Sunday June 23, 2024
Twelfth Sunday of the Year (B)
Office: Psalter Week 4, Te Deum
Mass Proper; Gloria. Creed.
Preface of Sunday
Vestment: Green
Today’s Rosary: The Glorious Mystery
Click HERE for the Previous Catholic Daily Reading
LAFIA: Tomorrow is the 3rd anniversary of the episcopal ordination of Most Revd David Ajang 24th June 2021
VIGIL MASS OF THE BIRTH OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST READINGS BELOW
Vespers II of the Twelfth Sunday of the Year
Theme of the Sunday: JESUS RULES THE WAVES OF THE SEA.
The first reading is a kind of introduction to the gospel, so that we can understand the symbolic meaning attached to the sea in the culture of the Jewish people. The gospel shows us a Jesus who rules the waves of the sea and so reveals that he has the power of God. Linked to this main symbolic element we have other significant details: the night, the boat, Jesus asleep, the storm, the direction of the boat. All these elements are rich in meaning. The confidence we have from knowing that Christ is always with us is the theme of the second reading.
THE GLORIA (When indicated this hymn is either sung or said)
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen
FIRST READING
Here I have prescribed bounds for the sea.
A reading from the Book of Job (Job 38:1, 8-11)
The lord answered Job out of the whirlwind: “Who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth from the womb; when I made clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; and prescribed bounds for it, and set bars and doors, and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?”
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps l07:23-24.25-26.28-29.30-3 I (R. 1)
R/. O give thanks to the Lord for he is good;
for his mercy endures forever!
Or: Alleluia.
Some went down to the sea in ships,
to trade on the mighty waters.
These have seen the deeds of the Lord;
the wonders he does in the deep. R/.
For he spoke and raised up the storm-wind,
tossing high the waves of the sea
that surged to heaven and dropped to the depths.
Their souls melted away in their distress. R/.
Then they cried to the Lord in their need,
and he rescued them from their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper,
and the waves of the sea were hushed. R/.
They rejoiced because of the calm,
and he led them to the haven they desired.
Let them thank the LORD for his mercy,
his wonders for the children of men. R/.
SECOND READING
“Behold, the new has come.”
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 5:14- 17)
Brethren: The love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, that those who live might live no longer for them- selves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh; even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come.
The word of the Lord.
ALLELUIA Luke 7:16
Alleluia. A great prophet has arisen among us, and God has visited his pe6ple. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (Mark 4:35-41)
On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.”. And leaving the crowd, they took him with them, just as he was, in the boat. And other boats were with him. And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the. Cushion; and they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” And they were filled with awe, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even wind and sea obey him?”
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Creed (I Believe)
I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL
Celebrant:
Our Lord Jesus Christ manifests his power by calming the raging storm experienced by his disciples. Amid the troubles of life, let us turn to the Lord who is always with us and is able to calm our fears.
FOR THE CHURCH: that the Pope, Bishops and other leaders of the church may, through the help of the Holy Spirit, safely guide the faithful through the challenges and troubles of life. Let us pray to the Lord.
FOR CIVIL LEADERS: that they, like Christ, may show genuine concern for those they govern by making policies that promote their integral development. Let us pray to the Lord.
FOR ALL TRAVELERS: that Christ may be their companion and strength to keep them safe on their way, so that they may reach their destinations in safety and peace. Let us pray to the Lord.
FOR THIS CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY: that we may commit all our worries to Christ, and also offer support to one another on our journeys through life. Let us pray to the Lord.
FOR OTHER INTENTIONS: (the sick, church projects or other activities).
For the dead, especially those of our parish community and family members: that they may find eternal rest with the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.
We pray in silence for our private intentions.
Celebrant:
O Lord our God, the seas and the waves obey you. Graciously hear the prayers we present to you. Calm the waves of our troubled lives and make us instruments of your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R/. Amen.
TODAY’S REFLECTION
There are so many storms in life that rock us and threaten to throw us out of the boat of life. Job faced some of these storms in his lifetime. But today God reminds us that he is in control of the world. This same control is exercised by Jesus when he calms the raging storm. Such scenarios may remind you of moments when you lost control and had nowhere to go. The good news is that God never loses control or sleeps. He is always with us and, even when the storms of life rage, we must not be afraid, for his presence is there. We can row the boat of our life in confidence, trusting in the loving protection of God. He is the God who will not let us perish.
PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL
Teach me Lord what you want me to do, and I will obey you faithfully; teach me to serve you with complete devotion… Psalm 86:11
-So then, our brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to those truths which we taught you, both in our preaching and in our letters
– Pray that God will break every yoke of anxiety, fear and worries in your life.
– What are the issues causing you sleepless nights? Surrender them to God NOW, ask Him to take control.
– O Lord, turn your glorious face of compassion on all the users of the application seeking the fruit of the wombs, that they may be blessed.
Let Us Pray
O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of your presence, your love, and your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to you, we shall see your hand, your purpose, your will through all things. In the name of Jesus. Amen
VIGIL MASS OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (Solemnity)
Vigil Mass prop. Gloria Creed.
Preface of St John the Baptist
Vestment: White
Vespers I of the Solemnity of St John the Baptist
Theme of the Feast: JOHN PREPARES THE WAYS OF THE LORD.
The first reading tells us of a faithful Servant of God, who will be the light of all peoples. There were those who thought that the Baptist has such a light, but John the evangelist clarifies this immediately: “He was not the light, but came to testify to the light”; “the true light, which enlightens everyone” (Jn 1:8-9) is Christ. Only Luke describes the birth of the Baptist, while the other evangelists mention him only at the beginning of the public life of Jesus. Luke does so in order to show that with John a new era has dawned: the time of the promises has ended, there is to be no more waiting, the time has begun for such promises to be fulfilled. God has kept his word.
This Mass is used on the evening of 23 June, either before or after First Vespers (Evening Prayer I) of the Solemnity.
ENTRANCE ANTIPHON Lk 1:15.14
He will be great in the sight of the Lord and will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb; and many will rejoice at his birth.
COLLECT
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that your family may walk in the way of salvation and, attentive to what Saint John the Precursor urged, may come safely to the One he foretold, our Lord Jesus Christ. Who lives and reigns with you. . .
FIRST READING
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.”
A reading from the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4 – 10)
In the days of Josiah: The word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.” Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”
The word of the Lord.
RESPON SORIAL PSALM Ps 71:1-2.3-4a.5-6ab.15ab and 17 (R. 6b)
R/. From my mother’s womb, you have been my help.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice, rescue me, free me;
incline your ear to me and save me. R/.
Be my rock, my constant refuge,
a mighty stronghold to save me,
for you are my rock, my stronghold.
My God, free me from the hand of the wicked. R/.
It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,
my trust, O Lord, from my youth.
On you I have leaned from my birth;
from my mother’s womb, you have been my help. R/.
My mouth will tell of your justice,
and all the day long of your salvation.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and I proclaim your wonders still. R/.
SECOND READING
“The prophets searched and inquired about this salvation.”
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Peter (1 Peter 1:8- 12)
Beloved: Without having seen Jesus Christ, you love him; though you do not now see him you believe in him and rejoice with unutterable and exalted joy. As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls. The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation; they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
The word of the Lord.
ALLELUIA John 1:7; Luke 1:17
Alleluia. He came to bear witness to the light; to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“She will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 1:5-17)
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth; for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.
The Gospel of the Lord.
