Daily Bible Readings - March 19,2013

1^ST READING

 

Joseph is often overlooked when it comes to devotional attention. Mary and many of the more exciting and attractive saints have been brought into our focus much more readily. However, Joseph is an important figure in the life of Christ. I wonder what it would have been like to live with two sinless people? I think Joseph must have been an extremely patient person, particularly with himself. I can’t help wondering whether or not he ever cried out within, “For crying out loud, don’t you ever do anything wrong?”

 

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16

4 The Lord spoke to Nathan and said: 5 “Go, tell my servant David. 12 When your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. 13 It is he who shall build a house for my name. And I will make his royal throne firm forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. 16 Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29

R: The son of David will live for ever.

1 [2] The promises of the Lord I will sing forever; through all generations my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. 2 [3] For you have said, “My kindness is established forever;” in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness. (R) 3 [4] “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant: 4 [5] Forever will I confirm your posterity and establish your throne for all generations. (R) 26 [27] He shall say of me, “You are my father, my God, the rock, my savior!’’ 28 [29] Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him, and my covenant with him stands firm. (R)

 

2^ND READING

 

Abraham is the father of all nations through his faith and trust in God. It is not out of obedience to the Law or something he has done, but as the result of the grace and beneficence of God. Joseph stands in this tradition as an exceptional example of faith and trust in God. Reflect upon the events we know of Joseph and see if you do not agree with me — marrying his girlfriend who is pregnant; taking Mary to Bethlehem, and Mary giving birth there; fleeing to Egypt; staying there a number of years and so on.

 

Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

13 Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. 16 For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, “I have made you father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. 18 He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what was said, “Thus shall your descendants be.” 22 That is why it was credited to him as righteousness.

 

GOSPEL

 

Joseph is a wonderful example of faith. We should spend more time reflecting on his life so that we will be more inspired to give our all according to God’s will. His life as the father of Jesus and husband to Mary would have been quite difficult, I think, for various reasons. We all like to think we have the mortgage on difficulty but this is more about self-focus and, probably, a little self-pity than anything else.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, O Lord; they never cease to praise You.

 

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 (or Luke 2:41-51)

16 Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. 18 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. 20 Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. 21 She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

think: Joseph is an exceptional example of faith and trust in God. Let us emulate him.

 

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 Genesis 16-18