1ST READING
Paul
is not averse to using a little emotional blackmail to serve his
purpose. It is much better if we can convince people to do what we want
them to do without it. However, sometimes we are left with little choice
when people unreasonably refuse to do their part in a particular
project. Let us pray that we will always do our part in spreading the
Good News.
Philemon 7-20
7 Beloved:
I have experienced much joy and encouragement from your love, because
the hearts of the holy ones have been refreshed by you, brother. 8 Therefore, although I have the full right in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus. 10 I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in
my imprisonment, 11 who was once useless to you but is now useful to both you and me. 12 I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. 13 I should have liked to retain him for myself, so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the Gospel, 14 but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. 15 Perhaps this is why he was
away from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no
longer as a slave but more than a slave, a brother, beloved especially
to me, but even more so to you, as a man and in the Lord. 17 So if you regard me as a partner, welcome him as you would me. 18 And if he has done you any injustice or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, write this in my own hand: I will pay. May I not tell you that you owe me your very self. 20
Yes, brother, may I profit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
P S A L M
Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10
R: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob.
7 The Lord secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free. (R) 8 The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord raises up those that were bowed down; the Lord loves the just. 9 The Lord protects strangers. (R) The fatherless and the widow he sustains, but the way of the wicked he thwarts. 10 The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia. (R)
GOSPEL
I
love the idea that the “Kingdom of God” is among us. This conjures up
within me the vision of the glories and splendor of heaven descending on
earth for us to enjoy. I also believe that this is what God wants but
He is not able to act on this desire because we lack the expectation
that He wants the best for us at all times. Faith is not just positive
thinking. When it comes to God, there is no reason to be negative in our
expectations of His desires for us.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.
Luke 17: 20-25
20 Asked
by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in
reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, 21 and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.” 22 Then
he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see
one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. 24 For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”
think: When it comes to God, there is no reason to be negative in our expectations of His desires for 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 Jeremiah 15-18
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