January 31, 2013
Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
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+ Saints: St. John Bosco
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+ First Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Having therefore, brothers, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
20 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 and having a great priest over God's house,
22 let's draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water,
23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
24 Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works,
25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.
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+ Psalm: Psalms 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
1 The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness;
the world, and those who dwell therein.
2 For he has founded it on the seas,
and established it on the floods.
3 Who may ascend to Yahweh's hill?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4ab He who has clean hands and a pure heart;
who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood,
5 He shall receive a blessing from Yahweh,
righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek your face—even Jacob.
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+ Gospel: Mark 4:21-25
21 He said to them, "Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket † or under a bed? Isn't it put on a stand?
22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.
23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear."
24 He said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear.
25 For whoever has, to him will more be given, and he who doesn't have, even that which he has will be taken away from him."
†4:21: literally, a modion, a dry measuring basket containing about a peck (about 9 liters)
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+ Today's Reading: Romans （10:1-21)
1 Brothers, my heart's desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.
2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn't subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
4 For Christ is the fulfillment* of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."☆
6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'☆ (that is, to bring Christ down);
7 or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?'☆ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)"
8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart";☆ that is, the word of faith, which we preach:
9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."☆
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich to all who call on him.
13 For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."☆
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?
15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:
"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace,
who bring glad tidings of good things!"☆
16 But they didn't all listen to the glad news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"☆
17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
18 But I say, didn't they hear? Yes, most certainly,
"Their sound went out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world."☆
19 But I ask, didn't Israel know? First Moses says,
"I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation,
with a nation void of understanding I will make you angry."☆
20 Isaiah is very bold, and says,
"I was found by those who didn't seek me.
I was revealed to those who didn't ask for me."☆
21 But as to Israel he says, "All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."☆
*10:4: or, completion, or end
☆10:5: Leviticus 18:5
☆10:6: Deuteronomy 30:12
☆10:7: Deuteronomy 30:13
☆10:8: Deuteronomy 30:14
☆10:11: Isaiah 28:16
☆10:13: Joel 2:32
☆10:15: Isaiah 52:7
☆10:16: Isaiah 53:1
☆10:18: Psalm 19:4
☆10:19: Deuteronomy 32:31
☆10:20: Isaiah 65:1
☆10:21: Isaiah 65:2
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1.31.2013
1.30.2013
Today's Bible story
January 30, 2013
Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
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+ Saints: St. Hyacintha of Mariscotti
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+ First Reading: Hebrews 10:11-18
11 Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins,
12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet.
14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them:
'After those days,' says the Lord,
'I will put my laws on their heart,
I will also write them on their mind;'"☆
then he says,
17 "I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more."☆
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
☆10:16: Jeremiah 31:33
☆10:17: Jeremiah 31:34
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+ Psalm: Psalms 110:1, 2, 3, 4
1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
2 Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion.
Rule among your enemies.
3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
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+ Gospel: Mark 4:1-20
1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea.
2 He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,
3 "Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow,
4 and as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds* came and devoured it.
5 Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.
6 When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
8 Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much."
9 He said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
10 When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
11 He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of God's Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,
12 that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.'"☆
13 He said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables?
14 The farmer sows the word.
15 The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
16 These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.
17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.
18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,
19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
20 Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times."
*4:4: TR adds "of the air"
☆4:12: Isaiah 6:9-10
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+ Today's Reading: Romans(9:19-33)
19 You will say then to me, "Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?"
20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"☆
21 Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?
22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath made for destruction,
23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory,
24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?
25 As he says also in Hosea,
"I will call them 'my people,' which were not my people;
and her 'beloved,' who was not beloved."☆
26 "It will be that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
There they will be called 'children of the living God.'"☆
27 Isaiah cries concerning Israel,
"If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea,
it is the remnant who will be saved;
28 for He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth."☆
29 As Isaiah has said before,
"Unless the Lord of Armies§ had left us a seed,
we would have become like Sodom,
and would have been made like Gomorrah."☆
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn't follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;
31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn't arrive at the law of righteousness.
32 Why? Because they didn't seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone;
33 even as it is written,
"Behold,** I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense;
and no one who believes in him will be disappointed."☆
☆9:20: Isaiah 29:16; 45:9
☆9:25: Hosea 2:23
☆9:26: Hosea 1:10
☆9:28: Isaiah 10:22-23
§9:29: Greek: Sabaoth (for Hebrew: Tze'va'ot)
☆9:29: Isaiah 1:9
**9:33: "Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.
☆9:33: Isaiah 8:14; 28:16
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Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Hyacintha of Mariscotti
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 10:11-18
11 Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins,
12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet.
14 For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,
16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them:
'After those days,' says the Lord,
'I will put my laws on their heart,
I will also write them on their mind;'"☆
then he says,
17 "I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more."☆
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
☆10:16: Jeremiah 31:33
☆10:17: Jeremiah 31:34
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+ Psalm: Psalms 110:1, 2, 3, 4
1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
2 Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion.
Rule among your enemies.
3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 4:1-20
1 Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea.
2 He taught them many things in parables, and told them in his teaching,
3 "Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow,
4 and as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds* came and devoured it.
5 Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.
6 When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.
8 Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some produced thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much."
9 He said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."
10 When he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parables.
11 He said to them, "To you is given the mystery of God's Kingdom, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,
12 that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.'"☆
13 He said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables?
14 The farmer sows the word.
15 The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them.
16 These in the same way are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.
17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.
18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,
19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
20 Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times."
*4:4: TR adds "of the air"
☆4:12: Isaiah 6:9-10
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+ Today's Reading: Romans(9:19-33)
19 You will say then to me, "Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?"
20 But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"☆
21 Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?
22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath made for destruction,
23 and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory,
24 us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?
25 As he says also in Hosea,
"I will call them 'my people,' which were not my people;
and her 'beloved,' who was not beloved."☆
26 "It will be that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
There they will be called 'children of the living God.'"☆
27 Isaiah cries concerning Israel,
"If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea,
it is the remnant who will be saved;
28 for He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth."☆
29 As Isaiah has said before,
"Unless the Lord of Armies§ had left us a seed,
we would have become like Sodom,
and would have been made like Gomorrah."☆
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn't follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;
31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn't arrive at the law of righteousness.
32 Why? Because they didn't seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone;
33 even as it is written,
"Behold,** I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense;
and no one who believes in him will be disappointed."☆
☆9:20: Isaiah 29:16; 45:9
☆9:25: Hosea 2:23
☆9:26: Hosea 1:10
☆9:28: Isaiah 10:22-23
§9:29: Greek: Sabaoth (for Hebrew: Tze'va'ot)
☆9:29: Isaiah 1:9
**9:33: "Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.
☆9:33: Isaiah 8:14; 28:16
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1.29.2013
Today's Bible story
January 29, 2013
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
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+ Saints: St. Gildas the Wise
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+ First Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10
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 purified us of 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 When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him."☆Deuteronomy 32:43 LXX
7 Of the angels he says,
"Who makes his angels winds,
and his servants a flame of fire."☆Psalm 104:4
8 But of the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows."☆Psalm 45:6-7
10 And,
"You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the works of your hands.
☆1:5: Psalm 2:7
☆1:5: 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13
☆1:6: Deuteronomy 32:43 LXX
☆1:7: Psalm 104:4
☆1:9: Psalm 45:6-7
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+ Psalm: Psalms 40:1 and 3ab, 6-7a, 9, 10
1 I waited patiently for Yahweh.
He turned to me, and heard my cry.
3ab He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God.
6 Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire.
You have opened my ears.
You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.
7a Then I said, "Behold, I have come.
9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly.
Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.
10 I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart.
I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation.
I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly.
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+ Gospel: Mark 3:31-35
31 His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him.
32 A multitude was sitting around him, and they told him, "Behold, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters†TR omits "your sisters" are outside looking for you."
33 He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
34 Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers!
35 For whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
†3:32: TR omits "your sisters"
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+ Today's Reading: Romans 9:1-18
1 I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit,
2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers' sake, my relatives according to the flesh,
4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises;
5 of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel.
7 Neither, because they are Abraham's offspring,*or, seed are they all children. But, "your offspring†or, seed will be accounted as from Isaac."☆Genesis 21:12
8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as heirs.
9 For this is a word of promise, "At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a son."☆Genesis 18:10,14
10 Not only so, but Rebekah also conceived by one, by our father Isaac.
11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,‡NA puts the phrase "not of works, but of him who calls" at the beginning of verse 12 instead of the end of verse 11.
12 it was said to her, "The elder will serve the younger."☆Genesis 25:23
13 Even as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."☆Malachi 1:2-3
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be!
15 For he said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."☆Exodus 33:19
16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."☆Exodus 9:16
18 So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.
*9:7: or, seed
†9:7: or, seed
☆9:7: Genesis 21:12
☆9:9: Genesis 18:10,14
‡9:11: NA puts the phrase "not of works, but of him who calls" at the beginning of verse 12 instead of the end of verse 11.
☆9:12: Genesis 25:23
☆9:13: Malachi 1:2-3
☆9:15: Exodus 33:19
☆9:17: Exodus 9:16
-----
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Gildas the Wise
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 10:1-10
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 purified us of 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 When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, "Let all the angels of God worship him."☆Deuteronomy 32:43 LXX
7 Of the angels he says,
"Who makes his angels winds,
and his servants a flame of fire."☆Psalm 104:4
8 But of the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.
The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows."☆Psalm 45:6-7
10 And,
"You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth.
The heavens are the works of your hands.
☆1:5: Psalm 2:7
☆1:5: 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13
☆1:6: Deuteronomy 32:43 LXX
☆1:7: Psalm 104:4
☆1:9: Psalm 45:6-7
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 40:1 and 3ab, 6-7a, 9, 10
1 I waited patiently for Yahweh.
He turned to me, and heard my cry.
3ab He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God.
6 Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire.
You have opened my ears.
You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.
7a Then I said, "Behold, I have come.
9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly.
Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.
10 I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart.
I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation.
I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 3:31-35
31 His mother and his brothers came, and standing outside, they sent to him, calling him.
32 A multitude was sitting around him, and they told him, "Behold, your mother, your brothers, and your sisters†TR omits "your sisters" are outside looking for you."
33 He answered them, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"
34 Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers!
35 For whoever does the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."
†3:32: TR omits "your sisters"
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 9:1-18
1 I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit,
2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers' sake, my relatives according to the flesh,
4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises;
5 of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.
6 But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel.
7 Neither, because they are Abraham's offspring,*or, seed are they all children. But, "your offspring†or, seed will be accounted as from Isaac."☆Genesis 21:12
8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as heirs.
9 For this is a word of promise, "At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a son."☆Genesis 18:10,14
10 Not only so, but Rebekah also conceived by one, by our father Isaac.
11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,‡NA puts the phrase "not of works, but of him who calls" at the beginning of verse 12 instead of the end of verse 11.
12 it was said to her, "The elder will serve the younger."☆Genesis 25:23
13 Even as it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."☆Malachi 1:2-3
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be!
15 For he said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."☆Exodus 33:19
16 So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."☆Exodus 9:16
18 So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.
*9:7: or, seed
†9:7: or, seed
☆9:7: Genesis 21:12
☆9:9: Genesis 18:10,14
‡9:11: NA puts the phrase "not of works, but of him who calls" at the beginning of verse 12 instead of the end of verse 11.
☆9:12: Genesis 25:23
☆9:13: Malachi 1:2-3
☆9:15: Exodus 33:19
☆9:17: Exodus 9:16
-----
1.28.2013
Today's Bible story
January 28, 2013
Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
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 Aquinas
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 9:15、24-28
15 For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
24 For Christ hasn't entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own,
26 or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment,
28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
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.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 3:22-30
22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul," and, "By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons."
23 He summoned them, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 If Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he can't stand, but has an end.
27 But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder, unless he first binds the strong man; and then he will plunder his house.
28 Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme;
29 but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation."*NU reads, guilty of an eternal sin.
30 - because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."
*3:29: NU reads, guilty of an eternal sin.
†3:32: TR omits "your sisters"
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 8:18-39
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.
19 For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.
23 Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees?
25 But if we hope for that which we don't see, we wait for it with patience.
26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.
27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit's mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.‡The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
30 Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?
33 Who could bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 Even as it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter."☆Psalm 44:22
37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
‡8:29: The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
☆8:36: Psalm 44:22
-----
Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Doctor of the Church
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 Aquinas
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 9:15、24-28
15 For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
24 For Christ hasn't entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;
25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place year by year with blood not his own,
26 or else he must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, he has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 Inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this, judgment,
28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for him for salvation.
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
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.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 3:22-30
22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul," and, "By the prince of the demons he casts out the demons."
23 He summoned them, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?
24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
26 If Satan has risen up against himself, and is divided, he can't stand, but has an end.
27 But no one can enter into the house of the strong man to plunder, unless he first binds the strong man; and then he will plunder his house.
28 Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of man will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme;
29 but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation."*NU reads, guilty of an eternal sin.
30 - because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."
*3:29: NU reads, guilty of an eternal sin.
†3:32: TR omits "your sisters"
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 8:18-39
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.
19 For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.
23 Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body.
24 For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which he sees?
25 But if we hope for that which we don't see, we wait for it with patience.
26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.
27 He who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit's mind, because he makes intercession for the saints according to God.
28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.‡The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
30 Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.
31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things?
33 Who could bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 Even as it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter."☆Psalm 44:22
37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
‡8:29: The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
☆8:36: Psalm 44:22
-----
1.27.2013
Today's Bible story
January 27, 2013
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. Angela Merici
-----
+ First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a、5-6、8-10
2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.
3 He read therein before the wide place that was in front of the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.
4a Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose;
5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6 and Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, "Amen, Amen," with the lifting up of their hands. They bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground.
8 They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.
9 Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, "Today is holy to Yahweh your God. Don't mourn, nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Don't be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength."
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 19:7, 8, 9, 14
7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul.
Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.
Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.
-----
+ Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
12 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot would say, "Because I'm not the hand, I'm not part of the body," it is not therefore not part of the body.
16 If the ear would say, "Because I'm not the eye, I'm not part of the body," it's not therefore not part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired.
19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now they are many members, but one body.
21 The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you."
22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23 Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety;
24 whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part,
25 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?
-----
+ Gospel: Luke 1:1-4、4:14-21
1 Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
4 that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.
4:14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area.
15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the broken hearted,*NU omits "to heal the broken hearted"
to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind,
to deliver those who are crushed,
19 and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."☆Isaiah 61:1-2
20 He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21 He began to tell them, "Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
*4:18: NU omits "to heal the broken hearted"
☆4:19: Isaiah 61:1-2
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 8:1-17
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.*NU omits "who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.
3 For what the law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh;
4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be.
8 Those who are in the flesh can't please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if any man doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, he is not his.
10 If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.
15 For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba!†Abba is an Aramaic word for "Father" or "Daddy", which can be used affectionately and respectfully in prayer to our Father in heaven. Father!"
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;
17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.
*8:1: NU omits "who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"
†8:15: Abba is an Aramaic word for "Father" or "Daddy", which can be used affectionately and respectfully in prayer to our Father in heaven.
-----
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. Angela Merici
-----
+ First Reading: Nehemiah 8:2-4a、5-6、8-10
2 Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.
3 He read therein before the wide place that was in front of the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women, and of those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.
4a Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose;
5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6 and Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, "Amen, Amen," with the lifting up of their hands. They bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground.
8 They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.
9 Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, "Today is holy to Yahweh your God. Don't mourn, nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for today is holy to our Lord. Don't be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength."
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 19:7, 8, 9, 14
7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul.
Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.
Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.
-----
+ Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30
12 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot would say, "Because I'm not the hand, I'm not part of the body," it is not therefore not part of the body.
16 If the ear would say, "Because I'm not the eye, I'm not part of the body," it's not therefore not part of the body.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?
18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as he desired.
19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?
20 But now they are many members, but one body.
21 The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you."
22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
23 Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety;
24 whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part,
25 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.
26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.
28 God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?
30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?
-----
+ Gospel: Luke 1:1-4、4:14-21
1 Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,
2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;
4 that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.
4:14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area.
15 He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
16 He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.
17 The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written,
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the broken hearted,*NU omits "to heal the broken hearted"
to proclaim release to the captives,
recovering of sight to the blind,
to deliver those who are crushed,
19 and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."☆Isaiah 61:1-2
20 He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21 He began to tell them, "Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
*4:18: NU omits "to heal the broken hearted"
☆4:19: Isaiah 61:1-2
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 8:1-17
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.*NU omits "who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.
3 For what the law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh;
4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
6 For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;
7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be.
8 Those who are in the flesh can't please God.
9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if any man doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, he is not his.
10 If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.
15 For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba!†Abba is an Aramaic word for "Father" or "Daddy", which can be used affectionately and respectfully in prayer to our Father in heaven. Father!"
16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;
17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him.
*8:1: NU omits "who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"
†8:15: Abba is an Aramaic word for "Father" or "Daddy", which can be used affectionately and respectfully in prayer to our Father in heaven.
-----
1.26.2013
Today's Bible story
January 26, 2013
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
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: Sts. Timothy and Titus
-----
+ First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day
4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10
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.
7 Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
8a Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
10 Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns."
The world is also established.
It can't be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.
-----
+ Gospel: Luke 10:1-9
1 Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him*literally, "before his face" into every city and place, where he was about to come.
2 Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest.
3 Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.
5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.'
6 If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.
7 Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don't go from house to house.
8 Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you.
9 Heal the sick who are therein, and tell them, 'God's Kingdom has come near to you.'
-----
Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus, bishops
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: Sts. Timothy and Titus
-----
+ First Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-8
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,
2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day
4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.
6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 7-8a, 10
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.
7 Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
8a Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
10 Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns."
The world is also established.
It can't be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.
-----
+ Gospel: Luke 10:1-9
1 Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him*literally, "before his face" into every city and place, where he was about to come.
2 Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest.
3 Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.
5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.'
6 If a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.
7 Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don't go from house to house.
8 Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you.
9 Heal the sick who are therein, and tell them, 'God's Kingdom has come near to you.'
-----
1.25.2013
Today's Bible story
January 25, 2013
We hope that today is a good day.
Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
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: Conversion of St. Paul
-----
+ First Reading: Acts 22:3-16
3 "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are today.
4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
5 As also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and traveled to Damascus to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
6 As I made my journey, and came close to Damascus, about noon, suddenly a great light shone around me from the sky.
7 I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.'
9 "Those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they didn't understand the voice of him who spoke to me.
10 I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.'
11 When I couldn't see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
12 One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,
13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' In that very hour I looked up at him.
14 He said, 'The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth.
15 For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard.
16 Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 117:1bc, 2
1 (Praise Yahweh,) all you nations!
Extol him, (all you peoples! )
2 For his loving kindness is great toward us.
Yahweh's faithfulness endures forever.
Praise Yah!
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 16:15-18
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.
17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Galatians 1:11-24
11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.
12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it.
14 I advanced in the Jews' religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace,
16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn't immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.
19 But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord's brother.
20 Now about the things which I write to you, behold,†"Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. before God, I'm not lying.
21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ,
23 but they only heard: "He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy."
24 And they glorified God in me.
†1:20: "Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.
-----
We hope that today is a good day.
Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
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: Conversion of St. Paul
-----
+ First Reading: Acts 22:3-16
3 "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are today.
4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
5 As also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and traveled to Damascus to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
6 As I made my journey, and came close to Damascus, about noon, suddenly a great light shone around me from the sky.
7 I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
8 I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?' He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.'
9 "Those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they didn't understand the voice of him who spoke to me.
10 I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, 'Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.'
11 When I couldn't see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
12 One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,
13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight!' In that very hour I looked up at him.
14 He said, 'The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth.
15 For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard.
16 Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 117:1bc, 2
1 (Praise Yahweh,) all you nations!
Extol him, (all you peoples! )
2 For his loving kindness is great toward us.
Yahweh's faithfulness endures forever.
Praise Yah!
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 16:15-18
15 He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.
17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Galatians 1:11-24
11 But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.
12 For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it.
14 I advanced in the Jews' religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace,
16 to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I didn't immediately confer with flesh and blood,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.
19 But of the other apostles I saw no one, except James, the Lord's brother.
20 Now about the things which I write to you, behold,†"Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. before God, I'm not lying.
21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
22 I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ,
23 but they only heard: "He who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that he once tried to destroy."
24 And they glorified God in me.
†1:20: "Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.
-----
1.24.2013
Today's Bible story
January 24, 2013
We hope that today is a good day.
Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
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 de Sales
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 7:25-8:6
7:25 Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.
26 For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 who doesn't need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.
8:1 Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
2 a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;
5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, "See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain."☆Exodus 25:40
6 But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
☆8:5: Exodus 25:40
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 40:6-7a, 7b-8, 9, 16
6 Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire.
You have opened my ears.
You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.
7 Then I said, "Behold, I have come.
It is written about me in the book in the scroll.
8 I delight to do your will, my God.
Yes, your law is within my heart."
9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly.
Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.
16 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.
Let such as love your salvation say continually, "Let Yahweh be exalted!"
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 3:7-12
7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great multitude followed him from Galilee, from Judea,
8 from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came to him.
9 He spoke to his disciples that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they wouldn't press on him.
10 For he had healed many, so that as many as had diseases pressed on him that they might touch him.
11 The unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, "You are the Son of God!"
12 He sternly warned them that they should not make him known.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 6:12-23
12 Therefore don't let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
13 Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
14 For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
15 What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be!
16 Don't you know that when you present yourselves as servants and obey someone, you are the servants of whomever you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?
17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were delivered.
18 Being made free from sin, you became bondservants of righteousness.
19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification.
20 For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21 What fruit then did you have at that time in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-----
We hope that today is a good day.
Memorial of Saint Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
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 de Sales
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 7:25-8:6
7:25 Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.
26 For such a high priest was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
27 who doesn't need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For he did this once for all, when he offered up himself.
28 For the law appoints men as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints a Son forever who has been perfected.
8:1 Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
2 a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;
5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when he was about to make the tabernacle, for he said, "See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain."☆Exodus 25:40
6 But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
☆8:5: Exodus 25:40
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 40:6-7a, 7b-8, 9, 16
6 Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire.
You have opened my ears.
You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.
7 Then I said, "Behold, I have come.
It is written about me in the book in the scroll.
8 I delight to do your will, my God.
Yes, your law is within my heart."
9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly.
Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.
16 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you.
Let such as love your salvation say continually, "Let Yahweh be exalted!"
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 3:7-12
7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great multitude followed him from Galilee, from Judea,
8 from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came to him.
9 He spoke to his disciples that a little boat should stay near him because of the crowd, so that they wouldn't press on him.
10 For he had healed many, so that as many as had diseases pressed on him that they might touch him.
11 The unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, "You are the Son of God!"
12 He sternly warned them that they should not make him known.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 6:12-23
12 Therefore don't let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
13 Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
14 For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
15 What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be!
16 Don't you know that when you present yourselves as servants and obey someone, you are the servants of whomever you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?
17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were bondservants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were delivered.
18 Being made free from sin, you became bondservants of righteousness.
19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification.
20 For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.
21 What fruit then did you have at that time in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.
22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life.
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-----
1.23.2013
Today's Bible story
January 23, 2013
Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Ildephonsus
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17
1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
2 to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace;
3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.
15 This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
16 who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:
17 for it is testified,
"You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek."☆Psalm 110:4
☆7:17: Psalm 110:4
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 110:1, 2, 3, 4
1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
2 Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion.
Rule among your enemies.
3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
1 He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered.
2 They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him.
3 He said to the man who had his hand withered, "Stand up."
4 He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent.
5 When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.
6 The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 6:1-11
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?
3 Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him;
9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him!
10 For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God.
11 Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-----
Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
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+ Saints: St. Ildephonsus
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+ First Reading: Hebrews 7:1-3, 15-17
1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
2 to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace;
3 without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God), remains a priest continually.
15 This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest,
16 who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:
17 for it is testified,
"You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek."☆Psalm 110:4
☆7:17: Psalm 110:4
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+ Psalm: Psalms 110:1, 2, 3, 4
1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
2 Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion.
Rule among your enemies.
3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
1 He entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had his hand withered.
2 They watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him.
3 He said to the man who had his hand withered, "Stand up."
4 He said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent.
5 When he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other.
6 The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him.
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+ Today's Reading: Romans 6:1-11
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?
3 Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;
6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him;
9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him!
10 For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God.
11 Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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1.22.2013
Today's Bible story
January 22, 2013
Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time ? Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Child
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. Vincent
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 6:10-20
10 For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.
11 We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end,
12 that you won't be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the promises.
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself,
14 saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."☆Genesis 22:17
15 Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
17 In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath;
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
20 where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
☆6:14: Genesis 22:17
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+ Psalm: Psalms 111:1-2, 4-5, 9 and 10c
1 Praise Yah!*Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem, with each verse after the initial "Praise Yah!" starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).
I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart,
in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 Yahweh's works are great,
pondered by all those who delight in them.
4 He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered.
Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
5 He has given food to those who fear him.
He always remembers his covenant.
9 He has sent redemption to his people.
He has ordained his covenant forever.
His name is holy and awesome!
10c His praise endures forever!
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:23-28
23 He was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain.
24 The Pharisees said to him, "Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"
25 He said to them, "Did you never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry?he, and those who were with him?
26 How he entered into God's house when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?"
27 He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
28 Therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 5:12-21
12 Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned.
13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren't like Adam's disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come.
15 But the free gift isn't like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.
16 The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification.
17 For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.
18 So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life.
19 For as through the one man's disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous.
20 The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;
21 that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
-----
Tuesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time ? Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Child
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. Vincent
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 6:10-20
10 For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward his name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.
11 We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end,
12 that you won't be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the promises.
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself,
14 saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."☆Genesis 22:17
15 Thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise.
16 For men indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.
17 In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath;
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.
19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
20 where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
☆6:14: Genesis 22:17
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+ Psalm: Psalms 111:1-2, 4-5, 9 and 10c
1 Praise Yah!*Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem, with each verse after the initial "Praise Yah!" starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).
I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart,
in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
2 Yahweh's works are great,
pondered by all those who delight in them.
4 He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered.
Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
5 He has given food to those who fear him.
He always remembers his covenant.
9 He has sent redemption to his people.
He has ordained his covenant forever.
His name is holy and awesome!
10c His praise endures forever!
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:23-28
23 He was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain.
24 The Pharisees said to him, "Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"
25 He said to them, "Did you never read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry?he, and those who were with him?
26 How he entered into God's house when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?"
27 He said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
28 Therefore the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 5:12-21
12 Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned.
13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren't like Adam's disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come.
15 But the free gift isn't like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.
16 The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification.
17 For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.
18 So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life.
19 For as through the one man's disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous.
20 The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;
21 that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
-----
1.21.2013
Today's Bible story
January 21, 2013
Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
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. Agnes
-----
+ First Reading: Nehemiah 5:1-10
1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.
2 For there were that said, "We, our sons and our daughters, are many. Let us get grain, that we may eat and live."
3 There were also some that said, "We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses. Let us get grain, because of the famine."
4 There were also some who said, "We have borrowed money for the king's tribute using our fields and our vineyards as collateral.
5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Behold,*"Behold", from "??????", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. we bring our sons and our daughters into bondage to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. It is also not in our power to help it, because other men have our fields and our vineyards."
6 I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
7 Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, "You exact usury, everyone of his brother." I held a great assembly against them.
8 I said to them, "We, after our ability, have redeemed our brothers the Jews that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us?" Then they held their peace, and found not a word to say.
9 Also I said, "The thing that you do is not good. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?
10 I likewise, my brothers and my servants, lend them money and grain. Please let us stop this usury.
*5:5: "Behold", from "??????", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.
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+ Psalm: Psalms 110:1, 2, 3, 4
1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
2 Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion.
Rule among your enemies.
3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:18-22
18 John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"
19 Jesus said to them, "Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can't fast.
20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day.
21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made.
22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine pours out, and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 5:1-11
1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope:
5 and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die.
8 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God's wrath through him.
10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
-----
Memorial of Saint Agnes, Virgin and Martyr
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. Agnes
-----
+ First Reading: Nehemiah 5:1-10
1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews.
2 For there were that said, "We, our sons and our daughters, are many. Let us get grain, that we may eat and live."
3 There were also some that said, "We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses. Let us get grain, because of the famine."
4 There were also some who said, "We have borrowed money for the king's tribute using our fields and our vineyards as collateral.
5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brothers, our children as their children. Behold,*"Behold", from "??????", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. we bring our sons and our daughters into bondage to be servants, and some of our daughters have been brought into bondage. It is also not in our power to help it, because other men have our fields and our vineyards."
6 I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
7 Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, "You exact usury, everyone of his brother." I held a great assembly against them.
8 I said to them, "We, after our ability, have redeemed our brothers the Jews that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your brothers, and should they be sold to us?" Then they held their peace, and found not a word to say.
9 Also I said, "The thing that you do is not good. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?
10 I likewise, my brothers and my servants, lend them money and grain. Please let us stop this usury.
*5:5: "Behold", from "??????", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 110:1, 2, 3, 4
1 Yahweh says to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."
2 Yahweh will send out the rod of your strength out of Zion.
Rule among your enemies.
3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array.
Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.
4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change his mind:
"You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek."
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:18-22
18 John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"
19 Jesus said to them, "Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can't fast.
20 But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day.
21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made.
22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine pours out, and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 5:1-11
1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance;
4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope:
5 and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
6 For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die.
8 But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we will be saved from God's wrath through him.
10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by his life.
-----
1.20.2013
Today's Bible story
January 20, 2013
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Sebastian
-----
+ First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning lamp.
2 The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory,
and you will be called by a new name,
which Yahweh's mouth will name.
3 You will also be a crown of beauty in Yahweh's hand,
and a royal diadem in your God's hand.
4 You will not be called Forsaken any more;
nor will your land be called Desolate any more:
but you will be called Hephzibah,*
and your land Beulah;†
for Yahweh delights in you,
and your land will be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
so your sons will marry you.
As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so your God will rejoice over you.
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 96:1-3, 7-10
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.
7 Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 Worship Yahweh in holy array.
Tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns."
The world is also established.
It can't be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.
-----
+ Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
4 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord.
6 There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all.
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.
8 For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
9 to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit;
10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.
11 But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.
-----
+ Gospel: John 2:1-11
1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there.
2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage.
3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine."
4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it."
6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' way of purifying, containing two or three metretes* apiece.
7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim.
8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it.
9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!"
11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
*2:6: 2 to 3 metretes is about 20 to 30 U. S. Gallons, or 75 to 115 liters.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 4:1-25
1 What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."☆
4 Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.
5 But to him who doesn't work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
6 Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,
7 "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin." ☆
9 Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
10 How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
11 He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.
12 He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.
13 For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring* that he should be heir of the world wasn't through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.
15 For the law produces wrath, for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.
16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring,† not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
17 As it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations."☆ This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.
18 Besides hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So will your offspring‡ be."☆
19 Without being weakened in faith, he didn't consider his own body, already having been worn out, (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
20 Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn't waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,
21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was also able to perform.
22 Therefore it also was "credited to him for righteousness."☆
23 Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone,
24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be accounted, who believe in him who raised Jesus, our Lord, from the dead,
25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.
☆4:3: Genesis 15:6
☆4:8: Psalm 32:1-2
*4:13: or, seed
†4:16: or, seed
☆4:17: Genesis 17:5
‡4:18: or, seed
☆4:18: Genesis 15:5
☆4:22: Genesis 15:6
-----
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Sebastian
-----
+ First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
until her righteousness shines out like the dawn,
and her salvation like a burning lamp.
2 The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory,
and you will be called by a new name,
which Yahweh's mouth will name.
3 You will also be a crown of beauty in Yahweh's hand,
and a royal diadem in your God's hand.
4 You will not be called Forsaken any more;
nor will your land be called Desolate any more:
but you will be called Hephzibah,*
and your land Beulah;†
for Yahweh delights in you,
and your land will be married.
5 For as a young man marries a virgin,
so your sons will marry you.
As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so your God will rejoice over you.
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 96:1-3, 7-10
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.
7 Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations,
ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name.
Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 Worship Yahweh in holy array.
Tremble before him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns."
The world is also established.
It can't be moved.
He will judge the peoples with equity.
-----
+ Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
4 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord.
6 There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all.
7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.
8 For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
9 to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit;
10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.
11 But the one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing to each one separately as he desires.
-----
+ Gospel: John 2:1-11
1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' mother was there.
2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage.
3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine."
4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come."
5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it."
6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' way of purifying, containing two or three metretes* apiece.
7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim.
8 He said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it.
9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!"
11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
*2:6: 2 to 3 metretes is about 20 to 30 U. S. Gallons, or 75 to 115 liters.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 4:1-25
1 What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."☆
4 Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.
5 But to him who doesn't work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
6 Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,
7 "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin." ☆
9 Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
10 How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
11 He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.
12 He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.
13 For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring* that he should be heir of the world wasn't through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.
15 For the law produces wrath, for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.
16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring,† not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
17 As it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations."☆ This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.
18 Besides hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So will your offspring‡ be."☆
19 Without being weakened in faith, he didn't consider his own body, already having been worn out, (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.
20 Yet, looking to the promise of God, he didn't waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,
21 and being fully assured that what he had promised, he was also able to perform.
22 Therefore it also was "credited to him for righteousness."☆
23 Now it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone,
24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be accounted, who believe in him who raised Jesus, our Lord, from the dead,
25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.
☆4:3: Genesis 15:6
☆4:8: Psalm 32:1-2
*4:13: or, seed
†4:16: or, seed
☆4:17: Genesis 17:5
‡4:18: or, seed
☆4:18: Genesis 15:5
☆4:22: Genesis 15:6
-----
1.19.2013
Today's Bible story
January 19, 2013
Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Canutus, King of Denmark
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13 There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
14 Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.
15 For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 19:7, 8, 9, 14
7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul.
Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.
Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:13-17
13 He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he taught them.
14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him.
15 He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him.
16 The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"
17 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 3:21-31
21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
25 whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice,* through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance;
26 to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn't he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30 since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.
*3:25: or, a propitiation
-----
Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Canutus, King of Denmark
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 4:12-16
12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13 There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.
14 Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.
15 For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 19:7, 8, 9, 14
7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul.
Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.
8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart.
Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever.
Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:13-17
13 He went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to him, and he taught them.
14 As he passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he arose and followed him.
15 He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him.
16 The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"
17 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 3:21-31
21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;
22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,
23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
24 being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
25 whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice,* through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance;
26 to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
28 We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn't he the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,
30 since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.
31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.
*3:25: or, a propitiation
-----
1.18.2013
Today's Bible story
January 18, 2013
Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Charles of Sezze
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
1 Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest.
2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn't profit them, because it wasn't mixed with faith by those who heard.
3 For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, "As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest";☆ although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, "God rested on the seventh day from all his works";☆
5 and in this place again, "They will not enter into my rest."☆
11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.
☆4:3: Psalm 95:11
☆4:4: Genesis 2:2
☆4:5: Psalm 95:11
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8
3 Which we have heard and known,
and our fathers have told us.
4bc (We will not hide them from their children,)
telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh,
his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done.
6c (that the generation to come might know, even the children who should be born;)
who should arise and tell their children,
7 that they might set their hope in God,
and not forget God's deeds,
but keep his commandments,
8 and might not be as their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that didn't make their hearts loyal,
whose spirit was not steadfast with God.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
1 When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house.
2 Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them.
3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him.
4 When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.
5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you."
6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 "Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts?
9 Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'
10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic—
11 "I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house."
12 He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 3:1-20
1 Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the revelations of God. 3 For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
4 May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written,
"That you might be justified in your words,
and might prevail when you come into judgment."☆
5 But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
6 May it never be! For then how will God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
8 Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may come?" Those who say so are justly condemned.
9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.
10 As it is written,
"There is no one righteous;
no, not one.
11 There is no one who understands.
There is no one who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside.
They have together become unprofitable.
There is no one who does good,
no, not so much as one."☆
13 "Their throat is an open tomb.
With their tongues they have used deceit."☆
"The poison of vipers is under their lips";☆
14 "whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."☆
15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood.
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways.
17 The way of peace, they haven't known."☆
18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."☆
19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
☆3:4: Psalm 51:4
☆3:12: Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20
☆3:13: Psalm 5:9
☆3:13: Psalm 140:3
☆3:14: Psalm 10:7
☆3:17: Isaiah 59:7-8
☆3:18: Psalm 36:1
-----
Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Charles of Sezze
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 4:1-5, 11
1 Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into his rest.
2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn't profit them, because it wasn't mixed with faith by those who heard.
3 For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as he has said, "As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest";☆ although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he has said this somewhere about the seventh day, "God rested on the seventh day from all his works";☆
5 and in this place again, "They will not enter into my rest."☆
11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.
☆4:3: Psalm 95:11
☆4:4: Genesis 2:2
☆4:5: Psalm 95:11
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 78:3 and 4bc, 6c-7, 8
3 Which we have heard and known,
and our fathers have told us.
4bc (We will not hide them from their children,)
telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh,
his strength, and his wondrous deeds that he has done.
6c (that the generation to come might know, even the children who should be born;)
who should arise and tell their children,
7 that they might set their hope in God,
and not forget God's deeds,
but keep his commandments,
8 and might not be as their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation that didn't make their hearts loyal,
whose spirit was not steadfast with God.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
1 When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house.
2 Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them.
3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him.
4 When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.
5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you."
6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,
7 "Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts?
9 Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'
10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"—he said to the paralytic—
11 "I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house."
12 He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 3:1-20
1 Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the revelations of God. 3 For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?
4 May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written,
"That you might be justified in your words,
and might prevail when you come into judgment."☆
5 But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like men do.
6 May it never be! For then how will God judge the world?
7 For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to his glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?
8 Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may come?" Those who say so are justly condemned.
9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.
10 As it is written,
"There is no one righteous;
no, not one.
11 There is no one who understands.
There is no one who seeks after God.
12 They have all turned aside.
They have together become unprofitable.
There is no one who does good,
no, not so much as one."☆
13 "Their throat is an open tomb.
With their tongues they have used deceit."☆
"The poison of vipers is under their lips";☆
14 "whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."☆
15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood.
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways.
17 The way of peace, they haven't known."☆
18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."☆
19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.
20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
☆3:4: Psalm 51:4
☆3:12: Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20
☆3:13: Psalm 5:9
☆3:13: Psalm 140:3
☆3:14: Psalm 10:7
☆3:17: Isaiah 59:7-8
☆3:18: Psalm 36:1
-----
1.17.2013
Today's Bible story
January 17, 2013
Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot
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. Anthony of Egypt
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 3:7-14
7 Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says,
"Today if you will hear his voice,
8 don't harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness,
9 where your fathers tested me by proving me,
and saw my deeds for forty years.
10 Therefore I was displeased with that generation,
and said, 'They always err in their heart,
but they didn't know my ways;'
11 as I swore in my wrath,
'They will not enter into my rest.'"☆
12 Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God;
13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today"; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end:
☆3:11: Psalm 95:7-11
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 95:6-11
6 Oh come, let's worship and bow down.
Let's kneel before Yahweh, our Maker,
7 for he is our God.
We are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep in his care.
Today, oh that you would hear his voice!
8 Don't harden your heart, as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers tempted me,
tested me, and saw my work.
10 Forty long years I was grieved with that generation,
and said, "It is a people that errs in their heart.
They have not known my ways."
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,
"They won't enter into my rest."
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
40 A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, "If you want to, you can make me clean."
41 Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I want to. Be made clean."
42 When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.
43 He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out,
44 and said to him, "See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."
45 But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans (2:17-29)
17 Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,
18 and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.
21 You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? You who preach that a man shouldn't steal, do you steal?
22 You who say a man shouldn't commit adultery. Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God?
24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," ☆ just as it is written.
25 For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?
27 Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;
29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
☆2:24: Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22
-----
Memorial of Saint Anthony, Abbot
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. Anthony of Egypt
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 3:7-14
7 Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says,
"Today if you will hear his voice,
8 don't harden your hearts, as in the rebellion,
like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness,
9 where your fathers tested me by proving me,
and saw my deeds for forty years.
10 Therefore I was displeased with that generation,
and said, 'They always err in their heart,
but they didn't know my ways;'
11 as I swore in my wrath,
'They will not enter into my rest.'"☆
12 Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God;
13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today"; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end:
☆3:11: Psalm 95:7-11
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 95:6-11
6 Oh come, let's worship and bow down.
Let's kneel before Yahweh, our Maker,
7 for he is our God.
We are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep in his care.
Today, oh that you would hear his voice!
8 Don't harden your heart, as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the wilderness,
9 when your fathers tempted me,
tested me, and saw my work.
10 Forty long years I was grieved with that generation,
and said, "It is a people that errs in their heart.
They have not known my ways."
11 Therefore I swore in my wrath,
"They won't enter into my rest."
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
40 A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, "If you want to, you can make me clean."
41 Being moved with compassion, he stretched out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I want to. Be made clean."
42 When he had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was made clean.
43 He strictly warned him, and immediately sent him out,
44 and said to him, "See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."
45 But he went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to him from everywhere.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans (2:17-29)
17 Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,
18 and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,
19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.
21 You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? You who preach that a man shouldn't steal, do you steal?
22 You who say a man shouldn't commit adultery. Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23 You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God?
24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," ☆ just as it is written.
25 For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?
27 Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?
28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;
29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
☆2:24: Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22
-----
1.16.2013
Today's Bible story
January 16, 2013
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Marcellus, Pope
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For most certainly, he doesn't give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring‡ of Abraham.
17 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
‡2:16: or, seed
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
1 Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name!
Make his doings known among the peoples.
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him!
Tell of all his marvelous works.
3 Glory in his holy name.
Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
4 Seek Yahweh and his strength.
Seek his face forever more.
5 Remember his marvelous works that he has done;
his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
6 you offspring* of Abraham, his servant,
you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
7 He is Yahweh, our God.
His judgments are in all the earth.
8 He has remembered his covenant forever,
the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,
9 the covenant which he made with Abraham,
his oath to Isaac,
(10 and confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute;
to Israel for an everlasting covenant,)
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
29 Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30 Now Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.
31 He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons.
33 All the city was gathered together at the door.
34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn't allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.
36 Simon and those who were with him followed after him;
37 and they found him, and told him, "Everyone is looking for you."
38 He said to them, "Let's go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason."
39 He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans (2:1-16)
1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.
2 We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
3 Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God;
6 who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:"☆
7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;
8 but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,
9 oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
10 But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who does good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
11 For there is no partiality with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
13 For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified
14 (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,
15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)
16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.
☆2:6: Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12
-----
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Marcellus, Pope
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18
14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
16 For most certainly, he doesn't give help to angels, but he gives help to the offspring‡ of Abraham.
17 Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
‡2:16: or, seed
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
1 Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on his name!
Make his doings known among the peoples.
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him!
Tell of all his marvelous works.
3 Glory in his holy name.
Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.
4 Seek Yahweh and his strength.
Seek his face forever more.
5 Remember his marvelous works that he has done;
his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth,
6 you offspring* of Abraham, his servant,
you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
7 He is Yahweh, our God.
His judgments are in all the earth.
8 He has remembered his covenant forever,
the word which he commanded to a thousand generations,
9 the covenant which he made with Abraham,
his oath to Isaac,
(10 and confirmed the same to Jacob for a statute;
to Israel for an everlasting covenant,)
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
29 Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
30 Now Simon's wife's mother lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told him about her.
31 He came and took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons.
33 All the city was gathered together at the door.
34 He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. He didn't allow the demons to speak, because they knew him.
35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.
36 Simon and those who were with him followed after him;
37 and they found him, and told him, "Everyone is looking for you."
38 He said to them, "Let's go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason."
39 He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans (2:1-16)
1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.
2 We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.
3 Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
4 Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God;
6 who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:"☆
7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;
8 but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,
9 oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
10 But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who does good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
11 For there is no partiality with God.
12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.
13 For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified
14 (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,
15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)
16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.
☆2:6: Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12
-----
1.15.2013
Today's Bible story
January 15, 2013
Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Paul the Hermit
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12
5 For he didn't subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels.
6 But one has somewhere testified, saying,
"What is man, that you think of him?
Or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels.
You crowned him with glory and honor.*
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet."☆
For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don't see all things subjected to him, yet.
9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers,†
12 saying,
"I will declare your name to my brothers.
Among of the congregation I will sing your praise."☆
*2:7: TR adds "and set him over the works of your hands"
☆2:8: Psalm 8:4-6
†2:11: The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
☆2:12: Psalm 22:22
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 8:1ab and 4, 5-6, 7-8
1 Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth,
who has set your glory above the heavens!
4 what is man, that you think of him?
What is the son of man, that you care for him?
5 For you have made him a little lower than God,*
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands.
You have put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and cattle,
yes, and the animals of the field,
8 The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea,
and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
*8:5: Hebrew: Elohim. The word Elohim, used here, usually means "God", but can also mean "gods", "princes", or "angels". The Septuagint reads "angels" here.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
21 They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.
22 They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
23 Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,
24 saying, "Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!"
25 Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"
26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!"
28 The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 1:18-32
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.
20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,
30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
-----
Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
We hope that today is a good day.
Today's Bible story based on the calendar of the Catholic Church.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/calendar.php
Most of these contents are things of The World English Bible.
http://ebible.org/web/
We hope that everyone in the peace of the Lord.
-----
+ Saints: St. Paul the Hermit
-----
+ First Reading: Hebrews 2:5-12
5 For he didn't subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels.
6 But one has somewhere testified, saying,
"What is man, that you think of him?
Or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him a little lower than the angels.
You crowned him with glory and honor.*
8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet."☆
For in that he subjected all things to him, he left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we don't see all things subjected to him, yet.
9 But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brothers,†
12 saying,
"I will declare your name to my brothers.
Among of the congregation I will sing your praise."☆
*2:7: TR adds "and set him over the works of your hands"
☆2:8: Psalm 8:4-6
†2:11: The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
☆2:12: Psalm 22:22
-----
+ Psalm: Psalms 8:1ab and 4, 5-6, 7-8
1 Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth,
who has set your glory above the heavens!
4 what is man, that you think of him?
What is the son of man, that you care for him?
5 For you have made him a little lower than God,*
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands.
You have put all things under his feet:
7 All sheep and cattle,
yes, and the animals of the field,
8 The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea,
and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
*8:5: Hebrew: Elohim. The word Elohim, used here, usually means "God", but can also mean "gods", "princes", or "angels". The Septuagint reads "angels" here.
-----
+ Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
21 They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught.
22 They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
23 Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out,
24 saying, "Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!"
25 Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!"
26 The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.
27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!"
28 The report of him went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.
-----
+ Today's Reading: Romans 1:18-32
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.
20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.
21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify him as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,
25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their women changed the natural function into that which is against nature.
27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural function of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.
28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, malice; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,
30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.
-----
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