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February 23, 2009

   Sirach 1: 1 - 10

   All wisdom comes from the Lord and with him it remains forever.  The sand of the seashore, the drops of rain, the days of eternity: who can number these?  Heaven's height, earth's breadth, the depths of the abyss: who can explore these?  Before all things else wisdom was created; and prudent understanding, from eternity.  To whom has wisdom's root been revealed:  Who knows her subleties:  There is but one, wise and truly awe-inspiring, seated upon his throne: It is the Lord; he created her, has seen her and taken  note of her.  He has poured her forth upon all his works, upon every living thing according to his bounty; he has lavished her upon his friends.  Fear of the Lord is glory and splendor, gladness and a festive crown.  Fear of the Lord warms the heart, giving gladness and joy and length of days.


Optional first reading:  Revelation 2: 8 - 11

   "To the presiding spirit of the church in Smyrna, write this:  'The First and the Last who once died but now lives has this to say:  I know of your tribulation and your poverty, even though you are rich.  I know the slander you endure from self-styled Jews who are nothing other than members of Satan's assembly. Have no fear of the sufferings to come.  The devil will indeed cast some of you into prison to put you to the test; you will be tried over a period of ten days.  Remain faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.'  "'Let him who has ears heed the Spirit's word to the churches!  The victor shall never be harmed by the second death.'


Psalms 93: 1 - 2,  5

   The Lord is king, in splendor robed; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength, and he has made the world firm, not to be moved.  Your throne stands firm from of old; from everlasting you are, O Lord.

  Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed:  holiness befits your house, O Lord, for length of days.


Mark 9: 14 - 29

   As they approaced the disciples they saw a large crowd standing around, and scribes in lively discussion with them.  Immediately on catching sight of Jesus, the whole crowd was overcome with awe.  They ran up to greet him.  He asked them, "What are you discussing among yourselves:"  "Teacher," a man in the crowd replied,  "I have brought my son to you because he is possessed by a mute spirit.  Whenever it seizes him it throws him down; he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid.  Just now I asked your disciples to expel him but they were unable to do so."  He replied by saying to the crowd, "What an unbelieving lot you are!  How long must I remain with you?  How long can I endure you?  Bring him to me."  When they did so the spirit caught sight of Jesus and immediately threw the boy into  convulsions.  As he fell to the ground he began to roll around and foam at the mouth.  Then Jesus questioned the father:  "How long has this been happening to him?"  "From childhood," the father replied.  "Often it throws him into fire  and into water.  You would think it would kill him.  If out of the kindness of your heart you can do anything to help us, please do!"  Jesus said, "If you can'?  Everything is possible to a man who trusts."  The boy's father immediately exclaimed, "I do believe!  Help my lack of trust!"  Jesus, on seeing a crowd rapidly gathering, reprimanded the unclean spirit by saying to him.  "Mute and deaf spirit, I command you:  Get out of him and never enter him again!"  Shouting, and throwing the boy into convulsions, it came out of him; the boy became like a corpse, which caused many to say,  "He is dead."  But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet.  When Jesus arrived at the house his disciples began to ask him privately,  "Why is it that we could not expel it?"  He told them,  "This kind you can drive out only by prayer."


What animal is usually the product of a ranch?
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