Select date
Monday of the Fourth week of Easter
Acts of the Apostles 11,1-18.
So when Peter went up to Jerusalem the circumcised believers confronted him,
saying, "You entered the house of uncircumcised people and ate with them."
Peter began and explained it to them step by step, saying,
"I was at prayer in the city of Joppa when in a trance I had a vision, something resembling a large sheet coming down, lowered from the sky by its four corners, and it came to me.
Looking intently into it, I observed and saw the four-legged animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky.
I also heard a voice say to me, 'Get up, Peter. Slaughter and eat.'
But I said, 'Certainly not, sir, because nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'
But a second time a voice from heaven answered, 'What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.'
This happened three times, and then everything was drawn up again into the sky.
Just then three men appeared at the house where we were, who had been sent to me from Caesarea.
The Spirit told me to accompany them without discriminating. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house.
He related to us how he had seen (the) angel standing in his house, saying, 'Send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter,
who will speak words to you by which you and all your household will be saved.'
As I began to speak, the holy Spirit fell upon them as it had upon us at the beginning,
and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, 'John baptized with water but you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.'
If then God gave them the same gift he gave to us when we came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?"
When they heard this, they stopped objecting and glorified God, saying, "God has then granted life-giving repentance to the Gentiles too."
Psalms 42(41),2-3.43(42),3.4.
so my soul longs for you, O God.
Athirst is my soul for God, the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
And bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling place.
Then will I go in to the altar of God,
the God of my gladness and joy;
Then will I give you thanks upon the harp,
O God, my God!
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 10,11-18.
A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.
This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me,
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd.
This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again.
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father."
Copyright © Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, USCCB
To receive the Gospel every morning in your mailbox, subscribe here: dailygospel.org
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.