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HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY (Dec. 31st) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY – 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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14      FIRST READING

 

(“He who honors his father atones for sins.”

 

  1. Where does the Lord place a father over his children, and what does he confirm over sons? Sirach 3:2

 

 

  1. What happens to one who honors his father? Sirach 3:3

 

 

  1. What do we store up when we revere our mother? Sirach 3:4

 

 

  1. By what is the man gladdened who honors his father, and what happens when he prays?  Sirach 3:5

 

 

  1. What will happen to him who reveres his father?

Sirach 3:6, Exodus 20:12

 

 

  1. What does one do who brings comfort to his mother?    Sirach    3:6

 

  1. What are we to do, and what are we not to do when our

father gets old?   Sirach 3:12

 

 

 

  1. To whom are we to listen, for what reason, and whom are we not to despise?   Proverbs 23:22

 

 

  1. How are we to treat our father, even if his mind fails? Sirach 3:13

 

 

  1. What will not be forgotten, and as what will it serve?

Sirach 3:14

 

 

Personal – In what ways do you listen to and honor both your earthly father and your heavenly Father?  In what ways has your earthly father become a burden to you in his old age?  Compare your relationship with your heavenly Father and your earthly father. Repent where it is necessary.

 

 

THIRD DAY            READ COLOSSIANS 3:12-21      SECOND READING

 

(“You children, obey your parents in everything

as the acceptable way in the Lord.”)

 

  1. With what five things are we to clothe ourselves, and for what reason? Colossians 3:12

 

 

  1. What are these five qualities called, according to

Galatians 5:22?

 

 

  1. What are we to do with one another, and what are we to do over any grievance we may have for another?       Colossians 3:13

 

 

  1. Why are we to forgive? Colossians 3:13

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say as he was dying on the cross, and to whom was he speaking?    Luke 23:34

 

 

  1. In the Lord’s Prayer, what are we saying and what is the Father saying?   Matthew 6:12-15

 

 

Personal – How have you sinned and received the forgiveness of God? In what way is that reflected by your forgiveness of others when they have hurt you?

 

 

  1. What virtue do we put on over all the rest?     Colossians      3:14

 

 

  1. What must reign in our hearts, of what are we members,

to what are we called, and to what must we dedicate

ourselves?   Colossians 3:15

 

 

  1. What must dwell in us, how are we to treat one another, and how are we to sing gratefully to God?       Colossians 3:16

 

 

  1. Whatever we do, in speech or action, in whose name are we to do it, and to whom are we to give thanks?       Colossians 3:17

 

 

  1. How are wives to act toward their husbands, and how are husbands to act toward their wives?  Colossians 3:18-19

 

 

  1. How are children to act toward their parents, and how are fathers to act toward their children? Colossians      3:20-21

 

 

Personal – What do you think causes the most break-ups in the family today?  How do you think this can be remedied? In what ways are you obeying or disobeying what God says in Colossians 3:18-21. Reflect on this, and make changes where necessary. Remember, we receive grace from the sacrament of reconciliation.

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 2:22-40                GOSPEL

(“The child’s father and mother marveled at what

was said about him.”)

 

  1. What was done according to the law of Moses, what is written in the law, and what did Mary and Joseph offer      in sacrifice? Luke 2:22-24, Leviticus 12:2-6, 8,     Exodus 13:2

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say is the greatest commandment of the law? Matthew 22:37-38

 

 

  1. Who was in Jerusalem at the time, what was he like, for what was he waiting, and who was upon him?   Luke     2:25

 

 

  1. What was revealed to the man by the Holy Spirit, who inspired him to come to the temple, and what did he do when the parents      brought in the child Jesus?      Luke 2:26-28

 

 

Personal – Simeon blessed God in his words. In what ways can you bless God in your words?

 

  1. What did Simeon call the Lord, what did he say he had done, and what did he say his eyes had witnessed?        Luke 2:29-32

 

 

  1. How do we fulfill the law? Romans 13:8

 

 

  1. As Mary and Joseph were marveling over what was being said, what did Simeon do and say to them? Luke 2:33-35

 

 

  1. What did Jesus come into the world to do? John 9:39

 

 

  1. Where was Mary when Jesus was crucified? John 19:25

 

 

  1. For what reason was Mary pierced with a sword? Luke   2:35

 

 

  1. What is the sword of the Spirit? Ephesians 6:17

 

  1. Who was a certain prophetess, how old was she, where could she constantly be found, and what was she doing?

Luke 2:36-37

 

 

  1. What did the prophetess do both day and night, what did she give to God, about whom did she talk, and to      whom? Luke 2:37-38

 

 

  1. After Mary and Joseph fulfilled the law, where did they go? In what did the child grow, with what was he    filled, and what was upon him?   Luke 2:39-40

 

 

  1. What was Jesus called? Matthew 2:23

 

 

  1. Where do we receive our strength? Philippians 4:13

 

 

Personal – In what ways have you been pierced with a sword? What does it mean to you to be pierced with a sword as Jesus and Mary were pierced?  For what reasons have you been pierced?

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 128:1-5

(“Happy are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways!”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 128:1-5.

 

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

 

 

SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14

Sirach was a pious and learned Jew who lived in the second century B.C. He wrote a collection of sayings to help others live their lives in accordance with God’s Holy Word. In today’s passage he speaks of family. He shows us that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race.

 

The foundation of the family was traditionally the father, and he had the place of honor. The father was given the right to be respected and obeyed by his family. We see the mother also shares the authority with the father in the home. The authority of both parents, in accordance with God’s Word, is to be respected by the children.

 

This passage applies very strongly to today’s fami­lies because the family structure is under a severe attack by Satan. Children who respect their parents are not only doing God’s will, but also are storing up spiritual rewards for them­selves. Over the centuries it has been shown that children who respect their parents generally have children who will respect their parents.

 

We see that prayer is very important for a family’s growth and that all prayer is answered. The call to love, honor, and respect your parents carries with it the reward of your children’s care for you in your old age.  With love and respect, a long life thus becomes a sign of God’s blessing for those who follow his commands.

 

Children are called to give their aging parents loving care. The child who has learned to respect his parents is respecting God. No matter how feeble, mentally or physically, one’s parents may become, it is the children’s responsibility to care for them. This is not some social health care program’s slogan; this is in accordance with God’s Holy Word. God wants love, kindness, respect, honor, sacrifice, comfort, safety, etc.

 

 

COLOSSIANS 3:12-21

 

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. He was told by a follower, named Epaphras, that recent converts to the Christian faith were being disturbed by false teachers. Paul’s letter spells out some very practical rules for the Chris­tians; to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meek­ness and patience. Paul is telling them that these virtues must be secure in their hearts in order for the community to live out the Christian vision.

Forgiveness is a main virtue of a Christian. This is what separates us from the non-believers. God wiped out all our sins in Baptism and is constantly waiting to wash away the sins of a repentant sinner in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We also must imitate God and be willing to forgive a repentant brother or sister. Paul again shows Christ as the head of the body and the source of unity, harmony and peace. We hear that it is not enough to know the doctrines of Christ, but we must live Christ’s life, and our lives must be witnesses of good and bearing fruit.

 

Today, as then, we are called to help each member of the family of God. Paul deals with the family by telling the husband to “love your wife,” and wives to be subject to the spiritual authority of the husband. Children are called to obey their parents. This may sound common today, but in Paul’s time, wives had few rights and were often considered to be the property of the husband. Paul’s call to “love your wife” brings her into equality and a full sharing in the authority of the family. Paul also tells fathers not to provoke their children. The authority of a father comes from God, and this authority is to lead, to love, and to serve his family. A loving father leads his children by serving them in the name of the Lord.  A loving father puts on the mind of Christ (Philip­pians 2:2-5).

 

LUKE 2:22-40

 

Today’s gospel is a powerful lesson on redemptive suffering. We read how a family follows the ceremonies of their religion and see respect, reverence, and obedience in all their actions. We hear the wisdom that comes from two old people in the temple. We need to reflect for a moment on how we listen with respect to elderly people in our lives.

 

Simeon told Mary that along with the joys of having such a wonderful child, a sword would pierce her soul. Mary felt that sword when Jesus was murdered on the cross at Calvary. Some parent’s souls are pierced many times from danger, sickness, and violence to their children. They suffer the hurt that happens to their child. Mary took on the hurt of her Son’s rejection and crucifix­ion. She did not strike back or cry out with vengeance. She suffered tremendously for her Son and for all of us. Jesus suffered tremendously and, like a lamb, he was slaughtered and never struck back. He and his mother were both pierced by the sword of suffering.

What makes suffering redemptive and what makes it useless? Suffering that leads us closer to God in our thoughts and actions is redemptive suffering. Suffering that leads us into ourselves is selfish and useless. We need only to look at our own families and see the suffering saints who have held us up in prayer.

 

St. Augustine’s mother prayed for 30 years for him to turn to God, and her prayers were answered. Pope John Paul II has been the object of assassination, and he constantly is the vision of a man at prayer with his God for his people. Pope John Paul II visited his would-be assassin in prison and extended to him God’s forgiveness and love as well as his own.  Mother Teresa, 80, and with a bad heart is still doing something beautiful for God. She says, “Unless life is lived for others, it is not worth while.”

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Let us celebrate by praying together for all the families in the world.  Let us pray that all the families who are suffering will be like Mary and Jesus and let their sufferings be accepted for others. This is what redemptive suffering is all about, and this is bringing mankind closer to God.

 

 

 

Application

 

This week we are celebrating the special feast of the Holy Family, and all the readings reflect some aspect of family. We see how the power and love of Holy Families can change a dark world into a community of light.

 

Today, let your suffering be for the Lord and for someone else in your family. Maybe you can offer your pain for someone who is on drugs or alcohol. Pick a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, and pray for that person all week. Let your soul be pierced so that the heart of others will be laid bare and they will turn to God.

 

Lectio Divina – Holy Family (Dec. 31st)

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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 2:22, 39-40 – When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, …When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

CUARTO DOMINGO (Dec. 24th) DE ADVIENTO – CICLO B

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CUARTO DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – 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 2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16                             PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“He estado contigo en todas partes y he destruido ante ti a todos tus enemigos.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién es el Rey David, y de que lo habia librado el Señor? 2 Samuel 7:1, 1 Samuel 16:11-13 y

1 Samuel 17:12-15

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el Rey David a Natan, el profeta? 2 Samuel 7:2

 

  1. ¿Adonde habita el Espíritu de Dios? 1 Corintios 3:16

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Natán al Rey David, quien estaba con él? 2 Samuel 7:3

 

  1. ¿Cuándo hablo el Señor a Natán, a donde le dijo el Señor que fuera y que debia decir? 2 Samuel 7:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cuándo se apareció el ángel del Señor a los pastores? ¿Cuándo hizo Jesús oracion?

Lucas 2:8-9 y Lucas 6:12

 

Personal – ¿Has oido alguna vez al Señor hablándote en la noche, qué te dice y qué le respondes?

 

  1. ¿De dónde dice el Señor que sacó a David y que ha hecho por Israel? 2 Samuel 7:8

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que ha hecho por David y que va a hacer de el ahora? 2 Samuel 7:9

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que hará por Israel, su pueblo y por qué? 2 Samuel 7:10

 

  1. ¿De qué los liberó el Señor y que les reveló? 2 Samuel 7:11

 

  1. ¿Quiénes dice Jesús que seran nuestros enemigos? Mateo 10:35-36

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará a su casa, a su reino y a su trono? 2 Samuel 7:16

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo te ha liberado Dios de tus enemigos, o te encuentras sufriendo los ataques de tus enemigos? ¿Cómo respondes a esos ataques?

TERCER DIA                                                      LEE ROMANOS 16:25-27                                  SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“..haz saber a todas las naciones que se sometan a la fé.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué puede hacer Dios por ti, de acuerdo al evangelio y a lo que Jesucristo proclamó? Romanos 16:25

 

  1. ¿Qué puede realizar el Señor en nosotros? Efesios 3:20

 

  1. ¿Cual es el evangelio de Pablo? 2 Timoteo 2:8

 

  1. ¿Cómo recibio Pablo el evangelio que predicaba? Galatas 1:11-12

 

  1. ¿Cómo se ha manifestado el Evangelio? Romanos 16:26

 

  1. ¿Conforme al mandato de quién se ha dado a conocer el evangelio a todas las naciones y que trae

eso como resultado?  Romanos 16:26

 

  1. ¿Qué hemos recibido para someternos a la fé? Romanos 1:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la señal de tu fe? 2 Corintios 9:12-13

 

  1. ¿A traves de quién se da la gloria para siempre? Romanos 16:27

 

  1. ¿Cómo estan todas las cosas en Jesús? Romanos 11:36

 

  1. ¿Cómo ves la gloria de Dios? Juan 11:40

 

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha fortalecido el evangelio proclamado esta semana o las escrituras proféticas de la Biblia? ¿Cual es la evidencia de esta fortaleza?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                         LEE LUCAS 1:26-38                                                      EVANGELIO

 

(“Has encontrado el favor de Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién fue mandado por Dios, qué mes era y adonde fue? Lucas 1:26-27

 

  1. ¿Quién era la prometida de un hombre llamado José y a que familia pertencia éste?   Lucas 1:27

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasaba una muchacha cuando no se encontraba la evidencia de su virginidad?

Deuteronomio 22:20-21

 

  1. ¿De acuerdo con el ángel quién estaba con Maria y como es ella entre las mujeres? Lucas 1:28

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son los benditos y como han sido bendecidos? Galatas 3:8

 

 

  1. ¿Cómo se sintió Maria al oir las palabras del ángel y que se preguntaba? Lucas 1:29

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el angel a Maria que no tuviera, qué habia encontrado y qué iba a concebir? Lucas 1:30-31

 

  1. ¿Qué nombre habia de darle, cómo iba a ser y como lo llamarian? Lucas 1:31-32

 

  1. ¿Dónde será su reino? ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Maria? Lucas 1:33-34

 

  1. ¿Quién, dijo el ángel, que descenderia sobre Maria y qué le haria a élla el poder del Altisimo

¿Cómo será llamado su Santo Hijo?   Lucas 1:35

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo acerca de su parienta Isabel? ¿Qué se puede lograr con Dios? Lucas 1:36-37

 

  1. ¿Qué cosas son posibles para Dios? Lucas 18:27

 

  1. ¿Qué hace que no haya imposibles para ti? Mateo 17:20

 

  1. ¿Quién dijo Maria que era élla y qué dijo que se hiciera? Lucas 1:38

 

 

Personal – ¿De que modo has sentido el poder del Espiritu Santo dentro de tu ser? Como te has sometido a la fe, asi como Maria hizo ante el mensajero del Señor?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                    LEE SALMO 89:2-5, 27, 29

 

(“Tu eres mi Padre, mi Dios; la Roca, mi Salvador.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 89:2-5, 27, 29.

 

¿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

 

2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16

 

Dios habia hecho un pacto con David prometiendole que su linaje permaneceria para siempre. Esta promesa se cumpliria cuando Jesús naciera. Dios hizo posible que viviera un profeta durante el reinado de cada uno de los reyes de Israel. Esta fue la primera vez que Natán, el Profeta, fue mencionado y como todos los profetas, el exhortaba a la gente a seguir a Dios y comunicaba las leyes y los planes de Dios al rey.

Dios dijo a David que el habia sido llamado de ser un simple pastor de ovejas a ser un gran rey guerrero. El iba a ser usado para unificar y guiar a Israel y para destruir a sus enemigos. Dios no quizo un guerrero que tuviera sangre en sus manos para que construyera su templo sagrado. David fue obediente, hizo los planos y junto los materiales para que el templo fuera construido por el siguiente rey, quien iba a ser el próximo hijo de David, Salomón.

 

Es muy importante que nosotros seamos como David y reconozcamos y permanezcamos satisfechos con la parte que Dios nos dé. Dios rechazó lo que David le pedia, pero eso no queria decir que Dios rechazaba a David. La peticion de David era buena, pero Dios dijo no. Dios planeaba algo para David que era mucho mas que permitirle tener el honor de construir el templo.

Dios está esperando a hacer lo mismo contigo y conmigo. El quiere que le digas “Si”, tal como lo hizo David. Dios prometió a David que su linaje viviria para siempre. La dinastia terrena de David finalizó cuatro siglos despues. Pero Jesucristo, descendiente directo de David fue el cumplimiento final de esa promesa.

¿Has hecho oracion con muy buenas intenciones solo para oir que Dios te responde No? No lo veas como un rechazo, sino como un modo que Dios tiene para llevar a cabo algo mucho mejor en tu vida. Acuerdate siempre de dejar ir lo que debas dejar ir y dejar a Dios hacer lo suyo!

ROMANOS 16:25-27

 

Pablo estaba y está compartiendo con la gente de su tiempo y de nuestro tiempo, que es maravilloso estar vivo y ser parte del misterio de Dios para salvar a los Gentiles. Pablo se regocijaba de su papel como instrumento en el plan de salvacion que se habia revelado. Todas las profesias del Antiguo Testamento se hacian realidad y a traves de Jesucristo, el misterio de Dios habia sido totalmente revelado. Pablo no habia estado en Roma, pero el sabia qaue esa ciudad era el centro de mayor influencia politica y religiosa. El estaba preparandose para salir de Jerusalén, que era el centro de la vida Judia y su mensaje era un mensaje de esperanza.

Hoy vivimos en un mundo que ha sido tremendamente reducido por la television. Podemos ver los eventos mas importantes el mismo dia que pasan. Tenemos la capacidad de influir en gran escala a crear graves conflictos. Somos llamados a ser parte de la revelacion del misterio de Dios. Nuestra parte es vivir nuestras vidas de tal manera que lleven hacia una respuesta, la cual la mayoria de las veces es verdaderamente dramatica. Los conflictos son siempre un obstáculo potencial en el camino de alguien que trae la luz a donde habia obscuridad.

El “misterio” de Cristo explotó a traves de todo el mundo conocido. El hombre ya no estaba sujeto a la herencia como unico camino para llegar al cielo. Pablo trajo las “Buenas Nuevas” y trataban de que Dios amó tanto al mundo (a ti) que dio a Su Unico Hijo en la cruz, para que todo el que creyera en Su Hijo pudiera tener vida eterna. Este misterio fue revelado con la muerte y resurreccion de Cristo. Tu eres el embajador de Cristo e iras de lugar en lugar llevando Su “mensaje” de esperanza a todo aquel que esté sufriendo. Reflexionemos en que tanto nuestra propia vida refleja unidad, servicio y amor de Jesucristo.

 

LUCAS 1:26-38

 

El evangelio de hoy es un relato de sumision y poder. El ángel Gabriel quien prometió el nacimiento de Jesús a Maria es el mismo que se le apareció al profeta David mas de 500 años antes. José y Maria vivian en un pequeño pueblo llamado Nazareth. Esa area tenia mala fama porque las barracas de la armada Romana se encontraban ahi y la gente se veia forzada a trabajar a servicio de los soldados. Muchos sospechaban de la gente de Nazareth y las mujeres en ese tiempo estaban bajo el dominio de los hombres. Eran consideradas casi como pertenencias, casi igual que tener cabras u ovejas, etc. La principal contribucion de la mujer era tener hijos y cuidar la casa. Parecia casi increible que Dios usara dos mujeres para algo muy importante. Pero Dios escogió a Maria para uno de los mas importantes actos de obediencia que jamas se haya pedido a alguien.

Quiza te sientes en un momento de tu vida en el que Dios no podria usarte para algun servicio. No limites las alternativas del Señor; El puede y te usará si tu se lo permites. Las bendiciones o selecciones de Dios no traen fama o favores automaticamente. El haber escogido a Maria para el honor de ser la madre del Mesias llevó a ésta a muchos dolores. Sus amigas la ridiculizarian y su prometido estuvo a punto de dejarla. Su Hijo seria rechazado y finalmente asesinado. Pero a traves de su Hijo Jesucristo, vendria la única esperanza del mundo. La rendición de Maria nos guio hacia la salvacion victoriosa. Su “Si, mi Señor”, abrió las puertas del cielo para todo el que creyera en su Hijo.

Fue una mujer joven la que contestó el llamado de Dios diciendo, “Hágase en mi segun tu palabra.” (Lucas 1:38) Tu puedes aprender de Maria que amar es obedecer el llamado de Dios. Si tus bendiciones te llevan al dolor, piensa en Maria y espera pacientemente a que Dios termine de llevar a cabo Su plan. Maria permitió al Espíritu Santo que viniera sobre élla y asi fue capacitada para tener un hijo. Era ella una joven soltera que se arriesgo al desastre. Su relato de haber quedado embarazada por obra del Espíritu Santo llevaba el riesgo de que la consideraran loca. No esperes hasta el final para ofrecer tu vida a Dios. Ofrecete voluntariamente como Maria, aun cuando los resultados se vean como desastrozos.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura mostró que somos instrumentos en la revelación de Jesucristo. La segunda reveló a Dios como un Dios que mantiene Sus promesas. El Evangelio nos dice que nos ofrezcamos completamente a Dios, sin poner limitaciones.

Esta semana, comparte con tu familia y amistades la fuerza que dá el amor de Dios, visitando algun lugar donde dan asistencia a las mujeres embarazadas y solteras. Ofrece tu ayuda. Comenta con alguna de ellas los riesgos que Maria corrió. Arriesgate tu mismo y ofrecele tu apoyo tanto a élla como a su hijo por nacer.

TERCER DOMINGO (Dec. 17th) DE ADVIENTO – CICLO B

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TERCER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – 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 ISAIAS 61:1-2, 10-11                                     PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Mi alma se alegra en mi Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Dónde está el Espíritu del Señor Dios y que ha hecho El Señor? Isaias 61:1

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El Señor me ha enviado a hacer por los humildes y los angustiados? Isaias 61:1

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que proclamamos a los cautivos y prisioneros? Isaias 61:1

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el pasaje leido por Jesús en la Sinagoga y qué dijo El acerca del mismo? Lucas 4:18-19, 21

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios con Jesús? Hechos 10:38

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que hace por ti la unción que recibiste de El? 1 Juan 2:27-28

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El me ha mandado anunciar? ¿Qué debemos hacer por todos los que están de duelo?

Isaias 61:2

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que hago delante de mi Dios que es el gozo de mi alma y qué ha hecho El por mi? Isaias 61:10

 

  1. ¿Qué hará brotar el Señor Dios ante todas las naciones? Isaias 61:11

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que la práctica de la justicia hace por el justo? Proverbios 21:15

 

  1. ¿En que se interesa el hombre justo? Proverbios 29:7

 

 

Personal – ¿Cómo puedes liberar a, los cautivos dentro de tu medio ambiente y a aquellos que están encerrados en su propia miseria? ¿Cómo ha hecho El Señor brotar justicia y alabanzas dentro de ti?

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                              LEE 1 TESALONICENSES 5:16-24                           SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Estén Siempre Alegres.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer siempre? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer sin cesar? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:17

 

  1. ¿A qué se dedicaron devotamente los apóstoles y quien estaba con ellos? Hechos 1:14

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el Espíritu por nosotros en nuestras debilidades? Romanos 8:26

 

  1. ¿Qué hacemos en todas las circunstancias; de quién es la voluntad y en quién? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:18

 

  1. ¿Qué no debemos apagar? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:19

 

  1. ¿Cómo entristecemos al Espíritu Santo? Isaias 63:10

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes menospreciar? ¿Qué debes examinar y que es lo que debes retener?

1 Tesalonicenses 5:20-21

 

  1. ¿De qué debes cuidarte? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:22

 

  1. ¿Aquellos que hacen mal, que es lo que no ven apto hacer? De qué están llenos y a quién odian?

Romanos 1:28-31

 

  1. ¿Que puede hacernos el Dios de Paz y como puedes ser irreprochable para la venida de Nuestro

Senor Jesucristo?  1 Tesalonicenses 5:23

 

  1. ¿Qué es aquel que te llama y qué hara El? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:24

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué diste gracias hoy y de qué maldad te abstuviste esta semana?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                       LEE JUAN 1:6-8, 19-28                                                   EVANGELIO

 

(“Enderecen el camino del Señor.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién mandó al hombre llamado Juan y qué era lo él debia atestiguar? Juan 1:6-7

 

  1. ¿Qué habia visto Juan y que fue lo que el atestiguó? Juan 1:34

 

  1. ¿Qué no era él? ¿Pero qué debia hacer? Juan 1:8

 

  1. ¿Quién es la luz y qué tendrá áquel que lo siga a El? Juan 8:12

 

  1. ¿Cuando los judios de Jerusalén enviaron sacerdotes y levitas a preguntarle a Juan quien

era él, que dijo?   Juan 1:19-20

 

  1. ¿Qué preguntaron ellos a Juan y cúal fue su respuesta? Juan 1:21

 

 

  1. ¿Qué respondió Juan a los sacerdotes y levitas y qué dijo el profeta Isaias? Juan 1:23 e Isaias 40:3

 

  1. ¿Para qué debemos hacer el camino derecho y porqué? Hebreos 12:13

 

  1. ¿Respondiendo a las preguntas de los fariseos, con qué dijo Juan que él bautizaba y a quien dijo

el que ellos no reconocian?   Juan 1:26

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Juan que él no es digno de hacer a aquel que viene despues de él y donde tuvo lugar esto?

Juan 1:27

 

  1. ¿Quién no es digno de Jesús? Mateo 10:37-38

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has preparado el camino del Señor para aquellos que te rodean? ¿Ha sido tu testimonio personal acerca de Jesus en tu vida?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                    LEE LUCAS 1:46-50, 53-54

 

(“…mi Espiritu se alegra en Dios mi Salvador”)

 

Leé y medita Lucas 1:46-50, 53-54.

 

¿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 61:1-2, 10-11

 

Este pasaje de Isaias fue leido por Jesús en Lucas 4:18. El terminó Su lectura al pueblo en la sinagoga por la mitad del capitulo 61:2, despues de las siguientes palabras: “La hora de gracia de Dios ha llegado.” Jesús enrolló el libro y dijo, “Hoy se cumple ante ustedes ésta escritura.” (Lucas 4:21). El resto de Isaias 61:2, “y el dia de Su ira hacia sus enemigos” vendrá cuando Jesus retorne a la tierra otra vez. Es importante que te des cuenta que estás aun bajo la gracia de Dios y su ira esta todavia por llegar.

La lectura de hoy da buenas noticias para aquellos que sufren, porque el Espíritu de Dios está sobre aquellos que iran públicamente ayudando a todos aquellos que sufren. Leé los versiculos 1 y 2 y pon tu nombre en lugar de “mi.” El Espíritu de Dios está sobre ti y El te ha ungido para traer las buenas nuevas a los sufridos y afligidos, El te ha ungido para consolar a los angustiados.” Tal vez alguien, ahi mismo en tu familia esté sufriendo y tú seras quien ha de traerle las “Buenas Nuevas” de esperanza. Lo unico que tienes que hacer es decir “Sí, Señor, ven dentro de mi corazón, toma residencia en mí.”

Toma tiempo ahora mismo, dondequiera que estés y confiesa tus pecados y arrepientete y deja que la gracia de Dios mismo te llene con Su Espiritu Santo. Sabes que eres el templo de Dios y que el Espiritu de Dios mora en ti.? (1 Cor. 3:16) a causa de tu bautismo? Ahora, Dios te esta llenando con Su Espíritu de manera que Su amor pueda desbordar a traves tuyo, volcándose sobre Su pueblo herido y quebrantado. Abriras los ojos a los ciegos porque llevaras la luz del mundo dentro de ti. – Recuerden, mis queridos hermanos y hermanas, el Espíritu de Dios está sobre nosotros, y El nos ha ungido. El nos ha vestido con Su ropaje de salvación y nos ha cubierto con Su manto de virtudes.

 

 

1 THESALONICENSES 5:16-24

 

En la lectura de hoy vemos que en todas nuestras circunstancias, alegrias, oraciones y agradecimiento no debemos subir y bajar segun nuestros sentimientos. Estos tres mandamientos de “ser gozoso, estar siempre en oración y continuar siendo agradecido” muchas veces van en contra de nuestras inclinaciones. Podemos esperar estar contentos y agradecidos cuando seguimos la voluntad de Dios porque es Su poder que se mueve a traves nuestro y es en Sus manos que colocamos nuestras necesidades (1 Pedro 5:7). Encontraremos siempre mucho mas fácil estar contentos, agradecidos y llenos de oracion cuando realmente ponemos nuestra confianza en el Señor.

Sabemos que no siempre podemos pasar nuestro tiempo de rodillas, pero si es posible mantener todo el tiempo una piadosa actitud. Construimos esta actitud al admitir nuestra dependencia en Dios, entendiendo que Su presencia está justo alli frente a nosotros, detrás de nosotros, sobre nosotros, debajo de nosotros y dentro de nosotros. Debemos elejir obedecerle plenamente. No es suficiente hablar acerca de Cristo, debemos tambien caminar con Cristo. Encontraremos entonces natural el rezar oraciones frecuentes, espontáneas, cortas y muy significantivas. Recuerden que una actitud devota de oración no es substituto de tus momentos de oración “a solas” con Jesús. Una actitud devota debe ser una extension de esos momentos de quietud.

Pablo nos enseñó que debemos estar agradecidos en todo lo que nos sucede. Estamos siempre agradecidos porque Dios ES y por el bien que El puede traer a traves de los tiempos de angustia. Se nos dice de no “sofocar al Espíritu Santo” o de no ignorar o apartar los regalos que el Espíritu Santo nos ha dado. A veces los regalos espirituales son controversiales y causan division en una iglesia. Pablo menciona el regalo de profecia y él nos incita a todos a usar la expresion total de estos talentos en el cuerpo de Cristo.

No nos permitamos nunca burlarnos de aquellos que no estan de acuerdo con lo que nosotros profesamos creer. Verifiquemos tambien los trabajos de ellos en contraste con las sagradas escrituras y sagradas tradiciones. No dejamos a Cristo controlarnos solo a nivel religioso. Estamos llamados a dejar a Jesucristo controlarnos en todo y en todas circunstancias.

 

JUAN 1:6-8, 19-28

 

Este pasaje del Evangelio es realmente un mensaje de “Buenas Nuevas.” Es el mensaje de una luz que ha venido a penetrar la oscuridad del mundo, especialmente la oscuridad de los corazones de la gente. La luz es Jesús y Juan Bautista dió testimonio de la luz. Somos llamados a desempeñar hoy el papel de reflectores de la luz de Cristo. Nunca debemos presentarnos como la luz a otros, sino siempre como Juan Bautista hizo, señalarles a Cristo, la Luz.

Necesitamos recordar siempre que Jesús fue el creador de la vida y Su vida trae Luz a una humanidad caida. En Su Luz tú. y yo nos vemos como realmente somos (pecadores en necesidad de un salvador). Nos decimos a nosotros mismos que no hacemos todas esas cosas terribles que la gente mala hace, pero no debemos olvidar nunca que las escrituras nos dicen que todos hemos pecado y nos falta la gloria de Dios (Romanos 3:23). Algunos pecados parecen mas grandes que otros, pero todos los pecados nos hacen pecadores y todos los pecados nos separan de nuestro Santo Dios. No menospreciemos los pecados “chicos.” Todos ellos nos separan de Dios, pero todos pueden ser perdonados. Cuando seguimos a Jesucristo, la Luz, podemos evitar el ir caminando y cayendo ciegamente en pecado. Su vida y obras han alumbrado el sendero de vida para todos nosotros. El, en misericordia y rectitud, remueve la oscuridad del pecado de nuestras vidas.

Has permitido a la luz de Cristo brillar en tu vida? Hoy, te desafio a dejar a Jesucristo llevar luz a tu vida y nunca mas necesitarás tropezar en la oscuridad.

 

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura revela que el Espíritu del Señor está sobre mí. En la segunda lectura, se nos llama a ser alegres, piadosos y agradecidos en todas las circunstancias. En el Evangelio, Jesús es la Luz y se nos llama a reflejar esa luz.

 

Mira alrededor tuyo a tu familia, parientes, amigos, vecinos o comunidad y encuentra a alguien que este sufriendo, solo o prisionero. Escribele o visítale y dile que, continuara’s rezando por el y si es posible, con él. Quizá puedas traer alguien a Misa o llevar la Eucaristia a alguien. Tal vez puedas leer la lección de esta semana a alguien que no puede ver o leer. Recuerda, has sido llamado a reflejar la Luz de Jesús y Su Espiritu Santo te ha ungido. Id y haced discípulos de todas las naciones, (Mateo 28:19) especialmente aquellos en vuestras propias familias.

 

FOURTH SUNDAY (Dec. 24th) IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

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CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT – 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?

 

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

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY        READ 2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16     FIRST READING

 

(“I have been with you wherever you went, and

I have destroyed all your enemies before you.”)

 

  1. Who is King David, and from what did the Lord give him rest?

2 Samuel 7:1,  1 Sam. 16:11-13, and 1 Sam. 17:12-15

 

 

  1. What did King David say to Nathan, the prophet? 2 Samuel 7:2

 

 

  1. Where does the Spirit of God dwell? 1 Corinthians 3:16

 

 

  1. What did Nathan say to King David, and who did he say was

with him?   2 Samuel 7:3

 

 

  1. When did the Lord speak to Nathan, and where did the Lord

tell him to go and what to say?  2 Samuel 7:4-5

 

  1. When did the angel of the Lord appear to the shepherds, and

when did Jesus pray?  Luke 2:8-9 and Luke 6:12

 

 

Personal – Do you ever hear the Lord speak to you in the night? What does he say, and what is your response?

 

  1. What does the Lord of hosts say he has taken from David,

and what has he made him for Israel?   2 Samuel 7:8

 

 

  1. What does the Lord say he has done for David, and what does

he say he will make him?   2 Samuel 7:9

 

 

  1. What does the Lord say he will do for his people Israel,

and for what reason?   2 Samuel 7:10

 

 

  1. From what will the Lord give them rest, and what does he

reveal to them?    2 Samuel 7:11

 

 

  1. Who did Jesus say will be our enemies? Matthew 10:35-36

 

 

  1. What will happen to his house, kingdom, and throne?

2 Samuel 7:16

 

 

Personal – In what way has God given you rest from your enemies, or are you undergoing attacks from your enemies?  How do you deal with the attacks?

 

 

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 16:25-27        SECOND READING

 

(“…made known to all nations to bring about

the obedience of faith.”)

 

  1. What can God do for us, according to the Gospel and

proclamations of Jesus Christ?   Romans 16:25

 

 

  1. What is God able to accomplish in us? Ephesians 3:20

 

  1. What is Paul’s Gospel? 2 Timothy 2:8

 

 

  1. How did Paul receive the Gospel preached by him?

Galatians 1:11-12

 

 

  1. How has the Gospel been manifested? Romans 16:26

 

 

  1. By whose command has the Gospel been made known to all the

nations, and what is this to bring about?    Romans 16:26

 

 

  1. What have we received to bring about the obedience of faith?

See Romans 1:4-5

 

 

  1. What is evidence of our faith? 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

 

 

  1. Through whom is glory given forever and ever? Romans 16:27

 

 

  1. How are all things in Jesus? Romans 11:36

 

 

  1. How do we see the glory of God? John 11:40

 

 

Personal – How have you been strengthened by the gospel proclaim­ed this week, or by prophetic writings in the bible?  What has been the evidence of this strengthening?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 1:26-38                GOSPEL

 

(“You have found favor with God.”)

 

  1. Who was sent from God, what month was it, and where did he

go?   Luke 1:26-27

 

 

  1. Who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, and of what house?

Luke 1:27

 

  1. What happens when evidence of a girl’s virginity is not

found?   Deuteronomy 22:20-21

 

 

  1. According to the angel, who was with Mary, and what is she

among women?   Luke 1:28

 

 

  1. Who are the blessed, and how have they been blessed?

Galatians 3:8

 

 

  1. How did Mary feel at the words of the angel, and what did

she wonder?    Luke 1:29

 

 

  1. What did the angel tell Mary not to do, what has she found

with God, and what would she conceive?   Luke 1:30-31

 

 

  1. What name would she give him, who would be great, and

what would he be called?   Luke 1:31-32

 

 

  1. Where would be his reign, and what was Mary’s response?

Luke 1:33-34

 

 

  1. Who did the angel say would come upon Mary, what would the

power of the Most High do to her, and what would the holy

offspring be called?    Luke 1:35

 

 

  1. What did the angel say about her kinswoman, Elizabeth, and what is possible with God? Luke 1:36-37

 

 

  1. What things are possible for God? Luke 18:27

 

 

  1. What makes nothing impossible for us? Matthew 17:20

 

 

  1. What did Mary say she was, and what did she say be done?

Luke 1:38

 

Personal – In what way have you experienced the empowering of the Holy Spirit within your being?  How have you yielded in faith as Mary did to a messenger of the Lord?

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 89:2-5, 27, 29

 

(“You are my father, my God; the rock, my savior.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29.

 

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

 

2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16

 

God had made a covenant with David and promised him that his family line would go on forever. This promise would be fully realized when Jesus was born. God made certain that a prophet was living during the reign of each of the kings of Israel. This was the first time that Nathan, the Prophet, was mentioned, and like all prophets, he urged the people to follow God and to communi­cate God’s laws and plans to the king.

 

God told David that he was called from being a simple peasant who tended sheep to become a great warrior-king. He would be used to unify and lead Israel and to destroy its enemies. God did not want a warrior with blood on his hands to build his sacred temple. David being obedient, made the plans and collected the materials so that the temple would be built by the next king, who would be David’s son, Solomon.

 

It is very important that we, too, should be like David and recognize and be satisfied with the roles which God gives all of us. God rejected David’s request, but this does not mean God rejected David. David’s request was also good, but God said no. God was planning something in David’s life that was much bigger than allowing him the prestige of building a temple.

 

God is waiting to do the same thing with you and me. He wants you to say “Yes” to him, just like David did. God promised David that his line would live forever. David’s earthly dynasty ended four centuries later. But Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of David, was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.

Have you prayed with very good intentions only to hear God say no? This is not rejection, but God’s way of fulfilling a greater purpose in your life. Remember always to let go and let God!

 

ROMANS 16:25-27

 

Paul is sharing with the people of his time and also of our time that it is wonderful to be alive and to be part of God’s mystery of saving the Gentiles. Paul was rejoicing in his role as an instru­ment in the unfolding plan of salvation. All the Old Testament prophecies were coming true and, through Jesus Christ, God’s mystery was fully revealed. Paul had not been to Rome, but he knew that the city was the center of great political and religi­ous influence. He was getting ready to leave Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish life, and his message was a message of hope.

 

Today we live in a world that has been vastly reduced by television. We can view all the major events that happened on that very day. We have the potential for widespread influence or wrenching conflict. We are called to be part of that revelation of God’s mystery. Our part is to live our lives in such a manner that brings a response that most times is very dramatic. Conflict is always potentially an obstacle in the path of the one who brings light into the darkness.

 

The “mystery” of Christ exploded across the entire known world. No longer was man subjected to heritage being the only way to heaven. Paul brought the “Good News” and that was that God loved the world (you) so much that he gave up his Son on the cross, so that all who believed in his Son would have eternal life. This mystery was revealed in Christ’s death and resur­rection. You are that ambassador of Christ and you will go from place to place and bring his “message” of hope to all who are hurting.  We need to reflect on how much of our own life reflects unity, service and love of Jesus Christ.

 

 

LUKE 1:26-38

Today’s gospel is a story of surrender and empowerment. The angel Gabriel who promises the birth of Jesus to Mary is the same angel who appeared to the prophet David more than 500 years earlier. Joseph and Mary lived in a small town named Nazareth. The area had a bad name because the Roman army barracks were located there, and the people were forced to work as ser­vants to the soldiers. The people of Nazareth were very distrust­ful of most, and women were under the domination of the men at that time. Women were little more than possessions like the goats and sheep, etc. A woman’s main contribution was to have children and take care of the home. It seemed highly unlikely that God would use two women for a major task. But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience ever demanded of anyone.

 

You may feel that you are in a place in your life where God could not possibly use you for service. Do not limit God’s choices; he can and will use you if you will only let him. God’s blessings or choosing does not automatically bring instant fame or favor. His choosing of Mary for the honor of being the mother of the Messiah would lead to much pain. Her peers would ridicule her, and her fiance’ would come close to leaving her. Her son would be rejected and finally murdered.  But through her Son, Jesus Christ, would come the world’s only hope. This is why Mary has been called “Blessed among women.” Her surrender led to our victorious salvation. Her “Yes Lord” opened the doors to heaven for all who would believe in her Son.

 

A young woman answered God’s call by saying, “Do unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38).  We can learn from Mary that love is obedience to God’s call. If our blessings lead to sorrows, think of Mary and wait patiently for God to finish working out his plan. Mary let the Holy Spirit come upon her, and she was empowered to have a child. Mary was a young unmarried girl who risked disaster. Her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit had the risk of her being considered crazy as well.  Do not wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God.  Offer yourself willingly, like Mary did, even when the results look disastrous.

 

 

 

Application

 

The first reading revealed God as a God who keeps his promises.  The second reading showed that we are instruments in the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Gospel tells us to offer our­selves completely to God, to be radical.

 

This week, share with your family and friends the power of God’s love by visiting a shelter for unmarried pregnant women. Then take a risk and offer your support to her and her soon-to-be-born child.

 

THIRD SUNDAY (Dec. 17th) IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT – 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

 

This week’s first reading tells us that our God is a God who comforts.  The second reading reveals that God deals with each one of us mercifully. The Gospel shows that the response to repen­tance leads to the power of forgiveness.

 

This week, let us acknowledge to those around us some of our very obvious flaws. Take a specific fault, like making judgments, and tell them that you are going to change, and if your friends see you being judgmental, to point it out to you in love. This will make a dramatic improvement with your loved ones, those in your work area or school. Be specific and pick the small flaws first, then pray and change (repent). Your change, not your words or tears, will bring forgiveness. Try this with smoking, drinking, lying, swearing, etc. Do something beautiful for God – change (repent).

 

 

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 ISAIAH 61:1-2, 10-11      FIRST READING

 

(“I rejoice heartily in the Lord.”)

 

  1. Where is the spirit of the Lord God, and what has the Lord done? Isaiah 61:1

 

 

  1. What has the Lord God sent me to do for the lowly and to

the broken hearted?   Isaiah 61:1

 

 

  1. What do we proclaim to the captives and the prisoners?

Isaiah 61:1

 

 

  1. What was the passage read by Jesus in the synagogue, and

what did he say about it?   Luke 4:18-19, 21.

 

 

  1. What did God do with Jesus? Acts 10:38

 

 

  1. What does the anointing we received from him do for us?

 

1 John 2:27-28

 

 

  1. What has he sent me to announce, and what are we to do to

all who mourn?  Isaiah 61:2

 

 

  1. What do we do in our God who is the joy of our soul, and what has he done for us?  Isaiah 61:10

 

 

  1. What will the Lord God make spring up before all the

nations?   Isaiah 61:11

 

 

  1. What does the practice of justice do for the just?

Proverbs 21:15

 

 

  1. For what does the just man concern himself? Proverbs 29:7

 

 

Personal – How can you set free the captives within your environ­ment and those who are locked into self-pity? How has the Lord sprung up justice and praise within you?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY         READ 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24    SECOND READING

 

(“Rejoice always.”)

 

  1. What are we to do always? 1 Thessalonians 5:16

 

 

  1. What are we to do without ceasing? 1 Thessalonians 5:17

 

 

  1. To what did the apostles devote themselves, and who was

with them?   Acts 1:14

 

  1. What does the Spirit do for us in our weakness?

Romans 8:26

 

 

  1. What do we do in all circumstances, whose will is it, and

in whom?  1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

 

  1. Whom do we not quench? 1 Thessalonians 5:19

 

 

  1. How do we grieve the Holy Spirit? Isaiah 63:10

 

 

  1. What are we not to despise, what are we to test, and

what are we to retain?   1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

 

 

  1. From what are we to refrain? 1 Thessalonians 5:22

 

 

  1. What do those who do evil see not fit to do, with what are they filled, and whom do they hate?   Romans 1:28-31

 

 

  1. What may the God of peace make us, and how may we be

preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus

Christ?  1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

 

  1. What is the One who calls us, and what will he do?

1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

 

Personal – For what did you give thanks today, and from what evil did you refrain this week?

 

 

FOURTH DAY           READ JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28              GOSPEL

 

(“Make straight the way of the Lord.”)

 

  1. Who sent the man named John, and to what was he to testify? John 1:6-7

 

 

  1. What had John seen, and to what did he testify?

John 1:34

 

  1. What was John not, but what was he to do? John 1:8

 

 

  1. Who is the light, and what will he who follows him

have?   John 8:12

 

 

  1. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask John who he was, what did he say? John 1:19-20

 

 

  1. What did the priests and Levites ask John, and what was his answer?   John 1:21

 

 

  1. What was John’s response to the priests and Levites, and what did the Prophet Isaiah say?   John 1:23,    Isaiah 40:3

 

 

  1. For what are we to make straight paths, and why?

Hebrews 12:13

 

 

  1. In response to the Pharisee’s question, with what did John say he baptizes, and whom did he say they do not recognize? John 1:26

 

 

  1. What does John say he is not worthy to do to the One coming after him, and where did this take place?  John    1:27

 

 

  1. Who is not worthy of Jesus? Matthew 10:37-38

 

 

Personal – In what way have you prepared the way of the Lord to those around you?  Has your personal testimony been about Jesus in your life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ LUKE 1:46-50, 53-54

 

(“…my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”)

 

Read and meditate on Luke 1:46-50, 53-54.

 

What is the Lord saying to you personally through this reading?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

ISAIAH 61:1-2, 10-11

 

This passage of Isaiah was read by Jesus in Luke 4:18. He stopped his reading to the people in the synagogue in the middle of Chapter 61:2, after the words, “The time of God’s favor has come.” Jesus closed the book and said, “These scriptures came true today.” (Luke 4:21). The rest of Isaiah 61:2, “and the day of his wrath to his enemies,” will come true when Jesus returns to earth again. It is important for us to realize that we are now under God’s favor and his wrath is yet to come.

 

Today’s reading is good news for those who suffer because the Spirit of God is upon those who will go forth and help all those who are suffering. Read Verses 1 and 2 and put your name in place of “me.” “The Spirit of God is upon you and he has anointed you to bring the good news to the suffering and afflicted, he has anointed you to comfort the brokenhearted.” Maybe someone right in your own family is suffering, and you will be the one to bring the  “Good News” of hope to them. All you need to do is say, “Yes, Lord, come into my heart, take up residence in me.”

 

Take the time right now, wherever you are, and confess your sins and repent, and let the grace of God fill you with his Holy Spirit. Are you aware that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you (1 Cor. 3:16) because of your baptism? Now God is filling you up with his Spirit so that his love can overflow through you and spill on to his hurt and broken people. You will open the eyes of the blind because you are carrying the light of the world within you. Remember, my beloved brothers and sisters, the Spirit of God is upon us and he has anointed us. He has clothed us with his garment of salvation and has draped his robe of righteousness about us.

 

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24

 

In today’s reading we see that in all of our circumstances, joy, prayer, and thanksgiving should not go up or down because of feelings. These three commands to “be joyful, keep on praying, and continue to be thankful” often go against our natural inclin­ations. We can expect to be joyful and thankful when we are following God’s will because it is his power that flows through us and it is in his hands that we place our cares (1 Peter 5:7). We will always find it much easier to be joyful, thankful, and full of prayer when we really put our trust in the Lord.

 

We know that we cannot spend all of our time on our knees in prayer, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude all of the time. We build this attitude on admitting our dependence on God, realizing that his presence is right there in front of us, behind us, above us, below us and within us.  We must choose to obey him fully. It is not enough to talk about Christ, we must also walk with Christ. We will then find it natural to pray frequent, spontaneous short, and very meaningful prayers. Remem­ber that an attitude of prayer is not a substitute for our alone, “quiet” time of prayer with Jesus. A prayerful attitude should be an extension of those times.

 

Paul was teaching us that we should be thankful in every­thing that happens to us. We are thankful always because God IS and for the good he can bring out through the time of distress. We are told not to “smother the Holy Spirit” or not to ignore or toss aside the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to us. Some­times spiritual gifts are controversial and cause division in a church. Paul mentions the gift of prophecy, and he encourages all to use the full expression of these gifts in the body of Christ.

 

Let us never make fun of those who do not agree with what we profess to believe. Let us also check their works against sacred scripture and sacred tradition. We do not allow Christ to control us only on a religious level. We are called to let Christ control all of us at all times, under all circumstances.

 

 

JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28

 

This Gospel message is really a message of “Good News.” It is a message of a light that has come to penetrate the darkness of the world, and especially the darkness of people’s hearts. The light is Jesus, and John the Baptist gave witness to the light. We are called to carry out our role, today, as reflectors of Christ’s light. We are never to present ourselves as the light to others, but always as John the Baptist did, point them to Christ the Light.

We need to remember always that Jesus was the creator of life, and his life brings light to a fallen mankind. In his light you and I see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a savior). We may say to ourselves that we do not do all those terrible things that bad people do, but we must never forget that scrip­ture tells us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Some sins seem bigger than others, and all sins make us sinners, and all sins cut us off from our Holy God. Do not minimize “little” sins. They all separate us from God, but they all can be forgiven. When we follow Jesus Christ, the Light, we can avoid walking and falling blindly into sin. His life and deeds have lit the path of life for all of us. He, in mercy and righteousness, removes the darkness of sin from our lives.

 

Have you allowed the light of Christ to shine in your life? Today, I challenge you to let Jesus Christ bring light into your life and you will never need to stumble in darkness again.

 

Application

 

The first reading reveals that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us.  In the second reading, we are called to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful in all circumstances. In the Gospel, Jesus is the Light, and we are called to reflect that light.

 

Look around you at your family, relatives, friends, or community and pick out someone who is hurting, alone or im­prisoned. Write or visit that person and tell him that you will continue to pray for him and, if possible, with him. You may be able to take someone to Mass or bring Eucharist to someone. You may be able to read this week’s lesson to someone who cannot see or read. Remember, you are called to reflect the Light of Jesus, and his Holy Spirit has anointed you. Go forth and make dis­ciples of all nations, (Math. 28:19), especially those in your own family.

 

 

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday of Advent (Dec. 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 1:26-38 –  The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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

Lectio Divina – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Dec. 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

John 1:6-8, 19-28 – A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John: When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” and he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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