Daily Bible Readings - June 9, 2012

1^ST READING

 

Paul exhorts us to be brave when we come under trial. This was a serious matter in the early Church as trials were often a prelude to martyrdom. Trials today normally indicate a level of discomfort and struggle. This is a long way from the gravity of trials 2,000 years ago. Let us remember this the next time we are tempted to complain of the difficulties we are experiencing in our faith life.

 

2 Timothy 4:1-8

1 Beloved: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: 2 proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. 3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers 4 and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. 5 But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry. 6 For 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.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 71:8-9, 14-15, 16-17, 22

R: I will sing of your salvation.

8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your glory day by day. 9 Cast me not off in my old age; as my strength fails, forsake me not. (R) 14 But I will always hope and praise you ever more and more. 15 My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day your salvation. (R) 16 I will treat of the mighty works of the Lord; O God, I will tell of your singular justice. 17 O God, you have taught me from my youth, and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds. (R) 22 So will I give you thanks with music on the lyre, for your faithfulness, O my God! I will sing your praises with the harp, O Holy One of Israel! (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

The widow’s mite is a great story to reflect on as it puts in perspective the things we have to offer for the work of the Kingdom of God. The most important thing we offer God is the gift of our obedience, the generosity of our surrender, and commitment to lives of service. The widow gives what little money she has and in so doing signifies that she is ready to give all in service of the Gospel.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

 

Mark 12:38-44

38 In the course of his teaching Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, 39 seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. 40 They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext, recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” 41 He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. 44 For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

 

think: The most important thing we offer God is the gift of our obedience, the generosity of our surrender, and commitment to lives of service.

 

 

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 1 Kings 9-11