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

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TERCER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – CICLO B

 

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.”  (JUAN 14:26)

 

 

PRIMER DIA  Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                  LEE ISAIAS 61:1-2, 10-11                                     PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Mi alma se alegra en mi Dios.”)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Isaias 61:2

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

(“Estén Siempre Alegres.”)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1 Tesalonicenses 5:20-21

 

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

 

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

Romanos 1:28-31

 

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

Senor Jesucristo?  1 Tesalonicenses 5:23

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

(“Enderecen el camino del Señor.”)

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

era él, que dijo?   Juan 1:19-20

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

el que ellos no reconocian?   Juan 1:26

 

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

Juan 1:27

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

Leé y medita Lucas 1:46-50, 53-54.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                                   LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

ISAIAS 61:1-2, 10-11

 

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

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

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

 

 

1 THESALONICENSES 5:16-24

 

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

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

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

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

 

JUAN 1:6-8, 19-28

 

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

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

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

 

 

Aplicación

 

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

 

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

 

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

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

  1. What was a helpful or new thought from the readings or from

the homily you heard on Sunday?

 

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

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

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

 

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

I have destroyed all your enemies before you.”)

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

with him?   2 Samuel 7:3

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

and for what reason?   2 Samuel 7:10

 

 

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

reveal to them?    2 Samuel 7:11

 

 

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

 

 

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

2 Samuel 7:16

 

 

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

 

 

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 16:25-27        SECOND READING

 

(“…made known to all nations to bring about

the obedience of faith.”)

 

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

proclamations of Jesus Christ?   Romans 16:25

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

Galatians 1:11-12

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

See Romans 1:4-5

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 1:26-38                GOSPEL

 

(“You have found favor with God.”)

 

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

go?   Luke 1:26-27

 

 

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

Luke 1:27

 

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

found?   Deuteronomy 22:20-21

 

 

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

among women?   Luke 1:28

 

 

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

Galatians 3:8

 

 

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

she wonder?    Luke 1:29

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

Luke 1:33-34

 

 

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

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

offspring be called?    Luke 1:35

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

Luke 1:38

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

ROMANS 16:25-27

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

LUKE 1:26-38

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Application

 

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

 

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

 

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

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

 

Application

 

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

 

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

 

 

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ ISAIAH 61:1-2, 10-11      FIRST READING

 

(“I rejoice heartily in the Lord.”)

 

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

 

 

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

the broken hearted?   Isaiah 61:1

 

 

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

Isaiah 61:1

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

1 John 2:27-28

 

 

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

all who mourn?  Isaiah 61:2

 

 

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

 

 

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

nations?   Isaiah 61:11

 

 

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

Proverbs 21:15

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

(“Rejoice always.”)

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

with them?   Acts 1:14

 

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

Romans 8:26

 

 

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

in whom?  1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus

Christ?  1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

 

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

1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

John 1:34

 

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

 

 

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

have?   John 8:12

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

Hebrews 12:13

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

ISAIAH 61:1-2, 10-11

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28

 

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

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

 

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

 

Application

 

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

 

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

 

 

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday of Advent (Dec. 24th) – Cycle B

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so Your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

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

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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

Lectio Divina – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Dec. 17th) – Cycle B

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so Your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

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

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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

SEGUNDO DOMINGO (Dec. 10th) DE ADVIENTO – CICLO B

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SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – CICLO B

 

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.”  (JUAN 14:26)

 

 

PRIMER DIA  Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                   LEE ISAIAS 40:1-5, 9-11                                     PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Proclámalo en voz alta.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que se dé a Su Pueblo? Isaias 40:1

 

  1. ¿Qué nos dá Dios cuando estamos afligidos, cómo nos permite confortar a otros en sus aflicciones?

2 Corintios 1:3-4

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que hay que hacer para Jerusalén y qué es lo que ésta ha recibido de manos

del Señor?   Is 40:2

 

  1. ¿Quién hablará por nosotros, y qué debemos proclamar? Mateo 10:20 y 10:27

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que dice la voz que clama en el desierto? Isaias 40:3

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará a todos los cerros, lomas, quebradas, colinas y cuestas? Isaias 40:4

 

  1. ¿Qué será revelado entonces, quiénes la veran y quién habrá hablado? Isaias 40:5

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que el Padre dá al Hijo y qué es lo que el Hijo dá al Padre? ¿Cómo se lo ha dado el Hijo

al Padre?  Juan 17:1 y 17:4

 

  1. ¿Qué debes gritar, cómo debes hacerlo y qué es lo que vas a decir? Isaias 40:9

 

  1. ¿Quién viene con mucho poder, sometiendo todo con Su brazo, qué es lo que trae y qué

va delante de El?   Isaias 40:10

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que hace un pastor con su rebaño, con sus corderos, en donde los carga y a quienes

conduce al reposo?  Isaias 40:11

 

  1. ¿Qué es el ojo para el cuerpo según Mateo 6:22?

 

 

Personal – ¿Son tus acciones un grito que clama acerca del Señor para que otros lo oigan? ¿Has sentido alguna vez que el Señor te va cargando en Su pecho y va guiando a las ovejas con cuidado?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                          LEE 2 PEDRO 3:8-14                                      SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“El Señor no demora en cumplir lo que prometió.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué es un dia a los ojos del Señor? 2 Pedro 3:8

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que el Señor no demora en cumplir? 2 Pedro 3:9

 

  1. ¿Qué promesa ha hecho, tanto a ti como a tus hijos? Hechos 2:38-39

 

  1. ¿Qué tiene el Señor y qué es lo que El quiere? 2 Pedro 3:9

 

  1. ¿Cómo muestra Jesucristo todo Su paciencia? 1 Timoteo 1:15-16

 

  1. ¿Cómo llegará el Dia del Señor y que pasará entonces? 2 Pedro 3:10

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará con todo y cómo debe ser la conducta de la gente? 2 Pedro 3:11  Hechos 3:19

 

  1. ¿Cómo debe ser tu conducta y devoción si miras hacia el dia de la venida del Señor? 2 Pedro 3:11-12

 

  1. ¿Cómo llegamos a participar de la santidad de Dios? 2 Corintios 5:21

 

  1. ¿Qué dicen las Escrituras acerca de ser santo? Levitico 19:2 y 1 Pedro 1:16

 

  1. ¿Qué ha de venir y que permanecerá? 2 Pedro 3:13

 

 

Personal – Has sentido la paciencia de Dios para contigo? ¿Cómo demuestras paciencia con tus padres, hijos, amigos, compañeros de escuela o de trabajo revelandoles la verdad de Dios y su oportunidad de aceptarlo o rechazarlo?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                         LEE MARCOS 1:1-8                                                       EVANGELIO

 

(“…El te bautizará en el Espíritu Santo.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué comienza aquí, que está escrito en el libro de Isaias acerca de un mensajero y por qué razon fue

enviado éste?   Marcos 1:1-2

 

  1. ¿Qué gritaba el heraldo en el desierto? Marcos 1:3

 

  1. ¿Qué mensaje nos ha entregado Dios? 2 Corintios 5:19

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Jesús que ha hecho el Padre con El y que hara El con nosotros? Juan 17:18

 

  1. ¿Quién apareció en el desierto, qué era lo que predicaba y con qué objeto? Marcos 1:4

 

 

  1. ¿Cómo se debe predicar a todas las naciones? Lucas 24:47

 

 

  1. ¿Quién acudia a Juan y qué les sucedia cuando confesaban sus pecados? Marcos 1:5

 

  1. ¿A quién debemos confesarle nuestros pecados? Santiago 5:16

 

  1. ¿Con qué se vestia Juan, de que era su cinturón y que comia? Marcos 1:6

 

  1. ¿Con qué debemos vestirnos y cuál es nuestro alimento? Efesios 6:13-17 y Juan 4:32-34

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el tema de la predicación de Juan y con qué eres bautizado? Marcos 1:8 y Juan 1:29-33

 

 

Personal – Examina tu conciencia. Escribe como te ves a ti mismo como pecador y como te sientes al haber sido bautizado con agua y en el Espíritu Santo.

 

QUINTO DIA                                                         LEE SALMO 85:9-14

 

(“Quiero escuchar qué está hablando el Señor,”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 85:9-14.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                                                   LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

ISAIAS 40:1-5, 9-11

 

En este momento el libro de Isaias hace un cambio dramático. En vez de advertir a la gente sobre el juicio inminente, Isaias los conforta. Los Israelitas todavia tuvieron cerca de 100 años de problemas antes de que Jerusalén cayera. Despues experimentaron 70 años de exilio. Dios llamó a Isaias para que confortara y hablara con ternura a Su pueblo escogido.

Las semillas del consuelo pueden tener sus raices en la tierra de la adversidad. Cuando creas que tu vida se esta desbaratando a pedazos, pidele a Dios que te sostenga y te consuele. Probablemente seguirás pasando por pruebas y tribulaciones adversas, pero hallarás el consuelo de Dios en medio de todo eso. Para algunos el único consuelo que tienen es el saber que un dia estarán con Dios. Hablo ahora a aquellos que parece que tienen muy pocas esperanzas en lo que concierne a su salud física, a su matrimonio o que están en prisión. Agarrense bien! Aprecien el consuelo y el aliento que se encuentra en Su palabra, en Su presencia, en Su Eucaristia y en Su pueblo.

La voz de la esperanza te llama tanto a ti como a aquellos a los que se dirigia esta lectura para que prepares un camino derecho y sereno. O sea que quites los obstáculos que hay en tu vida y que están impidiendo que recibas a Jesús en tu corazón. El desierto en nuestra vida de ahora puede ser una imágen de lo que es la vida de sufrimientos y pruebas. No estamos inmunes a ello, pero debido a nuestra fé y debido a la promesa de Dios (Juan 3:16), las dificultades de la vida no tienen que ser un obstáculo.

 

Juan el Bautista hablaba a la gente para que se preparara para ver a Dios trabajando en sus vidas, como nosotros debemos hacerlo ahora (Mateo 3:3). El los llamaba a prepararse para la venida del Mesías y eso es lo que el Adviento es para nosotros hoy dia. Se nos llama a prepararnos para la venida de Cristo en nuestros corazones. Debemos prepararnos para la Encarnación de Dios. Necesitamos enderezar nuestros caminos torcidos y lo haremos pidiendole a Dios que nos perdone por ello y por nuestras actitudes incorrectas. En la lectura de hoy se compara a la gente con el pasto y las flores que se secan (Isaias 40:6-8). Nuestras vidas son mortales, pero la palabra de Dios es eterna e infalible.

2 PEDRO 3:8-14

 

Esta lectura es un mensaje de esperanza. La gente del tiempo de Pedro sufria persecusión y anhelaba ser liberada. Pedro les dice que mil años son como un dia para el Señor. Les dice que Dios no es lento, lo que sucede es que El no se rige por nuestra medida del tiempo. Jesús está esperando para que mas pecadores se arrepientan y se vuelvan hacia El. El demuestra su increíble paciencia tratándonos con misericordia. No debemos sentarnos y esperarlo. Al contrario, quiere que vayamos adelante haciendo mas discípulos en todas las naciones (Mateo 28:19). Ellos se daban cuenta que el tiempo era corto y habia mucho trabajo importante que llevar a cabo.

Hoy ese mensaje está puesto con un sentido de urgencia. Debemos planear nuestra vida como si fueramos a vivir para siempre en la tierra y vivirla como si hoy fuera el último dia. Se nos dice que el regreso de Cristo sera repentino y terrible para aquellos que no creen en El y no obedecen Sus mandamientos. Pasas tu tiempo amontonando posesiones terrenas o estás luchando por traer a otros el mensaje de paz?

Somos llamados a traer a nuestros hermanos y hermanas hacia el arrepentimiento. Asi, ellos también experimentarán el increíble perdon del Señor. El propósito de Dios para la raza humana no es la destrucción, sino la creación. El quemará los cielos y la tierra con fuego y los volverá a crear nuevamente. No podemos acelerar el retorno de Dios aun cuando nos encontremos sufriendo ahora. El está esperando pacientemente a que mas de Sus hijos rebeldes se arrepientan. Podemos atraer mas gente a tener fé en El con el hecho de vivir nuestras vidas, especialmente si estamos sufriendo. El quiere que seamos santos simplemente por que El es santo y El quiere lo mejor para nosotros.

 

MARCOS 1:1-8

 

Marcos no fue uno de los doce apóstoles pero es muy probable, que haya conocido a Jesús personalmente. Este evangelio está escrito en una forma de historia acelerada para los Cristianos de Roma, donde se veneraban muchos dioses. Marcos queria que ellos supieran que Jesús es el único y verdadero Hijo de Dios.

Vemos a Juan el Bautista anunciando la venida de Jesús y llamando a la gente a enderezar sus vidas y terminar con esos modos egoistas de vivir. Se les pide que renuncien a sus pecados, busquen el perdón de Dios y establezcan una relación personal con El, creyendo y obedeciendo Su santa palabra. Hoy nosotros estamos llamados a hacer lo mismo, a darnos cuenta que somos pecadores y a que debemos renunciar a esos pecados. Unicamente podremos experimentar el perdón de Dios si admitimos que estabamos equivocados. Juan Bautista era muy popular y su mensaje de arrepentimiento fue oido y aceptado por muchos. Arrepentimiento no significa “decir lo siento mucho;” significa “cambiar de actitud.”

Juan les decia a todos que se prepararan para alguien que iba a venir y que era mucho mas efectivo que él. Juan les dijo que no era digno ni siquiera de atar las cintas de sus sandalias. También les dijo que el Mesías los bautizaría con agua y con el Espíritu. El propósito de la predicación de Juan era preparar a la gente para aceptar a Jesús como el hijo de Dios. Juan invita a la gente a una nueva relación personal con Dios cuando les pide que se confiesen individualmente.

¿Donde te encuentras tu ahora? ¿Necesitas cambiar algo en tu vida antes de que puedas oir y entender el mensaje de Jesús? Debes admitir que eres pecador para poder recibir el perdón. Necesitas estar verdaderamente arrepentido para tener verdadera fé.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura de esta semana nos habla de que nuestro Dios es un Dios que dá el consuelo. La segunda lectura revela que Dios nos trata a cada uno con misericordia. El Evangelio muestra que la respuesta al arrepentimiento lleva al poder del perdón.

Esta semana hagamos saber a aquellos que están a nuestro alrededor algo de nuestras imperfecciones mas notables. Por ejemplo, una falta específica como el estar juzgando a los otros y digámosles que vamos a cambiar y que si nos ven juzgando nos lo hagan notar con amor. Esto te guiará hacia un increíble mejoramiento en tus relaciones con los seres queridos, con aquellos con los que trabajas o en la escuela. Sé especifíco y escoje primero una imperfección pequeña, luego has oración y cambia (arrepiéntete). Tu cambio, no tus palabras, ni tus lágrimas, serán las que traigan el perdón. Prueba con dejar de fumar, de beber, de decir mentiras, de jurar en vano, etc. Has algo hermoso por Dios — cambia (arrepiéntete).

 

SECOND SUNDAY (Dec. 10th) IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ ISAIAH 40:1-5, 9-11      FIRST READING

 

(“Cry out at the top of your voice.”)

 

  1. What does the Lord say to give to his people?

Isaiah 40:1

 

 

  1. What does God give us in our afflictions, thus enabling us to give others in their troubles?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

 

  1. What two things are we to do to Jerusalem, and what has Jerusalem received from the hand of the Lord?     Isaiah 40:2

 

 

  1. Who speaks for us, and what do we proclaim?

Matthew 10:20 and 10:27

 

 

  1. What does a voice crying out in the desert say? Isaiah 40:3

 

 

  1. What shall happen to every valley, mountain and hill, the rugged land and the rough country? Isaiah 40:4

 

  1. Then what shall be revealed, who shall see it,

and who has spoken?   Isaiah 40:5

 

 

  1. What does the Father give the Son, and what does the Son give the Father?  How did the Son give this to the    Father? John 17:1 and John 17:4

 

 

  1. What are we to do at the top of our voice, what are we

not to do, and what are we to say?   Isaiah 40:9

 

  1. Who comes with power ruling by his strong arm, and what is with him and before him?   Isaiah 40:10

 

 

  1. What does a shepherd do to his flock and lambs, where does he carry them, and what does he lead with care?      Isaiah 40:11

 

 

  1. What is the eye in Matthew 6:22?

 

 

Personal – What have your actions been crying out about our Lord to others?  How have you experienced the Lord carrying you in his bosom and leading the ewes with care?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ 2 PETER 3:8-14        SECOND READING

 

(“The Lord does not delay in keeping his promise.”)

 

  1. In the Lord’s eyes, what is one day? 2 Peter 3:8

 

 

  1. What does the Lord not delay in keeping? 2 Peter 3:9

 

 

  1. What promise was made to us and to our children?

Acts 2:38-39

 

 

  1. What does the Lord show us, and what does he want?

2 Peter 3:9

 

  1. How does Jesus Christ display all his patience?

1 Timothy 1:15-16

 

 

  1. How will the day of the Lord come, and what will happen on that day? 2 Peter 3:10

 

 

  1. What will happen to everything, and what are people to do? 2 Peter 3:11 and Acts 3:19

 

 

  1. How are we to be in our conduct and devotion while looking for the coming of the day of the Lord? 2 Peter   3:11-12

 

 

  1. How do we become the very holiness of God? 2 Cor. 5:21

 

 

  1. What does scripture say about being holy? Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16.

 

 

  1. What do we await, and what will reside? 2 Peter 3:13

 

 

Personal – How have you experienced God’s patience with you? How have you shown patience to your parents, children, friends, schoolmates or co-workers in revealing God’s truth to them and their choice to accept or reject it?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 1:1-8                 GOSPEL

 

(“…He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”)

 

  1. What begins here, and what is written in Isaiah as to who is being sent and for what reason? Mark 1:1-2

 

 

  1. What was the herald’s voice in the desert crying?     Mark 1:3

 

 

  1. What message has God entrusted to us? 2 Corinthians   5:19

 

  1. What does Jesus say the Father has done to him, and in turn, does to us?   John 17:18

 

 

  1. Who appeared in the desert, what was he proclaiming,

and to what did it lead?   Mark 1:4

 

 

  1. What is to be preached to all the nations? Luke 24:47

 

 

  1. Who went out to John, what was happening to them as they confessed their sins?   Mark 1:5

 

 

  1. To whom are we to confess our sins? James 5:16

 

 

  1. With what was John clothed, what did he wear around his waist, and what was his food?   Mark 1:6

 

 

  1. With what are we to cloth ourselves, and what is our food? Ephesians 6:13-17, John 4:32-34

 

 

  1. What was the theme of John’s preaching, and in what has he baptized us?  Mark 1:8, John 1:29-33

 

 

Personal – Examine your conscience. Write out what way you have seen yourself sin, and how you have experienced being baptized in water and the Holy Spirit?

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 85:9-14

 

(“I will hear what God proclaims.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 85:9-14.

 

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

 

ISAIAH 40:1-5, 9-11

 

This week’s reading from Isaiah comes from a section sometimes called Second Isaiah (Chapters 40-55) and is generally considered to have been written by an unknown poet who prophesied near the end of the Babylonian exile.  In 586 B.C. the city of Jerusalem fell, the walls and palaces were destroyed and the sacred temple burned.  King Zedikiah and the rest of the population were marched to Babylon in chains.  God has called his prophet to speak tenderly and to comfort his chosen people.

 

The seeds of comfort can take root in the soil of adver­sity. When it seems as if your life is falling apart, ask God to hold you and comfort you. You may still experience the trials and tribula­tions of adversity, but you may find God’s comfort right in the midst of it. To some, the only comfort people have is the knowledge that someday they will be with God. I speak now to those who seem to be experiencing very little signs of hope concerning their physical health, in their imprisonment or in their marriage. Hold on. Appreciate the comfort and encouragement found in his word, his presence, his Eucharist and his people.

 

The voice of hope calls out to us, as well as to the people in this reading, to prepare a straight and smooth way. This means removing obstacles in our life that prevent us from receiving Jesus into our heart. The desert in our life today can be a picture of life’s trials and suffering. We are not immune to them, but because of our faith and because of God’s promise (John 3:16), we need not be hindered by life’s obstacles.

 

John the Baptist told the people to prepare to see God work, even in our lives now (Matt. 3:3). He challenged the people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, and that is what Advent is about for us today. We are called to prepare for the coming of the Christ into our hearts. We are to prepare for the Incar­nation of God. We need to smooth our crooked ways, and we do that by asking God to forgive us for our crooked ways and attitudes. In today’s reading, people are compared to grass and flowers that fade away (Is. 40:6-8).  Our lives are mortal, but God’s word is eternal and unfailing.

2 PETER 3:8-14

This reading is a message of hope. The people of Peter’s time faced persecution and longed every day to be delivered. Peter tells them that a thousand years is like a day to the Lord. He was telling them that God is not slow and that he just is not on our time table. Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him. He displays his incredible patience by dealing with us so mercifully. We are not called just to sit around and wait for him. Rather, we are called to go forth and make dis­ciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). The disciples realized that the time was short, and there was a lot of important work to do.

 

Today that message is being put forth in a sense of urgency. Here on earth we must plan our life as if we will live forever, and live it as if today was our last day. We are told that Christ’s return will be sudden and terrible for those who do not believe in him and obey his commandments. Do you spend more of your time piling up earthly possessions, or are you striving to bring to others a message of hope?

 

We are called to bring our brothers and sisters back into repentance. Then they too will experience the incredible forgive­ness of the Lord. God’s purpose for mankind is not destruction, but creation. He will burn the heavens and earth with fire, and he will create them anew. We cannot hurry God’s return, even if we are suffering now. He is waiting patiently for more of his rebellious children to repent. We can bring more people to faith in him by the way we live our lives, especially if we are suffer­ing. He wants us to be holy simply because he is holy, and he wants only the best for us.

 

MARK 1:1-8

 

Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, but he probably knew Jesus personally. This gospel is written in the form of a fast-paced story to Christians in Rome where there were many gods. Mark wanted the Romans to know that Jesus is the one, true Son of God.

We see John the Baptist announce Jesus’ coming and call for the people to straighten out their lives and give up their selfish ways of living. The people were called to renounce their sins, seek God’s forgiveness, and establish a personal relationship with God by believing and obeying his holy word. Today we are called to do the same, acknowledge that we are sinful, and renounce our sins. We can experience God’s forgiveness only when we admit we were wrong. John the Baptist was very popular, and his message of repentance was heard and accepted by many. Repentance does not mean “I am sorry;” it means “a change of attitude.”

 

John was telling everyone to prepare for someone who was coming who would be far more effective than he. John told the people that he was not fit even to tie the straps of this man’s sandals. He told the people that the Messiah would baptize them with water and the Spirit. The purpose of John’s preaching was to prepare people to accept Jesus as God’s Son. John challenged the people into a new personal relationship with God when he called the people to confess individually.

 

Where are you right now? Is change needed in your life before you can hear and understand Jesus’ message? You have to admit that you are sinful in order to receive forgiveness. You must have true repentance to have true faith.

 

Application

 

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

 

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

 

PRIMER DOMINGO (Dec. 3rd) DE ADVIENTO – CICLO B

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PRIMER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – CICLO B

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.”  (JUAN 14:26)

 

PRIMER DIA  Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                          LEE ISAIAS 63:16, 17, 19 y 64:2-7                             PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“…todos nosotros fuimos hechos por tus manos.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué es el Señor para nosotros y cómo sera llamado por siempre? Isaias 63:16

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos ha redimido Dios? 1 Pedro 1:18-21

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasa a nuestros corazones cuando nos apartamos de Sus caminos? Isaias 63:17

 

  1. ¿Qué será destruido y por qué? Ezequiel 6:8-10

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que endurece nuestros corazones y nos aparta de Su descanso? Hebreos 3:15-19, concentrandose en versículo 19

 

  1. ¿Cómo habia estado la gente por mucho tiempo? Isaias 63:19

 

  1. ¿Por qué pensaron que no tenian esperanza? Isaias 64:2-3

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que ningun oido ha oido ni ningun ojo visto y que es lo que Dios esta haciendo? Isaias 64:3 y tambien         1 Corintios 2:9

 

  1. ¿A quien visita El Señor? ¿Por qué se enojo El Señor? Isaias 64:4

 

  1. ¿A que nos parecemos todos y que nos arrastra como el viento? Isaias 64:5

 

  1. ¿Por qué nadie te invoca o se despierta para buscarte y a merced de qué estamos? Isaias 64:6

 

  1. ¿Por las manos de quién fuimos hechos? Isaias 64:7

 

 

Personal – Has apartado tu corazón, de alguna manera, del camino del Señor? ¿Hay culpas en tu vida? ¿De qué modo ha tratado Dios de romper ese corazon de piedra y hacerlo un corazón de carne?

 

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                      LEE 1 CORINTIOS 1:3-9                                   SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Dios es fiel.”)

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que vienen de Dios nuestro Padre y de nuestro Senor Jesucristo?

1 Corintios 1:3

 

  1. ¿Qué abunda mas que el pecado? ¿Qué efecto tendrá en el mundo y adonde nos llevará?

Romanos 5:20-21

 

  1. ¿Qué nos dá Jesús? Juan 14:27

 

  1. ¿Por quiénes agradece a Dios, Pablo y por qué? ¿Qué hemos recibido de Jesús? I Corintios 1:4-5

 

  1. ¿De quién será amigo el rey? Proverbios 22:11

 

  1. ¿Quién gana sabiduria y quién busca la ciencia? Proverbios 18:15

 

  1. ?En qué se hacian firmes los Corintios y qué no les faltaba? 1 Corintios 1:6-7

 

  1. ¿Qué vino al mundo y que trajo para todos? ¿Cómo nos educa? Tito 2:11-14

 

  1. ¿Qué hará Jesús para que podamos recibirlo, sin reporche, el dia en que El venga? 1 Corintios 1:8

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Dios que hará por ti? Isaias 41:10

 

  1. ¿Quién es fiel? ¿A qué nos ha llamado? I Corintios 1:9

 

 

Personal – ¿El modo en que hablas a tu familia, amigos, compañeros de escuela, y de trabajo, ha sido una reflexión de los dones espirituales que Dios te ha dado?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                      LEE MARCOS 13:33-37                                                     EVANGELIO

 

(“Manténganse Vigilantes!”)

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer? ¿Y qué es lo que no sabes? Marcos 13:33, tambien Mateo 24:42

 

  1. ¿En qué debes meditar y fijarte? ¿De qué debes cuidarte? 1 Timoteo 4:15-16

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el viajero con sus sirvientes antes de partir? ¿Qué manda al portero? Marcos 13:34

 

  1. ¿Cómo se llamó María a si misma? Lucas 1:38

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que debe hacer el que quiera servirle, dónde estara El, y que hará su Padre? Juan 12:26

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que no sabemos? ¿Cómo no quisieramos que nos encuentre?   Marcos 13:35-36

 

  1. ¿Qué nos dice a todos? Marcos 13:37

 

 

  1. ¿Dé que les dijo Jesús a sus discípulos que desconfiaran?

Lucas 12:1

 

  1. ¿Por qué nos dice Pablo que debemos estar alertas? Hechos 20:30-31

 

  1. ¿Por qué otra razon debemos estar sobrios y alertas? 1 Pedro 5:8

 

  1. ¿Qué será lo que cuide nuestros corazones y nuestras mentes? Filipenses 4:7

 

Personal – ¿Qué tan atento has estado a la hipocresia y las mentiras de quienes no siguen la palabra de Dios? ¿En esta semana, de que modo has hecho uso de Su Palabra para combatir esto?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                              LEE SALMO 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

 

(…tú nos devolverás a la vida e invocaremos tu Nombre.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

 

¿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

 

                                                                               ISAIAS 63:16-17, 19; 64:2-7

 

Los creyentes que quedaban (aquellos que sobrevivieron el cautiverio en Babilonia) le pidieron a Dios varios favores. Uno fue que tuviera compasión de ellos y otro que castigara a sus enemigos. Esta lectura describe la gloria de Dios como si fuera un fuego que consume y que quema todo lo que está en su camino. Su poder es descrito de una manera imponente y nadie ha visto ni oido a un Dios como El. Se daban cuenta que habiendo sido tan impuros no habia modo de que se salvaran por sus propios méritos. La misericordia de Dios era la unica esperanza que tenian y se agarraban a ella desesperadamente. Cuando Dios se encontró con Moisés hubo rayos, humo y temblor de tierra.

Si hoy fueras tu a encontrarte con Dios, Su gloria te abrumaria, especialmente si miras lo que llamamos buenas acciones o a nuestra “ropa sucia.” El pecado nos hace impuros, nos endurece el corazón y finalmente nos lleva a la muerte espiritual y a veces, tambien, a la muerte física. Debido a nuestros pecados estamos vestidos en harapos y no podemos sentarnos a la mesa del rey. Aun nuestros mayores esfuerzos no son suficientes. Dios sale adelante como el alfarero y remodela el barro. Toma nuestro corazon endurecido y lo rompe a traves de la enfermedad, la humillación, el dolor, el sufrimiento y la derrota. Dios se compadeció entonces de los fieles que quedaban y hará lo mismo ahora. Pero debemos estar abiertos al arrepentimiento verdadero. En el mensaje de hoy la gente no cambió hasta que aprendió duras lecciones. Tú necesitas reflexionar ahora y preguntarte si tu corazón desea a Dios con ansias, lo suficiente para cambiar esas cosas dentro de tí que lo hieren y lo entristecen. Necesitara Dios “romperte” el corazón para traerte al verdadero arrepentimiento?

 

1 CORINTIOS 1:3-9

 

 

La lectura de hoy revela claramente que en un mundo de ruido, confusión e increibles presiones, la gente suspiraba por la paz. En el mundo actual esa hambre y sed de paz también se encuentra en los corazones de la mayoria de la gente. Sin embargo muchos se dan por vencidos pensando que eso es imposible, pero la posibilidad de encontrar la paz de mente y corazón está a nuestro alcance a traves de la fé en Jesucristo.

Revisemos por un momento nuestra descripción de fé. La Fé es la respuesta viviente al poder y presencia de Dios en nuestra vida. En otras palabras, tenemos que responder a la presencia de Dios para utilizar plenamente el poder del Espiritu Santo.

 

Pablo tuvo algunas palabras fuertes para la gente de Corinto, pero empezó esta carta con una nota muy positiva. Les confirma que pertenecen a la familia de Dios y que tienen el poder del Espíritu en sus vidas. Los miembros de la iglesia de Corinto tenian todos los dones espirituales que necesitaban para vivir una vida Cristiana, para ser testigos de Cristo y para defenderse contra el paganismo que habia en Corinto.

Nosotros tambien tenemos los mismos dones y el mismo poder ya que tenemos ese mismo Espíritu Santo. Cristo nos llama a seguirlo y El nos promete la salvación. Esta salvación no se ganó debido a algo que nosotros hicimos muy bien. Fue Su muerte en la cruz y su resurrección las que lo garantizan.

Mas adelante en esta misma carta a los Corintios, Pablo los amonesta pues empezaron a discutir acerca de cuales de los dones eran los mas importantes (1 Corintios Capitulos 12-14). Confia en lo que se te ha prometido y si crees y tienes fé en Cristo, experimentarás la realidad y el honor del compromiso de Dios.Dios amo tanto al mundo que le dió a Su Unico Hijo para que todo aquel que creyera en El no muriera sino que tuviera vida eterna.

 

MARCOS 13:33-37

 

Jesus nos muestra Su confianza y obediencia absoluta a Su Padre Celestial cuando nos dice que ni aun El sabia cuando llegaria el fin. El afirma Su humanidad cuando voluntariamente se despoja del uso ilimitado de Sus atributos divinos. El énfasis en la declaración de Jesús está en que solo el Padre sabe y es un secreto que revelará cuando El quiera. Jesús nos está realmente diciendo que ninguna interpretación de las Escrituras o de la ciencia puede predecir el dia exacto, el único que lo sabe es Su Padre Celestial. Jesús nos enseña la preparación y no hay necesidad de hacer cálculos.

Mira a tu alrededor y fijate cuantas preparaciones hay para una boda, para el nacimiento de un hijo, para un cambio de carrera o para arrendar o comprar una casa. El regreso de Jesús es el evento mas importante en nuestras vidas y necesitas preguntarte a ti mismo si pones la importancia debida en prepararte para Su regreso. Podemos prepararnos a traves del estudio de su Palabra Santa, siguiendo las enseñanzas de la Iglesia y recibiendo los sacramentos. Se nos ha dicho como prepararnos por medio de las Escrituras y la tradicion sagrada. No nos dejemos llevar por argumentos confusos o interpretaciones inútiles de lo que pasará al final de los tiempos. Lo que debemos hacer es ser testigos de Cristo a tiempo o fuera de tiempo y estar preparados para la persecusión (Marcos 13:13).

En especial debemos estar alertas moralmente y ser obedientes a los mandamientos de Dios. La Escritura lo dice, estar sobrio y alerta. Tu oponente, el diablo, está rondando como leon rugiente buscando a quien devorar (1 Pedro 5:8). Los leones buscan victimas que esten solas, enfermas o que no esten alertas. Estar en compañia de Cristianos que te apoyen es un buen modo de estar preparado. Este pasaje nos trae realmente la fuerza del vivir correctamente. O sea vivir por Dios en un mundo que ignora a Dios.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura de esta semana nos dice que la gracia de Dios nos cambia de pecadores a santos. En la segunda lectura vemos que la paz se puede obtener únicamente a traves de Jesucristo. El Evangelio nos advierte que nos preparemos y no nos preocupemos en calcular cuando será el retorno de Cristo.

Esta semana estáte alerta y fijate si hay hipocresia en lo que hablan tu o algun miembro de tu familia, de tus compañeros de trabajo o de escuela. Primero hazles saber lo mucho que Dios los ha bendecido y luego demuestrales que la hipocresia es una herramienta de la que se vale Satanás y cómo éste está esperando para devorar a aquellos que no están alertas.

Estáte muy alerta a el hecho de que lo que digas y hagas será como una muestra para los demas de que tu estarás preparado para cuando Cristo regrese.

 

FIRST SUNDAY (Dec. 3rd) IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY      READ ISAIAH 63:16, 17, 19; 64:2-7  FIRST READING

 

(“…we are the work of your hands.”)

 

  1. What is the Lord to us, and what is he named forever?

Isaiah 63:16

 

 

  1. How has God redeemed us? 1 Peter 1:18-21

 

 

  1. What happens to our hearts when we wander from the Lord’s

ways?  Isaiah 63:17

 

 

  1. What has to be broken, and for what reason?

Ezekial 6:8-10

 

 

  1. What hardens our hearts and keeps us from his rest?

See Hebrews 3:15-19, concentrating on verse 19

 

 

  1. Whom have they been like for too long? Isaiah 63:19

 

 

 

  1. For what was it they thought they could not hope?

Isaiah 64:2-3

 

 

 

  1. What has no ear heard nor eye seen, and what is God

doing?  Is. 64:3 and also 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

 

  1. With what were the Israelites concerned that the Lord might eet them doing, and of what might they be mindful?

What is the Lord, and what are we?   Isaiah 64:4

 

 

  1. Like what had all of them become, and what carries them

away like the wind?   Isaiah 64:5

 

 

  1. Who calls upon your name and rouses himself to cling to you, and for what reason?   Isaiah 64:6

 

 

  1. We are the work of whose hands? Isaiah 64:7

 

 

Personal – In what way have you hardened your heart to the way of the Lord, and is guilt a part of your life?  How has God been trying to break through the heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh?

 

 

THIRD DAY           READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9      SECOND READING

 

(“God is faithful,”)

 

  1. What two things come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ? 1 Corinthians 1:3

 

 

  1. What has surpassed the increase of sin, and how does it

reign, and through whom does it reign?  Romans 5:20-21

 

 

  1. What is Jesus’ gift to us? John 14:27

 

 

  1. Why does Paul continually thank God, and in what is it that the people have been richly blessed?

1 Corinthians 1:4-5

 

 

  1. Who has the king for his friend? Proverbs 22:11

 

 

  1. Who gains and seeks knowledge? Proverbs 18:15

 

 

 

  1. What has been confirmed among those of Corinth, and what is it the people do not lack?  1 Corinthians 1:6-7

 

 

  1. What has appeared offering salvation to all people,

and what does it train us to do?  Titus 2:11-14

 

 

  1. What will God do for us so that we will be blameless on

the day of our Lord Jesus Christ?   1 Corinthians 1:8

 

 

  1. What does God say he will do for us? Isaiah 41:10

 

 

  1. What is God, and to what has he called us? 1 Cor. 1:9

 

 

Personal – How has your speech to your family, friends, school mates and co-workers been a reflection of the spiritual gifts God has given you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MARK 13:33-37                GOSPEL

 

(“Be constantly on the watch!”)

 

  1. What are we to do, and what do we not know? Mark 13:33,    also Matthew 24:42

 

 

  1. What are we to attend, and what two things are we to

watch?   1 Timothy 4:15-16

 

 

 

  1. Whom does a man who leaves home to travel abroad leave in

charge, and how does he leave them?  What does the man      order the gatekeeper to do?  Mark 13:34

 

 

  1. What did Mary call herself? Luke 1:38

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say that anyone who serves him would do, where will he be, and what will the Father do?

John 12:26

 

 

  1. What do we not know, and what must we not let him do?

Mark 13:35-36

 

 

  1. What does he say to us and to all? Mark 13:37

 

 

  1. Against what did Jesus tell his disciples to be on guard?

Luke 12:1

 

 

  1. Against what did Paul warn us to be on guard?

Acts 20:30-31

 

 

  1. For what other reason do we stay sober and alert?

1 Peter 5:8

 

 

  1. What will stand guard over our hearts and minds?

Philippians 4:7

 

Personal – How alert have you been to the hypocrisy and lies of those who are not following God’s Word?  This week, in what way have you been able to use his Word to fight against this?

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY       READ PSALM 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19

 

(“Give us new life, and we will call upon your name,”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

 

 

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

 

ISAIAH 63: 16-17, 19; 64:2-7

The faithful remnant (those who survived the Babylonian captivity) asked God for several favors. One was to show compas­sion to them and also to punish their enemies. This reading describes God’s glory as like an intense consuming fire that burns everything in its path. His power is described in awe, and no one has ever heard or seen a God like him. The people realized that being so impure themselves, there was no way that they could be saved on their own merits. God’s mercy was the only hope that they had, and they grasped eagerly for it. When God met with Moses there was a thunderstorm, smoke, and an earthquake.

 

If God were to meet us today, his glory would overwhelm us, especially when we look at our so-called good works or filthy rags. Sin makes us unclean, it produces a hardened heart, and it ultimately leads to spiritual and sometimes physical death. Because of our sins, we are dressed in rotten rags and could not dine at the king’s table. Our best efforts still fall short. God steps forth like the potter and remakes the clay. He takes our old hardened heart and he lets it be broken through sickness, humiliation, pain, suffering and defeat. God spared his remnant of people then and he will do the same now. But we must be open to true repentance. The people in today’s message would not change until they had learned some hard lessons. You need to reflect today and ask yourself, does your heart long for God enough to change those areas within you that displease and hurt him? Will God have to “break” your heart in order to bring you to true repentance?

 

1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9

Today’s reading clearly reveals that in a world of noise, confusion and incredible pressures, people long for peace. In today’s world that hunger and thirst for peace still resides in the hearts of most people. Yet, many give up the search, thinking it impossible to find, but the peace of mind and heart is avail­able through faith in Jesus Christ.

 

 

For a moment, let us review our description of faith. Faith is the living response to the power and presence of God in our life. In other words, we have to respond to the presence of God to utilize fully the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Paul had some strong words for the Corinthian people, but he began this letter on a very positive note. He affirms their being in the family of God and having the power of the Spirit in their lives.  The Corin­thian church members had all the spiritual gifts they needed to live the Christian life, to witness for Christ, and to stand up against the paganism of Corinth.

 

We too have those very same gifts and the same power because we have the very same Holy Spirit. We are called by Christ to come follow him and he promised us salvation. This salvation was not because of any great accomplishment on our part. His action of dying on the cross and rising from the dead is where our guaran­tee has its source.

 

Later on in this same letter to the Corinthians, Paul admonishes the people because they began to argue over which of the gifts was more important (1 Cor. Chapters 12-14). Hold on to what has been promised to you, and if you believe and have faith in Christ, you will experience the reality and honor of God’s covenant. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that anyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

 

MARK 13:33-37

Jesus shows us his complete trust and obedience to his heavenly Father when he tells us that he did not know even the time of the end. He was affirming his humanity when he volun­tarily gave up the unlimited use of his divine attributes. The emphasis on Jesus’ statement is that only the Father knows, and the secret is God the Father’s to be revealed when he wills. Jesus is really telling us that no interpretation of scripture or science can predict the exact day which only his heavenly Father knows. Jesus is teaching that preparation, and not calculation, is needed.

 

Look around and see how much planning goes into a wedding, the birth of a child, a career change, or the purchase or rental of a home. Jesus’ return is the most important event in our lives and we need to ask ourselves whether we place the same impor­tance on preparing for his return. We can prepare for his return through study of his Holy Word, following the teachings of the church, and receiving the sacraments. We are being told how to prepare by scripture and sacred tradition. We are not to be misled by confusing claims or idle interpretations of what will happen at the end of time. We are called to witness to Christ in season and out of season, and to be prepared for persecution (Mark 13:13).

 

We especially need to be morally alert and obedient to God’s commandments. Scripture tells us to stay sober and alert. Our opponent, the devil, is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Lions choose victims who are alone, sick, or not alert. Being in the company of supportive Christians is a good way of being prepared. This passage really brings home the power of right living. That is living for God in a world where God is largely ignored.

 

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading tells us that God’s grace changes us from sinners to saints.  In the second reading we see that peace is attainable only through Jesus Christ.  The Gospel warns us to prepare, and not calculate for Christ’s return.

 

This week, be alert and be aware of hypocrisy in your speech and in the speech of the members of your family, your co-workers, and school associates. First affirm this person by telling him\her how much God has blessed him\her and then witness to him\her that hypo­crisy is a tool of Satan who is waiting to devour people who are not alert.  Your speech and actions are signs to others that you will be prepared when Christ returns.

 

Lectio Divina – 2nd Sunday (Dec. 10th) of Advent – 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 1:1-8 – The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of His sandals. I have baptized you with water; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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