Computer Cud      Vatican II asks us to read the Bible every day, 
 'to have a burning love'   for the Word of God  
         Resolution

This plan follows the Sunday liturgy:  reading + psalm + reading + gospel             
From  www.simplebible.info              Previous Bible Blogs 

O Holy Spirit, may these passages give us hope, wisdom, compassion,
courage and peace for our daily life
             Chinese text

 Bible Blog   December 12, 2013     Comments welcome here

  Reading:  Numbers 13-14

Moses sent some men to reconnoiter the land of Canaan.

After some weeks the men returned
and reported that the land was fertile and rich.

But most of the men also said that the towns of Canaan
were too well fortified for the Israelites to capture.
They said that the Canaanites were too strong for the Israelites.

Only Caleb and Joshua had the trust in God and courage
to do battle with the Canaanites.

Just as the rest of the people were thinking of stoning Joshua
and Caleb, the glory of God appeared at the Sacred Tent.

God then said that all the men aged twenty and over
who had refused to go to Canaan
would indeed never see Canaan
they would keep on traveling in the desert until they died.

Canaan would not be entered by the Israelites 
until all the men aged twenty and over had died,
excepting Caleb and Joshua.

The reconnoiter men who inspired the rebellion
were all struck dead that day

Reflection:
Do I encourage or discourage other people?

Prayer: Dear God, please give me more courage to face the trials of life,
and don't let me ever discourage other people

 

Reading: Psalm 119

They are happy who follow God's word,
those who seek God with all their hearts.

How can young people avoid evil?
By seeking you and obeying you, Lord.

Open my eyes, Lord, 
that I may understand the beauty of your word.

Lord, when I'm worried or  in trouble,
your word revives me and gives me strength.

Lord, keep my eyes from what is false.
Bend my heart to your word and not to love of gain.

The word from your mouth means more to me
than silver and gold.

The unfolding of your word gives light
and
teaches simple people.

Reflection:
When we're "rattled", confused, "can't get going", "going round in circles"
....give a few minutes to Bible reading and notice the change:
God's word gives us energy, peace, strength and hope

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your word which gives peace to our hearts

 

Reading:  1 Timothy 4

Don't be surprised if some people come up with strange ideas about how to live life. Satan and his friends are always trying to sow lies and deception in the Lord's field of truth

Have nothing to do with strange ideas like "marriage is forbidden" or "you are not allowed to eat certain foods"

Everything God made is good, and no food is to be rejected, provided grace is said for it. The word of God and prayer make food holy

Reflection:
Do I say a prayer before breakfast, lunch and evening meal?

Prayer: Jesus, please help me remember to say a little prayer before I eat

 

Reading:  Luke 18

Once again Jesus explained to the 12 apostles what would happen to him:

"Now we are going to Jerusalem. Everything written about me by the prophets will happen:  I will be handed over to the pagans. I will be mocked and spat on. I will be scourged and put to death. On the third day I will rise from the dead"

But the apostles had no idea what his words meant

Reflection: 
It's in our Christian DNA to remember that Jesus suffered, died and rose for us.
The thought of the Cross should "urge us" (St Paul) to be better people and to be more compassionate to others

Prayer: Jesus, especially each Friday, please help me to remember you on the Cross