1st READING
A Christian leader’s heart must be like a stream—easy to direct in the ways God wants it to run. Our leaders need to be men and women of prayer who align their minds and hearts with the Lord. A leader who goes his own way and does not surrender to God will not bear fruit. God’s will is perfect, abundantly fruitful, and is the fullness of life.
Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13
1 Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord; wherever it pleases him, he directs it. 2 All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves hearts. 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the tillage of the wicked is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. 6 Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares. 10 The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes. 11 When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 12 The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin. 13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
PSALM
Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44
R: Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.
1 Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. (R) 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. (R) 30 The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. (R) 34 Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. (R) 35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. (R) 44 And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (R)
GOSPEL
In today’s Gospel, Jesus declares that those who do the will of the Father are His mother, brother, and sister. Difficulties, problems, trials, and sin result from ignoring God’s will and going our own way. Let us trust in His promised goodness and avoid pain and hardship.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.
Luke 8:19-21
19 The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. 20 He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” 21 He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Reflect: What is God’s message for you today? What does He want you to do?
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T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
thank You, Lord, for:
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Read the Bible in one year - Psalms 136-140
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