3.31.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 31, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

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Wednesday of Holy Week

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Gospel : Matthew 26:14-25

14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,

15 and said, "What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver him to you?" They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver.

16 From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

17 Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

18 He said, "Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples."'"

19 The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover.

20 Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.

21 As they were eating, he said, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."

22 They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, "It isn't me, is it, Lord?"

23 He answered, "He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me.

24 The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."

25 Judas, who betrayed him, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?"
He said to him, "You said it."

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Isaiah 50:4-9a

4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary.
He wakens morning by morning,
he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious.
I have not turned back.

6 I gave my back to those who beat me,
and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair.
I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting.

7 For the Lord GOD will help me.
Therefore I have not been confounded.
Therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be disappointed.

8 He who justifies me is near.
Who will bring charges against me?
Let us stand up together.
Who is my adversary?
Let him come near to me.

9a Behold, the Lord GOD will help me!
Who is he who will condemn me?
Behold, they will all grow old like a garment.
The moths will eat them up.

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* The World English Bible
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◇ March 31, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
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3.30.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 30, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

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Tuesday of Holy Week

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Gospel : John 13:21-33, 36-38

21 When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."

22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke.

23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus' breast.

24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks."

25 He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus' breast, asked him, "Lord, who is it?"

26 Jesus therefore answered, "It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot.

27 After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him.
Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

28 Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him.

29 For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, "Buy what things we need for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.

30 Therefore having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night.

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.

32 If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately.

33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you can't come,' so now I tell you.

36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?"
Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you can't follow now, but you will follow afterwards."

37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

38 Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times.

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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."

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* The World English Bible
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◇ March 30, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210330bible.html

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3.29.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 29, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

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Monday of Holy Week

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Gospel : John 12:1-11

1 Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2 So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.

3 Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.

4 Then Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said,

5 "Why wasn't this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?"

6 Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.

7 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial.

8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don't always have me."

9 A large crowd therefore of the Jews learnt that he was there, and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also,

11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

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Isaiah 42:1-7

1 "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold;
my chosen, in whom my soul delights?
I have put my Spirit on him.
He will bring justice to the nations.

2 He will not shout,
nor raise his voice,
nor cause it to be heard in the street.

3 He won't break a bruised reed.
He won't quench a dimly burning wick.
He will faithfully bring justice.

4 He will not fail nor be discouraged,
until he has set justice in the earth,
and the islands will wait for his law."

5 Thus says God the LORD,
he who created the heavens and stretched them out,
he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it,
he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it.

6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness,
and will hold your hand,
and will keep you,
and make you a covenant for the people,
as a light for the nations;

7 to open the blind eyes,
to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon,
and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.

-----

* The World English Bible
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◇ March 29, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
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◇ Daily Readings March 29, 2021
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3.28.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 28, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

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Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

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Gospel : Mark 14:1--15:47

14:1 It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize him by deception, and kill him.

2 For they said, "Not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people."

3 While he was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard?very costly. She broke the jar, and poured it over his head.

4 But there were some who were indignant amongst themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?

5 For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." They grumbled against her.

6 But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me.

7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me.

8 She has done what she could. She has anointed my body beforehand for the burying.

9 Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this woman has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of her."

10 Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that he might deliver him to them.

11 They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give him money. He sought how he might conveniently deliver him.

12 On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover, his disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare that you may eat the Passover?"

13 He sent two of his disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city, and there you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him,

14 and wherever he enters in, tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'

15 He will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Get ready for us there."

16 His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

17 When it was evening he came with the twelve.

18 As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, "Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me?he who eats with me."

19 They began to be sorrowful, and to ask him one by one, "Surely not I?" And another said, "Surely not I?"

20 He answered them, "It is one of the twelve, he who dips with me in the dish.

21 For the Son of Man goes, even as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born."

22 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had blessed, he broke it, and gave to them, and said, "Take, eat. This is my body."
23 He took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave to them. They all drank of it.

24 He said to them, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many.

25 Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in God's Kingdom."

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

27 Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'

28 However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee."

29 But Peter said to him, "Although all will be offended, yet I will not."

30 Jesus said to him, "Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."

31 But he spoke all the more, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all said the same thing.

32 They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I pray."

33 He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed.

34 He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch."

35 He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him.

36 He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire."

37 He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn't you watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

39 Again he went away, and prayed, saying the same words.

40 Again he returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn't know what to answer him.

41 He came the third time, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Arise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays me is at hand."

43 Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, came?and with him a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.

44 Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I will kiss, that is he. Seize him, and lead him away safely."

45 When he had come, immediately he came to him, and said, "Rabbi! Rabbi!" and kissed him.

46 They laid their hands on him, and seized him.

47 But a certain one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 Jesus answered them, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me?

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled."

50 They all left him, and fled.

51 A certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around himself, over his naked body. The young men grabbed him,

52 but he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

53 They led Jesus away to the high priest. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with him.

54 Peter had followed him from a distance, until he came into the court of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, and warming himself in the light of the fire.

55 Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put him to death, and found none.

56 For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony didn't agree with each other.

57 Some stood up, and gave false testimony against him, saying,

58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'"

59 Even so, their testimony did not agree.

60 The high priest stood up in the middle, and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?"

61 But he stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"

62 Jesus said, "I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky."

63 The high priest tore his clothes, and said, "What further need have we of witnesses?

64 You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?" They all condemned him to be worthy of death.

65 Some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with fists, and to tell him, "Prophesy!" The officers struck him with the palms of their hands.

66 As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came,

67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!"

68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know, nor understand what you are saying." He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.

69 The maid saw him, and began again to tell those who stood by, "This is one of them."

70 But he again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Peter, "You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it."

71 But he began to curse, and to swear, "I don't know this man of whom you speak!"

72 The rooster crowed the second time. Peter remembered the word, how that Jesus said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." When he thought about that, he wept.

15:1 Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate.

2 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
He answered, "So you say."

3 The chief priests accused him of many things.

4 Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!"

5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marvelled.

6 Now at the feast he used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of him.

7 There was one called Barabbas, bound with his fellow insurgents, men who in the insurrection had committed murder.

8 The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask him to do as he always did for them.

9 Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"

10 For he perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered him up.

11 But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that he should release Barabbas to them instead.

12 Pilate again asked them, "What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?"

13 They cried out again, "Crucify him!"

14 Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?"
But they cried out exceedingly, "Crucify him!"

15 Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when he had flogged him, to be crucified.

16 The soldiers led him away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort.

17 They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on him.

18 They began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

19 They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him.

20 When they had mocked him, they took the purple off of him, and put his own garments on him. They led him out to crucify him.

21 They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that he might bear his cross.

22 They brought him to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, "The place of a skull."

23 They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn't take it.

24 Crucifying him, they parted his garments amongst them, casting lots on them, what each should take.

25 It was the third hour, and they crucified him.

26 The superscription of his accusation was written over him, "THE KING OF THE JEWS."

27 With him they crucified two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left.

28 The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, "He was counted with transgressors."

29 Those who passed by blasphemed him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days,

30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!"

31 Likewise, also the chief priests mocking amongst themselves with the scribes said, "He saved others. He can't save himself.

32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe him." Those who were crucified with him also insulted him.

33 When the sixth hour§ had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is, being interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, "Behold, he is calling Elijah."

36 One ran, and filling a sponge ull of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Let him be. Let's see whether Elijah comes to take him down."

37 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit.

38 The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.

39 When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

40 There were also women watching from afar, amongst whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;

41 who, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and served him; and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

42 When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God's Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body.

44 Pilate marvelled if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead long.

45 When he found out from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.

46 He bought a linen cloth, and taking him down, wound him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. He rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

47 Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw where he was laid.

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Isaiah 50:4-7

4 The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught,
that I may know how to sustain with words him who is weary.
He wakens morning by morning,
he wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

5 The Lord GOD has opened my ear,
and I was not rebellious.
I have not turned back.

6 I gave my back to those who beat me,
and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair.
I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting.

7 For the Lord GOD will help me.
Therefore I have not been confounded.
Therefore I have set my face like a flint,
and I know that I shall not be disappointed.

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Philippians 2:6-11

6 who, existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.

9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name;

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth,

11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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* The World English Bible
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◇ March 28, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
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3.27.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 27, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

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Saturday of the Fifth Week of Lent

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Gospel : John 11:45-56

45 Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him.

46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.

47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, "What are we doing? For this man does many signs.

48 If we leave him alone like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

49 But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,

50 nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish."

51 Now he didn't say this of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

52 and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

53 So from that day forward they took counsel that they might put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly amongst the Jews, but departed from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. He stayed there with his disciples.

55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand. Many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.

56 Then they sought for Jesus and spoke one with another, as they stood in the temple, "What do you think?that he isn't coming to the feast at all?"

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Ezekiel 37:21-28

21 Say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I will take the children of Israel from amongst the nations, where they are gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all; and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all;

23 neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

24 My servant David shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them.

25 They shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob my servant, in which your fathers lived; and they shall dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children's children, forever: and David my servant shall be their prince for ever.

26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary amongst them forever more.

27 My tent also shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

28 The nations shall know that I am the LORD who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary shall be amongst them forever more.

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* The World English Bible
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◇ March 27, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
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3.26.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 26, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

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Friday of the Fifth Week of Lent

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Gospel : John 10:31-42

31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone him.

32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those works do you stone me?"

33 The Jews answered him, "We don't stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God."

34 Jesus answered them, "Isn't it written in your law, 'I said, you are gods?'

35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can't be broken),

36 do you say of him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You blaspheme,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God?'

37 If I don't do the works of my Father, don't believe me.

38 But if I do them, though you don't believe me, believe the works; that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father."

39 They sought again to seize him, and he went out of their hand.

40 He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptising at first, and there he stayed.

41 Many came to him. They said, "John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true."

42 Many believed in him there.

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Jeremiah 20:10-13

10 For I have heard the defaming of many,
"Terror on every side!
Denounce, and we will denounce him!"
say all my familiar friends,
those who watch for my fall.
"Perhaps he will be persuaded,
and we shall prevail against him,
and we shall take our revenge on him."

11 But the LORD is with me as an awesome mighty one.
Therefore my persecutors shall stumble,
and they shall not prevail.
They shall be utterly disappointed,
because they have not dealt wisely,
even with an everlasting dishonour which shall never be forgotten.

12 But, the LORD of Armies, who tests the righteous,
who sees the heart and the mind,
let me see your vengeance on them;
for to you have I revealed my cause.

13 Sing to the LORD,
praise the LORD;
for he has delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evildoers.

-----

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

◇ March 26, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210326bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 26, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032621.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.25.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 25, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord

-----

Gospel : Luke 1:26-38

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

37 For nothing spoken by God is impossible."

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

-----

Isaiah 7:10-14; 8:10c

10 The LORD spoke again to Ahaz, saying,

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

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

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

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

8:10c for God is with us."

-----

Hebrews 10:4-10

4 For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

5 Therefore when he comes into the world, he says,
"Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire,
but you prepared a body for me.

6 You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.

7 Then I said, 'Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of me)
to do your will, O God.'"

8 Previously saying, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you didn't desire, neither had pleasure in them" (those which are offered according to the law),

9 then he has said, "Behold, I have come to do your will." He takes away the first, that he may establish the second,

10 by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

-----

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

◇ March 25, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210325bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 25, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032521.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.24.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 24, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

-----

Gospel : John 8:31-42

31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.

32 You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's offspring, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, 'You will be made free'?"

34 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin.

35 A bondservant doesn't live in the house forever. A son remains forever.

36 If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

37 I know that you are Abraham's offspring, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you.

38 I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father."

39 They answered him, "Our father is Abraham."
Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.

40 But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abraham didn't do this.

41 You do the works of your father."
They said to him, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father, God."

42 Therefore Jesus said to them, "If God were your father, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven't come of myself, but he sent me.

-----

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95 (NABRE Daniel)+

14 King Nebuchadnezzar questioned them: "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will not serve my god, or worship the golden statue that I set up?

15 Now, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I made, whenever you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, zither, dulcimer, harp, double-flute, and all the other musical instruments, then all will be well; if not, you shall be instantly cast into the white-hot furnace; and who is the God who can deliver you out of my hands?"

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "There is no need for us to defend ourselves before you in this matter.

17 If our God, whom we serve, can save us from the white-hot furnace and from your hands, O king, may he save us!

18 But even if he will not, you should know, O king, that we will not serve your god or worship the golden statue which you set up."

19 Nebuchadnezzar's face became livid with utter rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more than usual

20 and had some of the strongest men in his army bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and cast them into the white-hot furnace.

91 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and rose in haste, asking his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?" "Certainly, O king," they answered.

92 "But," he replied, "I see four men unbound and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God."

95 Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel to deliver the servants that trusted in him; they disobeyed the royal command and yielded their bodies rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

-----

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

◇ March 24, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210324bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 24, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032421.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

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

-----

3.23.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 23, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

-----

Gospel : John 8:21-30

21 Jesus said therefore again to them, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you can't come."

22 The Jews therefore said, "Will he kill himself, that he says, 'Where I am going, you can't come'?"

23 He said to them, "You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins."

25 They said therefore to him, "Who are you?"
Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning.

26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these I say to the world."

27 They didn't understand that he spoke to them about the Father.

28 Jesus therefore said to them, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things.

29 He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn't left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him."

30 As he spoke these things, many believed in him.

-----

Numbers 21:4-9

4 They travelled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom The soul of the people was very discouraged because of the journey.

5 The people spoke against God, and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loathes this light bread."

6 The LORD sent venomous snakes amongst the people, and they bit the people. Many people of Israel died.

7 The people came to Moses, and said, "We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD, and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us." Moses prayed for the people.

8 The LORD said to Moses, "Make a venomous snake, and set it on a pole. It shall happen, that everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live."

9 Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it on the pole. If a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked at the serpent of brass, he lived.

-----

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

◇ March 23, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210323bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 23, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032321.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.22.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 22, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

-----

Gospel : John 8:1-11

1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Now very early in the morning, he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down, and taught them.

3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery. Having set her in the middle,

4 they told him, "Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What then do you say about her?"

6 They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of.
But Jesus stooped down, and wrote on the ground with his finger.

7 But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, "He who is without sin amongst you, let him throw the first stone at her."

8 Again he stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground.

9 They, when they heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman where she was, in the middle.

10 Jesus, standing up, saw her and said, "Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?"

11 She said, "No one, Lord."
Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more."

-----

Daniel 13:1-9, 15-17, 19-30, 33-62 (NABRE Daniel)+

1 In Babylon there lived a man named Joakim,

2 who married a very beautiful and God-fearing woman, Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah;

3 her parents were righteous and had trained their daughter according to the law of Moses.

4 Joakim was very rich and he had a garden near his house. The Jews had recourse to him often because he was the most respected of them all.

5 That year, two elders of the people were appointed judges, of whom the Lord said, "Lawlessness has come out of Babylon, that is, from the elders who were to govern the people as judges."

6 These men, to whom all brought their cases, frequented the house of Joakim.

7 When the people left at noon, Susanna used to enter her husband's garden for a walk.

8 When the elders saw her enter every day for her walk, they began to lust for her.

9 They perverted their thinking; they would not allow their eyes to look to heaven, and did not keep in mind just judgments.

15 One day, while they were waiting for the right moment, she entered as usual, with two maids only, wanting to bathe in the garden, for the weather was warm.

16 Nobody else was there except the two elders, who had hidden themselves and were watching her.

17 "Bring me oil and soap," she said to the maids, "and shut the garden gates while I bathe."

19 As soon as the maids had left, the two old men got up and ran to her.

20 "Look," they said, "the garden doors are shut, no one can see us, and we want you. So give in to our desire, and lie with us.

21 If you refuse, we will testify against you that a young man was here with you and that is why you sent your maids away."

22 "I am completely trapped," Susanna groaned. "If I yield, it will be my death; if I refuse, I cannot escape your power.

23 Yet it is better for me not to do it and to fall into your power than to sin before the Lord."

24 Then Susanna screamed, and the two old men also shouted at her,

25 as one of them ran to open the garden gates.

26 When the people in the house heard the cries from the garden, they rushed in by the side gate to see what had happened to her.

27 At the accusations of the old men, the servants felt very much ashamed, for never had any such thing been said about Susanna.

28 When the people came to her husband Joakim the next day, the two wicked old men also came, full of lawless intent to put Susanna to death.

29 Before the people they ordered: "Send for Susanna, the daughter of Hilkiah, the wife of Joakim." When she was sent for,

30 she came with her parents, children and all her relatives.

33 All her companions and the onlookers were weeping.

34 In the midst of the people the two old men rose up and laid their hands on her head.

35 As she wept she looked up to heaven, for she trusted in the Lord wholeheartedly.

36 The old men said, "As we were walking in the garden alone, this woman entered with two servant girls, shut the garden gates and sent the servant girls away.

37 A young man, who was hidden there, came and lay with her.

38 When we, in a corner of the garden, saw this lawlessness, we ran toward them.

39 We saw them lying together, but the man we could not hold, because he was stronger than we; he opened the gates and ran off.

40 Then we seized this one and asked who the young man was,

41 but she refused to tell us. We testify to this." The assembly believed them, since they were elders and judges of the people, and they condemned her to death.

42 But Susanna cried aloud: "Eternal God, you know what is hidden and are aware of all things before they come to be:

43 you know that they have testified falsely against me. Here I am about to die, though I have done none of the things for which these men have condemned me."

44 The Lord heard her prayer.

45 As she was being led to execution, God stirred up the holy spirit of a young boy named Daniel,

46 and he cried aloud: "I am innocent of this woman's blood."

47 All the people turned and asked him, "What are you saying?"

48 He stood in their midst and said, "Are you such fools, you Israelites, to condemn a daughter of Israel without investigation and without clear evidence?

49 Return to court, for they have testified falsely against her."

50 Then all the people returned in haste. To Daniel the elders said, "Come, sit with us and inform us, since God has given you the prestige of old age."

51 But he replied, "Separate these two far from one another, and I will examine them."

52 After they were separated from each other, he called one of them and said: "How you have grown evil with age! Now have your past sins come to term:

53 passing unjust sentences, condemning the innocent, and freeing the guilty,a although the Lord says, 'The innocent and the just you shall not put to death.'

54 Now, then, if you were a witness, tell me under what tree you saw them together."

55 "Under a mastic tree,"* he answered. "Your fine lie has cost you your head," said Daniel; "for the angel of God has already received the sentence from God and shall split you in two."

56 Putting him to one side, he ordered the other one to be brought. "Offspring of Canaan, not of Judah," Daniel said to him, "beauty has seduced you, lust has perverted your heart.

57 This is how you acted with the daughters of Israel, and in their fear they yielded to you; but a daughter of Judah did not tolerate your lawlessness.

58 Now, then, tell me under what tree you surprised them together."

59 "Under an oak," he said. "Your fine lie has cost you also your head," said Daniel; "for the angel of God waits with a sword to cut you in two so as to destroy you both."

60 The whole assembly cried aloud, blessing God who saves those who hope in him.

61 They rose up against the two old men, for by their own words Daniel had convicted them of bearing false witness.b They condemned them to the fate they had planned for their neighbor:

62 in accordance with the law of Moses they put them to death. Thus was innocent blood spared that day.

-----

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

◇ March 22, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210322bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 22, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032221.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

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

-----

3.21.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 21, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Fifth Sunday of Lent

-----

Gospel : John 12:20-33

20 Now there were certain Greeks amongst those that went up to worship at the feast.

21 These, therefore, came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."

22 Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus.

23 Jesus answered them, "The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.

24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.

25 He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.

26 If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him.

27 "Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Father, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time.

28 Father, glorify your name!"
Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."

29 The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to him."

30 Jesus answered, "This voice hasn't come for my sake, but for your sakes.

31 Now is the judgement of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out.

32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

33 But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die.

----

Jeremiah 31:31-34

31 Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says the LORD.

33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:

34 and they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD; for they shall all know me, from their least to their greatest, says the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more.

-----

Hebrews 5:7-9

7 He, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,

8 though he was a Son, yet learnt obedience by the things which he suffered.

9 Having been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation,

-----

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

◇ March 21, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210321bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 21, 2021
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032121-YearB.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.20.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 20, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent

-----

Gospel : John 7:40-53

40 Many of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, "This is truly the prophet."

41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "What, does the Christ come out of Galilee?

42 Hasn't the Scripture said that the Christ comes of the offspring of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?"

43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of him.

44 Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him.

45 The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, "Why didn't you bring him?"

46 The officers answered, "No man ever spoke like this man!"

47 The Pharisees therefore answered them, "You aren't also led astray, are you?

48 Have any of the rulers believed in him, or of the Pharisees?

49 But this multitude that doesn't know the law is accursed."

50 Nicodemus (he who came to him by night, being one of them) said to them, 51 "Does our law judge a man, unless it first hears from him personally and knows what he does?"

52 They answered him, "Are you also from Galilee? Search, and see that no prophet has arisen out of Galilee."

53 Everyone went to his own house,

-----

Jeremiah 11:18-20

18 The LORD gave me knowledge of it, and I knew it: then you showed me their doings.

19 But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I didn't know that they had devised devices against me, saying,
"Let us destroy the tree with its fruit,
and let us cut him off from the land of the living,
that his name may be no more remembered."

20 But, the LORD of Armies, who judges righteously,
who tests the heart and the mind,
I shall see your vengeance on them;
for to you have I revealed my cause.

-----

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

◇ March 20, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210320bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 20, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/032021.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.19.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 19, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary

-----

Gospel : Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24

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

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this; for after his mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

19 Joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.

20 But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, don't be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins."

24 Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;

---
OR

Luke 2:41-51a

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

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

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

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

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

46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the middle of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.

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

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

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

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

51a And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them,

-----

2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16

4 That same night, the LORD's word came to Nathan, saying,

5a "Go and tell my servant David,

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

13 He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

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

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

-----

Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22

13 For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he should be heir of the world wasn't through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.

17 As it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations." This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

18 Besides hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So will your offspring be."

22 Therefore it also was "credited to him for righteousness."

-----

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

◇ March 19, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210319bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 19, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031921.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.18.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 18, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Lent

-----

Gospel : John 5:31-47

31 "If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid.

32 It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true.

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

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

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

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

37 The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form.

38 You don't have his word living in you; because you don't believe him whom he sent.

39 "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.

40 Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

41 I don't receive glory from men.

42 But I know you, that you don't have God's love in yourselves.

43 I have come in my Father's name, and you don't receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.

44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don't seek the glory that comes from the only God?

45 "Don't think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, on whom you have set your hope.

46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me.

47 But if you don't believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"

-----

Exodus 32:7-14

7 The LORD spoke to Moses, "Go, get down; for your people, who you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves!

8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, 'These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.'"

9 The LORD said to Moses, "I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people.

10 Now therefore leave me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of you a great nation."

11 Moses begged the LORD his God, and said, "The LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, that you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?

12 Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, 'He brought them out for evil, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the surface of the earth?' Turn from your fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against your people.

13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and all this land that I have spoken of I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.'"

14 The LORD repented of the evil which he said he would do to his people.
-----

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

◇ March 18, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210318bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 18, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031821.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.17.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 17, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

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Gospel : John 5:17-30

17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father is still working, so I am working, too."

18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Jesus therefore answered them, "Most certainly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things he does, these the Son also does likewise.

20 For the Father has affection for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. He will show him greater works than these, that you may marvel.

21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he desires. 22 For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgement to the Son,

23 that all may honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He who doesn't honour the Son doesn't honour the Father who sent him.

24 "Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgement, but has passed out of death into life.

25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God's voice; and those who hear will live.

26 For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself.

27 He also gave him authority to execute judgement, because he is a son of man.

28 Don't marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice,

29 and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgement.

30 I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgement is righteous; because I don't seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

-----

Isaiah 49:8-15

8 the LORD says, "In an acceptable time I have answered you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.
I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people,
to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritage:

9 saying to those who are bound, 'Come out!';
to those who are in darkness, 'Show yourselves!'
"They shall feed along the paths,
and their pasture shall be on all treeless heights.

10 They shall not hunger nor thirst;
neither shall the heat nor sun strike them:
for he who has mercy on them will lead them.
He will guide them by springs of water.

11 I will make all my mountains a road,
and my highways shall be exalted.

12 Behold, these shall come from afar;
and behold, these from the north and from the west;
and these from the land of Sinim."

13 Sing, heavens; and be joyful, earth;
and break out into singing, mountains:
for the LORD has comforted his people,
and will have compassion on his afflicted.

14 But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me,
and the Lord has forgotten me."

15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child,
that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Yes, these may forget,
yet I will not forget you!

-----

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

◇ March 17, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210317bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 17, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031721.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.16.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 16, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Lent

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Gospel : John 5:1-3a, 5-16

1 After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, "Bethesda", having five porches.

3a In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralysed,

5 A certain man was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been sick for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to be made well?"

7 The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I'm coming, another steps down before me."

8 Jesus said to him, "Arise, take up your mat, and walk."

9 Immediately, the man was made well, and took up his mat and walked.
Now it was the Sabbath on that day.

10 So the Jews said to him who was cured, "It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat."

11 He answered them, "He who made me well, the same said to me, 'Take up your mat, and walk.'"

12 Then they asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your mat, and walk'?"

13 But he who was healed didn't know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place.


14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you."


15 The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

16 For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill him, because he did these things on the Sabbath.

-----

Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12

1 He brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward; (for the forefront of the house was towards the east;) and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar.

2 Then he brought me out by the way of the gate northward, and led me round by the way outside to the outer gate, by the way of the gate that looks towards the east; and behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

3 When the man went out eastward with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the ankles.

4 Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. Again he measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through waters that were to the waist.

5 Afterward he measured one thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.

6 He said to me, Son of man, have you seen? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river.

7 Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

8 Then he said to me, These waters flow out towards the eastern region, and will go down into the Arabah; and they will go towards the sea; and flow into the sea which will be made to flow out; and the waters will be healed.

9 It shall happen, that every living creature which swarms, in every place where the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters have come there, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live wherever the river comes.

12 By the river on its bank, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall its fruit fail: it shall produce new fruit every month, because its waters issue out of the sanctuary; and its fruit shall be for food, and its leaf for healing.

-----

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

◇ March 16, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210316bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 16, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031621.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.15.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 15, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Monday of the Fourth Week of Lent

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Gospel : John 4:43-54

43 After the two days he went out from there and went into Galilee.

44 For Jesus himself testified that a prophet has no honour in his own country.

45 So when he came into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast.

46 Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.

47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

48 Jesus therefore said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe."

49 The nobleman said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

50 Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your son lives." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went his way.

51 As he was now going down, his servants met him and reported, saying "Your child lives!"

52 So he enquired of them the hour when he began to get better. They said therefore to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him."

53 So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives." He believed, as did his whole house.

54 This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

-----

Isaiah 65:17-21

17 "For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;
and the former things will not be remembered,
nor come into mind.

18 But be glad and rejoice forever in that which I create;
for, behold, I create Jerusalem to be a delight,
and her people a joy.

19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem,
and delight in my people;
and the voice of weeping and the voice of crying
will be heard in her no more.

20 "No more will there be an infant who only lives a few days,
nor an old man who has not filled his days;
for the child will die one hundred years old,
and the sinner being one hundred years old will be accursed.

21 They will build houses, and inhabit them.
They will plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.

-----

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

◇ March 15, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210315bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 15, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031521.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.14.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 14, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Fourth Sunday of Lent

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Gospel : John 3:14-21

14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

15 that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him.

18 He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn't believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

19 This is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.

20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed.

21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God."

----

2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23

14 Moreover all the chiefs of the priests, and the people, trespassed very greatly after all the abominations of the nations; and they polluted the LORD's house which he had made holy in Jerusalem.

15 The LORD, the God of their fathers, sent to them by his messengers, rising up early and sending, because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place;

16 but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until the LORD's wrath arose against his people, until there was no remedy.

19 They burnt God's house, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all of its valuable vessels.

20 He carried those who had escaped from the sword away to Babylon, and they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia,

21 to fulfil the LORD's word by Jeremiah's mouth, until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths. As long as it lay desolate, it kept Sabbath, to fulfil seventy years.

22 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the LORD's word by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

23 "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given all the kingdoms of the earth to me; and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is amongst you of all his people, the LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.'"

-----

Ephesians 2:4-10

4 But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,

5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus;

8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not of works, that no one would boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

-----

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

◇ March 14, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210314bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 14, 2021
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031421-YearB.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.13.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 13, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

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Gospel : Luke 18:9-14

9 He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.

10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.'

13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

-----

Hosea 6:1-6

1 "Come, and let us return to the LORD;
for he has torn us to pieces,
and he will heal us;
he has injured us,
and he will bind up our wounds.

2 After two days he will revive us.
On the third day he will raise us up,
and we will live before him.

3 Let us acknowledge the LORD.
Let us press on to know the LORD.
As surely as the sun rises,
The LORD will appear.
He will come to us like the rain,
like the spring rain that waters the earth."

4 "Ephraim, what shall I do to you?
Judah, what shall I do to you?
For your love is like a morning cloud,
and like the dew that disappears early.

5 Therefore I have cut them to pieces with the prophets;
I killed them with the words of my mouth.
Your judgements are like a flash of lightning.

6 For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice;
and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

-----

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

◇ March 13, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210313bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 13, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031321.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.12.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 12, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Friday of the Third Week of Lent

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Gospel : Mark 12:28b-34

28b One of the scribes came, and asked him, "Which commandment is the greatest of all?"

29 Jesus answered, "The greatest is, 'Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one:

30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.

31 The second is like this, 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

32 The scribe said to him, "Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he,

33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from God's Kingdom."
No one dared ask him any question after that.

-----

Hosea 14:1-9 (NABRE Hosea 14:2-10)

1 Israel, return to the LORD your God;
for you have fallen because of your sin.

2 Take words with you, and return to the LORD.
Tell him, "Forgive all our sins,
and accept that which is good:
so we offer our lips like bulls.

3 Assyria can't save us.
We won't ride on horses;
neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, 'Our gods!'
for in you the fatherless finds mercy."

4 "I will heal their waywardness.
I will love them freely;
for my anger is turned away from him.

5 I will be like the dew to Israel.
He will blossom like the lily,
and send down his roots like Lebanon.

6 His branches will spread,
and his beauty will be like the olive tree,
and his fragrance like Lebanon.

7 Men will dwell in his shade.
They will revive like the grain,
and blossom like the vine.
Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.

8 Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols?
I answer, and will take care of him.
I am like a green cypress tree;
from me your fruit is found."

9 Who is wise, that he may understand these things?
Who is prudent, that he may know them?
For the ways of the LORD are right,
and the righteous walk in them;
But the rebellious stumble in them.

-----

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

◇ March 12, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210312bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 12, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031221.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

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

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3.11.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 11, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Thursday of the Third Week of Lent

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Gospel : Luke 11:14-23

14 He was casting out a demon, and it was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the multitudes marvelled.

15 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons."

16 Others, testing him, sought from him a sign from heaven.

17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls.

18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges.

20 But if I by God's finger cast out demons, then God's Kingdom has come to you.

21 "When the strong man, fully armed, guards his own dwelling, his goods are safe.

22 But when someone stronger attacks him and overcomes him, he takes from him his whole armour in which he trusted, and divides his plunder.

23 "He that is not with me is against me. He who doesn't gather with me scatters.

-----

Jeremiah 7:23-28

23 but this thing I commanded them, saying, 'Listen to my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'

24 But they didn't listen nor turn their ear, but walked in their own counsels and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. 25 Since the day that your fathers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:

26 yet they didn't listen to me, nor did they incline their ear, but made their neck stiff. They did worse than their fathers.

27 "You shall speak all these words to them; but they will not listen to you: you shall also call to them; but they will not answer you.

28 You shall tell them, 'This is the nation that has not listened to the LORD their God's voice, nor received instruction. Truth has perished, and is cut off from their mouth.'

-----

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

◇ March 11, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210311bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 11, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031121.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

-----

3.10.2021

 Today's Bible story *

March 10, 2021

I hope that you have a nice day today too.

-----

Wednesday of the Third Week of Lent

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Gospel : Matthew 5:17-19

17 "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.

19 Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

-----

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

1 Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances, which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, gives you.

5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do so in the middle of the land where you go in to possess it.

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who shall hear all these statutes, and say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people."

7 For what great nation is there, that has a god so near to them, as the LORD our God is whenever we call on him?

8 What great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you today?

9 Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children's children;

-----

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

◇ March 10, 2021 Daily Mass Reading
http://www.hanamori.info/u/go/20210310bible.html

◇ Daily Readings March 10, 2021
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031021.cfm

◇ Abiding Radio Instrumental (BGM)
https://www.abidingradio.org/radio/instrumental

◇ Today's Bible Story
http://todaysbiblestory.seesaa.net/

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