The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart - Daily Bible Readings October 13,2015

1^ST READING

 

Paul sees suppression of the truth as the fundamental sin of the age, and it is also the same for our time today. Everything wrong with society can be traced back to this. Whether we are looking at social inequities and injustices, the rise and spread of all sorts of immorality, or the simple breakdown of human relationships, they are all rooted in the suppression of the truths of the Gospel, if not the Commandments.

 

Romans 1:16-25

16 Brothers and sisters: I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. 17 For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.” 18 The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; 21 for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. 24 Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshipped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2[3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus can see through the false holiness of the Pharisee. The Pharisee is surprised that Jesus does not follow a little item of the law — the washing His hands before a meal. Yet he is full of wickedness within in the way he deals with the people, particularlythe poor who are least able to keep many of the tenets of the law due to their difficult circumstances. Those who work full-time, such as priests and the religious have time set aside for many pious practices like prayer and penance. However, those with families have less available time and capacity for such practices.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

 

Luke 11:37-41

37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

 

think: Paul sees suppression of the truth as the fundamental sin of the age, and it is also the same for our time today.

 

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 Sirach 1-5