Here are the Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week. Note that the readings are based on the New American Bible. 

Day 317 – Sunday, May 4

Romans Chapters 12-14

Read Romans 12:1-2 again, and then read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Ask God to show us how we can prepare our minds and bodies to offer holy and pleasing service to God.

How do you think that reading the Bible can help us to renew our minds? Do you ever notice any change in your thoughts after spending time reading and meditating on verses in the Bible?

Day 318 – Monday, May 5

Romans Chapters 15-16

Read Romans 16:1-16 again.

Notice how, in this letter, Paul mentions the names of several people as well as their accomplishments. 

Ask God to help us to shine the light of Christ in our offices, communities and families by speaking about the good qualities of others.

In any group to which you belong, have you ever taken a few minutes to have everyone in the group say what they appreciate about each group member? Is this an exercise you might like to try with your family or co-workers? On social media are the posts and replies that you make constructive and kind?

Day 319 – Tuesday, May 6

1 Corinthians Chapters 1-5

Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 and 3:1-9 again.

In today’s reading we find out about divisions in the church at Corinth, with some believers following Paul and others following a man named Apollos. Paul urged the community to remember their unity in Christ.

Ask God to help us to focus on the divine message, and not on the human messengers, in our faith communities.

Is there anything you can do in your faith community to bring people, who might be currently divided, together?

Day 320 – Wednesday, May 7

1 Corinthians Chapters 6-9

Read 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 and 9:24-27 again, and then read Hebrews 12:1-13.

Paul encouraged the Corinthians to exercise self-control and to be as disciplined in serving the Lord as an athlete is in training to win a competition. 

Ask God to help us to set spiritual goals for ourselves and to enjoy racing towards deeper knowledge of God.

How disciplined would you say that you are in seeking to grow in your faith? Have you ever put as much effort into seeking God as you have put into competing in sports, studying for a degree or in trying to win someone’s affection?

 Day 321 – Thursday, May 8

1 Corinthians Chapters 10-13

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 again. Paul tells us that we are all part of the body of Christ.

Ask God to help us to appreciate every part of this body.

Think about several people who serve in your parish — about their various personalities, as well as their gifts and talents.

Can you see these people as part of a single body working together to bring the good news of Christ to your parish and community? Would your parish be as strong if everyone had the same opinion about everything?

Day 322 – Friday, May 9

1 Corinthians Chapters 14-16 and 2 Corinthians Chapter 1

Read 1 Corinthians 14:10-12 again, and then read Matthew 28:19-20.

Jesus called us to teach all nations. In our world there are thousands of different languages. Do you know for how many of these languages there are translations of the Bible available? Within your own faith group are religious education and diocesan materials offered, and understandable, to people who speak different languages and have different educational backgrounds?

Ask God to bless the work of the various Bible societies and publication companies seeking to make Scripture available to all people, in a language that they can understand.

Are you in a position to provide financial support to a Catholic news organization or publishing company?

Day 323 – Saturday, May 10

2 Corinthians Chapters 2-5

Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-8 again, and then read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13.

These verses encourage us to take our responsibilities to one another seriously, both in maintaining high standards of conduct and in forgiving those who have harmed the community and have sincerely repented.

Ask God to guide all of us to become more holy, as individuals and as communities, and to love those who, like all of us, have stumbled along the way.

Is “sin” an unheard word in your community? Does it seem that “sin” is the only word heard in your community?