1ST READING
This life-giving river reminds me of the river flowing from the Temple in the writings of Ezekiel. This is not an accident. It is a part of the intention of the author of Revelation. He wants us to have that image in mind as we read this text so as to reinforce the idea that abundance flows to those who sustain themselves in the river of God’s blessings.
Revelation 22:1-7
1 John said: An angel showed me the river of life-giving water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the street. On either side of the river grew the tree of life that produces fruit twelve times a year, once each month; the leaves of the trees serve as medicine for the nations. 3 Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will look upon his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 Night will be no more, nor will they need light from lamp or sun, for the Lord God shall give them light, and they shall reign forever and ever. 6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true, and the Lord, the God of prophetic spirits, sent his angel to show his servants what must happen soon.” 7 “Behold, I am coming soon.” Blessed is the one who keeps the prophetic message of this book.
P S A L M
Psalm 95:1-2, 3-5, 6-7
R: Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!
1 Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him. (R) 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great king above all gods; 4 in his hands are the depths of the earth, and the tops of the mountains are his. (R) 5 His is the sea, for he has made it, and the dry land, which his hands have formed. (R) 6 Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord who made us. 7 For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides. (R)
GOSPEL
There are many temptations in life that we should do our best to avoid. Drinking wine, or any alcohol for that matter, is not wrong. Like every one of God’s gifts, it is when we abuse them that sin enters. This is why we need to grow in the virtue of temperance so that we do not over-indulge in the good things and pleasures of this life. Enjoying God’s blessings is a good thing to do; over-indulging in them is not.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.
Luke 21:34-36
34 Jesus said to his disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise 35 like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. 36 Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
think: Enjoying God’s blessings is a good thing to do; over-indulging in them is not.
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 Ezekiel 13-16
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