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, 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   September 5, 2013     Comments welcome here

  Reading:  Genesis 32  

As Jacob returned to his own land of Canaan,
he feared that his brother Esau would  try to kill him.

So Jacob, always
clever and wily
sent messengers ahead of him
to make friends with Esau.

The messengers reported  
that Esau was on his way to meet Jacob
and had 400 men with him.

This news increased Jacob's fears
so
he divided his family and flocks into two groups,
thinking that if Esau attacked one group
then the other group could escape.

Jacob also prayed hard to God for protection.

Jacob
sent gifts of animals to Esau,
hoping that Esau would be friendly to him.

On the night before Jacob and Esau met,
God appeared to Jacob
and gave him a new name: Israel.

Reflection: 
Jesus said we should be as simple as doves but as clever as serpents
....maybe he was thinking of his ancestor Jacob?!

Prayer: Dear God, please help me to be kind and clever

 

Reading: Psalms 14-15

So many people live and act as if God doesn't exist.
Some foolish people even say there is no God.

So many people have left the way of justice and truth.
So many people follow the way of falsehood.

Lord, help us to live as we should.
Help us not to slander, help us not to wrong others.

Reflection:
Only foolish people would say they never had any human parents.
Only foolish people say that this beautiful universe had no Creator.
Once you say "there's no God", then there's no reason for trying to live a good life

Prayer: Lord, we believe....and rely on your grace to follow the way of justice and truth

 

Reading:  Galatians 1

To the church of Galatia, from Paul, an apostle appointed not by man but by Jesus Christ

Trouble makers among you have changed the Good News

I am astonished that you have begun following their false version
of the Good News

Reflection: 
False versions: the Bibles used by the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses
- who are good people but very misguided, using heavily edited Bibles

Prayer: Jesus, don't let people be deceived by anyone who waters down or changes your Good News

 

Reading:  Luke 1

Dear Friend of God, there are  already many  reports written about Jesus.
These reports come from  people who were the earliest eyewitnesses and ministers of the Good News.

After checking the whole story, I also have decided to write a report, 
so that you may see for yourself the truth and accuracy of the Good News

Reflection:
Similar idea to reading from Galatians, above: "eyewitnesses", "checking the story", "truth and accuracy"

Prayer: Jesus, please stop people from distorting the truth of the Good News