Day 165 – The Lover and the Beloved
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we learn about the kinds of Israel and the Northern Kingdom that are unfaithful to the Lord and actually lead the people into evil. Asa, the good king, is victorious against the Ethiopians because he relied on the Lord. But he makes an agreement with the king of Syria […]
Day 164 – Tearing Down Idols
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we learn that the northern kingdom of Israel, the reign of Jeroboam is coming to an end. When Jeroboam becomes ill, he sends his wife to Ahijah the prophet who tells her that he will die. In desperate times, we need to turn to the Lord. Jeroboam does not, […]
163 – Faith Over Success
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we learn that both 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles tell the story of division between the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. We can attribute this to faithfulness. When people are faithful, they are blessed by the Lord and when they are unfaithful, bad things happen. Rehoboam has been unfaithful to […]
Day 162 – Rehoboam Seeks Counsel
Thoughts and Reflection Today in our readings we learn the people including Jeroboam, come to Solomon’s son Rehoboam, saying that Solomon made their lives difficult. Rehoboam seeks counsel from the old men, who tell him that the people will love him forever if he treats them well. The young men, though, say that he should […]
Gospel of Mark Recap
In the Gospel of Mark, John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus. When John proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God at the River Jordan that inaugurated Jesus’ public ministry. Jesus called twelve men to become his apostles and spend three years teaching and spreading the good news. As they continued to follow […]
Day 161 – The Crucifixion of Christ
Thoughts and reflection In today’s reading, we learn that on the cross Jesus demonstrates that he experiences our pain out of love for us, taking upon himself for our sins and the death of those sins bring us. The cross is a symbol of the devastating effects of sin and the depth of God’s love […]
Day 160 – Jesus Warns the People
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we learn that Jesus warns that the Temple will be destroyed and he also promises that those who follow him will be persecuted. This is true for the Church in every age. People are indifferent to Jesus and the Church and in some areas, people and institutions are actively […]
Day 159 – Bearing Fruit
Thoughts and Reflection In today’s reading, we learn about the days leading up to Jesus’ betrayal. Jesus arrived in Jerusalem where he will face the final days of his life. Jesus knows he will have to fulfill the scriptures and endure his passion, death, and resurrection. Jesus curses the fig tree and lets the people […]
Day 158 – The Reality of Sin
Thoughts and Reflection Today in the readings we learn about the Transfiguration. Moses and Elijah represent the Old Covenant. Jesus shows us that he is not just another leader or prophet and all of humanity will judge him. The apostles argue about which of them is the greatest. Jesus teaches them that anyone who wants […]
Day 157 – Following Jesus
Thoughts and Reflection Today we read Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for rejecting the commandments of God in favor of their traditions. For example, God commands them to honor their father and mother by taking care of them in their old age. Some Pharisees allowed people to make a donation to the Temple in their Parents’ […]