Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Mass Readings
First Reading – Lv 13:1-2, 44-46
The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest, or to one of the priests among his descendants. If the man is leprous and unclean, the priest shall declare him unclean by reason of the sore on his head. “The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.”
Responsorial Psalm – Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11 (R.7)
R. I turn to You, Lord, in time of trouble, and You fill me with the joy of salvation.
Blessed is he whose fault is taken away,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt,
in whose spirit there is no guile. R.
Then I acknowledged my sin to You,
my guilt I covered not.
I said, “I confess my faults to the LORD,”
and You took away the guilt of my sin. R.
Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, You just;
exult, all You upright of heart. R.
Second Reading – 1 Cor 10:31—11:1
Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Gospel – Mk 1:40-45
A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged Him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, He stretched out His hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, He dismissed him at once. He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to Him from everywhere.
Featured Saints
This year, Sunday takes precedence over the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes, the first apparition of the Blessed Virgin to St. Bernadette Soubirous in the Grotto of Massabielle, France in 1858, announcing herself as the Immaculate Conception. See also: “And I shall be whiter than snow”
St. Gregory II, Pope (†731). In the time of Emperor Leo III the Isaurian, he defended the cult of sacred images and sent St. Boniface to preach the Gospel in Germania.
St. Paschal I, Pope (†824). He promoted the first missions in Scandinavian countries and transferred many relics of the
martyrs from the catacombs to the churches. He rebuilt the Basilica of St. Cecilia in Rome.
St. Peter Maldonado, priest and martyr (†1937). Arrested while hearing Confessions on Ash Wednesday, he was barbarously killed in Chihuahua, Mexico.
St. Soteris, virgin and martyr (†c. 304). Choosing the Faith to nobility of blood and human honour, she refused to obey the order to sacrifice to idols, boldly facing insults, condemnation and death by sword. Her tomb can be found in Rome.
Blessed Tobias Borras Romeu, martyr (†1937). Religious from the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God. He was a model of virtue. Martyred during the Spanish Civil War.