February 23, 2016
We hope it will be a good day today !
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St. Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr (Memorial)
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Gospel: Matthew 23:1-12
1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,
2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat.
3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do.
4 For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.
5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries * broad, enlarge the fringes† of their garments,
6 and love the place of honour at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by men.
8 But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers.
9 Call no man on the earth your father, for one is your Father, he who is in heaven.
10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.
11 But he who is greatest amongst you will be your servant.
12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
*23:5: phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are small leather pouches that some Jewish men wear on their forehead and arm in prayer. They are used to carry a small scroll with some Scripture in it. See Deuteronomy 6:8.
†23:5: or, tassels
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Isaiah 1:10, 16-20
10 Hear the LORD's word, you rulers of Sodom!
Listen to the law of our God,‡ you people of Gomorrah!
16 Wash yourselves, make yourself clean.
Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes.
Cease to do evil.
17 Learn to do well.
Seek justice.
Relieve the oppressed.
Judge the fatherless.
Plead for the widow."
18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD:
"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you shall eat the good of the land;
20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it."
‡1:10: The Hebrew word rendered "God" is "?????????" (Elohim).
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◇ The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/
◇ February 23, 2016 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/16_02_23.mp3
◇ Daily Readings February 23, 2016
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022316.cfm
◇ Liturgical Calendar
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendarday.php?date=2016-02-23
◇ Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.23
◇ King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=Matthew&chapter=23&verse=
◇ The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/index.cfm
◇ Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/
☆ The Jesus Film (English Version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pGEv9qXVaY
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