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SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA (March 17th) – CICLO C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

                 Ora y pídele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.” (JUAN 14:26)

 

PRIMER DIA                     Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

 ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

  1. ¿De lo que aprendiste, qué escogiste para aplicar a tu vida esta semana?

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                 GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18                            PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Yo soy el Señor que te sacó de Ur…”)

  1. ¿El Señor tomó a Abram y lo llevo afuera, qué le dijo ahí?   Génesis 15:5

 

  1. ¿En quién puso Abram su fé y debido a eso como fue considerado?   Génesis 15:6

 

  1. ¿De dónde vienen los méritos que poseé Pablo? Filipenses 3:9

 

  1. Leé las siguientes escrituras y dí cuáles pueden aplicarse a tí mismo.

Romanos 4:3, 9, 22

Gálatas 3:6

Santiago 2:23

 

  1. ¿De dónde vino Abram?   Génesis 15:7

 

  1. ¿Qué pregunta le hizo Abram al Señor?   Génesis 15:8

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el Señor a Abram que hiciera y qué revoloteaba sobre los cádaveres? Génesis 15:9-11

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Abram cuando vinieron las aves de rapiña? Génesis 15:11

 

  1. ¿Qué sucedió con Abram cuando el sol estaba a punto de ponerse?   Génesis 15:12

 

  1. ¿En las siguientes escrituras cuáles serán algunas maneras similares que simbolizan la presencia de Dios?      Exodo 19:17-19

Hechos 2:3-4

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el Señor con Abram en esa ocasión? Génesis 15:18

 

  1. ¿En quién se cumplió este pacto? Josué 1:1-9

 

Personal – ¿Tienes ahora una relación adecuada con Dios? ¿Creés en las promesas que Dios ha hecho en la Biblia? ¿Sabes cuáles son las promesas de Dios y los pactos que ha hecho con Su pueblo? Reflexiónalo y habla con Dios sobre ello.

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                       FILIPENSES 3:17-4:1                              SEGUNDA LECTURA

                                                          (“…sigan así firmes en el Señor, amadísimos míos.”)

  1. ¿A quién debemos imitar, a quién debemos tener como guía? Filipenses 1:1 y 3:17

 

  1. ¿Cómo se conducen algunos y qué les pasará por eso? Filipenses 3:18-19

 

  1. ¿Cuál es su dios y su gloria y en que viven pensando? Filipenses 3:19

 

  1. ¿Dónde está nuestra patria y qué es lo que esperamos? Filipenses 3:20

 

  1. ¿Qué hará el Señor con nuestros cuerpos? Filipenses 3:21

 

  1. ¿Semejante a qué hará nuestros cuerpos? ¿Por qué? Filipenses 3:21

 

  1. ¿A quién ama Pablo?   Filipenses 4:1

 

  1. ¿Quién dice Jesús que son sus hermanos? Mateo 12:46-50

 

  1. ¿Qué le dice Pablo a sus hermanos?   Filipenses 4:1

 

Personal – ¿Cuánto tiempo ocupas en el cuidado de tu cuerpo? ¿Ansías ver que el Señor rehaga tu cuerpo? ¿Cómo puedes “mantenerte firme” como nos dice Pablo que hagamos?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                             LUCAS 9:28-36                                                              EVANGELIO

                                                                  (“Este es mi Hijo, mi Elegido; escúchenlo.”)

  1. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús ocho días antes de que llevara consigo a Pedro, Juan y Santiago a un cerro a orar?   Lucas 9:27

 

  1. ¿En qué otras ocasiones estuvieron Pedro, Juan y Santiago con Jesús?  Lucas 8:51-52 y Marcos 14:32-33

 

  1. ¿Qué fueron a hacer al cerro?   Lucas 9:28

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasó al rostro y a la ropa de Jesús cuando estaba orando?   Lucas 9:29

 

  1. ¿Quiénes empezaron a conversar con Jesús?   Lucas 9:30

 

  1. ¿Cómo aparecieron y sobre qué hablaron?   Lucas 9:31

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasó a Pedro y los que estaban con él cuando despertaron?   Lucas 9:32

 

Personal – ¿Como creés que reaccionarías si estando en oración te quedaras dormido y al despertar vieras a Jesús, Moisés y Elías? ¿Creés que esto es posible?

 

  1. ¿Cuando los hombres se alejaron, qué le dijo Pedro a Jesús? Lucas 9:33

 

  1. ¿Qué los cubrió mientras Pedro hablaba? ¿Cuál fue la reacción de los discípulos?   Lucas 9:34

 

  1. ¿Qué vino de la nube y qué fue dicho?   Lucas 9:35

 

  1. ¿Quién volvió a estar solo cuando la voz guardó silencio? ¿Hablaron los discípulos sobre ésto en esos días?       Lucas 9:36

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has escuchado a Jesús durante esta semana? ¿Le hablas y después escuchas lo que El tiene que decirte por medio de Su Palabra? ¿Qué es lo que Dios quiere hacer de tí? ¿Permites a Dios que te transforme? Cuando lo estés haciendo tú también serás transformado como lo dice 2 Corintios 3:18.

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                             LEE EL SALMO 27:1, 7-9, 13-14 

(“Ten confianza en el Señor, ten valor;”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 27:1, 7-9, 13-14.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor por medio de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                                 LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO 

                                                                                GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18

                 A Abram no se le prometió riqueza o fama, eso ya lo tenía. Lo que Dios le prometió a Abram fue que sus descendientes serían innumerables y Abram era un hombre viejo sin herederos para su propia fama y fortuna. Vemos a Dios prometiendo cambiar todo eso y Abram lo cree con todo su corazón, mente y alma. La fe de Abram fue una fuerte respuesta a la presencia viva y el poder de Dios en su vida. Su fe lo hizo justo a los ojos de Dios.

Nosotros también podemos tener esa clase de relación con Dios cuando le confiamos a El nuestra vida. Nuestras acciones visibles, nuestra asistencia a la iglesia, oraciones, buenas obras y aún la lectura de las Sagradas Escrituras por sí mismas no nos harán justos a los ojos de Dios. Una relación correcta se basa en la fé. Tenemos confianza en que Dios es quien El dice que es y que El hace lo que El dice que hará. Las acciones rectas vendrán como un producto natural de una fe firme.

Hemos leído de los errores de Abram y sabemos que no era perfecto. Pero, aunque humano y pecador, Abram creyó y confió en Dios. Fue la fe y no la perfección la que hizo justo a Abram ante los ojos de Dios. El mismo principio se nos aplica a nosotros. Nuestra primera respuesta debe ser creer en Dios y confiar en El absolutamente. El pacto de Dios con Abram fue asunto serio. Representaba una promesa increible de parte de Dios y una grán responsabilidad de parte de Abram. Para confirmarle Su promesa Dios le dio una señal, un calentador humeante y una antorcha encendida. Dios nos confirma Su promesa cuando nos dá a Jesucristo como Salvador y Señor de manera personal.

 

FILIPENSES 3:17 – 4:1

                 Pablo invita ardientemente a los Filipenses a fijarse en él como modelo a imitar en su intento de vivir como Cristo. No quería decir que éllos debían copiarlo como si él fuera perfecto, sino en que se centraran en que sus vidas fueran como la vida de Cristo. No se habían escrito los Evangelios aún, de modo que Pablo no podía decirles que leyeran la Biblia para aprender como era Cristo. Por eso Pablo los invita a seguir su ejemplo como testimonio personal de su carácter.

Debemos preguntarnos a nosotros mismos que clase de seguidor será un nuevo Cristiano si él o élla nos imita. Hay un viejo dicho que es adecuado y dice “Para algunos, la única Biblia que leerán en su vida serás tú.” Pablo era firme en su comentario acerca de tener manga ancha, de ser un Cristiano comodín. Esa es gente que dice ser Cristiana pero no viven conforme al modelo de ser un servidor de Cristo. Hay muy pocos sacrificios en sus actitudes y en sus acciones. Primero satisfacen sus deseos propios sin pensar antes en las necesidades de otros.

Libertad en Cristo no significa libertad para ser egoísta, significa tener la oportunidad de servir. Unicamente podremos ser verdaderos servidores del Señor cuando nos neguemos a nosotros mismos. O sea cuando pongamos a los otros primero y eso significa que todos estamos llamados a “caminar el camino tanto como a hablar lo que se ha de hablar.” Pablo fue muy claro declarando que los cuerpos que recibiremos siendo Cristianos cuando resucitemos serán como el cuerpo resucitado de Cristo.

Pablo anima a sus oyentes a dar gracias y nosotros debemos dar gracias hoy. Pues cuando Cristo regrese para llevarnos a Su reino eterno, seremos glorificados y completamente perfectos. Pablo termina esta lectura diciendo que él espera ver a sus hermanos y hermanas en el Señor. El desea renovar la vieja amistad y les pide que permanezcan firmes al Señor. Hoy en día esa súplica es muy importante y estamos llamados a permanecer firmes al Señor. El ataque que se nos hace como Cristianos es grande y solo manteniendonos firmes a Jesucristo y muy cercanos a Su Santa Palabra, iglesia y sacramentos podremos ser victoriosos con El.

 

LUCAS 9:28-36

                 Jesús tomó a Pedro, Juan y Santiago con El a la cima de un cerro para orar juntos a Su padre celestial. Los llevó ahí para mostrarles quien era realmente, no solo un grán profeta, sino el Hijo Unico de Dios. Recientemente les había dicho que ellos no morirían antes de haber visto el reino de Dios (Lucas 9:27). Se refería a la transfiguración. Los oyentes de Jesús no tendrían que esperar por un futúro Mesías. El les estaba diciendo que el reino estaba entre ellos y que pronto vendría con fuerza a traves del trabajo del Espíritu Santo.

Moisés, representando la Ley y Elías, representando a los profetas, aparecierón con Jesús y la voz de Dios señaló a Jesús como el largamente esperado Mesías con autoridad divina. Jesús podía llenar los dos aspectos la ley y la profecía ya que El era la suma de todos. La brillantez del rostro de Jesús fue vista por fin por primera vez por los apóstoles. Lo estaban viendo como realmente era. Moisés vio la brillantez deslumbrante en la nube al pie de la montaña y en la zarza ardiente al pie del desierto, pero mientras estuvo vivo, nunca vió la brillantez que radiaba del rostro de Cristo al pie del cerro. La transfiguración o cambio fue en los apóstoles pues ellos vieron a Jesús de una manera completamente nueva.

¿Has experimentado el milagro de la transfiguración en tu vida? ¿Le has pedido a Cristo que venga y viva en tu corazón? El con gusto habitará en tí si tu habitas en El (Juan 15:7). Jesús está tocando a la puerta de nuestro corazón y esperará todo el tiempo que sea necesario. Abrele hoy mismo la puerta de tu corazón y mira el radiante y brillante rostro de Jesús. El está esperando compartir Su transfiguración contigo y quiere que tú sirvas de testigo para otros, del milagro de Su amor y Su perdón.

Los apóstoles no querian irse del cerro pues el cambio era fabuloso y no querían arriesgarse a perder la exitación del momento. Jesús es el escogido y en El está todo el poder y la gloria. El quiere que los apóstoles bajen el cerro y vayan a hacer discípulos en todas las naciones (Mateo 28:19-20). Jesús nos está dando a nosotros el mismo mandato o sea dejar la seguridad de la cima del cerro e ir al obscuro y frio valle y guiar a nuestros hijos a un lugar seguro (Mateo 28:20). Y recuerda, cualquier cosa que hagas al último de mis hijos me lo haces a mí (Mateo 25:31-46).

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra que la fe es la respuesta a la presencia viva y el poder de Dios en nuestra vida. La segunda lectura urge a los Cristianos llenos de fe a ser modelos de lo que es ser como Cristo. El Evangelio revela que convertirse a Cristo trae en nosotros una completa transfiguración.

Esta semana, permite que otros vean tu transfiguración. Enseñales que Cristo vive dentro de tí mediante tus acciones. Hazte el propósito de servir alegremente a los que te rodean y ellos notarán la radiante brillantez que viene de tí. Traerás más gente a Cristo por los buenos frutos que des (Gálatas 5:22-23).

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (March 17th) – CYCLE C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

  1. What was a helpful or new thought from the readings or from the homily you heard on Sunday?

 

 

  1. From what you learned, what personal application did you choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY                                              READ GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18                                         FIRST READING

(“I am the Lord who brought you from Ur…”)

  1. The Lord took Abram outside and said what to him? Genesis 15:5

 

  1. In whom did Abram put his faith, and as what was it credited? Genesis 15:6

 

  1. The righteousness Paul possesses comes from what? Philippians 3:9

 

  1. Read the following scriptures and tell how they apply to you. Romans 4:3, 9, 22, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23

 

  1. From where did Abram come? Genesis 15:7

 

  1. What question did Abram put to the Lord? Genesis 15:8

 

  1. What did the Lord tell Abram to do and what swooped down on the carcasses?   Genesis 15:9-11

 

  1. What did Abram do when the birds of prey came? Genesis 15:11

 

  1. What happened to Abram as the sun was about to set? Genesis 15:12
  2. What are similar ways symbolizing the presence of God in these scriptures? Exodus 19:17-19, Acts 2:3-4

 

  1. What did the Lord do with Abraham on that occasion? Genesis 15:18

 

  1. In whom did the fulfillment of this covenant take place? Joshua 1:1-9

 

Personal – What is your relationship with God right now? How do you show that you believe the promises God has made in the Bible? What are some of the promises of God, and the covenants he has made with his people? Reflect on this and talk to God about it.

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                                                    READ PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1                                      SECOND READING

(“…continue, my dear ones, to stand firm in the Lord.”)

  1. Who are we to imitate, and who are we to take as a guide? Philippians 1:1 and 3:17

 

  1. How do many conduct themselves and what will happen to them?   Philippians 3:18-19

 

  1. What is their god and their glory, and with what do they occupy their mind? Philippians 3:19

 

  1. Where do we have our citizenship, and for what do we wait? Philippians 3:20

 

  1. What will the Lord do to our bodies? Philippians 3:21

 

  1. According to what does he remake our bodies, and for what reason? Philippians 3:21

 

  1. Who does Paul love? Philippians 4:1

 

  1. Who does Jesus say his brothers are? Matthew 12:46-50

 

  1. What does Paul tell his brothers?   Philippians 4:1

 

Personal – How much time do you spend taking care of your body? Are you looking forward to the Lord remaking this body? How can you “stand firm,” as Paul tells us to do?

 

 

FOURTH DAY                                                        READ LUKE 9:28-36                                                                   GOSPEL

(“This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.”)

  1. What did Jesus say eight days before he took Peter, John and James up onto a mountain to pray? Luke 9:27

 

  1. On what other occasions were Peter, John and James with Jesus? Luke 8:51-52 and Mark 14:32-33

 

  1. What did they go up on the mountain to do? Luke 9:28

 

  1. What happened to Jesus’ face and clothes as he prayed? Luke 9:29

 

  1. Who were suddenly conversing with Jesus? Luke 9:30

 

  1. How did they appear, and about what did they speak? Luke 9:31

 

  1. Upon awakening, what happened to Peter and those with him? Luke 9:32

 

Personal – How do you think you would react if while in prayer you fell asleep and awoke seeing Jesus, Moses and Elijah? Do you think this is possible?

 

  1. When the men were leaving, what did Peter say to Jesus? Luke 9:33

 

  1. While Peter was speaking, what overshadowed them? What was the reaction of the disciples?   Luke 9:34

 

  1. What came from the cloud and what was said?   Luke 9:35

 

  1. Who was standing there when the voice fell silent, and did the disciples tell anyone about this at that time? Luke 9:36

 

Personal – In what ways have you listened to Jesus this past week? Do you speak to him and then listen to what he has to say through his Word? What is it that God wants to do in you? Are you allowing God to transform you? As you do this you too will be transformed as it says in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                                    READ PSALM 27:1, 7-9, 13-14

(“Wait for the Lord, take courage;”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14.

What is the Lord saying to you personally through the Psalm?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                                             READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18

Abram was not promised wealth or fame, he already had that, but God promised that Abram’s descendants would be too numerous to count. Abram was an old man with no heirs to his own fame and fortune and we see God promising to change all that. Abram believes with all his heart, mind and soul. Abram’s faith was a strong response to the living presence and power of God in his life and his faith had made him right with God.

We too can have a right relationship with God by trusting him with our lives. Our outward actions, church attendance, prayer, good deeds, and even reading Sacred Scripture, by themselves, will not make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith. We are confident that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. Righteous actions will follow a strong faith naturally as a by-product.

We have read of Abram’s mistakes and know that he was not perfect. Though human and sinful, Abram believed and trusted in God. It was faith and not perfection that made Abram righteous in God’s eyes. This same principle applies to us. Our first response must be to believe in God and to trust in him completely. God’s covenant with Abram was serious business. It represented an incredible promise from God and a huge responsibility from Abram. To confirm his promises to Abram, God gave him a sign, the smoking fire pot and the flaming torch. God confirmed his promise to you and to me when he gave us Jesus Christ, our personal Lord and Savior.

 

PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1

Paul challenges the Philippians to use him as a role model in their attempt to live like Christ. He did not mean that they should just copy him as if he were perfect, but they should focus on their lives being like Christ’s life. There was no written Gospel yet, so Paul could not tell them to read the bible to see what Christ was like. Paul therefore urged the people to follow his example as a personal testimony to his character.

We need to ask ourselves about what kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she imitated us. There is an old saying that is pretty powerful, and it goes like this: “To some people, the only bible that they will ever read will be you.” Paul was very strong in his comment about the self-indulgent Christians. These are people who claim to be Christian, but do not live up to the model of being a servant of Christ. There is very little sacrifice in their attitude or actions. They satisfy their own desires before even thinking about the needs of others.

Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to be selfish, it means the opportunity to serve. We can only become true servants of the Lord when we die to ourselves. This means putting others first, and it means that we all are called to “walk the walk, as well as, talk the talk.” Paul was very clear in stating that the bodies we receive when we as Christians are raised from the dead will be like Christ’s resurrected body.

Paul is encouraging his listeners to give thanks, and we might all give thanks today, because when Christ returns to take us into his eternal kingdom, we will be glorified and made completely perfect. Paul closes the reading by telling his listeners that he longs to see his brothers and sisters in the Lord. He longs to renew old friendships and he urges them to stay true to the Lord.

Today that plea is extremely important, and we are called to hold true to the Lord. The attack on us as Christians is enormous and only by being true to Jesus Christ and staying close in Christian fellowship through his Holy Word, church and sacraments can we be victorious with him.

 

 

LUKE 9:28-36

Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of the mountain to pray together to his heavenly father. He took them there to show them who he really was, not just a great prophet, but God’s only Begotten Son. He just recently told them that they would not die before they had seen the kingdom of God (Luke 9:27). He was referring to the transfiguration. Jesus’ listeners were not going to have to wait for another future Messiah. He was telling them the kingdom was among them and would soon come in power through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared with Jesus and God’s voice singled out Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah with divine authority. Jesus would fulfill both the law and the prophets because he was the summation of it all. The brightness of Jesus’ face was being seen for the first time by the apostles. They were really seeing him for whom he really was. Moses saw the dazzling brightness in the clouds on the mountaintop and in the burning bush on the desert floor, but while he was alive, he never saw the brightness that radiated from the face of Christ on that mountaintop. The transfiguration or change was in the apostles because they were seeing Jesus in a totally new way.

Have you experienced the miracle of the transfiguration in your life? Have you asked Christ to come in and take up residence in your heart? He will gladly abide in you if you will abide in him (John 15:7). Jesus stands knocking on the door to our heart, and he will wait as long as it takes. Open that door of your heart today and look into the radiance and dazzling brightness of his face. He is waiting to share his transfiguration with you, and he wants you to witness to others the miracle of his love and forgiveness.

The apostles did not want to leave that mountain because the change was fantastic, and they did not want to take a chance of losing the excitement of the moment. Jesus is the chosen one and in him is all power and glory. He wants the apostles to come off that mountain and go forth and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus is giving all of us the same command, and that is to leave the safety of the mountaintop, and go down into the dark, cold valleys and lead our children to safety (Matthew 28:20). And remember, whatever you do to the least of my children, you do unto me (Matthew 25:31-46.)

 

Application

The first reading shows faith is the response to the living presence and power of God in our life. The second reading challenges faith-filled Christians to be Christ-like role models. The Gospel reveals that conversion to Christ brings upon us a complete transfiguration.

This week let others see in you a transfiguration. Show that Christ resides within you by your actions. Make a commitment to serve joyfully those around you, and others will notice the radiance and dazzling brightness that comes from you. You will bring more people to Christ by the good fruit you bear. Gal.5:22-23

 

PRIMER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA (March 10th) – CICLO C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

                 Ora y pídele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.” (JUAN 14:26)

 

PRIMER DIA                     Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada. 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

  1. ¿De lo que aprendiste, qué escogiste para aplicar a tu vida esta semana?

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                              DEUTERONOMIO 26:4-10                         PRIMERA LECTURA

                                                                   (“El nos sacó de Egipto con mano firme.”)

  1. ¿Quién tomará el canasto de tus manos y qué hará con él? Deuteronomio 26:4

 

  1. ¿En el versículo 5 del Deuteronomio 26, quién está hablando?   Deuteronomio 1:1

 

  1. ¿Quién era el Arameo errante, a dónde fue?   Génesis 46:6

 

  1. ¿Cómo vivió el Arameo errante y en qué se convirtió? Deuteronomio 26:5

 

  1. ¿Cómo trataron los egipcios a los Israelitas y quien vino en su ayuda?   Deuteronomio 26:6-7

 

  1. ¿Qué dicen los siguientes versículos sobre la opresión?
  2. Isaías 53:8
  3. Isaías 58:9

 

Personal – ¿Has sido tú maltratado ú oprimido de alguna manera? ¿Qué has hecho al respecto?

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son los dos sentidos que dice Deuteronomio 26:7 que Dios usó?

 

  1. ¿De qué manera contestó el Señor a su llamado de auxilio? Deuteronomio 26:8

 

  1. ¿Cómo era la tierra a la que el Señor los llevó? Deuteronomio 26:9

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Moisés en respuesta a lo que el Señor hizo por él? Deuteronomio 26:10

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer en respuesta a lo que El ha hecho por nosotros? Enumera las 2 cosas del versículo 10, de Deuteronomio 26.

 

Personal – ¿Qué ha hecho el Señor por tí personalmente en el pasado? ¿De lo que has ganado o producido financieramente le has dado algo a Dios en respuesta de lo que El ha hecho por ti? ¿Te has inclinado en acción de gracias y en reverencia al Señor por todo lo que ha hecho por tí?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                         ROMANOS 10:8-13                                SEGUNDA LECTURA

                                                           (“El que invoque el Nombre del Señor se salvará.”)

  1. ¿Qué está cerca de tí en tus labios y en tu corazón? ¿Qué dice Pablo que se predica? Romanos 10:8

 

  1. ¿Quién o qué es la Palabra?   Juan 1:1, 14

 

  1. ¿Con qué te confiesas y qué confiesas?   Romanos 10:9

 

  1. ¿Quién te da la habilidad para confesar que Jesús es el Señor?   1 Corintios 12:3

 

  1. ¿Con qué crees y que te pasará si lo haces? Romanos 10:9

 

  1. ¿Qué te lleva a la justicia y qué te lleva a la salvación? Romanos 10:10

 

  1. ¿Qué dice la Escritura en Romanos 10:11? Ver también Romanos 9:33 e Isaías 28:16

 

Personal – Hay dos requisitos para ser reconocidos y salvados. ¿De qué modo has cubierto estos requisitos?

 

  1. ¿Con quién es Dios abundante en misericordia? Romanos 10:12

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer para recibir la misericordia de Dios? Romanos 10:12

 

  1. ¿Quiénes serán salvados? Romanos 10:13 y Hechos 2:21

 

Personal – ¿A quién y de qué manera has hablado acerca de lo que Jesús ha hecho por tí? Toma unos minutos ahora y reflexiona en quién es Jesús y que ha hecho por tí.

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                              LUCAS 4:1-13                                                        EVANGELIO

                                                             (“Adorarás al Señor tu Dios y a El solo servirás.”)

  1. ¿De qué estaba Jesús lleno y quién lo condujo al desierto? Lucas 4:1

 

  1. ¿Qué había pasado anteriormente en el Río Jordán? Lucas 3:21

 

  1. ¿Cuánto tiempo estuvo en el desierto, quién lo estaba tentando? ¿Qué comió mientras estuvo ahí?   Lucas 4:2

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el demonio?   Lucas 4:3

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la palabra en el versículo 3 que denota que el demonio no cree en El?

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Jesús? ¿Qué dice Mateo 4:4 que el hombre debe tener para vivir aparte del pan?   Lucas 4:4

 

  1. ¿Qué le mostró el demonio a Jesús y qué le dijo? Lucas 4:5-6

 

  1. ¿En Deuteronomio 26:10 se nos dice que nos inclinemos en la presencia del Señor por todo lo que El ha hecho por nosotros. ¿Qué es lo que el demonio dice en Lucas 4:7?

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Jesús?   Lucas 4:8

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo entonces el demonio a Jesús y qué palabra del versículo 9 demuestra su incredulidad?

 

  1. ¿De dónde tomó el demonio las palabras que pronunció? Salmo 91:11

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús al demonio? ¿Cuando dejó éste de tentarlo qué hizo?  Lucas 4:12 y Deuteronomio 6:16

 

Personal – ¿De cuál de las siguientes maneras has sido tu tentado por Satanás? Cuando tienes hambre. Cuando te sientes inferior. Cuando las cosas no van del modo que a tí te gustaría que fueran. ¿De qué modo práctico puedes aplicar esta lección a tu vida durante esta semana? Compártelo con alguien.

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                               LEE EL SALMO 91:1-2, 10-15

                                                  (“Tu eres mi refugio, mi fortaleza, mi Dios en quien confio.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 91:1-2, 10-15.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor ppor medio de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                                 LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO 

                                                                             DEUTERONOMIO 26:4-10

La lectura de hoy aclara muy bien el propósito del diezmo. O sea poner a Dios primero que nada en nuestras vidas. Estamos llamados a darle a Dios lo primero y lo mejor de lo que ganamos. Lo cual significa que le demos con el corazón y con alegría. Lo que hacemos con nuestro dinero es lo que más valoramos. Darle al Señor la primera parte de nuestro sueldo en vez de lo que sobra después de pagar las cuentas y los impuestos, denota que le estamos dando nuestra atención. Si nos habituamos a dar con regularidad el diezmo nos ayudaremos a tener a Dios en el primer lugar de la lista de nuestras prioridades y eso nos dará una perspectiva apropiada de todo lo demás que tengamos.

La Biblia y la Iglesia Cristiana han apoyado siempre un sistema organizado para ayudar a los pobres. Dios les dijo entonces y nos dice hoy, que el diezmo se ha de usar para ayudar a los pobres y desvalidos. Estas normas fueron hechas para prevenir al país de hundirse bajo la aplastante pobreza y opresión.

Vemos en la lectura de hoy que era la responsabilidad de todos el ayudar a los menos afortunados y esa responsabilidad aún hoy en día recae en el cuerpo de los creyentes de nuestra iglesia. En la tradición Israelita, a cada persona se le requería saber de memoria la historia de los tratados de Dios con su pueblo. Debemos reflexionar en la historia de los tratados de Dios con los Cristianos a traves de todas las épocas.

¿Cuál es la historia de tus relaciones con Dios? ¿Puedes recordar específicamente lo que Dios ha hecho por tí? Pasa un tiempo a solas para que reflexiones en los muchos dones que Dios te ha dado. Esto te ayudará a reconocer que todos tus dones y talentos te vienen de Dios. Esta es la razón por la cual gustosamente le damos a Dios el diezmo pues El nos ha colmado con esos tesoros. Recuerda, donde está tu tesoro ahi está tu corazon.

 

ROMANOS 10:8-13

Es una declaración realmente enorme cuando decimos que la salvación que viene de confiar en Cristo ya está dentro de cada uno de nosotros. De hecho esta tan cerca como nuestros corazones y nuestras bocas. La gente a traves de todas las epocas ha buscado a Dios por medio de experiencias dramáticas. Hay quien ha viajado por todo el mundo para encontrar a un líder espiritual.

La Escritura de hoy nos dice que la salvación de Dios está enfrente de nosotros. El vendrá a nosotros dondequiera que estemos y en cualquier momento que lo llamemos (Juan 6:37). Todo lo que necesitamos hacer es responder y aceptar Su increíble don de salvación. Hoy en día mucha gente piensa que hacerse Cristiano y ser recipiente del don de la salvación es un proceso complicado, pero no lo es si creemos verdaderamente en nuestros corazones y se denota en los cambios que haya en nuestra vida y confesamos que Jesús es el Señor de nuestra vida, entonces nosotros también seremos salvados.

Pablo no está diciendo que los Cristianos estarán libres de desilusiones. Habrá muchas veces que las personas nos fallarán y que las circunstancias serán sumamente difíciles. Lo que Pablo nos dice realmente es que Jesucristo nunca nos desilusionará y que cualquiera que crea en El será salvado. Hoy existe mucha gente que dice que cree, pero no hay un fruto visible del Espíritu Santo en sus vidas. Hacemos válido lo que sale de nuestra boca con el modo en que vivimos nuestras vidas. Cuando creemos realmente con nuestro corazón y confesamos que Jesús es realmente el Señor de nuestra vida, otros verán en nosotros los frutos del amor, la paz, la alegría, la paciencia, la amabilidad, la bondad, la fidelidad, la gentileza y el dominio de nosotros mismos. (Gálatas 5:22-23)

 

LUCAS 4:1-13

                 Las tentaciones con frecuencia aparecen cuando estamos en un punto alto de nuestra vida espiritual o ministerio. Algunas veces creemos que si el Espíritu Santo nos está guiando las cosas siempre estarán “donde están las aguas tranquilas” (Salmo 23:2). Pero eso no es necesariamente cierto. El guió a Jesús hacía el desierto y le permitió pasar por un largo y difícil tiempo de pruebas.

El Espíritu Santo puede y de hecho nos guía hacía situaciones dificiles durante el desierto de nuestras propias vidas. Cuando estés pasando por esas pruebas, primero asegurate de que no las has traído tu mismo por medio del pecado o de haber escogido algo sin pensar, sin cuidado. Si no encuentras pecados que confesar o conductas que cambiar pídele a Dios que te dé fuerzas para cuando vengan tus pruebas. Así como Jesús, tú también debes seguir fielmente el camino que el Espíritu Santo te señale. Debemos recordar siempre que Satánas es un ser real y que la tentación que les puso a Eva en el paraíso y a Jesús en el desierto no son unicamente símbolos o ideas. Tenemos que estar en guardia ya sea en tiempos victoriosos como en tiempos de desaliento. Satanás constantemente está luchando contra Dios y contra aquellos que lo siguen y lo obedecen. Podemos estar seguros de que si conocemos y obedecemos la Palabra de Dios tendremos un arma muy efectiva contra la tentación.

La Escritura claramente señala que la Santa Palabra de Dios es un arma potente y ofensiva que forma parte de la armadura del Cristiano (Efesios 6:17). El saber las Escrituras no es suficiente para derrotar a Satanás, él tambien las sabe. Debemos tener fe en la promesa de Dios de que El nos ama tanto que mandó a Su Unico Hijo al mundo para que muriera por nosotros. Jesús nos dice que El es el camino, la verdad y la vida (Juan 14:6) y Satanás no puede contra esa clase de poder.

 

Aplicación

                 La primera lectura muestra que donde está tu tesoro ahí está tu corazón. En la segunda lectura vemos, que la fe es creer más en el que dá, que en lo que está dando. En el Evangelio, el amor de Dios es mucho más poderoso que el recelo de Satanás.

Esta semana, muéstrale a tu familia que el poder te viene de Dios cuando lo pones a El en el primer lugar de tu vida. Deja que tu familia vea que das con gusto el diezmo y anímalos para que ellos también devuelvan a Dios algunos de los frutos de los que están disfrutando. El simple hecho de dar tu diezmo alegremente por amor a los desvalidos sera un testimonio enorme para tus hijos y los hijos de tus hijos.

 

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT (March 10th) – CYCLE C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

  1. What was a helpful or new thought from the readings or from the homily you heard on Sunday?

 

  1. From what you learned, what personal application did you choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY                                             READ DEUTERONOMY 26:4-10                                       FIRST READING

(“He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm.”)

  1. Who shall take the basket out of your hands, and what will he do with it?   Deuteronomy 26:4

 

  1. In verse 5 of Deuteronomy 26, who is speaking? Deuteronomy 1:1

 

  1. Who is the wandering Aramean, and where did he go? Genesis 46:6

 

  1. How did the wandering Aramean live, and what did he become? Deuteronomy 26:5

 

  1. How did the Egyptians treat the Israelites, and to whom did they cry out?   Deuteronomy 26:6-7

 

  1. What do the following verses say about oppression?
  2. Isaiah 53:8

Isaiah 58:9

 

Personal – In what way have you been maltreated and oppressed? How have you dealt with it?

 

  1. What two senses did the Lord use in Deuteronomy 26:7?

 

  1. In what way did the Lord answer their cry? Deuteronomy 26:8

 

  1. What was the land like to which the Lord brought them to? Deuteronomy 26:9

 

  1. What did Moses do in response to what the Lord did for him? Deuteronomy 26:10

 

  1. What should we do in response to what he has done for us? List the two things in verse 10 of Deuteronomy 26.

 

Personal – What has God personally done for you in the past? From what you have earned or produced financially, in what way have you responded to what God has done for you? Have you bowed down in thanksgiving and reverence to the Lord for all he has done for you?

 

 

THIRD DAY                                                        READ ROMANS 10:8-13                                          SECOND READING

(“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”)

  1. What is near you, on your lips, and in your heart, and what does Paul say is preached? Romans 10:8

 

  1. What or who is the Word?   John 1:1, 14

 

  1. With what do you confess, and what do you confess? Romans 10:9

 

  1. Who gives you the ability to confess Jesus is Lord? 1 Corinthians 12:3

 

  1. With what do you believe and what will happen to you if you do this?   Romans 10:9

 

  1. What leads to justification, and what leads to salvation? Romans 10:10

 

  1. What does Scripture say in Romans 10:11, Romans 9:33, and Isaiah 28:16?

 

Personal – There are two requirements to being justified and saved. In what way have you fulfilled these requirements?

 

  1. To whom is God rich in mercy?   Romans 10:12
  2. What must you do to receive God’s mercy? Romans 10:12

 

  1. Who will be saved? Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21

 

Personal – To whom and in what way have you spoken to others of what Jesus has done for you? Take a few minutes now and reflect on Jesus, who he is, and what he has done.

 

 

FOURTH DAY                                                         READ LUKE 4:1-13                                                                    GOSPEL

(“You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”)

  1. What was Jesus full of, and who conducted him into the desert? Luke 4:1

 

  1. What had previously taken place in the Jordan River? Luke 3:21

 

  1. How long was he in the desert, who tempted him, and what did he eat while there? Luke 4:2

 

  1. What did the devil say to him?   Luke 4:3

 

  1. What one word in verse 3 denotes the devil’s unbelief in him?

 

  1. What was Jesus’ response, and besides bread, what does Matthew 4:4 say man shall live on? Luke 4:4

 

  1. What did the devil show Jesus, and what did the devil say to him?   Luke 4:5-6

 

  1. Deuteronomy 26:10 tells us to bow down in the presence of the Lord for all he has done for us. What is the devil saying in Luke 4:7?

 

  1. What was Jesus’ reply to him?   Luke 4:8

 

  1. Then what did the devil do and say to Jesus, and what small word in verse 9 showed the devil’s unbelief?

 

  1. From what did the devil quote?   Psalm 91:11

 

  1. What did Jesus say to the devil, and when the devil had finished all the tempting, what did he do? Luke 4:12 and Deuteronomy 6:16

Personal – In which of the following ways have you been tempted by Satan:   When you are hungry – When you feel inferior – When things are not going the way you would like them to go? In what practical way can you apply this lesson to your life this week? Share with someone.

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                                      READ PSALM 91:1-2, 10-15

(“My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15.

What is the Lord saying to you personally through the Psalm?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                                             READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

DEUTERONOMY 26:4-10

Today’s reading makes the purpose of tithing very clear: to put God first in our lives. We are called to give God the first and best of what we earn. This means that we give from the heart, and we are to give joyously. What we do with our money shows what we value most. Giving the first part of our paycheck to God, rather than what is left after taxes and bills, focuses our attention on him. A habit of regular tithing can keep God at the top of our priority list and give us a proper perspective on everything else we have.

The Bible and the Christian Church have always supported an organized system of caring for the poor. God told his people then, and he tells us today, to use our tithe for the helpless and poor. These regulations were designed to prevent the country from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression.

We see in today’s reading that it was everyone’s responsibility to care for the less fortunate and that responsibility still falls upon the body of believers in our church. In the Israelite tradition, each person was required to recite the history of God’s dealings with his people. We need to reflect on the history of God’s dealings with Christians throughout the ages.

What is the history of your relationship with God? Can you specifically recall what God has done for you? Take some time alone to reflect on the many gifts that God has given you. This will help you to see how all of your gifts and talents really come from God. That is why we can joyously tithe to God, because he has showered us with so much treasure. Remember, where your treasure is, your heart is.

 

ROMANS 10:8-13

A tremendously powerful statement is made when we say salvation that comes from trusting Christ is already within easy reach of us. In fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. People all through the ages have looked for God through dramatic experiences. Some people have traveled all across the world to meet a spiritual leader.

Today’s Scripture reading tells us that God’s salvation is right in front of us. He will come to us wherever we are and whenever we call (John 6:37). All we need to do is to respond and accept his incredible gift of salvation. Today many people think that to become a Christian and be the recipient of the gift of salvation is a complicated process, but it is not. If we truly believe in our hearts and this belief is shown in the changes that take place in our lives and confess that Jesus is the Lord of our lives, then we too will be saved.

Paul is not saying that Christians will be free of all disappointments. There will be many times when people let us down and when circumstances take a turn for the worse. What Paul is really saying is that Jesus Christ will never let us down and that everyone who believes in him will be saved. Today there are some people who say they believe, but there is no fruit of the Holy Spirit visible in their lives. We validate what comes out of our mouths by the way we live our lives. When we really believe without hearts and confess that Jesus is really the Lord of our life, then others will see in us the fruits of love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

LUKE 4:1-13

Temptations often come after a high point in our spiritual lives or ministries. Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us, it will always be “beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). But that is not necessarily true. He led Jesus into the desert and allowed him to experience a long and difficult time of testing.

The Holy Spirit can and does lead us into difficult situations in the desert experiences of our own lives. When facing these trials, first make sure you have not brought them on yourself through sin or foolish choices. If you find no sin to confess or behavior to change, then ask God to strengthen you for your test. Like Jesus did, you are also to follow faithfully where the Holy Spirit leads. We must always remember that Satan is a real being and his temptation of Eve in the Garden and of Jesus in the wilderness is not to be dismissed as just a symbol or an idea. We need to be on our guard in times of victory, just as in times of discouragement. Satan constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey him. We can be assured that knowing and obeying God’s Word is a very effective weapon against temptation.

Scripture clearly points out that God’s Holy Word is a very powerful offensive weapon that is provided in the Christian’s armor (Ephesians 6:17). Knowing Scripture is not enough to defeat Satan because he also knows Scripture. We must have faith in God’s promise that he loves us so much that he sent his only begotten Son into the world to die just for us. Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and Satan cannot stand up to that power.

 

Application

The first reading shows that where your treasure is, your heart is. In the second reading, faith is belief in the giver more than in the gift. In the Gospel, God’s love is far more powerful than Satan’s fear.

This week show your family the power that comes from God when you set him in first place in your life. Let your family see that you joyously tithe and encourage them to give back to God some of the fruits that they enjoy. The simple act of your joyful caring for the helpless with your tithe will be a tremendous witness to your children and your children’s children.

 

Lectio Divina – 1st Sunday of Lent (March 10th) – Cycle C

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so Your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 4:1-13 – Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they were over he was hungry. The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, One does not live on bread alone.” Then he took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a single instant. The devil said to him, “I shall give to you all this power and glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I may give it to whomever I wish. All this will be yours, if you worship me.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It is written; You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.” Then he led him to Jerusalem, made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you, and: With their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus said to him in reply, “It also says, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” When the devil had finished every temptation, he departed from him for a time.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (March 17th) – CYCLE C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings. 

  1. What was a helpful or new thought from the readings or from the homily you heard on Sunday?

  

  1. From what you learned, what personal application did you choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY         READ GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18     FIRST READING 

          (“I am the Lord who brought you from Ur…”) 

  1. The Lord took Abram outside and said what to him?   Genesis 15:5

  

  1. In whom did Abram put his faith, and as what was it credited? Genesis 15:6

  

  1. The righteousness Paul possesses comes from what?   Philippians 3:9

  

  1. Read the following scriptures and tell how they apply to you.  Romans 4:3, 9, 22, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23

  

  1. From where did Abram come? Genesis 15:7

  

  1. What question did Abram put to the Lord? Genesis 15:8

 

  1. What did the Lord tell Abram to do and what swooped down on the carcasses?   Genesis 15:9-11

  

  1. What did Abram do when the birds of prey came?   Genesis 15:11

 

  1. What happened to Abram as the sun was about to set?   Genesis 15:12

  

  1. What are similar ways symbolizing the presence of God in these scriptures? Exodus 19:17-19, Acts 2:3-4

  

  1. What did the Lord do with Abraham on that occasion?  Genesis 15:18

  

  1. In whom did the fulfillment of this covenant take place?  Joshua 1:1-9 

 

Personal – What is your relationship with God right now? How do you show that you believe the promises God has made in the Bible? What are some of the promises of God, and the covenants he has made with his people? Reflect on this and talk to God about it.

  

 

THIRD DAY           READ PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1      SECOND READING 

    (“…continue, my dear ones, to stand firm in the Lord.”) 

  1. Who are we to imitate, and who are we to take as a guide?  Philippians 1:1 and 3:17

  

  1. How do many conduct themselves and what will happen to them?   Philippians 3:18-19

  

  1. What is their god and their glory, and with what do they occupy their mind? Philippians 3:19

  

  1. Where do we have our citizenship, and for what do we wait?   Philippians 3:20

  

  1. What will the Lord do to our bodies? Philippians 3:21

  

  1. According to what does he remake our bodies, and for what reason? Philippians 3:21

  

  1. Who does Paul love? Philippians 4:1

  

  1. Who does Jesus say his brothers are? Matthew 12:46-50

  

  1. What does Paul tell his brothers?   Philippians 4:1

  

Personal – How much time do you spend taking care of your body? Are you looking forward to the Lord remaking this body? How can you “stand firm,” as Paul tells us to do?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 9:28-36                GOSPEL

         (“This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.”) 

  1. What did Jesus say eight days before he took Peter, John and James up onto a mountain to pray? Luke 9:27

  

  1. On what other occasions were Peter, John and James with Jesus? Luke 8:51-52 and Mark 14:32-33

  

  1. What did they go up on the mountain to do? Luke 9:28

  

  1. What happened to Jesus’ face and clothes as he prayed?   Luke 9:29

  

  1. Who were suddenly conversing with Jesus? Luke 9:30

  

  1. How did they appear, and about what did they speak?   Luke 9:31

  

  1. Upon awakening, what happened to Peter and those with him?   Luke 9:32

  

Personal – How do you think you would react if while in prayer you fell asleep and awoke seeing Jesus, Moses and Elijah? Do you think this is possible?

  

  1. When the men were leaving, what did Peter say to Jesus?   Luke 9:33

  

  1. While Peter was speaking, what overshadowed them? What was the reaction of the disciples?   Luke 9:34

 

  1. What came from the cloud and what was said?   Luke 9:35

  

  1. Who was standing there when the voice fell silent, and did the disciples tell anyone about this at that time?  Luke 9:36

  

Personal – In what ways have you listened to Jesus this past week? Do you speak to him and then listen to what he has to say through his Word? What is it that God wants to do in you? Are you allowing God to transform you? As you do this you too will be transformed as it says in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

 

 

FIFTH DAY          READ PSALM 27:1, 7-9, 13-14 

              (“Wait for the Lord, take courage;”) 

Read and meditate on Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14.

What is the Lord saying to you personally through the Psalm?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY 

                     GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18

      Abram was not promised wealth or fame, he already had that, but God promised that Abram’s descendants would be too numerous to count. Abram was an old man with no heirs to his own fame and fortune and we see God promising to change all that. Abram believes with all his heart, mind and soul. Abram’s faith was a strong response to the living presence and power of God in his life and his faith had made him right with God.

      We too can have a right relationship with God by trusting him with our lives. Our outward actions, church attendance, prayer, good deeds, and even reading Sacred Scripture, by themselves, will not make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith. We are confident that God is who he says he is, and does what he says he will do. Righteous actions will follow a strong faith naturally as a by-product.

      We have read of Abram’s mistakes and know that he was not perfect. Though human and sinful, Abram believed and trusted in God. It was faith and not perfection that made Abram righteous in God’s eyes. This same principle applies to us. Our first response must be to believe in God and to trust in him completely. God’s covenant with Abram was serious business. It represented an incredible promise from God and a huge responsibility from Abram. To confirm his promises to Abram, God gave him a sign, the smoking fire pot and the flaming torch. God confirmed his promise to you and to me when he gave us Jesus Christ, our personal Lord and Savior.

 

                      PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1

      Paul challenges the Philippians to use him as a role model in their attempt to live like Christ. He did not mean that they should just copy him as if he were perfect, but they should focus on their lives being like Christ’s life. There was no written Gospel yet, so Paul could not tell them to read the bible to see what Christ was like. Paul therefore urged the people to follow his example as a personal testimony to his character.

      We need to ask ourselves about what kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she imitated us. There is an old saying that is pretty powerful, and it goes like this: “To some people, the only bible that they will ever read will be you.” Paul was very strong in his comment about the self-indulgent Christians. These are people who claim to be Christian, but do not live up to the model of being a servant of Christ. There is very little sacrifice in their attitude or actions. They satisfy their own desires before even thinking about the needs of others.

      Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to be selfish, it means the opportunity to serve. We can only become true servants of the Lord when we die to ourselves. This means putting others first, and it means that we all are called to “walk the walk, as well as, talk the talk.” Paul was very clear in stating that the bodies we receive when we as Christians are raised from the dead will be like Christ’s resurrected body.

      Paul is encouraging his listeners to give thanks, and we might all give thanks today, because when Christ returns to take us into his eternal kingdom, we will be glorified and made completely perfect. Paul closes the reading by telling his listeners that he longs to see his brothers and sisters in the Lord. He longs to renew old friendships and he urges them to stay true to the Lord.

      Today that plea is extremely important and we are called to hold true to the Lord. The attack on us as Christians is enormous and only by being true to Jesus Christ and staying close in Christian fellowship through his Holy Word, church and sacraments can we be victorious with him.

 

                          LUKE 9:28-36

      Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of the mountain to pray together to his heavenly father. He took them there to show them who he really was, not just a great prophet, but God’s only Begotten Son. He just recently told them that they would not die before they had seen the kingdom of God (Luke 9:27). He was referring to the transfiguration. Jesus’ listeners were not going to have to wait for another future Messiah. He was telling them the kingdom was among them and would soon come in power through the work of the Holy Spirit.

      Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared with Jesus and God’s voice singled out Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah with divine authority. Jesus would fulfill both the law and the prophets because he was the summation of it all. The brightness of Jesus’ face was being seen for the first time by the apostles. They were really seeing him for whom he really was. Moses saw the dazzling brightness in the clouds on the mountaintop and in the burning bush on the desert floor, but while he was alive, he never saw the brightness that radiated from the face of Christ on that mountaintop. The transfiguration or change was in the apostles because they were seeing Jesus in a totally new way.

      Have you experienced the miracle of the transfiguration in your life? Have you asked Christ to come in and take up residence in your heart? He will gladly abide in you if you will abide in him (John 15:7). Jesus stands knocking on the door to our heart, and he will wait as long as it takes. Open that door of your heart today and look into the radiance and dazzling brightness of his face. He is waiting to share his transfiguration with you, and he wants you to witness to others the miracle of his love and forgiveness.

      The apostles did not want to leave that mountain because the change was fantastic, and they did not want to take a chance of losing the excitement of the moment. Jesus is the chosen one and in him is all power and glory. He wants the apostles to come off that mountain and go forth and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus is giving all of us the same command, and that is to leave the safety of the mountaintop, and go down into the dark, cold valleys and lead our children to safety (Matthew 28:20). And remember, whatever you do to the least of my children, you do unto me (Matthew 25:31-46.)

 

Application

      The first reading shows faith is the response to the living presence and power of God in our life. The second reading challenges faith-filled Christians to be Christ-like role models. The Gospel reveals that conversion to Christ brings upon us a complete transfiguration.

      This week, let others see in you a transfiguration. Show that Christ resides within you by your actions. Make a commitment to serve joyfully those around you, and others will notice the radiance and dazzling brightness that comes from you. You will bring more people to Christ by the good fruit you bear. Gal.5:22-23

 

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT (March 10th) – CYCLE C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

  1. What was a helpful or new thought from the readings or from the homily you heard on Sunday?

 

  1. From what you learned, what personal application did you choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY                                             READ DEUTERONOMY 26:4-10                                       FIRST READING

(“He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm.”)

  1. Who shall take the basket out of your hands, and what will he do with it?   Deuteronomy 26:4

 

  1. In verse 5 of Deuteronomy 26, who is speaking? Deuteronomy 1:1

 

  1. Who is the wandering Aramean, and where did he go? Genesis 46:6

 

  1. How did the wandering Aramean live, and what did he become? Deuteronomy 26:5

 

  1. How did the Egyptians treat the Israelites, and to whom did they cry out?   Deuteronomy 26:6-7

 

  1. What do the following verses say about oppression?

    Isaiah 53:8

Isaiah 58:9

 

Personal – In what way have you been maltreated and oppressed? How have you dealt with it?

 

  1. What two senses did the Lord use in Deuteronomy 26:7?

 

  1. In what way did the Lord answer their cry? Deuteronomy 26:8

 

  1. What was the land like to which the Lord brought them to? Deuteronomy 26:9

 

  1. What did Moses do in response to what the Lord did for him? Deuteronomy 26:10

 

  1. What should we do in response to what he has done for us? List the two things in verse 10 of Deuteronomy 26.

 

Personal – What has God personally done for you in the past? From what you have earned or produced financially, in what way have you responded to what God has done for you? Have you bowed down in thanksgiving and reverence to the Lord for all he has done for you?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                                                        READ ROMANS 10:8-13                                          SECOND READING

(“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”)

  1. What is near you, on your lips, and in your heart, and what does Paul say is preached? Romans 10:8

 

  1. What or who is the Word?   John 1:1, 14

 

  1. With what do you confess, and what do you confess? Romans 10:9

 

  1. Who gives you the ability to confess Jesus is Lord? 1 Corinthians 12:3

 

  1. With what do you believe and what will happen to you if you do this?   Romans 10:9

 

  1. What leads to justification, and what leads to salvation? Romans 10:10

 

  1. What does Scripture say in Romans 10:11, Romans 9:33, and Isaiah 28:16?

 

Personal – There are two requirements to being justified and saved. In what way have you fulfilled these requirements?

 

  1. To whom is God rich in mercy?   Romans 10:12
  2. What must you do to receive God’s mercy? Romans 10:12

 

  1. Who will be saved? Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21

 

Personal – To whom and in what way have you spoken to others of what Jesus has done for you? Take a few minutes now and reflect on Jesus, who he is, and what he has done.

 

 

FOURTH DAY                                                         READ LUKE 4:1-13                                                                    GOSPEL

(“You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”)

  1. What was Jesus full of, and who conducted him into the desert? Luke 4:1

 

  1. What had previously taken place in the Jordan River? Luke 3:21

 

  1. How long was he in the desert, who tempted him, and what did he eat while there? Luke 4:2

 

  1. What did the devil say to him?   Luke 4:3

 

  1. What one word in verse 3 denotes the devil’s unbelief in him?

 

  1. What was Jesus’ response, and besides bread, what does Matthew 4:4 say man shall live on? Luke 4:4

 

  1. What did the devil show Jesus, and what did the devil say to him?   Luke 4:5-6

 

  1. Deuteronomy 26:10 tells us to bow down in the presence of the Lord for all he has done for us. What is the devil saying in Luke 4:7?

 

  1. What was Jesus’ reply to him?   Luke 4:8

 

  1. Then what did the devil do and say to Jesus, and what small word in verse 9 showed the devil’s unbelief?

 

  1. From what did the devil quote?   Psalm 91:11

 

  1. What did Jesus say to the devil, and when the devil had finished all the tempting, what did he do?   Luke 4:12 and Deuteronomy 6:16

Personal – In which of the following ways have you been tempted by Satan:   When you are hungry – When you feel inferior – When things are not going the way you would like them to go? In what practical way can you apply this lesson to your life this week? Share with someone.

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                                      READ PSALM 91:1-2, 10-15

(“My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15.

What is the Lord saying to you personally through the Psalm?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                                             READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

DEUTERONOMY 26:4-10

Today’s reading makes the purpose of tithing very clear: to put God first in our lives. We are called to give God the first and best of what we earn. This means that we give from the heart, and we are to give joyously. What we do with our money shows what we value most. Giving the first part of our paycheck to God, rather than what is left after taxes and bills, focuses our attention on him. A habit of regular tithing can keep God at the top of our priority list and give us a proper perspective on everything else we have.

The Bible and the Christian Church have always supported an organized system of caring for the poor. God told his people then, and he tells us today, to use our tithe for the helpless and poor. These regulations were designed to prevent the country from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression.

We see in today’s reading that it was everyone’s responsibility to care for the less fortunate and that responsibility still falls upon the body of believers in our church. In the Israelite tradition, each person was required to recite the history of God’s dealings with his people. We need to reflect on the history of God’s dealings with Christians throughout the ages.

What is the history of your relationship with God? Can you specifically recall what God has done for you? Take some time alone to reflect on the many gifts that God has given you. This will help you to see how all of your gifts and talents really come from God. That is why we can joyously tithe to God, because he has showered us with so much treasure. Remember, where your treasure is, your heart is.

 

ROMANS 10:8-13

A tremendously powerful statement is made when we say salvation that comes from trusting Christ is already within easy reach of us. In fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. People all through the ages have looked for God through dramatic experiences. Some people have traveled all across the world to meet a spiritual leader.

Today’s Scripture reading tells us that God’s salvation is right in front of us. He will come to us wherever we are and whenever we call (John 6:37). All we need to do is to respond and accept his incredible gift of salvation. Today many people think that to become a Christian and be the recipient of the gift of salvation is a complicated process, but it is not. If we truly believe in our hearts and this belief is shown in the changes that take place in our lives and confess that Jesus is the Lord of our lives, then we too will be saved.

Paul is not saying that Christians will be free of all disappointments. There will be many times when people let us down and when circumstances take a turn for the worse. What Paul is really saying is that Jesus Christ will never let us down and that everyone who believes in him will be saved. Today there are some people who say they believe, but there is no fruit of the Holy Spirit visible in their lives. We validate what comes out of our mouths by the way we live our lives. When we really believe without hearts and confess that Jesus is really the Lord of our life, then others will see in us the fruits of love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

 

LUKE 4:1-13

Temptations often come after a high point in our spiritual lives or ministries. Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us, it will always be “beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). But that is not necessarily true. He led Jesus into the desert and allowed him to experience a long and difficult time of testing.

The Holy Spirit can and does lead us into difficult situations in the desert experiences of our own lives. When facing these trials, first make sure you have not brought them on yourself through sin or foolish choices. If you find no sin to confess or behavior to change, then ask God to strengthen you for your test. Like Jesus did, you are also to follow faithfully where the Holy Spirit leads. We must always remember that Satan is a real being and his temptation of Eve in the Garden and of Jesus in the wilderness is not to be dismissed as just a symbol or an idea. We need to be on our guard in times of victory, just as in times of discouragement. Satan constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey him. We can be assured that knowing and obeying God’s Word is a very effective weapon against temptation.

Scripture clearly points out that God’s Holy Word is a very powerful offensive weapon that is provided in the Christian’s armor (Ephesians 6:17). Knowing Scripture is not enough to defeat Satan because he also knows Scripture. We must have faith in God’s promise that he loves us so much that he sent his only begotten Son into the world to die just for us. Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and Satan cannot stand up to that power.

 

Application

The first reading shows that where your treasure is, your heart is. In the second reading, faith is belief in the giver more than in the gift. In the Gospel, God’s love is far more powerful than Satan’s fear.

This week show your family the power that comes from God when you set him in first place in your life. Let your family see that you joyously tithe and encourage them to give back to God some of the fruits that they enjoy. The simple act of your joyful caring for the helpless with your tithe will be a tremendous witness to your children and your children’s children.

 

OCTAVO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (March 3rd) – CICLO C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

                 Ora y pídele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.” (JUAN 14:26)

 

PRIMER DIA                     Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

  1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

  1. ¿De lo que aprendiste, qué escogiste para aplicar a tu vida esta semana?

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                  ECLESIASTICO 27:4-7                            PRIMERA LECTURA

                                                  (“…así la palabra dá a conocer los sentimientos del hombre.”)

  1. ¿Qué pasa cuando se sacude el cedazo, y cuándo aparecen los defectos del hombre? Eclesiástico 27:4

 

  1. ¿De qué rogamos quedar limpios? ¿Con qué le pedimos al Señor para ser agradable a El?   Salmo 19:13, 15

 

  1. ¿Así como el horno pone a prueba los moldes del alfarero en donde está la prueba del hombre? Ecles. 27:5

 

  1. ¿Quién tiene al rey por amigo?   Proverbios 22:11

 

  1. ¿Qué demuestran los frutos del árbol? ¿La palabra del hombre que dá a conocer? Ecles. 27:6

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el fruto del Espíritu Santo?   Gálatas 5:22-23

 

  1. ¿Cómo se conoce al árbol? ¿De qué habla la boca y qué pasará el día del juicio? Mateo 12:33-37

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes hacer antes de que hable el hombre y por qué? Eclesiástico 27:7

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que mancha a una persona?   Mateo 15:11

 

  1. ¿Cómo has de poner el ejemplo a los creyentes?1 Timoteo 4:12

 

Personal – Piensa en el día de ayer y evalúa lo que dijiste. ¿Qué efecto tuvo lo que dijiste en los que te rodean? ¿Cómo puedes mejorar tu lenguaje?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                     1 CORINTIOS 15:54-58                            SEGUNDA LECTURA

                     (“La muerte se valía del pecado para inyectar su veneno y la misma ley reforzaba al pecado.”)

  1. ¿Con qué se reviste nuestro ser mortal? 1 Corintios 15:54

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que los hijos comparten? ¿Qué es lo que se destruyó con la muerte de Jesús?        Hebreos 2:14-15

 

  1. ¿Qué palabras de la Escritura se han vuelto realidad? 1 Corintios 15:54-55

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el aguijón de la muerte y cuál es el poder del pecado?   1 Corintios 15:56

 

  1. ¿Qué produce la ley? ¿Cuando no hay ley, qué sucede? Romanos 4:15

 

  1. ¿Cómo llegamos a conocer el pecado? ¿Cómo supiste lo que significa codiciar?   Romanos 7:7

 

  1. ¿De qué debemos dar gracias a Dios?   1 Corintios 15:57

 

  1. ¿A dónde nos lleva Dios y qué difunde por medio de nosotros? 2 Corintios 2:14

 

  1. ¿Cómo debemos ser en nuestra obra por el Señor y qué debemos saber?   1 Corintios 15:58

 

  1. ¿Qué no les sucederá a aquellos que Dios bendice? Isaías 65:23

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has tenido la experiencia de la muerte y la victoria en tu vida? ¿Qué significa para tí “trabajar por el Señor?”

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                             LUCAS 6:39-45                                                     EVANGELIO

                                                    (“…por que su boca habla de lo que abunda en el corazón.”)

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a la gente, qué dijo acerca del ciego? ¿El discípulo no es superior a quién?   Lucas 6:39-40

 

  1. ¿A quién se parecerá el discípulo si se deja guiar? Lucas 6:40

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús después de haber lavado los pies a sus discípulos?   Juan 13:15-16

 

  1. ¿Qué observas en el ojo de tu hermano y qué no observas en el tuyo propio? ¿Qué no puedes decirle a tu hermano? Lucas 6:41-42

 

  1. ¿Cómo los llamó Jesús y qué les dijo que hicieran? Lucas 6:42

 

  1. ¿Qué hacen los hipócritas con sus labios? ¿En dónde están sus corazones?   Mateo 15:7-8

 

Personal – ¿Sobre qué asuntos has corregido o tratado de ayudar a otros? Examínate en esos mismos asuntos y observa si tú mismo necesitas sacar la viga de tu ojo.

 

  1. ¿Qué no dará un buen árbol y qué dará un árbol que no es sano? Lucas 6:43

 

  1. ¿Cómo se conoce al árbol? ¿Qué no se puede hacer? Lucas 6:44

 

  1. ¿Qué produce una persona buena? ¿De dónde las saca? ¿Qué produce una persona mala? ¿De dónde las saca?   Lucas 6:45

 

  1. ¿De qué habla la boca?   Lucas 6:45

 

  1. ¿Qué debes de cuidar y por qué? ¿Qué debes alejar de tu boca? Proverbios 4:23-24

 

Personal – Apréndete de memoria el Salmo 141:3 úsalo diariamente para darte cuenta si hay grandes cambios que salen de tu corazón.

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                   LEE SALMO 92:2-3, 13-16

                                                                          (“El justo crecerá como palmera.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 92:2-3, 13-16.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor por medio de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                                 LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO 

                                                                                 ECLESIASTICO 27:4-7 

En la lectura de hoy podemos ver el poder tanto positivo como negativo de la palabra hablada. Muchas veces las Escrituras nos han mostrado como palabras dichas de modo irresponsable han afectado la vida espiritual de alguien. Es muy importante que recordemos siempre que lo que decimos y lo que no decimos puede tener un enorme poder en diversas situaciones.

Hablar adecuadamente no es solo decir las palabras correctas en el momento correcto, es controlar nuestro deseo de decir algo que no es necesario decir o algo que no debemos decir de ningún modo. Desafortunadamente, los ejemplos de usar la lengua de modo impropio son muchos, como por ejemplo, al chismear, al humillar a otros, al alardear, manipular, enseñar falsedades, exagerar, quejarse, adular y mentir. Antes de hablar debemos preguntarnos a nosotros mismos: ¿es esto verdad?, ¿es necesario?, ¿es bénefico?.

Les enseñamos a los demás de que estamos hechos realmente y que es lo que hay en nuestro corazón con el modo en que hablamos. Las Escrituras nos dicen que el daño que la lengua puede causar al ser humano se puede comparar con el furioso fuego del bosque. La maldad de la lengua tiene su origen en el mismo infierno. Satanás se vale de las palabras de una persona para dividir a la gente y enemistarlos unos contra otros. Una conversación llevada a cabo con alegría y veracidad será una conversación de gente alegre y verdaderamente libre. Una persona no quiere ser adulada y no necesita ser alabada por sus actos, una persona quiere ser respetada y ser el producto de un Dios amoroso, de una familia y de una sociedad. Y solo puede ser así cuando le pregunta a Dios que quiere de él o élla en vez de ver que es lo que Dios tiene para él o élla.

Recuerda, unas cuantas palabras dichas con enojo pueden destruir una relación que tomó años para ser construida. Recuerda estamos luchando con nuestra propia fuerza y poder. El Espíritu Santo nos dará mas poder para manejar y controlar lo que decimos. Como cristianos no somos perfectos; pero no debemos dejar de crecer, y eso significa hacer que nuestra palabra revele el amor de Dios que se derrama de nuestro corazón.

 

1 CORINTIOS 15:54-58

En el pasaje de hoy, Pablo va desarrollando la idea de que el hombre siempre necesita ser cambiado para entrar en un grado de vida. Insiste en que antes de que podamos entrar en el reino de Dios debemos ser cambiados. Creer en Cristo es no temer a ningún cambio, incluyendo el que más obsesiona al hombre – la muerte. La mayoría de la gente teme a la muerte por que le es desconocida. Pero para el hombre viene más por el sentido del pecado. Este sentido del pecado viene por estar bajo la ley y eso es exactamente el por qué de la venida de Jesús.

Jesús vino a decirnos que Dios no es la ley, sino el amor y que el centro del ser de Dios no es el legalismo, sino la gracia. Cuando morimos vamos no hacía un juez sino hacía un padre que espera que sus hijos vengan a casa. Debido a eso, Jesús nos dió la victoria sobre la muerte y el temerla se aleja con la maravilla del amor de Dios. El verdadero amor echa fuera el temor, pues este se relaciona con el castigo. (1 Juan 4:18). La muerte ya no es fuente de temor porque Cristo la venció y un día nosotros también lo haremos.

Pablo nos dice que a causa de la resurrección nosotros debemos estar listos y alertas y notar que nada de lo que hacemos se desperdicie. Algunas veces dudamos de dar un paso adelante y hacer algo hermoso por Dios porque no pensamos que es de grán importancia o porque probablemente no veremos el resultado de nuestros esfuerzos. Debemos recordar que todo lo que hacemos por Dios es importante y el efecto durará hasta la vida eterna. Has lo bueno que tengas oportunidad de hacer sabiendo que tu trabajo tendrá resultados a largo plazo.

Pablo nos ha dicho enfáticamente algo que necesitamos oir mucho hoy en día. Dios ha ganado su victoria sobre la muerte y el pecado por que fueron derrotados por Cristo. Mediante Su resurrección, Cristo nos ha mostrado que, el pecado y la muerte no tienen la última palabra y que únicamente guían hacía la vida. Les recuerda a los Corintios de entonces y nos recuerda a nosotros hoy que, “nuestra labor no es en vano.” (1 Corintios 15:58)

 

LUCAS 6:39-45 

El Evangelio de hoy nos habla acerca de criticar a otros. A traves de los tiempos, no importando que tipo de situación haya existido, casi todos están de acuerdo en que si criticamos en vez de compadecernos de los demás, seremos a nuestra vez criticados. Si tratas a otros con generosidad, amable y compadecidamente, esas cualidades volverán a ti en toda su extensión.

Estamos llamados a amar a los demás, no a juzgarlos. Jesús le está diciendo a la gente que se aseguren de seguir a los verdaderos maestros y líderes. Les dice a ellos y nos dice a nosotros, que busquemos líderes que nos demuestren lo que es la fe tanto como que nos enseñen lo que la fe es. Jesús hace hincapié en que no debemos poner tanta atención a lo que la gente hace mal y pasar por alto nuestro propio camino espiritual hacía Dios. Nos anima a buscar la guía de aquellos que aman de acuerdo con Su Santa Palabra y las enseñanzas de Su iglesia. Jesús no quiere decir que ignoremos lo que esté mal hecho, sino que no juzguemos tanto a los demás y empezemos a volvernos como aquellos que perteneciendo a Dios parece que estuvieran congelados, en vez de ser como aquellos que El ha escogido.

Constantemente racionalizamos nuestros pecados señalando nuestros mismos errores en otros. Entendámos el término “hipócrita” y démonos cuenta que por estos fue exactamente por los que Cristo vino y murió. Mucha gente no va a la iglesia porque ahí es donde van los hipócritas el domingo. Bien, si es así, ciertamente también vas a encontrar a Jesús ahí. El vino para los enfermos y todos los pecadores están enfermos. Jesús será el primero en decirte que lo que El quiere es que Su iglesia sea un hospital para los pecadores no un cielo para los santos. Recuerda, ser débil en la fe no es hipocresia, hipocresia es pensar que estas espiritualmente más cerca de Dios que otros.

Lo que haya en nuestros corazones saldrá a la vista por medio de lo que digamos y de nuestra conducta.

 

Aplicación

                 La primera lectura nos muestra que cuando nuestras palabras estan motivadas por Dios estan llenas de misericordia. La segunda lectura revela que Dios no es la ley, Dios es el amor. El Evangelio nos dice que la iglesia es un hospital para pecadores, no un cielo para santos.

Esta semana, deja que tu familia y amigos vean tu corazón mediante el modo en que hables y actues. Una palabra amorosa que digas puede afirmar, elevar y fortalecer el espiritu roto de casi cualquier persona. Es muy importante que escuches a la gente que te rodea y que le pidas al Señor que te haga saber que es lo que necesitas para corregirte. Deja que tu familia y amigos se den bien cuenta de lo que ven en tí y lo que verán será todo del Señor.

Lectio Divina – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time (March 3rd) – Cycle C

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so Your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Scripture: Luke 6:39-45   39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your  brother’s eye. 43 For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the  abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

 

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?