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FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT (March 18th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT – 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 shows us that God restores those who repent.  The second reading tells us that we do not have to live under sin’s power any longer. The Gospel promises eternal life if we believe in Christ.

 

This week show others how the light and love of Christ shines through you. By your actions show your kindness and gentle­ness to your family members, classmates or co-workers. Be specific and pick out a particular person each day and let the light and love of God light up your life by being patient and kind. Be generous and humble, not jealous or rude. Practice this for one week and you will light up your whole family, school and job.  Let your light shine, let your light shine.

 

 

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 JEREMIAH 31:31-34        FIRST READING

 

(“I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”)

 

 

  1. What will the Lord make with the house of Israel and the house of Judah?   Jeremiah 31:31

 

 

  1. For what reason, and who is the mediator of a new covenant? Hebrews 9:14-15

 

 

 

  1. What will the covenant not be like, what did the Israelites do, and what did God do? Jeremiah 31:32

 

 

  1. What did God command on the day he brought them out of

the land of Egypt?   Jeremiah 7:22-23

 

 

  1. What did the Lord make with the house of Israel, and what will he place within them?   Jeremiah 31:33

 

 

  1. Where will the Lord write his law, what will he be to them, and what will they be to him? Jeremiah 31:33

 

 

  1. What will he remember no more? Hebrews 10:16-17

 

 

  1. To whom and what will they no longer have need to teach? Jeremiah 31:34

 

 

  1. Who shall know the Lord, what will he do, and what will he no longer remember?  Jeremiah 31:34

 

 

  1. Who shall be taught by the Lord, and what shall be great within our children?   Isaiah 54:13

 

 

  1. What remains in us, and for what reason? 1 John 2:27

 

 

Personal – How have you responded to the new covenant that God has made with you?   How has this affected your relationship with others?

 

 

THIRD DAY           READ HEBREWS 5:7-9       SECOND READING

 

(“Son though he was, he learned obedience

from what he suffered.”)

 

  1. When Christ was in the flesh, what and how did he offer himself?   Hebrews 5:7

 

 

  1. To whom did he offer prayers and supplications, and why was he heard?  Hebrews 5:7

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say to his disciples in the Garden of

Gethsemane, and in what way did he pray?

Matthew 26:38 and Luke 22:44

 

 

  1. What did King Darius decree? Daniel 6:26-28

 

 

  1. Son though he was, what did he learn from what he suffered? Hebrews 5:8

 

 

  1. To what did Jesus become obedient? Philippians 2:8

 

 

  1. What will many be made through the obedience of Jesus?

Romans 5:19

 

 

  1. How do we share Christ’s sufferings? Philippians 3:10

 

 

  1. When Jesus was made perfect, of what did he become the

source, and for whom?  Hebrews 5:9

 

 

  1. What are we to be, just as our heavenly Father is?

Matthew 5:48

 

 

Personal – How have you suffered through your obedience to Christ in your dying to self for others?

 

 

FOURTH DAY          READ JOHN 12:20-33           GOSPEL

 

(“…but if it dies, it produces much fruit.”)

 

 

  1. What did some Greeks ask Philip? John 12:20-21

 

 

  1. What did Philip and Andrew do? John 12:22

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say had to come for the Son of Man to be glorified?  John 12:23

 

  1. What did Jesus say about a grain of wheat? John 12:24

 

 

  1. What you sow is not brought to life unless it does what? 1 Corinthians 15:36

 

 

  1. What does a grain of wheat produce if it dies? John   12:24

 

 

  1. What happens to him who loves his life, and to him who hates his life?   John 12:25

 

 

  1. Whoever serves Jesus must do what? Where he is, who   will also be there, and what will the Father do?  John    12:26

 

 

Personal – Name some of the ways you have died to self for those around you, and what is the fruit you bear?

 

 

  1. What must one do who wishes to come after Jesus?

Matthew 16:24

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say he was, and what question does he ask? What statement does he make about the hour?       John 12:27

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say, what did the crowd hear, and what did some say? John 12:28-29

 

 

  1. For whom did Jesus say the voice came, what did he say was the time, and who would be driven out?  John     12:30-31

 

  1. Where did Jesus say he was going, and what has happened to the ruler of this world?    John 16:10-11

 

 

  1. Who is greater than the one who is in the world?

1 John 4:4

 

 

  1. When Jesus is lifted up from the earth, who will he draw to himself, and why did he say this?John 12:32-33

 

 

Personal – How have you experienced Jesus drawing you to himself?

 

 

FIFTH DAY       READ PSALM 51:3-4, 12-15             PSALM

 

 

(“I will teach transgressors your ways,

and sinners shall return to you.”)

 

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15.

 

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

JEREMIAH 31:31-34

 

 

The old covenant had been broken so many times, and God in his mercy had restored the Israelites every time they repented. This reading reveals to us that the old covenant which was built on the Law of Moses would be replaced by a new covenant with the “Messi­ah.” The old covenant was written on the tablets of stone which Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai (Ex. 20). God showed the people the beauty of any true function of his laws in the ten com­mandments.

 

The law was designed to lead Israel to a life of practical holi­ness, and in today’s reading we see the old covenant being replac­ed by a new one that had the laws of God imprinted on our hearts rather than on tablets of stone. The foundation of the old covenant was Moses and the Mosaic law, and the foundation of the new covenant is Jesus Christ. The new covenant goes beyond Israel and Judah and encompasses the whole world.

 

A personal relationship with God is now available, and Jeremiah looked forward to the day when this new covenant would be a reality. But for us the new covenant is already here, and the Word became flesh (John 1:14). We have available to us right now a deep and personal relationship with Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This can be a permanent relationship with the God of all.

 

Do you long for a relationship like this? Then, right now, get down on your knees and invite him into your heart. Tell him you want him to bring his new covenant into your heart. Repent of your sins and believe in Jesus and you will be renewed forever and ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HEBREWS 5:7-9

 

This reading really brings home the fact that Jesus found no pleasure in suffering and dying. He willingly chose to endure pain and humiliation in order to obey his Father.

 

At times we will find ourselves choosing to allow ourselves to undergo trials and pain and humiliation, not because we want to suffer, but because we want to obey God.  In our time of trial, we can draw upon the example of Jesus’ obedience, and we find we can face anything when we know that Jesus Christ is with us. When we pray to the Lord, let our spirit be in obedience with his Holy Spirit. Many times we cry out to God in a spirit of disobedience and wonder why it seems as if he is not listening. All suffering is not of the Lord, and some suffering is very destructive and wasted. When our suffering turns us toward the Lord and we join our suffering with his, it becomes what is called redemptive suffering. It brings us through our suffering into a tremendous harmony with Christ. This harmony and peace can come only through obedience to his Holy Word. People are tremen­dously influenced by the courage, patience, long-suffering, and joy of a suffering, obedient person.

 

Jesus’ life was not a script that he passively followed. It was a life he chose to give. He chose to obey even when it began leading to his death. We need not fear suffering, whether it be from sickness, imprisonment, or persecution, because if we are obedient to his word, he will bring us to him in full glory and free us from all suffering. He offers salvation to all those who obey him.

 

JOHN 12:20-33

 

 

Today’s Gospel is not for the faint-hearted, and it is not for those who are looking for a quick fix. The message is loud and clear, and it is a message of complete obedience. To obey complete­ly means not to question at all. We are being told that unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat.

 

We are told that to be a disciple of Christ we have to follow in his footsteps, and this means walking along the path of pain, suffering, and humiliation. We are being called to follow in his footsteps into the terror of Calvary and the shock of his death on the cross. To follow in Jesus’ footsteps is to renounce our own direction and follow his. To follow in his footprints we must be like the grain of wheat that dies. This means we must die to ourselves, our ego, our pet needs, our dreams, and our future.

 

We need not fear to follow in Jesus’ footsteps because he died to show his power over sin and death, and his resurrection proves he has eternal life. We can rejoice because he gives this same eternal life to all who believe in him. To live for Christ is to live for others by dying to ourselves. This does not mean that we want to physically die but means that we want to live only to glorify Christ. We may never be called to make a sacri­fice like Jesus did, but we are called into obedience to him. Whatever the Father asks, we should do, and bring glory to his name. Jesus loved us so much that he went willingly to that cross of pain and death. His resurrection shattered Satan’s power over death (Col. 1:13, 14). We need never fear following in Jesus’ footsteps because he tells us in scripture, “There is one greater in you than there is in the world,” (1 John 4:4).

 

 

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us that God has imprinted his law on our hearts. The second reading reveals that suffering can lead to obedience, and obedience leads to holiness. The Gospel shows us that following in Jesus’ footsteps is anything but glamorous and safe.

 

This week make a deliberate effort to give God the glory of your efforts rather than seeking attention and praise for your­self. This will help others to give glory to God for their efforts instead of seeking attention and praise for them­selves.

QUINTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA (March 18th) – CICLO B

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QUINTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – 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 JEREMIAS 31:31-34                                    PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“…Yo seré su Dios y ellos serán mi pueblo.”)

 

  1. ¿Que hará El Señor con la casa de Israel y la casa de Judá? Jeremías 31:31

 

  1. ¿Quién es el mediador de la nueva alianza y por qué razón? Hebreos 9:14-15

 

  1. ¿A qué no ha de parecerse la alianza? ¿qué hicieron los Israelitas y qué hizo Dios? Jeremías 31:32

 

  1. ¿Qué mando Dios el día que El los sacó de la tierra de Egipto? Jeremías 7:22-23

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo El Señor con la casa de Israel y qué colocará dentro de ellos? Jeremías 31:33

 

  1. ¿Dónde escribirá El Señor Su ley y qué será El para ellos y ellos qué serán para El? Jeremías 31:33

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El no recordará mas? Hebreos 10:16-17

 

  1. ¿A quién y qué es lo que no tendrán mas necesidad de enseñar? Jeremías 31:34

 

  1. ¿Quién conocerá al Señor, qué hará El y que no recordará nunca mas? Jeremías 31:34

 

  1. ¿Quiénes seráu instruidos por El Señor y que será grande en nuestros hijos? Isaías 54:13

 

  1. ¿Qué se queda en ti y por qué razón? 1 Juan 2:27

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has respondido a la Nueva Alianza que Dios ha hecho contigo? ¿Cómo ha afectado esto tus relaciones con otros?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                         LEE HEBREOS 5:7-9                                     SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Aún siendo Hijo, aprendió en su pasión lo que es obedecer.”)

 

  1. Cuando Cristo estaba en la carne, ¿qué y cómo se ofreció? Hebreos 5:7

 

  1. ¿A quién ofreció El ruegos y súplicas y por qué fue escuchado? Hebreos 5:7

 

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús a sus discípulos en el huerto de Getsemaní y en qué forma oraba? Mateo 26:38 y

Lucas 22:44

 

  1. ¿Qué decretó el rey Darío? Daniel 6:26-28

 

  1. Aún cuando El era el Hijo, ¿que aprendió con lo que sufrió? Hebreos 5:8

 

  1. ¿A qué fue Jesús obediente? Filip 2:8

 

  1. ¿Qué serán hechos muchos a través de la obediencia de Jesús? Romanos 5:19

 

  1. ¿Cómo compartimos los sufrimientos de Jesús? Filip 3:10

 

  1. Cuando Jesús se hizo perfecto, ¿de qué se hizo la fuente y para quién? Hebreos 5:9

 

  1. ¿Qué seremos, así como nuestro Padre celestial es? Mateo 5:48

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has sufrido a causa de tu obediencia a Cristo, muriendo a ti mismo por otros?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                         LEE JUAN 12:20-33                                                      EVANGELIO

(“…Pero si muere, da mucha fruta.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué preguntaron algunos griegos a Felipe? Juan 12:20-21

 

  1. ¿Qué hicieron Felipe y Andrés? Juan 12:22

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que debía venir al Hijo del Hombre para ser glorificado? Juan 12:23

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que dijo Jesús acerca del grano de trigo? Juan 12:24

 

  1. Lo que tu plantaste no es traído a la vida ¿a menos qué? 1 Corintios 15:36

 

  1. ¿Qué produce el grano de trigo si muere? Juan 12:24

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasa a aquél que ama su vida? ¿y al que odia la vida? Juan 12:25

 

  1. Quien quiera servir a Jesús ¿qué debe hacer? ¿Dónde está El? ¿quién estará allí también y qué hará el Padre? Juan 12:26

 

Personal – Nombra algunas maneras en que has muerto a tí mismo por aquéllos alrededor tuyo y ¿cuál es el fruto que produces?

 

  1. ¿Qué debe hacer uno que desee seguir a Jesús? Mateo 16:24

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que estaba en El y qué pregunta hace? ¿Qué declaración hace El acerca de la hora?

Juan 12:27

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús? ¿qué oyó el gentío y qué dijeron algunos? Juan 12:28-29

 

 

  1. ¿Para quiénes dijo Jesús que la voz venía y de qué dijo El que era la hora y quién sería arrojado afuera? Juan 12:30-31
  2. ¿A dónde dijo Jesús que El iba y que le ha pasado al amo de este mundo? Juan 16:10-11

 

  1. ¿Quién es mas poderoso que aquél que está en el mundo? 1 Juan 4:4

 

  1. Cuando Jesús sea elevado de la tierra, ¿a quién atraerá hacia El y por qué dijo esto? Juan 12:32-33

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has experimentado que Jesús te lleva hacia El?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                   LEE SALMO 51:3-4, 12-15

 

(“Enseñaré vuestro camino a los transgresores,

y a ti se volverán los descarriados.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 51:3-4, 12-15

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                                  LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

JEREMIAS 31:31-34

 

La antigua alianza había sido rota tantas veces y Dios en Su misericordia la renovó cada vez que los Israelitas se arrepentían. Esta lectura nos revela que la antigua alianza, la cual fue edificada sobre la Ley de Moisés, sería reemplazada por la nueva Alianza con el “Mesías.” La antigua alianza fue escrita sobre tablas de piedra que Moisés bajó del Monte Sinaí (Ex. 20). Dios mostró a la gente la belleza de la verdadera función de Sus leyes en los (10) diez mandamientos.

La ley fue designada para conducir a Israel hacia una vida de práctica santidad y en la lectura de hoy vemos la antigua alianza reemplazada por una nueva que tiene las leyes de Dios impresas en nuestros corazones en vez de las tablas de piedra. El fundamento de la antigua alianza fue Moisés y la ley Mosaica, y el fundamento de la nueva alianza es Jesucristo. La nueva alianza va mas allá de Israel y Judea y abarca todo el mundo.

Una relación personal con Dios mismo está ahora al alcance, y Jeremías miraba hacia el día cuando esta nueva alianza sería una realidad. Pero para nosotros esta nueva alianza ya esta aquí y la Palabra se hizo carne (Juan 1:14). Nosotros tenemos al alcance, ahora mismo, una profunda y personal relación con nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Esta puede ser una relación permanente con el Dios de todos.

¿Ansías una relación como ésta? Entonces, ahora mismo, arrodíllate invítelo a entrar dentro de tu corazón. Arrepiéntete de tus pecados y cree en Jesús y serás renovado por todos los siglos de los siglos.

 

HEBREOS 5:7-9

 

Esta lectura trae realmente a casa el hecho de que Jesús no encontró placer en el sufrimiento y en la muerte. Queriéndolo, El eligió soportar el dolor y la humillación para obedecer a Su Padre.

 

A veces nos encontramos eligiendo el dejarnos llevar por los contratiempos, dolores y humillaciones, no porque queremos sufrir pero mas bien porque queremos obedecer a Dios. En nuestro tiempo de prueba, podemos inspirarnos en el ejemplo de la obediencia de Jesús y podemos afrontar cualquier cosa cuando sabemos que Jesucristo está con nosotros. Cuando oramos al Señor, dejamos a nuestro espíritu estar en obediencia con Su Espíritu Santo. Muchas veces gritamos a Dios en un espíritu de desobediencia y nos preguntamos por qué parece que El no nos está escuchando. No todo el sufrimiento viene del Señor algunos sufrimientos son muy destructivos y desperdiciados. Cuando nuestro sufrimiento nos lleva hacia el Señor y unimos nuestro sufrimiento con el de El, se transforma en lo que es llamado sufrimiento redentivo, que nos lleva hacia una tremenda armonía con Cristo. Esta armonía y paz puede venir solamente a través de obediencia a Su Sagrada Palabra. La gente es tremendamente influenciada por el valor, la paciencia el gran sufrimiento y el gozo de una persona obediente y sufrida.

La vida de Jesús no fue un manuscrito que el siguió pasivamente. Fue la vida que El eligio dar. El eligió obedecer aun cuando esto comenzó a llevarlo a Su muerte. No necesitamos temer el sufrimiento, sea éste el producto de enfermedad, encarcelamiento o persecusión, porque si somos obedientes a Su Palabra, El nos traerá hacia El en plena gloria y nos librará de todo sufrimiento. El ofrece salvación a todos aquellos que le obedecen.

 

JUAN 12:20-33

 

El Evangelio de hoy no es para los pusilánimes y para aquellos que van buscando una escapada fácil. El mensaje es urgente y claro y es un mensaje de completa obediencia. Obedecer completamente quiere decir sin poner en tela de duda. Se nos dice que a menos que un grano de trigo caiga a la tierra y muera, será siempre un grano de trigo.

Se nos dice que para ser discípulos de Cristo debemos seguir sus pasos y esto quiere decir caminar a lo largo del sendero de sufrimiento y humillación. Somos llamados a seguir Sus pasos a través de alborotadas muchedumbres, en el terror del Calvario y en el horror de Su Muerte en la cruz. Seguir los pasos de Jesús es renunciar a nuestra propia dirección y seguir la de El. Para seguir Sus pasos nosotros debemos parecernos al grano de trigo que muere. Esto quiere decir morir a nosotros mismos, en nuestro egoismo, nuestras preciadas necesidades, nuestros sueños y nuestro futuro.

Necesitamos no temer el seguir los pasos de Jesús porque El murió para mostrar Su poder sobre el pecado y la muerte y Su resurrección prueba que El tiene vida eterna. Podemos alegrarnos porque El da esa misma vida eterna a todos los que creen en El. Vivir por Cristo quiere decir vivir por otros, negándonos a nosotros mismos. Esto no quiere decir morir físicamente pero sí quiere decir que queremos vivir sólo para glorificar a Cristo. Puede ser que nunca se nos llame a hacer un sacrificio tal como el que hizo Jesús, pero estamos llamados a obedecerle a El. Cualquier cosa que el Padre pida, debemos hacer y traer gloria a Su nombre. Jesús nos ama tanto que El fue voluntariamente a esa cruz de dolor y muerte. Su resurrección destrozó el poder de Satanás sobre la muerte (Col. 1:13-14). No debemos temer nunca el seguir los pasos de Jesús porque El nos dice en las escrituras, “Hay Uno mas grande en vosotros que el que hay en el mundo,” (1 Juan 4:4).

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos dice que Dios imprimió Su ley en nuestros corazones. La segunda lectura revela que sufrimientos pueden conducir a la obediencia y conducir a la santidad. El Evangelio nos muestra que seguir los pasos de Jesús es todo menos que atractivo y segure.

 

Esta semana has un esfuerzo deliberado de dar a Dios la gloria de tus esfuerzos en vez de tratar de buscar atención y alabanzas para ti mismo. Esto ayudará a otros a dar gloria a Dios por los esfuerzos de ellos, en vez de buscar atención y elogios para ellos mismos.

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday of Lent (March 11th) – 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 ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

John 3:14-21 – Jesus said to Nicodemus: “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the verdict, that the light came into the world, but people preferred darkness to light, because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come toward the light, so that his works might not be exposed. But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God.

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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

Lectio Divina – 3rd Sunday of Lent (March 4th) – 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 2:13-25 – Since the Passover of the Jews was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. He found in the temple area those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers seated there. He made a whip out of cords and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and oxen, and spilled the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables, and to those who sold doves he said, Take these out of here, and stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disciples recalled the words of scripture. Zeal for your house will consume me. At this the Jews answered and said to him. “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and you will raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking about the temple of his body. Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the Scripture and the word Jesus had spoken.         While he was in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, many began to believe in his name when they saw the signs he was doing. But Jesus would not trust himself to them because he knew them all, and did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

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

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (March 11th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT – 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 is a call to practical holiness. The second reading reveals the Messiah as a suffering servant. The Gospel tells us that our church is meant to be a place of wor­ship.

 

This week, see what needs to be done by your family to make your church a place of worship. See what needs to be done by you to make your family see you as one who is becoming holy. Then go in the name of Jesus Christ, through the power of his Holy Spirit, and in accordance with his Father’s will, DO IT.

 

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 CHRONICLES 36:14-17, 19-23  FIRST READING

 

(“for he had compassion on his people

and his dwelling place.”)

 

  1. Who added infidelity to infidelity, what did they practice, and what did they do to the Lord’s temple?

2 Chronic­les 36:14

 

 

  1. What do those who indulge in sexual promiscuity and practice unnatural vice defile?   Jude 1:7-8

 

 

  1. When did the Lord, the God of their fathers, send his

messengers to those polluting the temple, and for what

reason?    2 Chronicles 36:15

 

 

  1. On whom does the Lord have compassion? Psalm 103:13

 

 

  1. In what is God great? Psalm 51:3

 

 

Personal – How have you experienced the compassion of the Lord, and how have you been compassionate with those around you?

 

 

 

  1. Whom did the people mock, and what did the Lord become? 2 Chronicles 36:16

 

 

  1. Whom did the Lord bring up against them, what happened to their young men, and whom did he deliver over to   the king? 2 Chronicles 36:17

 

 

  1. What did they do to the house of God? 2 Chr. 36:19

 

 

  1. What happened to those who escaped the sword, and

what did they become?   2 Chronicles 36:20

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say a man is who commits sin, and where

does he not remain forever?   John 8:34-35

 

 

  1. What was all this to fulfill? 2 Chronicles 36:21

 

 

  1. In the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah,    what did the Lord inspire the king to do?

2 Chronicles 36:22-23

 

 

Personal – In what way have you heard the word of the Lord, and how will you fulfill it?

 

 

THIRD DAY             READ EPHESIANS 2:4-10       SECOND READING

 

(“For by grace you have been saved through faith,”)

 

  1. In what is God rich, and what is great that he has for us? Ephesians 2:4

 

 

  1. When we were dead in our transgressions, to what did he bring us?   Ephesians 2:5

 

 

  1. How does God prove his love for us? Romans 5:8

 

 

  1. With whom have we been raised up, where has he seated us, and for what reason? Ephesians 2:6-7

 

 

 

  1. If Christ is in us, what is dead and what is alive,

and why?    Romans 8:10

 

 

  1. What will happen to him who insults the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:29

 

 

  1. How have we been saved, through what have we been saved, and from whom is it not?    Ephesians 2:8

 

 

  1. What has God given us, from what is it not, so no one shall do what? Ephesians 2:8-9

 

 

  1. How is no one justified? Galatians 2:16

 

 

  1. What should no human being do, and how should we boast?

1 Corinthians 1:29-31

 

 

  1. What are we to God, how are we created, and what has God prepared in advance so that we should live in    them? Ephesians 2:10

 

 

  1. What is one who is in Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

Personal – What are the good works God has created for you to do? See Ephesians 4:11-16

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 3:14-21                 GOSPEL

 

(“…everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”)

 

  1. What did Moses make, where did he mount it, and what happened to those that looked at it?  Numbers 21:9

 

 

  1. Why must the Son of Man be lifted up? John 3:14-15

 

 

  1. Whom does God love, whom did he give, and how may we have eternal life?   John 3:16

 

 

  1. How is the love of God revealed to us? 1 John 4:9

 

  1. What did God send his Son into the world not to do, and for what reason did he send his Son into the     world? John 3:17

 

 

  1. If anyone hears Jesus’ words and does not observe them, what condemns him?    John 12:47-48

 

 

  1. What must we do in order not to be condemned?John 3:18

 

 

  1. From what has the one who believes in Jesus passed?

John 5:24

 

 

  1. What is the verdict? John 3:19

 

 

  1. Who does Jesus say he is? John 8:12

 

 

  1. What does everyone who does wicked things hate, toward what does he not come, and for what reason?  John 3:20

 

 

  1. Who are those who rebel against the light?

Job 24:13-17

 

 

  1. Who comes to the light, and how will his works be clearly seen?   John 3:21

 

 

  1. Who is the light of the world, for whom must that light shine, and for what reason?   Matthew 5:14, 16

 

 

Personal – How do those around you see the light of Christ within you, and how often do they see it?   If you do not know, step out and ask those closest to you what they see in you. Take to the Lord in prayer whatever is revealed to you.

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 137:1-6

 

(“If I forget you, Jerusalem,

may my right hand be forgotten.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 137:1-6.

 

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 CHRONICLES 36:14-17, 19-23

 

 

God warned Judah about its sin and continually restored the people to his favor, only to have them turn away. The people refused to listen to the words of the prophet Jeremiah, and eventually the situation of sinful living was beyond remedy. This happened to a people who worshipped the heathen idols of the surrounding nations. The people from the top, the leaders and high priests and many of the important people of Judah harbored rebellion in their hearts and led the nation into its downfall.

 

Today we see many of the same attitudes in many nations. There seems to be a race toward self-destruction. The traditional values seem to be more a part of history rather than our present and future. We have to beware of harboring sin in our heart and becoming a rebellious people. We may also reflect on our actions and be aware that the day will come for all of us when remedy is no longer possible and God’s judgment replaces his mercy. History has clearly shown us that sin often repeated, but never repented invites disaster.

 

This chapter closes with the end of the exile and the promise of a new future for the remnants of God’s chosen people. The temple represented the greatest dedication of worship the world had ever seen. Yet the temple was destroyed, the kings were gone, the people removed, and the nation was stripped to its very foundation.  Fortunately there was a greater foundation, and that is God himself.

 

Today when it seems as if everything is being stripped away from us, we need to remember that we too still have God in his Holy Word, his presence, his sacraments, and in his promise that he would be with us for all ages (Matthew 28:20).

 

 

EPHESIANS 2:4-10

 

This reading reveals to us that we need not live any longer under sin’s power. Jesus Christ destroyed the penalty and power of sin through his death on the cross. We have been found through faith in Christ to be acquitted “not guilty” before God. This does not mean that God has taken us out of the world or turned us into robots. We still fall to sin on occasions. But now the difference is Christ’s incredible gift to us; we can choose to live for him or choose to ignore and reject him. We know that just as Jesus rose from the dead, so will our bodies be raised from the dead (1 Cor. 15:12-19). We have been given the power to live the fully human, fully alive Christian life now (Ephesians 1:19).

 

Paul tells us of sitting with Christ in glory because we who have faith in him are united in his powerful victory. It is obvious that this gift of salvation is not a reward for something good that we have done. The fact is that it is a gift freely given and the response by us is not “How much do I owe you?” The response to his gift is “Thank you.” Many people feel obligated to try to work their way to God even after they have been made aware of this incredible gift. We can respond to the gift of our salvation and even our faith only with gratitude, praise and joyful­ness. This unmerited gift to us from God is called “grace,” (Eph. 1:8), and it is not the result of any effort, ability, intelligence, or act of service to others on our part. We do good not to become good, but rather because of the goodness which is the Holy Spirit that resides within us (1 John 4:4). Out of gratitude and joy, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness and love. Let us remember that we are not saved merely for our own benefit. We are called to glorify him and build up his church (Ephesians 4:12).

 

 

JOHN 3:14-21

 

 

In today’s reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus is telling the people that when the Israelites were wandering in the wilder­ness, God sent forth a plague of venomous snakes to punish them for their rebellious attitudes. Those who were doomed to die from snakebite could be cured by obeying God’s command to look up at the bronze serpent on the pole that Moses was carrying. The bronze snake on the pole did not heal anyone, but their belief that God could heal them did it. This belief was demonstrated by their obedience in following God’s command.

 

Believers today can be saved from the sickness of sin by looking to Jesus’ death on the cross. We will be saved from sin’s deadly “bite” by looking to Jesus and believing he will heal us. To many people eternal life holds no great promise if it means the extension of a miserable mortal life on earth. To believe in Jesus Christ and gain eternal life is a life where there is no death, sickness, enemies, evil or sin. When we do not know Christ, we make choices as though this life were all we have. In reality, we believe this life is just an introduction to eter­nity.

 

We need to begin to evaluate from an eternal perspective all that happens to us each day.  God sets the pattern of true love here. If we love someone dearly, we are willing to give the ultimate price for that person’s responsive love. God paid dearly with the life of his son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus offered us the new life he bought for us. He paid the price of our sins with his blood and life.

When you and I share the Gospel with others, our love must be like his. We must be willing to give up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love. The darkness is very comfortable to some people because they do not want their lives exposed to God’s light. They are afraid of what it might reveal about themselves. It might call for a change and they do not want to change. Do not let others intimidate you in your desire to obey God and do what is right. They are afraid that you may expose some of the darkness in their lives. You are to keep praying that they will come to see how much better it is to live in the light than in darkness. He has promised us eternal life if we believe in him (John 3:16). Take him up on that promise. He is a God who really delivers.

 

Application

 

The first reading shows us that God restores those who repent.  The second reading tells us that we do not have to live under sin’s power any longer. The Gospel promises eternal life if we believe in Christ.

 

This week show others how the light and love of Christ shines through you. By your actions show your kindness and gentle­ness to your family members, classmates or co-workers. Be specific and pick out a particular person each day and let the light and love of God light up your life by being patient and kind. Be generous and humble, not jealous or rude. Practice this for one week and you will light up your whole family, school and job.  Let your light shine, let your light shine.

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (March 4th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT – 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 tells us that in our times of testing, we are growing in moral development. The second reading shows us the incredible power of God’s redeeming grace. The Gospel shows that being transfigured is letting the radiance of Christ shine in you and through you.

 

This week look for only the good points in those around you. Speak only about what is good about them. No flattery, just affirmation, and watch them go through a transfiguration right before your eyes.  Try it.

 

 

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 EXODUS 20:1-17         FIRST READING

 

(“I, the Lord, am your God,…”)

 

  1. What did God deliver, from where did he deliver them, and where did he speak to them? Exodus 20:1 and Nehemiah 9:13

 

 

  1. What did the Lord say you shall not have, what shall you not carve, and what kind of a God is He?  Exodus      20:3-5

 

 

  1. What is cast by a craftsman? Isaiah 40:19

 

 

  1. What do knowledge and love do, and what do we know about idols and God?    1 Corinthians 8:1-6

 

 

  1. What will God bestow down to the thousandth generation, and to whom will he bestow it? Exodus 20:6

 

 

  1. Who will be shown mercy? Matthew 5:7

 

 

  1. What shall you not do to God’s name, and whom will the Lord not leave unpunished?  Exodus 20:7

 

 

  1. What day are you to remember to keep holy, what must you not do on that day, and what did the Lord do on   the seventh day? Exodus 20:8-11

 

 

  1. Whom are we to honor, and by honoring them what may we

have?  Exodus 20:12

 

 

  1. As seen in Exodus 20:13-17, what shall we not do?

 

 

  1. What did Jesus tell the man he needed to do in order to inherit eternal life?  Mark 10:17-22

 

 

  1. What did Jesus come to do? Matthew 5:17

 

 

Personal – Which of the commandments do you have difficulty following?  What can you do to change that area of difficulty for yourself?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:22-25     SECOND READING

 

(“Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”)

 

  1. What do the Jews demand, and for what do the Greeks look? 1 Corinthians 1:22

 

 

  1. What was the beginning of Jesus’ signs in Cana, what did this reveal, and what did his disciples begin to do? John 2:7-9, 11

 

 

  1. In what did Jesus advance? Luke 2:52

 

 

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

Proverbs 11:2

 

 

  1. What is the beginning of wisdom? Proverbs 9:10

 

 

  1. What does Paul proclaim, and what is this to the Jews and Gentiles? 1 Corinthians 1:23

 

 

  1. What did Simeon say to Mary about Jesus? Luke 2:34

 

 

  1. What did Paul say about the message of the cross?

1 Corinthians 1:18

 

 

  1. To those who are called, what is Christ?

1 Corinthians 1:24

 

 

  1. What is the foolishness of God and the weakness of God? 1 Corinthians 1:25

 

  1. Out of what was Jesus crucified, how does he live, and how do we live with him?   2 Corinthians 13:4

 

 

Personal – How do you proclaim Christ crucified to your family, friends, co-workers, and/or schoolmates?  Could there be a stum­bling block for you or others in proclaiming Christ crucified?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 2:13-25                 GOSPEL

 

 

(“..He was speaking about the temple of his body.”)

 

  1. Since the Jewish Passover was near, where did Jesus go? Whom did Jesus find seated in the temple, and what    were they doing?    John 2:13-14

 

 

  1. What did Jesus make, and what did he do with it, and

what did he do with the coins and tables?  John 2:15

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say to those who sold doves? John 2:16

 

 

  1. What did Jesus’ disciples recall, and at this, what did the Jews say to him?   John 2:17-18

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say about the temple? John 2:19

 

 

  1. How long did the Jews say the temple had been under

construction?    John 2:20

 

 

  1. About what was Jesus speaking? John 2:21

 

 

  1. What is our body, who dwells within us, and what must we do with our body? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 

 

  1. What happened to the disciples when Jesus was raised from the dead, and what two things did they come to    believe? John 2:22

 

 

  1. Who reminds us of all that Jesus says? See John 14:26

 

 

  1. What made many begin to believe in his name? John 2:23

 

 

  1. Why did Jesus not trust himself to them, and what did he understand well? John 2:24-25

 

 

  1. How might the cross of Christ be emptied of its meaning? 1 Corinthians 1:17

 

 

  1. Who did God choose from the world, and what did Jesus

become for us?   1 Corinthians 1:27, 29-31

 

Personal – How can profiting and making money be a stumbling block to your temple (your body)?

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 19:8-11

 

(“The law of the Lord is perfect,”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 19:8-11.

 

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 20:1-17

 

Today’s reading brings to us the law that was designed to lead Israel to a life of practical holiness. The Ten Commandments were intended to direct the community to meet the needs of each person in a loving and responsible manner. The Israelites had just come from Egypt, a land of many idols and gods. It was very common to worship many gods in order to have a fulfilled life. When God told his people to worship him, the people thought he was just one more god to add to the list, and when he said, “Worship no other God than me,” it was hard for the people to accept. God made this his first commandment and emphasized it more than the other command­ments.

 

By the time Jesus came along, most people looked at the Law the wrong way. They saw it as a means to salvation, but God shows that the Law is a blueprint for living, not a method of salva­tion. We need only to look around us and we can see that many people today allow certain values to become gods to them. Good health, money, fame, work, or pleasure can become gods when we concen­trate too much on them for meaning and security in our life.

 

No one really sets out to worship these things. Yet, the amount of time they occupy in people’s lives lets them grow into gods that ultimately control our thoughts and energies. We can keep these idols and false gods from dominating us when only God takes the central place in our lives. God’s name is special, for it carries his personal identity. The way we use his name conveys the way we really feel about him. Lying is an attempt to deceive. God warns us against this kind of deception. Even though decep­tion is a way of life for many people, we must resist it. Only God can supply all of our needs (Phil. 4:19) and we need go to him only in prayer (Phil. 4:6-8) and we will find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 1:22-25

 

Paul tells us that many people in Corinth thought the Good News of Jesus Christ was foolish, because they had been taught that the Messiah would be a conquering hero, not a suffering servant. Jesus did not restore David’s throne as they had ex­pected. The execution of Jesus as a common criminal certainly did not help those of Corinth to look upon Jesus Christ as their Savior. The Greeks thought the Gospel was foolish, too, because they did not believe in a bodily resurrection. The Greeks did not see in Jesus Christ the strength of their mythological gods, and they also thought no reputable person would be crucified. To the Greeks death was defeat, not victory.

 

Today, the Good News of Jesus Christ still sounds foolish to some people. Our society worships youth, influence, wealth, power, and health. Jesus came as a humble, poor servant (Phil. 2:2-11). Jesus offers his kingdom to those with faith, not talent, money or power. To the world this method looks backward, but it is the way God chose to save it.

 

Paul preached about the crucified Christ, and his message was that of the cross. He taught that Jesus emptied himself and obediently went to his death on the cross (Phil. 2:2-11). We are called to do no less. We are called to defer to one another and die to our own desires and needs. We live in a world that glori­fies self and tries desperately to ignore the rights and needs of the broken, lonely and oppressed people. We are strongest when we are meeting the needs of the weakest. Mother Teresa shows us that we are richest when we are meeting the needs of the poorest of the poor.  Jesus himself tells us that when we serve others, we are serving him (Matthew 25:31-46).

 

JOHN 2:13-25

 

The Passover celebration took place yearly at the temple in Jerusalem. All Jewish males were expected to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem during this time. Jerusalem was both the political and religious seat of Palestine, and it was the place where the expected Messiah was to arrive. The temple in today’s reading was built on the same location as the one built by Solomon over a thousand years earlier (1 Kings 6).

 

The temple tax had to be paid in the local currency; hence the need for moneychangers. Profits were being made and high interest was very common with moneychangers. The people needed to make a sin offering so animals were sold also. The price of sacrificial animals was much higher in the temple area than elsewhere. Jesus was very angry at the dishonesty and greed of the moneychangers and merchants.  Their presence made a mockery of the temple, the place of worship to God, not a market­place.

 

We need to be sure that our attitude reflects our desire to attend church because it is a place of prayer, worship, and social activities that give varied types of help to the poor and oppressed.

 

Jesus exerted righteous indignation and not uncontrolled rage. It is right to be angry over injustice and sin, and it is wrong to be angry over trivial personal offenses. Jesus’ resur­rection would prove his authority to drive out the merchants, to heal, to cast out demons, and to forgive sins. We are called to make our temple of the Holy Spirit, which is our body (1 Cor. 6:19-20), a place that is a living and holy sacrifice.

 

Application

 

The first reading is a call to practical holiness. The second reading reveals the Messiah as a suffering servant. The Gospel tells us that our church is meant to be a place of wor­ship.

 

This week, see what needs to be done by your family to make your church a place of worship. See what needs to be done by you to make your family see you as one who is becoming holy. Then go in the name of Jesus Christ, through the power of his Holy Spirit, and in accordance with his Father’s will, DO IT.

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (Feb. 25th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT – 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 shows us that patience is a virtue of God and man. In the second reading we see baptism as a pledge of forgiveness from God.  The Gospel tells us to change our attitudes to those of the Good News.

 

This week, ask your spouse, children, friends and employers and employees where you need to change. Have them write out what they see as a needed change. See what is the most popular area of sin in you. Then each day practice some small action for about one week. Do not mention to anyone about the list. Your attitude will change with prayer, reading Scripture, going to the Sacra­ments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, and through discipline. Watch for a very spiritual awakening for many people in your life.

 

 

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY      READ GENESIS 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18  FIRST READING

 

(“…all this because you obeyed my command.”)

 

  1. To what did God put Abraham, and when God called to him, what was his reply?  Genesis 22:1

 

 

  1. What will God not let happen, what will he provide, and for what reason?    1 Corinthians 10:13

 

 

  1. What did God say to Abraham, and what was Isaac to

Abraham?  Genesis 22:2

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say would happen if we gave up our children for the kingdom of God?   Luke 18:29-30

 

 

  1. When Abraham with his son came to the place of which God had told him, what did he do, and what did he do      with his son? Genesis 22:9

 

 

  1. What did he reach out and take, and for what reason?

Genesis 22:10

 

 

  1. Who called out to Abraham, and what was his response?

Genesis 22:11

 

 

  1. Why did he tell him not to lay a hand on the boy?

Genesis 22:12-13

 

 

  1. When the Lord’s messenger called again to Abraham, what did the Lord say he would do for him for not    withholding his son?  Genesis 22:15-17

 

 

  1. In whom will all the nations find blessings, and for what reason?  Genesis 22:18

 

 

  1. How do we remain in Jesus’ love, how did Jesus remain in God’s love, and what is his command? John 15:10,17

 

 

Personal – What have you given up for the kingdom of God?  To what are you holding on?  What do you need to do to receive the blessings that God wants to shower upon you?

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 8:31-34         SECOND READING

 

(“It is God who acquits us.”)

 

  1. Who is writing this book, and to whom is he writing?

Romans 1:1, 7

 

 

  1. What are the two questions asked in Romans 8:31, and to what do they refer?  Romans 8:30-31

 

 

  1. What did God do with his own Son, for whom did he do it, and what else will he give us?  Romans 8:32

 

 

  1. What happens to those who believe in Jesus? John 3:16

 

 

  1. What does God have for a son who serves him?

See Malachi 3:17

 

 

  1. How does God prove his love for us? Romans 5:8

 

 

  1. What are we to God, and what does he do for us? Romans 8:33

 

 

  1. What was credited to Abraham as righteousness, in whom do we believe, and as what is that credited to us?

Romans 4:2-5

 

  1. What did Jesus do, where is he, and what does he do for us? Romans 8:34

 

 

  1. What happens to those who approach God through Jesus, how long does he live, and what does he do?

Hebrews 7:25

 

 

  1. What did Christ not enter, where did he go, and in whose behalf?  Hebrews 9:24

 

 

  1. If anyone does sin, what do we have; for whom has he done this; and how are we sure to know him?

1 John 2:1-3

 

 

Personal – In what way have you been made right with God?  What do you do when you sin?  As Christ intercedes for you, how can you intercede for your loved ones?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 9:2-10                 GOSPEL

 

 

(“This is my Beloved Son. Listen to him.”)

 

  1. Whom did Jesus lead up a high mountain apart by themselves, and what happened to him?  Mark 9:2

 

  1. What happened to Jesus’ clothes? Mark 9:3

 

 

  1. Who appeared, and what were they doing? Mark 9:4

 

 

  1. What are we to remember from Moses, and what was Elijah sent to do? Malachi 3:22-24

 

 

  1. What did Peter say to Jesus, what did he call him,

and what were their feelings?   Mark 9:5-6

 

 

  1. What happened to the centurion and the men with him who were keeping watch over Jesus on the cross?       Matthew 27:54

 

 

  1. When Jesus asked his disciples why were they terrified, what was the next question he put to them?       Mark 4:40-41

 

 

  1. What came casting a shadow over them, and what did the voice that came out of it say?  Mark 9:7

 

 

  1. What did Moses say would happen to those who did not listen to Jesus?    Acts 3:22-23

 

 

  1. When Moses went up the mountain, what covered it? What

settled upon Mt. Sinai, and what happened on the seventh day?   Exodus 24:15-16

 

 

  1. When Peter, James, and John suddenly looked around, whom did they see?   Mark 9:8

 

 

Personal – How clearly do you see Jesus to know what he is saying to you, so you can listen to him?  How do you see Jesus? What is he like to you?  What do his clothes look like, and what is he saying and doing?   Reflect on this.

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 116:10, 15-19

 

(“I believed, even when I said, `I am greatly afflicted;'”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 116:10, 15-19.

 

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 22:1-2, 9-13, 15-18

 

In today’s reading from Genesis we see God testing Abraham, not to trip him up, but to develop his character. Just as fire refines ore to bring out the precious metals, God refines us through difficult times and events. We have two ways to go when we are tested, we can complain, or we can try to see how God is stretching us to develop our character.

 

Abraham went to fulfill an act of obedience that the world could not comprehend. Over the years he had learned tough lessons about the importance of obeying God.  Obeying God in Abraham’s time or in our time is often a struggle because it may mean giving up something that we truly want. We should not always expect our obedience to God to be easy or to come naturally.

 

God did not want the physical death of Isaac, but he did want Abraham to sacrifice Isaac in his heart. Abraham was showing God that he loved God so much that he would trust him in every­thing. Do you trust the Lord in everything in your life? God was testing Abraham, and he tests us. The purpose of God’s testing is to strengthen our character and deepen our commitment to him.

 

God also showed Abraham his ability to provide. We see the ram being offered as a substitute for Isaac, similar to Jesus being offered on the cross as a substitute for us. It is impor­tant for us to see how much God really loves us. He stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son; and yet God did not spare his own Son, Jesus, from dying on the cross for us so that we can be spared from the eternal death we deserve, and instead receive eternal life with him.

 

Abraham received an incredible blessing for his obedience and that was that he was a positive influence upon others. Other lives would be changed as a result of knowing Abraham. You have been given a tremendous blessing also, and other people’s lives can be changed to the good too. How many lives will be changed because they have known you?  This is really up to you.

 

ROMANS 8:31-34

 

Today’s reading is more than a theological explanation of God’s redeeming grace. It is a reading of comfort and confidence addressed to us. Have you ever thought that you were not good enough for God and that he will not save you?  Do you ever feel that salvation and healing are for everyone else, but not you? Then this reading is especially for you. If God gave his only begotten son for you, then he is not about to hold back the gift of salvation to you (John 3:16). Jesus Christ did not give his life for you and then turn around and condemn you.

 

Nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from God’s love. We really need to realize that when we accept Christ as Our Lord and Savior, we are declaring war on Satan. Then we will be attacked, tempted and condemned by Satan in order to break us away from God’s gift of salvation and love. God loves us so much that he gave his only begotten Son just for you (John 3:16). Think about that. He knew that we would still be sinners, and he still went ahead with his plan of salvation (Romans 5:8).

 

God’s compassion is so great that he let Jesus take on all of the sins of the world in order that we might be clean, free, and justified to be his children. We do not have to fear being accused of loving God and serving him because we have his promise of salvation (John 3:16) and protection (Psalm 91). We are told that Jesus is pleading with God for us in heaven. He is our mediator and our representative at God’s right hand.

 

Prayer is our approach to Jesus. There are many different ways to pray, but come with reverence, for he is our King. We can come with bold assurance, too, because he is our friend and per­sonal counselor. Remember, Jesus Christ is the only person who ever lived who was born to die. His death for us won us the incredible gift of salvation; and now in heaven, he completely understands our weaknesses and offers forgiveness.

 

MARK 9:2-10

 

Today’s Gospel reading is the story of Jesus being trans­figured on the mountain. The transfiguration revealed Christ’s true nature as God’s Son. God’s voice called out Jesus from Moses and Elijah as the long-awaited Messiah with full divine author­ity. Moses was a sign of the law and Elijah was the sign of the prophets. Jesus was the fulfillment of both the Old Testament law and the prophetic promises of the future. Jesus was not merely one of the prophets, and he was not a reincarnation of Moses. As the Son of God, he far surpasses their authority and power.

 

Jesus is the source of all authority and power. We must listen to Jesus and then evaluate all the other authorities in light of his revelation. The apostles were startled and frighten­ed as they looked upon Jesus and saw him for whom he really was. They were transfigured in their hearts and were able to see him with their hearts as well as with their eyes.

 

Jesus told them not to speak about what they had seen because they would not understand it themselves until Jesus had risen from the dead. They had been given the incredible gift of seeing the kingdom of God arrive in great power (Mark 9:1). They would see that when Jesus rose from the dead as his power over death would reveal to all that he is God. It was natural for the disciples to be confused about Jesus’ death and resurrection because they could not see into the future.

 

When Jesus becomes the Lord of our life, we will see him just as Peter, James, and John saw him. He will make our heart radiant and our mind clear and sharp. He will transfigure us right where we are. He knew that he could not stay up on that mountaintop, because he had come to transfigure the people in the lowly, dark valleys. We do not have to be confused or frightened because we have his Holy Spirit within us (1 John 4:4). The disciples saw the radiance in Jesus’ face because they saw him with spiritual vision. Scripture tells us, “What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has revealed to those who love him.” This is the transfiguration that God has revealed to us today through the Holy Spirit.

 

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us that in our times of testing, we are growing in moral development. The second reading shows us the incredible power of God’s redeeming grace. The Gospel shows that being transfigured is letting the radiance of Christ shine in you and through you.

 

This week look for only the good points in those around you. Speak only about what is good about them. No flattery, just affirmation, and watch them go through a transfiguration right before your eyes.  Try it.

CUARTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA (March 11th) – CICLO B

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CUARTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – 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 CRONICAS 36:14-17, 19-23                           PRIMERA LECTURA

(“…por que teniá compasión de su pueblo y de su Morada.”)

 

  1. ¿Quiénes multiplicaron sus infidelidades, qué practicaban y qué hicieron a la casa del Señor?

2 Crónicas 36:14

 

  1. ¿A quién desafían aquéllos que se permiten la promiscuidad sexual y las prácticas no naturales?

Judas 1:7-8

 

  1. ¿Cúando y por qué razón mandó a sus mensajeros el Señor, Dios de sus padres, a aquellos que estaban manchando el templo? 2 Crónicas 36:15

 

  1. ¿De quién tiene compasión el Señor? Salmo 103:13

 

  1. ¿Qué hay en el Señor que es grande? Salmo 51:3

 

Personal – ¿Has percibido la compasión del Señor? ¿Has sido compasivo con los que te rodean?

 

 

  1. ¿De quién se burlaban y cómo se puso el Señor debido a esto? 2 Crónicas 36:16

 

  1. ¿A quién hizo subir el Señor en su contra?, ¿qué paso con sus jóvenes?, ¿a quiénes entregó Dios en manos del rey? 2 Crónicas 36:17

 

  1. ¿Qué hicieron a la casa de Dios? 2 Crónicas 36:19

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó con los que escaparon a la espada, y en qué se convirtieron? 2 Crónicas 36:20

 

  1. ¿En qué se convierte el que comete pecado? ¿Pero dónde no habrá de quedar para siempre?Juan 8:34-35

 

  1. ¿Qué se cumplió con esto? 2 Crónicas 36:21

 

  1. En el año primero de Ciro, rey de Persia, en cumplimiento de la palabra del Señor dicha por Jeremías, ¿qué le inspiró Dios al rey que debía hacer? 2 Crónicas 36:22-23

 

 

Personal – ¿Has escuchado la palabra del Señor de alguna manera? ¿Cómo vas a cumplir con ellá?

TERCER DIA                                                          LEE EFESIOS 2:4-10                                      SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Por gracia han sido salvados a través de la fe,”)

 

  1. ¿En qué es rico Dios, y qué nos manifesto? Efesios 2:4

 

  1. Y cuando estabamos muertos por nuestras faltas ¿Con qué nos dio vida? Efesios 2:5

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos prueba Dios Su amor por nosotros? Romanos 5:8

 

  1. ¿Con quién nos ha resucitado, dónde nos ha sentado? Efesios 2:6-7

 

  1. Si Cristo está con nosotros, ¿qué pasa con el cuerpo y qué con el espíritu? Romanos 8:10

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará con aquél que insulte al Espíritu de la gracia? Hebreos 10:29

 

  1. ¿Por gracia de quién hemos sido salvados? ¿Por medio de qué? ¿Por qué no tenemos ningún mérito? Efesios 2:8

 

  1. ¿Por qué no debemos sentirnos orgullosos? Efesios 2:8-9

 

  1. ¿De qué modo el hombre no llega a ser justo? Gálatas 2:16

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que no debemos hacer? ¿De quién debemos estar orgullosos? 1 Corintios 1:29-31

 

  1. ¿Qué somos para Dios, cómo hemos sido creados, que ha dispuesto Dios para que nos ocupemos?

Efesios 2:10

 

  1. ¿Cómo es el que está en Cristo? 2 Corintios 5:17

 

Personal – ¿Cuáles son las buenas obras que Dios ha creado para que tu las lleves a cabo? Efesios 4:11-16

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                          LEE JUAN 3:14-21                                                        EVANGELIO

(“…todo aquél que crea tenga por El vida eterna.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Moisés, a dónde la puso y qué paso con aquéllos que la vieron? Números 21:9

 

  1. ¿Por qué el Hijo del Hombre debe ser levantado? Juan 3:14-15

 

  1. ¿Qué ama Dios, qué le entrego y cómo puedes llegar a tener vida eterna? Juan 3:16

 

  1. ¿Cómo se nos ha revelado el amor de Dios? 1 Juan 4:9

 

  1. ¿Para qué no mandó Dios a su Hijo al mundo, y para qué sí lo hizo? Juan 3:17

 

  1. Si alguien escucha la palabra de Dios y no la obedece, ¿quién lo condena? Juan 12:47-48

 

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer para no ser condenado? Juan 3:18

 

  1. ¿A qué ha pasado el que cree en Jesús? Juan 5:24

 

  1. ¿Cúal es el veredicto? Juan 3:19
  2. ¿Quién dice Jesús que es? Juan 8:12

 

  1. ¿Qué odia el que obra mal, por qué no viene a ella? Juan 3:20

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son los que se rebelan contra la luz? Job 24:13-17

 

  1. ¿Quién viene a la luz y cómo se verán claramente sus obras? Juan 3:21

 

  1. ¿Quién es la luz del mundo, por qué brilla esa luz y con qué objeto? Mateo 5:14, 16

 

Personal – ¿Cómo ven la luz de Cristo que hay en ti los que te rodean? ¿Qué tan seguido la ven? Si no sabes, ve y pregunta a los que están cerca de ti, que es lo que ven en ti. Cualquier cosa que te sea revelada llévasela al Señor por medio de tus oraciones.

 

QUINTO DIA                                                        LEE SALMO 137:1-6

(“Si me olvido de ti Jerusalén que mi mano se olvide de servirme.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 137:1-6.

 

¿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 CRONICAS 36:14-17, 19-23

 

Dios advirtió a Judá sobre sus pecados y constantemente ayudaba al pueblo con Sus favores pero lo único que recibía era su desprecio. La gente rehusó escuchar las palabras del profeta Jeremías y llegó el momento en que la situación pecaminosa era tal que ya no había remedio. Esto pasó con la gente que adoraba ídolos paganos de las naciones a su alrededor. La gente de arriba, los líderes, los sumos sacerdotes y muchas personas importantes de Judá albergaron la rebelión en sus corazones y llevaron a la nación a su caída.

Las mismas actitudes vemos hoy en día en muchas naciones. Parece que hubiera una carrera hacia la destrucción de sí mismos. Los valores tradicionales parecen ser parte de la historia mas que del presente o del futuro. Debemos estar muy pendientes de no albergar el pecado en nuestros corazones y de no volvernos un pueblo rebelde. Reflexionemos en nuestras acciones y recordemos que vendrá el día en que ya no haya remedio y que en vez de recibir la misericordia de Dios tengamos su juicio. La historia nos demuestra constantemente que el pecar repetidamente y el no arrepentirse nunca, invita al desastre.

Este capítulo cierra con el final del exilio y la promesa de un futuro nuevo para la gente escogida de Dios que todavía quedaba ahí. El templo representaba una gran dedicación a la adoracion que nunca antes había sido vista. Y aun así destruyeron el templo, los reyes se fueron, se llevaron a la gente y la nación fue saqueada hasta sus cimientos. Afortunadamente había una base muy sólida y esa es Dios mismo.

 

Hoy día cuando parezca que nos han quitado todo, recordemos que tenemos a Dios en Su Santa Palabra, Su presencia, Sus sacramentos y en Su Promesa de que El estará con nosotros para siempre (Mateo 28:20).

 

EFESIOS 2:4-10

 

Esta lectura nos revela que no tenemos que vivir mas bajo el poder del pecado. Jesucristo destruyó el castigo y el poder del pecado por medio de Su muerte en la cruz. A través de la fe en Cristo nos encontramos “no culpables” ante Dios. Esto no significa que Dios nos ha apartado del mundo o que nos ha vuelto como robots. Todavía en algunas ocasiones pecamos. Pero ahora la diferencia está en que con el increíble regalo que Cristo nos dio podemos escoger vivir por El o ignorarlo y rechazarlo. Sabemos que así como Cristo resucitó de la muerte, así nuestros cuerpos resucitarán también (1 Corintios 15:12-19). Y ahora se nos ha dado el poder de vivir una vida Cristiana plenamente humana y plenamente fecunda (Efesios 1:19).

Pablo nos dice que descansemos en Cristo y su gloria, por que aquél que tenga fe en El está unido en Su fuerza victoriosa. Es obvio que este don de la salvación no es un premio por algo bueno que hemos hecho. El hecho es, que es un don dado gratuitamente y nuestra respuesta no es “¿Cuánto te debo?”, la respuesta a Su don es “Gracias.” Mucha gente se siente obligada a trabajar a su modo para llegar a Dios aun cuando saben de este don increíble. El único modo de responder a este don de la salvación y también de la fe es la gratitud, la alabanza y la alegría. Este inmerecido don de Dios se llama “la gracia,” (Efesios 1:8), y no es el resultado de un esfuerzo, habilidad, inteligencia o acto por parte nuestra de servir a otros. Hacemos el bien no para hacernos buenos, sino debido a la bondad que nos llega del Espíritu Santo que vive dentro de nosotros (1 Juan 4:4). Por la gratitud y alegría buscaremos ayudar y servir a otros con amabilidad y amor. Recordemos que no se nos ha salvado únicamente para nuestro propio bien. Debemos glorificar a Cristo y construir Su iglesia (Efesios 4:12).

 

JUAN 3:14-21

 

En la lectura de hoy del Evangelio de Juan, Jesús le dice a la gente que cuando los Israelitas vagaban en el desierto, Dios mandó una plaga de serpientes venenosas para castigarlos por sus actitudes rebeldes. Aquellos que fueron destinados a morir de las mordidas de las víboras podrían ser curados si obedecían el mandamiento de Dios de mirar a la serpiente de bronce que estaba en un palo. La serpiente de bronce no curó a nadie, fue la creencia en que Dios podía curarlos la que lo hizo. Esta creencia fue demostrada por su obediencia en cumplir el mandato de Dios.

Los creyentes hoy día pueden salvarse de la enfermedad del pecado mirando la muerte de Jesús en la cruz. Nos salvaremos de la mordida fatal del pecado mirando a Jesús y creyendo que El nos sanará. Para mucha gente la vida eterna no contiene una gran promesa si lo que se supone es una extensión de la miserable vida mortal de la tierra. Creer en Jesucristo y ganar la vida eterna será una vida donde no hay muerte, enfermedad, enemigos, maldad o pecado. Cuando no conocemos a Cristo tomamos las cosas como si esta vida fuera todo lo que tenemos. En realidad, nosotros creemos que esta vida es únicamente la introducción a la eternidad.

Comencemos a evaluar todo lo que nos pasa cada día viéndolo con una perspectiva de eternidad. Dios establece el patrón del verdadero amor aquí. Si amamos mucho a alguien estamos dispuestos a dar lo que sea por tener el amor de esa persona. Dios pagó amorosamente con la vida de Su hijo el precio mas alto que pudo haber pagado. Ahora Jesús nos ofrece la vida nueva que compró para nosotros. El pagó el precio de nuestros pecados con Su sangre y su vida.

Cuando tú y yo compartamos el Evangelio con otros, nuestro amor deberá ser como el de Cristo. Debemos estar dispuestos a hacer de un lado nuestras comodidades y nuestra seguridad para que otros se nos unan y recibamos el amor de Dios. La obscuridad es muy confortable para algunas personas pues no quieren exponer sus vidas a la luz de Cristo. Tienen miedo de lo que pueda revelar acerca de ellos mismos. A lo mejor se les pide cambiar y ellos no quieren hacerlo. No permitas a otros que te intimiden en tu deseo de obedecer a Dios y hacer lo que es correcto, ellos tienen miedo de que tú vas a exponer algo de lo obscuro que hay en sus vidas. Mantente orando para que ellos vean que tanto mejor es vivir en la luz que en la obscuridad. Se nos ha prometido vida eterna si creemos en El (Juan 3:16). Acepta su promesa. El es un Dios que realmente nos rescata.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos muestra que Dios renueva a los que se arrepienten. La segunda lectura nos dice que no tenemos por que vivir mas bajo el poder del pecado. El Evangelio promete vida eterna si creemos en Cristo.

Esta semana muéstrale a otros como la luz y el amor de Cristo brilla a través de ti. Con tus acciones muestra tu amabilidad y gentileza a los miembros de tu familia, compañeros de escuela o de trabajo. Fíjate bien y escoje a una persona diariamente y permite que la Luz y el Amor de Dios ilumine tu vida siendo amable y paciente. Sé generoso y humilde, no celoso ni rudo. Practícalo por una semana e iluminarás a toda tu familia, escuela y trabajo. Deja que brille tu luz, deja que brille tu luz.