Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of August 29 and September 5

This apocalyptic reading takes on cosmic significance as “the woman” (Mary) gives birth to the Messiah (Jesus) who will be the one to overcome evil in the final showdown at the end of the world. Celebrated as early as the seventh century, the doctrinal honor given to Mary as the Immaculate Conception was not promulgated until Nov. 1, 1950 by Pope Pius XII. It meant that the Blessed Virgin was given special privileges not only at the beginning of her life (Mary’s being born without original sin Immaculate Conception), but also at the end of her earthly life as well. Her body would not experience death or decay but be brought to heaven in an act of dormition (falling asleep) which is the feast of the Assumption.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of August 15 and 22.

The purported author of this book is Quoheleth whose name in Hebrew means, “Gatherer.” Gathering then the wisdom from Hebrew tradition and his own observations on human nature, he characterizes the material world around him as “vanity” (hebel) — better translated as “vapor.” In other words we spend our days chasing money, wealth, and fame and various material things that neither bring us happiness or fulfillment in life. Our focus instead should be on our relationship with the Lord and the peace that come along with it!

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of August 1 and 8.

Instead of seeing three strangers that suddenly appear at his tent at the hottest part of the day, Abraham — and his wife, Sarah — see the encounter as an opportunity for hospitality. They open their simple and humble home offering the men a place to rest, some cool water to drink, and some cakes and meat and milk to feast upon. Their reward will be a son born to them in their old age to which their response is, “Is there nothing too marvelous for the Lord to do?” Their loving hospitality to three strange men in their need and later their unconditional trust in the Lord pays off as Abraham would become the “father of the Jews.”

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of July 18 and 25.

Amid the impermanence and uncertainty of this world, the alienation and frequent unfaithfulness of God’s people and the “terrorism” of being exiled and losing their homeland, Isaiah concludes his lengthy prophetic book with a soft maternal metaphor. The “comfort” that the people of God will receive as the gathering of nations takes place in an image of a “new heavens and a new earth” takes the form of a mother who nurses, fondles, and cares for her children on her lap. The “overflowing torrent” reinforces the freshness of the desert land and the desert experience which now teems with life!

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of July 4 and 11.

The powerful and impressive prophet of the Old Testament who is often pictured in a fiery chariot and who has in his career confronted kings and false prophets now is banished to the desert and yearns for death.

Daily Scripture readings for the week of June 27.

Melchizedek, which means “Just King,” was the prefigure for Christ himself as he offers the sacrifice for Abram and the people as they prepare for battle. This Old Testament priest would become the metaphor and symbol for Christ — the “Great High Priest” of the New Testament offering his own body and blood in the sacrifice of the cross. The victory Christ would achieve by his death and resurrection would not, however, be in a military battle but instead a battle against evil, sin, and death!

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of June 6, 13 and 20.

The traditional images of “wind” and “fire” referring to the Spirit are both used here to represent both the power and the freshness of the church at its beginning. This Pentecost experience is foretold in John 14:1 (“I will ask that the Father will give you another Paraclete to be with you always … remaining with you and within you.”) It is also alluded to when Christ appears to the huddled and fearful apostles in the upper room (Jn 20:22-23). Moreover, the diversity of the church is emphasized as the message proclaimed by the apostles is heard clearly in the native languages of many different peoples who are assembled at Jerusalem (Parthians, Medes, Elamites, etc.).

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of May 23 and May 30.

In addition to the persecutions mentioned in last Sunday’s readings, the early church faced many disputes and differences especially in terms of doctrine. The church’s two great leaders, Peter and Paul, found themselves oftentimes on opposite sides of the “Gentile question.” The compromise arrived at here in what has been referred to as the Council of Jerusalem is also discussed by Paul in Galatians (2:11-13). It dealt with the acceptance of Gentiles into the early church. Besides dropping the requirement for circumcision Gentiles: 1) had to refrain from eating meat already used in pagan worship; 2) were prohibited from consuming blood; 3) could not eat strangulated or slaughtered animals; and 4) were forbidden to be involved in incestuous unions.

Daily Scripture readings for the weeks of May 9 and 16.