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:  One Samuel 6

The Sacred Chest of the Lord was in Philistine territory for 7 months.

Then the Philistines put the Chest on a cart pulled by 2 milch cows.

The cows went straight to the Israelite town of Beth-shemesh,
without anyone leading them.

The people of Beth-shemesh were overjoyed to see the Sacred Chest.

Reflection: 
This passage often has people scrambling for their dictionaries ...what's a milch cow?
(...why not just say "dairy cow" in the first place?!  Because people who produce dictionaries need to make a living!)

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for the joy in our hearts
which comes from friendship with you. Please help us go straight to you ...like the two cows

Reading:  Psalm 85

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace.

Peace for his people and his friends
and those who turn to him in their hearts.

His help is near for those who love him
and his glory will dwell in our land.

Mercy and faithfulness have met.
Justice and peace have embraced.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth
and justice shall look down from heaven.

The Lord will make us prosper
and our earth shall yield its fruit.

Justice shall march before him
and peace shall follow his steps

Reflection: 
When Jesus said at the Last Supper that he was giving his special gift of peace,
he was confirming the above words that God's voice speaks of peace 

Prayer: Lord, please give more peace to our world

Reading:  Two John 

In our life of truth and love,
we have grace, mercy and peace from God the Father
and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father

I write not to give you any new commandment,
but the one we were given at the beginning:
let us love one another; let us live a life of love

Keep to what Jesus taught.
Don't follow anyone who changes what Jesus taught

Reflection:  
St Paul says somewhere that even if an angel were to change what Jesus taught, the angel should be rejected. When acting privately, even popes can get the message wrong ...e.g. Peter refusing to eat with non-Jewish Christians, for which he was hauled over the coals by Paul. Reminds me also of a famous line in one of the Joshua books by Joseph Girzone: "what Jesus made optional (clerical celibacy), the Church should not make compulsory". 

Prayer: Jesus, please protect me from people who distort your message

Reading:  John 15-16

At the meal, Jesus said to his disciples "If you belonged to the world, the world would be friendly to you. But because my choice withdrew you from the world, therefore the world is unfriendly to you

Just as I am hated and persecuted, so you also will be hated and  persecuted. As the Scripture says 'They hated me for no reason'

I am telling you these things now, so that when they happen, your faith will not be shaken

Reflection: 
These moving words of Pope Francis re persecution

Prayer: Jesus, if people are unfriendly because I am a Christian, 
please give me strength and courage