Daily Bible Readings - January 16,2013

 1^ST READING

 

The humanity of Christ is not a mere construct — it is as real as it can be. Jesus experienced temptation and the effects of sin in the world in which He lived. He clearly knows what it means to be human because He became one of us. This truth is essential for our redemption according to the principle that what has not been assumed cannot be redeemed. In other words, without  embracing our humanity, Christ would have been powerless to effectively redeem us.

 

Hebrews 2:14-18

14 Since the children share in blood and Flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. 16 Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; 17 therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

R: The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

1 Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. 2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. (R) 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, o hearts that seek the Lord! 4 Look to the Lord in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations — 9 which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

The reference to Peter’s mother-in-law implies that he was, and maybe still is, a married man. The discipline of celibacy that the Church requires generally of its ordained ministers is precisely that — a discipline. However, it is a discipline that makes a lot of sense when you really think about it. I have ministered to too many children of leaders of lay communities in the Church who complain that their father was always there for others but was absent from the family and their lives. How much worse would it be if your father was also a priest on call 24/7? One of the Scriptural reasons given for celibacy is availability for ministry — there is no

wife or children to worry about.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.

 

Mark 1:29-39

29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door. 34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” 39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

BLESSING

LIST

think: Christ embraced our humanity so He could effectively redeem us.

Matthew 25-28

TODAY’S

BLESSING

LIST

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 Matthew 25-28 BLESSING