Daily Bible Readings

March 15, 2011

1st READING

God’s Word is always effective. Sometimes we may not experience the full effectiveness of His word until years after we receive it – but we can be sure that if God speaks to us about something, He will definitely follow it through. It is this sort of faithfulness that we should strive to imitate as disciples of Jesus. We should seek to grow in integrity and commitment to be faithful to our promises.

Isaiah 55:10-11
10 Thus says the LORD: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, 11 so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.

P S A L M

Psalms 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19
R: From all their distress God rescues the just.
3 [4] Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. 4 [5] I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 15 [16] The LORD has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry. 16 [17] The LORD confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. (R) 17 [18] When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. 18 [19] The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. (R)

G O S P E L

The prayer that Jesus teaches His disciples is one that basically covers all the aspects of a disciple’s life. Therefore we can use this prayer as a cover-all prayer when we do not know what to pray for when someone asks us to pray for them. We should simply ask the Holy Spirit to apply the Lord’s Prayer to that person’s life.

VERSE BEFORE THE GOSPEL
One does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

Matthew 6:7-15
7 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread; 12 and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; 13 and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one. 14 If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

my reflections
t h i n k : W e should seek to grow in integrity and commitment be faithful to our promises.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 1 Samuel 5-8



Didache | Companion | Sabbath | Top
SABBATH


BABBLING LIKE THE PAGANS?

I wonder what Jesus means here by “babbling like the pagans.” Yes, Jesus is talking about prayer and how He wants His disciples to pray, but why bring up the pagans? Perhaps there was a new trend of prayer at the time in Israel that took something from the pagan religions that Jesus did not like? We will probably never know the answer to this question and so we will be left to guess at its meaning.
Christianity is a religion that respects the intellect of the individual so maybe the phrase “babbling like the pagans” is a reference to some religions where there is little respect for the intellect and people are confined to rote prayers and practices that make little sense. The focal point of Christianity is really obedience to God’s will as our response to the offer of salvation and this has little to do with the multiplication of words at prayer. It is far better to spend one’s time of worship and prayer listening to the Holy Spirit as He leads and guides us in the ways of God. There is an old adage that speaks of the need to listen twice as long as we speak because we have two ears and only one mouth.
Jesus then provides His disciples with a very simple prayer that covers the whole gamut of the life of faith. I think Jesus wants us to go straight to the point when we pray and not waste time “beating around the bush.” Far better to say what one wants to say to God up front than babble on for hours before getting to the point of the process. Also, there is no point in trying to hide something from God with a multitude of unnecessary words when a few will do. Like any listener, God will be appreciative of the person who clearly and concisely places their petitions and concerns before Him.
Jesus’ prayers to His Father are always straight to the point and without unnecessary additions. Let us follow His example and use the time we will save for better and more productive causes. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

Reflection Question:
What is my prayer like? Do I ramble on and tend towards verbosity or do I have a good balance of clear and concise prayers and time to listen to God’s Word for my life?

Father, I know You will appreciate it if I keep my prayers clear and concise. Help me with the grace of the Spirit to grow in my ability to do this.

St. Leocrita, pray for us.