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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER ‑ CYCLE A

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THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER ‑ 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 ACTS 2:14, 22‑28       FIRST READING

(“It was impossible for him to be held by the power of Hades.”)

 

  1. What did Peter do with the Eleven? Acts 2:14

 

  1. Whom did he address, and what did he tell them to do? Acts 2:11, 14

 

  1. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do if the people would

not listen to them?   Matthew 10:14

 

  1. Who sent Jesus, what were Jesus’ credentials, and what did God do with these credentials?   Acts 2:22

 

  1. Why was he delivered up, and whom did they make use of to crucify and kill Jesus?   Acts 2:23

 

  1. Of what did God free him, what did he do with him, and what was impossible?   Acts 2:24

 

  1. What did Jesus say of God about all things that are impossible? Matthew 19:26

 

  1. What did David say? Acts 2:25

 

  1. What will his heart be, and what will his tongue and body do?      Acts 2:26

 

  1. In verse 27 of Acts 2, of what is David assured?

 

  1. What has the Lord shown us, and with what will he fill us in his presence?   Acts 2:28

 

Personal ‑ God’s set purpose was for Jesus to die so you could have life. Do you know what God’s plan is for your life? In John 10:10, it says God’s plan for you is that you may have life and have it to its fullness. In what way are you living the full life?

 

THIRD DAY            READ 1 PETER 1:17‑21      SECOND READING

(“The ransom that was paid to free you was  the blood of the lamb Jesus Christ.”)

 

  1. In what way do you call upon the Father, and how does he judge each one?   1 Peter 1:17

 

  1. If this is so, how should we conduct ourselves? 1 Peter 1:17

 

  1. How must we worship God? Hebrews 12:28

 

  1. In what way must we obey our human masters? Ephesians 6:5

 

  1. What are we to realize concerning from what we were delivered? Who ransomed this futile way of life for us and our fathers? How is it not handed on to us?   1 Peter 1:18

 

  1. What is Christ’s blood beyond? 1 Peter 1:19

 

  1. By what have we been delivered and purified? 1 Peter 1:18‑19

 

  1. When was the blood of the spotless lamb chosen, and when is it revealed?   1 Peter 1:20

 

  1. It is through whom that we are believers in God? 1 Peter 1:19, 21

 

  1. What did God do for Jesus? In what is our faith and hope centered?   1 Peter 1:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you allowed what your parents may have said or done, to control your life? Are you carrying around any old garbage? Through the blood of Jesus we have been delivered from the power of sin. We recognize him in the breaking of the bread, him whom God raised from the dead and who now sits at the right hand of God forever.

Think about this and confess any unforgiveness toward anyone in your past, and let the blood of Jesus wash you clean and deliver you from any futile way of thinking. Be washed by the blood of the lamb. You have been delivered.

FOURTH DAY            READ LUKE 24:13‑35               GOSPEL

(“They had recognized him in the breaking of the bread.”)

  1. What day were two of them making their way to a village named Emmaus, and how far was this village from Jerusalem? Luke 24:1, 13

 

  1. What were they doing? Who approached them and started to walk with them? Did they recognize him? Luke 24:14‑16

 

  1. What did Jesus say to them? How did they react to this question? What did Cleopas ask Jesus?   Luke 24:17‑18

 

  1. Jesus asked them, “What things?” and they proceeded to explain to him the events of the past few days. They called Jesus a prophet who was powerful in what two things and in whose eyes?   Luke 24:19

 

  1. Who delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified? Luke 24:20

 

  1. For what were they hoping? Luke 24:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you been personally set free by the coming of the Messiah? How do others see you? Do they look at you as a slave to bad habits or someone set free by the death and resurrection of Jesus?

 

  1. What was the astonishing news brought to them by some women? Luke 24:22‑24

 

  1. What did Jesus say to them? And beginning with whom, what   did Jesus interpret in regard to himself Luke 24:25-27

 

  1. By now, where were they located, and how did Jesus act? Luke 24:28

 

  1. What did they say to him, and what did Jesus do? Luke 24:29

 

  1. When Jesus sat with them to eat, what four things did he do with the bread? With that, what was their reaction, and what   happened to Jesus?   Luke 24:30-31

 

  1. What did they say happened to them as Jesus talked to them n the road and explained the Scriptures?   Luke 24:32

 

  1. Who does it say explains scripture to us? Luke 24:27, 32

 

  1. Where did they go immediately, and whom did they find there? With what were they greeted, and what did they recount? Luke 24:33‑35

 

Personal ‑ How do you feel when you read scripture? Who explains it to you, and what is your reaction? Read Luke 2:26 and Luke 12:12.

 

FIFTH DAY         READ PSALM 16:1‑2, 5, 7‑11

(“You will show me the path of life.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 16:1‑2, 5, 7‑11.

 

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

ACTS 2:14, 22‑28

This passage tells us that God has called each one of us by name. God has a plan for each one of us, and we are called to respond to his plan to save his people which was fulfilled in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has called you and told you that if you believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, you will have eternal life (John 3:16). God’s plan is that not only do we have life, but that we have life to its fullest. God’s plan is not to make us rich, but to make us whole. He wants us to be healthy, physically, emotionally, and spiritually (John 10:10). The one provision that brings people out of the darkness of bondage and back into the light of freedom is Jesus Christ.

Peter was telling the crowd that the death of Jesus was part of God’s plan. He tells them that even David knew that the Lord would deliver him up to the Heavenly Kingdom of God. You need to know God’s plan for your life, and you need to respond to his call. God has disclosed that he loved you so much that he sent his only Begotten Son Jesus to die for you. If you believe that Jesus paid the ransom in blood, then you will live forever with God. Today you must decide whether God is telling the truth or whether this is just some story to make you feel good.

Your response to his call will dramatically change your life. You will begin to follow his plan for you, and forever your life will continue on in glory within his presence. Your response to his call will be how you live and how much you love yourself and others. God loves you to the extent that he died for you, so that you could forever live with him.

1 PETER 1:17‑21

In this passage the people were called to revere a loving God and were reminded that they were not to be treated like slaves of a ruthless master. They are, in fact, the adopted children of the most High God. We do not need to assume that being special, such as being the children of God, takes away the freedom to do whatever we desire. We really need to become, not spoiled children, but grateful children of a heavenly Father who loves and forgives us. A terrible crime was committed against God, and only God’s Son could free us from the heavy bondage that was left upon us. God paid a heavy ransom for our sins and it was paid with the precious blood of his Son Jesus, so that we could become his adopted children.

This passage reveals that both the law and the coming of Christ were part of God’s eternal ongoing plan (Rom. 8:29). We see in God’s action a love that is real. A real love is sacri­fice, forgiveness, patience, and kindness. Giving up of one’s own self means to put the needs of another first. Jesus manifested what is real in life, and because of this, he showed us how to love, so we can love others as he has loved us (John 15:12). You need to remember that everything in this life, possessions, accomplishments, and people, will some day be all gone. The only thing in life that is permanent is God’s will, his word, and his works. We can only put our faith and hope in God because it is he who has raised Christ from the dead. In Christ’s name everything we do, everything we say, and everything we hope to become really is what we could call a life of freedom.

LUKE 24:13‑35

The two disciples in today’s story missed the significance of what happened at the empty tomb, because they were too wrapped up in their own hurt and disappointment. They didn’t even recognize Jesus when he walked beside them and joined them in their conversation. To make matters worse, they actually walked the wrong way, away from the fellowship of their fellow believers in Jerusalem.

Many times people in their hurt or grief turn away from the support of loved ones and withdraw into a corner of silence by themselves. We need to realize that it is only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst that we will experience the power and help he can bring us.

The disciples could not understand how Jesus could be so uninformed about what had happened. They saw that Jesus was very much aware of what was going on as he explained the role of God among his people. The disciples were looking for a triumphant Messiah who would break the rule of Rome. Jesus tells them about a Savior who changes the hearts of people, not their hold on power. The disciples began to see that this was no ordinary man who they met “by accident.” Their hearts began to burn like fire, and they could not get enough of his teaching.

Do our hearts burn like fire over him? Do we hunger and thirst to know him more intimately than we do? Do we really understand that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is our only hope of Salvation? These disciples did not understand this at first despite the witness of the women and the biblical prophecies of that incredible event.

Today, after 2000 years, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is still a surprise to many people. Today, many people still refuse to believe that it took the living, breathing Jesus to come in to their midst and to break bread with them before they believed. Today for many people, it takes the fellowship and presence of living, breathing Christians to show these same people that Jesus is alive and in our midst.

Application

The first reading tells us that God knows each one of us by name. In the second reading, we are being called to show reverence to our God. The Gospel tells us not to get wrapped up in our own problems, but to be open and seek others and their problems so that they, too, can see and hear God all around them.

This week, let us reach out to someone who is hurting in our family, school, work or community. Let us call on that person and show our concern by our presence. It may be nothing more than a telephone call or a short visit to just say “Hello.” Remember, the greatest gift we give to others is our presence. It is in our presence that they will see God in their midst.

 

SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE PASCUA – CICLO A

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SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE PASCUA – 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 HECHOS 2:42-47                         PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Los primeros Cristianos vivían una vida  de oración y compartían todas las cosas en común.”)

 

  1. ¿Aquellos que habían sido bautizados eran devotos a cuáles cuatro aspectos de la vida Cristiana?               Hechos 2:42

 

1._________________________ 3.  _________________________

2._________________________ 4.  _________________________

 

  1. ¿Por qué se apoderaba de ellos un temor reverente? Hechos 2:43

 

  1. ¿Qué significaba vivir en común? Hechos 2:44-45

 

  1. ¿Cómo se repartían los bienes y la propiedad? Hechos 2:45

 

  1. ¿En los primeros tiempos en dónde continuaron yendo los Judíos Cristianos diariamente a orar y a oír la Palabra de Dios? Hechos 2:46

 

  1. ¿Dónde partían el pan estos Cristianos y celebraban la Eucaristía? Hechos 2:46

 

  1. ¿Cuál era la condición de sus corazones al tomar sus alimentos en común? Hechos 2:46

 

  1. ¿Cuáles eran las dos cosas que sucedían cuando tomaban sus alimentos en común?    Hechos 2:47

 

  1. ¿Qué se agregaba cada día y quién lo hacía? Hechos 2:47

 

Personal – ¿Como he vivido la presencia de Dios en mi vida?  ¿Pienso acerca de la salvación como algo muy individual y privado o mi punto de vista se puede comparar con este cuadro de los principios de la iglesia? ¿Cómo comparto mis bienes y cómo me siento acerca del estilo de vida descrito aquí?

 

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

(“La gente celebra el regalo de la gracia de Dios para los Gentiles.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién debe ser alabado y por qué? 1 Pedro 1:3

 

  1. ¿Qué trajo este nacimiento y de dónde sacó su vida? 1 Pedro 1:3

 

  1. ¿En qué está fija nuestra esperanza? 1 Timoteo 4:10

 

  1. ¿Al final cuáles tres cosas perdurarán? 1 Corintios 13:13

 

  1. ¿Qué es aquello incapaz de desaparecer o ser corrompida, dónde se guarda y cómo está protegida?

1Pedro 1:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las tres cosas que esta nueva verdad nos da, y cuando nos será revelada? 1       Pedro 1:3-5

 

  1. ¿Qué nos causa esto, qué será preciso pasar y por qué? 1 Pedro 1:6-7

 

  1. ¿Por qué rebozas de alegría gloriosa? 1 Pedro 1:8

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la meta de nuestra fe? 1 Pedro 1:9

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo he sido puesto a prueba en mi fe?  ¿Cómo creció mi fe como resultado de esta prueba?

 

CUARTO DIA                             LEE JUAN 20:19-31                                              EVANGELIO

(“Jesús se les aparece a los discípulos en el lugar donde se encontraban.”)

 

  1. ¿Por qué tenían los discípulos las puertas cerradas del lugar donde se reunían? Juan 20:19

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el saludo de Jesús cuando se apareció ante los discípulos? Juan 20:19 Compara   este con  su saludo en Juan 14:27

 

  1. ¿Qué les mostró Jesús a sus discípulos y cuál fue la reacción de éstos? Juan 20:20

 

  1. Cuando los apóstoles vieron a Jesús ¿qué les dijo El por segunda vez; quién dijo que lo había enviado a El y los iba a enviar a ellos?  Juan 20:21

 

  1. Jesús sopló sobre ellos y dijo: “Recibid el ________________ ________________.”

Juan 20:22

 

  1. ¿Después de haber recibido al Espíritu Santo, ¿qué autoridad tienen los discípulos en lo que se refiere al pecado? Juan 20:23.  ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca del perdón de los pecados?  Lucas 17:3-4

 

Personal – ¿Cómo penetra la vida de Cristo en mi vida diaria y en mis acciones?  ¿Su saludo, “La Paz sea contigo”, me llena de alegría y paz, o de otras emociones?  Así como Jesús ha mandado a sus discípulos al mundo, así también me manda a mí.  Por medio de mi bautismo he recibido al Espíritu Santo.  ¿Cómo vivo esta comisión en mi vida diaria?

 

  1. ¿Quién estuvo ausente cuando Jesús vino a visitar a los discípulos? Los discípulos le dijeron a él que habían visto al Señor.  ¿Qué les respondió?  Juan 20:24-25

 

  1. A la semana siguiente Jesús vino otra vez, ¿cuál fue su saludo a los discípulos? Juan 20:26

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús para que Tomás creyera, y cuál fue la respuesta de Tomás? (Escríbela.)

Juan 20:27-28

 

  1. ¿Jesús bendijo a Tomás por que él _________________ y ____________.  Y bendijo a aquellos             que sin haber ___________ ___ ________han______ ____ _________.  ¿Cómo ayuda esto a fortalecer mi fe?  Juan 20:29

 

  1. ¿Cómo afectan estas señales a nuestra fe? Juan 20:30-31

 

Personal – Así como Tomás creyó por medio de ver y tocar, ¿cómo me invita a mi Jesús a tener fe en mi vida por medio de la vista y el tacto?  ¿Cuándo he pasado del miedo o la tristeza, a la alegría “al ver al Señor”?

 

QUINTO DIA                          LEE SALMO 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

(“Mi fuerza y mi valor están en el Señor y El ha sido mi Salvador.”)

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24.

 

¿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

                                                                 HECHOS 2:42-47

Este pasaje nos revela un tremendo sentido de amor y compromiso de unos a otros.  Los Apóstoles enseñaron acerca de la vida y los eventos de Jesucristo con un alto grado de entusiasmo y autoridad.  Ser apóstol significaba haber sido testigo ocular del ministerio, pasión, muerte y resurrección del Señor.

La confraternidad entre los seguidores y los nuevos convertidos fue cálida, fuerte e increíblemente alegre.  A los pobres y necesitados se les ayudó físicamente y con oraciones.  Los hambrientos fueron alimentados, a los que no tenían hogar se les proporcionaba, los desnudos fueron vestidos, y a los que estaban tristes y solitarios les dieron amor y confianza.  También fueron ayudados los que estaban en las cárceles o en las colonias de leprosos.

Hubo muchas señales de la presencia sanadora de Dios en la comunidad.  Los lazos entre ellos fueron estrechados por medio del rendimiento de sus placeres personales para que la comunidad pudiera ser salvada.

La esencia de esta acción sanadora de la comunidad fue por la fe en Nuestra Señor Jesucristo, no por sus propias habilidades personales.  Hoy en día necesitamos recordar que todo lo que tenemos que es bueno viene de nuestro Dios amoroso.  La gente iba al templo y partían el pan juntos en sus hogares.

Hoy somos llamados a “celebrar”.  Celebramos la increíble victoria que Jesús ganó por nosotros muriendo y resucitando.  Compartimos “el Pan de Vida” o “Eucaristía” durante esta celebración y somos alimentados con la presencia de Jesucristo.  De manera que estamos llamados a salir del templo y “Compartir la Eucaristía” con todos con quien tengamos contacto.  Podemos hacer esto por que El está en donde quiera que estemos nosotros (1 Juan 4:4).

1 PEDRO 1:3-9

Hoy las palabras de San Pedro nos recuerdan una vez más lo que significa el evento único de “la Resurrección”, para nosotros y para la fe que profesamos.  Los primeros conversos al Cristianismo comprendieron la verdad de compartir la vida eterna con el Padre como resultado de lo que Jesús había hecho por toda la humanidad.  Estas gentes estaban con mucho dolor, con mucha tristeza y sin esperanza en su futuro.  Se aferraron a esta verdad acerca del Señor con hambre y sed y se alegraron.  Nosotros también nos aferramos a esa verdad.  También sabemos que por medio de la Encarnación, muerte y resurrección de Cristo hemos sido hechos herederos del reino de nuestro Padre celestial.

Necesitamos reflexionar y preguntarnos a nosotros mismos porqué tanta gente no permite a esta consoladora convicción Cristiana gobernar y regular sus vidas y sus acciones.  La tecnología de hoy es tan sofisticada que impide a muchos de ponerse a pensar en el real y eterno hacedor de las leyes.  Dios es el creador de todo, El ha planeado y tiene el control de nuestro futuro.

Muchos de nosotros estamos tan ocupados usando y gozando los dones terrenales de Dios que nos olvidamos y en muchos casos ignoramos el mayor don de todos el que perdura por siempre la vida eterna. San Pedro nos dice que nuestra fe es mucho más preciosa que el oro y como el oro será purificada y probada bajo el fuego de la adversidad.  Somos llamados “gente de la Pascua” porque El ha resucitado y vive con nosotros.  Estamos vivos en Cristo, y nuestra vida eterna con El empieza desde hoy.  Regocíjate y ponte contento.  El está vivo y bien contigo, así que tú también puedes estar bien.

JUAN 20:19-31

Los discípulos se reunían a puerta cerrada por que tenían un miedo mortal de que los soldados vinieran y los arrestaran y posiblemente los mataran.  El miedo por si mismos y por sus familias estaba profundamente metido en sus corazones cuando Jesús se les apareció.  En su miedo, soledad, rechazo y fracaso, Jesús hace esta increíble declaración “la paz sea contigo”, les enseñó sus heridas, pero sobre todo les mostró que todavía estaba entre ellos.  Fueron subyugados con una alegría tremenda. Hoy millones de personas se encuentran atrás de puertas cerradas.  Muchos están en prisión, hospitales y muchos atrapados detrás de la puerta cerrada de una mente cerrada y rota.  El mensaje de Jesús para nosotros es siempre el mismo, no importa donde estemos o por que estemos pasando.

Jesús se identifica a Si mismo con Su Padre y les dice a los discípulos bajo la autoridad de quién, El hizo su trabajo.  Ahora El le pasa ese trabajo a sus discípulos, de esparcir la “Buena Nueva” en todo el mundo.  Dios te ha escogido a ti para hacer eso hoy y tu autoridad viene de Dios.  Jesús nos ha enseñado con sus palabras y sus acciones como efectuar esa “Gran Comisión”.  Así como el Padre ha enviado a Jesús, ahora te envía a ti con la protección y el poder de Su Espíritu Santo.  El te da ese poder por medio de su aliento sobre ti.  Hay vida en el aliento de Dios y por medio del aliento de Jesús, Dios dirigió la vida eterna del espíritu.  Con este aliento viene el poder para cumplir el mandato de Dios en la tierra.  Jesús les dijo cual era su misión y esa misión es la misma para ti.  Háblale a la gente de la “Buena Nueva”, de que Jesús ha perdonado los pecados.  Nosotros no tenemos el poder de perdonar pero Jesús si lo tiene.  La gente hoy no puede recibir el mensaje del perdón hasta que reciba al que perdona y su nombre es Jesús.

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos habla de que la comunidad es el amor en acción.  La segunda lectura nos muestra que la esperanza es eterna.  El Evangelio nos dice que salgamos y esparzamos la “Buena Nueva.”

Esta semana vayamos adelante llevando las buenas nuevas con nuestras palabras y acciones trayendo el estudio de la Biblia a alguien que este confinado en su hogar, en un hospital o en la prisión.  Tomemos una escritura esta semana como por ejemplo – el amor es amable – (1 Corintios 13:4) – practiquémoslo en nuestra familia, trabajo o escuela.  El mensaje de Jesús al mundo es “La paz sea contigo” y El quiere que esto empiece primero que nada con nosotros mismos.

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER ‑ CYCLE A

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SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER ‑ 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 ACTS 2:42‑47         FIRST READING

(“The early Christians live a life of prayer and share all things in common.”)

  1. Those who were baptized were devoted to what four aspects of Christian living?   Acts 2:42

 

  1. Why did a reverent “fear” overtake them? Acts 2:43

 

  1. What did it mean to live in common? Acts 2:44‑45

 

  1. How were goods and property divided? Acts 2:45

 

  1. In the earliest times, where did the Jewish Christians   continue to go daily to pray and hear the Word of God? Acts 2:46

 

  1. Where did these Christians break bread and celebrate the Eucharist?   Acts 2:46

 

  1. What was the condition of their hearts as they took their meals in common?   Acts 2:46

 

  1. What two things were happening as they took their meals in common?   Acts 2:47

 

  1. What was added, day by day, and by whom? Acts 2:47

 

Personal ‑ How have I been living out God’s presence in my life? Do I think of salvation as something very individual and private, or how does my view compare to this picture of the early church? How do I share my goods and feel about the lifestyle described here?

 

THIRD DAY             READ 1 PETER 1:3‑9       SECOND READING

(“The people celebrate God’s gift of grace to the Gentiles.”)

  1. Who is to be praised, and for what reason? 1 Peter 1:3

 

  1. What does this birth give, and from what does it draw its life?   1 Peter 1:3

 

  1. On what is our hope fixed? 1 Timothy 4:10

 

  1. In the end, what three things last? 1 Cor 13:13

 

  1. What is incapable of fading or being defiled, where is it kept, and how is it guarded?   1 Peter 1:4‑5

 

  1. What three things does this new truth give, and when will this be revealed?   1 Peter 1:3‑5

 

  1. For what is there cause, what may you have to do, and for what reason?   1 Peter 1:6‑7

 

  1. Why do you rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory?     1 Peter 1:8

 

  1. What is faith’s goal? 1 Peter 1:9

 

Personal ‑ In what way have I been tested in my faith? How did my faith grow as a result?

 

FOURTH DAY            READ JOHN 20:19‑31               GOSPEL

(“Jesus appears to the disciples in the room.”)

  1. Why had the disciples locked the door where they were staying?      John 20:19

 

  1. What was Jesus’ greeting as he stood before the disciples? John 20:19 Compare it to his greeting in John 14:27

 

  1. What did Jesus show the disciples, and what was their reaction?   John 20:20

 

 

  1. At the apostles’ sight of him, what did Jesus say again; whom did he say sent him and, in turn, is sending them? John 20:21

 

  1. Jesus “breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the _____ ______’.   ”  John 20:22

 

  1. After receiving the Holy Spirit, what authority did the disciples have regarding sin? John 20:23. What did Jesus say about forgiving sins?   Luke 17:3‑4

 

Personal ‑ How does the life of Christ penetrate my daily life and actions? Does his greeting, “Peace be with you,” fill me with joy and peace or other emotions? Just as Jesus has sent his disciples out to the world, so also he sends me. By my baptism, I have received the Holy Spirit. How do I live out this commission in my everyday life?

 

  1. Who was absent when Jesus came to the disciples, and what did they tell Him they had seen? What was his response? John 20:24-25

 

  1. A week later, Jesus again came to them in the room. What was Jesus’ greeting to the disciples? John 20:26

 

  1. How did Jesus challenge Thomas to believe, and what was Thomas’ response?  (Write it out.)  John 20:27‑28

 

  1. Jesus blest Thomas because he ______ and __________________, and Jesus blessed all those “who have not _______ and have ____________.” How does this help to strengthen my faith? John 20:29

 

  1. How do these signs affect our faith? John 20:30‑31

 

Personal ‑ Just as Thomas came to believe through seeing and touching, how does Jesus invite me to faith in my life through sight and touch? When have I passed from fear or sadness to joy “at the sight of the Lord?”

 

FIFTH DAY      READ PSALM 118:2‑4, 13‑15, 22‑24

(“My strength and my courage is the Lord, and  he has been my Savior.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 118:2‑4, 13‑15, 22‑24.

 

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

ACTS 2:42‑47

This passage reveals a tremendous sense of love and commitment to one another. The Apostles gave their teachings about the life and events of Jesus Christ with a high degree of enthusiasm and authority. An apostle meant one who was an eyewitness to the ministry, passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord.

The fellowship between the followers and new converts was warm, strong, and incredibly joyful. The poor and needy were taken care of physically as well as in prayer. The hungry were being fed, the homeless were being sheltered, the naked were being clothed, and the lonely were being loved and affirmed. They ministered to outcasts in prisons or leper colonies.

There were many signs of God’s healing presence in the community. The bond between them was shared through their giving up of their personal pleasures in order that the community might be saved.

The core of this healing action by the community was Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not through their own individual talent. Today, we need to remember that all we have that is good comes from our loving God. The people attended the temple and broke bread together in their homes.

Today, we are called to church to “celebrate.” We are celebrating the incredible victory that Jesus won for us by dying and rising for us. We share in the “Bread of Life” or “Eucharist.” At this celebration, we become nourished with the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We are then called to go out from the Church and “Eucha­rist” with all that we come into contact. We do this because he is wherever we are. (1 John 4:4).

                         1 PETER 1:3‑9

Today, St. Peter’s words remind us, once again, what that unique event, “the Resurrection,” means to us, and to the Christian Faith that we profess. The first converts to Christianity had grasped the truth of sharing eternal life with the Father because of what Jesus had done for all mankind. These people were in much pain, in much sorrow, and with no hope for their future. They grasped this truth about the Lord with a hunger and a thirst, and they rejoiced in it. We, too, have grasped this truth. We, too, know that through the Incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ, we also have been made heirs to the kingdom of our heavenly Father.

We need to reflect now and ask ourselves why so many people do not let this consoling Christian conviction govern and regulate their lives and actions. Our technology today is so sophisticated that it prevents many from thinking about the real and permanent Lawmaker. God is the Creator of all, and he has planned and is in control of all of our futures.

Many of us are so busy using and enjoying the earthly gifts of God that we forget and, in many cases, ignore the greatest gift of all ‑ the one that will last forever ‑ Eternal Life. St. Peter tells us that our Faith is more precious than gold and, like gold, it will be purified and tested under the fire of adversity. We are called “Easter people” because he is risen and lives within us. We are alive in Christ, and our Eternal Life with him begins today. Rejoice and be glad. He is alive and well within you, so you may be well, too.

                         JOHN 20:19‑31

The disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were terribly frightened that the soldiers were going to come and arrest them and, possibly, even put them to death. Fear for themselves and their families was deep in their hearts when Jesus appeared to them. In their fear, loneliness, rejection, and failure, Jesus makes the incredible statement, “Peace be unto you!” He showed them his wounds but most of all, he let them know that he was still among them. They were overcome with tremendous joy. Today, millions of people are behind locked doors; many are in prisons or hospitals and many are trapped behind the locked door of a closed, broken mind. Jesus’ message to us today, regardless of where we are or what we are going through, is to remember that he is always with us.

Jesus identified himself with his Father, and told the disciples by whose authority he did his work. Now he passed the job on to his disciples to spread the “Good News” around the world. God has chosen you to do that today, and your authority comes from him. Jesus has shown us by his words and actions how to accomplish the “Great Commission.” As the Father has sent Jesus, he now sends you with the protection and power of his Holy Spirit. He gives you that power by breathing upon you. There is life in the breath of God, and through the breath of Jesus, God directed eternal spiritual life. With this inbreathing came the power to do God’s will on earth. Jesus told them their mission, and it is the same mission that we must undertake. Tell the people about the “Good News” that Jesus has forgiven their sins. We do not have that power to forgive, but Jesus does. People of today cannot receive the message of forgiveness until they receive the one who forgives; his name is Jesus.

Application

The first reading tells us that community is love in action. The second reading tells us that hope is eternal. The Gospel tells us to go out and spread the “Good News.”

This week, let us go forth and spread the Good News by our words and actions. Bring a Bible Study to someone who is confined to a home, hospital, or prison. Take a Scripture this week, such as love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4), and practice it in your family, job, or school. Jesus’ message to the world is, “Peace be with you,” and he wants it to begin with you first.

Lectio Divina – Easter Sunday

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Easter Sunday

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

 READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

John 20:1-9 – On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.

 

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

Share your reflection with someone.

DOMINGO DE PASCUA – CICLO A

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DOMINGO DE PASCUA – 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                               HECHOS 10:34, 37-43                       PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Hemos bebido y comido con El después de Su resurrección.”)

  1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando Pedro? Hechos 10:24-28

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijo? Hechos 10:34-35

 

  1. ¿Cómo describe Deuteronomio 10:17 a Dios y qué dice que no hace El? 2 Crónicas 19:7

 

  1. ¿Porqué razón Dios no tiene favoritos? Job 34:19,  Sabiduría 6:7

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera muestras parcialidad con tus hijos, amigos, y compañeros de trabajo?  Pasa un tiempo solo con el Señor, arrepiéntete de esto y pídele al Señor su ayuda para poder ver a los demás a través de sus ojos.

 

  1. ¿Qué estaba siendo reportado acerca de Jesús de Nazaret por toda Judea? ¿Dónde   comenzó y con            qué?     Hechos 10:37-38

 

  1. ¿Quién ungió a Jesús, y quién ungió a Pablo, Silvano y Timoteo? Hechos 10:38,  2 Cor. 1:21-22

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que hacia Jesús y quién estaba con El?  Hechos 10:38

 

  1. ¿De qué son testigos, qué le hicieron finalmente a El y qué hizo Dios? Hechos 10:39-40

 

  1. ¿Qué les concedió Dios, y por medio de quién? Hechos 10:40-41

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son los escogidos y por qué motivo son escogidos? Efesios 1:13

 

  1. ¿Qué nos encargó hacer? Hechos 10:42

 

  1. ¿A quién envió a predicar a su pueblo? Marcos 3:14, 2 Corintios 4:1-2

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son sus discípulos hoy en día? Juan 8:31, Juan 13:35

 

  1. ¿De qué debemos dar testimonio y de qué dan testimonio todos los profetas? Hechos 10:42-43

 

Personal – ¿Qué observas en tu vida diaria como resultado de la unción y el poder del Espíritu Santo?  ¿Ve tu familia buenas obras y sanación en todo lo que haces?  Reflexiona sobre esto.

 

TERCER DIA                                      COLOSENSES 3:1-4                     SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Piensen en las cosas de arriba, no en las de la tierra.”)

 

  1. ¿Con quién has resucitado y dónde debes poner tu corazón? Colosenses 3:1

 

  1. ¿Dónde está sentado Jesucristo? Colosenses 3:1

 

  1. ¿Quién nos levantó y nos reservó un lugar en el cielo? Efesios 2:4-6

 

  1. ¿A qué debemos estar atentos y porqué? Colosenses 3:2-3

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las cosas que están enraizadas en la tierra? Colosenses 3:5, 8, 9

 

  1. ¿Cómo podemos estar atentos en las cosas de arriba? Colosenses 3:10

 

  1. ¿Dónde está escondida nuestra vida ahora? Colosenses 3:3

 

  1. ¿Quién es Cristo para nosotros? Colosenses 3:4

 

  1. ¿Cuándo aparezca Cristo, qué nos pasará y cómo? Colosenses 3:4

 

Personal – Así como has muerto con Cristo a los deseos antiguos y a las cosas terrenales, ¿ven tus familiares, amigos y vecinos tu vida como un reflejo de la vida de Cristo?  En una hoja de papel, nombra algunas de las características de Cristo en una columna y en la otra columna pon las tuyas; Haz esto para un día entero y compara las dos columnas.

 

CUARTO DIA                                         JUAN 20:1-9                                               EVANGELIO

(“Vio y creyó.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién llegó a la tumba, qué hora era y qué día? Juan 20:1

 

  1. ¿Dónde estaba María Magdalena mientras Jesús estaba clavado en la cruz? Juan 19:25

 

  1. ¿Qué había echado fuera de María Magdalena, Jesús? Marcos 16:9

 

  1. ¿Qué vio María cuando llegó a la tumba? Juan 20:1

 

  1. ¿A casa de quién se fue corriendo y qué les dijo? Juan 20:2

 

  1. ¿Qué hicieron Pedro y el otro discípulo? Juan 20:3

 

  1. ¿Quién llegó primero a la tumba y cómo llegaron allí? Juan 20:4

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma te ves a ti mismo corriendo para ver donde está Jesús?  ¿Perseveras en esa carrera? ¿En quién tienes fijos los ojos?  ¿Te ven tu familia y amigos como alguien que mira al cielo o al suelo?

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el discípulo cuando llegó a la tumba y qué vio tirado en el suelo? Juan 20:5

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Pedro al llegar allí? ¿Qué observó en el suelo y en el lienzo que cubría la cabeza de Jesús?

Juan 20:6-7

 

  1. ¿Que hizo el discípulo que llego primero y cuál fue su reacción a esto? Juan 20:8

 

  1. ¿Qué se necesita para creer? Juan 1:12

 

  1. ¿Qué recibirás por creer en el nombre de Jesús? Juan 3:36

 

  1. Después que Jesús resucitó de entre los muertos, ¿qué llegaron a entender y creer los discípulos?  Juan 2:22

 

  1. ¿Cuándo entendieron y creyeron? Lucas 24:30-32

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Jesús acerca de quienes no ven y creen? Juan 20:29

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has visto operarse un cambio en tu vida por medio de la lectura de las Escrituras?  ¿Has llegado a creer en la Palabra de Jesús por medio de la Biblia?  Recuerda, que Juan, nos dice que Jesús es la Palabra hecha carne.  Ora y pídele al Señor llenarte con el entendimiento de Su Palabra por medio del don del Espíritu Santo que has recibido de El.

 

QUINTO DIA                       LEE EL SALMO 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

(“La mano del Señor hizo prodigios.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.

¿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

HECHOS 10:34, 37-43

            Aleluya es una palabra de origen hebreo que significa “Alabad al Señor.”  En este gran Domingo de Pascua, damos gracias, expresamos nuestra gratitud y total alegría alabando a nuestro Señor Jesucristo.  Este pasaje demuestra claramente que la resurrección es la doctrina básica y, al mismo tiempo, prueba de la verdad de la fe cristiana.  La Escritura nos dice que si Cristo no hubiera resucitado, nuestra predicación y nuestra fe serían vanas (1 Cor. 15:14).

            Hay muchos hoy en día que desdeñan la resurrección física y dicen que no tiene importancia.  Ellos dicen que la resurrección espiritual es la que verdaderamente cuenta.  San Pablo dice todo lo contrario.  Jesús se levantó de entre los muertos y fue visto por testigos que no solo le hablaron, sino que comieron con El. Los apóstoles estaban consternados el Viernes por la noche después de la crucifixión.  Permanecieron encerrados con llave por temor de que los soldados Romanos vinieran por ellos.  Inclusive, tenían temor de pensar que pudiera llegarles alguna buena noticia de Jesús.  Fue difícil convencerlos de que de verdad había resucitado aún cuando ya había sucedido.

            Necesitamos reflexionar en este pasaje: ¿Lo hemos visto, hemos hablado con El, hemos comido con El?  El está vivo y nosotros, como el apóstol Pedro, estamos llamados a evangelizar y enseñar acerca de Jesús.  Estamos llamados a hacer amistad con todos quienes creen que resucitó y vive hoy en día. Necesitamos descubrir por medio de Cristo algo significativo acerca de nuestros prójimos, sean creyentes o incrédulos.  Ha resucitado para todo el mundo – ¡Aleluya! – ¡Aleluya!

                                                              COLOSENSES 3:1-4

            En este pasaje, Pablo comienza por introducirnos al corazón del significado de nuestro bautismo. En los primeros días de la iglesia, el bautismo se hacía por inmersión total. Cuando escuchabas la historia de Cristo y estabas listo para creer en un solo Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo, entonces se te bautizaba metiéndote totalmente en el agua.  Eras limpiado de los pecados y de lo mundano.  La inmersión es un símbolo de morir y ser enterrados con Cristo.  Esto significa que el nuevo cristiano ya ha muerto para todos los deseos mundanos.  El/ella era levantado del agua, o de la tumba del pecado, para resucitar con Cristo. Pablo dijo: “Si has resucitado con Cristo, busca las cosas de arriba”; esto significa que debemos ser sinceros en lo que decimos y hacemos.

            Hemos sido resucitados con Cristo y ya no necesitamos fijarnos en las cosas de la tierra.  Esto no quiere decir que faltemos a nuestra responsabilidad, ni tampoco basta con ser obedientes con nuestros padres y con la sociedad.  Tampoco significa que solamente tenemos que trabajar para mantenernos a nosotros y nuestras familias.  Significa que no debemos dejar que domine nuestra vida la ambición de posesiones terrenales.

            Estamos llamados a amar a la gente, no a las cosas, o al dinero, poder, posición, etc.  Nuestras vidas deben mostrar que lo que hicimos en el bautismo tiene significado para toda nuestra vida.  Lo que hacemos tiene mucho más efecto en los demás que lo que podamos predicar.  Fuimos creados para tener felicidad sin fin en el cielo y ésta felicidad está a nuestro alcance, gracias a la muerte y resurrección de Cristo.  La gracia de Dios es la que nos ayuda diariamente en nuestra vida.  Recuerda, que Dios quiere que vayamos al cielo y El tiene planeada una Pascua de Resurrección para cada uno de nosotros.

                                                                    JUAN 20:1-9

            El plan divino para toda la humanidad fue cumplido por medio de la muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo.  Todos los hombres y mujeres pueden ahora ser llamados hijos de Dios por el acto de perfecta obediencia de Jesucristo. Por El, un día resucitaremos de nuestra sepultura con nuestros cuerpos glorificados, como Cristo.

            La resurrección es la base de la nueva fe cristiana.  Si no hubiera sucedido, nunca hubiera comenzado la cristiandad.  No tendríamos por que celebrar la Pascua.  Pedro hubiera regresado con sus amigos pescadores a las barcas y las redes y Jesús hubiera sido olvidado al cabo de algunos años.

            El descubrimiento de María Magdalena de una tumba vacía impresionó y causó temor.  Ella corrió donde estaba Pedro y le dijo que ella creía que alguien se había robado el cuerpo de Jesús.  Pedro tenía que ver por si mismo y averiguar los hechos.

            Tal vez quieras poner atención a como encontraron la mortaja de Jesús, ordenadamente doblada después que descubrieron que el cuerpo de Jesús no estaba.  Si hubieran robado Su cuerpo, jamás hubieran dejado los lienzos ordenados.  Cuando los discípulos llegaron, quedaron totalmente sorprendidos al ver la tumba vacía.  Fue hasta entonces cuando recordaron que Jesús les había dicho que resucitaría.

            Hoy en día mucha gente no creé en Jesús porque dicen que los “hechos” no concuerdan.  Nosotros solo podremos aceptar el hecho de la resurrección cuando hayamos tenido un encuentro personal con Cristo. El entendimiento de la resurrección toma un sentido especial en la medida en que comprometemos nuestra vida a Jesús y Su presencia permanece con nosotros.

            La resurrección de Jesús es la base para nuestra fe porque la muerte, como nosotros la conocemos, no es el final.  La resurrección corporal de Jesús nos muestra que El es el gobernador del reino de Dios.  Por Su promesa, los que morimos a nosotros mismos con El, resucitaremos de entre los muertos con El.  Por El tú y yo podemos enfrentar el futuro sin miedo.  Porque por El tenemos Su Santo Espíritu viviendo en nosotros y protegiéndonos de todo mal (1 Juan 4:4).  Por El podemos dar testimonio a todo el mundo, que si cree en Cristo, también a ellos les dará la felicidad eterna.  Por El, toda la humanidad puede ser realmente libre y vivir eternamente.

            ¡Aleluya!  ¡Resucitó!  ¡Aleluya!  ¡Está Vivo!

Aplicación

            La muerte de Jesús nos trajo liberación del pecado y de la muerte.  Ahora estamos llamados a liberar a otros del pecado y de la muerte aquí en la tierra.  Algunos de nosotros lo podemos hacer por medio de nuestro trabajo profesional, como médicos, abogados, políticos, educadores, hombres y mujeres de negocios, padres, hijos.

            Esta semana preocúpate de liberar a alguien de tu familia, trabajo, etc., de algún trabajo concreto que sabes que no les agrada.  Procura que vean la alegría en alguien que realmente sabe que es libre.  Luego, reúne a diario a tu familia, y recen todos juntos para que puedan liberarse del pecado por medio de Jesucristo.  Por El, tú eres libre.  Dejemos que la libertad reine por toda esta tierra.

EASTER SUNDAY – CYCLE A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

EASTER SUNDAY – 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 ACTS 10:34, 37-43      FIRST READING

(“We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead.”)

 

  1. Whom was Peter addressing? Acts 10:24‑28

 

  1. What did he say to them? Acts 10:34‑35

 

  1. How does Deuteronomy 10:17 describe God, and what does it say he does not do?   2 Chronicles 19:7

 

  1. For what reason does God have no favorites? Job 34:19, Wisdom 6:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you show partiality with your children, your friends, and your co‑workers? Spend time alone with the Lord, repent of this, and ask the Lord to help you look at others through his eyes.

 

  1. What was reported all over Judea about Jesus of Nazareth? Where did it begin, and with what?   Acts 10:37‑38

 

  1. Who anointed Jesus and who anointed Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy?  Acts 10:38, 2 Corinthians 1:21‑22

 

  1. What two things did Jesus go about doing and who was with him?   Acts 10:38

 

  1. To what are they witnesses, what did they finally do to him, and what did God do? Acts 10:39‑40

 

  1. What did God grant, and by whom? Acts 10:40‑41

 

  1. Who are the chosen and for what purpose are they chosen? Ephesians 1:13

 

  1. What did he commission us to do? Acts 10:42

 

  1. Whom has he sent to preach to the people? Mark 3:14, 2 Corinthians 4:1‑2

 

  1. Who are his disciples today? John 8:31, John 13:35

 

  1. To what are we to bear witness and to what do all the prophets testify?   Acts 10:42‑43

 

Personal ‑ What results and power do you see in your everyday life from your anointing with the Holy Spirit? Does your family see good works and healing taking place from your touch? Reflect on this.

 

THIRD DAY            READ COLOSSIANS 3:1-4       SECOND READING

(“Be intent on things above rather than things of earth.”)

 

  1. With whom have we been raised up, and on what should we set our heart?   Colossians 3:1

 

  1. Where is Christ seated? Colossians 3:1

 

  1. Who raised us up and gave us a place in the heavens? Ephesians 2:4‑6

 

  1. On what are we to be intent and why? Colossians 3:2‑3

 

  1. What are things that are rooted in earth? Col 3:5, 8-9

 

  1. How do we become intent on things above? Col 3:10

 

  1. Where is our life hidden now? Colossians 3:3

 

  1. Who is Christ to us? Colossians 3:4

 

  1. When Christ appears, what will happen to us and in what way?      Colossians 3:4

 

 Personal ‑ As you have died with Christ to your old desires and to things rooted in this earth, do your family, friends, and work acquaintances see you as a reflection of Christ? On a sheet of paper, name some of the characteristics of Christ in one column and in another column list your characteristics through a 24‑hour day and compare the two columns.

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 20:1-9                GOSPEL

(“He saw and believed.”)

 

  1. Who came to the tomb, what time was it, and what day was it? John 20:1

 

  1. Where was Mary Magdalene as Jesus hung on the cross? John 19:25

 

  1. What did Jesus drive out of Mary? Mark 16:9

 

  1. What did Mary see when she arrived at the tomb? John 20:1

 

  1. To whom did she run, and what did she say to them? John 20:2

 

  1. What did Peter and the other disciple do? John 20:3

 

  1. Who reached the tomb first, and how did they get there? John 20:4

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you see yourself running to see Jesus? Are you persevering in running the race? On whom are you keeping your eyes fixed? Do your family and friends see you as someone with eyes looking up or cast down? Read Hebrews 12:1‑­2.

 

  1. What did the disciple do when he got to the tomb and what did he see lying on the ground?   John 20:5

 

  1. What did Peter do when he got there? What did he observe on the ground, and what did he notice about the cloth which had covered Jesus’ head?   John 20:6‑7

 

  1. What did the disciple who had arrived first do, and what was his reaction to this? John 20:8

 

  1. What does it take to believe? John 1:12

 

  1. What will you receive by believing in the name of Jesus? John 3:36

 

  1. After Jesus rose from the dead, what did the disciples come to understand and believe?   John 2:22

 

  1. When did they understand and believe? Luke 24:30‑32

 

  1. What does Jesus say about those who believe and have not seen?      John 20:29

 

Personal ‑ How have you seen a change take place in your life through reading the scriptures? Have you come to believe in the spoken Word of Jesus through the scriptures? Remember, John tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh. Pray and ask God to fill you with an understanding of the Word through his gift of the Holy Spirit that you received from him.

 

FIFTH DAY      READ PSALM 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

(“The right hand of the Lord has struck with power.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.

 

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

ACTS 10:34, 37-43

Alleluia is a Hebrew word that means “praise ye the Lord.” On this great day of Easter Sunday we give thanks, gratit­ude and our complete joy in the form of praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage strongly shows that the resurrection is the basic doctrine and proof of the truth of the Christian faith. We are told in scripture that if Christ has not risen, then our preach­ing is in vain, and our faith is worthless also (1 Cor. 15:14).

There are many today who disregard the physical resurrection and say that it is no big deal. They say that it is the spirit­ual resurrection that really matters. St. Paul says just the op­posite. Jesus rose from the dead, and then he was seen by witnes­ses who had not only spoken with him, but had actually eaten with him. The Apostles were devastated on Friday night after the cruc­ifixion. They remained locked in the upper room, fearful of what the Roman soldiers were going to do next. They were even too afraid to do any wishful thinking about their beloved master Jesus. They were hard to convince even when it happened.

We need to reflect on this passage. Have we seen him, have we talked with him, have we eaten with him? He is alive today, and like the Apostle Peter, we too are called to evangelize and teach about Jesus. We are called to fellowship with others who believe that he is risen and that he lives today. We need to dis­cover through Christ something significant about each other, both believers and non‑believers. He has risen for the whole world ‑ Alleluia ‑ Alleluia!

                       COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

In this passage, Paul begins by bringing us into the core meaning of our baptism. In the early days of the church, baptism was by total immersion. When you heard the story of Christ and you were ready to believe in the one true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, you were then immersed in water. You were cleansed from your sins and worldliness. Immersion was a symbol of being drowned or buried with Christ. This sig­nified that the new Christian has died to all earthly attachments and desires. He was raised out of the water or the tomb to be with the risen Christ. Paul said, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above.” This means that we must mean what we say and do.

We have been raised with Christ and we no longer need to dwell on things of the earth. This does not mean we can walk away from responsibilities. It does not mean just being obedient to parents and to society. It does not mean just having to work to support ourselves or our families. It means that our earthly possessions must not dominate our life.

We are called to love people, not things, money, power, status, etc. Our lives need to show that what we did at baptism has life-long meaning. What we do is far more effective on others than what we say. We were created for unending happiness in heaven and this happiness is now within our grasp, thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are helped in our daily living by God’s holy grace. Remember, God wants us to go to heaven and he has an Easter resurrection planned for all of us.

                          JOHN 20:1-9

The divine plan of God for all people was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All would now be eligible to be called sons and daughters of God because of Jesus Christ’s perfect act of obedience. Because of him, we will one day, like Christ, rise from the grave in our glorified bodies.

The resurrection is the basis of the new Christian faith. Had it not happened, Christianity would never have started. There would have been no Easter Sunday. Peter would have returned with his compan­ions to their fishing nets and boats, and Jesus Christ would have been forgotten after a few short years.

Mary Magdalene’s discovery of an empty tomb brought shock and fear. She ran to Peter and told him that she thought someone had stolen the body of Jesus. Peter had to see for himself and check out the facts.

We might take notice how the clothes were folded after they discovered Jesus’ body was gone. They would not have been arranged that way if there had been a robbery. The disciples were completely surprised when they found the empty tomb. It was only then that they remembered that Jesus had said that he would rise again.

Many people today do not believ­e in Jesus because they say the “facts” do not check out. We can only accept the fact of the resurrection when we have first personally encountered Jesus Christ. The understanding of the resurrection takes on a special meaning as we commit our lives to Jesus and his presence remains with us.

Jesus’ resur­rection is the key to our Christian faith because death, as we know it, is not the end. Jesus’ bodily resurrection shows us that he is ruler of God’s kingdom. Be­cause of his promise, we who die to ourselves with him, will rise from the dead with him. Because of him, you and I can face tomorrow without fear. Because of him, we have his Holy Spirit living within us and protecting us against all evil (1 John 4:4). Because of him, we can witness to the whole world that if they believe in Jesus Christ, they may also receive eternal happiness. Because of him, all mankind can really be free and live forever.

Alleluia ‑ he is Risen ‑ Alleluia ‑ he is alive.

Application

Jesus’ death brought us freedom from sin and death. We are now called to free others from sin and death here on earth. Some of us can do that by our professions as medical people, legal people, politicians, educators, business people, parents, and children.

This week, free someone in your family, home, or work from a chore that you know they don’t like. Let them see that joy in someone who really knows that he is free. Then each day have your family gather together to pray that all may become free from sin through Jesus Christ. Because of him, you are free. Let freedom ring throughout this land.

Lectio Divina – Passion Sunday (Palm) – A

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Passion Sunday (Palm) – 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

Matthew 21:1-11 – When Jesus and the disciples drew near Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tethered, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them here to me. And if anyone should say anything to you, reply, ‘The Master has need of them.’ Then he will send them at once.” This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had ordered them. They brought the ass and the colt and laid their cloaks over them, and he sat upon them. The very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and strewed them on the road. The crowds preceding him and those following kept crying out and saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David; blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; hosanna in the highest.” And when he entered Jerusalem the whole city was shaken and asked, “Who is this?” And the crowds replied, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”

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

Share your reflection with someone.

DOMINGO DE PASION (RAMOS) – CICLO A

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DOMINGO DE PASION (RAMOS) – 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.

¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                 LEE ISAIAS 50:4-7                        PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El Señor Dios es mi ayuda por lo tanto no quedare avergonzado.”)

  1. ¿De dónde vino la palabra de Dios, a quien se la dio El, y por que razón se la dio? Isaías 50:4

 

  1. ¿Qué abrió el Señor para que tu oigas? Isaías 50:4

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El no ha hecho? Isaías 50:5

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa con los que se rebelan? 1 Samuel 12:15

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el siervo a los que le pegaban y tiraban de su barba? Isaías 50:6

 

  1. ¿De qué no escondió su cara? Isaías 50:6 ver también Mateo 26:67 y 27:30

 

  1. ¿Quién es el que ayudó al siervo y cómo puso este último su cara? Isaías 50:7

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que el siervo reconoce? Isaías 50:7

 

Personal – ¿Escuchas al Señor cuando te habla?  ¿Qué te está diciendo?  ¿De qué manera y con qué palabras levantas a los cansados en tu propia casa?  Ora y pide al Señor que te revele como puedes mejorar tus palabras.

 

TERCER DIA                            LEE FILIPENSES 2:6-11                      SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Cristo Jesús es el Señor.”)

  1. ¿Cuál debe ser tu actitud? Filipenses 2:5

 

  1. ¿En qué forma se presentó El? Filipenses 2:6

 

  1. ¿Quién es Cristo? Juan l:l, 14

 

  1. ¿A qué condición no se quiso igualar? Filipenses 2:6

 

  1. ¿Por el contrario de qué se despojó y por quién? Filipenses 2:7 y 2 Corintios 8:9

 

  1. ¿Qué forma tomó y a semejanza de quién nació? ¿Cuál era su origen?  Filipenses 2:7
  2. ¿Cuáles son dos cosas que hizo El, según Filipenses 8:2?

 

  1. ¿Por qué razón hizo estas dos cosas? Hebreos 2:14-17

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios por El debido a que se humilló a si mismo y aceptó la muerte en la cruz?           Filipenses 2:9

 

  1. ¿Al oír el nombre de Jesús, qué es lo que toda rodilla debe hacer, en los cielos, en la tierra y debajo de la tierra? ¿Qué es lo que toda boca debe proclamar?  Filipenses 2:10-11

 

  1. ¿Sin lugar a dudas que es lo que te dice esto? Hechos 2:36

 

  1. ¿Esto se proclama por la gloria de quién, y que pasará contigo si confiesas que Jesús es el Señor y crees en tu corazón que Dios lo resucitó de entre los muertos? Romanos 10:9

 

  1. ¿Quién te da el poder de decir que “Jesús es el Señor”? 1 Corintios 12:3

 

Personal – ¿En qué se parece tu actitud a la de Cristo?  ¿De qué manera te humillas a ti mismo?  ¿Qué cruz has aceptado con obediencia?  Ver Marcos 8:34 y medita esto.

 

CUARTO DIA                             LEE MATEO 26:14 – 27:66                                EVANGELIO

(“Esta es mi sangre, la sangre de la Alianza que es derramada por muchos para el perdón de sus pecados.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién fue a ver a los jefes de los sacerdotes, qué les preguntó, cuánto estaban dispuestos a pagarle por traicionar y entregar a Jesús?  Mateo 26:14-16

 

  1. ¿Cuánto se pagaba al dueño de un esclavo si éste era cornado por un buey? Éxodo 21:32

 

  1. ¿Qué le preguntaron los discípulos a Jesús en el primer día de la fiesta del pan sin levadura? ¿Qué les contestó?  Mateo 26:17-18

 

  1. ¿Cómo se llamó Jesús a si mismo y quién preparó la cena pascual? Mateo 26:18-19

 

  1. ¿Cuando se hizo ya tarde, durante la cena, qué les dijo Jesús a sus discípulos? ¿Cómo se            pusieron éstos y qué le preguntaron?  Mateo 26:20-25

 

  1. ¿Durante la cena qué hizo y qué dijo Jesús acerca del pan? Mateo 26:26

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo con la copa? ¿Quién debería beberla, por qué?  ¿Qué hicieron después de esto?

Mateo 26:27-30

 

  1. ¿De donde tomó Jesús las palabras que dijo, qué les dijo y cómo respondió Pedro y todos los demás discípulos?  Mateo 26:31-35 y ver Zacarías 13:7

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has bebido de la copa de la sangre de Cristo?  Hebreos 9:22 dice, “De acuerdo con la ley casi todo se purifica con sangre y sin el derramamiento de la sangre no hay perdón”.  Reflexiona esto.

 

  1. ¿A dónde fue Jesús con sus discípulos y qué les dijo? Mateo 26:36

 

  1. ¿A quién llevó consigo, qué hizo y a quién se dirigió? Mateo 26:37-39

 

  1. ¿Qué oración le dijo Jesús a Su Padre, cuántas veces se lo pidió? ¿Qué estaban haciendo los discípulos?  Mateo 26:39-46

 

  1. ¿Quién llegó cuando Jesús estaba todavía hablando? ¿Quién los había mandado? ¿Qué señal les dio el traidor? Mateo 26:47-48

 

  1. ¿Cómo se cumplieron las Escrituras? ¿Qué hizo Pedro, y qué dijo Jesús acerca de esto?

Mateo 26:49-56

 

  1. Después de aprehender a Jesús ¿a dónde lo llevaron? ¿Dónde estaba Pedro? ¿Qué estaban tratando de obtener los jefes de los sacerdotes?  Mateo 26:57-60

 

  1. ¿Qué declararon los dos que llegaron? ¿Cuál fue la reacción del Sumo Sacerdote? ¿Cómo actuó Jesús?  ¿Cuál fue el veredicto?  Mateo 26: 61-66

 

  1. ¿Qué le hicieron a Jesús? Mateo 26: 67-68

 

  1. ¿Dónde estaba Pedro, qué hizo, cuántas veces lo hizo? ¿Qué hizo cuando oyó cantar al gallo?

Mateo 26:69-75

 

Personal – ¿Cómo reaccionas cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles en tu hogar o en tu trabajo?  ¿Mantienes tus ojos puestos en Jesús y permaneces fiel a El o tienes los ojos puestos en tus circunstancias?

 

  1. ¿Que pasó al amanecer? ¿Cuál fue el destino del traidor a Jesús? ¿Que pasó con las treinta monedas de plata que Judas cobró al traicionarlo?  Mateo 27:1-10

 

  1. Cuando Jesús fue a comparecer ante el procurador ¿qué se dijo y cuál fue su reacción?  Mateo 27:11-14

 

  1. ¿Qué costumbre tenían en ocasión de la Pascua? ¿Quién era Barrabás? ¿Qué les dijo Pilato?

¿Qué dijo la esposa de Pilato?  Mateo 27:15-19

 

  1. ¿Qué estaba haciendo el sumo sacerdote? ¿Cuál fue el resultado? ¿Por qué se lavó Pilato las manos? Mateo 27:20-26

 

  1. ¿Quién sentenció a Jesús a la muerte? Mateo 27:2, 26

 

  1. ¿Qué hicieron después? ¿De qué estaba hecha la corona de Jesús? Mateo 27:27-31

 

  1. ¿A quién encontraron al salir? ¿Qué hizo éste? ¿A donde llegaron? ¿Qué trataron de darle de beber?  Mateo 27:32-34

 

  1. ¿Cuando lo crucificaron, que hicieron con sus ropas, que pusieron encima de su cabeza? ¿Quiénes estaban a cada lado de El? ¿Que hacía la gente que pasaba por ahí?  Mateo 27:35-44

 

  1. ¿Dónde estaba Jesús cuando la gente gritaba?, “El salvó a otros y no puede salvarse a Si mismo”. Mateo 27:40-42

 

  1. ¿Mientras Jesús estaba colgado en la cruz que cubría todo el país? Mateo 27:45

 

  1. Completa las palabras que dijo Jesús estando en la cruz:

“¿Dios Mío, Dios Mío _________________________________?”  Mateo 27:46

 

  1. ¿Qué decían algunos al oírlo? Mateo 27:47

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó con la cortina del santuario, con la tierra y con los cuerpos de los santos?

Mateo 27:51-53

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la reacción del centurión y sus hombres y quiénes observaban desde lejos?

Mateo 27:54-56

 

  1. ¿Quién era otro de los discípulos de Jesús, qué hizo y con qué selló el sepulcro de Jesús?

Mateo 27:57-61

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó al otro día? ¿Qué les dijo Pilato y qué pusieron en la piedra? Mateo 27:62-66

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo ha afectado tu vida el derramamiento de la sangre de Jesús?  Esta semana en preparación para la Pascua, reflexiona en la sangre purificadora de Jesús en tu vida.

 

QUINTO DIA    LEE SALMO 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24

(“Han traspasado mis manos y mis pies.”)

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24.

 

¿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 50:4-7

La fuente de la fuerza y el valor para el sufrimiento, las pruebas y las tribulaciones es el sufrimiento y la muerte de nuestro divino Señor Jesucristo.  Necesitamos apegarnos fuertemente a El cuando el mundo se cierra con su agresión, su rechazo y su abandono.  El no solo viajó el mismo camino delante de los santos de antaño, sino que El viaja hoy día esperando constantemente estar contigo en tus sufrimientos.  Su sufrimiento y su muerte abrieron el camino al cielo para todos nosotros aún cuando hay muchos que rechazan ese regalo. El renunció a todo por nosotros y nos dio Su amor, Su confianza, la esperanza, el respeto y la vida eterna.  Y en cambio El fue escupido, ridiculizado, golpeado, despreciado, azotado y burlado.  Finalmente fue ejecutado siendo clavado en la cruz en el alvario entre dos criminales.

Este es un día de reflexión y estamos por entrar a la Semana Santa.  No debemos olvidar las acciones y las palabras del sufrido siervo de Isaías.  Necesitamos reflexionar que rápido cambió la muchedumbre de adorarlo a burlarlo.  El tomó la cruz por nosotros y debemos recordar que nosotros también estamos llamados a tomar la cruz por otros.  A veces creemos que nuestra cruz está demasiado pesada, o que es injusto aguantar una cruz tan pesada.  ¿Cuánto pesa tu cruz comparada a la de Cristo? ¿Cómo es tu calvario comparado al calvario de Cristo?

FILIPENSES 2:6-11

Pablo nos dice que nuestras actitudes deben ser iguales a las de Jesuscristo (Fil. 2:5).  El menciona que hay que asumir la actitud de un siervo no la de un rey.  Jesús, aún siendo Dios no insistió en sus derechos y privilegios de un rey.  El deliberadamente los hizo todos a un lado y tomó el papel de un siervo. Ahí está la formula increíble de un líder exitoso.

Jesús nos guió sirviéndonos.  El nos demostró que considerando a otros primero y siendo humildes es la única manera que una persona podrá llegar a ser líder verdadero.  Las ovejas seguían al pastor por que confiaban en El.  La gente seguirá al líder si saben que su principal preocupación en su corazón es su bienestar.  Jesús nos enseñó todo acerca del carácter de Dios en términos humanos.  El fue obediente hasta la muerte y el tipo de muerte que escogió Dios para Jesús fue extremadamente dolorosa.

Jesús es el modelo perfecto para nosotros en la vida moderna. ¿Cuántas veces insistes en tus derechos cuando eres tratado injustamente?  El nombre de Jesús hace que cada persona cristiana recuerde el nombre de una persona que gustosamente murió para que la humanidad fuera libre, murió por nosotros sabiendo bien que somos pecadores. (Romanos 5:8) Jesús voluntariamente hizo a un lado sus derechos divinos, privilegios y su lugar por amor a Su Padre.  Nosotros también estamos llamados a dejar a un lado nuestros derechos y privilegios en favor de nuestros hermanos oprimidos en el sagrado nombre de Jesús.

MATEO 26:14-27:66

La venida del Mesías era un sueño que los Judíos acariciaban por muchos, muchos siglos. Imaginaban al Mesías como alguien que los liberaría de la tiranía del gobierno pagano que prevalecía en ese tiempo.  Judas no era diferente cuando vio la posibilidad de mejorar durante el ministerio de Jesús.  La mayor diferencia entre lo que Judas esperaba y lo que realmente estaba sucediendo era que Jesús no tenia intenciones de traer un gobierno nuevo y más poderoso para la gente.

Judas esperaba estar metido en algo realmente grande.  El reino de Jesús no era de éste mundo.  El únicamente prometía vida eterna para aquellos que creyeran en El.  Les decía que El era el camino, la verdad y la vida (Juan 14:1-6).  Judas finalmente se dio cuenta de que el reino de Jesús no era físico o político sino espiritual.

A mucha gente hoy en día se le dice que si acepta a Jesús se volverán guapos, hermosas, prósperos y saludables.  Esa no es la promesa de Jesús.  El nos dijo que debemos tomar nuestra cruz y cargarla diariamente.  Nos dijo que seremos perseguidos en Su nombre.  Nos dijo que no nos preocupemos de lo que vamos a vestir o a comer.  Dijo que si vamos a resucitar con El necesitamos morir también con El.

Estamos llamados a morir (negarnos) a nosotros mismos.  Debemos ponerlo en el trono de nuestras vidas. Esto es algo difícil de aceptar pues que todo el honor y toda la gloria le pertenecen a El y no a nosotros.  Únicamente podremos hacerlo si somos obedientes a Su Santa Palabra.

La gente gritaba muerte, muerte, muerte a Nuestro Señor Jesús, delante del sanedrín.  Jesús fue culpado del pecado de blasfemia, crimen que se castigaba con la muerte.  Ellos no solo rechazaron lo que El decía sino que lo crucificaron en el Calvario.  Necesitas decidirte hoy mismo, son las palabras de Jesús ¿blasfemia o verdad?  El resultado de tu decisión es eterno.

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos enseña que el sufrimiento puede conducir a la obediencia.  La segunda lectura nos enseña que la humildad es la primera piedra del liderazgo.  El evangelio nos dice que el sufrimiento por algo que no hiciste y el mostrar humildad en tus acciones es algo tan espiritual que solo Jesús puede darlo.

Esta semana mira a tu alrededor y ve si puedes ayudar y dar un ejemplo como el de Cristo a alguien que esté sufriendo.  Puede ser tu esposo(a), tus hijos o alguien en tu trabajo.

 

PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY ‑ CYCLE A

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PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY ‑ 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 50:4‑7        FIRST READING

(“The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced.”)

  1. Where did the well‑trained tongue come from, to whom has he given it and for what reason has he been given a well‑trained   tongue?   Isaiah 50:4

 

  1. When and what does he open, that we may hear? Isaiah 50:4

 

  1. What has he not done? Isaiah 50:5

 

  1. What happens to those that rebel? 1 Samuel 12:15

 

  1. What did the servant do to those who beat him and plucked his beard?   Isaiah 50:6

 

  1. From what did he not shield his face? Isaiah 50:6, Matthew 26:67 and 27:30

 

  1. Who is the servant’s help and how has he set his face? Isaiah 50:7

 

  1. What does the servant know? Isaiah 50:7

 

Personal ‑ When do you hear the Lord speaking to you? What is he saying to you? In what way, by using a well‑trained tongue, do you rouse the weary in your own household? Pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you how you can train your tongue.

 

THIRD DAY           READ PHILIPPIANS 2:6‑11     SECOND READING

(“Jesus Christ is Lord.”)

  1. What must be your attitude? Philippians 2:5

 

  1. Of who was he in the form? Philippians 2:6

 

  1. Who is Christ? John 1:1, 14

 

  1. What was something at which he did not grasp? Phil. 2:6

 

  1. Rather, of what did he become empty, and why? Phil. 2:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9

 

  1. What form did he take and in whose likeness was he born, and of what was he known to be? Philippians 2:7

 

  1. What two things did he do in verse 8 of Philippians 2?

 

  1. For what reason did he do the above two things? Hebrews 2:14‑17

 

  1. Because he humbled himself and accepted death on the cross, what two things did God do for him?   Philippians 2:9

 

  1. What must every knee do, in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, at the name of Jesus and what must every tongue proclaim?   Philippians 2:10‑11

 

  1. What does this tell you beyond a doubt? Acts 2:36

 

  1. For whose glory is this proclaimed (Phil. 2:11) and what will happen to you if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead?  Romans 10:9

 

  1. Who gives you the power to say “Jesus is Lord?” 1 Cor. 12:3

 

Personal ‑ In what way is your attitude that of Christ? In what way have you humbled yourself? What cross have you obediently accepted? Read Mark 8:34 and meditate on this.

 

FOURTH DAY         READ MATTHEW 26:14‑27:66            GOSPEL

(“For this is my blood, the blood of the covenant,

to be poured out in behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.”)

  1. Who went to the chief priest, what did he ask them and what were they willing to pay him to betray and hand Jesus over to them?   Matthew 26:14‑16

 

  1. What was paid to the owner for a gored slave? Ex 21:32

 

  1. What did the disciples ask Jesus on the first day of the feast of the unleavened bread and what did he say to them? Matthew 26:17‑18

 

  1. What did Jesus call himself and who prepared the Passover supper?   Matt 26:18‑19

 

  1. When it grew dark and in the course of the meal what did Jesus say to his disciples, how did they feel, and what was their response?  Matthew 26: 20‑25

 

  1. During the meal, what did Jesus do and say about the bread? Matthew 26:26

 

  1. What did he do with the cup, who did he say must drink from it, for what reason and what did they do after this was said?       Matthew 26:27‑30

 

  1. From what did Jesus quote, what did he say to them, and what was Peter’s response and all the other disciples? Matthew 26:31‑35, Zechariah 13:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you drunk from the cup of Jesus’ blood? Hebrews 9:22 says “According to the law almost everything is purified by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Reflect on this.

 

  1. Where did Jesus go with his disciples and what did he say to them?   Matthew 26:36

 

  1. Who did he take with him, what did he do and who did he address?   Matthew 26:37‑39

 

  1. What did Jesus pray to his Father, how many times did he say this to him and what were the disciples doing? Matt 26:39‑46

 

  1. While Jesus was still speaking, who arrived, who sent them, and how did his betrayer signal them?   Matthew 26:47‑48

 

  1. How was this fulfilled, what did Peter do, and what did Jesus say about this? Matthew 26:49‑56

 

  1. After they apprehended Jesus, where did they take him; where was Peter, and what were the chief priests trying to obtain? Matthew 26:57‑60

 

  1. When two came forward, what did they declare; what was the high priest’s reaction, how did Jesus act, and what was the verdict?   Matthew 26:61‑66

 

  1. What did they do to Jesus? Matthew 26:67‑68

 

  1. Where was Peter, what did he do, how many times did he do this and what did he do on hearing a cock crow? Matthew 26:69‑75

 

Personal ‑ How do you act when things get tough in your home or work environment? Do you keep your eyes on Jesus and stand firm with him or do you keep your eyes on your circumstances?

 

  1. What happened at daybreak, what was the fate of Jesus’ betrayer and what happened to the thirty pieces of silver for     which Judas betrayed him?   Matthew 27:1‑10

 

  1. When Jesus was arraigned before the procurator, what was said and what was his reaction? Matthew 27:11‑14

 

  1. What were they accustomed to doing on this occasion of a festival, who was Barabbas, what did Pilate say to them, and what did Pilate’s wife say?   Matthew 27:15‑19

 

  1. What was the chief priest doing, what was the result and why did Pilate wash his hands?   Matthew 27:20‑26

 

  1. Who sentenced Jesus to death? Matthew 27:2, 26

 

  1. What did they do next and of what was Jesus’ crown made? Matthew 27:27‑31

 

  1. On their way out, who did they meet, what did he do, where did they arrive, and what did they try to give him to drink? Matthew 27:32‑34

 

  1. When they crucified him, what did they do with his clothes, what did they put above his head, who was on each side of him and what were the people doing?   Matthew 27:35‑44

 

  1. Where was Jesus when people cried out, “He saved others but he cannot save himself?” Matthew 27:40‑42

 

  1. While Jesus hung on the cross what was over all the land? Matthew 27:45

 

  1. Complete Jesus’ words from the cross ‑ “My God, My God _________________________________________________. ”    Matthew 27:46

 

  1. When Jesus said these words, what did some of the bystanders say? Matthew 27:47

 

 

  1. What happened to the curtain in the sanctuary, the earth, and the bodies of the saints? Matthew 27:51‑53

 

  1. What was the reaction of the centurion and his men and who looked on from a distance?   Matthew 27:54‑56

 

  1. Who was another of Jesus’ disciples, what did he do and what sealed the mouth of Jesus’ grave?   Matthew 27:57‑61

 

  1. What happened the next day, what did Pilate tell them, and what did they fix on the stone?   Matthew 27:62‑66

 

Personal ‑ In what way has the shedding of Jesus’ blood affected your life? This week, in preparation for Easter, reflect on the cleansing blood of Jesus in your life.

 

FIFTH DAY       READ PSALM 22:8‑9, 17‑20, 23‑24

(“They have pierced my hands and my feet.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 22:8‑9, 17‑20, 23‑24.

 

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 50:4‑7

The source of strength and courage for all suffering, trial and tribulations is the suffering and death of our divine Lord Jesus Christ. We need to hold fast to him when the world closes in with its assault, rejection and abandonment. He not only traveled this same road before the saints of old, but he travels it today, constantly waiting to be with us in our suffering. His suffering and death opened the road to heaven for all of us, even though many refuse the gift. He gave up everything for us, and he gave us love, trust, hope, respect, eternal life. In return he was spat upon, ridiculed, beaten, jeered, scourged and mocked. He finally was executed on Calvary by being nailed to a cross between two criminals.

This is a day of reflection. We are about to enter holy week. Let us not forget the actions and words of Isaiah’s suffering servant. We need to reflect how fast the crowd changed from adoring him to rejecting him. He took up his cross for us; I need to remember that I, too, am called to carry my cross for others as Christ did. Sometimes we think our cross is too heavy, or that it is unfair to carry such a heavy cross. How heavy is your cross compared to Christ’s? How is your Calvary compared to Jesus’ Calvary?

                      PHILIPPIANS 2:6‑11

Paul tells us that our attitudes should be like that of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:5). He describes putting on the attitude of a servant rather than that of a king. Jesus though being God, did not demand his rights and privileges of royalty. He deliberately set them all aside and took on the role of a servant. There lies the incredible formula of a successful leader.

Jesus, a true leader serves all of us. He showed us that putting others first and being humble was the only way a person can become a real leader. The sheep followed the shepherd because they trusted him. People will follow a leader if they know that he has their welfare at heart. Jesus showed us everything of God’s character in human terms. He was obedient even unto death, and the type of death the Father chose for him was extremely painful.

Jesus is the perfect role model for us today. How many times do we demand our rights when we feel we are being treated less than fairly? The name of Jesus should bring to every Christian the name of a person who willingly died so that all could be free. He died for us knowing very well that we are sinners (Romans 5:8). Jesus voluntarily laid aside his divine rights, privileges, and position out of love for his Father. We, too, are called to lay aside our rights and privileges for our oppressed brothers and sisters in the Holy Name of Jesus.

                      MATTHEW 26:14‑27:66

The coming of the Messiah was a dream that the Jews envisioned for many, many centuries. They visioned the Messiah as one who would deliver the Jews from the tyranny of the pagan government that was ruling at the time. Judas wasn’t any different when he saw that possibility grow during the ministry of Jesus. The major difference, in what Judas hoped for and what was really happening, was that Jesus did not intend to bring a new and more powerful government to the people.

Judas expected to be on the inside of something really big. Jesus’ kingdom was not of this world. He only promised eternal life to all those who believe in him. He said he was the way, the truth and the life (John 14:1‑6). Judas finally realized that Jesus’ kingdom was not physical or political, but spiritual.

Many people today are being told that if they accept Jesus they will become handsome, beautiful, prosperous and healthy. That is not what Jesus promised. He told us that we have to pick up our cross and carry it daily. He told us that we would be persecuted in his name. He told us not to be concerned about what we wear and what we eat. He told us that if we are to rise with him we need to die with him also.

We are called to die to ourselves. We are called to put him on the throne of our lives. This is difficult to accept, because all honor and glory belongs to him and not to us. We can only do this when we are obedient to his Holy Word. The people shouted death, death, death to our Lord Jesus at the meeting of the Sanhedrin. Jesus was convicted of committing the sin of blasphe­my, a crime punishable by death. They not only rejected his claim but even crucified him on Calvary. You need to decide today, whether Jesus’ Words are blasphemy, or truth. The result of your decision is eternal.

Application

The first reading showed us that suffering can lead to obedience. The second reading shows that humility is the cornerstone of leadership. And the Gospel tells us that suffering for something that you didn’t do and showing humility in your actions calls for a spirituality that only Jesus can give.

This week, look around and see if you can be helpful and set an example of Christ to someone who is suffering. This could be your spouse, your children or someone at work.

Lectio Divina – 5th Sunday of Lent

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5th Sunday of Lent – Lectio Divina

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33-45 – The sisters of Lazarus sent word to Jesus saying, “Master, the one you love is ill.” When Jesus heard this he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. Then after this he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” He became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Sir, come and see.” And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” But some of them said, ”Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?” So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with the burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

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

Share your reflection with someone.