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Newsletter – March 2017

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On March 25th we celebrate the feast of Saint Dismas, the Saint for which this Guild was named.  St. Dismas is also known as the “Good Thief” or “Penitent Thief” who was crucified beside Jesus.  The gospel of Luke tells the story of St. Dismas, which provides inspiration for each of us – especially during this Lenten season – on the importance of true repentance.

“Now two others, both criminals, were led away with him to be executed. …Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah?  Save yourself and us.’  The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, ‘Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation?  And indeed, we have been condemned justly; for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.’  Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’  He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:32, 39-43)  St. Dismas is the patron saint of prisoners and penitent sinners.

How St. Dismas Guild began: Deacon Ken Finn became a Catholic deacon in 1978 and two years later began work as a prison chaplain counseling inmates at a rate of 100 to 150 a month.  Deacon Ken said, “I try to tell the person they’re not a piece of junk or garbage…Christ loved the sinner…I have never met a person in my life who does not want to be loved.”

Through this work, Deacon Ken developed a passion for prisoners.  Inspired by Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Deacon Ken and his wife Marie began St. Dismas Guild in 1989, almost 30 years ago!  They began writing a bible study.  The Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study was completed in 1992 and is now published in both the English and Spanish languages.

St. Dismas Guild is a Catholic non-profit organization whose mission is to bring Jesus Christ, the Word of God, to the broken, the lost and the lonely, the sick and the imprisoned.  The objective of St. Dismas Guild is to prepare, transcribe, publish and distribute teaching aids and commentaries on Holy Scripture and to go out and search for the broken, the lost, the lonely, the hurting, the addict, and the sick and bring them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and continued growth by the power of the Holy Spirit through Sacred Scripture, Church Teaching, and the Sacraments.

In 2014 Deacon Ken went home to be with our Lord.  He is missed and all in St. Dismas Guild pray for his intercession so the Guild may continue its mission.  St. Dismas Guild continues to grow and currently distributes the Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study along with other Catholic publications to over 200 prisoners every month at no cost to the prisoners.  In addition to providing books to the prisoners, St. Dismas Guild distributes a monthly newsletter containing testimonies to a mailing list of almost 5000.  The printed testimonies are just a sample of the numerous letters the Guild receives from those who have experienced healing through their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

One success story is from Frank.  His story began at 14 years of age…alcohol and drugs gave way to heroin and cocaine which brought him to his knees.  His journey continued for 20 years.  He had overdosed a few times, tried many inpatient secular programs and ended up in jail in a cell with someone charged with murdering a 16 year old girl.  This was not the life he wanted, but it had such a stranglehold on him.  It was Deacon Ken and Marie, who both provided spiritual support.  Frank grew up Catholic, and believed in God but never really gave it much thought.  For the first month, he thought he was going to die going through drug withdrawal cold turkey.  He started reading the bible and said that everything in it pertained to today’s life.  It had all the answers…he was totally amazed.  Frank has been clean for 25 years and can’t stop thanking God.  Here is a quote from Frank, “It’s such a blessing knowing that I can call out to Him at any time and He will fulfill all my needs.  Can you imagine having someone to take all your problems away.  It’s just a matter of opening up and letting Him in. When Christ comes into your life there will be nothing you can’t achieve.”

          Thank you to all our generous donors who support St. Dismas Guild and help to spread the Word of God and His message of love. 

Dear St. Dismas Guild, I have been on your mailing list for a couple of years and have enjoyed reading about how our Master can change the lives of so many people. I am 54 years old. I have severe emphysema and C.O.P.D. I’m in the last stages of this lung disease. But I have to let people know that Our Lord can do all things. I had lung doctors tell me that I would never be off the oxygen machine. When I was in the world I was on 4 liters of oxygen per minute. When I got put in jail I prayed to Our Lord that He may heal my lungs enough to get off the oxygen machine. And Praise be to Our Lord Jesus Christ, He did!  I have been oxygen-free since 2014 and I am doing real well. I have the x-rays and medical records to prove what I say is true.

Our Master (May He be praised by all forever) answers all prayers. Maybe not the way you expect, but He will answer your prayers. We must trust in the Sacred Heart of Our Lord. May He bless all at St. Dismas Guild. If it be possible, could you send me some information about St. John of the Cross?  He is my patron saint. Also could you send me the book The GOSPELS in Their Original Meaning?  Thank you all. May God bless your wonderful ministry. Your bro, in Christ. R.S.

Dear RS, Being in the last stages of a lung disease, must be very difficult for you.  Not being able to breathe is very scary. Only our Lord knows when it is time for you to come home into His loving embrace. You are right, God does answer our prayers and it is always for our good. He tells us in Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.” Trusting in the Sacred Heart of our Lord, knowing He has you in the palm of His hand gives you peace. Jesus tells us in John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” Your testimony will help those who are suffering catastrophic illnesses. Thank you for sharing. You are in our prayers. You are preparing for the total healing. God bless you.

Dear St. Dismas Guild, Greetings to you in the Name of Jesus. First, I would like to thank you for mailing me your St. Dismas Guild newsletter every month. As I read it, you would not believe the blessings it has been for me. Now I have been locked up for 41 years of a life sentence. I came up for parole and I was given what is called a 5-year set off. But as I read your newsletter I am getting encouragement from it.

The reason that I am writing you is that I am not Catholic, but I would like to take your Catholic Bible Study. I do not have a Catholic bible so I don’t know if I needed a Catholic Bible to do your study. In fact, I would like for you to send me a Catholic Bible. As I read your newsletter I know that, of all the church groups that I know of, I am touched by your understanding and compassion for all people. So if out of your resources that you may have to help me be a better Christian I do appreciate it. We do have a Catholic service here but it is at a time that I cannot attend, but I would like to try to go to it. I would like to hear from you. Thank you for caring for us inmates.  In Christ. JF

Dear JF, The bible, bible study and pamphlets are on the way to you. Yes, you do need the Catholic Bible to do the bible study. One great thing with the Catholic Bible it has Sirach 38 in it. It is such a powerful scripture for those who are ill and for those who have lost a loved one. The Church teaches that the last things are Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell. We are in the beginning of lent where we are reminded that death is imminent. Ecclesiastes 3:2 says, “a time to be born and a time to die” and we will be judged by what we have done in the body whether good or evil (2 Corinthians 5:10). The Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study helps you develop a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit will teach you all you need to know and remind you of all Jesus said and did (John 14:26). Blessing to you.

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Dear Staff: First, thank you for keeping me on your mailing list these past few years. I enjoy reading the testimonies, praying for the people who send them, and learning something new with each issue. I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ who struggles with control issues and addictive behavior. I was moved to send this after reading the letter from J.M. in the “Doing Time with Jesus” section of the January 2017 issue.  J.M. spoke of being sexually assaulted, being scared to be around a lot of people, and crying himself to sleep.        Your response, as usual, was filled with blessed assurance and bible-based wisdom. I believe, though, besides sending applicable reading material he should have been strongly encouraged to immediately report the assault. This would have set in motion counseling for him and justice for his attackers. I pray for J.M.’s healing and that he receives professional counseling from a faithful follower as soon as possible. R.L.

Dear RL, Thank you for your concern and advice. Sexual Abuse should always be reported but some people are very much afraid to report it. Fear much of the time cripples people but 1 John 4:15 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love.” God is love. When you recognize His presence in the world today and believe in your heart His unconditional love for you and reach out and accept it the way gets easier. God bless you.

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Hello St. Dismas Guild, First of all, I pray that this letter reaches you in the best of health and spirits. Now, I was given your address by another inmate and was told that upon request I could receive a Bible and an RCIA study course. If this is true, I would be very grateful for your help with this. I am currently serving Life without Parole and am in bad need of understanding. I don’t know what else to do or anywhere else to turn. My life flat out sucks and I don’t want it to be that way anymore. Thank you. May God be with you and bless you and your families always. Sincerely, JM

JM, I am sure God sees your heart and your desire to change. That is what we call repentance. Repentance is turning from the life you are living without God to a life with God, away from a sin-filled life to a Spirit-filled life. .Both John the Baptist and Jesus said, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2 & 4:17). We sent you a bible, bible study, catechism and pamphlets to get you started. The best way to begin is learning how to live according to the Word of God and the teachings of the Church. Always remember to say the scripture at the top of each lesson, “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 have told you” John 14:26. The change will come, just be patient with yourself.

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Dear St. Dismas Guild,    First, I would like to thank you for all the newsletters you have sent me this year. I have truly grown closer to my Lord knowing that I’m not alone and that the services you provide really are helping people not give up hope, regardless what things may seem like. The letters that the other prisoners write also help because we realize that those prisoners have a whole lot of time. They should open the eyes of a lot of people to realize how fortunate they are. Please pray for me.  With brotherly love, God bless you.  JS

Don’t ever give up hope as Isaiah 40:31 says,” They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light” Matthew 11:28-30

To all this Lent, we pray that your Lenten season will be filled with time for reflection and growth in your relationship with Jesus Christ.

God bless you,

St. Dismas Staff

Lectio Divina – 1st Sunday of Lent – A

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Lectio Divina – 1st 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

Matthew 4:1-11 – At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply, “It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to 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.

Lectio Divina – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Lectio Divina – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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 6:24-34 – Jesus said to his disciples: “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, ‘What are we to ear?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear?’ All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.”

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

Share your reflection with someone.

PRIMER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

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PRIMER 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                                GENESIS 2:7-9, 3:1-7                       PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Creación de nuestros primeros padres y del pecado.”)

 

  1. ¿De qué formó el Señor al hombre? Génesis 2:7; Eclesiastés 33:10; Isaías 64:7

 

  1. ¿Qué fue lo que sopló sobre él? ¿En qué se convirtió el hombre?  Génesis 2:7

 

  1. ¿Qué fue lo que plantó el Señor, dónde lo hizo y a quién colocó allí? Génesis 2:8

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el Señor de la tierra? Génesis 2:9

 

  1. Llena los espacios en blanco: “Yavé hizo brotar del suelo ____________ ___________ _____ ____________ agradables a la ____________ y buenos para ________________.   Y puso en medio             el ______________ ______ _______ __________ y el ____________ _____ _____ _____________             del __________ y del ____________.”  Génesis 2:9

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ves a ti mismo siendo “moldeado” por Jesús cada día? ¿Te has ofrecido a El y dejado que te forme en Su imagen, o te has ofrecido a los demás permitiendo que te formen a la imagen del mundo? Medita en esto.

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el más astuto de los animales creados por Dios y a quién hizo la pregunta la serpiente, y cuál fue la contestación de la mujer? Génesis 3:1-3

 

  1. ¿Qué les advirtió Dios que les sucedería si comían del árbol que estaba en medio del jardín?  Génesis 2:17 y 3:3

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo la serpiente a la mujer? Génesis 2:17 y 3:4-5

 

  1. Compara las tres cosas que vio la mujer en Génesis 3:6, con las tres cosas que ofrece el mundo en 1             Juan 2:16.

 

GENESIS 3:16                                     1 JUAN 2:16

1._______________________ 1.  ________________________

2._______________________ 2.  ________________________

3._______________________ 3.  ________________________

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo élla y quién estaba con élla? ¿Qué pasó cuando comieron la fruta? Génesis 3:6-7

 

TERCER DIA                                  ROMANOS 5:12-19                           SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“La gracia de Dios hizo más que reparar la caída del hombre.”)

 

  1. ¿Cómo entró el pecado en el mundo y qué vino junto al pecado? Romanos 5:12

 

  1. ¿A quién le vino la muerte y qué existía en el mundo antes de la Ley? Romanos 5:12-13

 

  1. ¿Qué reinó desde los tiempos de Adán hasta Moisés y aún hasta para aquellos que no habían pecado? Romanos 5:14

 

  1. ¿A qué no se parece el regalo y qué se desbordó para muchos? Romanos 5:15

 

  1. ¿A quién se le da la gracia? Efesios 6:24, Salmo 84:12 y Romanos 11:5

 

  1. ¿Cómo trabaja la gracia de Dios en nosotros? ¿Cuál es el regalo de Dios para nosotros?  Efesios 2:8, Hechos 2:38, 1 Pedro 2:19

 

  1. ¿Qué es totalmente diferente del pecado cometido por el primer hombre? Romanos 5:16

 

  1. ¿Qué sucedió en el primer y segundo caso? Romanos 5:16

 

  1. ¿Si la muerte comenzó a reinar a partir de un hombre por su ofensa, ¿qué reciben aquellos por medio de un hombre, Jesucristo? Romanos 5:17

 

  1. Compara los textos siguientes y llena los espacios: Romanos 5:18-19

 

una sola ofensa                                                un solo acto justo

______________________________            ______________________________

 

la desobediencia de un hombre                       la obediencia de un hombre

______________________________            ______________________________

 

Personal – ¿Cómo estás caminando en obediencia a la Palabra de Dios?  ¿La conoces lo suficiente para distinguir si estás o no caminando en obediencia?  ¿De qué manera es suficiente Su gracia para ti?  Piensa sobre esto.

 

CUARTO DIA                                   MATEO 4:1-11                                               EVANGELIO

(“Como Adán y Eva, Jesús también fue tentado, pero no pecó.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó antes que fuera llevado Jesús al desierto? Mateo 4:2, y Mateo 3:13

 

  1. ¿Quién guió a Jesús al desierto, y por quién fue tentado? Mateo 4:1

 

  1. ¿Cuánto tiempo ayunó, y cuál era su condición física después de su ayuno? Mateo 4:2

 

  1. ¿Cómo se llama el demonio, y qué le dijo Jesús? Mateo 4:3

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Jesús, y cómo dijo El que no debe vivir este hombre? Mateo 4:4

 

  1. ¿Aparte del hambre, qué otros tipos de tentaciones puede el demonio presentarnos?

Efesios 4:26-27, Santiago 4:6-7, y  1 Pedro 5:8

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo después el demonio, y qué le dijo a Jesús? Mateo 4:5-6

 

  1. ¿A quién recordó el diablo en Mateo 4:6 y de dónde sacó ese texto? Salmo 91:11

 

  1. ¿Qué le contestó Jesús, y en qué volvió a confiar Jesús? Mateo 4:7, Deuteronomio 6:6

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el diablo entonces y que le prometió a Jesús y qué tenía que hacer Jesús para recibir esta  promesa?  Mateo 4:8-9

 

  1. ¿Qué le respondió Jesús, qué hizo el demonio y quién vino a servir a Jesús? Mateo 4:11

 

Personal – Si cuando fue tentado por el demonio, Jesús respondió diciendo: “Dicen las Escrituras…”, ¿no debíamos responder nosotros cuando nos tienta, “dicen las Escrituras”?  ¿Cómo te ha ayudado el estudio de la Palabra de Dios para saber como resistir a Satanás y hacerlo huir?  Usando la Palabra de Dios concéntrate esta semana en las áreas en las que te sientes débil y te sientes tentado a ceder.  Si no puedes pensar en un pasaje de la Escritura en esa área en particular, acuérdate de pedir a Dios que te la revele.

 

QUINTO DIA                          LEE EL SALMO 51:3-6, 12-14, 17

(“En la grandeza de tu compasión, borra mis ofensas.”)

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 51:3-6, 12-14, 17.

 

¿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 2:7-9, 3:1-7

            En este pasaje vemos el enorme regalo que nos viene de Dios y por supuesto, es la vida.  El cuerpo permanece inerte hasta que Dios sopla Su vida en él; nuestros cuerpos regresan al polvo cuando Dios retira Su soplo de vida.  Es increíblemente importante entender que la vida y el valor del hombre vienen del soplo de Dios.  Este pasaje muestra claramente nuestra necesidad de Dios.  Solo necesitamos mirar a nuestro alrededor y ver cuán perecederas son nuestras acciones.  Encontramos que Dios es el único valor permanente en nuestras vidas.  Por El, tú y yo podemos enfrentarnos mañana con una necesidad y no tener miedo.

            Dios nos ha dado un regalo milagroso llamado vida y necesitamos valorarlo tanto como El lo hace. Hacemos esto al valorar las vidas de otros y protegiendo la santidad de la vida humana dondequiera que vayamos.  Dios nos mostró que tan especiales somos para El, al colocar a Adán y Eva en un jardín bello y seguro con plantas y árboles.

            Necesitamos enfrentar la pregunta antigua, ¿porqué pondría Dios en medio del jardín un árbol, para luego prohibirle a Adán comer de él?   Dios quería, desde luego, que Adán lo obedeciera, pero también le dio la libertad de elegir.  Dios nos da la misma oportunidad hoy en día, y muchas veces, tal y como Adán, a veces hacemos una mala selección.  Las malas decisiones que tomamos nos causan y causan a los demás penas, dolor e irritación, éstas también nos ayudan a aprender, crecer y tomar mejores decisiones en el futuro. A Adán se le dio la oportunidad porque de otro modo se hubiera convertido en un prisionero forzado a obedecer sin posibilidad de decir “no”.  Vemos a Satanás disfrazado de serpiente tratando de tentar a Eva.

            Hoy en día Satanás sigue tentando a todos, aún a ti al leer este comentario.  Satanás fracasó y fue aplastado por Dios (Gen. 3:14).  Adán y Eva aprendieron que, como Dios es Santo y odia al pecado, debe castigar a los pecadores.  ¿Por qué nos tienta Satanás?  La tentación es la invitación de Satanás para que cedamos a vivir su tipo de vida dejando a un lado el tipo de vida que Dios nos propone.  Satanás tentó a Eva con éxito haciéndola que pecara, y desde entonces se mantiene muy ocupado haciendo que peque la gente.

             Podemos resistir la tentación orando para recibir fuerza.  Podemos correr o salir de esa situación que causa tentación (películas malas, chistes sucios, malas compañías, etc.)  Finalmente, podemos decir NO cuando nos enfrentamos con lo que sabemos es malo.  Satanás trato de mostrar a Eva que el pecado es precioso, filosofía que se practica hoy en las películas y programas de TV.  La gente normalmente escoge acciones equívocas porque están convencidos de que son correctas.  Prepárate para las tentaciones atractivas que te lleguen.

                                                              ROMANOS 5:12-19

            “No es justo.”  Este es el grito de muchos que se rehúsan a considerarse culpables por algo que hizo Adán hace miles de años.  Mucha gente siente que Dios no es justo cuando nos culpa a nosotros hoy por lo que hizo Adán hace tanto tiempo.  Sin embargo cada uno de nosotros confirma su identificación con la de Adán por nuestros pecados.  Estamos hechos de la misma materia, rápidos en rebelarnos, y en juzgar a los demás.  Todos somos pecadores y no alcanzamos la Gloria de Dios (Romanos 3:23), lo que realmente necesitamos no es justicia, sino más bien caridad.

            Pablo le dice a la gente que guardar la ley no trae la salvación.  El continúa diciéndole a la gente que la ley ayuda a que reconozcamos nuestros pecados.  La ley señala nuestro pecado y pone la responsabilidad de ésta sobre nuestros hombros.  La ley no nos salva del resultado de nuestro pecado; solo el poder salvador de Dios puede salvarnos.  Debemos volvernos a Jesús para poder ser salvados.  Adán nos heredó los resultados de su pecado, heredamos su culpa, su tendencia a pecar, el castigo de Dios. Por la muerte de Jesús por nosotros en la Cruz, aún cuando somos pecadores (Romanos 5:8), podemos cambiar juicio por perdón. Jesús nos ha ofrecido la posibilidad de nacer en su familia espiritual, la familia que comienza con el perdón y lleva a la vida eterna.

            Tenemos la enorme oportunidad de hacer una decisión. Si no hacemos nada, tendremos la muerte con Adán. Si, por otra parte, decidimos llegar a Dios por la fe, tendremos vida por Jesucristo. Piensa en esto cuidadosamente. ¿A qué familia quieres pertenecer?

                                                                  MATEO 4:1-11

            Mateo nos muestra en este pasaje la humanidad de Jesús cuando El estaba vulnerable y hambriento por el ayuno en el desierto.  Esta experiencia le permitió a Jesús reafirmar el plan de Dios para su propio ministerio.  La tentación del Señor es muy importante para nosotros porque nos muestra que hasta Jesús tuvo que enfrentarse con élla y nosotros no debemos esperar menos que eso, también.

            Jesús no cayó en la tentación y nosotros estamos llamados a hacer lo mismo por medio de la fe y la obediencia al Señor Jesucristo.  Una persona que nunca ha tenido oportunidad de desobedecer no puede llamarse obediente.  Necesitamos darnos cuenta de que nosotros también seremos probados y debemos estar alertas y listos para esto.  No somos tentados por Cristo porque El no quiere arrastrarnos abajo.  Somos tentados por Satanás y solo la fe en Jesucristo nos puede dar fuerza y hacer huir al demonio.

            Es importante para nosotros recordar que nuestras convicciones únicamente son buenas cuando aguantan la presión.  El probarlas será nuestra acción al rechazar la tentación.  Debemos hacer hincapié que por si misma, la tentación no es un pecado.  Pecamos cuando cedemos y desobedecemos a Dios.  Vemos en este pasaje que las tentaciones de Satanás se enfocaron en tres áreas cruciales de nuestras vidas: deseos físicos, posesiones, poder, y orgullo.  Esas tentaciones existen definitivamente hoy en día en contra de la gente, igual como lo estaban para Jesús.

            Jesús resistió a Satanás porque conocía la Escritura, la recordó y obedeció.  A nosotros se nos dice que la Palabra de Dios es un arma que como marro, despedaza rocas (Jer. 23:29).  Conocer las Escrituras es importante para resistir los embates de Satanás, pero debemos obedecer a Dios también. Debemos recordar muy bien que Satanás también conocía las Escrituras, pero escogió desobedecer la Palabra de Dios.  Satanás usó la Escritura para tratar de convencer a Jesús a pecar, así como alguien hoy en una amistad tratará de convencerte con un texto que parece darle apoyo a su punto de vista.  Reza, lee y estudia la Palabra de Dios diariamente y estarás listo cuando Satanás trate de envolverte para que caigas en la tentación.

Aplicación

            La primera lectura nos muestra que la distorsión del mundo es peligrosa.  En la segunda lectura vemos claramente que el regalo de Jesús con su muerte en la cruz borra totalmente el resultado del pecado de Adán.  El Evangelio nos revela que conocer la Palabra de Dios, aún cuando es importante, no es suficiente para resistir la tentación.  Debemos hacer vida la Palabra de Dios para verdaderamente liberarnos de la tentación.

            Busca esta semana un pasaje de las Escrituras que se refiera a una tentación que tengamos, por ejem.: que nunca debemos irnos a la cama si tenemos algo contra la esposa, padre, madre, hermano(a), etc.  Debemos actuar de acuerdo a Efes. 4:26, “Enójense, pero sin pecar: que el enojo no les dure hasta el termino del día y no den lugar al demonio”.  Esto podemos lograrlo mediante la confesión de nuestro pecado y pidiendo a la persona ofendida que nos perdone.  Esa es una buena forma de resistir a Satanás y hacerlo huir.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

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FIRST 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 2:7‑9, 3:1‑7     FIRST READING

(“Creation of our first parents, and sin.”)

 

  1. Out of what did the Lord God form man? Genesis 2:7; Sirach 33:10; Isaiah 64:7

 

  1. What did he blow into his nostrils and what did man become? Genesis 2:7

 

  1. What did the Lord God plant, where did he plant it, and whom did he place there?   Genesis 2:8

 

  1. What did the Lord make out of the ground? Genesis 2:9

 

  1. Fill in the following blanks: Out of the ground the Lord God made __________ _________ grow that were delightful to

_________ at and good for __________, with the ________ ___

_________ in the middle of the garden and the ________ of the

______________ of ______ and _________.   Genesis 2:9

Personal ‑ How do you see yourself being molded by Jesus each day? Have you offered yourself to God and allowed him to shape you in his own image, or have you offered yourself to those around you and allowed them to shape you into the world’s image? Meditate on this.

 

  1. Who is the most cunning of all the animals that the Lord God has made and to whom did the serpent ask the question, and    what was the woman’s answer to the question?   Genesis 3:1-3

 

  1. What did God say would happen to them if they ate from the tree in the middle of the garden?  Genesis 2:17, 3:3

 

  1. What did the serpent say to the woman? Genesis 2:17, 3:4-5

 

  1. Compare the three things the woman saw in Genesis 3:6 with the three things the world has to offer in 1 John 2:16.

GENESIS 3:6                     1 JOHN 2:16

1.

2.

3.

  1. What did she do, who was with her, and what happened when they ate the fruit?   Genesis 3:6-7

 

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 5:12‑19       SECOND READING

(“The results of the gift, Jesus Christ, outweigh one man’s sin.”)

  1. How did sin enter the world and what went with sin? Romans 5:12

 

  1. To whom did death come and what was in the world before the law?   Romans 5:12-13

 

  1. What reigned from Adam to Moses and even over those who had not sinned yet?   Romans 5:14

 

  1. What is the gift not like and what overflowed for the many? Romans 5:15

 

  1. To whom is grace given? Ephesians 6:24, Psalm 84:12, Romans 11:5

 

  1. How does God’s grace work in us and what is God’s gift to us? Ephesians 2:8, Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 2:19

 

  1. What is entirely different from the sin committed by the one man?   Romans 5:16

 

  1. What happened in the first case and what happened in the second case? Romans 5:16

 

  1. If death began to reign through one man because of his offense, what will those receive through the one man, Jesus   Christ?   Romans 5:17

 

  1. Compare the following and fill in the blanks: Romans 5:18‑19 a single offense a single righteous act

 

_______________________          ________________________

 

one man’s disobedience           one man’s obedience

_______________________          ________________________

 

Personal ‑ How are you walking in obedience to God’s Word? Do you know it enough to distinguish whether you are or are not walking in obedience? In what way is his grace sufficient for you? Think about this.

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 4:1‑11               GOSPEL

(“Like Adam and Eve, Jesus was tempted, but did not sin.”)

 

  1. What happened just before Jesus was led into the desert? Matthew 4:2, Matthew 3:13

 

  1. Who led Jesus into the desert and by whom was he tested? Matthew 4:1

 

  1. How long did he fast and what was his physical condition after he fasted?   Matthew 4:2

 

  1. What is the devil called and what did he say to him?   Matthew 4:3

 

  1. What was Jesus’ reply and how did he say this man was not to live? Matthew 4:4

 

  1. What are some other ways besides hunger by which the devil can tempt us?  Ephesians 4:26, 27 James 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:8

 

  1. What did the devil do next and what did the devil say to Jesus? Matthew 4:5-6

 

  1. What did the devil quote in Matthew 4:6, and where did the quote come from?   Psalm 91:11

 

  1. What did Jesus answer him and on what did Jesus again rely? Matthew 4:7, Deuteronomy 6:6

 

  1. What did the devil then do, what did the devil promise Jesus, and what would he have to do in order to receive this promise?   Matthew 4:8‑9

 

  1. What did Jesus say to him, what did the devil do, and who came and waited on Jesus?   Matthew 4:11

Personal – If, when being tempted by the devil, Jesus responded with “Scripture has it,” should we not also respond to temptation with “Scripture has it?” How has the study of God’s Word helped you resist temptation and make Satan flee? Use God’s Word and concentrate on areas in which you are weak and are tempted. If you cannot think of a scrip­ture in that particular area, remember to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one to you.

 

FIFTH DAY        READ PSALM 51:3‑6, 12‑14, 17

(“In the greatness of your compassion, wipe out my offense.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

GENESIS 2:7‑9; 3:1‑7

We see in this passage the tremendous gift that comes from God, and that, of course, is life. The body is lifeless until God breathes life into it. Our bodies return to dust when God removes his life‑giving breath from us. It is incredibly important that we see that man’s life and worth come from the breath of God. This passage clearly shows us our need for God. We need only to look around and see how temporary our achievements are. We find that God is the only permanent value in our lives. Be­cause of him, you and I can face tomorrow without any need to fear.

God has given us a miraculous gift called life and we need to value it as much as he does. We do this by valuing the lives of others and protecting the sanctity of human life wherever we may go. God showed us how special we were by placing Adam and Eve in a beautiful and safe garden of plants and trees.

We need to confront the age‑old question, why would God place a tree in the garden and then forbid Adam to eat from it? God, of course, wanted Adam to obey him, but he also gave him the freedom to choose. Today, God gives us that choice, and many times, like Adam, we make a wrong choice. These wrong choices that we make today can cause us and others great pain and irritation. They also can help us to learn and grow and make better choices in the future. Adam was given a choice, because he would have been a prisoner forced to obey if he couldn’t say “no”. We see Satan disguised as a serpent trying to tempt Eve.

Satan is still trying to tempt everyone away from God even as you read this commentary. Satan failed and he was crushed by God (Gen. 3:14). Adam and Eve learned that since God is holy and hates sin, he must punish sinners. Why does Satan tempt us? Temptation is Satan’s invita­tion to give in to his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and was success­ful in getting her to sin, and ever since that time he’s been busy getting people to sin.

We can resist temptation by praying for the strength to resist. We can run away or remove ourselves from situations that cause the temptation (bad movies, dirty jokes, bad companions, etc.). Finally, we can say no when con­fronted with what we know is wrong. Satan tries to show Eve that sin is lovely, and today, we see that same philosophy in our movies and TV shows at home. People usually choose wrong things because they have been convinced that these things are good. Be prepared to resist the attractive temptations that may come your way.

                        ROMANS 5:12‑19

“It isn’t fair.” That is the cry of many who refuse to be declared guilty of something Adam did thousands of years ago. Many people feel it is not right or fair for God to lay his judgment on us today for what Adam did so long ago. Yet each one of us confirms our identification with Adam by our sins. We are made of the same stuff, quick to rebel, quick to make judgments on others. We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and what we really need is not fairness, rather it is mercy.

Paul tells the people that keeping the law does not bring salvation. He goes on to tell them that the law helps people to see their sinfulness. The law points out our sin and places the responsibility for it squarely on our shoulders. The law does not save us from the results of sin; only the healing power of Jesus Christ can save us.

We must turn to Jesus in order to be saved. Adam has brought to all of us the results of his sin, inherited guilt, the tendency to sin, and God’s punishment. Because of Jesus’ dying for us on the cross even while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), we can still trade judgment for forgiveness. Jesus has offered us the chance to be born into his spiritual family, the family that begins with forgiveness and leads to eternal life.

We have an incredible opportunity to make a choice. If we do nothing we have death through Adam. If, on the other hand, we decide to come to God through faith, we will have life through Christ. Think about this question very seriously. To which family line do you now belong?

                        MATTHEW 4:1‑11

Matthew shows us, in this passage, the humanness of Jesus and his being tempted while being very vulnerable and hungry in the desert. This experience allowed Jesus to reaffirm God’s plan for his own ministry. This temptation of Jesus is very important for us because it showed that even Jesus had to face temptation, and we should expect no less than this, too.

Jesus did not give in to his temptation, and we can do the same through faith and obedience to Our Lord Jesus Christ. A person has not shown true obedience if he has never had the opportunity to be disobedient. We need to realize that we too will be tested and we should be alert and ready for it. We are not being tempted by Christ because he does not try to drag us down. We are being tempted by Satan, and only through faith in Jesus can we resist and make the devil flee.

It is important for us to remember our convictions are only as good as they are under pressure. Testing is a time that we experience as we react to the temptation. We need to remember that temptation itself is not a sin. We sin when we give in and disobey God. We see in this passage that Satan’s temptations focused on four crucial areas in our lives: physical desires, possessions, power, and pride. These temptations are very much in activities against the people of today as well as they were for Jesus.

Jesus resisted Satan because he knew scripture and he called on it and obeyed it. We are told that God’s Word is a weapon, like a hammer that smashes rocks (Jeremiah 23:29). Knowing scriptures is important in resisting Satan’s attacks, but we must obey God’s Word as well. We might well remember that Satan knew scripture too, but he chose to disobey God’s Holy Word. Satan used scripture to try to convince Jesus to sin, and today, sometimes a friend will try to convince you with a scripture that seems to support his viewpoint. Pray, read, and study God’s Word daily and you will be ready when Satan tries to trap you into giving in to temptation.

Application

The first reading shows us that distortion of the Word is dangerous. In the second reading we clearly see that the gift of Jesus’ death on the cross totally wipes out the results of Adam’s sin. The Gospel reveals that knowing God’s Word, while important, is not enough to resist temptation. We must act on God’s Word to really be free of the temptation.

This week, let us look for a scripture that fits a particular temptation that we come up against. An example is that we should never go to bed while angry at someone, such as a spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, etc. We should act upon the scripture, Ephesians 4:26, which says, “Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry, get over it quickly.” We do that by confessing our sin and asking that person to forgive us. That is a great way to resist Satan and make him flee.

OCTAVO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – A

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OCTAVO   DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO 

 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                                         ISAIAH  49:14-15                   PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Yo nunca me olvidaré de tí”)

  1. ¿Quién está hablando en el versículo 14 de Isaias 49?

 

  1. ¿Dónde o quién es Sión?

Reyes 8:1

Salmo 132:13-14

Isaías 46: 13

1 Pedro 2: 4-8

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Sión? Isaías 49-14

 

Personal – ¿Te has sentido alguna vez como el pueblo de Dios, abandonado y olvidado por Dios?

¿Te rindes en desaliento o buscas el rostro de Dios hablándole bajito? Dile como te sientes.

 

  1. ¿Hubo alguna ocasión en la que Jesús se sintiera abandonado por Dios? ¿Dónde sucedió ésto y qué dijo Jesús? Marcos 15:34

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la pregunta del versículo 15 de Isaías 49?

 

  1. ¿Qué promesas nos hace el Señor sobre lo que nunca hará? Isaías 49:15, Isaías 44:21

 

  1. ¿Quién está en los ojos de Dios? Isaías 43:4

 

  1. ¿Qué siente Dios por nosotros? Isaías 43:4

 

TERCER DIA                                    1 CORINTIOS 4:1-5                 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Lo primero que se les pide a los encargados es que prueben que han sido fieles”)

 

  1. ¿Cómo deben vernos todos ? ! Corintios 4:1

 

  1. ¿Cúales son los misterios de Dios ?Jueces 13:19

 

  1. ¿Quién revela estos misterios? Daniel 2:28

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el primer requisito de un encargado? 1 Corintios 4:2

 

  1. ¿Cómo probamos que somos confiables? Exodo 18:21, Juan 4:50

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que le importa poco a Pablo?1 Corintios 4:3

 

  1. ¿Tiene él algo en su conciencia? 1 Corintios 4:4

 

  1. ¿Quiere decir ésto que se declara inocente? 1 Corintios 4:4

 

  1. ¿Quién dice él que es el que lo juzgará?1Corintios 4:4

 

  1. ¿Qué le dice Pablo a la gente que evite hacer hasta que venga el Señor? 1 Corintios 4:5

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que hará el Señor? 1 Corintios 4:5

1,-

2.-

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará entonces? I Corintios 4:5

 

Personal – ¿Tienes la consciencia clara ante Dios y el hombre? Si no, arrepiéntete de lo que te esté molestando? ¿Te declaras inocente? ¿Te juzgas a tí mismo?¿Quién es el que te juzga? Reflexiónalo

 

CUARTO DIA                                   MATEO 6:24-34                                             EVANGELIO

(“No puedes servir al mismo tiempo a Dios y al dinero.”)

  1. ¿Qué no puede hacer el hombre y cuáles son las dos cosas a las que no puede servir al mismo tiempo ? Mateo 6:24

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la raíz de todo el mal? 1 Timoteo 6:10

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el aviso que dan en Mateo, qué es mas importante que la comida?¿Y qué es mas valioso que el vestido? Mateo 6:25

 

  1. ¿En Mateo 6:26 hacia donde nos dice que miremos?¿Qué hacen las aves por su comida y quién las alimenta? Mateo 7:26

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la pregunta que hace en Mateo 6:26?

 

Personal – Vuelve a referirte a Isaías 43:4 para ver que importante eres para el Señor.¿Te ves a tí mismo como Jesús te vé? ¿Cómo te ves a tí mismo? Reflexiónalo.

 

  1. Leé Mateo 6:27-28 acerca de estar preocupado.¿Qué dice la Palabra de Dios sobre la preocupación y qué acerca de las flores silvestres?

 

  1. ¿Quién con todo su esplendor nunca se vistió como las flores del campo y qué le pasa al pasto de los campos? Mateo 6:29-30

 

  1. ¿Acerca de cuáles tres necesidades NO debemos preocuparnos? Mateo 6:31

1-

2-

3-

 

  1. ¿Quién está siempre corriendo tras éstas cosas y quién sabe todo lo que necesitamos? Mateo 6:32

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que debemos buscar? Mateo 6:33

1-

2-

  1. ¿Qué se nos dará si hacemos lo anterior ?¿Y qué dice Jesús acerca de hoy y mañana? Mateo 33:34

 

Personal – ¿Pasas mucho tiempo pensando en el techo sobre tu cabeza, la comida de tu mesa y la ropa en tu espalda? Toma un dia ésta semana y fíjate bien cuánto tiempo pasas haciendo ésto? Tráelo a tu Padre celestial.

 

QUINTO   DIA                                          LEE EL SALMO 62:2-3,6-9

(“Sólo en Dios descansa mi alma”)

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 62:2-3, 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

ISAIAS 49:14-15

 

El pueblo de Israel pensó que Dios los había abandonado y olvidado cuando estaban en cautiverio en Babilonia. El pasaje de hoy hace notar que Dios es como un Padre amoroso el cual nunca deja a su hijo por ningún motivo. Dios nos está diciendo que El tiene a cada uno de nuestros nombres grabados en las palmas de sus manos. El pueblo se dió cuenta que fueron sus propios pecados los que en gran medida los llevaron al cautiverio.

Los Israelitas vieron que Dios no toleraría o condescendería ante el pecado. Sintieron que Dios los había castigado por haberse alejado de El. Hoy el pecado nos separa de Dios, así como sucedió en los tiempos de Isaías; y eso trae mucho dolor y sufrimiento a mucha gente inocente. Necesitamos confesar nuestros pecados y arrepentirnos y disfrutar el perdón y el amor de nuestro Dios que reina sobre toda la tierra. Isaías se inspira en el sagrado amor de una madre, su

1 CORINTIOS   4:1-5

Pablo llama a los líderes Cristianos de entonces para guiar siendo los servidores. Un servidor hace lo que su amo le dice que tiene que hacer y no discute para ver si la muchedumbre está de acuerdo con su amo o no.

La gente en los dias de Pablo querían ser líderes y querían ser reconocidos con fama , respeto y poder. Hoy dia estamos llamados a ser los servidores de Dios y a obedecer sus mandamientos y permanecer en El (Juan 15:7). Permanecer significa vivir ahí, residir ahí. Esto significa que tenemos que estar completamente disponibles para ser obedientes a la llamada de Nuestro Señor Jesús.

Dios nos habla todos los dias a traves de su Santa Palabra ,sus Sacramentos y su pueblo a traves de las enseñanzas de la Iglesia. Solo Dios conoce el corazón de una persona y solo El tiene el derecho de juzgar a alguien. Pablo advierte a los Cristianos que éllos están llamados no para hacer jueces sino para ser servidores. Esta advertencia se refiere a nosotros en este dia y año. Hay muchos que condenan a otros debido a su raza, sus creencias o el color de su piel.

Un servidor está llamado para servir al otro, ayudando, siendo cortés, honesto y responsable. Un servidor nunca juzga, solo sirve y entre los Cristianos un verdadero servidor es un verdadero líder  a los ojos de Jesucristo, Estamos llamados a celebrar el que hemos sido salvados por Jesucristo sirviéndo a otros para que éllos también encuentren a Jesús, quien es la salvación y quien es el servidor de servidores.

MATEO 6:24 – 34

Jesús realmente llega a las mentes y a los corazones de la gente cuando habla de Dios y el dinero. Les dice que éllos solo pueden tener un amo y ese amo tiene que ser Dios. Les dice que lo busquen a El y a su reino primero y todo lo demas se les dará por añadidura (Mateo 6:33) Hoy dia   muchas sociedades el deseo de hacer dinero es tan fuerte que la gente miente, engaña, roba y hasta mata para tener dinero. La verdad increíble es que    despues de pasar la mayor parte de su vida sirviendo al dios del dinero, se mueren y le dejan hasta el último centavo a otros. Venimos a este mundo sin nada y nos vamos sin nada .Jesús no está diciendo que el dinero es malo o que la gente que tiene dinero es mala. Lo que está diciendo es que el amor al dinero es malo. Debemos amar a las personas no a las cosas. El dinero es una cosa para ser usada. Usamos cosas no personas.

Necesitamos reflexionar sobre nuestro propio uso del tiempo, el talento y la riqueza. En donde y en que gastamos nuestro tiempo es donde está nuestro corazón. Jesús nos llama a revisar nuestros valores espirituales y nuestros valores terrenales y a asegurarnos que nuestros valores espirituales son nuestra mayor prioridad. Estamos llamados a usar nuestras riquezas para ayudar al mas necesitado de nuestros hermanos (Mateo 25:31-46).Estamos llamados a no permitir que nuestras riquezas nos usen y sean nuestros dueños.

Algun dia, cuando estemos ante Dios ,el dia del Juicio, seremos llamados a contestar algunas preguntas muy difíciles. Las preguntas principales que se nos harán no serán: ¿Qué rico eras? ¿Qué grande era tu casa? ¿Qué largo era tu carro?¿A que Universidad fuiste? Las verdaderas preguntas serán ME AMASTE amando a tus hermanos y hermanas?¿VESTISTE mi desnudez? ¿DISTE de COMER a mis hambrientos? ¿LE DISTE POSADA a mi gente sin hogar? ¿VISI-TASTE a mis enfermos en los hospitales ?¿VISITASTE a mi gente en prisión?¿BUSCASTE mi reino primero? La respuesta puede ser un resonante SI, si pusimos a Jesucristo, Nuestro Señor y Salvador al principio de nuestra prioridad de valores. Que sea El, el que sea el Señor de nuestras vidas ahorita y vivirás por siempre.

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que Dios tiene a cada uno de nuestros nombres grabados en su mano. La segunda lectura revela que los Cristianos están llamados a ser líderes siendo servidores El Evangelio nos dice que solo podemos tener un amo y ese amo tiene que ser Dios.

Esta semana, mostrémos que Dios es nuestro amo. Sacrifica un tiempo de placer o de entretenía-miento y toma ese dinero que normalmente gastarías y dáselo a los pobres. Quizá quieras dárselo alguna caridad de tu iglesia o quizá llevar a alguien que conoces a comer o a cenar. La persona a la que estás ayudando es Jesús: lo creés?

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‑ CYCLE A

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EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‑ 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 ISAIAH 49:14‑15       FIRST READING

(“I will never forget you.”)

  1. Who was speaking in verse 14 of Isaiah 49?

 

  1. Where or who is Zion?

 

1 Kings 8:1

Psalm 132:13‑14

Isaiah 46:13

1 Peter 2:4‑8

 

  1. What did Zion say? Isaiah 49:14

 

Personal‑ Have you ever felt, as the people of God, forsaken and forgotten by God? Do you give in to discouragement or do you seek the face of God by quietly talking to him? Tell him how you feel.

 

  1. Was there a time Jesus felt forsaken by God? Where did this happen, and what did Jesus say?   Mark 15:34

 

  1. What is the question asked in verse 15 of Isaiah 49?

 

  1. What promise does the Lord give us that he will never do?    Isaiah 49:15, Isaiah 44:21

 

  1. What are we in the eyes of God? Isaiah 43:4

 

  1. How does God feel about us? Isaiah 43:4

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 4:1‑5    SECOND READING

(“The first requirement of an administrator is that he prove trustworthy.”)

 

  1. How should men regard us? 1 Corinthians 4:1

 

  1. What are the mysteries of God? Judges 13:19

 

  1. Who reveals these mysteries? Daniel 2:28

 

  1. What is the first requirement of an administrator? 1 Corinthians 4:2

 

  1. How do we prove to be trustworthy? Exodus 18:21, John 4:50

 

  1. What matters little to Paul? 1 Corinthians 4:3

 

  1. Does he have anything on his conscience? 1 Corinthians 4:4

 

  1. Does that mean he is declaring himself innocent? 1 Corinthians 4:14

 

  1. Who does he say is the one to pass judgment on him? 1 Corinthians 4:4

 

  1. What does Paul tell the people to avoid doing before the time of the Lord’s return? 1 Corinthians 4:5

 

  1. What two things will the Lord do? 1 Corinthians 4:5

1.

 

2.

 

  1. What will happen at that time? 1 Corinthians 4:5

 

Personal ‑ Do you have a clear conscience before God and man? If not, repent of whatever is bothering you. Do you declare yourself innocent? Do you pass judgment on yourself? Who is the one to pass judgment on you? Reflect on this.

 

FOURTH DAY           READ MATTHEW 6:24‑34              GOSPEL

(“You cannot give yourself to God and money.”)

 

  1. What can no man do and what are the two things we cannot serve together?   Matthew 6:24

 

  1. What is the root of all evil? 1 Timothy 6:10

 

  1. What is the warning given in Matthew, what is more important than food, and what is more valuable than clothes?

Matthew 6:25

 

  1. In Matthew 6:26, at what does he tell us to look, what do the birds do for their food, and who feeds them?

 

  1. What is the question he asks in Matthew 6:26?

 

Personal ‑ Refer back to Isaiah 43:4 to see how important you are to the Lord. Do you look at yourself as Jesus does? How do you look at yourself? Reflect on this.

 

  1. Read Matthew 6:27-28 about worrying. What does God’s Word say about worrying, and what about the wild flowers?

 

  1. Who was not in all his splendor arrayed like the flowers of the fields, and what happens to the grass of the fields? Matthew 6:29-30

 

  1. About what three necessities should we NOT worry? Matthew 6:31

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

  1. Who is always running after these things, and who knows all that we need?   Matthew 6:32

 

  1. What two things are we to seek first? Matthew 6:33

 

1.

 

2.

 

  1. What will be given us if we do the above, and what does Jesus say about tomorrow and today? Matthew 33-34

 

Personal ‑ Do you spend too much of your time worrying about the roof over your head, the food on your table, and the clothes on your back? Take one day this week and make yourself aware of how much time you spend doing this. Bring this before your heavenly Father.

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 62:2‑3, 6‑9

 

(“Only in God is my soul at rest.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 62:2‑3, 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

ISAIAH 49:14‑15

The people of Israel thought that God had deserted and forgotten them while they were in captivity in Babylon. Today’s passage points out that God is like a loving Father who would never leave his child under any condition. God is telling us that he has each one of our names stamped on the palms of his hands. The people realized that their own sinfulness had brought about much of their captivity.

The Israelites saw that God would not tolerate or condone sin. They felt that God had punished them for their turning away from him. Today sin separates us from God, just as it did in the time of Isaiah; and it brings much pain and suffering to many innocent people. We need to confess our sins and repent and enjoy the forgiveness and love of our God who reigns over all the earth. Isaiah draws upon the sacredness of a mother’s love, devotion, perseverance, and courage in relating her to the love God has for us. He did not forget his people; He delivered them from slavery in the Exodus, using Moses as his instrument of justice. He knows every one of us personally and he died on the cross so that each one of us would experience his love and saving grace.

When we experience loneliness, abandonment, doubt, confu­sion, rejection, or even despair, we must ask ourselves whether we have turned away from his loving arms. No hurt or problem that we have is too big for him to heal or solve. He will never walk away and leave us orphans. He will take us to his bosom and love us back into his kingdom of justice.

                      1 CORINTHIANS 4:1‑5

Paul calls out the Christian leaders of the day to lead by being servants. A servant does what his master tells him to do, and he does not check to see whether the crowd agrees with his master or not. The people in Paul’s day wanted to be leaders and they wanted recognition, fame, respect, and power. We today are being called to be servants of God, and we are called to obey his commandments and abide in him (John 15:7). Abide means to live in, to take up residence. This means we have to be completely available to be obedient to our Lord Jesus’ call.

God speaks to us every day through his Holy Word, his Sacraments, and his people through the teachings of the Church. Only God knows a person’s heart and he alone has the right to judge someone. Paul warns the Christians that they are called, not to be judges but, to be servants. This warning applies to us in this day and year. There are many who condemn others because of their race, or belief or the color of their skin.

A servant is called to be of service to another, to be helpful, courteous, honest and respon­sible. A servant never judges; he only serves, and in Christianity a real servant is a real leader in the eyes of Jesus Christ. We are called to celebrate our being saved by Jesus Christ by serving others so that they may also find Jesus who is salvation, and who is the servant of servants.

                        MATTHEW 6:24‑34

Jesus really gets into the people’s mind and hearts when he talks about God and money. He tells them that they can have only one master and that master has to be God. He tells them to seek him and his kingdom first and all else will be added (Matthew 6:33). Today in many societies the desire to make money, have money, and spend money is so strong that people will lie, cheat, steal, and even kill to get their share of the money. The incredible truth is that, after spending most of their life serv­ing the god of money, they die and leave every single penny to someone else. We come into this world with nothing and we leave it with nothing. Jesus is not saying that money is evil or that people who have money are evil. He is saying that the love of money is evil. We are to love people, not things. Money is a thing that is to be used. We use things, not people.

We need to reflect about our own use of time, talent, and wealth. Where and whatever we spend most of our time, is where our heart is. Jesus calls us to look at our spiritual values and our earthly values and make sure that our spiritual values get our top priority. We are called to use our wealth to help the least of our brothers (Matthew 25:31‑46). We are called not to let our wealth use us and possess us.

Someday, when we stand before God on judgment day, we will be called to answer some very hard questions. The main questions asked of us will not be: How rich were you? How big was your house? How long was your car? What college did you attend? The real questions will be DID you love me by loving your brothers and sisters? DID you clothe my naked­ness? DID you feed my hungry? DID you give shelter to my home­less? DID you visit my sick in hospitals? DID you visit my people in prisons? DID you seek my kingship first? The answer can be a resounding YES if we put Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, first in our priority of values right now. Let him be the one who is the Lord of our lives right now and you will live forever.

Application

The first reading tells us that God has each one of our names stamped on his hand. The second reading reveals that Christians are called to be leaders by being servants. The Gospel tells us that we can only have one master and that master has to be God.

This week, let us show that God is our master. Sacrifice a time of pleasure or entertainment and take that money that you would normally spend and give it to the poor. You might want to give it to some charity in your church or maybe even take someone whom you know out to lunch or dinner. The person whom you are helping is Jesus: do you believe that?

Lectio Divina – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Lectio Divina – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Matthew 5:38-48 – Jesus said to His disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

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

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

SEPTIMO DOMINGO DE TIEMPO ORDINARIO – CICLO A

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SEPTIMO DOMINGO DE TIEMPO ORDINARIO – 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 LEVITICO 19:1-2, 17-18               PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Sean santos, porque yo, Yavé, Dios de ustedes, soy Santo.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando el Señor? Levítico 19:1

 

  1. ¿A quién le dijo el Señor que le hablara y qué le dijo que le dijera? Levítico 19:2

 

  1. ¿Quién te hace santo y cómo te hace santo? Éxodo 31:13, Efesios 5:25-26 y  1 Corintios 3:17

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer para ser santo(a)? Lev. 20:7

 

  1. ¿Qué está con sus santos? Sabiduría 3:9

 

  1. ¿Quién es la gente santa? Isaías 62:12

 

  1. ¿Qué no deberás hacer y tal vez, que tendrás que hacer? Levítico 19:17

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Prov. 9:8 que te pasará cuando corrijas a un hombre arrogante y a un hombre sabio?

 

  1. ¿En qué no debes incurrir por la causa de tu hermano? Levítico 19:17

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes hacer en contra de tus compatriotas y que mandato es dado en Lev. 19:18?

 

Personal – ¿Amas a tu cónyuge, hijos, parientes, amigos y prójimo tanto como a ti mismo?  ¿De qué modo se hace evidente el amor a tu prójimo?  Si deseas comparte tus ideas sobre esto con alguien.

 

  1. ¿Quién dice Dios que es El? Lev. 19:18

 

Personal – ¿Quién dices tú, que es Dios?  ¿De qué modo es el tu Señor,  tu amigo, tu gobernante, tu Señor de todo?  Medita sobre esto.

 

TERCER DIA                             LEE 1 CORINTIOS 3:16-23                 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Ustedes son el templo de Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué es de lo que tal vez no estás consciente? 1 Corintios 3:16 y 1 Corintios 6:19

 

  1. ¿Cómo sabemos esto? 2 Corintios. 6:16

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasará a cualquier persona que destruya el templo de Dios? 1 Corintios 3:17

 

  1. ¿Qué es el templo de Dios y quién es ese templo? 1 Corintios.3:17

 

  1. ¿Cómo te puedes engañar a ti mismo(a)? 1 Corintios 3:18

 

  1. ¿En qué te debes convertir si piensas que eres sabio(a) en una manera mundana?  1 Corintios 3:18

 

  1. ¿Qué es absurdo frente a Dios? 1 Corintios. 3:19

 

  1. ¿Que dice la escritura acerca del sabio mundano? 1 Corintios 3:19-20 y Job 5:13

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes permitir que pase y qué es nuestro? 1 Corintios  3:21-22

 

  1. ¿A quién le perteneces? 1 Corintios 3:23

 

  1. ¿Cómo sabemos esto? 1 Corintios 6:20

 

  1. ¿A quién le pertenece Cristo? 1 Corintios3:23

 

Personal – ¿Si tú has sido comprado con la sangre de Cristo y le perteneces, de qué modo tu vida refleja su imagen y su Espíritu viviendo dentro de ti, hacia los demás?  Esto será evidente por el amor que ellos vean en ti.  Reflexiona en esto.

 

CUARTO DIA                           LEE MATEO 5:38-48                                            EVANGELIO

(“No resistan a los malvados.”)

 

  1. ¿En el versículo 38 de Mateo 5, quién estaba hablando y qué dijo El que ya habían escuchado?      Mateo 4:17, 5:38

 

  1. ¿Qué nos dice El a nosotros y cuándo a una persona le abofetean la mejilla derecha que debe hacer?              Mateo 5:39

 

  1. ¿Qué debe hacer si alguien quiere ir a la ley por causa de su camisa y si alguien te presiona a servirle por una milla, que debes hacer? Mateo 5:40-41

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer con el hombre que te pide limosna, y qué nos dice Jesús que no hagamos?   Mateo 5:42

 

  1. ¿Qué nos ha dado Dios?

Marcos 3:28

Juan   5:21

Juan   13:34

 

  1. ¿Qué otro mandamiento ha dicho El que has oído en Mateo y cuál es Su mandamiento para ti?  Mateo 5:43-44

 

  1. ¿Qué probará esto y sobre quién sale el sol y sobre quién hace El caer la lluvia? Mateo 5:45

 

  1. ¿Si amas a los que te aman hay algún mérito en eso y quién puede hacerlo? Mateo 5:46

 

  1. ¿Si saludas a tus hermanos solamente, que hay de alabar en eso? Porque, ¿quién puede hacer lo mismo?  Mateo 5:47

 

  1. En una palabra, ¿que debes ser, así como tu Padre Santo es? Mateo 5:48

 

Personal – ¿Como estás siendo perfeccionado, como tu Padre Santo, según Su mandato de amar, desde que has estado estudiando y obedeciendo Su Palabra?  Lee Juan 14:21 para que veas la correlación entre el amor, mandamientos, y la obediencia.  Comparte con alguien sobre como ha afectado esto a tu vida.

 

QUINTO DIA                                 LEE EL SALMO 103:1-13

(“El rescata tu vida de la destrucción.”)

Lee y medite el Salmo 103:1-13.

 

¿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

LEVITICO 19:1-2, 17-18

            Este libro de “Levítico” tiene este nombre porque trata con asuntos y leyes centradas en el tema de la adoración a Dios.  La adoración a Dios era conducida por la tribu de los Levitas y el resultado fue este libro.  Las lecturas de hoy son tomadas de un cuerpo de leyes comúnmente llamadas las Leyes de Santidad.  Santidad entonces, es el tema clave en el libro del Levítico, y la palabra “santo” es usada más a menudo en este libro que en ningún otro libro en la Biblia.  Israel fue llamado a estar consagrado totalmente a Dios.  El les recordaba diciéndoles que El es “Santo” y quería que ellos fueran igual que El, “santos”.

            El mismo llamado te hace a ti ahora y eso es que seas santo al igual que tu Dios es Santo.  La santidad a la que has sido llamado debe ser expresada en cada aspecto de tu vida.  La santidad a la que nuestro Padre amoroso nos está llamando ahora debe de ser visible en la forma en que tratamos a nuestros prójimos y por supuesto, la pregunta siempre es, “¿quién es mi prójimo?”  Nuestro prójimo es cualquier persona que está en angustia en cualquier lugar, y necesita nuestra ayuda.

            Las lecturas de ahora nos llaman a todos a dejar nuestros rencores y a convertirnos en personas que perdonan y olvidan.  Se nos pide que razonemos con nuestro hermano ofendido y tratemos de regresarlo a la verdadera amistad hermanable en el Señor.  El hombre natural quiere pagarle en total al que le ofendió.  El hombre espiritual quien conoce y ama a Dios, quien es Santo debe ser santo también.

            El llamado que nos hace Dios a ser santos como El es, no es realmente un mandato, es mas bien como un consejo que viene de un Padre muy amoroso.

                                                            1 CORINTIOS 3:16-23

            Pablo les está diciendo a ellos y a nosotros ahora, que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo y que nuestra iglesia es la casa de Dios.  Y dice que nuestros templos no deben de ser manchados.  Satanás tiene la intención de matar los cuerpos de muchos cristianos y sus templos han sido manchados con el alcohol, drogas, cigarros, e inmoralidad sexual.  Nuestra iglesia no debe ser ensuciada por divisiones dentro de élla, por las mezquinidades, celos y calumnias cuando sus miembros se juntan a adorar a Dios.

            Pablo le está diciendo a la gente que tiene que escoger entre la sabiduría mundana o la sabiduría celestial.  La sabiduría mundana que te detiene de ir a Dios no es ninguna sabiduría.  Pablo nos está diciendo que algunos de los líderes de la comunidad fueron atrapados en el orgullo de la sabiduría mundana y el resultado fue que ellos evaluaban más su mensaje que su contenido.

            Nosotros podemos ver hoy en día mucha sabiduría mundana siendo ejercitada en nuestras naciones y aún en algunas áreas de nuestra iglesia.  Las Santas Escrituras nos dicen que Dios sabe muy bien como razona la mente humana y como es de tonta y desesperada (1 Corintios 3:20).  Pablo terminó diciéndonos que como creyentes todo es para nosotros y que nosotros pertenecemos a Cristo.

            Para un creyente en Cristo, la vida y la muerte se convierten en nuestras sirvientes.  Nosotros conocemos sus propósitos verdaderos, pero para los incrédulos solamente la moda más nueva en comportamiento es todo en lo que se pueden apoyar.  Los incrédulos son como víctimas de la vida que se deja llevar por su corriente y maravillas, si acaso hay algún significado en eso.  Para los cristianos, la muerte no tiene temores porque Cristo los conquistó todos.  Porque por Jesús, tú y yo viviremos para siempre.

                                                                 MATEO 5:38-48

            El evangelio de ahora revela la esencia de la vida cristiana y la conducta que debe separar a los cristianos de todos los demás hombres.  Jesús comienza por citar la ley más vieja en el mundo: ojo por ojo, y diente por diente.  Esta era conocida como la ley “Lex Talionis” y salió en el código de Hammorabi, quien reinó en Babilonia cerca de 1700 años antes de Cristo.

            La ley claramente decía que el daño que una víctima sufre será duplicado y sufrido por la persona que cometió el crimen.  Nosotros encontramos en la lectura de hoy “diente por diente” y “ojo por ojo” con un cambio sutil (Exodo 21:24).

            Esta ley fue el comienzo de la piedad porque deliberadamente limita la venganza.  Jesús se separo de esta Ley completamente porque la represalia o el “ajustar cuentas”, no importa que tan controlado o restricto sea no tiene lugar en la vida de un seguidor de El.

            Jesús establece un espíritu de no-resentimiento y anula el concepto de la venganza limitada.  Jesús nos está llamando ahora a escuchar Su mensaje, porque para ser sus seguidores, tenemos que aprender a no resentir ningún insulto, y a no buscar venganza.  Debemos de ser como Jesús, y olvidar lo que significa ser insultados y en lugar de responder con venganza, debemos responder con amor.  Jesús nunca insistió en apoyarse en sus derechos.  En realidad, El no considera tener ningunos derechos legales (Filipenses 2:3-4).

            El cristiano, el que verdaderamente sigue a Cristo no piensa en sus derechos, sino en sus obligaciones.  El no piensa en sus privilegios, sino más bien en sus responsabilidades.  Jesús penetra en el corazón de nuestra creencia enseñándonos que nuestras acciones verdaderamente demuestran lo que creemos.  ¿Demuestras disgusto cuando alguien te pide que hagas algún trabajo doméstico?  ¿Te sientes ofendido cuando has hecho un buen trabajo y nadie reconoce lo que has hecho?  ¿Trabajas con algunos trabajadores ineficientes?  ¿Trabajas con un ayudante desagradable?

            Jesús nos pide que respondamos solo con amor y nos dice que El nos dará todo lo que necesitemos cuando seamos tentados a responder en otra forma (1 Corintios 10:13).  Jesús nos enseña bastante en las lecturas de ahora que cualquier cosa que hagamos para el menor de sus hermanos o hermanas, se lo hacemos a El (Mateo 25:31-46).

Aplicación

            La primera lectura es un llamado a la santidad y la segunda lectura nos llama a recordar que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo.  El Evangelio revela que los cristianos no deben de “vengarse”.  Vamos a demostrar esta semana que nuestro llamado a la santidad esta siendo contestado con un sí atendiendo a la Misa tan seguido como podamos.  A ser modestos en la forma en que nos vestimos y en la forma en que hablamos.

            Podemos responderle a la persona que nos irrita con amor cristiano en lugar de contestaciones paganas.  Sé delicado y gentil con toda la gente que conozcas y prepárate a que pasen algunos milagros muy bonitos.

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‑ CYCLE A

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SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‑ 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 LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18   FIRST READING

(“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”)

  1. To whom was the Lord speaking? Leviticus 19:1

 

  1. To whom did the Lord tell him to speak, and what did he tell him to say? Leviticus 19:2

 

  1. Who makes us holy and how do we become holy? Exodus 31:13, Ephesians 5:25‑26, 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. What must we do to become holy? Leviticus 20:7

 

  1. What is with his holy ones? Wisdom 3:9

 

  1. Who are the holy people? Isaiah 62:12

 

  1. What shall you not do, and what may you have to do?    Leviticus 19:17

 

  1. What does Prov. 9:8 say will happen to us when we reprove an arrogant man and a wise man?

 

  1. What must we not incur because of our brother? Leviticus 19:17

 

  1. What must we not do against our fellow countrymen, and what command is given in Leviticus 19:18?

 

Personal ‑ Are you loving your spouse, children, relatives, friends, and neighbor as yourself? In what way is the love of your neighbor evident? Share with someone if you wish.

 

  1. Who does God say he is? Leviticus 19:18

 

Personal ‑ Who do you say God is? In what way is he your Lord? Your friend? Your ruler? Your Lord of all? Meditate on this.

 

THIRD DAY         READ 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23    SECOND READING

(“You are the temple of God.”)

  1. What is it of which you may not be aware? 1 Cor. 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19

 

  1. How do we know this? 2 Corinthians 6:16

 

  1. What will happen to anyone who destroys God’s temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. What is the temple of God and who is that temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. How can we delude ourselves? 1 Corinthians 3:18

 

  1. What should you become if you think you are wise in a worldly way? 1 Corinthians 3:18

 

  1. What is absurdity with God? 1 Corinthians 3:19

 

  1. What does scripture say about the worldly wise? 1 Corinthians 3:19‑20, Job 5:13

 

  1. What must we not let happen and what is ours? 1 Corinthians 3:21‑22

 

  1. To whom do you belong? 1 Corinthians 3:23

 

  1. How do we know this? 1 Corinthians 6:20

 

  1. To whom does Christ belong? 1 Corinthians 3:23

 

Personal ‑ If you have been purchased by the Blood of Christ and you belong to him, in what way does your life reflect him in his Spirit dwelling within you to everyone you meet? This will be evident by the love they see in you. Reflect on this.

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 5:38‑48              GOSPEL

(“Offer no resistance to injury.”)

  1. In Verse 38 of Matthew 5, who was speaking and what did he say that they had heard?  Matthew 4:17 5:38

 

  1. What does he say to us, and when a person strikes us on the right cheek, what should we do?   Matthew 5:39

 

  1. What should we do if someone wants to go to the law over our shirt, and should anyone press us into service for one mile, what should we do?   Matthew 5:40-41

 

  1. What should we do with the man who begs from us, and what does Jesus tell us not to do?   Matthew 5:42

 

  1. What has God given us?

Mark 3:28

John 5:21

John 13:34

 

  1. What is the other commandment that he said we have heard and what is his commandment to us? Matthew 5:43-44

 

  1. What will this prove, on whom does he make the sun to rise, and on whom does he cause the rain to fall? Matthew 5:45

 

  1. If we love those who love us, is there any merit in that, and who does even that much? Matthew 5:46

 

  1. If we greet our brothers only, what is praiseworthy about that, and who does as much?   Matthew 5:47

 

  1. In a word, what must we be made, just as your heavenly Father is? Matthew 5:48

 

Personal ‑ In your life, how are you being made perfect, like your Heavenly Father, as you obey his command to love since you have been studying and have been obedient to his Word? Read John 14:21 to see the correlation between love, commandments, and obedience. Share with someone on how this has affected your life.

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 103:1‑13

(“He redeems your life from destruction.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-13.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18

This book, “Leviticus,” acquires its name from dealing with mat­ters concerned with laws centered around the worship of God. The worship of God was conducted by the tribe of Levi, and the end result was this book. Today’s reading is taken from a body of laws commonly called the Laws of Holiness. Holiness is the key theme of Leviti­cus, and the word “holy” appears more often in Leviticus than in any other book of the Bible. Israel was called to be totally consecrated to God. God reminded the people of Israel that he was “holy” and wanted them to be “holy” also, just like he was.

The same call is being made to us today, and that is to be holy like our God is holy. The holiness that is being called for must be expressed in every aspect of our lives. The holiness that our loving God is calling for must be visible in the way we treat our neigh­bors and, of course, the question always is, “Who is my neighbor?” Our neighbor is anyone who is in distress anywhere and needs our help.

Today’s reading calls for all of us to put aside our grudges and become people who forgive and forget. We are called to reason with our offending neighbor and try to bring him back to true brotherly fellowship in the Lord. The natural man wants to repay the offender back in full. The spiritual man who knows and loves God, must also be holy himself.

God’s call for us to be holy and to imitate HIM is not really a command; it is more like advice given by a very loving Father.

                     1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23

Paul is telling the people of Corinth, and the people living at the present time, that their bodies are tem­ples of the Holy Spirit, and our church is the house of God. He goes on to say that our temples are not to be defiled. Satan has taken direct aim at the bodies of many Christians, and their temples have become defiled with alcohol, drugs, cigarette smoking, and sexual immorality. Our church is not to be spoiled by divisions within it through bickering, pettiness, jealousy, slandering, and false teachings, as its members come together to worship God.

Paul is telling the people that they have to choose between worldly wisdom or heavenly wisdom. Worldly wisdom that holds us back from God is no wisdom at all. Paul is telling us that some of the leaders of the community were caught up in pride and worldly wisdom, and the result was they valued their message more than its content.

Today, we can see a great deal of worldly wisdom being exercised in our nations and even in some areas of our church. Scripture tells us that God knows beyond any question how the human mind reasons and how foolish and desperate it is (1 Cor. 20). Paul closed by telling us that, as believers, all is for us and we belong to Christ.

To a believer in Christ, life and death become our servants. We know life’s true purpose; but to the non‑believe­rs, only the latest trend in behavior is all they have. Non‑believers are like victims of life who are swept along by its current and wonder if there is a meaning to it. For Chris­tians, death holds no terrors because Christ conquered them all. Because of Jesus, you and I will live forever.

                        MATTHEW 5:38‑48

Today’s Gospel reveals the core of the Christian life and the conduct which should separate Christians from all others. Jesus begins by citing the oldest law in the world ‑ an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. That was known as the “Lex Talionis” law and it came out of the Code of Hammorabi, who reigned in Babylon about 1700 years before Christ.

The law clearly stated that the injury a victim suffers shall be duplicated and suffered by the person who committed the crime. We find in today’s reading the Mosaic law “an eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24) a subtle change.

This law was the beginning of mercy because it deliberately limited vengeance. Jesus completely moved away from that law because retaliation or “getting even,” no matter how controlled or restricted, has no place in the life of his followers.

Jesus establishes a spirit of non‑resentment and abolishes the concept of even limited vengeance. Today, Jesus is calling us to hear his message that in order to be one of his followers, we have to learn to resent no insult and to seek no vengeance. We are to be like Jesus, and forget what it is to be insulted, and not to respond with vengeance but with love. Jesus never insisted to stand on his rights. In fact, he did not consider himself as having any legal rights at all (Philippians 2:3‑4).

The Christian who really follows Christ does not think of his rights, but of his duties. He does not think of his privileges; instead, he thinks of his responsibili­ties. Jesus strikes at the core of our belief by showing that our actions really demonstrate what we believe. Do you show disgust when someone requests that you do a menial task? Do you feel insulted when you do a good job and no one recognizes what you did? Do you work with some inefficient workers? Do you work with an ungracious helper?

Jesus calls us to respond only with love and he tells us that he will give us all that we need when we are tempted to respond otherwise (1 Cor. 10:13). Jesus’ response, in today’s reading, is that whatever we do to the least of his brothers and sisters, we do unto him (Matthew 25:31‑46).

Application

The first reading is a call to holiness, and the second reading calls us to remember that we are temples of the Holy Spirit.  The Gospel reveals that Christians do not have to “get even.”  Let us, this week, show that our call to holiness is being answered with a “yes” by attending Mass as often as we can and to be modest in the way we dress and in the way we talk.

We can respond to the person who irritates us with Christian love instead of pagan retaliation.  Let us be kind and gentle to everyone we meet and, individually, be prepared for some “neat” miracles to happen!