Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Photo by Hilary Musgrave
Jun 10 - St Ephrem of Syria (306-373AD)
Summary : St Ephrem: Deacon and Doctor of the Church was Born in Nisibis (Iraq) about 306; died at Edessa (Turkey) on this day in 373. A noted teacher, exegete, and theologian; a prolific poet, writer, and composer of liturgical songs. Called the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." Noted for his poetic and dogmatic works, for his holy and ascetical life, and for his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Many of the writings of St Ephrem of Syria are still extant. He greatly influenced the Eastern liturgy. He also knew how to exploit the power of hymns in communicating the Christian message and in combatting heresies.
Patrick Duffy writes his story.
Early Life
Born at Nisibis, which is today in eastern Turkey near its border with Syria. At that time it was part of the Roman province of Mesopotamia. He was baptised at the age of eighteen and became a pupil of Bishop James of Nisibis, and probably accompanied him to the Council of Nicaea (325).
Christian Teacher at Nisibis
Back home, James appointed Ephrem a teacher at Nisibis. He began composing hymns and to write biblical commentaries. His hymns were later incorporated into the liturgy. He became head of the school of Nisibis and was certainly ordained a deacon, if not a priest.
At Edessa
After the death of Constantine in 337 Nisibis was frequently attacked by the Persians and many of Ephraem's hymns reflect this. He eventually had to move as a refugee to Edessa (363) - also in eastern Turkey - where he continued his work as a teacher. Because the city became the centre of so many rival philosophies and theologies, Ephraem continued his hymn-writing in defence of the true Nicene doctrine that Jesus was at once both human and divine.
A "Member of the Covenant"
Although he is sometimes described as a monk, it is more likely that both at Nisibis and at Edessa Ephraim was one of a close-knit community of Christians called the "members of the covenant", who had committed themselves to service of the Church and sexual abstinence.
In 370 he visited Basil who was bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (central Turkey). According to Basil's brother, Gregory of Nyssa, Basil is said to have greeted him with the words, "Are you Ephraem, who follows the way of salvation so well?" To which Ephraem replied, "I am Ephraem, who walks unworthily in the way of salvation."
Fair Distribution During the Famine
A famine hit Edessa in 372. Ephrem was horrified to learn that some citizens were hoarding food. When he confronted them, he received the age-old excuse that they couldn't find a fair way or honest person to distribute the food. Ephrem volunteered himself and no one objected. He and his helpers worked diligently to get food to the needy in the city and the surrounding area.
The Power of Hymns
According to tradition, Ephrem began to write hymns in order to counteract the heresies that were rampant during his time, having already heard the heretical ideas put into song first. He stresses especially the unity of the humanity and the divinity in the person of Jesus.
The originality, imagery, and skill of his hymns captured the hearts of the Christians so powerfully that Ephrem is given credit for awakening the Church to the importance of music and poetry in spreading and fortifying the faith. Many of his hymns are still used in the Orthodox liturgy.
Death and Veneration
June 9, 373 is accepted by manyas the date of his death. Pope Benedict XV declared him a doctor of the Church in 1920.
Prayer
Saint Ephrem, sometimes we treat the power of song lightly.
Help us to open our hearts and souls to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
given us through music. Amen.
Many of the writings of St Ephrem of Syria are still extant. He greatly influenced the Eastern liturgy. He also knew how to exploit the power of hymns in communicating the Christian message and in combatting heresies.Patrick Duffy writes his story.
Early Life
Born at Nisibis, which is today in eastern Turkey near its border with Syria. At that time it was part of the Roman province of Mesopotamia. He was baptised at the age of eighteen and became a pupil of Bishop James of Nisibis, and probably accompanied him to the Council of Nicaea (325).
Christian Teacher at Nisibis
Back home, James appointed Ephrem a teacher at Nisibis. He began composing hymns and to write biblical commentaries. His hymns were later incorporated into the liturgy. He became head of the school of Nisibis and was certainly ordained a deacon, if not a priest.
At Edessa
After the death of Constantine in 337 Nisibis was frequently attacked by the Persians and many of Ephraem's hymns reflect this. He eventually had to move as a refugee to Edessa (363) - also in eastern Turkey - where he continued his work as a teacher. Because the city became the centre of so many rival philosophies and theologies, Ephraem continued his hymn-writing in defence of the true Nicene doctrine that Jesus was at once both human and divine.
A "Member of the Covenant"
Although he is sometimes described as a monk, it is more likely that both at Nisibis and at Edessa Ephraim was one of a close-knit community of Christians called the "members of the covenant", who had committed themselves to service of the Church and sexual abstinence.
In 370 he visited Basil who was bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (central Turkey). According to Basil's brother, Gregory of Nyssa, Basil is said to have greeted him with the words, "Are you Ephraem, who follows the way of salvation so well?" To which Ephraem replied, "I am Ephraem, who walks unworthily in the way of salvation."
Fair Distribution During the Famine
A famine hit Edessa in 372. Ephrem was horrified to learn that some citizens were hoarding food. When he confronted them, he received the age-old excuse that they couldn't find a fair way or honest person to distribute the food. Ephrem volunteered himself and no one objected. He and his helpers worked diligently to get food to the needy in the city and the surrounding area.
The Power of Hymns
According to tradition, Ephrem began to write hymns in order to counteract the heresies that were rampant during his time, having already heard the heretical ideas put into song first. He stresses especially the unity of the humanity and the divinity in the person of Jesus.
The originality, imagery, and skill of his hymns captured the hearts of the Christians so powerfully that Ephrem is given credit for awakening the Church to the importance of music and poetry in spreading and fortifying the faith. Many of his hymns are still used in the Orthodox liturgy.
Death and Veneration
June 9, 373 is accepted by manyas the date of his death. Pope Benedict XV declared him a doctor of the Church in 1920.
Prayer
Saint Ephrem, sometimes we treat the power of song lightly.
Help us to open our hearts and souls to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
given us through music. Amen.
____________________________
******************************
Memorable Saying for Today
Some of the greatest sermons ever were preached
were preached by the singing of a song
~ Spencer Kimbell ~
and
It really matters what you listen to ...
Select Music that will strengthen your spirit.
~ Russell M. Nelson ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 10th June, 2026
Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time, Year 2
Saint of the Day: 10 June;St Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the church
C/f A short life of be this saint can be found below todays' Readings and Reflection.
FIRST READING
A reading from the First Book of Kings 18:20-39
May this people may know that you, the Lord, are God and are winning back their hearts.
King Ahab called all Israel together and assembled the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.
Elijah stepped out in front of all the people.
'How long' he said 'do you mean to hobble first on one leg then on the other?
If the Lord is God, follow him; if Baal, follow him'.
But the people never said a word.
Elijah then said to them,
'I, I alone, am left as a prophet of the Lord, while the prophets of Baal are four hundred and fifty.
Let two bulls be given us; let them choose one for themselves, dismember it and lay it on the wood, but not set fire to it. I in my turn will prepare the other bull, but not set fire to it. You must call on the name of your god, and I shall call on the name of mine; the god who answers with fire, is God indeed.'
The people all answered, 'Agreed!'
Elijah then said to the prophets of Baal,
'Choose one bull and begin, for there are more of you. Call on the name of your god but light no fire.'
They took the bull and prepared it, and from morning to midday they called on the name of Baal.
'O Baal, answer us!' they cried, but there was no voice, no answer, as they performed their hobbling dance round the altar they had made. Midday came, and Elijah mocked them.
'Call louder,' he said 'for he is a god: he is preoccupied or he is busy, or he has gone on a journey; perhaps he is asleep and will wake up.'
So they shouted louder and gashed themselves, as their custom was, with swords and spears until the blood flowed down them. Midday passed, and they ranted on until the time the offering is presented; but there was no voice, no answer, no attention given to them.
Then Elijah said to all the people, 'Come closer to me', and all the people came closer to him.
He repaired the altar of the Lord which had been broken down. Elijah took twelve stones, corresponding to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord had come, 'Israel shall be your name', and built an altar in the name of the Lord. Round the altar he dug a trench of a size to hold two measures of seed. He then arranged the wood, dismembered the bull, and laid it on the wood. Then he said, 'Fill four jars with water and pour it on the holocaust and on the wood'; this they did. He said,
'Do it a second time'; they did it a second time. He said, 'Do it a third time'; they did it a third time.
The water flowed round the altar and the trench itself was full of water. At the time when the offering is presented, Elijah the prophet stepped forward.
'Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel,' he said 'let them know today that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, that I have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so that this people may know that you, the Lord, are God and are winning back their hearts.'
Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the holocaust and wood and licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw this they fell on their faces. 'The Lord is God,' they cried 'the Lord is God.'
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 15: 1-2. 4-5.8. 11. R/v 1
Response Save me, Lord, I take refuge in you.
1. Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.
I say to the Lord: 'You are my God.' Response
2. Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.
Never will I offer their offerings of blood.
Never will I take their name upon my lips. Response
3. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;
it is you yourself who are my prize. I keep the Lord ever in my sight:
since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm. Response
4. You will show me the path of life,
the fullness of joy in your presence,
at your right hand happiness for ever. Response
Gospel Acclamation Ps 118: 27
Alleluia, alleluia!
Make me grasp the way of your precepts, and I will muse on your wonders.
Alleluia!
Or Ps 24: 4.5
Alleluia, alleluia!
Teach me your paths, my God, make me walk in your truth.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:17-19 Glory to you, O Lord
I have come not to abolish but to complete them.
Jesus said to his disciples:'Do not imagine that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete them. I tell you solemnly, till heaven and earth disappear, not one dot, not one little stroke, shall disappear from the Law until its purpose is achieved.
Therefore, the man who infringes even one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be considered the least in the kingdom of heaven; but the man who keeps them and teaches them will be considered great in the kingdom of heaven.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
********************
Gospel Reflection Wednesday, Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus was a Jew and he appreciated all that was good and valuable in his own religious tradition. That is why he says in today’s gospel reading, ‘I have come not to abolish (the Law or the Prophets) but to complete them’. He wanted to take what was good in his own religious tradition and lift it up to an even higher level. In his teaching, he interpreted the Jewish Law in a way that made clearer what God was saying through the Law. As someone who was closer to God than any human being who ever lived, Jesus was able to show what really mattered most to God in the Jewish Law, namely, love of God and love of neighbour, the hunger and thirst for God’s justice, and mercy towards all in need.
That is why we, as followers of the risen Lord, read the Jewish Scriptures, the Law, the prophets and the writings, in the light of all that Jesus said and did. Indeed, we try to read, to interpret, the whole of life in the light that Jesus has given us. The great spiritual writer, C.S. Lewis, wrote, ‘I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else’. Our calling is to see everything in the light of the Lord’s presence which shines through his Word, the Sacraments, and the community of believers.
________________________________
The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Scripture Reflection is made available with our thanks from his book Reflections on the Weekday Readings : The Word is near to you, on your lips and in your heart by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
_______________________________________________________
Saint of the Day: 10 June; St Ephrem, deacon and doctor of the church
Ephrem: Deacon and Doctor of the Church was Born in Nisibis (Iraq) about 306; died at Edessa (Turkey) on this day in 373. A noted teacher, exegete, and theologian; a prolific poet, writer, and composer of liturgical songs. Called the "Harp of the Holy Spirit." Noted for his poetic and dogmatic works, for his holy and ascetical life, and for his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Many of the writings of St Ephrem of Syria are still extant. He greatly influenced the Eastern liturgy. He also knew how to exploit the power of hymns in communicating the Christian message and in combatting heresies.Patrick Duffy writes his story.
Early Life
Born at Nisibis, which is today in eastern Turkey near its border with Syria. At that time it was part of the Roman province of Mesopotamia. He was baptised at the age of eighteen and became a pupil of Bishop James of Nisibis, and probably accompanied him to the Council of Nicaea (325).
Christian Teacher at Nisibis
Back home, James appointed Ephrem a teacher at Nisibis. He began composing hymns and to write biblical commentaries. His hymns were later incorporated into the liturgy. He became head of the school of Nisibis and was certainly ordained a deacon, if not a priest.
At Edessa
After the death of Constantine in 337 Nisibis was frequently attacked by the Persians and many of Ephraem's hymns reflect this. He eventually had to move as a refugee to Edessa (363) - also in eastern Turkey - where he continued his work as a teacher. Because the city became the centre of so many rival philosophies and theologies, Ephraem continued his hymn-writing in defence of the true Nicene doctrine that Jesus was at once both human and divine.
A "Member of the Covenant"
Although he is sometimes described as a monk, it is more likely that both at Nisibis and at Edessa Ephraim was one of a close-knit community of Christians called the "members of the covenant", who had committed themselves to service of the Church and sexual abstinence.
In 370 he visited Basil who was bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (central Turkey). According to Basil's brother, Gregory of Nyssa, Basil is said to have greeted him with the words, "Are you Ephraem, who follows the way of salvation so well?" To which Ephraem replied, "I am Ephraem, who walks unworthily in the way of salvation."
Fair Distribution During the Famine
A famine hit Edessa in 372. Ephrem was horrified to learn that some citizens were hoarding food. When he confronted them, he received the age-old excuse that they couldn't find a fair way or honest person to distribute the food. Ephrem volunteered himself and no one objected. He and his helpers worked diligently to get food to the needy in the city and the surrounding area.
The Power of Hymns
According to tradition, Ephrem began to write hymns in order to counteract the heresies that were rampant during his time, having already heard the heretical ideas put into song first. He stresses especially the unity of the humanity and the divinity in the person of Jesus.
[caption id="attachment_46623" align="alignright" width="242"]
Ephraim had great personal devotion to Jesus [/caption]The originality, imagery, and skill of his hymns captured the hearts of the Christians so powerfully that Ephrem is given credit for awakening the Church to the importance of music and poetry in spreading and fortifying the faith. Many of his hymns are still used in the Orthodox liturgy.
Death and Veneration
June 9, 373 is accepted by manyas the date of his death. Pope Benedict XV declared him a doctor of the Church in 1920.
Prayer
Saint Ephrem, sometimes we treat the power of song lightly.
Help us to open our hearts and souls to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit
given us through music. Amen.
____________________________
******************************
Memorable Saying for Today
Some of the greatest sermons ever were preached
were preached by the singing of a song
~ Spencer Kimbell ~
and
It really matters what you listen to ...
Select music that will strengthen your spirit.
~ Russell M. Nelson ~
******************************
Liturgical Readings for: Wednesday, 10th June, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT Sliocht as an céad Leabhar Ríthe 18:20-39
Beidh a fhios ag an bpobal seo gur tusa, a Thiarna, is Dia agus go bhfuil tú ag iompó a gcroí ar ais chugat!”
Chuir Acháb tionól ar chlann Iosrael uile agus bhailigh sé na fáithe le chéile ar Shliabh Chairmeil. Shiúil Éilias amach os comhair an phobail go léir agus dúirt:
“Cá fhad atá sé ar intinn agaibh a bheith ag bacadhradh, seal ar leathchois amháin, agus seal ar an gceann eile?
Más é an Tiarna is Dia ann, leanaigí é, más é Bál, leanaigí eisean.”
Ní raibh focal as an bpobal.
Ansin dúirt Éilias leo:
“Mise agus mise amháin a fágadh mar fháidh de chuid an Tiarna, ach tá ceithre chéad go leith fáidh de chuid Bhál ann. Tugtar dhá tharbh chugainn; toghadh siadsan ceann amháin dóibh féin, déanaidís codanna de agus cuiridís ar an gconnadh é ach gan tine ar bith a lasadh faoi. Ullmhóidh mise an tarbh eile agus cuirfidh mé ar an gconnadh é gan tine ar bith a lasadh faoi. Glaoigí ar ainm bhur ndé agus glaofaidh mise ar ainm an Tiarna; an dia a fhreagróidh le tine, is é is Dia dáiríre ann.”
D’fhreagair an pobal go léir: “Tá go maith.”
Dúirt Éilias ansin le fáithe Bhál:
“Toghaigí tarbh agus tosaígí mar is líonmhaire sibhse. Glaoigí ar ainm bhurndé; ach ná lasaigí tine faoi.”
Ghlac siad an tarbh a tugadh dóibh agus d’ullmhaíodar é agus ó mhaidin go meán lae bhí siad ag glaoch ar ainm Bhál.
“A Bhál,” a ghlaodar, “tabhair freagra orainn!”
Ach ní raibh guth ná freagra le cloisteáil agus iad ag damhsa go bacach thart timpeall ar an altóir a bhí déanta acu. Tháinig an meán lae agus bhí Éilias ag magadh fúthu:
“Glaoigí níos airde,” ar seisean, “mar is dia é; tá sé gafa nó cruógach, nó imithe ar thuras, nó b’fhéidir gur ina chodladh atá sé agus nach mór é a dhúiseacht.”
Ar an ábhar sin ghlaodar níos airde fós agus shádar iad féin mar ba nós leo le claimhte agus le sleánna nó go raibh an fhuil ina slaoda leo. Chuaigh an meán lae thart agus bhí siad ag radaireacht leo nó gur tháinig tráth ofrála na habhlainne, ach guth ná freagra ná aird ar bith níor tugadh orthu.
Ansin dúirt Éilias leis an bpobal go léir:
“Tagaigí níos cóngaraí dom,” agus dhruid an pobal go léir láimh leis. Dheisigh sé altóir an Tiarna a bhí leagtha ar lár. Ghlac Éilias dhá chloch déag, ag freagairt d’uimhir na dtreibheanna de chlann mhac Iacóib ar tháinig briathar úd an Tiarna chucu:
“Iosrael a ghairfear díbh!” agus rinne sé altóir in ainm an Tiarna de na clocha. Timpeall na haltóra thochail sé díog a bhí mór go leor le dhá mhiosúr síl a choinneáil. Ansin chóirigh sé an connadh, rinne codanna den tarbh agus leag ar an gconnadh é.
Ansin dúirt sé:
“Líonaigí ceithre phróca d’uisce agus doirtigí ar an íobairt uileloiscthe agus ar an gconnadh é.” Rinne siad amhlaidh.
Dúirt sé: “Déanaigí an dara huair é,” agus rinne. Dúirt sé: “Déanaigí an tríú huair é,” agus rinne.
Bhí an t-uisce ag rith timpeall na haltóra agus bhí an díog féin lán d’uisce. Ag tráth ofrála na habhlainne sheas Éilias fáidh chun tosaigh:
“A Thiarna, a Dhia Abrahám, Íosác agus Iosrael,” ar seisean, “tabhair le fios dóibh inniu gur tusa is Dia in Iosrael agus gur mise do shearbhónta, agus go ndéarna mé na rudaí seo uile ar ordú uaitse. Freagair mé, a Thiarna, freagair mé, ionas go mbeidh a fhios ag an bpobal seo gur tusa, a Thiarna, is Dia agus go bhfuil tú ag iompó a gcroí ar ais chugat!”
Ansin thit tine an Tiarna agus loisc sé an íobairt uileloiscthe agus an connadh agus ligh sí suas an t-uisce sa díog. Nuair a chonaic an pobal uile é sin, thiteadar ar an-aghaidh agus ghlaodar:
“Is é an Tiarna is Dia ann; is é an Tiarna is Dia ann.”
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 15: 1-2. 4-5.8. 11. R/v 1
Freagra Caomhnaigh mé a Thiarna, is ort a thriallaim.
1. Caomhnaigh mé a Thiarna, is ort a thriallaim.
Deirim leis an Tiarna: “Is tú mo Dhia.
Níl maith ar bith agam cés moite díotsa.” Freagra
2. An dream ar rogha leo a mhalairt de Dhia
tiocfaidh tuilleadh mór fós de bhuartha anuas orthu.
Ní thoirbhreoidh mé fuil a ndeochíobairt ar aon chor
ná ní chluinfear a n-ainmneacha go brách ar mo bheola. Freagra
3. Is é an Tiarna is rogha liom, mo chuid de réir oidhreachta;
agus cuid mo chupáin; is ort atá mo sheasamh.
Coimeádaim an Tiarna de shíor i m’intinn:
agus é ar mo dheasláimh ní chorrófar mé choíche. Freagra
4. Taispeánfaidh tú slí na beatha dom;
tá lúcháir go fial i do láthair
agus aoibhneas ar do dheasláimh go brách. Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 5:17-19 Glóir duit, a Thiarna
Ní á gcur ar ceal a tháinig mé ach á gcur i gcrích.
San am sin dúirt Íosa lena dheisceabail“Ná bígí ag ceapadh gur chun an dlí agus na fáithe a chur ar ceal a tháinig mé. Ní á gcur ar ceal a tháinig mé ach á gcur i gcrích. Óir deirim libh go fírinneach, is túisce a imeoidh neamh agus talamh ná mar a imeoidh aon litir ná aon ghiota den dlí gan gach aon ní a bheith tagtha i gcrích.
Dá bhrí sin, an té a chuirfidh aon aithne ar ceal den chuid is lú de na haitheanta seo, agus a mhúinfidh do dhaoine eile an rud céanna a dhéanamh, measfar é sin ar an té is lú i ríocht na bhflaitheas. Ach an té a choimeádfaidh iad agus a mhúinfidh, measfar eisean ina dhuine mór i ríocht na bhflaitheas.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 14th June, 2026
Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A
FIRST READING
A reading from the Book of Exodus 19:2-6
I will count you a kingdom of priests, a consecrated nation."
From Rephidim they set out again; and when they reached the wilderness of Sinai, there in the wilderness they pitched their camp; there facing the mountain Israel pitched camp.Moses then went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying,
'Say this to the House of Jacob, declare this to the sons of Israel,
"You yourselves have seen what I did with the Egyptians, how I carried you on eagle's wings and brought you to myself. From this you know that now, if you obey my voice and hold fast to my covenant, you of all the nations shall be my very own for all the earth is mine. I will count you a kingdom of priests, a consecrated nation."
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Ps 99: 2-3. 5. R/v 3
Response We are his people: the sheep of his flock.
1. Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing for joy. Response
2. Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him,
we are his people, the sheep of his flock. Response
3. Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love.
He is faithful from age to age. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the second letter of St Paul to the Romans 5:6-11
Now that we have been reconciled, surely we may count on being saved by the life of his Son?
We were still helpless when at his appointed moment Christ died for sinful men. It is not easy to die even for a good man - though of course for someone really worthy, a man might be prepared to die - but what proves that God loves us is that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Having died to make us righteous, is it likely that he would now fail to save us from God's anger?When we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, we were still enemies; now that we have been reconciled, surely we may count on being saved by the life of his Son? Not merely because we have been reconciled but because we are filled with joyful trust in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have already gained our reconciliation.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Jn 10: 27
Alleluia, alleluia!
The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice says the Lord,
I know them and they follow me.
Alleluia!
or Mk 1:15
Alleluia, alleluia!
The Kingdom of God is close at hand, Repent and believe the good news.
Alleluia!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you And with your spirit.
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 9:36-10:8 Glory to you, O Lord
The harvest is rich but the labourers are few.
When Jesus saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples,
'The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest'.
He summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who was to betray him.These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows:
'Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published and copyright 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 14th June, 2026
CHÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as an Leabhar Exodus 19:2-6
Beidh sibh agamsa in bhur ríocht sagart, in bhur náisiún coisricthe.’
Chuireadar chun siúil arís ó Reifídím agus nuair a shroicheadar fásach Shíonái, shuíodar a gcampa ansiúd san fhásach os comhair an tsléibhe. Ansin chuaigh Maois suas chun Dé agus ghlaoigh an Tiarna air ón sliabh á rá:“Abair é seo le teaghlach Iacóib agus fógair é do chlann Iosrael:
‘Chonaic sibh féin a ndearna mé leis na hÉigiptigh, agus conas mar a thóg mé liom sibh ar eití iolair agus a thug mé chugam féin sibh. Uime sin má ghéilleann sibh do mo ghlór agus cloí le mo chonradh beidh sibhse, thar na ciníocha go léir, i mo sheilbhse ar leithrigh, óir is liomsa an domhan ar fad. Beidh sibh agamsa in bhur ríocht sagart, in bhur náisiún coisricthe.’
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
SALM LE FREAGRA. Sm 99: 2-3. 5. R/v 3
Freagra Sinne a phobal agus caoirigh a pháirce.
1. Fónaigí don Tiarna go lúcháireach. tagaigí ina láthair le hamhráin áthais. Freagra
2. Bíodh a fhios agaibh gurb é an Tiarna is Dia ann. Eisean a rinne sinn; is leis féin sinn;
sinne a phobal agus caoirigh a pháirce. Freagra
3. Á, nach maith égo deimhin an Tiarna, nach marthanach a thrócaire ghrámhar!
Is dílis é ó ghlúin go chéile. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as Litir Naomh Pól chuig na Rómhánaigh 5:6-11
Agus má rinneadh athmhuintearas idir sinn agus Dia trí bhás a Mhic
A bhráithre, nuair a bhíomar fós lag, fuair Críost bás I dtráth ar son drochdhaoine. Is ar éigean a gheobhadh fear bás ar son duine chóir féin – is ea, b’fhéidir go mbeadh sé de chroí aige bás a fháil ar son dea-dhuine. Ach cruthaíonn Dia an grá atá aige dúinn trí Chríost a fháil bháis ar ár son agus sinn fós inár bpeacaigh. Ó táimid fíréanaithe anois trína chuid fola, nach móide go mór go saorfar sinn tríd ó fhearg Dé? Agus má rinneadh athmhuintearas idir sinn agus Dia trí bhás a Mhic agus sinn inár naimhde dó, nach móide go mór anois agus an t-athmhuintearas déanta go saorfar sinn trína bheatha? Agus ní hé sin amháin é, ach táimid mórálach as Dia trínár dTiarna Íosa Críost, an té a ghnóthaigh an t-athmhuintearas sin anois dúinn.Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Alleluia Véarsa Eo 10: 27
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Éisteann mo chaoirigh le mo ghlór, agus aithním iad, agus leanann siad mé.
Alleluia!
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha, 9:36-10:8 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
San am sin nuair a chonaic Íosa na sluaite, ghlac sé trua dóibh, mar go raibh siad ina luí go tréith mar a bheadh caoirigh gan aoire. Ansin dúirt sé lena dheisceabail: “Tá an fómhar fairsing ach níl ann ach meitheal bheag. Dá bhrí sin guígí Máistir an fhómhair go gcuireadh sé meitheal uaidh isteach ina fhómhar.”
Ghlaoigh sé chuige a dháréag deisceabal agus thug dóibh údarás ar na spioraid mhíghlana chun go gcaithfidís amach iad agus go leigheasfaidís gach galar agus gach éagruas.Is iad seo ainmneacha an dá aspal déag: Síomón ar dtús, ar a dtugtar Peadar, agus Aindrías a dheartháir, Séamas mac Zeibidé agus Eoin a dheartháir, Pilib agus Parthalán, Tomás agus Matha poibleacánach, Séamas mac Ailfáias agus Tadáias, Síomón Díograiseach agus Iúdás Isceiriót, an fear a bhraith é.
Chuir Íosa uaidh an dáréag sin leis na horduithe seo leanas:
“Ná gabhaigí an bóthar chun na ngintlithe agus ná téigí isteach i gcathair Shamárach ar bith; ní hea, ach téigí faoi dhéin chaoirigh caillte theaghlach Iosrael. Agus in bhur mbóthar daoibh, bígí á fhógairt go bhfuil ríocht na bhflaitheas in achmaireacht. Leigheasaigí lucht tinnis, tógaigí na mairbh, glanaigí na lobhair, caithigí amach na deamhain. In aisce a fuair sibh; tugaigí uaibh in aisce.
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
