may - june daily reading and meditation

7/31/2019 May - June Daily Reading and Meditation

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Daily Reading & Meditation

Saturday (May 19): "Ask in Jesus' name, and you will receive, that your joy may be full"

Scripture:John 16:23-28

23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, if you ask anything of the

Father, he will give it to you in my name. 24 Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask,

and you will receive, that your joy may be full. 25 "I have said this to you in figures; the hour iscoming when I shall no longer speak to you in figures but tell you plainly of the Father. 26 In

that day you will ask in my name; and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; 27

for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from

the Father. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving theworld and going to the Father."

Meditation: Do you pray with confidence to your heavenly Father? Jesus often taught hisdisciples by way of illustration or parable. Here he speaks not in "figures" (the same word used

forparables), but in plain speech. Jesus revealed to them the hidden treasure of the heavenly

kingdom and he taught them how to pray to the Father in his name. Now Jesus opens his heartand speaks in the plainest of language: "The Father himself loves you!" How can the disciples be

certain of this? Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus makes it possible for his disciples tohave a new relationship with God as their Father. No one would have dared to call God hisFather before this! Because of what Jesus has done for us in offering his life for our redemption

we now have a new relationship as the adopted children of God. Paul the Apostles says that

"when we cry, Abba! Father!' it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit thatwe are

children of God" (Romans 8:15-16). We can boldly approach God as our Father and ask him for

the things we need. In love he bids us to draw near to his throne of grace and mercy. Do youapproach the Father with confidence in his love and with expectant faith in his promise to hear

your prayers?

"Heavenly Father, your love knows no bounds and your mercies are new every day. Fill me with

gratitude for your countless blessings and draw me near to your throne of grace and mercy. Giveme confidence and boldness to pray that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

Psalm 47:2-3,7-9

2 For the LORD, the Most High, is awesome, a great king over all the earth.

3 He subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.7 For God is the king of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!

8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.

9 The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the

earth belong to God; he is highly exalted!


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Sunday (May 20): "Sanctified and consecrated in God's truth"

Scripture:John 17:11b-19 (alternate reading for the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord:Mark16:15-20)

11b Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even

as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; Ihave guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be

fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may

have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word; and the world has hated

them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that youshould take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are

not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

18 As you did send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake Iconsecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.

Meditation: Do you know why God created youwhat purpose and mission he has entrusted toyou? Jesus' aim and mission was to glorify his heavenly Father. All he said and did gave glory to

his Father. On the eve of his sacrifice on the cross and in the presence of his disciples, Jesusmade his high priestly prayer: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that they may be one as weare one". Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples and for all who would believe in him. Jesus'

prayer for his people is that we be united with God the Father in his Son and through his Holy

Spirit and be joined together, in unity with all who are members of Christ's body.

What motivated Jesus to lay down his life on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for the sin of theworld? It was lovelove for his Father in heaven and love for each and everyone of us who are

made in the image and likeness of God. Jesus was sent into the world by his Father for a purposeand that purpose was a mission of love to free us from slavery to sin, Satan, fear, death, and

hopelessness. Jesus saw glory in the cross rather than shame. Obedience to his Father's will was

his glory. Jesus kept his Father's word even when tempted to forgo the cross. Jesus did not relyon his own human resources and strength to accomplish his Father's will. He trusted in his Father

to give him strength, courage, and perseverance in the face of opposition, trials, and temptation.

We also must take up our cross and follow the Lord Jesus wherever he may call us. He will giveus the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to live as his disciples. John Henry Newman wrote:

"God has created me, to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which

he has not committed to another. I have my missionI may never know it in this life, but I shall

be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has notcreated me for nothing. Therefore, I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I am. I cannot be thrown

away." Do you trust in God and in his call and purpose for your life?

Jesus prayed that his disciples would be sanctified and consecrated in God's truth and holiness.

The scriptural word for consecration comes from the same Hebrew word which means holy or

set apart for God. This word also means to be equiped with the qualities of mind and heart and
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character for such a task or service. Just as Jesus was called by the Father to serve in holiness

and truth, so we, too, are called and equipped for the task of serving God in the world as hisambassadors. God's truth frees us from ignorance and the deception of sin. It reveals to us God's

goodness, love, and wisdom. And it gives us a thirst for God's holiness. The Holy Spirit is the

source and giver of all holiness. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, he transforms

us by his purifying fire and changes us into the likeness of Christ. Is your life consecratedtoGod?

"Lord Jesus, take my life and make it wholly pleasing to you. Sanctify me in your truth and

guide me by your Holy Spirit that I may follow you faithfully wherever you lead."

Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who

fear him;12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice

of his word!


Monday (May 21): "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world"


29 His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure! 30 Now we know

that you know all things, and need none to question you; by this we believe that you came fromGod." 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? 32 The hour is coming, indeed it has

come, when you will be scattered, every man to his home, and will leave me alone; yet I am not

alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In

the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Meditation: How did Jesus convince his disciples that he was the eternal Son of God? Jesuscould read their hearts like an open book. He answered their questions before they could evenspeak them out. And he showed them the glory of God. For a Christian, believing in God cannot

be separated from believing in the One he sent into the world, his "beloved Son", in whom the

Father is "well pleased" (Matthew 17:5). We can believe in Jesus and in the words he speaksbecause he is himself God, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Since he "has seen the Father," and

is "one with the Father," Jesus is the only one who knows the Father as he truly is and can reveal

him to us. Our faith is "certain" because it is founded on the very Word of God who cannot lie.


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Faith is already the beginning of eternal life. Basil the Great says: "When we contemplate the

blessings of faith even now, as if gazing at a reflection in a mirror, it is as if we alreadypossessed the wonderful things which our faith assures us we shall enjoy one day." Do you

nourish and strengthen your faith with the word of God?

In spite of their belief, Jesus warned his disciples that their faith would be put to the test and thatthey would fail. Jesus spoke plainly about the tragedy of betrayal and the triumph of the cross.

Jesus knew the hearts of his disciples better than they knew. He knew they would desert him inhis hour of trial. Such knowledge could have easily led to bitterness and rejection. Jesus met the

injury of betrayal and disloyalty with supreme love and trust in his disciples. He loved his

disciples to the very end even when they left him alone to die on the cross. He knew that thecross would not bring defeat but victory over sin and death. Jesus speaks the same word to us

today. "My love for you is unconditional and I will never abandon you." While we cannot avoid

all pain and suffering in this life, Jesus, nonetheless assures us that he will guide us safely

through any difficulty or trial we may have to undergo for his sake. Jesus calls each of us to takecourage, because he has overcome the world. The Holy Spirit gives us a living hope in the power

of the resurrection and a confident trust in God's abiding presence. Nothing can overcome thisfaith and hope in Christ's victoryno trial, suffering, temptation, or testing. The Holy Spiritgives us the strength and courage we need to overcome adversity and to persevere in faith. Doyou believe that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus (see Romans

8:38-39)?

"Lord Jesus, help me to trust in your saving power, especially when I meet adversities and trials.

Give me your peace when I am troubled and let me know the joy of your victory over sin and

death."

Psalm 68:2-6a

2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before fire, let the wicked perishbefore God!

3 But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy!

4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds; hisname is the LORD, exult before him!

5 Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.

6 God gives the desolate a home to dwell in; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity.

Daily Reading & MeditationTuesday (May 22): "This is eternal life, that they know the Father the only true God"


1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour

has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him power over


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all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they

know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth,having accomplished the work which you gave me to do; 5 and now, Father, glorify me in your

own presence with the glory which I had with you before the world was made. 6 "I have

manifested your name to the men whom you gave me out of the world; they were yours, and you

gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you havegiven me is from you; 8 for I have given them the words which you gave me, and they have

received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.

9 I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me,for they are yours; 10 all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And

now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father,

keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.

Meditation: In his Last Supper discourse Jesus speaks of his glory and the glory of his Father.

What is this glory? It is the cross which Jesus speaks of here. How does the cross reveal hisglory? In the cross God reveals the breadth of his great love for sinners and the power of

redemption which cancels the debt of sin and reverses the curse of our condemnation. Jesus gavehis Father the supreme honor and glory through his obedience and willingness to go to the cross.In times of defense the greatest honor belongs not to those who fought and survived but to thosewho gave the supreme sacrifice of their own lives for their fellow citizens.

Jesus speaks of the Father bringing glory to the Son through the great mystery of the Incarnation

and Cross of Christ. God the Father gave us his only begotten Son for our redemption and

deliverance from slavery to sin and death. There is no greater proof of God's love for each and

every person on the face of the earth than the Cross of Jesus Christ. In the cross we see a newway of lovea love that is unconditional, sacrificial and generous beyond comprehension.

Jesus also speaks of eternal life. What is eternal life? It is more than simply endless time. Scienceand medicine today looks for ways to extend the duration of life; but that doesn't necessarily

make life better for us here. Eternal life is qualitative more than quantitative. To have eternal life

is to have the life of God within us. When we possess eternal life we experience here and nowsomething of God's majesty, his peace, joy and love and the holiness which characterizes the life

of God. Jesus also speaks of the knowledge of God. Jesus tells his disciples that they can know

the only true God. Knowledge of God is not simply limited to knowing something about God,but we can know God personally. The essence of Christianity, and what makes it distinct from

Judaism and other religions, is the knowledge of God as our Father. Jesus makes it possible for

each of us to personally know God as our Father. To see Jesus is to see what God is like. In Jesus

we see the perfect love of Goda God who cares intensely and who yearns over men andwomen, loving them to the point of laying down his life for them upon the Cross. Jesus is the

revelation of Goda God who loves us completely, unconditionally and perfectly. Do you seek

unity of heart, mind and will with God and unity of love and peace with your neighbor?

"If only I possessed the grace, good Jesus, to be utterly at one with you! Amidst all the variety of

worldly things around me, Lord, the only thing I crave is unity with you. You are all my soulneeds. Unite, dear friend of my heart, this unique little soul of mine to your perfect goodness.

You are all mine; when shall I be yours? Lord Jesus, my beloved, be the magnet of my heart;


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clasp, press, unite me for ever to your sacred heart. You have made me for yourself; make me

one with you. Absorb this tiny drop of life into the ocean of goodness whence it came." (Prayer ofFrancis de Sales, 1567-1622)

Psalm 68:10-11,19-20

10 Your flock found a dwelling in it; in your goodness, O God, you provided for the needy.

11 The Lord gives the command; great is the host of those who bore the tidings:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. [Selah]

20 Our God is a God of salvation; and to God, the Lord, belongs escape from death.


Wednesday (May 23): "Sanctified and consecrated in God's truth"


11 And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. HolyFather, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are

one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have

guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might befulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may

have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word; and the world has hated

them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that you

should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one. 16 They arenot of the world, even as I am not of the world.17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

18 As you did send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I

consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.

Meditation: Do you know why God created youwhat purpose and mission he has entrusted to

you? Jesus' aim and mission was to glorify his heavenly Father. All he said and did gave glory tohis Father. On the eve of his sacrifice on the cross and in the presence of his disciples, Jesus

made his high priestly prayer: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that they may be one as we

are one". Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples and for all who would believe in him. Jesus'

prayer for his people is that we be united with God the Father in his Son and through his Holy

Spirit and be joined together, in unity with all who are members of Christ's body.

What motivated Jesus to lay down his life on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for the sin of the

world? It was lovelove for his Father in heaven and love for each and everyone of us who are

made in the image and likeness of God. Jesus was sent into the world by his Father for a purpose

and that purpose was a mission of love to free us from slavery to sin, Satan, fear, death, andhopelessness. Jesus saw glory in the cross rather than shame. Obedience to his Father's will was

his glory. Jesus kept his Father's word even when tempted to forgo the cross. Jesus did not rely


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on his own human resources and strength to accomplish his Father's will. He trusted in his Father

to give him strength, courage, and perseverance in the face of opposition, trials, and temptation.We also must take up our cross and follow the Lord Jesus wherever he may call us. He will give

us the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to live as his disciples. John Henry Newman wrote:

"God has created me, to do him some definite service; he has committed some work to me which

he has not committed to another. I have my missionI may never know it in this life, but I shallbe told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not

created me for nothing. Therefore, I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I am. I cannot be thrown

away." Do you trust in God and in his call and purpose for your life?

Jesus prayed that his disciples would be sanctified and consecrated in God's truth and holiness.The scriptural word for consecration comes from the same Hebrew word which means holy or

set apart for God. This word also means to be equiped with the qualities of mind and heart and

character for such a task or service. Just as Jesus was called by the Father to serve in holiness

and truth, so we, too, are called and equipped for the task of serving God in the world as hisambassadors. God's truth frees us from ignorance and the deception of sin. It reveals to us God's

goodness, love, and wisdom. And it gives us a thirst for God's holiness. The Holy Spirit is thesource and giver of all holiness. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives, he transformsus by his purifying fire and changes us into the likeness of Christ. Is your life consecratedtoGod?

"Lord Jesus, take my life and make it wholly pleasing to you. Sanctify me in your truth and

guide me by your Holy Spirit that I may follow you faithfully wherever you lead."

Psalm 68:28-29-32-35

28 Summon your might, O God; show your strength, O God, you who have wrought for us.

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings bear gifts to you.32 Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; sing praises to the Lord, [Selah]

33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends forth his voice, his

mighty voice.34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and his power is in the skies.

35 Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel, he gives power and strength to his

people. Blessed be God!

Daily Reading & MeditationThursday (May 24): May they become perfectly one


20 "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, 21 that

they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so


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that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory which you have given me I have

given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that theymay become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved

them even as you have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me,

may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me

before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world has not known you, but Ihave known you; and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name,

and I will make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in

them."

Meditation: Do you pray as Jesus did for the unity of all Christians? The distinctive mark of

Jesusdisciples is their love and unity. How good and delightful it is when brethren dwelltogether in unity (Psalm 133:1). Jesus' high priestly prayer at the last supper concludes with the

petition for Christian unity among all who profess Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus prays for all men

and women who will come after him and follow him as his disciples. In a special way Jesusprays here for us that as members of his body the church we would be one as he and his Father is

one. The unity of Jesus and his Father is a unity of love and obedience and a unity of personalrelationship. Because Jesus loved us first and united us in baptism we are called to live in a unity

of love. Jesus prayer on the eve of his sacrifice shows the great love and trust he has in hisbeloved disciples. He knows they would abandon him in his hour of trial, yet he entrusted to

them the great task of spreading his name throughout the world and to the end of the ages. The

Lord entrust us with the same missionto make him known and loved by all. Jesus died androse again that all might be one as he and the Father are one. Do you love and accept all baptized

Christians as your brothers and sisters in Christ?

"Heaveny Father, have mercy on your people and heal the divisions in the body of Christ. May

all Christian people throughout the world attain the unity for which Jesus prayed on the eve of

his sacrifice. Renew in us the power of the Spirit that we may be a sign of that unity and a meansof its growth. Increase in us a fervent love for all our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ."

Psalm 16:1-2,5-9,11

1 Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you."5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.

6 The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly heritage.

7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also dwells secure.

11 You show me the path of life; in your presence there is fulness of joy, in your right hand are

pleasures for evermore.



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Friday (May 25): "Do you love Jesus more than these?"


15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you

love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said tohim, "Feed my lambs." 16 A second time he said to him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." 17 He

said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he

said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything;

you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, whenyou were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you

will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to

go." 19 (This he said to show by what death he was to glorify God.) And after this he said to

him, "Follow me."

Meditation:Do you want the fire of Gods love to burn in your heart? John the evangelist tellsus that God is love (1 John 4:16). His love is unconditional, unmerited, and without limit. It lasts

forever. Its the beginning and the end it's the reason God created us and why he wants us to be

united with him. And its the essence of what is means to be a Christian one who knows God's

love and forgiveness and who loves God in return with all one's heart, soul, mind, body, andstrength (Deuteronomy 6:5, Luke 10:27, Mark 12:33). God's love heals and transforms our lives

and frees us from fear, selfishness, and greed. It draws us to the very heart of God and it compels

us to give to him the best we have and all we possessour gifts, our time, our resources, our fullallegiance, and our very lives. Paul the Apostle tells us that Gods love has been poured into ourhearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given us (Romans 5:5). What can quench such

love? Certainly indifference, loss of hope, disbelief, and rejection of God and his word.

Why did Jesus question Peters love and fidelity three times in front of the other apostles? It

must have caused Peter pain and sorrow since he had publicly denied Jesus three times. Now

Peter, full of remorse and humility, unequivocally stated that he loved his master and was willingto serve him whatever it might cost. When Jesus asks him "do you love me more than these?"

Jesus may have pointed to the boats, nets and catch of fish. He may have challenged Peter to

abandon his work as a fisherman for the task of shepherding God's people. Jesus also may havepointed to the other disciples and to Peter's previous boast: "Though they all fall away because of

you, I will never fall away" (Matthew 26:33). Peter now makes no boast or comparison but

humbly responds: "You know I love you."

The Lord Jesus calls each one of us, even in our weakness, sin, and failings, to love him above

all else. Saint Augustine in his Confessions wrote: "Late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancientand so new. Late have I loved you! ...You shone your Self upon me to drive away my blindness.

You breathed your fragrance upon me... and in astonishment I drew my breath...now I pant for

you! I tasted you, and now I hunger and thirst for you. You touched me! - and I burn to live

within your peace" (Confessions 10:27). Nothing but our sinful pride and wilfulness can keep usfrom the love of God. It is a free gift, unmerited and beyond payment. We can never outmatch

God in giving love. He loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding


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graciousness and mercy towards us. Do you allow God's love to change and transform your

heart?

"Lord Jesus, inflame my heart with your love and remove everything that is unloving, unkind,

ungrateful, unholy, and not in accord with your will."

Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who

fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.20 Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the

voice of his word!


Saturday (May 26): The immensity of what Jesus has done


20 Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved, who had lain close to his

breast at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?" 21 When Petersaw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" 22 Jesus said to him, "If it is my will

that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!" 23 The saying spread abroadamong the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not

to die, but, "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?" 24 This is the

disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we knowthat his testimony is true. 25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every

one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would

be written.

Meditation: Why do we often compare ourselves with others? Do we envy those who seem

more fortunate than ourselves? Why did Peter question Jesus about John's future? Jesus hadpredicted that Peter was to suffer and die as a martyr for his faith. What would John's fate be?Jesus seems to indicate that John would live a long life - in fact he outlived all the other apostles.

While Peter and John were both called as disciples of Jesus, each was given a different task or

function. When Peter questions John's role, Jesus retorts: "What is that to you? Follow me!"Peter's given task was to "shepherd the sheep of Christ", and in the end to die for Christ. John's

role was preeminently to witness to Christ and to give his testimony to the gospel. John lived to

long age and wrote the gospel as his testimony to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


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John ends his gospel with an astonishing remark: "Human books cannot exhaust the person and

work of Jesus Christ." His power is inexhaustible, his grace is limitless, his wisdomunfathomable, his triumphs are innumerable and his love is unquenchable. We can never say

enough of the power, majesty and glory which belongs to him alone. Do you witness to others

the joy of the gospel?

"May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery and sweet as honey, so absorb our hearts as to

withdraw them from all that is under heaven. Grant that we may be ready to die for love of yourlove, as you died for love of our love." (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)

Psalm 11:4-7

4 The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids

test, the children of men.5 The LORD tests the righteous and the wicked, and his soul hates him that loves violence.

6 On the wicked he will rain coals of fire and brimstone; a scorching wind shall

be the portion of their cup.7 For the LORD is righteous, he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.


Pentecost Sunday (May 27): "Receive the Holy Spirit!"

Gospel Reading:John 20:19-23

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples

were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be withyou." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were

glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has

sent me, even so I send you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said tothem, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain

the sins of any, they are retained."

New Testament Reading:Acts 2:1-11

1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly asound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they

were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one

of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, asthe Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from

every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were

bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were

amazed and wondered, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it


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that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Par'thians and Medes and E'lamites and

residents of Mesopota'mia, Judea and Cappado'cia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phryg'ia and Pamphyl'ia,Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyre'ne, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and

proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians, we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works

of God."

Meditation: Do you know and experience in your life the gift and power of the Holy Spirit?

After his death and resurrection Jesus promised to give his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit.He said to them,Receive the Holy Spirit! (John 20:22) Jesus knew that his disciples would need

the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them. The gift of the Holy

Spirit was conditional upon the ascension of Jesus to the right hand of the Father. That is whyJesus instructed the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high

(Luke 24:49). Why did they needpower from on high? The Gospels tell us that Jesus was filled

with the Holy Spirit when he was baptized at the Jordan River:

And John bore witness, I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on

himthis is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:32,33; Mark 1:8; Matthew 3:11).

And Jesus,full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spiritfor forty

days in the wildernessand Jesus returned in thepower of the Spiritinto Galilee (Luke 4:1,14).

Just as Jesus was anointed with the Spirit at the beginning of his ministry, so the disciples neededthe anointing of the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission entrusted to them by Jesus. The HolySpirit is given to all who are baptized into Jesus Christ to enable us to live a new way of life a

life of love, peace, joy, and righteousness (Romans 14:17). The Holy Spirit fills our hearts with

the love of God (Romans 5:7), and he gives us the strength and courage we need in order to live

as faith-filled disciples of the Lord Jesus. The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26),

and enables us to grow in spiritual freedomfreedom from doubt, fear, and from slavery to ourunruly desires (2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:21). The Spirit instructs us in the ways of God, and

guides us in living according to Gods will. The Spirit is the source and giver of all holiness.

Isaiah foretold the seven-fold gifts that the Spirit would give: wisdom, understanding, counsel,fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2).

The gift of Pentecostthe outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the spiritual gifts and blessings of

Godare made possible through the death, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord Jesus. After

his resurrection Jesus breathed on his disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit. Just as Godbreathed life into Adam, so the gift of the Holy Spirit is an impartation of new life for hispeople. With the gift of the Holy Spirit a new creation begins. God recreates us for his glory.

Jesus gift of peace to his disciples was more than an absence of trouble. His peace included the

forgiveness of sins and the fulness of everything good. Do you want power to live a faith-filledlife as a disciple of Jesus? Ask the Father to fill you with the power of his Holy Spirit (Luke

11:13).

Basil the Great (329-379 AD), an early church father, explains the role of the Holy Spirit in our

lives:


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The Spirit restores paradise to us and the way to heaven and adoption as children of God; he

instills confidence that we may call God truly Father and grants us the grace of Christ to bechildren of the light and to enjoy eternal glory. In a word, he bestows the fullness of blessings in

this world and the next; for we may contemplate now in the mirror of faith the promised things

we shall someday enjoy. If this is the foretaste, what must the reality be? If these are the first

fruits, what must be the harvest? (From the treatise by Basil on The Holy Spirit)The Lord Jesus offers each one of us the gift and power of his Holy Spirit. He wants to make our

faith strong, give us hope that endures, and a love that never grows cold. He never refuses to give

his Spirit to those who ask with expectant faith. Jesus instructed his disciples to ask confidently

for the gift of the Spirit: If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke

11:13). Do you thirst for God and for the abundant life he offers through the gift of his Spirit?

"Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of Pentecost and for the new life you offer in the Holy Spirit.Fill me with your Holy Spirit and set my heart ablaze with the fire of your love that I may serve

you in joy and freedom."

Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, you are very great! You are clothed with honor

and majesty24 O LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full

of your creatures.

29 When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and

return to their dust.30 When you send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground.

31 May the glory of the LORD endure for ever, may the LORD rejoice in his works.

34 May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the LORD.


Monday (May 28): "Sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in

heaven"

Scripture: Mark 10:17-27

17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him,

"Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do youcall me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: `Do not kill, Do

not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father

and mother.'" 20 And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth." 21And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you

have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." 22 At


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that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. 23

And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it will be for those who haveriches to enter the kingdom of God!" 24 And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus

said to them again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a

camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 26

And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?" 27 Jesuslooked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible

with God."

Meditation: What gives hope and satisfaction to our desire for happiness and security? A young

man who had the best the world could offerwealth and securitycame to Jesus because helacked one thing. He wanted the kind of lasting peace and happiness which money could not buy

him. The answer he got, however, was not what he was looking for. He protested that he kept all

the commandments; but Jesus spoke to the trouble in his heart. One thing kept him from giving

himself whole-heartedly to God. While he lacked nothing in material goods, he was nonethelesspossessive of what he had. He placed his hope and security in what he possessed. So when Jesus

challenged him to make God his one true possession and treasure, he became dismayed. Why didhe go away from Jesus with sadness rather than with joy? His treasure and his hope for happinesswere misplaced. Jesus challenged the young man because his heart was possessive. He wasafraid to give to others for fear that he would lose what he had gained. He sought happiness and

security in what he possessed rather than in who he could love and serve and give himself in

undivided devotion.

Why does Jesus tell his disciples to "sell all" for the treasure of his kingdom? Treasure has a

special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing, the place of will and focus. Thething we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. The Lord himself is the greatest treasure

we can have. Giving up everything else to have the Lord as our treasure is not sorrowful, but the

greatest joy. [See Jesus' parable about the treasure hidden in a field in Matthew 13:44.] Sellingall that we have could mean many different thingsletting go of attachments, friendships,

influences, jobs, entertainments, styles of lifereally anything that might stand in the way of our

loving God first and foremost in our lives and giving him the best we can with our time,

resources, gifts, and service.

Those who are generous towards God and towards their neighbor find that they cannot outgiveGod in his generosity towards us. God blesses us with the priceless treasures of his kingdom

freedom from fear and the griping power of sin, selfishness and pride which block his love and

grace in our lives; freedom from loneliness, isolation and rejection which keep his children from

living together in love, peace, and unity; and freedom from hopelessness, despair, anddisillusionment which blind our vision of God's power to heal every hurt, bind every wound, and

remove every blemish which mar the image of God within us. God offers us treasure which

money cannot buy. He alone can truly satisfy the deepest longing and desires of our heart. Are

you willing to part with anything that might keep you from seeking true joy with Jesus?

Why does Jesus issue such a strong warning to the rich (as well as to the rest of us who desire tobe rich)? Was he really against wealth? We know that Jesus was not opposed to wealth per se,

nor was he opposed to the wealthy. He had many friends who were well-to-do, including some
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notorious tax collectors! One even became an apostle! Jesus' warning reiterated the teaching of

the Old Testament wisdom:Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who

is perverse in his ways (Proverbs 28:6; see also Psalm 37:16).Do not wear yourself out to getrich; be wise enough to desist(Proverbs 23:4). Jesus seems to say that it is nearly impossible for

the rich to live as citizens of God's kingdom. The camel was regarded as the largest animal in

Palestine. The "eye of the needle" could be interpreted quite literally or it could figurativelydescribe the narow and low gate of the city walls which was used by travellers when the larger

public gate was locked after dark. A normal sized man had to "lower" himself to enter that gate.

A camel would literally have to knell and crawl through it. Why is Jesus so cautious aboutwealth? Wealth can make us falsely independent. The church at Laodicea was warned about

their attitude towards wealth and a false sense of security: "For you say, I am rich, I have

prospered, and I need nothing" (Revelations 3:17). Wealth can also lead us into hurtful desiresand selfishness (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Look at the lesson Jesus gave about the rich man and his

sons who refused to aid the poor man Lazarus (see Luke 16:19ff). They also neglected to serve

God. The scriptures give us a paradox: we lose what we keep and we gain what we give away.

Generosity will be amply repaid, both in this life and in eternity (Proverbs 3:9-10, Luke 6:38).

Jesus offers us an incomparable treasure which no money can buy and no thief can steal. Thething we most set our heart on is our highest treasure. Material wealth will shackle us to this

earth unless we guard our hearts and set our treasure on God and his everlasting kingdom. Whereis your treasure?

"Lord Jesus, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the treasures of heaven. May youalways be my treasure and delight and may nothing else keep me from giving you my all."

Psalm 111: 1-2,5-6,9-10

1 Prasie the LORD. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the

upright, in the congregation.2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them.

5 He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and

awesome is his name!

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those whopractice it. His praise endures for ever!


Tuesday (May 29): "We have left everything and followed you"

Scripture:Mark 10:28-31


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28 Peter began to say to him, "Lo, we have left everything and followed you." 29 Jesus said,

"Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or fatheror children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now

in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with

persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first will be last, and the

last first."

Meditation: What's the best investment you can make with your life? The gospel presents uswith a paradox: we lose what we keep, and we gain what we give away. When we lose our lives

for Jesus Christ, we gain a priceless treasure and an inheritance which lasts forever. Whatever we

give to God comes back a hundredfold. Generosity flows from a heart full of gratitude for theabundant mercy and grace which God grants. Do you give freely and generously? And why do

you give, for reward or for love?

Right after a wealthy young man refused to follow Jesus, Peter, somewhat crudely wanted toknow what he and the other disciples would get out of it since they had freely accepted

Jesusoffer to follow him unconditionally. Jesus spoke with utter honesty: Those who left all forhim would receive a hundred times more now, even in this life, as well as unending life in the

age to come. Jesusdisciples can expect opposition and persecution from those who are opposedto Christ and his gospel.

Should we be surprised if we lose favor and experience ridicule, intimidation, and injury when

we take a stand for truth and righteousness? In place of material wealth, Jesus promised his

disciples the blessing and joy of rich fellowship with the community of believers. No earthlygood or possession can rival the joy and bliss of knowing God and the peace and unity he grants

to his disciples. The Lord wants to fill our hearts with the vision of heaven and with his joy and

peace. Do you know the joy of following the Lord as his disciple? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you

with the joy of the gospel and the knowledge of Gods personal love.

"Lord Jesus, I want to follow you as your disciple and to love you wholeheartedly with all that I

have. Fill my heart with faith, hope, and love that I may always find peace and joy in yourpresence."

Psalm 98:1-4

1 O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holyarm have gotten him victory.

2 The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the

nations.

3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends ofthe earth have seen the victory of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!


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Wednesday (May 30): "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink?"


32 And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; and

they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to

tell them what was to happen to him, 33 saying, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and theSon of man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to

death, and deliver him to the Gentiles; 34 and they will mock him, and spit upon him, and

scourge him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise." 35 And James and John, the sons of

Zeb'edee, came forward to him, and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever weask of you." 36 And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?" 37 And they said to

him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." 38 But Jesus

said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink,or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" 39 And they said to him, "We are

able." And Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with

which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine

to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared." 41 And when the ten heard it, theybegan to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them,

"You know that those who are supposed to rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their

great men exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you; but whoever wouldbe great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be

slave of all. 45 For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as

a ransom for many."

Meditation: Was Jesus a pessimist or a stark realist? On three different occasions the Gospels

record that Jesus predicted he would endure great suffering through betrayal, rejection, and the

punishment of a cruel death. The Jews resorted to stoning and the Romans to crucifixion themost painful and humiliating death they could devise for criminals they wanted to eliminate. No

wonder the apostles were greatly distressed at such a prediction! If Jesus their Master were put to

death, then they would likely receive the same treatment by their enemies. Jesus called himself

the Son of Man because this was a common Jewish title for the Messiah. Why must the

Messiah be rejected and killed? Did not God promise that his Anointed One would deliver his

people from their oppression and establish a kingdom of peace and justice? The prophet Isaiah

had foretold that it was Gods will that the Suffering Servant make atonement for sins throughhis suffering and death (Isaiah 53:5-12). Jesus paid the price for our redemption with his blood.

Slavery to sin is to want the wrong things and to be in bondage to destructive desires. The

ransom Jesus paid sets us free from the worst tyranny possible the tyranny of sin and the fear

of death. Jesus victory did not end with death but triumphed over the tomb. Jesus defeated thepowers of death through his resurrection. Do you want the greatest freedom possible, the

freedom to live as God truly meant us to live as his sons and daughters?


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Jesus did the unthinkable! He wedded authority with selfless service and with loving sacrifice.

Authority without sacrificial love is brutish and self-serving. Jesus also used stark language toexplain what kind of sacrifice he had in mind. His disciples must drink his cup if they expect to

reign with him in his kingdom. The cup he had in mind was a bitter one involving crucifixion.

What kind of cup does the Lord have in mind for us? For some disciples such a cup entails

physical suffering and the painful struggle of martyrdom. But for many, it entails the longroutine of the Christian life, with all its daily sacrifices, disappointments, set-backs, struggles,

and temptations. A disciple must be ready to lay down his or her life in martyrdom and be ready

to lay it down each and every day in the little and big sacrifices required. An early church fathersummed up Jesus' teaching with the expression: to serve is to reign with Christ. We share in

God's reign by laying down our lives in humble service as Jesus did for our sake. Are you willing

to lay down your life and to serve others as Jesus did?

Lord Jesus, your death brought life and freedom. Make me a servant of your love, that I may

seek to serve rather than be served.

Psalm 147:12-15,19-20

12 Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!

13 For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your sons within you.

14 He makes peace in your borders; he fills you with the finest of the wheat.15 He sends forth his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly.

19 He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and ordinances to Israel.

20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise theLORD!


Thursday (May 31): "Why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to

me?"

Scripture: Luke 1:39-56 (alternate reading:Mark 10:46-52)

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 andshe entered the house of Zechari'ah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And when Elizabeth heard the

greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of

your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for

joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to

her from the Lord." 46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices inGod my Savior, 48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth

all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and
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holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. 51

He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,52 he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; 53 he has

filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. 54 He has helped his

servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his

posterity for ever." 56 And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to herhome.

Meditation: Do you recognize the indwelling presence of the Lord Jesus in your life? Blessed

are you if you see and recognize the Lord with the "eyes of faith". The word "blessed" [ makarios

in Greek] literally means "happiness" or "beatitude". It describes a kind of joy which is sereneand untouchable, self-contained, and independent from chance and changing circumstances of

life. There is a certain paradox for those "blessed" by the Lord. Mary was given the

"blessedness" of being the mother of the Son of God. That blessedness also would become a

sword which pierced her heart as her Son died upon the cross. Anselm, a great teacher andArchbishop of Canterbury (1033-1109), spoke these words in a homily: "Without God's Son

nothing could exist; without Mary's son, nothing could be redeemed." To be chosen by God isan awesome privilege and responsibility. Mary received both a crown of joy and a cross ofsorrow. Her joy was not diminished by her sorrow because it was fueled by her faith, hope, andtrust in God and his promises. Jesus promised his disciples that "no one will take your joy from

you" (John 16:22). The Lord gives us a supernatural joy which enables us to bear any sorrow or

pain and which neither life nor death can take away. Do you know the joy of a life given over toGod in faith and trust?

What is the significance of Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth before the birth of Jesus? WhenElizabeth greeted Mary and recognized the Messiah in Mary's womb they were filled with the

Holy Spirit and with a joyful anticipation of the fulfilment of God's promise to give a Savior.

What a marvelous wonder for God to fill not only Elizabeth's heart with his Holy Spirit but thechild in her womb as well. John the Baptist, even before the birth of the Messiah, pointed to his

coming and leapt for joy in the womb of his mother as the Holy Spirit revealed to him the

presence of the King to be born. The Holy Spirit is God's gift to us to enable us to know and

experience the indwelling presence of God and the power of his kingdom. The Holy Spirit is theway in which God reigns within each of us. Do you live in the joy and knowledge of God's

indwelling presence with you through his Holy Spirit?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me joy in seeking you more closely. Increase

my faith in all your promises, my hope in the joys of heaven, and my love for You as my All."

Psalm 33:2-3,11-12,20-21

2 Praise the LORD with the lyre, make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

3 Sing to him a new song, play skilfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

11 The counsel of the LORD stands for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.

21 Yes, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.


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Friday (June 1): "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations"

Scripture: Mark 11:11-26

11 And he entered Jerusalem, and went into the temple; and when he had looked round at

everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. 12 On the followingday, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in

leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but

leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from

you again." And his disciples heard it. 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered thetemple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he

overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons; 16 and hewould not allow any one to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he taught, and said to

them, "Is it not written, `My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But youhave made it a den of robbers." 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a

way to destroy him; for they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his

teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city. 20 As they passed by in themorning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to

him, "Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered." 22 And Jesus answered them,

"Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast

into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, itwill be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have

received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you haveanything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you yourtrespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your

trespasses"

Meditation: Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Fig trees were a common and important source of

food for the Jews. Bad figs or a decaying fig tree was linked with evil deeds and spiritual decay.

The unfruitful fig tree symbolized the outcome of Israel's unresponsiveness to the word of God.The prophets depicted the languishing fig tree as signifying the desolation and calamity of Israel

due to her unfaithfulness to God (see Joel 1:7,12; Habakuk 3:17; and Jeremiah 8:13). The history

of Israel is one long preparation for the coming of the Promised One. But the promise is

unfulfilled in those who reject Jesus through unbelief. (See also Jesus parable of the barren figtree inLuke 13:6-9). Jesus cursing of a fig tree is a prophetic action against the faithlessness ofthose who rejected his message. For faith to be fruitful and productive, it must be nourished with

the word of God (2 Tim. 3:16; Col. 3:16)and be rooted in love (Galatians 5:6).

Jesus cleansing of the temple was another prophetic action. In this incident we see Jesus'

startling and swift action in cleansing the temple of those who were using it to exploit theworshipers of God. The money changers took advantage of the poor and forced them to pay
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many times more than was right in the house of the Lord no less! Their robbery of the poor was

not only dishonoring to God but unjust toward their neighbor. In justification for his audaciousaction Jesus quotes from the prophets Isaiah (56:7) and Jeremiah (7:11). His act of judgment

aims to purify the worship of God's people and to discipline their erring ways.

After this incident Jesus exhorts his disciples to have faith in God. They are to pray withexpectant faith no matter how difficult the situation may be. The phrase to remove mountains

was a common Jewish expression for removing difficulties. A wise teacher who could solve

difficulties was called a mountain remover. If we pray with faith God will give us the means

to overcome difficulties and obstacles. If we want God to hear our prayers we must forgive those

who wrong us as God has forgiven us. Do you pray with expectant faith?

"Lord Jesus, increase my faith and make my fruitful and effective in serving you. Help me to

forgive others just as you have been merciful towards me"

Psalm 96:10-13

10 Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be

moved; he will judge the peoples with equity."

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;12 let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy

13 before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world withrighteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

Daily Reading & MeditationSaturday (June 2): "By what authority are you doing these things?"


27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and

the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, "By what authority are you doing

these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?" 29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you a

question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptismof John from heaven or from men? Answer me." 31 And they argued with one another, "If we

say, `From heaven,' he will say, `Why then did you not believe him?' 32 But shall we say, `Frommen'?" -- they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. 33 So theyanswered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what

authority I do these things."

Meditation: Do you accept the authority of Gods word and submit to it with trust and

obedience? Many religious leaders took offense at Jesus because they could not accept his

authority. After Jesus had dramatically cleansed the temple of the traders and money-changers


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the Jewish leaders question Jesus to trap him. If he says his authority is divine they will charge

him with blasphemy. If he has done this on his own authority they might well arrest him as amad zealot before he could do more damage. Jesus, seeing through their trap, poses a question to

them and makes their answer a condition for his answer. Did they accept the work of John the

Baptist as divine or human? If they accepted Johns work as divine, they would be compelled to

accept Jesus as the Messiah. They dodged the question because they were unwilling to face thetruth. They did not accept the Baptist and they would not accept Jesus as their Messiah. Jesus

told his disciples that the truth will make you free (John 8:31). Do you know the joy and

freedom of living according to God's word of truth?

Lord Jesus, your word is life and truth. Instruct my heart that I may grow in the knowledge of

your truth and live according to your word.

Psalm 63:1-5

1 O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a

dry and weary land where no water is.2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.

3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.

4 So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.

5 My soul is feasted as with marrow and fat, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips


Sunday (June 3): "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit "

Scripture:Matthew 28:16-20

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.

17 And when they saw him they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and saidto them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make

disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy

Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,

to the close of the age."

Meditation: How can we know God? Jesus revealed to his disciples the great mystery of ourfaiththe triune nature of God and the inseparable union of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.Jesus' mission is to reveal the glory of God to usa Trinity of personsGod the Father, Son,

and Holy Spiritand to unite us with God in a community of love. The ultimate end, the

purpose for which God created us, is the entry of God's creatures into the perfect unity of theblessed Trinity. The Jews understood God as Creator and Father of all that he made

(Deuteronomy 32:6) and they understood the nation of Israel as God's firstborn son (Exodus

4:22). Jesus reveals the Father in an unheard of sense. He is eternally Father by his relationship


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to his only Son, who, reciprocally, is Son only in relation to his Father (see Matthew 11:27). The

Spirit, likewise, is inseparably one with the Father and the Son. The mission of Jesus and of theHoly Spirit are the same. That is why Jesus tells his disciples that the Spirit will reveal the glory

of the Father and the Son and will speak what is true. Before his Passover, Jesus revealed the

Holy Spirit as the Paraclete and Helper who will be with Jesus disciples to teach and guide

them into all the truth (John 14:17,26; 16:13). In baptism we are called to share in the life ofthe Holy Trinity here on earth in faith and after death in eternal light.

Clement of Alexandria, a third century church father, wrote:What an astonishing mystery!

There is one Father of the universe, one Logos (Word) of the universe, and also one Holy Spirit,

everywhere one and the same; there is also one virgin become mother, and I should like to call

her 'Church'." How can we personally know the Father and his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ? It is

the Holy Spirit who reveals the Father and the Son to us and who gives us the gift of faith to

know and understand the truth of Gods word. Through the Holy Spirit, we proclaim our ancient

faith in the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ until he comes again. The Lord gives ushis Holy Spirit as our divine Teacher and Helper that we may grow in the knowledge and

wisdom of God. Do you seek the wisdom that comes from above and do you willingly obeyGod's word?

Jesus' departure and ascension into heaven was both an end and a beginning for his disciples.

While it was the end of Jesus' physical presence with his beloved disciples, it marked thebeginning of Jesus' presence with them in a new way. Jesus promised that he would be with

them always to the end of time. He assured them of his powera power which overcame sin and

death. Now as the glorified and risen Lord and Savior, ascended to the right hand of the Father in

heaven, Jesus promised to give them the power of his Holy Spirit, which we see fulfilled tendays later on the Feast of Pentecost (Luke 24:49 and Acts 2:1-4). When the Lord Jesus departed

physically from the apostles, they were not left alone or powerless. Jesus assured them of his

presence and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus' last words to his apostles point to his saving mission and to their mission to be witnesses

of his saving death and his glorious resurrection and to proclaim the good news of salvation to allthe world. Their task is to proclaim the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel,

but to all the nations. God's love and gift of salvation is not just for a few, or for a nation, but it is

for the whole worldfor all who will accept it. The gospel is the power of God, the power toforgive sins, to heal, to deliver from evil and oppression, and to restore life. Do you believe in

the power of the gospel?

"May the Lord Jesus put his hands on our eyes also, for then we too shall begin to look not atwhat is seen but at what is not seen. May he open the eyes that are concerned not with the

present but with what is yet to come, may he unseal the heart's vision, that we may gaze on God

in the Spirit, through the same Lord, Jesus Christ, whose glory and power will endure throughoutthe unending succession of ages." (prayer of Origin, 185-254 AD)

Psalm 33:4-9,18-224 For the word of the LORD is upright; and all his work is done in faithfulness.

5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the L ORD.


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6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all their host by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathered the waters of the sea as in a bottle; he put the deeps in storehouses.8 Let all the earth fear the LORD, let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!

9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood forth.

18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast

love,19 that he may deliver their soul from death, and keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and shield.

21 Yes, our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name.22 Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.


Monday (June 4): "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 aroundit, 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 himshamefully. 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 uskill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8 And they took him and killed him, and cast him outof 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 ismarvelous 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 aprophetic 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 andthe 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


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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 heforgives 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 glorythe glory of resurrection and ascension to the right hand of theFather. 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 toeach of us and he gives us work to do in his vineyardthe body of Christ. He promises that our

labor will not be in vain if we persevere with faith to the end (see 1 Corinthians 15:58). We can

expect trials and even persecution. But in the end we will see triumph. Do you labor for the Lordwith 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 andinsults 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 91:1-2,14-16

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty,

2 will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."

14 Because he cleaves to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my

name.15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and

honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.


Tuesday (June 5): "Give to God what belongs to God"


13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Hero'dians, to entrap him in histalk. 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 topay 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 saidto 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.


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Meditation: What do we owe God and whats our obligation towards others? Paul the Apostle

tells us that we must give each what is their due (Romans 13:6-8). The Jewish authorities soughtto trap Jesus in a religious-state dispute over the issue of taxes. The Jews resented their foreign

rulers and despised paying taxes to Cesar. They posed a dilemma to test Jesus to see if he would

make a statement they could use against him. If Jesus answered that it was lawful to pay taxes to

a pagan ruler, then he would lose credibility with the Jewish populace who would regard him asa coward and a friend of Cesar. If he said it was not lawful, then the Pharisees would have

grounds to report him to the Roman authorities as a political trouble-maker and have him

arrested. Jesus avoided their trap by confronting them with the image of a coin. Coinage in theancient world had significant political power. Rulers issued coins with their own image and

inscription on them. In a certain sense the coin was regarded as the personal property of the ruler.

Where the coin was valid the ruler held political sway over the people. Since the Jews used theRoman currency, Jesus explained that what belonged to Caesar must be given to Caesar.

This story has another deeper meaning as well. We, too, have been stamped wit h Gods imagesince we are created in his own likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). We rightfully belong, not to

ourselves, but to God who created us and redeemed us in the precious blood of his Son, our LordJesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul the Apostle says that we are to present our bodiesas a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Do you acknowledge that your life belongs to Godand not to yourself? And do you give to God what rightfully belongs to Him?

"Lord, because you have made me, I owe you the whole of my love; because you have redeemed

me, I owe you the whole of myself; because you have promised so much, I owe you all my

being. Moreover, I owe you as much more love than myself as you are greater than I, for whom

you gave yourself and to whom you promised yourself. I pray you, Lord, make me taste by lovewhat I taste by knowledge; let me know by love what I know by understanding. I owe you more

than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I cannot render the whole of it to you.

Draw me to you, Lord, in the fullness of love. I am wholly yours by creation; make me all yours,too, in love." (prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109)

Psalm 90:1-4,14-161 Lord, you have been our dwelling in all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from

everlasting to everlasting you are God.3 You turn man back to the dust, and say, "Turn back, O children of men!"

4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the

night.

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all ourdays.

15 Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil.

16 Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.



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Wednesday (June 6): "You know neither the scriptures nor the power of God"


18 And Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection; and they asked him a

question, saying, 19 "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife,but leaves no child, the man must take the wife, and raise up children for his brother. 20 Therewere seven brothers; the first took a wife, and when he died left no children; 21 and the second

took her, and died, leaving no children; and the third likewise; 22 and the seven left no children.

Last of all the woman also died. 23 In the resurrection whose wife will she be? For the seven

had her as wife." 24 Jesus said to them, "Is not this why you are wrong, that you know neitherthe scriptures nor the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor

are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. 26 And as for the dead being raised, have

you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God said to him, `I am the

God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? 27 He is not God of the dead, butof the living; you are quite wrong."

Meditation: How reliable is the belief that all will be raised from the dead? The Sadducees, who

were a group of religious leaders from the upper classes in Jesus' time, did not believe in the

resurrection. They could not conceive of heaven beyond what they could see with their naked

eyes! Arent we often like them? We dont recognize spiritual realities because we try to makeheaven into an earthly image. The Sadducees came to Jesus with a test question to make the

resurrection look ridiculous. The Sadducees, unlike the Pharisees, did not believe in immortality,

nor in angels or evil spirits. Their religion was literally grounded in an earthly image of heaven.

Jesus retorts by dealing with the fact of the resurrection. The scriptures give proof of it. In

Exodus 3:6, God calls himself the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

JesusHe defeats their arguments by showing that God is a living God of a living people. God wasthe friend of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when they lived. That friendship could not cease with

death. As Psalm 73:23-24 states: "I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide

me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory." The Holy Spirit reveals to us

the eternal truths of Gods unending love and the life he desires to share with us for all eternity.

Paul the Apostle, quoting from the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 64:4; 65:17) states:What no eye has

seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love

him, God has revealed to us through the Spirit(1 Corinthians 2:9-10). The promise of paradise

heavenly bliss and unending life with an all-loving Godis beyond human reckoning. We

have only begun to taste the first-fruits! Do you believe the scriptures and do you know the

powe

may - june daily reading and meditation

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