Isaiah 27:2-3, Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8, Mark 12:1-12, Psalm 112:1-6

Daily Mass Readings: Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8, Mark 12:1-12, Psalm 112:1-6

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Isaiah 27:2-3
2 On that day, he will say, “Praise my fruitful vineyard! 3 I, Yahweh, am its keeper; I water it every moment. So that no one will harm it, day and night I guard it.”

May the members of the Church You have founded continue to bear good fruit - continue to watch over her, guard her, water her with the refreshing and life-giving waters of Your Holy Spirit and cover her with Your most precious Blood so Satan will not approach day or night to pillage, plunder, murder and destroy her members.

Tobit 1:3, 2:1-8

Beloved, the Church gives us the Corporal Works of Mercy because they teach us compassion, build solidarity and strengthen Your Church.  We are called to live in communion in imitation of the Trinity and not in isolation which leads to greed, selfishness, and self absorption.

Mark 12:1-12

The Pharisees recognized themselves easily in the parable that You narrated and would have done exactly what the tenants did to the Son then and there.  It was only the fear of the crowds that stopped them.  The people were captivated by all that You said and did and so the Pharisees left to plot and plan evil for another day.  They would re-group and attack with greater hatred and vengeance later.  Truth so often is unpalatable but if we have courage to face up to it, it can lead to change and transformation.

Psalm 112:5-6

5 It will be well with him who lends freely,

who leads a life of justice and honesty.

6 For the righteous will never be moved;

he will be remembered and loved forever.

Beloved, teach me to share generously what I've been given for You love a cheerful giver.