Daily Bible Readings - July 3,2013

1^ST READING

 

It is important that, as we celebrate the lives of the saints of the Church, we do not make them inaccessibly holy. This is why I like Thomas because we often remember him for his failures rather than his miracles or some other spectacular aspect of his life. We remember that Thomas doubted — something I am sure we have all done at one time or another. He was not perfect and the Scriptures clearly record this fact for us.

 

Ephesians 2:19-22

19 Brothers and sisters: You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, 20 built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone. 21 Through him the whole structure is held together and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord; 22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 117:1, 2

R: Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.

1 Praise the Lord, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples! (R) 2 For steadfast is his kindness for us, and the fidelity of the Lord endures forever. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Though we may remember him for his failure to immediately believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, the Scripture’s last word on Thomas tells us that he expresses great faith and trust in Jesus. Let us pray that this will be the final witness of our own lives as well.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord; blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe!

 

John 20:24-29

24 Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 26 Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

 

think:  As we celebrate the lives of the saints, it is important that we do not make them inaccessibly holy.

 

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 2 Chronicles 1-3