Blessed Junipero Serra
He was born on the Spanish island of Mallorca, and became a Franciscan. Over a period of fifteen years he founded nine missions with about six thousand converts. He frequently came into conflict with the authorities over their treatment of the native population, but nevertheless, when he died, he was buried with full military honours. He was beatified in 1988.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 27: 8-9
The Lord is the strength of his people, a saving refuge for the one he has anointed. Save your people, Lord, and bless your heritage, and govern them forever.
Collect
Grant, O Lord, that we may always revere and love your holy name, for you never deprive of your guidance those you set firm on the foundation of your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Genesis 18:1-15
The Lord appeared to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre while he was sitting by the entrance of the tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up, and there he saw three men standing near him. As soon as he saw them he ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them, and bowed to the ground. “My lord,” he said “I beg you, if I find favour with you, kindly do not pass your servant by. A little water shall be brought; you shall wash your feet and lie down under the tree. Let me fetch a little bread and you shall refresh yourselves before going further. That is why you have come in your servant’s direction.” They replied, “Do as you say.” Abraham hastened to the tent to find Sarah.” “Hurry,” he said “knead three bushels of flour and make loaves.” Then running to the cattle Abraham took a fine and tender calf and gave it to the servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then taking cream, milk and the calf he had prepared, he laid all before them, and they ate while he remained standing near them under the tree. “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “She is in the tent” he replied. Then his guest said, “I shall visit you again next year without fail, and your wife will then have a son.” Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well on in years, and Sarah had ceased to have her monthly periods. So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, “Now that I am past the age of child-bearing, and my husband is an old man, is pleasure to come my way again!” But the Lord asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Am I really going to have a child now that I am old?” Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the same time next year I shall visit you again and Sarah will have a son.” “I did not laugh” Sarah said, lying because she was afraid. But he replied, “Oh yes, you did laugh.”
Psalm Luke 1:46-50,53-55
R/ The Lord remembered his mercy.
My soul glorifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.
He looks on his servant in her nothingness; henceforth all ages will call me blessed. The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy his name!
His mercy is from age to age, on those who fear him. He fills the starving with good things, sends the rich away empty.
He protects Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy, the mercy promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his sons for ever.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.2Tim1:10
Alleluia, alleluia! Our Saviour Jesus Christ abolished death and he has proclaimed life through the Good News. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 8:5-17
When Jesus went into Capernaum a centurion came up and pleaded with him. “Sir,” he said “my servant is lying at home paralysed, and in great pain.” “I will come myself and cure him” said Jesus. The centurion replied, “Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; just give the word and my servant will be cured. For I am under authority myself, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man: Go, and he goes; to another: Come here, and he comes; to my servant: Do this, and he does it.” When Jesus heard this he was astonished and said to those following him, “I tell you solemnly, nowhere in Israel have I found faith like this. And I tell you that many will come from east and west to take their places with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob at the feast in the kingdom of heaven; but the subjects of the kingdom will be turned out into the dark, where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go back, then; you have believed, so let this be done for you.” And the servant was cured at that moment. And going into Peter’s house Jesus found Peter’s mother-in-law in bed with fever. He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. That evening they brought him many who were possessed by devils. He cast out the spirits with a word and cured all who were sick. This was to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah: He took our sicknesses away and carried our diseases for us.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, the sacrifice of conciliation, and praise, and grant that, cleansed by its action, we may make offering of a heart pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 144: 15
The eyes of all look to you, Lord, and you give them their food in due season.
Prayer after Communion
Renewed and nourished by the Sacred Body and Precious Blood of your Son, we ask of your mercy, O Lord, that what we celebrate with constant devotion may be our sure pledge of redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today’s readings lead us to meditate on three points: 1. Identifying the Lord along the way. Abraham and the centurion did so, each in his own context. In the same way, let us recognize Christ in the perpetual journey with us, both in our life of faith and in our brothers and sisters. 2. Welcoming the Lord, each in his own way. Abraham kneads flour, Peter welcomes Jesus into his home, the centurion says these humble words that we meditate on at each Eucharist: “I am not worthy to receive you…” This is an invitation to listen to the word in humility of heart, and to daily benevolence. 3. Giving thanks. The Magnificat is a response to the promise of conception made to Abraham and Sarah. In the same way, let us bear witness to the wonders of God in our lives. And in so doing, never forget to manifest your thanksgiving to God for his gifts to you.