Category: Bible Reading & Meditation

“…the necessity of praying always and not losing heart.” –Luke 18:1 Mass Readings: October 16 First: Exodus 17:8-13; Resp: Psalm 121:1-8; Second: 2 Timothy 3:14–4:2; Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 Jesus teaches us in today’s parable to pray in perseverance for our needs (Lk 18:1). Elsewhere in Scripture, Jesus reveals more about how to pray always with perseverance and power: Pray by listening to God (Lk 10:38-42). Pray in a love-relationship with “Abba” (Mt 6:9; Gal 4:6). Pray with faith. Jesus is always looking for faith (Lk 18:8). Pray without ever losing heart, that is, not growing weary and not going through...

“I tell you, whoever acknowledges Me before men – the Son of Man will acknowledge him before the angels of God.” –Luke 12:8 Mass Readings: October 15 First: Ephesians 1:15-23; Resp: Psalm 8:2-7; Gospel: Luke 12:8-12 Several billion people desperately need to be introduced to Jesus, the only Way, Truth, Life (Jn 14:6), Savior (Acts 4:12), and God. The most deprived people in the world are those who have not come to know, love, and worship Jesus. Until we give our lives to Jesus, we have not begun to fully live. Consequently, because life in Christ is most important, and...

“In [Christ] we were chosen.” –Ephesians 1:11 Mass Readings: October 14 First: Ephesians 1:11-14; Resp: Psalm 33:1-2,4-5,12-13; Gospel: Luke 12:1-7 We Christians have been baptized into Jesus and, consequently, into His death and Resurrection (Rm 6:3-4). We have been baptized into Jesus and into His priesthood, prophetic ministry, and kingship (see 1 Pt 2:9). “In [Christ] we were chosen” (Eph 1:11; see also 1:13). In and with Him, we are heirs of God’s kingdom (Rm 8:17; see also Eph 1:14). Baptized into Christ, we inherit the grace to be holy, pure, and free. The ramifications of our Baptisms are so...

“Woe to you! You are like hidden tombs over which men walk unawares.” –Luke 11:44 Mass Readings: October 12 Mass Readings: October 12 First: Galatians 5:18-25 ; Resp: Psalm 1:1-4,6; Gospel: Luke 11:42-46 There are false Christians (see 2 Cor 11:26). Like the moon, these Christians may reflect just enough of the light of Christ to attract others. What little light they reflect may attract some who seek escape from the darkness of sin (see 2 Cor 11:13-15). However, these false Christians are like a “bug-zapper” light. If those unfortunate, searching souls get too close to the false Christians, their fledgling faith...