Author Archive: admin

SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

Posted on by

SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                 LEE GENESIS 12:1-4             PRIMERA LECTURA

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. ¿Quién era Lot? Génesis 11:31

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

  1. ¿De qué no te debes avergonzar?

 

2 Timoteo 1:8

Eclesiástico 4:26

Eclesiástico 51:29

Romanos 1:16

1 Pedro 4:16

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

CUARTO DIA                                 LEE MATEO 17:1-9                                         EVANGELIO

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. ¿Qué nos detiene de escuchar al Señor?

 

Éxodo 7:13

Deuteronomio 1:43

Deuteronomio 21:18

Hechos 28:27

Hebreos 12:25

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                               LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

GENESIS 12:1-4

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

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

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

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

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

                                                               2 TIMOTEO 1:8-10

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

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

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

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

                                                                  MATEO 17:1-9

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

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

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

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

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

Aplicación

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

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

 

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

Posted on by

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

SECOND DAY            READ GENESIS 12:1‑4        FIRST READING

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

  1. Who was Lot? Genesis 11:31

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

  1. Of what are we not to be ashamed?

 

2 Timothy 1:8

Sirach 4:26

Sirach 51:29

Romans 1:16

1 Peter 4:16

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 17:1‑9               GOSPEL

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. What prevents us from listening to the Lord?

 

Exodus 7:13

Deuteronomy 1:43

Deuteronomy 21:18

Acts 28:27

Hebrews 12:25

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

GENESIS 12:1‑4

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

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

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

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

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

                       2 TIMOTHY 1:8‑10

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

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

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

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

                        MATTHEW 17:1‑9

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

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

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

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

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

Application

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

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

 

Newsletter – March 2017

Posted on by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                     +++++++

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

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

+++++++++

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

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

 +++++++++

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

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

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

God bless you,

St. Dismas Staff

Lectio Divina – 1st Sunday of Lent – A

Posted on by

Lectio Divina – 1st Sunday of Lent – A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL

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

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

Share your reflection with someone.

Lectio Divina – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by

Lectio Divina – 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

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

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

Share your reflection with someone.

PRIMER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

Posted on by

PRIMER DOMINGO DE CUARESMA – CICLO A

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                GENESIS 2:7-9, 3:1-7                       PRIMERA LECTURA

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

GENESIS 3:16                                     1 JUAN 2:16

1._______________________ 1.  ________________________

2._______________________ 2.  ________________________

3._______________________ 3.  ________________________

 

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

 

TERCER DIA                                  ROMANOS 5:12-19                           SEGUNDA LECTURA

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

una sola ofensa                                                un solo acto justo

______________________________            ______________________________

 

la desobediencia de un hombre                       la obediencia de un hombre

______________________________            ______________________________

 

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

 

CUARTO DIA                                   MATEO 4:1-11                                               EVANGELIO

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                               LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

GENESIS 2:7-9, 3:1-7

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

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

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

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

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

                                                              ROMANOS 5:12-19

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

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

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

                                                                  MATEO 4:1-11

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

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

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

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

Aplicación

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

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

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

Posted on by

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT ‑ CYCLE A

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

 

SECOND DAY         READ GENESIS 2:7‑9, 3:1‑7     FIRST READING

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

_________ at and good for __________, with the ________ ___

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

______________ of ______ and _________.   Genesis 2:9

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

GENESIS 3:6                     1 JOHN 2:16

1.

2.

3.

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

 

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 5:12‑19       SECOND READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

_______________________          ________________________

 

one man’s disobedience           one man’s obedience

_______________________          ________________________

 

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

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 4:1‑11               GOSPEL

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

GENESIS 2:7‑9; 3:1‑7

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

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

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

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

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

                        ROMANS 5:12‑19

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

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

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

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

                        MATTHEW 4:1‑11

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

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

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

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

Application

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

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

OCTAVO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – A

Posted on by

OCTAVO   DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO 

 ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

  

SEGUNDO DIA                                         ISAIAH  49:14-15                   PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Yo nunca me olvidaré de tí”)

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

 

  1. ¿Dónde o quién es Sión?

Reyes 8:1

Salmo 132:13-14

Isaías 46: 13

1 Pedro 2: 4-8

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Sión? Isaías 49-14

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

TERCER DIA                                    1 CORINTIOS 4:1-5                 SEGUNDA LECTURA

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1,-

2.-

 

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

 

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

 

CUARTO DIA                                   MATEO 6:24-34                                             EVANGELIO

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1-

2-

3-

 

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

 

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

1-

2-

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

 

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

 

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

(“Sólo en Dios descansa mi alma”)

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 62:2-3, 6-9.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO    DIA                                       LEE TODO   EL COMENTARIO

ISAIAS 49:14-15

 

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

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

1 CORINTIOS   4:1-5

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

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

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

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

MATEO 6:24 – 34

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

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

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

Aplicación

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

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

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‑ CYCLE A

Posted on by

EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ‑ CYCLE A

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

 

SECOND DAY           READ ISAIAH 49:14‑15       FIRST READING

(“I will never forget you.”)

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

 

  1. Where or who is Zion?

 

1 Kings 8:1

Psalm 132:13‑14

Isaiah 46:13

1 Peter 2:4‑8

 

  1. What did Zion say? Isaiah 49:14

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. Who reveals these mysteries? Daniel 2:28

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1.

 

2.

 

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

 

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

 

FOURTH DAY           READ MATTHEW 6:24‑34              GOSPEL

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Matthew 6:25

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

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

 

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

 

1.

 

2.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(“Only in God is my soul at rest.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 62:2‑3, 6-9.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 49:14‑15

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

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

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

                      1 CORINTHIANS 4:1‑5

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

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

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

                        MATTHEW 6:24‑34

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

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

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

Application

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

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

Lectio Divina – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by

Lectio Divina – 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

 READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL

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

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

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

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

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.