Catholic Missal of the day: Thursday, March 9 2017

Thursday of the First week of Lent

Thursday of the First week of Lent

1. Reading

Book of Esther

4,17n.17pqr.17aa.17bb.17gg.17hh.

]Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish,
had recourse to the LORD.
]She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids,
from morning until evening, and said:
]"God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you.
Help me, who am alone and have no help but you,
]for I am taking my life in my hand.
]As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers
that you, O LORD, always free those who are pleasing to you.
]Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you,
O LORD, my God.
]"And now, come to help me, an orphan.
Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion
and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy,
so that he and those who are in league with him may perish.
]Save us from the hand of our enemies;
turn our mourning into gladness
and our sorrows into wholeness."

Psalm

Psalms

138(137),1-2ab.2cde-3.7c-8.

]I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
]I will worship at your holy temple.
]I will give thanks to your name,
]because of your kindness and your truth.
]for you have made great above all things
]your name and your promise.
]When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
]Your right hand saves me.
]The LORD will complete what he has done for me;
your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;
forsake not the work of your hands.

Gospel

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew

7,7-12.

]Jesus said to his disciples: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
]For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
]Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,
]or a snake when he asks for a fish?
]If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
]Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets."

---

St. Frances of Rome(Religious (1384-1440))

SAINT FRANCES OF ROME Religious (1384-1440) St. Frances' parents were high-ranking Roman officials. They overruled her decision to become a nun and married her when she was 12 years old to Rorenzo Ponziano, a nobleman. In 40 years of married life, they never argued. St. Frances attended promptly to every household duty saying, "A married woman must leave God at the altar to find Him in her domestic cares." Her ordinary food was bread and water, but she often brought sumptuous food to the poor and needy. During the invasion of Rome in 1413, Ponziano was banished, his house was destroyed, his estates were confiscated, and his eldest son was taken hostage. St. Frances saw in these losses only the finger of God and blessed His holy name. When peace was restored, Ponziano recovered his estate and St. Frances founded the Oblates. After her husband's death, St. Frances lived with the Oblates and was elected superioress. She was constanly aware of the presence of God. Among many visions, she was given sight of her guardian angel: who shed such brightness that she could read her midnight office. St. Frances' guardian angel shielded her in the hour of temptation and directed her in every good act. When she was betrayed into some defect, he faded from her sight. Whenever light words were spoken before her, he covered his face in shame. St. Frances passed way on March 9, 1440, on the day she had foretold. She was canonized in 1608 because of her heroic virtues and the miracles proceeding from her intercession. She is the patron saint of automobile drivers because her guardian angel illuminated the road while she travelled.

misalcatolico.com

---

Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2017 / Catholic Missal of march 2017