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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ CYCLE A

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FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ 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 7:10‑14         FIRST READING

(“Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign.”)

 

  1. To whom did the Lord speak and through whom did he speak?    Isaiah 7:10 & Isaiah 7:3

 

  1. Who is Ahaz? Isaiah 7:1

 

  1. For what was Ahaz to ask God? Isaiah 7:11

 

  1. What was Ahaz’s answer to this question? Isaiah 7:12

 

  1. What did Isaiah say to Ahaz? Isaiah 7:13

 

  1. What did the Lord give Ahaz? Isaiah 7:14

 

  1. What was the sign he gave him? Isaiah 7:14

 

  1. What did the Pharisees and teachers of the law say to Jesus, and what was his answer? Matthew 12:38‑40

 

  1. What was the sign given to the shepherds? Luke 2:12, 16‑17

 

Personal – In what way have you wearied God by constantly looking for signs other than the virgin birth? How is Jesus your sign?

 

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 1:1‑7         SECOND READING

(“Through him we have been favored with apostleship.”)

 

  1. Who was sending greetings and how does he refer to himself? Romans 1:1

 

  1. What is he called to be and for what is he set apart? Romans 1:1

 

  1. Where is recorded what he promised long ago through his prophets?   Romans 1:2

 

  1. Whom is the Gospel concerning, from whom did he descend and how did he descend from him?   Romans 1:3

 

  1. How was he made Son of God? Romans 1:4

 

  1. For what two reasons have you been called? Romans 1:5

 

  1. What are we to spread concerning his name? Acts 4:12

 

  1. To whom have we been called to belong? Romans 1:6

 

  1. To whom was Paul speaking? Romans 1:7

 

  1. To what did he say they had been called and what does he greet them with from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?      Romans 1:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you see yourself called to spread the name of Jesus just as Paul was? How can you become an apostle for Jesus to your family and friends?

 

FOURTH DAY           READ MATTHEW 1:18‑24               GOSPEL

(“She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”)

  1. How did the birth of Jesus Christ come about? Matthew 1:18

 

  1. Through the power of whom was Mary found to be with child? Matthew 1:18

 

  1. Who was Joseph and what kind of a man was he? Matthew 1:19

 

  1. What was Joseph’s intention, how did the angel of the Lord appear to him, and what did he say to him?   Matthew 1:19-20

 

  1. When was another time an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, what did he tell him to do, and what was his response?      Matthew 2:13‑14

 

  1. What did the angel say Mary would have, what was she to name him, and for what reason? Matthew 1:21

 

  1. Why did all this happen, who was the prophet, and what did he say? Matthew 1:22, Isaiah 7:14

 

  1. What does his name mean and what did Joseph do when he awoke?      Matthew 1:23-24, Isaiah 8:8, 10

 

  1. As Joseph recognized God speaking to him through an angel, what did his obedience show?   John 14:21

 

  1. What did he not do before Mary bore a son, and what did Joseph name the child?   Matthew 1:25

 

  1. What do the following scriptures say about the name of Jesus?

John 14:13

Acts 2:21 and 4:12

Philippians 2:9‑10

 

Personal ‑ When and where do you experience the presence of God the most in your life? What do you need to do to experience “Immanuel, God is with you” more completely in your life? How often do you think, feel, experience and call upon the name of Jesus in your everyday life?

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 24:1‑6

(“He shall receive a blessing from the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 24:1‑6.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 7:10-14

This passage shows us the incredible generosity of God in his urging Ahaz to ask him for a sign. This sign would show Ahaz that God wanted to protect him and crush his enemies. The King refused and appeared almost righteous by stating that he would not test God with a sign. The truth of the matter was that God had told him to ask but Ahaz was not really sure what God would say. Many of us use the same excuse, saying that we do not want to bother God with our puny problems. This keeps us from being realistic and communicating honestly with him.

We need to seriously remember and hold fast to the scripture in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love him.” God loves us so much that he is constantly giving us signs of his presence and love. We need to reflect for a moment on how many times he has been present to us in the form of other people who are in our lives. God gave Ahaz and all of us the greatest sign of all time. He stated that a child shall be born to a virgin and she shall call him “Immanuel.” This means “God is with us” and he will always be with us even to the end of time (Matt. 28:20). This was a great prophecy of the Messiah.

Jewish people waited for over seven hundred years and when Christ was born in a lowly cave and took on the role of a helpless infant, the sign of all signs was ignored and missed by the non‑ believers. There are many people in the world today who are non‑ believers and who are looking for a sign. You are that sign, you are called to be that light. You are called to be an ambassador for God. They will know God is present by the sign of the way we love one another.

                         ROMANS 1:1‑7

This passage was written by Paul who had not yet been to Rome. It was unthinkable to hear a Roman citizen call himself a slave; and yet, that is what Paul called himself, a slave to Jesus Christ. Paul chose to be completely obedient and dependent on his beloved Jesus. We need to reflect on our own attitude toward Christ. Is Christ your Master? Are you dependent on and obedient to Jesus Christ? Paul tells about Jesus being part of the Jewish royal line and being born and then dying and rising from the dead. Paul believed totally that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and the resurrected Lord. Paul tells the Romans of his agreement with the teaching of all scripture and of the traditional oral teaching of the apostles. Paul really emphasizes that God’s grace is an undeserved privilege and that it is also accompanied by a responsibility to share God’s forgiveness with others. This is our responsibility, to witness to the world. God may never call you to witness overseas, but he is calling you to witness where you are now. Rome was the capital of the world. The city was wealthy, literary, and artistic. It was a cultural center but in terms of morality, it was dying. Many great cities in the world are facing that same fate today. Christianity was at odds with many elements in the Roman culture.

The Romans trusted in their military power to protect them against their enemies. Does this type of thinking sound familiar? Christians were being exhorted to hold fast to their views on morality. We might well look around our own society and see whether the traditional family values such as sanctity of life, marriage, and chastity are being threatened by a godless way of life. Paul showed his love toward the Roman church by expressing God’s love for them, and we need to do just that too. We need to reach out and affirm our church leaders and tell them that we love them and support them in this ministry. We need to witness to Jesus’ commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

                        MATTHEW 1:18‑24

This passage addresses why a virgin birth is so important to the people of the Christian faith. Because Jesus was born of a woman, he was fully human. Also being the Son of God, he was both fully human and divine. We can relate totally with Jesus because he was human and he was like us and because he experienced every kind of temptation we experience today. In his whole life, Jesus never committed a sin. Because of this he understands our weakness and he offers us his forgiveness.

We can approach God with a reverence and yet boldness when we pray because we know that he truly understands our complete needs. We do not need to feel uncomfortable when we go before the Lord in prayer, as he loves us so much and he has been where we are now, and has the ability to help us. We need to understand the importance of the virgin birth in order to accept the situation that surrounded the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary was betrothed to Joseph when she became pregnant, and Joseph was confronted with only a few options to resolve the issue of his bride‑to‑be being pregnant, but not by him.

The Jewish marriage was the culmination of three stages. The first was when the couple became engaged, generally after their families agreed to their union. Later on, when a public announcement was made, the couple became “betrothed.” This was considered binding and broken only by divorce or death. There was no sexual relationship allowed however, until after the couple was married. The “betrothal” time was planning where to live, stocking the place with furniture, etc. Mary’s pregnancy displayed an apparent unfaithfulness that carried a severe social stigma. Joseph had a right according to Jewish law either to divorce her or to have her stoned in front of her father’s house (Deut. 22:23, 24). Joseph was told in a dream to follow God’s will and to take Mary for his wife. He was told by the Lord that Mary had conceived this child by the power of the Holy Spirit. Reflect for a moment how you would react to this type of a situation. Joseph chose to obey God’s command to marry her in spite of the obvious humiliation that they both experienced through the towns people. Joseph’s actions revealed several admirable qualities that the young men of today would do well to emulate. He displayed a stern principle, discretion and sensitivity. He was very responsive to God and displayed tremendous self‑discipline.

Joseph took God’s option and that was to marry Mary. God shows us that if we obey him, he will show us more options on how to live according to his will than we think possible. We must never forget that God took on the limitations of humanity so he could live and die for the salvation of all who believe in him.

Application

The first reading shows us that God wants us to communicate (prayer) with him so that he can shower us with his incredible generosity. The second reading tells us that obedience and dependency on Jesus Christ is the only way to freedom. The Gospel reveals that boldness and reverence are what he wants from us in prayer.

Get down on your knees and thank Christ for coming to earth so that he could die on the cross for your sins. Then ask him to take control of your life and ask the members of your family to join you as you fall on your knees and give him praise and adoration for coming to be with you. That is why they called him “Immanuel.”

 

3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A

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3rd SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Matthew 11:2-11 – When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”

As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ‘Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

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

 

Share your reflection with someone.

TERCER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – CICLO A

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TERCER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – 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 ISAIAS 35:1-6, 10                  PRIMERA LECTURA

(“La alegría y la felicidad los acompañarán.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué exaltará y florecerá y por qué? Isaías 35:1-2

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la respuesta al ver la gloria del Señor? Isaías 35:2

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer con las manos que son frágiles y las rodillas que son débiles? Isaías 35:3

 

  1. ¿Qué les debemos decir a los que tienen miedo en sus corazones? Isaías 35:4

 

  1. ¿Por qué no debemos temer? Isaías 35:4, 41:10 y Zacarías 8:13

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasará a los ojos de los ciegos y los oídos de los sordos? Isaías 35:5

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasará a los cojos y a la lengua de los mudos? Isaías 35:6

 

  1. ¿Quién regresará y qué entrarán haciendo en Zión? Isaías 35:10

 

  1. ¿Con qué serán coronados, y que se alejará de ellos? Isaías 35:10

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma te ven regocijándote en tu vida los de tu familia, tus amistades o tus compañeros de trabajo? ¿Cómo puedes, de una manera alegre, demostrar tu aprecio por lo que Dios ha hecho por ti?

 

TERCER DIA                            LEE SANTIAGO 5:7-10              SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Sean también pacientes y valientes, porque la venida del Señor está cerca.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos ser hasta la venida del Señor? Santiago 5:7

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el labrador? Santiago 5:7

 

  1. ¿Qué debes de hacer tú también y por qué? Santiago 5:8

 

  1. ¿Qué dice 1 Corintios 13:14 acerca de la paciencia?

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes hacer y por qué? Santiago 5:9

 

  1. ¿Quién está de pie en la puerta? Santiago 5:9

 

  1. ¿Quién es el que nos va a juzgar? 1 Corintios 4:5

 

  1. ¿Para qué ha separado Dios a Jesús? Hechos 10:37-42

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son nuestros modelos en el sufrimiento? Santiago 5:10

 

  1. ¿En nombre de quién hablaron los profetas? Santiago 5:10

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has sufrido por hablar en el nombre de Jesús? ¿En qué forma has sido modelo para tu familia, amistades o compañeros del trabajo? ¿Cómo entra la paciencia en tu vida? Reflexiona en esto.

 

CUARTO DIA                              LEE MATEO 11:2-11                                  EVANGELIO

(“Se predica la Buena Nueva a los desdichados”)

 

  1. ¿Dónde estaba Juan cuando se dio cuenta de los trabajos que Cristo estaba haciendo y a quién envió a hacerle una pregunta a Jesús? Mateo 11:2

 

  1. ¿Cuál era el mensaje de Juan y porqué estaba en la prisión? Mateo 3:1-2 14:3-4

 

  1. ¿Cuál era la pregunta que Juan envió a sus discípulos a hacerle a Jesús? Mateo 11:3

 

  1. ¿Qué respondió Jesús, especialmente sabiendo quién les ha estado predicando las Buenas Nuevas?

Mateo 11:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cuáles dos cosas les dijo Jesús que le reportaran a Juan y quién es bendito? Mateo 11:4, 6

 

  1. ¿A quién le pertenece el reino de Dios? Lucas 6:20

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma estás siendo bendecido(a) por medio de lo que escuchas y ves que está pasando a tu alrededor?

 

  1. Mientras los mensajeros se iban, ¿acerca de quién le habló Jesús a la muchedumbre, y qué pregunta les hizo concerniente a lo que ellos estaban buscando? Mateo 11:7-9

 

  1. ¿Qué aseguró Jesús a Juan y qué dice la escritura acerca de Juan? Mateo 11:9-10

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que ha hecho la historia? Mateo 11:11

 

  1. ¿A quién considera Jesús más grande que Juan Bautista? Mateo 11:11

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma te reafirma Jesús por las acciones que has tomado al tratar con los que están a tu alrededor?

 

QUINTO DIA                                 LEE EL SALMO 146:6-10

(“El Señor libera a los oprimidos”)

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 146:6-10.

 

¿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 35:1-6, 10

 

Isaías ha dado un mensaje de juicio en todas las naciones en casi todos los treinta y cuatro capítulos anteriores. Su mensaje incluye Judea e Israel constantemente rechazando al Dios de Abraham, Jacob y Moisés. Hubo tiempos de alivio y restauración en la historia del pueblo escogido pero estos parecían ser solamente en los momentos más difíciles. Un grupo pequeño de fieles creyentes prevalecían durante estos tiempos de la ira y juicio de Dios.

En este pasaje vemos a Isaías trayéndole a la gente una visión de esperanza, belleza y ánimo. Se les muestra un Dios de juicio, pero también se les muestra un Dios de bondad increíble. Vemos a un Dios que es perfecto en su amor e íntegro en su odio al pecado. Dios ha mostrado su amor por todo esto que El ha creado por medio de su piedad interminable. Muchos han fallado en responderle a su amor por las tentaciones del mundo. El ha extendido su amor incomparable y su bondad infinita para todos los que se arrepientan y regresen a El. También nosotros gozamos de los beneficios de su piedad, y también nosotros seremos parte del reino final, el cuál se describe tan hermosamente en este pasaje.

Este será el tipo de mundo que tú y yo esperaremos después del juicio, cuando toda la creación se regocije en Dios. El razonamiento y los tiempos de tribulación terminan con el principio de este pasaje. La vida después del juicio final será tranquila y alegre porque estaremos en “casa” alabando al Dios viviente por los siglos de los siglos. Aún ahora mientras leemos esto, Jesucristo, nuestro Señor y Salvador, está preparando un lugar para nosotros (Juan 14:1-6) y está preparándonos el camino. El caminará con nosotros en este camino a “casa”. Este camino irá del desierto del sufrimiento a las bendiciones de la vida eterna. Solamente se puede viajar en el cuando seguimos a Dios. Nuestro Señor Jesús nunca dejará de señalarnos el camino. El está siempre a nuestro lado mientras caminamos. Vamos a seguir esa visión. Permitamos que nuestro camino sea santo. Vamos a responder todos al llamado de Dios y guiar a otros a la carretera santa de Dios que lleva al cielo.

SANTIAGO 5:7-10

 

Para entender este pasaje uno tiene que darse cuenta que la iglesia temprana vivía en la esperanza del regreso inmediato de Jesucristo. Santiago está exhortando a la gente para que sean pacientes en los pocos años que quedaban. El habla acerca del granjero que tiene que esperar pacientemente por la primera y última lluvia para que su cosecha madure. El granjero necesita mucha paciencia para esperar hasta que la naturaleza haga su trabajo, y el Cristiano necesita mucha paciencia en su vida hasta que Cristo venga de nuevo. Durante este tiempo de sembrar y cosechar deben de confirmar su fe, al apoyarse y ayudarse uno al otro en todas las circunstancias. Un granjero dependía bastante de la ayuda de sus vecinos a la hora de la cosecha y el apoyo era muy necesario, no las críticas.

Hoy en día no tenemos muchos granjeros, pero todavía estamos ocupados sembrando las semillas de la vida. También nosotros debemos de estar listos para ayudar a nuestro vecino, no solamente a la hora de la cosecha, sino también en los tiempos de desastre. La iglesia temprana estaba equivocada pensando que Jesús regresaría dentro de una generación, pero el llamado a apoyarse y amarse uno al otro es todavía una gran parte del camino Cristiano. Es muy interesante notar que ambos los Cristianos y los granjeros deben vivir por medio de la fe. Mucha gente culpa a otros cuando las cosas empiezan a ir mal en sus vidas (Génesis 3:12,13). El no querer tener nuestra propia parte de responsabilidad es la causa de que muchos ataquen y culpen a otros. Este método es más fácil y más visible, pero también es destructivo y pecador.

Necesitamos reflexionar en los que se está diciendo en este pasaje y aplicarlo a nuestras propias vidas. Lo que se está diciendo es que antes de que cualquiera de nosotros juzgue a otros deberíamos estar muy al tanto de que Cristo, el juez real, vendrá a evaluarnos (Mateo 7:1-5). Nuestra paciencia necesita estar en nuestra habilidad de poner las necesidades de otros antes que las propias. También necesitamos orar para tener valor y para que nos sostenga en la guerra contra el pecado. Solamente cuando pasamos por las pruebas y sufrimientos alcanzamos la gracia y el valor de la paciencia. La historia nos ha enseñado como muchos de los profetas del Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento han sufrido pacientemente por el amor a Jesucristo. Nosotros que somos llamados al camino Cristiano podemos esperar nuestra cruz del sufrimiento la cuál con fe y paciencia cargaremos a todas partes donde la gente diga “tengo sed.”

 

MATEO 11:2-11

 

La carrera de Juan Bautista había terminado en pedazos. El estaba ahora en la prisión, puesto ahí por del Rey Herodes. Juan nunca buscó suavizar la verdad y era incapaz de ver maldad sin ponerse en contra de ella. El Rey Herodes le robó la esposa a su hermano y vivía con ella en pecado. Juan habló sin miedo y Herodes tomó su venganza. Juan reflexionó mientras estaba en la prisión acerca de si Jesús era realmente el Mesías. Juan pensaba que su trabajo era estar afuera predicándole a la gente y preparándola para Jesús. ¿Cómo podía hacer esto mientras estaba en la cárcel? ¿Suena un poco familiar, no es verdad?

Muchas veces en nuestras vidas pensamos que se nos está bloqueando para hacer lo que pensamos es lo mejor. Se nos puede detener por falta de salud, mucha edad o hasta por la falta de la habilidad natural para hacer lo que pensamos que el Señor nos está llamando a hacer. Jesús le contestó a Juan sus dudas diciéndole que mirara a su alrededor y se fijara en lo que se estaba haciendo en la comunidad. Los ciegos podían ver, los sordos podían oír. Los leprosos estaban siendo sanados y la gente estaba siendo resucitada de entre los muertos y predicando las buenas nuevas. La respuesta de Jesús para Juan fue que el reino de Dios está a la mano (Marcos 1:15). La identidad de Jesús fue obvia para Juan cuando escuchó la respuesta que Jesús le había enviado.

También nosotros debemos reflexionar sobre nuestra salvación y nuestro propio nivel de duda. Solamente necesitamos mirar la evidencia en la escritura y los cambios en nuestra propia vida. Hemos visto como El nos ha perdonado nuestros pecados y cuando dudamos, no necesitamos alejarnos de El. En realidad, cuando tenemos sentimientos de duda entonces es cuando debemos voltearnos totalmente a El. Necesitamos observar a Juan y ver quién y que era él. El era un hombre que vivía en el desierto y estaba muy apegado a la tierra. El no tenía ropas elegantes y no comía comida exótica. Algunas gentes creían que estaba loco, y aún así se juntaban para escucharlo y verlo. El habló con autoridad y humildad. El era duro con los que no obedecían la ley y estaba en sumisión total a Cristo. Hoy en día el estilo de Juan probablemente fuera causa de risa para todo el pueblo porque su mensaje era muy sencillo y muy claro. El mensaje básico de Juan era “Arrepiéntanse, el reino de Dios está a la mano” (Marcos 1:15).

Mucha gente hoy en día no se quiere arrepentir porque “arrepentirse” significa un cambio de vida total. Todos somos pecadores (Romanos 3:23) y todos estamos llamados al arrepentimiento. Ponte de rodillas y quédate quieto y escucha a nuestro Dios (Salmo 46:10). Luego pídele que crea en tí un corazón limpio que esté lleno con pensamientos y deseos nuevos (Salmo 51:10). El mensaje de Juan eran las “Buenas Nuevas” y eso era que Jesús era el Mesías tan esperado y que había venido a empezar el reino de Dios en la tierra. Jesús ofreció libertad a los pobres, los oprimidos, y los que no tenían esperanza, y eso es lo mismo que hace El ahora. Entonces arrepiéntanse y estén de buen humor, porque el reino de Dios está de verdad a la mano.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura muestra un Dios que es justo y piadoso. La segunda lectura nos dice que la paciencia es una virtud de Dios, y el Evangelio revela un llamado al arrepentimiento, ¡ahora!

            Esta semana, deja que tus acciones hablen por si mismas en tu casa, trabajo, y escuela. La paciencia y bondad son señales claras de amor. Arrepentirse quiere decir cambiar. Empieza a ser humilde y paciente ahora. Permíteles a los demás que sean primero en la línea, los primeros en comer, los primeros para hablar. Sé el primero en dar y dar libremente. Tu testimonio será una tremenda señal de que “el reino de Dios está a la mano.” 

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ CYCLE A

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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ 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 35:1‑6, 10      FIRST READING

(“They will meet with joy and gladness.”)

 

  1. What will exult and bloom and for what reason? Isaiah 35:1-2

 

  1. What is the response to seeing the glory of the Lord? Isaiah 35:2

 

  1. What are we to do with hands that are feeble and knees that are weak?   Isaiah 35:3

 

  1. What are we to say to those whose hearts are frightened? Isaiah 35:4

 

  1. Why should we not fear? Is 35:4 41:10 and Zechariah 8:13

 

  1. What will happen to the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf?   Isaiah 35:5

 

  1. What will happen to the lame and the tongue of the dumb? Isaiah 35:6

 

  1. Who will return and what will they enter Zion doing? Isaiah      35:10

 

  1. With what will they be crowned, and what will flee from them?      Isaiah 35:10

 

Personal ‑ In what way do those in your family, or your friends or co‑workers, see joy and rejoicing in your life? How can you, in a joyful way, show your appreciation for what God has done for you?

 

THIRD DAY               READ JAMES 5:7‑10        SECOND READING

(“Steady your hearts, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.”)

 

  1. What must we be until the coming of the Lord? James 5:7

 

  1. What does the farmer do? James 5:7

 

  1. What must you do and for what reason? James 5:8

 

  1. What does 1 Corinthians 13:4 say about patience?

 

  1. What must you not do and for what reason? James 5:9

 

  1. Who stands at the gate? James 5:9

 

  1. Who is the one to judge us? 1 Corinthians 4:5

 

  1. For what has God set Jesus apart? Acts 10:37‑42

 

  1. Who are our models in suffering hardship? James 5:10

 

  1. In whose name did the prophets speak? James 5:10

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you suffered hardship for speaking the name of Jesus? In what way have you been a model to your family, friends or work associates? How does patience fit into your life? Reflect on this.

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 11:2‑11              GOSPEL

(“The poor have the good news preached to them.”)

 

  1. Where was John when he heard about the works Christ was performing and whom did he send to ask Jesus a question? Matthew 11:2

 

  1. What was John’s message and why was he in prison? Matthew 3:1‑2 14:3‑4

 

  1. What was the question John sent his disciples to ask Jesus? Matthew 11:3

 

  1. What was Jesus’ reply, especially noting who has the good news preached to them?   Matthew 11:4‑5

 

  1. What two things did Jesus say to report to John and who is blest?   Matthew 11:4, 6

 

  1. To whom does the reign of God belong? Luke 6:20

 

Personal ‑ In what way are you being blest by what you hear and see going on around you?

 

  1. As the messengers went off, about whom did Jesus speak to the crowds, and what question did he ask them as to what they were looking for? Matthew 11:7‑9

 

  1. As what did Jesus affirm John and what did scripture say about John?   Matthew 11:9-10

 

  1. What did Jesus say history has done? Matthew 11:11

 

  1. Whom does Jesus consider greater than John the Baptist?    Matthew 11:11

 

Personal ‑ In what way has Jesus affirmed you by the actions you have taken in dealing with those around you?

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 146:6‑10

(“The Lord sets captives free.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 146:6-10.

 

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 35:1‑6, 10

Isaiah has delivered a message of judgment on all of the nations in almost all of the thirty‑four previous chapters. His message includes Judah and Israel consistently rejecting the God of Abraham, Jacob and Moses. There were times of relief and restoration in the history of the chosen people but these seemed to be only at the most crucial times. A small remnant of faithful believers prevailed during these times of God’s wrath and judgment.

We see in this passage Isaiah bringing to the people a vision of hope, beauty and encouragement. The people are shown a God of judgment, but also are shown a God of incredible mercy. We see a God that is perfect in his love and complete in his hatred of sin. God has shown his love for all of these he has created through his never ending mercy. Many have failed to respond to his love because of the temptations of the world. He has in his all encompassing love extended his full range of mercy on all who have repented and come back to him. We too enjoy the benefits of his mercy, and we too will be part of the final kingdom, which is described so beautifully in this passage.

This will be the kind of world you and I can look forward to after the judgment, when all of creation will rejoice in God. The talk and times of tribulation end with the beginning of this passage. Life after the final judgment will be peaceful and joyful because we will be “home” praising the living God forever and ever. Even now as we read this, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, is preparing a place for us (John 14:1‑6) and he is preparing the road for us. He will walk with us on this road “home”. This road will run from the desert of suffering to the blessings of eternal life. It can be traveled only while following God. Our Lord Jesus will never stop pointing the way for us. He is always beside us as we go. Let us follow that vision. Let our highway be holy. Let us all respond to God’s call and lead others on to God’s holy highway to heaven.

JAMES 5:7‑10

To understand this passage one has to realize that the early church lived in expectation of the immediate second coming of Jesus Christ. James is exhorting the people to be patient for the few short years that remain. He tells about the farmer who has to wait patiently for the early and late rains in order for his crops to mature. The farmer needs much patience to wait until nature does her work, and the Christian needs much patience in his life until Christ comes again. During this time between planting and harvesting, they must confirm their faith, by affirming and helping each other in all the circumstances. A farmer depended greatly on his neighbors to help him at harvest time and support was needed, not criticism.

Today we do not have as many farmers, but we still are busy planting the seeds of life. We too must be ready to help our neighbor, not only in times of harvest, but also in times of disaster. The early church was mistaken in thinking that Jesus would return within a generation, but the call to support and love one another is still a major part of the Christian walk. It is interesting to note that both the Christians and the farmers must live by faith. Many people blame others when things begin to go wrong in their life (Genesis 3:12, 13). Our reluctance to own up to our own share of responsibility causes many to strike out and blame others. This method is easier and more visible, but it is also destructive and sinful.

We need to reflect on what is being said in this passage and apply it to our own lives. What is being said is that before any of us judges others we should be very much aware that Christ, the ultimate judge, will come to evaluate us (Matthew 7:1‑5). Our patience needs to be in our ability to put the needs of others before our own. We also need to pray for courage; that will sustain us in the battle against sin. It is only as we go through the trials and sufferings that we gain the grace and courage of patience. History has shown us how much the prophets of the Old and New Testament have patiently suffered for the love of Jesus Christ. We who are called to the Christian walk can expect our cross of suffering which we in faith and patience will carry everywhere that the people cry out “I thirst.”

MATTHEW 11:2‑11

John the Baptist’s career had ended in shambles. He was now in prison, put there by King Herod. John never sought to soften the truth and was incapable of seeing evil without taking a stand against it. King Herod stole his brother’s wife and lived with her in sin. John spoke out fearlessly and Herod took his revenge. John reflected while in prison about whether Jesus really was the Messiah. John thought that his role was to be out preaching to the people and preparing them for Jesus. How could he do this while in jail? Sounds kind of familiar, doesn’t it?

Many times in our lives we think that we are being blocked from doing what we think is the best way to go. We may be stopped by poor health, old age or even lack of natural ability to do what we think the Lord is calling us to do. Jesus answered John’s doubts by telling him to look around and see what was being done in the community. The blind were able to see, the deaf able to hear. Lepers were being cured and people were being raised from the dead and preaching the good news. Jesus’ answer to John was the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15). Jesus’ identity was obvious to John when he heard the answer that Jesus sent him.

We too need to reflect on our own salvation and our own level of doubt. We need only to look at the evidence in scripture and the changes in our own life. We have seen how he has forgiven us of our sins and when we doubt, we do not need to turn from him. In fact, when we have feelings of doubt then we should turn completely to him. We need to observe John and see who and what he was. He was a man who lived in the desert and was very close to the earth. He had no fancy clothes and he ate no exotic food. Some of the people thought he was mad, yet they flocked to hear and see him. He spoke with authority and humility. He was abrasive to the lawless and in total submission to Christ. Today John’s style would probably be laughed out of town because his message was too simple and too clear. John’s basic message was “Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).

Many people today do not want to repent because “repent” means a complete change of life. We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and we are all called to repent. Fall on your knees and be still and listen to our God (Psalm 46:10). Then ask him to create in you a new clean heart that is filled with clean thoughts and desires (Psalm 51:10). John’s message was “Good News” and that was that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah and he had come to begin God’s personal reign on earth. Jesus offered freedom to the poor, the oppressed, and the hopeless, and he does no less than that even today. So repent and be of good cheer, for the kingdom of God is surely at hand.

Application

The first reading shows a God that is just and merciful. The second reading tells us that patience is a godly virtue, and the Gospel reveals a call to repentance now!

This week, let your actions speak for themselves in your home, work, and school area. Patience and kindness are clear signs of love. To repent means to change. Start being humble and patient today. Let others be the first in line, the first to eat, the first to speak. Be the first to give and give freely. Your witness will be a tremendous sign that “the kingdom of God is at hand.”

 

2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A

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2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Matthew 3:1-12 – John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jeruselem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his had. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

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

 

Share your reflection with someone.

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ CYCLE A

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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ 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 11:1‑10        FIRST READING

(“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.”)

  1. What shall sprout from the stump of Jesse and of whom is Jesse the father?  Isaiah 11:1, 1 Samuel 16:11‑13

 

  1. Who is the sprout? Luke 3:23‑33

 

  1. What shall rest upon him? Isaiah 11:2

 

  1. Who baptized Jesus and what happened when he was baptized? Mark 1:9‑11

 

  1. What seven things did the Spirit give Jesus? Isaiah 11:2-3

 

  1. How does he not judge? Isaiah 11:3

 

  1. Whom does he judge, whom does he strike and how? Isaiah 11:4

 

  1. What is the band around his waist and the belt upon his hips?      Isaiah 11:5

 

  1. What will then happen? Isaiah 11:6‑9

 

  1. On that day, of what will the earth be full? Isaiah 11:9

 

  1. What is the root of Jesse set up as, who shall seek him out and why?   Isaiah 11:10

 

Personal ‑ In what way did you have the power of God’s Spirit rush on you as Jesus did when John baptized him. How old were you? Jesus was about 30 years old. Luke 3:23

 

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 15:4‑9       SECOND READING

(“Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.”)

 

  1. Why was everything written before our time and what do we derive from this instruction?   Romans 15:4

 

  1. What do the words from the scriptures give us? Romans 15:4

 

  1. By whom is Scripture inspired and for what is it useful? 2 Timothy 3:16

 

  1. Of what is God the source and what does he enable us to do? Romans 15:5

 

  1. What does this enable us to do with one heart and voice?   Romans 15:6

 

Personal ‑ In what way are you learning patience from God’s Word?

 

  1. What are we to do with one another; why and for what reason? Romans 15:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you accepted those in your family, at work, etc. right where they are? In what way have you been encouraging them in their walk? How have you recognized God’s patience toward you?

 

  1. Why did Christ become a minister of the circumcised? Romans 15:8

 

  1. Why do the Gentiles glorify God? Romans 15:9

 

  1. What two things does scripture say we shall do? Romans 15:9

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 3:1‑12               GOSPEL

(“He it is who will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.”)

  1. Who made his appearance in the desert of Judea, what was he doing and what was his theme?   Matthew 3:1-2

 

  1. Who spoke the same message as John? Matthew 4:17

 

  1. When Jesus sent the 12 apostles out for the lost sheep of Israel, what did he tell them to announce?   Matthew 10:7

 

  1. How was John dressed and who was going out to him? Matthew 3:4‑5

 

  1. What were they doing as they were being baptized by John and to what does repentance lead? Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:4

 

  1. What did John say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who were stepping forward for the baptism, what did he ask them to do, and on what did he tell them not to pride themselves? Matthew 3:7-9

 

Personal ‑ What evidence can you produce that shows you have repented of the sin of unbelief?

 

  1. What would be the reason for cutting down a tree? Matthew 3:10

 

Personal ‑ What kind of fruit are you producing? Ask family, friends or co‑workers to evaluate you and have them tell you what kind of fruit they see coming from you.

 

  1. Why does John baptize in water and how does he see himself next to the one who will follow him?   Matthew 3:11

 

  1. Who is the one to whom John is referring and how will he baptize us? John 1:14‑17, Matthew 3:11

 

  1. What is in his hand and what will he do with it? What will he gather and what will he burn? Matthew 3:12

 

  1. Who are the ones he will gather and who are the ones who will go into the unquenchable fire?  Matthew 12:31‑37, Jeremiah 15:7

 

Personal ‑ Evaluate yourself before you began reading God’s Word and now. What changes do you see in yourself?

 

FIFTH DAY     READ PSALM 72:1‑2, 7‑8, 12‑13, 17

(“In him all the tribes of the earth shall be blessed.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 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

ISAIAH 11:1‑10

This passage tells us about a new shoot that would grow from the stump of the tree called the royal line of David. The new shoot would be called the Messiah and he would be greater than the original tree (David) and would bear much fruit. This coming Messiah, the perfect king, perfect priest and spiritual king would come from David’s line to reign over Israel. He was given the name of “The Lord of Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6).

All of us long for fair treatment from others but sadly all of us do not give that fair treatment to others. We hate those who base their judgments on the way people look, talk or even by the color of their skin. We see or read about people being judged on false evidence or hearsay and we hate it. Yet, many times, we ourselves are quick to judge others using those same standards. Christ is the only one who is clothed in truth. He is the only one who is not prejudiced. Jesus is the only one who can be a perfectly fair judge. We need to give our hearts to him completely. Only then can we learn to be as truthful and fair to others as we would want them to be to us.

Today the need to be truthful is needed more than at any other time in history because we are surrounded by so much distortion and outright lies. Satan is the father of lies and he lies to us in his presentation of pornography, drugs, homosexuality and abortion. Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only answer to deceit and conflict, whether it be in a family or a nation. The passage goes on to show wild animals living at peace with one another. Even more incredible is for hostile people to live at peace with one another.

Only in Jesus Christ can hostilities be laid to rest as true love prevails; this is the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). A golden age was predicted in this passage and it still is to come today and it will when Jesus Christ reigns over the entire earth. We can, until that time, carry out our commission and live to bring others to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (Matthew 28:19).

                         ROMANS 15:4‑9

The deeper the hunger and thirst is to know God’s Word in scripture, the more our attitude towards the past, present and future will be affected. Scripture has shown over and over that God has continually kept his promise of salvation to those who believe in him. The more we know of scripture, the more we know about what God has done for us. This leads to a greater confidence in what he will do for us in the days ahead.

Our daily study of the holy scripture followed by prayerful reflection and action will increase our trust that God’s will is the best choice for us. We are being called to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and this means being in harmony with his teachings and sharing his values and perspectives. We cannot hope to live in harmony with others until we first learn patience, steadiness, and encouragement from Jesus.

We can be in harmony with others only when we have the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:2‑11). We need to develop an attitude of love toward other Christians as well. As we become more capable of maintaining this attitude of love for people of all cultures throughout each day, we will learn how to live in harmony with each other. To live in harmony means to love and respect each other regardless of creed, race or color and regardless of being rich or poor, young or old, sickly or well.

We are called to welcome each other warmly into the church. This means we are to love one another as he has loved us (John 15:12). We are called to affirm each other, and forgive one another. We are called to repent of our sinful actions towards God and man (Mark 1:15). Repentance means to change our lives completely. We are called to make our beloved church not only a haven for saints but a hospital for sinners. Jesus said to us on the cross, “I thirst” (John 19:28) and we are called to satisfy that thirst by loving one another and living in harmony with all of God’s creation.

                        MATTHEW 3:1‑12

John came onto the scene like the thundering voice of Almighty God. He courageously spoke out against wrongdoing wherever he saw it. He spoke out against the evil doings of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife and against the ritualistic formalism of the self‑righteous Sadducees and Pharisees. John spoke out against evil in the state, in the church and in the crowd on the streets. John not only denounced men for the evil they had done, but challenged them to be what could be in accordance with the moral standards of God. Many thought John the Baptist was in reality Elijah who had returned to herald the coming of the Messiah (King) (Malachi 4:5). John was preparing the way for the King. The preacher, the teacher with the booming prophetic voice, points not at himself, but at God.

John was recognized as a prophet, because he had in him that special authority which clings to the man who comes into the presence of men out of the presence of God. John strongly warns the people that being just the descendants of Abraham does not guarantee their entrance into heaven. To the Israelite, this was an incredible statement because Abraham was unique in his goodness and in his favor with God. John was warning the people that they could not live on the spiritual deeds of the past. He told them that a degenerate age cannot hope to claim salvation for the sake of a heroic past. An evil son cannot hope to plead on the merits of a righteous Father.

We need to reflect on John’s presence and his message of warning to our own society. Do we as a people live in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? Do we love one another as he loved us (John 15:12)? Do we practice in our daily living the message that we preach in our churches? Do we expect to be saved because we belong to a certain type of denomination? Do we really believe that Jesus Christ is the only bridge to salvation? The silence of God’s voice in today’s world of violence, pornography, abortion and drugs is deafening.

The message of John, calling out to the people to make way and prepare themselves for the coming of the Lord, is no less urgent today. John’s promise to the people that the baptism of the Holy Spirit would fill them with the fire of love and power was like a measure of cool water given to a man thirsting in the desert (Isaiah 44:3). The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Power. When the Spirit of God enters into a man, his weakness is clothed with the power of God. His tired, lack‑lustre, appearance of defeat of life is gone, and a new surge of life enters him. Do you really believe this?

Application

The first reading tells us only the truth can set us free and the truth is Jesus (John 8:32). The second reading reveals scripture has shown over and over that God has kept his promise of salvation to those who believe in him. The Gospel tells us to prepare ourselves, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

This week, let us practice what we preach by keeping a list of the things that we have done throughout the day. Then at evening time, reflect on how close your actions match your words. Try this for one week and get ready for a miracle.

SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – CICLO A

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SEGUNDO DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – 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 ISAIAS 11:1-10                 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Sobre El reposará el Espíritu de Yahvé”)

 

  1. ¿Qué brotará del tronco de Jesé y de quien es padre Jesé? Isaías 11:1, 1 Samuel 16:11-13

 

  1. ¿Quién es la rama? Lucas 3:23-33

 

  1. ¿Qué descansará sobre El? Isaías 11:2

 

  1. ¿Quién bautizó a Jesús y que pasó cuando El fue bautizado? Marcos 1:9-11

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las siete cosas que le dio el Espíritu a Jesús? Isaías 11:2-3

 

  1. ¿De qué forma no juzga El? Isaías 11:3

 

  1. ¿A quién juzga El, a quién derriba y cómo? Isaías 11:4

 

  1. ¿Que tendrá como cinturón alrededor de su cintura y como ceñidor sobre sus caderas?        Isaías 11:5

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará entonces? Isaías 11:6-9

 

  1. ¿En ese día, de qué va a estar llena la tierra? Isaías 11:9

 

11        ¿De qué forma está establecida la raíz de Jesé, quién lo buscará y porqué?  Isaías 11:10

 

Personal – ¿De que forma tuviste el poder del Espíritu de Dios derramándose en ti como Jesús lo tuvo cuando Juan lo bautizó? ¿Cuantos años tenías? Jesús tenía como 30 años.  Lucas 3:23

 

TERCER DIA                             LEE ROMANOS 15:4-9                SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Sean atentos unos con otros como Cristo los acogió para la gloria de Dios”)

 

  1. ¿Porqué fue todo escrito antes de nuestro tiempo y qué sacamos nosotros de esto?   Romanos 15:4

 

  1. ¿Qué nos dan las palabras de la escritura? Romanos 15:4

 

  1. ¿Por quién está inspirada la escritura y para qué es útil? 2 Timoteo 3:16

 

  1. ¿De qué es Dios el recurso y qué nos capacita a hacer? Romanos 15:5

 

  1. ¿Qué nos capacita a hacer con un corazón y una voz? Romanos 15:6

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma estas aprendiendo paciencia de la Palabra de Dios?

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer uno con el otro; porqué y cuál es la razón? Romanos 15:7

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has aceptado a aquellos de tu familia, del trabajo, etc. ahí donde están?  ¿En qué forma los has estado alentando en su caminar?  ¿En qué forma has reconocido la paciencia de Dios para contigo?

 

  1. ¿Por qué se hizo Cristo un ministro de los circuncidados? Romanos 15:8

 

  1. ¿Por qué glorifican a Dios los gentiles? Romanos 15:9

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que dice la escritura que vamos a hacer? Romanos 15:9

 

CUARTO DIA                               LEE MATEO 3:1-12                                  EVANGELIO

(“El los bautizará en el fuego o bien en el sopló del Espíritu Santo”)

 

  1. ¿Quién hizo su aparición en el desierto de Judea, qué estaba haciendo y cuál era su tema?        Mateo 3:1-2

 

  1. ¿Quién dio el mismo mensaje de Juan? Mateo 4:17

 

  1. Cuando Jesús envió a los 12 apóstoles a buscar las ovejas pérdidas de Israel, ¿qué les dijo que anunciaran? Mateo 10:7

 

  1. ¿Cómo estaba vestido Juan y quién iba hacia él? Mateo 3:4-5

 

  1. ¿Qué estaban haciendo mientras Juan los bautizaba y a dónde lleva el arrepentimiento?            Mateo 3:6, Marcos 1:4

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijo Juan a los Fariseos y Saduceos que se estaban acercando para ser bautizados, qué les pidió que hicieran, y de qué les dijo que no se enorgullecieran? Mateo 3:7-9

 

Personal – ¿Qué evidencia puedes producir que demuestre que te has arrepentido del pecado de la incredulidad?

 

  1. ¿Cuál sería la razón para cortar un árbol? Mateo 3:10

 

Personal – ¿Qué tipo de fruto estas produciendo?  Pídele a tu familia, amistades o compañeros de trabajo que te evalúen y que te digan que tipo de fruto ven ellos en ti.

 

  1. ¿Porqué bautiza Juan con agua y cómo se ve él a si mismo comparado con el que vendrá después de él? Mateo 3:11

 

  1. ¿A quién se está refiriendo Juan y cómo nos bautizará? Juan 1:14-17, Mateo 3:11

 

  1. ¿Qué tiene en su mano y qué hará con él? ¿Qué juntará y qué quemará?  Mateo 3:12

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son los que él juntará y quiénes son los que irán al fuego eterno? Mateo 12:31-37, Jeremías 15:7

 

Personal – Evalúate a ti mismo/a como eras antes de que empezaras a leer la Palabra de Dios y como eres ahora.  ¿Qué cambios vez en ti mismo(a)?

 

QUINTO DIA                       LEE EL SALMO 72:1-2, 7-8,12-13, 17

(“En El todas las tribus de la tierra serán bendecidas.”)

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 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

                                                                   ISAIAS 11:1-10

Este pasaje nos habla acerca del nuevo retoño que crecerá del tronco del Árbol llamado la línea Real de David.  El nuevo retoño será llamado el Mesías y él será más grande que el árbol original (David) y dará mucho fruto.  Este Mesías que viene, el Rey perfecto, Sacerdote perfecto y Rey espiritual vendrá de la línea de David a reinar sobre Israel.  A El se le fue dado el nombre de “Yahvé nuestra justicia” (Jeremías 23:6).

Todos queremos un tratamiento justo de los demás pero lamentablemente nosotros no le damos un tratamiento justo a los demás. Odiamos a esos quienes basan su juicio sobre la forma en que la gente se arregla, habla o hasta por el color de su piel. Vemos o leemos acerca de gente que está siendo juzgada sobre falsa evidencia o rumores y odiamos esto. Sin embargo, muchas veces, nosotros mismos somos muy rápidos para juzgar a otros usando esas mismas normas. Cristo es el único que está vestido en la verdad. El es el único que no es prejuicioso. Jesús es el único que puede ser un juez perfectamente justo. Necesitamos darle nuestros corazones completamente. Solamente entonces podremos aprender a ser tan veraces y justos con los demás como quisiéramos que ellos fueran con nosotros.

Hoy en día la necesidad de ser veraces es necesaria más que en cualquier otro tiempo en la historia porque estamos rodeados de tanta distorsión y mentiras. Satanás es el padre de las mentiras y él nos miente en su presentación de la pornografía, drogas, homosexualidad y aborto. La paz en el Señor Jesucristo es la única respuesta para la mentira y el conflicto, ya sea en una familia o en una nación. El pasaje prosigue a enseñar a los animales salvajes viviendo en paz uno con el otro. Aún más increíble es para la gente hostil vivir en paz unos con otros.

Solamente en Jesucristo se pueden dejar a un lado las hostilidades cuando el amor verdadero prevalece; ésta es la paz que sobrepasa todo entendimiento (Fil. 4:7). Una edad de oro fue predicha en este pasaje y todavía ha de venir y vendrá cuando Jesucristo reine sobre la tierra entera. Debemos continuar hasta entonces con nuestra comisión y vivir para traer a otros a Jesucristo, nuestro Señor y Salvador (Mat. 28:19).

ROMANOS 15:4-9

Entre más honda sea el hambre y la sed de conocer la Palabra de Dios en la escritura, más grande es el efecto que tiene en nuestra actitud hacia el pasado, presente y futuro. La escritura ha demostrado una y otra vez que Dios ha guardado continuamente su promesa de salvación a los que creen en El. Entre más conocemos la escritura, mas sabemos acerca de lo que Dios ha hecho por nosotros. Esto nos lleva a una confianza mayor, de lo que El hará por nosotros en los días venideros.

Nuestro estudio diario de las Santas Escrituras seguido por una reflexión y acción piadosa aumentará nuestra confianza de que Dios es la mejor selección para nosotros. Somos llamados a aceptar a Jesús como nuestro Señor y Salvador y esto significa estar en armonía con sus enseñanzas y compartir sus valores y perspectivas. No podemos esperar vivir en armonía con otros hasta que primero aprendamos de Jesús a tener paciencia, estabilidad y ánimo.

Podemos estar en armonía con otros solamente cuando tenemos la actitud de Cristo (Filipenses 2:2-11). Necesitamos desarrollar una actitud de amor para con otros cristianos igualmente. Al volvernos más capaces de mantener esta actitud de amor por la gente de todas las culturas cada día, aprenderemos como vivir en armonía uno con el otro. Vivir en armonía quiere decir amar y respetarse uno al otro sin importar su credo, raza ó color, sin tener en cuenta que sea rico ó pobre, joven ó viejo, enfermo ó sano.

Somos llamados a darnos la bienvenida unos a los otros con afecto dentro de la iglesia. Esto quiere decir que debemos amarnos unos a los otros como El nos ha amado (Juan 15:12). Somos llamados a apoyarnos y perdonarnos los unos a los otros. Somos llamados a arrepentirnos de nuestras acciones pecadoras contra Dios y el hombre (Marcos 1:15). Arrepentimiento quiere decir que cambiemos nuestras vidas completamente. Somos llamados a hacer nuestra iglesia amada no solo un cielo para los santos sino un hospital para los pecadores. Jesús nos dijo en la cruz “Tengo sed” (Juan 19:28) y nosotros estamos llamados a satisfacer esa sed amándonos unos a los otros y viviendo en armonía con toda la creación de Dios.

MATEO 3:1-12

Juan entró en la escena como la voz estruendosa de Dios Todopoderoso. El habló valientemente en contra de la maldad dondequiera que la miraba. El habló en contra de la perversidad del Rey Herodes, que vivía con la esposa de su hermano y contra el formalismo ritualistico de los Saduceos y Fariseos quienes se creían justos. Juan habló en contra de la maldad en el estado, iglesia y entre la gente en las calles. Juan no solamente denunció a los hombres por la maldad que habían hecho sino que también los desafió a ser lo que podían ser de acuerdo a las reglas morales de Dios. Ellos pensaban que Juan Bautista era en realidad Elías que había regresado a anunciarles la venida del Mesías (Rey) (Mal. 4:5). Juan estaba preparando el camino del Rey. El predicador, el maestro con la voz profética y resonante, no se apunta a él mismo, sino a Dios.

Juan fue reconocido como profeta, porque él tenía en si mismo ésta autoridad especial la cuál se adhiere al hombre quien viene a la presencia del hombre habiendo salido de la presencia de Dios. Juan advierte fuertemente a la gente que no porque eran descendientes de Abraham tenían garantizada la entrada al cielo. Para el Israelita, ésta fue una declaración increíble porque Abraham fue único en su bondad y en su favor con Dios. Juan estaba advirtiendo a la gente que ellos no podían vivir en las acciones espirituales del pasado. El les dijo que una edad degenerada no podía esperar reclamar su salvación por la memoria de un pasado heroico. Un hijo malo no puede pensar que puede pedir algo sobre los méritos de un padre justo.

Necesitamos reflexionar en la presencia de Juan y en su mensaje de advertencia para nuestra propia sociedad.  ¿Vivimos nosotros como gente obediente a las enseñanzas de Jesucristo?  ¿Nos amamos los unos a los otros como El nos amó (Juan 15:12)?

¿Practicamos en nuestro diario vivir el mensaje que predicamos en nuestras iglesias?  ¿Esperamos ser salvados porque pertenecemos a cierto tipo de denominación?  ¿Creemos de verdad que Jesucristo es el único puente para la salvación?  El silencio de la voz de Dios en el mundo de ahora de violencia, pornografía, aborto y drogas se esta perdiendo.

El mensaje de Juan, llamando a la gente que hiciera camino y que se preparara a si mismos para la venida del Señor no es menos urgente ahora. La promesa de Juan a la gente de que el bautismo en el Espíritu Santo los llenaría con el fuego del amor y poder fue como una medida de agua fresca dada a un hombre sediento en el desierto (Isaías 44:3). El Espíritu de Dios es el Espíritu de Poder. Cuando el Espíritu de Dios entra en un hombre, su debilidad es revestida con el poder de Dios. Su apariencia de cansancio, falta de brillo, del rendimiento a la vida se desaparece, y una fuente de nueva vida entra en él. ¿Crees esto de verdad?

Aplicación

             La primera lectura nos dice que solamente la verdad nos puede dar libertad y la verdad es Jesús (Juan 8:32). La segunda lectura revela que la escritura nos ha enseñado una y otra vez que Dios ha guardado Su promesa de salvación a los que creen en El. El Evangelio nos dice que nos preparemos a nosotros mismos, porque el reino de Dios está a la mano.

Esta semana, vamos a practicar lo que predicamos llevando una lista de las cosas que hemos hecho durante el día. Entonces por la noche, reflexiona en que tan parecidas son tus acciones y tus palabras. Trata esto por una semana y prepárate para un milagro.

1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A

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1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Matthew 24:37-44 – Jesus said to His disciples: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

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

 

Share your reflection with someone.

PRIMER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – CICLO A

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PRIMER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – 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 ISAIAS 2:1-5                    PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Vengan, subamos al cerro de Yahvé.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién fue quién vio algo acerca de Judá y Jerusalén, y de quién era hijo? Isaías 2:1

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasará a la montaña de la casa del Señor, quién vendrá hacia ella, y cuando pasará esto? Isaías 2:2

 

  1. ¿Qué dirá la gente que llegue a ella? Isaías 2:3

 

  1. ¿Quién debe instruirnos en sus caminos, y qué senderos debemos caminar, y de dónde nos vendrá la instrucción? Isaías 2:3

 

  1. ¿Dónde está Sión? 1 Reyes 8:1, Joel 4:17 y 21

 

  1. ¿En los días venideros, de dónde vendrá la Palabra del Señor? Isaías 2:3

 

  1. ¿De dónde viene la Palabra de Dios hoy en día? Juan 1:1, 14

 

  1. ¿Cómo sabemos que El nos está hablando si no está caminando y hablando con nosotros como lo hizo con los apóstoles hace dos mil años? Juan 16:7
  1. ¿En los días venideros, ¿cómo será el juicio? y, ¿ qué terminará?  Isaías 2:4

 

  1. ¿En qué forma debemos caminar y quién es la luz del mundo? Isaías 2:5, Juan 8:12

 

Personal – ¿Cómo estás anticipando con alegría la venida del Señor? ¿Saben tu familia y tus amistades que Jesús vendrá de nuevo?  ¿Cómo te estás preparando para Su venida y cómo se está preparando tu familia para esto?

 

TERCER DIA                     LEE ROMANOS 13:11-14                            SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Dejemos entonces las obras propias de la oscuridad y tomemos las armas de la luz”)

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el resumen de todos los mandamientos? Romanos 13:9-10

 

  1. ¿Cuándo debemos de despertar de nuestro sueño? Romanos 13:11

 

  1. ¿Cuándo estará completa nuestra salvación? Apocalipsis 1:7, 1 Tesalonicenses 5:2

 

  1. ¿Qué significa “aceptar la fe”? Escribe los siguientes versículos:

Juan 3:16

Juan 14:6

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el versículo 12 de Romanos 13 acerca del día y de la noche, qué debemos quitarnos y qué debemos ponernos? Romanos 13:12

 

  1. ¿Cual es la armadura de la luz? (La luz representa a Jesús, Juan 8:12) Apunta toda la armadura que debemos ponernos: Efesios 6:10-17

Casco –

Coraza –

Cinturón –

Calzado –

Escudo –

Espada –

 

  1. De acuerdo a Romanos, ¿cómo debemos vivir y cómo no debemos de vivir?             Romanos 13:13

 

Personal – De acuerdo al versículo 13, ¿cuál es una de las mayores razones para el divorcio hoy en día?  ¿Cuál es una de las causas mayores en los accidentes automovilísticos?  ¿Cuál es una de las causas mayores del aborto hoy en día?  ¿Cuál es una de las causas mayores de la división en nuestras iglesias hoy en día?

 

  1. ¿Cómo debemos conducirnos a nosotros mismos para estar en nuestro Señor Jesucristo?            1 Juan 2:6

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que no debemos de preparar? Romanos 13:14

 

  1. ¿Cómo resistimos los deseos de la carne? Gálatas 5:13

 

Personal – ¿Conoces suficientemente a Jesús por medio de Su Palabra para caminar como El lo hizo?  ¿En qué forma puedes aprender a conocerlo mejor?

 

CUARTO DIA                             LEE MATEO 24:37-44                               EVANGELIO

(“Por eso, estén alerta; porque el Hijo del Hombre vendrá a la hora que menos piensan”)

 

  1. ¿Quién es el Hijo del Hombre? Mateo 1:18, 23

 

  1. ¿Qué repetirá? Mateo 24:37, Gen 7:11-23

 

  1. ¿Qué estaba haciendo la gente antes del diluvio y qué les hizo el diluvio a ellos?             Mateo 24:38-39

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará cuando Jesús venga de nuevo? Mateo 24:40-41

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer, porqué debemos hacer esto, y qué no debemos de permitir?             Mateo 24:42-43

 

  1. ¿Quienes son los ladrones? Juan 10:1, 8

 

  1. ¿Qué vienen a hacer los ladrones? Juan 10:10

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos ser antes de que el Hijo del Hombre venga? Mateo 24:44

 

  1. ¿Cómo podemos estar mejor preparados? Juan 8:31

 

Personal – ¿En que forma debemos vivir de acuerdo a Sus enseñanzas?  ¿Cómo conoces Sus Enseñanzas?

 

QUINTO DIA                                    LEE SALMO 122:1-9

(“Iremos a la casa del Señor.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 122:1-9.

 

¿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 2:1-5

            El énfasis en este pasaje es la paz por medio de la obediencia a Dios. Esta es la única paz que será permanente. El templo es mencionado, no tanto por su arquitectura, sino por la presencia de Dios en las escrituras del Antiguo Testamento. El templo era un símbolo de autoridad religiosa, y toda la adoración estaba centralizada por medio del templo. El templo era un símbolo de la santidad de Dios, y fue el lugar para las visiones de muchos grandes profetas. El templo era un símbolo del convenio de Dios con Israel.

            El templo era un símbolo del perdón de Dios y preparaba a la gente para la venida de su Mesías tan esperado. El templo era un testimonio del esfuerzo y creatividad humana, y finalmente sobre todo, el templo era un lugar de oración. Isaías estaba profetizando lo que le iba pasar a Jerusalén y que Jerusalén no solamente sería liberada de su esclavitud, sino que se convertiría en líder para todas las naciones.

            La nueva Jerusalén es una ciudad de Dios donde no habrá más lágrimas, no más tristeza, no más llanto, no más dolor y no más muerte. ¿Alguna vez has pensado como será el cielo? La Ciudad Santa, o Nueva Jerusalén es descrita en las escrituras (Ap. 21) como un lugar donde Dios habita entre Su gente en medio de la ausencia del dolor, tristeza y muerte.

            Esto es un consuelo tremendo para nosotros, porque no importa por lo que estemos pasando, no es la última palabra.  Dios ha escrito ese último capítulo y El nos ha prometido que si creemos en Su Hijo (Jesús), no moriremos sino que tendremos vida eterna (Juan 3:16).  Se nos dice en este pasaje que un día hermoso lleno de paz vendrá cuando se nos enseñen las leyes de Dios y las obedezcamos.  Sabemos que el pecado causa guerra, conflicto, enfermedad, y distracción.

            Se nos exhorta a empezar a obedecer a Dios, no en el siguiente mundo sino más bien, en el mundo de ahora.  El nos ha dado Su Palabra para guiarnos y dirigirnos.  No tenemos que esperar hasta que muramos para gozar los beneficios de Su amor, empezaremos a gozarlos inmediatamente, cambiaremos, y ese cambio afectará a nuestra familia, amistades, y compañeros del trabajo.  Nunca debemos olvidar que Dios hizo un convenio con nosotros.  El nunca romperá su promesa, y Su promesa es estar con nosotros hasta el final del tiempo. (Mateo 28:20).

                                                             ROMANOS 13:11-14

            En este pasaje, Pablo enfatiza la urgencia de cambiar nuestras vidas antes de que Jesús venga de nuevo.  Ningún hombre sabe cuando Dios le ordenará que se vaya.  El tiempo se acorta, pues cada día estamos un día más cerca a esa hora.  Pablo enfatiza que también nosotros debemos tener todo listo en nuestras vidas.  San Agustín, en su historia de “Confesiones” habla de encontrar conversión en los últimos versículos de este pasaje.  El se preguntaba cuanto tiempo se tomaría para terminar su vida pecadora.

            Con Su Palabra Dios le ha hablado a San Agustín y El nos hablará a nosotros si se lo permitimos. Nosotros no buscamos a Dios; El ya nos está buscando.  La Palabra de Dios siempre puede encontrar el corazón humano, no importa cuanta oscuridad lo rodeé.   Permítele a Jesús entrar en tu corazón ahora mismo y ponte las ropas de la luz y la armadura de la vida correcta.

            En la sociedad Romana, un joven se quita las ropas de su niñez y se pone la toga, una señal de que es adulto, con sus derechos y responsabilidades.  Pablo está diciendo que hemos hecho a un lado las ropas de la ley y ahora nos estamos poniendo las ropas de la virtud de Cristo.  Debemos hacer lo mismo, tirar nuestras vestiduras podridas por el pecado y ponernos las ropas de la gracia.  Pablo estaba apelando al compromiso que los creyentes habían hecho en su bautismo (2:12).  Ellos entendieron que el bautismo simboliza la muerte y enterrar el modo antiguo de vivir, seguido por la resurrección a la nueva vida en Cristo.  Cuando pensamos en nuestra vida antigua en el pecado como el estar muertos entonces tenemos un motivo poderoso para resistirlo en nuestras vidas ahora.  Hoy debemos considerarnos a nosotros mismos muertos y sordos a los deseos mortales del pecado de actitud así como a los pecados de la carne.  Las actitudes guían a la acción, igual que el odio puede guiar al asesinato.  Los celos llevan a los pleitos, y la lujuria puede guiar al adulterio. Debemos de estar, tan limpios por dentro como lo estamos por fuera para cuando Cristo regrese.

                                                                MATEO 24:37-44

            El mensaje del Evangelio de hoy es estar alerta, y preparados para el regreso de Jesús a la tierra. Llamamos este tiempo especial “Adviento” mientras nos preparamos para la celebración del nacimiento del Niño Cristo el día de Navidad.  Mientras nos preparamos para este bendito día en nuestro calendario Cristiano, necesitamos recordar especialmente que lo que estamos celebrando es la anticipación del regreso de Cristo a este mundo para traer las “Buenas Nuevas” a todos los que han creído en El.  Como se nos dice en el pasaje de hoy, somos afortunados en no saber cuando vendrá ese día especial porque tal vez nos hiciéramos flojos en nuestro trabajo por Cristo.  Algunos probablemente seguirían pecando hasta el último minuto, luego tratar de regresar a Dios en el último momento.

            Nuestra meta en la vida no es solo llegar al cielo; también tenemos una comisión (Mat. 28:19) aquí en la tierra.  Debemos continuar con nuestra vida, viviendo la realidad de la presencia de Dios hasta que veamos el regreso triunfal de nuestro Salvador.  La segunda venida de nuestro Señor será instantánea y no habrá tiempo para arrepentimiento ni negociaciones.  La decisión que ya hemos tomado hoy determinará nuestro destino.  ¿Hiciste ya la decisión hoy de permitirle a Jesucristo que sea el Señor de tu vida?  En el pasaje de hoy Jesús no nos está hablando acerca de su regreso para poner temor o duda en nuestro corazón. El no está tratando de ponernos a hacer todo tipo de predicciones.  El nos está advirtiendo que estemos preparados.  El nos está dando una advertencia de amor, porque El no quiere que ningún hombre o mujer se pierdan.

            Lo más importante en el mensaje de hoy es: ¿Se te encontrará haciendo fielmente Su trabajo en el día de Su regreso?  Hay esas personas que dicen que pueden trabajar hasta ganarse el camino al cielo, y otros que dicen que solamente necesitamos fe para salvarnos.  Se dijo una historia de un hombre que tenía un bote y llevaba pasajeros de un muelle hasta el barco que los esperaba.  El había pintado en uno de los remos la palabra “Fe” y en el otro remo “Obras.”  Cuando el usaba el remo que decía “Fe” solamente, el bote se iba en un círculo hacia la izquierda.  Cuando usaba el remo marcado “Obras”, el bote seguía lléndose en un círculo, solamente que esta vez se iba hacia la derecha.  Cuando usaba los dos remos el bote se iba hacia adelante a la meta deseada.  Jesús nos quiere, en fe, para continuar con las buenas obras hasta que El venga de nuevo en gloria.

Aplicación

            En la primera lectura, vemos el énfasis que es puesto en la obediencia.  La segunda lectura recalca la urgencia de cambiar nuestras vidas, y el Evangelio nos dice que estemos alertas y preparados.

            Esta semana, estemos alertas y preparados para la batalla en contra de la tentación y el pecado por medio de la obediencia a los que han sido puestos en autoridad sobre nosotros.  Así pues, cuidemos nuestra lengua cuando conversemos en el trabajo, escuela o en la privacidad de nuestra propia casa.  El ejemplo que des les permitirá a tus compañeros de trabajo, de clase y familia ver los regalos y frutos del Espíritu Santo en tu vida.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ CYCLE A

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FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT ‑ 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 2:1‑5         FIRST READING

(“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain.”)

  1. Who saw something concerning Judah and Jerusalem and whose son was he?   Isaiah 2:1

 

  1. What will happen to the mountain of the Lord’s house, who will come towards it, and when will this happen?   Isaiah 2:2

 

  1. What will the people say who come to it? Isaiah 2:3

 

  1. Who is to instruct us in his ways, in whose paths are we to walk, and from where will instruction come?   Isaiah 2:3

 

  1. Where is Zion? 1 Kings 8:1, Joel 4:17, 21

 

  1. In days to come, from where will the Word of the Lord come? Isaiah 2:3

 

  1. Where does the Word of God come from today? John 1:1,14

 

  1. How do we know he is speaking to us if he is not walking and talking with us as he did with the apostles two thousand years ago?   John 16:7

 

  1. In days to come, how will there be a judgment? And what will end? Isaiah 2:4

 

  1. What are we to walk in and who is the light of the world?    Isaiah 2:5, John 8:12

 

Personal – How are you anticipating with joy our Lord’s coming? Do your family and friends know that Jesus will come again? How are you preparing for his coming and how is your family preparing for it?

 

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 13:11‑14      SECOND READING

(“Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”)

  1. What is the summation of all the commandments? Romans 13:9-10

 

  1. When should we wake from sleep? Romans 13:11

 

  1. When will our salvation be completed? Revelations 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:2

 

  1. What does it mean to “accept the faith? ” Write out the following verses

John 3:16

John 14:6

  1. What does verse 12 of Romans 13 say about the day and night, what must we cast off and what must we put on? Romans 13:12

 

  1. What is the armor of light? (Light representing Jesus, John 8:12) List all of the armor that we are to put on:

Ephesians 6:10-17

Helmet ‑

Breastplate ‑

Belt  ‑

Footgear ‑

Shield ‑

Sword ‑

  1. According to Romans how are we to live and how are we not to live? Romans 13:13

 

Personal ‑ According to verse 13, what is one of the major reasons for divorce today? What is one of the major causes of automobile accidents? What is one of the major causes of abortion today? What is one of the major causes of division in our churches today?

 

  1. To put on the Lord Jesus Christ, how must we conduct ourselves?   1 John 2:6

 

  1. For what are we not to make provision? Romans 13:14

 

  1. How do we not give in to the desires of the flesh?     Galatians 5:13

 

Personal ‑ Do you know Jesus well enough through his Word to walk as he did? In what way can you better learn about him?

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 24:37‑44              GOSPEL

(“Stay awake, therefore, you cannot know the day your Lord is coming.”)

  1. Who is the Son of Man? Matthew 1:18, 23
  1. What will he repeat? Matthew 24:37, Gen 7:11-23

 

  1. What were the people doing in the days before the flood and what did the flood do to them?   Matthew 24:38‑39

 

  1. What will happen when Jesus comes again? Matthew 24:40‑41

 

  1. What must we do, why must we do this, and what must we not allow?   Matthew 24:42-43

 

  1. Who are the thieves? John 10:1, 8

 

  1. What do the thieves come to do? John 10:10

 

  1. What must we be before the Son of Man comes? Matthew 24:44

 

  1. How can we be best prepared? John 8:31

 

Personal ‑ In what way are you living according to his teachings? How do you know his teachings?

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 122:1‑9

(“We will go up to the house of the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 122:1‑9.

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 2:1‑5

The emphasis in this passage is peace through obedience to God. This is the only kind of peace that will be permanent. The temple is mentioned, not so much because of its architecture, but because of the presence of God in the Old Testament scripture. The temple was a symbol of religious authority, and all worship was centralized through the temple. The temple was a symbol of God’s holiness, and it was the setting for many of the great visions of the prophets. The temple was a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel.

The temple was a symbol of God’s forgiveness and it prepared the people for the coming of their long-awaited Messiah. The temple was a testimony to human effort and creativity, and finally, above all else, the temple was a place of prayer. Isaiah was prophesying what was going to happen to Jerusalem, and that was that Jerusalem would not only be freed of her bondage, but that she would become a leader to all nations.

The new Jerusalem is a city of God where there will be no more tears, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain and no more death. Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? The Holy City, or New Jerusalem is described in scripture (Rev. 21) as a place where God dwells among his people amid the absence of pain, sorrow and death.

This is a tremendous comfort for us, because no matter what we may be going through, it is not the last word. God has written that last chapter and he has promised us that if we believe in his Son (Jesus), we will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We are told in this passage that a wonderful day of peace will come when we are taught God’s laws and then obey them. We know that sin causes war, conflict, sickness, and disruption.

We are encouraged to begin to obey God, not in the next world but rather, in today’s world. He has given us his Word for direction and guidance. We will not have to wait until we die to enjoy the benefits of his love, we will begin to enjoy them immediately. We will become changed and that change will affect our family, friends, and fellow co‑workers. We must never forget God made a covenant with us. He will never break his promise, and his promise is to be with us until the end of time. (Matt. 28:20).

                       ROMANS 13:11‑14

In this message, Paul really stresses the urgency of changing our lives before Jesus Christ comes back again. No man knows when God will rise and bid him go. The time grows shorter, for we are every day one day nearer that time. Paul stresses that we too must have all things in our life ready. St Augustine, in his story “Confessions” tells of finding conversion in the last verses of this passage. He wondered how long it was going to take to end his life of sinfulness.

With his Word God had spoken to St. Augustine and he will speak to us if we will let him. We do not search for God; he is already searching for us. God’s Word can always find the human heart, no matter how much darkness surrounds it. Let Jesus come into your heart right now and put on the clothes of light and the armor of right living.

In Roman society, a young man put down the clothes of his childhood and put on the toga, a sign of an adult, with its rights and responsibilities. Paul is saying we have laid aside the clothes of the law and now we are putting on Christ’s clothes of righteousness. We are to do the same, we are to cast off and throw away our rotten garments of sin and put on the clothes of grace. Paul was appealing to the commitment the believers had made in their baptism (2:12). They understood baptism to symbolize the death and burial of the old way of life, followed by resurrection to a new life in Christ. When we think of our old life in sin as being dead, we then have a powerful motive to resist sin in our lives today. Today we must consider ourselves dead and unresponsive to the deadly desires of sins of attitude as well as to sins of the flesh. Attitudes lead to action, just like hatred can lead to murder. Jealousy can lead to fighting, and lust can lead to adultery. We must be ourselves, as clean on the inside as we are on the outside when Christ returns again.

                       MATTHEW 24:37‑44

The message in today’s Gospel is to be alert, and be prepared for Jesus’ return to earth. We call this special time Advent as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child on Christmas Day. As we prepare for this blessed day in our Christian calendar, we need to especially remember that what we are celebrating is the anticipation of Christ coming again on this earth to bring the “Good News” to all who have believed in him. As we are told in today’s passage, we are fortunate not to know when that special day comes because we might become lazy in our work for Christ. Some would probably keep on sinning right up to the end and then try to turn to God in the nick of time.

Our goal in life is not just to get to heaven; we also have a commission (Matt. 28:19) right here on earth. We must continue on in our life, living out the reality of God’s presence until we see the triumphant return of our Savior. Our Lord’s second coming will be instantaneous and there will be no time for last minute repentance or bargaining. The choice we have already made today will determine our destiny. Have you made a choice today to let Jesus Christ become the Lord of your life? In today’s passage, Jesus is not telling us about his return to put fear or doubt in our heart. He is not trying to get us into making all kinds of predictions. He is warning us to be prepared. He is giving us a warning of love, because he wants no man or woman to perish.

The bottom line in today’s message is: Will you be found faithfully doing his work on the day of his return? We have those who say we can work our way to heaven alone, and others who say we need only faith to be saved. A story was told of a man in a rowboat taking passengers from the dock to the waiting ship. He had painted on one oar “Faith” and on the other oar “Works.” When he used only the oar that said “Faith,” the boat went in a circle to the left. When he used only the oar marked “Works,” the boat still went into a circle, only this time to the right. When he used both oars the boat went ahead to its desired goal. Jesus wants us, in faith, to continue our good works until he comes again in glory.

Application

In the first reading, we saw the emphasis being placed on obedience. The second reading stressed the urgency of changing our lives, and the Gospel tells us to be alert and prepared.

This week, be alert and prepared to do battle against temptation and sin by being obedient to those who are placed in authority over us. Therefore, let us curb our tongue when we are in conversations at work, school or in the privacy of our own home. The example you provide will allow your co-workers, classmates and family to see the gifts and fruits of the Spirit in your life.