11.30.2012

Today's Bible story

November 30, 2012

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

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+ Saints: St. Andrew, Apostle

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+ First Reading: Romans 10:9-18

9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."☆

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.

13 For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."☆

14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?

15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace,
who bring glad tidings of good things!"☆

16 But they didn't all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"☆

17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18 But I say, didn't they hear? Yes, most certainly,
"Their sound went out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."☆

☆10:11: Isaiah 28:16

☆10:13: Joel 2:32

☆10:15: Isaiah 52:7

☆10:16: Isaiah 53:1

☆10:18: Psalm 19:4

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+ Psalm: Psalms 19:7-10

7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul.
Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.

8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.
Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

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+ Gospel: Matthew 4:18-22

18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he† saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.

19 He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men."

20 They immediately left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.

22 They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.

†4:18: TR reads "Jesus" instead of "he"

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+ Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written,
"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."?

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.

22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,

23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,

24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

26 For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;

27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are:

29 that no flesh should boast before God.

30 Because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

31 that, according as it is written, "He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord."☆

2:1 When I came to you, brothers, I didn't come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.

4 My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

5 that your faith wouldn't stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

☆1:19: Isaiah 29:14

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11.29.2012

Today's Bible story

November 29, 2012

Thursday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

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+ Saints:
St. Saturninus
Blessed Denis of the Nativity and Blessed Redemptorus of the Cross

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+ First Reading: Revelation 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a

18:1 After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated with his glory.

2 He cried with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and she has become a habitation of demons, a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird!

21 A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, and will be found no more at all.

22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute players, and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. No craftsman, of whatever craft, will be found any more at all in you. The sound of a mill will be heard no more at all in you.

23 The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you. The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you; for your merchants were the princes of the earth; for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived.

19:1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God:

2 for true and righteous are his judgments. For he has judged the great prostitute, who corrupted the earth with her sexual immorality, and he has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand."

3 A second said, "Hallelujah! Her smoke goes up forever and ever."

9a He said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'"

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+ Psalm: Psalms 100:1-5

1 Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands!

2 Serve Yahweh with gladness.
Come before his presence with singing.

3 Know that Yahweh, he is God.
It is he who has made us, and we are his.
We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, and bless his name.

5 For Yahweh is good.
His loving kindness endures forever,
his faithfulness to all generations.

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+ Gospel: Gospel: Luke 21:20-28

20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the middle of her depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein.

22 For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land, and wrath to this people.

24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;

26 men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near."

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+ Today's Reading: Daniel 9:1-4、18-27

1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the offspring* of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans,

2 in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years about which Yahweh's word† came to Jeremiah the prophet, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years.

3 I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

4 I prayed to Yahweh my God, and made confession, and said, Oh, Lord, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments,

18 My God, turn your ear, and hear; open your eyes, and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name: for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies' sake.

19 Lord, hear; Lord, forgive; Lord, listen and do; don't defer, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.

20 While I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Yahweh my God for the holy mountain of my God;

21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening offering.

22 He instructed me, and talked with me, and said, Daniel, I have now come to give you wisdom and understanding.

23 At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went out, and I have come to tell you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.

24 Seventy weeks are decreed on your people and on your holy city, to finish disobedience, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.

25 Know therefore and discern, that from the going out of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Anointed One,‡ the prince, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times.

26 After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One§ shall be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and its end shall be with a flood, and even to the end shall be war; desolations are determined.

27 He shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease; and on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out on the desolate.

*9:1: or, seed

†9:2: "Yahweh" is God's proper Name, sometimes rendered "LORD" (all caps) in other translations.

‡9:25: "Anointed One" can also be translated "Messiah" (same as "Christ").

§9:26: "Anointed One" can also be translated "Messiah" (same as "Christ").

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11.28.2012

Today's Bible story

November 28, 2012

Wednesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

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+ Saints:
St. James of the Marches
St. Catherine Laboure'

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+ First Reading: Revelation 15:1-4

1 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished.

2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, his image,* and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.

3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
"Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God, the Almighty!
Righteous and true are your ways, you King of the nations.

4 Who wouldn't fear you, Lord,
and glorify your name?
For you only are holy.
For all the nations will come and worship before you.
For your righteous acts have been revealed."

*15:2: TR adds "his mark,"

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+ Psalm: Psalms 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9

1 Sing to Yahweh a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand, and his holy arm, have worked salvation for him.

2 Yahweh has made known his salvation.
He has openly shown his righteousness in the sight of the nations.

3ab He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

7 Let the sea roar with its fullness;
the world, and those who dwell therein.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands.
Let the mountains sing for joy together.

9 Let them sing before Yahweh,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.

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+ Gospel: Luke 21:12-19

12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name's sake.
13 It will turn out as a testimony for you.

14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.

16 You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death.

17 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake.

18 And not a hair of your head will perish.

19 "By your endurance you will win your lives.

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+ Today's Reading: Daniel 8:1-26

1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, even to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first.

2 I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai.

3 Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.

4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; and no animals could stand before him, neither was there any who could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and magnified himself.

5 As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west over the surface of the whole earth, and didn't touch the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.

6 He came to the ram that had the two horns, which I saw standing before the river, and ran on him in the fury of his power.

7 I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved with anger against him, and struck the ram, and broke his two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand before him; but he cast him down to the ground, and trampled on him; and there was no one who could deliver the ram out of his hand.

8 The male goat magnified himself exceedingly: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and instead of it there came up four notable horns toward the four winds of the sky.

9 Out of one of them came out a little horn, which grew exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the glorious land.

10 It grew great, even to the army of the sky; and some of the army and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled on them.

11 Yes, it magnified itself, even to the prince of the army; and it took away from him the continual burnt offering, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

12 The army was given over to it together with the continual burnt offering through disobedience; and it cast down truth to the ground, and it did its pleasure and prospered.

13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who spoke, How long shall be the vision about the continual burnt offering, and the disobedience that makes desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the army to be trodden under foot?

14 He said to me, To two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

15 When I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it; and behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.

16 I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.

17 So he came near where I stood; and when he came, I was frightened, and fell on my face: but he said to me, Understand, son of man; for the vision belongs to the time of the end.

18 Now as he was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but he touched me, and set me upright.

19 He said, Behold, I will make you know what shall be in the latter time of the indignation; for it belongs to the appointed time of the end.

20 The ram which you saw, that had the two horns, they are the kings of Media and Persia.

21 The rough male goat is the king of Greece: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.

22 As for that which was broken, in the place where four stood up, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not with his power.

23 In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have come to the full, a king of fierce face, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper in what he does; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people.

25 Through his policy he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and he shall destroy many in their security. He shall also stand up against the prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

26 The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true: but seal up the vision; for it belongs to many days to come.

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11.27.2012

Today's Bible story

November 27, 2012

Tuesday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

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+ Saints:
St. Francesco Antonio Fasani
St. James Intercisus
St. Sechnall of Ireland

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+ First Reading: Revelation 14:14-19

14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, ☆ having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15 Another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Send your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!"

16 He who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

17 Another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven. He also had a sharp sickle.

18 Another angel came out from the altar, he who has power over fire, and he called with a great voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!"

19 The angel thrust his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great wine press of the wrath of God.

☆14:14: Daniel 7:13

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+ Psalm: Psalms 96:10-13

10 Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns."
The world is also established.
It can't be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice.
Let the sea roar, and its fullness!

12 Let the field and all that is in it exult!
Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy

13 before Yahweh; for he comes,
for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
the peoples with his truth.

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+ Gospel: Luke 21:5-11

5 As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, he said,

6 "As for these things which you see, the days will come, in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down."

7 They asked him, "Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?"

8 He said, "Watch out that you don't get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he†,' and, 'The time is at hand.' Therefore don't follow them.

9 When you hear of wars and disturbances, don't be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won't come immediately."

10 Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

†21:8: or, I AM

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+ Today's Reading: Daniel 6:5-28

5 Then these men said, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.

6 Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the king, and said thus to him, King Darius, live forever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong decree, that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions.

8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn't alter.

9 Therefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

10 When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his windows were open in his room toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before.

11 Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God.

12 Then they came near, and spoke before the king concerning the king's decree: Haven't you signed an decree, that every man who shall make petition to any god or man within thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn't alter.

13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, doesn't respect you, O king, nor the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.

14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was very displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored until the going down of the sun to rescue him.

15 Then these men assembled together to the king, and said to the king, Know, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no decree nor statute which the king establishes may be changed.

16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. The king spoke and said to Daniel, Your God whom you serve continually, he will deliver you.

17 A stone was brought, and laid on the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that nothing might be changed concerning Daniel.

18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep fled from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste to the den of lions.

20 When he came near to the den to Daniel, he cried with a lamentable voice; the king spoke and said to Daniel, Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?

21 Then Daniel said to the king, O king, live forever.

22 My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; because as before him innocence was found in me; and also before you, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

24 The king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions mauled them, and broke all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.

25 Then king Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

26 I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel; for he is the living God, and steadfast forever, His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and his dominion shall be even to the end.

27 He delivers and rescues, and he works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

11.26.2012

Today's Bible story

November 26, 2012

Monday of the Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

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+ Saints:
St. Leonard of Port Maurice
Blessed Santiago Alberione
St. Peter of Alexandria

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+ First Reading: Revelation 14:1-3, 4b-5

1 I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.

2 I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps.

3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.

4b These are those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among men, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.

5 In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless.*

*14:5: TR adds "before the throne of God"

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+ Psalm: Psalms 24:1-4ab, 5-6

1 The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness;
the world, and those who dwell therein.

2 For he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the floods.

3 Who may ascend to Yahweh's hill?
Who may stand in his holy place?

4ab He who has clean hands and a pure heart;
who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood,

5 He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh,
righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 This is the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek your face—even Jacob.

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+ Gospel: Luke 21:1-4

1 He looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.

2 He saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins.*

3 He said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow put in more than all of them,

4 for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on."

*21:2: literally, "two lepta." 2 lepta was about 1% of a day's wages for an agricultural laborer.

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+ Today's Reading: Daniel 5:1-2、5-9、13-17、25-6:1

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.

2 Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his lords, his wives and his concubines, might drink from them.

5 In the same hour, the fingers of a man's hand came out and wrote near the lamp stand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace. The king saw the part of the hand that wrote.

6 Then the king's face was changed in him, and his thoughts troubled him; and the joints of his thighs were loosened, and his knees struck one against another.

7 The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

8 Then came in all the king's wise men; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation.

9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed.

13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, Are you that Daniel, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah?

14 I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

15 Now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me its interpretation; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.

16 But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if you can read the writing, and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

17 Then Daniel answered before the king, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

25 This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom, and brought it to an end;

27 TEKEL; you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting.

28 PERES; your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

30 In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean King was slain.

31 Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;

-----

11.25.2012

Today's Bible story

November 25, 2012

The Solemnity of Christ the King.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints: St. Catherine of Alexandria

-----

+ First Reading: Daniel 7:13-14

13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

14 There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

-----

+ Second Reading: Revelation 1:5-8

5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood;

6 and he made us to be a Kingdom, priests ☆ to his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold,† he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.

8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega,‡" says the Lord God,§ "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

☆1:6: Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 61:6

†1:7: "Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.

‡1:8: TR adds "the Beginning and the End"

§1:8: TR omits "God"

-----

+ Gospel: John 18:33b-37

33b (Pilate) called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

34 Jesus answered him, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"

35 Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"

36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."

37 Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?"
Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

-----

+ Today's Reading: Daniel 7:1-17、23-27

1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head on his bed: then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.

2 Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the sky broke out on the great sea.

3 Four great animals came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I saw until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand on two feet as a man; and a man's heart was given to it.

5 Behold, another animal, a second, like a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus to it, Arise, devour much flesh.

6 After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the animal had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

7 After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, a fourth animal, awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns.

8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.

9 I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and its wheels burning fire.

10 A fiery stream issued and came out from before him: thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

11 I saw at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke; I saw even until the animal was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire.

12 As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

14 There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

15 As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

16 I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 17 These great animals, which are four, are four kings, who shall arise out of the earth.

23 Thus he said, The fourth animal shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise: and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings.

25 He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.

26 But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end.

27 The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

-----

11.24.2012

Today's Bible story

November 24, 2012

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints: St. Andrew Dung-Lac and companions

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+ First Reading: Revelation 11:4-12

4 These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands, standing before the Lord of the earth.

5 If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way.

6 These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.

8 Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.

9 From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.

10 Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

11 After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them.

12 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here!" They went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies saw them.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 144:1, 2, 9-10

1 Blessed be Yahweh, my rock,
who teaches my hands to war,
and my fingers to battle:

2 my loving kindness, my fortress,
my high tower, my deliverer,
my shield, and he in whom I take refuge;
who subdues my people under me.

9 I will sing a new song to you, God.
On a ten-stringed lyre, I will sing praises to you.

10 You are he who gives salvation to kings,
who rescues David, his servant, from the deadly sword.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 20:27-40

27 Some of the Sadducees came to him, those who deny that there is a resurrection.

28 They asked him, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man's brother dies having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should take the wife, and raise up children for his brother.

29 There were therefore seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died childless.

30 The second took her as wife, and he died childless.

31 The third took her, and likewise the seven all left no children, and died.

32 Afterward the woman also died.

33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them will she be? For the seven had her as a wife."

34 Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry, and are given in marriage.

35 But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage.

36 For they can't die any more, for they are like the angels, and are children of God, being children of the resurrection.

37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord 'The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' ☆

38 Now he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to him."

39 Some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you speak well."

40 They didn't dare to ask him any more questions.

☆20:37: Exodus 3:6

-----

+ Today's Reading: Daniel 3:8-12、19-30

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews.

9 They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, O king, live for ever.

10 You, O king, have made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image;

11 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall be cast into the middle of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not respected you. They don't serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his appearance was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.

20 He commanded certain mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these men were bound in their pants, their tunics, and their mantles, and their other clothes, and were cast into the middle of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 These three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the middle of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste: he spoke and said to his counselors, Didn't we cast three men bound into the middle of the fire? They answered the king, True, O king.

25 He answered, Look, I see four men loose, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are unharmed; and the aspect of the fourth is like a son of the gods.

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: he spoke and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the middle of the fire.

27 The satraps, the deputies, and the governors, and the king's counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, that the fire had no power on their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their pants changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them.

28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel, and delivered his servants who trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god who is able to deliver after this sort.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

-----

11.23.2012

Today's Bible story

November 23, 2012

Friday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints:
Blessed Miguel Pro Juarez
Pope St. Clement I
St. Columbanus

-----

+ First Reading: Revelation 10:8-11

8 The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, "Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land."

9 I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book.
He said to me, "Take it, and eat it up. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey."

10 I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.

11 They told me, "You must prophesy again over many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131

14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies,
as much as in all riches.

24 Indeed your statutes are my delight,
and my counselors.

72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

103 How sweet are your promises to my taste,
more than honey to my mouth!

111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever,
for they are the joy of my heart.

131 I opened my mouth wide and panted,
for I longed for your commandments.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 19:45-48

45 He entered into the temple, and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it,

46 saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is a house of prayer,' ☆ but you have made it a 'den of robbers'!" ☆

47 He was teaching daily in the temple, but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people sought to destroy him.

48 They couldn't find what they might do, for all the people hung on to every word that he said.

☆19:46: Isaiah 56:7

☆19:46: Jeremiah 7:11

-----

+ Today's Reading: Daniel 2:26-47

26 The king answered Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?

27 Daniel answered before the king, and said, The secret which the king has demanded can neither wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, show to the king;

28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head on your bed, are these:

29 as for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made known to you what shall happen.

30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

31 You, O king, saw, and behold,* a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before you; and its aspect was awesome.

32 As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass,

33 its legs of iron, its feet part of iron, and part of clay.

34 You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that struck the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

36 This is the dream; and we will tell its interpretation before the king.

37 You, O king, are king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;

38 and wherever the children of men dwell, the animals of the field and the birds of the sky has he given into your hand, and has made you to rule over them all: you are the head of gold.

39 After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you; and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

40 The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, because you saw the iron mixed with miry clay.

42 As the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

43 Whereas you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cling to one another, even as iron does not mingle with clay.

44 In the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

45 Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God has made known to the king what shall happen hereafter: and the dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.

46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.

47 The king answered to Daniel, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you have been able to reveal this secret.

-----

11.22.2012

Today's Bible story

November 22, 2012

Thanksgiving Day Mass.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints: St. Cecilia

-----

+ First Reading: Revelation 5:1-10

1 I saw, in the right hand of him who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals.

2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?"

3 No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look in it.

4 And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look in it.

5 One of the elders said to me, "Don't weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome; he who opens the book and its seven seals."

6 I saw in the middle of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.

7 Then he came, and he took it out of the right hand of him who sat on the throne.

8 Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

9 They sang a new song, saying,
"You are worthy to take the book,
and to open its seals:
for you were killed,
and bought us for God with your blood,
out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,

10 and made us kings and priests to our God,
and we will reign on earth."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

1b Sing to Yahweh a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.

2 Let Israel rejoice in him who made them.
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

3 Let them praise his name in the dance!
Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp!

4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people.
He crowns the humble with salvation.

5 Let the saints rejoice in honor.
Let them sing for joy on their beds.

6 May the high praises of God be in their mouths,
and a two-edged sword in their hand;

9b All his saints have this honor.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 19:41-44

41 When he came near, he saw the city and wept over it,

42 saying, "If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes.

43 For the days will come on you, when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side,

44 and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn't know the time of your visitation."

-----

+ Today's Reading: Daniel 1:1-21

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Jerusalem, and besieged it.

2 The Lord* gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; † and he carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of his god: and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.

3 The king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring in some of the children of Israel, even of the royal offspring‡ and of the nobles;

4 youths in whom was no defect, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the king's palace; and that he should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

5 The king appointed for them a daily portion of the king's dainties, and of the wine which he drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at its end they should stand before the king.

6 Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

7 The prince of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, Shadrach; and to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king's dainties, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

9 Now God made Daniel to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the prince of the eunuchs.

10 The prince of the eunuchs said to Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse looking than the youths who are of your own age? so would you endanger my head with the king.

11 Then Daniel said to the steward whom the prince of the eunuchs had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

12 Test your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us vegetables to eat, and water to drink.

13 Then let our faces be looked on before you, and the face of the youths who eat of the king's dainties; and as you see, deal with your servants.

14 So he listened to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

15 At the end of ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the king's dainties.

16 So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.

17 Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

18 At the end of the days which the king had appointed for bringing them in, the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 The king talked with them; and among them all was found no one like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king.

20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all his realm.

21 Daniel continued even to the first year of king Cyrus.

*1:2: The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai."

†1:2: The Hebrew word rendered "God" is "?????????" (Elohim).

‡1:3: or, seed

-----

11.21.2012

Today's Bible story

November 21, 2012

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints: Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

-----

+ First Reading: Revelation 4:1-11

1 After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, "Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this."

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne

3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads.

5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before his throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

6 Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the middle of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a man, and the fourth was like a flying eagle.

8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy* is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!"

9 When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to him who sits on the throne, to him who lives forever and ever,
10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, the Holy One,† to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!"

*4:8: Hodges/Farstad MT reads "holy" 9 times instead of 3.

†4:11: TR omits "and God, the Holy One,"

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 150:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6

1b Praise God in his sanctuary!
Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power!

2 Praise him for his mighty acts!
Praise him according to his excellent greatness!

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet!
Praise him with harp and lyre!

4 Praise him with tambourine and dancing!
Praise him with stringed instruments and flute!

5 Praise him with loud cymbals!
Praise him with resounding cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise Yah!
Praise Yah!

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 19:11-28

11 As they heard these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that God's Kingdom would be revealed immediately.

12 He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13 He called ten servants of his, and gave them ten mina coins, * and told them, 'Conduct business until I come.'

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent an envoy after him, saying, 'We don't want this man to reign over us.'

15 "When he had come back again, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by conducting business.

16 The first came before him, saying, 'Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.'

17 "He said to him, 'Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'

18 "The second came, saying, 'Your mina, Lord, has made five minas.'

19 "So he said to him, 'And you are to be over five cities.'

20 Another came, saying, 'Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief,

21 for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn't lay down, and reap that which you didn't sow.'

22 "He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn't lay down, and reaping that which I didn't sow.

23 Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?'

24 He said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina away from him, and give it to him who has the ten minas.'

25 "They said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!'

26 'For I tell you that to everyone who has, will more be given; but from him who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away from him.

27 But bring those enemies of mine who didn't want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.'"

28 Having said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

*19:13: 10 minas was more than 3 years' wages for an agricultural laborer.

-----

+ Today's Reading: 1 Maccabees 9:1-22

1 And Demetrius heard that Nicanor was fallen with his forces in battle, and he sent Bacchides and Alcimus again into the land of Judah a second time, and the right wing of his army with them:

2 and they went by the way that leads to Gilgal, and encamped against Mesaloth, which is in Arbela, and got possession of it, and destroyed much people.

3 And the first month of * the hundred and fifty and second year they encamped against Jerusalem:

4 and they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horse.

5 And Judas was encamped at Elasa, and three thousand chosen men with him:

6 and they saw the multitude of the forces, that they were many, and they feared exceedingly: and many slipped away out of the army; there were not left of them more than eight hundred men.

7 And Judas saw that his army slipped away, and that the battle pressed upon him, and he was sore troubled in heart, for that he had no time to gather them together, and he waxed faint.

8 And he said to them that were left, Let us arise and go up against our adversaries, if perhaps we may be able to fight with them.

9 And they would have dissuaded him, saying, We shall in no wise be able: but let us rather save our lives now: let us return again, we and our brethren, and fight against them: but we are few.

10 And Judas said, let it not be so that I should do this thing, to flee from them: and if our time is come, let us die manfully for our brethren's sake, and not leave a cause of reproach against our glory.

11 And the host removed from the camp, and stood to encounter them, and the horse was parted into two companies, and the slingers and the archers went before the host, and all the mighty men that fought in the front of the battle.

12 But Bacchides was in the right wing; and the phalanx drew near on the two parts, and they blew with their trumpets.

13 And the men of Judas' side, even they sounded with their trumpets, and the earth shook with the shout of the armies, and the battle was joined, and continued from morning until evening.

14 And Judas saw that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, and there went with him all that were brave in heart,

15 and the right wing was discomfited by them, and he pursued after them to the mount Azotus.

16 And they that were on the left wing saw that the right wing was discomfited, and they turned and followed upon the footsteps of Judas and of those that were with him:

17 and the battle waxed sore, and many on both parts fell wounded to death.

18 And Judas fell, and the rest fled.

19 And Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers at Modin.

20 And they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, and said,

21 How is the mighty fallen, the savior of Israel!

22 And the rest of the acts of Judas, and his wars, and the valiant deeds which he did, and his greatness, they are not written; for they were exceeding many.

-----

11.20.2012

Today's Bible story

November 20, 2012

Tuesday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints: St. Bernward

-----

+ First Reading: Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22

1 "And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write:
"He who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things:
"I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

2 Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.

3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won't watch, I will come as a thief, and you won't know what hour I will come upon you.

4 Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

5 He who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

14 "To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write:
"The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God's creation, says these things:
15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.

16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth.

17 Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;

18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.

19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.

21 He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.

22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 15:2-4ab, 5

2 He who walks blamelessly does what is right,
and speaks truth in his heart;

3 He who doesn't slander with his tongue,
nor does evil to his friend,
nor casts slurs against his fellow man;

4ab In whose eyes a vile man is despised,
but who honors those who fear Yahweh;

5 he who doesn't lend out his money for usury,
nor take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be shaken.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

1 He entered and was passing through Jericho.

2 There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.

3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short.

4 He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was going to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house."

6 He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully. 7 When they saw it, they all murmured, saying, "He has gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner."

8 Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."

9 Jesus said to him, "Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost."

-----

+ Today's Reading: 1 Maccabees 6:1-17

1 AND it came to pass, after that Alexander the Macedonian, the son of Philip, who came out of the land of Chittim, and struck Darius king of the Persians and Medes, it came to pass, after he had struck him, that he reigned in his stead, in former time, over * Greece.

2 And he fought many battles, and won many strongholds, and killed the kings of the earth,

3 and went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of a multitude of nations. And the earth was quiet before him, and he was exalted, and his heart was lifted up,

4 and he gathered together an exceeding strong host, and ruled over countries and nations and principalities, and they became tributary to him.

5 And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die.

6 And he called his servants, which were honorable, which had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided to them his kingdom, while he was yet alive.

7 And Alexander reigned twelve years, and he died.

8 And his servants bare rule, each one in his place.

9 And they did all put diadems upon themselves after that he was dead, and so did their sons after them many years: and they multiplied evils in the earth.

10 And there came forth out of them a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been a hostage at Rome, and he reigned in † the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.

11 In those days came there forth out of Israel transgressors of the law, and persuaded many, saying, let us go and make a covenant with the ‡ Gentiles that are round about us; for since we were parted from them many evils have befallen us.

12 And the saying was good in their eyes.

13 And certain of the people were forward herein and went to the king, and he gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the § Gentiles.

14 And ** they built a place of exercise in Jerusalem according to the laws of the †† Gentiles;

15 and they made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the ‡‡ Gentiles, and sold themselves to do evil.

16 And the kingdom was well ordered in the sight of Antiochus, and he thought to reign over Egypt, that he might reign over the two kingdoms.

17 And he entered into Egypt with a §§ great multitude, with chariots, and with elephants, and with horsemen, and with a great *** navy;

*1:1: That is, the Greek Empire. Compare ver. 10 and ch. vi. 2.

†1:10: circa B.C. 176.

‡1:11: Or, nations: and so throughout this book.

§1:13: Or, nations: and so throughout this book.

**1:14: See 2 Macc. iv. 9, 12.

††1:14: Or, nations: and so throughout this book.

‡‡1:15: Or, nations: and so throughout this book

§§1:17: Gr. heavy.

***1:17: Or, armament

-----

11.19.2012

Today's Bible story

November 19, 2012

Monday of the Thirty-third Week in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints: St. Raphael Kalinowski

-----

+ First Reading: Revelation 1:1-4; 2:1-5

1:1 This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things which must happen soon, which he sent and made known by his angel* to his servant, John,

2 who testified to God's word, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that he saw.

3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.

4 John, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before his throne;

2:1 "To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write:
"He who holds the seven stars in his right hand, he who walks among the seven golden lamp stands says these things:

2 "I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can't tolerate evil men, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.

3 You have perseverance and have endured for my name's sake, and have * not grown weary.

4 But I have this against you, that you left your first love.

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lamp stand out of its place, unless you repent.

*1:1: or, messenger (here and wherever angel is mentioned)

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 1:1-4, 6

1 Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stand on the path of sinners,
nor sit in the seat of scoffers;

2 but his delight is in Yahweh's*"Yahweh" is God's proper Name, sometimes rendered "LORD" (all caps) in other translations. law.
On his law he meditates day and night.

3 He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,
that produces its fruit in its season,
whose leaf also does not wither.
Whatever he does shall prosper.

4 The wicked are not so,
but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

6 For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked shall perish.

*1:2: "Yahweh" is God's proper Name, sometimes rendered "LORD" (all caps) in other translations.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 18:35-43

35 As he came near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road, begging. 36 Hearing a multitude going by, he asked what this meant.

37 They told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

38 He cried out, "Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!"

39 Those who led the way rebuked him, that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "You son of David, have mercy on me!"

40 Standing still, Jesus commanded him to be brought to him. When he had come near, he asked him, 41 "What do you want me to do?"
He said, "Lord, that I may see again."

42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you."

43 Immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, praised God.

-----

+ Today's Reading: 2 Maccabees 12:32-45

32 But after the feast called Pentecost they marched in haste against Gorgias the governor of Idumaea:

33 and he came out with three thousand footmen and four hundred horsemen.

34 And when they had set themselves in array, it came to pass that a few of the Jews fell.

35 And a certain Dositheus, one § of Bacenor's company, who was on horseback and a strong man, pressed hard on Gorgias, and taking hold of his cloke drew him along by main force; and while he was minded to take the accursed man alive, one of the Thracian horsemen bore down upon him and disabled his shoulder, and so Gorgias escaped to ** Marisa.

36 And when they that were with Esdris had been fighting long and were wearied out, Judas called upon the Lord to show himself, fighting on their side and leading the van of the battle;

37 and then in the language of his fathers he raised the battle-cry joined with hymns, and rushing unawares upon the troops of Gorgias put them to flight.

38 And Judas gathering his army came to the city of †† Adullam; and as the seventh day was coming on, they purified themselves according to the custom, and kept the sabbath there.

39 And on the day following, ‡‡ at which time it had become necessary, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that had fallen, §§ and in company with their kinsmen to bring them back to the sepulchres of their fathers.

40 But under the garments of each one of the dead they found *** consecrated tokens of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbids the Jews to have anything to do with; and it became clear to all that it was for this cause that they had fallen.

41 All therefore, blessing the works of the Lord, the righteous Judge, who makes manifest the things that are hid,

42 betook themselves to supplication, beseeching that the sin committed might be wholly blotted out. And the noble Judas exhorted the multitude to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they had seen before their eyes what things had come to pass because of the sin of them that had fallen.

43 And when he had made a collection man by man to the sum of two thousand drachmas of silver, he sent to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice for sin, doing therein right well and honorably, in that he took thought for a resurrection.

44 For if he were not expecting that they that had fallen would rise again, it were superfluous and idle to pray for the dead.

45 (And if he did it looking to an honorable memorial of gratitude laid up for them that ††† die ‡‡‡ in godliness, holy and godly was the thought.) Wherefore he made the propitiation for them that had died, that they might be released from their sin.

§12:35: The Greek text is uncertain.

**12:35: Compare 1 Macc. v. 65.

††12:38: Gr. Odollam.

‡‡12:39: The Greek text here is uncertain.

§§12:39: Or, and to bring them back to be with their kinsmen in the sepulchres

***12:40: Perhaps these were consecrated images of the idols.

†††12:45: Gr. fall asleep.

‡‡‡12:45: Or, on the side of godliness

-----

11.18.2012

Today's Bible story

November 18, 2012

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints:
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
Dedication of the Churches of Peter and Paul

-----

+ First Reading: Daniel 12:1-3

1 "At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book.

2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

3 Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 16:5, 8-11

5 Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup.
You made my lot secure.

8 I have set Yahweh always before me.
Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices.
My body shall also dwell in safety.

10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol,*Sheol is the place of the dead.
neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.

11 You will show me the path of life.
In your presence is fullness of joy.
In your right hand there are pleasures forever more.

*16:10: Sheol is the place of the dead.

-----

+ Second Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

11 Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins,

12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet.

14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

-----

+ Gospel: Mark 13:24-32

24 But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light,

25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.☆Isaiah 13:10; 34:4

26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

27 Then he will send out his angels, and will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.

28 "Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near;

29 even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors.

30 Most certainly I say to you, this generation†The word translated "generation" (genea) could also be translated "race", "family", or "people". will not pass away until all these things happen.

31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

☆13:25: Isaiah 13:10; 34:4

†13:30: The word translated "generation" (genea) could also be translated "race", "family", or "people".

-----

+ Today's Reading: Maccabees 4:36-59

36 But Judas and his brethren said, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse the holy place, and to dedicate it afresh.

37 And all the army was gathered together, and they went up to mount Sion.

38 And they saw the sanctuary laid desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest or as on one of the mountains, and the priests' chambers pulled down;

39 and they tore their clothes, and made great lamentation, and put ashes upon their heads,

40 and fell on their faces to the ground, and ** Compare Num. xxxi. 6. blew with the †† Gr. trumpets of signals. solemn trumpets, and cried toward heaven.

41 Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the citadel, until he should have cleansed the holy place.

42 And he chose blameless priests, such as had pleasure in the law:

43 and they cleansed the holy place, and bare out the stones of defilement into an unclean place.

44 And they took counsel concerning the altar of burnt offerings, which had been profaned, what they should do with it:

45 and there came into their mind a good counsel, that they should pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the Gentiles had defiled it: and they pulled down the altar,

46 and laid up the stones in the mountain of the house in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to give an answer concerning them.

47 And they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar after the fashion of the former;

48 and they built the holy place, and the inner parts of the house; and they hallowed the courts.

49 And they made the holy vessels new, and they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings and of incense, and the table, into the temple.

50 And they burned incense upon the altar, and they lighted the lamps that were upon the candlestick, and they gave light in the temple.

51 And they set loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they made.

52 And they rose up early in the morning, on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is the month Chislev, in ‡‡ circa B.C. 165. the hundred and forty and eighth year,

53 and offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings which they had made.

54 At what time and on what day the Gentiles had profaned it, even on that day was it dedicated afresh, with songs and harps and lutes, and with cymbals.

55 And all the people fell upon their faces, and worshipped, and §§ Or, gave praise, looking up to heaven, to him which gave praise to heaven, which had given them good success.

56 And they kept the dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed a sacrifice of deliverance and praise.

57 And they decked the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold and small shields, and dedicated afresh the gates and the priests' chambers, and made doors for them.

58 And there was exceeding great gladness among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away.

59 And Judas and his brethren and the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their seasons from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Chislev, with gladness and joy.

**4:40: Compare Num. xxxi. 6.

††4:40: Gr. trumpets of signals.

‡‡4:52: circa B.C. 165.

§§4:55: Or, gave praise, looking up to heaven, to him which

11.17.2012

Today's Bible story

November 17, 2012

We hope that today is a good day.

Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php

Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/

We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.

-----

+ Saints:
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Gregory Thaumaturgus

-----

+ First Reading: 3 John 5-8

5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,

7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 112:1-6

1 Praise Yah!*
Blessed is the man who fears Yahweh,
who delights greatly in his commandments.

2 His offspring† will be mighty in the land.
The generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in his house.
His righteousness endures forever.

4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright,
gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5 It is well with the man who deals graciously and lends.
He will maintain his cause in judgment.

6 For he will never be shaken.
The righteous will be remembered forever.

*112:1: Psalm 112 is an acrostic poem, with each verse after the initial "Praise Yah!" starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

†112:2: or, seed

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 18:1-8

1 He also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,

2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect man.

3 A widow was in that city, and she often came to him, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!'

4 He wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said to himself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect man,

5 yet because this widow bothers me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me out by her continual coming.'"

6 The Lord said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.

7 Won't God avenge his chosen ones, who are crying out to him day and night, and yet he exercises patience with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

-----

+ Today's Reading: 1 Maccabees 3:1-26

1 And his son Judas, who was called Maccabaeus, rose up in his stead.

2 And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that clave to his father, and they fought with gladness the battle of Israel.

3 And he got his people great glory, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girded his warlike harness about him, and set battles in array, protecting the army with his sword.

4 And he was like a lion in his deeds, and as a lion's whelp roaring for prey.

5 And he pursued the lawless, seeking them out, and he burnt up those that troubled his people.

6 And the lawless shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of lawlessness were sore troubled, and salvation prospered in his hand.

7 And he angered many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.

8 And he went about among the cities of Judah, and destroyed the ungodly * out of the land, and turned away wrath from Israel:

9 and he was renowned to the utmost part of the earth, and he gathered together such as were ready to perish.

10 And Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host from Samaria, to fight against Israel.

11 And Judas perceived it, and he went forth to meet him, and struck him, and killed him: and many fell wounded to death, and the rest fled.

12 And they took their spoils, and Judas took the sword of Apollonius , and therewith he fought all his days.

13 And Seron, the commander of the host of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered a gathering and a congregation of faithful men with him, and of such as went out to war;

14 And he said, I will make myself a name and get me glory in the kingdom; and I will fight against Judas and them that are with him, that set at nothing the word of the king.

15 And there went up with him also a mighty army of the ungodly to help him, to take vengeance on the children of Israel.

16 And he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, and Judas went forth to meet him with a small company.

17 But when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said to Judas, What? shall we be able, being a small company, to fight against so great and strong a multitude? and we for our part are faint, having tasted no food this day.

18 And Judas said, It is an easy thing for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with † heaven it is all one, to save by many or by few:

19 for victory in battle stands not in the multitude of a host; but strength is from heaven.

20 They come to us in fulness of insolence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, for to spoil us:

21 but we fight for our lives and our laws.

22 And he himself will discomfit them before our face: but as for you, be you? not afraid of them.

23 Now when he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them, and Seron and his army were discomfited before him.

24 And they pursued them in the going down of Bethhoron to the plain, and there fell of them about eight hundred men; but the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.

25 And the fear of Judas and his brethren, and the dread of them, began to fall upon the nations round about them:


26 and his name came near even to the king, and every nation told of the battles of Judas.

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