Sirach 44:1

10-15; Luke 6:27-38

All Saints of Africa, Memorial
Friday, 31^st Week of Ordinary Time, Year II
Readings on p.1805 of Daily Missal

Entrance Antiphon

The righteous will flourish like the palm tree, and grow like a Lebanon cedar.  Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

First Reading: Sirach 44:1,10-15

A reading from the Book of Sirach

Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations.
These were men of mercy,
whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten;
their prosperity will remain with their descendants,
and their inheritance to their children’s children.
Their descendants stand by the covenants;
their children also, for their sake.
Their posterity will continue for ever,
and their glory will not be blotted out.
Their bodies were buried in peace,
and their name lives to all generations. Peoples will declare their wisdom,
and the congregation proclaims their praise.

The word of the Lord.

Responsorial psalm: Ps 15:2-3a. 3bc-4ab. 5 (R. see 1b)

Let us now pray the Responsorial Psalm beginning and ending with the response:

R./ The righteous shall dwell on your holy mountain, O Lord

Whoever walks without fault;
who does what is just,
and speaks the truth from his heart.
Who does not slander with his tongue.

Who does no wrong to a neighbour,
who casts no slur on a friend,
who looks with scorn on the wicked,
but honours those who fear the Lord.

Who lends no money at interest,
and accepts no bribes against the innocent.
Such a one shall never be shaken.

R./ The righteous shall dwell on your holy mountain, O Lord

Gospel acclamation:
Alleluia. Alleluia.  Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.  Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 6:27-38

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples,
“I say to you that hear, love your enemies,
do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you,
pray for those who abuse you.
To him who strikes you on the cheek,
offer the other also;
and from him who takes away your cloak
do not withhold your coat as well.
Give to every one who begs from you;
and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again.
And as you wish that people would do to you, do so to them.
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?
For even sinners love those who love them.
And if you do good to those who do good to you,
what credit is that to you?
For even sinners do the same.
And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive,
what credit is that to you?
Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
But love your enemies, and do good,
and lend, expecting nothing in return;
and your reward will be great,
and you will be children of the Most High;
for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish.
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
“Judge not, and you will not be judged;
condemn not, and you will not be condemned;
forgive, and you will be forgiven;
give, and it will be given to you;
good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,
will be put into your lap.
For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Communion Antiphon
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.