Computer Cud         Vatican II asks us to read the Bible every day,   'to have a burning love'   for the Word of God            Resolution

This plan follows the Sunday liturgy:     reading + psalm + reading + gospel                  From  www.simplebible.info        Previous Bible Plans 

O Holy Spirit, please guide me as I read these passages for today.                     
May these passages give me hope, strength, wisdom, compassion, courage and peace for my daily life             Chinese text

Reading:  First Maccabees 11

King Ptolemy of Egypt pretended to be friends with Alexander.
But then he went to war with Alexander.

Ptolemy's army won the battle, but not long after both Ptolemy and Alexander died.

Demetrius then became king.  He had an unstable relationship with Jonathan
even though Jonathan on one occasion rescued him from former supporters of Alexander.

Demetrius was replaced as king by a young Antiochus.
Antiochus confirmed Jonathan's position as leader of Israel.

Reflection:  
How complex is the relationship between international leaders
....leaders are often motivated more by personal ambition than by a desire to serve their country. 

Prayer: Dear God, please give the world better leaders!

I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever.

The heavens proclaim your wonders, O Lord.
The heavens are yours, the world is yours.

Blessed the people who find joy in you,
who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face.

Reflection: 
So many of the saints, like St Francis of Assisi, "saw" God in creation - in birds and flowers, as well as in "Brother Sun and Sister Moon".  In busy cities, we can still attune ourselves to nature. The early morning cooing of doves some distance from my home always catches my attention, even though I can't see them from my home. Each time I hear them I say "Come Holy Spirit" (the Dove).  The sparrows on the street bring to mind Jesus' words "your heavenly father feeds them". The moon ...when it can be seen....is also a reminder of God's presence and love

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for our beautiful world

As long as I am in this passing world, my duty is to keep on reminding you of the truths we hold dear

Writing this letter is one way of making sure that after my departure you will still have a way of recalling the truths we hold dear

These truths are not cleverly invented myths.
I myself saw the majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ

He was honored and glorified by God the Father,
 when the Sublime Glory himself spoke to him and said
"This is my Son, the Beloved. He enjoys my favor"

I heard this myself, spoken from heaven,
when I was with Jesus on the holy mountain

Reflection: 
Sadly, some Christians no longer believe in the miracles of Jesus...and call them "myths".
The same people would say Peter's experience on the mountain needs to be interpreted as a figurative expression of this-and-that. The Bible does need to be understood carefully...many things are not meant to be taken literally. 
But Peter, or his secretary, clearly says "not invented myths". 

Prayer: Jesus, Beloved Son, may more and more people
accept the truth of your Good News 

Jesus said to the people "If God were your father, 
you would love me, since I have come from God and I speak the truth. 
You avoid the truth, because your father is the father of lies, the Devil

Abraham rejoiced at the thought of my coming. He saw it in the future and was glad"

The people said "You are not yet 50 years old. How could you have seen Abraham?"
Jesus replied "I tell you, before Abraham ever was, I Am"

The people then picked up stones to throw at Jesus for claiming to be God. 
But Jesus safely left the Temple

Reflection: 
Jesus is the Truth. 
We must love the truth.
We must love truth wherever we find it....as St Paul says "cherish whatever is good, noble...true".
Elements of truth can be found in all sorts of places and beliefs and people.

Prayer:  Jesus, you who existed as God the Son from all eternity,
please increase my love for the truth, wherever I find it