S1ST READING
Luke
presents us with a somewhat systematic approach taken by Paul and
Barnabas in bringing the faith to the Gentiles. Did it really happen
this way? I do not know — the Acts of the Apostles is clearly a very
stylized literary work. However, does it really matter? What matters is
that the Gentiles responded to the Gospel when they heard it proclaimed
by Paul and Barnabas (among others) and the rest, as they say, is
history.
Acts 13:14, 43-52
14 Paul
and Barnabas continued on from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On
the sabbath they entered the synagogue and took their seats. 43 Many
Jews and worshipers who were converts to Judaism followed Paul and
Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to remain faithful to the
grace of God. 44 On the following sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and with violent abuse contradicted what Paul said. 46 Both Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For
so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles,
that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.’’’
48 The Gentiles were delighted when they heard this and glorified the word of the Lord. All who were destined for eternal life came to believe, 49 and the word of the Lord continued to spread through the whole region. 50 The
Jews, however, incited the women of prominence who were worshipers and
the leading men of the city, stirred up a persecution against Paul and
Barnabas, and expelled them from their territory. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 The believers were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
P S A L M
Psalm 100:1-2, 3, 5
R: We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; 2 serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song. (R) 3 Know that the Lord is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. (R) 5 The Lord is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all
generations. (R)
2nd READING
Another
text in the Book of Revelation speaks of the 144,000 (12x12x1,000) who
will be saved. Is this number meant to be taken literally? I certainly
hope not. Here, John speaks of a huge number that is impossible to
count, rather than 144,000. This implies that the figure, 144,000 is not
meant to be taken literally but as a sign that the right number (the
number of tribes of Israel multiplied by themselves multiplied by 1,000)
simply signifies a huge number, not an exact one. We are reading a
genre of literature called “apocalyptic” — a genre that is not meant to
be taken literally but read as an analogy of the truth.
Revelation 7:9, 14-17
9 I,
John, had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from
every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne
and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in
their hands. 14 Then
one of the elders said to me, “These are the ones who have survived the
time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them
white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 For this reason they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and
night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them. 16 They will not hunger or thirst anymore, nor will the sun or any heat strike them. 17 For
the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead
them to springs of life-giving water, and God will wipe away every tear
from their eyes.”
GOSPEL
In
the midst of the cacophony of voices and words that is modern society,
those who desire to follow Christ have to learn to recognize His voice.
This is not an easy task but one that will require constant attention
and effort. Unless we are willing to commit ourselves to it, we will
never remain faithful as His disciples. Sheep learn the voice of their
shepherd and follow it, or they die of starvation. As it is the shepherd
who leads them to green pastures, it is Christ who will lead us to
everlasting life.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.
John 10:27-30
27 Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of My Hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
think: As it is the shepherd who leads the sheep to green pastures, it is Christ who will lead us to everlasting life.
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 Numbers 1-3
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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