Today's Bible story

December 31, 2011

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. Sylvester, Pope

-----

+ First Reading: 1 John 2:18-21

18 Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour.

19 They went out from us, but they didn't belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they left, that they might be revealed that none of them belong to us.

20 You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. ‡Or, "know what is true." Or, "know all things."

21 I have not written to you because you don't know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

‡2:20: Or, "know what is true." Or, "know all things."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 96:1-2,11-12,13

1 Sing to Yahweh a new song!
Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.

2 Sing to Yahweh!
Bless his name!
Proclaim his salvation from day to day!

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.

-----

+ Gospel: John 1:1-18

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome *The word translated "overcome" (katelaben) can also be translated "comprehended." It refers to getting a grip on an enemy to defeat him. it.

6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him.

11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him.

12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name:

13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.'"

16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son,†NU reads "God" who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 30, 2011

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. Anysius

-----

+ First Reading: Genesis 15:1-6,21:1-3

1 After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

2 Abram said, "Lord* Yahweh, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"

3 Abram said, "Behold, to me you have given no seed: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir."

4 Behold, the word of Yahweh came to him, saying, "This man will not be your heir, but he who will come out of your own body will be your heir."

5 Yahweh brought him outside, and said, "Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." He said to Abram, "So shall your seed be."

1 Yahweh visited Sarah as he had said, and Yahweh did to Sarah as he had spoken.

2 Sarah conceived, and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

3 Abraham called his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. *

*21:3: Isaac means "He laughs."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 128:1-2,3,4-5

1 Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh,
who walks in his ways.

2 For you will eat the labor of your hands.
You will be happy, and it will be well with you.

3 Your wife will be as a fruitful vine,
in the innermost parts of your house;
your children like olive plants,
around your table.

4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh.

5 May Yahweh bless you out of Zion,
and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

41 His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.

42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,

43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn't know it,

44 but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances.

45 When they didn't find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him.

46 It happened after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.

47 All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

48 When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you."

49 He said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Father's house?"

50 They didn't understand the saying which he spoke to them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 29, 2011

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. Thomas Becket

-----

+ First Reading: 1 John 2:3-11

3 This is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.

4 One who says, "I know him," and doesn't keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in him.

5 But whoever keeps his word, God's love has most certainly been perfected in him. This is how we know that we are in him:

6 he who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.

7 Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.

8 Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines.

9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness even until now.

10 He who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him.

11 But he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 96:1-3, 5b-6

1 Sing to Yahweh a new song!
Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.

2 Sing to Yahweh!
Bless his name!
Proclaim his salvation from day to day!

3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.

5b but Yahweh made the heavens.

6 Honor and majesty are before him.
Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord

23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"),?

24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."?

25 Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.*

27 He came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning him according to the custom of the law,

28 then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master,
according to your word, in peace;

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;

32 a light for revelation to the nations,
and the glory of your people Israel."

33 Joseph and his mother were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning him,

34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, his mother, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.

35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

-----

Today's Bible story

December 28, 2011

Today we want to become 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:
Holy Innocents

-----

+ First Reading: 1 John 1:5-2:2

5 This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don't tell the truth.

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we haven't sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor* with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.

2 And he is the atoning sacrifice† for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

*2:1: Greek Parakleton: Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comforter.

†2:2: "atoning sacrifice" is from the Greek "hilasmos," an appeasing, propitiating, or the means of appeasement or propitiation—the sacrifice that turns away God's wrath because of our sin.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 124:2-5,7-8

2 if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side,
when men rose up against us;

3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their wrath was kindled against us;

4 then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
the stream would have gone over our soul;

5 then the proud waters would have gone over our soul.

7 Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare.
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.

8 Our help is in Yahweh's name,
who made heaven and earth.

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."

14 He arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt,

15 and was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called my son."?

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men.

17 Then that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying,

18 "A voice was heard in Ramah,
lamentation, weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children;
she wouldn't be comforted,
because they are no more."?

-----

Today's Bible story

December 27, 2011

Today we want to become 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. John the Apostle

-----

+ First Reading: 1 John 1:1-4

1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life

2 (and the life was revealed, and we have seen, and testify, and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was revealed to us);

3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

4 And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 97:1-2,5-6,11-12

1 Yahweh reigns!
Let the earth rejoice!
Let the multitude of islands be glad!

2 Clouds and darkness are around him.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh,
at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare his righteousness.
All the peoples have seen his glory.

11 Light is sown for the righteous,
and gladness for the upright in heart.

12 Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people!
Give thanks to his holy Name.

-----

+ Gospel: John 20:1a, 2-8

1a Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early,

2 Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have laid him!"
3 Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb.

4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first.

5 Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn't enter in.

6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying,

7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.

8 So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 26, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Stephen

-----

+ First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 6:8-10,7:54-60

8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines," and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.

10 They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"

57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord.
58 They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"

60 He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 31:2cd-3,5,7ab,15bc,16

2cd Be to me a strong rock,
a house of defense to save me.

3 For you are my rock and my fortress,
therefore for your name's sake lead me and guide me.

5 Into your hand I commend my spirit.
You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.

7ab I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness,
for you have seen my affliction.
You have known my soul in adversities.

15bc Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

16 Make your face to shine on your servant.
Save me in your loving kindness.

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22

17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.

18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.

19 But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.

20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

21 "Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22 You will be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 25, 2011

Today we want to become 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:
The Nativity of The Lord - Christmas

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 52:7-10

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

8 The voice of your watchmen! they lift up the voice, together do they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns to Zion.

9 Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for Yahweh has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.

10 Yahweh has made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 98:1-6

A Psalm.
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.

3 He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth!
Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!

5 Sing praises to Yahweh with the harp,
with the harp and the voice of melody.

6 With trumpets and sound of the ram's horn,
make a joyful noise before the King, Yahweh.

-----

+ Second Reading: Hebrews 1:1-6

1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.

3 His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have.

5 For to which of the angels did he say at any time,
"You are my Son.
Today have I become your father?"*Psalm 2:7
and again,
"I will be to him a Father,
and he will be to me a Son?"†2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13

6 Again, when he brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him."

-----

+ Gospel: John 1:1-18

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made through him. Without him was not anything made that has been made.

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome *The word translated "overcome" (katelaben) can also be translated "comprehended." It refers to getting a grip on an enemy to defeat him. it.

6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn't recognize him.

11 He came to his own, and those who were his own didn't receive him.

12 But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in his name:

13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John testified about him. He cried out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.'"

16 From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Son,†NU reads "God" who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 24, 2011

Today we want to become 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:
Vigil of Christmas

-----

+ First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5,8-12,14,16

1 It happened, when the king lived in his house, and Yahweh had given him rest from all his enemies all around,

2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains."

3 Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart; for Yahweh is with you."

4 It happened the same night, that the word of Yahweh came to Nathan, saying, 5 "Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says Yahweh, "Shall you build me a house for me to dwell in?

8 Now therefore you shall tell my servant David this, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies, "I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people, over Israel.

9 I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you. I will make you a great name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth.

10 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as at the first,

11 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Yahweh tells you that Yahweh will make you a house.

12 When your days are fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men;

16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever."'"

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 89:1-4,26,28

1 I will sing of the loving kindness of Yahweh forever.
With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

2 I indeed declare, "Love stands firm forever.
You established the heavens.
Your faithfulness is in them."

3 "I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David, my servant,

4 'I will establish your seed forever,
and build up your throne to all generations.'"

26 He will call to me, 'You are my Father,
my God, and the rock of my salvation!'

28 I will keep my loving kindness for him forever more.
My covenant will stand firm with him.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

67 And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost; and he prophesied, saying:

68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people:

69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation to us, in the house of David his servant:

70 As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who are from the beginning:

71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us:

72 To perform mercy to our fathers, and to remember his holy testament,

73 The oath, which he swore to Abraham our father, that he would grant to us,

74 That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve him without fear,

75 In holiness and justice before him, all our days.

76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways:

77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people, unto the remission of their sins:

78 Through the bowels of the mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us:

79 To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 23, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Thorlak of Iceland

-----

+ First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 4:5-6

3:1 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me; and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, he comes!" says Yahweh of Armies.

2 "But who can endure the day of his coming? And who will stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like launderer's soap;

3 and he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer to Yahweh offerings in righteousness.

4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to Yahweh, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years.

4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.

6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 25:4-5,8-10,14

4 Show me your ways, Yahweh.
Teach me your paths.

5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me,
For you are the God of my salvation,
I wait for you all day long.

8 Good and upright is Yahweh,
therefore he will instruct sinners in the way.

9 He will guide the humble in justice.
He will teach the humble his way.

10 All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth
to such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.

14 The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him.
He will show them his covenant.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son.

58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had magnified his mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her.

59 It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of the father.

60 His mother answered, "Not so; but he will be called John."

61 They said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."

62 They made signs to his father, what he would have him called.

63 He asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "His name is John."
They all marveled.

64 His mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.

65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.

66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Lord was with him.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 22, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Chaeromon

-----

+ First Reading: 1 Samuel 1:24-28

24 When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one ephah§ of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to Yahweh's house in Shiloh. The child was young.

25 They killed the bull, and brought the child to Eli.

26 She said, "Oh, my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to Yahweh.

27 For this child I prayed; and Yahweh has given me my petition which I asked of him.

28 Therefore also I have granted him to Yahweh. As long as he lives he is granted to Yahweh." He worshiped Yahweh there.

§1:24: 1 ephah is about 22 litres or about 2/3 of a bushel

-----

+ Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

1 Hannah prayed, and said:
"My heart exults in Yahweh!
My horn is exalted in Yahweh.
My mouth is enlarged over my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.

4 "The bows of the mighty men are broken.
Those who stumbled are armed with strength.

5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread.
Those who were hungry are satisfied.
Yes, the barren has borne seven.
She who has many children languishes.

6 "Yahweh kills, and makes alive.
He brings down to Sheol*, and brings up.

7 Yahweh makes poor, and makes rich.
He brings low, he also lifts up.

8abcd He raises up the poor out of the dust.
He lifts up the needy from the dunghill,
To make them sit with princes,
and inherit the throne of glory.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

46 Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord.

47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid.
For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.

51 He has shown strength with his arm.
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down princes from their thrones.
And has exalted the lowly.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things.
He has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,

55 As he spoke to our fathers,
to Abraham and his seed forever."

56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her house.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 21, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Peter Canisius

-----

+ First Reading: Song of Solomon 2:8-14

8 The voice of my beloved!
Behold, he comes,
leaping on the mountains,
skipping on the hills.

9 My beloved is like a roe or a young deer.
Behold, he stands behind our wall!
He looks in at the windows.
He glances through the lattice.

10 My beloved spoke, and said to me,
"Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.

11 For, behold, the winter is past.
The rain is over and gone.

12 The flowers appear on the earth.
The time of the singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

13 The fig tree ripens her green figs.
The vines are in blossom.
They give out their fragrance.
Arise, my love, my beautiful one,
and come away."
Lover

14 My dove in the clefts of the rock,
In the hiding places of the mountainside,
Let me see your face.
Let me hear your voice;
for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 33:2-3,11-12,20-21

2 Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre.
Sing praises to him with the harp of ten strings.

3 Sing to him a new song.
Play skillfully with a shout of joy!

11 The counsel of Yahweh stands fast forever,
the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh,
the people whom he has chosen for his own inheritance.

20 Our soul has waited for Yahweh.
He is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart rejoices in him,
because we have trusted in his holy name.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,

40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 She called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!

45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord!"

-----

Today's Bible story

December 20, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Dominic of Silos

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 7:10-14

10 Yahweh spoke again to Ahaz, saying,

11 "Ask a sign of Yahweh your God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above."

12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, neither will I tempt Yahweh."

13 He said, "Listen now, house of David. Is it not enough for you to try the patience of men, that you will try the patience of my God also?

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.*

*7:14: "Immanuel" means "God with us."

-----

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

A Psalm by David.
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.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"

29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.

30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.'

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom."

34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"
35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.

36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For everything spoken by God is possible."

38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word."
The angel departed from her.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 19, 2011

Today we want to become 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 Pope Urban V

-----

+ First Reading: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25

2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and didn't bear.

3 The angel of Yahweh appeared to the woman, and said to her, "See now, you are barren, and don't bear; but you shall conceive, and bear a son.

4 Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don't eat any unclean thing:

5 for, behold, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb: and he shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines."

6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, "A man of God came to me, and his face was like the face of the angel of God, very awesome; and I didn't ask him where he was from, neither did he tell me his name:

7 but he said to me, 'Behold, you shall conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.'"

24 The woman bore a son, and named him Samson: and the child grew, and Yahweh blessed him.

25 The Spirit of Yahweh began to move him in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 71:3-6,16-17

3 Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go.
Give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

4 Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

5 For you are my hope, Lord Yahweh;
my confidence from my youth.

6 I have relied on you from the womb.
You are he who took me out of my mother's womb.
I will always praise you.

16 I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Yahweh.
I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.

17 God, you have taught me from my youth.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:5-25

5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.

6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

8 Now it happened, while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his division,

9 according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to enter into the temple of the Lord and burn incense.

10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 Zacharias was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

13 But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at his birth.

15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and he will drink no wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb.

16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God.

17 He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to prepare a people prepared for the Lord."

18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."
19 The angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news.

20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."

21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that he delayed in the temple.

22 When he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. He continued making signs to them, and remained mute.

23 It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.

24 After these days Elizabeth, his wife, conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying,

25 "Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men."

-----

Today's Bible story

December 18, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Gatian of Tours

-----

+ First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16

1 It happened, when the king lived in his house, and Yahweh had given him rest from all his enemies all around,

2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, "See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains."

3 Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that is in your heart; for Yahweh is with you."

4 It happened the same night, that the word of Yahweh came to Nathan, saying,

5 "Go and tell my servant David, 'Thus says Yahweh, "Shall you build me a house for me to dwell in?

8b 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies, "I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people, over Israel.

9 I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you. I will make you a great name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth.

10 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as at the first,

11 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Yahweh tells you that Yahweh will make you a house.

12 When your days are fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

14a I will be his father, and he shall be my son.

16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever."'"

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 89:1-4,26,28

1 I will sing of the loving kindness of Yahweh forever.
With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

2 I indeed declare, "Love stands firm forever.
You established the heavens.
Your faithfulness is in them."

3 "I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David, my servant,

4 'I will establish your seed forever,
and build up your throne to all generations.'"

26 He will call to me, 'You are my Father,
my God, and the rock of my salvation!'

28 I will keep my loving kindness for him forever more.
My covenant will stand firm with him.

-----

+ Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27

25 ‡

‡16:25: TR places Romans 14:24-26 at the end of Romans instead of at the end of chapter 14, and numbers these verses 16:25-27.

24 Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages,

25 but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations;

26 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.*

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"

29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.

30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.'

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom."

34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"

35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.

36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For everything spoken by God is possible."

38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word."
The angel departed from her.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 17, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Jose' Manyanet y Vives
St. Olympias

-----

+ First Reading: Genesis 49:2, 8-10

2 Assemble yourselves, and hear, you sons of Jacob.
Listen to Israel, your father.

8 "Judah, your brothers will praise you.
Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies.
Your father's sons will bow down before you.

9 Judah is a lion's cub.
From the prey, my son, you have gone up.
He stooped down, he crouched as a lion,
as a lioness.
Who will rouse him up?

10 The scepter will not depart from Judah,
nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,
until he comes to whom it belongs.
To him will the obedience of the peoples be.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 72:1-2,3-4ab,7-8,17

By Solomon.
1 God, give the king your justice;
your righteousness to the royal son.

2 He will judge your people with righteousness,
and your poor with justice.

3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people.
The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.

4ab He will judge the poor of the people.
He will save the children of the needy,

7 In his days, the righteous shall flourish,
and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.

8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
from the River to the ends of the earth.

17 His name endures forever.
His name continues as long as the sun.
Men shall be blessed by him.
All nations will call him blessed.

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ*, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers.

3 Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram.

4 Ram became the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon became the father of Salmon.

5 Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse.

6 Jesse became the father of King David. David became the father of Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.

7 Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa.

8 Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah.

9 Uzziah became the father of Jotham. Jotham became the father of Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Hezekiah.

10 Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh. Manasseh became the father of Amon. Amon became the father of Josiah.

11 Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon.

12 After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel.

13 Zerubbabel became the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim. Eliakim became the father of Azor.

14 Azor became the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim. Achim became the father of Eliud.

15 Eliud became the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became the father of Jacob.

16 Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, from whom was born Jesus†, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ, fourteen generations.

*1:1: Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean "Anointed One"

†1:16: "Jesus" means "Salvation."

-----

Today's Bible story

December 16, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Adelaide

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8

1 Thus says Yahweh, "Keep justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

2 Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil."

3a Neither let the foreigner, who has joined himself to Yahweh, speak, saying, "Yahweh will surely separate me from his people."

6 Also the foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh, to minister to him, and to love Yahweh's name, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant;

7 even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

8 The Lord Yahweh, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, "Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own who are gathered."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 67:1-2,4,6-7

1 May God be merciful to us, bless us,
and cause his face to shine on us.
Selah.

2 That your way may be known on earth,
and your salvation among all nations,

4 Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you will judge the peoples with equity,
and govern the nations on earth.

6 The earth has yielded its increase.
God, even our own God, will bless us.

7 God will bless us.
All the ends of the earth shall fear him.

-----

+ Gospel: John 5:33-36

33 You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.

34 But the testimony which I receive is not from man. However, I say these things that you may be saved.

35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

36 But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 15, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Virginia Centurione Bracelli

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10

1 "Sing, barren, you who didn't bear; break out into singing, and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife," says Yahweh.

2 "Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch out the curtains of your habitations; don't spare: lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.

3 For you shall spread out on the right hand and on the left; and your seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

4 "Don't be afraid; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be confounded; for you shall not be disappointed: for you shall forget the shame of your youth; and the reproach of your widowhood you shall remember no more.

5 For your Maker is your husband; Yahweh of Armies is his name: and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall he be called.

6 For Yahweh has called you as a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a wife of youth, when she is cast off," says your God.

7 "For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you.

8 In overflowing wrath I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting loving kindness will I have mercy on you," says Yahweh your Redeemer.

9 "For this is like the waters of Noah to me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah shall no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.

10 For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed," says Yahweh who has mercy on you.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 30:1,3-5,10-12

1 I will extol you, Yahweh, for you have raised me up,
and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.

3 Yahweh, you have brought up my soul from Sheol*.
You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4 Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of his.
Give thanks to his holy name.

5 For his anger is but for a moment.
His favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night,
but joy comes in the morning.

10 Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me.
Yahweh, be my helper."

11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me.
You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness,

12 To the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent.
Yahweh my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

*30:3: Sheol is the place of the dead.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 7:24-30

24 When John's messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.

27 This is he of whom it is written,
'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.'

28 "For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he."

29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John's baptism.

30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 14, 2011

Today we want to become 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. John of the Cross

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25

6 that they may know from the rising of the sun,
and from the west,
that there is no one besides me.
I am Yahweh, and there is no one else.

7 I form the light,
and create darkness.
I make peace,
and create calamity.
I am Yahweh,
who does all these things.

8 Distil, you heavens, from above,
and let the skies pour down righteousness.
Let the earth open, that it may produce salvation,
and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it.
I, Yahweh, have created it.

18 For thus says Yahweh who created the heavens,
the God who formed the earth and made it,
who established it and didn't create it a waste,
who formed it to be inhabited:
"I am Yahweh;
and there is no other.

21 Declare and present it.
Yes, let them take counsel together.
Who has shown this from ancient time?
Who has declared it of old?
Haven't I, Yahweh?
There is no other God besides me, a just God and a Savior;There is no one besides me.

22 "Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.

23 I have sworn by myself, the word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and will not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.

24 They will say of me, 'There is righteousness and strength only in Yahweh.'"
Even to him shall men come; and all those who were incensed against him shall be disappointed.

25 In Yahweh shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 85:8-13

8 I will hear what God, Yahweh, will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, his saints;
but let them not turn again to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth meet together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth springs out of the earth.
Righteousness has looked down from heaven.

12 Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good.
Our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness goes before him,
And prepares the way for his steps.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 7:18-23

18 The disciples of John told him about all these things.
19 John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?"

20 When the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?'"

21 In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight.

22 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

23 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

-----

Today's Bible story

December 13, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Lucy

-----

+ First Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13

1 Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city!

2 She didn't obey the voice. She didn't receive correction. She didn't trust in Yahweh. She didn't draw near to her God.

9 For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on Yahweh's name, to serve him shoulder to shoulder.

10 From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the daughter of my dispersed people, will bring my offering.

11 In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings, in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of your midst your proudly exulting ones, and you will no more be haughty in my holy mountain.

12 But I will leave in your midst an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in Yahweh's name.

13 The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 34:1-2,5-6,16-18,22

1 * I will bless Yahweh at all times.
His praise will always be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall boast in Yahweh.
The humble shall hear of it, and be glad.

5 They looked to him, and were radiant.
Their faces shall never be covered with shame.

6 This poor man cried, and Yahweh heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles.

16 Yahweh's face is against those who do evil,
to cut off their memory from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

22 Yahweh redeems the soul of his servants.
None of those who take refuge in him shall be condemned.

*34:1: Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

28 But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first, and said, 'Son, go work today in my vineyard.'

29 He answered, 'I will not,' but afterward he changed his mind, and went.

30 He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, 'I go, sir,' but he didn't go.

31 Which of the two did the will of his father?"
They said to him, "The first."
Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God before you.

32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. When you saw it, you didn't even repent afterward, that you might believe him.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 12, 2011

Today we want to become 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:
Our Lady of Guadalupe

-----

+ First Reading: Zechariah 2:10-13

10 Sing and rejoice, daughter of Zion; for, behold, I come, and I will dwell in your midst,' says Yahweh.

11 Many nations shall join themselves to Yahweh in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you.

12 Yahweh will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.

13 Be silent, all flesh, before Yahweh; for he has roused himself from his holy habitation!"

-----

+ Psalm: Judith 13:14bcde,15

14bcde "Praise, praise God, praise God, I say, for he has not taken away his mercy from the house of Israel, but has destroyed our enemies by my hands this night."

15 So she took the head out of the bag and showed it and said to them, "Behold the head of Holofernes, the chief captain of the army of Assur, and behold the canopy where he had lain in his drunkenness; and the Lord has struck him by the hand of a woman.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"

29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.

30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.'

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom."

34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"

35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.

36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For everything spoken by God is possible."

38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word."
The angel departed from her.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 11, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Damasus, Pope

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

1 The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me;
because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble.
He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and release to those who are bound;

2a to proclaim the year of Yahweh's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God;

10 I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth produces its bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring out; so the Lord Yahweh will cause righteousness and praise to spring out before all the nations.

-----

+ Psalm: Luke 1:46-50, 53-54

46 Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord.

47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid.
For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

49 For he who is mighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name.

50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things.
He has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,

-----

+ Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

16 Rejoice always.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

19 Don't quench the Spirit.

20 Don't despise prophesies.

21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 He who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.

-----

+ Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

6 There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John.

7 The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

19 This is John's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

20 He declared, and didn't deny, but he declared, "I am not the Christ."

21 They asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not."
"Are you the prophet?"
He answered, "No."

22 They said therefore to him, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

23 He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said."

24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.

25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?"

26 John answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know.

27 He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to loosen."

28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 10, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Eulalia of Me'rida
The Holy House of Loreto

-----

+ First Reading: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11

1 Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burned like a lamp.

2 He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he diminished their number.

3 By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three times brought down fire.

4 O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and who may glory like unto thee!

9 Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of fiery horses:

10 Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judgment, before it brake forth into fury, and to turn the heart of the father unto the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.

11 Blessed are they that saw thee, and slept in love; for we shall surely live.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 80:1ac,2b,14-15

1ac Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who sit above the cherubim, shine out.

2b stir up your might!
Come to save us!

14 Turn again, we beg you, God of Armies.
Look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vine,

15 the stock which your right hand planted,
the branch that you made strong for yourself.

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 17:10-13

10 His disciples asked him, saying, "Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

11 Jesus answered them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things,

12 but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn't recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to. Even so the Son of Man will also suffer by them."

13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them of John the Baptizer.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 9, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Juan Diego

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 48:17-19

17 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.

18 Oh that you had listened to my commandments! then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea:

19 your seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of your body like its grains: his name would not be cut off nor destroyed from before me.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 1:1-2, 3, 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* 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.

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 11:16-19

16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions

17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.'

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.'

19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children.†"

†11:19: NU reads "actions" instead of "children"

-----

Today's Bible story

December 8, 2011

Today we want to become 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:
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin

-----

+ First Reading: Genesis 3:9-15, 20

9 Yahweh God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?"

10 The man said, "I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself."

11 God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"

12 The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate."

13 Yahweh God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"
The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

14 Yahweh God said to the serpent,
"Because you have done this,
you are cursed above all livestock,
and above every animal of the field.
On your belly you shall go,
and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.

15 I will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring.
He will bruise your head,
and you will bruise his heel."

20 The man called his wife Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 Yahweh God made coats of skins for Adam and for his wife, and clothed them.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 98:1-4

A Psalm.
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.

3 He has remembered his loving kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth!
Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!

-----

+ Second Reading: Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ;

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love;

5 having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,

6 to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved,

11 in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will;

12 to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 Having come in, the angel said to her, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women!"

29 But when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.

30 The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name 'Jesus.'

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom."

34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"

35 The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God.

36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a son in her old age; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For everything spoken by God is possible."

38 Mary said, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it to me according to your word."
The angel departed from her.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 7, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Ambrose

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31

25 "To whom then will you liken me?
Who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes on high,
and see who has created these,
who brings out their army by number.
He calls them all by name.
by the greatness of his might,
and because he is strong in power,
Not one is lacking.

27 Why do you say, Jacob,
and speak, Israel,
"My way is hidden from Yahweh,
and the justice due me is disregarded by my God?"

28 Haven't you known?
Haven't you heard?
The everlasting God, Yahweh,
The Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't faint.
He isn't weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.

29 He gives power to the weak.
He increases the strength of him who has no might.

30 Even the youths faint and get weary,
and the young men utterly fall;

31 But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength.
They will mount up with wings like eagles.
They will run, and not be weary.
They will walk, and not faint.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 103:1-4,8,10

By David.
1 Praise Yahweh, my soul!
All that is within me, praise his holy name!

2 Praise Yahweh, my soul,
and don't forget all his benefits;

3 who forgives all your sins;
who heals all your diseases;

4 who redeems your life from destruction;
who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies;

8 Yahweh is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.

10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
nor repaid us for our iniquities.

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

-----

Today's Bible story

December 6, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Nicholas of Myra

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

1 "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God.

2 "Speak comfortably to Jerusalem; and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh's hand double for all her sins."

3 The voice of one who calls out,
"Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness!
Make a level highway in the desert for our God.

4 Every valley shall be exalted,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The uneven shall be made level,
and the rough places a plain.

5 Yahweh's glory shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together;
for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

6 The voice of one saying, "Cry!"
One said, "What shall I cry?"
"All flesh is like grass,
and all its glory is like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers,
the flower fades,
because Yahweh's breath blows on it.
Surely the people are like grass.

8 The grass withers,
the flower fades;
but the word of our God stands forever."

9 You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.
You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength.
Lift it up. Don't be afraid.
Say to the cities of Judah, "Behold, your God!"

10 Behold, the Lord Yahweh will come as a mighty one,
and his arm will rule for him.
Behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.

11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will gather the lambs in his arm,
and carry them in his bosom.
He will gently lead those who have their young.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 96:1-3,10ac,11-13

1 Sing to Yahweh a new song!
Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.

2 Sing to Yahweh!
Bless his name!
Proclaim his salvation from day to day!

3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples.

10ac Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns."
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.

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14

12 "What do you think? If a man has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?

13 If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.

14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 5, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Gerald, Bishop of Mayo
Blessed Phillip Rinaldi

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad.
The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.

2 It will blossom abundantly,
and rejoice even with joy and singing.
Lebanon's glory will be given to it,
the excellence of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see Yahweh's glory,
the excellence of our God.

3 Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.

4 Tell those who have a fearful heart, "Be strong.
Don't be afraid.
Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God's retribution.
He will come and save you.

5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened,
and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.

6 Then the lame man will leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the mute will sing;
for waters will break out in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert.

7 The burning sand will become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water.
Grass with reeds and rushes will be in the habitation of jackals, where they lay.

8 A highway will be there, a road,
and it will be called The Holy Way.
The unclean shall not pass over it,
but it will be for those who walk in the Way.
Wicked fools will not go there.

9 No lion will be there,
nor will any ravenous animal go up on it.
They will not be found there;
but the redeemed will walk there.

10 The Yahweh's ransomed ones will return,
and come with singing to Zion;
and everlasting joy will be on their heads.
They will obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away."

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms Psalms 85:8ab,9-13

8ab I will hear what God, Yahweh, will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people,

9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth meet together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth springs out of the earth.
Righteousness has looked down from heaven.

12 Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good.
Our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness goes before him,
And prepares the way for his steps.

-----

+ Gospel: Luke 5:17-26

17 It happened on one of those days, that he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them.

18 Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus.

19 Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the midst before Jesus.

20 Seeing their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."

21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"

22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?

23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you;' or to say, 'Arise and walk?'

24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."
25 Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God.

26 Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."

-----

Today's Bible story

December 4, 2011

Today we want to become 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. John of Damascus
St. Clement of Alexandria

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11

1 "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God.

2 "Speak comfortably to Jerusalem; and call out to her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received of Yahweh's hand double for all her sins."

3 The voice of one who calls out,
"Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness!
Make a level highway in the desert for our God.

4 Every valley shall be exalted,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The uneven shall be made level,
and the rough places a plain.

5 Yahweh's glory shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together;
for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

9 You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain.
You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength.
Lift it up. Don't be afraid.
Say to the cities of Judah, "Behold, your God!"

10 Behold, the Lord Yahweh will come as a mighty one,
and his arm will rule for him.
Behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him.

11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will gather the lambs in his arm,
and carry them in his bosom.
He will gently lead those who have their young.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 85:8-13

8 I will hear what God, Yahweh, will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people, his saints;
but let them not turn again to folly.

9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth meet together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth springs out of the earth.
Righteousness has looked down from heaven.

12 Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good.
Our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness goes before him,
And prepares the way for his steps.

-----

+ Second Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14

8 But don't forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

11 Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,

12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

13 But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.

-----

+ Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

1 The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in the prophets,
"Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.

3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
'Make ready the way of the Lord!
Make his paths straight!'"

4 John came baptizing* in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

6 John was clothed with camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.

7 He preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.

8 I baptized you in† water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit."

†1:8: The Greek word (en) translated here as "in" could also be translated as "with" in some contexts.

-----

Today's Bible story

December 3, 2011

Today we want to become 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. Francis Xavier

-----

+ First Reading: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26

19 For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When he hears you, he will answer you.

20 Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers won't be hidden any more, but your eyes will see your teachers;

21 and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way. Walk in it."

23 He will give the rain for your seed, with which you will sow the ground; and bread of the increase of the ground will be rich and plentiful. In that day, your livestock will feed in large pastures.

24 The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that till the ground will eat savory provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork.

25 There shall be brooks and streams of water on every lofty mountain and on every high hill in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

26 Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, in the day that Yahweh binds up the fracture of his people, and heals the wound they were struck with.

-----

+ Psalm: Psalms 146:1-6

1 Praise Yah!
Praise Yahweh, my soul.

2 While I live, I will praise Yahweh.
I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist.

3 Don't put your trust in princes,
each a son of man in whom there is no help.

4 His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth.
In that very day, his thoughts perish.

5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
whose hope is in Yahweh, his God:

6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps truth forever;

-----

+ Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

9:35 Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed‡ and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.

37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

38 Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest."

10:1 He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

5a Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, saying,

6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!'

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers†, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.

‡9:36: TR reads "weary" instead of "harassed"

†10:8: TR adds ", raise the dead"

-----