Daily Bible Readings

October 9, 2011
1st READING

Mountains in the Bible are often places of communion with God. Moses went up Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and there communed with God face to face. Jesus went up the Mount of Transfiguration and there His face shone with the glory of His divinity. The prophet Isaiah sees God communing with His people on Mt. Zion and preparing a great feast for them. This was fulfilled on Mt. Calvary where Jesus offered His body and blood for our salvation and so brought about the fulfillment of God’s promises to His people.

Isaiah 25:6-10
6 On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples a feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. 7 On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations; 8 he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; the reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken. 9 On that day it will be said: “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us! This is the LORD for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!” 10 For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain.

P S A L M

Psalms 23:1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
R: I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.
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

St. Paul knew his own weaknesses but also the greatness of the Lord’s strength and love for him. Hence he can say confidently, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Let us also have a deep faith in Jesus who promises to be with us always and to give us all the help we need.

Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
12 Brothers and sisters: I know indeed how to live in humble circumstances; I know also how to live with abundance. In every circumstance and in all things I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of living in abundance and of being in need. 13 I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 14 Still, it was kind of you to share in my distress. 19 My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father, glory forever and ever. Amen.

G O S P E L

Jesus often compared the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast and this is truly what it is. All people are invited by God the Father to be part of the wedding feast of His Son, Jesus Christ. But in this parable many make excuses as to why they cannot attend. This is what the leaders of Israel were doing when they refused to accept Jesus as the Messiah. They were too caught up in their own plans and agendas. Let us not neglect the wonderful invitation that God is offering us to be part of His Kingdom.

ALLELUIA
R: Alleluia, alleluia
May the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, so that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.

R: Alleluia, alleluia
Matthew 22:1-14 (or Matthew 22:1-10)
1 Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. 3 He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. 4 A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.”’ 5 Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them. 7 The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. 9 Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ 10 The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. 11 But when the king came in to meet the guests he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. 12 He said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. 13 Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ 14 Many are invited, but few are chosen.”

my reflections
t h i n k : Let us not neglect the wonderful invitation that God is offering us to be part of His Kingdom.

God’s special verse/thought for me today________________
_________________________________________________________

T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________

READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Daniel 13-14

Daniel 13-14