They yearned for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested upon them - Daily Bible Readings July 26,2013

1^ST READING

 

Who are the heroes of faith that you look up to for inspiration? Now compare them with the present-day sporting, music and entertainment’s so-called heroes. Whose life is more inspiring? Who has had the greater influence in improving people’s lives?

 

Sirach 44:1, 10-15 (or Exodus 20:1-17)

1 Now will I praise those godly men, our ancestors, each in his own time: 10 These were godly men whose virtues have not been forgotten; 11 their wealth remains in their families, their heritage with their descendants; 12 Through God’s covenant with them their family endures, their posterity, for their sake. 13 And for all time their progeny will endure, their glory will never be blotted out; 14 Their bodies are peacefully laid away, but their name lives on and on. 15 At gatherings their wisdom is retold, and the assembly proclaims their praise .

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 132:11, 13-14, 17-18 (or Psalm 19:8, 9, 10, 11)

R: God will give him the throne of David, his father.

11 The Lord swore to David a firm promise from which he will not withdraw: “Your own offspring I will set upon your throne. (R) 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. 14 “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.” (R) 17 “In her will I make a horn to sprout forth for David; I will place a lamp for my anointed. 18 His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon him my crown shall shine.”

 

GOSPEL

 

It takes effort on our part to hear and see the words and works of God in our time. If we are not willing to pay the cost of discipleship, we will fail to reap its benefits. Ultimately, the cost is very little compared to the reward, which is eternal life! Our parents give us so much and expect very little in return. Let us be diligent in showing our gratitude to them.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

They yearned for the comforting of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested upon them.

 

Matthew 13:16-17 (or Matthew 13:18-23)

16 Jesus said to his disciples: “Blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. 17 Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

think:  The cost of discipleship is very little compared to the reward, which is eternal 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 Judith 9-12