Bible Diary

Daily Reading

Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

LECTIONARY
356

FIRST READING

2 Timothy 2:8-15

Beloved:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David:
such is my Gospel, for which I am suffering,
even to the point of chains, like a criminal.
But the word of God is not chained.
Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen,
so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus,
together with eternal glory.
This saying is trustworthy:

If we have died with him
we shall also live with him;
if we persevere
we shall also reign with him.
But if we deny him
he will deny us.
If we are unfaithful
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny himself.

Remind people of these things
and charge them before God to stop disputing about words.
This serves no useful purpose since it harms those who listen.
Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God,
a workman who causes no disgrace,
imparting the word of truth without deviation.
 

PSALM

Psalm 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14

Response: Teach me your ways, O Lord.

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
Good and upright is the LORD;
thus he shows sinners the way.
He guides the humble to justice,
he teaches the humble his way. 
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy
toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him,
and his covenant, for their instruction.
R. Teach me your ways, O Lord.
 

GOSPEL

Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him,
"Which is the first of all the commandments?"
Jesus replied, "The first is this:
Hear, O Israel! 
The Lord our God is Lord alone!
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, 
and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment greater than these."
The scribe said to him, "Well said, teacher.
You are right in saying,
He is One and there is no other than he.
And to love him with all your heart,
with all your understanding,
with all your strength,
and to love your neighbor as yourself
is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
And when Jesus saw that he answered with understanding,
he said to him, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."
And no one dared to ask him any more questions.
 

Daily Reflection

The ‘power of love’ is indisputable. Everyone everywhere knows this!

When Jesus is asked about the ‘greatest commandment’, He says “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” And for good measure He adds: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” Jesus teaches the law of love to those who rigidly – and probably unlovingly - observe laws!

The first reading from Paul reminds us to ‘be for God an active and proven minister.. correctly handling the word of truth.’ When we share the truth of Jesus’ teaching and mission, our first priority is to share His love. Not a selective love, but God’s way of loving – an all encompassing love. To the one who has understood this, Jesus says: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.”

Today’s Psalm, then, is for us a most appropriate prayer: Lord, make me know your ways.