Daily Bible Readings

October 11, 2011
1st READING

The Apostle Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ even though it was scorned by the Jews and mocked by the Greeks. Yes, it was not a popular message that God has become flesh and died on a cross for our sins. Yet St. Paul knew that this was not his message but God’s, and that if he was faithful to its proclamation, it would bring about transformation of the world. Like Paul, let us not be ashamed of the Gospel message and that we are Christians.

Romans 1:16-25
16 Brothers and sisters: I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. 17 For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.” 18 The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; 21 for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. 24 Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshipped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalms 19:2-3, 4-5
R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

G O S P E L

The Pharisees were very concerned about ritual purity and when returning from an outing would always wash their hands up to their elbows. This was to wash away the defilement that they may have contacted while doing their daily activities. Jesus did not see that He could be made unclean by external things but only by sinful acts so He did not bother to wash His hands. This caused great offense to the Pharisees. Yet Jesus points out the real issue — that it is in the human heart where all evil desires lie. It is there that we need to be washed, not our hands, if we are to be truly clean.
Hosea 6-10
ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.
R: Alleluia, alleluia

Luke 11:37-41
37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

my reflections
think: It is in the human heart where all evil desires lie.


God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Hosea 6-10