Daily Bible Readings - October 16,2012

1^ST READING

 

It is not the externals, like circumcision, but the state of our faith that really matters. It is our faith that will determine whether we place our trust in God’s will or ours. It is essential that we seek all possible ways to grow in faith as this will help us in following God’s will for us. Faith is the basis of our spiritual life — it will lead us to God’s will if we entrust our lives to it.

 

Galatians 5:1-6

1 Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. 2 It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised that he is bound to observe the entire law. 4 You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48

R: Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

41 Let your mercy come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. (R) 43 Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for in your ordinances is my hope. (R) 44 And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (R) 45 And I will walk at liberty, because I seek your precepts. (R) 47 And I will delight in your commands, which I love. (R) 48 And I will lift up my hands to your commands and meditate on your statutes. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

Again, it is the externals that the Pharisees are focusing on. It is essential that we go deeper than, for example, how well a person has washed his hands, when we talk of our faith or salvation. It seems obvious when put like this, but so often religious practices have been governed by guilt and manipulation through fear because faith is not the central focus. Let us not repeat this error in our lives.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

 

Luke 11:37-41

37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

 

LIST

think: It is essential that we seek all possible ways to grow in faith as this will help us in following God’s will for us.

 

 

BLESSING

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 Sirach 21-25