No Bible, No Breakfast! No Bible, No Bed!
Ê Fr. Larry Richards’ Scripture Desk Calendar
Copyright © 2014 by Fr. Larry Richards All rights reserved Published by The Word Among Us Press 7115 Guilford Road Frederick, Maryland 21704 www.wau.org ISBN: 978-1-59325-257-1 No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author and publisher. Printed and bound in China Cover Design: Andrea Rivas Art credit: Christ (Lux Mundi). Byzantine mosaic, from transept. 11th CE. Location: Cappella Palatina, Palazzo dei Normanni, Palermo, Italy Photo Credit: Scala/Art Resource, NY
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition, copyright © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 by the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Scripture quotations marked AMP are taken from the Amplified® Bible, copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked DRA are taken from the Douay Rheims 1899 American Edition.
Psalm verses marked GP are taken from The Grail Psalms, copyright © 1963 by The Grail, England. GIA Publications, Inc., exclusive North American agent, 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638; www.giamusic.com; 800.442.1358. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Bible 1987 edition. Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Version®, NIV®, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NET are taken from the NET Bible®, copyright © 2005 by Scripture quotations marked RGP are taken Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. www.bible.org. from The Revised Grail Psalms, copyright from The Holy Bible, English Standard All rights reserved. © 2010 by Conception Abbey/The Grail, Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by administered by GIA Publications, Inc., www. Scripture quotations marked NIRV are taken Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good giamusic.com. All rights reserved. from the Holy Bible, New International News Publishers. Used by permission. Reader’s Version®, copyright © 1996, 1998 Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken All rights reserved. by Biblica. All rights reserved throughout the from The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken world. Used by permission of Biblica. All Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permisfrom Good News Translation® (Today’s rights reserved. sion of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol English Version, Second Edition), copyright Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken © 1992 by American Bible Society. All rights from The Holy Bible, New International reserved.
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INTRODUCTION
esus Christ is more important than our next breath! He is the Alpha and the Omega of all things, and, apart from Him, nothing could come into being or continue to exist. Thus, His Word must be the most important thing in a Christian’s life, and this cannot just be good intentions, but lived-out reality! This perpetual calendar will help you to begin and end each day with an encounter with Jesus Christ in His Word. I encourage you to pray to the Holy Spirit before you read the verse every morning and every night, so that it is God Himself who reveals His Word to you. May this Word takes deep root in your life and brings you ever closer to the Blessed Trinity! Know that you are also in my daily prayers. God bless.+ Fr. Larry
Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother of God
The Lord bless you and keep you. / . . . The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24, 26) May you be blessed this new year.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13) EVERYTHING begins and ends in Jesus—trust in Him!
J A N U A RY
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Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
And now, children, remain in him. (1 John 2:28)
We remain in Him by the Holy Spirit, so ask the Holy Spirit to keep you focused on Jesus today!
I will put my trust in him. (Hebrews 2:13)
As we begin this new year, put your trust in Him; and be assured that He will never let you go—you are loved!
J A N U A RY
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Most Holy Name of Jesus
“Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” (John 1:34) Can you say what St. John said? You can if you KNOW Him! PRAY and KNOW Him!
You save a humble people. (Psalm 18:27, ESV)
Tonight, humble yourself before Him, and experience His salvation and His great love for you. Peace.
J A N U A RY
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Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
“Come, and you will see.” (John 1:39) Jesus invites you to come and experience real life in Him. Come and be His disciple, not just a fan!
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. (Psalm 32:8, NRSV) If you want to know what to do next, just ask Jesus, and then LISTEN to Him!
J A N U A RY
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Saint John Neumann
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: we should love one another. (1 John 3:11) This PROVES that you are a disciple of Jesus!
Let the peace of Christ control your hearts. (Colossians 3:15) Peace is His gift to you. Receive it by giving it to others! This is the key. Pax.
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Saint André Bessette
“Go and search diligently for the child.” (Matthew 2:8) We need to search for Jesus more than we search for ANYTHING else. Do we? If not, start!
Look to the Lord and his strength; / seek his face always. (Psalm 105:4, NIV) Like the Magi, seek Jesus above all things, and discover His strength!
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Saint Raymond of Penyafort
“Follow me.” (Matthew 9:9) Jesus wants us to follow Him, not a theology. This must be a personal relationship—so stay focused on Him today!
He will quiet you by his love. (Zephaniah 3:17, ESV)
If you are anxious or upset tonight, let Him hold you and quiet you and assure you of His love. Peace.
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J A N U A RY “Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.� (Matthew 9:2) Jesus tells us today to have courage because He has redeemed us, so repent and receive mercy!
Guard me as the apple of your eye. (Psalm 17:8, RGP)
God is always looking at you. You are never alone; He guards you in His love and mercy. Peace.
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J A N U A RY Seek good and not evil, / that you may live. (Amos 5:14) You are free to choose, so choose good, and you will truly live life! Have a blessed day.
“If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20, NASB)
Open your heart to Him— He is here.
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J A N U A RY [Jesus said,] “Do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered . . . , “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28)
Face this day with faith so that you, too, can proclaim, “My Lord and my God!”
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18, ESV) So tonight, just love Him, and His love will take away your fear. Pax.
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J A N U A RY “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” (Matthew 8:19) Easy words to say—not so easy to live! Will you follow Jesus, even to the cross?
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. . . . I will not leave you.” (Genesis 28:15, NIV) This is His PROMISE to you!
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J A N U A RY “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” (Mark 5:36)
These are Christ’s words to you this day—trust Him!
Offer praise as your sacrifice to God. (Psalm 50:14)
Tonight, focus on God and not yourself, no matter how bad your day was—just praise Him!
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Saint Hilary
“He took away our infirmities / and bore our diseases.” (Matthew 8:17) Jesus wants to heal us, and we need to be His instrument of healing, not judgment.
“I will be a Father to you, / and you will be my sons and daughters, / says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18, NIV) You are God’s beloved child— you are so loved!
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J A N U A RY “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18) As St. Ambrose said, “Where there is Peter, there is the Church.” Believe it.
He shall receive a blessing from the Lord. (Psalm 24:5, NASB) Instead of just looking at what went wrong, list your blessings, and be thankful. Peace.
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J A N U A RY “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.” (Matthew 7:21) Do it!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; / his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34, NIV)
God is good, and He loves you, and that is FOREVER. Thank Him!
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J A N U A RY “By their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:16)
Since God is love, you know His followers because they bear the fruit of love. What is our fruit?
“Submit to God and be at peace with him; / in this way prosperity will come to you.” (Job 22:21, NIV) Surrender everything to Him tonight, and know peace.
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Saint Anthony of Egypt
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) Focus on and live this command of Jesus today.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13)
Tonight, receive His mercy, and then be an instrument of MERCY, please. This is God’s will for you.
J A N U A RY
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J A N U A RY “Stop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-2) This is not a suggestion; it is Jesus’ COMMAND!
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, / for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.” (Luke 1:68)
You are not a slave but have been set FREE!
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J A N U A RY “I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.” (Acts 13:25) Everything in the spiritual life begins with humility—so empty yourself.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted / and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18, NIV)
Is your heart broken? He will heal it. Peace.
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Saint Fabian; Saint Sebastian
“Seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33)
Put Him first, and receive this promise.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; / do not be dismayed, for I am your God. / I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
Read it and believe it!
J A N U A RY
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J A N U A RY
Saint Agnes
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” (Matthew 6:21) At the end, God will give you your treasure. Is that Him, and can you prove it?
He sent His word and healed them, / And delivered them from their destructions. (Psalm 107:20, NASB) God is always there to heal and deliver—trust Him.
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J A N U A RY Humbly regard others as more important than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)
Easy to say, but we must LIVE as if EVERYONE is more important than us!
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.� (Hebrews 13:5, ESV) Never means never! Sleep in His embrace. Peace.
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Saint Vincent; Saint Marianne Cope
“Your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you.” (Matthew 6:18) God looks into your heart. What does He see there? May it always be love.
O Lord, make haste and answer me, / for my spirit fails within me. (Psalm 143:7, RGP)
He is already there to answer you— tell Him what you need. Peace.
J A N U A RY
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Saint Francis de Sales
“But I say to you, love your enemies.� (Matthew 5:44)
Of course this is what Jesus means! This shows if we are Christians or pagans! Ask for grace.
By his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)
It is what He did for you, NOT what you did for Him, that will heal you. Receive it!
J A N U A RY
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Conversion of Saint Paul
Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus. (Romans 1:1)
Is this the way we could introduce ourselves to others? Pray about it. God bless.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. (Hebrews 10:35, NIV)
Have confidence in Jesus and His great love for you! Peace.
J A N U A RY
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Saints Timothy and Titus
We aspire to please him. (2 Corinthians 5:9)
Let us do everything to please our Father in heaven and prove that we love Him!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.� (John 16:33, NIV)
Your peace is in Jesus, not yourself or the things of the world.
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Saint Angela Merici
“Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37) Be a person of integrity, and mean what you say.
I drew them with human cords, / with bands of love; / I fostered them like those / who raise an infant to their cheeks. (Hosea 11:4) Let Jesus lift you up!
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Saint Thomas Aquinas
When I am afraid, / in you I place my trust. (Psalms 56:4) You never need to be afraid. The God of the universe is in control of all things—trust in Him!
“Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23, NIV) He means EVERYTHING, so believe. Have faith. God bless your sleep.
J A N U A RY
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J A N U A RY “Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.� (Matthew 5:19)
Prove you love Him: obey His commands.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; / my hope comes from him. (Psalm 62:5, NIV) So tonight, rest in Him; all will be well, all will be well. Peace.
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J A N U A RY “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
You can either curse the darkness or bring light in the midst of it; be light in the darkness!
The Lord your God is in your midst. . . . / He will be quiet in his love, / He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy. (Zephaniah 3:17, NASB)
Let this sink in—read it again.
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Saint John Bosco
“Make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7) This is Jesus’ command to us, so we must proclaim His kingdom, not ours!
When he calls on me, I will answer him; / I will be with him in distress. (Psalm 91:15, RGP)
So call upon Him; He is true to His word, and He is with you! Know His peace.
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