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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (July 1st) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE 

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

          THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

  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?

 

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

  

SECOND DAY       READ WISDOM 1:13-15; 2:23-24    FIRST READING

         (“…the image of his own nature he made him.”)

l.   What did God not make, and in what does he not rejoice? Wisdom 1:13

  

2.   How did Jesus destroy the one who has the power of death? Hebrews 2:14

  

3.   When sin reaches maturity, to what does it give birth? James 1:15

  

4.   In what does God not delay?  What is he with us, and for what reason?    2 Peter 3:9

  

5.   Why did God fashion all things, what are the creatures of the world, and what is there not among them?   Wisdom 1:14

  

6.   What is undying?  Wisdom 1:15

  

7.   To what does the path of justice lead, and to what does the abominable way lead?   Proverbs 12:28

 

8.   What did God form man to be, and in whose image did he form him? Wisdom 2:23 and also Genesis 1:27

  

9.   How did death enter the world, and who experienced it? Wisdom 2:24

  

10.  How did sin enter the world?  What came through sin, and who has sinned?  Romans 5:12

  

11.  What do envy and anger do?    Sirach 30:24

Personal   In what way in your everyday life are you a reflec­tion of the image of God?   Give specific examples.  Whose image dominates your day?   Reflect on this.

THIRD DAY      READ 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15 SECOND READING

          (“…by his poverty you might become rich.”)

1.   What do you do in every respect, in faith, discourse, know-ledge, all earnestness, and in love?   2 Corinthians 8:7

  

2.   How were you enriched in every way, with all discourse and all  Knowledge?    1 Corinthians 1:4-5 

  

3.   What did Jesus Christ become for our sake, although he was rich, and for what reason?   2 Corinthians 8:9

  

4.   What did Jesus, though he was in the form of God, not regard himself as?    Philippians 2:6-8

  

5.   What did Jesus come to do?    Matthew 20:28

 

Personal –  In what way do you see yourself as poor?

 

6.   What is Paul’s desire for the brothers?  2 Corinthians 8:13-15

 

7.   Of what was the community of believers, and what was there not among them?   Acts 4:32-34

 

8.   What is a reason for working?    Ephesians 4:28

  

9.   What is it that is written?   2 Corinthians 8:15

  

10.  What occurred when the Israelites gathered the manna?

Exodus 16:16-18

 

 

Personal  –  How have you been sharing what you have with the needy?  Do you see the community of believers (those in your parish) being cared for equally, and if not, what can you do to change it?

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MARK 5:21-43                GOSPEL

              (“Daughter, your faith has saved you.

                  Go in peace and be cured.”)

1.   As a large crowd gathered around Jesus, who came forward? What did he do upon seeing Jesus?    Mark 5:21-23

  

2.   What did he say would happen to his daughter if Jesus laid hands on her, and when Jesus went off with him, who followed them?  Mark 5:23-24

  

3.   What happened to the woman afflicted, how did she suffer, and was she helped by the doctors?   Mark 5:25-26

 

4.   After doing what three things do you give the doctor his place?    Sirach 38:9-12

  

5.   When the woman with the hemorrhage heard about Jesus, what did she do and what did she say?   Mark 5:27-28

  

6.   What immediately happened to the woman when she touched Jesus?  What did Jesus ask when he was aware that power had gone out of him?    Mark 5:29-30

  

7.   How did the woman approach Jesus, and what did he say saved her?    Mark 5:31-32

 

Personal  –  How has your faith saved you?

 

8.   What happened while Jesus was still speaking?  Disregarding the message, what did Jesus tell the synagogue official? Mark 5:35-36

  

9.   Whom did Jesus allow to accompany him inside, how were the people acting, and what did Jesus say to them?  Mark 5:37-39

  

10.  How did the people react to Jesus; and, putting them out, whom did he take in with him?   Mark 5:40

  

11.  What did Jesus do and say to the child, and what was the girl’s Response?  About what did Jesus give strict orders, and what did he tell them to do for the girl?  Mark 5:41-43

 

Personal  How do you see touching as having a healing effect on those around you?

  

FIFTH DAY        READ PSALM 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13

            (“You changed my mourning into dancing.”)

 Read and meditate on Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13.

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

                     WISDOM 1:13-15, 2:23-24

This passage clearly reveals to us that death and sickness are not of God’s making.  They are, in fact, just the opposite of what God is.  Suffering, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, raises some very hard questions.  Why does God allow so much suffering to take place in the world?  This is a question that seems to be asked all through the ages.

God allows suffering to exist because he has given all mankind the freedom to accept or reject him and his teach­ings. He created each one of us in his image, and as we are told in Genesis, everything that God made was good. We can say this in another way: God does not make junk, but through one man, sin entered into the world, and the wages of sin are death (Rom. 6:23). Sin gave birth to death and suffering. We need only look around and we can see how much death and destruction are put upon the people of the world through pollution, toxic chemicals, drug abuse, alcoholism, abortion, and the incredible plague of war. Man has, in many cases, made God’s image a reflection of man’s image. Those who are in possession of this false destructive image induced by Satan experience all of death and destruction. This death and destruction also touches many innocent people, and it will be stopped only when people turn to the healing power of God. Nations have to stop plundering and des­troying each other.

We are being called to the only real peace, and that is the peace of Christ. Jesus Christ died so that all men might have eternal life (John 3:16).  His death won for us freedom from Satan (death) even while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Our God is a loving and just God. All who suffer and repent are forgiven and all who suffer and are innocent, he glorifies in heaven, and they are with him forever.

                   2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15

Today’s reading is a classic example of an old saying that goes like this: “It is not enough to talk the talk, you must also walk the walk.” We give others a clear message of what we really believe by the way we live our lives.  Today’s reading is not just an appeal to be a giver, it is a call to be a joyful giver. Giving is the natural response of love, and Paul was not ordering the Christians to give. He told them that actions speak much louder than words.

When you love someone, you want to provide for his needs. If we refuse to help, our love may not be as genuine as we say. Jesus gave up his rights as God to become man. Incarnation means God voluntarily became man. Jesus gave up his life for all, and he let himself take on the form of a mere slave. He was obedient even up to his death on the cross.

The Corinthian church had money and Paul challenged them to give of their time, talent, and money for the needy and the poor. Paul shares with us several principles of giving. Your willingness to give is more important than the amount you give. He states that if you give to others in need then you too will be helped in your need. You are called to give as your response to Christ, not for what you may get out of it.  Giving or tithing expresses a fundamental trust in God’s provision for our lives (Phil 4:19).

Jesus chose to give us eternal life, and his giving continues as he gives us grace and power. Jesus tells us in scripture that whatever we do to the least of his brethren, we do unto him (Matt. 25:31-45).   Christians are called to share alms with the poor and those in need  (Luke 11:41).

                           MARK 5:21-43

In today’s Gospel there are all the elements of tragedy and hope. The passage begins with Jesus being confronted by a ruler of the local synagogue named Jarius. Many synagogue rulers had close ties with the Pharisees.  It was very likely that calling on Jesus’ help was not supported very much by Jarius’ peers. To bow before Jesus in front of all those Jewish people was a daring act of respect and worship on Jarius’ part. When his daughter fell ill, something happened to him, and he thought of Jesus. His prejudices were forgotten.  He must have regarded Jesus as an outsider, as one to whom the synagogue doors were closed. His dignity was forgotten. He, the ruler of the synagogue, came and threw himself at the feet of Jesus. His pride was forgotten. This was a man who forgot everything except that he wanted the help of Jesus.

We see a woman with an incurable condition desperately reach out and touching Jesus. Her disorder caused her to bleed constantly which would have made her ritually unclean (Lev. 15:25-27). She knew her bleeding would cause Jesus to be unclean, according to Jewish law, if she touched him. Still she reached out by faith and was healed.

Many times we feel our problems keep us from being close to God, but he is always present and ready to help us. We should never let our fear keep us from reaching out to him. Jesus said her faith caused the cure. Jarius’ faith caused him to seek out Jesus for his daughter. His faith caused his daughter’s cure. Genuine faith involves action. Faith that is not put into action is no faith at all.

Application

The first reading tells us that God does not make junk.  The second reading shows us that our actions speak louder than words.  The Gospel reveals God’s presence in all situa­tions.

This week, by your actions, show what it is that you really believe.  Look for specific ways to be humble to your family, like the ruler in the synagogue.  Make a decision to put your family members’ interests before your own. Share the Good News of the Gospel with each member of your family. Love one another as he loves you.

 

EL NACIMIENTO DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA (June24th) – CICLO B

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EL   NACIMIENTO DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA     CICLO B

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele 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 homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO  DIA                                          LEE ISAIAS 49:1-6                                        PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Te voy a poner como una luz para el mundo”)

 

1. ¿Cuándo llamó el Señor a su servidor y desde dónde lo llamó? Isaias 49:1

 

2. ¿Cuándo conoció y dedicó el Señor al profeta Jeremías y qué destino le dió? Jeremías 1:5

 

3. ¿Qué hizo el Señor de su servidor y dónde lo escondió? Isaias 49:2

 

4. ¿Cuál es la espada del Espíritu? Efesios 6:17

 

5. ¿Quién dice el Señor que es su servidor y a quién dió a conocer a través de él? Isaias 49:3

 

6. ¿Cómo recibe su recompensa el servidor y  qué hizo por él? Isaias 49:4

 

7. ¿Cómo lo formó el Señor y por qué razón lo hizo? Isaias 49:5

 

8. ¿Qué es el servidor a los ojos del Señor y quién le ha dado la fuerza? Isaias 49:5

 

9. ¿Para qué no vale la pena que sea su servidor? Isaias 49:6

 

10. ¿Para qué quiere el Señor a su servidor y por qué razón lo hizo? Isaias 49:6

 

Personal- De qué modo has sido tu un servidor del Señor y una luz para tu familia, tus amigos, en la escuela o lugar de trabajo?

 

TERCER   DIA                                              LEE HECHOS 13:22-26                                   SEGUNDA LECTURA

(…y a nosotros nos dirigió el mensaje de salvación,”)

 

1. ¿Quién estaba hablando y a quién se dirigía? Hechos 13:16

 

2. ¿A quién les dió el Señor como rey?Hechos 13:21-22

 

3. ¿Qué dice Samuel que te pasará si no obedeces al Señor?1 Samuel 12:15

 

4. ¿Por qué el Señor le quitó el reino a Saúl y se lo dió a David?  1 Samuel 28:17-18

 

5. ¿Quién prometió Dios que vendría como descendiente de David? Hechos 13:23

 

6. ¿Quién proclamó su venida y qué fué lo que proclamó? Hechos 13:24

 

7. ¿Por qué debemos arrepentirnos? Mateo 3:2

 

8. ¿Cuando Juan terminaba su curso qué dijo? Hechos 13:25

 

9. ¿Qué ha sido enviado a los hijos de Abraham y a aquellos que temen al Señor? Hechos 13:26

 

10. ¿Qué había en el principio,quése hizo y quién es el Verbo?Juan 1:1,14

 

Personal- ¿Cómo estás tu proclamando la venida del Señor? ¿Cuál ha sido el resultado?

 

CUARTO  DIA                                               LEE LUCAS 1:57-66,80                                     EVANGELIO

( “Su nombre es Juan”)

 

1. ¿Quién es la esposa de Zacarías  y con qué se llenó cuando oyó el saludo de María? Lucas 1:41

 

2. ¿Llegado su tiempo, a quién dió a luz Isabel? Lucas 1:57

 

3. ¿Qué le mostró el Señor a Isabel y que hicieron sus vecinos y parientes? Lucas 1:58

 

4. ¿Qué hicieron en el octavo dia y cómo iban a llamar al niño? Lucas 1:59

 

5. ¿Cómo dijo Isabel que se iba a llamar el niño? Lucas 1:60

 

6. ¿Qué le dijeron a Isabel los que estaban presentes y a quién le preguntaron con señas? Lucas 1:62

 

7. ¿Por qué Zacarías no hablaba? Lucas 1:19-20

 

8. ¿Cuando Zacarías escribió el nombre en la tablilla,qué le pasó y a quién alabó?Lucas 1:64

 

9. ¿Qué les pasó a todos los vecinos,qué comentaban,qué hicieron y dijeron? Lucas 1:65-66

 

10. ¿Qué se fortalecía en el niño y donde permaneció hasta el dia en que se presentó a Israel? Lucas 1:80

 

Personal- ¿De qué modo ha llegado a tí la palabra del Señor, de qué modo has cumplido con élla o has fallado en cumplirla? Reflexiona sobre escuchar y obedecer al Señor y cómo se mueve Dios a través de nuestra obediencia o desobediencia?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                      LEE SALMO 139:1-3,13-15

(“,,,mis dias fueron trazados antes de que ninguno de éllos existiera”.)

 

Leé y medita en el Salmo 139:1-3, 13-15

 

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO  DIA                                             LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

ISAIAS 49:1-6

Este capítulo de Isaias es llamado el libro de la consolación porque Isaias lo dice en términos muy convincentes no solo sobre la restauración de Judá, sino también de la venida del servidor  que será el Rey y el Mesías .La restauración es firme por que éllos regresarán a su tierra a preparar la venida del Mesías, también conocido como el servidor sufriente que redimirá a su pueblo.Este pasaje es sobre el ser escogido para ser una luz en la obscuridad.

Esta profesía es sobre el servidor sufriente que fue llamado desde las entrañas de su madre.Su nombre fue escogido cuando todavía estaba en el vientre de su madre.Isaias nos dice que Dios hará sus palabras para enjuiciar,muy penetrantes.Dios ha escondido a su servidor en la sombra de Su mano.El es como una flecha puntiaguda en la funda para las flechas que tiene Dios.El conocía a su servidor desde antes de que naciera.El Señor lo comisionó para ir adelante y ser una luz en la salvación de todo el mundo.Antes de que naciera Dios lo dedicó para que le sirviera como un profeta en todas las naciones.

Hoy en dia vemos esa luz atrayendo a todos los que están en la obscuridad.Es la luz de la salvación y nosotros hemos sido llamados al igual que Isaias para ir adelante y hacer discípulos de todas las naciones tomando la espada del Espíritu ,la Palabra de Dios y proclamando Su salvación.Como a su servidor cuando el Señor nos pregunta ,a quién mandaré,nosotros diremos también “mándame a mí”.Deja que los que te rodean vean en tí la luz de Cristo y así salgan de su obscuridad y vengan a la luz de la salvación.

 

HECHOS  13:22-26

El centro de este pasaje es Juan Bautista, el cuál manifestó la venida de Jesús, proclamando un bautizmo de arrepentimirnto .El mensaje de Juan era”Arrepiéntanse, el reino del cielo está a la mano”. Juan le diría  a la gente, quién dicen ustedes que soy yo? Yo no soy él.Vendrá uno despues de mí, del cual yo no soy digno de desatarle las sandalias de sus pies.Nuestra escritura abre con el rey David viniendo a reemplazar al rey Saúl, el cual había sido el primer rey de Israel.Dios llamó a David ‘un hombre de mi gusto”.De la línea de descendientes del  rey David vino el salvador del mundo, Jesucristo.

Juan iba retándo a todos a arrepentirnos o morir.Vivió en el desierto y su dieta y su dieta era de miel y   

 cicadas.Hoy dia no hay protestas por la indignidad de los muchos actos inmorales que son cometidos .Vemos que en muchas situaciones el mal tiene éxito, simplemente por que los hombres buenos no hacen algo .Podríamos preguntar donde están los Juan Bautistas  en la sociedad de hoy.Juan supo quien era la Verdad y lo defendió con todo su corazón y con toda su vida. A Juan le cortaron la cabeza debido a que así lo pidió Salomé, la hija bailarina de Herodias, la esposa ilegítima del rey.

LUCAS  1:57-66,80

La escritura dice que cuando llegó la hora para Isabel de tener a su bebé, élla dió a luz a un hijo varón (Lucas 1:57) La escritura no dice las edades de Zacarías e Isabel, pero bien podemos imaginar que éllos tendrían sesenta o setenta años cuando nació su hijo.¿Pueden ustedes imaginar a alguien que ya no tiene esperanzas de tener un hijo y sinembargo quedar embarazada por primera vez? Todos esperaban que el niño llevaría el nombre de su padre, pero un ángel le dijo a Zacarías que el nombre del niño sería Juan. Los parientes objetaron, pues el nombre Juan no era parte de su árbol genealógico.Ellos pensaban que debía llevar el nombrede su padre y llevar el nombre de la familia.

Dios pidió a Juan .Era lo normal que el padre tuviera el privilegio de escoger el nombre del niño .El hecho de nombrar a alguien puede demostrar una bonita relación entre padre e hijo.Dios estaba escogiendo pues tenía un llamado especial en la mente.El sabía que Juan sería el precursor del Mesías

Los nombres escogidos por Dios tienen un significado especial; Juan quiere decir “El Señor es misericordioso” Esta bendición ha sido dada a todos nosotros porque la Misericordia  es para todos los que no la merecen.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura revela al servidor del Señor hecho la luz de las naciones.La segunda lectura nos llama a preparar el camino del Señor proclamando un bautizmo de arrepentimiento .El Evangelio nos llama a ser obedientes a la Palabra del Señor .

Examinemos nuestra conciencia y veamos si hay algunas areas de desobediencia .Compartamos ésto con alguien de nuestra confianza.

Lectio Divina – The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (June 24th) – Cycle B

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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 1: 57-66, 80 –When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

  1. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist (June 24th) – Cycle B

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The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

CYCLE B

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)

Application

The first reading reveals that putting our hope in man rather than in God is a false hope.  The second reading shows us that belief is an action that calls for a response. We live the way we really believe.  The Gospel tells us that hypocrisy is defeated by truth.

This week, make a list of what areas in your life are a hypocrisy, and then confess that one area to a Christian brother or sister, so that he or she may pray that you will be healed (James 5:16). Pick out someone from your family, job, or school and be specific.  Remember, the prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). The truth of Christ will really set you free from hypocrisy (John 8:32). In one week you will experience a tremendous healing.  Write to us and share how God has answered your prayer.

FIRST DAY

  1. What was a helpful or a new thought from the readings or from the homily you heard on Sunday?
  2. From what you learned, what Personal?  application did you choose to apply to your life this week?

SECOND DAY  READ ISAIAH 49:1-6     FIRST READING (“I will make you a light to the Nations.”)

  1. When did the Lord call his servant and from where did he give him his name?  Isaiah 49:1
  2. When did the Lord know and dedicate the prophet Jeremiah and to what did he appoint him? Jeremiah 1:5
  3. What did the Lord make of his servant and where did he conceal him? Isaiah 49:2
  4. What is the sword of the Spirit? Ephesians 6:17
  5. Who did the Lord say is his servant and what does he show through him? Isaiah 49:3
  6. Where is the servants reward and what has he done? Isaiah 49:4
  7. How did the Lord form me and for what reason has he done this? Isaiah 49:5
  8. What is his servant made in the eyes of the Lord and who has been his strength? Isaiah 49:5
  9. What is to small a thing for his servant to do? Isaiah 49:6
  10. What will God make his servant and for what reason does he do this? Isaiah 49:6

Personal – In what way have you been a servant to the Lord and a light to those in your family, with your friends, at school or in the workplace?

THIRD DAY  READ ACTS 13:22-26  SECOND READING (“….to us the word of salvation has been sent.”)

  1. Who is speaking and to whom is he speaking? Acts 13:16
  2. Who did the Lord raise up as king? Acts 13:21-22
  3. What did Samuel say will happen to you if you do not obey the Lord? 1 Samuel 12:15
  4. Why did the Lord take the kingdom from Saul and give it to David? 1 Samuel 28:17-18
  5. Who did God promise would come from David’s descendents? Acts 13:23
  6. Who heralded his coming and what did he proclaim? Acts 13:24
  7. Why must we repent? Matthew 3:2
  8. As John was completing his course what did he say? Acts 13:25
  9. What has been sent to the children of Abraham, and those others among them who are God-fearing? Acts 13:26
  10. What was in the beginning, what did it become, and who is the word? John 1:1, 14

Personal – How are you heralding the coming of the Lord? What has been the result?

FOURTH DAY  READ LUKE 1:57-66, 80  GOSPEL READING (“John is his name?”)

  1. Who is the wife of Zechariah and who was she filled with when she heard Mary’s greeting?  Luke 1:41
  2. When the time arrived, Elizabeth gave birth to whom? Luke 1:57
  3. What did the Lord show Elizabeth and what did the neighbors and relatives do with her? Luke 1:58
  4. What did they come to do on the eighth day and what were they going to call the child? Luke 1:59
  5. What did Elizabeth say the name of the child would be? Luke 1:60
  6. What did those present say to Elizabeth and who did they turn to making signs? Luke 1:62
  7. Why was Zechariah speechless? Luke 1:19-20
  8. When Zechariah wrote John’s name on the tablet what happened to him and who did he bless?  Luke 1:64
  9. What came upon their neighbors as they discussed all these things and what did they do and say?  Luke 1:65-66
  10. In what did the child become strong, and where was he until the day of his manifestation to Israel?   Luke 1:80

Personal – In what specific way has the word of the Lord come to you and how have you carried it out or how have you failed to carry it out?  Reflect on listening and obeying the Lord and the way God moves through our obedience or disobedience.

FIFTH DAY  READ PSALM 139:1-3, 13-15 (“….my days were shaped, before one came to be.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15

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

How can you apply this to your daily spiritual life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 49:1-6

This chapter of Isaiah is called the book of consolation because Isaiah tells in powerful terms not only of the restoration of Judah but also of the coming servant to be the Messiah King. The restoration is firm because they must return to their own land to prepare the way for the coming Messiah also known as the suffering servant who is to redeem his people.   This passage is about being chosen to be a light in the darkness.

This prophesy is about a suffering servant who was called from the womb of his mother. His name was chosen while he was still in his mother’s womb. Isaiah tells us that God will make his words of judgment very sharp. God has hidden his servant in the shadow of His hand. He is like a sharp arrow in God’s quiver. He knew his servant before he was even born. He is commissioned by the Lord to go forth and be a light of salvation to the whole world. Before his servant was born God dedicated him to serve as a prophet to the nations.

Today we see that light drawing all those in darkness to it. It is the light of salvation and we have been called, just like Isaiah, to go forth and make disciples of all nations by taking up the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God and proclaiming His salvation. Like His servant when God asks us, who shall I send, we too will say “send me”. Let those around you see that light of Christ within you draw them out of their darkness and come out into the light of salvation.

ACTS 13:22-26

The heart of this passage is John the Baptist who heralded Jesus’ coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance. John’s message was “Repent the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John would say to the people what do you say that T am? I am not he. Behold one is coming after me and I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.. Our scripture opens with King David being raised up to replace King Saul, who was the first king of Israel. God called David a man after my own heart. From the line of King David’s descendants came the savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

John went about challenging all to repent or perish. He lived in the wilderness and his diet was locusts and honey. Today he would be considered crude and offensive and would most likely be arrested and sent to prison. Today there is a lack of outrage for the many immoral acts that are committed in our schools, communities. We see in many situations that evil does succeed, simply because good men do nothing. We might ask where the John the Baptists are in today’s societies. John knew who the Truth was and he defended Him with his heart and his life. John was beheaded upon the request of Salome the dancing daughter of Herodias, the illegitimate wife of the King.

LUKE 1:57-66, 80

Scripture says when it was time for Elizabeth to have her baby, she gave birth to a baby boy (Luke 1:57) Scripture doesn’t tell us the ages of Zechariah and Elizabeth but we can well imagine that they were in their sixties or seventies when they had their child. Can you imagine some one giving up all hope for a child, and still becoming pregnant for the first time? Every one expected the child to be named after his father, but the angel told Zacharias that he was to name the boy John. Relatives and friends objected because the name John was not in the family tree. They thought the baby should be named after his father and to carry on the family name.

God claimed John and it was normally the father’s privilege to choose a child’s name. The act of naming someone can also show a cherished parent-child relationship. God was claiming a special calling that he had in mind. He knew that John would be the forerunner of the Messiah. Names chosen by God have a special meaning; John means The Lord is merciful. This blessing has been passed on to all of us because Mercy is for those that do not deserve it.

Application

The first reading reveals the servant of the Lord is made to be a light to the nations. The second reading calls us to prepare the way of the Lord by proclaiming a baptism of repentance. The gospel calls us to be obedient to the Word of the Lord.

Let us examine our conscience and see if there are any area’s of disobedience. Share this with someone you trust.

 

UNDECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (June 17th) – CICLO B

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UNDECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele 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 homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                   LEE EZEQUIEL 17:22-24                                         PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Como Yo, El Señor, he dicho, asi lo haré.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién está hablando y qué plantará El en una alta y encumbrada montaña? Ezequiel 17:22

 

  1. ¿Qué harán los sobrevivientes de la casa de Judá? 2 Reyes 19:30

 

  1. ¿Qué profetizaron Isaias y Jeremias que llegaria un dia? Isaias 2:2 y Jeremias 23:5-6

 

  1. ¿Dónde plantará Dios un majestuoso cedro, qué brotará y qué dará éste y quienes habitarán bajo él?

Ezequiel 17:23

 

  1. ¿Qué sucederá a Israel en los dias que vendrán y con qué cubrirán el mundo? Isaias 27:6

 

  1. ¿Quién crecerá como una palmera y se alzará como un cedro de Libano? Salmo 92:13

 

  1. ¿Qué sabran todos los árboles del bosque? Ezequiel 17:24

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que seran humilladas y quien será exaltado? Isaias 2:12-17

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos odiar? Proverbios 8:13

 

  1. ¿Qué viene con la soberbia y qué convive con los humildes? Proverbios 11:2

 

Personal – ¿De qué forma te ha humillado El Señor y de qué manera te ha enaltecido? ¿En qué te ha hecho El florecer?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                       LEE 2 CORINTIOS 5:6-10                                       SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Caminamos por la fé, sin ver todavia.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién está escribiendo esta carta, y a quién le está hablando?   2 Corintios 1:1

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos ser siempre y cuándo estamos alejados del Señor? 2 Corintios 5:6

 

  1. ¿A causa de qué caminamos? 2 Corintios 5:7

 

 

  1. ¿Qué es la fé? Hebreos 11:1

Personal – ¿De qué estas convencido en lo que concierne a Jesucristo, aun cuando no lo has visto?

 

 

  1. ¿Por qué nosotros querriamos mas bien dejar el cuerpo? 2 Corintios 5:1 y 5:8, tambien Romanos 8:23

 

  1. ¿Qué es la vida y la muerte? Filipenses 1:21

 

  1. ¿Qué aspiramos hacer estemos en casa o alejados? 2 Corintios 5:9

 

  1. ¿Cómo debemos servir a Cristo y de esta forma agradar a Dios y ser aprobados por otros?

Romanos 14:17-18

 

  1. ¿Dónde deberemos todos aparecer y por qué razon? 2 Corintios 5:10

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes hacer y por qué? Romanos 14:10

 

Personal – ¿Por qué razones estás esperando aparecer frente al tribunal de Dios?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                         LEE MARCOS 4:26-34                                                           EVANGELIO

 

(“A esto se parece el reino de Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué diseminaria un hombre sobre la tierra? Marcos 4:26

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que un hombre no ha de saber cuando duerme y cuando se levanta? Marcos 4:27

 

  1. ¿Qué produce la tierra espontaneamente y qué hace el hombre cuando el grano esta maduro?

Marcos 4:28-29

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasa a los que mueren en el Señor y quién cosechara la tierra? Apocalipsis 14:13-16

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa con la resurrección de los muertos, qué es sembrado y que es levantado? 1 Corintos 15:42-44

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca del reino de Dios y de la semilla de mostaza cuando es sembrada

en la tierra?   Marcos 4:30-31

 

  1. ¿Cómo se considera la lengua? Santiago 3:5-6

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa cuando la semilla de mostaza brota? ¿En qué se convierte cuando crece y quienes habitan

en su sombra?  Marcos 4:32

 

  1. ¿Cómo crece nuestra fé? Romanos 10:17

 

Personal – ¿Cómo ha crecido tu fé y que has encontrado que impide el crecimiento de tu fé?

 

 

  1. ¿Cómo decia Jesús las parábolas? Marcos 4:33

 

  1. ¿Qué hacia Jesús en privado con Sus discípulos? Marcos 4:34

 

 

Personal – En tu tiempo de oración privada con el Señor, ¿Cómo te habla Jesús a traves de Su Espíritu Santo que mora dentro de ti?

 

 

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 a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                                     LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

EZEQUIEL 17:22-24

 

La lectura de hoy es un mensaje de esperanza para la gente de hoy, como fue en los tiempos de Ezequiel. La lectura nos muestra lo que pasó a una nación que puso todas sus esperanzas en una alianza extranjera. Sedecias se fiaba de su habilidad para hacer alianzas con sus vecinos en lugar de atenerse al poder de Dios. Solo Dios pudo ofrecerles un signo de real y confiada esperanza. Dios dijo que El plantaria un retoño tierno, llamado Mesías, cuyo reino creceria y seria un seguro refugio para todos los que vinieran a El (Isaias 11:1).

Hemos visto esta profesia cumplida en la venida de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Experimentamos esperanzas falsas cuando dependemos en alianzas extranjeras, asi como orgullo, poder, riquezas y posición. El Señor fue aquel que tomó un pequeño retoño y lo convirtió en un majestuoso árbol productor de fruta. Nuestros dones y talentos nos llegan, no por nosotros mismos, sino que nos vienen de Dios. Necesitamos mirar alrededor en nuestras comunidades y veremos majestuosos árboles caidos y el gran daño que han causado en su estrepitosa caida.

El Señor hará caer estrepitosamente al suelo al orgulloso y altivo y El tambien exaltará al humilde y manso. Hay tendencia en nuestra sociedad de identificar mansedumbre con debilidad. Los orgullosos dependen de ellos mismos y en otros como ellos y terminan en desgracia y completa humillación. Los mansos nunca se olvidan que ellos son una pequeña ramita hecha por Dios y su crecimiento en un árbol gigante que produce fruta es el resultado del tremendo don de la gracia de Dios. Los mansos, a causa de su humildad y obediencia a Dios, se convierten en los mas fuertes en el reino de Dios. Las escrituras nos dicen que el orgulloso termina en fracaso, pero la sabiduria convive con el humilde. (Proverbios 11:2).

 

2 CORINTIOS 5:6-10

 

La muerte es horrorosa para mucha gente porque es misteriosa, desconocida y final. Pero vemos en la lectura de hoy que Pablo no tenia miedo de morir porque confiaba en pasar la eternidad con Cristo. Esto no niega que enfrentar lo desconocido y dejar los seres amados no traiga alguna forma de ansiedad. Dejando aquellos que uno ama hiere profundamente, pero si creemos en Jesucristo, podemos participar en la esperanza de Pablo y la confianza de la vida eterna con Cristo.

 

Las Escrituras nos dicen que si nosotros creemos en Cristo, no pereceremos pero tendremos vida eterna (Juan 3:16). Para aquellos que creen en Jesucristo, la muerte no es la última palabra. La muerte es solo un preludio a la vida eterna con Dios. Los cristianos dejan la tierra mortal y entran en la tierra de los vivos cuando mueren. En efecto, la unica persona que ha nacido para morir fue Jesucristo. Su muerte ganó para nosotros la victoria sobre la muerte. Por El,tu y yo podemos enfrentar el mañana sin miedo. Al tiempo de nuestra muerte física, nuestra vida continúa en espíritu y al final de los tiempos en un nuevo cuerpo glorificado en la presencia de nuestro amoroso Dios. Es esta seguridad y confianza que nos inspira a servir fielmente.

Es verdad que la vida eterna es un regalo gratis, dado a traves de la gracia de Dios (Efesios 2:8,9). Tambien es verdad que nuestras vidas seran juzgadas por Cristo. El regalo de la fé no nos libra de la obediencia. No debemos jamas usar el regalo de Dios como excusa para la haraganeria, porque todos los cristianos deberan dar cuenta de como han vivido (Mateo 16:27). No deberemos jamas olvidar que la fé es la respuesta a la presencia viva y poder de Dios en nuestras vidas. Podemos, como Pablo, mirar hacia ese “Dia del Señor” sin miedo, porque el miedo mira hacia el castigo (1 Juan 4:18). Y nosotros tenemos un Dios de amor, que murió por nosotros mientras nosotros eramos aun pecadores (Romanos 5:8) simplemente porque El nos amó mucho.

 

MARCOS 4:26-34

 

El Evangelio de hoy revela que el crecimiento espiritual es un continuo y gradual proceso que alcanza su plenitud en la madurez espiritual. El crecimiento espiritual se parece mucho al lento, continuo crecimiento de una planta. Se cosecha cuando alcanza la madurez. El ejemplo de Jesús de la pequeñisima semilla de mostaza se identifica realmente con la iglesia. Nuestra Iglesia Católica comenzó muy pequeña no hace tanto y ha crecido en una mundial comunidad cristiana de creyentes.

La pequeñisima semilla de mostaza es tambien como tú y yo, en el sentido que cuando nos sentimos solos en nuestra firmeza por Cristo, nos damos cuenta que Dios está construyendo un reino mundial a traves nuestro. Dios tiene muchos seguidores fieles en cada parte del mundo, y nuestra fé, no importa cuan pequeña sea, puede unirse con otras para lograr grandes cosas. Hoy nuestra fé continua creciendo a traves de Su Palabra y necesitamos proclamarla a todos los que encontremos, sea en nuestros nuestros hogares, lugar de trabajo o escuelas (Mateo 28:19).

Jesús habló en parábolas para desafiar a los buscadores sinceros a descubrir el verdadero sentido de sus palabras. Jesús habló contra la hipocresia y los motivos impuros, los cuales eran característicos de su comunidad religiosa. Tenemos que comprender que solo poniendo las enseñanzas de Dios en práctica, entenderemos y veremos mas la verdad. La verdad es clara, pero nuestra habilidad para entender es imperfecta. Asi obedeciendo, agudizaremos nuestra vision y acrecentaremos nuestro entendimiento (Santiago 1:22-25). Hoy, como en los dias de este Evangelio, aquellos que verdaderamente escuchan a Jesús y obedecen Su Sagrada Palabra saben de lo que El está hablando.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura revela que poner nuestra esperanza en el hombre en vez de Dios, es una esperanza falsa. La segunda lectura muestra que creer es una acción que pide respuesta. Vivimos en la manera que realmente creemos. El Evangelio nos dice que la hipocresia es derrotada por la verdad.

Esta semana, has una lista de las partes de tu vida que son una hipocresia, y luego confiésalo a un hermano o hermana cristiana, para que ellos puedan rogar por ti para que sanes. (Santiago 5:16). Escoje a alguien de tu familia, trabajo o escuela y se específico. Recuerda, la oración de un hombre justo tiene mucho poder. (Santiago 5:16). La verdad de Cristo te librará realmente de la hipocresia (Juan 8:32). En una semana experimentarás un tremendo alivio. Escríbenos y haznos participes de como Dios ha respondido a tu ruego.

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (June 17th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

                     CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

           ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

  

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)

 

Application

 

The first reading reveals the sacredness of Mt. Sinai to the Israelites. The second reading tells us that we are the tabernacles of God. The Gospel tells us that Eucharist means unity and thanksgiving.

 

This week, share your faith with someone. Tell them what Jesus’ death means to you, and what it means to eat at the Lord’s table. You may be sharing this revelation with someone who is very hungry for spiritual food. It might be someone in your family, school or work.  Jesus calls each one of us to feed his lambs.  Go forth and share your faith, and feed his lambs.        

 

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?

 

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

 

 

 

SECOND DAY           READ EZEKIEL 17:22-24        FIRST READING

 

         (“As I, the Lord, have spoken, so will I do.”

 

l.   Who is speaking, and what will he plant on a high and     lofty mountain?   Ezekiel 17:22

 

 

2.   What shall the survivors of the house of Judah do?

2 Kings 19:30

 

 

3.   What did Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesy in days to come?

Isaiah 2:2 and Jeremiah 23:5-6

 

 

4.   Where will God plant a majestic cedar, what will it put forth and bear, and what shall dwell beneath it? 

Ezekiel 17:23

 

 

5.   What will happen to Israel in days to come, and with      what will they cover the world?    Isaiah 27:6

 

 

6.   Who shall flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon?   Psalm 92:13

 

 

7.   What will all the trees of the field know?  Ezekiel 17:24

 

 

8.   What two things will be brought low, and who will be

exalted?    Isaiah 2:12-17

 

 

9.   What are we to hate?    Proverbs 8:13

 

 

10.  What comes with pride, and what comes with the humble?

Proverbs 11:2

 

 

Personal – How has the Lord brought you low, and how has he lifted you up?   In what way has he made you bloom?

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-10     SECOND READING

 

              (“We walk by faith, not by sight.”)

 

1.   Who is writing this letter, and to whom is he   speaking? 2 Corinthians 1:1

 

 

2.   What are we to be always, and when are we away from the Lord?   2 Corinthians 5:6

 

 

3.   By what do we walk?   2 Corinthians 5:7

 

 

4.   What is faith?    Hebrews 11:1

 

 

Personal – What are you convinced of concerning Jesus Christ even though you have not seen?

 

 

5.   Why would we rather leave the body?2 Cor. 5:1 and 5:8.

See also Romans 8:23

 

 

6.   What are life and death?    Philippians 1:21

 

 

7.   What do we aspire to do whether we are at home or    away? 2 Corinthians 5:9

 

 

 

8.   How are we to serve Christ and in this way be pleasing    to God and approved by others?   Romans 14:17-18

 

 

9.   Where must we all appear, and for what reason?  

2 Corinthians 5:10

 

 

10.  What must you not do, and for what reason?   Romans 14:10

 

 

Personal – For what reasons are you looking forward to appearing before the judgment seat of God?

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MARK 4:26-34                GOSPEL

 

        (“This is how it is with the kingdom of God.”)

 

1.   What would a man scatter on the ground?  Mark 4:26

 

 

2.   What would a man not know as he would sleep and rise?

Mark 4:27

 

 

3.   Of its own accord, what does the land yield, and what     does man do when the grain is ripe?   Mark 4:28-29

 

 

4.   What happens to those who die in the Lord, and who   harvested the earth?   Revelation 14:13-16

 

 

5.   What happens at the resurrection of the dead, what is     sown, and what is raised?    1 Corinthians 15:42-44

 

 

6.   What did Jesus say about the kingdom of God, and what     is the mustard seed when it is sown in the ground?     Mark 4:30-31

 

 

7.   What is the tongue considered?   James 3:5-6

 

 

8.   What happens when the mustard seed springs up?  What      does it put forth, and who dwells in its shade?   Mark 4:32

 

 

9.   How does our faith grow?    Romans 10:17

 

 

Personal – How has your faith grown, and what have you found to hinder your growth in faith?

 

 

10.  How did Jesus speak the parables?   Mark 4:33

 

 

11.  What did Jesus do in private with his disciples?

Mark 4:34

 

 

Personal – In your private prayer time with the Lord, how does Jesus speak to you through his Holy Spirit dwelling within you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY          READ PSALM 92:2-3, 13-16

 

 

      (“The just man shall flourish like the palm tree.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16.

 

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

 

                       EZEKIEL 17:22-24

 

This reading is a message of hope for the people of today, as it was in the time of Ezekiel.  It shows us what happened to a nation that put its hope in a foreign alliance.  The people relied on their ability to make treaties with neighbors instead of relying on the power of God. Only God could offer them a sign of real and trusting hope. God said he would plant a tender twig, called the Messiah, whose kingdom would grow and become a shelter for all who come to him (Isaiah 11:1).

 

We have seen this prophecy fulfilled in the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We experience false hope when we depend on foreign alliances, like pride, power, wealth and status. The Lord was the one who took a small twig and made it into a mighty fruit-bearing tree. Our gifts and talents come not from ourselves, but from God. We need only look around in our communities to see mighty trees that have fallen, and much damage has resulted in their crashing fall. 

 

The Lord will bring the proud and haughty crashing to the ground, and he also will exalt the lowly and the meek. There is a tendency in our societies to identify meekness with weakness. The proud depend on themselves and others like themselves and end up in disgrace and complete humiliation. The meek never forget that they are a twig made by God and their growth into a giant, fruit-bearing tree is the result of God’s tremendous gift of grace. The meek, because of their humility and obedience to the Lord, become the strongest in the kingdom of God.  Scripture tells us that the proud end in failure, but the meek become wise (Proverbs 11:2).

 

                     2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-10

 

Death is so frightening for many people because it is mysterious, unknown and final.  Yet we see in today’s reading that Paul was not afraid to die because he was confident of spending eternity with Christ.  This does not deny that facing the unknown and leaving loved ones do not bring some form of anxiety.  Leaving those whom we love hurts deeply, but if we believe in Jesus Christ, we can share Paul’s hope and confidence of eternal life with Christ.

 

Scripture tells us that if we believe in Christ, we shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).  For those who believe in Jesus Christ, death is not the last word.  Death is only a prelude to eternal life with God. When Christians leave the land of the dying, they enter into the land of the living. In fact, the only person who was ever born to die was Jesus Christ. His death won for us a victory over death.  Because of him, you and I can face tomorrow without fear.  Upon our physical death, our lives will continue in spirit and at the end of time in a new glorified body forever in the presence of our loving God.  It is this confident hope that inspires us to faithful service.

 

It is true that eternal life is a free gift, given through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8,9). It is also true that our lives will still be judged by Christ. The gift of faith does not free us from obedience.  We must never use God’s gift as an excuse for laziness, because all Christians must give an account for how they had lived (Matthew 16:27). We must never forget that faith is the response to the living presence and power of God in our lives.  We can, like Paul, look forward to that “Day of the Lord” without any fear, because fear has to do with punishment (1 John 4:18). And we have a God of love, who died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8) simply because he loved us so much.

 

                         MARK 4:26-34

 

Today’s Gospel reveals that spiritual growth is a continual, gradual process that reaches its fullness in spiritual maturity. Spiritual growth is very much like the slow, steady growth of a plant.  It is harvested when it reaches its time of fullness. Jesus’ example of the tiny mustard seed really identifies with the church. Our Catholic Church started out very small. It was not very long before it had grown into a worldwide Christian com­munity of believers.

 

The tiny mustard seed is also like you and me, in that when we feel alone in our stand for Christ, we realize that God is building a worldwide kingdom through us. God has many faithful followers in every part of the world, and our faith, no matter how small, can join with others to accomplish great things.  Today our faith continues to grow through hearing his Word, and we need to proclaim his Word to all we meet, whether in our homes, work places or schools (Matt. 28:19).

 

Jesus spoke in parables to challenge the sincere seekers to discover the true meaning of his words.  He spoke out against hypocrisy and impure motives which were characteristic of the various members of the crowd listening to Jesus. We need to realize that only as we put God’s teachings into practice will we understand and see more of the truth. The truth is clear, but our ability to understand it is imperfect.  As we obey, we will sharpen our vision and increase our understanding (James 1:22-25).  Today, as in the days of this Gospel, those who truly listen to Jesus and obey his holy Word know what he is talking about.

 

 

Application

 

The first reading reveals that putting our hope in man rather than in God is a false hope.  The second reading shows us that belief is an action that calls for a response. We live the way we really believe.  The Gospel tells us that hypocrisy is defeated by truth.

 

This week, make a list of what areas in your life are a hypocrisy, and then confess that one area to a Christian brother or sister, so that he or she may pray that you will be healed (James 5:16). Pick out someone from your family, job, or school and be specific.  Remember, the prayer of a righteous man avail­eth much (James 5:16). The truth of Christ will really set you free from hypocrisy (John 8:32). In one week you will experience a tremen­dous healing.  Write to us and share how God has answered your prayer.

 

 

Lectio Divina – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 17th) – Cycle B

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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

Mark 4:26-34 – Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

DECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (June 10th) – CICLO B

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DECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – CICLO B

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele 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 homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                       LEE GENESIS 3:9-15                                             PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“El te aplastará la cabeza mientras tu te abalanzas sobre su talón.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién llamó al hombre y que le preguntó? Génesis 3:9

 

  1. ¿A quién vino a llamar Jesús? Marcos 2:17

 

  1. ¿Por qué se escondia el hombre? Génesis 3:10

 

  1. ¿Con que esperamos ser vestidos? 2 Corintios 5:1-3

 

  1. ¿Qué le preguntó Dios al hombre? Génesis 3:11

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el hombre acerca de la mujer y qué hizo? Génesis 3:12

 

  1. ¿Qué le preguntó el Señor a la mujer y quién dijo ella que la habia engañado? Génesis 3:13

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el temor que tenia Pablo acerca de la serpiente que podia corromper a la gente de Corintio?

2 Corintios 11:3

 

Personal – ¿A quién culpas cuando pierdes la paz de Dios que hay dentro de ti? ¿Quién es el responsable?

 

 

  1. Qué le dijo el Señor a la serpiente? ¿Qué dijo que pondria entre la serpiente y la mujer y qué seria

lo que aplastaría?  Génesis 3:14-15

 

  1. ¿A qué debemos estar siempre atentos? ¿Quién aplastará a Satanás bajo nuestros pies?

Romanos 16:19-20

 

  1. ¿Contra quién es nuestra lucha? ¿Qué debemos ponernos en la cabeza para cubrirla? Efesios 6:12-17

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo puedes proteger tu mente y tus pensamientos del Maligno? ¿A quién ven tus familiares y amigos controlando tu mente por aquello que sale de tu boca?

 

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                    LEE 2 CORINTIOS 4:13 – 5:1                                    SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Creí y por eso hablé.”)

  1. ¿Quién habla y a quienes les habla? 2 Corintios 1:1

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el mismo don espiritual que tenemos y por que creemos, qué hacemos? 2 Corintios 4:13

 

  1. ¿Cuando hablamos qué sabemos? 2 Corintios 4:14

 

  1. ¿Cómo llega la fé? Romanos 10:17

 

  1. ¿Qué se le ha otorgado a mas y mas gente? 2 Corintios 4:15

 

  1. ¿Dónde aumentó el pecado, que abundó? ¿Cómo reina la gracia? Romanos 5:20-21

 

  1. ¿Por qué no nos desanimamos? ¿Qué sucede a nuestro exterior y qué a nuestro yo interior?

2 Corintios 4:16

 

  1. ¿Para qué nos prepara esa ligera y momentánea aflicción? ¿En qué nos fijamos y por qué razon?

2 Corintios 4:17-18

 

  1. ¿Si nuestra morada terrenal es destruida que tenemos que Dios nos dá? 2 Corintios 5:1

 

  1. ¿Mientras que Pedro estaba en esa “tienda de campaña,” que halló que era necesario hacer y por qué?

2 Pedro 1:12-15

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo sientes el deseo ardiente de hablar a otros sobre Jesus? ¿Qué ha hecho El por ti? Si no tienes este deseo, para en este momento y pidele a Dios que te lo dé.

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                         LEE MARCOS 3:20-35                                                           EVANGELIO

 

  1. ¿Por qué era casi imposible comer para Jesús y Sus apóstoles? Marcos 3:20

 

  1. ¿Qué dijeron Sus parientes al ver que Jesús no podia comer? ¿Qué decian los escribas acerca

de los demonios?  Marcos 3:21-22

 

  1. ¿Cómo hablaba Jesús a la muchedumbre y cuál fue su pregunta? Marcos 3:23

 

  1. ¿Si Satanás, un reino o una casa están divididos en bandos que les pasará? Marcos 3:24-26

 

  1. ¿Qué deben hacerle a un hombre fuerte para poder robarle su propiedad? Marcos 3:27

 

  1. ¿Como echa Jesús fuera los demonios? Mateo 12:28

 

  1. ¿Qué pecados serán perdonados a la gente, cuáles no lo seran y de que son culpables? Marcos 3:28-30

 

  1. ¿Cuando la madre de Jesús y Sus hermanos llegaron, qué hicieron? ¿Qué dijo la multitud que estaba

sentada a Su alrededor?   Marcos 3:31-32

 

  1. Jesús contestó con una pregunta. ¿Cuál fue ésta y qué dijo a los que estaban sentados a Su alrededor?

Marcos 3:33-34

 

 

  1. ¿Quién es Su hermano, Su hermana y Su madre? Marcos 3:35
  2. ¿Cómo discernimos la voluntad de Dios? Romanos 12:2

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos dejar atras, en qué debemos renovarnos y qué debemos ponernos? Efesios 4:20-24

 

Personal – ¿Cómo disciernes cual es la voluntad de Dios en tu vida? ¿Eres obediente y vives de acuerdo a Su voluntad?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                           LEE SALMO 130:1-8

 

(“Mas el perdón se encuentra junto a ti, por eso te veneran.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 130:1-8.

 

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                                                     LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

GENESIS 3:9-15

 

En ese momento de pequeña rebelión algo grande, hermoso y libre fue roto…la creación perfecta de Dios. El hombre se separó de Dios por su deseo de actuar de acuerdo a su propia voluntad. El efecto en una ventana de vidrio es el mismo ya sea una piedrecita o una roca la que se estrelle ahi. Los miles de fragmentos nunca podran ser puestos juntos otra vez.

La lectura de hoy nos muestra la realidad de como se esparce el pecado. No solo pecó Eva, sino que arrastró a Adán a el mismo error. Cuando hacemos algo incorrecto es frecuente que nuestra primera reacción de aliviar la culpa sea involucrar a alguien mas. El pecado es como un veneno que se echa en un rio y rapidamente se hace imposible recogerlo. Reconozcamos y confesemos nuestro pecado antes de que nos llegue la tentación de arrastrar en el polvo a aquellos que estan a nuestro alrededor.

Despues de pecar, Adán y Eva sintieron culpa y vergüenza de su desnudez. Su sentimiento de culpa los hizo huir y tratar de esconderse de Dios. Culpa o conciencia culpable puede ser una señal de aviso que Dios pone adentro de nosotros y que sale cuando hacemos algo incorrecto. El mundo quiere que eliminemos los sentimientos de culpa sin eliminar la causa y eso será lo peor para nosotros. Seria como tomar una pastilla para el dolor pero sin atacar a la enfermedad. Adan y Eva no hicieron caso del aviso de Dios y los resultados fueron desastrozos.

Hoy dia, mucha gente falla en escuchar y falla en obedecer a Dios porque no parece lógico o por que no es algo popular. Cuando las cosas van mal, mucha gente trata de disculpar sus pecados culpando a otros o a las circunstancias de sus fallas personales. Pero Dios sabe la verdad y El nos va a pedir cuentas a cada uno por nuestras acciones. Asi que mejor admite tus pecados y no trates de culpar a otros. La desobediencia es un pecado y rompe nuestra amistad con Dios. Dios nos perdona y nos restaura cuando nos confesamos y nos arrepentimos.

 

2 CORINTIOS 4:13 – 5:1

 

 

El increíble mensaje de salvación en Jesucristo ha sido entregado por Dios a los seres humanos frágiles y completamente ordinarios. Pablo no vive en este “contenedor” perecedero sino en su contenido que no tiene precio. La fuerza de Dios que habita dentro de nosotros. Como Cristianos quizá estamos al final del hilo, pero nunca al final de la esperanza. Nuestros cuerpos perecederos estan sujetos al pecado y quizás a grandes sufrimientos, pero Dios nunca nos abandona. Debido a la victoria de Cristo sobre la muerte, aquellos que creemos en El tendremos vida eterna. Es por eso que todos los peligros, humillaciones y pruebas que pasamos en Su nombre son realmente oportunidades para demostrar la fuerza de Cristo y Su presencia en nosotros.

Pablo supo todo lo que era dolor y sufrimiento. Lo encaró en pruebas y tribulaciones cuando predicaba la “Buena Nueva” o sea el mensaje de paz. Debemos estar atentos a que cuando encaramos grandes problemas en nuestras vidas, es fácil centrar nuestra atencion en el dolor en vez de en nuestra meta final.

Estemos seguros de que como dice la palabra del mismo Jesús, no importa lo que nos pase en esta vida, tendremos la seguridad de la vida eterna donde termina todo el sufrimiento. Pablo nos anima aqui para que desarrollemos nuestra fuerza interna. Podemos hacerlo dandonos cuenta de que nuestros sufrimientos, problemas y limitaciones humanas tienen varios beneficios. Pueden ayudarnos a recordar que Cristo sufrió y murió por nosotros. Pueden evitar que seamos orgullosos y que pensemos que no necesitamos a nadie. También ésta puede ser una gran oportunidad que Dios toma para demostrarnos Su gran fuerza y para hablarnos de distintas maneras.

No guardemos resentimiento de nuestras aflicciones o problemas, veamoslas como oportunidades (Romanos 8:28). Pablo dice que cuando muramos tendremos un cuerpo nuevo y maravilloso. Los Griegos no creian en la resurrección del cuerpo. Solo veian el alma como ser inmortal, pero las Escrituras nos enseñan que el cuerpo y el alma son finalmente inseparables (1 Cor. 15:46-58).

 

MARCOS 3:20-35

 

Jesús muestra en el evangelio de hoy las condiciones de un verdadero parentesco. Nos enseña que la familia no es solo un asunto de cuerpo y sangre. La necesidad mas básica de todo ser humano es la de querer pertenecer a alguien. El deseo de ser amado y necesitado está en cada uno de los seres humanos de este planeta. Vemos que los miembros de la familia de Jesús trataban de llevarselo a casa y quitarlo de aquel lugar donde estaban los encolerizados Fariseos y escribas. Oimos entonces la explicación de Jesús acerca de quienes son los miembros de Su familia. La iglesia nos enseña que Jesús fue el único hijo de Maria y que los “hermanos” eran posiblemente sus primos (en esos tiempos eran comun llamar hermanos a los primos). La familia de Jesús no entendió Su ministerio, especialmente cuando Jesús dijo a la multitud que quienquiera que haga la voluntad de Dios es Su hermano, hermana y aun mas Su madre.

Jesús nos comunica que nuestra familia espiritual tiene unas relaciones que son finalmente mas importantes y duraderas que aquellas formadas por las familias físicas. La familia de Dios está abierta a cualquiera que crea en Su Hijo Jesucristo. Aun cuando Jesús se preocupaba de Su madre y de los otros miembros de la familia, tambien se preocupaba de aquellos que lo amaban. Jesús no mostraba parcialidad. El permite a todos el privilegio de obedecer a Dios y de llegar a formar parte de Su familia.

El nos enseña como relacionarnos con otros creyentes en una forma nueva. En nuestro ocupado, computarizado, impersonal mundo, las relaciones cálidas, amorosas, cuidadosas entre los miembros de la familia de Dios tienen la mayor importancia. Hoy dia hay millones de personas que no pertenecen a la familia de Dios. Jesús nos dice que vayamos y hagamos discípulos de todas las naciones (Mateo 28:19-20). Nosotros que formamos parte de la amorosa familia de Dios y que somos llamados la iglesia, podemos dar cuidados personales y amorosos a tanta gente que lo necesita desesperadamente. Es tiempo de hacer de nuestra familia y nuestra iglesia un hospital para pecadores y no un asilo para santos. Jesús nos dice que lo que hagamos al mas pequeño de nuestros hermanos, se lo hacemos a El (Mateo 25:31-41).

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos enseña que se nos tomaran cuentas de nuestras acciones. La segunda lectura nos muestra que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo. El Evangelio nos revela quien realmente forma parte de la familia de Dios.

Esta semana, muéstrale a tu familia mediante tus acciones que ellos son verdaderamente especiales para ti. Pasa un tiempo a solas con cada miembro, ora con él o con élla y dale gracias a Dios por este don que te ha dado. Despues mira a tu alrededor a ver quien necesita ser reafirmado dentro de la familia de Dios. Quizá es un pariente, un vecino, un compañero de trabajo o de escuela. Recuerda, todo el que cree en hacer la voluntad de Dios es el hermano, la hermana y la madre de Jesús. Ama a tu familia esta semana y pasa un poco de tu tiempo con ellos.

 

Lectio Divina – 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 10th) – Cycle B

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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 – Gospel Mk 3:20-35

Jesus came home with his disciples. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.” Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder the house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.” His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

TENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME (June 10th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

                     CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

            TENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

 

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?

 

2.   From what you learned, what personal application did you

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY            READ GENESIS 3:9-15         FIRST READING

 

(“He will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.”)

 

l.   Who called to the man, and what did he ask him?  Genesis 3:9

 

 

2.   Whom did Jesus come to call?    Mark 2:17

 

 

3.   Why did the man hide himself?   Genesis 3:10

 

 

4.   With what are we longing to be clothed?   2 Corinthians 5:1-3

 

 

5.   What did God ask the man?   Genesis 3:11

 

 

6.   What did the man say about the woman, and what did he do?

Genesis 3:12

 

 

7.   What did the Lord ask the woman, and who did she say tricked

her?   Genesis 3:13

 

 

8.   What was Paul’s fear that the serpent may corrupt in the

people of Corinth?    2 Corinthians 11:3

 

Personal –  When you lose the peace of God within you, whom do you blame?  Who is responsible?

 

 

9.   What did the Lord say to the serpent, what did he say he

would put between the serpent and the woman, and at what

would he strike?    Genesis 3:14-15

 

 

10.  To what are we to be wise, and who will crush Satan under

our feet?     Romans 16:19-20

 

 

11.  With what is our struggle, and what are we to put on to

cover our head?    Ephesians 6:12-17

 

 

Personal – In what way can you protect your mind and thoughts from the evil one?   Whom does your family or friends see con­trolling your mind by what comes out of your mouth?

 

 

THIRD DAY       READ 2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 TO 5:1  SECOND READING

 

              (“I believed, therefore I spoke,”)

 

1.   Who is speaking, and to whom is he speaking?

     2 Corin­thians 1:1

 

 

2.   Of what do we have the same spirit, and, in believing,

we do what?    2 Corinthians 4:13

 

 

3.   We speak, knowing what?   2 Corinthians 4:14

 

 

4.   How does faith come?   Romans 10:17

 

 

5.   What has been bestowed on more and more people?

2 Corinthians 4:15

 

 

6.   Where sin increased, what overflowed all the more?

How does grace reign?   Romans 5:20-21

 

 

7.   What do we not become, what is happening to our outer selves,

and our inner selves?   2 Corinthians 4:16

 

 

8.   What does this momentary light affliction produce, where do

we look, and for what reason?   2 Corinthians 4:17-18

 

9.   If our earthly dwelling should be destroyed, what do we

have from God?   2 Corinthians 5:1

 

 

10.  As long as Peter was in this “tent,” what did he find it

necessary to do, and for what reason?  2 Peter 1:12-15

 

 

Personal – In what way do you have a burning desire to tell others about Jesus and what he has done for you?  If you do not have this desire, stop right now and ask God to give it to you.

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MARK 3:20-35                 GOSPEL

 

 

1.   What made it impossible for Jesus and his apostles even to

eat?   Mark 3:20

 

 

2.   What did Jesus’ relatives say upon hearing of his inability

to eat, and what did the scribes say about demons?

Mark 3:21-22

 

 

3.   How did Jesus speak to the crowd, and what was his question?

Mark 3:23

 

 

4.   If a kingdom, house, or Satan is divided against itself,

what will happen to it?   Mark 3:24-26

 

 

5.   What must be done to a strong man in order to plunder his

property?   Mark 3:27

 

 

6.   How does Jesus drive out demons?    Matthew 12:28

 

 

7.   What sins of people will be forgiven, what will not be         forgiven, and of what are they guilty?   Mark 3:28-30

 

 

8.   When Jesus’ mother and his brothers arrived, what did they

say?  What did the crowd seated around him say? 

Mark 3:31-32

 

 

9.   Jesus replied with a question. What was it, and what did he

say about those seated in the circle around him? 

Mark 3:33-34

 

 

10.  Who are the ones who are his brother, sister and mother?

Mark 3:35

 

 

11.  How do we discern the will of God?    Romans 12:2

 

 

12.  What should we put away, in what should we be renewed,

and what should we put on?    Ephesians 4:20-24

 

 

Personal –  How do you discern the will of God in your life, and are you obedient in living it out?

 

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 130:1-8

 

   (“But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 130:1-8.

 

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 3:9-15

 

In that moment of small rebellion something large, beautiful and free was shattered…the perfect creation of God.  Man was separated from God by his desire to act on his own will.  The effect on a plate glass window is the same whether a pebble or a boulder is hurled at it. The thousands of fragments can never be regathered.

 

Today’s reading shows us the reality of how sin spreads. Even after Eve sinned, she continued to involve Adam in her wrong doing.  When we do something wrong, often our first relief from guilt comes by involving someone else.  Sin is like a poison that is spilled into a river and it swiftly becomes impossible to recapture.  We need to recognize and confess our sin before we are tempted to pollute those around us. 

 

After sinning, Adam and Eve felt guilt and embarrassment over their nakedness. Their guilt feelings made them run from God and try to hide. Guilt or a guilty conscience can be a warning signal God places inside of us that goes off when we have done something wrong. The world wants us to eliminate the guilty feelings without eliminating the cause, and that would be the worst thing for us. It would be like using a painkiller, but not addressing the disease. Adam and Eve failed to heed God’s warn­ing, and the results were disastrous.

 

Today, many people fail to listen and fail to obey God because it does not seem logical, or it is not a popular thing to do. When things go wrong, many people try to excuse their sins by blaming others or circumstances for personal failures. But God knows the truth and he holds every one of us accountable for our actions. So, admit your sins and do not try to blame it on someone else. Disobedience is sin, and it breaks our fellowship with God. God forgives and restores us when we confess and repent.

 

                   2 CORINTHIANS 4:13 to 5:1

 

The incredible message of salvation in Jesus Christ has been entrusted by God to frail and very ordinary human beings. Paul does not dwell on the perishable container, but on its priceless contents – God’s power dwelling within us.  As Christians we may be at the end of our rope, but we are never at the end of our hope.  Our perishable bodies are subject to sin and maybe even great suffering, but God never abandons us. Because of Christ’s victory over death, we who believe in him have eternal life. That is why all of our risks, humiliations, and trials in his name are really opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s power and presence in us.

 

Paul knew all about pain and suffering. He faced them in trials and tribulations as he preached the “Good News” which is the message of hope. We need to be aware that as we too face great troubles in our lives, it is easy to focus on the pain rather than on our ultimate goal. We can be assured by the words of Jesus that no matter what happens to us in this life, we will have the assurance of eternal life where all suf­fering ends. Paul really encourages us to develop our inner streng­th.

 

We can do this by realizing that our suffering, problems, and human limitations have several benefits. They can help us to remember Christ suffered and died for us. They can help keep us from pride and thinking we do not need anyone else. This also can be a time of great opportunity, a time in which God will demonst­rate his great power and speak to us in several ways.

 

We need not resent our afflictions or troubles. We need to see them as opportunities (Romans 8:28). Paul tells us that when we die we will have a wonderful new body.  The Greeks did not believe in a bodily resurrection. They saw only the soul as being immortal, but Scripture teaches that the body and soul are ultimately inseparable (1 Cor. 15:46-58).

                         MARK 3:20-35

 

Jesus lays down the conditions of true kinship or family in today’s Gospel. He shows us that family is not solely a matter of flesh and blood. The most basic need of all human beings is to belong. The desire to be loved and needed is in every human being on this planet. We see members of Jesus’ family trying to take him home and remove him from the wrath of the Pharisees and scribes. We then hear Jesus respond to them with an explanation of his family members. The church teaches that Jesus was Mary’s only child and that the “brothers” were possibly cousins (cousins were often called brothers in those days). Jesus’ family did not understand his ministry, especially when Jesus told the crowd that anyone who did the will of God is his brother, sister, and even his mother.

 

Jesus conveys to us that our spiritual family forms rela­tionships that are ultimately more important and longer lasting than those formed in physical families. God’s family is open to anyone who believes in his Son Jesus Christ. Although Jesus cared for his mother and other family members, he also cared for all those who loved him. Jesus did not show partiality. He allowed everyone the privilege of obeying God and becoming part of his family.

 

He shows us how to relate to other believers in a new way. In our busy, computerized, impersonal world, warm, loving, caring relationships among members of God’s family take on major impor­tance. Today there are millions of people who do not belong to God’s family. Jesus tells us to go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). We who are part of God’s loving family, who are called the church, can give loving personalized care that many people desperately need.  It is time to make our family and our church a hospital for sinners as well as a haven for saints. Jesus tells us that what we do to the least of our brethren, we do unto him (Matt. 25:31-40).

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us about being accountable for our own actions.  The second reading shows that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  The Gospel reveals to all of us who is really part of God’s family.

 

This week, show your family by your actions that they are very special to you. Spend time alone with each member, pray with them, and thank God for his gift to you.  Then look around you and see who needs to be affirmed in God’s family.  Maybe it is a relative, neighbor or co-worker or schoolmate. Remember, all who believe in doing God’s will are Jesus’ brothers, sisters, and mother. Love your family this week, and spend some time with them.