Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr
Readings: RV 14:14-19; PS 96:10, 11-12, 13; LK 21:5-11
Notes: The mercy of God is the only way to encounter these readings today.
If you have any farming experience, you know the harvest is the most important time. It is the culmination of all the work, effort and grace. We reap the fruit of our efforts for the good or the bad.
- For the good, rest and refreshment.
- For the bad, crushing reality.
Set it down
Let it go
Bring your heart
Let him know
Act of Contrition
Reflection
Like any good Christian, Cecilia sang in her heart, and sometimes with her voice. She has become a symbol of the Church’s conviction that good music is an integral part of the liturgy, of greater value to the Church than any other art.
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-cecilia
First reading
The Harvest of the Earth.
The final four things:
- Death
- Judgement
- Heaven
- Hell
Use your sickle and reap the harvest, for the time to reap has come.
Use your sharp sickle and cut the clusters from the earth’s vines, for its grapes are ripe.
As said in the Gospel of Matthew
The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear (Matt 13:41-43).
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord comes to judge the earth.
Alleluia Verse
Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Gospel Portion
Jesus said, “All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them!
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 