#Psalm 130:7-8

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Sálmarnir 130:7-8 Ó Ísrael, bíð þú Drottins, því að hjá Drottni er miskunn, og hjá honum er gnægð lausnar. Hann mun leysa Ísrael frá öllum misgjörðum hans.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. 8 And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. — Psalms 130:7-8 | Icelandic Bible (ICELAND) and English Standard Version (ESV) The Icelandic Bible by Icelandic Bible Society and The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Cross References: 2 Samuel 24:14; 1 Chronicles 21:13; Psalm 25;22; Luke 1:68; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7; Titus 2:14

[ad-lucem-et-amor]

O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

[pugzman3]

Psalms chapter 130

1 (A Song of degrees.) Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

5 I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

[shammah8]

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

                                  SATURDAY 14

UNDERSTANDING HELPS YOU APPLY THE WORD CORRECTLY

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📖 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart (Proverbs 8:5). 

Pastor Chris Says

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Understanding God's Word is crucial to applying it effectively in our lives. The Bible says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7). The Lord Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of understanding in Matthew 13:3-8 when He told the parable of the sower.

In His illustration, He explained that as the sower went forth to sow his seeds, they fell into different grounds. Some fell by the wayside and the birds of the air came and picked them up, and they had no chance to grow. The Lord Jesus however highlighted the problem of this group of people to be their lack of understanding of the Word they heard: “When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side” (Matthew 13:19).

The practical application of God's Word hinges on your understanding of it. You can't put to work God's Word that you don't understand. Without understanding, it becomes challenging to implement biblical principles and teachings effectively in your daily life.

It’s one of the reasons we encourage people to study this devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, every day. It serves as a powerful tool for enhancing your understanding of God's Word. In it, we present biblical truths in simple and clear communication, making it easier for readers to not only comprehend but also apply God’s truths in practical ways. By breaking down scriptural thoughts into understandable terms, Rhapsody of Realities equips you to live out your faith confidently and purposefully each day.

2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth" (AMPC). Prioritize understanding God's Word so that you may confidently and faithfully apply it in your life, knowing that through understanding, you can fully embrace and act upon the truths of Scripture.

         🙏 P R A Y E R

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Dear Father, thank you for the wisdom and understanding you grant me through your Word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who grants me deep insight into the truths and mysteries of the Kingdom. Thank you for granting me a discerning heart to comprehend and rightly apply the principles of the Kingdom in my daily life, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

        📖 FURTHER STUDY:

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Psalm 119:130; The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.

James 1:22-25; But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

[24] for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 

2 Timothy 2:15; Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Proverbs 4:7; Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: And with all thy getting get understanding.

[psalmonesermons]

Finding the will of God for your life Part 4/8

Is it an event or a lifestyle?

Lifestyle Versus Event

Today's society is very event led; life seems quite dull unless we are doing something. Recent politics have emphasised performance related pay. At the same time many modern churches have a stringent programme of activity. The result of this can inadvertently lead to a person’s worth being measured by what they do. It can also make us believe that God is ‘programme-based’ in his love for us. We often associate God’s will as an event, i.e. doing this or that, going here or there, apply for this job, marry that person and so on... ‘God’s will’ can include specific instruction, but more often it is to do with relationship, lifestyle, and nurture.

Relationship

It is God’s will for us to have an intimate and close relationship with him.

Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Jeremiah 30:21 I will bring him near, and he will come close to me, for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?’ declares the LORD.

Knowing God’s will does not necessarily equate with activity. Sometimes God withholds his plans from us so that we will master the art of waiting. Waiting on God is an essential ingredient to knowing God’s will. Many people want to bypass the waiting and get straight into the doing. For some people, doing nothing is a waste of time, for God our inactivity is a vital element in getting to know him.

Psalm 119:166 I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands.

Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word, I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

Activity without intimacy is of little importance. It’s not uncommon for people to want to know God’s will more than they actually want to know God! Activity is an event; relationship is a process. We cannot effectively hear God’s voice or do God’s will unless we have first learned the art of knowing God. It’s like having the benefits of sexual pleasure without the security of a loving relationship, or like a farmer reaping a great harvest without first labouring over the crop.

Knowing God’s requires intimacy, time, and commitment. There are no shortcuts to doing God’s will. Many Christians fall away because they have become bored, impatient, or distracted. Others spend so much time trying ‘to do’ God’s will that they simply burn themselves out.

Isaiah 40: 29 He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the LORD, shall renew their strength.

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

Lifestyle

Doing the will of God is much more about being the right person rather than doing the right things. People often focus on life-events rather than the process of a sanctified life. God is much more interested in ‘who we are’ than he is in ‘what we do’. It’s easy to get caught up with Christian activity and neglect the importance of Christian character.

It is God’s clear will that we:

Be financially responsible (Luke 12:21)

Live by faith, not by sight (Rom 1:17)

Live a life of sacrifice and service (Rom 12:1)

Renew our minds (Rom12:2)

Transform the way we live (Rom12:2)

Fellowship with other believers (Rom 15:32)

Give ourselves fully to God (2 Cor 8:5)

Do the best job for our employer (Eph 6:6)

Stand firm, and remain standing (Col 4:12, Eph 6:13)

Mature into strong believers (Col 4:12)

Have a servant attitude (Phil 2:5)

Avoid sexual immorality (1 Thes. 4:3)

Live a pure life (1 Thes. 4:3)

Rejoice in every circumstance (1 Thes 5:18)

Keep our eyes on Jesus – the perfect example (Heb 10:7, 12:2)

Persevere in the work (Heb 10:36)

Do good to all men (1 Peter 2:15)

Understand that God’s will includes suffering (1 Peter 4:19)

Be faithful in prayer (1 John 5:16)

Most of these verses are direct references to the ‘will of God.’ There are, however, simply hundreds of other commandments on how we should live our lives. It is God’s will that we honour our parents, tell the truth; that we should be kind, generous, and gentle. We should be calm, temperate, and full of compassion. The list goes on and on.

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It is clear that our attention needs to be on our character and personal development rather than ‘activity or events.’ It is God’s will, first and foremost, that we live a life that is a true reflection of the Lord Jesus Christ. God wants us first of all to be pure, blameless, and holy.

Amen

Personal Prayer

In Part 5 we see the need to be nurtured in discipleship.

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

9th June >> Mass Readings (USA)

Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II))

First Reading Genesis 3:9–15 I will put enmity between your offspring and her offspring.

After the man, Adam, had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to the man and asked him, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden; but I was afraid, because I was naked, so I hid myself.” Then he asked, “Who told you that you were naked? You have eaten, then, from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat!” The man replied, “The woman whom you put here with me— she gave me fruit from the tree, and so I ate it.” The LORD God then asked the woman, “Why did you do such a thing?” The woman answered, “The serpent tricked me into it, so I ate it.” Then the LORD God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this, you shall be banned from all the animals and from all the wild creatures; on your belly shall you crawl, and dirt shall you eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 130:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8

R/ With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.

R/ With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.

R/ With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word. More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the LORD.

R/ With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

For with the LORD is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; and he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.

R/ With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

Second Reading 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1 We too believe and therefore we speak.

Brothers and sisters: Since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore we speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. Therefore, we are not discouraged; rather, although our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal. For we know that if our earthly dwelling, a tent, should be destroyed, we have a building from God, a dwelling not made with hands, eternal in heaven.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation John 12:31b-32

Alleluia, alleluia. Now the ruler of this world will be driven out, says the Lord; and when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mark 3:20–35 It is the end of Satan.

Jesus came home with his disciples. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder the house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[coolksaposts]

New International Version Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it. New Living Translation Put your hope in the LORD. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.

King James Bible Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.

Job 17:9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 34. - Wait on the lord (comp. vers. 2, 5, 7; and Psalm 27:14; Psalm 62:5; Psalm 130:5; Proverbs 20:22). The injunction is repeated so often because of man's extreme impatience and unwillingness to "tarry the Lord's leisure" (Prayer-book Version of Psalm 27:16) trustfully and confidently. And keep his way. The way in which he would have them walk - the way of righteousness (comp. ver. 3). And he shall exalt thee to inherit the land (see ver. 29, and the comment ad loc.). When the ungodly are cut off, thou shalt see it (comp. Psalm 52:5, 6; Psalm 91:8). Doubtless with some satisfaction. As the "ungodly" spoken of are employed in watching for an occasion to "slay" the righteous (ver. 32), these last can scarcely witness their removal from the world by God's providence without a feeling of relief.

[justana0kguy]

2023 OCTOBER 10 Tuesday

"If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, LORD, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, But with you is forgiveness, For with the LORD is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; and he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities."

~ Psalms 130:3-4ab,7-8

[revdavidbsmith]

Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

[humbleservantprayerwall]

Daily Devotionals 10-19-2024

(Reading Your Bible Daily Is Fundamental) Verses of the Day: 1 Corinthians 3:1/1 Thessalonians 4:14-18/1 John 3:18/2 Corinthians 1:3-4/2 Corinthians 8:1-7/2 Peter 1:16/Deuteronomy 33:27/Exodus 32:32/Galatians 5:25/Hebrews 11:1/Hebrews 10:22-25/John 14:1-6/Jeremiah 17:7/Job 35:10/John 14:16,26/Job 14:1-2/Leviticus 23:3/Luke 6:38/Matthew 5:21-24/Matthew 7:24-26/Micah 6:8/Psalm 130:5-6/Philippians…

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Daily Light on the Daily Path by Samuel Bagster

Daily Reading for October 19th

Proverbs 3:26 For the LORD will be your confidence And will keep your foot from being caught.

Psalm 76:10 For the wrath of man shall praise You; With a remnant of wrath You will gird Yourself.

Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.

Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Psalm 130:5,6 I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope. • My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.

Deuteronomy 33:27 "The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; And He drove out the enemy from before you, And said, 'Destroy!'

Jeremiah 17:7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.

Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

[ongolecharles]

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Tue July 02nd, 2024 ... Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary, Year B

Reading 1 

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AM 3:1-8; 4:11-12

Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the Lord pronounces over you,

over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt:

You alone have I favored, 

more than all the families of the earth;

Therefore I will punish you

for all your crimes.Do two walk together

unless they have agreed?

Does a lion roar in the forest

when it has no prey?

Does a young lion cry out from its den

unless it has seized something?

Is a bird brought to earth by a snare

when there is no lure for it?

Does a snare spring up from the ground

without catching anything?

If the trumpet sounds in a city,

will the people not be frightened?

If evil befalls a city,

has not the Lord caused it?

Indeed, the Lord God does nothing

without revealing his plan

to his servants, the prophets.The lion roars--

who will not be afraid!

The Lord God speaks--

who will not prophesy!

I brought upon you such upheaval

as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah:

you were like a brand plucked from the fire;

Yet you returned not to me,

says the Lord.

So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel!

and since I will deal thus with you,

prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

Responsorial Psalm

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PS 5:4B-6A, 6B-7, 8

R. (9a)  Lead me in your justice, Lord.

At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.

For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;

no evil man remains with you;

the arrogant may not stand in your sight.

R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

You hate all evildoers;

you destroy all who speak falsehood;

The bloodthirsty and the deceitful

the Lord abhors.

R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

But I, because of your abundant mercy,

will enter your house;

I will worship at your holy temple

in fear of you, O Lord.

R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Alleluia

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PS 130:5

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I trust in the Lord;

my soul trusts in his word.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel 

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MT 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him.

Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea,

so that the boat was being swamped by waves;

but he was asleep.

They came and woke him, saying,

“Lord, save us!  We are perishing!”

He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”

Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea,

and there was great calm.

The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this,

whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

Like the Psalmist for today, my soul trusts in the Word of the Lord not only because the Lord secures my salvation amid my unworthiness, but because the Lord leads me to justice and peace amid evil, falsehood, deceit, arrogance, and wickedness on the part of others. My faith is not based only on living in an ideal world or what happens to me when I die, but also how I can draw strength and trust in God during the daily messes of life in an uncertain world. And we certainly do live in a messy world of uncertainty. I so often feel like I am one of the disciples, stranded out to sea on a boat swamped by waves in a violent storm. 

So, then, if I wish to be a disciple, even more should I trust that the Lord is with me. Over the years, I have learned to begin my daily prayers by acknowledging my fears and my lack of faith amid all the troubles of the world I would like to address. It would be so much easier to just ignore them and try to live a good, quiet life. But trouble always finds me, even if it is just in my inability to close out the troubles of others in my mind and heart. My commitment to following Jesus puts me right in the middle of the storms of life. And in the lesson in Matthew for today, we learn what to do about that. Just as Jesus rebuked the chaos of the winds and sea and brought about calm to the disciples, we are to subdue evil forces as we speak peace and justice over the waves in our own lives and the lives of others. 

That is not easy to do. But over the years, I have learned that if I subdue my own fears of evil forces and let the peace of Christ speak confidently in and through me, I can not only better navigate uncertainty, but I can also often even help others seeking God’s peace and justice. My prayer today is that we can all overcome the terror that so often surrounds us with a faith that grows stronger the more we face, not hide from, the storms of life.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Oliver Plunkett

(November 1, 1629 – July 1, 1681)

Saint Oliver Plunkett’s Story

The name of today’s saint is especially familiar to the Irish and the English—and with good reason. The English martyred Oliver Plunkett for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution.

Born in County Meath in 1629, Oliver studied for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained there in 1654. After some years of teaching and service to the poor of Rome he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland. Four years later, in 1673, a new wave of anti-Catholic persecution began, forcing Archbishop Plunkett to do his pastoral work in secrecy and disguise and to live in hiding. Meanwhile, many of his priests were sent into exile, schools were closed, Church services had to be held in secret, and convents and seminaries were suppressed. As archbishop, Plunkett was viewed as ultimately responsible for any rebellion or political activity among his parishioners.

Archbishop Plunkett was arrested and imprisoned in Dublin Castle in 1679, but his trial was moved to London. After deliberating for 15 minutes, a jury found him guilty of fomenting revolt. He was hanged, drawn, and quartered in July 1681.

Pope Paul VI canonized Oliver Plunkett in 1975.

Reflection

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Stories like that of Oliver Plunkett seem to fit history. “Things like that don’t happen today” is often our thought. But they do. False accusations, prejudice, anti-Catholic sentiments, racism, sexism, etc. are still an active reality in our day. Perhaps a prayer to Saint Oliver for peace and justice might be appropriate.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

[theprayerfulword]

June 12

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is … my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Acts 1:8 Jesus said to his apostles, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses … to the ends of the earth.”

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

2 Timothy 1:7 God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

May the Lord hear the prayer and plea you make before Him as you seek to make your heart and mind a suitable dwelling place for His Name so that His eyes and His heart will always be there. 1 Kings 9

May you walk before the Lord in integrity of heart and uprightness, doing all that He commands and observing His decrees and laws, for then He will establish you firmly, forever in His presence and fellowship. 1 Kings 9

When others hear of God's work in your life and come to ask hard questions of you, may you answer in God's Spirit with words of truth and life rather than your own reasoning and understanding, that they may give praise to the Lord, Who has delighted in you and placed His grace and authority on you. 1 Kings 10

May your heart be right before God, without bitterness and free from sin, that you may do your part in His work of the ministry. Acts 8

May the Spirit of God lead you into divine appointments, such as Philip had with the Ethiopian eunuch, that His kingdom may grow and His Name be praised. Acts 8

My child, just as gold and silver are found in the earth, so do I seek in the world for the precious hearts that value Me. Even as the treasure which man seeks for is locked in the rock and must be separated and purified, so the treasure of your soul is combined with the carnality of your flesh. The ore is broken and ground small so that the fire does not have to burn so hot; the breaking I bring into your life is a mercy to bring you through the fiery trials quicker. So often lead is found combined with the silver that is sought; they are similar in appearance, but one is so dangerous and the other is so valuable. It is only the fiery furnace that can separate them, My child, and they go in together, but the lead melts first and runs out to be removed. Then the furnace is heated hotter and the silver is gathered to be kept. It is so precious because it is so useful in the hands of the Master. Think it not strange, My dear one, when the fiery trial comes upon you, for the poisonous elements are being burned away, leaving the purity that the Lord can use. Fret not about all that is lost, for it is not needed; what is left in your life will be more precious than before, for it will be free of the death that it carried, and will bring life and joy to others. As your circumstances shift, you will be able to understand more, for you will see what you could not before. So much of your heart and mind is not known by you until events bring it to the surface. Never feel despair over what is revealed in your thoughts and feelings, for you have the full assurance from My Spirit of the promises in My Word that I know you completely and accept you fully. Allow My work in your life and rejoice as I lead you in the work you are able to do, deeper and richer each time you are refined by My fire and My Word is made life to you, and through you.

May you cry to the Lord when you find yourself in deep, for He will hear your voice and be attentive to your cry for mercy. Psalm 130

May you reverently honor the Lord, for with Him there is forgiveness in which we can stand since He does not keep a record of sins. Psalm 130

May your soul put your hope in His Word, more than watchmen long for the morning, as you wait on the Lord. Psalm 130

May you put your hope in the Lord for with Him is unfailing love and full redemption because He Himself will redeem us from all our sins. Psalm 130

May you serve the Lord in humility and wisdom, dealing prudently in the Father's affairs that you may be honored with authority over a son who behaves disgracefully, bringing shame to the Father and to his brethren. Proverbs 17:2

May you accept, willingly, with understanding of the joy to come, the discipline and testing of your heart, which though it shows weaknesses and demonstrates shortcomings, allows you to separate yourself from them, and being filled with God's Spirit, be transformed more and more into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, just as gold and silver is fired and melted in the crucible to remove dross and slag, becoming purer and more valuable, and able to be shaped by the skillful hand of the Master Artisan. Proverbs 17:3

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

16th November >> Mass Readings (USA)

Thursday, Thirty Second Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saint Margaret of Scotland 

or

Saint Gertrude, Virgin. 

Thursday, Thirty Second Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: A (1))

First reading Wisdom 7:22b–8:1 For wisdom is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God.

In Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, Manifold, subtle, agile, clear, unstained, certain, Not baneful, loving the good, keen, unhampered, beneficent, kindly, Firm, secure, tranquil, all-powerful, all-seeing, And pervading all spirits, though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle. For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion, and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity. For she is an aura of the might of God and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty; therefore nought that is sullied enters into her. For she is the refulgence of eternal light, the spotless mirror of the power of God, the image of his goodness. And she, who is one, can do all things, and renews everything while herself perduring; And passing into holy souls from age to age, she produces friends of God and prophets. For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom. For she is fairer than the sun and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence; for that, indeed, night supplants, but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.

Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily and governs all things well.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 119:89, 90, 91, 130, 135, 175

R/ Your word is for ever, O Lord.

Your word, O LORD, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens.

R/ Your word is for ever, O Lord.

Through all generations your truth endures; you have established the earth, and it stands firm.

R/ Your word is for ever, O Lord.

According to your ordinances they still stand firm: all things serve you.

R/ Your word is for ever, O Lord.

The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple.

R/ Your word is for ever, O Lord.

Let your countenance shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.

R/ Your word is for ever, O Lord.

Let my soul live to praise you, and may your ordinances help me.

R/ Your word is for ever, O Lord.

Gospel Acclamation John 15:5

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Luke 17:20-25 The Kingdom of God is among you.

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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Saint Margaret of Scotland 

(Liturgical Colour: White: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading Isaiah 58:6-11 Sharing your bread with the hungry.

Thus says the LORD:

This is the fasting that I wish: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when you see them, and not turning your back on your own. Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your wound shall quickly be healed; Your vindication shall go before you, and the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer, you shall cry for help, and he will say: Here I am! If you remove from your midst oppression, false accusation and malicious speech; If you bestow your bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted; Then light shall rise for you in darkness, and the gloom shall become for you like midday; Then the LORD will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land. He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9

R/ Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Blessed the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commands. His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed.

R/ Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Wealth and riches shall be in his house; his generosity shall endure forever. Light shines through the darkness for the upright; he is gracious and merciful and just.

R/ Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; He shall never be moved; the just one shall be in everlasting remembrance.

R/ Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

An evil report he shall not fear. His heart is firm, trusting in the LORD. His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes.

R/ Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Lavishly he gives to the poor, his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.

R/ Blessed the man who fears the Lord. or R/ Alleluia.

Gospel Acclamation John 13:34

Alleluia, alleluia. I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 15:9-17 You are my friends if you do what I command you.

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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Saint Gertrude, Virgin 

(Liturgical Colour: White: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First reading Ephesians 3:14-19 To know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.

Brothers and sisters: I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23:1b-3a, 4, 5, 6

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff that give me courage.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

R/ The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel Acclamation John 15:9b, 5b

Alleluia, alleluia. Remain in my love, says the Lord; whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 15:1-8 He who remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.

Jesus said to his disciples: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit. You are already pruned because of the word that I spoke to you. Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me will be thrown out like a branch and wither; people will gather them and throw them into a fire and they will be burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

[saintmichaelkalibo]

How to Handle Criticisms and Accusations l Fr. Erel Villanueva | June 9, 2024

10th Sunday in Ordinary Time- June 9, 2024 Theme: “Go & Proclaim: Choose to Live in Unity” First Reading: Genesis 3: 8-15 Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1-2;3-4;5&7 Second Proclamation: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 Gospel Proclamation: Mark 3:20-30 Homily by Fr. Erel Villanueva On this Sunday Mass Homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, Fr. Erel talks about handling criticisms and accusations. The way we react…