1ST READING
The
Kingdom of God is not about fairness in the sense of mathematical
equality of all people. Yet, if we are all equal in the sight of God,
how do we explain the great disparity in wealth of one person with
another? Inequality, insofar as it is an injustice, is the result of
sin. It is imperative that we share the abundant blessings of the world
with all men and women. This ought to be our goal.
Ezekiel 18:25-28
25 Thus
says the Lord: You say, “The Lord’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house
of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways
unfair? 26 When
someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies,
it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. 27 But if he turns from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; 28 since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
P S A L M
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9
R: Remember your mercies, O Lord.
4 Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, 5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. (R) 6 Remember that your compassion, O Lord, and your love are from of old. 7 The sins of my youth and my frailties remember not; in your kindness remember me, because of your goodness, O Lord. (R)
8 Good and upright is the Lord; thus he shows sinners the way. 9 He guides the humble to justice, he teaches the humble his way. (R)
2ND READING
Paul
exhorts us to have the mind of Christ in all things. This is very
important as it is about the only thing that will prevent all-out war
when people disagree. If we are focused on the proclamation of the
Gospel, we will not have time to argue unendingly, and, thus, actually
get on with building the Kingdom of God. That is what will keep us out
of trouble, as well as contribute to the life of God’s Kingdom.
Philippians 2:1-11
1 Brothers
and sisters: If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in
love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing. 3 Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves, 4 each looking out not for his own interests, but
also for those of others. 5 Have in you the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. 7 Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, 8 he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. 9 Because of this, God greatly
exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
GOSPEL
Integrity
is an important aspect of the life of holiness. In fact, without
integrity, nothing will ever get done. As we contemplate the story in
the Gospel, let us be mindful of all the things we have said we will do
and make sure we do them.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Matthew 21:28-32
28 Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. 30 The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. 32 When
John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you
did not later change your minds and believe him.”
think: Let us be mindful of all the things we have said we will do and make sure we do them.
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 Proverbs 13-16
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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