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

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

O Holy Spirit, may these passages give me hope, strength, wisdom, compassion, courage and peace for my daily life          Chinese text

Please feel free to add  insights and prayers in the comment box below 

 Bible Blog   August 30, 2013     Comments welcome here

  Reading:  Genesis 25  

God blessed and protected Isaac all his life.

When Isaac grew old and was nearly blind,
he followed the usual custom 
of giving his final blessing to his sons.

He wanted to bless Esau first,
since Esau was his older son.

But Rebecca and Jacob tricked Isaac.

Jacob dressed in  Esau's clothes
and put hairy animal skins on his arms.

Before Esau came home, 
Jacob asked for Isaac's blessing.

Isaac said "Your voice is that of Jacob,
but your arms and scent are those of Esau.
Are you really Esau?"

Jacob said "I am."
Isaac then gave him his solemn blessing.

When Esau found out what had happened,
he was very angry and planned to kill Jacob.

So Rebecca got Jacob to go to Haran 
until Esau's anger cooled down.

Reflection: 
- wife tricks husband
- younger son lies to father
- older brother wants to kill younger brother
.....real-life characters in a family specially blessed by God!

Prayer: Dear God, please bless all the real-life members of my family

 

Reading: Psalm 5

At the start of this day I pray to you, O Lord, my King and my God.
I offer you my prayer and ask for your help.

Through the greatness of your love, I have access to your friendship.
I bow down in reverence and worship.

Lead me, Lord, in the way you want me to go.

It is you, Lord, who bless good people.
You surround them with favors, as with a shield.

Reflection:
Especially at the start of each day, and at the end of each day, we should remember our Creator.
Just like children should say "Good morning" and "Good night' to their parents.
Gandhi: "Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening" 

Prayer: Lord, please help more people to get into the habit of morning and evening prayer

 

 

Reading:  2 Corinthians 4-5

We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered.
We see no answer to our problems, but never despair

Even though our bodies are aging and decaying,
our hearts are renewed day by day

Our troubles seem great now, 
but they don't stand comparison with the eternal glory coming soon

When the temporary tent that we live in here on earth is folded up,
we will move to an everlasting house built by God for us in heaven

Reflection: 
A lovely Chinese saying:
"person old, heart not old" - 人老, 心不老

Prayer: Jesus, please help my heart stay young!

 

Reading: Mark 15

As Jesus was taken to the place of crucifixion,
a man name Simon, from Cyrene, was made to carry Jesus' cross

Sometime after 9am, Jesus was nailed to the cross. 
Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left

Above Jesus' head was a sign with the charge against him.
The sign said "The King of the Jews".

People passing by that place made fun of Jesus.
So did the religious leaders. They mocked and taunted him.

Reflection:
Yesterday I visited a man dying of cancer.
It's unimaginable that anyone would make fun of that man in his last agony.
Yet that's what happened to Jesus


Prayer Jesus on the Cross, please forgive me for the times when my making fun of someone has hurt them. Please help me be more careful in my speech