There is nothing that can prevail against us unless we allow it to - Daily Bible Readings November 18,2013

1^ST READING

 

We celebrate the dedication of these two churches even as their patrons, Peter and Paul, are traditionally considered the founders of the Church in Rome. Yes, they both have a role in the history of that great city and its church life, but it is highly unlikely that either was actually a founder of the Christian community there.

 

Acts 28:11-16, 30-31 (or 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63)

11 After three months we set sail on a ship that had wintered at the island [of Malta]. It was an Alexandrian ship with the Dioscuri as its figurehead. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days, 13 and from there we sailed round the coast and arrived at Rhegium. After a day, a south wind came up and in two days we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and were urged to stay with them for seven days. And thus we came to Rome. 15 The brothers from there heard about us and came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul gave thanks to God and took courage. 16 When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 30 He remained for two full years in his lodgings. He received all who came to him, 31 and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6 (or Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158)

R: The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)     

 

GOSPEL

 

Let us not be afraid to face the storms that life hurls against us. With Jesus beside us, this is simply a matter of faith. There is nothing that can prevail against us unless we allow it to. The disciples slowly learn this truth and accept it to the point of martyrdom. Let us hope it does not develop that far with us, unless of course, you want to become a martyr.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

 

Matthew 14:22-33 (or Luke 18:35-43)

22 After the crowd had eaten their fill, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

 

think:  There is nothing that can prevail against us unless we allow it to.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

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God’s special verse/thought for me today_

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 76-80