Today's Mass Readings

February 23, 2011
Memorial of Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr

Reading 1
Sir 4:11-19

Wisdom breathes life into her children
and admonishes those who seek her.
He who loves her loves life;
those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord.
He who holds her fast inherits glory;
wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings.
Those who serve her serve the Holy One;
those who love her the LORD loves.
He who obeys her judges nations;
he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers.
If one trusts her, he will possess her;
his descendants too will inherit her.
She walks with him as a stranger
and at first she puts him to the test;
Fear and dread she brings upon him
and tries him with her discipline
until she try him by her laws and trust his soul.
Then she comes back to bring him happiness
and reveal her secrets to them
and she will heap upon him
treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice.
But if he fails her, she will abandon him
and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.

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Ps 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175
Responsorial Psalm

R. (165a) O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Those who love your law have great peace,
and for them there is no stumbling block.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

I keep your precepts and your decrees,
for all my ways are before you.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

My lips pour forth your praise,
because you teach me your statutes.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

May my tongue sing of your promise,
for all your commands are just.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Let my soul live to praise you,
and may your ordinances help me.
R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

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Mk 9:38-40
Gospel

John said to Jesus,
“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name,
and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.”
Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him.
There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name
who can at the same time speak ill of me.
For whoever is not against us is for us.”