2 And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the Mother of Jesus was there. 2 And Jesus also was invited, and His disciples, to the marriage.
A-II
3 And the wine failing, the Mother of Jesus saith to Him: They have no wine.
A-III
4 And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to Me and to thee? My hour is not yet come.
A-IV
5 His Mother saith to the waiters: Whatsoever He shall say to you, do ye.
A-V
6 Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. 7 Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
A-VI
8 And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now, and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.
A-VII
9 And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine, and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water; the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,
A-VIII
10 And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.
A-IX
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee; and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
A-X
12 After this He went down to Capharnaum, He and His Mother, and his brethren, and His disciples: and they remained there not many days.
2 I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men: 2 For kings, and for all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all piety and chastity.
B-II
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
B-III
5 For there is one God, and one mediator of God and men, the man Christ Jesus: 6 Who gave himself a redemption for all, a testimony in due times.
22 Let women be subject to their husbands, as to the Lord: 23 Because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church. He is the saviour of His body.
B-V
24 Therefore as the Church is subject to Christ, so also let the wives be to their husbands in all things. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ also loved the Church, and delivered Himself up for it:
B-VI
26 That He might sanctify it, cleansing it by the laver of water in the word of life: 27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy, and without blemish.
B-VII
28 So also ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, as also Christ doth the Church:
B-VIII
30 Because we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
B-IX
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be two in one flesh. 32 This is a great sacrament; but I speak in Christ and in the Church.
B-X
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular love his wife as himself: and let the wife fear her husband.
9 Or what man is there among you, of whom if his son shall ask bread, will he reach him a stone?
C-VIII
10 Or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a serpent?
C-IX
11 If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask Him?
C-X
12 All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets.
3 And in those days cometh John the Baptist preaching in the desert of Judea. 2 And saying: Do penance: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
A-II
3 For this is he that was spoken of by Isaias the prophet, saying: A voice of one crying in the desert, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 4 And the same John had his garment of camels’ hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins: and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
A-III
5 Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the country about Jordan: 6 And were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
A-IV
7 And seeing many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them: Ye brood of vipers, who hath shewed you to flee from the wrath to come?
A-V
8 Bring forth therefore fruit worthy of penance. 9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our father. For I tell you that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
A-VI
10 For now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doth not yield good fruit, shall be cut down, and cast into the fire.
A-VII
11 I indeed baptize you in the water unto penance, but he that shall come after me, is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you in the Holy Ghost and fire. 12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his floor and gather his wheat into the barn; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.
A-VIII
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me?
A-IX
15 And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered Him.
A-X
16 And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to Him: and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him. 17 And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaias the prophet: Behold I send my angel before thy face, who shall prepare the way before thee.
B-II
3 A voice of one crying in the desert: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
B-III
4 John was in the desert baptizing, and preaching the baptism of penance, unto remission of sins.
B-IV
5 And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all they of Jerusalem, and were baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
B-V
6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and he ate locusts and wild honey.
B-VI
7 And he preached, saying: There cometh after me one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.
B-VII
8 I have baptized you with water; but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
B-VIII
9 And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
B-IX
10 And forthwith coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit as a dove descending, and remaining on Him.
B-X
11 And there came a voice from heaven: Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.
2 Under the high priests Annas and Caiphas; the word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert.
C-II
3 And he came into all the country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins;
C-III
4 As it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.
C-IV
5 Every valley shall be filled; and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight; and the rough ways plain; 6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
C-V
15 And as the people were of opinion, and all were thinking in their hearts of John, that perhaps he might be the Christ;
C-VI
16 John answered, saying unto all: I indeed baptize you with water; but there shall come one mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to loose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
C-VII
17 Whose fan is in his hand, and He will purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire. 18 And many other things exhorting, did he preach to the people.
C-VIII
21 Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, heaven was opened;
C-IX
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape, as a dove upon Him; and a voice came from heaven: Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.
C-X
23 And Jesus Himself was beginning about the age of thirty years; being (as it was supposed) the son of Joseph, who was of Heli, who was of Mathat,
19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: Who art thou? 20 And he confessed, and did not deny: and he confessed: I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered: No.
D-II
22 They said therefore unto him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thyself? 23 He said: I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaias.
D-III
24 And they that were sent, were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said to him: Why then dost thou baptize, if thou be not Christ, nor Elias, nor the prophet?
D-IV
26 John answered them, saying: I baptize with water; but there hath stood one in the midst of you, whom you know not. 27 The same is he that shall come after me, who is preferred before me: the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to loose.
D-V
28 These things were done in Bethania, beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
D-VI
29 The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is He, of whom I said: After me there cometh a man, who is preferred before me: because He was before me.
D-VII
31 And I knew Him not, but that He may be made manifest in Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
D-VIII
32 And John gave testimony, saying: I saw the Spirit coming down, as a dove from heaven, and He remained upon Him.
D-IX
33 And I knew Him not; but He who sent me to baptize with water, said to me: He upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon Him, He it is that baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God.
D-X
35 The next day again John stood, and two of his disciples. 36 And beholding Jesus walking, he saith: Behold the Lamb of God. 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
E-VII
6 This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth.
E-VIII
7 And there are three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one.
E-IX
8 And there are three that give testimony on earth: the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three are one.
E-X
9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God, which is greater, because he hath testified of his Son.
2 Grace be to you, and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
F-II
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ:
F-III
5 Who hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto Himself: according to the purpose of His will:
F-IV
4 As He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in His sight in charity.
F-V
6 Unto the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He hath graced us in His beloved Son.
F-VI
7 In whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of His grace, 8 Which hath superabounded in us in all wisdom and prudence,
F-VII
9 That He might make known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Him,
F-VIII
10 In the dispensation of the fulness of times, to re-establish all things in Christ, that are in heaven and on earth, in Him.
F-IX
11 In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things according to the counsel of His will.
F-X
12 That we may be unto the praise of His glory, we who before hoped Christ:
4 But when the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour appeared:
G-II
5 Not by the works of justice, which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost;
G-III
6 Whom He hath poured forth upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour: 7 That, being justified by His grace, we may be heirs, according to hope of life everlasting.
Romans 6
G-IV
2 God forbid. For we that are dead to sin, how shall we live any longer therein?
G-V
3 Know you not that all we, who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized in His death?
G-VI
4 For we are buried together with Him by baptism into death; that as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life.
G-VII
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.
G-VIII
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin may be destroyed, to the end that we may serve sin no longer.
G-IX
7 For he that is dead is justified from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall live also together with Christ:
G-X
9 Knowing that Christ rising again from the dead, dieth now no more, death shall no more have dominion over him. 10 For in that he died to sin, he died once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God: 11 So do you also reckon, that you are dead to sin, but alive unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Let no sin therefore reign in your mortal body, so as to obey the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of iniquity unto sin; but present yourselves to God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of justice unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you; for you are not under the law, but under grace.
15 What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, His servants you are whom you obey, whether it be of sin unto death, or of obedience unto justice.
3 Behold what manner of charity the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called, and should be the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth not us, because it knew not Him.
H-II
2 Dearly beloved, we are now the sons of God; and it hath not yet appeared what we shall be. We know, that, when He shall appear, we shall be like to Him: because we shall see Him as He is.
H-III
3 And every one that hath this hope in Him, sanctifieth himself, as he also is holy.
H-IV
4 Whosoever committeth sin committeth also iniquity; and sin is iniquity.
H-V
5 And you know that he appeared to take away our sins, and in him there is no sin.
H-VI
6 Whosoever abideth in Him, sinneth not; and whosoever sinneth, hath not seen Him, nor known Him.
H-VII
7 Little children, let no man deceive you. He that doth justice is just, even as He is just.
H-VIII
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil: for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God appeared, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
H-IX
9 Whosoever is born of God, committeth not sin: for His seed abideth in him, and he can not sin, because he is born of God.
H-X
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil. Whosoever is not just, is not of God, nor he that loveth not his brother. 11 For this is the declaration, which you have heard from the beginning, that you should love one another.
12 Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one, and killed his brother. And wherefore did he kill him? Because his own works were wicked: and his brother’s just.
40 And the Child grew, and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in Him.
A-II
41 And His parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the pasch, 42 And when He was twelve years old, they going up into Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast,
A-III
43 And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and His parents knew it not.
A-IV
44 And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolks and acquaintance.
A-V
45 And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him.
A-VI
46 And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions.
A-VII
47 And all that heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers.
A-VIII
48 And seeing Him, they wondered. And His mother said to Him: Son, why hast Thou done so to us? behold Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing.
A-IX
49 And He said to them: How is it that you sought Me? did you not know, that I must be about My father’s business? 50 And they understood not the word that He spoke unto them.
A-X
51 And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And His mother kept all these words in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.
8 To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ,
B-II
9 And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things:
B-III
10 That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,
B-IV
11 According to the eternal purpose, which He made, in Christ Jesus our Lord:
B-V
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.
B-VI
13 Wherefore I pray you not to faint at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
B-VII
14 For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom all paternity in heaven and earth is named,
B-VIII
16 That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened by His Spirit with might unto the inward man,
B-IX
17 That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts; that being rooted and founded in charity, 18 You may be able to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth:
B-X
19 To know also the charity of Christ, which surpasseth all knowledge, that you may be filled unto all the fulness of God.
20 Now to Him who is able to do all things more abundantly than we desire or understand, according to the power that worketh in us; 21 To Him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus unto all generations, world without end. Amen.
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is just. 2 Honour thy father and thy mother, which is the first commandment with a promise:
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest be long lived upon earth.
C-II
4 And you, fathers, provoke not your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and correction of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 1
C-III
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not in wisdom of speech, lest the cross of Christ should be made void.
C-IV
18 For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness; but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God.
19 For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the prudence of the prudent I will reject.
C-V
20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world, by wisdom, knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of our preaching, to save them that believe.
C-VI
22 For both the Jews require signs, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews indeed a stumblingblock, and unto the Gentiles foolishness:
C-VII
24 But unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
C-VIII
26 For see your vocation, brethren, that there are not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble: 27 But the foolish things of the world hath God chosen, that He may confound the wise; and the weak things of the world hath God chosen, that He may confound the strong.
C-IX
28 And the base things of the world, and the things that are contemptible, hath God chosen, and things that are not, that He might bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in His sight.
C-X
30 But of Him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and justice, and sanctification, and redemption:
Fifth MysteryāThe finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple. O the grief and humiliation of Mary’s soul during those three bitter days of separation from Jesus! O Holy Mother, it is I that ought to be grieved and humbled for having so often lost thy dear Son by my sins! Obtain for me true sorrow for the same!
22 And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord: 23 As it is written in the law of the Lord: Every male opening the womb shall be called holy to the Lord:
A-II
24 And to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons:
A-III
25 And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him. 26 And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
A-IV
27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law,
A-V
28 He also took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: 29 Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace; 30 Because my eyes have seen Thy salvation,
A-VI
31 Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: 32 A light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
A-VII
33 And His father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning Him.
A-VIII
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His Mother: Behold this Child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; 35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.
A-IX
36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser; she was far advanced in years, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity. 37 And she was a widow until fourscore and four years; who departed not from the temple, by fastings and prayers serving night and day.
A-X
38 Now she, at the same hour, coming in, confessed to the Lord; and spoke of Him to all that looked for the redemption of Israel. 39 And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth.
5 Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith: Sacrifice and oblation Thou wouldest not: but a body Thou hast fitted to Me: 6 Holocausts for sin did not please Thee.
B-IV
7 Then said I: Behold I come: in the head of the book it is written of Me: that I should do Thy will, O God.
B-V
8 In saying before, Sacrifices, and oblations, and holocausts for sin Thou wouldest not, neither are they pleasing to Thee, which are offered according to the law. 9 Then said I: Behold, I come to do Thy will, O God:
2 But speak thou the things that become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, chaste, prudent, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
B-IX
3 The aged women, in like manner, in holy attire, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teaching well: 4 That they may teach the young women to be wise, to love their husbands, to love their children,
B-X
5 To be discreet, chaste, sober, having a care of the house, gentle, obedient to their husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men, in like manner, exhort that they be sober.
14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.
C-II
15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.
C-III
16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
C-IV
17 Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
C-V
18 For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.
C-VI
19 He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
C-VII
20 For I tell you, that unless your justice abound more than that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
C-VIII
33 Again you have heard that it was said to them of old, Thou shalt not forswear thyself: but thou shalt perform thy oaths to the Lord.
C-IX
34 But I say to you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God: 35 Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool: nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great king:
C-X
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your speech be yea, yea: no, no: and that which is over and above these, is of evil.
5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
Hebrews
D-II
10 For the law having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things; by the selfsame sacrifices which they offer continually every year, can never make the comers thereunto perfect:
D-III
2 For then they would have ceased to be offered: because the worshippers once cleansed should have no conscience of sin any longer:
D-IV
3 But in them there is made a commemoration of sins every year.
D-V
4 For it is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, He saith: Sacrifice and oblation Thou wouldest not: but a body Thou hast fitted to Me:
D-VI
6 Holocausts for sin did not please Thee.
7 Then said I: Behold I come: in the head of the book it is written of Me: that I should do Thy will, O God.
D-VII
8 In saying before, Sacrifices, and oblations, and holocausts for sin Thou wouldest not, neither are they pleasing to Thee, which are offered according to the law.
D-VIII
9 Then said I: Behold, I come to do Thy will, O God: He taketh away the first, that He may establish that which followeth. 10 In the which will, we are sanctified by the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ once.
D-IX
11 And every priest indeed standeth daily ministering, and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man offering one sacrifice for sins, for ever sitteth on the right hand of God,
D-X
13 From henceforth expecting, until His enemies be made His footstool. 14 For by one oblation He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Let us ask for the Spiritual Fruit of Obedience to the Law of God, to the Law of the Church and to the law of those over us, and to the inspirations we have to do what is best.
1-Mary goes to the temple in Jerusalem to offer the Holy Child to God
2-What an example of submission and obedience to the holy Law
3-With holy patience the Most Holy Virgin suffers discomfort and hardship on the journey
4-Mary carries the Child Jesus in Her arms
5-During the journey Mary ponders the mysteries of the Incarnate Word
6-Mary reaches the temple and offers the Child to God by the hands of His ministers
7-Mary pays five shekels for the ransom of the Child and gives two pigeons, required of poor people
8-Anna the prophetess is overjoyed at seeing the fulfillment of the Lordās promises
9-The elderly St. Simeon embraces the Child fondly and thanks God earnestly
10-Simeon announces that the Child will be persecuted and that a sword of sorrow will pierce Mary’s heart.
Fourth Mystery. āThe Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. In the eyes of all Jerusalem, Mary was a mother like other mothers. She, who in the eyes of God shone with the splendor of purity, unequalled before or since, presents herself for purification! Jesus is offered to His Father, the most High God, and redeemed as a sinner with two turtle-doves! Oh! how often have I not wished to pass for what I am not! O Mary, obtain for me of the Father the grace to abase myself after the example of His Son!
2 And it came to pass, that in those days there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the whole world should be enrolled. 2 This enrolling was first made by Cyrinus, the governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, every one into his own city.
A-II
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: because he was of the house and family of David, 5 To be enrolled with Mary his espoused wife, who was with Child.
A-III
6 And it came to pass, that when they were there, her days were accomplished, that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him up in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
A-IV
8 And there were in the same country shepherds watching, and keeping the night watches over their flock. 9 And behold an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the brightness of God shone round about them; and they feared with a great fear.
A-V
10 And the angel said to them: Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: 11 For, this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you. You shall find the Infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.
A-VI
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army, praising God, and saying: 14 Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.
A-VII
15 And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us.
A-VIII
16 And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the Infant lying in the manger. 17 And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this Child.
A-IX
18 And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart.
A-X
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
2 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.
B-II
2 Saying, Where is He that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to adore Him.
B-III
3 And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.
B-IV
5 But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 6 And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.
B-V
7 Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them;
B-VI
8 And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found Him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore Him.
B-VII
9 Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was.
B-VIII
10 And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
B-IX
11 And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His mother, and falling down they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
B-X
12 And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.
22 And when he had removed him, he raised them up David to be king: to whom giving testimony, He said: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man according to My own Heart, who shall do all My wills.
C-VIII
23 Of this man’s seed God according to His promise, hath raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
7 Dearly beloved, let us love one another, for charity is of God. And every one that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for God is charity.
C-X
9 By this hath the charity of God appeared towards us, because God hath sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we may live by Him.
Let us ask for the Spiritual Fruit of Love for poverty, considering how Jesus embraced and practiced it from the manger to the Cross.
III. Nativity 1-Mary gives birth to the Son of God without any loss to Her virginal purity 2-Mary bears Her Son in a stable and wraps Him in poor, swaddling clothes 3-Mary marvels at the blessed Fruit of Her womb and considers Him devotedly 4-Mary adores and embraces Jesus with all the love of Her heart 5-Mary nurses the Infant Jesus 6-Mary places the Child Jesus in a manger prepared by St. Joseph 7-The King of Heaven and earth rests on the coarse straw of a manger between two beasts 8-Angels sing: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will” 9-Shepherds come to see and adore the Child 10-The kings from the Orient who followed a star, come and adore the Child Jesus. They adore Him and offer Him gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Third Mystery.āThe Nativity. Jesus is born in a stable. He is laid upon straw between two brute beasts. Mary adores Him in His annihilation and shares His poverty. O Mary, what dare I here ask excepting the love of humiliation! Obtain for me this grace. I unite myself to thee and thy dear Son.
39 And Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste into a city of Juda. 40 And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth.
A-II
41 And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
A-III
42 And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb. 43 And whence is this to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?
A-IV
44 For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.
A-V
46 And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
A-VI
48 Because He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid; for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 49 Because He that is mighty, hath done great things to me; and holy is His name.
A-VII
50 And His mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear Him. 51 He hath shewed might in His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
A-VIII
52 He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. 53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away.
A-IX
54 He hath received Israel His servant, being mindful of His mercy: 55 As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His seed for ever.
A-X
56 And Mary abode with her about three months; and she returned to her own house.
37 Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment.
B-II
39 And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
B-III
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” -Mt 20:26-27
34 A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one for another.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how He said: It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive.
413 For you, brethren, have been called unto liberty: only make not liberty an occasion to the flesh, but by charity of the spirit serve one another.
B-VII
414 For all the law is fulfilled in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
B-VIII
67 Be not deceived, God is not mocked. 68 For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting.
B-IX
69 And in doing good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not failing.
B-X
610 Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
12 Having your conversation good among the Gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by the good works, which they shall behold in you, glorify God in the day of visitation.
8 Again a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true both in Him and in you; because the darkness is passed, and the true light now shineth.
Second Mystery.āThe Visitation. How humbled is St. Elizabeth when she beholds the Mother of God entering her house! But how much greater the humility of Mary who, despite her sublime prerogatives, has come so far to console her aged cousin! O Mary, what may I not hope for from thy charity! If upon earth thou wast so compassionate, thou canst not now in the home of love cast off the prayer of the sinner crying to thee! O model of humble souls, obtain for me the grace to imitate thee!
26 And in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth,
A-II
27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
A-III
28 And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
A-IV
29 Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be.
A-V
30 And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. 31 Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus.
A-VI
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David His father; and He shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever. 33 And of His kingdom there shall be no end.
A-VII
34 And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man?
A-VIII
35 And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
A-IX
36 And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, she also hath conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her that is called barren: 37 Because no word shall be impossible with God.
A-X
38 And Mary said: Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy Word. And the angel departed from her.
16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
B-II
17 So all the generations, from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations. And from David to the transmigration of Babylon, are fourteen generations: and from the transmigration of Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations.
B-III
18 Now the generation of Christ was in this wise. When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child, of the Holy Ghost.
B-IV
19 Whereupon Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing publicly to expose her, was minded to put her away privately.
B-V
20 But while he thought on these things, behold the angel of the Lord appeared to him in his sleep, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost.
B-VI
21 And she shall bring forth a Son: and thou shalt call His name JESUS. For He shall save His people from their sins.
B-VII
22 Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying:
B-VIII
23 Behold a virgin shall be with child, and bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
B-IX
24 And Joseph rising up from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took unto him his wife.
B-X
25 And he knew her not till she brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called His name JESUS.
11 And when thou shalt have ended thy days to go to thy fathers, I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons: and I will establish his kingdom.
12 He shall build me a house, and I will establish his throne for ever.
13 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee.
14 But I will settle him in My house, and in My kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be most firm for ever.
First Mystery,āThe Annunciation. This mystery breathes but of humiliation. Gabriel humbles himself before Mary; Mary abases herself before God; The Divine Word annihilates Himself in taking our nature. I thank thee, O Mary, for the example of humility thou gavest me in declaring thyself the handmaid of the Lord at the very instant in which thou didst become His mother! Obtain for me the grace to imitate in some degree the wonders of humility I here find.
O Most Gracious Virgin, we remember and pray for your holy sons through the blessings of your Son, Jesus Christ, who have dedicated and consecrated their lives to Him for our souls. Unite our maternal hearts with yours. Bring all into the embrace of your love. Cast your glance upon them, with your most charitable and most amiable heart. Lead them to your Son, our High Priest, Jesus Christ. May your Son stretch out His hand, to gather them, to shield them, to encourage and strengthen them. May our prayers, like yours, Our Mother, never fail them.
Hear us, O Mother!
Save them from suffering!
Save them from struggle!
Save them from that black abyss.
We ask that you, with the unconditional love of your maternal heart,Ā fill us with that same love.
May our prayers for them never cease. May your love for them join your love for your Son, our High Priest. Amen.
Mothers for Priests 