6.30.2013

Today's Bible story

June 30, 2013

Thirteenth 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Luke.9

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+ Saints: The First Holy Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=502

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Gospel: Luke 9:51-62

51 It came to pass, when the days were near that he should be taken up, he intently set his face to go to Jerusalem,

52 and sent messengers before his face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for him.

53 They didn't receive him, because he was travelling with his face set towards Jerusalem.

54 When his disciples, James and John, saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?"

55 But he turned and rebuked them, "You don't know of what kind of spirit you are.

56 For the Son of Man didn't come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."
They went to another village.

57 As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, "I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord."

58 Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."

59 He said to another, "Follow me!"
But he said, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father."

60 But Jesus said to him, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce God's Kingdom."

61 Another also said, "I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say good-bye to those who are at my house."

62 But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for God's Kingdom."

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1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21

16b And anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah to be prophet in your place.

19 So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth. Elijah went over to him, and put his mantle on him.

20 Elisha left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, "Let me please kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you."
He said to him, "Go back again; for what have I done to you?"

21 He returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled their meat with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and served him.

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Galatians 5:1, 13-18

1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbour as yourself."☆Leviticus 19:18

15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don't consume one another.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.


☆5:14: Leviticus 19:18

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* 1 Samuel 5:1, 6-6:4, 10-12, 19-7:1

1 Now the Philistines had taken God's ark, and they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

6 But the LORD's hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and struck them with tumours, even Ashdod and its borders.

7 When the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, "The ark of the God of Israel shall not stay with us; for his hand is severe on us, and on Dagon our god."

8 They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and said, "What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?"
They answered, "Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried over to Gath." They carried the ark of the God of Israel there.

9 It was so, that after they had carried it there, the LORD's hand was against the city with a very great confusion; and he struck the men of the city, both small and great so that tumours broke out on them.

10 So they sent God's ark to Ekron.
As God's ark came to Ekron, the Ekronites cried out, saying, "They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people."

11 They sent therefore and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines, and they said, "Send the ark of the God of Israel away, and let it go again to its own place, that it not kill us and our people." For there was a deadly confusion throughout all the city. The hand of God was very heavy there.

12 The men who didn't die were struck with the tumours; and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

6:1 the LORD's ark was in the country of the Philistines seven months.

2 The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, "What shall we do with the LORD's ark? Show us how we should send it to its place."

3 They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, don't send it empty; but by all means return a trespass offering to him. Then you will be healed, and it will be known to you why his hand is not removed from you."

4 Then they said, "What should the trespass offering be which we shall return to him?"
They said, "Five golden tumours, and five golden mice, for the number of the lords of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.

10 The men did so, and took two milk cows, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home.

11 They put the LORD's ark on the cart, and the coffer with the golden mice and the images of their tumours.

12 The cows took the straight way by the way to Beth Shemesh. They went along the highway, lowing as they went, and didn't turn aside to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Beth Shemesh.

19 He struck of the men of Beth Shemesh, because they had looked into the LORD's ark, he struck fifty thousand and seventy of the men. Then the people mourned, because the LORD had struck the people with a great slaughter.

20 The men of Beth Shemesh said, "Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? To whom shall he go up from us?"

21 They sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath Jearim, saying, "The Philistines have brought back the LORD's ark. Come down, and bring it up to yourselves."

7:1 The men of Kiriath Jearim came, and took the LORD's ark, and brought it into Abinadab's house on the hill, and consecrated Eleazar his son to keep the LORD's ark.

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☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

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6.29.2013

Today's Bible story

June 29, 2013

Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.16

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Gospel: Matthew 16:13-19

13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"

14 They said, "Some say John the Baptiser, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."

15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

18 I also tell you that you are Peter,* and on this rock † I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades‡ will not prevail against it.

19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."


*16:18: Peter's name, Petros in Greek, is the word for a specific rock or stone.

†16:18: Greek, petra, a rock mass or bedrock.

‡16:18: or, Hell

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Acts 12:1-11

1 Now about that time, King Herod stretched out his hands to oppress some of the assembly.

2 He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.

3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This was during the days of unleavened bread.

4 When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

5 Peter therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for him.

6 The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.

7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, "Stand up quickly!" His chains fell off from his hands.

8 The angel said to him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." He did so. He said to him, "Put on your cloak, and follow me."

9 And he went out and followed him. He didn't know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

11 When Peter had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting."

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2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18

6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.

7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

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* Galatians 1:15-2:10

1:15 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 amongst 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,† 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.

2:1 Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.

2 I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach amongst the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

4 This was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;

5 to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.

6 But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn't show partiality to man)—they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,

7 but to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcision

8 (for he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles);

9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.

10 They only asked us to remember the poor—which very thing I was also zealous to do.

†1:20: "Behold", from "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.

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☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.28.2013

Today's Bible story

June 28, 2013

Memorial of Saint Irenaeus, Bishop 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.8

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+ Saints:
St. Irenaeus
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=285
St. Vincentia Gerosa
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=517

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Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

1 When he came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

2 Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, "Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean."

3 Jesus stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

4 Jesus said to him, "See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

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Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22

1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram, and said to him, "I am God Almighty. Walk before me, and be blameless.

9 God said to Abraham, "As for you, you will keep my covenant, you and your offspring§ after you throughout their generations.

10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring** after you. Every male among you shall be circumcised.

15 God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but her name will be Sarah.

16 I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of nations. Kings of peoples will come from her."

17 Then Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, "Will a child be born to him who is one hundred years old? Will Sarah, who is ninety years old, give birth?"

18 Abraham said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!"

19 God said, "No, but Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You shall call his name Isaac.‡‡ I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his offspring§§ after him.

20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.

21 But my covenant I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you at this set time next year."

22 When he finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham.


§17:9: or, seed

**17:10: or, seed

‡‡17:19: Isaac means "he laughs".

§§17:19: or, seed

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* 1 Samuel 3:1-21

1 The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. Yahweh's word was precious in those days. There visions were not frequent.

2 At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see),

3 and God's lamp hadn't yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in Yahweh's temple, where God's ark was;

4 Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, "Here I am."

5 He ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am; for you called me."
He said, "I didn't call. Lie down again."
He went and lay down.

6 Yahweh called yet again, "Samuel!"
Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am; for you called me."
He answered, "I didn't call, my son. Lie down again."

7 Now Samuel didn't yet know Yahweh, neither was Yahweh's word yet revealed to him.

8 Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am; for you called me."
Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child.

9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, 'Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
Then Samuel said, "Speak; for your servant hears."

11 Yahweh said to Samuel, "Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle.

12 In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end.

13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves, and he didn't restrain them.

14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be removed with sacrifice or offering forever."

15 Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of Yahweh's house. Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.

16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, "Samuel, my son!"
He said, "Here I am."

17 He said, "What is the thing that he has spoken to you? Please don't hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that he spoke to you."

18 Samuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him.
He said, "It is Yahweh. Let him do what seems good to him."

19 Samuel grew, and Yahweh was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground.

20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Yahweh.

21 Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh; for Yahweh revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by Yahweh's word.

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☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

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6.27.2013

Today's Bible story

June 27, 2013

Thursday of the Twelfth 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.7

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+ Saints:
St. Ladislaus
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=284
St. Cyril of Alexandria
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=516

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Gospel: Matthew 7:21-29

21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?'

23 Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

24 "Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock.

25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand.

27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall."

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the multitudes were astonished at his teaching,

29 for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.

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Genesis 16:1-12, 15-16

1 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bore him no children. She had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

2 Sarai said to Abram, "See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my servant. It may be that I will obtain children by her." Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.

3 Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife.

4 He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

5 Sarai said to Abram, "This wrong is your fault. I gave my servant into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes. Yahweh judge between me and you."

6 But Abram said to Sarai, "Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes." Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face.

7 Yahweh's angel found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain on the way to Shur.

8 He said, "Hagar, Sarai's servant, where did you come from? Where are you going?"
She said, "I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai."

9 Yahweh's angel said to her, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands."

10 Yahweh's angel said to her, "I will greatly multiply your offspring,* that they will not be counted for multitude."

11 Yahweh's angel said to her, "Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction.

12 He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him. He will live opposite all of his brothers."

15 Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.


*16:10: or, seed

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* 1 Samuel 2:22-36

22 Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how that they slept with the women who served at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

23 He said to them, "Why do you do such things? for I hear of your evil dealings from all this people.

24 No, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear! You make Yahweh's people disobey.

25 If one man sins against another, God will judge him; but if a man sins against Yahweh, who will intercede for him?" Notwithstanding, they didn't listen to the voice of their father, because Yahweh intended to kill them.

26 The child Samuel grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with men.

27 A man of God came to Eli, and said to him, "Yahweh says, 'Did I reveal myself to the house of your father, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaoh's house?

28 Didn't I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? Didn't I give to the house of your father all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire?

29 Why do you‡ kick at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honor your sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people?'

30 "Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'I said indeed that your house, and the house of your father, should walk before me forever.' But now Yahweh says, 'Far be it from me; for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me will be lightly esteemed.

31 Behold,§ the days come, that I will cut off your arm, and the arm of your father's house, that there will not be an old man in your house.

32 You will see the affliction of my habitation, in all the wealth which I will give Israel; and there shall not be an old man in your house forever.

33 The man of yours, whom I don't cut off from my altar, will consume your eyes** and grieve your heart; and all the increase of your house will die in the flower of their age.

34 "'This will be the sign to you, that will come on your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they will both die.

35 I will raise me up a faithful priest, that will do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind. I will build him a sure house; and he will walk before my anointed forever.

36 It will happen, that everyone who is left in your house will come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and will say, "Please put me into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread."'"


‡2:29: plural

§2:31: "Behold", from "??????", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.

**2:33: or, blind your eyes with tears

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☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.26.2013

Today's Bible story

June 26, 2013

Wednesday of the Twelfth 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.7

-----

+ Saints: St. Pelagius
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=500

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Gospel: Matthew 7:15-20

15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

18 A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.

19 Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.

20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

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Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

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

2 Abram said, "Lord*The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai". the LORD, what will you give me, since I go childless, and he who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"

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

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

5 The LORD brought him outside, and said, "Look now towards the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." He said to Abram, "So will your offspring‡or, seed be."

6 He believed in the LORD, who credited it to him for righteousness.

7 He said to Abram, "I am the LORD who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give you this land to inherit it."

8 He said, "Lord GOD, how will I know that I will inherit it?"

9 He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."

10 He brought him all these, and divided them in the middle, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn't divide the birds.

11 The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.

12 When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. Now terror and great darkness fell on him.

17 It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.

18 In that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "I have given this land to your offspring,**or, seed from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:


*15:2: The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai".

†15:3: or, seed

‡15:5: or, seed

**15:18: or, seed

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* 1 Samuel 1:20-28, 2:11-21

1:20 When the time had come, Hannah conceived, and bore a son; and she named him Samuel,‡Samuel sounds like the Hebrew for "heard by God." saying, "Because I have asked him of the LORD."

21 The man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

22 But Hannah didn't go up; for she said to her husband, "Not until the child is weaned; then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and stay there forever."

23 Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems good to you. Wait until you have weaned him; only may the LORD establish his word."
So the woman waited and nursed her son, until she weaned him.

24 When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one ephah§1 ephah is about 22 litres or about 2/3 of a bushel of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to the LORD's house in Shiloh. The child was young.

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

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

27 I prayed for this child; and the LORD has given me my petition which I asked of him.

28 Therefore I have also given him to the LORD. As long as he lives he is given to the LORD." He worshipped the LORD there.

2:11 Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. The child served the LORD before Eli the priest.

12 Now the sons of Eli were wicked men. They didn't know the LORD.

13 The custom of the priests with the people was that when anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant came while the meat was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in his hand;

14 and he stabbed it into the pan, or kettle, or cauldron, or pot. The priest took all that the fork brought up for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there.

15 Yes, before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man who sacrificed, "Give meat to roast for the priest; for he will not accept boiled meat from you, but raw."

16 If the man said to him, "Let the fat be burnt first, and then take as much as your soul desires"; then he would say, "No, but you shall give it to me now; and if not, I will take it by force."

17 The sin of the young men was very great before the LORD; for the men despised the offering of the LORD.

18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, clothed with a linen ephod.

19 Moreover his mother made him a little robe, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

20 Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, "May The LORD give you offspring†or, seed from this woman for the petition which was asked of the LORD." Then they went to their own home.

21 The LORD visited Hannah, and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters. The child Samuel grew before the LORD.


‡1:20: Samuel sounds like the Hebrew for "heard by God."

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

†2:20: or, seed

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.25.2013

Today's Bible story

June 25, 2013

Tuesday of the Twelfth 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.7

-----

+ Saints: St. William of Vercelli
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=514

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Gospel: Matthew 7:6, 12-14

6 "Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

12 Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

13 "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.

14 How*TR reads "Because" instead of "How" narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.


*7:14: TR reads "Because" instead of "How"

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Genesis 13:2, 5-18

2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

5 Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, herds, and tents.

6 The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their substance was great, so that they could not live together.

7 There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land at that time.

8 Abram said to Lot, "Please, let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are relatives.

9 Isn't the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left."

10 Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar.

11 So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself. Lot travelled east, and they separated themselves the one from the other.

12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom.

13 Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against the LORD.

14 The LORD said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, "Now, lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,

15 for all the land which you see, I will give to you, and to your offspring forever.

16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can count the dust of the earth, then your offspring*or, seed may also be counted.

17 Arise, walk through the land in its length and in its width; for I will give it to you."

18 Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.


*13:16: or, seed

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* 1 Samuel 1:1-19

1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

2 He had two wives. The name of one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 This man went up out of his city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD*When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, "LORD" or "GOD" is the translation of God's Proper Name. of Armies in Shiloh. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests to the LORD, were there.

4 When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions;

5 but to Hannah he gave a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had shut up her womb.

6 Her rival provoked her severely, to irritate her, because the LORD had shut up her womb.

7 As he did so year by year, when she went up to the LORD's house. Her rival provoked her; therefore she wept, and didn't eat.

8 Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why don't you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"

9 So Hannah rose up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his seat by the doorpost of the LORD's temple.

10 She was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly.

11 She vowed a vow, and said, "The LORD of Armies, if you will indeed look at the affliction of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a boy, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come on his head."

12 As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli saw her mouth.

13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.

14 Eli said to her, "How long will you be drunk? Get rid of your wine!"

15 Hannah answered, "No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before the LORD.

16 Don't consider your servant a wicked woman; for I have been speaking out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation."

17 Then Eli answered, "Go in peace; and may the God†The Hebrew word rendered "God" is "?????????" (Elohim). of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him."

18 She said, "Let your servant find favour in your sight." So the woman went her way, and ate; and her facial expression wasn't sad any more.
19 They rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah. Then Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.


*1:3: When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, "LORD" or "GOD" is the translation of God's Proper Name.


†1:17: The Hebrew word rendered "God" is "?????????" (Elohim).

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.24.2013

Today's Bible story

June 24, 2013

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Luke.1

-----

Gospel: Luke 1:57-66, 80

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

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

59 On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

80 The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

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Isaiah 49:1-6

1 Listen, islands, to me.
Listen, you peoples, from afar:
the LORD has called me from the womb;
from the inside of my mother he has mentioned my name.

2 He has made my mouth like a sharp sword.
He has hidden me in the shadow of his hand.
He has made me a polished shaft.
He has kept me close in his quiver.

3 He said to me, "You are my servant;
Israel, in whom I will be glorified."

4 But I said, "I have laboured in vain.
I have spent my strength in vain for nothing;
yet surely the justice due to me is with the LORD,
and my reward with my God."

5 Now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob again to him,
and to gather Israel to him,
for I am honourable in the LORD's eyes,
and my God has become my strength.

6 Indeed, he says, "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob,
and to restore the preserved of Israel?
I will also give you as a light to the nations,
that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth."

-----

Acts 13:22-26

22 When he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom he also testified, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.'

23 From this man's offspring,†or, seed God has brought salvation‡TR, NU read "a Saviour, Jesus" instead of "salvation" to Israel according to his promise,

24 before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel.§TR, NU read "to all the people of Israel" instead of "to Israel"

25 As John was fulfilling his course, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one comes after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'

26 Brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and those amongst you who fear God, the word of this salvation is sent out to you.


†13:23: or, seed

‡13:23: TR, NU read "a Saviour, Jesus" instead of "salvation"

§13:24: TR, NU read "to all the people of Israel" instead of "to Israel"

-----
Jeremiah 1:4-10, 17-19

4 Now the LORD's word came to me, saying,

5 "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.
Before you were born, I sanctified you.
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."

6 Then I said, "Ah, Lord†The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai." the LORD! Behold,‡"Behold", from "??????", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection. I don't know how to speak; for I am a child."

7 But the LORD said to me, "Don't say, 'I am a child;' for you must go to whomever I send you, and you must say whatever I command you.

8 Don't be afraid because of them, for I am with you to rescue you," says the LORD.

9 Then the LORD stretched out his hand, and touched my mouth. Then the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.

10 Behold, I have today set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to uproot and to tear down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."

17 "You therefore put your belt on your waist, arise, and say to them all that I command you. Don't be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them.

18 For, behold, I have made you today a fortified city, an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land.

19 They will fight against you, but they will not prevail against you; for I am with you", says the LORD, "to rescue you."


†1:6: The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai."

‡1:6: "Behold", from "??????", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.23.2013

Today's Bible story

June 23, 2013

Twelfth 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Luke.9

-----

+ Saints:
St. Etheldreda
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=280
Blessed Basil Hopko
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=513

-----

Gospel: Luke 9:18-24

18 As he was praying alone, the disciples were with him, and he asked them, "Who do the multitudes say that I am?"

19 They answered, "'John the Baptiser,' but others say, 'Elijah,' and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again."

20 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

21 But he warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one,

22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up."

23 He said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross,†TR, NU add "daily" and follow me.

24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, the same will save it.


†9:23: TR, NU add "daily"

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Zechariah 12:10-11, 13:1

10 I will pour on David's house, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me*After "me", the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet), not as a word, but as a grammatical marker. whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for his firstborn.

11 In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

13:1 "In that day there will be a spring opened to David's house and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.


*12:10: After "me", the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet), not as a word, but as a grammatical marker.

-----

Galatians 3:26-29

26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 If you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring**or, seed and heirs according to promise.


**3:29: or, seed

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* Judges 13:1-25

1 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the LORD's sight; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and childless.

3 the LORD's angel appeared to the woman, and said to her, "See now, you are barren and childless; but you shall conceive, and bear a son.

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

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

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

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

8 Then Manoah entreated the LORD, and said, "Oh, Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us, and teach us what we should do to the child who shall be born."

9 God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field, but Manoah, her husband, wasn't with her.

10 The woman hurried and ran, and told her husband, and said to him, "Behold, the man who came to me that day has appeared to me,"

11 Manoah arose, and followed his wife, and came to the man, and said to him, "Are you the man who spoke to my wife?"
He said, "I am."

12 Manoah said, "Now let your words happen. What shall the child's way of life and mission be?"

13 the LORD's angel said to Manoah, "Of all that I said to the woman let her beware.

14 She may not eat of anything that comes of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. Let her observe all that I commanded her."

15 Manoah said to the LORD's angel, "Please stay with us, that we may make a young goat ready for you."

16 the LORD's angel said to Manoah, "Though you detain me, I won't eat your bread. If you will prepare a burnt offering, you must offer it to the LORD." For Manoah didn't know that he was the LORD's angel.

17 Manoah said to the LORD's angel, "What is your name, that when your words happen, we may honour you?"

18 the LORD's angel said to him, "Why do you ask about my name, since it is incomprehensible*or, wonderful?"

19 So Manoah took the young goat with the meal offering, and offered it on the rock to the LORD. Then the angel did an amazing thing as Manoah and his wife watched.

20 For when the flame went up towards the sky from off the altar, the LORD's angel ascended in the flame of the altar. Manoah and his wife watched; and they fell on their faces to the ground.

21 But the LORD's angel didn't appear to Manoah or to his wife any more. Then Manoah knew that he was the LORD's angel.

22 Manoah said to his wife, "We shall surely die, because we have seen God."

23 But his wife said to him, "If the LORD were pleased to kill us, he wouldn't have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand, and he wouldn't he have shown us all these things, nor would he have told us such things as these at this time."

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

25 the LORD's Spirit began to move him in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.


*13:18: or, wonderful

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.22.2013

Today's Bible story

June 22, 2013

Saturday of the Eleventh 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.6

-----

+ Saints:
St. Thomas More
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=499
St. Paulinus of Nola
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=703

-----

Gospel: Matthew 6:24-34

24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.

25 Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?

27 "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment†literally, cubit to his lifespan?

28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin,

29 yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these.

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't he much more clothe you, you of little faith?

31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?'

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.


†6:27: literally, cubit

-----

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don't know, or whether out of the body, I don't know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven.

3 I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows),

4 how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.

6 For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me.

7 By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.

8 Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

9 He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

-----

* Judges 11:1-9, 29-40

1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valour, and he was the son of a prostitute. Gilead became the father of Jephthah.

2 Gilead's wife bore him sons. When his wife's sons grew up, they drove Jephthah out, and said to him, "You will not inherit in our father's house, for you are the son of another woman."

3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers, and lived in the land of Tob. Outlaws joined up with Jephthah, and they went out with him.

4 After a while, the children of Ammon made war against Israel.

5 When the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob.

6 They said to Jephthah, "Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon."

7 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "Didn't you hate me, and drive me out of my father's house? Why have you come to me now when you are in distress?"

8 The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, "Therefore we have turned again to you now, that you may go with us, and fight with the children of Ammon. You will be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead."

9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "If you bring me home again to fight with the children of Ammon, and the LORD delivers them before me, will I be your head?"

29 Then the LORD's Spirit came on Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpah of Gilead, and from Mizpah of Gilead he passed over to the children of Ammon.

30 Jephthah vowed a vow to the LORD, and said, "If you will indeed deliver the children of Ammon into my hand,

31 then it shall be, that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, it shall be the LORD's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering."

32 So Jephthah passed over to the children of Ammon to fight against them; and the LORD delivered them into his hand.

33 He struck them from Aroer until you come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and to Abelcheramim, with a very great slaughter. So the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

34 Jephthah came to Mizpah to his house; and behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances. She was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter.

35 When he saw her, he tore his clothes, and said, "Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low, and you are one of those who trouble me; for I have opened my mouth to the LORD, and I can't go back."

36 She said to him, "My father, you have opened your mouth to the LORD; do to me according to that which has proceeded out of your mouth, because the LORD has taken vengeance for you on your enemies, even on the children of Ammon."

37 She said to her father, "Let this thing be done for me. Leave me alone two months, that I may depart and go down on the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my companions."

38 He said, "Go." He sent her away for two months: and she departed, she and her companions, and mourned her virginity on the mountains.

39 At the end of two months, she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow which he had vowed. She was a virgin. It was a custom in Israel

40 that the daughters of Israel went yearly to celebrate the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.21.2013

Today's Bible story

June 21, 2013

Memorial of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Religious

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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.6

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+ Saints: St. Aloysius Gonzaga
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=512

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Gospel: Matthew 6:19-23

19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal;

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal;

21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.

23 But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

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2 Corinthians 11:18, 21-30

18 Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast.

21 I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet in whatever way anyone is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the offspring*or, seed of Abraham? So am I.

23 Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labours more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.

24 Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one.

25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep.

26 I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils amongst false brothers;

27 in labour and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness.

28 Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies.

29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don't burn with indignation?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness.

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* Judges 8:22-23、30-32、9:1-15、19-20

22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, "Rule over us, both you, and your son, and your son's son also; for you have saved us out of the hand of Midian."

23 Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. The LORD shall rule over you."

30 Gideon had seventy sons conceived from his body, for he had many wives.

31 His concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, and he named him Abimelech.

32 Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

9:1 Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's brothers, and spoke with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,

2 "Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shechem, 'Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you?' Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh."

3 His mother's brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words. Their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, "He is our brother."

4 They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed him.

5 He went to his father's house at Ophrah, and killed his brothers the sons of Jerubbaal, being seventy persons, on one stone: but Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.

6 All the men of Shechem assembled themselves together, and all the house of Millo, and went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar that was in Shechem.

7 When they told it to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, cried out, and said to them, "Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you.

8 The trees set out to anoint a king over themselves. They said to the olive tree, 'Reign over us.'

9 "But the olive tree said to them, 'Should I stop producing my oil, with which they honour God and man by me, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?'

10 "The trees said to the fig tree, 'Come and reign over us.'

11 "But the fig tree said to them, 'Should I leave my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?'

12 "The trees said to the vine, 'Come and reign over us.'

13 "The vine said to them, 'Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and man, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?'

14 "Then all the trees said to the bramble, 'Come and reign over us.'

15 "The bramble said to the trees, 'If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.'

19 if you then have dealt truly and righteously with Jerubbaal and with his house today, then rejoice in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice in you;

20 but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech."

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.20.2013

Today's Bible story

June 20, 2013

Thursday of the Eleventh 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.6

-----

+ Saints: St. Alban
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=511

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Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15

7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.

8 Therefore don't be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.

9 Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.

13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'*NU omits "For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."

14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15 But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.


*6:13: NU omits "For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen."

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2 Corinthians 11:1-11

1 I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me.

2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

3 But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different "good news", which you did not accept, you put up with that well enough.

5 For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles.

6 But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way we have been revealed to you in all things.

7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God's Good News free of charge?

8 I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.

9 When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn't a burden on anyone, for the brothers, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

11 Why? Because I don't love you? God knows.

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Judges 6:33-35, 7:1-8, 16-22

6:33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east assembled themselves together; and they passed over, and encamped in the valley of Jezreel.

34 But the LORD's Spirit came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together to follow him.

35 He sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; and they also were gathered together to follow him. He sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

7:1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early, and encamped beside the spring of Harod. Midian's camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

2 The LORD said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel brag against me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'

3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return and depart from Mount Gilead.'" So twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.

4 The LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many people. Bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. It shall be, that those whom I tell you, 'This shall go with you,' the same shall go with you; and whoever I tell you, 'This shall not go with you,' the same shall not go."

5 So he brought down the people to the water; and the LORD said to Gideon, "Everyone who laps of the water with his tongue, like a dog laps, you shall set him by himself; likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink."

6 The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men; but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water.

7 The LORD said to Gideon, "By the three hundred men who lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, each to his own place."

8 So the people took food in their hand, and their trumpets; and he sent all the men of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the three hundred men; and the camp of Midian was beneath him in the valley.

16 He divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put into the hands of all them trumpets, and empty pitchers, with torches within the pitchers.

17 He said to them, "Watch me, and do likewise. Behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so you shall do.

18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon!'"

19 So Gideon, and the hundred men who were with him, came to the outermost part of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch, when they had but newly set the watch. Then they blew the trumpets, and broke in pieces the pitchers that were in their hands.

20 The three companies blew the trumpets, broke the pitchers, and held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands with which to blow; and they shouted, "The sword of the LORD and of Gideon!"

21 They each stood in his place around the camp; and all the army ran; and they shouted, and put them to flight.

22 They blew the three hundred trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, and against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth Shittah towards Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath.

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.19.2013

Today's Bible story

June 19, 2013

Wednesday of the Eleventh 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.5

-----

+ Saints:
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=276

St. Romuald
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=510

-----

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.

3 But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does,

4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

5 "When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.

6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

16 "Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.

17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;

18 so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.

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2 Corinthians 9:6-11

6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.

9 As it is written,
"He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor.
His righteousness remains forever."☆

10 Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; 11 you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which produces through us thanksgiving to God.


☆9:9: Psalm 112:9

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Judges 6:1-6, 11-24

1 The children of Israel did that which was evil in Yahweh's sight: and Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

2 The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made themselves the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds.

3 So it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites, the Amalekites, and the children of the east came up against them.

4 They encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, until you come to Gaza. They left no sustenance in Israel, and no sheep, ox, or donkey.

5 For they came up with their livestock and their tents. They came in as locusts for multitude. Both they and their camels were without number; and they came into the land to destroy it.

6 Israel was brought very low because of Midian; and the children of Israel cried to Yahweh.

11 Yahweh's angel came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. His son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press, to hide it from the Midianites.

12 Yahweh's angel appeared to him, and said to him, "Yahweh is with you, you mighty man of valor!"

13 Gideon said to him, "Oh, my lord, if Yahweh is with us, why then has all this happened to us? Where are all his wondrous works which our fathers told us of, saying, 'Didn't Yahweh bring us up from Egypt?' But now Yahweh has cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian."

14 Yahweh looked at him, and said, "Go in this your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Haven't I sent you?"

15 He said to him, "O Lord,* how shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house."

16 Yahweh said to him, "Surely I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man."

17 He said to him, "If now I have found favor in your sight, then show me a sign that it is you who talk with me.

18 Please don't go away, until I come to you, and bring out my present, and lay it before you."
He said, "I will wait until you come back."

19 Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened cakes of an ephah † of meal. He put the meat in a basket and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out to him under the oak, and presented it.

20 The angel of God said to him, "Take the meat and the unleavened cakes, and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth."
He did so.

21 Then Yahweh's angel stretched out the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes; and fire went up out of the rock, and consumed the meat and the unleavened cakes. Then Yahweh's angel departed out of his sight.

22 Gideon saw that he was Yahweh's angel; and Gideon said, "Alas, Lord Yahweh! Because I have seen Yahweh's angel face to face!"

23 Yahweh said to him, "Peace be to you! Don't be afraid. You shall not die."

24 Then Gideon built an altar there to Yahweh, and called it "Yahweh is Peace."‡ To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.


*6:15: The word translated "Lord" is "Adonai."

†6:19: 1 ephah is about 22 liters or about 2/3 of a bushel

‡6:24: or, Yahweh Shalom

-----

☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

-----

6.18.2013

Today's Bible story

June 18, 2013

Tuesday of the Eleventh 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/

★Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Matt.5

-----

+ Saints:
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=275

St. Osanna Andreasi
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=509

-----

Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor ‡‡‡Leviticus 19:18 and hate your enemy.'§§§not in the Bible, but see Qumran Manual of Discipline Ix, 21-26

44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,

45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same?

47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors*NU reads "Gentiles" instead of "tax collectors". do the same?

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.


‡‡‡5:43: Leviticus 19:18

§§§5:43: not in the Bible, but see Qumran Manual of Discipline Ix, 21-26

*5:47: NU reads "Gentiles" instead of "tax collectors".

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2 Corinthians 8:1-9

1 Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;

2 how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.

3 For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

4 begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.

5 This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

6 So we urged Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace.

7 But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.

8 I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

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* Judges 4:1-24 or 5:1-30

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* Judges 4:1-24


1 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in Yahweh's sight, when Ehud was dead.

2 Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

3 The children of Israel cried to Yahweh, for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and he mightily oppressed the children of Israel for twenty years.

4 Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, judged Israel at that time.

5 She lived under Deborah's palm tree between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

6 She sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to him, "Hasn't Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded, 'Go and lead the way to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

7 I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into your hand.'"

8 Barak said to her, "If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go."

9 She said, "I will surely go with you. Nevertheless, the journey that you take won't be for your honor; for Yahweh will sell Sisera into a woman's hand." Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh; and ten thousand men followed him; and Deborah went up with him.

11 Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab, Moses' brother-in-law, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh.

12 They told Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to Mount Tabor.

13 Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth of the Gentiles, to the river Kishon.

14 Deborah said to Barak, "Go; for this is the day in which Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hand. Hasn't Yahweh gone out before you?" So Barak went down from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand men after him.

15 Yahweh confused Sisera, all his chariots, and all his army, with the edge of the sword before Barak. Sisera abandoned his chariot and fled away on his feet.

16 But Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth of the Gentiles; and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. There was not a man left.

17 However Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.

18 Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to him, "Turn in, my lord, turn in to me; don't be afraid." He came in to her into the tent, and she covered him with a rug.

19 He said to her, "Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty."
She opened a bottle of milk, and gave him a drink, and covered him.

20 He said to her, "Stand in the door of the tent, and if any man comes and inquires of you, and says, 'Is there any man here?' you shall say, 'No.'"

21 Then Jael Heber's wife took a tent peg, and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him, and struck the pin into his temples, and it pierced through into the ground; for he was in a deep sleep; so he fainted and died.

22 Behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said to him, "Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek." He came to her; and behold, Sisera lay dead, and the tent peg was in his temples.

23 So God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel on that day.

24 The hand of the children of Israel prevailed more and more against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of Canaan.

-----

* Judges 5:1-30

1 Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,

2 "Because the leaders took the lead in Israel,
because the people offered themselves willingly,
be blessed, Yahweh!

3 "Hear, you kings!
Give ear, you princes!
I, even I, will sing to Yahweh.
I will sing praise to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

4 "Yahweh, when you went out of Seir,
when you marched out of the field of Edom,
the earth trembled, the sky also dropped.
Yes, the clouds dropped water.

5 The mountains quaked Yahweh's presence,
even Sinai at the presence of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

6 "In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath,
in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied.
The travelers walked through byways.

7 The rulers ceased in Israel.
They ceased until I, Deborah, arose;
Until I arose a mother in Israel.

8 They chose new gods.
Then war was in the gates.
Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

9 My heart is toward the governors of Israel,
who offered themselves willingly among the people.
Bless Yahweh!

10 "Speak, you who ride on white donkeys,
you who sit on rich carpets,
and you who walk by the way.

11 Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water,
there they will rehearse Yahweh's righteous acts,
the righteous acts of his rule in Israel.
"Then Yahweh's people went down to the gates.

12 'Awake, awake, Deborah!
Awake, awake, utter a song!
Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you son of Abinoam.'

13 "Then a remnant of the nobles and the people came down.
Yahweh came down for me against the mighty.

14 Those whose root is in Amalek came out of Ephraim,
after you, Benjamin, among your peoples.
Governors come down out of Machir.
Those who handle the marshal's staff came out of Zebulun.

15 The princes of Issachar were with Deborah.
As was Issachar, so was Barak.
They rushed into the valley at his feet.
By the watercourses of Reuben,
there were great resolves of heart.

16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds?
To hear the whistling for the flocks?
At the watercourses of Reuben,
there were great searchings of heart.

17 Gilead lived beyond the Jordan.
Why did Dan remain in ships?
Asher sat still at the haven of the sea,
and lived by his creeks.

18 Zebulun was a people that jeopardized their lives to the death;
Naphtali also, on the high places of the field.

19 "The kings came and fought,
then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo.
They took no plunder of silver.

20 From the sky the stars fought.
From their courses, they fought against Sisera.

21 The river Kishon swept them away,
that ancient river, the river Kishon.
My soul, march on with strength.

22 Then the horse hoofs stamped because of the prancing,
the prancing of their strong ones.

23 'Curse Meroz,' said Yahweh's angel.
'Curse bitterly its inhabitants,
because they didn't come to help Yahweh,
to help Yahweh against the mighty.'

24 "Jael shall be blessed above women,
the wife of Heber the Kenite;
blessed shall she be above women in the tent.

25 He asked for water.
She gave him milk.
She brought him butter in a lordly dish.

26 She put her hand to the tent peg,
and her right hand to the workmen's hammer.
With the hammer she struck Sisera.
She struck through his head.
Yes, she pierced and struck through his temples.

27 At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay.
At her feet he bowed, he fell.
Where he bowed, there he fell down dead.

28 "Through the window she looked out, and cried:
Sisera's mother looked through the lattice.
'Why is his chariot so long in coming?
Why do the wheels of his chariots wait?'

29 Her wise ladies answered her,
Yes, she returned answer to herself,

30 'Have they not found, have they not divided the plunder?
A lady, two ladies to every man;
to Sisera a plunder of dyed garments,
a plunder of dyed garments embroidered,
of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the plunder?'

31 "So let all your enemies perish, Yahweh,
but let those who love him be as the sun when it rises in its strength."
Then the land had rest forty years.

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☆The New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

☆Douay-Rheims Bible
http://www.drbo.org/

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