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 6

The Lord had told the Israelites 
not to keep anything for themselves
when they captured Jericho.

But one man disobeyed the Lord
and secretly kept some of the spoils.

As a result of that man's disobedience,
the Israelites were defeated in battle 
when they attacked the town of Ai.

The disobedient man's identity was found by drawing of the lot:

- of the 12 tribes, one was chosen, the tribe of Judah.
- of the tribe of Judah, one clan was chosen, that of Zerah.
- of the families of Zerah, one was chosen, that of Zabdi.
- of the men of Zabdi, one was chosen, Achan.

Achan admitted his guilt.
He and his whole family were then stoned to death
and a great cairn built over them.

All of Achan's possessions were burnt.

Reflection:  
"We fool ourselves if we think that our sin affects only us. Disobedience brings ruin even upon the innocent. Sin’s effects go beyond the initial sinner." - from Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely? (a literalist commentary.... idea to punish Achan might have been man's rather than God's)

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please don't let me disobey you

Reading: Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my help, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life, before whom shall I shrink? 
Though an army encamp against me, even then would I trust.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long:
to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

It is your face, O Lord, that I seek. Hide not your face.
I am sure I will see your goodness in the land of the living.

Hope in the Lord, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!

Reflection:
Remembering God's protection in this life,
longing for God's presence in the life to come,
....gives us hope and courage for each day

Prayer: Lord, please increase my remembering, my longing .... and my hope

Reading:  James 3

Wherever you find jealousy and ambition, you find disharmony and evil practices

On the other hand,  wisdom from heaven is good and peaceful and kindly and considerate. It is full of compassion, and does good.
There is no trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it

Reflection: 
Jealousy and ambition are widespread ....in politics...in the Church....in any group

Prayer:  Jesus,  give me wisdom. Make me peaceful. Save me from jealousy and ambition

Reading:  John 6

Jesus said to the people "You have come looking for me because you had so much bread to eat

Do not give so much concern to physical food.
Be more concerned about the spiritual food that lasts forever.
This is the  food I am offering you"

Reflection:
If only we were as concerned about our spiritual health as we are about our physical health. We need to keep fit spiritually as well as physically

Prayer:  Jesus, please give us the food that lasts forever