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

Reading:  Joshua 5

The kings  of the Jordan area
heard that the Lord had dried up the Jordan's waters
to let the Israelites cross over.
The kings became very afraid of the Israelites.

At Gilgal near the Jordan
the Lord instructed Joshua
that all un-circumcised men should be circumcised.

It was at Gilgal that the Israelites kept the Passover Feast
and tasted the produce of the land.

As soon as the Israelites tasted the produce of the land,
the manna stopped falling.

Reflection:  
No doubt the Israelites had mixed feelings about their very last manna meal!
- gratitude to God for food from heaven, but also grateful for a normal meal after 40 years of bread and birds (manna and quail)

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for all you did for the Israelites

Reading: Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.
Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.

He guides me along the right path. He is true to his name.
If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear.
You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort.

You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes.
My head you have anointed with oil. My cup is overflowing.

Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life.
In the Lord's own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

Reflection:
It's easy to pray when we are beside restful waters.
Not so easy when we walk in a valley of darkness

Prayer: Jesus, when we seem to be entering a valley of darkness, please help us remember your presence

Reading:  James 2

Faith and good works need to go together.

Suppose someone is lacking clothes and food, and you say "I wish you well" and do nothing to help them.

What good is that? Faith without good deeds is useless

Reflection: 
The above words have the same message as Pope Francis has been constantly repeating: real religion "goes out" and helps people

Prayer:  Jesus, please help me put my faith into action by good deeds

Reading:  John 6

Near the Sea of Galilee, a large crowd followed Jesus, attracted by the way he healed so many sick people

Jesus climbed a hillside and sat there with his disciples. 
Seeing the huge crowd, Jesus said to one of his disciples 
"How can we feed so many people?"

The disciple Andrew said "There's a young boy here with 5 loaves and 2 fish. But what good is that for such a huge crowd?"

Jesus said "Make the people sit down". The crowd of about 5,000 sat down on the grass

Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all the people. He did the same with the fish. Everyone ate as much as they wanted to

The people, seeing this miracle, said "He really is God's great prophet".  Jesus, aware that they wanted to make him king, slipped away and went up the hill by himself

Reflection:
So often we feel helpless in the face of huge problems ...and we feel "what can I do?"
That's the time to offer a "5+2 = 5,000" prayer or action

Prayer:  Jesus, please bless my prayers and actions to help others,
just as you blessed the 5 loaves and 2 fish