Daily Bible Readings - May 31,2013

1^ST READING

 

As we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation, we celebrate Mary’s selflessness in putting the care of Elizabeth above her own desires and needs. The world today needs to see more of this kind of generosity and less of the self-focus that is so evident, particularly when it comes to material things. Mary’s whole life was given over to the call that God gave her to be the mother of His Son — something that was a great privilege as well as a source of much suffering.

 

Zephaniah 3:14-18 (or Romans 12:9-16)

14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals.

 

P S A L M

 

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

R: Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. (R) 4  Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. 6 Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Mary knows that she is living a privileged life as the Mother of God. I believe she is also aware, even at this point, that it is not going to be easy. We all need to embrace this as a truth for our lives — namely, that trials and difficulties will come our way. Then Mary can be an example for us in dealing with them, pondering over them in her heart and reflecting on what they are teaching her about God’s love for her.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

 

Luke 1:39-56

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49 the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. 50 He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. 51 He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. 52 He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, 55 the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” 56 Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

 

think: Mary can be an example for us in dealing with the trials and difficulties that come our way.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

____________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today_

_____________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 29-31 

Daily Reflections - May 31,2013

GOD’S VISITATION

 

Whenever I meditate on this Gospel, I always remember a beautiful picture hanging up in our novice house in Canberra, Australia. It is the image of the Virgin running down some steps, hastily, with no time to waste. There is a sense of serious concern on her face, yet her face is brightened by joy and wonder. She is going to visit her cousin Elizabeth to see for herself the mighty things God has done. It is a beautiful image of our Lady of the Visitation, or Our Lady of the Way. One can easily imagine the joy in her heart, the song of praise on her lips, the news about to be shared with all of humanity, beginning with Elizabeth — it is all expressed in her movement, body, features and face.

       Mary is reminded of Hannah and all the women who experienced the graciousness of God in childbearing. Mary is to be the Mother of Jesus, Son of God. Imagine all that she must have pondered on in the lengthy journey to Judea. An angel visited her, prophesying her vocation and God’s plan for her life. Mary would have thought of her dearly betrothed Joseph. She would have imagined her cousin’s reaction to her visit, knowing that Elizabeth, too, has experienced the visitation of God.

       The feast we celebrate today, originally a medieval Franciscan tradition, is prayed as the second joyful mystery of the Holy Rosary. Countless images of the scene have captured the hearts of many. Having been established in the West much earlier than the East, the feast reminds us that God is near.

       We all carry Christ within us. Mary had borne Jesus in her womb physically; we bear Jesus in our souls sacramentally. The priest dismisses us after Mass to carry Christ with us wherever we go; Mary had done this in the visitation to her cousin. May she continue to direct our steps and efforts of evangelization as we seek to follow her example to bring Christ to those in need. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Who should you visit today? Who is in most need of the Good News today?

 

Renew me in Your love today, O Lord. Grant me the grace to bring You to others. Our Lady of the Visitation, pray for me.

Daily Bible Readings - May 30,2013

1^ST READING

 

 

 

The reading for today tells us that God is watching us at all times. This is not out of any voyeuristic intent, but out of His love for us as the Good Shepherd. We either believe that God has our best interests at heart or we do not. If we believe this, then we should be grateful for His constant care for us. Let us continue to pray that we will take advantage of the knowledge of His presence and call out to Him day and night when in need.

 

Sirach 42:15-25

15 Now will I recall God’s works; what I have seen, I will describe. At God’s word were his works brought into being; they do his will as he has ordained for them. 16 As the rising sun is clear to all, so the glory of the Lord fills all his works; 17 yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the Lord, though God has given these, his hosts, the strength to stand firm before his glory. 18 He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands. The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: 19 He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. 20 No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him. 21 Perennial is his almighty wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same, 22 with nothing added, nothing taken away; no need of a counselor for him! 23 How beautiful are all his works! Even to the spark and the fleeting vision! 24 The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved. 25 All of them differ, one from another, yet none of them has he made in vain, for each in turn, as it comes, is good; can one ever see enough of their splendor?

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. 3 Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask; in cellars he confines the deep. (R) 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all who dwell in the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it was made; he commanded, and it stood forth. (R)

 

GOSPEL

Jesus is always calling us back to Himself, especially when we are in trouble or in need of any sort. It is not that He always will heal us if we are sick, or work an immediate miracle to feed us if we are hungry, or anything else similar, but that He wants to bring the comfort of His presence to us. And often, this is all we need to endure our present difficulties. God knows what we need and He does what is necessary to make it available. He is not in control of the corruption that deprives so many of even the basic necessities in life.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

 

Mark 10:46-52

46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” 52 Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

 

think: God knows what we need and He does what is necessary to make it available.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

____________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today_

_____________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 25-28 

Daily Reflections - May 30,2013

THROWING OFF THE CLOAK

 

How many times must Bartimaeus have sat by the side of the road begging? Was he able to sustain himself daily from what he begged for? How many times did travelers to Jerusalem pass him by? This day, though, something changed his life. He met Jesus who gave his sight back to him. What a miracle!

       The miracles we hear or read about in the Gospels should inspire us. We are faced every day with sad news; the miracles we hear about are good news. Jesus has come to set the captive free, to give sight to the blind. We are told in the story that Jesus was passing by, just as so many did that day, near Bartimaeus. When Bartimaeus heard it was Jesus, he sought to win His attention. Jesus could have kept walking, as His schedule was busy. Yet, He stopped and called Bartimaeus to Himself.

       I like the scene before us in the Gospel. Can you imagine Bartimaeus standing up unsteadily? Throwing off his cloak, his own source of warmth and protection, comfort and provision, he went to Jesus. Jesus never presumes, and so He asks Bartimaeus what he wants. Logically, Bartimaeus wants to see.

       What a miracle! A blind man sees again! After Bartimaeus’ sight is restored, he no longer begs or stays on the road. He no longer needs his cloak, now thrown away. He is a changed man; he followed Jesus.

       Did Bartimaeus become a full-time follower of Jesus from that time on? Was he a faithful disciple? We do not know. Jesus gives him sight. Bartimaeus physically and spiritually sees and is enlightened. So many times before, he had heard about Jesus; now, he sees for himself the kindness of the Messiah. Have we heard about Jesus along the way? Are we willing to throw off our cloaks and follow Jesus? Are we willing to shout out His name to beg healing and forgiveness for our sins? Let the courage of Bartimaeus be our confidence. Do not let Jesus pass by today without your calling upon Him to help You and guide You. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: What blindness is stopping you from following Jesus along the way?

 

Master, let me see You through the eyes of faith. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings - May 28,2013

1^ST READING

 

Yes, our faith will be tested. In fact, if you have already been walking the life of a disciple for a while, it has probably already been tested. Testing our faith makes it stronger as, when we pass the test, there is one less thing that could lead us astray. Lord, with You by my side, I am sure that any testing of my faith will only result in a deeper conviction that it is true.

 

Sirach 35:1-12

1 To keep the Law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. 2 In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. 3 To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. 4 Appear not before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. 5 The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. 6 The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. 7 In generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, be not sparing of freewill gifts. 8 With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. 9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. 10 For the Lord is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. 11 But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion, 12 for he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23

R: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

5 “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. (R) 7 “Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you; God, your God, am I. 8 Not for your  sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offering are before me always. (R) 14 “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

There is a little bit of the mercenary in us. And there is in Peter, too. Peter is aware of the sacrifices he and the other Apostles have made and is wondering about their reward. This is perfectly reasonable, as long as we are ready to accept that the rewards of the Kingdom of God are rarely in this life but are stored up in eternal life with God in heaven.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.                                                                                                                                      

 

Mark 10:28-31

28 Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. 31 But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

LIST

think: Testing our faith makes it stronger as, when we pass the test, there is one less thing that could lead us astray.

 

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

____________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today_

_____________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 17-20 

 

Daily Reflections - May 28,2013

HUNDREDFOLD BLESSINGS   When I first joined my community, of which I have been a part for more than 20 years now, my constant refrain was, “I have never been richer.” What I mean is that, since joining a Charismatic community, I have gained so many brothers, sisters and other things. Being part of a faith community means that I share in the manifold blessings of God’s provision. Anyone who has lived in a religious or lay community will understand my sentiments. It reminds me of the story in the Acts of the Apostles, whereby the Apostles lived in unity and shared all things in common.        Peter, you might assume, was somewhat jealous when he asked the Lord, “What about us?” Peter knew the sacrifice of surrendering all things to the Lord, unlike the rich young man who went away sad. Peter, upon joining the community of Jesus, had to leave his family, wife, work and so many other things to journey with the Lord. But his question is also our concern: “What about us? Will I be taken care of? Will the Lord provide for me? What will I eat and drink?” Jesus tells us not to worry, as the Father knows we need these things. Jesus’ promise to Peter and to all of us is the hundredfold blessing.        As the early Church began to grow and develop, their striking characteristic was the way they loved and cared for each other. Jesus’ response to Peter is true for all of us baptized Catholics. We belong to a big God, and a big Church. Catholic (katholikos or universal) is the name and life we bear in reality. As baptized members of His (Jesus’) Body, we have houses, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, children and everything, since we all live as one holy, Catholic and apostolic faith in the Lord. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTION: How has God blessed you, your household, family, Church and community?   Lord, I have left everything to follow You. Give me Your love and grace, for that is enough for me. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings - May 27,2013

1^ST READING

 

Repentance is a gift we can avail of in this life but no longer available to us when we die. This gives a further imperative to the message of the Gospel in the mind of Paul as he writes to the Corinthian Community, telling them that now is the day of salvation. If we know we have sinned, we should not delay repenting of that sin, as we cannot be sure that we have too many days ahead of us. Who knows when the Lord will call any of us home to Himself?

 

Sirach 17:19-24 (or Sirach 17:19-27)

19 To the penitent God provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope and has chosen for them the lot of truth. 20 Return to him and give up sin, pray to the Lord and make your offenses few. 21 Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin, hate intensely what he loathes, and know the justice and judgments of God. Stand firm in the way set before you, in prayer to the Most High God. 22 Who in the nether world can glorify the Most High in place of the living who offer their praise? Dwell no longer in the error of the ungodly, but offer your praise before death. 23 No more can the dead give praise than those who have never lived; You who are alive and well shall praise and glorify God in his mercies. 24 How great the mercy of the Lord, his forgiveness of those who return to him!

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

R: Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.(R) 6 For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress. Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him. (R) 7 You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

In his reply to the rich young man’s request concerning what is necessary for eternal life, Jesus opens up the issue of the true nature of goodness. What does it mean to be good? Some people think it is merely a matter of  avoiding doing the wrong thing, but this is a minimalist interpretation and is therefore deficient. A good life is a life lived with a good purpose and goal. This means that we have to actively pursue a life of virtue if we wish to live a good life. This is the challenge that Jesus gives the rich young man. How he responds to it will determine whether he is living a good life or just avoiding a bad one.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

 

Mark 10:17-27

17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

1 Samuel 13-16

think: A good life is a life lived with a good purpose and goal.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

____________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today_

_____________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 13-16 

Daily Reflections - May 27,2013

A STEADY GAZE

 

Have you ever felt like this man in the Gospel? Full of life and love? Eager to serve the Lord? Willing to do anything? A feeling that you are on the right road and all is “cool”? Well, think again! The rich young man has his own reaction. What will be yours?

       We can imagine a young spritely, energetic and enthused person ready to serve the Lord. After repeating the commandments (especially those that relate to our neighbor), Jesus challenges the young man further. The man has kept all these commandments from his early days. Sounds good; but now, the bad news. After Jesus tells him to surrender everything, the young man is downcast, his energy drained, and he walks away from the encounter. What happened to the enthusiasm? Where is the energy? Mark gives us the reason for this sadness — he was a rich man, one of great wealth, such that he could not let go and let God. What a terrible shame! What a sad ending!

       Jesus looked steadily at this man and loved him. I love this text in Scripture. Can you imagine Jesus looking at you, steadily, and loving you? With that steady gaze of Jesus upon you, He looks in to the depths of your heart. And there He sees all and knows all. You cannot hide from Him. His gaze penetrates and challenges. His gaze heals and calls forth a response. Take time to look at Him with the same love, and respond with a loving surrender of your life.

       You know the story of St. John Vianney, the Cure of Ars in France. He noticed a man in his church every morning gazing at the tabernacle in loving contemplation. When asked what he was doing, the poor peasant replied to the Cure: “I simply gaze upon Him gazing at me!” What a wonderful description of prayer. Prayer is a simple gaze upon the “One whom I know loves me” (Teresa de Avila).

       Are you ready to have Jesus gaze upon you? Imagine Jesus calling forth a response from you in love. Go and sell everything. What is it that Jesus is calling you to “sell,” perhaps not literally but spiritually? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Try gazing upon Jesus. What is He trying to tell you at this stage of your life?

 

Lord, I thank You for Your gaze of love upon my life. May I respond willingly and whole-heartedly to what You ask of me. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Readings - May 26,2013

1^ST READING

 

The Book of Wisdom reminds us that in all that God does, His heart is turned towards humanity as the pinnacle of His creative work. We should never forget this as we seek to be faithful stewards of Creation. Yes, human beings are more important than any other created life. However, this does not mean that we should have no respect and care for the rest of Creation.

 

Proverbs 8:22-31

22 Thus says the wisdom of God: “The Lord possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 while as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. 27 When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; 30 then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while, 31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the human race.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

3 [4] When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — 4 [5] what is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? (R) 5 [6] You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 [7] You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet. (R) 7 [8] All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, 8 [9] the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas. (R)

 

 

2^ND READING

 

We know God loves us because He died for us before we were worthy of such a great gift. In fact, if the truth be known, we can never be worthy of God’s love through what we do — it is a free gift from God to us. The love of the Trinity is so great that it had to be shared, and they shared it by creating human beings.

 

Romans 5:1-5

1 Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

 

GOSPEL

 

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. In a world that seems to doubt that truth exists in any objective shape or form, Christians know for sure that it does through the ministry of the Holy Spirit within our hearts. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to awaken the truth that lies written in our hearts so that our consciences can apply it to the moral dilemmas that we face in life.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come.

 

John 16:12-15

12 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

 

think: We can never be worthy of God’s love through what we do — it is a free gift from God to us.

 

T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: __________________

 

____________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today_

_____________________________________

 

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 9-12 

                                                                                                          SABBATH PAUSE

My weekly time with God

THANK YOU LIST

Things to be grateful for from the past week

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL NEEDS

Things to ask God for in the coming week

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

HIDDEN TREASURE

Most important word God told me this week

Daily Reflections - May 26,2013

LIFE IN THE TRINITY

 

I remember coming across a beautiful image of the Trinity in my hotel room when I was in Rome. The Father holds the symbols of the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. Jesus holds the Cross in His hands, the instrument of our salvation. The Holy Spirit hovers above the two figures of Father and Son, encircling them in light. The figures are, as it were, suspended in the air, giving a sense of divinity, awe and wonder. The whole image is surrounded by light in its color and its features. It was a very beautiful image.

       I am sure all of us have a favorite image of the Trinity. Another one of my favorites is Rublev’s icon of the Trinity. This is a deep and thought-provoking image of the Father and the Spirit looking towards the Son who was to be sent into the world to save humankind.

       Jesus is our peace. He is our access to God and the eternal life we share with the Trinity. The Spirit has been poured into our hearts as a guarantee of God’s loving mercy and acceptance, through the love of Jesus shed on the Cross. One of my favorite prefaces is “God sees and loves in us what he sees and loves in Christ” (Preface VII of Sunday in Ordinary Time). When the Father looks upon us, He sees an image of His Son Jesus. As Jesus suffered for our sake, so too must we offer our trials and afflictions, that we might persevere in the hope that God has given us.

       Do you have a relationship with the Trinity? We should all have one, since the Holy Trinity desires relationship. The whole understanding of the Trinity evolves around the concept of relationship.

       Spend some time today reflecting on that love poured into our hearts that enables us access into the life of the Trinity. God desires a relationship of love. Love is being in communion with another, and we see this beautifully expressed in the Trinity. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you relate with the Trinity? How does this relationship impact your day-to-day life?

 

Father, I thank You for crowning me in honor and glory through Your Son in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Daily Bible Readings - May 24,2013

1^ST READING

 

My mother used to remind me when I had said something unkind about someone that if I do not have anything nice to say, then I should not say anything at all. It is not a bad principle to adhere to. Ah, mothers! The wisdom they have is more than we probably gave them credit for as children. We should always respect the wisdom and learning of our elders. It should be treated as a priceless gift.

 

Sirach 6:5-17

5 A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings. 6 Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. 7 When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him. 8 For one sort is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress. 9 Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame. 10 Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes. 11 When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants; 12 but if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you. 13 Keep away from your enemies;  be on your guard with your friends. 14 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. 15 A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. 16 A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; 17 for he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35

R: Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. (R)

16 In your statutes I will delight; I will not forget your words. (R) 18 Open my eyes, that I may consider the wonders of your law. (R) 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. (R) 34 Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. (R) 35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

Marriage is a controversial subject these days. Can two people of the same sex get married? No! The definition of marriage requires that one person be male and the other female — there is no way to procreate unless this is the case, and procreation, or the possibility of it, is essential to the character of marriage as we understand it. Any two people can enter into a partnership of life or civil union, but a marriage is between a man and a woman — it always has, and in my mind and that of the Church, always will be.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.

 

Mark 10:1-12

1 Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. 2 The Pharisees approached and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. 3 He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” 5 But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” 10 In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

think: We should always respect the wisdom and learning of our elders.

 

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 1 Samuel 1-4