Daily Scripture Reading (from the Catholic Bible)

[kyuusai]

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Monday (6/5): "They will respect my beloved Son"
Gospel reading: Mark 12:1-12

1 And he began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a pit for the wine press, and built a tower, and let it out to tenants, and went into another country. 2 When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they wounded him in the head, and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed; and so with many others, some they beat and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son; finally he sent him to them, saying, `They will respect my son.' 7 But those tenants said to one another, `This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8 And they took him and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants, and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this scripture: `The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; 11 this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" 12 And they tried to arrest him, but feared the multitude, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them; so they left him and went away.

Meditation: What does Jesus' parable about an absentee landlord and his tenants say to us? The hills of Galilee were lined with numerous vineyards, and it was quite normal for the owners to let out their estates to tenants. Many did it for the sole purpose of collecting rent. Why did Jesus' story about wicked tenants cause offense to the scribes and Pharisees? It contained both a prophetic message and a warning. Isaiah had spoken of the house of Israel as "the vineyard of the Lord" (Isaiah 5:7). Jesus' listeners would likely understand this parable as referring to God's dealing with a stubborn and rebellious people. This parable speaks to us today as well. It richly conveys some important truths about God and the way he deals with his people. First, it tells us of God's generosity and trust. The vineyard is well equipped with everything the tenants need. The owner went away and left the vineyard in the hands of the tenants. God, likewise trusts us enough to give us freedom to run life as we choose. This parable also tells us of God's patience and justice. Not once, but many times he forgives the tenants their debts. But while the tenants take advantage of the owner's patience, his judgment and justice prevail in the end. Jesus foretold both his death and his ultimate triumph. He knew he would be rejected and be killed, but he also knew that would not be the end. After rejection would come glory — the glory of resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father. How do we share in this glory? By submitting to Jesus' kingly rule in our lives. Jesus promises that we will bear much fruit (certainly the fruit of peace, righteousness, and joy, and much more besides) if we abide in him (see John 15:1-11). The Lord also entrusts his gifts to each of us and he gives us work to do in his vineyard — the body of Christ. He promises that our labor will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end (see 1 Cor. 15:5. We can expect trials and even persecution. But in the end we will see triumph. Do you labor for the Lord with joyful hope and with confidence in his triumph?

"Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which you have given us; for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us. O most merciful redeemer, friend, and brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, for your own sake!" (Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester, 13th century)

Psalm 112:1-6

1 Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.

[belle]

Tuesday, June 6, 2006

Anxiety proceeds from an ill-regulated desire to be delivered from the evil we experience, or to acquire the good to which we aspire; nevertheless, nothing aggravates evil and hinders good so much as anxiety and worry.

-- St Francis de Sales

First Reading: 2 Peter 3:12-15, 17-18
Psalm: Psalm 90:2-4, 10, 14, 16
Gospel: Mark 12:13-17


13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero'di-ans, to entrap him in his talk.
14 And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?
15 Should we pay them, or should we not?" But knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a coin, and let me look at it."
16 And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar's."
17 Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they were amazed at him.

[Ironside]

"I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!" Gal 2:21


How are we made righteous in the eyes of God?

Some would say by obeying the 10 commandments. probably this answer would be in the top 5, i suppose.


But look at our text above. Here read it again:

" I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"


If you will be made righteous in the eyes of God [in other words SAVED] by obeying the 10 commandments why did Jesus die for our sins?

Paul says: i do not set aside the saving grace offered by God in Christ Jesus when He died on Calvary by supposing that obeying the 10 commandments will be the one that saves me or makes me righteous in the eyes of God.


It's through Jesus that the sinner will be righteous:

2Co 5:21 "For him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Jer 23:6 In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.


trust in what Christ did on the cross. His salvation is complete and perfect.

[kyuusai]

Thursday (6/: "Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength"
Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" 29 Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." 32 And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; 33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.

Meditation: What is the purpose of God's law or commandments? The Pharisees prided themselves in the knowledge of the law and their ritual requirements. They made it a life-time practice to study the 616 precepts of the Old Testament along with the numerous rabbinic commentaries. They tested Jesus to see if he correctly understood the law as they did. Jesus startled them with his profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its purpose. What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbor is firmly grounded in the love of God. The more we know of God's love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will. What makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthens us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves. Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the joy of serving others with a generous heart? Paul the Apostle says: hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Do you know the love which conquers all?

"We love you, O our God; and we desire to love you more and more. Grant to us that we may love you as much as we desire, and as much as we ought. O dearest friend, who has so loved and saved us, the thought of whom is so sweet and always growing sweeter, come with Christ and dwell in our hearts; that you keep a watch over our lips, our steps, our deeds, and we shall not need to be anxious either for our souls or our bodies. Give us love, sweetest of all gifts, which knows no enemy. Give us in our hearts pure love, born of your love to us, that we may love others as you love us. O most loving Father of Jesus Christ, from whom flows all love, let our hearts, frozen in sin, cold to you and cold to others, be warmed by this divine fire. So help and bless us in your Son." (Prayer of Anselm, 12th cen.)

Psalm 25:4-4-5,8-10,14

4 Make me to know thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee I wait all the day long.
8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
14 The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

[SkylineScroller]

John 1:1

"In the beginning was the word, and the word was with GoD, and the word was GOD."

[belle]

Friday, June 9, 2006

And he fed them with the fat of wheat, and filled them with honey out of the rock.

-- Ps. lxxx. 17

First Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Psalm: Psalm 119:157, 160-161, 165-166, 168
Gospel: Mark 12:35-37

35 And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, "How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David?
36 David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declared, `The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, till I put thy enemies under thy feet.'
37 David himself calls him Lord; so how is he his son?" And the great throng heard him gladly.

[kyuusai]

Saturday (6/10): "This poor widow has put in more than the rest"
Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

38 And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go about in long robes, and to have salutations in the market places 39 and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows' houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." 41 And he sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the multitude putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came, and put in two copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him, and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, her whole living."

Meditation: What is true religion? Jesus warns his disciples against the wrong kind of religion. In his denunciation of the scribes (the religious experts of his day) , he warns against three things: the desire for prominence rather than selfless service; the desire for deference and recognition (and seeking esteem from others) rather than seeking to promote the good of others through humble service and love; and thirdly, attempting to use one’s position (even a religious position) for self-gain and self-advancement. True religion is relating rightly to God and to one’s neighbor with love, honor, and reverence. The Lord puts his Spirit within us that we may be filled with the joy of his presence, the joy of true worship, and the joy of selfless giving and love for others. True reverence for God frees the heart to give liberally, both to God and to neighbor.

Jesus taught his disciples a dramatic lesson in giving with love. Love doesn't calculate; it spends lavishly! Jesus drove this point home to his disciples while sitting in the temple and observing people offering their tithes. Jesus praised a poor widow who gave the smallest of coins in contrast with the rich who gave greater sums. How can someone in poverty give more than someone who has ample means? Jesus' answer is very simple: love is more precious than gold! Jesus taught that real giving must come from the heart. A gift that is given with a grudge or for display loses most of its value. But a gift given out of love, with a spirit of generosity and sacrifice, is invaluable. The amount or size of the gift doesn't matter as much as the cost to the giver. The poor widow could have kept one of her coins, but instead she recklessly gave away all she had! Jesus praised someone who gave barely a penny – how insignificant a sum – because it was everything she had, her whole living. What we have to offer may look very small and not worth much, but if we put all we have at the Lord's disposal, no matter how insignificant it may seem, then God can do with it and with us what is beyond our reckoning. Do you know the joy and freedom of giving liberally
to God and to neighbor with gratitude and love?

"Lord, all that I have is yours. Take my life, my possessions, my time and all that I have and use them as you desire for your glory."

Psalm 71:8-9,14-17,22

8 My mouth is filled with thy praise, and with thy glory all the day.
9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.
14 But I will hope continually, and will praise thee yet more and more.
15 My mouth will tell of thy righteous acts, of thy deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.
16 With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come, I will praise thy righteousness, thine alone.
17 O God, from my youth thou hast taught me, and I still proclaim thy wondrous deeds.
22 I will also praise thee with the harp for thy faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to thee with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

[kyuusai]

Tuesday (6/13): "You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world"
Scripture: Matthew 5:13-16

13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trodden under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Meditation: Jesus used ordinary images, such as salt and light, to convey extraordinary truths. What does salt and light have to teach us about God and his reign on earth? Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. People traded with it, like we trade with gold and stock. Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave food flavor, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image of salt to describe how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt purifies, preserves, and penetrates, so the disciple must be as salt in the world of human society to purify, preserve, and penetrate that society for the kingdom of God and of his righteousness and peace.

Jesus also used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration. Lamps in the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also understood “light” as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of God. In his light we see light ( Psalm 36:9). His word is a lamp that guides our steps (Psalm 119:105). God’s grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables us to see the heavenly reality of God’s kingdom. In fact, our mission is to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.

Jesus remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them form others and even from God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God’s light and who seek this truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him. Do you know the joy and freedom of living in God’s light?

“Lord, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed”.

Psalm 4:2-5,7-8

2 O men, how long shall my honor suffer shame? How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? [Selah]
3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Be angry, but sin not; commune with your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. [Selah]
5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.
7 Thou hast put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for thou alone, O LORD, makest me dwell in safety.

[Ironside]

Eternal life: Is it through the works of the Law or through faith in Christ?


A rich young man came to Christ and ask the all important quesiton: "what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" The question is equal to the Philippian jailer's question to Paul: "Sirs what must i do to be saved?"


But when we look at the answer of the Lord Jesus and Paul, they are poles apart. The Lord Jesus answered the rich young man with these words:

Mt 19:17 "So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.Mt 19:17


But Paul answered the jailer with these: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."Ac 16:31


Why the seeming contradiction?


Actually, the contradiction is only apparent not real. The Lord Jesus was talking to a man who has not yet realized his lost, hopeless and helpless condtion before God. The Law of God was given to bring us to the end of ourselves with regards to salvation or eternal life. It shows us our vile wretchedness and hopeless condition spiritually. While Paul's answer was directed to a man who has seen himself for who he really is; a helpless sinner under judgement.

But the question is: Why did the rich young ruler fail to see his sinfulness?

Obviously, the rich young ruler like the Pharisees thought that the Law was only concerned about thier outward actuations. It does not touch the area of desires, motives and thoughts.
And so he was able to reply to the Lord: "The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" Mt 19:20

[One thing he lack was conviction of sin. Actually, the whole purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ in telling him to keep the commandments is to bring this yuong man to see himself as he really is before God. That he is a sinner. A transgressor of God's Law if the Law be applied to our inner being]

"The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?"

Before going into the reply of our Lord, we must remember that the Lord Jesus Christ is omniscient since He is God. He already knew before this rich young ruler came to him that this man is trapped in the sin of covetousness. He already knew what there conversation will be and how it will end. He already knew that this man has not yet seen his spiritual bankruptcy. He already knew what this man needed. He needed to be convicted of his sin. And so he gave him the spiritual mirror; the Law.

Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,'

'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself[/b].'


" What do i still lack?" sounds like a question coming from a man who is really zealous to be perfectly right with God doesn't it? But really?

The Lord Jesus knew beforehand that there conversation would end when he woudl tell the young man this:


"Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."

Let's see if this young man has the attitude of willingness to let go of everything and anything for God. Let's see if his god is indeed God or his god is money. Let's see if he like Abraham has the attitude to let go of his "Isaac" for God. Let's see if this man doesn't have idols in his heart. He said that he has kept the commandments of God from childhood. Okay let's start with the first commandment: "thou shall not have no other gods before Me"

Let's see if he would be the first man in the history of the universe ever since Adam fell from sin to have the spiritual ability by himself to obey the commandments perfectly. The Bible says: that if there's any man who can keep perfectly all of God's commandments, then he will be justified. This would show that he has no sinful nature in him. He's like the Lord Jesus no sins for He had no sin in HIm. Ler's see his reaction:



" But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions"


We are not told by Matthew if the man was convicted of his sin here. There is a godly sorrow and a worldly sorrow. Obviously, his sorrow was the product of attrition it did not humble him before the Lord Jesus to asks: "Now i know that i am lost, what must i do to be saved?", like the jailer when he asked Paul. Or if he experienced conviction of sin, he must have hardened his heart against it.



1) Can we have eternal life if we obey the Law? Yes, if you can obey it perfectly.

"for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;" Romans 2:13

But the humbling truth is: we have sinful natures in us, we can't obey it perfectly. And since we can't obey it perfectly [meaning we sin oftentimes agaisnt it] we are under its penalty of death.

Ga 2:16 "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. since he can't obey it perfectly


The Bible teaches that it is only through faith in Christ Jesus we can have eternal life. It is not though Law-Keeping since no one can obey it perfectly. Through the Law we are made aware of our deplorable condition before God. That we are sinners under judgment before God.

Ga 3:21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.


22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.



You want eternal life? You have two choices either you work it out on your own by keeping the Law which you cannot obey perfectly or you trust in Christ alone for eternal life.

Take your pick.

P.S. Even if you start working for eternal life now, this day by Law-keeping and you resolve not to sin against it anymore [granting that this is possible....granting that you will never commit a single sin from now on till you die] remember you have already broken it yesterday. And the yesteryday before yesterday, and the day before yesterday's yesterday.

You can't relive again those days. You can't redress it anymore. You have broken the Law. You are still under judgment...........You need atonement.........You need a Savior.

[belle]

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Bless ye the God of heaven, give glory to Him in the sight of all that live, because He hath shewn His mercy to you.

-- Tobias xii. 6

First Reading: 1 Kings 18:20-39
Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2, 4-5, 8, 11
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19

17 "Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfil them.
18 For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished.
19 Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.