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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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 EZEKIEL 37:12‑14       FIRST READING

(“I shall put my Spirit in you and you will live.”)

  1. Who is Ezekiel? Ezekiel 1:1‑3

 

  1. Who is speaking, to whom is he speaking, and how is this done?      Ezekiel 37:12

 

  1. How is prophesy put forth? 2 Peter 1:21

 

  1. What did the Lord say to the people? Ezekiel 37:12

 

  1. By his doing this, what will the people know? Ez 37:13

 

  1. What will he put in them and why? Ez 37:14

 

  1. Where will he settle them? Ez 37:14

 

  1. In what two ways does the Lord show them that he is the Lord?     Ez 37:12, 14

 

  1. What does the Lord say about what he promises? Ez 37:14

 

  1. What are some of the promises of God?

Matthew 10:42

Luke 24:49

Acts 1:4‑5

1 Corinthians 10:13

2 Peter 3:13

1 John 2:25

 

Personal ‑ How do you stand on the promises of God? In what way do you believe God will do what he says he will do for you in his Word? God is faithful and promises you life to the fullest. How do the promises of God penetrate your whole being? Allow his Spirit which he has given you to comfort and guide you in all you do.

 

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 8:8‑11       SECOND READING

(“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living  in you,

then he will give life to your mortal bodies.”)

  1. What happens to those who are in the flesh? Romans 8:8

 

  1. What does Jesus say in John 6:63 about the flesh?

 

  1. Whose Spirit dwells in us? Romans 8:9

 

  1. Who are those who do not belong to Christ? Romans 8:9

 

  1. How do we know we belong to God? 1 John 4:2, 15

 

  1. If Christ is in us, what happens to the body? Romans 8:10

 

  1. What does the spirit do, and for what reason? Romans 8:10

 

  1. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have done what with the flesh?   Galatians 5:24

 

  1. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us, what will happen to our mortal bodies and who will do this?   Romans 8:11

 

  1. How will this be done? Romans 8:11

 

Personal ‑ How much time do you spend praising and thanking the Lord for dying for you so you could have life? How often do you recognize the power of his Spirit in your life? What does your family see in you? Ask someone in your family or a friend to evaluate how often they see the fruits of the Spirit manifested through you. Galatians 5:22-23. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‑control.

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 11:1‑45                GOSPEL

(“I am the Resurrection and the Life.”)

  1. What was a certain man’s name who was sick, what were the names of his two sisters, and what had the one sister done      with the Lord?  John 11:1, 2; John 12:3

 

  1. What did the sisters inform Jesus, what was his response and even though Jesus loved Martha, her sister and Lazarus very much, what did he do?   John 11:3‑6

 

  1. What did he finally say to his disciples, what was their protest and what did Jesus answer them?   John 11:7‑10

 

  1. After he uttered these words, what did he add, what was the disciples response, what was Jesus talking about, and what did      the disciples think?   John 11:11-13

 

  1. What did Jesus say plainly about Lazarus, why was Jesus glad he was not there when he died, and when Jesus said “Let us go to him,” what did Thomas say?   John 11:14-16

 

Personal ‑ How have you experienced fear of others-‑especially rejection-‑for following what you know God has called you to do or say? How have you been willing and obedient in following through? Have you been willing, as Thomas was, to die in order to stand with Jesus? How have you experienced rejection from your spouse, children, friends, work acquaintances, etc., because you have stood firm on God’s promises? Read Romans 8:35‑39 for reassurance.

 

  1. Who went to meet Jesus when she heard he was coming; who stayed home, and what did Martha say to Jesus? John 11:20-21

 

  1. Of what was Martha even now sure; what did Jesus say to her, and what was her response? John 11:22-24

 

  1. Who did Jesus tell her was the resurrection and the life, what did he say would happen to those who believe in him, and what will never happen to those who believe in him? John 11:25-26

 

  1. What was Jesus question to Martha, and what was her response. After she said this, she went back and called her sister Mary. What did she whisper to her, and what did she call him? John 11:26‑29

 

  1. What did the Jews do when they saw Mary get up quickly? How did Jesus feel when Mary fell at his feet and was weeping,    what did he ask them, and what did they say?   John 11:31‑34

 

  1. What did Jesus begin to do, and what was the reaction of the Jews to this? John 11:35‑36

 

  1. What did Jesus say, what did Martha say to him, and what did he say to her? John 11:39‑40

 

  1. Where did Jesus look when they took the stone away, and whom did he thank for having heard him, and of what was he always sure and why?   John 11:41-42

 

  1. After he said this to the Father, what did he say loudly and how did the dead man come out? What did Jesus say to the crowd, and what did this cause many of the Jews to do? John 11:43‑45

 

Personal ‑ When you pray, in what way do you thank the Father, as Jesus did, for answering your prayer even if you have not yet seen the results? When you pray to the Father in the name of Jesus this week, practice thanking him for always hearing your prayer.

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 130:1‑8

(“I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his Word.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 130:1‑8.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EZEKIEL 37:12‑14

This passage reveals the vision Ezekiel had of a valley filled with dried up bones or skeletons. The bones represented the Jews in captivity -‑ scattered and dead. Ezekiel probably felt as though he was speaking to the dead as he preached to the exiles, because they rarely ever responded to his message. But these bones responded, and just as God brought life into these bones, he would breathe life again into his spiritually dead people. This passage is a tremendous message of hope for us today.

How many times have you been in a church and felt as if you were in the valley of dry bones that Ezekiel talked about? The dry bones represented the people’s spiritually dead condition. Your church may seem like a heap of dried bones to you, spiritually dead and with no vitality. God promised Ezekiel that he was going to restore his nation and any church regardless of how dry or dead it appeared to be.

Don’t give up on your church. Don’t leave it, rather pray for renewal, for God can and will restore it to life. The Lord tells Ezekiel that he will put his Holy Spirit into his people and his nation will again come alive (Ezekiel 37:14). The Lord promises you and me that very same miracle. The hope and prayer of every church should be that God will put his Spirit into it (37:14).

God is at work right now calling his people back to him, bringing New Life to dead churches through prayer, bible studies, evangeliz­ation, and the receiving of the sacraments. There is a call out to the church and it’s a call to holiness, and agents of holiness are clergy who assist the people. “I will replace the flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you and you shall live and know that I am the Lord.”

Come back and celebrate with us, we no longer are the valley of dry bones. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit. We bring to our churches the Spirit of the living God. Come back and let him breathe his Holy Spirit and you will come alive, too.

                         ROMANS 8:8‑11

The theme of this passage is like that of the first reading and of the Gospel. It is the theme of resurrection, and it tells us that before we were saved by Christ’s death on the cross, we were slaves to our sinful nature. But now we can choose to live for Christ because we are people of the Spirit, not of the flesh. The penalty of sin and its power over our lives died with Christ on the cross. This is an incredible assurance that our lives are secure in that we belong to Jesus Christ. This frees us to be completely obedient to his will and enjoy an unbroken fellowship with the Lord. This living in the spirit will affect all of our activi­ties. It will touch our work, our worship, our role as a married spouse, our role as a parent, even our role as a child. You will have a stronger hunger and desire to spend more quiet time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study. You will have a whole new outlook in your caring for others. Today many people wonder whether they really are Christians.

A Christian is anyone who has the Spirit of God living in him. People will see a difference in the way you live and act (Galatians 5:22‑23). You will learn how to pray (Romans) and you will be able to deal with the situations in your life with greater wisdom (Romans 8:28). You will receive power to do God’s will from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). You will be a tremendous partner in the building up of God’s church (Ephesians 4:12‑13).

Today there is no condemnation for those who belong to Jesus Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit is ours through the justification of Jesus Christ. This means because of what Jesus did for us, we are entitled to complete access to his Holy Spirit, his Father and, of course, we become heirs to the Kingdom of Heaven. You are a child of the Spirit! Rejoice and be glad!

                         JOHN 11:1‑45

Jesus had been preaching in the small towns and villages beyond the Jordan, when he received the news of Lazarus’ sickness. He knew that he would find Lazarus dead when he arrived in Bethany, but he also knew that he was going to perform a great miracle. The village of Bethany was just a little east of Jerusalem on the way to Jericho. The two sisters thought that they had a right to expect help from the Lord. They stepped forward and claimed that help.

We need to realize that a claim upon the power of Christ is the right of every one of his children. Once we have been redeemed by him, we belong to him. The contrast between the two women was very noticeable. Martha was the doer and Mary was the people person. Martha was irritated because Mary was not doing her kind of work. There was a definite clash between drudgery and devotion. Martha was looking more at things instead of person. She was looking at the tasks of the house and all the chores instead of remembering that she was part of a greater partnership of love.

That day her devotion turned into drudgery and Jesus admonished her for overlooking his wants. He wanted her receptivity, her presence, and companionship, but she had other ideas about his wants. So she cleaned and cooked, while Mary listened and conversed with Jesus. He told this to Martha, and he is telling you this very same message today.

Do you place your attention on things instead of people? Do you worry more about what your home looks like when a friend stops by to say hello? Are you afraid to tell a friend about how unhappy you are with your job? Do your children seem like they are drifting away from their faith or family? Jesus shows us tremendous insight in Mary’s ability to talk, listen and wait on the Lord. We need to do this more often. We need to wait on the Lord. He will come to us in many different places and in many different ways. He told the women that he is the resurrection and the life, and we are not to worry.

Is he the resurrec­tion of your life? Martha was an activist and Mary was a contemplative and they both were loved by Jesus. The activist pushes on to new frontiers and the contempla­tive waits and prays for God’s guidance and direction first. We need them both and Jesus looks to us to be bold and yet prudent in our walk to the kingdom. The Lord knew what he was doing in Lazarus’ life and he knows what he is doing in ours. Listen to him ‑ Listen to him ‑ Listen to him!

Application

The theme is resurrection and the first reading shows the dry bones coming back to life and forming a new army of the Lord. The second reading tells us that if the Holy Spirit dwells within us we will then be controlled by the Spirit and not by the flesh and we will receive our reward in Heaven. The Gospel tells us that we need to put our attention upon Jesus and not on the temporary things of the world such as health, youth or power.

This week, listen to someone in your home and try to meet one of their needs: such as someone desiring to be understood, a car to be washed, a room cleaned, a child to be cared for, or lead someone in prayer.

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday of Lent – A

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4th Sunday of Lent – A

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  – (Shorter version)

John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 – As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” – which means Sent –. So he went and washed, and came back able to see.

His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a Sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.

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

Share your reflection with someone.

CUARTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

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CUARTO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pídele 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 homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                           1 SAMUEL 16:1, 6-7, 10-13                  PRIMERA LECTURA

(“En presencia del Señor Dios, ungieron a David rey de Israel.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién le habló el Señor y quién era Samuel? 1 Samuel 16:1, 1 Samuel 1:19-22

 

  1. ¿A quién dijo el Señor que había rechazado como rey de Israel y a dónde mandó el Señor a Samuel y quién había sido escogido y de entre quienes? 1 Samuel 16:1

 

  1. ¿Cuándo llegaron, a quién vio Samuel y cuáles fueron sus pensamientos y quién era Eliab?

1 Samuel 16:6, 1 Samuel 17:13

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el Señor a Samuel, de acuerdo a qué ven los hombres las cosas, y dentro de qué mira Dios? 1 Samuel 16:7

 

  1. ¿Cuántos hijos le presentó Jesé a Samuel y cuantos tenía? 1 Samuel 16:10, y 1 Samuel        17:12

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Samuel a Jesé acerca de sus siete hijos? ¿Qué le preguntó Samuel y que respondió Jesé?  1 Samuel 16:10-11

 

  1. ¿Qué estaba haciendo el hijo menor cuando Jesé mandó por él? 1 Samuel 16:11

 

  1. ¿Cuando Jesé lo mandó traer y él vino, cómo estaba vestido y qué dijo el Señor?  1 Samuel 16:12

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Samuel? 1 Samuel 16:13

 

  1. ¿Cuando él fue ungido con el aceite, qué llegó de pronto sobre él? 1 Samuel 16:13

 

Personal – ¿Has sido elegido (ungido) por el Señor para alguna tarea en especial?  En tu bautismo el Espíritu descendió sobre ti.  ¿Como has liberado el Espíritu que está dentro de ti?

 

TERCER DIA                                       EFESIOS 5:8-14                          SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Levántate de entre los muertos y Cristo brillará en ti.”)

  1. ¿Qué somos en el Señor, y cómo debemos vivir? Efesios 5:8

 

  1. ¿Qué produce la luz? Efesios 5:9

 

  1. Llena los espacios: ________________ hallar todo lo que _____________ al _______________. Efesios 5:10

 

  1. ¿En qué no debemos tomar parte, y qué debemos hacer con ellos? Efesios 5:11

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa cuando mencionamos las cosas que la gente hace en secreto? Efesios 5:12

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa con los actos que son condenados? Efesios 5:13

 

  1. ¿Por eso es que leemos qué? Efesios 5:14, Isaías 60:1

 

Personal – Se nos manda no tomar parte en actos en vano hechos en secreto.  Examina tu consciencia. ¿Guardas en secreto algo que hiciste que no era correcto?  Pide al Espíritu Santo que te revele esto y lo traiga a la luz.  Recuerda, estamos llamados a vivir como hijos de la luz.

 

CUARTO DIA                                    JUAN 9:1-41                                                   EVANGELIO

(“el ciego fue, se lavó, y cuando volvió veía claramente”)

  1. ¿Qué vio Jesús cuando iba caminando? ¿Qué le pidieron los discípulos?  Juan 9:1-2

 

  1. ¿Jesús dijo que no tenía culpa el hombre ni sus padres, de que éste hubiera nacido ciego; ¿por qué motivo y cómo se refirió a Si mismo?  Juan 9:3-5

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús, qué le dijo al hombre que hiciera y cual fue el resultado? Juan 9:6-7

 

Personal – Cuando te habla el Señor y te pide hacer algo, ¿eres siempre obediente, aún cuando no te parezca práctico?  Piensa sobre esto.

 

  1. ¿Qué se preguntaban los vecinos y la gente que estaba acostumbrada a verlo pedir limosna, cuál era la confusión que tenían y qué dijo el hombre? Juan 9:8-9

 

  1. Mientras la gente interrogaba al hombre que había nacido ciego, ¿cuál era su respuesta, que hicieron luego, y cuando ocurrió esto? Juan 9:12-14

 

  1. ¿Cuál era la confusión entre ellos? ¿Cuando los fariseos se dirigieron al hombre ciego, que le preguntaron, que les contestó éste? Juan 9:15-17

 

  1. ¿Qué se rehusaron a creer los Judíos, y a quién mandaron llamar? Juan 9:18

 

  1. ¿Qué les preguntaron los Judíos a los padres del hombre y cuál fue la respuesta y porqué les temían a los Judíos? Juan 9:19-22

 

  1. La segunda vez que los Judíos llamaron al ciego de nacimiento, ¿qué le dijeron y qué les contestó él y de  quién dijeron que eran discípulos?  Juan 9:24-30

 

  1. ¿A quién dijeron que Dios escucha? Juan 9:31

 

  1. ¿Qué era lo que nunca se había oído y cuál era su duda? Juan 9:32-33

 

  1. ¿De qué acusaban al ciego de nacimiento y qué le hicieron? ¿Cuando Jesús oyó de su expulsión, qué hizo y qué preguntó?  Juan 9:34-35

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue su respuesta? ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a él?  ¿Cuál fue la respuesta del hombre y qué    hizo?    Juan 9:36-38

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús? ¿Cómo reaccionaron ante esto los fariseos y cuál fue la respuesta de         Jesús?   Juan 9:39-41

 

Personal – ¿En que forma se te han abierto los ojos para conocer que Jesús es el Hijo del Dios viviente? ¿Cómo te has doblegado, y adorado y alabado a Dios por su gran regalo?  Toma un tiempo para agradecer y venerarlo ahora mismo donde estás.

 

QUINTO DIA                                   LEE EL SALMO 23:1-6

(“El Señor es mi pastor, nada me falta.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 23:1-6.

 

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor por medio de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                               LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

1 SAMUEL 16:1, 6-7, 10-13

             El Señor dijo a Samuel: “No mires su apariencia ni su gran estatura, porque lo he descartado. Pues el hombre mira las apariencias, pero Yavé mira el corazón” (1 Samuel 16:7).  Saúl era un rey alto y bien parecido, y Samuel puede haber estado buscando a alguien de apariencia impresionante, sin embargo Dios lo previene de juzgar de acuerdo a las apariencias.

             ¿Cuántas veces juzgamos hoy en día a los demás por las apariencias?  ¿A cuántas personas se les ha negado trabajo o asilo porque lucen diferentes?  La diferencia puede ser en su manera de vestir o hasta el color de su piel.  El Señor le dice a Samuel que Dios juzga por el carácter, no por la apariencia.

            Dios nos ve a todos con el corazón, no con los ojos. Sabe lo que traemos por dentro y por lo tanto, solamente El es quien puede juzgarnos adecuadamente.  Gastamos una gran cantidad de tiempo manteniendo nuestra apariencia.  Deberíamos dedicar más tiempo a desarrollar nuestro carácter interior.  Podemos hacer esto pasando más tiempo a solas con el Señor orando y meditando con El.

             Podemos mejorar nuestra persona por medio de la lectura, estudio y viviendo la santa Palabra de Dios. Todo mundo puede ver tu cara, pero solamente tú y Dios saben como es tu corazón.  ¿Cuál es tu parte más atractiva?  Es bueno para nosotros reflexionar en el hecho de que Saúl fue el primer rey de Israel y era muy popular (1030 A.D.) pero ofendió a Dios y fue castigado quitándole el reinado tanto a él como a sus descendientes.  Samuel escogió a un simple pastorcito para llegar a ser el rey de Israel.  El ungió a David con aceite de oliva.  El ungimiento significaba que ellos eran representantes de Dios ahora investidos con un carácter sagrado.  Se convirtieron en los “ungidos de Dios”, y eran respetados por todos.  La selección de David, el menos probable de los hijos de Jesé es una fuerte lección de humildad que nos ayuda a ver nuestras limitaciones.

                                                                 EFESIOS 5:8-14

            El pasaje de hoy nos está llamando no solo para ser hijos de la luz, sino también a vivir como hijos de la luz. La luz de Cristo que brilla en nosotros deberá ser la luz que ilumine a otros en su propia oscuridad hacía el mundo de la luz.  La manera como vivimos es un testimonio directo de que es lo que creemos realmente.  La moralidad de la vida cristiana necesita ser el reflejo del amor y caridad de Dios.  Jesús nos llama a ser, más que a hacerlo que nos dijo en el Sermón de la Montaña (Mat. 5:1-12).

             Tu ejemplo de como debe ser un cristiano, no va a hacer sentir peor a quien está en la oscuridad y desolado. Más bien, los animará para buscar el mismo camino de la luz de Cristo.  Cristo pide de sus “guerreros” que hagamos algo más que evitar acciones malas.  El nos está llamando a exponerlas y rechazarlas.  Muchas veces al quedarnos en silencio durante un chiste obsceno, una película inmoral o pláticas impropias, damos nuestra aprobación a ellos.

             Dios quiere que tomemos una posición firme por lo que es recto.  Tú estás llamado a hablar amorosamente lo que está bien y correcto.  Hoy en día, muchos de los males tales como películas prohibidas, pornografía, sexo libre drogadicción e inmoralidad, son una realidad por la actitud de: “Hay que dejarlos hacer lo que quieran, mientras no me afecten.”  Esta actitud ha envenenado a muchos países, y el resultado ha sido la anarquía y la violencia, bases del ateismo moderno.  Jesús nos dice que El es la luz del mundo y que si le seguimos no caeremos en la oscuridad (Juan 8:12).

            Necesitamos reflexionar en el pasaje de hoy.  Pablo escribió a un grupo de gente que vivía en un lugar muy mundano.  El sabía que muchos estaban siendo tentados a volver a su forma de vida anterior de pecado.  Su mensaje para ellos, es transparente para nosotros que solo viviendo como hijos de la Luz podremos ser totalmente libres (Juan 8:32).

                                                                    JUAN 9:1-41

             Esta historia del Evangelio verdaderamente trae a casa que “Jesús es la Luz del mundo”.  Los fariseos estaban en oposición a Jesús desde el inicio de su vida pública.  El predicaba amor, compasión y perdón; y aún más, comía con publicanos y pecadores que se consideraban indeseados de esa sociedad.  Se estaba volviendo muy popular porque no era legalista sino un amante compasivo con la gente; los oprimidos, pobres y desamparados se unían y lo seguían, porque veían en Su corazón y no estaban ciegos como los fariseos.  Los fariseos veían primero la ley y luego el poder y riqueza de la persona.  Ellos estaban “legalmente ciegos” en el área de amor, compasión y justicia.

             La historia del Evangelio de hoy es una historia de amor, fe, orgullo y prejuicio.  El ciego había nacido así y no sabía como ni por qué había sido sanado, pero sabía que ahora podía ver.  El creía en el hombre que le había dado la vista y compartía su fe en El.

             El amor de Jesús era tan fuerte que, aún conociendo de antemano la oposición que lo esperaba para atraparlo, el deseo de hacer al hombre libre era más fuerte.  No solo le dio la luz del cuerpo (vista), sino también le dio la Luz de la Fe.  Los fariseos trataron inútilmente de desacreditar, tanto el hombre como a Jesús.  Su orgullo y falta total de humildad los llevó a tener una actitud de prejuicio atribuyéndole el milagro a Satanás.  Los fariseos llegaron tan lejos como a excomulgar al hombre de la comunidad.

            La pregunta que debemos responder hoy es: ¿Todavía nos rehusamos a ver la verdad de la revelación divina traídas al cumplimiento total por medio de las enseñanzas de Jesucristo?  ¿Estamos todavía cegados por el orgullo y los prejuicios habituales y culturales?

            Cristo es “la Luz del mundo” de quien los fariseos y sus seguidores y muchos hoy en día cierran sus ojos.  Tú estás llamado a ser la luz del mundo, una ciudad llena de luz para que todos la vean.

             ¡No escondas tu luz!  Deja que tus acciones buenas iluminen a todos para que todos alaben a nuestro Padre celestial (Mat. 5:14-15).  Recuerda, es mucho mejor alumbrar una luz que maldecir la oscuridad.

Aplicación

            Las lecturas de hoy nos muestran el poder de los escogidos por Dios, así como nuestra respuesta.  Eso lo vemos en la primera lectura.  Pablo nos dice que estamos llamados a ser la luz del mundo.  Vemos en el Evangelio que muchos siguieron con una ceguera más oscura que la simple perdida de la vista.  Jesús nos muestra que El puede curar y nos puede hacer faros en la oscuridad.

             Esta semana, habla fuerte cuando oigas que no se está diciendo la verdad.  No te dejes llevar por la demás gente.  Sé tu mismo.  Tampoco dejes que las conversaciones impropias o acciones pecaminosas o la mentira apaguen tu luz.  Responde a las necesidades de los demás.  Sé un faro de verdad y no dejes en la oscuridad al resto del mundo.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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 1 SAMUEL 16:1, 6‑7, 10‑13  FIRST READING

(“In the presence of the Lord God they anointed David king of Israel.”)

  1. To whom did the Lord speak and who was Samuel? 1 Samuel 16:1, 1 Sam 1:19-22

 

  1. Whom did the Lord say he has rejected as king of Israel, where was the Lord sending Samuel, and who has been chosen and from whom has he been chosen?   1 Sam 16:1

 

  1. When they came, Samuel looked at whom, and what were his thoughts and who was Eliab? 1 Sam 16:6, 1 Sam 17:13

 

  1. What did the Lord say to Samuel; according to what does man see things and into what does God look?   1 Sam 16:7

 

  1. How many sons did Jesse present to Samuel, and how many did he have?  1 Samuel 16:10, 1 Samuel 17:12

 

  1. What did Samuel tell Jesse about the seven sons; what did Samuel ask Jesse, and what did he reply?   1 Sam 16:10-11

 

  1. What was the youngest son doing when Jesse sent for him? 1 Samuel 16:11

 

  1. When Jesse sent for him and he came, what was his appearance, and what did the Lord say? 1 Samuel 16:12

 

  1. What did Samuel do? 1 Samuel 16:13

 

  1. When he was anointed with the oil, what rushed upon him?1 Sam 16:13

 

Personal ‑ Have you been anointed by the Lord for a special task? At baptism the Spirit came upon you. How have you released the Spirit within you?

 

THIRD DAY            READ EPHESIANS 5:8‑14      SECOND READING

(“Rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you.”)

  1. What are we in the Lord, and how must we live? Ephesians 5:8

 

  1. What does light produce? Ephesians 5:9

 

  1. Fill in the following blanks: “Be ____________ in your ________________ of what ___________ the Lord.” Eph.   5:10

 

  1. In what must we not take part, and what must we do with them?   Ephesians 5:11

 

  1. What happens when we mention the things people do in secret?   Ephesians 5:12

 

  1. What happens to such deeds that are condemned? Eph 5:13

 

  1. That is why we read what? Ephesians 5:14, Isaiah 60:1

 

Personal ‑ We are commanded not to take part in vain deeds done in secret. Examine your conscience. Are you holding on to anything done in secret that was not right? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal this and to bring it into the light. Remember, we are called to live as children of the light.

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 9:1‑41                GOSPEL

(“The blind man went off and washed himself and came away with his sight restored.”)

 

  1. As Jesus walked along, what did he see and what did the disciples ask him?   John 9:1-2

 

  1. Jesus replied that it was neither the man’s sin nor the parents sin that caused the man to be born blind; rather for what purpose and what did he refer to himself?   John 9:3-5

 

  1. What did Jesus do, what did he tell the man to do, and what was the result?   John 9:6-7

 

Personal‑ When the Lord speaks to you and tells you to do some­thing, are you always obedient, even if it doesn’t seem practical to you? Think about this.

 

  1. What did the neighbors and the people who had been accustomed to seeing him beg begin to ask, what was the confusion among them, and what did the man say?   John 9:8-9

 

  1. As the people questioned the man born blind, what did he answer, what did they do next, and when did this occur? John 12-14

 

  1. What was the confusion between them; when the Pharisees addressed the blind man, what did they ask him and what did he answer?   John 9:15-17

 

  1. What did the Jews refuse to believe, and whom did they summon? John 9:18

 

  1. What did the Jews ask the man’s parents, what was their response, and why were they afraid of the Jews?   John 9:19-22

 

  1. The second time the Jews summoned the man who had been born blind, what did they say to him; what was his answer, and whose disciples did they say they were?   John 9:24-30

 

  1. To whom did they say God listens? John 9:31

 

  1. What was unheard of and what was their doubt? John 9:32-33

 

  1. Of what did they accuse the man who had been born blind, and what did they do to him; and when Jesus heard of his expulsion, what did he do, and ask?   John 9:34-35

 

  1. What was his answer; what did Jesus say to him, what was the man’s answer, and what did he do? John 9:36-38

 

  1. What did Jesus say; how did the Pharisees react to this and what was Jesus’ reply?   John 9:39-41

 

Personal ‑ In what way have your eyes been opened to your personal knowledge of Jesus as the Son of the living God? In what way have you bowed down and worshiped and praised God for his great gift to you? Take time to thank and worship him right now where you are.

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 23:1‑6

(“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 23:1-6.

 

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

1 SAMUEL 16:1, 6‑7, 10‑13

The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature. The Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on outward appearances, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7). Saul was a tall and handsome king, and Samuel may have been looking for someone who looked impressive. But God warned Samuel against judging by appearance.

How many times today do we judge others by the way they look? How many people have been refused work or shelter just because they look different? The difference might be in their manner of dress or even the color of their skin. The Lord tells Samuel that God judges by character, not appearance.

God sees others with the heart, not the eyes. He knows what is going on inside, therefore, only he can accurately judge people. We spend a tremendous amount of time maintaining our outward appearance. We should do even more to develop our inner character. We can do this by spending more time alone with the Lord, praying and meditating with him.

We can improve our inner character by reading, studying and living out God’s holy Word. Everyone can see your face, but only you and God know what your heart really looks like. What is the more attractive part of you? It is good for us to reflect that Saul was the first king of Israel, and he was very popular (1030 B.C.); but he offended God and the kingship was taken from him and his descendants. Samuel chose a very simple shepherd boy to become Israel’s next king. He anointed David with olive oil. The anointing signified that they were God’s represen­tatives now invested with a sacred character. They became “God’s Anointed” and were respected by all. The choice of David, the least likely of Jesse’s sons, is a strong lesson of humility for us and helps us see our own limitations.

                       EPHESIANS 5:8‑14

Today’s passage is calling us, not only to be called children of the light, but to live as children of the light. The light of Christ that shines in us will be that light which leads others out of their own darkness into a world of light. The way we live is a direct statement of what it is we believe. The morality of a Christian’s life needs to be reflective of God’s love and mercy. Jesus called on us to be more than he called on us to do in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1‑12).

Your example of what a Christian is will not make someone who is in the darkness even more desolate. Instead, it will be the encouragement that they need to come forth into the healing light of Christ. God is calling for his Christian warriors to do more than to avoid evil pleasures. He is calling them to rebuke and even expose them. Too many times our silence in the middle of a dirty joke, obscene movie, or gutter talk is a sign of approval.

God wants us to take a stand for what is right. You are called to lovingly speak out for what is true and right. Today, many of the evils, such as x‑rated movies, pornography, free sex, drug abuse and the break‑down of morality, have taken place because of the attitude: “Let them do their thing as long as it does not affect me.” This attitude has poisoned many countries, and the result has been anarchy, violence, and the banishment of God. Jesus tells us that he is the light of the world and if we follow him, we will not be stumbling in the darkness (John 8:12).

We need to reflect on today’s passage. Paul wrote this to a group of people living in a very worldly place. He knew that many were being tempted to return to their old lifestyle of sin. His message to them is crystal clear to us, that only by living as children of the Light can we really ever be set totally free (John 8:32).

                          JOHN 9:1‑41

This Gospel story really brings home that “Jesus is the Light of the world.” The Pharisees were opposed to Jesus from the very beginning of his public life. He preached love, mercy and forgiveness; he even ate with the publicans and other sinners considered outcast of society. He was becoming extremely popular because he was not a legalist; rather, he was a compassion­ate lover of people, and the oppressed and broken recognized this and flocked to him. They could see this because they were looking at his heart. They were not blinded like the Pharisees. The Pharisees looked first at the law and then at the power and wealth of the person. They were “legally blind” in the area of love, compassion and justice.

Today’s Gospel reading is a story of faith, love, pride and prejudice. The blind man was born blind, and he didn’t know how or why he was healed, but he knew he could now see. He believed in the man who gave him sight, and he shared his new faith in him.

Jesus’ love was so strong that even though he knew the opposi­tion was waiting to trap him, the desire to make men free was stronger. Jesus not only gave him bodily light (eyesight), but he also gave him the Light of Faith. The Pharisees tried so hard to discredit Jesus and then the man. Their pride and total lack of humility led them to their prejudicial attitude by attributing the miracle to Satan. The Pharisees even went so far as to excommunicate the man from the community.

The question we need to respond to today is: Do we still refuse to see the truths of God’s revelation brought to its fullness in the teachings of Jesus Christ? Are we still blinded by pride and prejudices of culture and habit? Christ is “the Light of the world” to whom the Pharisees and their followers and many people of today shut their eyes. You are being called to be the world’s light, a city glowing in the night for all to see.

Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:14‑16). Remember, it is far better to shine a light than to curse the darkness.

Application

The readings today really bring out the power of God’s chosen and our response. We see that in the first reading. Paul tells us that we are called to be the Light of the world. We see in the Gospel that many followed a blindness far darker than physical loss of eyesight. Jesus shows us that he heals and makes us lights in a world of darkness.

This week, speak out when you know what is being said is untrue. Don’t go along with the crowd. Be yourself. Don’t let foul talk, sinful actions or lying, dim your light. Respond to the needs of others. Be a beacon of truth, don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world.

Lectio Divina 3rd Sunday of Lent – A

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Lectio Divina 3rd Sunday of Lent – A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

 READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL

John 4:5-42 – Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon.

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” – For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans. – Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flock?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.

Jesus said to her, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus answered her, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.’ For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.” The woman said to him, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking with you.”

At that moment His disciples returned, and were amazed that He was talking with a woman, but still no one said, “What are you looking for?” or “Why are you talking with her?” The woman left her water jar and went into the town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could He possibly be the Christ?” They went out of the town and came to him. Meanwhile, the disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat.” But he said to them, “I have food to eat of which you do not know.” So the disciples said to one another, “Could someone have brought him something to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and finish his work. Do you not say, ‘In four months the harvest will be here’? I tell you, look up and see the fields ripe for the harvest. The reaper is already receiving payment and gathering crops for eternal life, so that the sower and reaper can rejoice together. For here the saying is verified that ‘One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you have not worked for; others have done the work, and you are sharing the fruits of their work.”

Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me everything I have done.” When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

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

 

Share your reflection with someone.

TERCER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

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TERCER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pídele 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 homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                    EXODO 17:3-7                              PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Dios satisface la sed de los Israelitas cuyos corazones se habían endurecido y rebelado.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo a la gente murmurar contra Moisés, y qué le dijeron? Éxodo 17:3

 

  1. ¿A quién llamó Moisés, y qué dijo? Éxodo 17:4

 

  1. ¿A dónde le dijo el Señor a Moisés que fuera, a quién tenía que traer, y que debía tener en su mano?  Éxodo 17:5

 

  1. ¿Qué sucedió cuando Moisés extendió su bastón en el río? Éxodo 14:15-16, 21-22

 

  1. ¿Dónde dijo el Señor que estaría? Éxodo 17:6

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo que le hiciera a la piedra y que sucedería? Éxodo 17:6

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Moisés? Éxodo 17:6

 

  1. ¿Cómo se llamaba el lugar donde sucedió esto y porqué se llamaba así? Éxodo 17:7

 

  1. ¿Antes que Moisés extendiera su bastón sobre el Mar Rojo, cómo estaban actuando los Israelitas?   Éxodo 14:11

 

  1. ¿Que dijeron para probar al Señor? Éxodo 17:7

 

Personal – Cuando los Israelitas tenían sed se quejaron y fueron a Moisés.  Moisés fue al Señor.  ¿Tú, te quejas y murmuras acerca de tu situación o humildemente vas al Señor con tu problema?  Estás quejándote y murmurando porque tienes sed?  Examina tu conciencia cada día ante el Señor.  Pídele al Espíritu Santo que te revele cuál es tu sed.

 

TERCER DIA                                     ROMANOS 5:1-2, 5-8                    SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Por medio de Su Espíritu Santo, ha sido derramada su gracia en nuestros corazones.”)

 

  1. ¿Cómo hemos sido justificados? Romanos 5:1, Romanos 3:28

 

  1. ¿En quién está nuestra fe? Gálatas 2:16, Romanos 5:9

 

  1. ¿Si hemos sido justificados por la fe, qué somos con Dios gracias a nuestro Señor Jesucristo?       Romanos 5:1

 

  1. ¿Por medio de quién tenemos acceso a la gracia en la que ahora permanecemos?  Romanos 5:1-2

 

  1. ¿De qué nos podemos enorgullecer? Romanos 5:2

 

  1. ¿En qué está nuestra esperanza? Hechos 23:6

 

  1. ¿En quién podemos encontrar esperanza? Mateo 12:21

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos dejará esta esperanza? Romanos 5:5

 

  1. ¿Que ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones, y cómo ha sido hecho esto? Romanos 5:5

 

  1. Llenen los siguientes espacios: En que _____________________ murió ___________ por ____________ cuando todavía éramos ______________________.  Romanos 5:6

 

  1. ¿Que es una cosa rara? Romanos 5:7

 

  1. ¿Como probó Dios Su amor por nosotros? Romanos 5:8, 1 Juan 4:10

 

Personal – ¿De que manera has aceptado el amor de Dios por ti personalmente por medio de la muerte de Su Hijo Jesucristo?  Pídele al Espíritu Santo que te revele el gran amor que el Padre te tiene y por el cuál sacrificó a Su Amado Hijo Jesús en el Calvario.

 

CUARTO DIA                                          JUAN 4:5-42                                              EVANGELIO

(“El agua que daré se convertirá en una fuente de vida eterna.”)

 

  1. ¿A dónde llevó a Jesús su jornada y cómo eran los Samaritanos según los siguientes versículos?       2 Reyes 17:24-29, Jeremías 23:13; Mateo 10:5 y Lucas 9:52-53

 

  1. ¿Qué era el terreno al que Jesús entró y qué hizo Jesús cuando llegó al pozo de Jacob?        ¿Porqué lo hizo y qué hora era?  Juan 4:5-6

 

  1. ¿Cuando la mujer Samaritana vino a sacar agua, ¿que le pidió Jesús? Juan 4:7

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son los tres puntos que presentó la mujer y qué debemos recordar? Juan 4:9

 

1.

2.

3.

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la contestación de la mujer a la respuesta de Jesús? ¿Qué dijo que Jesús que les sucedería a los que tomaran agua del pozo?  Juan 4:10-13

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo que le sucedería a la persona que tome el agua que El tiene para dar y cuál fue la respuesta de la mujer?  Juan 4:14-15

 

  1. ¿Después de que élla le pidió de esta agua, qué le dijo Jesús que hiciera, y qué le exclamó a ella y que dijo élla que El era?  Juan 4:16-19

 

  1. ¿Dónde dijo élla que sus antepasados adoraban, dónde dijo que estaba el lugar donde ellos decían que debían de adorar y dónde dijo Jesús que adorarían, y porqué? Juan 4:20-22

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos maneras en que adorarán los auténticos adoradores y qué es Dios?        Juan 4:23-24

 

Personal – ¿Dónde esta tu lugar de adoración?  ¿Tomas un tiempo cada día para adorar a Dios como Espíritu y Verdad?  ¿Entiendes no lo que adoras sino a quién adoras, y porqué lo adoras?  Cierra tus ojos y pídele al Espíritu Santo que te enseñe como adorarlo en Espíritu y Verdad.

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo la mujer acerca del Mesías y quién dijo Jesús que El era? Juan 4:25-26

 

  1. ¿Al regresar, cual fue la reacción de los discípulos? La mujer entonces dejó su jarra de agua y se fue al pueblo.  ¿Qué le dijo a la gente?  Juan 4:27-29

 

  1. Mientras tanto los discípulos le suplicaban que comiera algo. ¿Qué les dijo, y cuál fue su     reacción?    ¿Cuál les dijo Jesús que era su comida?  Juan 4:31-34

 

  1. ¿Jesús les dice que le escuchen, abran sus ojos y miren, el segador recibe su sueldo y recoge su  cosecha, ¿por qué razón?  Juan 4:35-38

 

  1. Muchos creyeron en El ¿por qué acontecimiento? y cuando El se quedó con los Samaritanos por dos días, ¿qué trajo a muchos a la fe?  Juan 4:39-41

 

  1. ¿Que le dijeron a la mujer? Juan 4:42

 

Personal – ¿Alguna persona ha creído en el Señor debido a tu Palabra de testimonio?  ¿Si no, que necesitas hacer personalmente?  Ve Juan 4:34.

 

QUINTO DIA                                      SALMO 95:1-2, 6-9

(“Ustedes pueden, hoy, oír su voz;”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 95:1-2, 6-9.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor por medio de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                               LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

ÉXODO 17:3-7

            Los Israelitas, o como nosotros les llamamos, el Pueblo elegido de Dios estaba sufriendo esclavitud y en peligro de ser totalmente destruidos por sus captores Egipcios.  Dios escogió un milagro para ellos, y un hombre los iba a dirigir en este milagro, y su nombre era Moisés.  Dios los libró de los Egipcios partiendo el Mar Rojo y Moisés los dirigió a la Tierra Prometida de Canán.  La condición humana produjo una serie de murmuraciones rebeldes y pronto olvidaron lo que Dios había hecho por ellos.  Ellos empezaron a lamentar que las dificultades de la jornada eran muy difíciles para aguantar.  Se quejaron tanto que acusaron a Dios de llevarlos al desierto dejándolos morir.  Moisés le pidió de nuevo a Dios otro milagro y Dios en su misericordia y amor estuvo de acuerdo y un manantial de agua salió de una piedra.

            Hoy en día mucha gente es como la gente que estuvo en esa jornada.  Quieren libertad, pero no quieren pagar el precio por ella.  El lugar de donde Moisés sacó el agua es llamada Masá y Meribá, que significa lugar de prueba.  La gente de Moisés gritaba ¿“Está el Señor entre rostros ó no”?  Necesitamos confiar en el Señor, no ponerlo a prueba, porque El nunca se arrepiente de una promesa que ha hecho.  Como la gente en el desierto, mucha gente hoy en día se pregunta si Dios los ha abandonado en su hora de prueba.

            Todos los favores pasados, todos los buenos tiempos son olvidados porque probablemente su nivel de sinceridad con Dios no era muy grande al empezar.  Necesitamos recordar en cuanto empecemos a murmurar en protesta y sentirnos abandonados o rechazados, que nuestro Dios es un Dios de amor, gozo, misericordia, gentileza y sanación.  El nos ha prometido no solamente llevarnos a Cana, sino llevarnos al cielo, y El lo hará.

                                                             ROMANOS 5:1-2, 5-8

            Necesitamos tener en mente al leer este pasaje que la realidad Cristiana de vida tiene dos lados.  Un lado es que somos completos en Cristo (nuestra aceptación con El es segura).  Por otro lado, estamos creciendo en Cristo (nos estamos convirtiendo más y más a El).  Sentimos ambas, la presencia de Cristo y la presión del pecado.  Gozamos de la paz que viene por estar bien con Dios, pero todavía nos tenemos que enfrentar a los problemas de la vida diaria que nos hacen crecer.

            Necesitamos recordar estos dos lados de nuestro camino Cristiano y entonces no estaremos desanimados al enfrentarnos con tentaciones y problemas.  Pablo nos dice que como creyentes ahora estamos en un lugar que no podría ser alcanzado por nuestros propios méritos.  Dios no solamente nos declara no culpables, sino, de hecho, nos ha acercado más hacía él.  En vez de ser sus enemigos, en respuesta a nuestra fe, nos hemos convertido en sus propios hijos.

            Pablo nos dice en las escrituras que la fe, la esperanza, y la caridad son el corazón de la vida cristiana (1 Corintios 13).  Nuestra relación con Dios empieza con fe.  Esto nos ayuda a creer que estamos liberados de nuestro pasado.  La Esperanza da promesa al futuro y la caridad o el amor de Dios nos llena nuestras vidas y nos da la habilidad de entregarnos a alguien más.  Lo más grande de este pasaje es que cuando nosotros éramos todavía pecadores, Dios nos dio a su único Hijo para que muriera por todos nosotros.

            Permitamos que eso se nos grave…Cristo murió por nosotros no porque éramos suficientemente buenos, sino porque El nos amaba muchísimo.  El sabe lo que está sucediendo dentro de ti.  El sabe los problemas que estás teniendo con tu misma personalidad y sí, El murió por ti, especialmente por ti. Necesitamos recordar cuando nos sintamos inseguros del amor de Dios, que El nos amaba antes de que nosotros lo buscáramos.  El Padre nos amaba tanto que mandó a su Hijo a la tierra para que muriera por nosotros y su Espíritu Santo nos da el poder para arrepentirnos, creer y regocijarnos.

                                                                    JUAN 4:4-42

            Jesús había dejado a Jerusalén porque la oposición estaba creciendo contra El por parte de los Fariseos.  Ellos resentían su popularidad y su mensaje, que retaba mucho sus enseñanzas legalisticas.  Jesús viajó hacia el norte de la región de Galilea y fue aquí donde conoció a la mujer en el pozo de Jacob en Samaria.  Los Samaritanos eran objeto de tremendos abusos raciales por los judíos, porque cuando los Asirios conquistaron a Samaria, muchos de ellos se casaron con sus conquistadores.

            Al haberse casado con personas de diferentes razas, resultó una mezcla de razas, impuras en la opinión de los Judíos, quienes vivían en Judá, el reino meridional.  Los Judíos odiaban a esta gente porque sentían que los Samaritanos habían traicionado a su gente y a su nación.  Jesús no estaba obligado a vivir en una cultura tan estricta y por eso no tenía miedo de viajar directamente por Samaria.  Jesús encontró a la mujer aproximadamente al medio día.  Probablemente ella lo hizo así para evitar encontrar gente, debido a su reputación.

            Jesús sabía que en el ardiente sol, esta mujer necesitaba un mensaje acerca de agua fresca y pura que aliviaría su sed para siempre.  La mujer era una Samaritana, tenía mala reputación, y estaba en un lugar público.  Ningún Judío respetable le hablaría a una mujer como ésta bajo ninguna circunstancia, PERO JESUS SI.  El mensaje de Jesús es la Buena Nueva y es un mensaje de esperanza.  El mensaje de Jesús es para toda persona, no importa cuál sea su nivel económico, social, su raza, su posición o su edad.

            Jesús traspasó todas las barreras económicas, sociales y raciales al morir en la cruz por todos y cada uno de nosotros.  Nosotros, que nos llamamos Cristianos, necesitamos estar preparados para hacer igual que El.  Jesús sabía quien era la mujer Samaritana y lo que era y El se aseguro de que ella lo supiera.  El quería estar seguro que supiera que la miraba como una criatura de Dios y le dijo que El era el único pozo que nunca se quedaría seco.  Ella sabía que El era diferente, porque no la avergonzaba y no trató de predicarle las leyes.  El ni siquiera trató de decirle que ella era una pecadora.  El no tenía que hacerlo; ella sabía que le estaba ofreciendo vida, no muerte.  Ella corrió y le dijo a la comunidad, sin preocuparse de lo que fueran a pensar.  Les dijo que El le dijo todo acerca de élla misma y la gente del pueblo corrió a ver al “Mesías”.

            Necesitamos reflexionar en lo que la mujer Samaritana hizo cuando dejó el pozo.  Siguió adelante proclamando la Buena Nueva.  La alimentación de la cuál Jesús hablaba no solamente incluía oración, estudio de Biblia, asistir a misa, o recibir los sacramentos.  También nos alimentamos al hacer la voluntad de Dios y ayudando a terminar su trabajo de salvación.  Somos alimentados, no solamente por lo que recibimos, sino por lo que damos por Dios.  La mujer del pozo no dio excusas de que su familia no estaba preparada para creer.  Miren a su alrededor, y como la mujer del pozo, encontrarán bastante gente, lista para escuchar La Palabra de Dios.  Dícelos.

Aplicación

            La primera lectura nos dice que aún hoy día, mucha gente desea la libertad, pero no quiere pagar el precio por ella.  La segunda lectura nos muestra que la fe, la esperanza y la caridad son el corazón del amor Cristiano.  El Evangelio revela que Jesús saciará nuestra sed espiritual y que debido a El nunca volveremos a tener sed.

            Jesús nos enseña que la forma que nos vemos y nuestra reputación no siempre les dice a otros como somos realmente.  Esta semana ve a tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo, comunidad, y la iglesia. Escoge una persona que creas que es un problema y por una semana, háblale respetuosamente.  No le ignores, visítale si está en un hospital, cárcel ó en casa.  Nosotros podemos hacer a todo hombre y mujer del pozo de Jacob sentirse amado si seguimos el ejemplo de Jesús.

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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 EXODUS 17:3‑7        FIRST READING

(“God satisfies the thirst of the Israelite’s whose hearts had become hardened and rebellious.”)

 

  1. What made the people grumble against Moses, and what did they say to him?   Exodus 17:3

 

  1. To whom did Moses cry out, and what did he say? Exodus 17:4

 

  1. Where did the Lord tell Moses to go, whom was he to have with him, and what was he to have in his hand as he went? Ex 17:5

 

  1. What happened when Moses outstretched the staff at the river?      Exodus 14:15‑16, 21‑22

 

  1. Where did the Lord say he would be? Exodus 17:6

 

  1. What did he tell him to do to the rock, and what would happen?   Exodus 17:6

 

  1. What was Moses’ response? Exodus 17:6

 

  1. What was the place called where this happened, and why was it called this?   Exodus 17:7

 

  1. Before Moses outstretched the staff over the Red Sea, how were the Israelite’s acting?   Exodus 14:11

 

  1. What did they say to test the Lord? Exodus 17:7

 

Personal ‑ When the Israelite’s were thirsty they complained and went to Moses. Moses went to the Lord. Do you complain and grumble to others about your own situation, or do you humbly go

to God with your request? Do you see yourself complaining and grumbling because you are thirsty? Examine your conscience each day before the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you your thirst.

 

THIRD DAY           READ ROMANS 5:1‑2, 5‑8     SECOND READING

(“Through his Spirit has his grace been poured into our hearts.”)

  1. How have we been justified? Romans 5:l , Romans 3:28

 

  1. In whom is our faith? Galatians 2:16 , Romans 5:9

 

  1. If we have been justified by faith, what are we with God through our Lord Jesus Christ? Romans 5:l

 

  1. Through whom do we gain access by faith to the grace in which we now stand? Romans 5:1‑2

 

  1. About what can we boast? Romans 5:2

 

  1. In what is our hope? Acts 23:6

 

  1. In whom can we find hope? Matthew 12:21

 

  1. How will this hope leave us? Romans 5:5

 

  1. What has been poured out in our hearts, and how has this been done?   Romans 5:5

 

  1. Fill in the following blanks: At the ____________ _______ when we were still______________Christ died for us _______. Romans 5:6

 

  1. What is a rare thing? Romans 5:7

 

  1. How did God prove his love for us? Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10

 

Personal‑ In what way have you accepted the love of God for you personally through the death of his Son Jesus? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the great love of the Father for you by sacrificing his beloved Son Jesus at Calvary.

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 4:5‑42                GOSPEL

(“The water that I shall give will turn into a spring of eternal life.”)

  1. Where did Jesus’ journey bring him; and what were the Samaritans like, according to the following verses:   2 Kings   17:24‑29, Jeremiah 23:13; Matthew 10:5 and Luke 9:52‑53

 

  1. What was the plot of land that Jesus entered and what did Jesus do when he got to Jacob’s well? Why did he do it and      what time was it?   John 4:5-6

 

  1. When the Samaritan woman came to draw water, for what did Jesus ask her?   John 4:7

 

  1. What three points did the woman bring out and what are we to recall?  John 4:9

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

  1. What was the woman’s response to Jesus’ reply? What did Jesus say would happen to those who drink the water from the well?     John 4:10-13

 

  1. What did he say would happen to the person who drinks the water he has to give and what was the woman’s response? John 4:14-15

 

  1. After she asked him for this water, what did Jesus tell her to do and what did he exclaim to her and what did she say he was?   John 4:16-19

 

  1. Where did she say her ancestors worshiped, where did she claim was the place where they say they ought to worship and where did Jesus say they would worship, and why? John 4:20-22

 

  1. What two ways will authentic worshipers worship, and what is God? John 4:23-24

 

Personal ‑ Where is your place of worship? Do you spend time each day worshiping God as Spirit and Truth? Do you understand not what you worship, but whom you worship, and why you worship him? Close your eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to worship him as Spirit and Truth.

 

  1. What did the woman say about the Messiah and who did Jesus say he was?   John 4:25-26

 

  1. What was the disciples’ reaction on their return? When the woman then left her water jar and went into the town, what did she say to the people?   John 4:27-29

 

  1. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him to eat something. What did he tell them, what was their reaction and what did   Jesus tell them was his food?   John 4:31-34

 

  1. Jesus tells them to listen to him, open your eyes and see, the reaper already collects his wages and gathers a yield, for what reason?   John 4:35‑38

 

  1. Many believe in him because of what occurrence and when he stayed with the Samaritans for two days, what brought many more to come to the faith?   John 4:39-41

 

  1. What did they tell the woman? John 4:42

 

Personal ‑ Are people coming to believe in the Lord through your word of testimony? If not, what do you personally need to do? See John 4:34.

 

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

(“O, 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

EXODUS 17:3‑7

The Israelites, or as we have called them, the chosen people of God, were suffering under slavery and were in danger of being completely destroyed by their Egyptian captors. God chose for them a miracle, and a man would lead them in this miracle, and his name was Moses. God set them free from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea, and Moses led them toward the promised land of Canaan. The human condition produced a series of rebellious murmuring, as they soon forgot what God had done for them. They began to complain that the difficulties of the journey were too hard to bear. They complained so much that they accused God of leading them out to the desert and leaving them to die. Moses asked God again for another miracle, and God in his mercy and love, agreed, and water came gushing forth from a rock.

Many people today are like those who were on that journey. They desire freedom, but they do not want to pay the price for it. The place where Moses drew the water from the rock is called Massah and Meribah, which means testing place. The people with Moses cried out, “Is the Lord amongst us or not?” We need to trust the Lord, not test him, because he never goes back on a promise. Like the people in the desert, many people today wonder whether God has deserted them in their hour of trial.

All the past favors, all the good times are forgotten because at the beginning their level of sincerity with God was not very high. As we begin to murmur in protest and feel abandoned or rejected we need to remember that our God is a God of love, joy, mercy, gentleness, and healing. He has promised to take us, not just to Canaan, but rather to heaven, and he will.

                       ROMANS 5:1‑2, 5‑8

As we read this passage we need to keep in mind that the Christian reality of life has two sides. One side is that we are complete in Christ (our acceptance with him is secure). On the other side, we are growing in Christ (we are becoming more and more like him). We feel both the presence of Christ and the pressure of sin. We enjoy the peace that comes from being made right with God, but we still face the daily problems that make us grow.

We need to remember these two sides in our Christian advancement and then we will not be discouraged as we face temptations and problems. Paul tells us that as believers we now stand in a place that could never be achieved by our own merits. God not only declares us not guilty, but, in fact he has drawn us closer to him. Instead of being his enemies, we have, in the response of our faith, become his own children.

Paul tells us in scripture that faith, hope and charity are at the heart of the Christian life (l Corinthians 13). Our relationship with God begins with faith. This helps us to believe that we are delivered from our past. Hope gives promise of the future, and charity or God’s love fills our lives and gives us the ability to reach out to others. The amazing part of this passage is that while we were still sinners God allowed his only begotten Son to die for all of us.

Let that sink in… Christ died for us, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us so much. He knows what is going on inside of you. He knows the problems that you are having with your own personality and yes, he died for you, especially for you. We need to remember that whenever we feel uncertain about God’s love for us, he loved us even before we decided to turn to him. The Father loved us so much that he sent his Son down to die for us and his Holy Spirit gives us the power to repent, believe and rejoice.

                          JOHN 4:4‑42

Jesus had left Jerusalem because opposition was rising against him from the Pharisees. They resented his popularity as well as his message, which challenged much of their legalistic teachings. Jesus traveled north toward the region of Galilee and it was here that he met the woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria. Samaritans were the object of tremendous racial abuse by the Jews, because when the Assyrians conquered Samaria, many of them intermarried with their conquerors.

The intermarriage resulted in a mixed race, impure in the opinion of the Jews, who lived in Judah, the southern kingdom. The Jews hated these people because they felt the Samaritans had betrayed their people and nation. Jesus was not compelled to live by such cultural restrictions and so he was not afraid to travel directly through Samaria. Jesus spotted the woman at about mid‑day. The woman probably came at that time to avoid meeting people because of her reputation.

Jesus knew that in the hot, blazing sun this woman needed a message about fresh and pure water that would quench her spiritual thirst forever. The woman was a Samaritan, had a bad reputation and was in a public place. No respectable Jewish man would talk to a woman like this under any circumstance, but JESUS did. Jesus’s message is the Good News and it is a message of hope. Jesus’ message is for every person, regardless of his or her race, social position, or age.

Jesus crossed all economic, social and racial barriers by dying on the cross for each and every one of us. We, who call ourselves Christians, must be prepared to do no less than he did. Jesus knew who the Samaritan woman was, and what she was, and he made sure that she knew it. He made sure that she knew he saw her as a child of God and told her that he was the only well that would never run dry. She knew he was different, because he did not ridicule her, and he did not try to preach the law to her. He did not even attempt to tell her that she was a sinner. He did not have to; she knew that he was offering her life, not death. She ran and told the community, not a bit worried about what they would think. She told them that he revealed everything about her, and the towns people came running to see this “Messiah.”

We need to reflect on what the Samaritan woman did when she left the well. She went forth to proclaim the Good News. The nourishment about which Jesus was speaking did not just include prayer, bible study, attending church or receiving sacraments. We also are nourished by doing God’s will and helping to bring his work of salvation to completion. We are nourished not only by what we take in, but also by what we give out for God. The woman at the well did not make excuses that her family was not ready to believe. Take a look around and, like the woman at the well, you will find plenty of people ready to hear and listen to God’s Holy Word. Tell them.

Application

The first reading tells us that even today, many people desire freedom, but do not want to pay the price for it. The second reading shows us that faith, hope, and charity are at the heart of Christian love. The Gospel reveals that Jesus will quench our spiritual thirst and that because of him we will never need to thirst again.

Jesus showed us that our looks and our reputations do not always tell others who and what we really are. This week look around at your family, friends, co-workers, church, and community. Pick out one person whom you think is a problem, and for a whole week, talk respectful­ly to them. Do not ignore them, but visit them in a hospital, prison or at home. We can make all the men and women of Jacob’s well feel loved if we follow Jesus’ example this entire week.

Lectio Divina – 2nd Sunday of Lent – A

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Lectio Divina – 2nd Sunday of Lent – A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

Matthew 17:1-9 – Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

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

Share your reflection with someone.

SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

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SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pídele 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 homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                 LEE GENESIS 12:1-4             PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El llamado de Abraham, el padre del Pueblo de Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando el Señor Dios en Génesis 12:1?

 

  1. ¿A dónde le dijo el Señor que fuera? Génesis 12:1

 

  1. ¿Cuáles cuatro cosas dijo el Señor que haría por Abram? Génesis 12:2-3

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

  1. ¿Qué les hará Dios a los que bendigan a Abram? Génesis 12:3

 

Personal – El diccionario define la palabra bendecir como: 1. hacer santo, santificado; 2. pedir favor divino por o para; 3. desear bien a; 4. hacer feliz o próspero; 5. guardar, preservar.  ¿En qué forma te has sentido bendecido(a) por el Señor?  ¿En qué forma has hecho una practica de bendecir a tu esposo o esposa, a tus hijos, parientes o amigos?

 

 

  1. ¿Qué les hará Dios a los que maldigan a Abram? Génesis 12:3

 

  1. ¿Quién encontrará bendición en Abram? Génesis 12:3

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Abram y quién fue con él? Génesis 12:4

 

  1. ¿Quién era Lot? Génesis 11:31

 

  1. ¿Cuántos años tenía Abram cuando se fue de Jarán, tierra de sus antecesores? Génesis 12:4

 

  1. ¿Qué otro nombre le fue dado a Abram por el Señor y qué hizo de él, el Señor?    Génesis 17:5

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma reconoces la voz del Señor cuando te está hablando y obedeces la voz como Abram lo hizo?  ¿Cómo crees que puedes discernir si el Señor te está hablando o no?  Comparte con alguien.

 

TERCER DIA                                    LEE 2 TIMOTEO 1:8-10                SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El nos salvó y nos llamó, destinándonos a ser santos.”)

  1. ¿Quién está hablando en 2 Timoteo 1:8, y a quién le está hablando? 2 Timoteo 1:1-2

 

  1. ¿De qué no te debes avergonzar?

 

2 Timoteo 1:8

Eclesiástico 4:26

Eclesiástico 51:29

Romanos 1:16

1 Pedro 4:16

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará si nos avergonzamos de Jesús y su doctrina? Lucas 9:26

 

  1. ¿De dónde viene nuestra fuerza? 2 Timoteo 1:8

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos soportar? 2 Timoteo 1:8

 

  1. ¿A quién podemos tomar como modelos en el sufrimiento y paciencia? Santiago 5:10

 

  1. ¿Qué ha hecho Dios por nosotros y a qué tipo de vida nos ha llamado? 2 Timoteo 1:9

 

  1. ¿Hemos sido salvados por algo que hayamos hecho? 2 Timoteo 1:9

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos ha salvado Dios? 2 Timoteo 1:9-10, Tito 3:5

 

  1. ¿Cómo le quitó Jesús el poder a la muerte? 2 Timoteo 1:10, Romanos 6:9-10

 

Personal – ¿Cuál es el testimonio para nuestro Señor que tienes para compartir?  ¿Tienes un testimonio personal de como el Señor ha trabajado en tu vida?  ¿Has compartido esto con tu esposo(a), hijos, familiares, amistades, compañeros de trabajo?  Ora y pídele a Dios que te revele tu propio testimonio esta semana.

 

CUARTO DIA                                 LEE MATEO 17:1-9                                         EVANGELIO

(“Su cara brillaba como el sol  y su ropa se puso resplandeciente como la luz.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién se llevó Jesús a la montaña alta, y que le pasó a Jesús? Mateo 17:1-2

 

  1. ¿Quién se apareció de repente, y qué dijo Pedro entonces? Mateo 17:3-4

 

  1. ¿Cuando Pedro estaba hablando que los envolvió, y qué salió de la nube? Mateo 17:5

 

  1. ¿Qué nos detiene de escuchar al Señor?

 

Éxodo 7:13

Deuteronomio 1:43

Deuteronomio 21:18

Hechos 28:27

Hebreos 12:25

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has sido capaz de afinar tu mente a lo que Dios esta diciéndote por medio de la oración y su palabra?  Medita sobre esto.

 

  1. ¿Cómo se dirigió Dios Padre a Jesús en Mateo 17:5? Mateo 3:17

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasó a Pedro, Santiago y Juan cuando oyeron la voz de la nube y de que se llenaron? Mateo 17:6

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús y qué dijo? Mateo 17:7

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasó a todos aquellos a los que Jesús les impuso las manos en las siguientes escrituras?              Mateo 8:3, 14-15 y Mateo 9:23-25

 

  1. ¿Qué dice 1 Juan 4:16-18 que es la relación de Dios, amor y temor?

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Dios a Abram acerca del temor en Génesis 15:1?

 

  1. ¿A quién le dijo Jesús, “no tengas temor”? Mateo 28:1, 8-10; Marcos 6:45, 49-50;  Lucas 5:10

 

  1. ¿Cuando Pedro, Santiago y Juan miraron hacia arriba a quién vieron? ¿Cuando venían  bajando de la  montaña cuál fue la orden que les dio Jesús?  Mateo 17:8-9

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has sentido el toque sanador de Jesús? ¿Has impuesto las manos sobre alguien de tu familia que se encuentre enfermo? Si una amistad o un miembro de la familia tiene miedo, pon tus manos sobre ellos y asegurarles de la presencia de Dios.

 

QUINTO DIA                          LEE EL SALMO 33:4-5, 18-20, 22

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

Lee y medita el Salmo 33:4-5, 18-20, 22.

 

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor por medio de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                               LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

GENESIS 12:1-4

            Es muy significante y muy apropiado que el pasaje de Abram nos guié al Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma.  Abram vivía una vida pagana en un país donde se adoraban ídolos.  El tenía alrededor de 75 años y gozaba de una reputación de hombre próspero en la comunidad.  Abram había experimentado una conversión personal y estaba convencido de que solo Dios era el Dios verdadero.  Primero vino el llamado a Abram y luego vino la “Gran Comisión”, de “vayan y hagan que todos los pueblos sean mis discípulos”. (Mateo 28:19)

            Dios nos demuestra su misericordia y su amor en la primera lección, en el llamado a Abram.  Dios empezó por medio de Abram las preparaciones que llevarían a la venida de Jesucristo, nuestro Señor y Salvador, quien reabriría las puertas del cielo para nosotros.  Solamente un Dios de amor y piedad pudo haber perseverado frente a esta gente tan rebelde.  Nosotros también debemos extender el amor de Dios a todas las naciones no solamente a la de nosotros.  Por medio de la familia de Abram, Jesús nació para salvar a toda la humanidad.  Por medio de Jesús toda la gente y todas las naciones pueden tener una relación personal con Dios y las bendiciones continúan aún hasta ahora, sin medida.

            La promesa de Dios para Abram de hacerlo grande estaba unida a una promesa de Abram de obediencia.  Esto significó dejar la comodidad y seguridad de su casa y amistades y viajar a una tierra nueva y extraña.  Abram obedeció dejando todas sus posesiones por la promesa de Dios de darle cosas aún más grandes.  Nosotros somos llamados, como Abram, a ser gente escogida.

            Cuando hacemos nuestra conversión como Abram lo hizo y conocemos a Dios personalmente, también somos llamados a ir adelante en su nombre.  Tal vez Dios está tratando de guiarte a un lugar de santidad y de mayor servicio a su gente.  No permitas que las comodidades y seguridad de lo que tienes te hagan perder el plan que Dios tiene para ti.  El plan de Dios para Israel es el mismo para ti y para mí.  Jesús dijo “Yo he venido no solamente a darles vida, sino también vida en abundancia”.  (Juan 10:10)

            Dios planeó desarrollar una nación de gente a la que llamaría suya.  Por medio de la muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo, tú y yo tenemos el privilegio de ser llamados hijos e hijas de Dios.  Dios nos llama ahora y debemos escuchar y luego responder y aceptarlo personalmente e ir adelante a decirles a otros acerca de lo que hemos experimentado.  Esto se llama evangelizar o atestiguar.  Hemos sido llamados a hacer discípulos de todas las naciones.  (Mateo 28:19)

                                                               2 TIMOTEO 1:8-10

            Pablo le escribe esta carta a Timoteo de la prisión esperando animarlo a perseverar en su ministerio. Había mucha persecución en las comunidades cristianas y Pablo estaba preocupado por la juventud de Timoteo y la cantidad de oposición al mismo como líder.  Pablo estaba exhortándolo a que fuera valiente. ¡Oh!, cuánta más valentía es necesaria ahora en nuestros líderes Cristianos.

            Vemos valentía en todas partes, con los líderes del mundo seglar y no suficiente en los líderes religiosos.  Pablo le dice a Timoteo lo que todos nosotros no debemos olvidar nunca; el sufrimiento vendrá a todos esos que vivan el mensaje del Evangelio.  En realidad Pablo estaba encarcelado por predicar el Evangelio (Hebreos 13:23).  Pablo le promete a Timoteo que Dios le dará fuerza y que él estará listo cuando sea su turno de sufrir.

            Nosotros también debemos estar listos y también a nosotros Jesús nos dará fuerza (Corintios 10:13). En estos días, la amenaza del ridículo, del rechazo, el ser ignorados socialmente, ser derrotados políticamente y en algunos lugares del mundo ser asesinados, es el precio puesto sobre esos que defienden a Cristo.  Cuando defendemos a Cristo a pesar de la persecución, estamos viviendo el mensaje del Evangelio de que Dios nos ama, nos escogió y que mandó a Jesús a morir por nosotros.  Nosotros morimos por Cristo negándonos a nosotros mismos y pidiendo el poder del Espíritu Santo para que nos defienda.  Podemos defender a Cristo y resistir la persecución retirándonos de la pornografía, rechazando ir a las películas para adultos, dejando de comprar las películas que representan a la mujer como juguete-sexual.

            La persecución esta activa hoy en día en muchas formas y debemos recordar que no merecemos ser salvados pero que Dios nos ofrece la salvación de todas maneras.  Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es creer y responder con obediencia a El.  Nunca debemos olvidar que lo malo solamente triunfará cuando la gente justa no haga nada.

                                                                  MATEO 17:1-9

            La transfiguración fue una revelación especial de la divinidad de Jesús a tres de sus discípulos.  Dios afirma todo lo que Jesús ha hecho y que estaba por hacer en un futuro cercano.  La presencia de Moisés y Elías con Jesús confirmó su misión de salvación.  Moisés representaba la Ley, él es la figura central del Pentateuco (los primeros cinco libros de la Biblia), y él predijo la venida de un gran profeta (Deuteronomio 18:15-19).

            Elías representa a los profetas quienes pronosticaron la venida del Mesías (Malaquías 4:5-6).  Jesús es el cumplimiento de ambos, la Ley y los profetas.  La Voz de Dios en la Transfiguración le dio autoridad a las palabras de Jesús.  Pedro quería que todos se quedaran y ofreció construir un lugar para los tres.  El quería actuar, pero ésta era la hora para orar y adorar.

            Debemos recordar que antes de actuar sobre cualquier cosa, debemos orar primero y adorar a Dios. Pedro no se dio cuenta en la montaña de que Cristo no debía ser comparado con nadie.  Ahora en muchas partes del mundo se mira a Jesucristo como un buen líder, una buena influencia o un buen profeta.  La realidad es que, El es más que eso, El es el Hijo de Dios.  Cuando comprendas esta verdad increíble, la única respuesta apropiada será la adoración.

            Necesitamos saber acerca de Cristo para poder obedecerlo totalmente. Debemos orar, leer las escrituras, estudiar las escrituras, compartir las escrituras y después vivir las escrituras.  Jesús les dijo a los discípulos que no dijeran lo que habían visto hasta después de su resurrección.  El dijo esto porque él sabía que ellos no entendían plenamente quien era ó ni siquiera de que se trataba su misión.  Ellos sabían que El era el Mesías, pero todavía tenían mucho que aprender acerca de El por medio de su muerte y resurrección.  Los discípulos estaban asombrados por el resplandor de la cara de Jesús y ellos mismos fueron transfigurados.

            La realidad increíble de saber quien era Jesús les cayó con toda su fuerza.  Cuando una persona conoce y acepta a Jesús personalmente, hay una gran transfiguración que toma lugar.  El asombro y resplandor de Jesús queda impreso en el corazón de la persona.  El cambio o “arrepentimiento” trae resplandor que brilla desde adentro de la persona.  Jesús quiere que seas transfigurado(a) y El quiere que tu corazón brille como el sol y que esté deslumbrante de luz como el de El.

Aplicación

             La primera lectura trae el poder del amor y la piedad de Dios a los que responden a su promesa.  La segunda lectura nos llama a aguantar nuestra carga de aflicciones y a saber que Cristo nos dará la fuerza necesaria para llevar esta carga.  La lectura del Evangelio nos enseña que Jesús nos quiere cambiados y quiere que le demos gloria a El por medio de nuestra respuesta.

            Vamos a ser Cristianos muy sensitivos esta semana al relacionarnos con nuestra familia, en el trabajo, y comunidad.  Vamos a demostrar por medio de nuestro ejemplo como podemos aguantar bajo aflicciones, por ejemplo: estando enfermo y ser feliz.  Estar cansado y aún así responder a las necesidades de alguien más.  Dejando que el cambio dentro de nosotros sea un signo para otros de que actuamos en lo que decimos y creemos.  Tú y tu familia serán transfigurados y otros estarán atraídos al resplandor en ustedes y se darán cuenta que es el Espíritu Santo que vive en su templo santo.

 

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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 GENESIS 12:1‑4        FIRST READING

(“The call of Abraham, the father of God’s people.”)

 

  1. Who was the Lord God talking to in Genesis 12:1?

 

  1. Where did the Lord tell him to go? Genesis 12:1

 

  1. What four things did the Lord say he would do for Abram? Genesis 12:2‑3

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

  1. What will God do to those who bless Abram? Genesis 12:3

 

Personal ‑ The dictionary defines the word bless as: l. to make holy, hallow, 2. to ask divine favor for, 3. to wish well to, 4. to make happy or prosperous, 5. to guard, preserve. In what way have you felt blest by the Lord? In what way have you made it a practice to bless your spouse, your children, relatives or friends?

 

  1. What will God do to those who curse Abram? Genesis 12:3

 

 

  1. Who shall find blessing in Abram? Genesis 12:3

 

  1. What did Abram do, and who went with him? Genesis 12:4

 

  1. Who was Lot? Genesis 11:31

 

  1. How old was Abram when he left Haran, land of his kinsfolk? Genesis 12:4

 

  1. What other name was given to Abram by the Lord and what did the Lord make him?   Genesis 17:5

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you recognize the voice of the Lord when he is speaking to you, and do you obey that voice as Abram did? How do you think you can discern whether God is or is not speaking to you? Share with someone.

 

THIRD DAY            READ 2 TIMOTHY 1:8‑10      SECOND READING

(“God has saved us and called us to be holy.”)

 

  1. Who is speaking in verse 8 of 2 Timothy 1 and to whom is he speaking?   2 Timothy 1:1‑2

 

  1. Of what are we not to be ashamed?

 

2 Timothy 1:8

Sirach 4:26

Sirach 51:29

Romans 1:16

1 Peter 4:16

 

  1. What will happen if we are ashamed of Jesus and his doctrine?      Luke 9:26

 

  1. From where does our strength come? 2 Timothy 1:8

 

  1. What must we bear? 2 Timothy 1:8

 

  1. Who can we take as models in suffering hardship and patience?      James 5:10

 

  1. What has God done for us, and to what kind of life has he called us?   2 Timothy 1:9

 

  1. Have we been saved by anything we have done? 2 Timothy 1:9

 

  1. How has God saved us? 2 Timothy 1:9‑10, Titus 3:5

 

  1. How did he rob death of its power? 2 Timothy 1:10, Romans 6:9‑10

 

 

Personal ‑ What is the testimony to our Lord you have to share? Do you have a personal testimony of how God has worked in your life? Have you shared this with your spouse, children, family, friends, or work acquaintances? Pray and ask God to reveal to you your own personal testimony this week.

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 17:1‑9               GOSPEL

(“His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light.”)

 

  1. Who did Jesus take up on a high mountain and what happened to Jesus? Matthew 17:1-2

 

  1. Who suddenly appeared there and what did Peter then say?   Matthew 17:3-4

 

  1. As Peter was speaking, what overshadowed them and what came out of the cloud?   Matthew 17:5

 

  1. What prevents us from listening to the Lord?

 

Exodus 7:13

Deuteronomy 1:43

Deuteronomy 21:18

Acts 28:27

Hebrews 12:25

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you been able to tune your mind into hearing what God is saying to you through prayer and his Word? Meditate on this.

 

  1. How did God the Father address Jesus in Matthew 17:5? Matthew 3:17

 

  1. What happened to Peter, James, and John when they heard the voice from the cloud and with what were they overcome?        Matthew 17:6

 

  1. What did Jesus do and what did he say? Matthew 17:7

 

  1. In the following scriptures, what happened to those on whom Jesus laid his hand?  Matt 8:3, 14‑15, Matt 9:23‑25

 

  1. What does 1 John 4:16‑18 say is the relationship of God, love, and fear?

 

  1. What did God say to Abram about fear in Genesis 15:1?

 

  1. To whom did Jesus say “Do not be afraid? ” Matthew 28:1, 8‑10, Mark 6:45, 49‑50, Luke 5:10

 

  1. When Peter, James and John looked up, whom did they see and as they were coming down the mountain side, what was Jesus’ command to them?   Matthew 17:8-9

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you felt Jesus’ healing touch upon you? Have you laid your hand on those in your family who may be sick? If a friend or a family member is afraid, lay your hand on them and reassure them of God’s presence.

 

FIFTH DAY        READ PSALM 33:4‑5, 18‑20, 22

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

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

GENESIS 12:1‑4

It is very significant and quite proper that the passage of Abram should lead us into the second Sunday of Lent. Abram was a pagan living in an idol‑worshipping country. He was about 75 years old and enjoyed a reputation as a successful man of the community. Abram had experienced a personal conversion and was convinced that God alone was the true God. First came the call to Abram and then came the “Great Commission” to “go forth and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

God’s mercy and love for us are the first lesson this call of Abram teaches us. Through Abram God began the preparations that would lead to the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who would reopen heaven’s gates for us. Only a God of love and mercy could have persevered in the face of such a stubborn people. We, too, are to extend God’s love to all nations, not just our own. Through Abram’s family, Jesus was born to save all humanity. Through Jesus all people and all nations can have a personal relationship with God and the blessings will continue even unto today, beyond measure.

God’s promise to make Abram great was tied to a promise of obedience by Abram. This meant leaving the comfort and safety of his home and friends and traveling to a new and strange land. Abram obeyed, walking away from all of his possessions, for God promised him even greater things. We are called, like Abram, to be chosen people.

When we make our conversion, as Abram did, and experience God personally, we will also be called to go forth in his name. God may be trying to lead you to a place of holiness and of greater service to his people. Don’t let the comfort and security of what you have achieved, allow you to miss out on God’s plan. God’s plan for Israel is the same as it is for you and me. Jesus said, “I have come to give you, not just life, but life in its fullness.” (John 10:10).

God planned to develop a nation of people he would call his own. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you and I have the privilege of being called sons and daughters of God. God calls today and we are to listen and respond by accepting him personally, and then to go forth and tell others what we have experienced. This is called evangelizing or witnessing. We are called to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

                       2 TIMOTHY 1:8‑10

Paul, in prison writes this letter to Timothy in hopes of encouraging him to persevere in his ministry. There was much persecution going on in the Christian communities, Paul was concerned because of Timothy’s youth and the amount of opposition to him as a leader. Paul was urging him to be bold. Oh, how much boldness is needed by our Christian leaders today.

We see boldness everywhere in secular world leaders and not enough belief in the religious leaders. Paul tells Timothy, what everyone of us should never forget, that suffering will come to those who live out the Gospel message. In fact, Paul was jailed for preaching the Gospel (Hebrews 13:23). Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer.

We too must be ready and we too will be given strength by Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:13). Today, the threat of ridicule, rejection, being politically defeated, and, in some places in the world, being assassinated is the price for standing up for Christ. When we stand up for Christ in spite of the persecution, we are living out the Gospel message of God who loves us, chose us and sent Jesus to die for us. We die for Christ by dying to ourselves and when we call on the power of the Holy Spirit to defend us. We can stand up for Christ and endure peer pressure by walking away from pornography, refusing to go to R‑rated movies, and not buying the videos that portray women as sexual play‑toys.

Persecution is active today in many ways, and we must remember that we do not deserve to be saved, but God offers us salvation anyway. All we have to do is believe and respond with obedience to him. We must never forget that evil will succeed only when righteous people do nothing.

                        MATTHEW 17:1‑9

The Transfiguration was a special revelation of Jesus’ divinity to three of his disciples. God affirmed everything that Jesus had done and was about to do in the near future. The presence of Moses and Elijah with Jesus confirmed his mission of salvation. Moses represented the law. He is the central figure in the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible), and he predicted the coming of a great Prophet (Deut. 18:15‑19).

Elijah represents the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5‑6). Jesus is the fulfillment of both the law and the prophets. God’s voice at the Transfiguration gave authority to Jesus’ words. Peter wanted them all to stay and offered to build a place for all three. He wanted to act, but it was a time to pray and worship.

We must remember that before anything is acted upon, we must first pray and give worship to God. Peter did not realize that Christ was not to be compared to anyone, especially on any mountain top. Today much of the world looks at Jesus Christ as being a good leader, a good influence or a great prophet. The fact is, he is more than that, he is the Son of God. When you understand this incredible truth, the only appropriate response is worship.

We need to know about Christ in order to obey him completely. We must pray, read scripture, study scripture, share scripture and then live the scripture. Jesus told the disciples not to tell what they had seen until after his resurrection. He said this because he knew that they did not fully understand who he was, or what his mission was all about. They knew he was the Messiah, but they had much more to learn about him through his death and resurrection. The disciples were amazed at the radiance of Jesus’ face and they were transfigured themselves.

The incredible reality of who Jesus really was hit them full force. When a person meets Jesus and accepts him personally, a great transfiguration takes place. The amazement and radiance of Jesus is imprinted on the person’s heart. The change or “metonoia” brings about a radiance that glows from within the person. Jesus wants you to be transfigured and he wants your heart to shine like the sun and be dazzling bright, just like his.

Application

The first reading brings the power of God’s love and mercy to those who respond to his promise. The second reading calls on us to bear our burden of hardships and know that Christ will give us the needed strength. The Gospel reading shows that Jesus wants us to be changed and he wants us to give him glory by our response to him.

This week, let us be very sensitive Christians as we relate to our families, jobs, and community. Let us show by example how we can bear up under hardship, for example: being sick and trying to be cheerful, or being tired and trying to respond to another’s needs. Let the change within us be a sign to others that we act out what we say and what we believe. You and your family will be transfigured and others will be drawn to your radiance and they will know that the Holy Spirit dwells within you.