Bible Study
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Name:
Bible Study
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This group will study the Bible, including the Gospels and other parts. We will take the Bible piece by piece and examine, explain and discuss it.
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Thursday, 14 July 2011
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Open
Anyone can join and can view this group.
Private
This group requires approval for new members to join. Anyone can view the group's description. Only group members are allowed to see the group's content.
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Friday, 15 July 2011
by Joe Lemer
A new section of the Bible to be studied will be added every Thursday. A short Gospel reading and reflection will be posted daily.
Discussion
Wall
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-23 20:31:45
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
LUKE 9:18-22
(Haggai 2:1-9; Psalm 43)
KEY VERSE: "But who do you say that I am?" (v 20).
READING: Jesus wanted his disciples to understand his role and mission, so he took them to the pagan territory of Caesarea Philippi in northern Israel near Banias. At that place was the Cave of Pan honoring the Roman god Faunus, half goat, half man. There may also have been a temple built by Herod to honor the Emperor Augustus. At that place, Jesus was praying (a typical theme in Luke), and he asked them who the people believed him to be. They answered that some thought he was John the Baptist raised from the dead, others said that Elijah had returned, still others believed that he was one of the prophets who had arisen. Then Jesus asked them who they personally believed him to be. Peter spoke for the Twelve, declaring that Jesus was the "Messiah of God" (v 20). Jesus warned them not to reveal his identity as many expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression. Jesus taught them the true meaning of what it meant to be the Messiah. He must suffer and die, but he would be raised from the dead.
REFLECTING: Reflect on who Jesus is in your life.
PRAYING: Pray the Jesus' prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
LUKE 9:18-22
(Haggai 2:1-9; Psalm 43)
KEY VERSE: "But who do you say that I am?" (v 20).
READING: Jesus wanted his disciples to understand his role and mission, so he took them to the pagan territory of Caesarea Philippi in northern Israel near Banias. At that place was the Cave of Pan honoring the Roman god Faunus, half goat, half man. There may also have been a temple built by Herod to honor the Emperor Augustus. At that place, Jesus was praying (a typical theme in Luke), and he asked them who the people believed him to be. They answered that some thought he was John the Baptist raised from the dead, others said that Elijah had returned, still others believed that he was one of the prophets who had arisen. Then Jesus asked them who they personally believed him to be. Peter spoke for the Twelve, declaring that Jesus was the "Messiah of God" (v 20). Jesus warned them not to reveal his identity as many expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would liberate Israel from Roman oppression. Jesus taught them the true meaning of what it meant to be the Messiah. He must suffer and die, but he would be raised from the dead.
REFLECTING: Reflect on who Jesus is in your life.
PRAYING: Pray the Jesus' prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-22 14:07:04
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
LUKE 9:7-9
(Haggai 1:1-8; Psalm 149)
KEY VERSE: "Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" (v 9).
READING: Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was the son of Herod the Great, the bloody ruler who ordered the slaughter of the innocents (Mt 2:16-18). Contrary to Jewish law, Herod Antipas divorced his wife and married Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip. At her bidding, Herod put John the Baptist to death for protesting their illicit marriage (Mk 6:17-29). When Herod heard the reports circulating about Jesus, he wondered who he was. Some said that Jesus was John who had risen from the dead. Others said that Elijah had returned, a sign announcing the arrival of the Messiah (Mal 3:23). Herod was curious and expressed a desire to meet Jesus, but like his ambitious father, his real motive was to eliminate this threat to his own power.
REFLECTING: Am I committed to serving the Lord no matter what the cost?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to know you personally, not just what others say about you.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
LUKE 9:7-9
(Haggai 1:1-8; Psalm 149)
KEY VERSE: "Who then is this about whom I hear such things?" (v 9).
READING: Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, was the son of Herod the Great, the bloody ruler who ordered the slaughter of the innocents (Mt 2:16-18). Contrary to Jewish law, Herod Antipas divorced his wife and married Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Philip. At her bidding, Herod put John the Baptist to death for protesting their illicit marriage (Mk 6:17-29). When Herod heard the reports circulating about Jesus, he wondered who he was. Some said that Jesus was John who had risen from the dead. Others said that Elijah had returned, a sign announcing the arrival of the Messiah (Mal 3:23). Herod was curious and expressed a desire to meet Jesus, but like his ambitious father, his real motive was to eliminate this threat to his own power.
REFLECTING: Am I committed to serving the Lord no matter what the cost?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to know you personally, not just what others say about you.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-22 14:06:43
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
MATTHEW 9:9-13
FEAST OF MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST
(Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19)
KEY VERSE: "He said to him, 'Follow me' (v 13).
READING: Matthew, one of the Twelve, is called Levi in Mark and Luke's gospel, perhaps a tribal designation (Mk 2:14, Lk 5:27). Matthew was a collector of taxes, a "publican," so called because they dealt with public funds. The tax collector had purchased the right to collect taxes in a certain area, and was allowed to keep a commission on anything he collected over and above an agreed sum. Pious Jews looked upon tax collectors as sinners because they collaborated with the occupying Roman forces. Moreover, they were suspected of extorting money from their own people. Though aware of Matthew's reputation, Jesus invited him to be a disciple. In turn, Matthew invited Jesus to dine with him and some friends who were also social outcasts. The Pharisees were shocked at Jesus' apparent disregard for the Law. Jesus quoted the prophet Hosea who said that mercy was superior to the Law (Hos 6:6). Those who knew they were sinners recognized their need for healing, while the self-righteous did not realize that they were in need of God's forgiveness.
REFLECTING: Let us "who hold and teach the Catholic faith that comes to us from the apostles" [Eucharistic Prayer I], continue in our own time to hand on the faith that we have received.
PRAYING: St. Matthew, help me to respond to Jesus' invitation as you did.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
MATTHEW 9:9-13
FEAST OF MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST
(Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19)
KEY VERSE: "He said to him, 'Follow me' (v 13).
READING: Matthew, one of the Twelve, is called Levi in Mark and Luke's gospel, perhaps a tribal designation (Mk 2:14, Lk 5:27). Matthew was a collector of taxes, a "publican," so called because they dealt with public funds. The tax collector had purchased the right to collect taxes in a certain area, and was allowed to keep a commission on anything he collected over and above an agreed sum. Pious Jews looked upon tax collectors as sinners because they collaborated with the occupying Roman forces. Moreover, they were suspected of extorting money from their own people. Though aware of Matthew's reputation, Jesus invited him to be a disciple. In turn, Matthew invited Jesus to dine with him and some friends who were also social outcasts. The Pharisees were shocked at Jesus' apparent disregard for the Law. Jesus quoted the prophet Hosea who said that mercy was superior to the Law (Hos 6:6). Those who knew they were sinners recognized their need for healing, while the self-righteous did not realize that they were in need of God's forgiveness.
REFLECTING: Let us "who hold and teach the Catholic faith that comes to us from the apostles" [Eucharistic Prayer I], continue in our own time to hand on the faith that we have received.
PRAYING: St. Matthew, help me to respond to Jesus' invitation as you did.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-22 13:55:37
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
LUKE 8:19-21
(Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20; Psalm 122)
KEY VERSE: "My Mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it" (v 21).
READING: Jesus' mother and relatives were concerned about his itinerant lifestyle. Mark's gospel tells us that his kinsmen came and tried to restrain him because they thought he had gone out of his mind (3:21). They went to the house where he was teaching, but because of the large crowd they were unable to get through. When Jesus was informed that his family wanted to see him, he took the opportunity to teach his followers about the spiritual relationship that should exist between Christians. Blood ties do not constitute membership in the family of God. The tie that binds Christians together is their reception and response to the word of God. The Greek word "hupakouo" has the connotation of hearing and obeying. Jesus' mother Mary was blest because she heard the word of God and obeyed it (Lk 11:28). All who hear God's word and are obedient to it are brothers and sisters of Christ.
REFLECTING: In what ways can I imitate Mary's submission to God's word?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to hear your word in the bible and act upon it.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
LUKE 8:19-21
(Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20; Psalm 122)
KEY VERSE: "My Mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it" (v 21).
READING: Jesus' mother and relatives were concerned about his itinerant lifestyle. Mark's gospel tells us that his kinsmen came and tried to restrain him because they thought he had gone out of his mind (3:21). They went to the house where he was teaching, but because of the large crowd they were unable to get through. When Jesus was informed that his family wanted to see him, he took the opportunity to teach his followers about the spiritual relationship that should exist between Christians. Blood ties do not constitute membership in the family of God. The tie that binds Christians together is their reception and response to the word of God. The Greek word "hupakouo" has the connotation of hearing and obeying. Jesus' mother Mary was blest because she heard the word of God and obeyed it (Lk 11:28). All who hear God's word and are obedient to it are brothers and sisters of Christ.
REFLECTING: In what ways can I imitate Mary's submission to God's word?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to hear your word in the bible and act upon it.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-19 13:44:08
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
LUKE 8:16-18
(Ezra 1:1-6; Psalm 126)
KEY VERSE: "For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light" (v 17).
READING: A lamp was the only source of illumination in the dark windowless houses of Jesus' day. This clay vessel was filled with oil and placed on a stand where it burned night and day. Jesus used this ordinary household object to illustrate the radiance that should naturally occur in the life of every Christian. Through their words and deeds others would be enlightened by God's truth. Even the deep mysteries of Christ's revelation would come to light. Those who proclaimed God's word would find that the more Christ was shared, the brighter their own spiritual illumination would become. Those who failed to persevere in responding to God's word discovered that whatever enlightenment they had obtained would fade and grow dim.
REFLECTING: Do my words and actions help to dispel the darkness in the world?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to share your light with others.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
LUKE 8:16-18
(Ezra 1:1-6; Psalm 126)
KEY VERSE: "For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light" (v 17).
READING: A lamp was the only source of illumination in the dark windowless houses of Jesus' day. This clay vessel was filled with oil and placed on a stand where it burned night and day. Jesus used this ordinary household object to illustrate the radiance that should naturally occur in the life of every Christian. Through their words and deeds others would be enlightened by God's truth. Even the deep mysteries of Christ's revelation would come to light. Those who proclaimed God's word would find that the more Christ was shared, the brighter their own spiritual illumination would become. Those who failed to persevere in responding to God's word discovered that whatever enlightenment they had obtained would fade and grow dim.
REFLECTING: Do my words and actions help to dispel the darkness in the world?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, help me to share your light with others.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-18 20:32:31
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
MATTHEW 20:1-16a
TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a)
KEY VERSE: "Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last" (v 16).
READING: The grape harvest ripened toward the end of September, and was soon followed by the rains. If the harvest was not gathered before the rain came, it was ruined. Any worker was welcome, even if he could give only an hour. The men who stood in the market-place were waiting for work. These men were hired laborers and were at the mercy of chance employment. The pay was a denarius or a drachma, the normal day's wage for a working man. Jesus told his disciples a parable about divine justice in which God was compared to a landowner who called forth workers for his vineyard. The first to respond were promised the expected day's wages. Those who came later were promised "what is just" (v 4). When it was time to pay the workers, the owner began with the last and paid them a full day's wages. When those who worked all day were paid the same amount, they complained that they had been treated unfairly. The vineyard owner told them that he had done them no injustice. Jesus' parable put forth two great truths. First, the right of every person to work and to earn a living wage. And second, what God gives is not pay, but a gift; not a reward, but grace offered from the goodness of God's heart.
REFLECTING: In what ways do I work for justice in the marketplace?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for your generosity to all your children.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
MATTHEW 20:1-16a
TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Isaiah 55:6-9; Psalm 145; Philippians 1:20c-24, 27a)
KEY VERSE: "Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last" (v 16).
READING: The grape harvest ripened toward the end of September, and was soon followed by the rains. If the harvest was not gathered before the rain came, it was ruined. Any worker was welcome, even if he could give only an hour. The men who stood in the market-place were waiting for work. These men were hired laborers and were at the mercy of chance employment. The pay was a denarius or a drachma, the normal day's wage for a working man. Jesus told his disciples a parable about divine justice in which God was compared to a landowner who called forth workers for his vineyard. The first to respond were promised the expected day's wages. Those who came later were promised "what is just" (v 4). When it was time to pay the workers, the owner began with the last and paid them a full day's wages. When those who worked all day were paid the same amount, they complained that they had been treated unfairly. The vineyard owner told them that he had done them no injustice. Jesus' parable put forth two great truths. First, the right of every person to work and to earn a living wage. And second, what God gives is not pay, but a gift; not a reward, but grace offered from the goodness of God's heart.
REFLECTING: In what ways do I work for justice in the marketplace?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for your generosity to all your children.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-14 20:07:41
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
JOHN 3:13-17
(Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78; Philippians 2:6-11)
KEY VERSE: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up" (v 14).
READING: On the Israelite's trek to the Promised Land, they ran out of no food and water and were worn out from their long journey. The people complained against God and Moses that they had been brought out to the desert to die. They forgot the works of the Lord and did not hear God’s words of mercy. As punishment for their lack of trust in God’s providence, some of them were bitten by snakes and died. When Moses interceded on behalf of the people, God commanded him to make an image of a serpent (the ancient symbol of evil) and mount it on a pole. All who looked upon it were healed. How could healing be found in gazing at such a mysterious sign? Jesus made an analogy of the bronze serpent to the saving power of the cross, a sign of both sin and redemption. When God lifted Jesus up, "exalted" him, in the resurrection, the cross was no longer a sign of shame and defeat, but a sign of victory and salvation. Those things in our lives that cause pain and suffering can be an instrument for salvation. Jesus came into the world to bring healing not judgment, salvation not condemnation, life not death.
REFLECTING: Do I adorn my home and person with the cross, the symbol of God's saving love?
PRAYING: When you hear abuse of Jesus' sacred name, bow your head and say, "Jesus Christ is Lord!"
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
JOHN 3:13-17
(Numbers 21:4b-9; Psalm 78; Philippians 2:6-11)
KEY VERSE: "Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up" (v 14).
READING: On the Israelite's trek to the Promised Land, they ran out of no food and water and were worn out from their long journey. The people complained against God and Moses that they had been brought out to the desert to die. They forgot the works of the Lord and did not hear God’s words of mercy. As punishment for their lack of trust in God’s providence, some of them were bitten by snakes and died. When Moses interceded on behalf of the people, God commanded him to make an image of a serpent (the ancient symbol of evil) and mount it on a pole. All who looked upon it were healed. How could healing be found in gazing at such a mysterious sign? Jesus made an analogy of the bronze serpent to the saving power of the cross, a sign of both sin and redemption. When God lifted Jesus up, "exalted" him, in the resurrection, the cross was no longer a sign of shame and defeat, but a sign of victory and salvation. Those things in our lives that cause pain and suffering can be an instrument for salvation. Jesus came into the world to bring healing not judgment, salvation not condemnation, life not death.
REFLECTING: Do I adorn my home and person with the cross, the symbol of God's saving love?
PRAYING: When you hear abuse of Jesus' sacred name, bow your head and say, "Jesus Christ is Lord!"
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-13 20:02:12
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
LUKE 7:11-17
(1 Timothy 3:1-13; Psalm 101)
KEY VERSE: "Young man, I tell you, arise!" (v 14).
READING: Soon after healing the Centurion's servant, Jesus went to a town called Nain, which was a day's journey from Capernaum. His disciples and a large crowd followed him. In the story of the raising of the widow's son, Luke compared Jesus' ministry to two great prophets: Elijah, who raised the only son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kgs 17:8-24), and Elisha, who resuscitated the only son of a Shunammite woman (2 Kgs 4:8-37). When Jesus entered the village, he saw a widow accompanying the bier of her dead son. Jesus was moved with compassion for the woman. Without a husband or son to support her, she would find herself destitute. Risking ritual impurity for touching a corpse (Nm 19:11), Jesus laid a hand on the litter bearing the dead man. With a word of authority, Jesus commanded him to rise to life. The people praised God for sending a new prophet to them.
REFLECTING: How can I offer Christ's compassion to those who are grieving?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for your healing touch.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
LUKE 7:11-17
(1 Timothy 3:1-13; Psalm 101)
KEY VERSE: "Young man, I tell you, arise!" (v 14).
READING: Soon after healing the Centurion's servant, Jesus went to a town called Nain, which was a day's journey from Capernaum. His disciples and a large crowd followed him. In the story of the raising of the widow's son, Luke compared Jesus' ministry to two great prophets: Elijah, who raised the only son of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kgs 17:8-24), and Elisha, who resuscitated the only son of a Shunammite woman (2 Kgs 4:8-37). When Jesus entered the village, he saw a widow accompanying the bier of her dead son. Jesus was moved with compassion for the woman. Without a husband or son to support her, she would find herself destitute. Risking ritual impurity for touching a corpse (Nm 19:11), Jesus laid a hand on the litter bearing the dead man. With a word of authority, Jesus commanded him to rise to life. The people praised God for sending a new prophet to them.
REFLECTING: How can I offer Christ's compassion to those who are grieving?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, thank you for your healing touch.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-12 20:48:47
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
LUKE 7:1-10
(1 Timothy 2:1-8; Psalm 28)
KEY VERSE: "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith" (v 9).
READING: A centurion, a high ranking officer in the Roman army, commanded a force of up to 100 men. When the servant of a centurion stationed in Capernaum became ill, the officer sent the elders of the synagogue to entreat Jesus to come and heal him. The Jews were grateful to the centurion for having built their synagogue, and they urged Jesus to go and heal the man's servant. But the centurion sent word that he was not worthy to have Jesus enter his home (Jews regarded Gentile homes to be "unclean"). The officer knew how to use authority and he recognized this power in Jesus. He had confidence that Jesus could heal his servant with a word of command. Jesus marveled at the man's faith, which contrasted with the disbelief of his own people. When Jewish elders returned home, they found the centurion's servant healed.
REFLECTING: Do I use the power of intercessory prayer to help others in need?
PRAYING: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
LUKE 7:1-10
(1 Timothy 2:1-8; Psalm 28)
KEY VERSE: "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith" (v 9).
READING: A centurion, a high ranking officer in the Roman army, commanded a force of up to 100 men. When the servant of a centurion stationed in Capernaum became ill, the officer sent the elders of the synagogue to entreat Jesus to come and heal him. The Jews were grateful to the centurion for having built their synagogue, and they urged Jesus to go and heal the man's servant. But the centurion sent word that he was not worthy to have Jesus enter his home (Jews regarded Gentile homes to be "unclean"). The officer knew how to use authority and he recognized this power in Jesus. He had confidence that Jesus could heal his servant with a word of command. Jesus marveled at the man's faith, which contrasted with the disbelief of his own people. When Jewish elders returned home, they found the centurion's servant healed.
REFLECTING: Do I use the power of intercessory prayer to help others in need?
PRAYING: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
Joe Lemer,
2011-09-11 20:31:02
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
MATTHEW 18:21-35
TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Sirach 27:30 ̶ 28:9; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7-9)
KEY VERSE: "[Peter asked] how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times" (vs 21-22).
READING: Jesus shared his authority with his apostles (v 18), but he told them that power must be tempered by mercy and forgiveness. As leader of the community, Peter asked how often he was required to forgive a fellow member. Jesus told him that forgiveness must be unlimited ("seventy-seven times," Matt 18:22). He illustrated this with a parable in which a master forgave his servant a staggering debt. Yet the same servant refused to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller amount owed him. When the master heard this, he had his hard-hearted servant tortured until he agreed to pay back the debt. Can we expect mercy at the final judgment if we have not forgiven the offenses of others?
REFLECTING: Who do I need to forgive today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, you have forgiven my offenses. Grant me the grace to forgive others.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
MATTHEW 18:21-35
TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
(Sirach 27:30 ̶ 28:9; Psalm 103; Romans 14:7-9)
KEY VERSE: "[Peter asked] how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times" (vs 21-22).
READING: Jesus shared his authority with his apostles (v 18), but he told them that power must be tempered by mercy and forgiveness. As leader of the community, Peter asked how often he was required to forgive a fellow member. Jesus told him that forgiveness must be unlimited ("seventy-seven times," Matt 18:22). He illustrated this with a parable in which a master forgave his servant a staggering debt. Yet the same servant refused to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller amount owed him. When the master heard this, he had his hard-hearted servant tortured until he agreed to pay back the debt. Can we expect mercy at the final judgment if we have not forgiven the offenses of others?
REFLECTING: Who do I need to forgive today?
PRAYING: Lord Jesus, you have forgiven my offenses. Grant me the grace to forgive others.
Daily readings courtsy of: Kay Murdy http://www.daily-word-of-life.com
