The Scripture Readings

The king went up to the house of the LORD with all the people of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: priests, prophets, and all the people, great and small. He read aloud to them all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the house of the LORD. 

The king stood by the column and made a covenant in the presence of the LORD to follow the LORD and to observe his commandments, statutes, and decrees with his whole heart and soul, and to reestablish the words of the covenant written in this book. and all the people stood by the covenant. 

-- New American Bible, revised edition  (2 Kings 23:2-3)

He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written: 

The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me, he has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind. 

-- New American Bible revised Edition  (Luke 4:16 - 18 )

Jesus is alive in his word. When going through a trial, it is helpful to recall the many ways God has helped in the past. The scripture readings help us to remember how God has been revealed to us and what he has done to save us. They are our family's story. 

One can find the daily Mass readings online to prepare or meditate on them before Mass. Holy Spirit, help me to listen and take these words to heart. Speak to me, Lord, for your servant is listening. 

*Most Rev. Mitchell T. Rozanski Archbishop of St. Louis, 2022, Passport to the Eucharist, pp. 32-33*

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