The first reading was from 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, which is when Paul talks about the importance and characteristics of charity (love).
Even the Gradual and the Tract were echoes of the messages in the book, from Psalm 77:14-15 and Psalm 100:1,2 respectively. Psalm 77:14-15 reads "You are the God Who alone does wonders: You have made Your power known among the nations. With Your arm You have delivered Your people, the children of Israel and of Joseph." Psalm 100:1,2 "Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: serve the Lord with gladness. Come in before His presence with exceeding great joy: know that the Lord is God. He made us, and not we ourselves: but we are his people and the sheep of His pasture."
The Gospel reading from Luke 18:31-43 had Jesus healing a man, and telling him that it was his faith that had saved him.
The homily was about the importance of charity.
Even the Communion verse from Psalm 78:29,30 "They did eat, and were filled exceedingly, and the Lord gave them their desire: they were not defrauded of that which they craved."
It isn't often that EVERY aspect of the Mass feels as though it were meant specifically for me to hear. I can't wait to get my other two books, so I can share them too! I'll see one of the intended recipients tomorrow afternoon. Wouldn't it be cool if I got it delivered in time to give it to her?
I just had share how AWESOME I felt today. I can't even describe the level of joy and gratitude to God that I felt during the Mass today. It was almost to the level of distraction. :-)
God Bless!
Dana