#kadesh flow

[newsfromthefront]

2024.2.15

In one month, on March 16th, the Official SXSW Nerdcore Showcase returns to Flamingo Cantina with a killer lineup. Looks a lil something like this:

[walkswithmyfather]

Numbers 13:25-33 (NLT). [25] “After exploring the land for forty days, the men returned [26] to Moses, Aaron, and the whole community of Israel at Kadesh in the wilderness of Paran. They reported to the whole community what they had seen and showed them the fruit they had taken from the land. [27] This was their report to Moses: “We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. [28] But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! [29] The Amalekites live in the Negev, and the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the hill country. The Canaanites live along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and along the Jordan Valley.” [30] But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” [31] But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” [32] So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. [33] We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”

Numbers 14:1-10 (FBV). [1] “Then everybody there cried out loud all night. [2] All the Israelites went and complained to Moses and Aaron, telling them, “If only we'd died in Egypt, or here in this desert! [3] Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to get us killed? Our wives and children will be captured and taken away as slaves! Wouldn't we be better off going back to Egypt?” [4] They said to one another, “Let's choose a new leader and go back to Egypt.” [5] Moses and Aaron fell facedown on the ground in front of all the assembled Israelites. [6] Joshua, son of Nun, and Caleb, son of Jephunneh, were there. They had been part of the group who had gone to spy out the land. They ripped their clothes, [7] and told the Israelites, “The country we traveled through and explored has very good land. [8] If the Lord is happy with us, he will take us there and give it to us, a land that's so productive it's like flowing with milk and honey. [9] Don't rebel and fight against the Lord. You don't need to be afraid of the people living there in the country—we can take them easily! They're defenseless and the Lord is with us. Don't be frightened of them!” [10] In reply all the people shouted out, “Stone them!” But the glory of the Lord suddenly appeared in the Tent of Meeting, right in the middle of the Israelites.”

“Are You Focusing on God or Obstacles?” by In Touch Ministries:

“God is able to overcome any problem we face.”

“God told the Israelites to go and possess the land of Canaan. The people needed a place to thrive as a nation, and He chose an exceptionally good land for them.

So at the Lord’s direction, Moses sent 12 men to survey and spy out the area. What a surprise when 10 of them returned with unfavorable, alarming stories. Most of them could see only the obstacles. However, Caleb and Joshua were positive they’d “surely overcome” (Num. 13:30)—that was because they were focused on God’s promises rather than obvious difficulties. Their confidence was based on the Lord’s words to Abraham: “To your descendants I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7).

The rest of the Israelites didn’t share the two men’s faith—tales of giants and fortified cities scared them. Ordinarily, those would’ve been obstacles worth fearing. But their omnipotent God had proven He could overcome anything: He’d parted the Red Sea to facilitate their escape and fed them in the desert.

Focusing on obstacles distorts our vision. Then problems loom so large we can’t see to take the next step in faith. But if God has called us to do something, the reality we need to see is this: He’s already planned a way around, over, or through any barriers that might lie on the path to fulfilling His purpose for our life.”

[Photo thanks to Benjamin Voros at Unsplash]

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Wonderful Stream

1 Then he brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and there! I saw water flowing out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east. The water flowed out toward the right side of the temple to the south of the altar. 2 He brought me by way of the north gate and around the outside to the outer gate facing east; there I saw water trickling from the southern side. 3 When he continued eastward with a measuring cord in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and had me wade through the water; it was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and once more had me wade through the water; it was up to the knees. He measured another thousand cubits and had me wade through the water; it was up to my waist. 5 Once more he measured off a thousand cubits. Now it was a river I could not wade across. The water had risen so high, I would have to swim—a river that was impassable. 6 Then he asked me, “Do you see this, son of man?” He brought me to the bank of the river and had me sit down. 7 As I was returning, I saw along the bank of the river a great many trees on each side. 8 He said to me, “This water flows out into the eastern district, runs down into the Arabah and empties into the polluted waters of the sea to freshen them. 9 Wherever it flows, the river teems with every kind of living creature; fish will abound. Where these waters flow they refresh; everything lives where the river goes. 10 Fishermen will stand along its shore from En-gedi to En-eglaim; it will become a place for drying nets, and it will abound with as many kinds of fish as the Great Sea. 11 Its marshes and swamps shall not be made fresh, but will be left for salt. 12 Along each bank of the river every kind of fruit tree will grow; their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fresh fruit because the waters of the river flow out from the sanctuary. Their fruit is used for food, and their leaves for healing.”

The New Israel

Boundaries of the Land. 13 Thus says the Lord God: These are the boundaries of the land which you shall apportion among the twelve tribes of Israel, with Joseph having two portions. 14 You shall apportion it equally because I swore to give it to your ancestors as a heritage; this land, then, is your heritage. 15 These are the borders of the land: on the northern side, from the Great Sea in the direction of Hethlon, Lebo-hamath to Zedad, 16 Berothah, and Sibraim, along the frontiers of Damascus and Hamath, to Hazar-enon, on the border of Hauran. 17 Thus the border extends from the sea to Hazar-enon, north of the border of Damascus, the frontier of Hamath to the north. This is the northern boundary. 18 The eastern border shall be between Damascus and Hauran, while the Jordan will form the border between Gilead and the land of Israel down to the eastern sea as far as Tamar. This is the eastern boundary. 19 The southern border shall go southward from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, on to the Wadi of Egypt, and into the Great Sea. This is the southern boundary. 20 The western border shall have the Great Sea as a boundary as far as a point opposite Lebo-hamath. This is the western boundary.

The Northern Portions

21 You shall divide this land according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You shall allot it as heritage for yourselves and for the resident aliens in your midst who have fathered children among you. You shall treat them like native Israelites; along with you they shall receive a heritage among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the resident alien lives, there you shall assign his heritage—oracle of the Lord God. — Ezekiel 47 | New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cross References: Genesis 2:9; Genesis 13:10-11; Genesis 14:15; Genesis 48:5; Exodus 15:25; Numbers 34:3; Numbers 34:7,8 and 9; Judges 3:3; Deuteronomy 1:8; Deuteronomy 3:17; Deuteronomy 10:19; Deuteronomy 29:23; Isaiah 11:9; Ezekiel 8:6; Ezekiel 40:3; Ezekiel 40:35; Ezekiel 45:1; Matthew 4:19; John 4:14; Acts 11:18; Revelation 22:1-2; Revelation 22:17

[dfroza]

A link to my personal reading of the Scriptures

for the 16th of june 2025 with a paired chapter from each Testament (the First & the New Covenant) of the Bible

[The Book of Matthew, Chapter 7 • The Book of Job, Chapter 35]

along with Today’s reading from the ancient books of Proverbs and Psalms with Proverbs 16 and Psalm 16 coinciding with the day of the month, accompanied by Psalm 89 for the 89th day of Astronomical Spring, and Psalm 17 for day 167 of the year (with the consummate book of 150 Psalms in its 2nd revolution this year)

A post by John Parsons:

The Warning of Unbelief...

Shalom chaverim yakirim, and Yom Ha'Av Sameach. Our Torah reading for this week, Shelach Lekha (שלח־לך), recounts how Moses sent twelve spies from the desert region of Kadesh (קָדֵשׁ) into the land of Canaan to search it out and give a report of its condition. The spies returned 40 days later extolling the land, saying that was indeed fruitful and "zevat chalav u’devash" (זבת חלב ודבשׁ), “flowing with milk and honey.” However, ten of the spies also gave a discouraging report, expressing their fear that the people could not conquer the land. Only Joshua (יהושע) and Caleb (כלב) kept faith in God's promise....

Upon hearing the report of the ten spies, however, the people rebelled and cried out to return to Egypt. Angered by their lack of faith, God sought to destroy the people, but Moses interceded on their behalf. The LORD then decreed to lengthen the Israelites’ wandering in the desert to 40 years -- one year for each day the spies were in the land -- until all of the faithless over the age of 20 would die in the desert, except for Joshua and Caleb, the two spies who kept faith with the LORD. After hearing the judgment of God, a group of remorseful Israelites decided to “repent” by taking matters into their own hands. Without either the “Ark of the Covenant of the LORD” or Moses’ leadership, they presumptuously decided to storm a mountain on the border of the land but were decisively routed by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

If last week's Torah might be called "sefer kvetch" (the book of complaint), this week's Torah reveals the fateful outcome... The people’s lapse of faith in God's power serves as a profound and very sober warning, and indeed is a primary warning regarding the dreadful sin of unbelief in the New Testament (see Heb. 3:7-4:11). Indeed, Jewish tradition states that the decree that “none of the men who had seen my glorious Presence and my signs I performed in Egypt and in the desert will see the land that I swore to give to their fathers” (Num. 14:22-23) was given on the Ninth of Av (i.e., Tishah B’Av), which was prophetic of the destruction of the Temple and the worldwide exile of the people from the Promised Land. The sin of unbelief may rightly be regarded as the “unpardonable sin” of the Torah (as well as the New Testament).

The tragedy of the sin at Kadesh ultimately has a happy resolution, however, since the LORD is never thwarted by man’s sin and weaknesses. After the 38 years of exile were complete, Moses’ faithful successor Joshua sent a second spying expedition to the promised land, though this time God led the spies to a prostitute named Rahab (רחב), a direct ancestor of Yeshua the Messiah, who later identified her faith in the LORD’s victory by displaying the scarlet cord (i.e., chut ha’sheni: חוט השׁני) during the fall of Jericho (Joshua 2). Rahab was the (grand)mother of Boaz, who later married Ruth, the great grandmother of King David. May God likewise give us courage to walk in the power of His promises, even if our present circumstances seem daunting. May the LORD clothe each of us with the "spirit of David" to stand before all the giants of the land who defy the LORD and His power.

[ Hebrew for Christians ]

========

Numbers 13:2 Hebrew reading:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/num13-2a-jjp.mp3

Hebrew page:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Blessing_Cards/num13-2a-lesson.pdf

Torah Summary for Shelach:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Shelach_Lekha/shelach_lekha.html

Table Talk:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Parashah/Summaries/Shelach_Lekha/ShabbatTableTalkPageShelach.pdf

Shelach Podcast:

https://hebrew4christians.com/training/parashat-shelach-lekha/

6.15.25 • Facebook

from Israel365

Today’s message (Days of Praise) from the Institute for Creation Research

[lion-soul]

How to hear from God.

Someone said, the free flow of thoughts when you fix your eyes on Jesus, that's how you know or how you hear from him.

What do you want me to learn? What do you want me to do?

Identity exchange/transformation

First tell the truth to God about who do you think you are

What do you believe about yourself

What lies do you believe or what lies do you believe the world has told you about yourself

whats true? ask God to tell you whats the truth of yourself. Remember how God called Jeremiah, in his mothers womb he was formed and known by God.

What is that the world says on who I am. Hand that to Jesus and then Ask him who do you say I am.

I can hear God, Today I heard from him. But I felt like a coward, frustrated for I couldn't obey. that made me really sad, and with a million questions... it was so simple, Just talk to her, Jesus love you!

Jesus, would you train me, I want to be bold I want to learn to Obey you, and teach others in how to hear from you.

I love the Psalm 29, David wrote some poetry about his voice.

 1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,     ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;     worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;     the God of glory thunders,     the Lord, over many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;     the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;     the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,     and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;     the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth[c]     and strips the forests bare,     and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;     the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. 11 May the Lord give strength to his people!     May the Lord bless his people with peace!

27 April 2025, Berlin

[fordecree7]

BIBLE TIME

NUMBERS 13

Spies Sent into Canaan

13 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” 3 So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel. 4 And these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; 7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; 10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; 11 from the tribe of Joseph (that is, from the tribe of Manasseh), Gaddi the son of Susi; 12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; 13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; 14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; 15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. 16 These were the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.

17 Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, 18 and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, 19 and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, 20 and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

21 So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there.

Report of the Spies

25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. 26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”

30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

Bible Time- Numbers 13 Diane Beauford

[monsooninn]

Berakhot 14b: 12. "The Graves of Desire."

We continue to discuss how to rid the world of the Unholy Spirit. God says "learn by doing."

But even if we do what has to be done and return this planet back to its proper owners, the people of the Kingdom of Israel, the Zohar, Metatron says "there is a Tania called Rabbi Shimon ben Yohai", "a miscarriage, an ejection, a throwing down."

12. Tania Rabbi Shimon ben Yohai says: In the law it is that the beginning "hear", for "and there was a hearing" - which is to learn, and this is to learn. "And there was a hearing" for "and he said" - that this is to learn, and that is to do.

After God gave Moses the Decrees the first time, Moses found the people worshipping money and status, the golden calf once again. The very thing that got them trapped in Egypt. They went so far as to leave Egypt behind, and then they decided on a whim to go nowhere. Moses threw the tablets upon which the Decrees were written down and God scolded them.

The Golden Calf

7 "Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the Lord your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the Lord. 8 At Horeb you aroused the Lord’s wrath so that he was angry enough to destroy you. 9 When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water. 10 The Lord gave me two stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. On them were all the commandments the Lord proclaimed to you on the mountain out of the fire, on the day of the assembly.

11 At the end of the forty days and forty nights, the Lord gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant. 12 Then the Lord told me, “Go down from here at once, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have become corrupt. They have turned away quickly from what I commanded them and have made an idol for themselves.”

13 And the Lord said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are a stiff-necked people indeed! 14 Let me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. And I will make you into a nation stronger and more numerous than they.”

15 So I turned and went down from the mountain while it was ablaze with fire. And the two tablets of the covenant were in my hands. 16 When I looked, I saw that you had sinned against the Lord your God; you had made for yourselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the Lord had commanded you. 17 So I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands, breaking them to pieces before your eyes.

18 Then once again I fell prostrate before the Lord for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the Lord’s sight and so arousing his anger. 19 I feared the anger and wrath of the Lord, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the Lord listened to me. 20 And the Lord was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I prayed for Aaron too. 21 Also I took that sinful thing of yours, the calf you had made, and burned it in the fire. Then I crushed it and ground it to powder as fine as dust and threw the dust into a stream that flowed down the mountain.

22 You also made the Lord angry at Taberah "the consumption", at Massah "the proving" and at Kibroth Hattaavah "graves of desire".

23 And when the Lord sent you out from Kadesh Barnea "Sacred Desert Of Wandering, Holy Purifying Staggerings", he said, “Go up and take possession of the land I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. You did not trust him or obey him. 24 You have been rebellious against the Lord ever since I have known you."

Adherence to the Decrees is the solemn unbreakable agreement the people of Israel made with God. When the agreement is broken, God is allowed to do whatever He thinks is appropriate to restore the Covenant, and so are we. So the Tania, the stipulation for being free from slavery in Egypt is we must deal with the Unholy Ghost that is taking up more and more of our legal rights and independence from us.

Just as Moses did, we must build an Assembly out of all the nations and use its might to force Donald Trump and his government into exile and the re-establishment of proper procedures. The Republicans and their addiction to this Golden Calf will consume the planet if they are not stopped. We must throw down with them, our God against theirs.

The Value in Gematria is 8716, ףזי״ו‎, ephzitachu‎, "they lost their way."

[hiroshitanaka]

Ancient Wonders of Aswan

Aswan, often referred to as the "golden city," is a captivating destination in Upper Egypt, just south of Luxor. This enchanting city offers a blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

A visit to Aswan is incomplete without exploring its iconic historical monuments, which attract travellers from around the globe. One of the most memorable experiences is embarking on a Nile cruise, providing a serene and intimate view of the region's natural beauty and historical significance.

Let's delve deeper into some of Aswan's remarkable ancient wonders...

Philae Island

Philae Island, a serene oasis in the heart of the Nile, is a must-visit destination for any traveller exploring Aswan. Philae is renowned for its breathtaking temple complex and provides insights into ancient Egypt's rich history and mythology.

Originally built to honour the goddess Isis, the temple's intricate carvings and towering structures demonstrate the ancient Egyptians' architectural prowess. Visitors can wander through the temple's halls, marvel at the preserved hieroglyphs, and learn about the fascinating stories of the pharaohs and their deities.

A visit to Philae Island is a historical journey and a peaceful retreat. Surrounded by beautiful foliage and the gentle flow of the Nile, it's the perfect place to relax and soak up the tranquillity of this ancient land.

The Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk, a colossal stone pillar, stands as a testament to the ancient Egyptians' ambition and engineering prowess. Located in the Aswan quarries, this massive edifice was designed to be the largest obelisk ever erected, but its construction was abruptly halted.

Originating during Queen Hatshepsut's rule, a powerful pharaoh of the New Kingdom, the obelisk remains unfinished, offering a unique glimpse into the ancient Egyptians' quarrying and sculpting techniques. Its sheer size and the visible marks of the stonecutters provide a connection to the craftsmen who labored to create this monumental masterpiece.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of ancient artifacts, the Unfinished Obelisk is a must-see attraction in Aswan.

The Aswan High Dam

The Aswan High Dam, located on the Nile River in southern Egypt, is an impressive feat of engineering. Constructed during the 1950s under the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser, the dam serves an important role in managing the flow of the Nile and mitigating the impact of seasonal flooding. Additionally, the Aswan High Dam is a key source of hydroelectric power, contributing significantly to Egypt’s electricity supply. This landmark is not only vital for Egypt’s infrastructure but also offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s modern achievements.

 It is one of the most awaited places on my travel list, applying for an online visa for Egypt made visiting this historic country a cakewalk. I could still explore iconic sites in Egypt, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Nile River, via this streamlined process. After a speedy approval, I am now geared up to learn about culture, history and the beauty that Egypt has to offer.

The Abu Simbel Temples

The Two Temples of Abu Simbel are a unique archaeological site situated on the west shore of Lake Nasser, about 290 km southwest of Aswan. A portion of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO World Heritage Site, these temples are carved into massive rock formations. The larger temple is dedicated to King Ramses II, showcasing his great victories, including the famous Battle of Kadesh. The smaller temple honors his wife, Queen Nefertari. 

History enthusiasts flock to Abu Simbel to explore the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. The best time to visit is during the Sun Festival, held on February 22nd and October 22nd, marking Ramses II’s ascension to the throne and his birthday, respectively. This awe-inspiring site is a must-visit destination in Egypt for 2024.

The Elephantine Island

Elephantine Island is a historical and charming place. In ancient times, this island — which sits in the middle of the Nile — was an important trading post. Visitors can wander among its ancient ruins, including the Temple of Khnum, the god of creation, and an intriguing Nilometer used to measure the river’s water levels. We will explore the ancient Jewish temple & small artifacts that depict the multicultural heritage of the island where Egyptian, Nubian & Jewish influences are mixed.

With its verdant scenery and tranquil atmosphere, the island is an ideal place to unwind and explore. Winding along its trails, visitors can take in stunning views of the Nile and discover its rich history. In addition, Elephantine Island is a beautiful place to appreciate a true Nubian village, where travelers can experience Nubian hospitality, art, and food. Exploring this magical isle immerses, but also calms.

The Nubian Museum

The Nubian Museum- where Nubian heritage comes alive For its good share in the world of culture, you can't miss visiting the Nubian Museum if you are into Nubian culture. This award-winning museum boasts a stunning collection of artifacts narrating to visitors Nubia’s ancient history and its role in Egyptian civilization. There are pottery, jewelry, sculptures and textiles that showcase the ingenuity and creativity of the Nubian civilization. The museum provides detailed insights into the history of Nubia, its kings, and the Nubians’ interactions with ancient Egypt.

The Nubian Museum offers more than just artifacts; it provides a chance to experience something of Nubian culture. It was here in this beautiful place that I had my first experience of a truly meaningful rest — a retreat, personally curated. Outdoor exhibits, including a replica Nubian house and sculptures, relish views of Aswan. The museum also features educational programs and guided tours, adding depth to the visit and establishing the museum as a cultural and historical jewel in Aswan.

And the Egypt trip package just started. Every moment was a memory, and visiting the pyramid and cruising the Nile is something you will never forget. With carefully сurated itineraries that covered all the iconic sites from Luxor to Aswan to Cairo, the seductiveness of culture, rest, and all the excitement that one imagines when they think of traveling in this iconic destination. The unforgettable journey, guided and well accommodated, far surpassed every expectation, and I will always cherish these memories of an incredible place.

Happy travels and safe adventures! 🌍✈️

[jdgo51]

FEBRUARY 18, 2024

Giants in the Land H. S. Radebe (South Africa)

"The people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there." - Numbers 13:28 (NIV)

"'When the spies Moses sent to the land of Canaan returned and gave their report, they had both good and bad news. They reported that the land truly flowed with milk and honey, and they brought fruit back with them. However, they also reported that the people living there were powerful, the cities were fortified and very large, and they saw descendants of Anak there. The descendants of Anak were giants. They are described in Deuteronomy 9:2: “These people are large and tall — they are the Anakim. You know and have heard what people say: ‘Who can stand up to the Anakim?’” (CEB).

Today we face our own giants. Although they look different from those described in Canaan, they instill fear in our lives. These fears can cause us to freeze up and stop trying to achieve our goals. But as giants appear in our lives, seemingly blocking the path toward our goals, we should not fear them. God is with us every step of the way and will fulfill every promise God has made to us."' Many things face us and give us pause, but we do not have to pass it off. Our giants are as real as anyone's. God promises to fulfill everything that is void in our lives.

TODAY'S PRAYER

"Loving Father, thank you for keeping your promise to be with us today and every day. In Jesus’ name." Amen.

Numbers 13:17-29

"'17 When Moses sent them out to explore the land of Canaan, he said to them, “Go up there into the arid southern plain and into the mountains. 18 You must inspect the land. What is it like? Are the people who live in it strong or weak, few or many? 19 Is the land in which they live good or bad? Are the towns in which they live camps or fortresses? 20 Is the land rich or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Be courageous and bring back the land’s fruit.” It was the season of the first ripe grapes. 21 They went up and explored the land from the Zin desert to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up into the arid southern plain and entered Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of the Anakites, lived. (Hebron was built seven years before Tanis in Egypt.) 23 Then they entered the Cluster ravine, cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and carried it on a pole between them. They also took pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Cluster ravine because of the cluster of grapes that the Israelites cut down from there. 25 They returned from exploring the land after forty days. 26 They went directly to Moses, Aaron, and the entire Israelite community in the Paran desert at Kadesh. They brought back a report to them and to the entire community and showed them the land’s fruit. 27 Then they gave their report: “We entered the land to which you sent us. It’s actually full of milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 There are, however, powerful people who live in the land. The cities have huge fortifications. And we even saw the descendants of the Anakites there. 29 The Amalekites live in the land of the arid southern plain; the Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites live in the mountains; and the Canaanites live by the sea and along the Jordan.”' They found all the plenty in the land where they were sent and they brought back a report that it was all true. Different nationalities or sects of people were dwelling together. This is how we should be able to live in America. Accepting differences and working together. Be blessed! Joe

[lordgodjehovahsway]

Deuteronomy 9: Moses Tells Israelites That Wicked Nations Will Be Destroyed Because Of Their Unrighteousness

1 Hear, Israel: You are now about to cross the Jordan to go in and dispossess nations greater and stronger than you, with large cities that have walls up to the sky. 

2 The people are strong and tall—Anakites! You know about them and have heard it said: “Who can stand up against the Anakites?” 

3 But be assured today that the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire. He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you. And you will drive them out and annihilate them quickly, as the Lord has promised you.

4 After the Lord your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, “The Lord has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.” No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is going to drive them out before you. 

5 It is not because of your righteousness or your integrity that you are going in to take possession of their land; but on account of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God will drive them out before you, to accomplish what he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

6 Understand, then, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess, for you are a stiff-necked people.

The Golden Calf

7 Remember this and never forget how you aroused the anger of the Lord your God in the wilderness. From the day you left Egypt until you arrived here, you have been rebellious against the Lord. 

8 At Horeb you aroused the Lord’s wrath so that he was angry enough to destroy you. 

9 When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord had made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water. 

10 The Lord gave me two stone tablets inscribed by the finger of God. On them were all the commandments the Lord proclaimed to you on the mountain out of the fire, on the day of the assembly.

11 At the end of the forty days and forty nights, the Lord gave me the two stone tablets, the tablets of the covenant. 

12 Then the Lord told me, “Go down from here at once, because your people whom you brought out of Egypt have become corrupt. They have turned away quickly from what I commanded them and have made an idol for themselves.”

13 And the Lord said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are a stiff-necked people indeed! 

14 Let me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. And I will make you into a nation stronger and more numerous than they.”

15 So I turned and went down from the mountain while it was ablaze with fire. And the two tablets of the covenant were in my hands. 

16 When I looked, I saw that you had sinned against the Lord your God; you had made for yourselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the Lord had commanded you. 

17 So I took the two tablets and threw them out of my hands, breaking them to pieces before your eyes.

18 Then once again I fell prostrate before the Lord for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the Lord’s sight and so arousing his anger. 

19 I feared the anger and wrath of the Lord, for he was angry enough with you to destroy you. But again the Lord listened to me. 

20 And the Lord was angry enough with Aaron to destroy him, but at that time I prayed for Aaron too. 

21 Also I took that sinful thing of yours, the calf you had made, and burned it in the fire. Then I crushed it and ground it to powder as fine as dust and threw the dust into a stream that flowed down the mountain.

22 You also made the Lord angry at Taberah, at Massah and at Kibroth Hattaavah.

23 And when the Lord sent you out from Kadesh Barnea, he said, “Go up and take possession of the land I have given you.” But you rebelled against the command of the Lord your God. You did not trust him or obey him. 

24 You have been rebellious against the Lord ever since I have known you.

25 I lay prostrate before the Lord those forty days and forty nights because the Lord had said he would destroy you. 

26 I prayed to the Lord and said, “Sovereign Lord, do not destroy your people, your own inheritance that you redeemed by your great power and brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 

27 Remember your servants Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Overlook the stubbornness of this people, their wickedness and their sin. 

28 Otherwise, the country from which you brought us will say, ‘Because the Lord was not able to take them into the land he had promised them, and because he hated them, he brought them out to put them to death in the wilderness.’ 

29 But they are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm.”

[walkswithmyfather]

Numbers 13:2‭-‬3‭, ‬17‭-‬21‭, ‬25‭-‬33 (ESV). “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them. So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel. Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath.

At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”

But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

“Fear Is Your Cue” By In Touch Ministries:

“What scares you? God invites you to bring it to Him and receive His peace and courage.”

“You’ve probably heard that the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, but do you know why? Because in their fear, they doubted God’s call. He had intended for the Israelites to finally inhabit the Promised Land, but when Moses sent spies to scope it out, they reported, “The people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large” (Num. 13:28). The Israelites became afraid and mistrusted what the Lord had said. As a result, they didn’t reach the land of milk and honey.

One of the reasons we, like the Israelites, often question what we’ve heard from God is the fear of failure. Feeling afraid is a normal, human response, but it’s also an internal cue that it’s time to do two things:

Investigate what is going on inside: What is scaring you? How do you think God views this situation? How do you believe He’ll respond to your feelings?

Connect with the Father. You are always safe to share your fears with God—He wants to know about them.

It’s the Lord’s desire that we move through life with confidence and assurance in Him (2 Timothy 1:7). Whenever fear tempts you to change course, take a moment to pause, look inward, and talk to God.”

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Spying Out the Land

25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. 26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us; it flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Yet the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amal′ekites dwell in the land of the Negeb; the Hittites, the Jeb′usites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”

30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once, and occupy it; for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” 32 So they brought to the people of Israel an evil report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim); and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.” — Numbers 13:25-33 | Revised Standard Version (RSV) Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. All rights reserved. Cross References: Genesis 6:4; Genesis 14:7; Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:17; Numbers 13:24; Numbers 14:1; Numbers 14:25; Numbers 14:34; Numbers 14:45; Numbers 20:14; Numbers 34:19; Deuteronomy 1:28; Deuteronomy 9:1; Joshua 14:6; 1 Samuel 17:33; Psalm 106:24; Amos 2:9

[casmong]

The Hittites

"And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites." Exodus 3:8

The Hittites were mentioned as one of the tribes dwelling in the land of Canaan at the exodus, but their origins and history is complex and ancient. The Hittites were an Indo-European people who began to settle in what is now Turkey (1900 B.C.). By the 16th century B.C they had become a powerful nation, strong enough to invade Babylon. Their power continued to increase until they became a world power on par with the Egyptians and Assyrians. Their relationship with Egypt was particularly volatile, and included the famous Battle of Kadesh which led to one of the world’s first peace treaties. The Hittite were a formidable military and religious empire, and this once great and powerful nation had almost faded from history; but their monuments and inscriptions are just now beginning to be discovered and deciphered.

The Hittites began abandoning the land of Hatti during the region-wide decline at the end of the 12th century B.C, with many relocating to Carchemish in northern Syria, which they made a vice-regal seat. Their capital city was Hattusa, which was eventually invaded and destroyed in the early 12th century B.C, but by this point it was already largely abandoned.

The Hittites played a prominent role at key places in the scriptures: notable mentions are Ephron the Hittite who sold Abraham the Cave of Machpelah where he buried Sarah, which later became the family burial ground ( [Genesis 23]. Esau married Hittite women, which scripture says was "a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah."[Genesis 26:34]. The Hittites were frequently listed as one of the inhabitants of Canaan [Exodus 13:5; Numbers 13:29; Joshua 11:3] who were supposed to be destroyed[Exodus 23:23]. King David had his friend Uriah the Hittite killed in order to acquire Uriah’s wife, and to cover up the shame of the adultery he committed with Bathsheba [2 Samuel 11]. King Solomon had Hittites among his many wives [1 Kings 10:29–11:2; 2 Chronicles 1:17], and the prophet Ezekiel degrades Israel with the metaphor of a Hittite mother [Ezekiel 16:3, 45].

Many Hittites were one of the major tribes living in the land of Canaan during the time of the patriarchs[(Genesis 23; Genesis 26:34-35; Genesis 27:46; Genesis 28:1; Genesis 28:6-8], and there are also references to Hittites during the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

The Hittite people existed in two major phases: when they were a world power, and later when they declined to become one of the Canaanite tribes dwelling in the region. Originally, the Hiittites never self-identified as Hittites, but called their language Nesite and their land Hatti, referring to themselves as the people of Hatti. These people would most likely refer to themselves as Nesites or perhaps Nesians, but they later became known as Hittites in scriptures. When the once-mighty kingdom collapsed, those in the former Syrian vassal states kept the culture alive, becoming a type of Neo-Hittites.

[catolinewsdailyreadings]

Wednesday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Reading 1

NM 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26A-29A, 34-35

The LORD said to Moses [in the desert of Paran,] “Send men to reconnoiter the land of Canaan, which I am giving the children of Israel. You shall send one man from each ancestral tribe, all of them princes.”

After reconnoitering the land for forty days they returned, met Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of the children of Israel in the desert of Paran at Kadesh, made a report to them all, and showed the fruit of the country to the whole congregation. They told Moses: "We went into the land to which you sent us. It does indeed flow with milk and honey, and here is its fruit. However, the people who are living in the land are fierce, and the towns are fortified and very strong. Besides, we saw descendants of the Anakim there. Amalekites live in the region of the Negeb; Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites dwell in the highlands, and Canaanites along the seacoast and the banks of the Jordan.“

Caleb, however, to quiet the people toward Moses, said, "We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We cannot attack these people; they are too strong for us.” So they spread discouraging reports among the children of Israel about the land they had scouted, saying, “The land that we explored is a country that consumes its inhabitants. And all the people we saw there are huge, veritable giants (the Anakim were a race of giants); we felt like mere grasshoppers, and so we must have seemed to them.”

At this, the whole community broke out with loud cries, and even in the night the people wailed.

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: “How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the children of Israel against me. Tell them: By my life, says the LORD, I will do to you just what I have heard you say. Here in the desert shall your dead bodies fall. Forty days you spent in scouting the land; forty years shall you suffer for your crimes: one year for each day. Thus you will realize what it means to oppose me. I, the LORD, have sworn to do this to all this wicked assembly that conspired against me: here in the desert they shall die to the last man.”

Responsorial Psalm

PS 106:6-7AB, 13-14, 21-22, 23

R./ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

We have sinned, we and our fathers; we have committed crimes; we have done wrong. Our fathers in Egypt considered not your wonders. R./ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

But soon they forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel. They gave way to craving in the desert and tempted God in the wilderness. R./ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great deeds in Egypt, Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham, terrible things at the Red Sea. R./ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Then he spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, Withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath. R./ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Gospel

MT 15: 21-28

At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

[fordecree7]

THE BIBLE BOOK OF GOD

Old Testament

Numbers 13

Spies Sent into Canaan

13 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the people of Israel. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a chief among them.” 3 So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran, according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the people of Israel. 4 And these were their names: From the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; 5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; 6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; 7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; 8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; 9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; 10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; 11 from the tribe of Joseph (that is, from the tribe of Manasseh), Gaddi the son of Susi; 12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; 13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; 14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; 15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi. 16 These were the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.

17 Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up into the Negeb and go up into the hill country, 18 and see what the land is, and whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, whether they are few or many, 19 and whether the land that they dwell in is good or bad, and whether the cities that they dwell in are camps or strongholds, 20 and whether the land is rich or poor, and whether there are trees in it or not. Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

21 So they went up and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, near Lebo-hamath. 22 They went up into the Negeb and came to Hebron. Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 And they came to the Valley of Eshcol and cut down from there a branch with a single cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two of them; they also brought some pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the Valley of Eshcol,[a] because of the cluster that the people of Israel cut down from there.

Report of the Spies

25 At the end of forty days they returned from spying out the land. 26 And they came to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the people of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him, “We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. And besides, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the Negeb. The Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the hill country. And the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and along the Jordan.”

30 But Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 Then the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32 So they brought to the people of Israel a bad report of the land that they had spied out, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are of great height. 33 And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them.”

Numbers 13

Diane Beauford

[roman-catholic-mass-readings]

9th August >> Mass Readings (USA)

Wednesday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time 

or

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin, Martyr. 

Wednesday, Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time 

(Liturgical Colour: Green: A (1))

First Reading Numbers 13:1-2, 25–14:1, 26a-29a, 34-35 They despised the desirable land (Psalm 106:24).

The LORD said to Moses [in the desert of Paran,] “Send men to reconnoiter the land of Canaan, which I am giving the children of Israel. You shall send one man from each ancestral tribe, all of them princes.”

After reconnoitering the land for forty days they returned, met Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of the children of Israel in the desert of Paran at Kadesh, made a report to them all, and showed the fruit of the country to the whole congregation. They told Moses: “We went into the land to which you sent us. It does indeed flow with milk and honey, and here is its fruit. However, the people who are living in the land are fierce, and the towns are fortified and very strong. Besides, we saw descendants of the Anakim there.

Amalekites live in the region of the Negeb; Hittites, Jebusites, and Amorites dwell in the highlands, and Canaanites along the seacoast and the banks of the Jordan.”

Caleb, however, to quiet the people toward Moses, said, “We ought to go up and seize the land, for we can certainly do so.” But the men who had gone up with him said, “We cannot attack these people; they are too strong for us.” So they spread discouraging reports among the children of Israel about the land they had scouted, saying, “The land that we explored is a country that consumes its inhabitants. And all the people we saw there are huge, veritable giants (the Anakim were a race of giants); we felt like mere grasshoppers, and so we must have seemed to them.” At this, the whole community broke out with loud cries, and even in the night the people wailed.

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: “How long will this wicked assembly grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the children of Israel against me. Tell them: By my life, says the LORD, I will do to you just what I have heard you say. Here in the desert shall your dead bodies fall. Forty days you spent in scouting the land; forty years shall you suffer for your crimes: one year for each day. Thus you will realize what it means to oppose me. I, the LORD, have sworn to do this to all this wicked assembly that conspired against me: here in the desert they shall die to the last man.”

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-22, 23

R/ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

We have sinned, we and our fathers; we have committed crimes; we have done wrong. Our fathers in Egypt considered not your wonders.

R/ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

But soon they forgot his works; they waited not for his counsel. They gave way to craving in the desert and tempted God in the wilderness.

R/ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

They forgot the God who had saved them, who had done great deeds in Egypt, Wondrous deeds in the land of Ham, terrible things at the Red Sea.

R/ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Then he spoke of exterminating them, but Moses, his chosen one, Withstood him in the breach to turn back his destructive wrath.

R/ Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.

Gospel Acclamation Luke 7:16

Alleluia, alleluia. A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 15: 21-28 O woman, great is your faith!

At that time Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not say a word in answer to her. His disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did him homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Virgin, Martyr 

(Liturgical Colour: Red: A (1))

(Readings for the memorial)

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

First Reading Hosea 2:16b, 17b, 21–22 I will espouse you to me forever.

Thus says the LORD:

I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart. She shall respond there as in the days of her youth, when she came up from the land of Egypt. I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the Lord.

The Word of the Lord

R/ Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17

R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, forget your people and your father’s house. So shall the king desire your beauty; for he is your lord, and you must worship him.

R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters; her raiment is threaded with spun gold. In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king; behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.

R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

They are borne in with gladness and joy; they enter the palace of the king. The place of your fathers your sons shall have; you shall make them princes through all the land.

R/ Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

Gospel Acclamation Matthew 5:10

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: John 17:19

Alleluia, alleluia. I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in the truth. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: 2 Corinthians 1:3b-4a

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed be the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in our every affliction. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: James 1:12

Alleluia, alleluia. Blessed is the man who perseveres in temptation, for when he has been proved he will receive the crown of life. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: 1 Peter 4:14

Alleluia, alleluia. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or: see Te Deum

Alleluia, alleluia. We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the white-robed army of martyrs praise you. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Matthew 25:1-13 Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!

Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

The Gospel of the Lord

R/ Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.