Daily Bible Readings - May 31,2013

1^ST READING

 

As we celebrate the Feast of the Visitation, we celebrate Mary’s selflessness in putting the care of Elizabeth above her own desires and needs. The world today needs to see more of this kind of generosity and less of the self-focus that is so evident, particularly when it comes to material things. Mary’s whole life was given over to the call that God gave her to be the mother of His Son — something that was a great privilege as well as a source of much suffering.

 

Zephaniah 3:14-18 (or Romans 12:9-16)

14 Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! 15 The Lord has removed the judgment against you, he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. 16 On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! 17 The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, 18 as one sings at festivals.

 

P S A L M

 

Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

R: Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. (R) 4  Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. 6 Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Mary knows that she is living a privileged life as the Mother of God. I believe she is also aware, even at this point, that it is not going to be easy. We all need to embrace this as a truth for our lives — namely, that trials and difficulties will come our way. Then Mary can be an example for us in dealing with them, pondering over them in her heart and reflecting on what they are teaching her about God’s love for her.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.

 

Luke 1:39-56

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” 46 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior. 48 For he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: 49 the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. 50 He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. 51 He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. 52 He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he has remembered his promise of mercy, 55 the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever.” 56 Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.

 

think: Mary can be an example for us in dealing with the trials and difficulties that come our way.

 

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 1 Samuel 29-31 

Daily Bible Readings - May 30,2013

1^ST READING

 

 

 

The reading for today tells us that God is watching us at all times. This is not out of any voyeuristic intent, but out of His love for us as the Good Shepherd. We either believe that God has our best interests at heart or we do not. If we believe this, then we should be grateful for His constant care for us. Let us continue to pray that we will take advantage of the knowledge of His presence and call out to Him day and night when in need.

 

Sirach 42:15-25

15 Now will I recall God’s works; what I have seen, I will describe. At God’s word were his works brought into being; they do his will as he has ordained for them. 16 As the rising sun is clear to all, so the glory of the Lord fills all his works; 17 yet even God’s holy ones must fail in recounting the wonders of the Lord, though God has given these, his hosts, the strength to stand firm before his glory. 18 He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands. The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: 19 He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. 20 No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him. 21 Perennial is his almighty wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same, 22 with nothing added, nothing taken away; no need of a counselor for him! 23 How beautiful are all his works! Even to the spark and the fleeting vision! 24 The universe lives and abides forever; to meet each need, each creature is preserved. 25 All of them differ, one from another, yet none of them has he made in vain, for each in turn, as it comes, is good; can one ever see enough of their splendor?

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: By the word of the Lord the heavens were made.

2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. 3 Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made; by the breath of his mouth all their host. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea as in a flask; in cellars he confines the deep. (R) 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all who dwell in the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it was made; he commanded, and it stood forth. (R)

 

GOSPEL

Jesus is always calling us back to Himself, especially when we are in trouble or in need of any sort. It is not that He always will heal us if we are sick, or work an immediate miracle to feed us if we are hungry, or anything else similar, but that He wants to bring the comfort of His presence to us. And often, this is all we need to endure our present difficulties. God knows what we need and He does what is necessary to make it available. He is not in control of the corruption that deprives so many of even the basic necessities in life.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.

 

Mark 10:46-52

46 As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. 47 On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” 48 And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me.” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take courage; get up, he is calling you.” 50 He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. 51 Jesus said to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” 52 Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

 

think: God knows what we need and He does what is necessary to make it available.

 

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 1 Samuel 25-28 

Daily Bible Readings - May 28,2013

1^ST READING

 

Yes, our faith will be tested. In fact, if you have already been walking the life of a disciple for a while, it has probably already been tested. Testing our faith makes it stronger as, when we pass the test, there is one less thing that could lead us astray. Lord, with You by my side, I am sure that any testing of my faith will only result in a deeper conviction that it is true.

 

Sirach 35:1-12

1 To keep the Law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. 2 In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. 3 To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. 4 Appear not before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. 5 The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. 6 The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. 7 In generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, be not sparing of freewill gifts. 8 With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. 9 Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. 10 For the Lord is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. 11 But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion, 12 for he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23

R: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

5 “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. (R) 7 “Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you; God, your God, am I. 8 Not for your  sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offering are before me always. (R) 14 “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. 23 He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

There is a little bit of the mercenary in us. And there is in Peter, too. Peter is aware of the sacrifices he and the other Apostles have made and is wondering about their reward. This is perfectly reasonable, as long as we are ready to accept that the rewards of the Kingdom of God are rarely in this life but are stored up in eternal life with God in heaven.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.                                                                                                                                      

 

Mark 10:28-31

28 Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. 31 But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

LIST

think: Testing our faith makes it stronger as, when we pass the test, there is one less thing that could lead us astray.

 

 

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 1 Samuel 17-20 

 

Daily Bible Readings - May 27,2013

1^ST READING

 

Repentance is a gift we can avail of in this life but no longer available to us when we die. This gives a further imperative to the message of the Gospel in the mind of Paul as he writes to the Corinthian Community, telling them that now is the day of salvation. If we know we have sinned, we should not delay repenting of that sin, as we cannot be sure that we have too many days ahead of us. Who knows when the Lord will call any of us home to Himself?

 

Sirach 17:19-24 (or Sirach 17:19-27)

19 To the penitent God provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope and has chosen for them the lot of truth. 20 Return to him and give up sin, pray to the Lord and make your offenses few. 21 Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin, hate intensely what he loathes, and know the justice and judgments of God. Stand firm in the way set before you, in prayer to the Most High God. 22 Who in the nether world can glorify the Most High in place of the living who offer their praise? Dwell no longer in the error of the ungodly, but offer your praise before death. 23 No more can the dead give praise than those who have never lived; You who are alive and well shall praise and glorify God in his mercies. 24 How great the mercy of the Lord, his forgiveness of those who return to him!

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

R: Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin.(R) 6 For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress. Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him. (R) 7 You are my shelter; from distress you will preserve me; with glad cries of freedom you will ring me round. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

In his reply to the rich young man’s request concerning what is necessary for eternal life, Jesus opens up the issue of the true nature of goodness. What does it mean to be good? Some people think it is merely a matter of  avoiding doing the wrong thing, but this is a minimalist interpretation and is therefore deficient. A good life is a life lived with a good purpose and goal. This means that we have to actively pursue a life of virtue if we wish to live a good life. This is the challenge that Jesus gives the rich young man. How he responds to it will determine whether he is living a good life or just avoiding a bad one.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

 

Mark 10:17-27

17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

1 Samuel 13-16

think: A good life is a life lived with a good purpose and goal.

 

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 1 Samuel 13-16 

Daily Bible Readings - May 26,2013

1^ST READING

 

The Book of Wisdom reminds us that in all that God does, His heart is turned towards humanity as the pinnacle of His creative work. We should never forget this as we seek to be faithful stewards of Creation. Yes, human beings are more important than any other created life. However, this does not mean that we should have no respect and care for the rest of Creation.

 

Proverbs 8:22-31

22 Thus says the wisdom of God: “The Lord possessed me, the beginning of his ways, the forerunner of his prodigies of long ago; 23 from of old I was poured forth, at the first, before the earth. 24 When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains or springs of water; 25 before the mountains were settled into place, before the hills, I was brought forth; 26 while as yet the earth and the fields were not made, nor the first clods of the world. 27 When the Lord established the heavens I was there, when he marked out the vault over the face of the deep; 28 when he made firm the skies above, when he fixed fast the foundations of the earth; 29 when he set for the sea its limit, so that the waters should not transgress his command; 30 then was I beside him as his craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, playing before him all the while, 31 playing on the surface of his earth; and I found delight in the human race.”

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R: O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

3 [4] When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — 4 [5] what is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? (R) 5 [6] You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. 6 [7] You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet. (R) 7 [8] All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, 8 [9] the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas. (R)

 

 

2^ND READING

 

We know God loves us because He died for us before we were worthy of such a great gift. In fact, if the truth be known, we can never be worthy of God’s love through what we do — it is a free gift from God to us. The love of the Trinity is so great that it had to be shared, and they shared it by creating human beings.

 

Romans 5:1-5

1 Brothers and sisters: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith to this grace in which we stand, and we boast in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, 4 and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

 

GOSPEL

 

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. In a world that seems to doubt that truth exists in any objective shape or form, Christians know for sure that it does through the ministry of the Holy Spirit within our hearts. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to awaken the truth that lies written in our hearts so that our consciences can apply it to the moral dilemmas that we face in life.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; to God who is, who was, and who is to come.

 

John 16:12-15

12 Jesus said to his disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. 13 But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and will declare to you the things that are coming. 14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

 

think: We can never be worthy of God’s love through what we do — it is a free gift from God to us.

 

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 1 Samuel 9-12 

                                                                                                          SABBATH PAUSE

My weekly time with God

THANK YOU LIST

Things to be grateful for from the past week

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL NEEDS

Things to ask God for in the coming week

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

HIDDEN TREASURE

Most important word God told me this week

Daily Bible Readings - May 24,2013

1^ST READING

 

My mother used to remind me when I had said something unkind about someone that if I do not have anything nice to say, then I should not say anything at all. It is not a bad principle to adhere to. Ah, mothers! The wisdom they have is more than we probably gave them credit for as children. We should always respect the wisdom and learning of our elders. It should be treated as a priceless gift.

 

Sirach 6:5-17

5 A kind mouth multiplies friends and appeases enemies, and gracious lips prompt friendly greetings. 6 Let your acquaintances be many, but one in a thousand your confidant. 7 When you gain a friend, first test him, and be not too ready to trust him. 8 For one sort is a friend when it suits him, but he will not be with you in time of distress. 9 Another is a friend who becomes an enemy, and tells of the quarrel to your shame. 10 Another is a friend, a boon companion, who will not be with you when sorrow comes. 11 When things go well, he is your other self, and lords it over your servants; 12 but if you are brought low, he turns against you and avoids meeting you. 13 Keep away from your enemies;  be on your guard with your friends. 14 A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure. 15 A faithful friend is beyond price, no sum can balance his worth. 16 A faithful friend is a life-saving remedy, such as he who fears God finds; 17 for he who fears God behaves accordingly, and his friend will be like himself.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 119:12, 16, 18, 27, 34, 35

R: Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

12 Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. (R)

16 In your statutes I will delight; I will not forget your words. (R) 18 Open my eyes, that I may consider the wonders of your law. (R) 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. (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)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

Marriage is a controversial subject these days. Can two people of the same sex get married? No! The definition of marriage requires that one person be male and the other female — there is no way to procreate unless this is the case, and procreation, or the possibility of it, is essential to the character of marriage as we understand it. Any two people can enter into a partnership of life or civil union, but a marriage is between a man and a woman — it always has, and in my mind and that of the Church, always will be.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your word, O Lord, is truth; consecrate us in the truth.

 

Mark 10:1-12

1 Jesus came into the district of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds gathered around him and, as was his custom, he again taught them. 2 The Pharisees approached and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. 3 He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you?” 4 They replied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” 5 But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. 6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. 7 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. 9 Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” 10 In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this. 11 He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; 12 and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

think: We should always respect the wisdom and learning of our elders.

 

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 1 Samuel 1-4

Daily Bible Readings - May 23, 2013

1^ST READING

 

Money is a funny sort of thing. We think it has value, and it has, but only for material transactions. True value — value that is fundamentally of moral worth — is not to be found in wealth. This is why there are many parables to remind us that the values of the Kingdom of God are not the same as those of the world. Let us pray that we will avoid the pitfalls of the world by focusing on the things of true worth that are only found in heaven.

 

Sirach 5:1-8

1 Rely not on your wealth; say not: “I have the power.” 2 Rely not on your strength in following the desires of your heart. 3 Say not: “Who can prevail against me?” or “Who will subdue me for my deeds?” for God will surely exact the punishment. 4 Say not: “I have sinned, yet what has befallen me?” for the Most High bides his time. 5 Of forgiveness be not overconfident, adding sin upon sin. 6 Say not: “Great is his mercy; my many sins he will forgive.” 7 For mercy and anger alike are with him; upon the wicked alights his wrath. 8 Delay not your conversion to the Lord, put it not off from day to day. For suddenly his wrath flames forth; at the time of vengeance you will be destroyed. Rely not upon deceitful wrath, for it will be no help on the day of wrath.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6

R: Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

1 Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, 2 but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. (R) 3 He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. (R) 4 Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Here is a warning that reminds us not to be obstacles for the faith of others. This is a wake-up call to us, particularly as regards the witness of our lives to the younger generation. We have a responsibility to provide a good example of Christian faith to the younger members of our community. Let us never neglect this duty as it will be called to our attention on Judgment Day, if not before.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God.

 

Mark 9:41-50

41 Jesus said to his disciples: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. 42 Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. [44] 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. [46] 47 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, 48 where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 “Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another.”

think: Let us pray that we will avoid the pitfalls of the world by focusing on the things of true worth that are only found in heaven.

 

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 Rurh 1-4

 

Daily Bible Readings - May 22, 2013

1^ST READING

 

We should make the desire of wisdom one of the foundations of our lives. Let us pray that, in seeking the wisdom of God, we will be transformed by it when we discover it. Let us also pray for the grace of submission to the truth and wisdom  of God so that we will never become prey to the lies and deceit of the enemy of the human race.

 

Sirach 4:11-19

11 Wisdom breathes life into her children and admonishes those who seek her. 12 He who loves her loves life; those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord. 13 He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the Lord bestows blessings. 14 Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the Lord loves. 15 He who obeys her judges nations; he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers. 16 If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her. 17 She walks with him as a stranger, and at first she puts him to the test; fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline until she try him by her laws and trust his soul. 18 Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveal her secrets to them and she will heap upon him treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice. 19 But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 119:165, 168, 171, 172, 174, 175

R: O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

165 Those who love your law have great peace, and for them there is no stumbling block. (R) 168 I keep your precepts and your decrees, for all my ways are before you. (R) 171 My lips pour forth your praise, because you teach me your statutes. (R) 172 May my tongue sing of your promise, for all your commands are just. (R) 174 I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. (R) 175 Let my soul live to praise you, and may your ordinances help me. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

There are many Christians in the world today that we do not agree with on every aspect of our faith. It would be wrong to focus on the differences and so distinguish ourselves from them; it would be equally wrong to ignore the differences. Let us seek to work together and focus on our common beliefs in the hope that coming together a little bit will lead to that happening more and more in the future.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

 

Mark 9:38-40

38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” 39 Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. 40 For whoever is not against us is for us.”

LIST

think: We should make the desire of wisdom one of the foundations of our lives.

 

 

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 Judges 17-21