St Benedict Parish Quezon City

26/08/2026

August 26, 2026

First Reading | 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10, 16-18

Reflection
Orthodoxy—“right glory”—is essential to every faithful preacher and teacher. Without it, there is a real danger of leading the audience astray—and woe to the teacher who misguides even one of Jesus’ little ones! As we are formed in the proclamation of the Gospel, let us remain steadfast, always guided by Scripture, the traditions of the Church, and her Magisterium. May we fervently pray that we will teach nothing less than the truth the Church upholds.

6 We instruct you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who walks in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. 16 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17 This greeting is in my own hand, Paul’s. This is the sign in every letter; this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 128:1-2, 4-5

R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord.

1 Blessed are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways! 2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (R)

4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. 5 The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (R)

Gospel | Matthew 23:27-32

Reflection
Jesus continues to denounce hypocrisy, both in the religious and secular spheres of His time. It is a sin ever lurking, ready to ensnare us if we are not vigilant. We must guard our hearts against its grip, ensuring that our actions align with our faith. Let us pray for the grace to live pure and holy lives, always practicing what we preach.

Gospel Acclamation

Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

27 Jesus said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. 28 Even so, on the outside you appear righteous, but inside you are filled with hypocrisy and evildoing. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the memorials of the righteous, 30 and you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have joined them in shedding the prophets’ blood.’ 31 Thus you bear witness against yourselves that you are the children of those who murdered the prophets; 32 now fill up what your ancestors measured out!”

Reflections from COMPANION written by Fr. Steven Tynan, MGL

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-26

25/08/2026

August 25, 2026
Tuesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 426

Reading 1
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17

We ask you, brothers and sisters,
with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ
and our assembling with him,
not to be shaken out of your minds suddenly,
or to be alarmed either by a “spirit,” or by an oral statement,
or by a letter allegedly from us
to the effect that the day of the Lord is at hand.
Let no one deceive you in any way.

To this end he has also called you through our Gospel
to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm
and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught,
either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,
who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement
and good hope through his grace,
encourage your hearts and strengthen them
in every good deed and word.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 96:10, 11-12, 13
R. (13b) The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. The Lord comes to judge the earth.

Alleluia
Hebrews 4:12
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The word of God is living and effective,
able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Matthew 23:23-26

Jesus said:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You pay tithes of mint and dill and cu**in,
and have neglected the weightier things of the law:
judgment and mercy and fidelity.
But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.
Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You cleanse the outside of cup and dish,
but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.
Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,
so that the outside also may be clean.”

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082526.cfm

24/08/2026

August 24, 2026

Feast of Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
Lectionary: 629

Reading 1
Revelation 21:9b-14

The angel spoke to me, saying,
"Come here.
I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb."
He took me in spirit to a great, high mountain
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,
with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13, 17-18
R. (12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

The LORD is just in all his ways
and holy in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call upon him,
to all who call upon him in truth.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.

Alleluia
John 1:49b
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Rabbi, you are the Son of God;
you are the King of Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 1:45-51

Philip found Nathanael and told him,
"We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law,
and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth."
But Nathanael said to him,
"Can anything good come from Nazareth?"
Philip said to him, "Come and see."
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."
Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."
Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this."
And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened and the angels of God
ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/feast-saint-bartholomew-apostle

23/08/2026

🔴𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 | Ika-21 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon

Agosto 23, 2026 | Linggo | 4:00 PM

23/08/2026

August 23, 2026
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

First Reading | Isaiah 22:19-23

Reflection
One of the most powerful images of leadership is that of a father—a protector and guide who cares for his family and shields them from harm. All leaders, especially spiritual leaders, should remember this. To abandon one’s flock is the worst thing a leader can do. Like a captain aboard a sinking ship, a true leader must be the last to leave, ensuring the safety of those entrusted to him. Let us pray that our leaders always make the care of their flock their highest priority.

19 Thus says the Lord to Shebna, master of the palace: “I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. 20 On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; 21 I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. 23 I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family.”

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

R: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple. (R)

I will give thanks to your name, because of your kindness and your truth: 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R)

6 The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar. 8 Your kindness, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.” (R)

Second Reading | Romans 11:33-36

Reflection
In today’s reading, Paul speaks of a heart that rejoices in the wisdom and ways of God. Yet, beneath this joy lies a quiet frustration—he does not fully grasp how God will resolve the dilemma of so many Jews rejecting the Gospel. This is Paul’s great struggle. Is it not clear to them what God is accomplishing?

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? 35 Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid? 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Gospel | Matthew 16:13-20

Reflection
This is the defining question that shapes our response to God’s call. If we do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, Redeemer, and Savior, we will inevitably disregard the Gospel, missing its revelation and graces. But if we do believe, the possibilities of a life of faith are boundless. Without belief, we face eternal frustration and emptiness; with belief, we embrace eternal contentment and fulfillment.

Gospel Acclamation

You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.

13 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Reflections from COMPANION written by Fr. Steven Tynan, MGL

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-23

22/08/2026

𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐒𝐀 | mula sa Roman Catholic Bishop of Novaliches - Tahanang Pari, Diyosesis ng Novaliches.

Ang Pagdiriwang ng Banal na Eukaristiya ngayong Ika-21 Linggo sa Karaniwang Panahon na pangungunahan ng Obispo ng Diyosesis ng Novaliches, Lubos na Kagalang-galang ROBERTO O. GAA, D. D.



(Disclaimer: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Novaliches does not claim ownership of the music used. All rights belong to the rightful owner. No copyright infringement is intended.

22/08/2026

22/08/2026

August 22, 2026
Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

First Reading | Ezekiel 43:1-7 (or Isaiah 9:1-6)

Reflection
In celebrating the Eucharist, we ought to be in a prone position, especially during the consecration. Since this is impractical, we kneel instead. I recall a Eucharistic procession where, as we passed, people fell to their knees in reverence of the Real Presence. May we rediscover this deep sense of homage and respect for the glory of God’s presence among us.

1 The angel led me to the gate which faces the east, 2 and there I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. I heard a sound like the roaring of many waters, and the earth shone with his glory. 3 The vision was like that which I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and like that which I had seen by the river Chebar. I fell prone ⁴ as the glory of the Lord entered the temple by way of the gate which faces the east, 5 but spirit lifted me up and brought me to the inner court. And I saw that the temple was filled with the glory of the Lord. 6 Then I heard someone speaking to me from the temple, while the man stood beside me. 7 The voice said to me: Son of man, this is where my throne shall be, this is where I will set the soles of my feet; here I will dwell among the children of Israel forever.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 (or Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8)

R: The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.

9 I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for he proclaims peace. 10 Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R)

11 Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 12 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R)

13 The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 14 Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. (R)

Gospel | Matthew 23:1-12 (or Luke 1:26-38)

Reflection
Let us resist hypocrisy and strive to live out every aspect of the Christian life we proclaim, so that all may see our sincerity and faithfulness to God’s will. Knowing what is right is not enough—we must also act upon it. Jesus calls us to embrace His will wholeheartedly and bear unwavering witness to the Gospel. Few things are more disheartening than seeing someone paralyzed by uncertainty, unsure of their next step.

Gospel Acclamation

You have but one Father in heaven; you have but one master, the Christ.

1 Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. 5 All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. 6 They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, 7 greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ 8 As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. 10 Do not be called ‘Master’; you havebut one master, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you must be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Reflections from COMPANION written by Fr. Steven Tynan, MGL

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-22

21/08/2026

August 21, 2026

First Reading | Ezekiel 37:1-14

Reflection
God can bring life out of any situation. Do you believe this? Ezekiel reminds the people that a hundred years ago, they have come from a place of death or slavery in Egypt. Then God gave them a new life in the Promised Land. They know the power of God at work in their lives as a nation.

1 The hand of the Lord came upon me, and led me out in the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the center of the plain, which was now filled with bones. 2 He made me walk among them in every direction so that I saw how many they were on the surface of the plain. How dry they were! 3 He asked me: Son of man, can these bones come to life? I answered, “Lord God, you alone know that.” 4 Then he said to me: Prophesy over these bones, and say to them: Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: See! I will bring spirit into you, that you may come to life. 6 I will put sinews upon you, make flesh grow over you, cover you with skin, and put spirit in you so that you may come to life and know that I am the Lord. 7 I prophesied as I had been told, and even as I was prophesying I heard a noise; it was a rattling as the bones came together, bone joining bone. 8 I saw the sinews and the flesh come upon them, and the skin cover them, but there was no spirit in them. 9 Then the Lord said to me: Prophesy to the spirit, prophesy, son of man, and say to the spirit: Thus says the Lord God: From the four winds come, O spirit, and breathe into these slain that they may come to life. 10 I prophesied as he told me, and the spirit came into them; they came alive and stood upright, a vast army. 11 Then he said to me: Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel They have been saying, “Our bones are dried up, our hope is lost, and we are cut off.” 12 Therefore, prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them, and bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and have you rise from them, O my people! 14 I will put my spirit in you that you may live, and I will settle you upon your land; thus you shall know that I am the Lord. I have promised, and I will do it, says the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 107:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: Give thanks to the Lord; his love is everlasting.

2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say, those whom he has redeemed from the hand of the foe 3 and gathered from the lands, from the east and the west, from the north and the south. (R)

4 They went astray in the desert wilderness; the way to an inhabited city they did not find. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their life was wasting away within them. (R)

6 They cried to the Lord in their distress; from their straits he rescued them. 7 And he led them by a direct way to reach an inhabited city. (R)

8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his mercy and his wondrous deeds to the children of men, 9 because he satisfied the longing soul and filled the hungry soul with good things. (R)

Gospel | Matthew 22:34-40

Reflection
All the moral laws of Christianity stem from the double commandment of love—love God and love your neighbor. Our first and highest duty is to love. This love informs and directs all our actions; whatever we do must be rooted in love, above all else. Without these foundational commandments, Christianity loses its essence.

Gospel Acclamation

Teach me your paths, my God, guide me in your truth.

34 When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them a scholar of the law tested him by asking, 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the greatest and the first commandment. 39 The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

Reflections from COMPANION written by Fr. Steven Tynan, MGL

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-21

19/08/2026

August 20, 2026

First Reading | Ezekiel 36:23-28

Reflection
God promises that His power and will shall prevail in the end. What remains unknown is how long it will take to be fully realized—it depends on our response to His will. The more we resist, the longer the fulfillment is delayed. But the more we surrender, the sooner His will comes to pass.

23 Thus says the Lord: I will prove the holiness of my great name, profaned among the nations, in whose midst you have profaned it. Thus the nations shall know that I am the Lord, says the Lord God, when in their sight I prove my holiness through you. 24 For I will take you away from among the nations, gather you from all the foreign lands, and bring you back to your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. 27 I will put my spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful to observe my decrees. 28 You shall live in the land I gave your ancestors; you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

R: I will pour clean water on you and wash away all your sins.

12 A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 13 Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R)

14 Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. 15 I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you. (R)

18 For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 19 My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (R)

Gospel | Matthew 22:1-14

Reflection
How often does this parable ring true for us? Every time we choose another activity over prayer, we mirror its lesson. At its core, this parable is about priorities, and our relationship with God must come first. Without Him, our lives become incomplete, vulnerable to disorder. Jesus seeks disciples who remain steadfast—those who finish what they begin and hold firm to their word.

Gospel Acclamation

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

1 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and the elders of the people in parables, saying, 2 “The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. 3 He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. 4 A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ 5 Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then the king said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 9 Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 10 The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. 12 He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

Reflections from COMPANION written by Fr. Steven Tynan, MGL

https://kerygmafamily.com/modules/dailyreadings/read.php?date=2026-08-20