Advertise on podcast: Traditional Latin Mass Gospel Readings

1 At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?In illa hora accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, dicentes : Quis, putas, major est in regno caelorum?  2 And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them,Et advocans Jesus parvulum, statuit eum in medio eorum,  3 And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.et dixit : Amen dico vobis, nisi conversi fueritis, et efficiamini sicut parvuli, non intrabitis in regnum caelorum.  4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven.Quicumque ergo humiliaverit se sicut parvulus iste, hic est major in regno caelorum. Marie-Francois Martin was born in Alencon. Her parents were most pious and endowed with a comfortable amount of the goods of this world. She entered into the Carmel of Lisieux at the age of fifteen. She lived there in holiness and humility. Her ambition was to love God perfectly and to conquer souls for Jesus. When she died there was an odour of sanctity. She promised to "spend her heaven in doing good upon earth" (1873-1897). His Holiness Pope Pius XI declared her Blessed on April 29th 1923 and canonised her on March 17, 1925.

1 At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? In illa hora accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, dicentes : Quis, putas, major est in regno caelorum?  2 And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, Et advocans Jesus parvulum, statuit eum in medio eorum,  3 And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. et dixit : Amen dico vobis, nisi conversi fueritis, et efficiamini sicut parvuli, non intrabitis in regnum caelorum.  4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. Quicumque ergo humiliaverit se sicut parvulus iste, hic est major in regno caelorum.  5 And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. Et qui susceperit unum parvulum talem in nomine meo, me suscipit :  6 But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. qui autem scandalizaverit unum de pusillis istis, qui in me credunt, expedit ei ut suspendatur mola asinaria in collo ejus, et demergatur in profundum maris.  7 Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. Vae mundo a scandalis! Necesse est enim ut veniant scandala : verumtamen vae homini illi, per quem scandalum venit.  8 And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. Si autem manus tua, vel pes tuus scandalizat te, abscide eum, et projice abs te : bonum tibi est ad vitam ingredi debilem, vel claudum, quam duas manus vel duos pedes habentem mitti in ignem aeternum.  9 And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Et si oculus tuus scandalizat te, erue eum, et projice abs te : bonum tibi est cum uno oculo in vitam intrare, quam duos oculos habentem mitti in gehennam ignis.  10 See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Videte ne contemnatis unum ex his pusillis : dico enim vobis, quia angeli eorum in caelis semper vident faciem Patris mei, qui in caelis est. [6] "Shall scandalize": That is, shall put a stumblingblock in their way, and cause them to fall into sin. [7] "It must needs be": Viz., considering the wickedness and corruption of the world. [8] "Scandalize thee": That is, cause thee to offend. Jesus is speaking figuratively. He is not telling us to physically mutilate ourselves, but to take sin so seriously that we are willing to remove anything from our lives that leads us away from God, even when it is very difficult—to avoid the near occasion of sin.God's love for us while giving us His Son, Jesus, for our Redeemer, and Mary for our Advocate; has also given us His Angels to be our guardians; "He hath give His Angels charge over thee: to keep thee in all they ways" (Ps 90.2). These holy angels and princes of heaven are always present with us and assist us in our actions. We ought to carefully refrain from every action which can displease them.

1 And entering into a boat, he passed over the water and came into his own city. Et ascendens in naviculam, transfretavit, et venit in civitatem suam.  2 And behold they brought to him one sick of the palsy lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the man sick of the palsy: Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Et ecce offerebant ei paralyticum jacentem in lecto. Et videns Jesus fidem illorum, dixit paralytico : Confide fili, remittuntur tibi peccata tua.  3 And behold some of the scribes said within themselves: He blasphemeth. Et ecce quidam de scribis dixerunt intra se : Hic blasphemat.  4 And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your hearts? Et cum vidisset Jesus cogitationes eorum, dixit : Ut quid cogitatis mala in cordibus vestris?  5 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, Arise, and walk? Quid est facilius dicere : Dimittuntur tibi peccata tua : an dicere : Surge, et ambula?  6 But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. Ut autem sciatis, quia Filius hominis habet potestatem in terra dimittendi peccata, tunc ait paralytico : Surge, tolle lectum tuum, et vade in domum tuam.  7 And he arose, and went into his house. Et surrexit, et abiit in domum suam.  8 And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that gave such power to men. Videntes autem turbae timuerunt, et glorificaverunt Deum, qui dedit potestatem talem hominibus. St Remigius was Bishop of Rheims, in France. He converted the Merovingian king Clovis and the Frankish nation. He died 534 A.D.

13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. Vos estis sal terrae. Quod si sal evanuerit, in quo salietur? ad nihilum valet ultra, nisi ut mittatur foras, et conculcetur ab hominibus.  14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Vos estis lux mundi. Non potest civitas abscondi supra montem posita,  15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. neque accedunt lucernam, et ponunt eam sub modio, sed super candelabrum, ut luceat omnibus qui in domo sunt.  16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Sic luceat lux vestra coram hominibus : ut videant opera vestra bona, et glorificent Patrem vestrum, qui in caelis est.  17 Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Nolite putare quoniam veni solvere legem, aut prophetas : non veni solvere, sed adimplere.  18 For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. Amen quippe dico vobis, donec transeat caelum et terra, jota unum aut unus apex non praeteribit a lege, donec omnia fiant.  19 He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. Qui ergo solverit unum de mandatis istis minimis, et docuerit sic homines, minimus vocabitur in regno caelorum : qui autem fecerit et docuerit, hic magnus vocabitur in regno caelorum. [17] "To fulfill": By accomplishing all the figures and prophecies; and perfecting all that was imperfect. [18] "Amen": That is, assuredly of a truth. This Hebrew word, amen, is here retained by the example and authority of all the four Evangelists. It is used by our Lord as a strong asseveration, and affirmation of the truth. St Jerome was born in Dalmatia, and educated in Rome, but he was soon led into the gravest disorders. He was inspried by heaven and was converted and became one of the greatest Doctors of the Church, famous for his translation into Latin (the Vulgate) of the Holy Scriptures. He retired into a monastery at Bethlehem and died in 420 A.D.

1 At that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying: Who thinkest thou is the greater in the kingdom of heaven? In illa hora accesserunt discipuli ad Jesum, dicentes : Quis, putas, major est in regno caelorum?  2 And Jesus calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them, Et advocans Jesus parvulum, statuit eum in medio eorum,  3 And said: Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. et dixit : Amen dico vobis, nisi conversi fueritis, et efficiamini sicut parvuli, non intrabitis in regnum caelorum.  4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. Quicumque ergo humiliaverit se sicut parvulus iste, hic est major in regno caelorum.  5 And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. Et qui susceperit unum parvulum talem in nomine meo, me suscipit :  6 But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. qui autem scandalizaverit unum de pusillis istis, qui in me credunt, expedit ei ut suspendatur mola asinaria in collo ejus, et demergatur in profundum maris.  7 Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. Vae mundo a scandalis! Necesse est enim ut veniant scandala : verumtamen vae homini illi, per quem scandalum venit.  8 And if thy hand, or thy foot scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. Si autem manus tua, vel pes tuus scandalizat te, abscide eum, et projice abs te : bonum tibi est ad vitam ingredi debilem, vel claudum, quam duas manus vel duos pedes habentem mitti in ignem aeternum.  9 And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Et si oculus tuus scandalizat te, erue eum, et projice abs te : bonum tibi est cum uno oculo in vitam intrare, quam duos oculos habentem mitti in gehennam ignis.  10 See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Videte ne contemnatis unum ex his pusillis : dico enim vobis, quia angeli eorum in caelis semper vident faciem Patris mei, qui in caelis est. [6] "Shall scandalize": That is, shall put a stumblingblock in their way, and cause them to fall into sin. [7] "It must needs be": Viz., considering the wickedness and corruption of the world. [8] "Scandalize thee": That is, cause thee to offend. Jesus uses strong, figurative language here to teach us how seriously we must take sin. He is not telling us literally to mutilate ourselves. Rather, we must be willing to remove anything from our lives that leads us away from God, even when giving it up is difficult or painful. “Their angels always see the face of my Father” This is one of the most beautiful lines: “See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” This is one of the biblical foundations for the Christian understanding of guardian angels. Notice the reason Jesus gives for not despising these little ones: they are precious before God. The person whom the world might overlook is not overlooked by God.

34 Do not think that I came to send peace upon earth: I came not to send peace, but the sword.Nolite arbitrari quia pacem venerim mittere in terram : non veni pacem mittere, sed gladium :  35 For I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.veni enim separare hominem adversus patrem suum, et filiam adversus matrem suam, et nurum adversus socrum suam :  36 And a man's enemies shall be they of his own household.et inimici hominis, domestici ejus.  37 He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me.Qui amat patrem aut matrem plus quam me, non est me dignus : et qui amat filium aut filiam super me, non est me dignus.  38 And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me.Et qui non accipit crucem suam, et sequitur me, non est me dignus.  39 He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it.Qui invenit animam suam, perdet illam : et qui perdiderit animan suam propter me, inveniet eam.  40 He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me.Qui recipit vos, me recipit : et qui me recipit, recipit eum qui me misit.  41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet: and he that receiveth a just man in the name of a just man, shall receive the reward of a just man.Qui recipit prophetam in nomine prophetae, mercedem prophetae accipiet : et qui recipit justum in nomine justi, mercedem justi accipiet.  42 And whosoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.Et quicumque potum dederit uni ex minimis istis calicem aquae frigidae tantum in nomine discipuli : amen dico vobis, non perdet mercedem suam. [35] "I came to set a man at variance": Not that this was the end or design of the coming of our Saviour; but that his coming and his doctrine would have this effect, by reason of the obstinate resistance that many would make, and of their persecuting all such as should adhere to him. St Wenceslaus was the duke of Bohemia. He was persecuted by his mother Drahomira and his brother and successor, Boleslas, out of hatred for the Faith. He was murdered by his brother in a church where he was praying A.D. 938.

1 And entering into a boat, he passed over the water and came into his own city. Et ascendens in naviculam, transfretavit, et venit in civitatem suam.  2 And behold they brought to him one sick of the palsy lying in a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the man sick of the palsy: Be of good heart, son, thy sins are forgiven thee. Et ecce offerebant ei paralyticum jacentem in lecto. Et videns Jesus fidem illorum, dixit paralytico : Confide fili, remittuntur tibi peccata tua.  3 And behold some of the scribes said within themselves: He blasphemeth. Et ecce quidam de scribis dixerunt intra se : Hic blasphemat.  4 And Jesus seeing their thoughts, said: Why do you think evil in your hearts? Et cum vidisset Jesus cogitationes eorum, dixit : Ut quid cogitatis mala in cordibus vestris?  5 Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins are forgiven thee: or to say, Arise, and walk? Quid est facilius dicere : Dimittuntur tibi peccata tua : an dicere : Surge, et ambula?  6 But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. Ut autem sciatis, quia Filius hominis habet potestatem in terra dimittendi peccata, tunc ait paralytico : Surge, tolle lectum tuum, et vade in domum tuam.  7 And he arose, and went into his house. Et surrexit, et abiit in domum suam.  8 And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that gave such power to men. Videntes autem turbae timuerunt, et glorificaverunt Deum, qui dedit potestatem talem hominibus.

17 And coming down with them, he stood in a plain place, and the company of his disciples, and a very great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast both of Tyre and Sidon, Et descendens cum illis, stetit in loco campestri, et turba discipulorum ejus, et multitudo copiosa plebis ab omni Judaea, et Jerusalem, et maritima, et Tyri, et Sidonis,  18 Who were come to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases. And they that were troubled with unclean spirits, were cured. qui venerant ut audirent eum, et sanarentur a languoribus suis. Et qui vexabantur a spiritibus immundis, curabantur.  19 And all the multitude sought to touch him, for virtue went out from him, and healed all. Et omnis turba quaerebat eum tangere : quia virtus de illo exibat, et sanabat omnes.  20 And he, lifting up his eyes on his disciples, said: Blessed are ye poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Et ipse elevatis oculis in discipulis suis, dicebat : Beati pauperes, quia vestrum est regnum Dei.  21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for you shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for you shall laugh. Beati qui nunc esuritis, quia saturabimini. Beati qui nunc fletis, quia ridebitis.  22 Blessed shall you be when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Beati eritis cum vos oderint homines, et cum separaverint vos, et exprobraverint, et ejicerint nomen vestrum tamquam malum propter Filium hominis.  23 Be glad in that day and rejoice; for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For according to these things did their fathers to the prophets. Gaudete in illa die, et exsultate : ecce enim merces vestra multa est in caelo : secundum haec enim faciebant prophetis patres eorum.

34 But the Pharisees hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together: Pharisaei autem audientes quod silentium imposuisset sadducaeis, convenerunt in unum :  35 And one of them, a doctor of the law, asking him, tempting him: et interrogavit eum unus ex eis legis doctor, tentans eum :  36 Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Magister, quod est mandatum magnum in lege?  37 Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. Ait illi Jesus : Diliges Dominum Deum tuum ex toto corde tuo, et in tota anima tua, et in tota mente tua.  38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. Hoc est maximum, et primum mandatum.  39 And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Secundum autem simile est huic : Diliges proximum tuum, sicut teipsum.  40 On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets. In his duobus mandatis universa lex pendet, et prophetae.  41 And the Pharisees being gathered together, Jesus asked them, Congregatis autem pharisaeis, interrogavit eos Jesus,  42 Saying: What think you of Christ? whose son is he? They say to him: David's. dicens : Quid vobis videtur de Christo? cujus filius est? Dicunt ei : David.  43 He saith to them: How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying: Ait illis : Quomodo ergo David in spiritu vocat eum Dominum, dicens :  44 The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool? Dixit Dominus Domino meo : Sede a dextris meis, donec ponam inimicos tuos scabellum pedum tuorum?  45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? Si ergo David vocat eum Dominum, quomodo filius ejus est?  46 And no man was able to answer him a word; neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. Et nemo poterat ei respondere verbum : neque ausus fuit quisquam ex illa die eum amplius interrogare.

27 And it came to pass, as he spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd, lifting up her voice, said to him: Blessed is the womb that bore thee, and the paps that gave thee suck. Factum est autem, cum haec diceret : extollens vocem quaedam mulier de turba dixit illi : Beatus venter qui te portavit, et ubera quae suxisti.  28 But he said: Yea rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God, and keep it. At ille dixit : Quinimmo beati, qui audiunt verbum Dei et custodiunt illud. St Peter Nolasko and St Raymond Pennefort had repeated visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary and so were inspired to found with the aid of King James of Aragon the Order of Our Lady of Ransom for the redemption of Christian captives from the infidels. The Church commemorates today this incomparable work of charity.

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is? Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis?  14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets. At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis.  15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am? Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis?  16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God. Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi.  17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven. Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est.  18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam.  19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven. Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelis. [18] "Thou art Peter": As St. Peter, by divine revelation, here made a solemn profession of his faith of the divinity of Christ; so in recompense of this faith and profession, our Lord here declares to him the dignity to which he is pleased to raise him: viz., that he to whom he had already given the name of Peter, signifying a rock, St. John 1. 42, should be a rock indeed, of invincible strength, for the support of the building of the church; in which building he should be, next to Christ himself, the chief foundation stone, in quality of chief pastor, ruler, and governor; and should have accordingly all fulness of ecclesiastical power, signified by the keys of the kingdom of heaven. [18] "Upon this rock": The words of Christ to Peter, spoken in the vulgar language of the Jews which our Lord made use of, were the same as if he had said in English, Thou art a Rock, and upon this rock I will build my church. So that, by the plain course of the words, Peter is here declared to be the rock, upon which the church was to be built: Christ himself being both the principal foundation and founder of the same. Where also note, that Christ, by building his house, that is, his church, upon a rock, has thereby secured it against all storms and floods, like the wise builder, [Matt 7:24-25]. [18] "The gates of hell": That is, the powers of darkness, and whatever Satan can do, either by himself, or his agents. For as the church is here likened to a house, or fortress, built on a rock; so the adverse powers are likened to a contrary house or fortress, the gates of which, that is, the whole strength, and all the efforts it can make, will never be able to prevail over the city or church of Christ. By this promise we are fully assured, that neither idolatry, heresy, nor any pernicious error whatsoever shall at any time prevail over the church of Christ. [19] "Loose upon earth": The loosing the bands of temporal punishments due to sins, is called an indulgence; the power of which is here granted.

14 For even as a man going into a far country, called his servants, and delivered to them his goods; Sicut enim homo peregre proficiscens, vocavit servos suos, et tradidit illis bona sua.  15 And to one he gave five talents, and to another two, and to another one, to every one according to his proper ability: and immediately he took his journey. Et uni dedit quinque talenta, alii autem duo, alii vero unum, unicuique secundum propriam virtutem : et profectus est statim.  16 And he that had received the five talents, went his way, and traded with the same, and gained other five. Abiit autem qui quinque talenta acceperat, et operatus est in eis, et lucratus est alia quinque.  17 And in like manner he that had received the two, gained other two. Similiter et qui duo acceperat, lucratus est alia duo.  18 But he that had received the one, going his way digged into the earth, and hid his lord's money. Qui autem unum acceperat, abiens fodit in terram, et abscondit pecuniam domini sui.  19 But after a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. Post multum vero temporis venit dominus servorum illorum, et posuit rationem cum eis.  20 And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above. Et accedens qui quinque talenta acceperat, obtulit alia quinque talenta, dicens : Domine, quinque talenta tradidisti mihi, ecce alia quinque superlucratus sum.  21 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Ait illi dominus ejus : Euge serve bone, et fidelis : quia super pauca fuisti fidelis, super multa te constituam; intra in gaudium domini tui.  22 And he also that had received the two talents came and said: Lord, thou deliveredst two talents to me: behold I have gained other two. Accessit autem et qui duo talenta acceperat, et ait : Domine, duo talenta tradidisti mihi, ecce alia duo lucratus sum.  23 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Ait illi dominus ejus : Euge serve bone, et fidelis : quia super pauca fuisti fidelis, super multa te constituam; intra in gaudium domini tui. St Thomas was born in Spain. He was a religious of the Order of Hermits of St Augustine. He was also Archbishop of Valencia. He gave away to the poor all he possessed. He died 1555 A.D.

9 And when Jesus passed on from hence, he saw a man sitting in the custom house, named Matthew; and he saith to him: Follow me. And he rose up and followed him. Et, cum transiret inde Jesus, vidit hominem sedentem in telonio, Matthaeum nomine. Et ait illi : Sequere me. Et surgens, secutus est eum.  10 And it came to pass as he was sitting at meat in the house, behold many publicans and sinners came, and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. Et factum est, discumbente eo in domo, ecce multi publicani et peccatores venientes, discumbebant cum Jesu, et discipulis ejus.  11 And the Pharisees seeing it, said to his disciples: Why doth your master eat with publicans and sinners? Et videntes pharisaei, dicebant discipulis ejus : Quare cum publicanis et peccatoribus manducat magister vester?  12 But Jesus hearing it, said: They that are in health need not a physician, but they that are ill. At Jesus audiens, ait : Non est opus valentibus medicus, sed male habentibus.  13 Go then and learn what this meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the just, but sinners. Euntes autem discite quid est : Misericordiam volo, et non sacrificium. Non enim veni vocare justos, sed peccatores. St Matthew was a publican at the toll station at Capernaum. The publicans were looked upon as the greatest sinners by the Jews because of their many acts of injustice and extortion. Matthew himself greatly acknowledged the gracious condescension of the Lord to sinners by his humble confession. At Jesus' invitation he promptly joined him. He wrote the first gospel and preached the Good News in Palestine and in Ethiopia, where he was attacked and killed while saying Mass in 60 A.D.

34 But the Pharisees hearing that he had silenced the Sadducees, came together: Pharisaei autem audientes quod silentium imposuisset sadducaeis, convenerunt in unum :  35 And one of them, a doctor of the law, asking him, tempting him: et interrogavit eum unus ex eis legis doctor, tentans eum :  36 Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law? Magister, quod est mandatum magnum in lege?  37 Jesus said to him: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind. Ait illi Jesus : Diliges Dominum Deum tuum ex toto corde tuo, et in tota anima tua, et in tota mente tua.  38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. Hoc est maximum, et primum mandatum.  39 And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Secundum autem simile est huic : Diliges proximum tuum, sicut teipsum.  40 On these two commandments dependeth the whole law and the prophets. In his duobus mandatis universa lex pendet, et prophetae.  41 And the Pharisees being gathered together, Jesus asked them, Congregatis autem pharisaeis, interrogavit eos Jesus,  42 Saying: What think you of Christ? whose son is he? They say to him: David's. dicens : Quid vobis videtur de Christo? cujus filius est? Dicunt ei : David.  43 He saith to them: How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying: Ait illis : Quomodo ergo David in spiritu vocat eum Dominum, dicens :  44 The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on my right hand, until I make thy enemies thy footstool? Dixit Dominus Domino meo : Sede a dextris meis, donec ponam inimicos tuos scabellum pedum tuorum?  45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? Si ergo David vocat eum Dominum, quomodo filius ejus est?  46 And no man was able to answer him a word; neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. Et nemo poterat ei respondere verbum : neque ausus fuit quisquam ex illa die eum amplius interrogare. Jesus turns the question around This is where the Gospel takes a dramatic turn. Jesus asks the Pharisees: “What think you of Christ? Whose son is he?” They answer: “David's.” That's correct as far as it goes. The Messiah was indeed to be the son of David. But Jesus then quotes Psalm 109: “The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand…” And Jesus asks, essentially: If the Messiah is merely David's descendant, why does David himself call Him “Lord”? That's the puzzle. A son normally comes after his father, and yet David calls this descendant “Lord.” This is much more than a clever argument. Jesus is leading them toward the realization that the Messiah is greater than merely a human descendant of David. He is David's Son and David's Lord. For Christians, that's pointing directly toward the mystery of the Incarnation: Jesus is truly man, descended from David, and truly God. And notice how Matthew places this right after the Greatest Commandment. The Gospel begins: Love God with everything you have. And then ends by asking: Who is Jesus? That's not accidental. The One we are commanded to love above everything else is standing right there before them. Jesus is revealing something about who He is

6 He spoke also this parable: A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none.Dicebat autem et hanc similitudinem : Arborem fici habebat quidam plantatam in vinea sua, et venit quaerens fructum in illa, et non invenit.  7 And he said to the dresser of the vineyard: Behold, for these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down therefore: why cumbereth it the ground?Dixit autem ad cultorem vineae : Ecce anni tres sunt ex quo venio quaerens fructum in ficulnea hac, et non invenio : succide ergo illam : ut quid etiam terram occupat?  8 But he answering, said to him: Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig about it, and dung it.At ille respondens, dicit illi : Domine dimitte illam et hoc anno, usque dum fodiam circa illam, et mittam stercora,  9 And if happily it bear fruit: but if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.et siquidem fecerit fructum : sin autem, in futurum succides eam.  10 And he was teaching in their synagogue on their sabbath.Erat autem docens in synagoga eorum sabbatis.  11 And behold there was a woman, who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years: and she was bowed together, neither could she look upwards at all.Et ecce mulier, quae habebat spiritum infirmitatis annis decem et octo : et erat inclinata, nec omnino poterat sursum respicere.  12 Whom when Jesus saw, he called her unto him, and said to her: Woman, thou art delivered from thy infirmity.Quam cum videret Jesus, vocavit eam ad se, et ait illi : Mulier, dimissa es ab infirmitate tua.  13 And he laid his hands upon her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.Et imposuit illi manus, et confestim erecta est, et glorificabat Deum.  14 And the ruler of the synagogue (being angry that Jesus had healed on the sabbath) answering, said to the multitude: Six days there are wherein you ought to work. In them therefore come, and be healed; and not on the sabbath day.Respondens autem archisynagogus, indignans quia sabbato curasset Jesus, dicebat turbae : Sex dies sunt in quibus oportet operari : in his ergo venite, et curamini, et non in die sabbati.  15 And the Lord answering him, said: Ye hypocrites, doth not every one of you, on the sabbath day, loose his ox or his ass from the manger, and lead them to water?Respondens autem ad illum Dominus, dixit : Hypocritae, unusquisque vestrum sabbato non solvit bovem suum, aut asinum a praesepio, et ducit adaquare?  16 And ought not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?Hanc autem filiam Abrahae, quam alligavit Satanas, ecce decem et octo annis, non oportuit solvi a vinculo isto die sabbati?  17 And when he said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the things that were gloriously done by him.Et cum haec diceret, erubescant omnes adversarii ejus : et omnis populus gaudebat in universis, quae gloriosae fiebant ab eo.