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 TERCER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA (March 4th) – CICLO B

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TERCER 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 EXODO 20:1-17                                      PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Yo soy el Señor tu Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién liberó El Señor? ¿De dónde los sacó y de dónde les habló? Exodo 20:1 y Nehemías 9:13

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo El Señor que tu no debes tener, qué es lo que no debes tallar y qué clase de Dios es El?

Exodo 20:3-5

 

  1. ¿Qué moldea un artesano? Isaías 40:19

 

  1. ¿Qué hacen la sapiencia y el amor, y qué es lo que sabemos acerca de los ídolos y de Dios?

1 Corintios 8:1-6

 

  1. ¿Qué concederá Dios hasta la milésima generación, y a quiénes ha de conceder ésto? Exodo 20:6

 

  1. ¿A quiénes mostrará misericordia? Mateo 5:7

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que tu no debes hacer al nombre de Dios y a quiénes no dejará sin castigar El Señor?

Exodo 20:7

 

  1. ¿Qué día debes recordar de mantener santificado y qué es lo que no debes hacer ese día? ¿Qué hizo El Señor en el séptimo día? Exodo 20:8-11

 

  1. ¿A quiénes debes honrar y honrando a éstos qué es lo que podrás obtener? Exodo 20:12

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que tu no debes hacer, según se ve en Exodo 20:13-17?

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús al hombre que necesitaba para poder heredar la vida eterna? Marcos 10:17-22

 

  1. ¿Qué vino a hacer Jesús? Mateo 5:17

 

Personal – ¿Cuál de los mandamientos tienes dificultad en seguir? ¿Qué puedes hacer para cambiar esa área de dificultad?

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                   LEE 1 CORINTIOS 1:22-25                                SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Cristo es el poder de Dios y la sabiduría de Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué demandan los judíos y qué buscan los griegos? 1 Corintios 1:22

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el principio de las señales de Jesús en Caná? ¿Qué reveló eso y qué comenzaron a hacer sus discípulos? Juan 2:7-9, 11

 

  1. ¿En qué crecía Jesús? Lucas 2:52

 

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

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el principio de la sabiduría? Proverbios 9:10

 

  1. ¿Qué proclama Pablo y qué es esto para los judíos y gentiles? 1 Corintios 1:23

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Simeón a María acerca de Jesús? Lucas 2:34

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Pablo acerca del mensaje de la cruz? 1 Corintios 1:18

 

  1. Para aquellos que son llamados, ¿qué es Cristo? 1 Corintios 1:24

 

  1. ¿Cómo es la locura de Dios y la debilidad de Dios? 1 Corintios 1:25

 

  1. ¿Porqué fue crucificado Jesús? ¿Cómo vive El y como vivimos nosotros con El? 2 Corintios 13:4

 

Personal – ¿Cómo proclamas a Cristo crucificado a tu familia, amigos, colaboradores, y compañeros? ¿Puede haber obstáculos para ti o otros en proclamar a Cristo crucificado?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                          LEE JUAN 2:13-25                                                           EVANGELIO

 

(“…El estaba hablando acerca del templo de su cuerpo.”)

 

  1. Ya que la Pascua de los Hebreos estaba acercándose, ¿adónde fue Jesús? ¿A quiénes encontró Jesús sentados en el templo y qué estaban haciendo ellos? Juan 2:13-14

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús y cómo lo usó? ¿y qué hizo con las monedas y las mesas? Juan 2:15

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús a los que vendían las palomas? Juan 2:16

 

  1. ¿De qué se acordaron Sus discípulos? Y ante esto, ¿qué le dijeron los judíos? Juan 2:17-18

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca del templo? Juan 2:19

 

  1. ¿Cuánto tiempo dijeron los judíos que el templo había estado en construcción? Juan 2:20

 

  1. ¿De qué estaba hablando Jesús? Juan 2:21

 

  1. ¿Qué es su cuerpo? ¿Quién tiene morada dentro de ti y qué debes hacer con su cuerpo?

1 Corintios 6:19-20

 

  1. ¿Qué les sucedió a los discípulos cuando Jesús resucitó de entre los muertos, y en qué dos cosas llegaron a creer? Juan 2:22

 

  1. ¿Quién nos recuerda todas las cosas que Jesús dice? Juan 14:26

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo que muchos comenzaran a creer en Su nombre? Juan 2:23

 

  1. ¿Porqué Jesús no se fiaba de ellos y qué sabía bien? Juan 2:24-25

 

  1. ¿Cómo podría la cruz de Cristo desvirtuarse de su significado? 1 Corintios 1:17

 

  1. ¿A quién eligió Dios de este mundo y qué llegó a ser Jesús para nosotros? 1 Corintios 1:27, 29-31

 

Personal – ¿Cómo puede ser el ganar y hacer dinero un obstáculo para tu templo (tu cuerpo)?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                        LEE SALMO 19:8-11

 

(“La ley del Señor es perfecta,”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 19:8-11

 

¿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 20:1-17

 

La lectura de hoy nos trae la ley que fue designada para conducir a Israel a una vida de santidad práctica. La intención de los Diez Mandamientos era la de dirigir a la comunidad para satisfacer las necesidades de cada persona en una manera cariñosa y responsable. Los israelitas apenas habían llegado de Egipto, una tierra de muchos ídolos y dioses. Era muy común el adorar muchos dioses para poder tener una vida colmada. Cuando Dios dijo a Su pueblo de adorar a El, la gente creyó que El era solo un dios mas para agregar a la lista. Y cuando El dijo “No adorarás a otros dioses después de mi” fue duro para la gente el aceptarlo. Dios hizo este Su primer mandamiento y lo puso enfáticamente por sobre todos los otros mandamientos.

Para cuando Jesús llegó, la mayoría de la gente interpretaba la ley de manera equivocada. Veían a ésta como un medio de salvación. Pero Dios muestra que la ley es un plan por excelencia para vivir, no un metodo de salvación. Necesitamos solo mirar alrededor nuestro y podemos ver que mucha gente hoy deja que ciertos valores se conviertan en dioses para ellos. Buena salud, dinero, fama, trabajo o placeres pueden convertirse en dioses cuando nos concentramos demasiado en ellos como significado y seguridad en nuestras vidas.

 

Nadie realmente se dedica a venerar estas cosas, pero, la cantidad de tiempo y energía que estas cosas ocupan en la vida de la gente, las deja crecer como dioses que al fin llegan a controlar nuestros pensamientos y energías. La única manera de hacer que esos ídolos y falsos dioses no nos dominen es que Dios sea el que tome el lugar central en nuestras vidas. El nombre de Dios es especial porque lleva consigo Su identidad personal. El modo como nosotros usamos Su nombre revela la forma como realmente nos sentimos hacia El. Mentir es un atentado a engañar. Dios nos pone en guardia contra esta clase de decepción. Aún cuando la decepción es un estilo de vida para mucha gente, nosotros debemos resistirla. Sólo Dios puede proveer todas nuestras necesidades (Filip. 4:19) y necesitamos solamente ir a El en oración (Filip. 4:6-8) para encontrar la paz que va mas allá de todo entendimiento.

 

 

1 CORINTIOS 1:22-25

 

Pablo nos dice que mucha gente en Corintio pensaba que las Buenas Nuevas de Jesús eran tonterías porque a ellos les habían enseñado que el Mesías sería un héroe conquistador, no un sufrido sirviente. Jesús no restituyó el trono de David como ellos esperaban. Habiendo sido ejecutado como un criminal común, ciertamente no ayudaba a aquéllos en Corintio a mirar a Jesús como Su Salvador. Los griegos pensaban que el Evangelio era tontería porque ellos no creían en la resurreción del cuerpo. Los griegos no veían en Jesucristo la fortaleza de sus dioses mitológicos y tampoco pensaron que ninguna persona respetable sería crucificada. Para los griegos la muerte era derrota, no victoria.

Hoy las Buenas Nuevas de Jesucristo todavía suenan a tontería para algunas personas. Nuestra sociedad reverencia la juventud, la influencia, la riqueza, el poder y la salud. Jesús vino como un simple, pobre sirviente. (Filip 2:2-11). Jesús ofrece Su reino a aquellos con fe, no con talento, dinero o poder. Para el mundo, este método parece ser al contrario, pero es la vía que Dios eligió para salvarlo.

Pablo predicó sobre el Cristo crucificado y su mensaje fue el de la cruz. Enseñó que Jesús se despojó y obedientemente fue a su muerte en la cruz. (Filip. 2:2-11). Somos llamados a hacer eso y no menos. Somos llamados a diferir los unos a los otros y morir a nuestros propios deseos y necesidades. Vivimos en un mundo que glorifica el propio yo y trata desesperadamente ignorar los derechos y necesidades de los desalentados, abandonados y oprimidos. Somos mas fuertes cuando hacemos frente a las necesidades de los mas débiles. La Madre Teresa nos muestra que somos mas ricos cuando satisfacemos las necesidades de los mas pobres entre los pobres. Jesús mismos nos dice que cuando servimos a otros lo servimos a El. (Mateo 25:31-46).

 

JUAN 2:13-25

 

La celebración de La Pascua tomaba lugar anualmente en el templo de Jerusalén. Se esperaba que todos los varones judíos hicieran un peregrinaje a Jerusalén durante este tiempo. Jerusalen era a la vez el asiento político y religioso de Palestina, y era el lugar donde el esperado Mesías debía llegar. El templo, en la lectura de hoy, fue construído en el mismo sitio de aquél construído por Salomón, mas de mil años antes. (1 Reyes 6).

El impuesto del templo debía pagarse en la moneda local, por lo tanto, había la necesidad de tener cambistas. Se hacían ganancias y el interés alto era muy común entre los cambistas. La gente necesitaba hacer sacrificios propiciatorios por lo que también vendían animales. El precio de estos para sacrificio eran mucho mas caros en el templo que en otras partes. Jesús se enfureció por la deshonestidad y codicia de los cambistas y mercaderes. Su presencia era una burla al templo, el lugar de veneración a Dios, no un mercado.

Nuestra actitud es equivocada si vamos al templo a causa de contactos sociales o de negocios. Necesitamos estar seguros de que nuestra actitud refleje nuestro deseo de ir a la iglesia porque es el lugar de veneración a Dios. Hoy, en muchas iglesias, vemos señas de mercado en la forma de apuestas y venta de loterías. Estos son insultos a Dios y convierten Su casa de oración en mercado.

Jesús ejerció una justa indignación, no una ira incontrolable. Está bien enojarse por injusticias y pecados y esta mal enojarse sobre pequeñas, triviales ofensas personales. La resurrección de Jesús probaría Su autoridad para echar afuera a los mercantes, sanar, expeler los demonios y perdonar pecados. Somos llamados a hacer de nuestro templo del Espíritu Santo, el cual es nuestro cuerpo (1 Cor 6:19-20), un lugar de vida y sagrado sacrificio.

 

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura es un llamado a una virtud práctica. La segunda lectura revela al Mesías como un servidor que sufre. El Evangelio nos dice que el propósito de nuestra iglesia es el ser un lugar de devoción.

 

Esta semana, busca qué necesitas hacer para que tu familia te vea como a uno que se va transformando en virtuoso. Cuando veas lo que necesitas hacer, ve en el nombre de Jesucristo, a través de Su Espíritu Santo y de acuerdo con la voluntad de Su padre y HAZLO.

SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA (Feb. 25th) – CICLO B

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SEGUNDO 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 GÉNESIS 22:1-2,9-13,15-18                             PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“…Por qué obedeciste mi mandato.”)

 

  1. ¿Cómo quiso probar Dios a Abraham y cuando oyó el llamado, cuál fue su respuesta? Génesis 22:1

 

  1. ¿Qué será lo que Dios no permita qué suceda, de qué proveerá y por qué? 1 Corintios 10:13

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Dios a Abraham, y qué era Isaac de Abraham? Génesis 22:2

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Jesús que sucederá si das a tus hijos por el reino de Dios? Lucas 18:29-30

 

  1. Cuando llegó Abraham con su hijo al lugar que Dios le había indicado, ¿qué preparó y qué hizo con su hijo? Génesis 22:9

 

  1. ¿Qué tomó en la mano y para qué? Génesis 22:10

 

  1. ¿Quién le habló a Abraham y cuál fue su respuesta? Génesis 22:11

 

  1. ¿Por qué le dijo que no tocara al niño? Génesis 22:12-13

 

  1. Cuando el mensajero de Dios llamó a Abraham otra vez, ¿qué dijo el Señor que haría por él debido a que no le había negado a su hijo? Génesis 22:15-17

 

  1. ¿En quién y por qué razón hallan bendiciones todas las naciones? Génesis 22:18

 

  1. ¿Cómo permanecemos en el amor de Jesús, cómo permanece Jesús en el amor de Dios y cuál es Su mandato? Juan 15:10, 17

 

Personal – ¿A qué has renunciado por el reino de Dios? ¿A qué te mantienes apegado? ¿Qué necesitas hacer para recibir las benediciones que Dios quiere derramar sobre ti?

 

TERCER DIA                                                      LEE ROMANOS 8:31-34                                  SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Es Dios quien nos perdona.”)

 

 

  1. ¿Quién escribe este libro y a quién se lo escribe? Romanos 1:1, 7
  2. ¿Cuáles son las dos preguntas que se formulan en Romanos 8:31 y a quién se refieren?

Romanos 8:30-31

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios con su propio Hijo, por quién lo hizo y qué mas nos dio? Romanos 8:32

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa con los que creen en Jesús? Juan 3:16

 

  1. ¿Qué tiene Dios para el hijo que le sirve? Malaquias 3:17

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos prueba Dios su amor? Romanos 5:8

 

  1. ¿Qué somos para Dios y qué hace El por nosotros? Romanos 8:33

 

  1. ¿Qué se le acreditó a Abraham por su rectitud? ¿En quién creemos y como qué se nos toma en cuenta? Romanos 4:2-5

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús, dónde está El y qué hace por nosotros? Romanos 8:34

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa con aquéllos que se acercan a Dios a través de Jesús, cuánto vivirá El y qué es lo que hace? Hebreos 7:25

 

  1. ¿A dónde no entró Cristo, a dónde fue y a favor de quién? Hebreos 9:24

 

  1. ¿Qué tenemos si pecamos, por quién ha hecho esto; y cómo estaremos seguros de que lo conocemos?               1 Juan 2:1-3

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has hecho bien a la vista de Dios? ¿Qué haces cuando pecas? Así como Cristo intercede por tí, ¿cómo puedes tú interceder por los que amas?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                       LEE MARCOS 9:2-10                                                    EVANGELIO

 

(“Este es mi Hijo muy Amado, escúchenlo.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién tomó consigo Jesús en lo alto del monte y qué hizo ahí? Marcos 9:2

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó con sus vestiduras? Marcos 9:3

 

  1. ¿Quién se apareció y qué estaban haciendo? Marcos 9:4

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos recordar sobre Moisés, y a Elías qué se le mandó a hacer? Malaquias 3:22-24

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Pedro a Jesús, cómo lo llamó y cuales fueron sus sentimientos? Marcos 9:5-6

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó con el centurión y con los hombres que estaban con él en guardia cuando Jesús estaba en la cruz? Mateo 27:54

 

  1. Cuando Jesús les preguntó por qué estaban aterrorizados ¿cuál fue la siguiente pregunta que les hizo?

Marcos 4:40-41

 

 

  1. ¿Qué los cubrió con una sombra y qué dijo la voz que salió de ahí? Marcos 9:7

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Moisés que pasaría a aquéllos que no escuchen a Jesús? Hechos 3:22-23

 

  1. Cuando Moisés fue a la montaña, ¿qué lo cubría? ¿Qué se posó sobre el Monte Sinaí y que pasó el séptimo día? Exodo 24:15-16

 

  1. Cuando Pedro, Santiago y Juan vieron a su alrededor ¿a quién vieron? Marcos 9:8

 

Personal – ¿Qué tan claramente ves a Jesús para saber lo que te está diciendo y poder así escucharlo? ¿Cómo ves a Jesús? ¿Cómo es El para ti? ¿Cómo se ven sus vestiduras, qué está diciendo y haciendo? Reflexionalo.

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                   LEE SALMO 116:10, 15-19

(“Tenía fe aún cuando me dije, `Yo soy muy desgraciado;'”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 116:10, 15-19.

 

¿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

 

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

En la lectura de hoy en el Génesis vemos a Dios poniendo a Abraham a prueba no para confundirlo sino para desarrollar su carácter. Así como el fuego refina el mineral para sacar el metal precioso, así Dios nos refina a través de los acontecimientos y tiempos difícíles. Podemos tomar dos caminos cuando se nos prueba, podemos quejarnos o podemos tratar de entender que Dios nos está probando para desarrollar nuestro carácter.

Abraham fue a cumplir con un acto de obediencia que el mundo no comprendería. A través de los años el aprendió lecciones duras acerca de la importancia de obedecer a Dios. Obedecer a Dios en tiempos de Abraham o en nuestros tiempos, frecuentemente implica un duro esfuerzo, ya que significa negarnos algo que realmente queremos. No debemos esperar que nuestra obediencia a Dios va a ser siempre fácil o que va a venir como una cosa natural.

Dios no quería la muerte física de Isaac sino que quería que Abraham sacrificara a Isaac en su corazón. Este le estaba mostrando a Dios que lo amaba tanto que confiaría en El para todo. ¿Confías en Dios en todo lo que se refiere a tu vida? Dios estaba probando a Abraham y nos prueba a nosotros. El propósito de Dios al probarnos es fortalecer nuestro carácter y profundizar nuestro compromiso con El.

Dios también le mostró a Abraham Su habilidad para proveernos. Vemos que hubo un carnero que se ofreció como substituto de Isaac, así como Jesús fue ofrecido en la cruz como substituto por nosotros. Es muy importante que nos demos cuenta de lo mucho que Dios nos ama. El detuvo a Abraham para que no sacrificara a su hijo y sin embargo no evitó que Su propio Hijo, Jesús, muriera en la cruz por nosotros para que así pudieramos ser salvados de la muerte eterna que merecíamos y que a cambio recibiéramos la vida eterna con El.

Abraham recibió una bendición increíble por su obediencia, que fue el hecho de llegar a ser una influencia positiva sobre otros.Otras vidas cambiarían como resultado de conocer a Abraham. A tí también se te ha dado una inmensa bendición y las vidas de otras gentes pueden ser cambiadas para bien también. ¿Cuántas vidas cambiarán debido a que te conocen? Eso realmente depende de ti.

 

ROMANOS 8:31-34

La lectura de hoy es más que una explicación teológica de la gracia redentora de Dios. Es una lectura de consuelo y confianza. ¿Has pensado alguna vez que no eras suficientemente bueno para Dios y que El no te salvaría? ¿Has sentido como que la salvación y el sanar es para otros pero no para ti? Entonces esta lectura es especialmente para tí. Si Dios dio a Su Unico Hijo por tí entonces no va a quitarte el regalo de la salvación (Juan 3:16) Jesucrito no dio Su vida por ti para después voltearse y condenarte.

Nada, absolutamente nada, nos puede separar del amor de Dios. Debemos darnos cuenta de que cuando aceptamos a Cristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador, le estamos declarando la guerra a Satanás. Entonces vamos a ser atacados, tentados y condenados por Satanás por que él quiere apartarnos del regalo de salvación y amor de Dios. Dios nos ama tanto que dio a Su Unico Hijo solo por tí (Juan 3:16). Piénsalo. El sabía que continuaríamos siendo pecadores y sin embargo siguió adelante con Su plan de salvación (Romanos 5:8).

La compasión de Dios es tan grande que dejó a Jesús que tomara todos los pecados del mundo para que nosotros fuéramos limpiados, librados y justificados como Sus hijos. No debemos tener miedo de ser acusados de amar a Dios y de servirle ya que tenemos Su promesa de salvación (Juan 3:16) y protección (Salmo 91). Se nos ha dicho que Jesús intercede ante Dios por nosotros en el cielo. Es nuestro intercesor y nuestro representante a la derecha de Dios.

La oración es nuestro modo de acercarnos a Jesús. Hay muchas maneras diferentes para orar pero hay que hacerlo con reverencia ya que El es nuestro rey. Podemos venir a El con la absoluta seguridad también de que es nuestro amigo y consejero personal. Recuerda que Jesucristo es la única persona que jamás ha existido que nació para morir. Su muerte nos hizo ganar el increíble regalo de la salvación y ahora en el cielo El entiende perfectamente nuestra debilidad y nos ofrece el perdón.

MARCOS 9:2-10

 

La lectura de hoy en el Evangelio es acerca del relato de Jesús transfigurándose en la montaña. La transfiguración revela la verdadera naturaleza de Cristo como Hijo de Dios. La voz de Dios llamó a Jesús como se decia en tiempos de Moisés y Elías, el Mesías, largamente esperado con completa y divina autoridad. Moisés fue el símbolo de la ley y Elías fue el símbolo de los profetas. Jesús fue el cumplimiento de ambos, la ley del antiguo testamento y de las promesas proféticas del futuro. Jesús no fue nada mas un profeta y no fue tampoco la reencarnación de Moisés. Como Hijo de Dios El los sobrepasa totalmente en autoridad y poder.

Jesús es la fuente de toda autoridad y poder. Debemos escuchar a Jesús y luego evaluar a las otras autoridades a la luz de Su revelación. Los apóstoles estaban espantados y con miedo cuando vieron a Jesús y se dieron cuenta de quién era realmente. Ellos fueron transfigurados en sus corazones y pudieron verlo con sus corazones tan bien como lo vieron con sus ojos.

Jesús les dijo que no hablaran de lo que habían visto puesto que ni ellos mismos lo entenderían hasta que Jesús resucitara. Se les había dado el increíble regalo de ver el reino de Dios llegando con toda su fuerza (Marcos 9:1). Ellos verían que cuando Jesús resucitara de entre los muertos, así como Su poder sobre la muerte se revelaría a todos que El es Dios. Era natural que los discípulos estuvieran confusos acerca de la muerte y resurrección de Jesús puesto que ellos no podían ver en el futuro.

Cuando Jesús venga a ser el Señor de nuestra vida, lo veremos como lo vio Pedro, Santiago y Juan. El hará que nuestro corazón esté radiante y nuestra mente clara y aguda. El nos transfigurará ahí donde estemos. El supo que no podía quedarse en lo alto de la montaña, por que El había venido a transfigurar a la gente de los bajos y obscuros valles. No tenemos que estar confusos o con miedo ya que tenemos a Su Espíritu Santo dentro de nosotros (1 Juan 4:4).Los discípulos vieron la cara radiante de Jesús por que lo vieron con una visión espiritual. La Escritura nos dice “lo que el ojo no ha visto y el oído no ha oído y lo que no ha entrado al corazon humano, es lo que Dios ha revelado a aquéllos que lo aman.” Esta es la transfiguración que Dios nos ha revelado hoy a través del Espíritu Santo.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos dice que en nuestros tiempos de prueba crecemos en nuestro desarrollo moral. La segunda lectura nos muestra la increíble fuerza de la gracia redentora de Dios.  El Evangelio nos muestra que ser transfigurado es permitir que el resplandor de Cristo brille en ti y a través de ti.

Esta semana busca solamente las cosas buenas que hay en los que están a tu alrededor. Solo habla de lo que es bueno acerca de esa persona. No adulando, únicamente afirmando y fíjate como esa persona pasa por una transfiguración ahí meramente delante de tus ojos.  Prueba y verás.

Lectio Divina – 2nd Sunday of Lent (Feb. 25th) – 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 9:2-10 – Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart by themselves, And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them. Then Elijah appeared to them along with Moses, and they were conversing with Jesus. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He hardly knew what to say, they were so terrified. Then a cloud came, casting a shadow over them; from the cloud came a voice, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.” Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone but Jesus alone with them. As they were coming down from the mountain, he charged them not to relate what they had seen to anyone, except when the Son of Man had risen from the dead. So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what rising from the dead meant.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

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

PRIMER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA (Feb. 18th) – CICLO B

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PRIMER 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 GENESIS 9:8-15                                       PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Esta es la señal de la alianza que yo contraigo

para siempre con ustedes.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué clase de hombre fue Noé y qué dijo Dios que El estaba contrayendo con Noé, sus hijos y

sus descendientes?  Génesis 6:9-10 y Génesis 9:8-9

 

  1. ¿Además de Noé, sus hijos y descendientes, por quién hizo Dios esta alianza? Génesis 9:10

 

  1. Al establecer la alianza, ¿qué es lo que nunca más habría de suceder? Génesis 9:11

 

  1. En la Ultima Cena, ¿qué dijo Jesús que era la copa? Lucas 22:20

 

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

 

  1. ¿Qué dio Dios a la gente de todas las eras por venir y qué mostraba la alianza entre ambos?

Génesis 9:12-13

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el signo dado a los pastores en el campo? Lucas 2:11-12

 

  1. Cuando algunos escribas y fariseos pidieron a Jesús por un signo, ¿qué les dijo El? Mateo 12:38-40

 

  1. ¿Qué sirvió como signo de la alianza entre Dios y la tierra? Génesis 9:13

 

  1. ¿Cuándo recordará Dios Su alianza, la que El ha hecho con nosotros, y qué es lo que nunca mas sucederá? Genesis 9:14-15

 

Personal – Cuando ves un arco iris en el cielo, ¿cuál es tu respuesta? ¿Has hecho una alianza con Dios o con algún otro? ¿Qué es esa alianza y cómo la has cumplido?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                        LEE 1 PEDRO 3:18-22                                    SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…el justo a causa de los injustos,”)

 

 

  1. ¿Por qué sufrió Cristo? ¿Por quién y cómo? 1 Pedro 3:18

 

  1. ¿Quién es el justo? 1 Juan 2:1

 

  1. ¿Cómo somos nosotros hechos justos? Romanos 3:22-26

 

  1. ¿A causa de qué murió Cristo y como resucitó? 1 Pedro 3:18

 

  1. ¿Para quién predicó Cristo en el espíritu? 1 Pedro 3:19

 

  1. ¿Quiénes fueron salvados y cómo fueron salvados? 1 Pedro 3:20

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que esto representa y qué es lo que hace hoy? 1 Pedro 3:21

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que el bautismo no hace y de qué se trata? 1 Pedro 3:21

 

  1. ¿En qué hemos sido bautizados? Romanos 6:3-4

 

  1. ¿Qué era lo que Pablo tenía que hacer y como debía hacerlo? Hechos 22:14-15

 

  1. ¿Cómo se ha limpiado la iglesia? (la gente) Efesios 5:26

 

  1. ¿Adónde fue Jesús y quiénes estan sometidos a El? 1 Pedro 3:22

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera recibiste personalmente el regalo de salvación a través del bautismo? ¿Tuviste que hacer algo para recibir el bautismo?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                      LEE MARCOS 1:12-15                                                    EVANGELIO

 

(“El plazo está vencido.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién empujó al desierto a Jesús y qué era lo que acababa de acontecer? Marcos 1:9-12

 

  1. ¿Dónde permaneció Jesús y por cuanto tiempo? Marcos 1:13

 

  1. ¿Qué les hizo hacer El Señor a los israelitas? ¿Porqué razón?   Números 32:13

 

  1. ¿Adónde fue la mujer que dio a luz a un hijo varón y quién había preparado el lugar para ella?

Apocalipsis 12:5-6

 

  1. ¿Por quién fue tentado Jesús, entre quiénes estaba El y quiénes lo servían? Marcos 1:13

 

  1. ¿Qué empezó en el cielo? ¿Quién era el enorme monstruo? ¿Qué hizo él y adónde lo echaron?

Apocalipsis 12:7-9

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma fuiste tentado y como trataste la situación?

 

 

  1. Después que Juan fue arrestado, ¿adónde fue Jesús y qué proclamó? Marcos 1:14

 

 

  1. ¿Qué plazo dijo Jesús que era éste? ¿Qué estaba ya cerca y qué es lo que nosotros debemos hacer y creer? Marcos 1:15

 

  1. ¿Dónde predicó Juan Bautista y qué decía? Mateo 3:1-2

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que Dios demanda hoy y porqué razón? Hechos 17:30-31

 

  1. ¿En quién debemos creer y qué pasará si lo hacemos? Hechos 16:31

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera te has arrepentido por no creer en Jesús? ¿Hay todavía áreas en tu vida a las cuales te estás aún aferrando? Arrepiéntete y vuelve a Dios.

 

QUINTO DIA                                                          LEE SALMO 25:4-9

(“Guíame en tu verdad y enséñame,…”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 25:4-9.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                                                  LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

GENESIS 9:8-15

 

La lectura de hoy nos muestra claramente la misericordia de Dios y la paciencia de Noé. Noé, ocasionalmente ponía a prueba la tierra para ver si estaba seca, pero nunca salió del arca hasta que Dios se lo dijo. El sabía que tenía que ser en la hora de Dios y no la suya. Dios sabía que aún cuando el agua se había retirado, la tierra no estaba aun suficientemente seca para que, salidos del arca, pudieran sobrevivir Noe, su familia y los animales. Noe y su familia estuvieron en el arca alrededor de un año, así que, esperar para mudarse después que El Señor les dijera, fue una gran lección en humildad y obediencia para la gente de todas las edades.

Así como Noé, es preciso que nosotros aprendamos a confiar en Dios en todas las situaciones de nuestra vida. Necesitamos pedirle nos de paciencia durante los tiempos difíciles cuando debemos esperar. Un signo fue dado a Noé indicando que Dios nunca mas anegaría la tierra. El signo fue un hermosísimo arco iris y todavía hoy nosotros vemos ese arco iris.

Dios hizo un convenio con su pueblo a través de la Biblia. Los descendientes de Abraham llegarían a ser una gran nación si ellos obedecían a Dios. El signo que Dios usó fue un calentador humeante y una antorcha encendida (Génesis 15:12-21). En el Monte Sinaí, Israel sería una nación santa, pero ellos deberían mantener su parte del convenio obedientemente. La señal de Dios fue el éxodo.

Jesús fue el “Nuevo Convenio”, el perdón y la salvación llegaron a través de El. El sígno que tenemos hoy es la resurrección. Dios vive y nosotros somos llamados a ser Sus testigos de júbilo. Dios te ama tanto, que El dio Su unigénito hijo, para que si crees en El, no perezcas, sino que tengas vida eterna (Juan 3:16). Dios es amor y nosotros comenzamos realmente a amarle cuando nos damos cuenta de que El nos ama exactamente donde estamos  (1 Juan 4:16).

 

 

1 PEDRO 3:18-22

 

Esta lectura nos trae a todos adentro del mismo corazón de nuestra fe. Creemos en un Dios el cual nos ama tanto tanto, que murió por nosotros sabiendo que todos seríamos pecadores. Su muerte y resurrección ha justificado nuestras esperanzas de estar con El por siempre. No hemos hecho nada por nosotros mismos para merecer un privilegio tan tremendo, con excepción de creer con fe que El nos salvará. Su amor es tan fuerte que El siempre perdonará al pecador arrepentido.

Los rabinos de ese tiempo enseñaban a los judíos que ellos debían perdonar tres veces a aquellos que los ofendían. Pedro, tratando de ser extra generoso, preguntó a Jesús si siete veces eran suficientes para perdonar a alguien. Jesús dijo: “Setenta veces siete.” (Mateo 18:21) El quiso decir que no debemos mantener en cuenta el número de veces que perdonamos a alguien. Somos llamados a seguir los pasos de Jesús y perdonar a aquéllos que están verdaderamente arrepentidos, no importa cuantas veces ellos pidan. Cristo en Espíritu fue a predicar a los espíritus encarcelados. (1 Pedro 3:19). Esto fue para todos aquéllos que murieron y creyeron en El. El les dio a ellos la esperanza de que estarían con El en el cielo.

Se nos dice, que a causa de nuestro bautismo, nosotros también ascenderemos como Cristo y seremos victoriosos. No tenemos que tener ningún miedo porque nosotros creemos y pertenecemos a Cristo y nada nos puede separar de Su amor (Rom. 8:35-39). Nosotros también algún día gozaremos ese banquete especial del Señor. Lo observaremos claramente y veremos todos los ángeles, poderes y autoridades sujetos a El. Nuestro bautismo no es una ceremonia. Es un encuentro que significa el acto cambiante de la vida cada día del año. Nuestro bautismo nos ha traído dentro de la familia de Dios. Nuestro padre celestial nos ha adoptado porque nuestro hermano y salvador murió por nosotros. El espera ahora que todos Sus creyentes celebren la vida por siempre.

 

MARCOS 1:12-15

 

Jesús dejó la multitud que se congregaba alrededor de El en su bautismo y se fue al desierto donde fue tentado por satanás. Jesús nos muestra que todos nosotros podemos ser tentados y que la tentación es mala para nosotros solamente cuando nos dejamos caer en ella. Debemos siempre recordar que los momentos de pruebas interiores no necesitan ser odiadas y resentidas porque es a través de ellas que nuestro carácter puede ser fortalecido y Dios puede enseñarnos lecciones de gran valor. Jesús nunca nos abandonará cuando enfrentemos a satanás y tratemos con sus falsas promesas. Satanas tentó y persuadió a Adan y Eva de pecar en el jardín. El tentó a Jesús en el yermo y no le persuadió. Ser tentado no es malo, pero tentar a otros o causarles el caer es simplemente PECADO. Jesús soportó el tiempo de prueba sin pecar cuando fue tentado, para reforzar la prueba de que satanás puede ser vencido.

Tenemos dentro de nosotros al Espíritu Santo que es la segunda persona de la Santísima Trinidad. Somos el templo del Espíritu Santo y nosotros no podríamos hacer nada para luchar contra satanás si no tuvieramos el Espíritu Santo dentro de nosotros. No tenemos que tener miedo, el poder del Espíritu nos ayudará a vencer a satanás en cualquier tentación, en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar.(1 Juan 4:4)

Las Buenas Nuevas que Jesús predica son “Que al fin El está aquí y El comenzó el reino personal de Dios en la tierra.” La gente que primero oyó este mensaje, era oprimida, pobre y sin esperanzas. Las palabras de Jesús eran buenas nuevas porque ellas ofrecían libertad, bendiciones y promesas. Debido a que El quiere comenzar Su reino personal en la tierra, El depende de nosotros. Nosotros somos Sus ojos, brazos y piernas. Las Escrituras nos relatan lo que Jesús dijo que significaría estar en el reino de Dios. El Espíritu de Dios te ha ungido, El está sobre ti dándote fuerza y valentía (Lucas 4:18). El reino de Dios está a la mano, vayan y curen, vayan y hagan discípulos de todos los pueblos. (Mateo 28:19).

 

Aplicación

La lectura de esta semana nos muestra que la paciencia es una virtud de Dios y del hombre. En la segunda lectura vemos que el bautismo es una promesa de perdón de Dios. El Evangelio nos dice que cambiemos nuestras actitudes por aquellas de las Buenas Nuevas.

Esta semana pide a tu consorte, hijos, amigos, patrones y compañeros que te digan qué necesitas cambiar. Diles que escriban lo que ellos ven como una necesidad de cambio. Fíjate cuál es el área mas común de pecado en ti. Entonces, cada día practica una pequeña acción por una semana. No menciones la lista a nadie. Tu actitud cambiará con oraciones, lectura de escrituras, yendo a los sacramentos de reconciliación y Eucaristía y por medio de disciplina. Estate alerta y observa un despertar muy espiritual de muchas personas en tu vida.

FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT (Feb 18th) – CYCLE B

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1st Sunday of 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 about the promise of victory. The second reading reveals that “Amen” means “Yes, I believe in it.” The Gospel shows that friendship is a call to action in time of need.

This week, let the sign of your friendship to Christ be a response of joy, compassion, and integrity. Look very seriously at your friendship to others and see if you respond to their need like the four friends in the Gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the power to say “Yes” to those in need who are around you. Your gift of friendship is a sign to others that, because you are loved by Christ, you are capable of loving others, no matter what the situation may be or how many roofs you may have to open.

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 GENESIS 9:8-15 FIRST READING
(“See, I am now establishing my covenant with you.”)

  1. What kind of a man was Noah, and what did God say he was establishing with Noah and his sons and their descendants? Genesis 6:9-10 and Genesis 9:8-9
  2. In addition to Noah, his sons and their descendants, for whom did God establish this covenant? Gen. 9:10
  3. As a result of establishing the covenant, what would never again happen? Genesis 9:11
  4. At the Last Supper, what did Jesus say is the cup? Luke 22:20
  5. Who is the mediator of a new covenant? Hebrews 9:14-15
  6. What did God give the people of all ages to come that showed the covenant between them? Genesis 9:12,13
  7. What was the sign given to the shepherds in the field? Luke 2:11-12
  8. When some scribes and Pharisees were asking Jesus for a sign, what did he tell them? Matthew 12:38-40
  9. What served as a sign of the covenant between God and the earth? Genesis 9:13
  10. When will God recall the covenant he has made with us, and what will never again happen? Genesis 9:14-15

Personal? – When you see a rainbow in the sky, what is your response? Have you made a covenant with God or anyone else? What is that covenant, and how have you carried it out?

THIRD DAY READ 1 PETER 3:18-22 SECOND READING
(“…the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous,”)

  1. For what did Christ suffer, for whom and why? 1 Peter 3:18
  2. Who is the righteous one? 1 John 2:1
  3. How are we made righteous? Romans 3:22-26
  4. In what was Christ put to death, and in what was He brought to life? 1 Peter 3:18
  5. To whom did Christ preach in the spirit? 1 Peter 3:19
  6. Who were saved, and how were they saved? 1 Peter 3:20
  7. What does this prefigure, and what does it do now? 1 Peter 3:21
  8. What does baptism not do, and what is it? 1 Peter 3:21
  9. Into what have we been baptized? Romans 6:3-4
  10. What was Paul to do, and how was he to do it? Acts 22:14-15
  11. How has the church (the people) been cleansed? Ephesians 5:26
  12. Where did Jesus go, and who is subject to him? 1 Peter 3:22

Personal? – In what way have you personally received the gift of salvation through your baptism? Did you have to do anything to receive baptism?

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 1:12-15 GOSPEL
(“This is the time of fulfillment.”)

  1. Who drove Jesus out into the desert, and what had just taken place? Mark 1:9-12
  2. Where did Jesus remain, and for how long? Mark 1:13
  3. What did the Lord make the Israelites do, and for what reason? Numbers 32:13
  4. Where did the woman go who gave birth to a son, and who had the place prepared for her? Revelation 12:5-6
  5. By whom was Jesus tempted, who was he among, and who ministered to him? Mark 1:13
  6. What broke out in the heavens, who was the huge dragon, what did he do, and where was he thrown? Revelation 12:7-9

Personal – In what way have you been tempted, and how have you handled it?

  1. After John had been arrested, where did Jesus go, and what did he proclaim? Mark 1:14
  2. What time did Jesus say this was, what was at hand, and what must we do and believe? Mark 1:15
  3. Where did John the Baptist do his preaching, and what did he say? Matthew 3:1-2
  4. What does God demand now, and for what reason? Acts 17:30-31
  5. In whom are we to believe, and what will happen if we do? Acts 16:31

Personal? – In what way have you repented of unbelief in Jesus? Are there still some areas in your life you are holding onto? Repent and turn to God.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 25:4-9
(“Guide me in your truth and teach me, …”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 25:4-9.

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 9:8-15

Today’s reading shows us very clearly the mercy of God and the patience of Noah. Noah occasionally tested the earth to see whether it was dry, but he never got out of the ark until told by God. He knew that it had to be God’s timing and not his. God knew that even though the water was gone, the earth was still not dry enough for Noah, his family, and the animals to survive outside of the ark. Noah and his family were on the ark about a year, so to wait and move only after the Lord told him was a great lesson in humility and obedience for people of all ages.

We, like Noah, must learn to trust God in all matters of our lives. We need to ask him for patience during the difficult times when we must wait. A sign was given to Noah that God would never flood the earth again. The sign was a beautiful rainbow, and we still see that rainbow today.

God has made a covenant with his people throughout the Bible. Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation if they obeyed God. The sign God used was a smoking fire pot and flaming torch (Genesis 15:12-21). At Mt. Sinai, Israel would be a Holy nation, but they would have to keep their part of the covenant through obedience. The sign of God was the Exodus.

Jesus is the “New Covenant” and forgiveness and salvation are through him. The sign that we have today is the Resurrection. God is alive, and we are called to be his witness of joy. God loves us so much that he gave his only begotten Son, so that if we believe in him, we will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). God is love and we really begin to love him when we realize that he loves us right where we are (1 John 4:16).

1 PETER 3:18-22

This reading brings us all into the very heart of our faith. We believe in a God who loves us so much that he died for us knowing that we would all be sinners. His death and resurrection have justified our expectation of being with him forever. We did nothing on our own to merit such a tremendous privilege, except to believe in faith that he would save us. His love is so strong that he will always forgive the repentant sinner.

The rabbis at that time taught the Jews that they should forgive three times those who offended them. Peter, trying to be extra generous, asked Jesus if seven times were enough times to forgive someone. Jesus said, “Seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:22). He meant that we should not keep track of the number of times we forgive someone. We are called to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and forgive those who are truly repentant no matter how many times they ask. Christ in the spirit went to preach to the spirits in prison. (1 Peter 3:19). This was to all those who died and believed in him. He gave them hope that they would be with him in heaven.

We are told that because of our baptism, we too will rise like Christ and be victorious. We do not need to have any fear because we believe in and belong to Christ and nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:35-39). We too will some day enjoy that special banquet of the Lord. We will observe him clearly and see all the angelic rulers and powers subjected to him. Our baptism is not a ritual. It is an encounter that means life-changing action every day of the year. Our baptism has brought us into the family of God. Our heavenly Father has adopted us because our loving Brother and Savior died for us. He now awaits all of his believers to celebrate life forever.

MARK 1:12-15

Jesus left the crowds that flocked around him at his baptism and went into the desert where he was tempted by Satan. Jesus shows us that all of us can be tempted and that temptation is bad for us only when we give in. We must always remember that times of inner testing need not be hated and resented because through them our character can be strengthened and God can teach us valuable lessons. Jesus will never desert us when we face Satan and deal with his false promises. Satan tempted and persuaded Adam and Eve to sin in the garden. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness and did not persuade him. To be tempted is not wrong, but to tempt others or cause them to give in is simply SIN. Jesus endured the time of trial by not sinning when tempted so that he could reinforce the proof that Satan can be defeated.

We have within us the Holy Spirit who is the second person of the Holy Trinity. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit, and we could not do anything to fight against Satan if we did not have the Spirit within us. We do not have to fear, the power of the Spirit will help us defeat Satan in any temptation, at any time and place (1 John 4:4).

The Good News that Jesus preaches is “That at last he is here and he began God’s personal reign on earth.” The people who first heard this message were oppressed, poor and without hope. Jesus’ words were good news because they offered freedom, blessing and promise. Because he wants to begin his personal reign on earth, he depends on us. We are his eyes, arms and legs. Scripture tells us what Jesus said being in the Kingdom of God would mean. The Spirit of God has anointed you, he is upon you giving you strength and courage (Luke 4:18). The reign of God is at hand, go forth and heal, go forth and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

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.

 

Lectio Divina – 1st Sunday of Lent (Feb 18th) – 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 1:12-15 – The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and He remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him.

After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

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

SIXTH SUNDAY (Feb 11th) IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

SIXTH 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)

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us that suffering is behind virtue as well as sin. The second reading reveals that our gifts and talents come from God. We see in the Gospel the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus.

 

This week, choose someone in your family or someone you know and become their unknown special prayer partner. Be specific and obedient in your prayer time. Place this person in the throne of the Lord and watch the healing that will take place. Praise God before your requests for healing and praise him afterward. Then get ready to experience God’s mighty power.

 

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 LEVITICUS 13:1-2, 44-46     FIRST READING

 

(“He shall cry out, `Unclean, unclean!'”)

 

  1. Who is Aaron, and what did the Lord say to Moses and Aaron?       Exodus 4:14-15, Leviticus 13:1-2

 

 

  1. In an attack of leprosy, what were the Israelites to

ob­serve?  Deuteronomy 24:8

 

 

  1. What shall the priest declare him, and for what reason? Leviticus 13:44

 

 

  1. Why do we touch nothing unclean? Isaiah 52:11

 

 

  1. From what are we to be separated, and from what do we

cleanse ourselves?   2 Corinthians 6:15-17, 2     Corinthians 7:1

 

 

  1. How does the one who bears the sore of leprosy keep his garments, what shall he do with his head and      beard, and what shall he cry out?   Leviticus 13:45

 

 

  1. What defiles a person or makes a person unclean?

Matthew 15:11, 18-19

 

  1. As long as a sore is on someone, what shall he declare him-self, and where shall he dwell?   Leviticus 13:46

 

 

  1. To what has God called us? 1 Thessalonians 4:7

 

 

  1. Who will be cut off from the people? Acts 3:22-23

 

 

Personal – What can you see within yourself that comes forth from your mouth and declares you unclean?  How is it contagious to others around you, and in what way does it separate you from God and others?  Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week.

 

 

THIRD DAY         READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:31-11:1    SECOND READING

 

(“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”)

 

  1. “Whether you eat or drink–whatever you do,” why do you do it?   1 Corinthians 10:31

 

  1. What are we to do in word and deed? Colossians 3:17

 

 

  1. What are we to do so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ?    1 Peter 4:11

 

 

  1. What are we to avoid doing, and to whom? 1      Corinthians 10:32

 

 

  1. Over whom are we to keep watch, who has appointed us over-seers, and how was the Church of God acquired?

Acts 20:28

 

 

  1. What is it to a man to overlook an offense? Proverbs 19:11

 

 

  1. Whom is Paul trying to please, what does he not seek, and for what reason? 1 Corinthians 10:33

 

 

  1. What are we who are strong to do, whom are we to build up, and who did not please himself?   Romans 15:1-3

 

 

  1. What are we to do with one another, in keeping with whom, so as to do what with one voice?   Romans 15:5-6

 

  1. Whom are we to imitate, and for what reason? 1   Corinthians      11:1

 

 

  1. Whose footsteps should we follow? 1 Peter 2:21

 

 

Personal – Who are the people whom you try to imitate in your life?  What are the reasons you want to imitate them?   What reasons do you see in yourself that others would want to imitate?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 1:40-45                GOSPEL

 

(“If you wish, you can make me clean.”)

 

  1. How did the leper come to Jesus, and what did he say?

Mark 1:40

 

 

  1. How did the rich man come to Jesus? Mark 10:17

 

 

  1. What has God bestowed on Jesus, and at the name of Jesus, what should be done?    Philippians 2:9-10

 

 

  1. Whose will do we pray to be done on earth, as it is in

heaven?    Matthew 6:9-10

 

 

  1. With what was Jesus moved, and what did he do and say?

Mark 1:41

 

 

  1. What happened immediately to the man with leprosy?

Mark 1:42

 

 

  1. Of what was Jesus aware that went out of him when he healed the woman, and who touched whom?   Mark 5:29-30

 

 

  1. After Jesus healed the leper, how did he warn him, and what did he do at once?  Mark 1:43

 

 

  1. What did Jesus tell the man not to do, and what did he tell him to do?   Mark 1:44    Read Leviticus 14:1-32      to see what    the law prescribed for one afflicted with leprosy.

 

  1. What did the man do when he went away that made it impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly?  Mark     1:45

 

 

  1. Where did Jesus remain, and from where did the people come? Mark 1:45

 

 

  1. For what reason did Jesus withdraw to deserted places?

Luke 5:15-16

 

 

  1. Why did the large crowds follow Jesus? John 6:2

 

 

Personal – In what way do you go to Jesus, and how do you request healing?

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 32:1-2, 5, 11

 

(“Happy is he whose fault is taken away.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 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

 

LEVITICUS 13:1-2,44-46

 

We are told in today’s reading that those who had leprosy were separated from their families and friends and confined outside the camp.  Leprosy was one of the most feared diseases of biblical  times, and it was thought to have come from Egypt. This horribly conta­gious disease slowly ruined the body, and in most cases there was no cure.

 

It was the responsibility of the priests to take care of the health and sanitation of the camp. This meant it was the priest who would expel the person with leprosy and he would be the only one who could readmit the “cleansed” person.  A person with leprosy had to cry out “unclean” to signal to others not to come near. Because leprosy was so contagious, it was important for people to stay away from those with the disease (which consisted of sores on the body that festered and grew until they completely destroyed the tissue).

 

The Old Testament often used leprosy as an example of sin because sin also is contagious and destructive and leads to separation.  Sin is a sore on our soul that festers and grows until it completely destroys the soul. We can get immediate help for the soul through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sin is contagious, and if let go unchecked, it will spread destruction and death wherever it goes.

 

The people in today’s reading were terrified of being confronted with someone who had leprosy. They did not know that it was a disease that had nothing to do with sin. In their fear they ignored the person who was desperately looking for help. Then when they finally decided to do something, they would remove them from their families, friends and community.

 

Today’s reading is a powerful reminder to all of us. How do we as believers respond to our brothers and sisters who are in sin? Do we ignore them, and then when it gets too bad, do we remove them from the church, our families and the community?

 

Medicine has brought relief and a cure for most types of leprosy. This was done by constant observation, testing and research. Sin is cured by confessing that Jesus is Lord and asking for his forgiveness. A complete restoration has been made by Jesus Christ for all who choose to believe in him. We have the choice to have the ugly contagious sins removed from within us. Today is the day to be healed. Today is the day to be cured. Today is the day of salvation, and the time is now (2 Cor. 6:2).

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:31-11:1

 

The pressures of today make it easy to ignore or forget the lessons of the past. The key to remembering is the daily study of Scripture which constantly advises us how to permeate our lives with God’s love. We need to always ask, “Is this glorifying God?” or “How can I glorify God through this?”

 

In a culture filled with moral decay, we need to be very alert to the wrong desires and temptations that happen to every­one. Temptations can be resisted because God will help us to resist them. We are to run from anything that we know is wrong. Running from temptation is the first step to victory (2 Tim. 2:22). We cannot give glory to God as we eat at both the Lord’s table and at Satan’s table. Eating at the Lord’s table means communing with Christ, or being in union with him, and identify­ing with his death. Eating at Satan’s table means identifying with Satan by participat­ing in actions that promote evil activ­ities.

 

Are you trying to lead two lives by following the desires of both Christ and the crowd? Scripture tells us that we cannot do both and be glorifying God. Paul tells his listeners to follow his example as he imitated Christ. There are many people today who do not know the Bible, and probably the only bible they will ever read will be us!   So, like Paul, it will be very important that our example will show others how to be imitators of Jesus Christ.

 

MARK 1:40-45

 

Today’s Gospel shows us the healing power of Jesus Christ. When Jewish leaders declared a leper unclean, it meant they were unfit to participate in any kind of religious or social events. The Mosaic Law stated that any contact with unclean persons made the leaders unclean also.  Some people were so terrified of the lepers that they would throw rocks at them if they came anywhere near them. Jesus not only heals the leper, but also touches him in the process.  Jesus knew that the real value of a person is on the inside, not on the outside.  A person may be horribly deformed by an accident or a disease, but he or she is no less valuable to God.  No person is too disgusting physically, emotionally or spiritually for Jesus to touch.

 

In reality, we are all lepers because we all have been deformed by the ugliness of sin.  But the Lord Jesus Christ has touched us and invited us to be healed forever by accepting him as our Lord and Savior.  When you feel repulsed by someone, stop and remember how God feels about that person and about you. Jesus heals today just as he did in the Gospel, and he heals in union with the church.  In today’s reading, when a leper was cured he had to go to the priest to be examined.  The healed leper would leave an offering of thanks at the temple.  Jesus adhered to these laws by sending the man to the priest.

 

Jesus wants to send us into his community of believers too. He will heal us and then offer us a community in which to grow in faith. We have the church, the sacraments, and the Scripture to help us grow in the image of God and become imitators of Christ. We are called to give sight to the blind, heal the sick, and free the captives (Luke 4:18).  There are many people who suffer from leprosy of the skin and of the spirit.  We are called through Christ to go forth and make disciples of them (Matthew 28:19).

 

Application

 

 

This week’s first reading shows that sin is contagious and deadly.  The second reading reveals that good example is the best way to glorify God.  The Gospel tells us that no one is dis­gusting to touch and heal.

 

This week, let your example show others how to glorify God and how to heal in Jesus’ name.  Visit someone in a rest home, hospital or jail, and let them know that they are of value and that they are loved by God.  Maybe you can bring a family mem­ber or friend with you when you go.  Remember, lepers were victims of loneliness, so pick out someone who is lonely and God will again heal the leper of today through you.

 

FIFTH SUNDAY (Feb 4th) IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

 

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.  “THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.”  (JOHN 14:26)

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading reveals how the prophets listened. The second reading encourages time to be spent with the Lord. The Gospel shows the authority and power in Jesus’ teachings.

 

This week, listen to those around you and see who is in deep need of spiritual healing.  Take time each day to present this person to the Lord, and in Jesus’ name and through the power of his Holy Spirit, seek healing for that person. Jesus’ authority will reach through you and bring a healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stay in the Father’s will by being obedient to Jesus’ command to “Love one another as I love you.” (John 15:12)

 

 

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 JOB 7:1-4, 6-7         FIRST READING

 

(“Remember that my life is like the wind,”)

 

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

Job 1:1, Job 6:1

 

 

  1. What is Job saying about man’s life on earth, and what

are his days like?  Job 7:1

 

 

  1. What is man and for what is he longing? As a     hireling, for what does he wait?  Job 7:2

 

 

  1. What is vanity? Ecclesiastes 2:23

 

 

  1. What is man born of woman? Job 14:1

 

 

  1. All the days of drudgery, for what will I wait?

Job 14:14

 

 

  1. What has Job been assigned day and night? Job 7:3

 

 

 

Personal  Does your life seem hopeless, and do you dread each day because of your suffering?

 

 

  1. What is considered, and from whose hand comes violence? Ecclesiastes 4:1

 

 

  1. What does Job say from the bed, what does the night do, and      with what is he filled?   Job 7:4

 

 

  1. What are his days, and how do they come to an end?

Job 7:6,  Job 9:25

 

 

 

  1. What does Job remember, and what shall he not see again? Job 7:7

 

 

Personal – Are you or do you know people who are chronic suf­ferers?  How have you responded to their suffering?

 

 

THIRD DAY       READ 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16-19, 22-23 SECOND READING

 

(“To the weak I become weak, to win over the weak.”)

 

  1. What has been imposed on Paul if he preaches the Gospel, what is there no reason for him to do, and what happens if he does not preach it?  1 Corinthians 9:16

 

 

  1. To whom is Paul obligated to preach? Romans 1:14-15

 

 

  1. What is it impossible for us to do? Acts 4:20

 

 

  1. What happens when we do not speak in his name?

Jeremiah 20:9

 

 

  1. If Paul preaches willingly, what does he have; and if

he preaches unwillingly, what does he have? 1     Corinthians 9:17

 

 

  1. When preaching the Gospel, how does Paul offer it, and

for what reason?  1 Corinthians 9:18

 

 

  1. How did Paul humble himself so that others might be exalted? 2 Corinthians 11:7

 

 

  1. What did Paul do to win over as many as possible?

1 Corinthians 9:19

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say we must do if we wish to become great? Matthew 20:26-27

 

 

  1. What do we preach? 2 Corinthians 4:5

 

 

  1. What does Paul become to the weak, and for what reason? What has he become to all?   1 Corinthians     9:22

 

 

  1. How did Paul come, how was his message proclaimed, and

for what reason?    1 Corinthians 2:3-5

 

 

  1. Why does Paul do what he does, and also for what personal reason? 1 Corinthians 9:23

 

 

Personal – How have you preached the Gospel message to your family, friends, co-workers, or schoolmates?  How has the Lord spoken to you personally about this?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 1:29-39                GOSPEL

 

(“Then the fever left her and she waited on them.”)

 

  1. As Jesus left the synagogue, where did he go, and who was with him? Mark 1:29

 

 

  1. Who was sick with a fever, and what did they do immediately? Mark 1:30

 

 

  1. When Jesus approached her, what did he grasp, and what did he help her do?  What happened to her, and what      did she do? Mark 1:31

 

 

  1. What did Jesus instruct his disciples to do in regard to the sick? Matthew 10:8

 

  1. When it was evening, whom did they bring to Jesus? Mark 1:32

 

 

  1. Who was at the door, and whom did he cure? What did he drive out of many, and what did he not permit them     to do? Mark 1:33-34

 

 

  1. How did Jesus expel the spirits, whom did he cure, and

what did this fulfill?    Matthew 8:16-17

 

 

  1. When did Jesus rise, where did he go, and what did he

do?  Mark 1:35

 

 

  1. What happened after Jesus was baptized and he was praying? Luke 3:21-22

 

 

  1. What were different occasions when Jesus went off to pray? Matthew 14:1-23, Matthew 26:36, 39

 

 

  1. What did Simon and those who were with him do, and on

finding him, what did they say?   Mark 1:36-37

 

 

  1. Where did Jesus invite them to go, and for what purpose had he come?   Mark 1:38

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do in their synagogues? Mark 1:39

 

 

  1. Whom did Jesus cure? Matthew 4:23-24

 

 

Personal – In your life, how have you felt the healing touch of Jesus?  What has been your response to his touch? How have you allowed his Holy Spirit to touch others through you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 147:1-6

 

(“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 147:1-6

 

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

 

JOB 7:1-4, 6-7

 

The Book of Job raises the same questions today as it did in his time. The question is: “Why does the just man suffer?” In the presence of God’s awesome power, Job remains speechless, simply because man is too weak and ignorant to comprehend the awesome­ness of God. God wants man’s humility, not his pride and wisdom. Yet the standard Old Testament teaching at the time of Job was that sin was behind suffering, and virtue was behind happiness.

 

The story of Job is about a virtuous man who suffers tremen­dously. We see in Job’s comments a restlessness and frustration, but no denial of belief. As we read further in Job, we see a determination building in a faith that strives to believe in God’s loving concern for him despite all the appearances to the contrary.  Job was struggling and he even saw no hope of going on in his sickly condition, but he did not give up.

 

Today we are told that all things happen for the good of those who believe (Rom. 8:28), and we believe that in God’s timing, a virtuous person will be happy. Like Job, we need to humbly accept the divine order of God’s plan. In effect, we are a people who do not know the ultimate reason for the existence of suffering. You and I must have that same determination that Job had, and in God’s timing he will work with us, just like he did with Job (1 Peter 5:7).

 

We see in Job’s story a lesson for all of us, and that is that we will not grow without pain. We are told that suffering brings obedience (Hebrews 5:8) and obedience is the core of love. Jesus endured all of his suffering for us, and in his obedience he went to the cross for us. He then rose from the dead for us, so that all who believe in him would be free in Spirit with him forever.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 9:16-19, 22-23

 

In today’s reading we see that preaching was Paul’s gift and calling. He tells us that he could not stop preaching even if he wanted to stop. Like the two men on the road to Emmaus, there was a fire burning in Paul’s heart (Luke 24:32). He desired to do what God wanted and he would use his gifts for God’s glory. Have we realized what special gifts God has given us? Are we motivated like Paul? Is there a fire burning within our heart to glorify God with our gifts?

 

Paul is telling us that he is glad he is not held back by the obligation of being paid a salary. His freedom to preach freely allows him to be the slave of all, so that they may listen and come to Christ. We need to reflect on how much our job dictates how much we will exercise our faith. Are we able and ready to say that no job, no salary, or no peer pressure shall prevent me from preaching and living God’s Holy Word? The goal of Paul was to glorify God and bring people to Christ. Is our goal the same as Paul’s?

 

Paul shows us that we must be very much aware of where people are and then meet them right there. He does not try to make people be at a certain place before he brings them to Christ. Paul knew who he was and because of this, he was able to meet people on a common ground. We need to know who we are before we can go out to bring others to Christ.

 

You are the reason Jesus Christ died on the cross at Cal­vary. He loves you so much that he took all of your sins and had them nailed to the cross with him. He died so you could live forever. He rose so that you would be with him for all eternity. That is who you are, a very precious child of God, and anything else is a distortion. Because you are loved, you are now capable of loving others and bringing others to Christ. Like Paul, let the burning of fire in your heart send you forth to make dis­ciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

 

MARK 1:29-39

 

Today’s Gospel shows us the healing power of Jesus toward someone he knew and toward a whole town of people whom he did not know. Jesus touched Peter’s mother-in-law and she immediately became well and got up and began serving them. The impact of this event spread throughout the town and by sunset the area around Peter’s house was filled with the sick and demon-possessed. A large crowd watched while the sick were being healed.

 

Today Jesus heals as vividly as ever, but somehow it seems to be downplayed in our communities. Many people are afraid to ask Jesus for a healing because they are not sure that he will heal them. The people who flocked to Peter’s house were not afraid what others thought of their religious zeal. They knew that ritual and ceremony did not heal, but this incredible preacher of God did heal.

 

Today, in this world of high technology and education, there are many who seem to depend more on man’s ability to solve our deep inner emotional, physical and spiritual problems. Yet, the level of hunger, loneliness, disease, divorce, crime and violence seems to be as bad as it was at any other time in civilization.  Like Peter’s mother-in-law, we need to trust in Jesus for our healing, accept it, and go on in life.

 

We see Jesus getting up long before daybreak to pray alone. He needed his quiet time every morning and so do we. Jesus’ prayer time was the cornerstone of his authority. He was in constant prayer with his Father and from him he drew his streng­th. From whom do you draw your strength? If it is from people, programs, or religion, you will eventually become drained. We have been blessed to have the presence of Christ in our prayer time, sacraments, worship, Eucharist, and in our church through fellow­ship. Jesus said that he had to go on to other places to bring his message to the sick and demon-possessed. You are called by your baptism to do the very same thing (Matthew 28:19). You must always remember that prayer is the vital link between us and God. Jesus always took time to pray.

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us that suffering is behind virtue as well as sin. The second reading reveals that our gifts and talents come from God. We see in the Gospel the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus.

 

This week, choose someone in your family or someone you know and become their unknown special prayer partner. Be specific and obedient in your prayer time. Place this person in the throne of the Lord and watch the healing that will take place. Praise God before your requests for healing and praise him afterward. Then get ready to experience God’s mighty power.

FOURTH SUNDAY (Jan 28th) IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

 

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.  “THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.”  (JOHN 14:26)

 

Application

 

In the first reading we are called to preach God’s message no matter how unpopular it may be.  The second reading reveals that the time of salvation is now and we are called to be Christ centered instead of self centered.  The Gospel shows us that to believe is to repent, and to repent is to become free.

 

This week, look around in your family, school, and work and see where you may need to repent. An oppressed, lonely, and helpless one may be someone who is very close to you. Ask God to reveal to you where you need to repent, and then go to that person in faith and ask his or her forgiveness.

 

 

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 daily spiritual life this      week?

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ DEUTERONOMY 18:15-20      FIRST READING

 

(” … to him shall you listen.”)

 

 

  1. What shall the Lord raise up, from where will he come, and what are we to do?  Deuteronomy 18:15

 

 

  1. Who is the one whom Moses wrote of in the law and the Prophets? What will happen if we do not listen to      him? John 1:45,  Acts 3:19-23

 

 

  1. What did God say about his beloved son, and what are the disciples to do? Mark 9:5-8

 

 

  1. What did the Israelites request at Horeb on the day of the assembly and to whom did they say they would      listen? Deuteronomy 18:16  Exodus 20:18-21

 

 

  1. The Lord said to Moses I will raise up a Prophet; what did he say would come out of his mouth, and what shall ` he tell the people? Deuteronomy 18:17-18

 

 

  1. What will happen if any man will not listen to my words and in whose name must the Prophet speak?      Deuteronomy 18:19, Acts 3:23

 

 

  1. What does Jesus say will happen if we ask for anything in his name?  John 14:12-14

 

 

  1. Who is the Word? John 1:1, 14

 

 

  1. If a prophet presumes to speak in the name of the Lord an oracle that the Lord has not commanded him to speak, or speaks In the name of other gods, what will    happen to him? Deut. 18:20

 

 

  1. If a prophet arises among us who promises us a sign or wonder, urging us to follow other gods, what are we to do? Deuteronomy 13:2-5

 

 

  1. How will we know the false prophets? Matthew 7:15-20

 

 

Personal  To whom have you been listening  for counseling in your life? Do those you are listening to come in the name of the Lord?

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 7:32-35    SECOND READING

 

(“I should like you to be free of anxieties.”)

 

 

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

1 Corinthians 1:1-2

 

 

  1. Of what would he like us to be free? 1 Corinthians 7:32

 

 

  1. What does anxiety do to a man’s heart? Proverbs 12:25

 

 

  1. About what is an unmarried man anxious, about what is a married man anxious, and what does that make him?

1 Corinthians 7:32-34

 

 

  1. In the parable of the Great Feast, what was one of the excuses for not accepting the invitation?  Luke 14:20

 

 

  1. What will happen to a house divided against itself?

Matthew 12:25

 

 

  1. Who broke down the dividing wall of hostility/enmity?

Ephesians 2:13-14

 

 

  1. About what is an unmarried woman or a married woman anxious? 1 Corinthians 7:34

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say happens at the resurrection?

Matthew 22:29-30

 

 

  1. Why is Paul telling them about the married and unmarried? 1 Corinthians 7:35

 

 

  1. What does the Lord tell Martha about being anxious and about Mary? Luke 10:39-42

 

 

Personal – About what are you anxious right now? If you are married, how can you better budget your time, in order to spend more time with prayer and scripture and include your spouse?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 1:21-28                GOSPEL

 

(“The people were astonished at his teaching.”)

 

 

  1. When Jesus and his disciples came to Capernaum, what H did he do on the Sabbath? Mark 1:21

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do in Galilee and for what purpose did he say he has come? Matthew 4:23 and Mark 1:38-39

 

 

  1. About what were the people astonished, and like whom did he teach? Mark 1:22

 

 

  1. At what were the Jews amazed, where did Jesus say his teaching came from, and who will know whether his     teaching is from God or whether he speaks on his      own?      John 7:15-18

 

 

  1. Who has established the existing authorities? Romans 13:1

 

 

  1. What does the Son of Man have authority to do on Earth? Matthew 9:6-8

 

 

  1. Who was in their synagogue, what did he have, and what did he cry out to Jesus?  Mark 1:23-24

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do and say to the man with the unclean spirit? Mark 1:25

 

 

  1. What did the unclean spirit do, and what came out of him? Mark 1:26

 

 

  1. Who was amazed about what, and what did they ask one ` another? Mark 1:27

 

 

  1. What spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee? Mark 1:28

 

 

  1. What has the grace of God done for us, and how are we to exhort and correct one another? Titus 2:11-15

 

 

Personal – How do you respond to authority, both civil and spiritual? Be specific, give some examples. What are the areas in your life that call for you to exercise authority, and how do you exercise that authority?

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 95:1-2, 6-9

 

(“Oh, that today you would hear his voice.”)

 

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9

 

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

 

DEUTERONONY 18:15-20

 

Today’s reading shows that the coming of Jesus Christ as the “Messiah” was not an afterthought, but part of God’s original holy plan. The people were afraid to hear God talk or even to see him. They were afraid his presence would be so overpowering, that they all would die. They wanted someone human who could speak for God and so Moses was their prophet. Today we have prophets who proclaim God’s holy Word all over the world and some of the prophets have abused the church, the people, and even God with their sinful conduct. God has called us to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, heal the sick, and visit the imprisoned.

 

Some of our modern day prophets have taken tremendous amounts of money through television, books, tapes, and special appearances. These false prophets talk about poverty but dress like kings and queens and live in homes that are mansions. The penalty for false prophets was death. Today that penalty is still death, because the wages of sin are death (Romans 6:23).

 

We hear the Lord telling the prophet to be a man of obedience and the people will listen to him. People respond to the leader who listens and is obedient to God in his own walk of life.

 

Paul tells us that he only preached the message of the cross, and Moses was told to tell the people that God had given him Ten Commandments for them to follow. To reject the prophet was to reject Christ and the Father would deal severely with anyone who is against his Son. To reject the church as it teaches to us in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist would be to reject Christ. The Father will deal with us today just as severely as he did with the people of Moses’ time. Remember, you can tell a false prophet by his deeds, not his words.

 

1 CORINTHIANS  7:32-35

 

In today’s reading, we have to be very careful that we do not  think that Paul is against marriage. He is trying to show that marriage calls for a commitment to God, to each other, and to family. Paul tells us that it is easier for unmarried persons to devote themselves more completely to God than for married persons

to do so.

 

Many single people feel tremendous pressure to be married. Many think that their lives can be complete only with a spouse. Paul is saying that an unmarried person has the potential of a greater focus on Christ and his work. If you are unmarried, use your special opportunity to serve Christ wholeheartedly.

 

 

Paul is talking about the potential of more time alone with God for the unmarried. Whether you are married or unmarried, the core of your spirituality will be your prayer life with the Lord. This will take time and it has to be prime time, not spare time. There are many books on how to pray, but none of the material makes sense unless you spend time personally alone with the Lord. Spending time reading, meditating on scripture, and then listening to the Lord is what makes the unmarried or married person spiritual. When married men or women have developed a love affair with Jesus on a daily basis, they will find that love affair being carried over into their marriage. When unmarried men or women develop a love affair with Jesus on a daily basis, they will then, like Christ, love the unlovable, kiss the unkissable, wash the unwashable; wherever they go they will bring the gift of love with them, simply because they are loved.

 

MARK 1:21-28

 

Capernaum was a thriving city with wealth, sin and decadence. This was an ideal place for Jesus to challenge both Jews and non-Jews with the Good News of God’s kingdom. Most Jewish teachers often quoted from other well-known teachers to give their words meaning and authority. Jesus did not do that, because he knew exactly what scripture said and meant. He taught with authority, because he knew the source of his real authority. The people were amazed at the power of his teaching and even when he was confronted by the demon, he ordered him out with total authority. Jesus was in full authority, because he was in full obedience to his Father’s will. His authority was not from the Law, or the scribes; his authority came from doing his Father’s will and being one God with the Father.

 

Jesus tells us in the story of Martha and Mary that Mary has the best gift and that gift is the art of listening. Jesus could command authority because he listened and respected the authority of his heavenly Father. He wants us to call on his authority whenever we are confronted by evil spirits of evil situations. We can always have access to his authority as long as we are doing the will of his Father.

 

The Church commands with the authority of Jesus, because of his promise and command in Matthew 16:18-19: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  We can call on that authority in Jesus’ name, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, tell that mountain to go into the sea, cast out demons, heal the sick, or give sight to the blind.

 

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading reveals how the prophets listened. The second reading encourages time to be spent with the Lord. The Gospel shows the authority and power in Jesus’ teachings.

 

This week, listen to those around you and see who is in deep need of spiritual healing.  Take time each day to present this person to the Lord, and in Jesus’ name and through the power of his Holy Spirit, seek healing for that person. Jesus’ authority will reach through you and bring a healing physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Stay in the Father’s will by being obedient to Jesus’ command to “Love one another as I love you.” (John 15:12)

 

 

Lectio Divina – 6th Sunday (Feb 11th) in Ordinary Time – 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 1:40-45 – A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it . Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

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