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VIGESIMOQUINTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (21 de sep) – CICLO C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

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?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA AMOS 8:4-7 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“A ustedes me dirijo, explotadores del pobre.”)

1. ¿Quién es el que habla y con quién habla en Amos 8:4-7?  Amos 8:1-2

 

2. ¿A quién has explotado o destrozado?  Amos 8:4

 

3. ¿Qué es lo que quieres saber de la luna nueva? ¿Qué es la luna nueva?  Amos 8:5 y Numeros 28:9-15

 

4. ¿Por qué razon quieren saber si la luna nueva se ha terminado?  Amos 8:5

 

5. ¿Qué es lo que Dios nos dice en Levítico 19:35-36?

 

6. ¿Cómo puedes tener una vida larga en este mundo?  Deuteronomio 25:13-16

 

7. ¿Qué es lo que comprarán con la plata y con un par de sandalias?  Amos 8:6

 

8. ¿Qué es lo que venderán?  Amos 8:6

 

9. ¿Qué es lo que Dios ha jurado y qué es lo que nunca olvidará?  Amos 8:7

 

10. ¿Qué es lo que Dios dice sobre el orgullo de Jacob?  Amos 6:8

 

11. ¿Cuándo nos perdonará Dios lo que hicimos en el pasado?  Ezequiel 18:21-22

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has tomado ventaja de otra persona quedándote callado o no dando lo que es debido tanto en tu hogar como en tu diezmo a la iglesia?

 

 

TERCER DIA 1 TIMOTEO 2:1-8 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Unico es Dios, único también es el mediador entre Dios y los hombres, Cristo Jesús verdadero hombre.”)

1. ¿Quién escribe estas cartas y a quién son dirigidas?  1 Timoteo 1:1-2

 

2. ¿Cuáles son las cuatro cosas que nos recomienda ofrecer por toda la humanidad?  1 Timoteo 2:1

 

3. ¿Especialmente a quién se dirige? ¿Por qué razón?  1 Timoteo 2:2

 

4. ¿Qué es lo que dice sobre las oraciones y cuáles son los sentimientos de Dios?  1 Timoteo 2:3

 

5. ¿Qué es lo que Dios quiere y para quién lo quiere?  1 Timoteo 2:4

 

6. ¿Qué es lo que espera que todos los hombres conozcan?  1 Timoteo 2:4

 

7. ¿Que es la verdad y quién es la verdad?  1 Timoteo 2:5, Juan 14:6

 

8. ¿Cómo se entregó Cristo Jesús y por quién se entregó?  1 Timoteo 2:6

 

9. ¿Cuándo se atestiguó esta verdad?  1 Timoteo 2:6

 

10. ¿Qué hizo de Pablo y cuál es su deseo?  1 Timoteo 2:7-8

 

11. ¿De qué desea que todo hombre quede libre?  1 Timoteo 2:8

 

Personal-¿En qué forma te has librado del enojo y la discordia? ¿En qué forma sigues el ejemplo de Pablo enseñando a todos a tu alrededor lo que dice el versículo 5-6 de 1 Timoteo 2?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 16:1-13 EVANGELIO

(“Ustedes no pueden servir al mismo tiempo a Dios y al dinero.”)

1. ¿Qué es lo que Jesús dijo a sus discípulos de un patrón y su mayordomo?  Lucas 16:1

 

2. ¿Qué le dijo el patrón al mayordomo?  Lucas 16:2

 

3. ¿Qué es lo que se preguntó el mayordomo a sí mismo?  Lucas 16:3 

 

4. ¿Cómo reaccionaron los deudores a la idea del mayordomo?  Lucas 16:4

 

5. ¿Cuando el mayordomo llamó a cada uno de los deudores de su patrón qué es lo que les preguntó? ¿Cuáles fueron sus respuestas y cuáles fueron las instrucciones del mayordomo?  Lucas 16:5-7

 

6. ¿Qué es lo que admiró el patrón del mayordomo?  Lucas 16:8

 

7. ¿Qué es lo que se debe aprovechar de los bienes en este mundo?  Lucas 16:9

 

8. ¿Cómo se deben usar los bienes de este mundo?  Mateo 25:35-36

 

9. ¿Cuando los bienes de este mundo te falten qué es lo que será tuyo?  Lucas 16:9 y Mateo 25:34

 

10. Llenen las siguientes líneas: “Si puedes _________________a una persona en cosas sin importancia, también le puedes ___________________ en cosas importantes:   y el que no es __________________ en cosas pequeñas tampoco lo ___________________________en grandes Lucas 16:10.

11. ¿En Lucas 16:10-12 cuál es la clave en referencia al dinero?

 

12. ¿Qué es lo que debes hacer antes de proveerte a tí y tu familia?  Mateo 6:33

 

13. ¿Qué es lo que no puede hacer un sirviente?  Lucas 16:13

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has demostrado responsabilidad en el uso de tus bienes? Examina las últimas 24 horas. ¿Cuánto tiempo dedicaste a ganar y gastar tu dinero y cuánto tiempo dedicaste a ayudar a los necesitados? “No se puede servir al mismo tiempo a Dios y el dinero.”

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 113:1-2, 4-8

(“Sobre todos los pueblos, El Señor.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 113:1-2, 4-8.

¿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

AMOS 8:4-7

Este pasaje nos es dirigido por un pastor. El no era un profeta o hijo de profeta. El no fue a ninguna escuela de prestigio, el fue mandado por Dios con un mensaje de obediencia, para la gente sin ninguna preparación educativa, Amos obedeció la llamada del Señor y llevó la palabra al pueblo de Israel.

La obediencia tanto entonces como hoy, fue su prueba de fe. El habló al pueblo en tiempo de paz y de bienestar y su mensaje no fue bien recibido. El les dijo que todos hacían las cosas bien por fuera pero sus corazones estaban corrompidos. Los comerciantes honraban los días de fiesta, pero no de un modo espiritual. Su primera preocupación era ganar dinero en cualquier forma, aunque fuera deshonesta. Eso se ve en nuestra sociedad especialmente en Navidad y Semana Santa. Por encima el mensaje es de paz y bienestar pero la verdad es que lo único que quieren es hacer dinero.

Los humanistas llaman a las vacaciones de Navidad “vacaciones de invierno” y Pascua “vacaciones de Primavera,” y muchos cristianos siguen la corriente sin preocuparse y eso los hace igual a los paganos de este pasaje o a las personas de nuestra sociedad que solo quieren hacer dinero. Usaban pesas y medidas falsas y se aprovechaban de los necesitados, ahora nosotros hacemos lo mismo, cuando elegimos a políticos corrompidos que hacen todo lo posible por aprovecharse de los pobres y hacen millones de dinero para ellos mismos.

Necesitamos reflexionar acerca del día de descanso (Domingo). ¿Damos este día a Dios? ¿Sabe la familia que es día de proclamar al Señor y visitar los familiares? ¿O nos pasamos todo el día terminando lo que no hicimos durante la semana, porque estabamos muy ocupados ganando dinero? Debemos reflexionar y pedir a Dios que nos dé fuerza y abra nuestros corazones para dar de nuestros esfuerzos nuestras primeras ganancias. Nosotros somos los personajes en este pasaje y tenemos que obedecer la llamada de Dios. Esa llamada es de dar de comer a los hambrientos, vestir a los pobres, visitar a los enfermos, porque lo que hacemos por alguno de nuestros hermanos mas pequeños, lo hacemos a El (Mateo 25:31-46).

 

1 TIMOTEO 2:1-8

Nuestra iglegia tiene un llamado. No solamente nos llama, para que acerquemos a nuestros semejantes a Dios, sino que también que pidamos por ellos. Nuestro Dios es fantástico. Nos ha dado el privilegio de ayudarle a cambiar el mundo por medio de nuestras oraciones. Nuestra comprensión de esto nunca será bien entendida por que es un misterio de fe. Es una realidad por que Pablo nos pide que oremos los unos por los otros y también incluyamos en nuestras oraciones a los que nos gobiernan.

Recordemos que Nerón fue el emperador en ese tiempo (D.C. 54-68). Fue bajo el poder de este malévolo emperador cuando Pablo fue puesto en prisión y él sabía que lo iban a sentenciar a muerte cortándole la cabeza. Con esto nos prueba que tenemos que orar por buenos y malos gobernantes. Pablo escribió esto durante el tiempo de la grán persecusión de los creyentes. Pablo nos dice que Dios nos quiere salvar igual que Pedro nos dice en las escrituras (2 Pedro 3:9). Esto quiere decir que mientras Dios quiere que todos nos salvemos, no todos aceptamos su invitación. Pablo nos dice que la fuerza de la oración afecta a todos los hombres y esa fuerza la podemos tener por medio de la oración de intercesión.

Cuando oramos por alguien más estamos ante la presencia de Dios y pedimos por esa persona. Nuestro Señor Jesucristo echa fuera a los espiritus del demonio y deja a esa persona con la libertad de escoger volver al Camino de Dios. Hay algunas personas que se niegan a aceptar esto y no logran el alivio. Pablo nos hace ver claramente que cuando oramos por otra persona podemos dirijirnos directamente al Señor y rogar por élla.

Hay una parábola de un soldado Romano que al volver a casa victorioso, encuentra a su hermano a punto de muerte por la corte Romana. El fue a la corte se puso de pie atras y sin decir la menor palabra levanto su brazo sangriento y mostró donde había sido cortada su mano en la batalla. Cuando el Juez miró la herida dijo “por consideración a la valentia de este soldado su hermano será considerado inocente y libre.” Nosotros debemos ser condenados por nuestros pecados, pero solo basta con ver a Cristo Jesús en la cruz mostrando sus manos y pies heridos, pidiendo por nosotros. 

Eso es lo que la fuerza de la oración puede hacer, traer la fuerza de la salvación de Cristo para todos los que en verdad se arrepienten. Necesitamos ser gente de oración y de conducta sana. Nosotros somos el templo del Espíritu Santo (1 Cor. 3:16) y las oraciones de los hombres buenos son muy fuertes (Santiago 5:16). 

 

LUCAS 16:1-13

Jesús nos dice de la parábola del contador astuto en este pasaje. La historia es de un contador que es enfrentado por su patrón por haber robado a la compañía. También nosotros vamos a tener que dar cuentas de nuestras acciones ante Dios, algún día como el contador de esta historia (Romanos 14:12). Este hombre uso mal sus conocimientos aprovechándose de los otros negociantes. Dejó que el amor por el dinero dictara su camino de corrupción e hiciera mal uso de su autoridad. Necesitamos reflexionar en estos versículos acerca de nuestras relaciones con el dinero, la confianza y la integridad.

Estamos llamados por Dios para usar nuestros bienes materiales en forma que nos ayuden cuando nos encontremos cara a cara con Dios en el último día del juicio (Lucas 12:33-34). Notamos como el patrón admiró al contador por su astucia. Nosotros también podemos caer bajo la influencia que el mundo llama admirable. Pues la gente de mundo es my lista, más que la gente de Dios. Nosotros somos los hijos de la luz (Juan 12:36) y no somos llamados para ser listos, sino honestos. No somos llamados para comprar amistad por medio del chantaje o por medio de favores especiales.

Nuestra entrada al cielo no esta basada en lo listos que seamos o en los buenos negocios que hayamos hecho o que tan cerca estemos de la línea de integridad y todavía ser legales. Somos llamados a ser honestos en todo, cosas grandes o pequeñas, con beneficio o sin él. Solamente podemos ser honestos en cosas importantes siendo honestos en cosas chicas. Y unicamente podemos ser honestos con otros cuando somos siempre honestos con nosotros mismos. Las riquezas de Dios tienen más valor que el bienestar terreno y su poder.

Muchos han dejado que el dinero tome el lugar de Dios en su vida y han dejado que sea el amo. Puedes observar si eres esclavo del dinero. ¿Te preocupas por el dinero con frecuencia? ¿Dejas de hacer las cosas que debes por ganar más dinero? ¿Dedicas mucho tiempo a cuidar tus posesiones? ¿Te dá trabajo dar de tu dinero?

Podemos ver que el dinero es duro y un amo engañoso. El dinero siempre promete control y fuerza; pero con frecuencia no puede cumplir sus promesas. Con dinero no se compra salud, felicidad, o la vida eterna. Somos más inteligentes, felices y con mas paz cuando dejamos que Dios sea muestro amo. El dinero debe servir al hombre y el hombre debe servir a Dios. Los sirvientes de Dios tienen paz y seguridad ahora y siempre.

 

Aplicación

En la primera lectura miramos el peligro de la avaricia, y en la segunda lectura miramos la fuerza de la oración. El Evangelio nos dice que no podemos servir a dos amos. 

Esta semana, hay que ver alrededor, en nuestra familia e iglesia y ver con quien podemos compartir nuestros bienes. Haz algo por alguien sin que éste sepa que fuiste tu quien lo hizo, por ejemplo, pagar una cuenta, cortar el pasto, traerle un mandado, etc. Has algo hermoso en nombre de Dios esta semana y recuerda antes de hacer algo por esta persona, pedirle a Dios que llene su vida como lo ha hecho contigo.

Lectio Divina – Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (September 14th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 15:1-10 – Tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them He addressed this parable. “What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.

“Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it? And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’ In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time (September 14th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ EXODUS 32:7-11, 13-14 FIRST READING

(“They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them.”)

1. Why did God tell Moses to go down to his people? Exodus 32:7

 

2. From what had they turned away? Exodus 32:8

 

3. What was the way God pointed out to them? Exodus 20:1-17.

 

4. What did they do with what they had made and what did they cry out? Exodus 32:8

 

5. How did the Lord see the people? Exodus 32:9

 

6. What did the Lord say to Moses about his wrath? Exodus 32:10

 

7. What did the Lord say he would do for Moses? Exodus 32:10

 

8. What was the question Moses asked the Lord? Exodus 32:11

 

9. Who did Moses ask the Lord to remember and what did the Lord say he had promised for their descendants? Exodus 32:13

 

10. What did the Lord relent in doing? Exodus 32:14

 

Personal – How do you, like Moses, stand in the gap and plead for God’s mercy, rather than his wrath, for your country, community, parish, family, and finally for yourself? What promises that God has made to us from his Word, can you use for your defense?

 

 

THIRD DAY  READ 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17 SECOND READING

(“The grace of the Lord has been granted me in overflowing measure.”)

1. In 1 Timothy 1:12 who has been strengthened by Christ and been made his servant? 1 Timothy 1:1

 

2. How has he been judged? 1 Timothy 1:12

 

3. Who keeps faith with us and strengthens us and guards us from the evil one? 2 Thessalonians 3:3

 

4. What three things was Paul at one time? 1 Timothy 1:13

 

5. For what reason was he treated mercifully? 1 Timothy 1:13

 

6. What has the Lord granted Paul in overflowing measure plus two other things which are in Christ Jesus? 1 Timothy 1:14

 

7. What can you depend on as worthy of full measure? 1 Timothy 1:15

 

8. What kind of a sinner does Paul see himself? 1 Timothy 1:15

 

9. Are we any different than Paul? Romans 3:23

 

10. How was Paul dealt with, what did Jesus display and for what reason? 1 Timothy 1:16

 

11. What is Paul’s response to what God has done for him? 1 Timothy 1:17

 

Personal – In what way have you seen yourself as a sinner saved by the grace of God? What has your response been to this?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 15:1-32 GOSPEL

 (“Father, I have sinned against God and against you.”)

1. As the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to hear Jesus, about what were the Pharisees and Scribes murmuring? Luke 15:1-2

 

2. In the parable Jesus addressed to them, to what was he referring as being lost? Luke 15:3-4

 

3. What does the owner of the sheep do when he sees one is lost, and what is his response when he finds it? Luke 15:5-6

 

4. In verse 7 of Luke 15 Jesus goes from speaking of sheep (an animal) to speaking about people. What does he say about people?

 

5. Jesus goes on to speak another parable and this time it is not an animal but an object. What is it and what does the woman do when she loses one? Luke 15:8

 

6. When she finds it, what is her reaction? Luke 15:9

 

7. What is the reason for the joy of the angels of God? Luke 15:10

 

8. Jesus now tells the story of the man and his two sons. What did the younger son say to his father, and what did the father do? Luke 15:12

 

9. When the son collected his inheritance, where did he go and what did he do? Luke 15:13

 

10. When the famine broke out and the son found himself in dire need, what did he do? Luke 15:14-16

 

11. When he finally came to his senses, what did he say and do? Luke 15:17-19

 

12.  In verse 18 of Luke 15, who does the lost son say he had sinned against?

 

Personal – When you come into repentance over something you know you did wrong, are you sorry because you got yourself into a mess or are you sorry because you offended God and others? What do you see as the difference between worldly repentance and Godly repentance?

 

13. When the son set off for the father’s house, what happened when he was still a distance away? Luke 15:20

 

14. What did the son say to the father and what did the father tell the servants to do? Luke 15:21-24

 

15. Meanwhile what happened with the elder son, and what was his reaction? Luke 15:25-30

 

16. What was the father’s reply to the older son? Luke 15:31-32

 

Personal – In what way, this past week, have you been angry or jealous over what has happened to someone in your family, a friend, a church member or a work acquaintance? Come into Godly repentance.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19

(“My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit.”)      

Read and meditate on Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 17, 19.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EXODUS 32:7-11, 13-14

This passage clearly defines the consequences of what happens when idols become the god of our lives. The people were beginning to panic and become very unruly. Moses had been up on the mountain for a long time (over 40 days) and the fire, smoke, and thunder continued to terrify them. They wanted to see a familiar God and wanted to shape him into an image that they could understand and worship. They wanted a god made into their image and a god that was convenient to either obey or ignore. Today our temptation is still to shape God to our liking or to make him in our image. We need only to look around and see some of the golden calves that we have made into gods. The cow or calf was one of the most popular idols in the pagan world at that time. They were a symbol of power and fertility and were, therefore, connected with immoral sexual practices. The Lord saw how stubborn and rebellious these people were and he responded in great anger as he does even today when his mercy is trampled on. The people in today’s passage were blind to the love that God wanted to shower upon them. Their blindness came from their idols and useless worship. We need to reflect on our rebelliousness and stubbornness. Some of the golden calves in our lives are power, sex, money, pleasure, education, youth, health, big homes, fancy cars, athletic ability, marriage, family, etc. We need to ask ourselves if any of these things come before our total commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Moses begged God not to destroy those foolish people, and then he called on God to remember his promise to the servants of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. God had promised that these descendants would inherit the kingdom forever, so the Lord heard this plea and changed his mind, and spared them. You and I have to get down on our knees and pray the same prayer that Moses prayed. There are so many people today worshipping false idols and many times they are right in our own families. We have a loving, merciful, and just God, and he will hear our prayer of intercession. We need to put down our false gods and become repentant and change the way we live. Our God is the One True God, and his name is Jesus Christ.

1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17

Praise God, praise God, for being so merciful. Paul probably said this kind of prayer day and night. He is telling Timothy that God’s mercy is so powerful that no one has to feel unworthy or abandoned. Paul tells about how he was a blasphemer of the Lord and how he hunted down people who believed in Jesus. Paul was an educated man with a zealous vengeance that produced terror in the hearts of Christians. He not only hunted Christians, but he had them arrested and murdered before he, himself, came to Christ in faith (Acts 9:1-9). Paul tells us about a God that not only loves and forgives, but he forgets our wrongful past. Some people feel so guilt-ridden by their past that they think God could never forgive and accept them. That is what we call today “stinkin’ thinkin’,”We are called to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), to put on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and fill our minds with thoughts that are pure and honorable (Philippians 4:8). The call to renewal has to begin with the call to repentance, and repentance begins with the confession of our sins. Even Paul admitted he talked violently against Jesus through unbelief and arrogance and was a persecutor of innocent people. God forgave Paul, and he can forgive you and wants to forgive you. Take this time now to reflect on what is going on in your life. Ask, “Do I blaspheme God with my tongue?”  “Do I attack others with my criticalness?” We as Catholic Christians have a tremendous opportunity to be reconciled with the Lord through the sacrament of Reconciliation (being brought back to a loving relationship with God). Forgiveness is a decision and God wants to forgive us more than we want to be forgiven. God wants to love us more than we want to be loved. His love for us is unconditional – no strings attached. Paul wants Timothy to spread the news that God took a sinner like Saul and made him into a loving servant called Paul. We need to let the healing power of God’s love and forgiveness soak into us and repent because the Kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15).

LUKE 15:1-32

In this passage, Jesus defends why he associated with the unwashed, the unclean, and the unsaved people by sharing with them a story about sheep, coins, and a human being. Jesus knew that the Pharisees were always very careful to stay clean and safe according to the Old Testament law. They avoided unsafe people and unsafe conditions to make sure they did not violate any legal restrictions. Jesus was a complete contrast to them, in that he risked defilement by touching lepers, eating with tax collectors, and being seen in the company of public sinners (like Mary Magdalene). Jesus came to love the sinner and hate the sin. He came to show that God loves them no matter what they have done or where they have been. He continued going to those who needed him, regardless of what that might do to his reputation. Jesus’ love for the individual is so great that he seeks out each one and rejoices when he or she is “found.” Jesus connects sinners being lost to sheep that are lost, as both depend very heavily on the shepherd. The shepherd will go through the most dangerous situations to save one lost sheep. They would fight off robbers, wolves, and thunderstorms. Dangerous rocky cliffs were places where a valiant shepherd would find a lost sheep and be returned safely to the flock. Sinners who were beyond hope were found and saved through the good news of God’s Kingdom.  Our God is like the shepherd. He searches for lost people and then he saves them. Jesus then shows us the incredible power of God’s love for the lost in the story of the prodigal son. You first need to understand that the oldest son receives more than one-half of the father’s estate. The rest was divided up equally by the remaining sons. This young man received one-third of the estate when he demanded his share. The remaining two-thirds of the estate went to his older brother. In most cases, this would have been done after the father’s death, but this showed the contempt he had for his father’s authority as head of the family. His son took the money and left for a distant land and he squandered it on parties and prostitutes. After a while, his money was gone, and to survive he got a job feeding the pigs at a local farm. For a Jew to stoop to feeding pigs was a great humiliation. According to the law of Moses, the pigs were unclean animals (Deut. 14:8).  The son had hit bottom and finally he came to his senses. The key to this passage is his saying “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you; and I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” He confessed his sin and in a spirit of true Godly sorrow and repentance, he went home to be accountable to his father. His father ran out to meet him and instantly restored him to his former position of honor. We need to reflect on this message. It may take a great tragedy to cause us to look up to the only one who can help. Are you trying to live your life this way? Don’t take foolish chances, stop and look before you hit bottom, and save yourself and your family much grief. God, like the father in this story, waits patiently and lovingly until we come to our senses.

Application

The first reading tells us of the consequences that happen when idols become the God of our lives. The second reading shows that the call to renewal has to begin with the call to repentance. The Gospel reveals that God waits, patiently and lovingly, until we come to our senses. In the spirit of mercy, select someone in your family, or among your friends, and make a decision to forgive all the wrongs of this particular person; and for one whole week, affirm what he/she does right. You will be astonished at the result.

Lectio Divina – Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (September 7th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 14:25-33 – Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and He turned and addressed them, “If anyone comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. Which of you wishing to construct a tower does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if there is enough for its completion? Otherwise, after laying the foundation and finding himself unable to finish the work the onlookers should laugh at him and say, “This one began to build but did not have the resources to finish.’ Or what king marching into battle would not first sit down and decide whether with ten thousand troops he can successfully oppose another king advancing upon him with twenty thousand troops? But if not, while he is still far away, he will send a delegation to ask for peace terms. In the same way, anyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (September 7th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ WISDOM 9:13-18 FIRST READING

(“Or whoever knew your counsel, except you had given wisdom…”)

1.   Fill in the following blanks: For what man __________  ________  __________, or who can            ____________ what our ________ _______?  Wisdom 9:13

 

2. What are the deliberations of mortals, and of what are we unsure? Wisdom 9:14

 

3. What does the corruptible body do to the soul? Wisdom 9:15

 

4. What does the earthen shelter weigh down? Wisdom 9:15

 

5. What do we find with difficulty? Wisdom 9:16

 

6. What does Wisdom 9:16 say about things that are in heaven?

 

7. You had to be given ________ in order to know his counsel. Wisdom 9:17

 

8. What was sent from on high? Wisdom 9:17

 

9. By sending your Holy Spirit from on high, what would happen to the paths of those on earth? Wisdom 9:18

 

10. What did men learn and by what were they saved? Wisdom 9:18

 

11. What happens to the man who walks in wisdom?  Proverbs 28:26

 

Personal – In what way have you been following God’s wisdom and counsel in your everyday affairs, or have you not thought to seek it?

 

 

THIRD DAY  READ PHILEMON 9-10, 12-17  SECOND READING

(“I prefer to appeal in the name of love.”)

1. In the name of what does Paul prefer to appeal? Philemon 9

 

2. As what does Paul refer to himself? Philemon 9

 

3. For whom is Paul appealing to Philemon? Philemon 10-11.

 

4. Where was Paul when he had begotten him? Philemon 10

 

5. In sending Onesimus to Philemon what did that mean that Paul was really sending? Philemon 12

 

6. What reason did Paul want to keep Onesimus with him? Philemon 13

 

7. For what reason was Paul in prison? Philemon 13

 

8. How might kindness be bestowed? Philemon 14

 

9. Onesimus was separated from Philemon for what reason? Philemon 15-16

 

10. By regarding Paul as his partner how would Philemon welcome Onesimus? Philemon 17

 

Personal – In what way have you defended a brother or sister in the Lord this week?  In what way can you make an appeal for the unborn who is about to die at the hands of an abortionist?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 14:25-33 GOSPEL

(“Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”)

1. To whom was Jesus speaking on one occasion? Luke 14:25

 

2. What must a person do to become Jesus’ follower? Luke 14:26

 

3. What two things must we do to become Jesus’ follower? Luke 9:23 and 14:27

 

4. How often must we take up our cross? Luke 9:23

 

5. How do we discover who we really are? Matthew 10:37-39

 

6. What would a person do if he decides to build a tower, and for what reason? Luke 14:28-29

 

7. What would people say if he could not finish the tower? Luke 14:30

 

8. What will a king who is about to do battle sit down and do first? Luke 14:31

 

9. If he cannot withstand the enemy while he is at a distance, what will he do? Luke 14:32

 

10. In the same way, if we want to be Jesus’ disciple, what must we do? Luke 14:33

 

Personal – What are you still possessing that is holding you back from completely dying to self in order to peacefully and joyfully follow Jesus?  How can you give up all of your possessions?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 90:3-6, 12-17

(“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 90:3-6, 12-17.

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

WISDOM 9:13-18

The book of Wisdom is addressed to Jews around 50 B.C. These people were so impressed by Hellenistic learning and civilization that their faith was in danger. The author combats their materialism, Hedonism, and idolatry by taking full aim at the renegade Jews. Wisdom is a gift of God; genuine wisdom means belief in the one God of Israel and fidelity to his Law.

Wisdom delivers the believer from all evil. This is illustrated by a review of the saving deeds of God for the patriarchs and for the Israelites in Egypt, the very country where Jews were beginning to abandon their faith. We are told that man’s counsel can never conceive the Lord’s counsel. We see in these passages thanksgiving for the excellence of wisdom. We experience folly when we trust in ourselves and our peers (Ps. 49:13).

Our plans can only be stable and successful when our source is the scriptures. We become eligible for salvation only through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:15). Our corruptible body is called an earthen tent and that is what weighs down our minds.  This idea of a body as a tent is found in Pythagoreanism and Platonism. In other words, it is a conception of stoicism. The Greeks look at wisdom as knowledge of natural science; the Hebrews looked at wisdom as the chief servant of the Creator. We have in the final verses the realization that only the wisdom of God can really grasp all that happens and is about to happen to the earth and all of its creatures (Ps. 104:24).

The Lord, through his grace, has given us the gift of faith which is born of a “Fear of the Lord.”  Wisdom is this fear of the Lord, and to those who have this wisdom, the Lord also gives knowledge and happiness (Ecc. 2:26). Let us look not to ourselves or to our peers for wisdom, rather let us yield to the healing power of Jesus Christ. Let us say, “Lord, come into my heart, renew my mind, and let me have a tongue that professes your glory.” Lord, I pray that you will give all of us wisdom, and I stand on your Word for this request.” (James 1:5).

 

PHILEMON 9-10, 12-17

Paul wrote this letter from Rome in about 60 A.D. when he was under house arrest (Acts 28:30, 31). Onesimus was a runaway slave of Philemon’s; he robbed his master and fled to Rome (verse 15). He then came under the influence of Paul and was converted into Christianity (verse 10). This letter to Philemon was a very exceptional one for Paul, for in it we see him asking a favor. He is asking a favor for Onesimus who had taken the wrong turn and whom Paul was helping to find the way back.

Paul could have demanded whatever he wished from Philemon, simply on his authority as an Apostle. His was a humble request and he realized that a gift must be given freely and with good will; if it is forced, it is not a gift at all. Paul based his request, not on his own authority, but on Philemon’s Christian commitment. We might ask ourselves the same question, “If when you know something is right and you have the power to demand it, do you appeal to your authority or the other person’s commitment?” Paul gives us a great example here of how to deal with a possible conflict between Christian friends.

Paul wrote this letter on behalf of Onesimus who feared for his life. A master had the legal right to kill a runaway slave, and Paul wanted to help him understand his new relationship with Onesimus. Paul calls Onesimus his child whom he has “begotten” in prison. To bring someone to Christ is like giving him a new birth, and that is exactly what Paul did to Onesimus.

Paul would like to have kept Onesimus with him but he would do nothing without the consent of Philemon. Paul was sending him back, not as a slave, but as a brother and partner in Christ. Paul tells Philemon that if he agreed that Paul is his partner in the work of Christ, he must receive Onesimus as he would receive himself.

The tone of this letter reflects against what was a common occurrence, and that was human slavery. Paul does not come right out against the unjust law; but through the power of Christian love, he presents to Philemon the obviousness of its injustice. The fact that Onesimus, the runaway slave, was returned as a brother to Philemon was a powerful statement against slavery. We need to reflect that all are equal in God’s family, and how we treat our brothers and sisters in Christ’s family reflects our own true Christian commitment to Christ.

 

LUKE 14:25-33

This passage is one of the strongest in the New Testament about the cost of discipleship. Jesus told them that nothing or no one can come between the love of a disciple and his master. To make this point even more pronounced, he then tells them that they have to carry their own cross every day and follow him. The people were very much aware of what that meant. They knew from the criminals who went to be crucified in their hometown that to carry one’s cross in public was an act of submission to Rome. This warned others that they had better submit and turn away from their rebellious actions.  

Jesus gave this message to the crowd so that they might reflect on what it really costs to follow him. You and I need to reflect on this message also. There is no room for a disciple who looks for “cheap grace” in the Kingdom of God.  “Cheap grace” is what we sometimes think our devotions and sacraments bring. They are not magical toys that prevent us from suffering and yet deliver us into glory. Following Christ calls for a total submission to him. This means letting everything go and putting him first. It could mean great financial, social, and even physical loss, even death itself. We are called to carry our cross every day, not just once in a while. We must count the cost of becoming a disciple so that we know what we are getting into and are not tempted to turn back.

As Christians, we are called to be “the salt of the earth.” We will be of no value if our flavor is lost or dried out. We must not just blend into the world and avoid the cost of standing for Christ. We are faced today, in our society, with the direct challenge of driving out the scourge of abortion. If we fail to do this, then our flavor of being the salt of the earth becomes worthless. Just as salt flavors and preserves foods, we are to preserve the good in the world. This calls from us a willingness to sacrifice everything for Christ. If we take up our cross and follow him daily, all that will change in our lives is everything.                  

 

APPLICATION

The first reading tells us that wisdom is the “fear of the Lord.” The second reading shows that a gift must be given freely and joyfully. The Gospel reveals that there is no “cheap grace” in the kingdom of God.

This week, let us be the salt of the earth to our families by taking up our cross and dying to ourselves by serving them and not judging them, even if we are rejected by them. To serve them as a Christian means to bring out the best in them, like salt brings out the flavor. Let them see that you care enough to give them your personal attention as well as your affirmation. We cannot expect to be the salt of the earth until we have become the salt for our families.

Lectio Divina – Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (August 31st) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 14:1, 7-14 – On a Sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.  He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (August 31st) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ SIRACH 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 FIRST READING

(“Conduct your affairs with humility.”)

1. How are we to conduct our affairs? Sirach 3:17

 

2. What will happen to us if we conduct ourselves this way? Sirach 3:17

 

3. What are we to do all the more, the greater we are? Sirach 3:18

 

4. With whom will we find favor? Sirach 3:18

 

5. For what are we not to seek or search? Sirach 3:20

 

6. What does the mind of a sage appreciate? Sirach 3:28

 

7. What is the wise man’s joy?  Sirach 3:28

 

8. What quenches a flaming fire and what atones for sin? Sirach 3:29

 

9. What makes a person great and what happens to the person who exalts himself? Matthew 23:11-12

 

10. What must we do to our soul and where do we put our hope? Psalm 131:1-3

 

Personal – In what way have you taken on a servant’s attitude at home, with family or friends, or at work? What is your attitude about being a servant to all with whom you come in contact?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 12:18-19, 22-24 SECOND READING

(“Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant”)

1. To what have we not been drawn near, that those who heard begged that it not be addressed to them?  Hebrews 12:18-19

 

2. Where have we drawn near and whose city is it? Hebrews 12:22

 

3. Who is there and how are they gathered there? Hebrews 12:22

 

4. Of whom is it the assembly, where are they enrolled, and who is the judge of all? Hebrews 12:23

 

5. Who has been made perfect? Hebrews 12:23

 

6. How can we be made perfect? Matthew 5:43-48

 

7. Of what is Jesus mediator? Hebrews 12:24

 

8. What speaks more eloquently than that of Abel? Hebrews 12:24

 

9. What is the new covenant of which Jesus is mediator? Hebrews 8:6-12

 

10. How was this new covenant made? Hebrews 9:11-14

 

Personal – In what way have you accepted the new covenant of God? How has the shedding of Jesus’ blood washed you clean?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 14:1, 7-14 GOSPEL

(“Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.”)

1. What day did Jesus come to eat a meal, to whose house did he come, and who were they observing closely? Luke 14:1

 

2. What did Jesus go on to do to the guest, and what had he noticed happening? Luke 14:7

 

3. What did he say we are not to do if we are invited to a wedding, for what reason, and what might the host do? Luke 14:8,9

 

4. How would we proceed to the lowest place, and what should we do when invited so the host will say, “My friend, come up higher?” Luke 14:9-10

 

5. What will this do for us in the eyes of our fellow guest? Luke 14:10

 

6. What happens to everyone who exalts himself, and what happens to everyone who humbles himself? Luke 14:11

 

7. Who was humble and how did he humble himself? Philippians 2:5-8

 

8. What did Jesus say to the one who had invited him? Luke 14:12

 

9. What are we to do when we have a reception? Luke 14:13

 

10. About what should we be pleased,  and how will we be repaid? Luke 14:14

 

Personal – How have you demonstrated humility in your home, at work, or at social functions?  When is the last time you entertained someone who could not repay you the honor?  Be specific.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 68:4-7, 10-11

(“God gives a home for the forsaken.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 68:4-7, 10-11.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

SIRACH 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

 To have a clear picture of who you really are is to be humble.  Paul tells us in Romans 12:3 that we should not get too enthused about our own self-importance.  While a healthy self-esteem is important, we should not go too far in self-love.  Humility is the key to an honest and accurate evaluation of our self-worth, our own identity in Christ.  Being humble does not mean that we should put ourselves down, because we know that we are sinners, and are saved only by God’s grace.  We also know that we are saved and therefore have great value in his eyes and in his kingdom.  We must yield to him completely and put ourselves in his hands to be used as he wants, in order to spread his Word and share his love with others.

Our conduct speaks volumes about our humility.  Humility is the call to servanthood, it is totally opposite of one who is selfish.  A humble person is one who is selfless and thinks of others more than of himself. This is what Christ preached, believed, and lived.  Being humble is a guard against selfishness, prejudice, and jealousy.  Showing genuine interest in others is one way to strive actively to put on the “mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5-11).  The attitude of humility was the kind that Jesus has shown to all mankind.  He didn’t demand or cling to his rights, or cry out for vengeance.  He called us out to love our enemies and forgive over and over.  Jesus was humble, he was God yet he took on the role of a servant.  He was willing to give up his rights in order to obey God and serve his people.

We must be just like Christ, in fact he calls us to do even greater things than he (John 14:12).  We can strive to be more like him by being more humble than we have ever been before.  Like Christ, we must serve out of love for God and for others, not out of guilt or fear.  Jesus humbled himself on a cross and to his death.  We are called to follow him by humbly going up on our own cross and dying to ourselves in his Holy Name.

 

HEBREWS 12:18-19, 22-24

Paul describes what it must have been like on that flaming Mount Sinai.  The people were probably terrified with all of the commotion going on the mountain.  A great ball of fire was present, then out of nowhere a great storm sprung up.  Paul told them that they did not have to face anything as terrifying as the people of Moses’ time did on that mountain.  He goes on to tell them about the incredible contrast to their being able to be on the special mountain and into the city of God.  This contrast between the old and new covenant was like pointing out the differences between a photograph of a person and the actual person.  The photograph is in reality a shadow of the real person, and the old covenant of God handing Moses the ten commandments was a shadow of the new covenant.

The old agreement was a covenant of Law between God and Israel.  The new and better way is the covenant of Grace.  The new covenant is Christ forgiving our sins and bringing us to God through his sacrificial death.  This covenant goes beyond Israel and Judah to all the gentile nations of the world.  Jesus is the source of this new agreement, and his blood was shed in forgiveness not in vengeance as was Abel’s.  This new covenant is written in our hearts and minds.  Our bodies have become the sacred temple of this Lamb of God.  This new covenant offers a new way to forgiveness, not through animal sacrifice, but through faith.  We need to reflect and ask  ourselves, “Have I entered into this new agreement and begun to walk in the better way.”

The invitation to partake in this new covenant is open to all of us.  Before Jesus came God seemed distant and threatening, as we can imagine on that night on Mount Sinai. Now God welcomes us through Christ into his presence.

 

LUKE 14:1, 7-14

Jesus accepted this invitation to a Pharisee’s home even though he knew they were trying to trap him into saying or doing something wrong.  He was criticized for defending the integrity of a woman who came uninvited to the home of the Pharisee who had invited Jesus. Their trap to get Jesus to do something wrong, so that they may get him arrested, did not scare him.

Jesus began to teach them about honor. He told the guest not to always be seeking places of honor, rather they should seek ways to be of service.  Today, just as it was then, service is more important in God’s kingdom than status.  He told them not to be so particular about who is invited because he knew that this select group of people would invite them to one of their special functions.

Jesus really hit a nerve with them when he told them that if they try to impress others with their own status and demand to sit up front, they might be terribly embarrassed if someone who has more status shows up and forces them to sit in the back. We might ask ourselves, “Does this apply to me?”. When you go out to some function, such as a dinner, do you demand quick service and complain if the service or food is not quite the best?  Do you expect people to cater to you because you are a religious person or maybe a professional person like a lawyer, doctor, teacher, etc.?

Jesus’ message to the Pharisees who lived two thousand years ago applies today to all of us.  We are all called to be humble, to defer to others.  We are called to die to ourselves, to think about meeting the needs of others and not just our own.  Jesus tells us to think about inviting someone to our house who will not be able to repay the invitation.  He tells us to serve someone who is not of any high status personally.  He is not asking us to join some organization or help out at a soup kitchen.  He is saying that we need to reach out in humility to someone who is poor in spirit.  To be poor in spirit is to have material things and yet be emotionally and spiritually hungry and looking for a personal relationship with Christ.

Spiritual leadership, which means taking on the humility of Christ and becoming a servant, is desperately needed in our own homes. It is certainly needed in our jobs, schools, and churches. God will reward us for inviting the uninvited, for loving the unlovable. He will say to us one day, “My loving friend, I have a better place for you; come, be here with me in heaven forever.”

 

Application

The first reading tells us that our conduct speaks volumes about our humility.  The second reading shows that the old agreement was a covenant of law between God and Israel.  The new and better way is the covenant of grace.  The Gospel reveals that we are all called to be humble.

This week, put on a heart of humility (Col.3:12) and be clothed in humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5).  We can only love one another when we serve each other in Jesus’ holy name.

Let us begin at home by helping one another in simple chores around the house. Look around to see where you can serve instead of being served.  We really love one another when we serve one another.     

VIGESIMOSEGUNDO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (24 de august)- CICLO C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

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?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA ECLESIASTICO 3:17-18, 20, 28-29 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Conduce tus asuntos con humildad.”)

1. ¿Cómo debemos conducir nuestros asuntos?  Eclesiástico 3:17

 

2. ¿Qué nos pasará si nos conducimos así?  Eclesiástico 3:17

 

3. ¿Qué debemos hacer cuanto más grande seamos?  Eclesiástico 3:18

 

4. ¿Quién te mirará con agrado?  Eclesiástico 3:18

 

5. ¿Quiénes son los que le dan gloria?  Eclesiástico3:20

 

6. ¿Qué aprecia la mente de un sabio?  Eclesiástico 3:29

 

7. ¿Cuál es el anhelo del hombre sabio?  Eclesiástico 3:29

 

8. ¿Qué apaga las llamas ardientes? ¿Y qué perdona los pecados?  Eclesiástico 3:30

 

9. ¿Qué es lo que hace grande a una persona? ¿Qué pasa con el que se engrandece a sí mismo? Mateo 23:11-12

 

10. ¿Cómo debemos mantener nuestra alma? ¿Dónde debemos poner nuestra esperanza?  Salmo 131:1-3

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has tomado una actitud de servidor con respecto a tu familia, amigos o compañeros de trabajo? ¿Tienes una actitud de servidor con todos los que tienen algún contacto contigo?

 

 

TERCER DIA HEBREOS 12:18-19, 22-24 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Jesús, el mediador de una nueva alianza.”)

1. ¿A dónde se acercaron? ¿Qué suplicaron aquellos que oyeron el ruido?  Hebreos 12:18-19

 

2. ¿A dónde nos hemos acercado y de quién es ésta ciudad?  Hebreos 12:22

 

3. ¿Quiénes están ahí?  Hebreos 12:22

 

4. ¿Quiénes forman esa asamblea? ¿Dónde están inscritos sus nombres? ¿Quién es el juez de todos?   Hebreos 12:23

 

5. ¿Quiénes alcanzaron ya la perfección?  Hebreos 12:23

 

6. ¿Cómo puedes hacerte perfecto?  Mateo 5:43-48

 

7. ¿De qué es Jesús el Mediador?  Hebreos 12:24

 

8. ¿Qué clama más fuerte que la sangre de Abel?  Hebreos 12:24

 

9. ¿Cuál es el nuevo pacto del cual Jesús es el mediador?  Hebreos 8:6-12

 

10. ¿Cómo fue hecho este nuevo pacto?  Hebreos 9:11-14

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has aceptado el nuevo pacto de Dios? ¿Cómo te ha lavado la sangre que derramó Cristo?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 14:1, 7-14 EVANGELIO

(“El que se eleva será humillado y el que se humilla será elevado.”)

1. ¿Qué día era cuando Jesús fue a comer? ¿De quién era la casa? ¿Quiénes espiaban?  Lucas 14:1

 

2. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús a los invitados al notar lo que hacían?  Lucas 14:7

 

3. ¿Qué dijo que debes hacer si eres invitado a una boda? ¿Por qué? ¿Qué podría hacer el antifrión?   Lucas 14:8-9

 

4. ¿Cómo te irás al último lugar? ¿Dónde debes ponerte cuando te inviten? ¿Cómo te sentirás si el que te invitó te dice, “Amigo, acércate más?  Lucas 14:9-10

 

5. ¿Qué hará esto para nosotros a los ojos de los otros invitados?  Lucas 14:10

 

6. ¿Qué le sucede al que se exalta a sí mismo? ¿Y qué al que se humilla?  Lucas 14:11

 

7. ¿Quién era humilde? ¿Cómo se humilló a Sí mismo?  Filipenses 2:5-8

 

8. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús al que lo había invitado?  Lucas 14:12

 

9. ¿Qué debes hacer cuando ofrezcas un banquete?  Lucas 14:13

 

10. ¿De qué deberás alegrarte? ¿Cuándo serás recompensado?  Lucas 14:14

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has demostrado humildad en tu casa, tu trabajo o dentro de tu vida social? ¿Cuándo fue la última vez que invitaste a alguien que no puede pagarte los honores? Procura ser preciso.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 68:4-7, 10-11

(“Al solitario, le dá hogar.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 68:4-7, 10-11.

¿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

ECLESIASTICO 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Para tener una clara imágen de quien eres debes ser humilde. Pablo nos dice en Romanos 12:3 que no debemos entusiasmarnos mucho con nuestra propia importancia. Aún cuando es importante una saludable estimación propia, no debemos ir muy lejos en el amor propio. La humildad es la llave para una evaluación honesta y precisa de nuestro propio valor, de nuestra identidad con Cristo. Ser humilde no significa rebajarnos, pues sabemos que somos pecadores y que si somos salvados es únicamente por la gracia de Dios. Sabemos que El nos ha salvado y por lo tanto tenemos gran valor ante Sus ojos y en Su reino. Debemos rendirnos absolutamente a El y ponernos en Sus manos para que nos use como quiera para esparcir Su palabra y compartir Su amor con otros.

Nuestra conducta habla mucho sobre nuestra humildad. La humildad es el llamado al servicio y es totalmente opuesto al egoísmo. La persona humilde es desinteresada y piensa más en los demás que en sí mismo. Esto es lo que el mismo Cristo predicó, creyó y vivió. Ser humilde es el escudo contra el egoísmo, el prejuicio y los celos. El mostrar interés genuino en otros es un modo de esforzarse activamente para ponerse “la mente de Cristo” (Filipenses 2:5-11). La actitud de humildad que Jesús mostraba era para todos los seres humanos. El no demandaba ni se aferraba a sus derechos, ni gritaba por venganza. El nos pedía que amáramos a nuestros enemigos y que nos perdonáramos unos a otros. Jesús era humilde, El era Dios, más sin embargo tomó el papel de un servidor. Tuvo la voluntad de ceder Sus derechos con tal de obedecer a Dios y servir a Su pueblo. Nosotros debemos ser como El, de hecho El nos pide que hagamos cosas más grandes que las que El hizo (Juan 14:12). Podemos esforzarnos para ser más como El, siendo más humildes que antes. Como Cristo debemos servir por amor a Dios y a los demás, no por culpa, o por miedo. Jesús se humilló a Sí mismo en una cruz y en Su muerte. Estamos llamados a seguirlo cargando humildemente nuestra cruz y negándonos a nosotros mismos en Su Santo Nombre.

 

HEBREOS 12:18-19, 22-24

Pablo describe como debe haber sido aquel Monte Sinaí en llamas. Probablemente la gente estaba aterrorizada con toda lo conmoción que había ahí. Había una gran bola de fuego y luego de repente se soltó una gran tormenta. Pablo decía a la gente que ellos no tenían que sufrir algo tan terrible como lo que les sucedió a aquellos en los tiempos de Moisés. Les habla del contraste increible de ésto, el estar en la montaña especial y en la ciudad de Dios. El contraste entre el viejo y el nuevo pacto era como remarcar la diferencia entre el ver la fotografía de una persona y verla realmente. La primera es en realidad la sombra de la persona real, así es como se ve el viejo pacto de Dios al darle a Moisés los diez mandamientos, como la sombra del nuevo testamento.

El viejo acuerdo fue un pacto de Ley entre Dios e Israel. El nuevo y mejor pacto es el de la Gracia. El nuevo pacto es Cristo perdonando nuestros pecados y trayéndonos hacía Dios por medio de Su sacrificio y de Su muerte. Este pacto va más allá de Israel y Judá, va a todas las naciones gentiles del mundo. Jesús es la fuente de este nuevo acuerdo y su sangre fue derramada para el perdón, no para la venganza como la de Abel. Este nuevo pacto está escrito en nuestros corazones y en nuestras mentes. Nuestros cuerpos se vuelven el templo sagrado del Cordero de Dios. Este pacto nuevo ofrece un camino nuevo hacía el perdón, no por el sacrificio de animales sino por la fe. Necesitamos reflexionar y preguntarnos, “¿He entrado en este nuevo pacto y empezado a caminar por un camino mejor?”

La invitación para participar en este pacto nuevo está abierta a todos nosotros. Antes de que Jesús viniera, Dios parecía distante y amenazador, así como lo imaginamos en el Monte Sinaí. Ahora Dios nos dá la bienvenida ante Su presencia a traves de Cristo.

 

LUCAS 14:1, 7-17

Jesús aceptó la invitación a la casa del Fariseo aún cuando sabía que trataban de atraparlo diciendo o haciendo algo equivocado. Fue criticado por defender la integridad de una mujer que vino sin ser invitada a esta casa. A Jesús no le asustó que trataran de atraparlo haciendo algo erróneo con objeto de arrestarlo. 

Jesús les empezó a enseñar acerca del honor. Les dijo a los invitados que no buscaran los lugares de honor, al contrario debían buscar modos de poder servir. Hoy, como entonces, el servir es más importante que la posición social en el reino de Dios. Les dijo que no fueran tan quisquillosos sobre aquellos que iban a ser invitados por que El supo que este grupo selecto los invitaría a una de sus funciones especiales.

Jesús realmente les puso el dedo en la llaga cuando les dijo que si trataban de impresionar a otros con su posición social, exigiendo ser sentados enfrente, podrían ser terriblemente avergonzados si alguien de mayor categoría se presentaba y los obligaba a sentarse atrás. Debemos preguntarnos, “¿se aplica esto a mí?” cuando vas algún lado, digamos a una cena, ¿exiges servicio rápido y te quejas del servicio o de la comida si no es la mejor? ¿Esperas que la gente te atienda únicamente por que eres un religioso o un profesional, digamos abogado, doctor, maestro, etc.?

El mensaje de Jesús al Fariseo que vivió hace dos mil años se aplica hoy a todos nosotros. Estamos llamados a ser humildes, a tener deferencias con los demás, a negarnos a nosotros mismos, a pensar en las necesidades de los otros y no solo en las nuestras. Jesús nos dice que pensemos en invitar a nuestra casa a los que no pueden corresponder la invitación. Nos dice que le sirvamos a alguien que no tenga una posición alta. No nos pide que nos afiliemos a una determinada organización. Lo que nos dice es que de modo humilde nos acerquemos al que es pobre de espíritu. Ser pobre de espíritu puede ser alguien que tenga cosas materiales pero que emocional y espiritualmente tenga hambre y esté buscando lograr una relación personal con Cristo.

El liderazgo espiritual significa ser humilde como Cristo y volverse un servidor. Esto a veces es terriblemente necesario en nuestra propia casa. Ciertamente lo es en nuestro trabajo, escuelas e iglesias. Dios nos premiará por invitar al que no es muy agradable invitar, nos premiará por amar al que no es muy agradable amar. El nos dirá un día “Querido amigo, tengo un mejor lugar para tí, ven aquí al cielo para siempre.”

 

Aplicación 

La primera lectura nos dice que nuestra conducta es la que habla más acerca de nuestra humildad. La segunda lectura muestra que el acuerdo antiguo fue un convenio legal entre Dios e Israel. El nuevo y mejor acuerdo es el pacto de la gracia. El Evangelio revela que estamos llamados a ser humildes.

Esta semana pongámonos un corazón humilde (Colosenses 3:12) revistámonos con un modo de ser humilde unos hacía otros (1 Pedro 5:5). Solo podemos amarnos unos a otros cuando les servimos en el santo nombre de Jesús. Empecemos en la casa ayudando en los quehaceres sencillos. Fíjate en que puedes servir en vez de ser servido. Realmente nos amamos unos a otros cuando nos servimos unos a otros.