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:  Judges 15

When Samson found out his wife had been given to someone else
he took his revenge on the Philistines
by setting fire to their crops.

The Philistines then attacked the land of Judah, 
trying to capture Samson.

To avoid war with the Philistines,
the men of Judah bound Samson with ropes
and handed him over to the Philistines.

But as the Philistines approached him,
Samson was filled with the spirit of the Lord
and broke free from the ropes.

He saw a dead donkey's jawbone on the ground
and used this to strike down many Philistines
before making his escape.

Samson was judge in Israel for 20 years.

Reflection: 
No matter how much Samson's strength and deeds might have been exaggerated, one message is clear: Samson's strength came from God.  All physical and spiritual gifts come from God.

Prayer:  Dear Lord,  you once gave strength to Samson.
 Please give me strength to face the battles of life.

Reading: Psalm 61

O God, hear my cry,
you who are my refuge and help.

In you alone is my soul at rest. 
My help comes from you.

Take refuge in God, everyone in trouble.
Trust him at all times.

O God, you are my God, for you I long.
My body and soul thirst for you
like a dry, weary land without water.

Your love is better than life,
my lips will speak your praise.

On my bed I remember you.
On you I muse through the night.

You are the Creator of the world.
You care for the earth, you give it water.

To you our praise is due,
wherever we are on earth.

Reflection: 
Physically we thirst for something to drink.
Spiritually we thirst for God.
Jesus spoke about the best spiritual drink: 
the spring of living water...the Holy Spirit.
And on the other side of the coin, Jesus thirsts - for our love.
c.f. Preface of Lent 3 -  speaks of Jesus' thirst to receive the faith of the Samaritan woman.
c.f. Crucifixes in houses of Mother Teresa's sisters: 
at top of every crucifix are the words of Jesus on the Cross
(with the same double meaning): "I thirst" 

Prayer: Lord, My body and soul thirst for you
like a dry, weary land without water.

Reading:  Two Peter 1

From Simon Peter, servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
to all who have faith through our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

May you have more and more grace and peace
as you come to know our Lord more and more

By his divine power, he has given us all we need for life and faith.
He has called us to share his divine nature in his eternal kingdom

So we must do our best to live lives of goodness, understanding, self-control, patience, a love for prayer, kindness and love

Reflection: 
Friends, couples get to know each other better day by day.
Children become more aware of their parents' love day by day.
We get to know God better, and become more aware of his love, day by day

Prayer:  Day by Day (YouTube)

Reading:  John 12

Six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany,
for a dinner at  the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha

Mary put expensive ointment on Jesus' feet.
Then she wiped his feet with her hair

Judas Iscariot, the disciple who was going to betray Jesus, said "Why wasn't this ointment sold and the money given to the poor?"

He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the moneybag and would steal from it

Jesus replied "Leave her alone. She is anticipating and honoring my burial. Besides, the poor will always be with you. But I will soon be gone"

Reflection:
Jesus had trouble with his treasurer.
Recent popes have had trouble with their treasurers.

Prayer: Jesus, please help people in charge of money not to steal