90 Buckley Street, Noble Park, VIC 3174

Tel (03) 9546 8276 - Fax (03) 9548 1608 - School (03) 9546 0044Email: parishsecretary@stanthonysparish.netParish Website: http://stanthonysparish.net

Parish Priest: Fr Arsenio Tuazon - Assistant Priest: Fr Richard RossePastoral Workers: Srs Kim Tran & Nga Nguyen

School Principal: Margaret Batt

NINETEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Year C 11 AUGUST 2013

Monday to Saturday: 9.30amWednesday: 9.30am & 7.00pm1st Friday: 7.00pmSaturday Vigil: 7.00pmSunday: 8.15am,9.30am,11.00am,5.30pm3rd Sunday 2.00pm - Sudanese Mass - in Arabic Reconciliation: Saturday 10am and 6pm

Mass Times

Entrance Antiphon: Look to your covenant, O Lord, and forget not the life of your poor ones for ever. Arise, O God, and defend your cause, and forget not the cries of those who seek you.Communion Antiphon: The bread that I will give, says the Lord, is my flesh for the life of the world.

Next Week

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

First reading: - Jeremiah 38:4-6.8-10 Second reading: - Hebrews 12:1-4 Gospel: - Luke 12:49-53

CountersSun 11 August: Group 8 - Edgar Tellis, Gladys Ash, Marcel & Gillian SladenSun 18 August: Group 9 - Ken & Marg McDonald, Jeannette & Tom Quinn, Bill Smith

Sun 18 August:07.00pm: Shiroy Fernando, Trevin Fernando, Mary Bertolini08.15am: Bill Cooney, Robert Santiago, Nella Roussel09.30am: Marg Mcdonald, Jeannette Quinn, Clare Polaiga11.00am: Stephanie Gomez, Theodora D'Costa, Cristy Calalang05.30pm: Sandra Saliba, Derek D'Costa, Ronilla Long, Matthew Fyfield

Lectors

50 years in 2006

St. Anthony, patron of our parish, loyal servant of God, faithful follower of Jesus: You taught by word and deed, the message of the Gospel. Teach us to live the Gospel values as you did. Enlighten our minds in search of God's will. Inspire us to be a prayerful community, ever reaching out to and cherishing our neighbour. Help us proclaim God's love and live what we proclaim. AMEN.

OUR PARISH PRAYER

HAPPY THE PEOPLE THE LORD HAS CHOSEN TO BE HIS OWN.

From Break Open the Word

Home invasions are becoming all too frequent. After the trauma of an intrusive violation of their home many are installing deadlocks, security grills and alarms. Jesus uses the image of the burglar to advise us: 'You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect'.

'That Jesus will return to his own at the shift of the ages is an undisputed fact. That Jesus' return will spell justice is a surety. The only point of uncertainty is the precise time of his arrival (Luke). For that reason, in an effort to maintain a posture of readiness and welcome, believers are called to a daily growth in hope and a deepening of faith (Hebrews). Then, with joy and conviction, all can look forward to their climactic passing over from death to everlasting life (Wisdom)'.

The Word We Celebrate

Luke uses these servant parables to remind the leaders of the church that because much has been given to them, must will also be expected.

† We pray in thanksgiving for Fr William Anthony Jordan, Aloysious Stephenson, and those who have died recently in the peace of Christ.

† We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at about this time:

Pacifico Macapagal, Edwin & Sixie Rodrigues, Sidney Fernandez, Brian Demonte, Derek Xavier,

Teresa Muscatello, Hayda Crake, Joe Devotta, Gerald Roche, Maxima Ramirez, Rufino Ramirez, Barcelisa Canoy, Lancelot Morel, Neville Wisesinghe, Jose Canoy, Gorgonio Jaime, Jovanie Ramirez, Feliciano, Antonia, Ernesto Ramirez, Trish and James Finnigan.

† Please also pray for those who are sick especially: Czarina Deang, Frank Bosmans, Huy Le, Phuong Ngo, Virgina Collins, Ivy Benoit, Lorafe, Nestor Dela Cruz, Lise Toussaint, Sabrina D’Souza, Freddy Periera, Diu Guer, Freddy Pereriar, Sam Baron, Rudy Alveyn, Tony Fernandez, Elly O’Neill, John Partington, Nez Fernandez, John Jewell, Jordon Whitewood-Neil, Graham Harvey, Colin D’Cruz, Jenny & Bol Franklin, Theresa Landsberger, Baby Tyesha Guer Jaimie, Jean-Robert Migale, Isabelle Chauvin, Virantha & Laticia, Joyce Fernandes, Alfonso Salanga, Magdaline Ghosh, Bernard Jurgens, Noel Menuir, Sidney Fernandez, Mildred Erispe, Pedro Williams, Baby Zoe Annabella Brooks, Barry Stokoe, Kath Malone, Molly Maguire, Henri Frappier, Rita Briggs, Julia Tong, Antonio Vong, Cesar Ramirez, Teressa Teyscheney, Bernie Saldanha.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

Play Group - Mondays from 9.30 - 11.30am in the Small Hall Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 4.30 pm on Mondays. Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome. Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.

Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church. El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month. Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am. Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space. Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays. Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month. Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

Disclaimer NoteWhile the minibus drivers endeavour to provide commuters with an enjoyable trip to and from St Anthony's Church to attend mass, commuters are reminded that they travel in the St Anthony's Parish minibus at their own risks. The St Anthony's Parish and/or the voluntary minibus drivers accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever resulting from any injury or any other accident that may occur during a trip while travelling in the St Anthony's Parish minibus.

SAAFE: Catholicism DVD Series

CatholicismEpisode VIII

The SAAEF DVD series on Catholicism is now more than half way through. Last week we looked at the structure of the Eucharistic Liturgy- the source and summit of our faith life. Through our active participation in the Mass we share in anticipating heaven. At the start, when the community gathers, is the sign that in Jesus there is no distinction between rich and poor, old and young, wise and foolish. Our sign of the cross is the expression of our belief in a Triune God. The priest wears an outer garment to signify taking on the persona of Christ. We acknowledge our sin with the Lord have mercy. Through the readings we are drawn into the biblical world. The Nicene Creed which we proclaim has been the statement of our faith beliefs since 325AD. The bread and wine, from wheat and the vine, are symbolic of soil, rain, sun and the entirety of creation- changed into the body and blood of Christ himself. The words of consecration have power; just as the words of God had power at the beginning of creation. Through Mass we gather, hear the word of God, pray for each other and receive Jesus. At the end of Mass we are blessed and sent out to accept the challenge of living as followers of Jesus in the world today.No session on August 14 There is a Deanery meeting that night at KPR on Vatican 2.Next session of Catholicism will be August 21. All welcome.

human traffickingin the Australian Scene

On Tuesday 13th August in the Gathering Space after 10.00am, the

Catholic Women’s League are having a Guest Speaker, Sister Joan Kenney

taking about Trafficking of Humans. This will be followed by a light lunch $5 donation. All welcome. For

enquiries please ring Margaret Foy on 9547 0939.

Youth Group Mailing ListSt Anthony's Youth would like to create a mailing list of all young people of the parish aged 16 to 25, as a way to inform youth of faith-related activities that may interest them. Youth representatives will be at the church doors after the 9.30am and 11am Masses over the next couple of weeks to take down email addresses. We would love to meet you and find out what you as a young person would like from our parish! No commitment to any particular activity is required. We will send out the first email once we have visited all the Masses, so to those who have already signed up, thanks for your patience!

ALTAR SERVERS There will be a meeting of Altar Servers on Friday 16th August 2013 at 5:30 pm in the Church, and it will conclude at 8 pm. It will consist of a practice, a movie (in the Small Hall), or another suitable activity and we will finish with food. This meeting is for current servers but also for those who wish to start serving.

RAFFLE IN AID OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE SEMINARY

1st prize: $15,000 Travel award 2nd prize: $500 Gift voucher 3rd prize: $200 Gift voucher 4th prize: $100 gift voucherDrawn at Corpus Christi College, 180 Drummond St, Carlton on 30th August 2013.

5,000 tickets @ $10.00/each. If you can help with buying or selling, please contact Fr Richard on 9546 8276

YOUTH MEETING COMING UP!All youth are invited to our next meeting on Sunday the 11th August. We will be viewing a presentation and having a discussion on the topic of 'The Church". The meeting will run from 6.30 - 9pm in the Parish Centre. Dinner will be provided. Hope to see you all there!

AS WE CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY ON THURSDAY 15

AUGUST, THERE WILL BE MASS AT 9:30AM, AND HOLY HOUR AT 6:00PM FOLLOWED BY MASS.

A Lecture Series Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II

Session 2: Wednesday 14th August 2013 at 7.30pm. Presenter: Fr. Paul Casterly –Vatican ll and the “Laity”. Venue:

Resurrection Parish Hall 402 Corrigan Road Keysborough. Supper will be provided. RSVP by Monday 12 Aug 2013. Enquiries:

Email: dandenongdeanery@live.com.au - Phone: Paddy 0422 296 961

READERS OF GOD'S WORD To conclude the training we began in May, Veronica Biddle from the Archbishop's Office of Evangelisation will conduct a final training course in the big hall as follows: Saturday 17 August at 11:00am Sunday 18 August at 3:00pm As you have the opportunity to attend either one of the above dates, this training is mandatory. Thank you

Mr James Roger Kennedy who was a parishioner here at St Anthony died on the 23rd July 2012 in India. There will be a Memorial Service at the Blair Chapel of the Springvale Botanical Cemetery on the 14th August at 12 pm, followed by the burial of his ashes. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kennedy family at this time.

COUNTING TEAM LISTS for period September 2013 to January 2015 available for collection in the Church foyer.

NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK: 4-11 AUGUST 2013

Every year in August, the Church in Australia celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week. This is a specific opportunity for Parishes, schools and different groups to pray for the renewal and strengthening of vacations to marriage and single life, consecrated life and ordained ministry.

Grief SupportSt Anthony's Grief Support Group will next meet on Wednesday 21st August at 7:30pm in the Parish Centre.If you are struggling with grief from any loss in your life we invite you to join us on our journey where we support each other with compassion and friendship.For further information, please ring Maria Jones on 9792 4755 or 0414 520 488 (if you know of anyone who might benefit from this group, please extend an invitation).

St Anthony's Carnival UpdateThe next Parish Carnival Meeting will be on Monday 26th August in the gathering space at 7pm. Light refreshment will be provided.We are desperately seeking more food stall holders. It would be great to get to have volunteers to run the Indian Stall, a Mauritian Stall and other food stalls. This year we are also seeking people to run the Book Stall.For more information or if you can help in any way please come to our next meeting or email: stanthonyscarnival@hotmail.comThanks. Anthony Adaman

FROM ST JOHN’S REGIONAL COLLEGE...'Godspell', 15 – 17 August at the Drum Theatre

(Lonsdale Street, Dandenong).St John's Regional College proudly presents 'Godspell', the energetic re-telling of Jesus' time on earth, full of

song, dance and laughter.Playing three shows at the Drum Theatre, 15 & 16

August at 7.30pm and 17 August at 5.00pm.Tickets are available, call 9767 4022 to book your seat!

It's a show not to be missed!

St Anthony's Charismatic prayer group will meet in the Gathering space on Monday 12 August '13 at 7.00pm. Talk on the Eucharist to be continued by Rev Fr Richard Rosse followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. All welcome to attend. Congratulations to

Catherine Froelich who turns 100 years old next Friday, 16th of August.

We wish her a Happy Birthday!

Annual Mass of All Nations Migration: A Pilgrimage of Faith & Hope

Sunday, 25 AugustAll welcome for Rosary at 2pm, Mass with Archbishop

Denis Hart at 3pmWhere: St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne

More info: 9926 5720

Samoan Youth RegistrationTalofa Lava,We are forming a Samoan Youth Group here at our Parish of St Anthony, Noble Park. We would like to invite all Samoan Youth to come along to our first meeting on Friday 16 August 2013, at 7pm in the evening in the Gathering Space. There will also be a chance to sign up at the Church Foyer after each Mass on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August 2013, or contact the coordinators below. Ma le faaaloalo lava, FaafetaiTevaseu Lemalu (0431273361)Lafaitele Star Ah Kuoi (0431338262)

† We pray in thanksgiving for Fr William Anthony Jordan, Aloysious Stephenson, and those who have died recently in the peace of Christ.

† We pray for all those whose anniversaries occur at about this time:

Pacifico Macapagal, Edwin & Sixie Rodrigues, Sidney Fernandez, Brian Demonte, Derek Xavier,

Teresa Muscatello, Hayda Crake, Joe Devotta, Gerald Roche, Maxima Ramirez, Rufino Ramirez, Barcelisa Canoy, Lancelot Morel, Neville Wisesinghe, Jose Canoy, Gorgonio Jaime, Jovanie Ramirez, Feliciano, Antonia, Ernesto Ramirez, Trish and James Finnigan.

† Please also pray for those who are sick especially: Czarina Deang, Frank Bosmans, Huy Le, Phuong Ngo, Virgina Collins, Ivy Benoit, Lorafe, Nestor Dela Cruz, Lise Toussaint, Sabrina D’Souza, Freddy Periera, Diu Guer, Freddy Pereriar, Sam Baron, Rudy Alveyn, Tony Fernandez, Elly O’Neill, John Partington, Nez Fernandez, John Jewell, Jordon Whitewood-Neil, Graham Harvey, Colin D’Cruz, Jenny & Bol Franklin, Theresa Landsberger, Baby Tyesha Guer Jaimie, Jean-Robert Migale, Isabelle Chauvin, Virantha & Laticia, Joyce Fernandes, Alfonso Salanga, Magdaline Ghosh, Bernard Jurgens, Noel Menuir, Sidney Fernandez, Mildred Erispe, Pedro Williams, Baby Zoe Annabella Brooks, Barry Stokoe, Kath Malone, Molly Maguire, Henri Frappier, Rita Briggs, Julia Tong, Antonio Vong, Cesar Ramirez, Teressa Teyscheney, Bernie Saldanha.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

Play Group - Mondays from 9.30 - 11.30am in the Small Hall Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 4.30 pm on Mondays. Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome. Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.

Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church. El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month. Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am. Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space. Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays. Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month. Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

Disclaimer NoteWhile the minibus drivers endeavour to provide commuters with an enjoyable trip to and from St Anthony's Church to attend mass, commuters are reminded that they travel in the St Anthony's Parish minibus at their own risks. The St Anthony's Parish and/or the voluntary minibus drivers accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever resulting from any injury or any other accident that may occur during a trip while travelling in the St Anthony's Parish minibus.

SAAFE: Catholicism DVD Series

CatholicismEpisode VIII

The SAAEF DVD series on Catholicism is now more than half way through. Last week we looked at the structure of the Eucharistic Liturgy- the source and summit of our faith life. Through our active participation in the Mass we share in anticipating heaven. At the start, when the community gathers, is the sign that in Jesus there is no distinction between rich and poor, old and young, wise and foolish. Our sign of the cross is the expression of our belief in a Triune God. The priest wears an outer garment to signify taking on the persona of Christ. We acknowledge our sin with the Lord have mercy. Through the readings we are drawn into the biblical world. The Nicene Creed which we proclaim has been the statement of our faith beliefs since 325AD. The bread and wine, from wheat and the vine, are symbolic of soil, rain, sun and the entirety of creation- changed into the body and blood of Christ himself. The words of consecration have power; just as the words of God had power at the beginning of creation. Through Mass we gather, hear the word of God, pray for each other and receive Jesus. At the end of Mass we are blessed and sent out to accept the challenge of living as followers of Jesus in the world today.No session on August 14 There is a Deanery meeting that night at KPR on Vatican 2.Next session of Catholicism will be August 21. All welcome.

human traffickingin the Australian Scene

On Tuesday 13th August in the Gathering Space after 10.00am, the

Catholic Women’s League are having a Guest Speaker, Sister Joan Kenney

taking about Trafficking of Humans. This will be followed by a light lunch $5 donation. All welcome. For

enquiries please ring Margaret Foy on 9547 0939.

Youth Group Mailing ListSt Anthony's Youth would like to create a mailing list of all young people of the parish aged 16 to 25, as a way to inform youth of faith-related activities that may interest them. Youth representatives will be at the church doors after the 9.30am and 11am Masses over the next couple of weeks to take down email addresses. We would love to meet you and find out what you as a young person would like from our parish! No commitment to any particular activity is required. We will send out the first email once we have visited all the Masses, so to those who have already signed up, thanks for your patience!

ALTAR SERVERS There will be a meeting of Altar Servers on Friday 16th August 2013 at 5:30 pm in the Church, and it will conclude at 8 pm. It will consist of a practice, a movie (in the Small Hall), or another suitable activity and we will finish with food. This meeting is for current servers but also for those who wish to start serving.

RAFFLE IN AID OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE SEMINARY

1st prize: $15,000 Travel award 2nd prize: $500 Gift voucher 3rd prize: $200 Gift voucher 4th prize: $100 gift voucherDrawn at Corpus Christi College, 180 Drummond St, Carlton on 30th August 2013.

5,000 tickets @ $10.00/each. If you can help with buying or selling, please contact Fr Richard on 9546 8276

YOUTH MEETING COMING UP!All youth are invited to our next meeting on Sunday the 11th August. We will be viewing a presentation and having a discussion on the topic of 'The Church". The meeting will run from 6.30 - 9pm in the Parish Centre. Dinner will be provided. Hope to see you all there!

AS WE CELEBRATE THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY ON THURSDAY 15

AUGUST, THERE WILL BE MASS AT 9:30AM, AND HOLY HOUR AT 6:00PM FOLLOWED BY MASS.

A Lecture Series Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Vatican II

Session 2: Wednesday 14th August 2013 at 7.30pm. Presenter: Fr. Paul Casterly –Vatican ll and the “Laity”. Venue:

Resurrection Parish Hall 402 Corrigan Road Keysborough. Supper will be provided. RSVP by Monday 12 Aug 2013. Enquiries:

Email: dandenongdeanery@live.com.au - Phone: Paddy 0422 296 961

READERS OF GOD'S WORD To conclude the training we began in May, Veronica Biddle from the Archbishop's Office of Evangelisation will conduct a final training course in the big hall as follows: Saturday 17 August at 11:00am Sunday 18 August at 3:00pm As you have the opportunity to attend either one of the above dates, this training is mandatory. Thank you

Mr James Roger Kennedy who was a parishioner here at St Anthony died on the 23rd July 2012 in India. There will be a Memorial Service at the Blair Chapel of the Springvale Botanical Cemetery on the 14th August at 12 pm, followed by the burial of his ashes. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kennedy family at this time.

COUNTING TEAM LISTS for period September 2013 to January 2015 available for collection in the Church foyer.

NATIONAL VOCATIONS AWARENESS WEEK: 4-11 AUGUST 2013

Every year in August, the Church in Australia celebrate National Vocations Awareness Week. This is a specific opportunity for Parishes, schools and different groups to pray for the renewal and strengthening of vacations to marriage and single life, consecrated life and ordained ministry.

Grief SupportSt Anthony's Grief Support Group will next meet on Wednesday 21st August at 7:30pm in the Parish Centre.If you are struggling with grief from any loss in your life we invite you to join us on our journey where we support each other with compassion and friendship.For further information, please ring Maria Jones on 9792 4755 or 0414 520 488 (if you know of anyone who might benefit from this group, please extend an invitation).

St Anthony's Carnival UpdateThe next Parish Carnival Meeting will be on Monday 26th August in the gathering space at 7pm. Light refreshment will be provided.We are desperately seeking more food stall holders. It would be great to get to have volunteers to run the Indian Stall, a Mauritian Stall and other food stalls. This year we are also seeking people to run the Book Stall.For more information or if you can help in any way please come to our next meeting or email: stanthonyscarnival@hotmail.comThanks. Anthony Adaman

FROM ST JOHN’S REGIONAL COLLEGE...'Godspell', 15 – 17 August at the Drum Theatre

(Lonsdale Street, Dandenong).St John's Regional College proudly presents 'Godspell', the energetic re-telling of Jesus' time on earth, full of

song, dance and laughter.Playing three shows at the Drum Theatre, 15 & 16

August at 7.30pm and 17 August at 5.00pm.Tickets are available, call 9767 4022 to book your seat!

It's a show not to be missed!

St Anthony's Charismatic prayer group will meet in the Gathering space on Monday 12 August '13 at 7.00pm. Talk on the Eucharist to be continued by Rev Fr Richard Rosse followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. All welcome to attend. Congratulations to

Catherine Froelich who turns 100 years old next Friday, 16th of August.

We wish her a Happy Birthday!

Annual Mass of All Nations Migration: A Pilgrimage of Faith & Hope

Sunday, 25 AugustAll welcome for Rosary at 2pm, Mass with Archbishop

Denis Hart at 3pmWhere: St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne

More info: 9926 5720

Samoan Youth RegistrationTalofa Lava,We are forming a Samoan Youth Group here at our Parish of St Anthony, Noble Park. We would like to invite all Samoan Youth to come along to our first meeting on Friday 16 August 2013, at 7pm in the evening in the Gathering Space. There will also be a chance to sign up at the Church Foyer after each Mass on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August 2013, or contact the coordinators below. Ma le faaaloalo lava, FaafetaiTevaseu Lemalu (0431273361)Lafaitele Star Ah Kuoi (0431338262)

First Reading: Wisdom 18:6-9

A reading from the book of Wisdom

That night had been foretold to our ancestors, so that, once they saw what kind of oaths they had put their trust in, they would joyfully take courage.This was the expectation of your people, the saving of the virtuous and the ruin of their enemies;for by the same act with which you took vengeance on our foes you made us glorious by calling us to you.The devout children of worthy men offered sacrifice in secret and this divine pact they struck with one accord:that the saints would share the same blessings and dangers alike; and forthwith they had begun to chant the hymns of the fathers.

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 32:1. 12. 18-20. 22

R. Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

Ring out your joy to the Lord, O you just; for praise is fitting for loyal hearts. They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own. R.The Lord looks on those who revere him,on those who hope in his love,to rescue their souls from death,to keep them alive in famine. R. Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you. R.

Second Reading: Hebrews 11:1-2. 8-19

A reading from the letter to the Hebrews

Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen. It was for faith that our ancestors were commended.It was by faith that Abraham obeyed the call to set out for a country that was the inheritance given to him and his descendants, and that he set out without knowing where he was going. By faith he arrived, as a foreigner, in the Promised Land, and lived there as if in a strange country, with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. They lived there in tents while he looked forward to a city founded, designed and built by God.It was equally by faith that Sarah, in spite of being past the age, was made able to conceive, because she believed that he who had made the promise would be faithful to it. Because of this, there came from one man, and one who was already as good as dead himself, more descendants than could be counted, as many as the stars of heaven or the grains of sand on the seashore.All these died in faith, before receiving any of the things that had been promised, but they saw them in the far distance and welcomed them, recognising that they were only strangers and nomads on earth. People who use such terms about themselves make it quite plain that they are in search of their real homeland. They can hardly have meant the country they came

from, since they had the opportunity to go back to it; but in fact they were longing for a better homeland, their heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, since he has founded the city for them.It was by faith that Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He offered to sacrifice his only son even though the promises had been made to him and he had been told: It is through Isaac that your name will be carried on. He was confident that God had the power even to raise the dead, and so, figuratively speaking, he was given back Isaac from the dead.

The word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 24:42. 44Alleluia, alleluia!Be watchful and ready:You know not when the Son of Man is coming.Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 12:32-48

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.‘Sell your possessions and give alms. Get yourselves purses that do not wear out, treasure that will not fail you, in heaven where no thief can reach it and no moth destroy it. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.‘See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready. You may be quite sure of this, that if the householder had known at what hour the burglar would come, he would not have let anyone break through the wall of his house. You too must stand ready, because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’Peter said, ‘Lord, do you mean this parable for us, or for everyone?’ The Lord replied, ‘What sort of steward, then, is faithful and wise enough for the master to place him over his household to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Happy that servant if his master’s arrival finds him at this employment. I tell you truly, he will place him over everything he owns. But as for the servant who says to himself, “My master is taking his time coming”, and sets about beating the menservants and the maids, and eating and drinking and getting drunk, his master will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not know. The master will cut him off and send him to the same fate as the unfaithful.‘The servant who knows what his master wants, but has not even started to carry out those wishes, will receive very many strokes of the lash. The one who did not know, but deserves to be beaten for what he has done, will receive fewer strokes. When a man has had a great deal given him, a great deal will be demanded of him; when a man has had a great deal given him on trust, even more will be expected of him.’

The Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

LITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORD