1st READING
When Jesus is welcomed with an open heart and nothing is held back, He changes our outlook in life dramatically. To look with the eyes of Jesus at a particular situation can make all the difference between seeing it in a totally negative light or being able to see reason to hope. We need to see with the eyes of God if we are to make the sacrifices necessary to follow His will perfectly.
Isaiah 9:1-6
1 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. 2 You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. 3 For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. 4 For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. 5 For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him: Wonder-counselor, God-hero, Father-forever, Prince of Peace. 6 His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!
P S A L M
Psalm 98:1,2-3,3-4,5-6
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the Lord. (R)
2ND READING
If we look with the eyes of Jesus, we always look for the best and very easily will overlook the many faults of individuals. Let us try to imitate His mercy and forgiveness in our own lives. If we judge harshly then we ourselves will be harshly judged. It is thus sensible to seek to grow in mercy and compassion. Such growth will stand us in good stead when we stand before God on Judgment Day.
Ephesians 1:3-6,15-18
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, 4 as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love 5 he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, 6 for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. 15 Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, 16 do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. 18 May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones.
GOSPEL
Devotion to the Santo Niño is pervasive here in the Philippines. Like all devotions, however, it needs to go beyond just having an image of the Santo Niño in our houses. The devotion and the image must remind us of the need to remember the great gift of the Incarnation and to live our lives every day with Jesus by our side. If the devotion to the Santo Niño has no effect on the way we live, then our lives may be tending towards hypocrisy. We know what Jesus has to say about that in the Gospels, don’t we?
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
Mark 10:13-16
13 At that time people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” 16 Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
1st READING 2nd READING
think: We need to see with the eyes of God if we are to make the sacrifices necessary to follow His will perfectly.
John 19-21
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 Luke 4-6
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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