(Memorial of St Andrew Dung-Lac & Companions, Martyrs)
Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Psalm – Daniel 3:62-67; Luke 21:12-19
The first reading tells us how King Belshazzar son of King Nebuchadnezzar profaned the sacred vessels his father brought from the Temple in Jerusalem. While he was feasting and praising their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone suddenly, there was handwriting on the wall with words that baffled the king. He sent for Daniel who gave the interpretation saying; MENE, God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it; TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting; PERES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”. Beloved, whatever a man sows he shall reap. God rewards those who are faithful and judges those who are not. Let us learn not to abuse or profane sacred articles, vessels and images. Today is the memorial of Saint Andrew Dũng-Lac and Companions, we pray for a renewed zeal in the Church. Martyrs of Vietnam, by your constancy and courage, help all Christians who struggle and doubt in any way to persevere in their vocations, to win the small battles over self every day, so that they can enjoy life with God and His saints one day in heaven. Amen.
LET US PRAY
O God, source and origin of all fatherhood, who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dŭng-Ląc and his companions faith to the Cross of your Son, even to the shedding of their blood, grant through their intercession, that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters, we may be your children both in name and in truth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.