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 8

Once again the Israelites attacked the town of Ai,
this time with a special strategy:

5,000 men went by night to the back of the town 
and hid themselves in the nearby hills.

In the morning Joshua and the rest of the people
marched towards the front of Ai.

When the king of Ai saw them coming, 
he led his people out for battle.

In chasing the Israelites,
the king of Ai left his town undefended.

Then the 5,000 Israelites attacked
Ai from the rear and set it on fire.

When the men of Ai looked back and saw their town on fire,
they realized they were caught in a trap.

The Israelites easily won the battle
and captured Ai.

Reflection:  
Like most (?) leaders in ancient times, Joshua led from the front.
Today, many good people don't want to be leaders ....too risky.
e.g. I asked someone from Philippines recently, why don't good people get into politics to clean up the country's corruption. Answer: too risky.
(Another reason for shortage of leaders: see No. 81 of Pope's letter, on today's menu)

Prayer:  Dear Lord, please give more good people the courage to be leaders, like Joshua

Reading: Psalm 28

To you, O Lord, I call, my rock, hear me.
If you do not heed, I shall become like people in the grave.

Lord, you are my strength and my shield.
In you my heart trusts.

Thank you, Lord, for so often hearing my prayer.
I will always thank and praise you.

You are the strength of your people Israel.
Save your people. Be our shepherd and carry us for ever.

Reflection:
A beautiful prayer in time of danger, with a recurring theme:
remembering past help gives courage and hope for the present and future

Prayer: Lord, please help people who are in big danger today

Reading:  James 4

Turn towards God. Turn away from the Devil,
and the Devil will run away from you

Clean your hearts and minds. Be sorry for your sins.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up

Do not slander one another. Who are you to give a verdict on your neighbor?

Reflection: 
Pope Francis words on plane from Rio to Rome: "Who am I to judge (gay people)?" 

Prayer:  Jesus, help me understand  "the time to judge others is never"

Reading:  John 6

Jesus said to the people "The bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world

I am the bread of life. Anyone who comes to me will never be hungry. Anyone who believes in me will never be thirsty

It is my Father's will that whoever believes in me will have eternal life"

Reflection:
Millions of people go to bed physically hungry every night. 
Billions of people go to bed spiritually hungry every night

Prayer:  Jesus, living bread from heaven, please help more and more people believe in you and love you