Sunday Mass - August 23, 2026

Good morning and welcome to St. Good morning and welcome to St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite Michael's Cathedral Basilica. We invite you to sing in all the hymns and you to sing in all the hymns and you to sing in all the hymns and acclamations of the mass. The numbers acclamations of the mass. The numbers acclamations of the mass. The numbers are listed in the bulletin and can be are listed in the bulletin and can be are listed in the bulletin and can be found in the blue hymbooks in your pew. found in the blue hymbooks in your pew. found in the blue hymbooks in your pew. Please stand for the entrance hymn Please stand for the entrance hymn Please stand for the entrance hymn number 342. number 342. number 342. The church's one foundation. Three, The church's one foundation. Three, The church's one foundation. Three, four, two. The church's one [music and singing] The church's one [music and singing] foundation foundation foundation is Jesus [singing] Christ alone. [music] by [singing] water and the world.

by [singing] water and the world. [music] [music] [music] From heaven he came and [music] swer From heaven he came and [music] swer From heaven he came and [music] swer [singing] [singing] [singing] to be his holy bride. to be his holy bride. to be his holy bride. In his [singing and music] own blood he In his [singing and music] own blood he In his [singing and music] own blood he water water water and for [singing] her life he died. Elect [singing] Elect [singing] from every nation, from every nation, from every nation, [singing] yet one or [music] all the [singing] yet one or [music] all the [singing] yet one or [music] all the earth. [singing] earth. [singing] earth. [singing] The child [music] The child [music] The child [music] of salvation, of salvation, of salvation, [music] [music] [music] one thought, one faith, one birth, one thought, one faith, one birth, one thought, one faith, one birth, [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] one holy name she blesses. one holy name she blesses. one holy name she blesses. [music] [music] [music] takes one holy food takes one holy food takes one holy food and to [singing and music] one hope she and to [singing and music] one hope she and to [singing and music] one hope she presses presses presses with [music] every grace endured.

Oh, with [music and singing] Oh, with [music and singing] a scorn for wonder, a scorn for wonder, a scorn for wonder, men see us [music and singing] for a men see us [music and singing] for a men see us [music and singing] for a rest. rest. rest. My schisms [music] My schisms [music] My schisms [music] rent a sound. [singing] rent a sound. [singing] rent a sound. [singing] My heresies [music] My heresies [music] My heresies [music] distress. distress. distress. Yet [music and singing] saints their Yet [music and singing] saints their Yet [music and singing] saints their watch are keeping. watch are keeping. watch are keeping. Their cry goes [music] out along. Their cry goes [music] out along. Their cry goes [music] out along. [singing] And [music] soon the [singing] night of And [music] soon the [singing] night of weeping weeping weeping shall be the [music] morning [singing] shall be the [music] morning [singing] shall be the [music] morning [singing] of soul. Mid [music] Mid [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] and tribulation [music] [music] and tri and tri and tri of [singing] war. of [singing] war. of [singing] war. She awaits the [music] consation of [singing] peace for ever more.

of [singing] peace for ever more. Till [singing] with the [music] vision Till [singing] with the [music] vision Till [singing] with the [music] vision glorious, glorious, glorious, her longing [music] her longing [music] her longing [music] eyes are blessed. eyes are blessed. eyes are blessed. And the [music and singing] great church And the [music and singing] great church And the [music and singing] great church victorious victorious victorious shall be the church at rest. with [singing and music] God the three with [singing and music] God the three one one one and [music and singing] may seek sweet and [music and singing] may seek sweet and [music and singing] may seek sweet communion communion communion with those [singing and music] whose with those [singing and music] whose with those [singing and music] whose rest is one. rest is one. rest is one. Oh happy [music and singing] ones and Oh happy [music and singing] ones and Oh happy [music and singing] ones and holy. holy. holy. Lord give us grace [singing and music] Lord give us grace [singing and music] Lord give us grace [singing and music] that we that we that we like [singing] them the meek [music] and like [singing] them the meek [music] and like [singing] them the meek [music] and lowly lowly lowly on high [singing] on high [singing] on high [singing] dwell with [music] thee.

In the name of the Father and of the Son In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. >> The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and >> The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and >> The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the the love of God and the communion of the the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Holy Spirit be with you all. Holy Spirit be with you all. >> Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, >> Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, >> Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we celebrate the 21st Sunday in today we celebrate the 21st Sunday in today we celebrate the 21st Sunday in ordinary time. And our Lord is asking ordinary time. And our Lord is asking ordinary time. And our Lord is asking us, who do you say that I am? so that we us, who do you say that I am? so that we us, who do you say that I am? so that we may make a profession of faith and may make a profession of faith and may make a profession of faith and rededicate our lives to him to be true rededicate our lives to him to be true rededicate our lives to him to be true witnesses of our Lord. And so before we witnesses of our Lord. And so before we witnesses of our Lord. And so before we celebrate these sacred mysteries, let us celebrate these sacred mysteries, let us celebrate these sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins so that we may call to mind our sins so that we may call to mind our sins so that we may worthily receive them. I confess to Almighty God and to you my I confess to Almighty God and to you my brothers and sisters that I have greatly brothers and sisters that I have greatly brothers and sisters that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words sinned in my thoughts and in my words sinned in my thoughts and in my words and what I have done what I have failed and what I have done what I have failed and what I have done what I have failed to do through my fault through my fault to do through my fault through my fault to do through my fault through my fault through my most grievous fault. through my most grievous fault. through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I ask the blessed Mary, ever Therefore, I ask the blessed Mary, ever Therefore, I ask the blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and virgin, all the angels and saints, and virgin, all the angels and saints, and to you, my brothers and sisters, to pray to you, my brothers and sisters, to pray to you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. May almighty for me to the Lord our God. May almighty for me to the Lord our God. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our God have mercy on us, forgive us our God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.

sins, and bring us to everlasting life. sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] is is Kir. the song. song. [music] Glory to God in the highest Glory to God in the highest and on [music] earth peace. People and on [music] earth peace. People and on [music] earth peace. People [singing] of good will. [singing] of good will. [singing] of good will. We praise you. We bless you. We We praise you. We bless you. We We praise you. We bless you. We [singing] adore [singing] adore [singing] adore you.

you. you. We glorify We glorify We glorify you. you. you. We give you [singing] thanks [music] for We give you [singing] thanks [music] for We give you [singing] thanks [music] for your great glory. your great glory. your great glory. [singing] [singing] [singing] Lord God, heavenly king, Lord God, heavenly king, Lord God, heavenly king, [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] oh God, almighty oh God, almighty oh God, almighty father, father, father, glory to [singing] God in [music] the glory to [singing] God in [music] the glory to [singing] God in [music] the highest highest highest and on earth peace [music] to people of and on earth peace [music] to people of and on earth peace [music] to people of good will. good will. good will. Lord Jesus Christ, [singing] Lord Jesus Christ, [singing] Lord Jesus Christ, [singing] only begotten [music] only begotten [music] only begotten [music] son, son, son, Lord [singing] God, lamb of God, son of Lord [singing] God, lamb of God, son of Lord [singing] God, lamb of God, son of the father, the father, the father, you take away [singing and music] you take away [singing and music] you take away [singing and music] the sins of the world, have mercy on us, the sins of the world, have mercy on us, the sins of the world, have mercy on us, have mercy [singing] on us. You [music] have mercy [singing] on us. You [music] have mercy [singing] on us. You [music] take away the sins of the world. Receive take away the sins of the world. Receive take away the sins of the world. Receive [music] our prayer. Receive our prayer.

[music] our prayer. Receive our prayer. [music] our prayer. Receive our prayer. You are [singing] seated at the right You are [singing] seated at the right You are [singing] seated at the right hand of the father. hand of the father. hand of the father. Have mercy [singing] on us. Have mercy Have mercy [singing] on us. Have mercy Have mercy [singing] on us. Have mercy on [music] us. Glory to God in the on [music] us. Glory to God in the on [music] us. Glory to God in the highest highest highest and on earth peace to people of good and on earth peace to people of good and on earth peace to people of good will. For you alone are the holy For you alone are the holy [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] one. You alone are the Lord. [singing] one. You alone are the Lord. [singing] one. You alone are the Lord. [singing] You alone are the most high. You alone are the most high. You alone are the most high. [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. in the glory of God the Father. in the glory of God the Father. [singing] Glory to God [music] in the highest Glory to God [music] in the highest and on earth peace people of good and on earth peace people of good and on earth peace people of good [music] will.

[music] will. [music] will. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. [music] Amen. Oh God, who caused the minds of the Oh God, who caused the minds of the faithful to unite in a single purpose, faithful to unite in a single purpose, faithful to unite in a single purpose, grant your people to love what you grant your people to love what you grant your people to love what you command and to desire what you promise. command and to desire what you promise. command and to desire what you promise. That amid the uncertainties of this That amid the uncertainties of this That amid the uncertainties of this world, our hearts may be fixed on that world, our hearts may be fixed on that world, our hearts may be fixed on that place where true gladness is found. place where true gladness is found. place where true gladness is found. through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. and ever. and ever. >> Amen. A reading from the book of the prophet A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah. Isaiah. Thus says the Lord God of hosts, Thus says the Lord God of hosts, Thus says the Lord God of hosts, "Go to the steward to Shbna, "Go to the steward to Shbna, "Go to the steward to Shbna, who is master of the household, and say who is master of the household, and say who is master of the household, and say to him, to him, to him, I will thrust you from your office, and I will thrust you from your office, and I will thrust you from your office, and you will be pulled down from your post. you will be pulled down from your post. you will be pulled down from your post. On that day I will call my servant On that day I will call my servant On that day I will call my servant Ilioim, Ilioim, Ilioim, son of Hilkaya, son of Hilkaya, son of Hilkaya, and will clothe him with your robe and and will clothe him with your robe and and will clothe him with your robe and bind your sash on him. bind your sash on him. bind your sash on him. I will commit your authority to his hand I will commit your authority to his hand I will commit your authority to his hand and he shall be a father to the and he shall be a father to the and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. house of Judah. house of Judah. I will place on his shoulder the key of I will place on his shoulder the key of I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David.

the house of David. the house of David. He shall open and no one shall shut. He shall open and no one shall shut. He shall open and no one shall shut. He shall shut and no one shall open. He shall shut and no one shall open. He shall shut and no one shall open. I will fasten him like a peg in a secure I will fasten him like a peg in a secure I will fasten him like a peg in a secure place place place and he will become a throne of honor to and he will become a throne of honor to and he will become a throne of honor to the house of his ancestors. the house of his ancestors. the house of his ancestors. The word of the Lord. >> Your steadfast love, oh Lord, endures >> Your steadfast love, oh Lord, endures forever. Ever forever. Ever forever. Ever do not forsake the work of your hands.

do not forsake the work of your hands. do not forsake the work of your hands. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. forever. forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart. Before the angels, I sing your praise. Before the angels, I sing your praise. I bow down toward your holy temple and I bow down toward your holy temple and I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name. give thanks to your name. give thanks to your name. for your steadfast love and your for your steadfast love and your for your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. forever. forever. [singing] [singing] [singing] Do not forsake the work of your hands.

For you have called your name For you have called your name and your word above everything. and your word above everything. and your word above everything. On the day I called, you answered me. On the day I called, you answered me. On the day I called, you answered me. You increased my strength of soul. You increased my strength of soul. You increased my strength of soul. Your steadfast love, [singing] O Lord, Your steadfast love, [singing] O Lord, Your steadfast love, [singing] O Lord, endures forever, endures forever, endures forever, [singing] [singing] [singing] do not forsake the work of your hands. For though the Lord is high, he regards For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the hordy he perceives from far but the hordy he perceives from far away. away. away. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

forever. forever. [singing] [singing] [singing] Do not forsake Do not forsake Do not forsake the work of your hands. the work of your hands. the work of your hands. [music] A reading from the letter of St. Paul to A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Romans. the Romans. the Romans. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. and knowledge of God. and knowledge of God. How uncarchable are his judgments and How uncarchable are his judgments and How uncarchable are his judgments and how inscrable his ways. how inscrable his ways. how inscrable his ways. For who has known the mind of the Lord? For who has known the mind of the Lord? For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Or who has been his counselor? Or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him to Or who has given a gift to him to Or who has given a gift to him to receive a gift in return?

receive a gift in return? receive a gift in return? For from him and through him, and to him For from him and through him, and to him For from him and through him, and to him are all things. are all things. are all things. To him be the glory forever. To him be the glory forever. To him be the glory forever. Amen. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [music] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu. [singing] Hallelu.

You are Peter and on this rock I will You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church. build my church. build my church. The gates of Hades will not prevail The gates of Hades will not prevail The gates of Hades will not prevail against it. against it. against it. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. [music] [music] [music] Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelu. Hallelujah. >> The Lord be with you. >> The Lord be with you. >> A reading from the Holy Gospel according >> A reading from the Holy Gospel according >> A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew. When Jesus came into the district of When Jesus came into the district of Cesaria Philippi, he asked his Cesaria Philippi, he asked his Cesaria Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that the disciples, "Who do people say that the disciples, "Who do people say that the son of man is?" And they said, "Some say son of man is?" And they said, "Some say son of man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah and John the Baptist, but others Elijah and John the Baptist, but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the still others Jeremiah or one of the still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do prophets." He said to them, "But who do prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter you say that I am?" Simon Peter you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son answered, "You are the Christ, the Son answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered of the living God." And Jesus answered of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of him, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not Jonah, for flesh and blood has not Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father in revealed this to you, but my father in revealed this to you, but my father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and on this rock I will build my church, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail and the gates of Hades will not prevail and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of against it. I will give you the keys of against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, bind on earth will be bound in heaven, bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be and whatever you loose on earth will be and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then Jesus sternly

loosed in heaven." Then Jesus sternly loosed in heaven." Then Jesus sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone ordered the disciples not to tell anyone ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ. that he was the Christ. that he was the Christ. The Gospel of the Lord. The Gospel of the Lord. The Gospel of the Lord. >> Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ. Brothers and sisters in Christ, Brothers and sisters in Christ, very often in life, we make judgment very often in life, we make judgment very often in life, we make judgment calls about people, about things so that calls about people, about things so that calls about people, about things so that we can have a better idea how we should we can have a better idea how we should we can have a better idea how we should interact with those people with those interact with those people with those interact with those people with those things. It gives us a kind of framework things. It gives us a kind of framework things. It gives us a kind of framework of how our actions and our decision-m of how our actions and our decision-m of how our actions and our decision-m will be based on. And today Jesus is will be based on. And today Jesus is will be based on. And today Jesus is presenting us a question that cuts to presenting us a question that cuts to presenting us a question that cuts to almost the very depths of our existence almost the very depths of our existence almost the very depths of our existence of why we are here on this earth in the of why we are here on this earth in the of why we are here on this earth in the first place of how we are to structure first place of how we are to structure first place of how we are to structure our lives. It is the question who do you our lives. It is the question who do you our lives. It is the question who do you say that I am. And our Lord does not ask say that I am. And our Lord does not ask say that I am. And our Lord does not ask this question because he lacks knowledge this question because he lacks knowledge this question because he lacks knowledge of what is in our hearts. He asks this of what is in our hearts. He asks this of what is in our hearts. He asks this so that we may discover what is in our so that we may discover what is in our so that we may discover what is in our hearts. He asks it not for his sake but hearts. He asks it not for his sake but hearts. He asks it not for his sake but for ours. He asks it because our answer for ours. He asks it because our answer for ours. He asks it because our answer determines whether we will merely stand determines whether we will merely stand determines whether we will merely stand by him or truly belong to him. Whether by him or truly belong to him. Whether by him or truly belong to him. Whether we will just admire him from a distance we will just admire him from a distance we will just admire him from a distance or follow him to the way of the cross.

or follow him to the way of the cross. or follow him to the way of the cross. Whether we will speak about him as one Whether we will speak about him as one Whether we will speak about him as one speaks about a historical figure or we speaks about a historical figure or we speaks about a historical figure or we will kneel before him as the living son will kneel before him as the living son will kneel before him as the living son of God. And in today's gospel, our Lord of God. And in today's gospel, our Lord of God. And in today's gospel, our Lord first asks,"What do people say that I first asks,"What do people say that I first asks,"What do people say that I am?" And so the disciples begin to give am?" And so the disciples begin to give am?" And so the disciples begin to give him the answers they have heard. John him the answers they have heard. John him the answers they have heard. John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, some of the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, some of the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, some of the prophets, there are no shortage of the prophets, there are no shortage of the prophets, there are no shortage of opinions, and there never has been a opinions, and there never has been a opinions, and there never has been a shortage of opinions about who Jesus is. shortage of opinions about who Jesus is. shortage of opinions about who Jesus is. Even in his own lifetime, people tried Even in his own lifetime, people tried Even in his own lifetime, people tried to fit Jesus into many categories. a to fit Jesus into many categories. a to fit Jesus into many categories. a prophet, a teacher, miracle worker, prophet, a teacher, miracle worker, prophet, a teacher, miracle worker, political liberator, a holy man, and for political liberator, a holy man, and for political liberator, a holy man, and for others, a threat, a troublemaker, others, a threat, a troublemaker, others, a threat, a troublemaker, somebody to be removed from the scene. somebody to be removed from the scene. somebody to be removed from the scene. And 2,000 years later, the world is And 2,000 years later, the world is And 2,000 years later, the world is still answering this very first still answering this very first still answering this very first question. Who do people say that I am? question. Who do people say that I am? question. Who do people say that I am? And some say that he is a great moral And some say that he is a great moral And some say that he is a great moral teacher. Other admire him as a teacher. Other admire him as a teacher. Other admire him as a philosopher of compassion. Some simply philosopher of compassion. Some simply philosopher of compassion. Some simply think of him as a historical religious think of him as a historical religious think of him as a historical religious figure. Some invoke his name but reject figure. Some invoke his name but reject figure. Some invoke his name but reject his church. And some admire certain his church. And some admire certain his church. And some admire certain sayings while quietly setting aside sayings while quietly setting aside sayings while quietly setting aside other teachings that demand conversion.

other teachings that demand conversion. other teachings that demand conversion. But our Lord does not remain interested But our Lord does not remain interested But our Lord does not remain interested in what people have to say. So in the in what people have to say. So in the in what people have to say. So in the discussion with the disciples, he turns discussion with the disciples, he turns discussion with the disciples, he turns and then he presents the question. But and then he presents the question. But and then he presents the question. But who do you say that I am? Not what does who do you say that I am? Not what does who do you say that I am? Not what does your family say that I am? What does your family say that I am? What does your family say that I am? What does your culture say that I am? Not what your culture say that I am? Not what your culture say that I am? Not what does the priest say that I am? What does does the priest say that I am? What does does the priest say that I am? What does the catechism say? What do you say that the catechism say? What do you say that the catechism say? What do you say that I am? And all of the answers, the I am? And all of the answers, the I am? And all of the answers, the teachings of the church, they matter teachings of the church, they matter teachings of the church, they matter profoundly. It is the faith that is profoundly. It is the faith that is profoundly. It is the faith that is handed down to us. But each and every handed down to us. But each and every handed down to us. But each and every one of us has to make an answer one of us has to make an answer one of us has to make an answer ourselves to this question because that ourselves to this question because that ourselves to this question because that determines how we live our life. That determines how we live our life. That determines how we live our life. That determines how life gets shaped and what determines how life gets shaped and what determines how life gets shaped and what is the guiding principle to all of our is the guiding principle to all of our is the guiding principle to all of our actions. actions. actions. Simon Peter answers, "You are the Simon Peter answers, "You are the Simon Peter answers, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God." And Christ, the son of the living God." And Christ, the son of the living God." And so this is not merely a correct answer so this is not merely a correct answer so this is not merely a correct answer on some religious examination. It is a on some religious examination. It is a on some religious examination. It is a confession of faith. You are the Christ. confession of faith. You are the Christ. confession of faith. You are the Christ. You are the Messiah. You are the one who You are the Messiah. You are the one who You are the Messiah. You are the one who has promised from the beginning, not has promised from the beginning, not has promised from the beginning, not simply another messenger of God. You are simply another messenger of God. You are simply another messenger of God. You are the son of the living God. And so our the son of the living God. And so our the son of the living God. And so our Lord responds, "Blessed are you, Simon, Lord responds, "Blessed are you, Simon, Lord responds, "Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has son of Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father not revealed this to you, but my father not revealed this to you, but my father in heaven."

in heaven." in heaven." And so Peter has seen something that And so Peter has seen something that And so Peter has seen something that human intelligence by itself could never human intelligence by itself could never human intelligence by itself could never fully discover. His confession is itself fully discover. His confession is itself fully discover. His confession is itself a grace. Faith is not merely the a grace. Faith is not merely the a grace. Faith is not merely the conclusion of some intellectual mental conclusion of some intellectual mental conclusion of some intellectual mental argument that we have with ourselves. argument that we have with ourselves. argument that we have with ourselves. Faith is a light given by God, enabling Faith is a light given by God, enabling Faith is a light given by God, enabling us to recognize the one who is in front us to recognize the one who is in front us to recognize the one who is in front of us. And then something extraordinary of us. And then something extraordinary of us. And then something extraordinary happens. Jesus says, "You are Peter and happens. Jesus says, "You are Peter and happens. Jesus says, "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church. I on this rock I will build my church. I on this rock I will build my church. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of will give you the keys of the kingdom of will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven." And the first reading gives us heaven." And the first reading gives us heaven." And the first reading gives us a little bit of a glimpse into the a little bit of a glimpse into the a little bit of a glimpse into the meaning and importance of this handing meaning and importance of this handing meaning and importance of this handing on of keys. Because in Isaiah, Eliakim on of keys. Because in Isaiah, Eliakim on of keys. Because in Isaiah, Eliakim is given authority over the household of is given authority over the household of is given authority over the household of David. And the key of the house of David David. And the key of the house of David David. And the key of the house of David is placed upon his shoulders. And so the is placed upon his shoulders. And so the is placed upon his shoulders. And so the key is a symbol of an office, the symbol key is a symbol of an office, the symbol key is a symbol of an office, the symbol of authority entrusted by the king. And of authority entrusted by the king. And of authority entrusted by the king. And so when Christ, the true king of Israel, so when Christ, the true king of Israel, so when Christ, the true king of Israel, gives Peter the keys of the kingdom, he gives Peter the keys of the kingdom, he gives Peter the keys of the kingdom, he is not giving him some decorative honor, is not giving him some decorative honor, is not giving him some decorative honor, some honorific title, he is establishing some honorific title, he is establishing some honorific title, he is establishing an office in his household, and that is an office in his household, and that is an office in his household, and that is the church. Peter is to serve beneath the church. Peter is to serve beneath the church. Peter is to serve beneath the authority of Christ. Peter is not the authority of Christ. Peter is not the authority of Christ. Peter is not the king. Christ is the king. Peter the king. Christ is the king. Peter the king. Christ is the king. Peter receives the king keys from the king.

receives the king keys from the king. receives the king keys from the king. And from this gospel, we see something And from this gospel, we see something And from this gospel, we see something essential about the Catholic faith. essential about the Catholic faith. essential about the Catholic faith. Christ did not come merely to leave Christ did not come merely to leave Christ did not come merely to leave behind teachings written on pieces of behind teachings written on pieces of behind teachings written on pieces of paper. He established a visible church. paper. He established a visible church. paper. He established a visible church. He chose apostles. He entrusted He chose apostles. He entrusted He chose apostles. He entrusted authority. And among the apostles, he authority. And among the apostles, he authority. And among the apostles, he gave Peter a particular responsibility gave Peter a particular responsibility gave Peter a particular responsibility for the unity of the faith and the for the unity of the faith and the for the unity of the faith and the church. But before Peter can receive the church. But before Peter can receive the church. But before Peter can receive the keys, he must first answer the question, keys, he must first answer the question, keys, he must first answer the question, who do you say that I am? And the who do you say that I am? And the who do you say that I am? And the authority of Peter rests upon the authority of Peter rests upon the authority of Peter rests upon the confession of Christ. The church herself confession of Christ. The church herself confession of Christ. The church herself exists to make that same confession exists to make that same confession exists to make that same confession through the centuries. Our churches, through the centuries. Our churches, through the centuries. Our churches, institutions, traditions, schools, institutions, traditions, schools, institutions, traditions, schools, charitable works, the theology we teach. charitable works, the theology we teach. charitable works, the theology we teach. Everything is based on the central Everything is based on the central Everything is based on the central reality of who Jesus Christ is and who reality of who Jesus Christ is and who reality of who Jesus Christ is and who he says he is. And so today, the he says he is. And so today, the he says he is. And so today, the question gets presented to us. Who do question gets presented to us. Who do question gets presented to us. Who do you say that I am? And it is possible to you say that I am? And it is possible to you say that I am? And it is possible to as a Catholic to go through life without as a Catholic to go through life without as a Catholic to go through life without really having answered this, without really having answered this, without really having answered this, without really grappling with this.

really grappling with this. really grappling with this. Because there is a difference between Because there is a difference between Because there is a difference between knowing about Christ and knowing Christ. knowing about Christ and knowing Christ. knowing about Christ and knowing Christ. There's a difference between believing There's a difference between believing There's a difference between believing that Christ exists and surrendering that Christ exists and surrendering that Christ exists and surrendering ourselves to him as Lord. There's a ourselves to him as Lord. There's a ourselves to him as Lord. There's a difference between saying Jesus is the difference between saying Jesus is the difference between saying Jesus is the son of God and living as though Jesus son of God and living as though Jesus son of God and living as though Jesus truly is the son of God. Because if truly is the son of God. Because if truly is the son of God. Because if Jesus is truly who Peter says he is, Jesus is truly who Peter says he is, Jesus is truly who Peter says he is, then nothing can remain the same. If then nothing can remain the same. If then nothing can remain the same. If Jesus is merely a teacher, we may listen Jesus is merely a teacher, we may listen Jesus is merely a teacher, we may listen to him when his teaching seems useful. to him when his teaching seems useful. to him when his teaching seems useful. If he is just a philosopher, we can If he is just a philosopher, we can If he is just a philosopher, we can agree sometimes. We can disagree agree sometimes. We can disagree agree sometimes. We can disagree sometimes and debate him on different sometimes and debate him on different sometimes and debate him on different matters. If he is merely a religious matters. If he is merely a religious matters. If he is merely a religious figure among many, then we can keep him figure among many, then we can keep him figure among many, then we can keep him in one little compartment and engage in one little compartment and engage in one little compartment and engage with him when it is convenient and we with him when it is convenient and we with him when it is convenient and we have some benefit from it. But if he is have some benefit from it. But if he is have some benefit from it. But if he is the Christ, son of the living God, then the Christ, son of the living God, then the Christ, son of the living God, then he cannot simply occupy one part of our he cannot simply occupy one part of our he cannot simply occupy one part of our lives. He must be Lord of all. Lord of lives. He must be Lord of all. Lord of lives. He must be Lord of all. Lord of our minds, our bodies, relationships, our minds, our bodies, relationships, our minds, our bodies, relationships, families, ambitions, our sufferings.

families, ambitions, our sufferings. families, ambitions, our sufferings. Lord of even those places in our heart Lord of even those places in our heart Lord of even those places in our heart which we would rather keep locked away which we would rather keep locked away which we would rather keep locked away from him forever. And that is why this from him forever. And that is why this from him forever. And that is why this question, who do you say that I am? Is question, who do you say that I am? Is question, who do you say that I am? Is so demanding. It touches eventually so demanding. It touches eventually so demanding. It touches eventually every aspect of our being. We answer it every aspect of our being. We answer it every aspect of our being. We answer it every time we choose between Christ and every time we choose between Christ and every time we choose between Christ and sin. We answer it every time his sin. We answer it every time his sin. We answer it every time his teaching collides with the spirit of the teaching collides with the spirit of the teaching collides with the spirit of the age. We answer it when forgiveness is age. We answer it when forgiveness is age. We answer it when forgiveness is difficult. When purity requires difficult. When purity requires difficult. When purity requires sacrifice, when honesty costs us sacrifice, when honesty costs us sacrifice, when honesty costs us something and when obedience is something and when obedience is something and when obedience is inconvenient. inconvenient. inconvenient. We answer it when suffering makes God We answer it when suffering makes God We answer it when suffering makes God seem distant and when prayer feels dry. seem distant and when prayer feels dry. seem distant and when prayer feels dry. So every Christian life is eventually an So every Christian life is eventually an So every Christian life is eventually an answer to that question for better or answer to that question for better or answer to that question for better or worse. And St. Peter gives the right worse. And St. Peter gives the right worse. And St. Peter gives the right answer in today's gospel. But we also answer in today's gospel. But we also answer in today's gospel. But we also know that Peter did not understand the know that Peter did not understand the know that Peter did not understand the full weight of his own words. Shortly full weight of his own words. Shortly full weight of his own words. Shortly after this passage, Jesus will speak after this passage, Jesus will speak after this passage, Jesus will speak about his own passion and death and about his own passion and death and about his own passion and death and Peter will resist outright reject this Peter will resist outright reject this Peter will resist outright reject this want to oppose him. So Peter can confess want to oppose him. So Peter can confess want to oppose him. So Peter can confess Christ with his lips. He can fully Christ with his lips. He can fully Christ with his lips. He can fully accept on essentially surface matter the accept on essentially surface matter the accept on essentially surface matter the mystery of the cross. But then when it mystery of the cross. But then when it mystery of the cross. But then when it comes to the reality, it's a different comes to the reality, it's a different comes to the reality, it's a different story. And perhaps we can be not so story. And perhaps we can be not so story. And perhaps we can be not so different from this. We are willing to different from this. We are willing to different from this. We are willing to say, you are the Christ so long as my say, you are the Christ so long as my say, you are the Christ so long as my path still goes where I wish it to go.

path still goes where I wish it to go. path still goes where I wish it to go. And then what happens when Christ leads And then what happens when Christ leads And then what happens when Christ leads us to a different path? What happens us to a different path? What happens us to a different path? What happens when disciplehip means carrying a cross? when disciplehip means carrying a cross? when disciplehip means carrying a cross? When prayer is not followed immediately When prayer is not followed immediately When prayer is not followed immediately with consolation. When we experience with consolation. When we experience with consolation. When we experience illness, disappointment, betrayal, illness, disappointment, betrayal, illness, disappointment, betrayal, loneliness, grief, then who do we say loneliness, grief, then who do we say loneliness, grief, then who do we say that Jesus is? that Jesus is? that Jesus is? Faith does not mean that every question Faith does not mean that every question Faith does not mean that every question disappears in our life. But faith means disappears in our life. But faith means disappears in our life. But faith means that beneath every question there that beneath every question there that beneath every question there remains a certainty that Christ is Lord. remains a certainty that Christ is Lord. remains a certainty that Christ is Lord. And St. Paul is touching on this in the And St. Paul is touching on this in the And St. Paul is touching on this in the second reading. He does not pretend to second reading. He does not pretend to second reading. He does not pretend to understand everything. He does not understand everything. He does not understand everything. He does not reduce God to some kind of a theoretical reduce God to some kind of a theoretical reduce God to some kind of a theoretical concept, a mathematical equation that he concept, a mathematical equation that he concept, a mathematical equation that he can grasp. He falls into adoration and can grasp. He falls into adoration and can grasp. He falls into adoration and says, "For from him and through him and says, "For from him and through him and says, "For from him and through him and to him are all things." And so there to him are all things." And so there to him are all things." And so there comes a point when our faith must pass comes a point when our faith must pass comes a point when our faith must pass from explanation into worship. from explanation into worship. from explanation into worship. And so we see this in the history of the And so we see this in the history of the And so we see this in the history of the church. The saints answered that church. The saints answered that church. The saints answered that question with their entire lives. question with their entire lives. question with their entire lives. Martyrs answered it with their blood.

Martyrs answered it with their blood. Martyrs answered it with their blood. The missionaries answered it by leaving The missionaries answered it by leaving The missionaries answered it by leaving their homes. In today's age, mothers and their homes. In today's age, mothers and their homes. In today's age, mothers and fathers answer it in the hidden fathers answer it in the hidden fathers answer it in the hidden sacrifices to their children. The sacrifices to their children. The sacrifices to their children. The elderly answer it with faithful elderly answer it with faithful elderly answer it with faithful perseverance. The suffering answered by perseverance. The suffering answered by perseverance. The suffering answered by uniting their pain to the cross. And the uniting their pain to the cross. And the uniting their pain to the cross. And the sinner answers it by entering the sinner answers it by entering the sinner answers it by entering the confessional and saying, "Lord, have confessional and saying, "Lord, have confessional and saying, "Lord, have mercy on me." mercy on me." mercy on me." And so every saint is simply a human And so every saint is simply a human And so every saint is simply a human life that is gradually being transformed life that is gradually being transformed life that is gradually being transformed by the answer that one makes to that by the answer that one makes to that by the answer that one makes to that question. Who do you say that I am? And question. Who do you say that I am? And question. Who do you say that I am? And so Christ is not asking us this question so Christ is not asking us this question so Christ is not asking us this question because he needs some information. He because he needs some information. He because he needs some information. He knows who he is. He asks us because we knows who he is. He asks us because we knows who he is. He asks us because we need to know who he is. And once we know need to know who he is. And once we know need to know who he is. And once we know who he is, we start to begin to who he is, we start to begin to who he is, we start to begin to understand who we are. Peter discovers understand who we are. Peter discovers understand who we are. Peter discovers his own identity after confessing his own identity after confessing his own identity after confessing Christ. You are the Christ. And then Christ. You are the Christ. And then Christ. You are the Christ. And then Christ responds to him, you are Peter. Christ responds to him, you are Peter. Christ responds to him, you are Peter. And this is a profound mystery in our And this is a profound mystery in our And this is a profound mystery in our faith that in the world we hear that we faith that in the world we hear that we faith that in the world we hear that we have to keep looking deeper into have to keep looking deeper into have to keep looking deeper into ourselves to discover who we are. But we ourselves to discover who we are. But we ourselves to discover who we are. But we see in the gospel that first we have to see in the gospel that first we have to see in the gospel that first we have to gaze upon Christ. Because when we look gaze upon Christ. Because when we look gaze upon Christ. Because when we look at the light of the creator, we start at the light of the creator, we start at the light of the creator, we start understanding the creature. And so only understanding the creature. And so only understanding the creature. And so only in the light of Christ do we understand in the light of Christ do we understand in the light of Christ do we understand our dignity, our purpose, our our dignity, our purpose, our our dignity, our purpose, our fulfillment, our path in life. Why are fulfillment, our path in life. Why are fulfillment, our path in life. Why are we here in the first place? And so, we here in the first place? And so, we here in the first place? And so, brothers and sisters, eventually brothers and sisters, eventually brothers and sisters, eventually everything falls away. Titles disappear.

everything falls away. Titles disappear. everything falls away. Titles disappear. Possessions pass into other hands. Our Possessions pass into other hands. Our Possessions pass into other hands. Our strength begins to fade. Human praise is strength begins to fade. Human praise is strength begins to fade. Human praise is forgotten. And even the world that we forgotten. And even the world that we forgotten. And even the world that we know will pass away. But what will know will pass away. But what will know will pass away. But what will remain is the one who has asked the remain is the one who has asked the remain is the one who has asked the question, "Who do you say that I am?" So question, "Who do you say that I am?" So question, "Who do you say that I am?" So may our answer not merely be words may our answer not merely be words may our answer not merely be words spoken today, but it may become how we spoken today, but it may become how we spoken today, but it may become how we shape our lives. May we answer with shape our lives. May we answer with shape our lives. May we answer with Peter, you are the Christ, the son of Peter, you are the Christ, the son of Peter, you are the Christ, the son of the living God. And when our earthly the living God. And when our earthly the living God. And when our earthly pilgrimage is finished, may the faith we pilgrimage is finished, may the faith we pilgrimage is finished, may the faith we have professed with our lips and the have professed with our lips and the have professed with our lips and the lives that we have lived, enacted, lives that we have lived, enacted, lives that we have lived, enacted, incarnated this profession of faith may incarnated this profession of faith may incarnated this profession of faith may be worthy of true witnesses of our Lord be worthy of true witnesses of our Lord be worthy of true witnesses of our Lord and so that we will one day enter into and so that we will one day enter into and so that we will one day enter into the glories of the heavenly kingdom. the glories of the heavenly kingdom. the glories of the heavenly kingdom. Amen.

I believe in one God, the Father I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I all things visible and invisible. I all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the only begotten Son of God, born of the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, Father before all ages, God from God, Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God from true light from light, true God from true light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, conssubstantial God, begotten not made, conssubstantial God, begotten not made, conssubstantial with the Father. Through him all things with the Father. Through him all things with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our were made. For us men and for our were made. For us men and for our salvation, he came down from heaven and salvation, he came down from heaven and salvation, he came down from heaven and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man. For our Virgin Mary and became man. For our Virgin Mary and became man. For our sake, he was crucified under Pontious sake, he was crucified under Pontious sake, he was crucified under Pontious Pilot. He suffered death and was buried Pilot. He suffered death and was buried Pilot. He suffered death and was buried and rose again on the third day in and rose again on the third day in and rose again on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. He accordance with the scriptures. He accordance with the scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at ascended into heaven and is seated at ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the father. He will the right hand of the father. He will the right hand of the father. He will come again in glory to judge the living come again in glory to judge the living come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have and the dead and his kingdom will have and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who the Lord, the giver of life, who the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, proceeds from the Father and the Son, proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is who with the Father and the Son is who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken adored and glorified, who has spoken adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one through the prophets. I believe in one through the prophets. I believe in one holy, Catholic, and apostolic church. I holy, Catholic, and apostolic church. I holy, Catholic, and apostolic church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness confess one baptism for the forgiveness confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. And I look forward to the of sins. And I look forward to the of sins. And I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of resurrection of the dead and the life of resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

the world to come. Amen. the world to come. Amen. We have all gathered here, dear brothers We have all gathered here, dear brothers We have all gathered here, dear brothers and sisters, to celebrate the mysteries and sisters, to celebrate the mysteries and sisters, to celebrate the mysteries of our redemption. Let us therefore ask of our redemption. Let us therefore ask of our redemption. Let us therefore ask Almighty God that the whole world may be Almighty God that the whole world may be Almighty God that the whole world may be watered from these springs of all watered from these springs of all watered from these springs of all blessing and life. blessing and life. blessing and life. >> For our holy father, successor to St. >> For our holy father, successor to St. >> For our holy father, successor to St. Peter and keeper of the keys of the Peter and keeper of the keys of the Peter and keeper of the keys of the kingdom that his faith and the inner kingdom that his faith and the inner kingdom that his faith and the inner support of the heavenly father may be support of the heavenly father may be support of the heavenly father may be his strength. We pray to the lord. Lord his strength. We pray to the lord. Lord his strength. We pray to the lord. Lord here our pray here our pray here our pray >> for the powerful that the depths of the >> for the powerful that the depths of the >> for the powerful that the depths of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of riches and the wisdom and knowledge of riches and the wisdom and knowledge of God may influence and judge their God may influence and judge their God may influence and judge their thoughts moving them to decisions based thoughts moving them to decisions based thoughts moving them to decisions based on justice and respect for life. We pray on justice and respect for life. We pray on justice and respect for life. We pray to the Lord. Lord our pray to the Lord. Lord our pray to the Lord. Lord our pray >> for the weak and the lonely, >> for the weak and the lonely, >> for the weak and the lonely, those who are sick or impoverished and those who are sick or impoverished and those who are sick or impoverished and lacking in resources, lacking in resources, lacking in resources, especially Alina, that through our especially Alina, that through our especially Alina, that through our calling upon the Lord for them, he may calling upon the Lord for them, he may calling upon the Lord for them, he may build up their strength.

build up their strength. build up their strength. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. We pray to the Lord. here here here >> for our faithful departed ones, >> for our faithful departed ones, >> for our faithful departed ones, especially especially especially Adonis Guaca and Jude Patrick Jason Adonis Guaca and Jude Patrick Jason Adonis Guaca and Jude Patrick Jason McGimny and Marie Duza McGimny and Marie Duza McGimny and Marie Duza that they may be quickly purified to that they may be quickly purified to that they may be quickly purified to sing the praises of the Lord in the sing the praises of the Lord in the sing the praises of the Lord in the presence of the angels. We pray to the presence of the angels. We pray to the presence of the angels. We pray to the Lord. Lord here our pray. >> May your mercy we beseech you, O Lord, >> May your mercy we beseech you, O Lord, be with your people who cry to you so be with your people who cry to you so be with your people who cry to you so that what they seek at your prompting that what they seek at your prompting that what they seek at your prompting they may obtain by your ready they may obtain by your ready they may obtain by your ready generosity. Through Christ our Lord. generosity. Through Christ our Lord. generosity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. The offer tree hymn is number 395. The offer tree hymn is number 395. Oh word of God incarnate 395.

Oh word [singing and music] Oh word [singing and music] of God incarnate. of God incarnate. of God incarnate. Oh [singing] wisdom from on high. Oh [singing] wisdom from on high. Oh [singing] wisdom from on high. Oh truth [singing] Oh truth [singing] Oh truth [singing] unchanged [music] unchanged [music] unchanged [music] unchanging. unchanging. unchanging. Oh light of our [singing] Oh light of our [singing] Oh light of our [singing] dark sky. dark sky. dark sky. We [music] praise thee for the radiance We [music] praise thee for the radiance We [music] praise thee for the radiance [singing] [singing] [singing] that from the hallot [music] page that from the hallot [music] page that from the hallot [music] page a lantern [singing] a lantern [singing] a lantern [singing] to our to our to our steps shines on from age [music] to age. The [singing] church from her de master The [singing] church from her de master [music] [music] [music] received the [singing] received the [singing] received the [singing] gift de. gift de. gift de. And still [singing] that light [music] And still [singing] that light [music] And still [singing] that light [music] she liftth she liftth she liftth for all the earth to shine.

for all the earth to shine. for all the earth to shine. [music] [music] [music] It [singing] is the golden casket It [singing] is the golden casket It [singing] is the golden casket [music] [music] [music] where gems of [singing] truth the stone. where gems of [singing] truth the stone. where gems of [singing] truth the stone. [music] [music] [music] It is the heaven drawn picture It is the heaven drawn picture It is the heaven drawn picture of [singing] Christ the living [music] of [singing] Christ the living [music] of [singing] Christ the living [music] world. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> It flowth [music] >> It flowth [music] >> It flowth [music] like a banner like a banner like a banner be [music and singing] be [music and singing] be [music and singing] God's all sunfilled. God's all sunfilled. God's all sunfilled. It shineth [singing and music] like a It shineth [singing and music] like a It shineth [singing and music] like a beacon beacon beacon above the [singing] darkling world. above the [singing] darkling world. above the [singing] darkling world. It is [singing and music] the chart and It is [singing and music] the chart and It is [singing and music] the chart and compass compass compass that all life surging that all life surging that all life surging [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] sea sea sea mid mists and rocks and quick [music] mid mists and rocks and quick [music] mid mists and rocks and quick [music] sands still guides all [singing] Christ sands still guides all [singing] Christ sands still guides all [singing] Christ to thee.

Oh, [singing] make thy [music] church de Oh, [singing] make thy [music] church de Savior, Savior, Savior, a lamp of pureest a lamp of pureest a lamp of pureest gold gold gold [music] to bear before the [singing] [music] to bear before the [singing] [music] to bear before the [singing] nations nations nations [music] thy true light has of old. [music] thy true light has of old. [music] thy true light has of old. Oh, [singing] teach [music] thy Oh, [singing] teach [music] thy Oh, [singing] teach [music] thy wondering pilgrims wondering pilgrims wondering pilgrims by this their path to by this their path to by this their path to [music and singing] trace. [music and singing] trace. [music and singing] trace. Till clouds and darkness Till clouds and darkness Till clouds and darkness [music and singing] [music and singing] [music and singing] ended ended ended they see [music] the face to face. Pray brothers and sisters that my Pray brothers and sisters that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the almighty father.

gain for yourself a people by adoption gain for yourself a people by adoption through the one sacrifice offered once through the one sacrifice offered once through the one sacrifice offered once for all. Bestow graciously on us we pray for all. Bestow graciously on us we pray for all. Bestow graciously on us we pray the gifts of unity and peace in your the gifts of unity and peace in your the gifts of unity and peace in your church through Christ our Lord. church through Christ our Lord. church through Christ our Lord. >> Amen. >> The Lord be with you. >> The Lord be with you. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Lift up your hearts. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. >> Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right and It is right and It is right and >> it is truly right and just our duty and >> it is truly right and just our duty and >> it is truly right and just our duty and our salvation always and everywhere to our salvation always and everywhere to our salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and eternal God, through Christ Almighty and eternal God, through Christ Almighty and eternal God, through Christ our Lord. For out of compassion for the our Lord. For out of compassion for the our Lord. For out of compassion for the waywardness that is ours, he humbled waywardness that is ours, he humbled waywardness that is ours, he humbled himself and was born of the Virgin. By himself and was born of the Virgin. By himself and was born of the Virgin. By the passion of the cross, he freed us the passion of the cross, he freed us the passion of the cross, he freed us from unending death. And by rising from from unending death. And by rising from from unending death. And by rising from the dead, he gave us life eternal. And the dead, he gave us life eternal. And the dead, he gave us life eternal. And so with angels and archangels, with so with angels and archangels, with so with angels and archangels, with thrones and dominions, and with all the thrones and dominions, and with all the thrones and dominions, and with all the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hosts and powers of heaven, we sing the hymn of your glory, as without end we hymn of your glory, as without end we hymn of your glory, as without end we acclaim, holy, [music] holy, [music] [singing] holy, holy Lord God of host [singing] holy, holy Lord God of host [singing] holy, holy Lord God of host >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> Heaven and earth [music] >> Heaven and earth [music] >> Heaven and earth [music] are full of your glory.

are full of your glory. are full of your glory. Hosana Hosana Hosana in the [singing and music] in the [singing and music] in the [singing and music] highest. highest. highest. Blessed is he who comes in [singing] the Blessed is he who comes in [singing] the Blessed is he who comes in [singing] the name of the Lord. [music] Hosana Hosana in the highest. [singing] in the highest. [singing] in the highest. [singing] [music] You are indeed holy, O Lord, and all you You are indeed holy, O Lord, and all you have created rightly gives you praise. have created rightly gives you praise. have created rightly gives you praise. For through your son, our Lord Jesus For through your son, our Lord Jesus For through your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power and working of the Christ, by the power and working of the Christ, by the power and working of the Holy Spirit, you give life to all things Holy Spirit, you give life to all things Holy Spirit, you give life to all things and make them holy. And you never cease and make them holy. And you never cease and make them holy. And you never cease to gather a people to yourself. so that to gather a people to yourself. so that to gather a people to yourself. so that from the rising of the sun to its from the rising of the sun to its from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered setting, a pure sacrifice may be offered to your name. Therefore, O Lord, we to your name. Therefore, O Lord, we to your name. Therefore, O Lord, we humbly implore you by the same Spirit, humbly implore you by the same Spirit, humbly implore you by the same Spirit, graciously make holy these gifts we have graciously make holy these gifts we have graciously make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that brought to you for consecration, that brought to you for consecration, that they may become the body and blood of they may become the body and blood of they may become the body and blood of your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at your son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at whose command we celebrate these whose command we celebrate these whose command we celebrate these mysteries.

mysteries. mysteries. For on the night he was betrayed, he For on the night he was betrayed, he For on the night he was betrayed, he himself took bread and giving you himself took bread and giving you himself took bread and giving you thanks, he said the blessing, broke the thanks, he said the blessing, broke the thanks, he said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to his disciples, bread and gave it to his disciples, bread and gave it to his disciples, saying, saying, saying, "Take this all of you and eat of it, for "Take this all of you and eat of it, for "Take this all of you and eat of it, for this is my body which will be given up this is my body which will be given up this is my body which will be given up for you. In a similar way, when supper was ended, In a similar way, when supper was ended, he took the chalice, and giving you he took the chalice, and giving you he took the chalice, and giving you thanks, he said the blessing and gave thanks, he said the blessing and gave thanks, he said the blessing and gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, the chalice to his disciples, saying, the chalice to his disciples, saying, "Take this, all of you, and drink from "Take this, all of you, and drink from "Take this, all of you, and drink from it. For this is the chalice of my blood, it. For this is the chalice of my blood, it. For this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal the blood of the new and eternal the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for covenant, which will be poured out for covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of you and for many, for the forgiveness of you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.

Save [music] Save [music] us, Savior [singing] of the world. us, Savior [singing] of the world. us, Savior [singing] of the world. For by your cross [music] and For by your cross [music] and For by your cross [music] and resurrection, Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the Therefore, O Lord, as we celebrate the memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your memorial of the saving passion of your son, his wondrous resurrection and son, his wondrous resurrection and son, his wondrous resurrection and ascension into heaven, and as we look ascension into heaven, and as we look ascension into heaven, and as we look forward to his second coming, we offer forward to his second coming, we offer forward to his second coming, we offer you in thanksgiving this holy and living you in thanksgiving this holy and living you in thanksgiving this holy and living sacrifice. sacrifice. sacrifice. Look, we pray upon the oblation of your Look, we pray upon the oblation of your Look, we pray upon the oblation of your church and recognizing the sacrificial church and recognizing the sacrificial church and recognizing the sacrificial victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to victim by whose death you will to reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we reconcile us to yourself. Grant that we who are nourished by the body and blood who are nourished by the body and blood who are nourished by the body and blood of your son and filled with his holy of your son and filled with his holy of your son and filled with his holy spirit may become one body, one spirit spirit may become one body, one spirit spirit may become one body, one spirit in Christ. May he make of us an eternal in Christ. May he make of us an eternal in Christ. May he make of us an eternal offering to you, so that we may obtain offering to you, so that we may obtain offering to you, so that we may obtain an inheritance with your elect, an inheritance with your elect, an inheritance with your elect, especially with the most blessed Virgin especially with the most blessed Virgin especially with the most blessed Virgin Mary, mother of God, with blessed Mary, mother of God, with blessed Mary, mother of God, with blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed apostles and glorious martyrs, and with apostles and glorious martyrs, and with apostles and glorious martyrs, and with all the saints, on whose constant all the saints, on whose constant all the saints, on whose constant intercession in your presence we rely intercession in your presence we rely intercession in your presence we rely for unfailing help.

May the sacrifice of our reconciliation, May the sacrifice of our reconciliation, we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and we pray, O Lord, advance the peace and salvation of all the world. Be pleased salvation of all the world. Be pleased salvation of all the world. Be pleased to confirm in faith and charity your to confirm in faith and charity your to confirm in faith and charity your pilgrim church on earth with your pilgrim church on earth with your pilgrim church on earth with your servant Leo our pope and Francis our servant Leo our pope and Francis our servant Leo our pope and Francis our bishop, the order of bishops, all the bishop, the order of bishops, all the bishop, the order of bishops, all the clergy, and the entire people you have clergy, and the entire people you have clergy, and the entire people you have gained for your own. Listen graciously gained for your own. Listen graciously gained for your own. Listen graciously to the prayers of this family whom you to the prayers of this family whom you to the prayers of this family whom you have summoned before you. In your have summoned before you. In your have summoned before you. In your compassion, oh merciful father, gather compassion, oh merciful father, gather compassion, oh merciful father, gather to yourself all your children scattered to yourself all your children scattered to yourself all your children scattered throughout the world. To our departed throughout the world. To our departed throughout the world. To our departed brothers and sisters and to all who were brothers and sisters and to all who were brothers and sisters and to all who were pleasing to you at their passing from pleasing to you at their passing from pleasing to you at their passing from this life, give kind admittance to your this life, give kind admittance to your this life, give kind admittance to your kingdom. There we hope to enjoy forever kingdom. There we hope to enjoy forever kingdom. There we hope to enjoy forever the fullness of your glory. through the fullness of your glory. through the fullness of your glory. through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good. Through him and with him and in Through him and with him and in [singing] him, [singing] him, [singing] him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of O God, almighty Father, in the unity of O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours all glory and honor is yours forever forever forever and ever.

[music] [music] Amen. At the Savior's command and formed by At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say, Our divine teaching, we dare to say, Our divine teaching, we dare to say, Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from into temptation, but deliver us from evil. evil. evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil. Graciously grant peace in our evil. Graciously grant peace in our evil. Graciously grant peace in our days, that by the help of your mercy, we days, that by the help of your mercy, we days, that by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe may be always free from sin and safe may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the from all distress, as we await the from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our blessed hope and the coming of our blessed hope and the coming of our savior, Jesus Christ.

savior, Jesus Christ. savior, Jesus Christ. power. >> Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your >> Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, "Peace I leave you, my peace I apostles, "Peace I leave you, my peace I apostles, "Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on give you. Look not on our sins, but on give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your church, and graciously the faith of your church, and graciously the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance grant her peace and unity in accordance grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will. Who live and reign with your will. Who live and reign with your will. Who live and reign forever and ever. Amen. forever and ever. Amen. forever and ever. Amen. >> The peace of the Lord be with you >> The peace of the Lord be with you >> The peace of the Lord be with you always. Your spirit." Let us offer each always. Your spirit." Let us offer each always. Your spirit." Let us offer each other the sign of peace. Lamb [singing] Lamb [singing] of God, of God, of God, you take away the sins of the [music] you take away the sins of the [music] you take away the sins of the [music] world, world, world, have mercy on us. have mercy on us. have mercy on us. Lamb of God, [music] Lamb of God, [music] Lamb of God, [music] you take [singing] away the sins of the you take [singing] away the sins of the you take [singing] away the sins of the [music] world, [music] world, [music] world, have mercy on us.

have mercy on us. have mercy on us. Lamb of God, [singing] Lamb of God, [singing] Lamb of God, [singing] you take [music] away the sins of the you take [music] away the sins of the you take [music] away the sins of the [singing] world, [singing] world, [singing] world, grant us peace. [music] Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who Behold the Lamb of God. Behold him who takes away the sins of the world. takes away the sins of the world. takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy you of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy you of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy you should enter under my roof. The word and should enter under my roof. The word and should enter under my roof. The word and my soul shall be healed.

of spiritual communion. of spiritual communion. My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the most holy sacrament. I love you in the most holy sacrament. I love you in the most holy sacrament. I love you above all things and I desire to receive above all things and I desire to receive above all things and I desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot at this you into my soul. Since I cannot at this you into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive you sacramentally, come moment receive you sacramentally, come moment receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I at least spiritually into my heart. I at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace you as if you were already there embrace you as if you were already there embrace you as if you were already there and unite myself wholly to you. Never and unite myself wholly to you. Never and unite myself wholly to you. Never permit me to be separated from you. permit me to be separated from you. permit me to be separated from you. Amen. >> the

>> the to to to domin. Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Bless the Lord, oh my soul. Oh my Lord, you are very great.

Oh my Lord, you are very great. Oh my Lord, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty, You are clothed with honor and majesty, You are clothed with honor and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. People go out to their world People go out to their world and to their labor until the evening.

and to their labor until the evening. and to their labor until the evening. Oh Lord, how manifold are your works in Oh Lord, how manifold are your works in Oh Lord, how manifold are your works in wisdom you have made them all. wisdom you have made them all. wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures. When you send forth your spirit, they When you send forth your spirit, they are created are created are created and you renew the face of the earth.

and you renew the face of the earth. and you renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord endure May the glory of the Lord endure May the glory of the Lord endure forever. forever. forever. May the Lord rejoice in his words. >> is >> is confirmed.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. live. live. I will sing praise to my God while I I will sing praise to my God while I I will sing praise to my God while I have been. have been. have been. May my meditation be pleasing to him May my meditation be pleasing to him May my meditation be pleasing to him for I rejoice in the Lord. The communion hymn is number 301.

The communion hymn is number 301. No eye has seen, no ear has heard. Three No eye has seen, no ear has heard. Three No eye has seen, no ear has heard. Three 01. Oh, I have [singing] seen nor ears heard Oh, I have [singing] seen nor ears heard the bliss of par. Yet faith perceives unhidden Yet faith perceives unhidden [singing and music] [singing and music] [singing and music] things are open to the world. How [singing] calm and joyful How [singing] calm and joyful [music] is that hope the word has never [music] is that hope the word has never [music] is that hope the word has never known.

known. known. The [singing] wisdom [music] The [singing] wisdom [music] The [singing] wisdom [music] from above brings peace for hearts she from above brings peace for hearts she from above brings peace for hearts she [singing] [singing] [singing] [music] makes her own. Love teaches [singing and music] and Love teaches [singing and music] and love learn to be most great [music] love learn to be most great [music] love learn to be most great [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] soul. soul. soul. For serving means to reign with For serving means to reign with For serving means to reign with [singing] Christ at last [music] is [singing] Christ at last [music] is [singing] Christ at last [music] is first of all. Oh gracious [singing] Oh gracious [singing] [music] God, no better gift than your [music] God, no better gift than your [music] God, no better gift than your own self you give. own self you give. own self you give. In whom [singing] alone In whom [singing] alone In whom [singing] alone our hearts find rest as by [singing] our hearts find rest as by [singing] our hearts find rest as by [singing] your word we [music] your word we [music] your word we [music] live.

Complete within us, O Lord, we pray, the Complete within us, O Lord, we pray, the healing work of your mercy and healing work of your mercy and healing work of your mercy and graciously perfect and sustain us so graciously perfect and sustain us so graciously perfect and sustain us so that in all things we may please you that in all things we may please you that in all things we may please you through Christ our Lord. through Christ our Lord. through Christ our Lord. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> The Lord be with you. Your spirit. >> The Lord be with you. Your spirit. >> The Lord be with you. Your spirit. >> And may almighty God bless you, the >> And may almighty God bless you, the >> And may almighty God bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Go forth. The Mass has ended. >> Go forth. The Mass has ended. >> Go forth. The Mass has ended. >> St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in >> St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in >> St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. No protection against the The recessional hymn is number 296. The recessional hymn is number 296. Faith of our fathers 296.

>> Faith of our [music and singing] fathers >> Faith of our [music and singing] fathers livinging still livinging still livinging still in spite [singing and music] of don in spite [singing and music] of don in spite [singing and music] of don fire and sword. fire and sword. fire and sword. Oh, our hearts [singing] be [music] high Oh, our hearts [singing] be [music] high Oh, our hearts [singing] be [music] high with joy with joy with joy when we hear that glorious when we hear that glorious when we hear that glorious word. word. word. Faith of our father's [singing] Faith of our father's [singing] Faith of our father's [singing] holy [music] holy [music] holy [music] faith. faith. faith. We will [singing] We will [singing] We will [singing] be drawing Our fathers [singing] Our fathers [singing] chained in prison [music] dark chained in prison [music] dark chained in prison [music] dark were [singing] still in heart and were [singing] still in heart and were [singing] still in heart and conscience free. conscience free. conscience free. How sweet [music] would be their How sweet [music] would be their How sweet [music] would be their children's [singing] children's [singing] children's [singing] faith faith faith if [music] they like them could die for if [music] they like them could die for if [music] they like them could die for thee. [music and singing] thee. [music and singing] thee. [music and singing] Faith of our father's Faith of our father's Faith of our father's holy [music] holy [music] holy [music] [singing] [singing] [singing] faith faith faith we will be true [music] to thee till we will be true [music] to thee till we will be true [music] to thee till death.

Faith of our father's [singing] Faith of our father's [singing] marries marries marries prayers prayers prayers shall keep our country shall keep our country shall keep our country fast to thee. [music] fast to thee. [music] fast to thee. [music] And through the truth that comes from And through the truth that comes from And through the truth that comes from [singing and music] God, [singing and music] God, [singing and music] God, oh we shall prosper oh we shall prosper oh we shall prosper and be free. and be free. and be free. Faith of our father's [singing] Faith of our father's [singing] Faith of our father's [singing] holy holy holy faith [music] faith [music] faith [music] we [singing] will bet we [singing] will bet we [singing] will bet to thee till [music] death. Faith of [singing] Faith of [singing] our fathers our fathers our fathers we [music] we [music] we [music] will love will love will love both friend and foe in [singing] all our both friend and foe in [singing] all our both friend and foe in [singing] all our us us us and preach thee to as [music] love and preach thee to as [music] love and preach thee to as [music] love [singing] [singing] [singing] knows how knows how knows how by kindly [music] by kindly [music] by kindly [music] word word word and virtuous and virtuous and virtuous life life life faith of The father's faith of The father's faith of The father's holy [singing and music] holy [singing and music] holy [singing and music] faith faith faith we will be true to thee [music] we will be true to thee [music] we will be true to thee [music] till [singing]