1ST READING
One of the images of leadership is that of a father. A father cares for his family and protects them against danger. All leaders, especially spiritual leaders, should remember this, as to abandon one’s flock is the worst thing a leader can do. It is a bit like the captain of a sinking ship — he must be the last one to leave the ship. Let us pray that our leaders will always consider the care of their flock as their highest priority.
Isaiah 22:15, 19-23
15 Thus says the Lord to Shebna, master of the palace: 19 “I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. 20 On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; 21 I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. 22 I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. 23 I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family.”
P S A L M
Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8
R: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.
1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple. (R) I will give thanks to your name, because of your kindness and your truth. 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) 6 The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar. 8 Your kindness, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands. (R)
2ND READING
These words of Paul indicate a heart rejoicing in the wisdom and ways of God. Given the context of these words, there may also be a slight frustration that he, Paul, does not understand how God will rectify the situation that many of the Jews reject the Gospel. This is Paul’s great dilemma in chapters 9-11 of Romans. He cannot understand why the Jews, of all people, reject the Gospel. Is it not plain to them what God is doing?
Romans 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? 35 Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid? 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
GOSPEL
This is the ultimate question that determines our response to God’s call. If we do not believe Jesus is the Son of God, Redeemer and Savior, then we are going to ignore the Gospels and live our lives without its revelation and graces. If we believe, then the possibilities of a life of faith are endless. If we do not believe, we will be eternally frustrated and unfulfilled; if we believe, we will be eternally content and fulfilled.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:13-20
13 Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesussaid to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh andblood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
think: Let us pray that our leaders will always consider the care of their flock as their highest priority.
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 Job 38-42
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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