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OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS – CYCLE A-B-C – FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

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OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS – CYCLE A-B-C –  FEAST OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD

 

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 NUMBERS 6:22-27       FIRST READING

(“The Lord bless you and keep you!”)

  1. To whom was the Lord speaking, and to whom did he tell him to speak?   Numbers 6:22-23

 

  1. Who was Aaron, and what did the Lord say to Moses about him? Exodus 4:14-16

 

  1. About what was Moses to speak to them? Numbers 6:23

 

  1. What six things were included in the blessing? Numbers 6:24-26

 

  1. Who will be blessed? Proverbs 28:20

 

  1. What brings wealth? Proverbs 10:22

 

  1. Who was blessed by the Lord, what did he do for her, and what was her response?   Luke 1:46-55

 

  1. What has the Lord given us? Psalm 118:27

 

  1. Who did Jesus say he was? John 8:12

 

  1. What shall be invoked upon the Israelite’s, and what will the Lord do?   Numbers 6:27

 

Personal – In what way have you blessed a family member or a friend? What do others see shining forth from your face?

 

THIRD DAY            READ GALATIANS 4:4-7       SECOND READING

(“…God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,  crying out, `Abba, Father!'”)

 

  1. Under what was God’s Son born? Galatians 4:4

 

  1. What did God’s Son do? Galatians 4:5

 

  1. What happens to everyone who believes in Jesus? John 3:16

 

  1. Who did the law come through, and what did Jesus bring? John 1:17

 

  1. Who are the children of God, and who bears witness that we are?   Romans 8:14-16

 

  1. What proof do we have that we are his children? Galatians 4:6

 

  1. To whom did he give the power to become children of God? John 1:12-13

 

  1. Why are the children of God not known to the world?  1 John 3:1

 

  1. What are we no longer, and what has he made us? Galatians 4:7

 

  1. With whom are the children of God joint heirs? Romans 8:17

 

Personal – In what way have you cried out to “Abba,” Daddy, this week? What have you inherited from God? What are your parents leaving you as an inheritance, or what are you leaving your children as an inheritance?

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 2:16-21                GOSPEL

(“And Mary kept all these things,  reflecting on them in her heart.”)

 

  1. When the shepherds went off in haste, who did they find? Luke 2:16

 

  1. Why did Mary lay her firstborn Son in a manger? Luke 2:7

 

  1. What did the shepherds do when they saw the child?  Luke 2:17

 

  1. What was the reaction of those who were told the message? Luke 2:18

 

  1. What amazed or astonished the people listening to Jesus? Matthew 7:28-29

 

Personal – What have you seen and made known to others since you have been studying God’s Word?

 

  1. What did Mary do? Luke 2:19

 

  1. What did Mary do when Jesus became lost and then told her he was about his Father’s business?   Luke 2:49-51

 

Personal – What have you personally pondered in your heart that God revealed to you, and how have you followed Mary’s example?

 

  1. How did the shepherds return? Luke 2:20

 

  1. What was the reaction of the paralytic and the people upon the healing?   Luke 5:25-26

 

  1. What happened on the eighth day, and to whom had the name been given?  Luke 2:21, Luke 1:31

 

  1. What has his name done for us? Acts 4:12

 

  1. To what is the name Jesus inherited far superior? Hebrews 1:3-4

 

Personal – What name has been given to you, and of what is it a reflection?

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 67:2-6, 8

(“…may he let his face shine upon us.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 67:2-6, 8.

 

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

NUMBERS 6:22-27

When Mary said, “Generation after generation shall call me blessed of God,” she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her (Luke 1:48). If Mary had denied her incredible position, she would have been throwing God’s blessing back at him.

In today’s reading we are being shown that a blessing was one way of asking God’s divine favor to rest upon others. All of God’s blessings had their fulfillment in the coming of Christ on earth. Mary received the fullness of these promises and blessings when she said, “Be it done unto me according to thy Word.” At that very moment she conceived Jesus Christ in her womb. As proof of this blessing we have the angel Gabriel’s words as he salutes her as “full of grace.” She has the full friendship of God, and no man or woman had ever received the fullness of God’s blessing until then.

A blessing conveys that God will (1) bless and protect, (2) be pleased because of us, (3) be gracious, merciful, and compas­sionate to us, (4) show favor to us, and (5) give us peace. When we ask God to bless us and others, we are asking him to do these five things. We will have the full friendship of God as we ask him to bless others as well as ourselves.

Today, on this special feast, let us thank God for all the blessings that he has given Mary, the Mother of God. We have all profited through her blessings; and the title, Mother of God, that the church confirmed in her regard at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, demonstrates all this.

                        GALATIANS 4:4-7

In today’s reading Paul uses the example of slavery to show that before Christ came and died for our sins, people were in bondage to the law. By becoming enslaved to the law, people thought they could be saved. At just the right time, God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins, and we who were once slaves are now God’s very own children with an intimate relationship with him. For centuries the Jews were wondering when their Messiah would come, but God’s timing was perfect.

We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers, but we must never stop trusting or give up hope. At the right time, he will respond to us. Jesus was born of a woman and was subject to God’s law and fulfilled it. His death brought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so we could be adopted into God’s family. Under the Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to his father’s property. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God’s resour­ces.

As God’s heirs, we can claim what he has provided for us; which is our full identity as his children. The Old Testament was based on the law, but was only a shadow of things to come. Chris­tianity is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Chris­tianity is the reality, and the reality is God has become man, and man is now free and has been adopted into God’s family as rightful heirs to the kingdom.

                         LUKE 2:16-21

What a tremendous sign of comfort and hope it is when we read that the first visitors to lay eyes on the long-awaited Messiah were simple, hard-working, uneducated, common folks called shepherds. Even in birth Jesus has shown us the ultimate in humility, and his choice of those who were part of his birth experience were of humble origins themselves.

Can you imagine the thoughts that flowed through Mary’s head as she observed the shepherds coming to pay homage to her Son? She certainly was aware of the power and beauty of the angels singing praises of glory to God to their new born king. The Jewish custom was when a new child was born the local musicians would come by and sing some congratulatory songs. Mary had, not earthly music­ians to sing to her son, but she had a choir of angels to fill the air with heavenly sounds.

On this very special day, we can honor Mary in her blessed role as Mother of God. God himself honored her by making her the mother of his Son. Jesus, in one of his last acts on this earth before dying on the cross, made his mother our mother. It was through no merit of her own that she earned this dignity. This honor was given as a sheer gift of God. When we honor her, we are in fact thanking God for his gift of her to us.

Application

The first reading explains that a blessing is God giving someone his protection and direction. The second reading tells how the Old Testament was a time of preparation, and the New Testament was a time of the reality of God entering into human history as a human being named Jesus. The Gospel reveals Jesus beginning his life on earth humbly, and in humility he went to his death on a cross for us.

This week, let the humility of the shepherds be your model of conduct during the Christmas holidays. Bring to your family, friends, and co-workers, the gift of listening, the gift of gentleness, and the gift of humility. Mary was a role model for the whole world, for both male and female.

Christmas – John 1:1-18

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

 READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

John 1:1-18 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, “The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me,’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

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

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

NAVIDAD – CICLO A-B-C

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NAVIDAD – CICLO A-B-C

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 52:7-10             PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Tu Dios es Rey”)

 

  1. ¿De quién son los pasos bienvenidos y qué anuncia? Isaías 52:7, Romanos 10:15

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos gritar sin miedo? Isaías 40:9

 

  1. ¿Por qué gritan jubilosos los centinelas? Isaías 52:8

 

  1. ¿Cómo deben estar los centinelas? Isaías 62:6

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer y por qué? Isaías 52:9

 

  1. ¿Por qué Dios nos consuela y nos anima? 2 Corintios 1:3-4

 

  1. ¿A quién redime el Señor? Salmo 34:23

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el Señor con su brazo santo y a la vista de quién? Isaías 52:10

 

  1. ¿Qué ven hasta los extremos del mundo? Isaías 52:10

 

  1. ¿Qué conocerán en toda la tierra y en todas las naciones? Salmo 67:3

 

Personal – ¿A quién le has anunciado la paz y las buenas nuevas?  ¿Cómo ve la gente en ti el júbilo y la salvación del Señor?

 

TERCER DIA                                    LEE HEBREOS 1:1-6             SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Que todos los ángeles de Dios lo adoren.”)

 

  1. ¿Cómo habló Dios en aquellos tiempos? Hebreos 1:1

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos habla ahora y qué hizo de El y por El? Hebreos 1:2

 

  1. ¿Qué se hizo por El (Jesús)? Juan 1:3-4

 

  1. ¿De quién es Jesús el reflejo y la copia perfecta y cómo se mantiene el universo?   Hebreos 1:3

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús después que purificó al mundo de sus pecados? Hebreos 1:3

 

  1. ¿Cómo cumplió Jesús con ésta purificación? Colosenses 1:15-20

 

  1. ¿Qué ha heredado Jesús y de quién está muy por encima? Hebreos 1:4

 

  1. ¿Debido a que Jesús se humilló a sí mismo siendo obediente a morir, qué hizo Dios con El?  Filipenses 2:8-9

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las preguntas que se hacen sobre los ángeles? ¿Qué dice El acerca de su hijo?   Hebreos 1:5

 

  1. ¿Quién es el Rey de los reyes de la tierra y quién nos ama? Apocalipsis 1:5

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha sostenido la Santa Palabra de Dios y cómo has adorado a Su Hijo Jesús esta semana?

 

CUARTO DIA                                       LEE JUAN 1:1-18                               EVANGELIO

(“Y el Verbo se hizo carne y habitó entre nosotros”)

 

  1. ¿Quién era en el principio? Juan 1:1, 14

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que eran El y su Padre? Juan 10:30

 

  1. ¿Quién estaba en el principio con Dios y cómo fue esta vida que vino a ser por medio de El? Juan 1:2-4

 

  1. ¿Qué no pudieron vencer las tinieblas? Juan 1:5

 

  1. ¿Quién vino a dar testimonio, sobre qué atestiguó y qué dijo acerca de si mismo?    Juan 1:6-8

 

  1. ¿Qué hace la luz verdadera, cómo se hizo el mundo y quiénes no lo recibieron?     Juan 1:9-11

 

  1. ¿Qué les concedió a los que aceptaron a Jesús, en qué creyeron y cómo han nacido?     Juan 1:12-13

 

  1. ¿Quién puede entrar al reino de Dios? Juan 3:5

 

  1. ¿Qué no ha sido revelado y qué nos pasará cuando lo sea? 1 Juan 3:2

 

  1. ¿Cuando el Verbo se hizo carne de qué estaba lleno? Juan 1:14

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Juan sobre Jesús, qué nos había dado por medio de Moisés y qué vino por medio de Jesús? Juan 1:15-17

 

  1. ¿Quién nos ha revelado al Padre? Juan 1:18

 

Personal – ¿Qué te ha revelado Jesús sobre el Padre?

 

QUINTO DIA                                      LEE SALMO 98:1-6

(“El Señor ha dado a conocer Su salvación.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 98:1-6.

¿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 52:7-10

            En el pasaje de hoy Dios anima a su pueblo a buscar el consuelo en la historia y a esperar ansiosamente un éxodo más grande.  Les está diciendo que es tiempo de dejar los lamentos a un lado y el letargo que tenían.  Viene el sonido de las Buenas Nuevas de que Dios acompañará a su pueblo a casa, a Jerusalén, la ciudad santa de Dios, la ciudad con el Templo de Dios.  Pero la gente estaba desolada en vez de próspera y destruida en vez de libre.  Sufrían terriblemente debido a sus pecados pero Dios les prometió restaurar a Jerusalén como ciudad santa.

            Dios reina y hoy El sigue permaneciendo en control.  El versículo de hoy nos dice que hermosas son las pisadas de aquel que trae la buena nueva de la paz y la salvación (v. 7).  Qué hermosas son las pisadas de los que van adelante y predican el Evangelio de Jesucristo (Romanos 10:15).  Qué bienvenidos son los que traen el mensaje de esperanza a un pedazo de nuestro mundo destrozado, sin esperanzas.

            El gran mensaje de salvación de Dios debe pasar a otros por medio de nosotros para que tengan la oportunidad de responder a las “Buenas Nuevas.”  ¿Cómo lo van a oír nuestros seres queridos si no se las decimos?  Dios nos está llamando a tomar parte para que ese mensaje sea conocido en nuestra familia y nuestra comunidad.  Piensa en una persona que necesite oír las buenas nuevas y piensa en algo que puedes hacer para ayudarle a escucharlas.  Ve y hazlo en nombre de Jesús lo más pronto posible.

                                                                 HEBREOS 1:1-6

            La carta a los Hebreos fue escrita para un grupo de Judíos Cristianos que parecía que habían repensado acerca de Jesucristo como su tan esperado Mesías.  Debía haber sido una comunidad de Cristianos maduros ya para entonces pero en vez de eso parecían retraídos y viendo a su interior en su camino espiritual. Necesitaban un recordatorio severo de que lo que ya poseían en Cristo era mucho mejor de lo que tenían antes de hacerse Cristianos.

            Este pasaje empieza con una fuerte afirmación de la divinidad de Jesús.  A través de Jesús, Dios ha hecho Su revelación suprema y final de Si mismo al hombre.  Jesús es la encarnación viva del carácter y la majestad de Dios.  Jesús ha hecho frente al problema del pecado humano sacrificándose a sí mismo en la cruz y pagando el rescate por toda la humanidad con su sangre.  El está ahora al lado de Dios en una posición de poder supremo.  Los ángeles, a quienes los Judíos casi adoraban, adoraron a Jesucristo.  Los ángeles son seres espirituales y están para servir y glorificar a Dios mismo.

            La gente conocía bien las escrituras y ya sea por dudas, persecución o falsas enseñanzas, parecía estar en peligro de retirarse de su fe Cristiana.  Este peligro está también muy presente en el mundo de hoy. Hay muchas enseñanzas falsas y muchos que se dan en llamar “Pastores” que no son más que lobos disfrazados de ovejas.  Necesitamos estar en contacto con la comunidad, orar y estudiar la Santa Palabra de Dios y seguir las enseñanzas de nuestra iglesia.  Toma el tiempo en esta época de Navidad para dar gracias al Señor por traer la luz a tu corazón y un mejor entendimiento con El.  ¡Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Jesús y el regalo que El más quiere eres Tú!

                                                                    JUAN 1:1-18

            Este pasaje muestra claramente que lo que Jesús enseñó y lo que hizo está unido inseparablemente a El como lo que es.  En la lectura de hoy Juan muestra a Jesús como absolutamente humano y absolutamente Dios.  Aún cuando Jesús tomó la humanidad total para sí mismo y vivió como un hombre pasando por todas las emociones que nosotros pasamos, nunca dejo de ser Dios, el que ha existido siempre.  Esta es la verdad sobre Jesús y es la base de toda la verdad.  Si no queremos o no podemos creer en esta verdad básica, no tendremos suficiente fe para confiarle nuestro destino eterno.  Esta es la razón por la que Juan escribe este Evangelio, para crear la fe y la confianza en Jesucristo y así creamos que El realmente fue y es Dios hecho carne (Juan 20:30-31).

            La vida de Jesús trae luz a la humanidad, en su luz nos vemos como realmente somos: pecadores con la necesidad de un salvador.  Caemos de rodillas y como los pastores en el portal de Belén damos alabanza y gloria a la luz del mundo, nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo.  Los magos siguieron la luz de la estrella para ver la luz del mundo.  Cuando seguimos a Jesús, luz del mundo podemos evitar el caminar a ciegas y el caer en pecado.  El ilumina nuestro camino yendo delante de nosotros para que veamos como debemos vivir.  El quita la oscuridad del pecado de nuestras vidas y si permitimos que la luz de Cristo brille en nuestras vidas en esta época de Navidad nunca tropezaremos en la oscuridad.

            Ahora que el mundo celebra el nacimiento de Cristo, renace tú espiritualmente.  A través de la fe en Cristo este renacer nos cambia de adentro para afuera, arreglando otra vez nuestras actitudes, deseos y motivos.  ¿Le has pedido a Cristo que te haga una persona nueva en el día de la Navidad?  Este nuevo comienzo está a la mano para todos aquellos que creen en El.  Feliz Navidad.

Aplicación

            La primera lectura nos dice que hermosos son los pasos de aquellos que van adelante y proclaman la Palabra de Dios.  La segunda lectura nos muestra que el tener ánimo y disciplina lleva a un compromiso más fuerte con Dios.  El Evangelio revela que la Navidad es tiempo de renacer y tiempo de darle tu vida a Dios.

            Esta semana dale a los que amas el mejor presente que puedes darles de Navidad.  Qué hermosos son tus pasos cuando vas adelante y haces el obsequio de tu presencia, de tu amor, de la salvación acercándolos a Cristo.  ¡Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Cristo y los regalos deben ser todos para El y El lo único que quiere es a Ti!

CHRISTMAS – CYCLE A-B-C

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CHRISTMAS – CYCLE A-B-C

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 52:7-10        FIRST READING

(“Your God is King”)

  1. Whose feet are beautiful and what does he announce? Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15

 

  1. What are we not to be afraid to cry out? Isaiah 40:9

 

  1. Why do the watchmen shout for joy? Isaiah 52:8

 

  1. What are the watchmen never to do? Isaiah 62:6

 

  1. What are we to do together and for what reason? Isaiah 52:9

 

  1. Why does God comfort and encourage us? 2 Cor 1:3-4

 

  1. Whom does the Lord redeem? Psalm 34:23

 

  1. What has the Lord done with his holy arm and in the sight of whom? Isaiah 52:10

 

  1. What will all the ends of the earth see? Isaiah 52:10

 

  1. What is to be known upon the earth, among all nations? Psalm 67:3

 

Personal – To whom have you been announcing peace and good news? How do people see the joy and salvation of the Lord upon you?

 

THIRD DAY             READ HEBREWS 1:1-16       SECOND READING

(“Let all the angels of God worship him.”)

  1. How did God speak in times past? Hebrews 1:1

 

  1. How does God speak to us now, what did he make him, and what did he do through him? Hebrews 1:2

 

  1. What came to be through him (Jesus)? John 1:3-4

 

  1. Of whom is Jesus the reflection and perfect copy, and by what are all things sustained? Hebrews 1:3

 

  1. When Jesus accomplished purification’s from sins what did he do?   Hebrews 1:3

 

  1. How did Jesus accomplish this purification? Col 1:15-20

 

  1. What has Jesus inherited, and to what is he far superior? Hebrews 1:4

 

  1. Because Jesus humbled himself becoming obedient to death, what did God do to him?   Philippians 2:8-9

 

  1. What are the questions asked about angels, and what does he say about his first born?   Hebrews 1:5

 

  1. Who is ruler of the kings of the earth and who loves us? Revelations 1:5

 

Personal – How have you been sustained by God’s Mighty Word and how have you worshipped his Son Jesus this past week?

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 1:1-18                GOSPEL

( “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,”)

  1. Who was in the beginning? John 1:1,14

 

  1. Who did Jesus say he was to the Father? John 10:30

 

  1. Who was in the beginning with God and what was this life that came to be through him? John 1:2-4

 

  1. What has the darkness not overcome? John 1:5

 

  1. Who came for testimony, to what did he testify, and what did he say about himself? John 1:6-8

 

  1. What does the true light do, how did the world come to be, and who did not accept him?   John 1:9-11

 

  1. To those who did accept Jesus what did he give them power to become, in what did they believe, and how were they born?      John 1:12-13

 

  1. Who can enter the kingdom of God? John 3:5

 

  1. What has not been revealed and what will happen to us when it is revealed? 1 John 3:2

 

  1. When the Word became flesh what was he full of? John 1:14

 

  1. What did John say about Jesus, what came through Moses, and what came through Jesus?   John 1:15-17

 

  1. Who has revealed the Father to us? John 1:18

 

Personal – What has Jesus revealed to you about the Father?

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 98:1-6

(” The Lord has made his salvation known.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:1-6

 

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 52:7-10

In today’s passage God urges his people to draw comfort from past history and to look forward to a greater exodus. He is telling them that it is time to shake off the grief and lethargy that has overtaken them. There is the sound of Good News that God is about to escort his people home, to Jerusalem, God’s holy city, the city with God’s temple. But the people experienced desolation instead of prosperity, and destruction instead of liberty. The people suffered terribly because of their sins, but God promised to restore Jerusalem as a holy city.

God reigns, and today he still is very much in control. Today’s verse states how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation (v.7). How beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 10­:15). How welcome are those who bring the message of hope to a broken, hopeless, segment of our world.

God’s great message of salvation must be through us to others so they can have the chance to respond to the “Good News”. How will our loved ones hear it unless we take it to them. How will the nations hear it unless someone takes it to them? God is calling us to take a part in making his message known in our family and our community. Think of one person who needs to hear the good news, and think of something you can do to help him or her hear it. Then you go out and do that act, in Jesus’ name, as soon as possible.

                         HEBREWS 1:1-6

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who appeared to be having second thoughts about Jesus Christ being their long-awaited Messiah. They should have been a community of mature Christians by this time; instead, they seemed to be sort of withdrawn and inward-looking in their spiritual walk. They needed a strong reminder that what they now possess in Christ is far better than what they had before they became Christians.

This passage begins with a tremendous affirmation of Jesus’ divinity. Through Jesus, God has made his supreme and final revelation of himself to man. Jesus is the living embodiment of the character and majesty of God. Jesus has dealt with the problem of human sin by sacrificing himself on the cross and paying the ransom for all mankind with his blood. He is now at God’s side in the position of supreme power. The angels, whom the Jews came very close to worshiping themselves, worship Jesus Christ. They are spiritual beings and they are to serve and glorify God himself.

The people were well versed in scripture and whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, they seemed to be in danger of falling away from their Christian faith. This danger is very much present in today’s world. There is much false teaching today and many so-called “Shepherds” are just wolves in sheep’s clothing. We need to stay in fellowship, pray, and to study God’s Holy Word, and follow the teachings of our church. Take the time this Christmas season to thank the Lord for bringing his light into your heart and bringing about a better relationship with him. Remember, it is Jesus birthday, and the present he wants most is YOU!

                          JOHN 1:1-18

This passage clearly shows that what Jesus taught and what he did are tied inseparably to who he is. In today’s reading John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man experiencing all the emotions that all of us have, he never ceased to be God who has always existed. This is the truth about Jesus, and the foundation of all truth. If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to him. This is the reason John writes this Gospel, to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, so that we may believe he truly was and is God in the flesh (John 20:30-31).

Jesus’ life brings light to mankind, in his light we see ourselves as we really are: sinners in need of a savior. We fall on our knees, and like the shepherds at the little cave in Bethlehem, we too give praise and glory to the light of the world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The wise men followed the light of a star to see the light of the world. When we follow Jesus, the light of the world, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives, and if we have allowed the light of Christ to shine in our lives this Christmas season, then we will never stumble in the darkness.

As the world celebrates the birth of Christ, let yourself be reborn spiritually. Through faith in Christ this new birth changes us from the inside out – rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person on Christmas day? This fresh start is available to all who believe in him. Merry Christmas.

Application

The first reading tells us how beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and proclaim God’s Word. The second reading shows that encouragement and discipline lead to a stronger commitment to God. The Gospel reveals Christmas as a time of new birth, a time of giving your life over to God.

This week, give those you love the greatest present you could give them for Christmas. How beautiful are your feet as you go forth and gift them with the gift of your presence, of your love, of salvation by bringing them to Christ. Remember, it is Christ’s birthday, and the presents should all be for him, and he only wants you!

4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT – CYCLE A

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4th 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 1:18-24 – This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

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

 

Share your reflection with someone.

CUARTO DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO – CICLO A

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CUARTO 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 7:10-14                    PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El Señor, pues, les dará esta señal”.)

 

  1. ¿A quién le habló el Señor y por medio de quién habló? Isaías 7:10 y Isaías 7:3

 

  1. ¿Quién es Ajaz? Isaías 7:1

 

  1. ¿Qué le iba a pedir Ajaz a Dios? Isaías 7:11

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Ajaz a esta pregunta? Isaías 7:12

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Isaías a Ajaz? Isaías 7:13

 

  1. ¿Qué le dio el Señor a Ajaz? Isaías 7:14

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la señal que le dio? Isaías 7:14

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijeron los Fariseos y maestros de la ley a Jesús, y cuál fué su respuesta?      Mateo 12:38-40

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la señal dada a los pastores? Lucas 2:12, 16-17

 

Personal – ¿De que modo has cansado a Dios buscando señales constantemente aparte del nacimiento de la virgen? ¿En qué forma es Jesús tu señal?

 

TERCER DIA                              LEE ROMANOS 1:1-7                  SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Por, Cristo Jesús, nuestro Señor, recibí la gracia y la misión de apóstol.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién le estaba enviando saludos y como se refiere a sí mismo? Romanos 1:1

 

  1. ¿Para que fue llamado y para qué ha sido apartado? Romanos 1:1

 

  1. ¿Dónde fue anunciado lo que prometió hace mucho tiempo por medio de sus profetas?     Romanos 1:2

 

  1. ¿A quién se refiere el Evangelio, de quién descendió y cómo descendió de él?Romanos 1:3

 

  1. ¿Cómo fue hecho El, Hijo de Dios? Romanos 1:4

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos razones por las que has sido llamado tú? Romanos 1:5

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos de esparcir en lo concerniente a su nombre? Hechos 4:12

 

  1. ¿A quién somos llamados a pertenecer? Romanos 1:6

 

  1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando Pablo? Romanos 1:7

 

  1. ¿A qué dijo que ellos habían sido llamados y con qué los saluda de parte de Dios nuestro Padre y el Señor Jesucristo? Romanos 1:7

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma te vez a ti mismo(a) llamado(a) esparcir el nombre de Jesús igual como lo fue Pablo? ¿Cómo te puedes convertir en un apóstol para Jesús con tu familia y amistades?

 

CUARTO DIA                              LEE MATEO 1:18-24                                  EVANGELIO

(“Y dará a luz un hijo, al que pondrás el nombre de Jesús, porque él salvará a su pueblo de sus pecados.”)

 

  1. ¿Cómo sucedió el nacimiento de Jesucristo? Mateo 1:18

 

  1. ¿Por medio del poder de quién se encontró María esperando un niño? Mateo 1:18

 

  1. ¿Quién era José y que tipo de hombre era? Mateo 1:19

 

  1. ¿Cuál era la intención de José, cómo se le apareció el ángel del Señor, y qué le dijo?   Mateo 1:19-20

 

  1. ¿Cuándo se le volvió a aparecer un ángel a José en un sueño, qué le dijo que hiciera, y cuál fue su respuesta? Mateo 2:13-14

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el ángel que iba a tener María, cómo lo iba a nombrar, y por qué? Mateo 1:21

 

  1. ¿Porqué pasó todo esto, quién era el profeta, y que dijo? Mateo 1:22, Isaías 7:14

 

  1. ¿Qué significa su nombre y qué hizo José cuando se despertó?      Mateo 1:23-24, Isaías 8:8, 10

 

  1. ¿Mientras José reconocía a Dios hablándole por medio de un ángel, qué demostró con su obediencia? Juan 14:21

 

  1. ¿Qué no hizo antes de que María diera nacimiento a un hijo, y qué nombre le dio José al niño? Mateo 1:25

 

  1. ¿Qué dicen las siguientes escrituras acerca del nombre de Jesús?

 

Juan 14:13

Hechos 2:21 y 4:12

Filipenses 2:9-10

 

Personal – ¿Cuándo y en dónde reconoces más la presencia de Dios en tu vida?  ¿Qué necesitas hacer para percibir a “Emmanuel, Dios contigo” más completamente en tu vida?  ¿Qué tan seguido piensas, sientes, vives y llamas el nombre de Jesús en tu vida diaria?

 

QUINTO DIA                             LEE EL SALMO 24:1-6

(“La bendición divina el logrará.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 24:1-6.

 

¿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 7:10-14

            Este pasaje nos enseña la generosidad increíble de Dios cuando le insiste a Ajaz que le pida una señal. Esta señal le demostraría a Ajaz que Dios quería protegerlo y derrotar a sus enemigos. El Rey rehusó y parecía casi justo diciendo que él no probaría a Dios con una señal. La verdad de todo era que Dios le había dicho que pidiera pero Ajaz no estaba seguro de lo que Dios diría. Muchos de nosotros usamos la misma excusa, diciendo que no queremos molestar a Dios con nuestros problemas insignificantes. Esto nos impide ser realistas y comunicarnos honestamente con El.

            Necesitamos recordar seriamente y agarrarnos fuerte de la escritura en 1 Corintios 2:9: “El ojo no ha visto, el oído no ha oído, a nadie se le ocurrió pensar lo que Dios ha preparado para los que lo aman.” Dios nos ama tanto que El está constantemente dándonos señales de Su presencia y amor. Necesitamos reflexionar por un momento en cuántas veces El ha estado presente para nosotros en la forma de personas que están en nuestras vidas. Dios le dio a Ajaz y a todos nosotros la señal más grande de todos los tiempos. El dijo que un niño nacería de una virgen y que ella le llamaría “Emmanuel.” Esto quiere decir “Dios está con nosotros” y siempre estará con nosotros hasta el final de los tiempos (Mateo 28:20). Esta fue una gran profecía del Mesías.

            La gente Judía esperó por más de setecientos años y cuando Cristo nació en una pobre cueva y tomó el papel de un niño desvalido, la señal de todas las señales fue ignorada por los incrédulos. Hay mucha gente en el mundo hoy en día que es incrédula y que está buscando una señal. Tú eres esa señal, tú estás llamado a ser esa luz. Tú estás llamado a ser un embajador de Dios. Ellos sabrán que Dios está presente por medio de la señal en la forma en que nos amemos los unos a los otros.

                                                          ROMANOS 1:1-7

            Este pasaje fue escrito por Pablo quién no había ido a Roma todavía. Era imposible pensar que un ciudadano Romano se llamara a sí mismo esclavo; y aún así, eso era lo que Pablo se llamaba a sí mismo, un esclavo de Jesucristo. Pablo escogió ser completamente obediente y dependiente de su amado Jesús. Necesitamos reflexionar en nuestra propia actitud hacia Cristo. ¿Es Cristo tu Maestro? ¿Dependes y eres obediente a Jesucristo?  Pablo habla de Jesús siendo parte de la línea real Judía y de haber nacido y resucitado de entre los muertos.  Pablo creyó totalmente que Jesús era el Mesías prometido, y el Señor resucitado. Pablo les dice a los Romanos de su acuerdo con la enseñanza de todas las escrituras y de la enseñanza oral tradicional de los apóstoles.  Pablo enfatiza que la gracia de Dios verdaderamente es un privilegio no merecido y que también está acompañado por una responsabilidad de compartir el perdón de Dios con los demás. Esta es nuestra responsabilidad, ser testigos para el mundo. Tal vez Dios nunca te llame a ser testigo en otro país, pero El te está llamando a ser testigo donde estas ahora. Roma era la capital del mundo. La ciudad era rica, pero moralmente se estaba muriendo. Muchas ciudades grandes en el mundo se están enfrentando al mismo destino ahora. La Cristiandad estaba en desacuerdo con muchos elementos de la cultura Romana.

            Los Romanos confiaban en que su poder militar los protegería de sus enemigos. ¿Te suena familiar este modo de pensar? Los Cristianos estaban siendo exhortados a mantenerse firmes en su punto de vista acerca de la moralidad. Estaría bien que nos fijáramos en nuestro alrededor en nuestra propia sociedad y ver si los valores tradicionales de una familia tales como la santidad de la vida, matrimonio, y castidad están siendo amenazados por una forma de vivir pagana. Pablo demostró su amor hacia la iglesia Romana al expresar su amor por ellos, y nosotros necesitamos hacer eso también. Necesitamos buscar y apoyar a nuestros líderes de la iglesia y decirles que los amamos y apoyamos en este ministerio. Necesitamos dar testimonio del mandamiento de Jesús de “Ámense los unos a los otros como yo los he amado” (Juan 13:14).

                                                           MATEO 1:18-24

            Este pasaje se dirige al porque de la importancia del nacimiento virginal para la gente de fe Cristiana. Debido a que Jesús nació de una mujer, El fue completamente humano. También siendo el Hijo de Dios, El fue ambos, completamente humano y divino. Nos podemos identificar totalmente con Jesús porque El era humano y era como nosotros, porque El experimentó todo tipo de tentación sufrió como nosotros las sufrimos hoy en día. En Su vida entera, Jesús nunca cometió un pecado. Por esta razón El entiende nuestra debilidad y nos ofrece su perdón.

            Podemos acercarnos a Dios con reverencia y hasta sin miedo cuando oramos porque sabemos que El verdaderamente entiende todas nuestras necesidades. No es necesario que nos sintamos incómodos cuando vamos frente a nuestro Señor en oración, porque El nos ama tanto y ha estado donde estamos ahora, y tiene la habilidad de ayudarnos. Necesitamos entender la importancia del nacimiento virginal para poder aceptar la situación que rodea el nacimiento de Cristo. María estaba comprometida con José cuando quedó embarazada, y José fue confrontado con muy pocas opciones para resolver el problema de su prometida que estaba embarazada, pero no de él.

            El matrimonio Judío era la culminación de tres pasos. El primero era cuando la pareja se comprometía, generalmente después de que sus familias acordaban la unión. Más tarde, cuando se hacía un anuncio público, la pareja estaba “comprometida.” Esto se consideraba unión y se podía romper solamente por medio de divorcio o muerte. Sin embargo, no se permitía una relación sexual, hasta después de que la pareja estaba casada. El tiempo del “compromiso” era para planear donde iban a vivir, llenar el lugar con muebles, etc. El embarazo de María mostraba una infidelidad aparente que llevaba un estigma social severo. José, de acuerdo a la ley Judía tenía derecho de divorciarse de ella o que la apedrearan enfrente de la casa del padre de María (Deut. 22:23,24). A José se le dijo en un sueño que siguiera el deseo de Dios y que tomara a María como su esposa. El Señor le dijo que María había concebido esta criatura por medio del poder del Espíritu Santo. Reflexiona por un momento en como reaccionarías tu en una situación como ésta. José escogió obedecer el mandato de Dios de casarse con ella a pesar de la humillación obvia la cuál ambos experimentaron de parte de la gente del pueblo. Las acciones de José revelaron varias cualidades admirables que los jóvenes de ahora harían bien en imitar. El demostró un principio sólido, discreción y sensibilidad. El era muy responsable con Dios y demostró una tremenda disciplina de sí mismo.

            José tomó la opción de Dios y esta fue la de casarse con María. Dios nos enseña que si lo obedecemos, El nos enseñará más opciones de lo que nosotros creemos posible para vivir de acuerdo a Su voluntad. Nunca debemos olvidar que Dios tomó en sí mismo las limitaciones de la humanidad para poder vivir y morir por la salvación de todos los que creen en El.

Aplicación

            La primera lectura nos enseña que Dios quiere que nos comuniquemos con El (en oración) para que El nos pueda llenar con Su generosidad increíble. La segunda lectura nos dice que la obediencia y dependencia en Jesucristo es el único camino a la libertad. El Evangelio revela que el valor y la reverencia es lo que El quiere de nosotros por medio de la oración.

            Ponte de rodillas y dale gracias a Cristo por haber venido a la tierra para poder morir en la cruz por tus pecados. Luego pídele que tome control de tu vida y pídeles a los miembros de tu familia que se unan a tí al ponerte de rodillas y darle alabanza y adoración por venir y estar contigo. Por eso es que le llamaron “Emmanuel.”

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.”