Readings for the Memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius, bishops

Reading I Jas 1:1-11

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
to the twelve tribes in the dispersion, greetings.

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters,
when you encounter various trials,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
And let perseverance be perfect,
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
But if any of you lacks wisdom,
he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly,
and he will be given it.
But he should ask in faith, not doubting,
for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea
that is driven and tossed about by the wind.
For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,
since he is a man of two minds, unstable in all his ways.

The brother in lowly circumstances  
should take pride in high standing,
and the rich one in his lowliness,  
for he will pass away “like the flower of the field.”
For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass,
its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes.
So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Responsorial Psalm 119:67, 68, 71, 72, 75, 76

R.        (77a)  Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
            but now I hold to your promise. 
R.        Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
You are good and bountiful;
            teach me your statutes. 
R.        Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted,
            that I may learn your statutes. 
R.        Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
The law of your mouth is to me more precious
            than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 
R.        Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
I know, O LORD, that your ordinances are just,
            and in your faithfulness you have afflicted me. 
R.        Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.
Let your kindness comfort me
            according to your promise to your servants. 
R.        Be kind to me, Lord, and I shall live.

Alleluia Jn 14:6

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus,
seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him.
He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said,
“Why does this generation seek a sign?
Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.”
Then he left them, got into the boat again,
and went off to the other shore.

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Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.