1ST READING
The
choices we make can start out well but end in disaster. On the other
hand, we can begin badly and triumph in the end. But it is best if we
both start well and finish well. This should be the goal of a disciple
of Jesus. Let us be true to God’s calling and open our hearts to His
will. Let us pray for an obedient spirit so that we will not stray far
from His path.
Ezekiel 18:21-28
21 Thus
says the Lord God: If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he
committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just,
he shall surely live, he shall not die. 22 None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced. 23 Do
I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the
Lord God. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that
he may live? 24 And
if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same
kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and
still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he
has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die. 25 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 the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed, 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 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7, 7-8
R: If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! 2 Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. (R) 3 If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. (R) 5 I trust in
the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. 7 Let Israel wait for the Lord. (R) For with the Lord is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; 8 and he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities. (R)
GOSPEL
To
be a disciple of Jesus means we must be ready to lay down our lives for
the Kingdom of God. This isn’t easy, but the saints have done it.
Whatever suffering we havein this life will be nothing compared to the reward of spending eternity with Jesus. Do you believe this?
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Matthew 5:20-26
20 Jesus
said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses
that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom
of heaven. 21 You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. 22 But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa,
will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. 23 Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to
the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
think: To be a disciple of Jesus means we must be ready to lay down our lives for the Kingdom of God.
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 Thessalonians 1-3
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