Tag Archives: Criticism

1225. It is easy to say you are a Christian, once you are not challenged for being one

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The Book of Truth:
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014, 23:30

 

My dearly beloved daughter, as I reach out to God’s children including all religions, non-believers and Christians, many will, as a result of My Call, convert to Christianity. This will be achieved through the Grace of God, by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

In the meantime, well-meaning Christians and committed followers of Mine will find the trials, which they will have to face, very difficult. I ask them now. Who amongst you is so strong that you will stand by My Side and abide by the Truth, without My Intervention at this time? Many of you, with a good heart, will stay true to Me, but only within your own groups. Once you all agree with each other, you will find it easier to serve Me. But when you face opposition – and you will, at some stage, from My enemies who will try to entice you into a false doctrine – you will not find it easy.

When you are criticised for following the true Word of God, many of you will be too weak to defend It. Once you face opposition from your fellow Christians, and when you are coerced into accepting newly adapted, but false, scripture, you will be grief-stricken. By then, your faith will be truly tested. You will have two choices. Believe in the Truth, as it was laid down by God, and for which much blood was shed in order to reconcile man with His Maker. Or, accept a watered-down version of My Word, infiltrated with untruths.

To choose the first option will bring you much pain, grief and suffering, for you will be held in contempt by others for remaining true to Me. But, by choosing the second option – while you may well be covered with much praise, accepted by your peers and My enemies – you will be plunged into darkness and your soul will be at risk.

It is easy to say you are a Christian, once you are not challenged for being one. But if you are scorned, mocked, ridiculed or slandered in My Name, some of you will not be strong enough to withstand these trials. Many of you will desert Me and walk away because of the fear of public opinion. Many of you will betray Me. Many of you will turn your backs because you will be too ashamed to carry My Cross.

Never believe that being a follower of Mine is easy, for it is not. But there will come a time when your faith will be put to the ultimate test and it is then that I will know who is of Me and who is not.

Your Jesus”

 
 
 

Sunday, September 21st, 2014, 17:45My dearly beloved daughter, My Heart belongs to all families and it is My Desire to bless every family, small, medium or large at this time. When love is present within families, this means that God’s Power is upheld, for all His children belong to Him. It was He Who created every single one of them.
God preserves His Love for man through the family unit because it is within such circumstances that His Love naturally thrives. The love contained within families who are united yields great Graces because, the love of family members for one another is one of the greatest Gifts from God. God uses the love in the family to spread its wings, so that each member of a loving family will help to spread this love, wherever they go. Likewise, when the family unit breaks down, this will have a direct impact on your community, your society and upon your nations.  …”
 
 

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True Life in God:

“St. John Chrysostom – Christianize This Dechristianized Generation
February 2, 1999
see, My beloved, with what intent eagerness I descended upon your frailty to turn you and through you others to become the sturdy pillars of My Church? and I, with all My Heart bless you and all those who became columns of divine fire to transmit My words in these urgent Messages and who voluntarily with love used all that they could, with unsparing love and fervour to propagate the Truth and christianise this dechristianised population; I am with you and I promise you that I will repay you and the others a hundredfold;
….

ah, Vassula, whenever you are mindful of your frailty and of your wretchedness knowing that Life can only be drawn from Me, I rejoice; whenever you admit that you are a sinner and that only by your total abandonment to Me you could draw graces from Me, I can then proceed in you and My Will can be accomplished in you;

transfigured by the grace of the Breath of My Holy Spirit, I will indeed proceed My intentions in you;

I, Jesus, bless you, be one; ic;”

http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/1044

Ask Padre Pio

November 14, 1988

http://www.tlig.org/en/messages/352

 
 
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Roman Catholic:

Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest
Lectionary: 449

Reading 1 Ezr 1:1-6

In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia,
in order to
fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah,
the LORD inspired King Cyrus of Persia
to issue this proclamation throughout his kingdom,
both by word of mouth and in writing:
“Thus says Cyrus, king of Persia:
‘All the kingdoms of the earth
the LORD, the God of heaven, has given to me,
and he has also charged me to build him a house in Jerusalem,
which is in Judah.
Therefore, whoever among you belongs to any part of his people,
let him go up, and may his God be with him!
Let everyone who has survived, in whatever place he may have dwelt,
be assisted by the people of that place
with silver, gold, goods, and cattle,
together with free-will offerings
for the house of God in Jerusalem.'”
Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin
and the priests and Levites–
everyone, that is, whom God had inspired to do so–prepared to go up to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
All their neighbors
gave them help in every way,
with silver, gold, goods, and cattle,
and with many precious
gifts
besides all their free-will offerings.

Responsorial Psalm PS 126:1b-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6

R.(3) The Lord has done marvels for us.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R.The Lord has done marvels for us.
Then they said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R.The Lord has done marvels for us.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those that sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R.The Lord has done marvels for us.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R.The Lord has done marvels for us.

Alleluia Mt 5:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 8:16-18

Jesus said to the crowd:
“No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel
or sets it under a bed;
rather, he places it on a lampstand
so that those who enter may see the light.
For there is nothing hidden that will not become visible,
and nothing secret that will not be known and come to light.
Take care, then, how you hear.
To anyone who has, more will be given,
and from the one who has not,
even what he seems to have will be taken away.””

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/092319.cfm

 
 
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Orthodox:

 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and the other by a free woman. 23 One, the child of the slave, was born according to the flesh; the other, the child of the free woman, was born through the promise. 24 Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One woman, in fact, is Hagar, from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia[a] and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the other woman corresponds to the Jerusalem above; she is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,

“Rejoice, you childless one, you who bear no children,
    burst into song and shout, you who endure no birth pangs;
for the children of the desolate woman are more numerous
    than the children of the one who is married.”

28 Now you,[b] my friends,[c] are children of the promise, like Isaac. 29 But just as at that time the child who was born according to the flesh persecuted the child who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. 30 But what does the scripture say? “Drive out the slave and her child; for the child of the slave will not share the inheritance with the child of the free woman.” 31 So then, friends,[d] we are children, not of the slave but of the free woman.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+4:22-31&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

 

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years.

Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense. 10 Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. 16 He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18 Zechariah said to the angel, “How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.” 19 The angel replied, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20 But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.

21 Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. 22 When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. 23 When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

24 After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, 25 “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1:5-25&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS


Thursday, September 18th, 2014, 15:30


Children, when the prophecies foretold happen, it is important that you pray for my Son’s Mercy so that all suffering can be diluted and that wicked deeds, perpetrated against humanity, can be allayed.Go in peace and love to serve the Lord.Your beloved Mother, Mother of Salvation”


Paul Rebukes Peter at Antioch

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood self-condemned; 12 for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. 13 And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”[a]

Jews and Gentiles Are Saved by Faith

15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that a person is justified[b] not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.[c] And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ,[d] and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law.”

——

 
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014, 23:30

My dearly beloved daughter, as I reach out to God’s children including all religions, non-believers and Christians, many will, as a result of My Call, convert to Christianity. This will be achieved through the Grace of God, by the Power of the Holy Spirit. …”

Groups who will promote heresy against the Holy Bible will seek out those who will remain steadfast in the Faith

The Book of Truth:
21 May 2014 @ 8:40pm

Groups who will promote heresy against the Holy Bible will seek out those who will remain steadfast in the Faith

My dearly beloved daughter, My Father desires that all of His children show love and charity to each other. Sin is spreading so quickly, as a direct result of the sin of pride, that the infestation, especially amongst those who claim to be Christians, has claimed many souls who were once close to My Sacred Heart. 

Satan, and every demon he has sent to destroy humanity, has created much division in the world. They are trying to bring nations and communities into dispute with one another. Terrorist attacks will become more rampant, but the most serious sign will be in the form of the persecution of Christians. Never before will Christians be demeaned – their right to religious freedom curtailed and their right to remain true to the Word be violated – as they will be now.

Christians will not only be targeted by My enemies, but they will also turn on each other. Groups who will promote heresy against the Holy Bible will seek out those who will remain steadfast in the Faith. They will publicly critise them, ridicule their loyalty to the Truth and seek out every sacred servant of Mine who dares to challenge their betrayal of Me, Jesus Christ.

The evil one fights Me, at this time, in a terrible rage, because he knows My Time is almost upon you. Recognise any form of persecution against you, as a Christian, a true visionary, prophet or sacred servant, for what it is. A vulgar and evil assault on Me, your beloved Jesus Christ. Remember, My beloved followers, you must not give in to persecution, because of your love for Me. Pray for those poor souls who have allowed evil to spill out of their mouths. Be patient and calm when you witness persecution against Christians, for only My Divinity is Eternal. Evil deeds, acts or heresy against Me, will vanish in an instant. And only those who are truly for Me will find peace and salvation.

Pray for your persecutors and your tormentors, for when you do, you dilute the power of the evil one.

Your Jesus”

 
 

20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘Servants[g] are not greater than their master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not have sin. But now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 It was to fulfill the word that is written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’26 “When the Advocate[h] comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. 27 You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.

16.1 “I have said these things to you to keep you (/your faith * editor) from stumbling.  They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. …

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15-16&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

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https://oca.org/readings/daily/2019/05/18
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Roman Catholic:

Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Lectionary: 286

Reading 1 Acts 14:19-28

In those days, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium
arrived and won over the crowds.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city,
supposing that he was dead.

But when the disciples gathered around him,
he got up and entered the city.
On the following day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.After they had proclaimed the good news to that city
and made a considerable number of disciples,
they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch.
They strengthened the spirits of the disciples
and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying,
“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the Kingdom of God.”

They appointed presbyters for them in each Church and,
with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord
in whom they had put their faith.
Then they traveled through Pisidia and reached Pamphylia.
After proclaiming the word at Perga they went down to Attalia.
From there they sailed to Antioch,
where they had been commended to the grace of God
for the work they had now accomplished.
And when they arrived, they called the Church together
and reported what God had done with them
and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Then they spent no little time with the disciples.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21

R.(see 12) Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Making known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.

R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.
May my mouth speak the praise of the LORD,
and may all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
R. Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Alleluia See Lk 24:46, 26

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead,
and so enter into his glory.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 14:27-31a

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.

You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.
I will no longer speak much with you,
for the ruler of the world is coming.
He has no power over me,
but the world
must know that I love the Father
and that I do just as the
Father has commanded me.””

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052119.cfm

 
 
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Orthodox (Greek Catholic):

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. 23 He said, “O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart, 24 the covenant that you kept for your servant my father David as you declared to him; you promised with your mouth and have this day fulfilled with your hand. 25 Therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant my father David that which you promised him, saying, ‘There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children look to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’ 26 Therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant my father David.

27 “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! 28 Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; 29 that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. 30 Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+8%3A22-30&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

Jesus the Good Shepherd

10 “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. …”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10:1-16&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

Paul Defends Himself before Agrippa

26.1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and began to defend himself:

“I consider myself fortunate that it is before you, King Agrippa, I am to make my defense today against all the accusations of the Jews, because you are especially familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews; therefore I beg of you to listen to me patiently.

“All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, a life spent from the beginning among my own people and in Jerusalem. They have known for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I have belonged to the strictest sect of our religion and lived as a Pharisee.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

12 “With this in mind, I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 when at midday along the road, your Excellency,[c] I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. 14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew[d] language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.’ 15 I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The Lord answered, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me[e] and to those in which I will appear to you. 17 I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Paul Tells of His Preaching

19 “After that, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance.  …

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+26&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

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https://oca.org/readings/daily/2019/05/21
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997. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, the power of the beast is weakened

The Book of Truth:
Monday, December 16th, 2013, 19:25

My dearly beloved daughter, when you are close to My Heart and when souls surrender in full to Me, a number of things happen.Firstly, any fear of human interference in your lives, will disappear. In its place will be the peace and contentment, which comes from Me when I truly reside in your heart and soul. No amount of abuse, cruelty or criticism can penetrate your soul, because you will have handed this pain over to Me. This is why you must always remain calm and silent in the face of such attacks.

The next Grace you will be given will be the strength to withstand the temptation to sin. This temptation, which is placed before all souls, every single day, by the devil, is very powerful and very few people have the willpower to avoid falling into sin. But when you have abandoned your will to Mine, it is My Will which will reside within your soul, which will then overcome the temptations placed before you.

Never, ever, underestimate how much of a stranglehold Satan has over the human race. This power is like a powerful storm and just as a strong, fierce gust of wind can knock you to the ground, the seduction, placed before you by the evil one, is akin to a force, which will lift you in seconds and propel you into the sin, which you try to avoid.

Man is born with sin. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, the power of the beast is weakened. Then, as you go through life’s many trials and temptations, every person will be enticed into sin of every kind. Only those who work hard to avoid sin will overcome the fierce battle, which the evil one will mount to devour their souls. Regular communication with Me is important. All you need to do is to talk with Me in your own words. Ask Me regularly to forgive you for the sins for which you are remorseful. Receive the Sacraments regularly. Then, finally, trust in Me, for when you do, I have the Power to pull you back from the brink of sin. When you surrender your will to Me, My Will will become the driving force to protect you against Satan.

By abandoning yourselves to Me entirely, you will perfect your soul.

Your Jesus”


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Roman Catholic:

Third Sunday of Advent
Lectionary: 9

Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18a

Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the
judgment against you
he has turned away your enemies;
the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have
no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
he will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.

Responsorial Psalm Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

R. (6) Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.

With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Reading 2 Phil 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.

Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Alleluia Is 61:1 (cited in Lk 4:18)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Lk 3:10-18

The crowds asked John the Baptist,
“What should we do?”
He said to them in reply,
“Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
He answered them,
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
Soldiers also asked him,
“And what is it that we should do?”
He told them,
“Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages.”Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor
and to gather the wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Exhorting them in many other ways,
he preached good news to the people.”
 
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Orthodox (Greek Catholic):

The Resurrection of Jesus

20.1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their homes. ...”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A1-10&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

“… 4 When Christ who is your[a] life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.[b] These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life.[c] But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive[d] language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10 and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. 11 In that renewal[e]  there is no longer (important, whether somebody is a * editor) Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all (that important * editor) and in all!”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A4-11&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

16 Then Jesus[a] said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. 17 At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ 18 But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ 20 Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ 23 Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. 24 For I tell you,[b] none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’””https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+14%3A16-24&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

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https://oca.org/readings/daily/2018/12/16
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901. Don’t you know that a whole generation of young people are removed from Me at this time

The Book of Truth:
Monday, September 2nd, 2013, 18:45
My dearly beloved daughter, as the anger rises against these, My Prophesies, given to the world to prepare all of you for My Second Coming, know this. This Mission has one goal. That is to save all souls – everyone alive in the world today. It does not matter how harsh the criticism leveled against you is, My daughter, because I will forge ahead, relentlessly, until My job is done. No man will stop Me from saving souls, for I will trample on those who dare to stand in My Way, so that I can save those souls who have fallen from My Favour.Because of the paganism which sweeps the Earth and the weakness of faith, which exists amongst believers, don’t you know that a whole generation of young people are removed from Me at this time? My Mission focuses on such afflicted young souls, who in most cases were denied any knowledge of Me, Jesus Christ. Because there are so many, in every nation, I must reach out to them in whatever way is most likely to get their attention.
Remember, those Christians amongst you who have been fed the Word of God since you were young children are blessed. Because of this you have a duty to pray for the lost generation. Please, I ask you to pray for these young souls with this Crusade Prayer:Crusade Prayer (118): For the lost generation of young soulsDear Jesus, I call out to Your Mercy for the lost generation of young souls.
For those who do not know You, cover them with the Gift of sight.
For those who do know You, but who ignore You,
draw them back into Your Mercy.
Please give them the proof of Your Existence soon and guide them
towards those who can help them and guide them towards the Truth.
Fill their minds and souls with the longing for You.
Help them to recognise the emptiness, which exists in them
because they do not feel Your Presence.
I beg You, dear Lord, not to forsake them
and in Your Mercy grant them Eternal Life. Amen.How I long to reach out to these young children and wrap My Sacred Arms around them, so that I can whisper Words of comfort into their ears and give them peace of soul. They are Mine and without them the New Paradise would be empty of those I pine for the most. Help Me to save them.Your Jesus”

 
 

I urge those poor souls, those who love Me and who remain true to My Church on Earth, to listen. You must remain true to My Church and accept discipline, when your superiors remain true * to what I gave the world, through My death on the Cross. The time for choice is close. The abomination has not happened yet, but when you see the errors, which go against My Teachings and My Gift of the Sacraments, walk away. That day is close. Then you must gather and continue to follow the Rules of My Church, as they were laid down before you by Peter.

Do those of you who mock Me now, because you reject My Messages, really believe that I would divide My Church and ask you to deny My Teachings? Wait until the day, when you are asked to swear allegiance to lies, in the Name of My Holy Church on Earth, before you dismiss My prophet. Only My Love for you is so strong do I not cast you aside and allow you to be devoured by demons.

Your Jesus”

 

 
 
 
—-
Roman Catholic:

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 125

Reading 1 Dt 4:1-2, 6-8

Moses said to the people:
“Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees
which I am teaching you to observe,
that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land
which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.
In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God,
which I enjoin upon you,
you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.
Observe them carefully,
for thus will you give evidence
of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,
who will hear of all these statutes and say,
‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’
For what great nation is there
that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us
whenever we call upon him?

Or what great nation has statutes and decrees
that are as just as this whole law
which I am setting before you today?”

Responsorial Psalm Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5

R. (1a) The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
by whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. The one who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.

Reading 2 Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27

Dearest brothers and sisters:
All good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you
and is able to save your souls.Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Alleluia Jas 1:18

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Father willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus,
they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals
with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.
—For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,
do not eat without carefully washing their hands,
keeping the tradition of the elders.
And on coming from the marketplace
they do not eat without purifying themselves.
And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,
the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. —
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,
“Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders
but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?”
He responded,
“Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:
This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.

You disregard God’s commandment but cling to human tradition.”He summoned the crowd again and said to them,
“Hear me, all of you, and understand.
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out from within are what defile.”From within people, from their hearts,
come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, malice, deceit,
licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.
All these evils come from within and they defile.” “

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/090218.cfm

 
—-
Orthodox (Greek Catholic):

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

[[Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went out and told those who had been with him, while they were mourning and weeping. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

Jesus Appears to Two Disciples

12 After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Jesus Commissions the Disciples

14 Later he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were sitting at the table; and he upbraided them for their lack of faith and stubbornness, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.[a] 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news[b] to the whole creation. 16 The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes in their hands,[c] and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The Ascension of Jesus

19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and proclaimed the good news everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that accompanied it.[d]]]”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+16%3A9-20&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

The Parable of the Wedding Banquet

22 Once more Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying: The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they would not come. Again he sent other slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited: Look, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet.’ But they made light of it and went away, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his slaves, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore into the main streets, and invite everyone you find to the wedding banquet.’ 10 Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both good and bad; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, 12 and he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.””

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A1-14&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

—–

—-
Friday, August 30th, 2013, 20:24

My dearly beloved daughter, please ensure that every nation hears My Prophecies, so that they can prepare themselves for the wonderful, renewed Earth – the New Paradise. Every child of God is entitled to his or her inheritance and so, just as if they were preparing for a great wedding, they must begin to plan for this Great Day.

834. You will be accused of plotting against My Own Church, yet your only crime will be to uphold the Truth

The Book of Truth:
My dearly beloved daughter, not for one moment will the evil one stop in his persecution of those who love Me. When souls are close to Me and when their love for Me grows, he will always be there trying to draw them away from Me.When you save souls through your prayers, the evil one will vent all his anger against you and you will feel hurt because you will become a target for criticism, especially by those you love. You must get used to this hurt and sorrow when you follow Me and when you accept My Intervention, through these Messages. They will bring with them a terrible scourging, for these Messages will be responsible for the salvation of over 7 billion people.When the devil knows he is losing souls to Me, he will use whatever means is necessary to create doubts within the minds of those loyal to Me and then he will create a terrible friction amongst My followers. You must recognise the work of the devil for what it is and know that the more you are persecuted, for accepting My Hand of Mercy, that you are following the Truth. Only the Word of God, when present in Its most powerful way – when the Holy Spirit becomes evident amongst groups of God’s children – will the evil one fight the hardest. He, Satan, is furious because of this Mission. And for those of you who doubt My Word, given to you at this time, know this.Only My Word can provoke such outrage, even amongst those who believe in Me and who follow My Teachings. Not one of you is immune to attack. You, My precious followers, will find yourselves at the receiving end of the lashing out of wicked tongues, against Me. You will be spit at, laughed at and ridiculed. You will be accused of plotting against My Own Church, yet your only crime will be to uphold the Truth. Those who uphold the Word of God and who refused to deviate from the Truth have always suffered by the hands of those who placed themselves as the most chosen of God’s representatives, before those poor souls who truly loved Me.There is a difference between those who say they are better informed and therefore more worthy to pass judgement on others in My Name, than those who simply love Me. You can only stand up and declare your love for Me if you follow My Example. I would never say that one man is better than another – for you are all sinners. Yet I would never accept those who may know everything there is to know about Me and who declare their superiority over another. Those who say they know Me and insult another in My Name do not truly know Me at all.The devil fills souls with ego, pride and anger. They are the three traits by which you will know that he is present in one soul, when he tries to silence other souls who proclaim the Truth of God. How such souls will suffer, especially now, as this, the most awaited Mission, is being lived out amongst you. Every one of you who responds to My Call will have to face abuse and public ridicule, which will take your breath away – so vicious will the outpouring of hatred be. I want you to understand that it is not you that the hatred is aimed at, but Me. Satan wishes to silence My Voice, as it reaches out to save you from his wicked plan, which has been carefully orchestrated and which has been planned for such a long time. There can be no victory for the beast, but he knows how I suffer when he snatches souls from Me. Do not allow this interference to blind you to the Truth.The Truth will save your soul and when you spread the Truth, it will bring Me more souls. By these means, I will defeat the beast. You will be protected from all harm, but you will suffer the indignity of being labeled fools. And all because you love Me.Your Jesus”

 

The day when the daily sacrifices will cease is not far away. Know that I come to warn you of this now, so that you will not starve. When you are deprived of My Presence, you will be empty of My Spirit and you will find it difficult to remain close to Me.

COMPARE:

From the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away and the abomination that desolates is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days. 12 Happy are those who persevere and attain the thousand three hundred thirty-five * days.  13 But you, go your way,[a] and rest; you shall rise for your reward at the end of the days.”
 
Dan. 12 x 12 = 144 (000)

—-
Roman Catholic:

Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 376

Reading 1 Lam 2:2, 10-14, 18-19

The Lord has consumed without pity
all the dwellings of Jacob;
He has torn down in his anger
the fortresses of daughter Judah;
He has brought to the ground in dishonor
her king and her princes.
On the ground in silence sit
the old men of daughter Zion;
They strew dust on their heads
and gird themselves with sackcloth;
The maidens of Jerusalem
bow their heads to the ground.Worn out from weeping are my eyes,
within me all is in ferment;
My gall is poured out on the ground
because of the downfall of the daughter of my people,
As child and infant faint away
in the open spaces of the town.In vain they ask their mothers,
“Where is the grain?”
As they faint away like the wounded
in the streets of the city,
And breathe their last
in their mothers’ arms.
To what can I liken or compare you,
O daughter Jerusalem?
What example can I show you for your comfort,
virgin daughter Zion?
For great as the sea is your downfall;
who can heal you?Your prophets had for you
false and specious visions;
They did not lay bare your guilt,
to avert your fate;
They beheld for you in vision
false and misleading portents.
Cry out to the Lord;
moan, O daughter Zion!
Let your tears flow like a torrent
day and night;
Let there be no respite for you,
no repose for your eyes.Rise up, shrill in the night,
at the beginning of every watch;
Pour out your heart like water
in the presence of the Lord;
Lift up your hands to him
for the lives of your little ones
Who faint from hunger
at the corner of every street.

Responsorial Psalm Ps 74:1b-2, 3-5, 6-7, 20-21

R. (19b) Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Why, O God, have you cast us off forever?
Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?
Remember your flock which you built up of old,
the tribe you redeemed as your inheritance,
Mount Zion, where you took up your abode.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Turn your steps toward the utter ruins;
toward all the damage the enemy has done in the sanctuary.
Your foes roar triumphantly in your shrine;
they have set up their tokens of victory.
They are like men coming up with axes to a clump of trees.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
With chisel and hammer they hack at all the paneling of the sanctuary.
They set your sanctuary on fire;
the place where your name abides they have razed and profaned.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.
Look to your covenant,
for the hiding places in the land and the plains are full of violence.
May the humble not retire in confusion;
may the afflicted and the poor praise your name.
R. Lord, forget not the souls of your poor ones.

Alleluia Mt 8:17

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ took away our infirmities
and bore our diseases.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Mt 8:5-17

When Jesus entered Capernaum,
a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”
He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply,
“Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof;
only say the word and my servant will be healed.
For I too am a man subject to authority,
with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes;
and to another, ‘Come here,’ and he comes;
and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.
I say to you, many will come from the east and the west,
and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven,
but the children of the Kingdom
will be driven out into the outer darkness,
where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.”
And Jesus said to the centurion,
“You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.”
And at that very hour his servant was healed.Jesus entered the house of Peter,
and saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.
He touched her hand, the fever left her,
and she rose and waited on him.When it was evening, they brought him many
who were possessed by demons,
and he drove out the spirits by a word and cured all the sick,
to fulfill what had been said by Isaiah the prophet:He took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.”

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/063018.cfm

 
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Orthodox (Greek Catholic):
14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba![a] Father!” 16 it is that very Spirit bearing witness[b] with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Future Glory

18 I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A14-21&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

The Call of Matthew

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

10 And as he sat at dinner[a] in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting[b] with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? 12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.””

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A9-13&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS

“… For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, as though sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mortals. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. 11 To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, 12 and we grow weary from the work of our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we speak kindly. We have become like the rubbish of the world, the dregs of all things, to this very day.

Fatherly Admonition

14 I am not writing this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 I appeal to you, then, be imitators of me.”

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+4%3A9-16&version=NRSVCE;NR2006;SCH2000;ERV-HU;BDS


https://oca.org/readings/daily/2018/06/30  


Torah:
“…
10 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up along with Korah, when that company died, when the fire devoured two hundred fifty men; and they became a warning. 11 Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah did not die. …”

…”
 

Those among you, who shout blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, know that before the Great Day, and as a sign to all, you will be struck down.