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Friday of the First week of Lent
Book of Ezekiel 18,21-28.
None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced.
Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord GOD. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live?
And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die.
You say, "The LORD'S way is not fair!" Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?
When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die.
But if a wicked man, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life;
since he has turned away from all the sins which he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Psalms 130(129),1-2.3-4.5-7a.7bc-8.
LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,
LORD, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the Lord
more than sentinels for dawn.
Let Israel wait for the LORD.
For with the LORD is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption;
and he will redeem Israel
from all their iniquities.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 5,20-26.
You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.'
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, 'Raqa,' will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
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Walking with the Word: Daily Bible Readings for Inspired Living
In a fast-paced world filled with distractions and demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Amidst the chaos, finding moments of inspiration and inner peace becomes vital for our well-being.
One powerful way to achieve this is through daily Bible readings. Walking with the Word offers a transformative journey, guiding us towards a life of inspired living.
Let us explore how daily Bible readings can enrich our lives and provide the spiritual nourishment we need.
Finding Inspiration in Daily Bible Readings:
Engaging in daily Bible readings opens up a gateway to the wisdom and teachings of the Scriptures. The Bible is a profound source of inspiration, offering guidance, comfort, and encouragement.
Through its timeless words, we find narratives of triumph over adversity, stories of compassion and forgiveness, and profound insights into human nature and the divine.
The Power of Consistency:
Consistency is key when it comes to incorporating daily Bible readings into our lives. By setting aside dedicated time each day, we cultivate a habit that transforms our relationship with the Word.
This consistency helps to deepen our understanding, establish a strong spiritual foundation, and allow us to absorb the messages of the Bible more effectively.
Guidance for Daily Living:
The Bible provides a treasure trove of practical wisdom that can be applied to our everyday lives. Its teachings guide us in making ethical decisions, nurturing relationships, and finding purpose and meaning.
Whether we seek solace during times of difficulty, seek guidance for major life choices, or desire a moral compass to navigate through challenges, the Bible offers timeless principles that resonate with our human experience.
Building Faith and Trust:
Daily Bible readings foster a deeper connection with our faith. As we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, we witness the unwavering faith of biblical figures and learn from their journeys.
The stories of Abraham’s trust in God, David’s courage, and Jesus’ teachings on faith become wellsprings of inspiration, nurturing our own belief and trust in a higher power.
Nurturing Inner Peace and Joy:
Walking with the Word brings us closer to God’s presence and fills our hearts with peace and joy. The Scriptures remind us of God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness, even in the midst of life’s trials.
Through daily readings, we discover passages that uplift our spirits, encourage us to persevere, and remind us that we are never alone.
The Word of God becomes a source of comfort, encouragement, and hope, instilling in us a deep sense of inner peace and joy.
Community and Reflection:
Engaging in daily Bible readings can be a solitary practice, but it also fosters a sense of belonging to a larger community.
By connecting with others who share a similar commitment to walking with the Word, we find support, accountability, and opportunities for meaningful discussions and reflections.
Joining Bible study groups or participating in online communities can enhance our understanding and provide fresh perspectives on the readings.
Conclusion:
Walking with the Word through daily Bible readings is a transformative practice that leads to inspired living.
It is an invitation to embark on a journey of spiritual growth, nourishing our souls and aligning our lives with divine wisdom.
By engaging with the Scriptures consistently, we discover inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection to God.
Let us embrace the transformative power of daily Bible readings and experience the abundant blessings they offer on our path of inspired living.