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Today's Readings
Reading I
Jas 3:13-18
Beloved: Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his
works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts,
do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not
come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where
jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every
foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then
peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without
inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown
in peace for those who cultivate peace.
Responsorial Psalm
19:8, 9, 10, 15
R. (9a) The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. The
law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the
LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. R. The
precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. The precepts of the
LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The command of the LORD is
clear, enlightening the eye. R. The precepts of the Lord
give joy to the heart. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring
forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart. Let the
words of my mouth and the thought of my heart find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. R. The precepts of the Lord give
joy to the heart.
Gospel
Mk 9:14-29
As Jesus came down from the mountain with Peter, James, John and
approached the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them
and scribes arguing with them. Immediately on seeing him, the whole
crowd was utterly amazed. They ran up to him and greeted him.
He asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” Someone from
the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I have brought to you my son
possessed by a mute spirit. Wherever it seizes him, it throws him
down; he foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I
asked your disciples to drive it out, but they were unable to do
so.” He said to them in reply, “O faithless generation, how long
will I be with you? How long will I endure you? Bring him to me.”
They brought the boy to him. And when he saw him, the spirit
immediately threw the boy into convulsions. As he fell to the
ground, he began to roll around and foam at the mouth. Then he
questioned his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” He
replied, “Since childhood. It has often thrown him into fire and
into water to kill him. But if you can do anything, have compassion
on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ Everything is
possible to one who has faith.” Then the boy’s father cried out, “I
do believe, help my unbelief!” Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly
gathering, rebuked the unclean spirit and said to it, “Mute and deaf
spirit, I command you: come out of him and never enter him again!”
Shouting and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out. He
became like a corpse, which caused many to say, “He is dead!” But
Jesus took him by the hand, raised him, and he stood up. When he
entered the house, his disciples asked him in private, “Why could we
not drive the spirit out?” He said to them, “This kind can only come
out through prayer.”
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