1ST READING
If we live just lives — and this is possible whether a person believes in God or not — it is similar to asking a person to live a life of integrity, and that ought to be our goal whether we are religious or not. The promise is that God will call us into eternal life with Him in heaven. This is a wonderful consolation to us as we realize that, though we are called to perfection, we do not have to attain it in order to receive the gift of eternal life. We have a generous God who gifts us with salvation.
Wisdom 3:1-9 (or 2 Maccabees 12:43-46)
1 The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. 2 They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction 3 and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace. 4 For if before men, indeed, they be punished, yet is their hope full of immortality; 5 chastised a little, they shall be greatly blessed, because God tried them and found them worthy of himself. 6 As gold in the furnace, he proved them, andas sacrificial offerings he took them to himself. 7 In the time of their visitation they shall shine, and shall dart about as sparks through stubble; 8 they shall judge nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord shall be their King forever. 9Those who trust in him shall understand truth, and the faithful shall abide with him in love: because grace and mercy are with his holy ones, and his care is with his elect.
P S A L M
Psalm 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 (or Psalm 25: 6, 7, 17-18, 20-21 or Psalm 27: 1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13-14)
R: Though I walk in the valley of darkness, I fear no evil, for you are with me.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 In verdant pastures he gives me repose; beside restful waters he leads me; 3 he refreshes my soul. (R) He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. (R) 5 You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. (R) 6 Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come. (R)
2ND READING
Paul proclaims the greatness and fullness of God’s love in that it is not dependent upon our having earned it. Indeed, it is fully a gift to us and it is only because God has first loved us that we are able to receive His love, let alone offer anything in return. This is the gift of God to us — that He desires to love us and nurture us for salvation even though we do not and cannot deserve it.
Romans 5:5-11 (or Romans 8:31-35, 37-39 or Romans 6:3-9)
5 Brothers and sisters: 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. 6 For Christ, while we were still helpless, died at the appointed time for the ungodly. 7 Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. 8 But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. 9 How much more then, since we are now justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath.10 Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life. 11 Not only that, but we also boast of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
GOSPEL
Jesus promises that He will not only grant salvation but that He will help us carry our burdens as well. This is a great relief because we are all aware of the burden and effects of sin. God is a generous God who wants to leave nothing to doubt as He seeks to capture our hearts with His love and mercy. It is the goodness of God which we should focus on and not our sins and difficulties. Let us offer everything to God so that He can give us everything we need to be His disciple.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Matthew 11:25-30 (or Matthew 25:31-46 or John 14:1-6)
25 At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. 26 Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. 28“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”
think: We have a generous God who gifts us with salvation.
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 Isaiah 41-44
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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