5.31.2014

Today's Bible story

May 31, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 31, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/053114.cfm

◇May 31, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_31.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel Luke 1:39-56

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

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

41 When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby lept in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

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

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

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

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

46 Mary said,
"My soul magnifies the Lord.

47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


‡1:55: or, seed

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Zephaniah 3:14-18

14 Sing, daughter of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem.

15 The LORD has taken away your judgements. He has thrown out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is amongst you. You will not be afraid of evil any more.

16 In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, "Don't be afraid, Zion. Don't let your hands be weak."

17 The LORD, your God, is amongst you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.

18 I will remove those who grieve about the appointed feasts from you. They are a burden and a reproach to you.

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or

Romans 12:9-16

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honour preferring one another;

11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

16 Be of the same mind one towards another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=Luke&chapter=1&verse=

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

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

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5.30.2014

Today's Bible story

May 30, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 30, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/053014.cfm

◇May 30, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_30.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 16:20-23a

20 Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.

21 A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn't remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.

22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

23a "In that day you will ask me no questions.

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Acts 18:9-18

9 The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Don't be afraid, but speak and don't be silent;

10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city."

11 He lived there a year and six months, teaching the word of God amongst them.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgement seat,

13 saying, "This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law."

14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;

15 but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don't want to be a judge of these matters."

16 So he drove them from the judgement seat.

17 Then all the Greeks laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgement seat. Gallio didn't care about any of these things.

18 Paul, having stayed after this many more days, took his leave of the brothers, * and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had a vow.


*18:18: The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=16&verse=

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

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

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5.29.2014

Today's Bible story

May 29, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 29, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052914.cfm

◇May 29, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_29.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 16:16-20

16 A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me."

17 Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;' and, 'Because I go to the Father'?"

18 They said therefore, "What is this that he says, 'A little while'? We don't know what he is saying."

19 Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, "Do you enquire amongst yourselves concerning this, that I said, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?'

20 Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.

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Acts 18:1-8

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.

2 He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them,

3 and because he practised the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.

4 He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.

5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

6 When they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!"

7 He departed there, and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptised.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=16&verse=

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

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

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5.28.2014

Today's Bible story

May 28, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 28, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052814.cfm

◇May 28, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_28.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 16:12-15

12 "I have yet many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now.

13 However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming.

14 He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you.

15 All things whatever the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes† of mine, and will declare it to you.


†16:15: TR reads "will take" instead of "takes"

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Acts 17:15, 22-18:1

17:15 But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed.

22 Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, "You men of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you.

24 The God who made the world and all things in it, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, doesn't dwell in temples made with hands,

25 neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself gives to all life and breath, and all things.

26 He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the boundaries of their dwellings,

27 that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

28 'For in him we live, and move, and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.'

29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of man.

30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent,

31 because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead."

32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We want to hear you again concerning this."

33 Thus Paul went out from amongst them.

34 But certain men joined with him, and believed, amongst whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=16&verse=

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

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

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5.27.2014

Today's Bible story

May 27, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 27, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052714.cfm

◇May 27, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_27.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 16:5-11

5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'

6 But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart.

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counsellor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

8 When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgement;

9 about sin, because they don't believe in me;

10 about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won't see me any more;

11 about judgement, because the prince of this world has been judged.

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Acts 16:22-34

22 The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods.

23 When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely,

24 who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.

25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened.

27 The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.

28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, "Don't harm yourself, for we are all here!"

29 He called for lights, sprang in, fell down trembling before Paul and Silas,

30 brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house.

33 He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptised, he and all his household.

34 He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=16&verse=

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

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

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5.26.2014

Today's Bible story

May 26, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 26, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052614.cfm

◇May 26, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_26.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 15:26-16:4a

15:26 "When the Counsellor* has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me.

27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

16:1 "These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble.

2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God.

3 They will do these things* because they have not known the Father, nor me.

4a But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them.


*15:26: Greek Parakletos: Counsellor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, and Comforter.

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Acts 16:11-15

11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;

12 and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying some days in this city.

13 On the Sabbath day we went outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who had come together.

14 A certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshipped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened to listen to the things which were spoken by Paul.

15 When she and her household were baptised, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and stay." So she persuaded us.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=15&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.15

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

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5.25.2014

Today's Bible story

May 25, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 25, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052514.cfm

◇May 25, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_25.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 14:15-21

15 If you love me, keep my commandments.

16 I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor, * that he may be with you forever,—

17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can't receive; for it doesn't see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also.

20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

21 One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him."

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Acts 8:5-8, 14-17

5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ.

6 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did.

7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralysed and lame were healed.

8 There was great joy in that city.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,

15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;

16 for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptised in the name of Christ Jesus.
17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

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1 Peter 3:15-18

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:

16 having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good way of life in Christ.

17 For it is better, if it is God's will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=14&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.14

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

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5.24.2014

Today's Bible story

May 24, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 24, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052414.cfm

◇May 24, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_24.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 15:18-21

18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his lord.'☆ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they don't know him who sent me.


☆15:20: John 13:16

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Acts 16:1-10

1 He came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed; but his father was a Greek.

2 The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about him.

3 Paul wanted to have him go out with him, and he took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered the decrees to them to keep which had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.

5 So the assemblies were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

6 When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.

7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn't allow them.

8 Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him, and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."

10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Good News to them.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=15&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.15

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

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5.23.2014

Today's Bible story

May 23, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 23, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052314.cfm

◇May 23, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_23.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 15:12-17

12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.

16 You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

17 "I command these things to you, that you may love one another.


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Acts 15:22-31

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men amongst the brothers. ‡

23 They wrote these things by their hand:
"The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

24 Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' to whom we gave no commandment;

25 it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell."

30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.


‡15:22: The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=Mark&chapter=2&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Mark.2

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

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5.22.2014

Today's Bible story

May 22, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 22, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052214.cfm

◇May 22, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_22.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 15:9-11

9 Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in his love.

11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

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Acts 15:7-21

7 When there had been much discussion, Peter rose up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice amongst you, that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News, and believe.

8 God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like he did to us.

9 He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, † just as they are."

12 All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paul reporting what signs and wonders God had done amongst the nations through them.

13 After they were silent, James answered, "Brothers, listen to me.

14 Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

16 'After these things I will return.
I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen.
I will again build its ruins.
I will set it up,

17 That the rest of men may seek after the Lord;
all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who does all these things.☆

18 All of God's works are known to him from eternity.'

19 "Therefore my judgement is that we don't trouble those from amongst the Gentiles who turn to God,

20 but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."


†15:11: TR adds "Christ"

☆15:17: Amos 9:11-12

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=15&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.15

-----

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

-----

5.21.2014

Today's Bible story

May 21, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 21, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052114.cfm

◇May 21, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_21.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 15:1-8

1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer.

2 Every branch in me that doesn't bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.

5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

6 If a man doesn't remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burnt.

7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.

8 "In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.

-----

Acts 15:1-6

1 Some men came down from Judea and taught the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can't be saved."

2 Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

3 They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers.*

4 When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all things that God had done with them.

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.


*15:3: The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=15&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.15

-----

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

-----

5.20.2014

Today's Bible story

May 20, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 20, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/052014.cfm

◇May 20, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_20.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 14:27-31a

27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

28 You heard how I told you, 'I go away, and I come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said 'I am going to my Father;' for the Father is greater than I.

29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe.

30 I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me.

31a But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, even so I do.

-----

Acts 14:19-28

19 But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

20 But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

22 confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into God's Kingdom.

23 When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

24 They passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.

25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.

27 When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations.

28 They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=14&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.14

-----

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

-----

5.19.2014

Today's Bible story

May 19, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 19, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051914.cfm

◇May 19, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_19.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 14:21-26

21 One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him."

22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, "Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?"

23 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him.

24 He who doesn't love me doesn't keep my words. The word which you hear isn't mine, but the Father's who sent me.

25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you.

26 But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.

-----

Acts 14:5-18

5 When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them,

6 they became aware of it, and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.

7 There they preached the Good News.

8 At Lystra a certain man sat, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked.

9 He was listening to Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes on him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole,

10 said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet!" He lept up and walked.

11 When the multitude saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!"

12 They called Barnabas "Jupiter", and Paul "Mercury", because he was the chief speaker.

13 The priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice along with the multitudes.

14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and sprang into the multitude, crying out,

15 "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;

16 who in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Yet he didn't leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you† rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

18 Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them.


†14:17: TR reads "us" instead of "you"

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=14&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.14

-----

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

-----

5.18.2014

Today's Bible story

May 18, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 18, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051814.cfm

◇May 18, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_18.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 14:1-12

1 "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.

3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way."

5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him."

8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, 'Show us the Father?'

10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works' sake.

12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father.

-----

Acts 6:1-7

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists* against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.

2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore select from amongst you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;

6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

-----

1 Peter 2:4-9

4 coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious.

5 You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 Because it is contained in Scripture,
"Behold,* I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious:
He who believes in him will not be disappointed."☆

7 For you who believe therefore is the honour, but for those who are disobedient,
"The stone which the builders rejected,
has become the chief cornerstone,"☆

8 and,
"a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence."☆
For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:


*2:6: "Behold", from "??????" or "?δο?", means look at, take notice, observe, see, or gaze at. It is often used as an interjection.

☆2:6: Isaiah 28:16

☆2:7: Psalm 118:22

☆2:8: Isaiah 8:14

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=14&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.14

-----

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

-----

5.17.2014

Today's Bible story

May 17, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 17, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051714.cfm

◇May 17, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_17.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 14:7-14

7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him."

8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, 'Show us the Father?'

10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works' sake.

12 Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father.

13 Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.

-----

Acts 13:44-52

44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paul, and blasphemed.

46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, "It was necessary that God's word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying,
'I have set you as a light for the Gentiles,
that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.'"☆

48 As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

49 The Lord's word was spread abroad throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.

52 The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.


☆13:47: Isaiah 49:6

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=2&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.2

-----

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

-----

5.16.2014

Today's Bible story

May 16, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 16, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051614.cfm

◇May 16, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_16.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 14:1-6

1 "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.

3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way."

5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

-----

Acts 13:26-33

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.

27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn't know him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

28 Though they found no cause for death, they still asked Pilate to have him killed.

29 When they had fulfilled all things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb.

30 But God raised him from the dead,

31 and he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.

32 We bring you good news of the promise made to the fathers,

33 that God has fulfilled the same to us, their children, in that he raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm,
'You are my Son.
Today I have become your father.'☆


☆13:33: Psalm 2:7

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=Mark&chapter=2&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Mark.2

-----

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

-----

5.15.2014

Today's Bible story

May 15, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 15, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051514.cfm

◇May 15, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_15.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 13:16-20

16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him.

17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

18 I don't speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.'☆

19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he.

20 Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me."


☆13:18: Psalm 41:9

-----

Acts 13:13-25

13 Now Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.

14 But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.

15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak."

16 Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.

17 The God of this people* chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it.

18 For a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness.

19 When he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land for an inheritance, for about four hundred and fifty years.

20 After these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

21 Afterward they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

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,† God has brought salvation‡ to Israel according to his promise,

24 before his coming, when John had first preached the baptism of repentance 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.'


*13:17: TR, NU add "Israel"

†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"

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=16&verse=

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

-----

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

-----

5.14.2014

Today's Bible story

May 14, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 14, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051414.cfm

◇May 14, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_14.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 15:9-17

9 Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in his love.

11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.

16 You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

17 "I command these things to you, that you may love one another.

-----

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

15 This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

16 'After these things I will return.
I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen.
I will again build its ruins.
I will set it up,

17 That the rest of men may seek after the Lord;
all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
says the Lord, who does all these things.☆

20 but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men amongst the brothers. ‡

23 They wrote these things by their hand:
"The apostles, the elders, and the brothers, to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

24 Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' to whom we gave no commandment;

25 it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


☆15:17: Amos 9:11-12

‡15:22: The word for "brothers" here and where the context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=15&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/Mark.15

-----

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

-----

5.13.2014

Today's Bible story

May 13, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 13, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051314.cfm

◇May 13, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_13.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 10:22-30

22 It was the Feast of the Dedication* at Jerusalem.

23 It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon's porch.

24 The Jews therefore came around him and said to him, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you don't believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, these testify about me.

26 But you don't believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and the Father are one."


*10:22: The "Feast of the Dedication" is the Greek name for "Hanukkah", a celebration of the rededication of the Temple.

-----

Acts 11:19-26

19 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.

20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists,† preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,

23 who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul.

26 When he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.


†11:20: A Hellenist is someone who keeps Greek customs and culture.

-----

◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=10&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.10

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

-----

5.12.2014

Today's Bible story

May 12, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 12, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051214.cfm

◇May 12, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_12.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 10:11-18

11 I am the good shepherd.☆ The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

12 He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn't own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them.

13 The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand, and doesn't care for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own;

15 even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold.☆ I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.

17 Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, ☆ that I may take it again.

18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father."


☆10:11: Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-12,15,22

☆10:16: Isaiah 56:8

☆10:17: Isaiah 53:7-8

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Acts 11:1-18

1 Now the apostles and the brothers* who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 When Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them!"

4 But Peter began, and explained to them in order, saying,

5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me.

6 When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky.

7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter, kill and eat!'

8 But I said, 'Not so, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.'

9 But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, 'What God has cleansed, don't you call unclean.'

10 This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 Behold, immediately three men stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.

12 The Spirit told me to go with them, without discriminating. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house.

13 He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, 'Send to Joppa, and get Simon, who is called Peter,

14 who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.'

15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.

16 I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptised in water, but you will be baptised in the Holy Spirit.'

17 If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?"

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!"

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=10&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.10

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

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5.11.2014

Today's Bible story

May 11, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 11, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051114.cfm

◇May 11, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_11.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 10:1-10

1 "Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn't enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.

4 Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him; for they don't know the voice of strangers."

6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn't understand what he was telling them.

7 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep's door.

8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them.

9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, he will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.

10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

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Acts 2:14a, 36-41

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, "You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

36 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself."

40 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptised. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

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1 Peter 2:20b-25

20a But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you† an example, that you should follow his steps,

22 who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in his mouth."☆

23 Who, when he was cursed, didn't curse back. When he suffered, didn't threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously;

24 who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.

25 For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer‡ of your souls.


†2:21: TR reads "us" instead of "you"

☆2:22: Isaiah 53:9

‡2:25: "Overseer" is from the Greek episkopon, which can mean overseer, curator, guardian, or superintendent.


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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=10&verse=

◇Zondervan King James Audio Bible
http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/dramatized/kjv/John.10

-----

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

-----

5.10.2014

Today's Bible story

May 10, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 10, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051014.cfm

◇May 10, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_10.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 6:60-69

60 Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?"

61 But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble?

62 Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.

64 But there are some of you who don't believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who didn't believe, and who it was who would betray him.

65 He said, "For this cause have I said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father."

66 At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You don't also want to go away, do you?"

68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.

69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

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Acts 9:31-42

31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

32 As Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralysed.

34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately he arose.

35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas.§§ This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.

37 In those days, she became sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men*** to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.

39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

40 Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.


§§9:36: "Dorcas" is Greek for "Gazelle."

***9:38: Reading from NU, TR; MT omits "two men"

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=6&verse=

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

-----

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

-----

5.09.2014

Today's Bible story

May 9, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 9, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050914.cfm

◇May 9, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_09.mp3

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

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◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 6:52-59

52 The Jews therefore contended with one another, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

53 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you don't have life in yourselves.

54 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56 He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me.

58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven—not as our fathers ate the manna, and died. He who eats this bread will live forever."

59 He said these things in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

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Acts 9:1-20

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As he travelled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.

4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

5 He said, "Who are you, Lord?"
The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.*

6 But† rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

7 The men who travelled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one.

8 Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
He said, "Behold, it's me, Lord."

11 The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judah‡ for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying,

12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight."

13 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.

14 Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."

15 But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.

16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake."

17 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptised.

19 He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.

20 Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God.


*9:5: TR adds "It's hard for you to kick against the cattle prods."

†9:6: TR omits "But"

‡9:11: or, Judas

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=6&verse=

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

-----

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

-----

5.08.2014

Today's Bible story

May 8, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 8, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050814.cfm

◇May 8, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_08.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 6:44-51

44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

45 It is written in the prophets, 'They will all be taught by God.' ☆ Therefore everyone who hears from the Father, and has learnt, comes to me.

46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father.

47 Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.

48 I am the bread of life.

49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die.

51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."


☆6:45: Isaiah 54:13

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Acts 8:26-40

26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go towards the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert."

27 He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.

28 He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.

29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and join yourself to this chariot."

30 Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

31 He said, "How can I, unless someone explains it to me?" He begged Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this,
"He was led as a sheep to the slaughter.
As a lamb before his shearer is silent,
so he doesn't open his mouth.

33 In his humiliation, his judgement was taken away.
Who will declare His generation?
For his life is taken from the earth."☆

34 The eunuch answered Philip, "Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?"

35 Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Jesus.

36 As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptised?"

37 *

38 He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptised him.

39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn't see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.


☆8:33: Isaiah 53:7,8

*8:37: TR adds Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." He answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=6&verse=

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

-----

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

-----

5.07.2014

Today's Bible story

May 7, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 7, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050714.cfm

◇May 7, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_07.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 6:35-40

35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

36 But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don't believe.

37 All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out.

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.

39 This is the will of my Father who sent me, that of all he has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise him up at the last day.

40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes in him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day."

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Acts 8:1b-8

1 Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

2 Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him.

3 But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison.

4 Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.

5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ.

6 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did.

7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralysed and lame were healed.

8 There was great joy in that city.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=6&verse=

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

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

-----

5.06.2014

Today's Bible story

May 6, 2014

We hope that today is a good day.

◇Daily Readings May 6, 2014
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050614.cfm

◇May 6, 2014 Daily Mass Reading
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/14_05_06.mp3

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

-----

◇The World English Bible
http://ebible.org/web/

Gospel John 6:30-35

30 They said therefore to him, "What then do you do for a sign, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you do?

31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it is written, 'He gave them bread out of heaven‡ to eat.'"☆

32 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven.

33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world."

34 They said therefore to him, "Lord, always give us this bread."

35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will not be hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.


‡6:31: Greek and Hebrew use the same word for "heaven", "the heavens", "the sky", and "the air".

☆6:31: Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24-25

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Acts 7:51-8:1a

51 "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.

52 Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.

53 You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn't keep it!"

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

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

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

57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord.

58 They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

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

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

1a Saul was consenting to his death.

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◇King James Version Bible Online
http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/book.php?book=John&chapter=6&verse=

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

-----

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

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