Universalis

Thursday of week 7 in Ordinary Time, or Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church First reading Ecclesiasticus 5:1-10 Do not delay your return to the Lord Do not give your heart to your money, or say, ‘With this I am self-sufficient.’Do not be led by your appetites and energy to follow the passions … Read moreThu 27 February

Wednesday of week 7 in Ordinary Time First reading Ecclesiasticus 4:12-22 Whoever loves wisdom loves life Wisdom brings up her own sons, and cares for those who seek her.Whoever loves her loves life, those who wait on her early will be filled with happiness.Whoever holds her close will inherit honour, and wherever he walks the Lord will bless … Read moreWed 26 February

Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles First reading Acts 12:1-11 ‘Now I know the Lord really did save me from Herod’ King Herod started persecuting certain members of the Church. He beheaded James the brother of John, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews he decided to arrest Peter as well. This was during … Read moreSat 29 June

Saint Irenaeus, Bishop, Doctor, Martyr First reading 2 Timothy 2:22-26 A servant of the Lord has to be kind to everyone and gentle when he corrects people Fasten your attention on holiness, faith, love and peace, in union with all those who call on the Lord with pure minds. Avoid these futile and silly speculations, … Read moreFri 28 June

Thursday of week 11 in Ordinary Time First reading Ecclesiasticus 48:1-15 The spirit of Elijah fills Elisha The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch.It was he who brought famine on the people, and who decimated them in his zeal.By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three … Read moreThu 20 June

Wednesday of week 11 in Ordinary Time, or Saint Romuald, Abbot First reading 2 Kings 2:1,6-14 Elijah is taken up to heaven This is what happened when the Lord took Elijah up to heaven in the whirlwind: Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal, Elijah said, ‘Elisha, please stay here, the Lord is only sending … Read moreWed 19 June

Tuesday of week 11 in Ordinary Time First reading 1 Kings 21:17-29 The punishment of Ahab and Jezebel foretold After the death of Naboth, the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, ‘Up! Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, in Samaria. You will find him in Naboth’s vineyard; he has gone … Read moreTue 18 June

Monday of week 11 in Ordinary Time First reading 1 Kings 21:1-16 Ahab covets Naboth’s vineyard and Jezebel has him killed Naboth of Jezreel had a vineyard close by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria, and Ahab said to Naboth, ‘Give me your vineyard to be my vegetable garden, since it adjoins my house; … Read moreMon 17 June

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time First reading Ezekiel 17:22-24 I will plant a shoot on the high mountain of Israel The Lord says this:‘From the top of the cedar,from the highest branch I will take a shootand plant it myself on a very high mountain.I will plant it on the high mountain of Israel.It will … Read moreSun 16 June

Saturday of week 10 in Ordinary Time, or Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First reading 1 Kings 19:19-21 Elisha leaves the plough to follow Elijah Leaving Mount Horeb, Elijah came on Elisha son of Shaphat as he was ploughing behind twelve yoke of oxen, he himself being with the twelfth. Elijah passed near … Read moreSat 15 June