November 7, 2004, Thursday of the 31st week in ordinary time.

A reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians.

Brothers and sisters, we are the circumcision, we who worship through the spirit of God,

who boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put our confidence in flesh, although I myself

have grounds for confidence even in the flesh.

If anyone else thinks he can be confident in flesh, all the more can I.

Circumcised on the eighth day of the race of Israel of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrew

parentage. In observance of the law of Pharisee, in zeal I persecuted the church. In righteousness,

based on the law, I was blameless. But whatever gains I had, these I have come to consider a loss

because of Christ. More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme

good of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. The Word of the Lord.

Responsorial Psalm, the response is,

Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

Sing to him, sing his praise,

proclaim all his wondrous deeds,

glory in his holy name,

rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Look to the Lord in his strength, seek to serve him constantly.

Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.

Let hearts rejoice, who search for the Lord.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones.

He, the Lord, is our God. Throughout the earth, his judgments prevail.

Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord is our God. Throughout the earth, his judgments prevail. Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord.

...