें। येसु का ये वचन याद रखे कि संत लूकस 5ः32 मैं धर्मियों को नहीं, पापियों को पश्चात्ताप के लिए बुलाने आया हॅू।

📚 REFLECTION

The Israelites in their journey from Egypt to Cana committed sin by murmuring against God and Moses. As a result God sent poisonous serpents and by the sting of these serpents many Israelites died. Then the people understood that they have committed sin. Then they came to Moses and said that they have sinned against God and you. They asked Moses to pray to God and take away the serpents. God said to Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift up in the desert and all those who look at it will be healed.

Friends, the old testament’s bronze serpent is the foreshadow of Jesus in the New Testament. In today’s gospel Jesus himself says: Jn 8:28 When you have lifted up the son of man, then you will realize that I am he. In John’s gospel Jesus again says 3:14-15 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

God the Father sent Jesus into this world so that through him whole humankind will receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. St. John says in his first letter 2:2 and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Friends, season of Lent is the time to look into the crucified Jesus. Like the Israelites let us also say to God that we have sinned. Let us very sincerely make effort to make ours and others spiritual life better. Remember the words of Jesus in Lk 5:32 I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.

✍ -Br. Biniush Topno



Copyright © www.atpresentofficial.blogspot.com

Praise the Lord!

Mass Readings for Today (Monday), 22 March 2021

 Daily Mass Readings for Monday, 22 March 2021

30, 33-62 or 13: 41c-62
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 33: 11
Gospel: John 8: 1-11

Lectionary: 251

First Reading: Daniel 13: 1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 or 13: 41c-62

1 Now there was a man that dwelt in Babylon, and his name was Joakim:

2 And he took a wife whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Helcias, a very beautiful woman, and one that feared God.

3 For her parents being just, had instructed their daughter according to the law of Moses.

4 Now Joakim was very rich, and had an orchard near his house: and the Jews resorted to him, because he was the most honourable of them all.

5 And there were two of the ancients of the people appointed judges that year, of whom the Lord said: Iniquity came out from Babylon from the ancient judges, that seemed to govern the people.

6 These men frequented the house of Joakim, and all that had any matters of judgment came to them.

7 And when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went in, and walked in her husband’ s orchard.

8 And the old men saw her going in every day, and walking: and they were inflamed with lust towards her:

9 And they perverted their own mind and turned away their eyes that they might not look unto heaven, nor remember just judgments.

15 And it fell out, as they watched a fit day, she went in on a time, as yesterday and the day before, with two maids only, and was desirous to wash herself in the orchard: for it was hot weather.

16 And there was nobody there, but the two old men that had hid themselves and were beholding her.

17 So she said to the maids: Bring me oil, and washing balls, and shut the doors of the orchard, that I may wash me.

19 Now when the maids were gone forth, the two elders arose, and ran to her, and said:

20 Behold the doors of the orchard are shut, and nobody seeth us, and we are in love with thee: wherefore consent to us, and lie with us.

21 But if thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee, that a young man was with thee, and therefore thou didst send away thy maids from thee.

22 Susanna sighed, and said: I am straitened on every side: for if I do this thing, it is death to me: and if I do it not, I shall not escape your hands.

23 But it is better for me to fall into your hands without doing it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord.

24 With that Susanna cried out with a loud voice: and the elders also cried out against her.

25 And one of them ran to the door of the orchard, and opened it.

26 So when the servants of the house heard the cry in the orchard, they rushed in by the back door to see what was the matter.

27 But after the old men had spoken, the servants were greatly ashamed: for never had there been any such word said of Susanna. And on the next day,

28 When the people were come to Joakim her husband, the two elders also came full of wicked device against Susanna, to put her to death.

29 And they said before the people: Send to Susanna daughter of Helcias the wife of Joakim. And presently they sent.

30 And she came with her parents, and children, and all her kindred.

33 Therefore her friends and all her acquaintance wept.

34 But the two elders rising up in the midst of the people, laid their hands upon her head.

35 And she weeping looked up to heaven, for her heart had confidence in the Lord.

36 And the elders said: As we walked in the orchard alone, this woman came in with two maids, and shut the doors of the orchard, and sent away the maids from her.

37 Then a young man that was there hid came to her, and lay with her.

38 But we that were in a corner of the orchard, seeing this wickedness, ran up to them, and we saw them lie together.

39 And him indeed we could not take, because he was stronger than us, and opening the doors he leaped out:

40 But having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was, but she would not tell us: of this thing we are witnesses.

41 The multitude believed them as being the elders and the judges of the people, and they condemned her to death.

42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said: O eternal God, who knowest hidden things, who knowest all things before they come to pass,

43 Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me: and behold I must die, whereas I have done none of these things, which these men have maliciously forged against me.

44 And the Lord heard her voice.

45 And when she was led to be put to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young boy, whose name was Daniel.

46 And he cried out with a loud voice I am clear from the blood of this woman.

47 Then all the people turning themselves towards him, said: What meaneth this word that thou hast spoken?

48 But he standing in the midst of them, said: Are ye so foolish, ye children of Israel, that without examination or knowledge of the truth, you have condemned a daughter of Israel?

49 Return to judgment, for they have borne false witness against her.

50 So all the people turned again in haste, and the old men said to him: Come, and sit thou down among us, and shew it us: seeing God hath given thee the honour of old age.

51 And Daniel said to the people: Separate these two far from one another, and I will examine them.

52 So when they were put asunder one from the other, he called one of them, and said to him: O thou that art grown old in evil days, now are thy sins come out, which thou hast committed before:

53 In judging unjust judgments, oppressing the innocent, and letting the guilty to go free, whereas the Lord saith: The innocent and the just thou shalt not kill.

54 Now then, if thou sawest her, tell me under what tree thou sawest them conversing together. He said: Under a mastic tree.

55 And Daniel said: Well hast thou lied against thy own head: for behold the angel of God having received the sentence of him, shall cut thee in two.

56 And having put him aside, he commanded that the other should come, and he said to him: O thou seed of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty hath deceived thee, and lust hath perverted thy heart:

57 Thus did you do to the daughters of Israel, and they for fear conversed with you: but a daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness.

58 Now therefore tell me, under what tree didst thou take them conversing together. And he answered: Under a holm tree.

59 And Daniel said to him: Well hast thou also lied against thy own head: for the angel of the Lord waiteth with a sword to cut thee in two, and to destroy you.

60 With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and they blessed God, who saveth them that trust in him.

61 And they rose up against the two elders, (for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth,) and they did to them as they had maliciously dealt against their neighbour,

62 To fulfill the law of Moses: and they put them to death, and innocent blood was saved in that day.

or

41 The multitude condemned Susanna to death.

42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said: O eternal God, who knowest hidden things, who knowest all things before they come to pass,

43 Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me: and behold I must die, whereas I have done none of these things, which these men have maliciously forged against me.

44 And the Lord heard her voice.

45 And when she was led to be put to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young boy, whose name was Daniel.

46 And he cried out with a loud voice I am clear from the blood of this woman.

47 Then all the people turning themselves towards him, said: What meaneth this word that thou hast spoken?

48 But he standing in the midst of them, said: Are ye so foolish, ye children of Israel, that without examination or knowledge of the truth, you have condemned a daughter of Israel?

49 Return to judgment, for they have borne false witness against her.

50 So all the people turned again in haste, and the old men said to him: Come, and sit thou down among us, and shew it us: seeing God hath given thee the honour of old age.

51 And Daniel said to the people: Separate these two far from one another, and I will examine them.

52 So when they were put asunder one from the other, he called one of them, and said to him: O thou that art grown old in evil days, now are thy sins come out, which thou hast committed before:

53 In judging unjust judgments, oppressing the innocent, and letting the guilty to go free, whereas the Lord saith: The innocent and the just thou shalt not kill.

54 Now then, if thou sawest her, tell me under what tree thou sawest them conversing together. He said: Under a mastic tree.

55 And Daniel said: Well hast thou lied against thy own head: for behold the angel of God having received the sentence of him, shall cut thee in two.

56 And having put him aside, he commanded that the other should come, and he said to him: O thou seed of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty hath deceived thee, and lust hath perverted thy heart:

57 Thus did you do to the daughters of Israel, and they for fear conversed with you: but a daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness.

58 Now therefore tell me, under what tree didst thou take them conversing together. And he answered: Under a holm tree.

59 And Daniel said to him: Well hast thou also lied against thy own head: for the angel of the Lord waiteth with a sword to cut thee in two, and to destroy you.

60 With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and they blessed God, who saveth them that trust in him.

61 And they rose up against the two elders, (for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth,) and they did to them as they had maliciously dealt against their neighbour,

62 To fulfill the law of Moses: and they put them to death, and innocent blood was saved in that day.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6

R. (4ab) For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.

1 A psalm for David. The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing.

2 He hath set me in a place of pasture. He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment:

3 He hath converted my soul.

R. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.

3 He hath led me on the paths of justice, for his own name’s sake.

4 For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.

R. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.

5 Thou hast prepared a table before me against them that afflict me. Thou hast anointed my head with oil; and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it!

R. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.

6 And thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.

R. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.

Verse Before the Gospel: Ezekiel 33: 11

11 As I live, saith the Lord God, I desire not the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way, and live.

Gospel: John 8: 1-11

1 And Jesus went unto mount Olivet.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him, and sitting down he taught them.

3 And the scribes and the Pharisees bring unto him a woman taken in adultery: and they set her in the midst,

4 And said to him: Master, this woman was even now taken in adultery.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us to stone such a one. But what sayest thou?

6 And this they said tempting him, that they might accuse him. But Jesus bowing himself down, wrote with his finger on the ground.

7 When therefore they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said to them: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

8 And again stooping down, he wrote on the ground.

9 But they hearing this, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest. And Jesus alone remained, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 Then Jesus lifting up himself, said to her: Woman, where are they that accused thee? Hath no man condemned thee?

11 Who said: No man, Lord. And Jesus said: Neither will I condemn thee. Go, and now sin no more.

✍️- Br. Biniush Topno

Copyright © www.atpresentofficial.blogspot.com

Praise the lord