The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many - Daily Bible Readings September 30,2014

1^ST READING

 

Job loses everything he owns and holds dear to him. He has come to the conclusion that he would be better off if he had never existed. This demonstrates the depth of suffering of Job such that he may have even been tempted to end his own life. Suicide is an enormous problem in today’s society. Let us pray that all those tempted to take their own life read Job first, because in reading these stories, they will discover a way through all their difficulties.

 

Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23

1 Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. 2 Job spoke out and said: 3 Perish the day on which I was born, the night when they said, “The child is a boy!” 11 Why did I not perish at birth, come forth from the womb and expire? 12 [16] Or why was I not buried away like an untimely birth, like babes that have never seen the light? 13 [12] Wherefore did the knees receive me? or why did I suck at the breasts? 14 [13] For then I should have lain down and been tranquil; had I slept, I should then have been at rest. 15 [14] With kings and counselors of the earth who built where now there are ruins. 16 [15] Or with princes who had gold and filled their houses with silver. 17 There the wicked cease from troubling, there the weary are at rest. 20 Why is light given to the toilers, and life to the bitter in spirit? 21 They wait for death and it comes not; they search for it rather than for hidden treasures, 22 rejoice in it exultingly, and are glad when they reach the grave: 23 Those whose path is hidden from them, and whom God has hemmed in!

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 88:2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8

R: Let my prayer come before you, Lord.

1 [2] O Lord, my God, by day I cry out; at night I clamor in your presence. 2 [3] Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my call for help. (R) 3 [4] For my soul is surfeited with troubles and my life draws near to the nether world. 4 [5] I am numbered with those who go down into the pit; I am a man without strength. (R) 5 [6] My couch is among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no longer and who are cut off from your care. (R) 6 [7] You have plunged me into the bottom of the pit, into the dark abyss. 7 [8] Upon me your wrath lies heavy, and with all your billows you overwhelm me. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Jesus sets His mind and heart and proceeds to Jerusalem, a place where many of the Old Testament prophets went to on their journey, in order to reach the maximum number of people in the easiest way possible. We need to learn from this example so that we can implement it as a part of our strategy for evangelization.

 

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

Luke 9:51-56

51 When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, 52 and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, 53 but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” 55 Jesus turned and rebuked them, 56 and they journeyed to another village.

 

think:  Let us pray that all those tempted to take their own life read Job first, because in reading these stories, they will discover a way through all their difficulties.

 

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 Proverbs 21-23

 

 

REVIEW OF THE QUARTER

 

Did I fulfill my last quarter goals?

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

What were the most important words the Lord gave to me this quarter?

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

What were my greatest blessings these past three months?

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

What are my most pressing needs for the next quarter?

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

NOTES:

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________________________

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will - Daily Bible Readings September 29,2014

1^ST READING

 

There are many descriptions in the Book of Revelation that are not easy to understand. However, this does not excuse us in trying to understand any Scripture. There are many times when we might be tempted to give up in attempting to understand the complex mysteries of our faith. Let us seek to discover more because when we do we will be better Christians for it.

 

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 (or Revelation 12:7-12)

9 As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. 10 A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him. The court was convened, and the books were opened. 13 As the visions during the night continued, I saw one like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, 14 He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5

R: In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

1 I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; 2 I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. (R) Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. 3 When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) 4 All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth; 5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord: “Great is the glory of the Lord.” (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

 

Sometimes I get a little jealous of the Apostles as they actually got to meet Jesus in the flesh. What a blessing that would have been! As much as knowing Jesus would be a positive thing, I think that the issue of turning one’s life around is far more important. The world will try to hide this truth from us, so we need to put it upfront so that we will be reminded that there is something bigger and better.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.

 

John 1:47-51

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

 

think:  Let us seek to discover more about our faith because when we do we will be better Christians for it.

 

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 Proverbs 17-20

Let us be mindful of all the things we have said we will do and make sure we do them - Daily Bible Readings September 28,2014

1^ST 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)

 

2^ND 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: __________________

 

____________________________________

 

God’s special verse/thought for me today_

_____________________________________

 

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

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL NEEDS

Things to ask God for in the coming week

________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

HIDDEN TREASURE

Most important word God told me this week

 

________________________________________________________________

                                                     _________________________________________________________________

Let us find ways to help those who are most needy in today’s society - Daily Bible Readings September 27,2014

1ST READING   Youth is a time of great opportunity. In most peoples’ lives, this is the time when one’s life decision is made and the path for the rest of one’s years is established. Youth is also a time of great distraction in our society today. There are so many options available to an individual that it is confusing. There is also the danger of a wrong choice that can damage a person’s life forever.   Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8 9 Rejoice, O young man, while you are young and let your heart be glad in of your eyes; yet understand that as regards all this God will bring you to judgment. 10 Ward off grief from your heart and put away trouble from your presence, though the dawn of youth is fleeting. 12: 1Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach of which you will say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 Before the sun is darkened, and the light, and the moon, and the stars, while the clouds return after the rain; 3 when the guardians of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders are idle because they are few, and they who look through the windows grow blind; 4 when the doors to the street are shut, and the sound of the mill is low; when one waits for the chirp of a bird, but all the daughters of song are suppressed; 5 and one fears heights, and perils in the street; when the almond tree blooms, and the locust grows sluggish and the caper berry is without effect, because man goes to his lasting home, and mourners go about the streets; 6 before the silver cord is snapped and the golden bowl is broken, and the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the broken pulley falls into the well, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it once was, and the life breath returns to God who gave it.8 Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, all things are vanity!   P S A L M   Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17 R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge. 3 You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. (R) 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. (R) 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! (R) 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 And may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! (R)   GOSPEL     We are all called to hand our lives over to the work of the Kingdom of God. St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast we celebrate today, was a man who did this and discovered the grace to care for the poor and destitute of his time. We all have a responsibility to do this. Let us find ways to help those who are most needy in today’s society.   GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Our Savior Christ Jesus destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.   Luke 9:43-45 43 While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, 44 “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying.   think:  Let us find ways to help those who are most needy in today’s society.   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 Proverbs 9-12

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many - Daily Bible Readings September 26,2014

1^ST READING

 

I like reflecting upon this text not because I am a fatalist and do not think it is worth exerting effort to change the things that need to be changed but for exactly the opposite reason. I am a realist and, thus, believe that we need to respect the way nature works, and work in and with it. There is a time for everything under heaven — this is true — there are times to stand firm and resolute against wrong and there are times to give way to others, never to evil, in order to do a greater good for the benefit of all.

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

1 There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every thing under the heavens. 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 5 A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. 6 A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 9 What advantage has the worker from his toil? 10 I have considered the task that God has appointed for the sons of men to be busied about. 11 He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts, without man’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work which God has done.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 144:1, 2, 3-4

R: Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

1 Blessed be the Lord, my rock, 2 my mercy and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, my shield, in whom I trust. (R) 3 Lord, what is man, that you notice him; the son of man, that you take thought of him? 4 Man is like a breath; his days, like a passing shadow. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Knowledge of the person of Jesus is something that we have to come to in our own time. It is like any other personal relationship and this means that we all move ahead in this journey according to our own speed and priorities. A relationship with Jesus cannot be forced upon anyone. It will develop according to each person’s response. We can and should pray for that response, but we cannot make it happen according to our own timetable.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

Luke 9:18-22

18 Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ ” 20 Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” 21 He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. 22 He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

 

think:  Knowledge of the person of Jesus is something that we have to come to in our own time.

 

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 Proverb 5-8

 

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me - Daily Bible Readings September 25,2014

1^ST READING

 

We worry and fret about many things, most of which we are powerless to influence, let alone change. What matters is that we come to know the love of God and respond to it. If we achieve nothing else in life other than this, life will still have been worthwhile because we have addressed the thing of greatest importance. We should do our best to ensure that we do not miss out on the things that matter in life.

 

Ecclesiastes 1:2-11

2 Vanity of vanities, says Qoheleth, vanity of vanities! All things are vanity! 3 What profit has man from all the labor which he toils at under the sun? 4 One generation passes and another comes, but the world forever stays. 5 The sun rises and the sun goes down; then it presses on to the place where it rises. 6 Blowing now toward the south, then toward the north, the wind turns again and again, resuming its rounds. 7 All rivers go to the sea, yet never does the sea become full. To the place where they go, the rivers keep on going. 8 All speech is labored; there is nothing one can say. The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor is the ear satisfied with hearing. 9 What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done. Nothing is new under the sun. 10 Even the thing of which we say, “See, this is new!” has already existed in the ages that preceded us. 11 There is no remembrance of the men of old; nor of those to come will there be any remembrance among those who come after them.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14, 17

R: In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.

3 You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night. (R) 5 You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass, 6 which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades. (R) 12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! (R) 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 17 Prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Many people become interested in Jesus and who He is. We need to take advantage of this interest and proclaim the Gospel when people ask about Jesus. Are you ready with a short testimony of how Jesus has changed your life? It is a good thing to be prepared for this as we never know when an opportunity might arise.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

 

Luke 9:7-9

7 Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; 8 others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” 9 But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

 

 

think:  What matters is that we come to know the love of God and respond to it.

 

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 Proverbs 1-4

The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel - Daily Bible Readings September 24,2014

1^ST READING

 

We should never pray for an over-abundance of anything unless our objective is to give it all away to the poor. Why does anyone need more than they can use? What we need to learn to do is to seek what we need and not just what we want. I like the old saying which sums up this attitude: “Live simply so that others may simply live!” In other words, do not seek consumption for consumption’s sake as you may be using something that is essential to another’s needs.

 

Proverbs 30:5-9

5 Every word of God is tested; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Add nothing to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be exposed as a deceiver. 7 Two things I ask of you, deny them not to me before I die: 8 Put falsehood and lying far from me, give me neither poverty nor riches; provide me only with the food I need; 9 lest, being full, I deny you, saying, “Who is the Lord?” Or, being in want, I steal, and profane the name of my God.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 119:29, 72, 89, 101, 104, 163

R: Your word, O Lord, is a lamp for my feet.

29 Remove from me the way of falsehood, and favor me with your law. (R) 72 The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (R) 89 Your word, O Lord, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens. (R) 101 From every evil way I withhold my feet, that I may keep your words. (R) 104 Through your precepts I gain discernment; therefore I hate every false way. (R) 163 Falsehood I hate and abhor; your law I love. (R)

 

GOSPEL

 

Trust in God. This must become the mantra of our lives. If it does, then there is very little that will be capable of deflecting us from the will of God. Trusting in Him may sound a boring recipe for life but it is not. We like to talk about action movies and stunt men and so on. I say, take a taste of Gospel living and you will never crave for excitement again. Following Christ has been one big adventure for me.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel.

 

Luke 9:1-6

1 Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there and leave from there. 5 And as for those who do not welcome you, when you leave that town, shake the dust from your feet in testimony against them.” 6 Then they set out and went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere.

 

think:  Trust in God. This must become the mantra 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 Psalm 146-150

 

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it - Daily Bible Readings September 23,2014

1^ST READING

 

Padre Pio was a man who allowed the grace of God to direct his heart and his whole life wherever God wanted it to go. This is what it means to be a disciple. A disciple does not tell his master what he should be doing. Yes, there are times when a disciple’s opinion is important and even critical to the success of a venture, but when it comes to God we know that He always has the situation in control and, thus, all we need to do is to follow His will.

 

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.

 

P S A L M

 

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

 

 

Jesus does not care about conventions or traditions if they are going to be of no use to, and maybe even hinder, the Gospel proclamation. We need to have this attitude as we seek to follow Jesus. There are many things that people want us to do and a number of them are fine, even essential to holy living. However, there will always be things people want us to do that we should ignore. We need to pray for the grace of discernment in deciding the path we walk in our lives.

 

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.”

 

think:  We need to pray for the grace of discernment in deciding the path we walk in 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 Psalm 141-145