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ongolecharles · 5 days ago

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DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Wed Nov 27th, 2024 ... Wednesday of The Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

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RV 15:1-4

I, John, saw in heaven another sign, great and awe-inspiring:

seven angels with the seven last plagues,

for through them God’s fury is accomplished.

Then I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire.

On the sea of glass were standing those

who had won the victory over the beast

and its image and the number that signified its name.

They were holding God’s harps,

and they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God,

and the song of the Lamb:

“Great and wonderful are your works,

Lord God almighty.

Just and true are your ways,

O king of the nations.

Who will not fear you, Lord,

or glorify your name?

For you alone are holy.

All the nations will come

and worship before you,

for your righteous acts have been revealed.”

Responsorial Psalm

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PS 98:1, 2-3AB, 7-8, 9

R. (Rev. 15: 3b) Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Sing to the LORD a new song,

for he has done wondrous deeds;

His right hand has won victory for him,

his holy arm.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

The LORD has made his salvation known:

in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.

He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness

toward the house of Israel.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Let the sea and what fills it resound,

the world and those who dwell in it;

Let the rivers clap their hands,

the mountains shout with them for joy.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Before the LORD, for he comes,

for he comes to rule the earth;

He will rule the world with justice

and the peoples with equity.

R. Great and wonderful are all your works, Lord, mighty God!

Alleluia

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RV 2:10C

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Remain faithful until death,

and I will give you the crown of life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

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LK 21:12-19

Jesus said to the crowd:

“They will seize and persecute you,

they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,

and they will have you led before kings and governors

because of my name.

It will lead to your giving testimony.

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,

for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking

that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute.

You will even be handed over by parents,

brothers, relatives, and friends,

and they will put some of you to death.

You will be hated by all because of my name,

but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.

By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

Luke 21:12-19

Revelations 15:1-4

Luke’s passage as well as Revelations is a beautiful reminder of our choices in faith and how a choice of faith promises eternal life. When reading and reflecting on this scripture I thought of my own journey of faith.

Preparation and Formation

My mother and maternal grandmother believed in the promises of preparation and formation and in doing so kept the candlelight burning. I am hopeful that through my commitment to preparation and formation that the candle continues to burn for my future generations. My recommendations for preparation and formation? Join a community of faithful. Participate in the rituals of formation which includes dedication or baptism of your children or grandchildren or adult friends or significant others or soon to be wives or husbands. Dedicating your life to follow Jesus is a promise toward eternal life.

Growing Your Faith

As a child my parents were inconsistent in growing my faith. However, they ensured the seeds were planted through my baptism and surrounded me with friends and family who were a witness to their faith. Therefore, as a young adult I decided that Catholicism was my religion of choice. My commitment to growing my faith began and continues with the guidance of Jesus. My recommendations to growing your faith? Join and belong to a community of faithful, engage in service activities to those in need, say yes when invited on a pilgrimage, participate in bible studies, read, listen to podcasts, attend a 3-4-5-7-30 day retreat. Learn about the Old Testament and its covenant and prophets and the new covenant brought forth in the New Testament. Pray continuously. When your feet hit the ground in the morning thank Jesus for blessing you with another day. Pray while in the car driving; on your daily walks or exercise; and/or before and after work meetings. Take 1-2-3 minutes or longer a day to thank God for all your blessings.

Witness for Others

Like the martyrs who were steadfast in their faith, be a witness for others. My recommendations to be a witness? Talk about your faith, your beliefs, share how God has blessed your life even during the difficult times. Share how the trees, the animals, the weather, the sunsets, sunrises are all part of God’s creation. God’s creations are for our eyes and ears to enjoy. Be joyful in your faith, have gratitude, and share your love.

Faithful Perseverance

Recognize that our journey of faith can take a wrong turn be paused…the evil spirit rejoices when that occurs. Be vigilant, keep your eyes and heart attune to this ….what to do? Say the Lord’s prayer…cast away the evil spirit by stating your belief in in Jesus and in God. Say the Lord’s prayer or any prayer.

Luke 21:14-19 is a wonderful reminder to all who have faith and for those who have questions of the validity of promises Jesus made. I was curious at how the Old Testament and New Testament supported or proclaimed the message in Luke 21. In the Old Testament the prophet’s message is shared:

Isaiah 21:11-12:

"Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, 'Morning comes, but also night.' If you ask, 'What is the night?' then know that it is time for the Lord to come and bring judgment on the earth."

Psalm 123: 2

“Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He has mercy on us.”

Jeremiah 1:9

Then the Lord put his hand and touch my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”

As well as the New Testament:

Matthew 24: 42

This is the word of God. “Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.”

II Peter 3: 10:

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.”

Revelation 3:3

“Remember therefore what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. If therefore you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come upon you.”

Overall, spiritual preparedness is what Jesus is asking of us. We believe Jesus is coming and we continually prepare. We are to be vigilant. Participate in formation, grow your faith, be a witness for others and persevere in your faith. Your eternal life with family and friends will be heavenly.

***

SAINT OF THE DAY

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani

(August 6, 1681 – November 29, 1742)

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani’s Story

Born in Lucera, Francesco entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1695. After his ordination 10 years later, he taught philosophy to younger friars, served as guardian of his friary, and later became provincial minister. When his term of office ended, Francesco became master of novices and finally pastor in his hometown.

In his various ministries, he was loving, devout, and penitential. He was a sought-after confessor and preacher. One witness at the canonical hearings regarding Francesco’s holiness testified, “In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the word and deed of holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance.” Francesco showed himself a loyal friend of the poor, never hesitating to seek from benefactors what was needed.

At his death in Lucera, children ran through the streets crying out, “The saint is dead! The saint is dead!” Francesco was canonized in 1986.

Reflection

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Eventually we become what we choose. If we choose stinginess, we become stingy. If we choose compassion, we become compassionate. The holiness of Francesco Antonio Fasani resulted from his many small decisions to cooperate with God’s grace.

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lordgodjehovahsway · 7 months ago

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1 Samuel 1: Ephraim's Wife Hannah Has Can Have Children, But His Other Wife Peninnah Cannot Have Children

1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.

3 Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the Lord Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the Lord.

4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.

5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb.

6 Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.

7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.

8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”

9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the Lord’s house.

10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly.

11 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth.

13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk

14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord.

16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”

18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.

19 Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her.

20 So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

Hannah Dedicates Samuel

21 When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow,

22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.”

23 “Do what seems best to you,” her husband Elkanah told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his word.” So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him.

24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh.

25 When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli,

26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord.

27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.

28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

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catolinewsdailyreadings · 1 year ago

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Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Readings of Friday, December 22, 2023

Reading 1

1 SM 1:24-28

In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy's father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: "Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD." She left Samuel there.

Responsorial Psalm

1 SAMUEL 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD

R./ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

"My heart exults in the LORD, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory." R./ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

"The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes." R./ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

"The LORD puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. The LORD makes poor and makes rich, he humbles, he also exalts." R./ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

"He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage." R./ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.

Gospel

LK 1:46-56

Mary said:

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. for he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children for ever."

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home.

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yhwhrulz · 1 year ago

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Worthy Brief - November 29, 2023

Are you wrestling with God?

Genesis 32:24-30 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob's hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, "Let Me go, for the day breaks." But he said, "I will not let You go unless You bless me!" So He said to him, "What is your name?" He said, "Jacob." And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked, saying, "Tell me Your name, I pray." And He said, "Why is it that you ask about My name?" And He blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: "For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."

In the most extreme moment of his life, when his entire household was threatened with annihilation, the Patriarch Jacob wrestled with a Man through an entire sleepless night. Somehow, after this astounding encounter, Jacob came to the realization that he had been wrestling with God, and face to face! Once again, the Lord God of heaven showed Himself as a human being to a man He loved; this time, for the purpose of rescuing, blessing, and preserving the man's destiny.

Jacob was relentless during this struggle and his perseverance changed him profoundly, forever, in several ways: he was wounded and walked with a limp for the rest of his life, a sign of human weakness and dependence on the Lord; he was given a new name ("Israel") and with it, a new identity, as a prince with God, and one whose struggle with the Almighty saved his life, his family, and his God-given inheritance and posterity; and finally, Jacob received the long-awaited relief and closure with the brother whom he had deceived and enraged so many years before.

So this wrestling match with God was a massive turning point in Jacob's life, and though it must have taken every ounce of human effort he could muster, the victory he won affected every human being in history, since, of course, the Man that Jacob wrestled with was almost certainly the same Man who became his most important descendant, the Savior of the world, Yeshua, the Messiah; (Jesus the Christ).

How often difficulties and crises are used by the Lord to bring us closer and to develop intimacy with Him. It is sometimes the Lord's will to draw us to Himself through extreme and even terrible circumstances or threats. The inner transformation that can take place when we pass through these intense prayer battles, cannot perhaps, be accomplished any other way. But consider the fruit and the blessing which can result from these mighty wrestlings. And consider how being that close to God Himself may change you forever. So, you who are gutting out that anguishing trial--don't let go until you receive the blessing, the change, the victory. I believe the Lord also wants to say to you--- that you have struggled with God and with men -- and have prevailed!

Your family in the Lord with much agape love,

George, Baht Rivka, Obadiah and Elianna (Dallas, TX) (Baltimore, MD)

Editor's Note: The Apple App Store has given the green light to our upgrade! If you haven't installed our Worthy News App - https://worthynews.app/ on either Android or Apple devices, you can download it today. We've designed it to allow you to follow up to 50 different news sites within our app 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! And the best part? It's completely free!

Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. - https://t.me/worthywatch/ Be sure to check it out!

Editor's Note: If you have a desire to contribute to the support of Israel, we've established a dedicated fund where every dollar you contribute will go towards supporting helping Israeli believers in Yeshua. - https://worthyministries.com/israel/

Editor's Note: We are planning our Winter Tour so if you would like us to minister at your congregation, home fellowship, or Israel focused event, be sure to let us know ASAP. You can send an email to george [ @ ] worthyministries.com for more information.

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princeofgod-2021 · 1 year ago

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LIGHT OF LIFE 432

John 1:4

UNDERSTANDING PROPHETIC MANDATES 66: THE PROPHET 4

Amo 3:7 CERTAINLY, THE ALMIGHTY LORD DOESN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS HE FIRST REVEALS HIS SECRET TO HIS SERVANTS THE PROPHETS. GW

Now, we must [again] draw-the-line between a Prophet and a Minister with the gift of Prophecy.

There is a practical example of what “separates the boys from the men” in the bible.

Act 21:8-9 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of PHILIP THE EVANGELIST, which WAS ONE OF THE SEVEN; and abode with him. And the same man had FOUR DAUGHTERS, VIRGINS, WHICH DID PROPHESY. KJV

There are many things to learn here beloved. First, Philip was EVANGELIST by Calling, but what did it mean by: “one of the seven”?

Act 6:2-3 The twelve apostles called the whole group of followers together and said, "We should not give up preaching God's message in order TO SERVE AT TABLES. My friends, CHOOSE SEVEN MEN WHO ARE RESPECTED AND WISE AND FILLED WITH GOD'S SPIRIT. We will put them in charge of these things. CEV

These were the seven chosen to take care of Kitchen matters before Stephen was killed. Philip, though an Evangelist, was chosen to do the work of an administrator.

Hence he would have needed the Gift of Administrations back then, right?

1Co 12:28 God has appointed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then those who perform miracles, those who have gifts of healing, those who help others, ADMINISTRATORS, and those who speak various kinds of languages. ISV

But that did not alter his dedication to his Primary Office and that kitchen job did not last long.

Now, Philip had 4 daughters who had gifts of Prophecy but were not Prophetesses.

Take note!

Act 21:9 He had four unmarried DAUGHTERS WHO HAD THE GIFT OF PROPHESYING. ERV

Then, a real Prophet soon visited them right in their father’s home.

Act 21:10-11 And as we stayed more days, A CERTAIN PROPHET FROM JUDEA NAMED AGABUS CAME DOWN. And coming to us, and taking Paul's belt, and binding his hands and feet, HE SAID, THE HOLY SPIRIT SAYS THESE THINGS: SO SHALL THE JEWS AT JERUSALEM BIND THE MAN WHOSE BELT THIS IS, and will deliver him into the hands of the nations. MKJV

Do we now say that the 4 [prophesying] daughters of Philip, who received Paul for days before Agabus got there, were spiritless or blinded by sin?

No!

They only had gifts, not the Calling. There are some definite things that distinguish real Prophets from others.

1. They are called to commonly very harsh conditions of living and discipline. Ordinary men cannot attain to the discipline they have to endure to keep up with God’s Mission.

Isa 20:2 THREE YEARS EARLIER the LORD had told Isaiah son of Amoz to TAKE OFF HIS SANDALS AND THE SACKCLOTH HE WAS WEARING. HE OBEYED AND WENT AROUND NAKED AND BAREFOOT. GNB

Can you use human waste as firewood just to give people illustrations and messages from God?

Eze 4:12 And you must eat the food like you would a barley cake. YOU MUST BAKE IT IN FRONT OF THEM OVER A FIRE MADE WITH DRIED HUMAN EXCREMENT.” NET

2. They are not men given to flamboyance or expensive lifestyles. They don’t stink and smell but they don’t dress to impress either.

Mat 3:4 Now John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather band about him; and his food was locusts and honey. BBE

I am sure John’s family were no paupers, but he had to separate himself to God.

Luk 1:80 Afterward, their son grew up and was strengthened by the Holy Spirit and he grew in his love for God. JOHN CHOSE TO LIVE IN THE LONELY WILDERNESS UNTIL THE DAY CAME WHEN HE WAS TO BE DISPLAYED PUBLICLY TO ISRAEL. TPT

3. They are mostly called and separated from any vocations whatsoever.

Amo 7:14-15 Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I WAS NO PROPHET, NEITHER WAS I A PROPHET'S SON; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and THE LORD SAID UNTO ME, GO, PROPHESY UNTO MY PEOPLE ISRAEL. GW

They sometimes start Ministry in another office but are suddenly called from that to Prophecy.

Jer 1:1 My name is Jeremiah. I AM A PRIEST, and my father Hilkiah and everyone else in my family are from Anathoth in the territory of the Benjamin tribe. THIS BOOK CONTAINS THE THINGS THAT THE LORD TOLD ME TO SAY. CEV

We’ll discuss a few more points later. May God guide you into your own Course in Life, IN JESUS NAME.

Come back on Friday, for more of this insightful and enlightening Sub-Subtopic.

Keep Shinning!

Brother Prince

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

08055125517; 08023904307

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lumierecharity · 1 year ago

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GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL TO ASK GOD FOR PEACE IN ISRAEL AND GAZA. WHY NOT JOIN US?

We place our prayers for peace in Israel and Gaza, directly before the Throne of Almighty God

Dear Lord, Saviour and Creator of all humankind, please look favourably upon our petition and grant this miracle of peace. Amen

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH HAS VIEWED FOOTAGE OF DEAD, DYING AND UNBELIEVABLE SUFFERING IN ISRAEL AND GAZA. WE ASK ALMIGHTY GOD TO MAKE A MIRACLE AND BRING PEACE IN ISRAEL AND GAZA. WE ARE AT ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN US?

We pray for

End to the war in Israel and Gaza

For all those who have died

For all who are suffering

For all who have lost loved ones

For all who have been orphaned

For all who have been disabled through injury

That those who are buried may be rescued

For those in the helping professions

That food, blankets and medical assistance as well as all needs may be made available to those in need

For all animals killed and hurt in the conflict, that there may be succour

For your special intentions

Good Shepherd Church is praying the Divine Mercy Novena. Please join us at

Good Shepherd Church is praying before the Lourdes Grotto

Prayer request has been handed in to Lourdes Grotto

Light a candle for Israel and Gaza

Holy Rosary

Stations of the Cross

Bible Reading

With thanks to directfromlourdes.com, compepraytherosary.org, ebible.org

#Prayer Almighty God Peace Israel Gaza

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torahtantra · 2 years ago

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Parsha 14. Vayera. “The Wild Ass.” From Exodus 6-9:35.2.

Vay= woe

Er= Aroused Wild Ass.

A=Aleph, Oneness with God.

God also said to Moses, “I am the Lord. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty,[a] but by my name the Lord[b] I did not make myself fully known to them. 4 I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan “the Place of Purple”, where they resided as foreigners. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the Israelites, whom the Egyptians are enslaving, and I have remembered my covenant.

-> Pay attention, fool, everyone who has ever been to Canaan after the departure of the Nephites was a foreigner!

6 “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’”

9 Moses reported this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their discouragement and harsh labor.

->The Egyptians are like parents that spoil you. Moses was not a Jew, he was a Lew, a "together kind of guy" and he went to the Miseries to get the Overcomers, ruff, to leave home, to leave childhood and how things used to be and venture out.

The Pharaoh, the Confederate, is the little brat that collects little sins and keeps them in a basket.

10 Then the Lord said to Moses, 11 “Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the Israelites go out of his country.”

12 But Moses said to the Lord, “If the Israelites will not listen to me, why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I speak with faltering lips[c]?”

-> When your grown up voice fails, you have to turn to the Family Record for the skills needed to restore it:

Family Record of Moses and Aaron

13 Now the Lord spoke to Moses (deliverer) and Aaron (the Exalted) about the Israelites and Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he commanded them to bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

14 These were the heads of their families[d]:

-> We are about to learn all the qualities and attributes being suppressed by the Pharaoh, who is a dual character in the Torah. As Joseph’s patron, good things happened. As the patron of Moses, life went to shit.

Now the leaders of the Nation want their freedom and they are gathering, sending a message of Deliverance and Exaltation to the “overmind” of the people, the god-man they call the Pharaoh, who is really a model for the intellect, which, based on its habits postulates for the long-term health and happiness of the people or their use in prolonging its lazy, sinful ways of life.

The sons of Reuben the firstborn son of Israel were Hanok and Pallu, Hezron and Karmi. These were the clans of Reuben, “The Originator.”

Israel: Overcomes.

Reuben: Leadership.

Hanok= Dedication

Pallu= Discernment

Hezron= Objective

Karmi= Noble

"The Leaders of Israel are expected to be dedicated, have superior discrimination and demonstrate noble character."

15 The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jakin, Zohar and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. These were the clans of Simeon.

Simeon= Obedient, Lawful

Jemuel= Pure, untainted, ever new

Jamin= “Right Handed”= Just

Ohad= Honest

Jakin= Established= calm, balanced, composed

Zohar= Intelligent, ingenious

"They are law-abiding, just, honest, incorruptible, intelligent ingenious, balanced in all circumstances."

16 These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. Levi lived 137 years.

Levi= Does not argue or cavil, amicable

Gershon= stoic, self-controlled

Kohath= forthrightness

Merari= forbearance, does not complain

"They are steadfast, and self-controlled, forthright and constructive."

17 The sons of Gershon, by clans, were Libni and Shimei.

Libni= the witness, keen observer

Shimei= of good repute

"They avoid the ungodly and associate with men of good reputations."

18 The sons of Kohath [gather, hope] were Amram, Izhar, Hebron and Uzziel. Kohath, “Forthright” lived 133 years.

Amram= to bind= speaks the truth

Izhar= one who listens

Hebron= friendly to all

19 The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi.

Mahli= humble, forgiving

Mushi= withdraws, is conservative, frugal

These were the clans of Levi according to their records.

"The friendliest foster hope, they show empathy to others, are forgiving and helpful."

20 Amram married his father’s sister Jochebed “Glory of God”, who bore him Aaron and Moses. Amram lived 137 years.

"Truth gives glory to God, exalts and embodies Him."

21 The sons of Izhar [sparkler] were Korah, Nepheg and Zikri.

Korah= “Bald” or “Cold as ice.” Probably refers to self-controlled, not vain, not levitous.

Nepheg= attentive

Zikri= Zachary= leaves a good impression

"They leave a good impression but are not vain."

22 The sons of Uzziel “principaled” were Mishael, Elzaphan and Sithri.

Mishael= “Who is asked”, “is called”.

Elzaphan= Who God Protects,

Sithri = “one who protects in God’s stead” “is protective”.

"They are principled and act in God's stead when called upon. This creates abundance, a place for other nobles to gather strategize, worship, serve, and govern. Citizens want to be loyal to these kinds of men, be their prisoners."

23 Aaron married Elisheba “abundance of God” , daughter of Amminadab “noble people”, and sister of Nahshon “strategic”, and she bore him Nadab “giving” and Abihu “worships”, Eleazar “humble, a servant of God” and Ithamar “Father of Tamar” and we know all about her.

24 The sons of Korah were Assir, Elkanah and Abiasaph. These were the Korahite clans.

Assir= “prisoner” - bound to, must refer to “loyalty”.

Elkanah= Godly, not inhumane

Abiasaph= “the gatherer” - “leader” or governor.

25 Eleazar son of Aaron married one of the daughters of Putiel “the fatener” “the provider”, and she bore him Phinehas “trusthworthy”.

These were the heads of the Levite families, clan by clan.

26 It was this Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, “Bring the Israelites out of Egypt by their divisions.” 27 They were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypt about bringing the Israelites out of Egypt—this same Moses and Aaron.

"These people are my subjects, not your prisoners. We belong to each other, not to you."

Aaron to Speak for Moses

28 Now when the Lord spoke to Moses in Egypt, 29 he said to him, “I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I tell you.”

30 But Moses said to the Lord, “Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”

7 Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. 2 You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 3 But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, 4 he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it.”

6 Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them. 7 Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.

Aaron’s Staff Becomes a Snake

8 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 9 “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake.”

10 So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. 11 Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: 12 Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. 13 Yet Pharaoh’s heart became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said.

=a cock fight, but with snakes.

The Plague of Blood

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. 15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he goes out to the river. Confront him on the bank of the Nile, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. 16 Then say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness. But until now you have not listened. 17 This is what the Lord says: By this you will know that I am the Lord: With the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will be changed into blood. 18 The fish in the Nile will die, and the river will stink; the Egyptians will not be able to drink its water.’”

19 The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over the streams and canals, over the ponds and all the reservoirs—and they will turn to blood.’ Blood will be everywhere in Egypt, even in vessels[e] of wood and stone.”

20 Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord had commanded. He raised his staff in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was changed into blood. 21 The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. Blood was everywhere in Egypt.

22 But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said. 23 Instead, he turned and went into his palace, and did not take even this to heart. 24 And all the Egyptians dug along the Nile to get drinking water, because they could not drink the water of the river.

The Plague of Frogs

25 Seven days passed after the Lord struck the Nile. 8 1 [f]Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. 2 If you refuse to let them go, I will send a plague of frogs on your whole country. 3 The Nile will teem with frogs. They will come up into your palace and your bedroom and onto your bed, into the houses of your officials and on your people, and into your ovens and kneading troughs. 4 The frogs will come up on you and your people and all your officials.’”

5 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your staff over the streams and canals and ponds, and make frogs come up on the land of Egypt.’”

6 So Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land. 7 But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.

8 Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.”

9 Moses said to Pharaoh, “I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile.”

10 “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said.

Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the Lord our God. 11 The frogs will leave you and your houses, your officials and your people; they will remain only in the Nile.”

12 After Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the Lord about the frogs he had brought on Pharaoh. 13 And the Lord did what Moses asked. The frogs died in the houses, in the courtyards and in the fields. 14 They were piled into heaps, and the land reeked of them. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.

The Plague of Gnats

16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Stretch out your staff and strike the dust of the ground,’ and throughout the land of Egypt the dust will become gnats.” 17 They did this, and when Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came on people and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats. 18 But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not.

Since the gnats were on people and animals everywhere, 19 the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not listen, just as the Lord had said.

The Plague of Flies

20 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh as he goes to the river and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. 21 If you do not let my people go, I will send swarms of flies on you and your officials, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians will be full of flies; even the ground will be covered with them.

22 “‘But on that day I will deal differently with the land of Goshen (from Greek, Argos, to drawn near to purity), where my people live; no swarms of flies will be there, so that you will know that I, the Lord, am in this land. 23 I will make a distinction[g] between my people and your people. This sign will occur tomorrow.’”

24 And the Lord did this. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials; throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies.

25 Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land.”

26 But Moses said, “That would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the Lord our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us? 27 We must take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the Lord our God, as he commands us.”

28 Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the Lord your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now pray for me.”

29 Moses answered, “As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the Lord, and tomorrow the flies will leave Pharaoh and his officials and his people. Only let Pharaoh be sure that he does not act deceitfully again by not letting the people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.”

30 Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord, 31 and the Lord did what Moses asked. The flies left Pharaoh and his officials and his people; not a fly remained. 32 But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go.

The Plague on Livestock

9 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: “Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” 2 If you refuse to let them go and continue to hold them back, 3 the hand of the Lord will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys and camels and on your cattle, sheep and goats. 4 But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’”

5 The Lord set a time and said, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land.” 6 And the next day the Lord did it: All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died. 7 Pharaoh investigated and found that not even one of the animals of the Israelites had died. Yet his heart was unyielding and he would not let the people go.

Two snakes= Two snakes= today and tomorrow. Pharaoh was all about tomorrow, wasn’t he? Then Today ate him.

A Plague of Blood= this is obvious. When the water turns to blood things have gone too far.

A Plague of Frogs= Frogs hide, then they stick their tongues out and snatch prey. They are vicious creatures, too. Frogs represent gossip, false counsel, lies, propaganda. Frogs are very bad news. They are also loud and cause the stank.

If the counsel of Joseph saved the world, the counsel of a bunch of frogs will very likely damn it.

Plague of Gnats= as if gossips aren’t bad enough, the corrupt come along and parasitize society.

(are you getting it yet- the plagues are the inverse of the qualities and attributes, or are inverse causes and effects to them).

Plague on livestock= waste, abuse, corruption, impropriety eventually these reach the farm and the arbor and society starves. It starves for talent, for abundance, for freedom, for peace of mind.

Notice God spares the men and women possessed of the Attributes from scarcity and poverty. Theoretically He does...

First, the Pharaoh, the total loser, needs to learn. And that’s what plagues are for, they instruct. The hard way, the very very hard way...

Ultimately, the human condition must never be propagandized, skewed or instrumental except in its own service. Seven days of Violations and Ten Plagues instead of Seven Days of progress made possibly by observance of Ten Commandments.

God was very, very disappointed. Thus ends the Parsha, Vayera, "The Wild Ass" numbered 14 of 54 contained in the Holy Torah.

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 2 years ago

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22nd December >> Mass Readings (USA)

22nd December

(Liturgical Colour: Violet)

First Reading

1 Samuel 1:24-28

Hannah gives thanks for the birth of Samuel.

In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the LORD in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the LORD. I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the LORD.” She left Samuel there.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd