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mybeautifulchristianjourney · 2 months ago

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Devotional Hours Within the Bible by James Russell Miller

Elijah Discouraged and Restored (1 Kings 19:1-16)

It is little wonder that Jezebel was furious, when she learned from Ahab of the slaughter of her priests. She vowed vengeance upon Elijah. “May the gods also kill me if by this time tomorrow I have failed to take your life like those whom you killed!” It was a trying hour for Elijah, and for once he flinched.

“So you intend to be a reformer, young man?” asked an old peer of young Wilberforce. “That is the end of reformers,” he continued, pointing to a picture of Jesus on His cross. Those who would contend with error must always expect opposition, possibly persecution, possibly death! To be a bold confessor anywhere is to face enmity, sneers, reproach. Even Christian boys at school or at work will ofttimes have to endure petty persecutions if they remain true to their Master.

We have been accustomed to think of Elijah as a man who would flinch before nothing. But we are disappointed this time in our man. “Elijah was afraid and fled for his life!” Possibly he did right, We are not required always to face danger. There are times when it would be foolhardy to do so, when we would only be throwing away our life. Jesus said to His disciples, “When they persecute you in this city flee into the next.” On several occasions, in the earlier days of His ministry, Jesus Himself withdrew from danger, because His hour had not yet come. There are times, of course, when we must stand and not flee. At the last, when His hour had come, Jesus made no effort to escape from His enemies but quietly yielded Himself into their hands. There are times in every life when to flee from danger would be cowardice and treason to the Master. But we have no right to sacrifice our life unless it be clearly in obedience to the divine call. We cannot blame Elijah, therefore, for fleeing from the wrath of Jezebel.

In what followed, however, we cannot defend the prophet. Not only did he flee but he became panic - stricken. “Then he went on alone into the desert, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors!” He was in a state of sad despondency. It was not fright that produced this condition of mind it was discouragement. It seemed to him that all he had done, all the struggle at Mount Carmel, had come to nothing. There are few things we need to guard against more carefully, than discouragement. When once we allow ourselves to come under its influence, we are made weak. Our hope and courage fail.

In every line of life we find discouraged people, and the discouragement takes away much of their power for work. It surely is a sad picture this greatest and bravest of all the old prophets, lying there under a little bush in the wilderness, begging to die!

There are many other illustrations of similar experience in godly men. John the Baptist, lying in prison in the castle of Machaerus, began to question whether, after all, Jesus, whom he had baptized and upon whom he had seen the Spirit descending, was indeed the promised Messiah. Luther, another Elijah in his bravery before rulers, once became so depressed that all joy left him. It is said that one morning, when he was in this mood, his wife came down to breakfast dressed in deep mourning. Luther looked up in amazement, and said, “Who is dead?” His wife answered: “Why, do you not know? God is dead.” He reproved her for her words. “How can God die? He is eternal.” “Yet,” she replied, “from the way you are cast down one would think God must be dead.” Then Luther saw what a wise woman his wife was, and mastered his mood.

Elijah was a man of prayer. He is mentioned in the Epistle of James as an example of a righteous man, whose supplication availed much in its working. Here, however, his prayer for death was not answered. It was well for Elijah, too, that the prayer was not answered. If he had died there what an inglorious ending of life it would have been! As it was, however, he lived to do further glorious work, to see great results, and instead of dying in the wilderness, missed death altogether.

It is never right to wish ourselves dead. People are sometimes heard expressing such a wish but it is always wrong. Life is God’s gift to us, a sacred trust for which we shall have to give account. As long as God keeps us living He has something for us to do. Our prayers should be for grace to bear our burden and do our duty bravely unto the end.

Any discouraging experience, and the things we think have failed us may cast down into despondency. But the things we think have failed us are often only slowly ripening into rich success. Thus the night of discouragement passes away and the day of blessing follows. We have but to be faithful and to wait and in the end we shall always rejoice.

It was only a little bush under which Elijah crept, and its shadow furnished but scant protection from the heat. Yet a blessing came to him there. He slept. “He gives His beloved sleep ,” writes the psalmist. Sleep is a wonderful blessing. God hides us away in the darkness, and while we sleep, he brings gifts of life to us. He fills up again the wasted fountains of life, and we rise in the morning renewed and strong, ready for new service.

It was only a little juniper bush under which the prophet slept that day. There is another tree under which God’s discouraged ones may find real and true comfort the tree of Calvary. Angels come there, too, with their sweet refreshment and gentle ministry. There food is furnished to satisfy the soul’s deepest craving. There all blessings of mercy and grace are dispensed. A story is told of one who fled from a gathering storm, taking refuge under a great tree. He was both hungry and thirsty. On the tree he found fruit for his hunger, at the tree’s roots a spring of water gushed out, and there he quenched his thirst. Just so, under the cross we find not only shelter but also food and drink. When we are in any trouble we should go and sit down in the shadow of the cross of Christ, and we will find there all we need of divine comfort and help.

When he had slept for a time, an angel came and touched him, and bade him arise and eat. Here, again, we see God’s loving gentleness. First, sleep, with its refreshment; then food. God did not cast off His servant because he was so discouraged and depressed. He followed him in his flight and kept watch over him all the way. There is great comfort in this fact for us. God is very patient with us in our weakness and failure. He gave Elijah sleep, and then food, until his exhausted nature was refreshed. Very much spiritual depression is caused by the condition of the body. Ofttimes the best cure for despondency, is sleep and food until the nerves are quiet and the body is restored to healthy conditions.

The prophet was strengthened, and “went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights.” When we have long journeys to take, God prepares us for them. When hard experiences lie before us, we are divinely fitted for meeting them. Whenever God sends us on any journey, into whatever desert it may be He will make provision that we faint not by the way. Many people whose lot in life is hard go through the days with cheerful, songful spirit because every morning, in prayer, God gives them food which makes them strong for the journey. Those who feed upon the Word of God are strengthened for the journey of life.

While Elijah was in the cave in the mountain, God came to him. This was still part of his work of restoration. Elijah was discouraged, and God would bring him back to his usual gladness and hope. He came to him in the stillness and asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” When we find our friends in great sorrow, the best thing we can do for them ofttimes is to give them an opportunity to open their hearts. That was what God did here He asked this question that Elijah might unburden himself. Of course, God knew all about Elijah’s discouragement; but it did the prophet good to tell it. We need never be afraid to open our heart to God, telling Him every anxiety, every care. He understands, and will never chide us. It will do us good to speak freely to Him, even if our fears are only imaginary.

Elijah had thought that he was alone in his loyalty and courage in standing for the Lord. He had thought himself the only loyal follower of Jehovah. No other one had had courage to come out and make himself known that day on Mount Carmel. This made it all the harder for Elijah. It is easy to fight in company with other men but to face the enemy alone, is the sublimest test of a soldier’s courage. The real test of a Christian life is not in church services, nor in a Christian home but where the believer must stand by himself. The young man who finds himself the only Christian clerk in the bank or the office, may find his duty hard. But this should only inspire him with fresh courage and strength. He is the only one Christ has in that place, and he dare not fail. Suppose Elijah had not stood for God that day, had flinched and fled, what would have been the consequence? We never know what may depend on our standing loyally and faithfully at our post, even in lowliest places.

The Lord continued to comfort His servant. He did it now in a wonderful parable in nature. A great wind tore the mountains but the Lord was not in the wind. An earthquake followed but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was a fire but the Lord was not in the fire. “And after the fire a still small voice,” a sound of gentle stillness and that was God. Elijah had been discouraged by the failure of the startling work at Carmel, that it had not altogether crushed Baalism. The Lord shows him that noise is not the most stupendous quality of power, that it is not noise which makes the deepest impression. God works silently, without noise. It is the silent things, the unconscious influences of our lives, that make the deepest and most lasting impressions, and not the things which get advertised in the papers. Jesus was “a still small voice” in this world. He made no noise He did not strive nor cry out, neither was His voice heard in the streets. He did not break a bruised reed, so gentle was He in His movements. Yet that one sweet, quiet life, pouring forth its spirit of love, wrought more than has been wrought by all the armies of conquerors since the world began.

The Lord then sent Elijah on to other duties. “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat to succeed you as prophet.” Elijah was thus assured that other men in their turn would come upon the field, each one doing his part for the destruction of this terrible system of idolatry. No man’s work is complete in itself. Elijah did a part, and then Hazael and Jehu and Elisha, each coming in turn, did a part, until the destruction of Baalism was completed. All we have to do is the little fragment of duty which God gives to us. Others have gone before us and have done a part. Others will come after us and do another part. If we simply do our little portion in our own day we shall please God and bless the world.

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savingsallow · 5 months ago

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Hey Casper! I hope you’re doing well! 🫶

I’ve been curious about this for a while now;

How do you think Val and Ale would interact with Elijah, Lilith, Raymond and Weiss?

hello there, pika!!!! :D

thank you and i hope you're doing well, too! 🤭🫶🏻✨

also, i'm very much sorry this took me a whole millennium to answer 🫠

but here you go!! 😁❤️‍🔥:

— — — —

— Elijah Avery Finch 🦡

Ale:

He's also a Muggleborn like Eli so I'm sure that Ale would do his best to look out for him whenever he has the chance

I think there's a chance they would bond over their hatred/resentment towards their own father

Overall, I think Ale would love to have Eli as his friend since he's a chill and fun guy to be around✨

Val:

She would appreciate his warm demeanor and would try her best to be friends with him as soon as she can! 😆🫶🏻

Eventually, I think they would bond over their similar hobbies like painting and snacking! 🍓

They're both the only children in their families as well so I'm guessing that they would understand each other in that regard

She'd also tease him about Seb 🤪

— Lilith Mila LeStrange 🐍

Ale:

He would be a bit wary about her at first since she's from a pure-blood supremacist family. However, no one is actually safe from Ale's attempt to talk to people so he would still talk to her eventually

I think once they start to have some frequent small conversations, his perspective of her will change and realize that she's nothing like her pure blood obsessed lineage

He would go as far as to defend her from her own siblings who bully her 👊🏻

Val:

These two would probably have this unspoken understanding between them since they both came from pure-blood supremacist families and they're both nothing like them

At some point, I think they'll become friends or at least a shoulder to lean on 🫂

If ever Lilith opened up about her self-harm, Val would do everything in her power to make sure she would never feel the need to do that again

I can imagine them climbing trees together and just talking about life while sitting on a tree branch

— Raymond Todd Sweeney

Ale:

I can imagine these two being a part of a Poetry Club of sort 😆✨

Raymond and Ale have very different interests and hobbies. However, there will be a time when they will be able to interact since Val and Ray have very similar interests, and it so happens that Ale joined an unholy number of school clubs just to get close to her! 🤣

He would probably ask him for some 'how to get better at potion' advice

Val:

As I mentioned above, they have a lot in common✨ Like they both are into quidditch, flying, astrology and space, and more!

Val's emotions are attuned to the phases of the Moon, so I think these two can help each other out in regards to the matters of the Moon

Once she learned that his mother is a baker, she would definitely ask for recipes 😆 This is because Val is a foodie! 🍞

For fun, she would challenge him to beat her at potion-making

— Weiss Snow Starling 🦅

Ale:

This may come off as a surprise but Ale is good at sewing 🪡 so I think once he learns that she likes sewing, they can bond over this! ✨

He would have mad respect for her standing up for those who are getting bullied

Would 10/10 compliment her fits 🔥🔥🔥

Val:

She would admire her courage and the way she carries herself cuz YAAAAS QUEEN 👑✨

Since they're both into Quidditch, Val would playfully tease her by saying: "Think you can beat me in a broom race, Starling? 😏" She's more than aware that Weiss is exceptional on a broom but a little fun challenge won't hurt 🤭

Val would hate Winter sooooo much and would do her best to make sure she doesn't get near Weiss as much as possible

She would also love to hang out with her whenever they get the chance! And maybe do some shopping together, too! 🛒🎀

— — — —

In conclusion, Val and Ale would definitely want to hangout with all of them 💯 Different perspectives and new friends are always welcome in this household✨

I hope these made sense and thank you so much for the ask! I so enjoy answering it 🤭❤️‍🔥

Wishing you a wonderful day ahead and sending many warm hugs!!! 🫂🫂🫂

#casper yaps #ask from pika #elijah finch #lilith lestrange #raymond sweeney #weiss starling #hogwarts legacy mc #hogwarts legacy #valentine black #alejandro salvatori

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 10 months ago

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11th August >> Mass Readings (USA)

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

(Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II))

First Reading 1 Kings 19:4–8 Strengthened by that food, he walked to the mountain of God.

Elijah went a day’s journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death, saying: “This is enough, O LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat. Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2–3, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9

R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad.

R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the afflicted man called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.

R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

R/ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Second Reading Ephesians 4:30—5:2 Walk in love, just like Christ.

Brothers and sisters: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation John 6:51

Alleluia, alleluia. I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live forever. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 6:41–51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven.

The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven,” and they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Stop murmuring among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets:

They shall all be taught by God.

Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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shadow-tumbler · 2 years ago

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Kinkmas day 1: love bites

(Sebastian sallow X Amelia Marksmen, ominis gaunt x Elijah Marksmen)

Sebastian and Amelia:

Sebastian and Amelia were happily on their usual date at the three broom sticks like they did all the time, it was to the point Sirona knew what they'd both have and what time they would be there so she would have it all ready for them. Sebastian glanced Amelia as she spoke passionately of her adventures she's had over the summer with her brother trying to discover more about their ancient magic "why are you starting at me?" Amelia asked seb. Sebastian smiled softly at her "you know you get this little twinkle in your eyes when you speak so passionately" he says and that made Amelia blush a little. Sebastian then catches a boy was eyeing up Amelia from his table across the room and he felt a ting of jealously go though him so he moved his seat so he was sat next to her ans he puts his arm around her shoulders. As Amelia went to speak Sebastian started to gently kiss her neck which toke her by surprise "seb what are you doing?" Amelia asked "try to keep quiet darling" sebastian says and his kissing turned to light biting. Amelia had to hold back the moan that wanted to escape her lips and she feels Sebastian smirk against her skin and after a minute or so he pulled away making sure that boy could see the mark to silently say 'this is my girl'.

Ominis and Elijah:

Elijah was forward to today as it was his first quidditch game since last year it was cancelled by professor black "you exited?" Everett asked him since he was taking him to the game "I am, it's slytherin vs Ravenclaw right?" Elijah asked and Everett nods. The 2 started walking to the quidditch pitch and they meet up with amit "Elijah wait up!" Came the voice of ominis gaunt "I'll catch up with you guys" Elijah says and he walked over to ominis "hey omi what's up?" He asked. Ominis smiles "well since this is your first quidditch game I thought I'd make it interesting with a bet" ominis says peaking Elijah's interest "what does this bet intail?" Elijah asked "if Ravenclaw wins I will let you take me on a rid on Sepulchria" ominis says. Sepulchria is the threstral that Elijah rescued and tamed "and if Slytherin wins?" Elijah asked "well then I'd get to make my mark on you to show everyone else that you are mine" ominis replied with a hint of possessiveness in his voice. Ever since Elijah and his sister saved hogwarts from ranrok in 5th year they had become pretty popular and caught the attention of both girls and boys alike but of course they were both already spoken for. The two shake on the bet then they make their way to the respective seats, the game was close but slytherin won and Elijah meets up with ominis "I believe I won the bet Darling" he says and Elijah nodded "that's right omi" he says. Ominis then gently pushed Elijah against the tree he was stood next to and he lips were soon on his neck and Elijah quietly gasped at that simple action. Ominis kissed all over till he found the perfect spot and he focused all his efforts their and soon sucked and very visible mark on Elijah's neck and then he pulled away "now everyone shall know you are mine and only mine"

#sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian x mc #ominis gaunt #ominis gaunt x mc #ominis x mc #Amelia Marksmen #Elijah Marksmen

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gracefortheday · 11 hours ago

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ENTRY# 50525

May 5, 2025, MONDAY Entry: 4:00am, Commonwealth QC

VERSE OF THE DAY: 1 JOHN 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

SOMEONE GREATER There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, your mind, and your soul. A battle that’s not only physical, but also spiritual. A battle with literal enemies who impact the seen and unseen world. John wrote: “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Yes, we are in a real battle. Yes, we have a real enemy. Yes, the kingdom of darkness is constantly fighting against the kingdom of light. But for those who are trusting in the finished work of Christ, greater is the One living inside of us than the one who is living in this world. We have a real Savior. This story isn’t close to over. The kingdom of darkness will never prevail against the kingdom of light. Our enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. To pervert, manipulate, and confuse, distract, divide, and disable. But God is greater than the doubts that clutter your mind, the enemies that frustrate your plans, the heart-wrenching and even soul-crushing situation that’s currently consuming your thoughts. You can fight from a place of victory because the battle has already been won. Jesus has already conquered death. And now, while we wait for others to come to salvation and for God to bring all things to completion under Christ’s authority, we can fight with a confident hope. There’s a battle happening all around us—a battle for your heart, for your mind, for your soul. But greater is the One living inside of you than the one who is living in this world.

SHARE YOUR FAITH If you're struggling today, know that God sees you, loves you, and is greater than anything you're up against. You can turn to Him. If you sense that someone else is struggling, reach out. You can listen to them, pray for them, and help them remember He's already won.

God, thank You for giving me the courage and discipline to pursue You and keep away from evil. Because of Your work in my life, I know that You are greater than anything that fights me. You have overcome the world, and You live in me! Strengthen me and help me to continue to eradicate the character traits that is not in Your nature. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE READING: 1 KINGS 19-20 LUKE 23: 1-25 ELIJAH FLEES JEZEBEL he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” 5And he lay down and slept under a broom tree. And behold, an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat. for the journey is too great for you.” And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. THE LORD SPEAKS TO ELIJAH he came to a cave and lodged in it., “What are you doing here, Elijah?” “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. 13And when Elijah heard it, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus." THE CALL OF ELISHA he departed from there and found Elisha who was plowing. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. e returned from following him and took the yoke of oxen and sacrificed them and boiled their flesh with the yokes of the oxen and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and assisted him. AHAB'S WARS WITH SYRIA AHAB DEFEATS BEN-HADAD AHAB DEFEATS BEN-HADAD AGAIN A PROPHET CONDEMNS BEN-HADAD'S RELEASE And he said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people.’” 43And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria. JESUS BEFORE PILATE Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” JESUS BEFORE HEROD When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. 9So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15Neither did Herod, I will therefore punish and release him.” PILATE DELIVERS JESUS TO BE CRUCIFIED they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. THE CRUCIFIXION seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

2 CHRONICLES 33:10-17 MANASSEH'S REPENTANCE The Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they paid no attention. Therefore the Lord brought upon them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, And when he was in distress, he entreated the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers. 13He prayed to him, and God was moved, heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. Afterward he built an outer wall for the city of David, He also put commanders of the army in all the fortified cities in Judah. took away the foreign gods and the idol from the house of the Lord, He also restored the altar of the Lord and offered on it sacrifices, commanded Judah to serve the Lord, the God of Israel. the people still sacrificed at the high places, but only to the Lord their God. INSIGHT The fifty-five-year reign of Manasseh, king of Judah, is summarized in 2 Kings 21:2: “He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Manasseh “rebuilt the high places” and set up “an Asherah pole” (21:3), a sacred pole that honored the pagan goddess Asherah. In addition, he shed “much innocent blood” and led his people to follow his wrongdoing (v. 16). His life is further described in 2 Chronicles 33. He defiled the temple by setting up “altars to the Baals” and “bowed down to all the starry hosts” (v. 3). He even sacrificed his own children (v. 6). But after being taken captive to Babylon, Manasseh humbly prayed to God, was returned to his throne in Jerusalem, and ended his reign seeking to right his many wrongs (vv. 10-17). Likewise, we can humbly turn to Him for a fresh start. By: Alyson Kieda

GOD OF THE FRESH START “The Merchant of Death is Dead!” That was the headline for an obituary that may have caused Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, to make a course correction in his life. But the newspaper made a mistake—Alfred was very much alive. It was his brother Ludvig who had died. When Alfred realized he’d be remembered for a dangerous invention that claimed many lives, he decided to donate most of his significant wealth to establishing an award for those who had benefited humanity. It became known as the Nobel Prize. More than two thousand years earlier, another powerful man had a change of heart. Manasseh, king of Judah, rebelled against God. As a result, he was taken captive to Babylon. But “in his distress he sought the favor of the Lord,” and “when he prayed,” God “brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom” (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Manasseh spent the rest of his rule in peace, serving God and doing his best to undo the wrongs he’d done before. “The Lord was moved” by Manasseh’s prayer (v. 13). God responds to humility. When we realize we need to make a change in the way we’re living and turn to Him, He never turns us away. He meets us with grace we don’t deserve and renews us with the self-giving love He poured out at the cross. New beginnings begin with Him. By: James Banks

Reflect & Pray Where in your life do you need to have a change of heart? How will you turn to God today?

Forgiving Father, thank You that You’ll never turn me away. Please help me to turn to You with all my heart in all I do today. In Jesus name, Amen.

BEATITUDES “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” What does Jesus mean when He talks about blessings? The word BLESSED in Greek is makarios, and it's difficult to translate into English. Many translators used the word BLESSED or HAPPY as this was the closest to the meaning they could get. There is an eternal JOY on the inside that the world cannot give you. This means no matter what happens in my day, I have a joy that cannot be taken away. These Beatitudes are an invitation into a completely counter-cultural value system that no circumstance or happening can take our JOY away. It's by living with these new instructions that Jesus gives, that he is inviting us to live a truly flourishing life. The first group that Jesus says is blessed are the poor in spirit. What does He mean to be poor in spirit? In verse 3 the word that is used in the original New Testament Greek is a word that means 'poverty, to cower, to cringe like a beggar'. In classical Greek usage, it was used the same way, as someone who crouches, who bends, who wretchedly begs for money or for worth. And if you take this meaning of the word and you combine it with 'in spirit', 'poverty in spirit', what it is saying is: those who are poor in spirit are those who are blessed, are those who will have the kingdom of heaven. You could translate it like this, ‘Blessed are those who are so desperately poor in their spiritual resources that they realise that they must have help from outside sources. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven'.

MATTHEW 5:3-20

#50525

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carolap53 · 9 months ago

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Is Perception Reality? TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

09/22/2024

"Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:18). One the great acts of the prophet Elijah took place at Mount Carmel where he called down fire upon the altar of Baal and slaughtered 400 prophets of Baal. I have been to Mount Carmel in Israel and stood upon this mountain where this took place. Once the miracle took place Elijah was forced to flee because Jezebel swore to take his life for what he did. Elijah went into depression after this event. He fled to the desert and sat under a broom tree and asked God to let him die. He was so discouraged because he felt he was the only godly prophet left in the land of Israel. This is often what happens after God does a significant work through us. Satan comes along and wants to steal what God has done and bring the servant of God down. Satan makes us believe a lie about our situation. This was the case for Elijah. Elijah's perception was not reality. He thought he was the last of the prophets. He could not see what God was doing. God informed Elijah that there were actually seven thousand of His representatives in the land who had not bowed down to Baal. Now give some thought to that statement. Elijah thought he was the only one left. God says there are 7,000 left! What a discrepancy in perception and reality. This is often the case for you and I. We look at our situations and conclude based on the circumstances that reality must be this way. But God says, "No, you do not see what I see or what I know or what I am doing. The situation is very different than what you are perceiving." Be careful not to draw conclusions about your situation that may not be based on truth. God always has a plan for His servants that we may not know about. Ask God to give you His perception of the situation, not yours.

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riverdamien · 10 months ago

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Life Is An Allusion!

"Life Is A Grand Allusion!"

(Elijah's Trauma!"

1 Kings 19:4-8

New Living Translation

4 Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”

5 Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” 6 He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

7 Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.”

8 So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai,[a] the mountain of God.

--------------------

Elijah is one of my heroes. He admits radically when he is traumatized by the violence of the regime he has fled; it has crippled his ability to care for himself and God responds to Elijah's very precarious situation, by performing an extraordinary act of solidarity, not in the prophet's violent rampage but in his moment of vulnerability.

In the same way these past weeks I have been pushed into my most vulnerable moments, moments of deep fear, rage, and anger; Over twenty years ago I was stabbed in the bottom of my skull and a piece of the instrument broke off, where it has remained simply being there. In my bi-annual examination in L.A., the Doctor discovered that it is now slowly moving, inoperable, and will in all likelihood kill me in the next three years. The song The Grand Allusion by Styx rings in my head:

“Welcome to the Grand illusion Come on in and see what's happening Pay the price, get your tickets for the show The stage is set, the band starts playing Suddenly your heart is pounding Wishing secretly you were a star But don't be fooled by the radio The TV or the magazines They show you photographs of how your life should be But they're just someone else's fantasy So if you think your life is completely confusing because you never win the game Just remember that it's a Grand illusion 'Cause deep inside we're all the same We're all the same... So if you think your life is completely confusing because your neighbors got it made Just remember that it's a Grand illusion And deep inside we're all the same America spells competition Join us in our blind ambition Get yourself a brand new motor car Someday soon we'll stop to ponder What on Earth's this spell we're under We made the grade and still we wonder Who the hell we are?” Styx

Like "Jessie" who long ago drew the painting, amid the depression, that led to his suicide, over his plight over being gay I have and am questioning everything I am, and whether or not I have failed. All I have tried to do is be a pastor, listening, caring, and supporting. Is all this simply a "grand allusion!"

Last night I encountered a fifty-year-old man, eating out of a garbage can, and I said, "Hey come here and I will buy you some food. He had not eaten in two days, was obviously on drugs, and was mentally ill, feeling threatened by everyone. I bought him a couple of pizza slices and listened to him. I wonder a lot if I have failed, after all, I mostly listen to people, I do not feed hundreds a day, I do not scream at the government, I sit, with a sign once a week, and if someone wants to talk, we talk, hopefully planting a seed of change. I am simply doing "Little by Little!" I believe that gentleman is the "broken body of Christ", and I fed Jesus! Is that a grand allusion?

"Life is a Grand Allusion!" Society has surrounded us by ways of finding meaning, and religious traditions that ultimately are destructive when taken to the extreme, and all I see is people suffering on the street and dying.

I have spent the past three weeks in the desert alone, with just me and my Bible, reflecting on maybe I should end it now- I am a failure, and no one gives a da. . mn! "Take my life, Lord, for I am no better than my ancestors. ."

Amid my fears and depression, a poem that has meant so much to me for years rang into my head:

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms and like books that are now written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.” ― Rainer Maria Rilke

And the words of the Angel came to me: "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be to much for you.!(19:7). I will get up and continue my journey in ministry!

And so I am moving back into life and will seek to "Live the question now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it live along some distant day into the future!"

And in living the question I will "Live to the point of folly and in the words of

Kawaga: “Being a freelance tramp, a

Vagabond for Christ. I must go until

Christ’s work is done. I go like the wind!” Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!

Put me in jail, then. Throw me behind your religious bars since you have dubbed me a breaker of your law. I live my days in the courtroom of your criticism. I move unbothered under the gaze of your gavel. I have no interest in defending myself before your bench. Go on, clench your fists, raise your voice to make your point. Type the rebuke that you must make on my page. Who asked you to come through anyway? Is this rage your duty? We operate under a different set of obligations and get worked up to frustration for different reasons, even though we both claim fidelity to God. If you were interested, which I doubt, here is where my passion lies: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, defend the rights of the orphan, plead the widow’s cause, and woe to you who unjustly enforce God’s Law. Why spend your energy policing me when that same energy could be used to love, fiercely? Justice, mercy, and humility. Go learn what this means. Drew Jackson Deo Gratias! Thanks be to God!

======================

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catolinewsdailyreadings · 10 months ago

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Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings of Sunday, August 11, 2024

Reading 1

1 KGS 19:4-8

Elijah went a day's journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death saying: "This is enough, O LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat. Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, "Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!" He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear me and be glad. R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me, Let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me And delivered me from all my fears. R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy. And your faces may not blush with shame. When the afflicted man called out, the LORD heard, And from all his distress he saved him. R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him. R./ Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Reading 2

EPH 4:30—5:2

Gospel

JN 6:41-51

The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven, " and they said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Stop murmuring among yourselves. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day. It is written in the prophets: They shall all be taught by God. Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

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ongolecharles · 10 months ago

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DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS (DSR) 📚 Group, Sun Aug 11th, 2024 ... The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Reading 1

----------

1 Kgs 19:4-8

Elijah went a day's journey into the desert,

until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it.

He prayed for death saying:

"This is enough, O LORD!

Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers."

He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree,

but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat.

Elijah looked and there at his head was a hearth cake

and a jug of water.

After he ate and drank, he lay down again,

but the angel of the LORD came back a second time,

touched him, and ordered,

"Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!"

He got up, ate, and drank;

then strengthened by that food,

he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb.

Responsorial Psalm

----------------

Ps 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

R. (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times;

his praise shall be ever in my mouth.

Let my soul glory in the LORD;

the lowly will hear me and be glad.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me,

Let us together extol his name.

I sought the LORD, and he answered me

And delivered me from all my fears.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy.

And your faces may not blush with shame.

When the afflicted man called out, the LORD heard,

And from all his distress he saved him.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps

around those who fear him and delivers them.

Taste and see how good the LORD is;

blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

R. Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Reading 2

----------

Eph 4:30—5:2

Brothers and sisters:

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,

with which you were sealed for the day of redemption.

All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling

must be removed from you, along with all malice.

And be kind to one another, compassionate,

forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.

So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love,

as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us

as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma.

Alleluia

--------

Jn 6:51

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven, says the Lord;

whoever eats this bread will live forever.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

--------

Jn 6:41-51

The Jews murmured about Jesus because he said,

"I am the bread that came down from heaven, "

and they said,

"Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph?

Do we not know his father and mother?

Then how can he say,

'I have come down from heaven'?"

Jesus answered and said to them,

"Stop murmuring among yourselves.

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him,

and I will raise him on the last day.

It is written in the prophets:

They shall all be taught by God.

Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me.

Not that anyone has seen the Father

except the one who is from God;

he has seen the Father.

Amen, amen, I say to you,

whoever believes has eternal life.

I am the bread of life.

Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died;

this is the bread that comes down from heaven

so that one may eat it and not die.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven;

whoever eats this bread will live forever;

and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world."

***

FOCUS AND LITURGY OF THE WORD

The first reading today picks up a narrative from Kings 18 in which Elijah caused over four hundred prophets of Baal to be slaughtered. King Ahab’s wife, Queen Jezebel, an ardent follower of Baal, heard of this, and wanted Elijah to be killed. Elijah fled into the wilderness. After one day of his journey through rough terrain, Elijah was exhausted, and sought shelter under a tree. He prayed for death; “this is enough, O Lord! Take my life.” He fell asleep. While the fugitive slept, God intervened by sending an angelic messenger, and provided bread and water for Elijah. The message was “eat, drink, and go on with the journey. Elijah responded by going back to sleep. Again, God sent a messenger. Bread and water were provided; the message was, “Go to the holy mountain, Horeb.” Elijah, with renewed energy, walked for forty days and nights to reach the mountain.

How often we hear the phrase “God will provide.” God does come to our aid. We receive what we need to persevere. Sometimes we lack only sustenance. At other times, when we are pressed down, we need more. We seek the sense that God is with us on our journey, and deeply loves us. We can then eat, drink, and be spiritually energized by God’s love as we continue our mission with renewed zeal. We clearly can never live “by bread alone.”

As the responsorial psalm reminds us, we need to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” Eat, drink, and go on with our journey to the Lord. The alleluia also reinforces the symbol of our God as the “Living Bread.” “Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

The second reading allows us to share Paul’s letter to his beloved brothers and sisters in Ephesus. Even though he was persecuted and often imprisoned, Paul provides us with an amazing exhortation to purge ourselves of all bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling... along with malice. The sum of our core mission as Christians is also contained in Paul’s letter: “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” We certainly can make these words come alive in our daily actions. We can do this and remain God-loving agents of change in our modern world.

The gospel for this 19th Sunday in ordinary time is profound. Jesus does not couch his message in a parable; he directly tells us who and what he is. He is “the Living Bread that came down from Heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Neither Elijah’s God-given bread nor the manna that fed the Israelites in the desert allowed those who ate it eternal life. Jesus tells us that “The bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” May we with this promise and spiritual nourishment continue our journey toward God.

***

【Build your Faith in Christ Jesus on #dailyscripturereadingsgroup 📚: +256 751 540 524 .. Whatsapp】

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mybeautifulchristianjourney · 1 year ago

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Devotional Hours Within the Bible

by J.R. Miller

Elijah Discouraged and Restored (1 Kings 19:1-16)

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holyathome · 11 months ago

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BROOM TREE 🌳 TIME!

Glimpses of some of my "Broom Trees" from the past

"What in the world is Broom Tree Time?", you ask...let me share one of my most coveted times of my year! First, let me ask you, do you find yourself constantly on the go? Is your calendar bursting at the seams? Are you running hither and yon to meet all of the needs of everyone in your family? Is your To-Do list longer than Santa's gift list for all the kids in the world? Do you feel like you are constantly overwhelmed? It may be summer break for me, but I have felt several times this past month even more busy than I do during the school year. It is so easy to fall into that kind of pace.

Then, let me ask - how is it with your soul? Are you really spending time with God? Are you pulling away from the hubbub to truly rest in His presence? To listen for His still small voice? To just BE with Him?

With so much constantly whirring through my brain and a gazillion things vying for my attention, it is easy to get distracted and off course with Jesus. And, that my friends, is where the Broom Tree comes into play.

Remember Elijah - an important messenger for God? He'd had some pretty crummy encounters with the likes of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. I mean she wants to kill him for crying out loud...just because His God is real and hers is nothing more than a hunk of metal that can't even light a fire! OK - there may be a little more to it, but he had to run for his life! Finally, he finds himself resting...yep, under a Broom Tree! And there, God takes care of him!

God gave him rest. God gave him shelter. God gave him hope. God gave him food. God gave him a drink. God gave him encouragement. God gave him refreshment and rejuvenation to be ready to go about the next mission God had for him. God gave Elijah all of that under the Broom Tree!

A few years ago, I knew I needed a retreat of sorts - to pull away, refocus, refuel - so I was ready for God to continue to use me. And, I called it my Broom Tree Time. After that initial getaway with God, as I define it, I plan 1-2 Broom Tree Times each year. I leave behind work, To-Do Lists, and the calendar, to just unwind, rest with Jesus and spend time fully aware of His presence. And, all the while being physically, mentally, emotionally, AND spiritually renewed, restored, and refreshed. I often spend a lot of times outdoors in God's Creation, eating good food (like Elijah), and just basking in a time of peace and calm.

This year, I have felt God calling me on a different kind of journey for my Broom Tree Time this summer. Normally, I venture to a bed and breakfast or something 45 minutes to an hour away. This time around...my Broom Tree is planted in some very GREEN Pastures! Stay tuned for more after I return and am filled and ready to take on my next mission for Jesus!

In the meantime - let me ask you one more question - would you consider finding your own Broom Tree Time? Your family will benefit. Your friends may thank you. Your work just might be better. Your spirit might be lighter. Your to-do list might not shrink, but it might not be so overwhelming. You will probably find that you suddenly realize you are more in-tune with the Holy Spirit. You may even hear His still small Voice! And, I can guarantee...your SOUL will be in a better place! Trust me on this and find your Broom Tree.

More glimpses of some of my "Broom Trees" from the past

#holyathome #lcafamilydiscipleship #lca2324 #chefsprinklesatwork #chefsprinklesatrest #BroomTreeTime

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer: These are my reflections and not necessarily meant to express the views of Lexington Christian Academy.

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roman-catholic-mass-readings · 1 year ago

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4th January >> Mass Readings (USA)

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

4th January.

4th January

(Liturgical Colour: White: B (2))

(Readings for the feria (Thursday))

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

First Reading 1 John 3:7-10 Those who are begotten by God commit no sin.

Children, let no one deceive you. The person who acts in righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. Whoever sins belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the beginning. Indeed, the Son of God was revealed to destroy the works of the Devil. No one who is begotten by God commits sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot sin because he is begotten by God. In this way, the children of God and the children of the Devil are made plain; no one who fails to act in righteousness belongs to God, nor anyone who does not love his brother.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98:1, 7-8, 9

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy before the LORD.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The LORD comes; he comes to rule the earth; He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity.

R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Gospel Acclamation Hebrews 1:1-2

Alleluia, alleluia. In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets: in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel John 1:35-42 We have found the Messiah.

John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

---------------------------

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

(Liturgical Colour: White: B (2))

(Readings for the memorial)

(There is a choice today between the readings for the ferial day (Thursday) and those for the memorial. The ferial readings are recommended unless pastoral reasons suggest otherwise)

Either:

First Reading Deuteronomy 10:8-9 The Lord himself is our heritage.

Moses summoned all of Israel and said to them: “At that time the LORD set apart the tribe of Levi to carry the ark of the covenant of the LORD, to be in attendance before the LORD and minister to him, and to give blessings in his name, as they have done to this day. For this reason, Levi has no share in the heritage with his brothers; the LORD himself is his heritage, as the LORD, your God, has told him.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

OR: --------

First reading 1 Kings 19:4-9a, 11-15a Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord.

Elijah went a day’s journey into the desert, until he came to a broom tree and sat beneath it. He prayed for death saying: “This is enough, O LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” He lay down and fell asleep under the broom tree, but then an angel touched him and ordered him to get up and eat. He looked and there at his head was a hearth cake and a jug of water. After he ate and drank, he lay down again, but the angel of the LORD came back a second time, touched him, and ordered, “Get up and eat, else the journey will be too long for you!” He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb. There he came to a cave, where he took shelter. Then the LORD said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD— but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake– but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake there was fire– but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, why are you here?” He replied, “I have been most zealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. But the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to the sword. I alone am left, and they seek to take my life.” The LORD said to him, “Go, take the road back to the desert near Damascus.”

OR: --------

First reading 1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21 Elisha left and followed Elijah.

The LORD said to Elijah: “You shall anoint Elisha, son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, as prophet to succeed you.” Elijah set out and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?” Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

EITHER: --------

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked Nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, But delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

He is like a tree planted near running water, That yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

Not so, the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the LORD watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes.

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. or Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord. or The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

He who walks blamelessly and does justice; who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue.

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor; By whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the LORD.

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be disturbed.

The just one shall live on your holy mountain, O Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 16:1-2ab and 5, 7-8, 11

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.” O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I bless the LORD who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23:1-3, 4, 5, 6

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose; Beside restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul. He guides me on right paths for his name’s sake.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side With your rod and your staff that give me courage.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall be ever in my mouth. Let my soul glory in the LORD; the lowly will hear and be glad.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Taste and see how good the LORD is; blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones, for nought is lacking to those who fear him. The great grow poor and hungry; but those who seek the LORD want for no good thing.

I will bless the Lord at all times. or Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.

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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 103:1bc-2, 3-4, 8-9, 13-14, 17-18a

O bless the Lord, my soul!

Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all my being, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills, He redeems your life from destruction, he crowns you with kindness and compassion.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him, For he knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity to eternity toward those who fear him, And his justice toward his children’s children among those who keep his covenant.

O bless the Lord, my soul!

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Responsorial Psalm Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7b-8, 9