Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God - Daily Bible Readings December 14,2013

1^ST READING

 

Elijah is a symbol for the resurrection in Jewish tradition, in that he is taken to heaven by a fiery chariot before he died. He is a symbol of hope — that there is something more after death. Jesus is the preeminent source of hope for a Christian. His resurrection is not just a sign of hope, but also the pattern for our lives. Jesus’ life is the example that we should follow.

 

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

1 In those days, like a fire there appeared the prophet Elijah whose words were as a flaming furnace. 2 Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; 3 by the Lord’s word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. 4How awesome are you, Elijah, in your wondrous deeds! Whose glory is equal to yours? 9 You were taken aloft in a whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses. 10 You were destined, it is written, in time to come to put an end to wrath before the day of the Lord, to turn back the hearts of fathers toward their sons, and to re-establish the tribes of Jacob. 11 Blessed is he who shall have seen you and who falls asleep in your friendship.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 80:2, 3, 15-16, 18-19

R: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3Rouse your power. (R) 15 Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong. (R) 18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

There were many who tried to kill Elijah, as with most, if not all, of the prophets. Jesus would have known that such a fate awaited Him as a result of His ministry of the Gospel. Maybe persecution and even death await our lives as Christians — who knows? What I do know is that if the Lord asks me to do something for Him, I am going to do my best to do it.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.

 

Matthew 17:9, 10-13

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, 10 the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; 12 but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

 

think:  Jesus’ resurrection is not just a sign of hope, but also the pattern for our lives.

 

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 Ecclesiastes 9-12