Universalis

Ash Wednesday First reading Joel 2:12-18 Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn ‘Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks –come back to me with all your heart,fasting, weeping, mourning.’Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn,turn to the Lord your God again,for he is all tenderness and compassion,slow to anger, rich … Read moreWed 5 March

Tuesday of week 8 in Ordinary Time, or Saint Casimir First reading Ecclesiasticus 35:2-15 Give to the Most High as he has given to you A man multiplies offerings by keeping the Law; he offers communion sacrifices by following the commandments.By showing gratitude he makes an offering of fine flour, by giving alms he offers a sacrifice … Read moreTue 4 March

Monday of week 8 in Ordinary Time First reading Ecclesiasticus 17:20-28 Return to the Lord and leave sin behind To those who repent, God permits return, and he encourages those who were losing hope.Return to the Lord and leave sin behind, plead before his face and lessen your offence.Come back to the Most High and turn away … Read moreMon 3 March

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time First reading Ecclesiasticus 27:5-8 The test of a man is in his conversation In a shaken sieve the rubbish is left behind, so too the defects of a man appear in his talk.The kiln tests the work of the potter, the test of a man is in his conversation.The orchard where a … Read moreSun 2 March

Saturday of week 7 in Ordinary Time, or Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary First reading Ecclesiasticus 17:1-13 Their ways cannot be hidden from his sight The Lord fashioned man from the earth, to consign him back to it.He gave them so many days’ determined time, he gave them authority over everything on earth.He clothed them … Read moreSat 1 March

Friday of week 7 in Ordinary Time First reading Ecclesiasticus 6:5-17 A faithful friend is a sure shelter A kindly turn of speech multiplies a man’s friends, and a courteous way of speaking invites many a friendly reply.Let your acquaintances be many, but your advisers one in a thousand.If you want to make a friend, take him … Read moreFri 28 February

Thursday of week 7 in Ordinary Time, or Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church First reading Ecclesiasticus 5:1-10 Do not delay your return to the Lord Do not give your heart to your money, or say, ‘With this I am self-sufficient.’Do not be led by your appetites and energy to follow the passions … Read moreThu 27 February

Wednesday of week 7 in Ordinary Time First reading Ecclesiasticus 4:12-22 Whoever loves wisdom loves life Wisdom brings up her own sons, and cares for those who seek her.Whoever loves her loves life, those who wait on her early will be filled with happiness.Whoever holds her close will inherit honour, and wherever he walks the Lord will bless … Read moreWed 26 February

Thursday of week 11 in Ordinary Time First reading Ecclesiasticus 48:1-15 The spirit of Elijah fills Elisha The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch.It was he who brought famine on the people, and who decimated them in his zeal.By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three … Read moreThu 20 June

Wednesday of week 11 in Ordinary Time, or Saint Romuald, Abbot First reading 2 Kings 2:1,6-14 Elijah is taken up to heaven This is what happened when the Lord took Elijah up to heaven in the whirlwind: Elijah and Elisha set out from Gilgal, Elijah said, ‘Elisha, please stay here, the Lord is only sending … Read moreWed 19 June