#but also!! her spirit told them to put away their mourning and rejoice again like! she never stops taking care of them! she's dead and she'
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The Tower- FT AU
I do not own Fairy Tail. Please reblog. Trigger warning for violence, death, and blood
Once upon a time, the beautiful Princess Lucy was hidden away in a tower by the Malicious King Jude. To keep her safe. To keep her under his control. To keep her hidden away from the civil war erupting in his kingdom. But The Tower soon became a war fortress, and the Princess became a Warrior within it. And when The Tower is breached by the infamous rebel group, Fairy Tail, Princess Lucy and her closest friends are taken hostage. Except, Lucy is not the princess they were expecting. This is not a story about a Princess locked away, waiting for her noble prince to save her. This is not a story about finding love. Or happy-endings. This is a story about blood.
And how it ran through the streets of the Kingdom of Fiore.
_________________________________________________________
Chapter One
In a far, far away kingdom, in the red deserts by the sea, nestled between rolling, red hills-- just out of sight from the small port town of Hargeon-- and, perhaps most importantly, away from the public’s prying eyes, a tower was being built.
This tower was to be tall and proud and impenetrable. But, all who would come to hear of this tower would also come to know the story of it’s creation. For this tower was not built to be a fortress or a base, but to be a prison. A beautiful, grand prison deserving of it’s beautiful prisoner, but-- and this held especially true for the Princess in which it was built for-- a prison none the less.
And, what of the story? The story of The Tower’s creation?
Well, it all started seventeen years ago in the Queen’s personal garden in the palace of Fiore...
Prince Jude of Fiore had only been married to the Queen for a year. A marriage, mind you, that had been met with much dismay by almost all of the nobility. Prince Jude, you see, was from a weak, lowly line of nobility, that had very little land and an even littler say in the Kingdom. And Queen Layla, precious Queen Layla, was far too good for someone of such inferior lineage. But they married anyways, because Queen Layla and Prince Jude loved each other despite such petty reasons, and now...
Well, those days of love and bliss were slowly coming to an end. Queen Layla, pregnant with their first born, was terribly sick. And Prince Jude was to become King, left only with the whole weight of the Kingdom on his shoulders and his newborn child. Prince Jude was drowning in his sadness, and Queen Layla was afraid that he would die from it.
As they strolled through the Queen’s private gardens, both holding on tightly to one another, Queen Layla made Prince Jude promise. She made him promise to protect her precious kingdom and their precious child. Prince Jude, who knew how unyielding Layla’s heart was, promised. He promised on all the stars that his Layla loved so much that he would love and protect their child and kingdom dearly and unconditionally.
When their child was born, a healthy daughter, the Kingdom rejoiced. And Layla, who lived only five years after her dear daughter’s birth, was perhaps the happiest of all. She vowed to teach her all she could of their Celestial magic, to teach her kindness and strength, and she vowed to love her as much as she could before she could no longer.
And Jude too was happy. His daughter was healthy, and beautiful, and, for the time being, so was his wife. But Jude’s thoughts were plagued with worry over the future. Soon he would be King, a title which no one of status in the Kingdom desired, and he would be responsible for his countries future. And, he soon came to realize, his daughter’s as well. But, for as long as his Layla lived, so shall he.
Five wondrous years passed, and their daughter, Princess Lucy, filled everyone she encountered with insurmountable joy. Layla, whose end drew near, tried to keep Lucy’s light alight and made her husband promise everyday to protect and love their beautiful daughter after she was gone.
And then the fateful day happened.
A whole week was dedicated to mourning her absence throughout the Kingdom. The palace closed it’s gates, and, as King Jude began to drown in his grief just as Queen Layla had feared, King Jude closed his heart.
Poor beautiful, beautiful Lucy, who the people loved so dearly, was to never see her precious mother again. Lucy, instead, took solace in the spirits her mother had left her. She contented herself with their stories of her mother, and the quiet attention her father gave her when he could spare the time. However, Princess Lucy had been cursed with the face of a ghost.
While a blessing to almost all who had loved and cherished Queen Layla, it was a constant reminder to King Jude of the love he had lost. Soon, King Jude could not bare to look at his daughter’s face, and the spare time he found with her vanished. Princess Lucy soon began to feel that she had not just lost her mother, but her father as well.
King Jude’s reign was constantly challenged, and his grief, before long, turned into outrage. The nobility refused to recognize his rule, and King Jude’s prolonged grieving had allowed them to run rampant. The Lords and Ladies of Fiore began to demand more tax and fought with one another over land. The people suffered. When King Jude finally realized what was happening, the damage had already been done.
King Jude had all of the nobility that dared disobey his command executed, but there was nothing to be done with the ruined farms or the fierce poverty that had struck his people. At least, that was what Jude believed. It is no wonder that the people began to rebel. The flames of rebellion were only further fanned when Jude sent in his army of Knights to order the people to stop. And no amount of water could have put out the fire that erupted when the first battle between his people and his knights broke out.
Queen Layla had only been gone for five years when her precious Kingdom was thrown into a civil war. King Jude, blinded by sadness and anger, only saw the war as a way to preserve the Kingdom: to protect it and his daughter like he had promised his Layla he would. He told himself this every time he ordered the captured Rebels publicly executed, when he began to outlaw the use of magic by mages that weren’t given permission by the King himself.
Magic, King Jude reasoned, was dangerous and uncontrollable by ordinary citizens. Only the most loyal and exemplary of the nobility were allowed to practice, and even then, it was under the strictest rule.
But King Jude knew how powerful magic was. He saw how certain rebel guilds could wipe out whole legions, remembered how strong his Layla had been, and realized the only way to turn the tide would be to use magic as well. Thus, he created the Magical Combatant Division. Some mages willingly joined, desperate to escape the streets. And the others?
Any mages captured and deemed worthy were given a choice: join or die.
Of course, the Magical Combatant Division was in and of itself a death sentence. No one left MCD. Mages, after all, were dangerous.
The Malicious King Jude, as he came to be known, had pushed even his own daughter to rebel. Princess Lucy could no longer tolerate his anger, his yelling, or the way he turned her mother into an untouchable deity that excused him of all crime. This, dear readers, is how The Tower came to be...
~
She was never fast enough. Her legs were so small and cut up, and her lungs burned, her feet ached. She was never fast enough.
Lucy knew this dream well. She had been having it since she tried to run away when she was ten years old. How stupid she had been to think she could have actually escaped. Her dream-self knew this. Knew the result: The Tower, The Execution. The dream played on anyways...
She did not scream. Not even as she felt their hands grabbing her, silencing her. No one would save her, anyways. She fought, though, struggling against the guards sent by her father to bring her back. She couldn’t. She would not-
Her father’s face stood over her. So many guards.
“LUCY!” Her father roared. His palm, hot with anger, met her face, wet with tears. Lucy. Lucy. Lucy. He repeated it over and over again into his hands. She felt so guilty. She knew he cared. He cared. He did. Just too much.
His eyes flashed up to hers like he could hear her and the scene repeated over and over again until she blinked. She blinked and there were the figures. She had never seen those people before, but her father said otherwise.
She had been kidnapped. Taken. Forced. The ‘rebels’ trying to gain leverage.
And she was Poor Princess Lucy.
It was them who should be pitied. The ‘kidnappers’ faces were beaten bloody. They all looked so worn and so tired that Lucy thought the ropes around their necks looked like necklaces of shining gold.
She did not look away when the ropes turned into nooses. When their broken bodies snapped. She had done this. She should never have run. She had done this.
“You did this, Lucy, do you understand?” Her father said quietly.
She had done this.
Their broken bodies swayed in the wind. She screamed to get them down from there. Make them stop. Fix them. Fix this.
Every face in the crowd turned towards Lucy. Small, trembling Princess Lucy unable to look away from the bodies steadily growing.
“You did this,” they all told her, “You did this.”
Blank faces. All staring, staring, and her father kept whispering to her. Suddenly she was growing. The Tower erupting all around her, their faces all fading away, her father’s voice coming from behind her, but still. Still she could see the gold ropes. The nooses. The bodies. Swaying. Her whole Kingdom: nothing but bodies on golden ropes, swinging.
I did this. I did this.
“I did this,” Lucy heard herself whispering. She had just woken up. Her room was in complete darkness.
There were no windows in her room in The Tower. In fact, the few windows The Tower did have were all guarded.
She felt around for her lacrima lamp and was blinded by the sudden light. Bleary eyed and tired, she slowly began to dress. Her eyes watered, still not adjusted, and her train of thought was slow. Already, she could feel it would be one of those days. She would rather just climb back into bed and forget the world, but she knew The Tower would not forget her. Eventually someone would come to check on her, to drag her out of bed, or come and dote on her. Besides, today was when the new recruit from the Magical Combatant Division came. Captain Gajeel Redfox. A dragon slayer.
That thought had Lucy perking up. She had never met one before. Never mind that he was getting sent here as punishment.
The dining hall was normally overflowing with sound and energy, but a great tension hung in the air. It was only made worse by Lucy, her bright blue gown a neon sign for all of their eyes. All of the tension seemed to be caused by a single form, all alone in the back corner of the hall. He was beat up and bloody, and she noticed other knights seemed to be as well.
Had there already been a fight? And concerning someone who hadn’t even been here for a day, nonetheless? Lucy approached her usual spot- a table towards the back of the hall, in the center. The closer she got the more uneasy she felt.
Her thoughts must have been evident because a hand grabbed her wrist, “Don’t, Princess Lucy.”
She looked down. He was an older knight and had helped her spar a couple of times. His face was pleading, and the rest of the knights at his table nodded their head vigorously in agreement.
“He’s an animal, Your Highness,” whispered another knight.
Lucy nodded her head. “I understand.”
A breathe of relief washed across the table. That is until Lucy promptly turned on her heels and made her way to one Mr. Redfox.
Gajeel looked up, astonished. What the hell?
Lucy smiled and batted her big, brown eyes, “Those are some...vivid looking bruises...” Lucy trailed off, ending her sentence with a questioning air.
Gajeel snorted. Who the hell did she think she was? “I’m surprised you know what a bruise is, Princess.”
Lucy smiled. “Considering I am not a complete idiot, Captain Redfox.”
Gajeel narrowed his eyes. “I’m no captain here, Princess.” He practically spit out the word.
“I see,” Lucy said quietly.
They sat in painful silence, the whole dining hall watching them. None was surprised at Princess Lucy’s actions, but Gajeel’s...He was too unpredictable. And a powerful mage, at that. He was not to be trusted.
Lucy watched Gajeel eat-- what looked like-- scrap metal. She watched him so intensely and with such enrapture that she had forgotten the spoon full of porridge she had lifted up to her mouth. The porridge slowly dripped over the sides of her spoon and plopped back into the bowl, all the while her eyes glued to Gajeel.
Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. Gajeel met Lucy’s eyes and snarled, “What the hell ya lookin’ at, Princess?”
Lucy blinked. She gently placed her spoon back into her bowl. When she lifted her eyes they were hungry. Eager.
“Is it true you’re a dragon slayer?” Lucy asked, her words coming out so fast that Gajeel almost didn’t understand what she had asked.
“Is it true you’ve been locked in The Tower for three years?” Gajeel spit out.
Lucy’s mouth opened and then closed. She didn’t know what she was supposed to say. Her father had originally told everyone that he put her in The Tower for her safety, and now....Well, she knew the other nobles were anxious. The Tower was attacked more frequently and it’s location was no longer secret. They wanted her back in the castle. Those that remembered her, that is.
“Is it true you were sent here because you have a problem with authority?” Lucy finally asked, matching Gajeel’s glare with her own.
Gajeel grinned. It transformed his face into something downright sinister.
“I’m glad you asked, Princess. Because it isn’t authority I have a problem with,” Gajeel growled, “It’s royalty.”
Gajeel stood up abruptly from the table. His chair screeched backwards, the plates and glasses clattered, and the rest of the dining hall had followed. The entire dining hall paused, hands clenched, swords drawn. Gajeel only snickered before stalking out of the hall, glaring at anyone who dared to meet his eyes.
Well, Lucy thought, he was not very friendly.
~
Gajeel had been stationed at The Tower for a week. His bruises from the Welcoming Committee had faded long ago, but his anger hadn’t. A whole group of knights had decided to warn him--show him-- what happened to anyone who so much as looked at the Princess wrong. He hadn’t even seen her face when they attacked him, but he knew that his opinion of the royal family wasn’t exactly secret.
He didn’t know what to think of the Princess. Maybe she was just as stupid as he thought she was, but still- somethin’ just didn’t add up. Every single person assigned to The Tower loved Princess Lucy Heartfilia. Even the ones that left. Even the ones that died. One of his knights on the battlefield had used his last, dying breath to ask him to deliver a package to the Princess.
He didn’t understand.
And when he saw the Princess in the trainin’ room, dressed to spar in light combat gear, he thought he’d gone nuts. He’d talked to her three times. All three times she’d been ditsy, prissy, and annoying as all hell. Askin’ about his magic, how he ate metal...now, whatever this was?
Gajeel looked around at the other knights, at the attendants. Not one person batted a single eye at her. Not even when some random knight asked to spar with her, or when she smiled and agreed, or when she kicked his ass. She even gave the knight frickin’ pointers! The princess!
He had to hand it to her, too. Her form wasn’t all that bad. Better than most of the knights. Except, she was too small for a lot of the movements. She was too small and her opponents too big. He didn’t know why they were teaching the Princess to fight, but they could at least do it right.
“Oi!” he called out, marching over to where the Princess stood.
She froze, staring up at him. Everyone in the room turned to look, tense. Gajeel didn’t care.
“Oi, you some kind of bunny girl, Princess?” Gajeel asked, staring down at the Princess.
Her eyes narrowed, her cheeks puffed. Definitely bunny.
“What is that supposed to mean, Gajeel?” she asked icily.
“It means, you look like a bunny, Bunny Girl.”
Lucy threw her hands in the air. Unbelievable. She opened her mouth to tell him to get lost when he beat her to it.
“Yer smaller than a lot of the knights. They should've been teachin’ you how to use that to yer advantage, not makin’ you look like a bunny with all yer...hoppin’ around and what not...” Gajeel trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Oh,” was all Lucy said.
After a moment, Gajeel made to go, but Lucy hesitantly grabbed his arm.
“Will you- will you teach me?” she asked.
Hell no. Gajeel wasn’t an idiot.
Lucy’s grip tightened. She could see it in his face- his rejection.
“Please,” Lucy began, “No one ever teaches me seriously. You’re the first person to say anything like that. And I don’t need someone to pat me on my head- I need someone like you. Someone who won’t hold back.”
Gajeel stared at the Princess for a while. She didn’t break his gaze for a second, not even when he glared at her, or when someone called her away. Her grip tightened to the point where it began to hurt. He didn’t know what made him say yes, but staring into those eyes, he could feel it. The determination to get better, the desperation to become powerful. Gajeel could sense it.
“Alright.”
Lucy’s eyes lit up, “Really?”
“Yes, really,” he told her. “I’m not going to hold back, ya got that, Princess?”
“You promise?” asked Lucy.
Gajeel paused. “Promise.”
“Now,” Gajeel said, “Show me what ya got, Bunny Girl.”
“You call me Bunny Girl one more time, Hammerhead, I swear-”
Gajeel snorted. Definitely an idiot.
~
Lucy and Gajeel’s tentative training sessions had resulted into a full-bloom friendship. After a year of living at The Tower, Gajeel had put in a transfer to stay, and had been at The Tower ever since. He had even been given back his title of Captain and been put in charge of The Tower’s Magical Combatant Division.
Now, almost three years later, they knew almost everything about one another. Their favorite foods, their secret fighting techniques, and even their greatest fears. Gajeel had confessed to barely knowing how to read or write, how his father had left him, how much he hated the King. And Lucy had told him of her nightmares, of her father, and how much she wanted to hate Jude. Together, they became a makeshift family. Lucy was the little sister Gajeel never wanted, and Gajeel, in turn, was the big brother Lucy had always desired.
For instance, Gajeel was currently in Lucy’s room, loudly complaining about the inefficiency of the infirmary.
“I have to go to the frickin’ Princess’ room for medical attention!” Gajeel complained, “The frickin’ Captain of the MCU, and I have to go to the Princess’ room ‘cause the Infirmaries overloaded.”
Lucy looked at him wryly, “You don’t have to go to the Princess’ room, Gajeel.”
Gajeel only looked at her, “Not the point, Bunny Girl. They can’t do their frickin’ jobs and I have to go to the Prin-”
“If you say the ‘Princess’ room’ one more time I’m going to shove a roll of bandages down your throat, Hammerhead.”
Gajeel snorted, “Ya, ya, Bunny Girl.”
“Where’s Juvia?” Lucy asked, glancing at the door as if the water mage would come bounding in any moment.
Gajeel remained quiet for a second. And then another. And another. Long enough for Lucy to begin to worry. She’d only known Juvia for a couple of months, but they had already become such close friends. Juvia had even given her the Sagittarius key on behalf of another knight, Mest, who was the previous Captain of the Magic Division at The Tower before he was transferred.
“Gajeel?” Lucy asked tentatively, gently nudging his arm.
Gajeel looked up at Lucy. “Don’t worry, Bunny Girl, she’s fine. Juvia’s just fillin’ in for me while the Princess tends to my injuries.”
Lucy rolled here eyes, but she could tell something was wrong. Gajeel would never lie about Juvia, but-
Gajeel hardly ever got hurt in battle. And the whole Tower was in a frenzy: everyone was whispering in ecstatic whispers, knights were rushing around, and the infirmary was the busiest it had ever been.
“What happened-” Lucy began, an onslaught of questions on the tip of her tongue.
“They’re gettin’ closer,” was all Gajeel said.
“How many did we lose?” Lucy asked softly, wiping Gajeel’s arm.
“I don’t know. There were only three, but they put up a real big fight before I got there...”
Lucy looked up at him, “Only three?”
“Ya.” Gajeel shifted, “They want me to take a crack at them tomorrow. Think they were just scouts.”
Lucy knew he hated having to interrogate prisoners. Normally it just meant torture. But if they were three powerful scouts...
“Were they Fairy Tail?” Lucy asked.
Gajeel sighed and rubbed his face with his good arm. He needed to shave. And shower. “Ya.”
Lucy loosed a breath. They had never captured three mages from Fairy Tail before. Not all at once. They had only managed to capture one or two, and almost always after heavy reconnaissance. Holy-
Gajeel could sense her train of thought, “I know.”
They were silent for a while. Lucy finally finished cleaning up his scrapes and bandaging the deep cut on his arm, when Gajeel broke the silence.
“They want me to make them an example.”
Lucy nodded her head.
“There was a girl. She was tinier than you are.”
Lucy squeezed his hands. There was nothing she could say. Nothing she could do. She couldn’t save those mages, she couldn’t help her closest friend.
“I’m sorry, Gajeel.”
“We all are, bunny girl.” Gajeel patted Lucy’s head, and slowly got up, “I’ve gotta go to a meeting.”
“I’ll be up,” Lucy told him. And then he was gone.
Lucy slowly put away her mini med-kit and threw out the dirty water. She watched the blood pour down the sink, and thought of how many times that had been her own blood. How many times had it been Gajeel’s? Or someone else’s? A stranger’s blood, swirling down her marble sink...
No. Not a stranger. A citizen to her kingdom. And there was nothing she could do, but watch it go down, down, down and out of sight. Gone. Just like that.
“Just like that,” she whispered to her room, “I did this.”
#ftfic#fairy tail#lucy heartfilia#natsu dragneel#hiro mashima#fanfiction#the tower#trigger warning#death
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our courage is in standing for Love’s truth in a world that opposes it.
and some may even think that they can “progress” away from the sacred truth of Love, but it is actually a turning of the heart away from the truth of our Creator by embracing their own view. the heart is tempted to be its own master, its “lord”, but it will never work. not in the eternal.
and so Scripture not only directs us into truth, it also corrects us just as a Loving Parent. this is the work of the Spirit of the Son and our heavenly Father by illuminating the heart so that we may have True peace that delivers us from the fear of the Judgment to come, and for the shame of our nakedness to be fully reclothed by a sacred act of grace as a refinement of the heart into a pure naked state of rebirth:
And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.
Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy. Keep to the script: whatever you learned and received and heard and saw in me—do it—and the God of peace will walk with you.
Today’s reading of the Scriptures from the New Testament is the 4th and closing chapter of the Letter of Philippians:
For this reason, brothers and sisters, my joy and crown whom I dearly love, I cannot wait to see you again. Continue to stand firm in the Lord, and follow my instructions in this letter, beloved. Euodia and Syntyche, I urge you to put aside your differences, agree, and work together in the Lord. Yes, Syzygus, loyal friend, I enlist you to please help these women. They, along with brother Clement and many others, have worked by my side to spread the good news of the gospel. They have their names recorded in the Book of Life.
Most of all, friends, always rejoice in the Lord! I never tire of saying it: Rejoice! Keep your gentle nature so that all people will know what it looks like to walk in His footsteps. The Lord is ever present with us. Don’t be anxious about things; instead, pray. Pray about everything. He longs to hear your requests, so talk to God about your needs and be thankful for what has come. And know that the peace of God (a peace that is beyond any and all of our human understanding) will stand watch over your hearts and minds in Jesus, the Anointed One.
Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy. Keep to the script: whatever you learned and received and heard and saw in me—do it—and the God of peace will walk with you.
I could hardly contain my joy in the Lord when I realized you have started to show your care for me once again. Since you have not had the opportunity to show how much you cared until now, I want you to know how it touched me. I am not saying this because I am in need. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances. I know how to survive in tight situations, and I know how to enjoy having plenty. In fact, I have learned how to face any circumstances: fed or hungry, with or without. I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength. Nevertheless, it was admirable of you to participate in my affliction.
You remember, Philippians, at the beginning of my gospel journey after I left Macedonia, no church offered me the financial assistance I needed to do the Lord’s work, except you alone. Even when I took the message to Thessalonica, you sent provisions to me. Twice even! Not that I am looking for a gift—I am just looking toward your reward that comes from your gift. With what Epaphroditus delivered to me from your generous pockets, I have even been blessed in excess. I am fully satisfied. I know God is pleased with your dedication and accepts this gift as a fragrant offering, a holy sacrifice, on His behalf. Know this: my God will also fill every need you have according to His glorious riches in Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King. So may our God and Father be glorified forever and ever. Amen.
Greet every saint there in Jesus the Anointed One, for my brothers and sisters and I send our greetings to you. All of the saints, especially those serving in Caesar’s household, also send salutations to you. May you all continue the journey with your spirits strengthened by the grace of the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. [Amen.]
The Letter of Philippians, Chapter 4 (The Voice)
with the closing lines of the same chapter in The Message:
Give our regards to every follower of Jesus you meet. Our friends here say hello. All the Christians here, especially the believers who work in the palace of Caesar, want to be remembered to you.
Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.
The Letter of Philippians, Chapter 4:21-23 (The Message)
Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 14th chapter of the book of Jeremiah that points to Judgment due to the people not turning from their lies and sin:
The word of the Eternal came to Jeremiah about the coming droughts.
Eternal One: Judah mourns and her cities grow weak;
her people collapse to the ground in grief.
The cries of Jerusalem echo through the city.
The nobles send their servants for water that is not there.
They come to cisterns only to return home with their jars empty.
They have all been shamed, humiliated,
so they cover their heads.
The fields are dry and the ground is cracked because there is no rain.
The farmers suffer shame; they, too, cover their heads.
Even the animals of the field struggle:
the devoted doe walks away from her newborn fawn,
all because there is no grass to be found.
The wild donkeys stand on barren hills panting like jackals in the dry heat.
With no plants to eat, their bodies weaken—their eyes grow dim.
People (to God): We know our guilt cries out against us,
but O Eternal One, step in now and do something!
For the sake of Your own good name, help us.
It’s true—our betrayals are many, so much have we sinned against You.
But O Hope of Israel, her Savior in times of trouble, don’t forget us!
Why are You acting like a stranger here in Your own land,
Treating us like some traveler who’s only staying for the night?
Why do You seem surprised,
like a warrior who cannot defend us?
But we know You are here, among us even now.
Eternal One—we are Your people.
You know us by name;
do not disown us!
Eternal One: (about His people) All this is true, but they love to wander from Me; they cannot control their restless feet—which are constantly running after other gods. That is why I won’t accept them and take them back. I will remember their guilt and hold them accountable for their sins.
(to Jeremiah) Do not pray for this people’s well being. They will try to impress Me again, but when they fast, I will not hear their cry; when they bring Me their burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept any of them. Instead, I will offer to them their own destruction by war, by famine, and by disease.
Jeremiah: But Eternal Lord, there are prophets in the land who keep telling the people none of this will happen. They claim to speak for You, saying, “No war or famine will come to you. Instead, I will give you peace and security in this place.”
Eternal One: But these so-called prophets are “prophesying” lies. And they do so in My name! I have said no such thing. I have not sent them and directed them to speak in My name. Their prophecies are based on false visions, faulty revelation, and dark delusions of their own making.
This is what the Eternal says regarding the false prophets who attempt to speak in His name.
Eternal One: I simply did not send them. Those who are proclaiming to the people, “No war or famine will touch this land,” will themselves die in war and famine. And those foolish enough to listen to their prophecies will be tossed into the streets of Jerusalem, weakened by famine, victims of war. They will die, and there will be no one to bury them, their wives, their sons, or their daughters because I will pour out their own evil upon them.
God told me to speak these words to them:
Jeremiah: May my eyes fill with tears day and night.
Let me not stop crying for what I see:
for my tender virgin daughter—my people—
Has suffered a crushing blow.
I see her now with a serious, gaping wound.
If I go to the countryside, I see the bodies of those cut down in war;
if I walk into the city, I see the misery brought on by famine.
And yet the prophets and priests go about their business in blissful ignorance,
unaware of what they are doing.
(to God) Have You abandoned Judah completely?
Do You now hate Zion?
Why have You wounded us beyond healing?
We longed for peace, but nothing good ever came.
We hoped for healing, but only terror came our way.
We admit our wickedness, O Eternal One.
We confess the sins of our ancestors.
We know we, too, have sinned against You.
For the sake of Your good name, do not disown us;
do not dishonor the throne of Your glory.
O God, remember Your people!
Do not break Your covenant with us.
Do any of the foreign idols bring the rain?
Do the showers fall from heaven by themselves?
No. They come from You, Eternal One our God.
That is why our hope is in You, for You alone do all this.
The Book of Jeremiah, Chapter 14 (The Voice)
A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures for friday, August 27 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible along with Today’s Proverbs and Psalms
A post by John Parsons that points to humility:
The service of God requires the death of the ego (Luke 9:23). Rashi says that Aaron was still deeply ashamed over the Sin of the Calf, and that is why Moses urged his brother forward: "Draw near to the altar" (Lev. 9:7). And though Aaron felt inadequate and unworthy to be the High Priest of Israel, Rashi comments that he was chosen precisely because of this. His reluctance and sense of utter unworthiness was the very reason why he was granted the role of Israel's High Priest.
Likewise you might feel unworthy of your high calling in the Messiah and yet you are called to come before the Divine Presence and function as God's holy priest, no less than Aaron... You are chosen in your weakness; you are beloved because of your lowly standing; you are made "pure in heart" because you realize your own inner nothingness and need before the Savior.... Your brokenness is a gift that magnifies God's unending love and grace (1 Cor. 1:26-29).
The sages sometimes say that God is closer to sinners than to “saints.” God in heaven holds each person by a string. When you sin, you cut the string; but then God ties it up again, making a knot - and thereby you are brought a little closer to him. Again and again your sins cut the string - and with each further knot God keeps drawing you closer and closer." [Hebrew for Christians]
8.26.21 • Facebook
and another about purity of heart:
Some people think of "purity of heart" in moral terms, such as not looking with lust on others, not coveting, etc., though these are symptoms of disordered love... Genuine purity is a matter of focus, making a decision to believe the miracle in order to find the “good portion” and the “one thing necessary” (Luke 10:42). We “believe to see” (Psalm 27:13). Purity of heart therefore realizes that all that you’ve ever longed for is found in God alone. “There is but one good; that is God. Everything else is good when it looks to Him and bad when it turns from Him” (C.S. Lewis). It is a great, great gift from heaven to know God as your heart's true desire - to fully understand that your relationship with Him is the ultimate concern and treasure of your existence.
It is the Spirit that gives life (John 6:63). The Holy Spirit imparts the “pulse” of the Divine Life, and we gain newness of life when we trust God for purification from our sins through Yeshua our LORD. As King David further attested: Lev tahor bara li Elohim – “Create in me a clean heart, O God” and renew a spirit of ‘yes’ within me (Psalm 51:10). Only the new heart (lev chadash) created by the agency of God's Spirit can possibly yield the life of the Spirit within us. The miracle of a new heart transforms your whole inner nature - with the impartation of new appetites, new passions, new desires, and the rebirth of your will. If you struggle with being inwardly divided, fervently ask the LORD to give you the blessing of purity of heart... [Hebrew for Christians]
8.27.21 • Facebook
Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research
August 27, 2021
Always
“And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)
A favorite old song of many senior citizens (of this writer, at least) is the sentimental “I’ll be loving you—always” ballad written long ago by Irving Berlin. The sincerity of some who sing it may be questioned, but the many “always” promises of the Bible really mean it. Consider a few of these precious promises, for example.
The apostle Paul urges believers to be “always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). And to the same Corinthian church he later wrote: “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Then there is that other tremendous promise in the same epistle: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). The greatest such promise is that in our text, when the Lord Jesus Christ Himself promised that “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20).
These are also a number of very important exhortations in the Scriptures involving an “always” type of commitment. For example, Jesus said “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). That is, never give up praying just because the answer seems a long time coming. Furthermore, Paul says that we should be “giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20).
Then, we are to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). Finally, there is the command to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). HMM
A question mark (?) proposed in a tweet by illumiNations:
@IlluminationsBT: QUIZ: How many languages are there globally?
illumiNations advocates for every verse in every language according to the expressed needs of God's Church.
8.27.21 • 12:01pm • Twitter
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PEACE FOR THE FRAY
Recently, some confounding situations defied reason and plagued our understanding in respect to close, dear folks suffering grave injustices at the hands of the judicial system. Simple matters of common sense, integrity, righteous judgment and justice should easily have prevailed on their behalf, but no. In our shared despair, biblical encouragement was given along with prayer, asking God for needed words of understanding to see them through that would help “guard their hearts and minds in peace through Christ Jesus.” With having this scripture at heart from Phil.4:6-7 the Lord brought my attention to a fragment I had overlooked, “…the peace of God, which surpasses (exceeds, overdoes, overrides) all understanding” …and even in the face of no understanding.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil.4:6-7).
What followed, was in my view, a healthy understanding from the Lord for the times we find ourselves in, when a further word of understanding is not always forthcoming from the Lord. This is not always for lack of asking Him - “You receive not because you ask not.” There are just those times where we are left with a deafening quiet that makes us think we are unheard… maybe forsaken. At this point, we could foolishly start picking daisies with saying, “He loves me, He loves me not…!” And, tragically begin to lose faith and the standard we have held in following Him passionately. Considering the Day we are in, with perversions of power mounting, love toward God comes under the threat of 'waxing cold'. However, there is an abounding grace, a divine enabling to act on from God in confronting sin’s increase for a greater and stronger faith that will see His glory! And Grace never seems to live alone in the New Testament, but is found in good company of her sister, Peace. Rom.1:7, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” This statement used in continual greeting of the saints throughout the epistles is not to be taken lightly.
Jesus in John 16 reiterates many things He has spoken from John 14-15. However, all is drawn up in chapter 16 with Jesus imparting to the disciples what will shortly come and what is meant to help them from “stumbling” (Jn.16:1). He then states, “They will put you out of the synagogues (or churches).” Next, “…the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God a service” (v.2). I’m not sure what part of this would keep them or me from stumbling, but let’s go on! He then tops this with, “But now I go away to Him who sent Me…” (v.5). At this point “no one asks Him where He is going” (v.5). Why? Because “their hearts are filled with sorrow” (v.6). He having more to say cannot, stating, “…you cannot bear them now” (v.12).
Now, I would be remiss to not bring the counterbalance Jesus shared here, as well, telling the disciples that when this occurs “you may remember that I told you” (v.4). In other words, the road is mapped ahead of you so don’t think you’re lost or forsaken. And, “…it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (the Holy Spirit) will not come to you…” (v.7-15). Again, help is coming and “He will be with you and in you” (Jn.14:17). Lastly, Jesus completes the map yet to be written with what they will go through in mourning His death while the world rejoices, but that it would be turned to restored and permanent joy with seeing Him again (v.16-24). Once and for all, the Lord knows the end from our beginning, because He is the Beginning and the End; Alpha and Omega! With all that has been “figurative” (v.25), like a dream we try to understand, they with receiving the Holy Spirit would then possess “the mind of Christ” to “discern all things rightly” (1 Cor.2:15-16).
Now, the prophetic map is set in detail for their lives at this juncture. Yet, a final plug is added for those voids of understanding when the enemy taunts, “Where is your God?” That plug is Jn.16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” His Peace is found with being in Him. He is in us to the end that we would be in Him. As the Prince of Peace, He is the plug keeping faith from draining from us, giving place to fear and anxiety; a peace to be abided in since He is more than the world.
“And this One shall be peace” (Mic.5:5). “He is our peace…” (Eph.2:14). “…Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…” (Isa.9:6b-7a).
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John14:27).
Oh, God has a map of our horizons that He overshadows. History is already written in the annals of Heaven and it is all chronicled beneath His-story. While we ask again for God’s transforming power to change our situations or another word of rescue, in the deafening quiet He may be asking us what has been transformed in our thinking that makes us any different than the world thinks? When so much of the Church remains conformed to this world; without sign, wonder and miracle, why should there be another fast fix that leaves little difference in His image among us? The Lord is not running a university or a college that gives a degree for what our head thinks to have learned. His is a trade school where we are called to leave our lives at the door to receive His. All must become hands-on experience from Him taking us to His higher thought and way that are not ours. I fear that even we who cherish the revelation of His Word, may find our understanding inconsequential in standing up to the pressures that are building at this time. Unless we are taking our understanding to the bank of His interest with us where our life’s currency is exchanged, the test of fire will surely burn it up. The fellowship of the disciples was bent on what they heard, saw, touched and handled of that eternal Word and Life. This they passed on to us to be our fellowship as well! The peace He gives is for the fray and pray, not the play and passe'. It is not passive, but active.
In the volume of the Lord’s thoughts and words, some are given as overtones, others as undertones, none without exceeding significance for walking with Him. The overtone would be the more prominent tone carried in the likeness of an instrument that first brings about a song, it’s melody. It is the song! To enrich the song, other instruments may be added: violins, cellos, trumpets, woodwinds… etc. each playing its own harmonious part in filling out the song masterfully. Its orchestral beauty makes it a song in want of never ending; unshakably branded in our hearts and minds. But if that one instrument (or voice) that holds the original melody should be removed, all else loses the line from which it was composed to fit.
My wife and I have led worship for years spending time going over songs new and old. From time to time, she’ll ask me if I remember a song that she begins to sing. Wonderingly, I’ve said to her, “I have no idea what that song is?” The conflict thus begins with her singing it again and me saying, “I’ve never heard it before!” Until I realize she is singing harmony (or the undertone) to the song, as she always has. It is not the melody itself, but the enrichment, the fill, the enhancement, so vital. Words of God bearing His overtone are the essence of our walk; they carry the “always, forever, every, surely…” factor. When understanding is not clear, the main melody remains as an anchor for our soul. Their endless ring are reminders to our spirit of an immovable place we have yet to abide in faith. He is in those words to be found and they are Him!
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Heb.13:5a).
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom.8:6).
“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 John4:16).
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."(Lam.3:22-23).
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps.23:6).
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb.13:8).
Saints, the witness of the Holy Spirit that first bypassed our natural mind to bring His salvation, continues to call our heart and mind to His peace where we trust, obey and discern our need to “…pull down imaginations, human reasoning, tearing down intellectual arguments and every lofty opinion that pits itself against the knowledge of the one true God, bringing every loose thought, emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ…” (2 Cor.10:4-5 DCV). This is for our forward!
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Col.3:15).
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa.26:3).
"For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken” (Acts 2:25).
- P. Dave Cosgrove
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6th July >> Mass Readings (USA)
Saturday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
or
Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin, Martyr
or
Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Saturday, Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Liturgical Colour: Green)
First Reading
Genesis 27:1-5, 15-29
Jacob displaced his brother and usurped his blessing (Genesis 27:36).
When Isaac was so old that his eyesight had failed him, he called his older son Esau and said to him, “Son!” “Yes father!” he replied. Isaac then said, “As you can see, I am so old that I may now die at any time. Take your gear, therefore–your quiver and bow– and go out into the country to hunt some game for me. With your catch prepare an appetizing dish for me, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my special blessing before I die.”
Rebekah had been listening while Isaac was speaking to his son Esau. So, when Esau went out into the country to hunt some game for his father, Rebekah [then] took the best clothes of her older son Esau that she had in the house, and gave them to her younger son Jacob to wear; and with the skins of the kids she covered up his hands and the hairless parts of his neck. Then she handed her son Jacob the appetizing dish and the bread she had prepared.
Bringing them to his father, Jacob said, “Father!” “Yes?” replied Isaac. “Which of my sons are you?” Jacob answered his father: “I am Esau, your first-born. I did as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your special blessing.” But Isaac asked, “How did you succeed so quickly, son?” He answered, “The Lord, your God, let things turn out well with me.” Isaac then said to Jacob, “Come closer, son, that I may feel you, to learn whether you really are my son Esau or not.” So Jacob moved up closer to his father. When Isaac felt him, he said, “Although the voice is Jacob’s, the hands are Esau’s.” (He failed to identify him because his hands were hairy, like those of his brother Esau; so in the end he gave him his blessing.) Again he asked Jacob, “Are you really my son Esau?” “Certainly,” Jacob replied. Then Isaac said, “Serve me your game, son, that I may eat of it and then give you my blessing.” Jacob served it to him, and Isaac ate; he brought him wine, and he drank. Finally his father Isaac said to Jacob, “Come closer, son, and kiss me.” As Jacob went up and kissed him, Isaac smelled the fragrance of his clothes. With that, he blessed him saying,
“Ah, the fragrance of my son
is like the fragrance of a field
that the Lord has blessed!
“May God give to you
of the dew of the heavens
And of the fertility of the earth
abundance of grain and wine.
“Let peoples serve you,
and nations pay you homage;
Be master of your brothers,
and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.
Cursed be those who curse you,
and blessed be those who bless you.”
The Word of the Lord
R/ Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 135:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
R/ Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!
or
R/ Alleluia.
Praise the name of the Lord;
Praise, you servants of the Lord
Who stand in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God.
R/ Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!
or
R/ Alleluia.
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
sing praise to his name, which we love;
For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself,
Israel for his own possession.
R/ Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!
or
R/ Alleluia.
For I know that the Lord is great;
our Lord is greater than all gods.
All that the Lord wills he does
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and in all the deeps.
R/ Praise the Lord for the Lord is good!
or
R/ Alleluia.
Gospel Acclamation
John 10:27
Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 9:14-17
Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them?
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?” Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”
The Gospel of the Lord
R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
—————————
Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin, Martyr
(Liturgical Colour: Red)
(Readings for the memorial
There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Saturday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)
First Reading
1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Your bodies are members of the Body of Christ.
Brothers and sisters: The body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body; God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Whoever is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Avoid immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body.
The Word of the Lord
R/ Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17
R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.
R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Gospel Acclamation
James 1:12
Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation,
for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
John 12:24-26
If it dies, it produces much fruit.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
The Gospel of the Lord
R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
——————————-
Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Liturgical Colour: White)
First Reading
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.
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 man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.
The Word of the Lord
R/ Thanks be to God.
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 Acclamation
cf. Luke 1:28
Alleluia, alleluia.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.
David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
The Gospel of the Lord
R/ Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
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#blessed (Matthew 5:1-12)
I am so glad to be back with you all today. I’ve been feeling a bit of whiplash, though, making the transition from a week with my family in the happiest place on earth… back into the real world. We spent several days rubbing shoulders with families from all over the world, where we heard many languages spoken, where my girls lit up with wonder to see that It’s a Small World after all; we spend a week in a place where – for all the tantrums, and yes, there were plenty – a place where nevertheless we were surrounded by people who smiled at us, who helped us, who went out of their way for us, who treated my children like royalty, who did everything they could not just for our family but for every family there.
And then we came home… we flew home on Inauguration Day, and it quickly became apparent that things are changing and changing quickly. I don’t know about you, but my head has been spinning – trying to keep up with “alternative facts” and executive orders and gag orders, hearing the voices of neighbors fearing for their immigration status, families terrified of losing their health care, couples wondering if their marriages could be overturned, not to mention the sheer number of people who do not see the painful irony of closing the doors to refugees on the very same day of a “pro-life” march and remembrance for the victims of the Holocaust.
And what hurts my heart the most are the number of our Christian brothers and sisters who don’t see it. I keep hearing in my head the echo of Paul’s words to the Galatians: I am astonished that you are turning away from the truth of the gospel, that you are being fooled by a false gospel – because that’s what we’re seeing. So many pastors, so many of our neighbors and colleagues and friends, are falling in line behind and preaching a gospel where might makes right, where God’s favor can be earned, where riches are a sign of God’s blessings, and only the strongest survive.
That’s not the gospel I know; that’s not the gospel Jesus preached… that kind of gospel is really only “good news” to the rich and the powerful – and a gospel that is only good news to the rich and the powerful is one Jesus wouldn’t recognize at all.
That is, I think, why these familiar words from the Sermon on the Mount, why they are so profound and radical indeed. What’s happening here is, it’s very early in Jesus’ ministry. He’s been tempted in the wilderness, he’s just called his disciples, and then he went on a tour through the area of Galilee. And this area, it wasn’t the richest area. It was an area populated by fishermen and their families, by farmers and their families, by working people just trying to take care of one another. Jesus went through the area teaching, and giving good news, and healing many who were ill. And the news began to spread, that there was a new young teacher in Galilee who spoke good news and offered healing, so that people started to travel from all around to find him, bringing their sons, their daughters, their parents, their neighbors, themselves, looking for relief from pain and possessions and all the suffering that they faced. And Jesus welcomed those desperate people, and he healed them, and this large crowd of those looking for help and those who’d found it, this large crowd started to follow him.
And Matthew says, when Jesus looked at the crowd, that’s when he went up on the hillside and he started to teach. As he looked out at the crowd of local families and foreigners, the crowd of hurting and sick and poor and grieving people, the crowds of people hungry for bread and hungry for hope – Jesus started to speak. And he said,
“Blessed are the poor in spirit…
“Blessed are those who mourn...
“Blessed are the meek…
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…
“Blessed are the merciful…
“Blessed are the pure in heart…
“Blessed are the peacemakers…
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, lie and say all kinds of evil about you, because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward.”
Those crowds, just like the crowds today, had long been told that they didn’t matter, that they weren’t important. They’d been taught that God’s blessings came in the form of money and power – and because they had neither, they didn’t matter to God, and they didn’t matter to the world, either. They were nobodies. They were expendable, bit players in the corner of the global stage, and while the high priests and the caesars were off shaping the world, they were forgotten; no one saw them, no one heard them, no one even knew their names.
Jesus looked out at those crowds – and he didn’t see nobodies. He didn’t say, if you just worked harder, if you just tried harder, if you had enough faith and did all the right things, then God would bless you, because God helps those who help themselves.
No, Jesus said:
You are already blessed.
You are already blessed, when you can’t help yourself. You are already blessed, when you can barely get out of bed in the morning. When your heart is breaking, when you’re alone and afraid, when you’re hungry for justice, when you’re just plain hungry – God has not forgotten you. You are not abandoned; you are not forsaken. God doesn’t look at you and see a nobody; God looks at you and says, You, I love; You, I know; You are mine, and you are blessed.
Is anybody on Twitter at all? Basically, Twitter is one a way that, if you have something you want to say, you can “tweet” it – you put it out on Twitter and send it into the universe. And there is this thing on twitter called a hash tag. What you can do with a hash tag is put a tag, a label, on your post, so that everyone who’s interested in a certain topic can find what people are saying about them. People hashtag politicians, they hashtag disasters and popular TV shows, they hashtag #MissUniverse and #WomensMarch and #love and #cute and #SuperBowl.
And this week, I decided to see what people were saying that they chose to label with the hashtag #blessed.
Let me give you just a sample of what I found:
The very first thing that popped up was this – someone posted, “Got pulled over doing 42 in a 30. Told the police officer I’m in a rush [because] Popeyes closes at 9:30 and he let me go. He a real one #blessed”
Many of the posts were similarly – we might say, trivial? Like the college student who tweeted, “I just realized I only have one class tomorrow… at noon #blessed”
Or the food fan who posted, with a picture, “There’s a twenty-layer rainbow crepe in Queens #blessed.”
One young lady gushed, with an ad for a clothing store attached, “I have this sweater in pink and its my favorite thing and now they’re 60% off (hearts for eyes emoticon) (crying my eyes out emoticon) #blessed”
How about the – I hope sarcastic? – post: “I have lived to see the era of Artisanal Pop-Tarts #blessed.”
Ah, yes, I remember well when Jesus said, “Blessed are you when your artificial breakfast pastries are slightly less artificial, for yours is the breakfast of heaven.”
There are, of course, plenty of #blessed posts about boyfriends and girlfriends and spouses and children; I found a surprising number celebrating the blessing of snowdays and school delays. There were the obligatory folks bragging about days on the beach or trips-of-a-lifetime, and others giving thanks for new jobs or promotions or raises. But there were also many about make-up and mac and cheese and new cars and cups of coffee… And it really, really amazed me to discover that, at this time of year, more than half of the #blessed posts have to do with offers to play college football. I lost track of how many times I read “I am committed to play at” or “Proud to have an offer from” (insert university name here) #blessed.
Don’t get me wrong: there’s a lot to be said for celebrating the good things in our live, the big ones and the small. There’s something healthy about celebrating hard work paying off with good grades or scholarship offers; there’s something healthy about celebrating friendships and relationships; and there’s something healthy about being thankful for the little things, for favorite socks and a good cup of coffee. I get that.
But I just can’t help but think that, when Jesus said, “Blessed” – that’s not what he meant. Could you even imagine what those tweets would look like?
They say God won’t give me more than I can handle, but I don’t even know where God is any more #blessed
My mother just died; I am heartbroken and don’t know how I’m going to live the rest of my life without her #blessed
Got yelled at at work again today; I know it’s about them not me, but I still cried in the bathroom #blessed
I am so hungry, my check doesn’t come in until next Friday, feeding my kids ketchup sandwiches while my stomach rumbles again tonight #blessed
Tried to make peace at family dinner but plates were still broken, hurtful words were yelled, and I ended up alone again #blessed
Going to lose my job because I told the truth #blessed
I am so lonely #blessed
I can’t get out of bed today #blessed
Crying so hard, it’s hard to breathe #blessed
But that’s what Jesus says: you’re blessed when you’re mourning, when you’re feeling weak, when you’re hungry for justice, when you’re thirsty for truth, when you can’t make ends meet, when you’re good to those who don’t deserve it, when you’re trying to make peace, when you’re lied about, when you’re losing the fight, when you’re feeling alone… when you’re feeling cursed, that’s when you’re blessed.
Which begs the question: What does “blessed” mean? – does it mean happy? Lucky? Privileged? Fortunate? Favored?
It can’t be the same as our usual understanding, where being #blessed has to do with escaping speeding tickets and catching footballs and eating desserts. Jesus never says happy are the rich, happy are the popular, happy are the powerful and the comfortable… He says, happy, blessed are the mournful, the poor in spirit, the hungry, the peacemakers and the meek.
And there are lots of theories about what Jesus means when he says that, but I think what he meant was – as he looked out at that crowd that day, the crowd of people who’d been forsaken and overlooked and ignored all their lives, he said: you, and you, and you are blessed. I see you; God sees you. You are blessed, right in the middle of your mess – not because everything is easy, but because it’s real, and it’s in the real stuff of living that God meets us. You are blessed, because it’s in the real mess of life that Christ chooses to be. God didn’t send a king, an emperor, or a president to save us; God sent a child, born to two poor parents, born in a barn, raised in a modest home, taught to work for a living – God came as someone who knows what it is to be ordinary, to be overlooked, to struggle to make it through.
Jesus said, if you look for me, look among the poor and the hungry and the naked and the sick and the imprisoned, look with the immigrants and the refugees and the outsiders, and I’ll be there.
When we feel as far away from #blessed as we can be – that’s when we need to know that God is still with us, God see us, God loves us, God chooses us…
Which means we have two questions before us today:
First, do we really believe that God is with us, that we are beloved by God, even when we’re struggling, when we’re suffering, when we’re weighed down with grief and doubts and pain? Dare we call ourselves “blessed” when nothing comes easy, and it really takes an act of faith to do it?
And the second question is, dare we call others “blessed” too? Are we making room at our table for those whom God has called beloved and blessed? Do we welcome the hungry? The struggling? The ones who are filled with difficult questions? Do we welcome the strangers, the immigrants and refugees? Do we welcome those who try to walk the narrow middle road, to make peace? Do we welcome those who speak truth and call us to justice?
Do we really want to be blessed? Do we want to be with those whom God called blessed? Are we willing not just to “serve” but to be served? Will we listen, will we learn, trusting that as we do, we will get a clearer picture of the heart of God?
Especially in the world we face today, we need to be brought back again and again to the real good news: God is not on the side of the loudest or the most powerful; God is not on the side of the rich insiders of the world. God is always on the outside; and when we feel left out, God is there with us; and when we see others being left in the cold – God is with them, and God challenges us to be with them, too.
God’s grace, God’s love, God’s blessing is big enough for us all.
You are blessed today. You are blessed, you are beloved, you are welcome, you are wanted, you are seen, you are heart, you are loved.
Let us know that we are blessed; let us bless others, in the name of the God who loves us still.
God, you challenge us today. You challenge us to reconsider how our priorities line up with yours. We long to be comfortable, to be safe, to be happy; we want things to be easier – but you remind us that you are closest to us in the midst of the struggle. Comfort us as we mourn today; teach us humility, and make us hungry for justice and thirsty for what is right. Help us to show mercy, to love not just the people we agree with, to help not just those whom we deem worth – but to love as generously and help as graciously as you do. Show us how to be peacemakers, and when the path leads us to persecution, when we struggle, when we stumble along the way – bless us with your love, bless us with your strength, bless us with your courage and your grace once again. Help us to make peace; help us to have peace. May we be blessed; may we be blessings. In Christ’s name we pray; amen.
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God, you know me so well. You created me. You know the number of hairs on my head, and you even know the thoughts conceived in my heart before I ever vocalize them. You've told us to come to you and ask for every need of life. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals, and you have the final word on my destiny, the number of years I'll live and serve you on earth.
I'm coming to you today as your child, longing to hear from you and asking for your divine healing. There's so much I don't understand about life. But I do know that with one touch, one word, you can make me whole. Please forgive me of my sins, cleanse me of my unrighteousness, and begin your healing from the inside out.
Psalm 86:14-17 NLT - 14 O God, insolent people rise up against me; a violent gang is trying to kill me. You mean nothing to them. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. 16 Look down and have mercy on me. Give your strength to your servant; save me, the son of your servant. 17 Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.
Zechariah 10:1-12 NLT - 1 Ask the LORD for rain in the spring, for he makes the storm clouds. And he will send showers of rain so every field becomes a lush pasture. 2 Household gods give worthless advice, fortune-tellers predict only lies, and interpreters of dreams pronounce falsehoods that give no comfort. So my people are wandering like lost sheep; they are attacked because they have no shepherd. 3 "My anger burns against your shepherds, and I will punish these leaders. For the LORD of Heaven's Armies has arrived to look after Judah, his flock. He will make them strong and glorious, like a proud warhorse in battle. 4 From Judah will come the cornerstone, the tent peg, the bow for battle, and all the rulers. 5 They will be like mighty warriors in battle, trampling their enemies in the mud under their feet. Since the LORD is with them as they fight, they will overthrow even the enemy's horsemen. 6 "I will strengthen Judah and save Israel; I will restore them because of my compassion. It will be as though I had never rejected them, for I am the LORD their God, who will hear their cries. 7 The people of Israel will become like mighty warriors, and their hearts will be made happy as if by wine. Their children, too, will see it and be glad; their hearts will rejoice in the LORD. 8 When I whistle to them, they will come running, for I have redeemed them. From the few who are left, they will grow as numerous as they were before. 9 Though I have scattered them like seeds among the nations, they will still remember me in distant lands. They and their children will survive and return again to Israel. 10 I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will resettle them in Gilead and Lebanon until there is no more room for them all. 11 They will pass safely through the sea of distress, for the waves of the sea will be held back, and the waters of the Nile will dry up. The pride of Assyria will be crushed, and the rule of Egypt will end. 12 By my power I will make my people strong, and by my authority they will go wherever they wish. I, the LORD, have spoken!"
Revelation 18:1-14 NLT - 1 After all this I saw another angel come down from heaven with great authority, and the earth grew bright with his splendor. 2 He gave a mighty shout: "Babylon is fallen--that great city is fallen! She has become a home for demons. She is a hideout for every foul spirit, a hideout for every foul vulture and every foul and dreadful animal. 3 For all the nations have fallen because of the wine of her passionate immorality. The kings of the world have committed adultery with her. Because of her desires for extravagant luxury, the merchants of the world have grown rich." 4 Then I heard another voice calling from heaven, "Come away from her, my people. Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her. 5 For her sins are piled as high as heaven, and God remembers her evil deeds. 6 Do to her as she has done to others. Double her penalty for all her evil deeds. She brewed a cup of terror for others, so brew twice as much for her. 7 She glorified herself and lived in luxury, so match it now with torment and sorrow. She boasted in her heart, 'I am queen on my throne. I am no helpless widow, and I have no reason to mourn.' 8 Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day--death and mourning and famine. She will be completely consumed by fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty." 9 And the kings of the world who committed adultery with her and enjoyed her great luxury will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her charred remains. 10 They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will cry out, "How terrible, how terrible for you, O Babylon, you great city! In a single moment God's judgment came on you." 11 The merchants of the world will weep and mourn for her, for there is no one left to buy their goods. 12 She bought great quantities of gold, silver, jewels, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet cloth; things made of fragrant thyine wood, ivory goods, and objects made of expensive wood; and bronze, iron, and marble. 13 She also bought cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and bodies--that is, human slaves. 14 "The fancy things you loved so much are gone," they cry. "All your luxuries and splendor are gone forever, never to be yours again."
Loving God, we thank you for hearing our prayers,
feeding us with your word,
and encouraging us in our meeting together.
Take us and use us
to love and serve you, and all people,
in the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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My Saturday Daily Blessings
July 6, 2019
Be still quiet your heart and mind, the LORD is here, loving you talking to you...........
Saturday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 382
First Reading: Genesis 27: 1-5, 15-29
When Isaac was so old that his eyesight had failed him, he called his older son Esau and said to him, "Son!"
"Yes father!" he replied.
Isaac then said, "As you can see, I am so old that I may now die at any time.
Take your gear, therefore–your quiver and bow–and go out into the country to hunt some game for me.
With your catch prepare an appetizing dish for me, such as I like, and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my special blessing before I die."
Rebekah had been listening while Isaac was speaking to his son Esau. So, when Esau went out into the country to hunt some game for his father, Rebekah [then] took the best clothes of her older son Esau that she had in the house,
and gave them to her younger son Jacob to wear; and with the skins of the kids she covered up his hands and the hairless parts of his neck.
Then she handed her son Jacob the appetizing dish and the bread she had prepared.
Bringing them to his father, Jacob said, "Father!"
"Yes?" replied Isaac. "Which of my sons are you?"
Jacob answered his father: "I am Esau, your first-born.
I did as you told me.
Please sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may give me your special blessing."
But Isaac asked, "How did you succeed so quickly, son?"
He answered, "The LORD, your God, let things turn out well with me."
Isaac then said to Jacob, "Come closer, son, that I may feel you, to learn whether you really are my son Esau or not."
So Jacob moved up closer to his father.
When Isaac felt him, he said, "Although the voice is Jacob's, the hands are Esau's."
(He failed to identify him because his hands were hairy,
like those of his brother Esau; so in the end he gave him his blessing.)
Again he asked Jacob, "Are you really my son Esau?"
"Certainly," Jacob replied.
Then Isaac said, "Serve me your game, son, that I may eat of it and then give you my blessing."
Jacob served it to him, and Isaac ate; he brought him wine, and he drank.
Finally his father Isaac said to Jacob, "Come closer, son, and kiss me."
As Jacob went up and kissed him, Isaac smelled the fragrance of his clothes. With that, he blessed him saying,
"Ah, the fragrance of my son is like the fragrance of a field
that the LORD has blessed!
"May God give to you of the dew of the heavens And of the fertility of the earth abundance of grain and wine.
"Let peoples serve you, and nations pay you homage; Be master of your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be those who curse you, and blessed be those who bless you."
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 135: 1b-2, 3-4, 5-6
"Praise the LORD for the LORD is good!"
Verse before the Gospel: John 10:27
Alleluia, Alleluia.
"My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me."
Alleluia, Alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 9: 14-17
The disciples of John approached Jesus and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast much, but your disciples do not fast?"
Jesus answered them, "Can the wedding guests mourn
as long as the bridegroom is with them?
The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
No one patches an old cloak with a piece of unshrunken cloth, for its fullness pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse.
People do not put new wine into old wineskins.
Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined.
Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."
**Meditation:
Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The disciples of John the Baptist were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Fasting was one of the three most important religious duties, along with prayer and almsgiving. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting (or celebrating). To walk as a disciple with Jesus is to experience a whole new joy of relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party in celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss.
A time to rejoice and a time to mourn
But there also comes a time when the Lord's disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. For the disciple there is both a time for rejoicing in the Lord's presence and celebrating his goodness and a time for seeking the Lord with humility and fasting and for mourning over sin. Do you take joy in the Lord's presence with you and do you express sorrow and contrition for your sins?
The closed mind that refuses to learn
Jesus goes on to warn his disciples about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. Jesus used an image familiar to his audience - new and old wineskins. In Jesus' times, wine was stored in wineskins, not bottles. New wine poured into skins was still fermenting. The gases exerted gave pressure. New wine skins were elastic enough to take the pressure, but old wine skins easily burst because they had become hard and had lost their ability to expand and stretch. What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new?
Treasuring the old and new wine of the Holy Spirit
Just as there is a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting, so there is a right place for the old as well as the new. Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old (Matthew 13:52). How impoverished we would be if we only had the Old Testament or the New Testament books of the Bible, rather than both. The Lord gives us wisdom so we can make the best use of both the old and the new. He doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and to be resistant to the new work of his Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like new wine skins - open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit. Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life?
Sources:
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.
**Meditations may be freely reprinted for non-commercial use. Cite copyright & source: www.dailyscripture.net author Don Schwager© 2015 Servants of the Word
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 Monday (March 12): Jesus – the divine physician
Gospel Reading:Â John 4:43-54
43 After the two days he departed to Galilee. 44 For Jesus
himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country.
45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having
seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they too
had gone to the feast. 46 So he came again to Cana in Galilee,
where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an
official whose son was ill. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come
from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged him to come down and
heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Jesus therefore
said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not
believe.” 49 The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my
child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go; your son will live.” The
man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went his way. 51
As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his
son was living. 52 So he asked them the hour when he began to
mend, and they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the
fever left him.” 53 The father knew that was the hour when Jesus
had said to him, “Your son will live”; and he himself believed,
and all his household. 54 This was now the second sign that Jesus
did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 65:17-21
17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth;Â and
the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create;Â
for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and be glad in my people;Â no
more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping and the cry
of distress. 20 No more shall there be in it an infant that lives
but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days, for
the child shall die a hundred years old, and the sinner a hundred
years old shall be accursed. 21 They shall build houses and
inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
Meditation: Do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant
faith for healing, pardon, and transformation in Christ-like
holiness? Isaiah prophesied that God would come not only to
restore his people, he would also come to recreate new heavens
and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17). Jesus’ miracles are signs
that manifest the presence of God and the coming of his kingdom of
power and glory. When a high ranking official, who was very likely
from King Herod’s court, heard the reports of Jesus’ preaching and
miracles, he decided to seek Jesus out for an extraordinary favor.
If this story happened today the media headlines would probably
say: “High ranking official leaves capital in search of miracle
cure from a small town carpenter.”
Believe and take Jesus at his word
It took raw bold courage for a high ranking court official to
travel twenty miles in search of Jesus, the Galilean carpenter. He
had to swallow his pride and put up with some ridicule from his
friends. And when he found the healer carpenter, Jesus seemed to
put him off with the blunt statement that people would not believe
unless they saw some kind of miracle or sign from heaven. Jesus
likely said this to test the man to see if his faith was in
earnest. If he turned away in irritation or with discouragement,
he would prove to be insincere. Jesus, perceiving his faith, sent
him home with the assurance that his prayer had been heard.
It was probably not easy for this man to return to his family
with only an assuring word from Jesus that his son would be
healed. Couldn’t Jesus have come to this man’s house and laid his
hands on the dying child? However, without a moment’s hesitation
the court official believed in Jesus and took him at his word. He
began his journey back home with renewed faith and hope – ready to
face whatever might await him – whether it be the anguish of his
distraught family and or the scorn of unbelieving neighbors.
Before he could even make it all the way back to his home town,
news reached him that his son had recovered. What astonishment
must have greeted his family and friends when they heard that his
son was instantly restored to health at the very moment when Jesus
had pronounced the words – your son will live!
The Lord Jesus brings healing and restoration to those who
trust in him
Jesus’ miraculous healings show his generous kindness
and extravagant love – a love that bends down in response to our
misery and wretched condition. Is there any area in your life
where you need healing, pardon, change, and restoration? If you
seek the Lord with trust and expectant faith, he will not
disappoint you. He will meet you more than half way and give you
what you need. The Lord Jesus never refused anyone who put their
trust in him. Surrender your doubts and fears, your pride and
guilt at his feet, and trust in his saving word and healing love.
“Lord Jesus, your love never fails and your mercy is unceasing.
Give me the courage to surrender my stubborn pride, fear and
doubts to your surpassing love, wisdom and knowledge. Make be
strong in faith, persevering in hope, and constant in love.”
Psalm 30:2-5,11-12
2 O LORD my God, I cried to you for help,
and you have healed me.
3 O LORD, you have brought up my soul from
Sheol, restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.
4 Sing praises to the LORD, O you his
saints, and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a
lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes
with the morning.
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have
loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,
12 that my soul may praise you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you for ever.
A Daily Quote for Lent: Christ our physician is
present to bring healing and restoration, by Gregory the
Great, 540-604 A.D.
    “I see only one thing that I need to
explain to you: why the one who had come for a cure heard the words
‘Unless you see signs and portents, you do not believe.’ The one who
was seeking a cure for his son surely believed; he would not be
seeking a cure from one he did not believe could do it.
   “Why, then, did he hear the words ‘Unless you see
signs and portents, you do not believe,’ when he believed before he
saw the sign? But recall what he was asking, and you will see that
his faith was in doubt. He asked Jesus earnestly to come down and
heal his son. He was asking for the physical presence of the Lord,
who is nowhere absent in his spirit. He had little faith in one he
thought could not heal unless he was physically present. If he had
believed completely, he would have known that there was no place
where God was not present. He was considerably distrustful, then,
since it was not the Lord’s greatness he esteemed but his physical
presence. He sought a cure for his son even though his faith was in
doubt, since he believed that the one he had approached had the
power to cure, and yet he thought he was not with his dying son. But
the Lord whom he asked to come revealed that he was not absent from
the place he was invited to. He who created everything by his will
performed the cure by his command alone.” (excerpt
frpm FORTY GOSPEL HOMILIES 28.24)
Scripture
quotations from Common Bible: Revised Standard Version of the
Bible, copyright 1973, and Ignatius Edition of the Revised
Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 2006, by the Division
of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches
of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
Citation
references for quotes from the writings of the early
church fathers. Â
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Amightywind prophecy #57
Prophecy 57
BEWARE OF THE TROJAN HORSE!
Spoken under the anointing of the Ruach ha Kodesh
through Prophet Elisabeth Elijah (Elisheva Eliyahu)
June 30, 2002
This is from Prophecy 105, YAHUVEH said to put this up on all Prophecies from now on: I warned you a long time ago Elisabeth (Elisheva) not to name this Ministry after a man or a woman even before there was a Ministry. I put it in your spirit for none of this has been done by your hand, none of this has come forth from your mouth. It is from the Mouth of YAHUVEH that has given birth. It is from the Mouth of YAHUSHUA your MASHIACH that has given birth. It is from the Mouth of the RUACH ha KODESH your IMMAYAH that has given birth. If it had only been by your hand it would have failed long ago. It is by the SHKHINYAH GLORY’S Wind that blows across this earth, the Holy Wind of Revival, it is not by your breath or it would have failed. (Isaiah 42:8)
In July 2010 YAHUVEH GOD also said to add the following from 2nd Chronicles before every Prophecy:
2 Chronicles 36:16, “But they mocked the Messengers of GOD, despised HIS Words, and scoffed at HIS Prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against HIS people, till there was no remedy.”
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Given to Apostle Elisabeth Elijah (Elisheva Eliyahu) crying out with a voice like Jonah to a nation like unto Ninevah. Ninevah repented for a season, will America? Or will our beautiful country blessed with beauty and once stood for holiness and freedom continue down the dead end road and end up as Ninevah and Sodom and Gomorrah? I am not the only Apostle and Prophet sent forth with this warning to America but the question is who is listening? What will you do with this prophetic warning? YAHUVEH always sends forth the Apostles and Prophets to sound the alarm of repent, turn back to holiness to the God of your Creation and Salvation. Because of YAHUVEH’s love and mercy HE warns before HE sends HIS judgment.
* * * * * * *
MY Children, you ask ME to have mercy on America, but I, YAHUVEH, ask, “When will MY Children have mercy on ME”? I have said before, “Beware of the Trojan Horse.” Again and again I have told this daughter now prophesying “Beware of the Trojan Horse.” America you are that Trojan Horse. You come as a blessing to Israel, you come as a helping hand to Israel but behind your back you carry a blood soaked dagger to put into the back of the Israel leaders.
America you are as a Trojan Horse, but you shall pay a price for this if you do not repent. Anyone who betrays Israel betrays I, YAHUVEH, and betrays MY Son YAHUSHUA. Anyone who is an enemy of Israel has set themselves up to be an enemy of I, YAHUVEH, the Creator of Israel, also the Creator of America, and I, YAHUVEH, the Creator of the universe. Any leader that puffs themselves up and makes themselves as a god and says “I will destroy Israel��� shakes his fist in the face of I, YAHUVEH, the Creator. America you shall surely pay. America you have already begun to burn, you burn with MY rage, you burn with MY anger. You cry out for mercy on America, yet you even want to strike out the Name of God away from the children’s memory.
MY Children, be assure of this, those who are MINE are in MY ark. Those who hear MY voice, and those who weep and cry out for mercy, for you’re in fear that I will spank you when I spank the rest who refuse to obey, you need not fear. I have pockets around this world and you are safe in MY pockets, for MY wrath is not appointed for MY Children. When I strike I, YAHUVEH, knows who to strike, MY hand protects those that I protect. No one can pluck you out of MY hand. Not one hair on your head can be touched unless I allow it, and if I, YAHUVEH, allow it, then MY Children shall only become like more Stephen’s that raised up more Paul’s and great shall be your rewards in heaven. (Acts 6-7)
I am angry MY Children, for you cry out for mercy on America but the leader of America puffs himself up like a god, he is not a god. I hear the cries of MY People in Israel, yes even those who do not acknowledge MY Son YAHUSHUA but they cry out to ME, MY Children, they honor MY Sabbath days, they keep MY Jewish feasts and obey MY Torah. Israel carries the Blood of YAHUSHUA and Jerusalem carries the Blood of YAHUSHUA, though they receive it not. Beware America you are a Trojan Horse. I, YAHUVEH, remind you of what happens to a Trojan Horse. I, YAHUVEH, and YAHUSHUA now prophesy through MY handmaiden, I, YAHUVEH will strike down that Trojan Horse and when I strike it down it shall never raise again. I, YAHUVEH, and YAHUSHUA will cut off the horses head. I, YAHUVEH, and YAHUSHUA will cut off the horse’s hooves. You America will not be able to move anymore and the merchants shall cry from afar off, as they will see America burn from afar off. (Rev. 18)
Oh America, I weep for you as you get ready to celebrate another birthday. You forget it was I, YAHUVEH, that set you apart for MY and YAHUSHUA’s glory. Only a tiny infant yet you shake your fists in MY face, you deny the one that created you. This warning is not for MY Children who worship ME in truth and love and try to obey. This warning is for those who set themselves up as MY enemies. Beware America! You are as a Trojan Horse. Israel has been your friend, now you treat her as a despised enemy. Your leaders go to shake one hand and stab a blood soaked dagger in Israel’s back with the other hand. You slander Israel. You do not report the truth. You make MY Hebrew people in Israel look like the terrorists. You trample on their backs and on their economy.
You send fear among the world and say, “Stay out of Israel, it is too dangerous to visit” and yet the Palestine enemies who despise MY Name, to the world you lift them up as heroes and this you loudly proclaim. Oh America, you make this promise to the Palestine’s, you falsely say, “I, America will give back Israel especially Jerusalem to the enemies of I, YAHUVEH.” The Palestine’s have set themselves up as YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA’s enemies. The Palestine’s have killed MY Hebrew children. The Palestine’s are trying to steal the apple of MY eye. So America, for helping them you have incurred MY wrath and America even your name I, YAHUVEH, and YAHUSHUA now despise. I have had mercy thus far, for the cries of MY true Children who cry out. But MY true Children must know this, the longer I have held back MY wrath the angrier I, YAHUVEH, and YAHUSHUA became and America you will pay for this.
So this is a message to MY beloved children, anoint your houses once again, cry out for mercy on your own house and I, YAHUVEH, will hear you MY Children, once again. Repent MY Children for your own house, for you cannot repent for the sins of America. For the stench of the sins reach heaven and all of heaven holds their nose for no nation has done what America has done and yet no nation was blessed like America was blessed. You want to strike out ‘One nation under GOD’ then you will have one nation under MY feet. I YAHUVEH will stomp you, for you just struck out your mercy; you just struck out MY favor. You want to strike out ‘In God We Trust’ from your currency then all you have is “In (America) we Trust”.
I’ll show you what happens to a nation that is not under God YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA’s protection, it will not be a pretty sight. You will find out America, just how puny you are in your strength and might. You want to strike out ‘In God We Trust’ then America all you have left is ‘In We Trust.’ For right there you have stated that I, YAHUVEH, the God that set you apart has just struck out MY mercy, you have just struck out MY protection, for you rely only on yourself and so America let the world see what happens when it is only in you that you trust.
Canada, I, YAHUVEH, and YAHUSHUA give you this warning. Do not follow in your sisters footsteps. You call yourself North America, now you carry the name that I despise, if you do not repent and turn away from the sins of America the fate of America will be yours. You shall share in the grief; you shall share in MY wrath, if you do not follow in YAHUVEH’s and YAHUSHUA’s footsteps. Come set yourself apart now Canada and Canadian Christians, start praying for Canada, for your political leaders have sold your provinces to the highest bidders. In the USA there are states that have tried to come apart in America, for the shame that they have felt and there is a province that tried to come apart from Canada (Quebec) for the shame they have felt. I, YAHUVEH, will acknowledge those that try to come apart and I, YAHUVEH will set them apart on that day and the full wrath will not fall upon them on that day.
Oh America, I know your plots and your schemes, your political leaders seek to replace Arafat. Arafat is the lesser of two evils. The Palestine leader to come will make Arafat look like a schoolboy. He will be a traitor, he will be a Judas, he will be as like unto a Judas. He will betray his own people. It is only a matter of time that Arafat will be removed. But woe be unto those who applaud the removal of Arafat, for a greater evil will come. To those who rejoice they will mourn. Those that laugh now will be scorned. What a great price America’s political leaders will pay as they try to sell Israel to the highest bidder, all for their own motivations, all for their own greed.
A greater evil is coming, more than you can ever dream or even conceive. Woe be unto America for you played right into satan’s hands, you play right into the anti-messiah’s schemes, you play right into the blue print that has been laid by the anti-messiah that is to come. It is you America that I charge now. You are the Trojan Horse and for this you shall pay. America enjoy your prosperity, enjoy your luxuries, enjoy your greed, enjoy your fame and enjoy your fortune, for it shall be short lived. MY true beloved Children who live in America, you must repent that you call yourself Americans, do not let the blood of America be found on your hands.
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So it is spoken so it is written in the anointing of the RUACH ha KODESH (Holy Spirit) given to this Apostolic prophetic handmaiden of YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA on June 30, 2002 at 11:00 a.m.
This Prophetic Word was given during a phone conversation with a faithful brother and supporter of this ministry named Brian. We were in prayer when the RUACH ha KODESH stopped me from praying in English and much to my surprise this word came forth. Please, Christian American’s, repent and pray for this land, once the land of the free, before it is too late. Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem and love our Jewish brothers and sisters for we all serve the King of the Jews, our Messiah and God whose name is YAHUSHUA.
Please pray and petition our leaders to not turn against Israel. We know that our Christian faith in YAHUVEH and YAHUSHUA and the Bible scriptures are truth, for Israel will never be destroyed. Israel will always stand. Beware America and all other nations for you have not been given this promise in the Holy Scriptures. If Israel ceased to exist then what we believe in would be a lie. The Bible is the word that was made flesh through YAHUSHUA and YAHUSHUA will one day soon plant his two feet on mount Olives and reign from Jerusalem. We look forward to that coming day and say, “Come YAHUSHUA, come quickly is our prayer! (Rev 22:6-7,12-13,17,20)
Please read it. Our YAHUSHUA ha MASHIACH, is coming again. Will you be ready?
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“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy”. 1 Peter 12-13 NKJV
Or, in other words…
“You’ve got to go through hell before you get to heaven.”
You've got to taste bitter sweet before you get the SWEET
James 1; 2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials
I wasn't a Christian when I crashed but I am now
2 Corinthians 2; 16 to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from "life" to "LIFE." And who is adequate for these things?
The first life we're supposed to learn about God and the right way to live and learn to be HOT
Revelations 3; 10‘Because you have kept the word of My PRESERANCE, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 12‘He who OVERCOMES, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and ""My new name"". 13‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
15‘I know your deeds, that you are neither COLD NOR HOT; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
And what better way to learn to be HOT then
JOB 5;7 Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.
then why would god tell us FOLLOW THE IMPULSES OF OUR HEARTS ECC. 11;9
and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart CRACKHEAD
JOB 5;6"For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble sprout from the ground, 7For man is born for trouble, As sparks fly upward. 8"But as for me, I would seek God, And I would place my cause before God;
Rejoicing in Trials
JAMES 1;2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance
ECCLESIASTES 11;9...Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.
THEN IT GOESON TO SAY 10So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain/DISSABILITIES from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.
JAMES 1;2.Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, so that you may be PERFECT and COMPLETE, LACKING in NOTHING
2 corinthians 12;7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
JOB 2;6 So the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life."
MATTHEW 9;12 On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
The Prodigal Son
BASICALLY THE STORY OF MY LIFE WHEN I GOT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL I LEFT MY HOME
Luke 15;11And He said, “A man had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living
I WENT TO JAIL FOR LIKE A WEEK MY FAMILY VISITED ME AND INVITED ME BACK BUT SINCE I WAS TOO PRIDEFUL AND WAS HAVING TOO MUCH FUN I REFUSED
19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’
SO THEY OFFERED ME TO BE A BREAKFAST COOK AT A FAMILY OWNED AND MY PARENTS OPERATED RESTAURANT WHICH I FLOURISHED AT FOR A WHILE AND I LATER MOVED WITH MY G/F BY SIX FLAGS LONG STORY SHORT I GOT MIXED UP WITH A CRACKHEAD NOT LONG AFTER I WAS A CRACKHEAD and after I tried to take a break from it I figured I have strong enough will power to take a break when I wanted because I stopped partying and smoking weed when I moved with my g/f but I was wrong AND WENT INTO THE CANYON I WAS LIVING AT THE TIME TO PRAY I ASKED THE LORD FREE ME FROM THE ADDICTION '"WHATEVER "' IT TAKES I CRASHED MY TRUCK sustained head and spinal injuries. You were in a coma for six months, and you had a tube inserted into your throat (trachea) so that you could breathe, as well as one in your stomach to give you food and water. Imagine that there was also a tube going to the center of your head to relieve the pressure of a swelling brain. That was me
20“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Since I was coming up to lucerne to give mom a break from working the restaurant my family came visited me in the hospital then after 8 months in the hospital they took me home
21“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet; 23and bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they began to celebrate.
When I got home all 8 of my brothers and sisters showing me LOOVE that feeling I wouldn't charge a thing just for that feeling
25“Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26“And he summoned one of the servants and began inquiring what these things could be. 27“And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28“But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29“But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; 30but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’
31“And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32‘But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”
Matthew 5;14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
2 corrinthians 12
A Thorn in the Flesh
7Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong
1 peter 5;6Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time
james 4;6But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7Submit therefore to God RESIST the devil and he will FLEE from you.So i have OVERCOME the devil
8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
9Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
james 1;12 Blessed is the one who PERSEVERES under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him
There is only so many things that can go wrong when you OVERCOME them all having stood the test that person will receive the crown of life
The Lost Sheep
1Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. 2Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
3So He told them this parable, saying, 4“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5“When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6“And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
The Lost Coin
8“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9“When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ 10“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
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Daily Office Readings September 04, 2019
Psalm 38
Psalm 38
A Penitent Sufferer’s Plea for Healing
A Psalm of David, for the memorial offering.
1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger,
or discipline me in your wrath.
2 For your arrows have sunk into me,
and your hand has come down on me.
3 There is no soundness in my flesh
because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones
because of my sin.
4 For my iniquities have gone over my head;
they weigh like a burden too heavy for me.
5 My wounds grow foul and fester
because of my foolishness;
6 I am utterly bowed down and prostrate;
all day long I go around mourning.
7 For my loins are filled with burning,
and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8 I am utterly spent and crushed;
I groan because of the tumult of my heart.
9 O Lord, all my longing is known to you;
my sighing is not hidden from you.
10 My heart throbs, my strength fails me;
as for the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me.
11 My friends and companions stand aloof from my affliction,
and my neighbors stand far off.
12 Those who seek my life lay their snares;
those who seek to hurt me speak of ruin,
and meditate treachery all day long.
13 But I am like the deaf, I do not hear;
like the mute, who cannot speak.
14 Truly, I am like one who does not hear,
and in whose mouth is no retort.
15 But it is for you, O Lord, that I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.
16 For I pray, “Only do not let them rejoice over me,
those who boast against me when my foot slips.”
17 For I am ready to fall,
and my pain is ever with me.
18 I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
19 Those who are my foes without cause[a] are mighty,
and many are those who hate me wrongfully.
20 Those who render me evil for good
are my adversaries because I follow after good.
21 Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, do not be far from me;
22 make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation.
Footnotes:
Psalm 38:19 Q Ms: MT my living foes
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Psalm 119:25-48
25 My soul clings to the dust;
revive me according to your word.
26 When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes.
27 Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
28 My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
29 Put false ways far from me;
and graciously teach me your law.
30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your decrees, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame.
32 I run the way of your commandments,
for you enlarge my understanding.
33 Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
35 Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees,
and not to selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm to your servant your promise,
which is for those who fear you.
39 Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
for your ordinances are good.
40 See, I have longed for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life.
41 Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.
42 Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
43 Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your ordinances.
44 I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever.
45 I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
46 I will also speak of your decrees before kings,
and shall not be put to shame;
47 I find my delight in your commandments,
because I love them.
48 I revere your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
1 Kings 9:24-10:13
24 But Pharaoh’s daughter went up from the city of David to her own house that Solomon had built for her; then he built the Millo.
25 Three times a year Solomon used to offer up burnt offerings and sacrifices of well-being on the altar that he built for the Lord, offering incense[a] before the Lord. So he completed the house.
Solomon’s Commercial Activity
26 King Solomon built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea,[b] in the land of Edom. 27 Hiram sent his servants with the fleet, sailors who were familiar with the sea, together with the servants of Solomon. 28 They went to Ophir, and imported from there four hundred twenty talents of gold, which they delivered to King Solomon.
Visit of the Queen of Sheba
10 When the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon (fame due to[c] the name of the Lord), she came to test him with hard questions. 2 She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. 3 Solomon answered all her questions; there was nothing hidden from the king that he could not explain to her. 4 When the queen of Sheba had observed all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, 5 the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his valets, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her.
6 So she said to the king, “The report was true that I heard in my own land of your accomplishments and of your wisdom, 7 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. Not even half had been told me; your wisdom and prosperity far surpass the report that I had heard. 8 Happy are your wives![d] Happy are these your servants, who continually attend you and hear your wisdom! 9 Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and set you on the throne of Israel! Because the Lord loved Israel forever, he has made you king to execute justice and righteousness.” 10 Then she gave the king one hundred twenty talents of gold, a great quantity of spices, and precious stones; never again did spices come in such quantity as that which the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.
11 Moreover, the fleet of Hiram, which carried gold from Ophir, brought from Ophir a great quantity of almug wood and precious stones. 12 From the almug wood the king made supports for the house of the Lord, and for the king’s house, lyres also and harps for the singers; no such almug wood has come or been seen to this day.
13 Meanwhile King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba every desire that she expressed, as well as what he gave her out of Solomon’s royal bounty. Then she returned to her own land, with her servants.
Footnotes:
1 Kings 9:25 Gk: Heb offering incense with it that was
1 Kings 9:26 Or Sea of Reeds
1 Kings 10:1 Meaning of Heb uncertain
1 Kings 10:8 Gk Syr: Heb men
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
James 3:1-12
Taming the Tongue
3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters,[a] for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. 4 Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.
How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature,[b] and is itself set on fire by hell.[c] 7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, 8 but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters,[d] this ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters,[e] yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
Footnotes:
James 3:1 Gk brothers
James 3:6 Or wheel of birth
James 3:6 Gk Gehenna
James 3:10 Gk My brothers
James 3:12 Gk my brothers
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Mark 15:1-11
Jesus before Pilate
15 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. 2 Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered him, “You say so.” 3 Then the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.
Pilate Hands Jesus over to Be Crucified
6 Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. 7 Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. 8 So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. 9 Then he answered them, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead.
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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As the Judgment upon the world draws to a conclusion
John writes of a terrible scene he witnessed of the future cleansing with Today’s reading from the book of Revelation:
Next I saw another messenger descending from heaven. I knew he possessed great authority because his glory illuminated the earth.
Heavenly Messenger (with a powerful voice): Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great city!
It has become a habitat for demons,
A haunt for every kind of foul spirit,
a prison for every sort of unclean and hateful bird.
For all the nations have drunk deeply
from the wine of the wrath of her immorality,
And the kings of the earth have disgraced themselves by engaging in gross sexual acts with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown fat and rich, profiting off the power purchased with her luxury.
Then I heard another voice from heaven urge,
A Voice: My people, get away from her—fast.
Make sure you do not get caught up in her sins.
Put some distance between you so that you do not share in her plagues,
For her sins are higher than the highest mountain. They reach far into the heavens,
and God has not forgotten even one of her missteps.
Deal out to her what she has dealt out to others,
and repay her double according to her deeds.
In the cup where she mixed her drink, mix her a double.
Whatever glory she demanded and whatever luxury she lived,
give back to her the same measure in torment and sorrow.
Secretly she says in her heart:
“I rule as queen;
I am not like a widow;
I will never experience grief.”
Because of this arrogance, in a single day, plagues will overwhelm her.
Her portion will be death and sorrow and famine,
And she will be incinerated with fire,
for mighty is the Lord God who exacts judgment on her.
And the kings of the earth, who committed lewd, sexual acts and lived lavishly off of her, will weep and wail over their loss when they see the smoke from her burning body rise into the sky. They will stand at a distance, fearing they, too, might fall victim to her torment. They will moan,
Woe to you, our great city!
Babylon, the most powerful city in the world.
In a single hour, your day of judgment has come.
And the merchants and the magnates of the earth weep and mourn over her demise because no one is buying their goods any longer: warehouses remain full of gold, silver, jewels, and pearls; fine fabrics, purple, silk, and scarlet cloth; fragrant woods, items made of ivory, and items finely crafted out of expensive wood; bronze, iron, and marble; cinnamon, spices, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, rich flour, and wheat; cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and human cargo (the trafficked souls of humanity).
Everything your heart desired
has gone away;
All the glitz and glitter
are lost to you forever;
you’ll never have them again!
The sellers of these goods, who made a fine profit from her, will stand at a distance. Like the kings, they will fear her punishment might fall on them too. They will weep and mourn their loss.
Woe to you, our great city,
dressed in finest linens, in purple and scarlet fabrics,
dazzling in gold and jewels and pearls.
In a single hour, all this wealth is gone.
And all the sea captains, all those who sail the seas, sailors, and those who make a living by the sea, stood at a distance. Strong men were reduced to tears as they gazed on the smoke that rose from her ruins. “Was there ever any city like her?” they asked. They threw dust in the air covering their heads. They wept bitterly and mourned their loss.
Woe to you, our great city;
all who had ships at sea
became rich off your wealth!
In a single hour, you have been utterly ruined.
Rejoice over her torment, O heaven. Join in the celebration, you saints, emissaries, and prophets because God has judged in your favor and against her.
Then a mighty messenger picked up a huge stone—it looked like a great millstone—and he cast it into the sea.
Mighty Messenger: Watch and see. This is how Babylon, the great city,
will be thrown down; violently will she go down,
and they will search for her in vain.
Never again will the sound of music grace your streets.
The melodies and harmonies of the harpists and musicians and flutists and trumpeters
will never be heard again.
And never again will an artisan of any craft
be found in your markets,
And never again will the grinding of the millstone
provide rhythm to your city,
And never again will the light of a lamp
bring warm light to your houses,
And never again will the voices of the bridegroom and bride
bring joy to your festivities.
For the merchants were the magnates of the earth,
and all the nations fell prey to your sorceries.
And in her streets the blood of the prophets, saints,
and all who have been slaughtered upon the earth, ran freely.
The Book of Revelation, Chapter 18 (The Voice)
Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 29th chapter of 2nd Chronicles that documents the cleansing and reopening of the Temple by King Hezekiah:
[King Hezekiah]
Hezekiah became king when he was twenty-five years old and was king in Jerusalem for twenty-nine years. His mother was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. In God’s opinion he was a good king; he kept to the standards of his ancestor David.
In the first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah, having first repaired the doors of The Temple of God, threw them open to the public. He assembled the priests and Levites in the court on the east side and said, “Levites, listen! Consecrate yourselves and consecrate The Temple of God—give this much-defiled place a good housecleaning. Our ancestors went wrong and lived badly before God—they discarded him, turned away from this house where we meet with God, and walked off. They boarded up the doors, turned out the lights, and canceled all the acts of worship of the God of Israel in the holy Temple. And because of that, God’s anger flared up and he turned those people into a public exhibit of disaster, a moral history lesson—look and read! This is why our ancestors were killed, and this is why our wives and sons and daughters were taken prisoner and made slaves.
“I have decided to make a covenant with the God of Israel and turn history around so that God will no longer be angry with us. Children, don’t drag your feet in this! God has chosen you to take your place before him to serve in conducting and leading worship—this is your life work; make sure you do it and do it well.”
The Levites stood at attention: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah from the Gershonites; Shimri and Jeiel sons of Elizaphan; Zechariah and Mattaniah sons of Asaph; Jehiel and Shimei of the family of Heman; Shemaiah and Uzziel of the family of Jeduthun. They presented themselves and their brothers, consecrated themselves, and set to work cleaning up The Temple of God as the king had directed—as God directed! The priests started from the inside and worked out; they emptied the place of the accumulation of defiling junk—pagan rubbish that had no business in that holy place—and the Levites hauled it off to the Kidron Valley. They began the Temple cleaning on the first day of the first month and by the eighth day they had worked their way out to the porch—eight days it took them to clean and consecrate The Temple itself, and in eight more days they had finished with the entire Temple complex.
Then they reported to Hezekiah the king, “We have cleaned up the entire Temple of God, including the Altar of Whole-Burnt-Offering and the Table of the Bread of the Presence with their furnishings. We have also cleaned up and consecrated all the vessels which King Ahaz had gotten rid of during his misrule. Take a look; we have repaired them. They’re all there in front of the Altar of God.”
Then Hezekiah the king went to work: He got all the leaders of the city together and marched to The Temple of God. They brought with them seven bulls, seven rams, seven lambs, and seven he-goats to sacrifice as an Absolution-Offering for the royal family, for the Sanctuary, and for Judah as a whole; he directed the Aaronite priests to sacrifice them on the Altar of God. The priests butchered the bulls and then took the blood and sprinkled it on the Altar, and then the same with the rams and lambs. Finally they brought the goats up; the king and congregation laid their hands upon them. The priests butchered them and made an Absolution-Offering with their blood at the Altar to atone for the sin of all Israel—the king had ordered that the Whole-Burnt-Offering and the Absolution-Offering be for all Israel.
The king ordered the Levites to take their places in The Temple of God with their musical instruments—cymbals, harps, zithers—following the original instructions of David, Gad the king’s seer, and Nathan the prophet; this was God’s command conveyed by his prophets. The Levites formed the orchestra of David, while the priests took up the trumpets.
Then Hezekiah gave the signal to begin: The Whole-Burnt-Offering was offered on the Altar; at the same time the sacred choir began singing, backed up by the trumpets and the David orchestra while the entire congregation worshiped. The singers sang and the trumpeters played all during the sacrifice of the Whole-Burnt-Offering. When the offering of the sacrifice was completed, the king and everyone there knelt to the ground and worshiped. Then Hezekiah the king and the leaders told the Levites to finish things off with anthems of praise to God using lyrics by David and Asaph the seer. They sang their praises with joy and reverence, kneeling in worship.
Hezekiah then made this response: “The dedication is complete—you’re consecrated to God. Now you’re ready: Come forward and bring your sacrifices and Thank-Offerings to The Temple of God.”
And come they did. Everyone in the congregation brought sacrifices and Thank-Offerings and some, overflowing with generosity, even brought Whole-Burnt-Offerings, a generosity expressed in seventy bulls, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs—all for Whole-Burnt-Offerings for God! The total number of animals consecrated for sacrifice that day amounted to six hundred bulls and three thousand sheep. They ran out of priests qualified to slaughter all the Whole-Burnt-Offerings so their brother Levites stepped in and helped out while other priests consecrated themselves for the work. It turned out that the Levites had been more responsible in making sure they were properly consecrated than the priests had been. Besides the overflow of Whole-Burnt-Offerings there were also choice pieces for the Peace-Offerings and lavish libations that went with the Whole-Burnt-Offerings. The worship in The Temple of God was on a firm footing again!
Hezekiah and the congregation celebrated: God had established a firm foundation for the lives of the people—and so quickly!
* * *
The Book of 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 29 (The Message)
my personal reading of the Scriptures for friday, february 26 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible, along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs
A set of posts by John Parsons about Purim:
The sages extol the importance of the holiday of Purim because it reveals the hidden hand of God, despite his apparent absence in the affairs of this world... On the surface, each turn of the story could be explained naturally, or as simple “coincidence,” yet in the end we realize that God was at work behind the scenes, carefully putting together deliverance for God’s people. The eye of faith trusts in God’s providential plan, despite appearances to the contrary. Indeed, the phrase hester panim (הֶסְתֵר פָּנִים) means "hiding of the face" and is often used when discussing the Book of Esther. Understood as hidden providence, hester panim is somewhat like the sun on an overcast day: Just because you don't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. God's great love is at work at all times, in all affairs of the universe, whether we perceive it or not. And that includes our world and all of its troubles: God is in control and His hidden hand holds all things together for the sake of his own counsels and purposes... [Hebrew for Christians]
2.24.21 • Facebook
The Book of Esther centers on God’s faithfulness and care of the Jewish people, and by extension, for all those (among the nations) who become partakers of Israel’s blessings through Yeshua the Messiah. The “scandal” of the story turns on the “scandal of election,” or the idea that God personally chooses some people -- for reasons that are entirely His alone -- to be the recipients of His covenantal love. The Jews are called the “chosen people” (עם הנבחר) just as Christians are said to be “chosen [εκλεγομαι] in Yeshua before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). In both cases we note God’s sovereign prerogative to choose those who are in relationship with Him. Yeshua told his followers: “No one can come to me (δυναται ελθειν προς με) unless the Father who sent me drags [ἑλκύσῃ] him” (John 6:44, 6:65), and He also said “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you” (John 15:16). God is the Initiator of the relationship; He is the Master of the Universe and “the God of the spirits of all flesh” (Num. 16:22). If there is revelation from heaven, it is Heaven’s prerogative to bestow it on Heaven’s own terms...
Regarding this divine prerogative, Paul reminded us of God’s words to Moses: "I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy" (Rom. 9:15). He then followed this up with the statement: “So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who shows mercy” (Rom. 9:15-16). If this sounds “offensive” or “unfair,” it may be that we are secretly appealing to our own supposed merit in order to find acceptance before God. The “scandal” of the gospel is that God loves whom He loves for reasons that are His alone, and this is likewise the scandal of God’s sovereign choice of ethnic Israel. In either case, God is preeminent, and God is perfectly righteous in all he does. [Hebrew for Christians]
2.24.21 • Facebook
an email message by Glenn Jackson:
February 26th
* WE ARE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, IN CHRIST
[ part 1 of 3]
Righteousness is the key word in Paul's epistles. It means the ability to stand in the Father's presence without the sense of fear, condemnation, or inferiority. The greatest blessing of the New Creation is to be established in righteousness, to acquire a "righteousness-consciousness". Man is born into a "sin-consciousness". We have had a "weakness-consciousness" that has kept us slaves of fear. But what a sense of victory, of freedom would be ours if we knew that we were the righteousness of God and were established in that fact. Sin-consciousness has made slaves of the human race. It has destroyed the initiative in multitudes. It has been the oldest and most persistent enemy of faith. You cannot have faith in the Word when you are under condemnation! Righteousness means the ability to stand in the presence of God. What would sonship be worth if we did not have righteousness? The Father would have no pleasure in His children because they would be shrinking, cowardly, fearful beings. The children would never enjoy the Father's presence. No redemption would be worth the name that did not include righteousness. No New Creation and sonship would be worth the title, if righteousness did not become part of it. So the object of the Redemption that God wrought in His Son was to make man righteous before Him. That was the ultimate objective of the Father. He dared to make His Son a Substitute for the human race.
Today’s message from the Institute for Creation Research
February 26, 2021
The Wicked Man
“The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.” (Psalm 10:4)
It is significant that the word “wicked” does not necessarily mean morally depraved or violently dangerous. It is essentially synonymous with “ungodly,” and the Hebrew word used here (rasha) is often so translated. This tenth psalm provides a graphic summary of their real character. They are:
Proud. “The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God” (v. 4).
Fawning. “For the wicked...blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth” (v. 3).
Atheistic, at least in behavior. “He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten:...he will never see it” (v. 11).
Stubborn. “He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity” (v. 6).
Profane. “His mouth is full of cursing....under his tongue is mischief and vanity” (v. 7).
Hurtful. “In the secret places doth he murder the innocent” (v. 8). This surely applies to character assassination, when not to actual killing.
Deceptive. “His mouth is full of...deceit and fraud:...He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den” (vv. 7, 9).
It is significant that the apostle Paul cited verse 7 (“full of cursing”) as descriptive of most of the ancient pagans in his day, and it can sadly be applied to many modern pagans as well.
But David said: “I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not” (Psalm 37:35-36). “For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish” (Psalm 1:6). HMM
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11th February 2017 >> Mass Readings (USA) Saturday of Week Five in Ordinary Time or Our Lady of Lourdes or Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturday of Week Five in Ordinary Time
(Liturgical Colour: Green)
First Reading
Genesis 3:9-24
God banished him from the garden of Eden to till the ground.
The LORD God called to Adam 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.”
To the woman he said:
“I will intensify the pangs of your childbearing; in pain shall you bring forth children.Yet your urge shall be for your husband, and he shall be your master.”
To the man he said: “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree of which I had forbidden you to eat,
“Cursed be the ground because of you! In toil shall you eat its yield all the days of your life.Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to you, as you eat of the plants of the field.By the sweat of your face shall you get bread to eat,Until you return to the ground, from which you were taken;For you are dirt, and to dirt you shall return.”
The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living. For the man and his wife the LORD God made leather garments, with which he clothed them. Then the LORD God said: “See! The man has become like one of us, knowing what is good and what is evil! Therefore, he must not be allowed to put out his hand to take fruit from the tree of life also, and thus eat of it and live forever.” The LORD God therefore banished him from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he had been taken. When he expelled the man, he settled him east of the garden of Eden; and he stationed the cherubim and the fiery revolving sword, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 90:2, 3-4abc, 5-6, 12-13
R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Before the mountains were begotten and the earth and the world were brought forth, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You turn man back to dust, saying, “Return, O children of men.”For a thousand years in your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past, or as a watch of the night.
R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
You make an end of them in their sleep; the next morning they are like the changing grass,Which at dawn springs up anew, but by evening wilts and fades.
R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!
R/ In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.
Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 4:4b
Alleluia, alleluia.
One does not live on bread alone,but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Mark 8:1-10
They ate and were satisfied.
In those days when there again was a great crowd without anything to eat, Jesus summoned the disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a great distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread to satisfy them here in this deserted place?” Still he asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then, taking the seven loaves he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute, and they distributed them to the crowd. They also had a few fish. He said the blessing over them and ordered them distributed also. They ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets. There were about four thousand people. He dismissed the crowd and got into the boat with his disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha.
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Our Lady of Lourdes
(Liturgical Colour: White)
First Reading
Isaiah 66:10-14c
I will send peace to her like a river.
Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her;Exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her!Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort,That you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! For thus says the LORD:Lo, I will spread prosperity over her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent.As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap;As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort.
When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bodies flourish like the grass;The LORD’s power shall be known to his servants.
Responsorial Psalm
Judith 13:18bcde, 19
R/ You are the highest honor of our race.
Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the LORD God, the creator of heaven and earth.
R/ You are the highest honor of our race.
Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God.
R/ You are the highest honor of our race.
Gospel Acclamation
cf. Luke 1:45
Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
John 2:1-11
And the mother of Jesus was there.
There was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although they who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs at Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him.
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Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary
First Reading
Genesis 3:9-15, 20
I will put enmity between your offspring and the offspring of the woman.
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 man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.
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 Acclamation
cf. Luke 1:28
Alleluia, alleluia.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23
For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.
The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king. David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah. Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos, Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers at the time of the Babylonian exile. After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ. Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
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