We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you - Daily Bible Readings October 28, 2016

1^ST READING

 

There are only a few apostles who worked with Jesus during His time on earth, but He is sending all of us on mission. We are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. The word “apostle” comes from a root word which means “to be sent.” During baptism, we enter into the mystery of Christ and are sent out to proclaim His message.

 

Ephesians 2:19-22

19 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. 21 Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: Their message goes out through all the earth.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2 [3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

 

GOSPEL73

 

The synoptic Gospels mention 12 Apostles. But John’s Gospel seems to identify other men as Apostles. Whatever the case may be, we know that Jesus worked with a small number of men and formed them to take over the ministry that He began. We know that Peter was their leader. Let us pray for the leaders of the Church today. It is difficult to lead a religious society in a secular world.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

 

Luke 6:12-16

12 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

 

think: During baptism, we enter into the mystery of Christ and are sent out to proclaim His message.

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 18-21

 

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests - Daily Bible Readings October 27, 2016

 

1^ST READING

We can overcome sin and temptation by arming ourselves with the armor of God. We will need these weapons to avoid the traps of the enemy. Let us familiarize ourselves with the tools we have at hand and make sure we know how to use them.

 

Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil. 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. 14 So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, 15 and your feet shod in readiness for the Gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the Evil One. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones 19 and also for me, that speech may be given me to open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, so that I may have the courage to speak as I must.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 144:1, 2, 9-10

R: Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

1 Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war. (R) 2 My mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I trust, who subdues my people under me. (R) 9 O God, I will sing a new song to you; with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise, 10 you who give victory to kings, and deliver David, your servant, 11 from the evil sword. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

A hen gathering her chicks under her wings is a beautiful image. When there is fire, hens do this to protect her chicks but at the cost of her life. This is a wonderful image of the passion and death of Jesus. The only difference is that He is raised by the Father from the dead after a few days. Let us be comforted by God’s love and know that He will never desert us in our times of need. He will always be beside us to strengthen and support us.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

 

Luke 13:31-35

31 Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. 33 Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! 35 Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

think: Let us be comforted by God’s love and know that He will never desert us in our times of need.

 

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 14-17

 

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of salvation - Daily Bible Readings October 23, 2016

1ST READING     This passage tells us that God hears the cry of the poor. But why does it seem like He is not doing anything about the plight of the poor in the world? Is this His fault? Who is responsible for helping the poor? In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that we will always have the poor among us. It is our responsibility to care for their practical needs.   Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 12 The Lord is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. 13 Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed. 14The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. 16 The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens. 17 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; it does not rest till it reaches its goal, 18 nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds, judges justly and affirms the right, and the Lord will not delay.   P S A L M   Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23 R: The Lord hears the cry of the poor. 1 [2] I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. 2 [3] Let my soul glory in the Lord; the lowly will hear me and be glad. (R) 16 [17]The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. 17 [18] When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. (R) 18 [19] The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. 22 [23] The Lord redeems the lives of his servants; no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him. (R)   2nd READING   Paul affirms that his life is drawing to a close — he has been poured out in the service of the Gospel. Hopefully we will say the same words at the end of our lives. How are we doing in the service of the Gospel? Do we give ourselves in the work of the Kingdom of God or have we been lazy? God gave His Son’s life for our salvation. Surely we can do everything we can to serve Him and the Church.   2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 6 Beloved: I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. 8 From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance. 16 At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength, so that through me the proclamation might be completed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.   GOSPEL   Hypocrisy is a horrible reality and we can easily slip into it if we are not careful. We should remember that salvation is a gift that we have been given, not something we have earned. We lose sight of the true nature of the Gospel the moment we think we deserve a place of privilege due to our work.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of salvation.   Luke 18:9-14 9 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”   think: Salvation is a gift we have been given, not something we have earned.   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  Malachi 1-3  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                  ________________________________________________________________                 _________________________________________________________________

Stay Awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come - Daily Bible Readings October 19, 2016

1^ST READING

Paul made stewardship his way of life. He has been given the gift of faith and he wants to share it with others. His desire to serve is channeled through his work for the Gospel. Are you a good steward of the graces God has given you? Are you using them to serve the Church?

Ephesians 3:2-12

2 Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, 3 namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier. 4 When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same Body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel. 7 Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power. 8 To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church to the principalities and authorities in the heavens. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness of speech and confidence of access through faith in him.

P S A L M

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

R: You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

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

We have responsibilities in life, whether we are single or married, lay or cleric. How faithful are we in fulfilling our duties? It only takes one wrong move to damage a relationship — relationships that would have been preserved if only those involved had been more attentive to each other’s needs.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Stay Awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

Luke 12:39-48

39 Jesus said to his disciples: “Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. 40 You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” 41 Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” 42 And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute the food allowance at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property. 45But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 then that servant’s master will come on an unexpected day and at an unknown hour and will punish the servant severely and assign him a place with the unfaithful. 47 That servant who knew his master’s will but did not make preparations nor act in accord with his will shall be beaten severely; 48 and the servant who was ignorant of his master’s will but acted in a way deserving of a severe beating shall be beaten only lightly. Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”

think: Are you a good steward of the graces God has given you? Are you using them to serve the Church?

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  Zechariah 1-4

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us; who have put our hope in you - Daily Bible Readings October 14, 2016

1^ST READING

 

Let us reflect on the truth of being “sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit.” We have also been sealed “in the Blood of Christ.” This idea is based on the practice in the Roman Army where a soldier was “branded” with the seal of the emperor to show that he belonged to the emperor. To belong to Christ is both a pleasure and a privilege.

 

Ephesians 1:11-14

11 Brothers and sisters: In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13

R: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. (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) 12 Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. 13 From heaven the Lord looks down; he sees all mankind. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Christians are the leaven in society. Leaven is an important ingredient in baking bread. Without it, the bread hardens like a rock. The same is true of a Christian who does not “leaven” society with his faith. We must live as disciples of Jesus and not allow the witness of our life to be rendered useless in society.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.

 

Luke 12:1-7

1 At that time: so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy — of the Pharisees. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 5 I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 7 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

think: Christians are the leaven in the midst of society.

 

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 Micah 4-7