Daily Readings

Readings for the Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops Reading 1 2 Timothy 1:1-8 Paul, an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of Godfor the promise of life in Christ Jesus,to Timothy, my dear child:grace, mercy, and peace from God the Fatherand Christ Jesus our Lord.I am grateful to God,whom I worship with a clear conscience as my ancestors did,as I remember you constantly in my prayers, night and day.I yearn to see you again, recalling your tears,so that I may be filled with joy, as I recall your sincere faiththat first lived in your grandmother Loisand in your mother Euniceand that I am confident lives also in you.For this reason, I remind you to stir into flamethe gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands.For God did not give us a spirit of cowardicebut rather of power and love and self-control.So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord,nor of me, a prisoner for his sake;but bear your share of hardship for the Gospelwith the

Readings for the Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church Reading 1 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27 David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag.On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head.Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage.David asked him, “Where do you come from?”He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.”“Tell me what happened,” David bade him.He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan.David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise.They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the LORD of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.&l

Readings for the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children Reading 1 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7 When David and Saul approached(on David’s return after slaying the Philistine),women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul,singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums.The women played and sang:“Saul has slain his thousands,and David his ten thousands.”Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought:“They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me.All that remains for him is the kingship.”And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David.Saul discussed his intention of killing Davidwith his son Jonathan and with all his servants.But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him:“My father Saul is trying to kill you.Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning;get out of sight and remain in hiding.I, however, will go out and stand beside