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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.

 

EL CUERPO Y LA SANGRE DE CRISTO (June 3rd) – CICLO B

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EL CUERPO Y LA SANGRE DE CRISTO – 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 EXODO 24:3-8                                          PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Haremos todo lo que el Señor ha ordenado.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué fué lo que Moisés le fue a contar a la gente y cómo le contestaron? Exodo 24:3

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Moisés con lo que el Señor le habia dicho y qué construyó al otro dia muy temprano al pie de la montaña? Exodo 24:4

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el Señor a Moisés que anunciara a Josué? Exodo 17:14

 

Personal – ¿Qué has escrito en esta semana que haya sido una palabra del Señor para ti?

 

  1. ¿Por qué mandó Moisés a ciertos jóvenes Israelitas a ofrecer holocaustos y a sacrificar toros jovenes?

Exodo 24:5

 

  1. ¿Sin qué no podia inagurarse el primer pacto? Hebreos 9:18

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Moisés con la sangre de los animales y qué hizo con el libro de la ley? Exodo 24:6-7

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo la gente cuando Moisés leyó del libro del pacto? Exodo 24:7

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Moisés con la sangre y que dijo a la gente? Exodo 24:8

 

  1. ¿A quién y a qué roció Moisés con la sangre y qué pasa con esta de acuerdo con la ley? Hebreos 9:19-22

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que no hay sin el derramamiento de la sangre? Hebreos 9:22

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te demuestra la vida que a traves de la sangre has sido perdonado? ¿De qué modo estas de acuerdo con los que te rodean en atender y hacer todo lo que el Señor ha dicho?

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                        LEE HEBREOS 9: 11-15                                     SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…El es el mediador de un nuevo testamento.”)

 

  1. ¿Como qué vino Cristo, qué atravesó que no fue hecho por manos humanas y a qué no pertence El?

Hebreos 9:11

 

  1. ¿A quién tuvo Cristo que hacerse semejante en todo para poder expiar los pecados de la gente?

Hebreos 2:17

 

  1. ¿Con la sangre de quién obtuvo la redención eterna y cual sangre no necesitó para ello? Hebreos 9:12

 

  1. ¿Por qué Cristo no tiene necesidad de ofrecer sacrificios dia tras dia como lo hacian los sumos sacerdotes?

Hebreos 7:27

 

  1. ¿Qué es imposible que hagan la sangre de toros y chivos? Hebreos 10:4

 

  1. ¿Qué podian limpiar la sangre de las chivos y toros y las cenizas de las terneras? Hebreos 9:13

 

  1. ¿Cómo se ofreció Cristo mismo a Dios y con qué puede limpiar nuestra conciencia? Hebreos 9:14

 

  1. ¿Cómo hemos sido santificados a traves del ofrecimiento del cuerpo de Cristo de una vez por todas?

Hebreos 10:9-10

 

  1. ¿Cuando hemos sido purificados de los lazos del pecado qué estamos ansiosos de hacer? Tito 2:14

 

  1. ¿De qué es Cristo el mediador, por qué tuvo que morir y qué recibiran los elegidos? Hebreos 9:15

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el único mediador entre Dios y la raza humana y como es que se dió El mismo? 1 Timoteo 2:5-6

 

Personal – ¿Cómo ha sido purificada tu conciencia? ¿De algun modo hay culpa en tu conciencia? ¿De qué modo te molesta tu conciencia? Compartelo con alguien y pídele que ore contigo por ello. Y ambos escuchen lo que el Señor dice acerca de esto.

 

CUARTO DIA                                                 LEE MARCOS 14:12-16, 22-26                                               EVANGELIO

(“Tomen, éste es mi cuerpo. Esta es mi sangre de la alianza, que será derramada por muchos.”)

 

  1. ¿En el primer dia de la fiesta del pan sin levadura, qué se sacrificaba? ¿Qué le dijeron los discípulos a Jesús? Marcos 14:12

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que se describe en Exodo 12:1-11, mas especificamente en el versiculo 11?

 

  1. Jesús mandó a dos de sus discípulos a la ciudad. ¿Quién los iba a encontrar y que les dijo El que hicieran?

Marcos 14:13

 

  1. ¿Dónde quiera que el hombre entrara que habrian de decirle al dueño de la casa? Marcos 14:14

 

  1. ¿Qué enseñó el dueño de la casa a los discípulos y qué debian hacer estos ahi? Marcos 14:15

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando los discípulos salieron y llegaron a la ciudad, qué encontraron y qué hicieron? Marcos 14:16

 

 

Personal – ¿Cuando haces oración le has preguntado al Señor acerca de que es lo que quiere que hagas? ¿Has seguido sus indicaciones?

 

  1. ¿Mientras comian cuáles fueron las cuatro cosas que Jesús hizo con el pan? ¿Qué fue lo que dijo?

Marcos 14:22

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús con la copa y qué les dijo a sus discipulos?         Marcos 14:23-24

 

  1. ¿Por qué fue derramada la sangre de Jesús? Mateo 26:28

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que no volveria a hacer hasta el dia en que lo beba en el reino de Dios? Marcos 14:25

 

  1. ¿Qué nos hace formar un solo cuerpo? 1 Corintios 10:16-17

 

  1. ¿Qué cantaron Jesús y Sus discípulos y a donde fueron? Marcos 14:26

 

Personal – ¿Cómo puedes participar mas plenamente en la Misa los domingos? Si hay alguna barrera que te impida participar plenamente busca un sacerdote, háblale y recibe el Sacramento de la Reconciliacion (Confesión). Tu puedes perdonar a quien sea no importa que tan profunda sea la herida, pues Jesús te ha perdonado a ti.

 

QUINTO DIA                                                        LEE SALMO 116:12-18

(“A los ojos de Dios es muy penoso que mueran sus amigos.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 116:12-18.

 

¿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

 

                                                                                           EXODO 24:3-8

 

Moisés anunció todas las leyes y reglas que Dios le habia dado, a la gente reunida al pie del monte Sinaí. Este monte es uno de los mas sagrados lugares en la historia de Israel. Es la montaña donde Moisés encontró a Dios en un arbusto ardiendo y donde Este hizo Su pacto con Israel y Elias. Elias oyó a Dios “en el sonido de un suave susurro” en una cueva en el Monte Sinaí. Vemos al pueblo de Dios aprender sobre las bendiciones que se pueden obtener con la obediencia (Exodo 24:8-18), y las trágicas consecuencias de la desobediencia (Exodo 32). Moisés construyó un altar al pie de esta montaña con doce pilares alrededor de este por que eran doce las tribus de Israel. Entonces mandó a unos jóvenes a sacrificar las ofrendas. Los Israelitas compartian constantemente las comidas de los sacrificios. Una ofrenda quemada era sacrificada para Dios y luego la comida de ese sacrificio era dedicada a Dios e ingerida en una especie de cena de fraternidad.

 

Vemos a Moisés confirmar y sellar el pacto que Dios habia hecho con Su pueblo a traves del uso de la sangre. Como el bendito y todo poderoso juez de todos nosotros, Dios condena el pecado y lo considera digno de muerte. Vemos claramente que en el Antiquo Testamento Dios aceptó  la muerte de un animal como penitencia de un pecador. La sangre simbolizaba la muerte de un animal como substituto del pecador. Tambien la sangre simbolizaba que una vida habia sido perdonada como resultado.

Vemos en la escritura que la muerte de Jesucristo era el único camino que el hombre podia encontrar como substituto permanente ante Dios (Hebreos 9:9-10:24). La sangre que fue regada sobre el altar en la lectura de hoy nos muestra que el pecador podia volver a venir ante Dios pues algo habia muerto en su lugar. La sangre que fue esparcida sobre la gente les indicaba que su castigo por el pecado habia sido pagado. Entonces podian volver a reunirse con Dios.

Tu puedes volver a reunirte con Dios ahora mismo confesandole que eres pecador y pidiéndole que te perdone. Su sangre te ha redimido de la obscuridad. Arrepiéntete, creé en Jesús y vuélvete un hijo de la Luz.

 

HEBREOS 9:11-15

 

Pablo nos dice que El vino como un sumo sacerdote y pasó a traves de un mejor y mas perfecto santuario que no fue hecho por manos humanas. Una vez al año, en el dia de la reparación el sumo sacerdote podia entrar al Lugar Santísimo, que era la habitación mas interna del Tabernáculo. En esa pequeña habitacion estaba el Arca de la Alianza, que era un cofre que contenia las tablas de piedra originales en donde habian sido escritos los diez mandamientos. El sumo sacerdote era el único que podia entrar en ese lugar sagrado. El acceso que la gente tenia hacia Dios era unicamente a traves del sumo sacerdote quien ofrecia un sacrificio y usaba su sangre para reparar sus pecados de el mismo primero y luego los del pueblo (Hebreos 10:19).

La lectura de hoy nos muestra que el tratar de hacernos buenos a traves de reglas y normas nunca ha sido exitoso. Jesús nos muestra que solo con Su Sangre nuestras conciencias seran limpiadas y estaremos libres de pecado. Podemos entonces, vivir para servir a Dios, puesto que ya estamos libres del poder del pecado. La lectura de hoy habla claramente de que si nos sentimos culpables por que no podemos ser suficientemente buenos para Dios, nos alegremos y echemos otra mirada para ver lo que la muerte de Jesús significa para nosotros.

Es muy importante darnos cuenta que en el Antiguo Testamento la sangre de los animales sacrificados permitía que la gente fuera aceptada en una forma ceremonial. El sacrificio de la sangre de Cristo transforma nuestras vidas y nuestros corazones y nos hace limpios por adentro. Podemos vernos a nosotros mismos y ver que si nuestros corazones no cambian es muy dificil y muy poco placentero el seguir las reglas de Dios. Normalmente nos rebelariamos si nos dijeran como vivir, pero el Espíritu Santo nos da deseos nuevos y nos damos cuenta de que el servir a Dios es nuestra mayor alegria. Consideramos “el valor” en nuestro modo humano de pensar ya que solo unos cuantos lo pueden tener. El grandioso plan de redención de Dios sinembargo hace un gran contraste con el valor o lo valioso en términos humanos. El es el mas valioso de todos los tesoros y esta a la disposición de todos. Su sangre te ha hecho libre y valioso. Ejercita tu fé compartiéndola y usándola para servir a Dios.

 

MARCOS 14:12-16, 22-26

 

Todos los varones de mas de doce años eran requeridos de ir a Jerusalén. Era el tiempo de la fiesta de la Pascua. El termino “Pascua” significa la noche en que los Israelitas fueron liberados de Egipto (Exodo 12) cuando Dios pasó de largo las casas que habian marcado con sangre de cordero y matando a los hijos primogénitos en las casas que no habian sido marcadas. El dia de la Pascua era seguido por un festival de siete dias llamado la Fiesta de los Azimos. Esta fiesta recordaba la rápida huida de los Israelitas de Egipto cuando no tuvieron tiempo para que levantara la masa del pan. El pueblo tuvo que hornear el pan sin levadura. La semana entera fue llamada semana de Pascua por que seguia al dia de fiesta especial.

Jesús les dijo a Sus discípulos que fueran y prepararan la cena de Pascua en la que iban a participar. Muchas casas en ese lugar tenian cuartos en la parte de arriba y era muy comun rentar esos cuartos para el festival de la Pascua.

 

Esta comida que Jesús celebró en el evangelio de hoy fue el origen de la Cena del Señor, también conocida como la comunión de la Eucaristía. El compartir el cuerpo y la sangre de Jesús es celebrado en todos los servicios de adoración Católicos y en otras iglesias Cristianas el partir el pan es una parte muy importante de la adoración. En la primera cena del Señor, Jesús y Sus discípulos comieron y cantaron Salmos, leyeron las escrituras y oraron. El tomó el pan y el vino y les dió un nuevo significado como Su cuerpo y Su sangre.

Asi como la muerte de Jesús en la cruz sella un nuevo acuerdo entre Dios y la humanidad, la Pascua celebraba la liberación de la esclavitud de Egipto y la cena del Señor celebra la liberación del pecado por la muerte de Cristo. Los Cristianos Católicos creen que el pan y el vino realmente son el cuerpo físico y la sangre de Cristo. Sin embargo todos los demas Cristianos creen que Dios es una parte de la experiencia de la comunión, bendiciéndonos cuando recordamos la muerte de Cristo hasta que vuelva a venir. Todos nos volvemos un cuerpo en Cristo cuando compartimos Su cuerpo y Su sangre en el sacramento de la Santa Eucaristia.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura revela lo sagrado del Monte Sinai para los Israelitas. La segunda lectura nos dice que nosotros somos los tabernáculos de Dios. El Evangelio nos dice que Eucaristia quiere decir unidad y dar gracias.

Esta semana comparte tu fé con alguien. Dile lo que la muerte de Jesus significa para tí y lo que significa comer en la mesa del Señor. Quizá estarás compartiendo esta revelación con alguien que tiene mucha hambre de alimento espiritual. Puede que sea alguien de tu familia, escuela o trabajo. Jesús nos llama a cada uno de nosotros a alimentar a Sus ovejas. Con Dios adelante, comparte tu fé y alimenta Sus ovejas.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (June 3rd) – Cycle B

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The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

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 to us that God’s law is to be obeyed above man’s law. The second reading tells us that being adopted into God’s family means being a full heir to his heavenly kingdom. The Gospel calls us to be disciples of action and to go forth.

This week bring someone you know into God’s family. Tell that person about Jesus; share your faith with him or her. Let your witness be the spark that sets their heart on fire. You may have to go no further than your family, school or work to find new members for God’s family. In fact, you may find members of God’s family who need to be reminded that he is still with them even in their troubled times. You are messengers of the King!

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 EXODUS 24:3-8 FIRST READING
(“We will do everything the Lord has told us.”)

  1. What did Moses come to the people to do, and how did they answer him? Exodus 24:3
  2. What did Moses do with the words of the Lord, and what did he erect early the next morning at the foot of the mountain? Exodus 24:4
  3. What did the Lord tell Moses to announce to Joshua? Exodus 17:14

Personal? – What have you written down this week that was a word from the Lord to you?

  1. Why did Moses send certain young men of the Israelites to offer holocausts and sacrifice young bulls? Exodus 24:5
  2. Without what was the first covenant not even inaugurated? Hebrews 9:18
  3. What did Moses do with the blood of the animals, and what did he do with the book of the covenant? Exodus 24:6-7
  4. What did the people say when Moses read from the book of the covenant? Exodus 24:7
  5. What did Moses do with the blood, and what did he say to the people? Exodus 24:8
  6. Who and what did Moses sprinkle with the blood, and what happens to it according to the law? Hebrews 9:19-22
  7. What is there none of without the shedding of blood? Hebrews 9:22

Personal – How does your life show that through blood you have been forgiven? In what way are you in one accord with those around you in heeding and doing all that the Lord has said?

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 9:11-15 SECOND READING
(“…He is mediator of a new covenant.”)

  1. As what did Christ come, what did he pass through which was not made by human hands, and to what did he not belong? Hebrews 9:11
  2. What did Christ have to become like in every way to expiate the sins of the people? Hebrews 2:17
  3. With whose blood did he achieve eternal redemption, and whose blood did he not need to achieve eternal redemption? Hebrews 9:12
  4. Why did Christ not need to offer sacrifice day after day as did the high priests? Hebrews 7:27
  5. What is it impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to do? Hebrews 10:4
  6. What can the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of a heifer’s ashes cleanse? Hebrew 9:13
  7. How did Christ offer himself to God, and from what can he cleanse our conscience? Hebrews 9:14
  8. How have we been consecrated through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all? Hebrews 10:9-10
  9. When we have been cleansed from all lawlessness, what are we eager to do? Titus 2:14
  10. Of what is Christ the mediator, why has his death taken place, and what may those who are called receive? Hebrews 9:15
  11. Who is the only mediator between God and the human race, and as what did he give himself? 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Personal – How has your conscience been cleansed? In what way do you have a guilty conscience, or in what way does your conscience bother you? Share with someone, and ask them to pray with you about it. And both listen to what the Lord is saying about this.

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 14:12-16, 22-26 GOSPEL
(“Take it, this is my body.”  “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.”)

  1. On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, what did they sacrifice? What did Jesus’ disciples say to him? Mark 14:12
  2. Describe what is in Exodus 12:1-11. Concentrate on verse 11.
  3. Jesus sent two of his disciples into the city. Whom did he say would meet them, and what did he tell them to do? Mark 14:13
  4. Wherever the man entered, what were they to say to the master of the house? Mark 14:14
  5. What would the master of the house show the disciples, and what were they to do? Mark 14:15
  6. When the disciples went off and entered the city, what did they find, and what did they do? Mark 14:16

Personal – In prayer, have you asked the Lord about what he wants you to do? Have you followed his direction?

  1. While they were eating, what four things did Jesus do with the bread? What did he say? Mark 14:22
  2. What did Jesus do with the cup, and what did he say to his disciples? Mark 14:23-24
  3. Why was Jesus’ blood shed? Matthew 26:28
  4. What did Jesus say he would not do again until the day when He drinks it new in the kingdom of God? Mark 14:25
  5. What makes us one body? 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
  6. What did Jesus and the disciples sing, and when and where did they go? Mark 14:26

Personal – How can you participate more fully in Mass on Sunday? If there is any blockage from your participating fully, go to a priest and talk to him and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. No matter how deep the hurt, you can forgive everyone because Jesus has forgiven you.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 116:12-18
(“Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 116:12-18.

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

EXODUS 24:3-8

Moses announced all the laws and regulations God had given him to all the people assembled there at the foot of Mt. Sinai.

Mt. Sinai is one of the most sacred locations in Israel’s history. This is the mountain where Moses met God in a burning bush, and where he made his covenant with Israel and Elijah. Elijah heard God “in the sound of a gentle whisper” in a cave on Mt. Sinai. We see God’s people learn about the potential blessings of obedience (Ex. 24:8-18), and the tragic consequences of disobedience (Ex. 32). Moses built an altar at the foot of this mountain with twelve pillars around the altar because there were twelve tribes of Israel. He then sent some young men to sacrifice the burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Israelites very often shared a sacrificial meal together. A burnt offering was sacrificed to God, and then the meal taken from the sacrifice was dedicated to God and eaten as a type of fellowship dinner.

We see Moses confirm and seal the covenant that God has made with his people through the use of blood. As the holy and almighty judge of us all, God condemns sin and judges it worthy of death. We see very clearly that in the Old Testament, God accepted the death of an animal as an atonement for a sinner. Blood symbolized the death of an animal as being a substitute for a sinner. Blood also symbolized that a life was spared as a result.

We see in scripture that the death of Jesus Christ was the only way that man could have a permanent atonement with God (Hebrews 9:9 – 10:24). The blood that was thrown against the altar in today’s reading shows that the sinner could again come before God because some thing died in his place. The blood that was thrown on the people showed them that their penalty for sin had been paid. They then could be reunited with God.

You can be reunited with God right now by confessing to him that you are a sinner, and ask him to forgive you. His blood has already ransomed you from darkness. Repent and believe in Jesus, and become a child of the light.

HEBREWS 9:11-15

This reading tells us that Jesus came as a high priest and passed through a greater and more perfect sanctuary not made by human hands. Once a year, on the day of atonement, the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, which was in the innermost room of the tabernacle. In that small room was contained the Ark of the Covenant. This was a chest that contained the original stone tablets on which the ten commandments were written. The high priest was the only one who could enter into this sacred spot. The peoples’ only access to God was through the high priest, who offered a sacrifice and used its blood to atone first for his own sins and then for the peoples’ sins (Hebrews 10:19).

Today’s reading shows us that trying to make ourselves good enough through rules and regulations has never been successful. Jesus shows us that by his blood alone our consciences are cleansed, and we are freed from death. We can now live to serve God because we are free from sin’s power. Today’s reading clearly speaks to us that if we are feeling guilty because we can not be good enough for God, then rejoice and take another look at what Jesus’ death means to us.

It is very important to realize that in the Old Testament the blood of sacrificed animals allowed the people to be ceremonially acceptable. The blood of Christ’s sacrifice transforms our lives and hearts and makes us clean on the inside. We can look at ourselves and see that if our hearts are not changed, following God’s rules is very unpleasant and difficult. We normally will rebel against being told how to live, but the Holy Spirit gives us new desires, and we find that serving God is our greatest joy. Many consider something as valuable, in our human way of thinking, because only a few can have it. God’s great plan of redemption, however, stands in sharp contrast to the human term value or valuable. He is the most valuable of all treasures, and he is available to all. His blood has made you free and valuable. Exercise your faith by sharing it and using it to serve God.

MARK 14:12-16, 22-26

All males over the age of 12 years were required to go to Jerusalem. This was the time of the Passover Festival. The term “Passover” means the night the Israelites were freed from Egypt (Exodus 12), when God “passed over” homes marked by the blood of a lamb while killing the first born sons in unmarked homes. The day of Passover was followed by a seven-day festival called the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. This feast recalled the Israelites quick escape from Egypt when they did not have time even to let their bread dough rise. The people had to bake the bread without any yeast. The whole week came to be called Passover week because it followed the special holiday.

Jesus told his disciples to go and prepare for the Passover meal in which they were going to participate. Many homes in the area had large upstairs rooms and the renting of these rooms for the Passover festival was quite common.

This meal that Jesus celebrated in today’s Gospel was the origin of the Lord’s Supper, or also known as the communion of the Eucharist. The sharing of Jesus’ body and blood is celebrated at every Catholic worship service, and in many other Christian churches the breaking of the bread is a major part of worship. At the first Lord’s supper, Jesus and his disciples ate a meal, sang Psalms, read scripture and prayed. He took the bread and wine and gave them new meaning as his body and blood.

Just as Jesus’ death on the cross seals a new agreement between God and mankind, the Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, and the Lord’s supper celebrates deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. Catholic Christians believe that the bread and wine actually become Christ’s body and blood. All Christians believe, however, that God is a part of the communion experience, blessing us as we remember Christ’s death until he comes again. We all become one body in Christ when we share his body and blood in the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

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.

 

Lectio Divina – The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (June 3rd) – 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 14:12-16, 22-26 – On the first day of the feast of Unleavened Bread when they sacrificed the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples said to Him, “Where do you want us to go and prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He sent two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city and a man will meet you, carrying a jar of water. Follow him. Wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, “Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there.” The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover.

While they were eating, He took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then He took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Then, after singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

DOMINGO DE LA SANTISIMA TRINIDAD (May 27th) – CICLO B

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DOMINGO DE LA SANTISIMA TRINIDAD – 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 DEUTERONOMIO 4:32-34, 39-40                            PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Guarda las leyes y los mandamientos que yo te ordeno hoy,”)

 

  1. ¿Quién creó al hombre sobre la tierra? ¿Cuáles son las cuatro preguntas pedidas en los versículos 32-34 de el Deuteronomio 4?

 

  1. ¿Por qué Dios dejó oir su voz a los Israelitas? Deuteronomio 4:36

 

  1. ¿Qué supieron los Israelitas despues que Dios les habló? Deuteronomio 5:24, 26

 

  1. ¿Què hará El Señor a todas las naciones en las cuales los Israelitas fueron atemorizados?

Deuteronomio 7:22

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos saber y estampar en nuestro corazón? Deuteronomio 4:39

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos guardar? y ¿qué nos pasará a nosotros y a nuestros hijos? Deuteronomio 4:40

 

  1. ¿Cual es el nuevo mandamiento que Jesús dejó a sus discípulos, y cómo sabemos si nosotros somos discípulos? Juan 13:34-35

 

  1. ¿Cuál mandamiento promete una larga vida y prosperidad? Deuteronomio 5:16

 

  1. ¿Quién dijo Jesús que era Su madre? Mateo 12:49-50

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Maria, la madre de Dios, acerca del Todopoderoso? (Dios), ¿Que dá El a aquellos que le temen y a quienes hacen esto? Lucas 1:49-50

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has guardado los Mandamientos de Dios diariamente? ¿Cómo has amado a alguien que no ha sido muy afectuoso contigo esta última semana? Mira como puedes encontrar la forma de hacerlo.

 

 

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                        LEE ROMANOS 8:14-17                                        SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Pues todos aquellos a los que guia el Espíritu de Dios, esos son hijos de Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué son aquellos que son guiados por el Espíritu de Dios? Romanos 8:14

 

  1. ¿Si somos guiados por el Espiritu de Dios, a qué no estamos sometidos? Gálatas 5:18

 

  1. ¿A quiénes dió Jesús el poder de ser hijos de Dios? Juan 1:12

 

Personal – ¿Por quién es eres guiado?

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que no recibimos, y en qué nos hace caer esto? Romanos 8:15

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que recibimos y que gritamos? Romanos 8:15

 

  1. ¿Como prueba de que somos hijos, a quién mandó Dios adentro de nuestros corazones y qué es lo que Este clama? Gálatas 4:6

 

  1. ¿Dios no nos dió un Espíritu de qué? ¿Mas bien nos dió un Espíritu de cuáles tres cosas? 2 Timoteo 1:7

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el Espíritu de Dios con nuestro Espíritu? Romanos 8:16

 

  1. ¿Si somos hijos de Dios, somos herederos y coherederos de quién, si solamente hacemos qué?

Romanos 8:17

 

  1. ¿Si sufrimos con Cristo, qué nos sucederá? Romanos 8:17

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer hasta el punto de compartir en los sufrimientos de Cristo? ¿Cuando Su gloria sea revelada nosotros podremos hacer tambien qué cosa? 1 Pedro 4:13

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera te ves sufriendo con Cristo? ¿Te ves como hijo de Dios?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                         LEE MATEO 28:16-20                                                           EVANGELIO

 

(“Por eso, vayan y hagan discípulos de todas las naciones.”)

 

  1. ¿Quiénes fueron a Galilea y qué les ordenó Jesús hacer? Mateo 28:16

 

  1. ¿Cuando los discípulos vieron a Jesús, qué hicieron aun cuando algunos dudaban?   Mateo 28:17

 

  1. ¿Cómo adoraran al Padre los que verdaderamente lo veneran? Juan 4:23

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has adorado a Jesús ésta semana?

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús a sus discípulos? Mateo 28:18

 

  1. ¿Quién tiene autoridad sobre todos los mortales, quién se la dió a El y por qué razon? Juan 17:1-2

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando ordenó Jesús a sus discípulos que se fueran qué les dijo que hicieran y en nombre de quién debian ellos bautizar? Mateo 28:19

 

  1. ¿Qué debian proclamar los discípulos y que ha de suceder a los que crean y a los que no crean?

Marcos 16:15-16

 

  1. ¿Qué será predicado en el nombre de Jesús? Lucas 24:47

 

  1. ¿Qué deben enseñar los discípulos y qué prometió Jesús que El haria hasta que se termine este mundo? Mateo 28:20

 

  1. ¿Qué significa el nombre Emmanuel? Mateo 1:23

 

  1. ¿Quién nos enseña todas las cosas y nos recordará todas las palabras de Jesús? Juan 14:26

 

Personal – ¿Qué aprendiste de Jesús esta semana que puedas compartir con aquellos que encuentres?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                 LEE SALMO 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22

(“Pues recta es la palabra del Señor.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22.

 

¿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

                                                                         DEUTERONOMIO 4:32-34, 39-40

 

El mensaje de hoy es una poderosa advertencia a todas las naciones de que hay un solo Dios y de que nosotros los que creemos somos Sus hijos. Moisés hizo recordar al pueblo que Dios les amaba tanto, que una nación entera oyó su voz repercutir del fuego en la cúspide de la montaña. Se les recordó que fueron liberados de la servitud de esclavos, no por poder de ellos sino por el poder de Dios.

Dios mandó plagas terribles, milagros portentosos, guerra y terror a naciones que eran mucho mas poderosas que la nación de ellos. Moisés les dijo que fue porque Dios amó a sus antecesores y decidió bendecir a los descendientes de ellos, que El personalmente los liberó de Egipto desplegando gran poder. A Israel se le dijo que como nacion, prosperaria si obedecia las leyes de Dios. Las leyes de Dios fueron designadas para hacer sana a su nación elegida y tambien justa y misericordiosa. Cuando ellos siguieron Sus leyes prosperaron. Esto no quiere decir que entre ellos no existian enfermedades, pobreza o problemas. Los problemas individuales fueron tratados tan justamente como era posible, pero como nacion ellos continuaron prosperando.

Hoy, la promesa de Dios de prosperidad, Su constante presencia y consuelo, y la forma de vivir como debemos, se extiende a todos los creyentes. Haremos frente a las pruebas; Jesús nos asegura esto. Pero podemos y evitaremos la miseria que resulta directamente de pecados intencionales. Una nación que permite que el aborto, pornografia, drogas, inmoralidad y rebelión sean parte casual de su forma de vida aceptada, es una nación que va hacia el desastre.

 

La lectura de hoy nos recuerda que si permanecemos fieles al Dios que nos amó tanto que mandó a Su unigénito Hijo a morir en la cruz por nosotros, conoceremos el gran tesoro celestial que nos espera. Dios recompensará las naciones asi como los individuos que buscan una relacion personal con Su Hijo, Jesucristo.

 

ROMANOS 8:14-17

 

En este pasaje, Pablo usa el ejemplo de la adopción para conectar la nueva relación de Dios con los creyentes. En la cultura romana la adopción era vista con gran respeto. La adopción romana se hizo mas seria y difícil con la “Patria Potestad.” Esto era el poder del padre sobre su familia y era en realidad el poder de vida y muerte. Con respecto a su padre, un hijo romano nunca llega a mayor de edad. La adopción de una familia a otra era muy dificil y un paso muy serio. En la adopción una persona tenia que pasar de una “Patria Potestad” a otra.

Pablo, siendo él mismo un romano, conocia la correlación entre adopción romana y el ser adoptado en la familia de Dios. En la adopción romana la persona adoptada perdia todos los derechos y deudas de su familia anterior y ganaba todos los derechos de hijo legítimo en su nueva familia. En la forma legal mas válida, adquiria un nuevo padre. Pablo nos cuenta acerca de esta parte de la cultura romana para que hoy podamos ver el increible significado de lo que quiere decir ser adoptado dentro de la familia de Dios y el ser adoptado por “Abba,” nuestro padre celestial.

Cuando una persona entraba en la familia cristiana, ganaba todos los derechos de un hijo legítimo y se convertía en heredero pleno de los bienes de su nuevo padre. Ganaba asi tambien todos los privilegios y responsabilidades de un hijo de la familia de Dios. Tú y yo no necesitamos nunca mas temblar como timidos esclavos. En cambio, somos los hijos del amo. Recibimos este maravilloso regalo en nuestro sacramento del bautismo, y compartimos grandes tesoros, tal como, ser Sus hijos, obtener Su perdón y el increible regalo de la vida eterna. Nuestro Padre o “Abba” que quiere decir papito, nos dá el valor de pedirle cualquier cosa que necesitemos.

Ser un hijo de Dios significa el ser identificado con Jesucristo. Esta identificación incluye el sufrimiento que los cristianos han afrontado en el pasado y deberán hacer frente en el futuro. Los primeros cristianos sufrieron persecusión y muerte. Hoy, en muchos paises, el sufrimiento incluye persecusión económica y social como tambien persecusión física y muerte. En muchos paises del mundo de hoy, los cristianos afrontan presiones tan severas como aquellas afrontadas por los seguidores de Cristo. Como cristianos somos llamados a vivir como Cristo, y por lo tanto, nada de lo que suframos puede compararse al gran precio que Jesús pagó por salvarnos. Yo ruego que hoy puedas identificarte con Jesús y te hagas un miembro de Su familia y un heredero de todo lo que nuestro Padre celestial ha prometido.

MATEO 28:16-20

 

Hoy, en todas las iglesias Católicas a traves del mundo, celebramos la Fiesta de la Trinidad. Cuando hablamos acerca de la Trinidad, traemos la autoridad del Padre, el poder del Espíritu y el amoroso sacrificio del Hijo en una sola personal llamada Dios. No hay una explicación claramente elaborada de este increible misterio, pero, a traves de todas las escrituras, se nos presenta con la presencia del Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo.

En el Evangelio de hoy, se nos incita a ir adelante y hacer discípulos de todas las naciones. Somos comisionados de ir afuera en la oscuridad y traer a otros a nuestra familia de amor y luz. Hemos aprendido a traves de las escrituras acerca de un Padre amante que amó al mundo tanto que eligió dejar a Su unigénito Hijo morir por los pecados del mundo. El dejó que Su Hijo fuera el rescate por todos nosotros que creemos en El. Nosotros no tenemos esa clase de poder para hacer y llevar a cabo tal declaración de creencia, asi que Dios en un verdadero acto de Paternal amor, nos dejó su Espíritu Santo.

A traves del poder del Espíritu Santo y en el nombre de Jesus, podemos dar gloria a Dios Padre, yendo adelante y trayendo a otros a Su presencia que alivia. Dios dió a Jesús autoridad sobre los cielos y la tierra y sobre la base de esta autoridad, ordenó a Sus discípulos hacer mas discípulos. Estos predicaron, bautizaron y enseñaron con la misma autoridad a traves del poder del Espíritu Santo. (Hechos 1:8)

 

Jesús todavia nos manda dar a otros la Buenas Nuevas y hacer discípulos de ellos. Cuando alguien está muriendo o nos está dejando, sus últimas palabras son muy importantes para nosotros. Jesús dejó a los discípulos con estas últimas palabras e instrucciones. Dijo a Sus discípulos que ellos estaban bajo Su autoridad y que debian bautizar y enseñar a la gente a obedecer Sus mandamientos. También les dijo que El estaría siempre con ellos, aun hasta el fin del mundo.

Debemos ir adelante, sea a la casa de al lado o a otro pais, y hacer discípulos. Esta no es una opción, es un mandato hecho por Cristo mismo. No todos somos evangelistas, pero todos hemos recibido dones que podemos usar para ayudar a cumplir con la gran comisión. Al obedecer recibimos consuelo y gozo al saber que a traves del poder del Espíritu Santo y en el nombre de Jesús, estamos dando gloria a Dios Padre. Celebremos este dia especial llamado Domingo de la Santisima Trinidad.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos revela que la ley de Dios debe ser obedecida por encima de las leyes del hombre. La segunda lectura nos dice que el haber sido adoptados en la familia de Dios significa que somos herederos absolutos de Su Reino celestial. El Evangelio nos llama ser discípulos en acción y de ir hacia adelante.  Esta semana trae a alguien que conozcas dentro de la familia de Dios. Cuéntale a esa persona acerca de Jesús, comparte tu fe con él o élla. Deja que tu testimonio sea la chispa que encienda el fuego en el corazón de ellos. Es posible que no tengas que ir mas allá de tu propia familia, escuela o trabajo para encontrar nuevos miembros para la familia de Dios. En efecto, puede que encuentres miembros de la familia de Dios que necesitan que se les recuerde de que El está todavia con ellos aún los momentos de dificultades. Ustedes son los mensajeros del Rey!

 

TRINITY SUNDAY (May 27th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

TRINITY 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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY      READ DEUTERONOMY 4:32-34, 39-40   FIRST READING

 

(“You must keep his statutes and commandments which I

 enjoin on you today.”)

 

 l.   Who created man upon the earth, and what are the four

questions asked in verses 32-34 of Deuteronomy 4?

 

 

2.   Why did God let the Israelites hear his voice?

Deuteronomy 4:36

 

 

3.   What did the Israelites find out after God spoke to them? Deuteronomy 5:24, 26

 

 

4.   What will the Lord do to all the nations in which the

Is­raelites were afraid?   Deuteronomy 7:22

 

 

5.   What must we know and fix in our heart?   Deuteronomy     4:39

 

 

6.   What must we keep, and what will happen to us and our

children?   Deuteronomy 4:40

 

 

 

7.   What is the new commandment that Jesus left his      disciples, and how do we know whether we are a   disciple? John 13:34-35

 

 

8.   What commandment promises a long life and prosperity?

Deuteronomy 5:16

 

 

9.   Who did Jesus say was his mother?   Matthew 12:49-50

 

 

10.  What did Mary, the mother of God, say about the Mighty    One (God), what does he extend to those who fear him,    and to whom does he do this? Luke 1:49-50

 

 

Personal – How have you kept God’s commandments on an everyday basis?   How have you loved someone who has not been loving to you this past week?  See whether you can find ways to do this.

  

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 8:14-17        SECOND READING

 (“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are

 children of God.”)

 1.   What are those who are led by the Spirit of God?

Romans 8:14

 

 

2.   If we are guided by the Spirit of God, what are we not

under?   Galatians 5:18

 

 

3.   Who did Jesus give power to become children of God?

John 1:12

 

 

Personal – By whom are you being led?

 

 

4.   What did we not receive, and into what does that make     us fall?    Romans 8:15

 

 

5.   What did we receive, and what do we cry?  Romans 8:15

 

 

6.   As proof that we are children, whom did God send into     our hearts, and what does he cry out?   Galatians 4:6

 

 

7.   God did not give us a spirit of what, but rather a   spirit of what three things?   2 Timothy 1:7

 

 

8.   What does God’s Spirit do with our spirit? Romans 8:16

 

 

9.   If we are children of God, we are heirs and joint    heirs of whom if only we do what?  Romans 8:17

 

 

10.  If we suffer with Christ, what will happen to us?

Romans 8:17

 

 

11.  What are we to do to the extent that we share in the

suffe­ring of Christ, and when his glory is revealed we

may also do what?   1 Peter 4:13

 

 

Personal – In what way do you see yourself suffering with Christ, and do you see yourself as God’s child?

   

 

FOURTH DAY           READ MATTHEW 28:16-20              GOSPEL

 (“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the na­tions.”)

 1.   Who went to Galilee, and what did Jesus order them to     do? Matthew 28:16

 

 

2.   When the disciples saw Jesus, what did they do even though they doubted?   Matthew 28:17

 

 

3.   How will true worshippers worship the Father?  John 4:23

 

 

Personal – In what way have you worshipped Jesus this week?

 

 

4.   What did Jesus tell his disciples?   Matthew 28:18

 

 

5.   Who has authority over all people, who gave this to him, and for what reason?  John 17:1-2

 

 

6.   When Jesus told his disciples to go, what did he tell     them to do and in whose name were they to baptize them? Matthew 28:19

 

7.   What were the disciples to proclaim, and what would happen to those who believed and those who did not   believe? Mark 16:15-16

 

 

8.   What would be preached in the name of Jesus?  Luke   24:47

 

 

9.   What are the disciples to teach, and what did Jesus promise he would do until the end of the age?   Matthew 28:20

 

 

10.  What does the name Emmanuel mean?  Matthew 1:23

 

 

11.  Who teaches us everything and reminds us of all that      Jesus said?   John 14:26

 

 

Personal – What have you learned from Jesus this week that you can share with those you meet?

 

 

FIFTH DAY       READ PSALM 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22

 

           (“For upright is the Word of the Lord.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 33:4-6, 9, 18-20, 22.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

                  DEUTERONOMY 4:32-34, 39-40

 Today’s message is a powerful reminder to all nations that there is only one God, and that we who believe are his children. The people are being reminded by Moses that God loved them so much that an entire nation heard his voice spreading from the fire on a mountain top.   They are reminded that they were freed from the bondage of slavery, not by their power, but rather by the power of God.

 God sent terrible plagues, mighty miracles, war, and ter­ror upon nations far greater than their nation.  Moses told them that it was because God loved their ancestors and chose to bless their descendants that he personally delivered them from Egypt with a great display of power.  Israel was being told that as a nation it would prosper if it obeyed God’s laws.  God’s laws were design­ed to make his chosen nation healthy, just, and merciful. When they followed his laws they prospered.  This does not mean that no sickness, poverty or problems existed among them. In­dividual problems were handled as fairly as possible, but as a nation they still prospered.

 Today God’s promise of prosperity, his constant presence,  comfort, and his direction about the way to live as we should extend to all believers.  We will face trials; Jesus assured us of that.  But we can and will avoid the misery that directly results from inten­tional sin. A nation that allows abortion, pornography, drugs, immorality, and rebellion to become a casual part of its accepted way of life is a nation that is heading toward disaster.

  Today’s reading reminds us that if we remain faithful to the God who loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to die on the cross for us, we will know the great heavenly treasure that awaits us. God will reward nations as well as individuals who seek a deeper personal relationship with his Son, Jesus Christ.

 

 

                        ROMANS 8:14-17

 In this passage Paul used the example of adoption in con­necting the believers’ new relationship with God.  Adoption in the Roman culture was looked at with great respect.  Roman adoption was made more serious and difficult by the Roman  “Patria Potes­tas.” This was the father’s power over his family and was actual­ly the power of life and death. In regard to his father, a Roman son never came of age. Adoption from one family to another was a very difficult and serious step. In adoption a person had to pass from one “Patria Potestas” to another.

 Paul, being a Roman citizen himself, knew the correlation between Roman adoption and being adopted into God’s family. In the Roman adoption the adopted person lost all rights and debts in his old family and gained all the rights of a legitimate son in his new family. In the most binding legal way, he got a new father. Paul tells us about this part of Roman culture so that we today can see the incredible significance of what it means to be adopted into God’s family and to be adopted by “Abba,” our heavenly Father.

 When a person enters into the Christian family, he gains all the rights of a legitimate child and he becomes a full heir to his new father’s estate. He also gains all the privileges and responsi­bilities of a child in God’s family. You and I no longer need to be cringing, fearful slaves. Instead, we are the master’s children. We receive this wondrous gift in our sacrament of baptism, and we share in great treasures, such as, being his children, receiving his forgiveness, and the incredible gift of eternal life. Our Father, or “Abba” which means daddy, encourages us to ask him for whatever we need.

 Being a child of God means being identified with Jesus Christ. This identification includes the suffering that Chris­tians have faced in the past and will have to face in the future. The early Christians suffered persecution and death. Today in many countries, suffering includes economic and social persecu­tion as well as physical persecution and death. In many countries of today’s world, Christians face pressures just as severe as those faced by Christ’s followers. We are called as Christians to live as Christ did; nothing we suffer, however, can compare to the great price Jesus paid to save us.

 I pray that today you will be identified with Jesus and become a member of his family and an heir to all that our heavenly Father has promised.

 

                       MATTHEW 28:16-20

 Today, in all the Catholic Churches throughout the world, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Trinity. When we talk about the Trinity we bring the authority of the Father, the power of the Spirit, and the loving sacrifice of the Son into one Being called God. There is no clear-cut explanation to this incredible mystery, but all throughout scripture we are presented with the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

In today’s Gospel, we are called to go forth and make disciples of all nations. We are being commissioned to go out into the darkness and bring others into our family of love and light. We have learned throughout scripture about a loving Father who loved the world so much that he chose to let his only begot­ten Son die for the sins of the world. He let his Son be the ransom for all of us who believe in him. We do not have that kind of power to make and carry out such a statement of belief, so God, in a true role of a loving Father, left us his Holy Spirit.

 Through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the name of Jesus, we can give glory to God the Father by going forth and bringing others into his healing presence. God gave Jesus author­ity over heaven and earth, and on the basis of that authority, Jesus told his disciples to make more disciples. These disciples preached, baptized, and taught with this same authority through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

 Jesus still commands us to tell others the Good News and make them disciples. When someone is dying or leaving us, their last words are very important to us. Jesus left the disciples with these last words of instruction. He told his disciples that they were under his authority, and that they were to baptize and teach the people to obey his commandments. He also told them that he would always be with them, even to the end of the world.

  

We are to go forth, whether it is next door or to another country, and make disciples. This is not an option; this is a command by Christ himself. We are not all evangelists, but we have all received gifts that we can use in helping to fulfill the great commission. As we obey, we have great comfort and joy in knowing that through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the name of Jesus, we are giving glory to God the Father. Let us all celebrate this special day called Trinity Sunday.

  

Application

 The first reading reveals to us that God’s law is to be obeyed above man’s law.  The second reading tells us that being adopted into God’s family means being a full heir to his heavenly kingdom.  The Gospel calls us to be disciples of action and to go forth.

 

This week bring someone you know into God’s family.  Tell that person about Jesus, share your faith with him or her.  Let your witness be the spark that sets their heart on fire.  You may have to go no further than your family, school or work to find new members for God’s family.  In fact, you may find members of God’s family who need to be reminded that he is still with them even in their troubled times.   You are messengers of the King!

 

Lectio Divina – Trinity Sunday (May 27th) – 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

Matthew 28:16-20 – The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw Him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

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