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Wednesday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary Time
Book of Ezekiel 34,1-11.
Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, in these words prophesy to them (to the shepherds): Thus says the Lord GOD: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep?
You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured.
You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured. You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally.
So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered
and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; my sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them.
Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
As I live, says the Lord GOD, because my sheep have been given over to pillage, and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast, for lack of a shepherd; because my shepherds did not look after my sheep, but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep;
because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the LORD:
Thus says the Lord GOD: I swear I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths.
For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
Psalms 23(22),1-3a.3b-4.5.6.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for His names's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 20,1-16a.
After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard.
Going out about nine o'clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard, and I will give you what is just.'
So they went off. (And) he went out again around noon, and around three o'clock, and did likewise.
Going out about five o'clock, he found others standing around, and said to them, 'Why do you stand here idle all day?'
They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.' He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, 'Summon the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and ending with the first.'
When those who had started about five o'clock came, each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more, but each of them also got the usual wage.
And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner,
saying, 'These last ones worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who bore the day's burden and the heat.'
He said to one of them in reply, 'My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
(Or) am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?'
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."
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.