Author Archive: admin

VIGESIMOPRIMERO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

Posted on by

VIGESIMOPRIMERO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                           ISAIAS 66:18-21                                     PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Como un hijo a quien consuela su madre, así yo los consolaré a ustedes.”)

 

  1. ¿A quién viene el Señor a reunir y de qué serán testigos? Isaías 66:18

 

  1. ¿Quién estará en medio de todas las naciones? Isaías 66:19

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Mateo 24:30 acerca de una señal y la gloria del Señor?

 

  1. ¿A quién mandará hacía todas las naciones? Isaías 66:19

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que no se ha visto ni oido en las islas lejanas? ¿Qué harán los sobrevivientes?                 Isaías 66:19

 

  1. ¿A quienes traerán de todas las naciones como una ofrenda al Señor y cómo los traerán? Isaías 66:20

 

  1. ¿A dónde los llevarán? ¿Cómo se llama ese lugar? Isaías 66:20

 

  1. ¿Cómo traían los Israelitas sus ofrendas a la casa del Señor? Isaías 66:20

 

  1. ¿Qué hará el Señor con algunos de ellos? Isaías 66:21

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera fue purificada tu vasija (tu cuerpo) la semana pasada cuando te acercaste al altar del Señor? ¿Cómo puedes purificarlo ahora?

 

TERCER DIA                                                      HEBREOS 12:5-7, 11-13                             SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“A quien ama el Señor, lo corrige;”)

 

  1. ¿Cómo eran las palabras que se te dirigieron como se le dirigen a unos hijos? ¿Cuáles fueron estas?             Hebreos 12:5

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes menospreciar? ¿Por qué no debes desanimarte? Hebreos 12:5

 

  1. ¿A quién disciplina el Señor y a quién castiga? Hebreos 12:6

 

  1. ¿Cómo te trata Dios cuando te corrige? Hebreos 12:7

 

  1. ¿En el momento en que se te corrige cómo te sientes? Hebreos 12:11

 

  1. ¿Cómo se sienten después, los que han sido entrenados así? Hebreos 12:11

 

  1. ¿Dónde encuentras la paz? ¿Cómo se hace la paz? Juan 16:31, 33 y Colosenses 1:19-20

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son los frutos que vienen del Espíritu Santo? Gálatas 5:22

 

  1. ¿Cómo manifiestó Dios Su propia justicia? Romanos 3:25

 

  1. ¿Qué debes fortalecer? Hebreos 12:12

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer con los caminos por donde pasas y qué sucederá cuando lo hagas? Hebreos 12:13

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo te ha disciplinado Dios que te ama tanto en esta semana? ¿Cómo puedes enderezar tus caminos? ¿Qué puedes esperar, de acuerdo con esta lección?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                             LUCAS 13:22-30                                                      EVANGELIO

 

(“Esfuércense por entrar por la puerta angosta.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué iba Jesús haciendo en ciudades y pueblos y a dónde se dirigía? Lucas 13:22

 

  1. ¿Qué le preguntó alguien acerca de ser salvado? Lucas 13:23

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús sobre la puerta angosta? ¿Qué les pasará a muchos? Lucas 13:24

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo acerca del dueño de la casa? Lucas 13:25

 

  1. ¿Tocando a la puerta qué le dirás al dueño? ¿Qué te contestará este? Lucas 13:25

 

  1. ¿Qué comenzarás a decir? ¿Qué dirán que hizo en las plazas? Lucas 13:26

 

  1. ¿Qué contestará él sobre su procedencia y después que les dijo? Lucas 13:27

 

  1. ¿Cómo llama a esa gente? Lucas 13:27

 

  1. ¿Quién entrará al reino? ¿Cómo sabrás si tú entrarás? Mateo 7:16-21

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son los frutos del Espíritu Santo? Gálatas 5:22

 

Personal – ¿Dentro de tu vida diaria, cuáles son los frutos del Espíritu Santo que son más evidentes en tí? ¿Cuáles no lo son? ¿Qué puedes hacer para que todos los frutos sean evidentes en tu vida especialmente en relación con tu familia?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                      LEE EL SALMO 117:1-2

 

(“Grande es su amor hacía nosotros.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 117:1-2.

 

¿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 66:18-21

 

El regalo increíble de poder participar y ver la gloria de Dios es ahora permitido a todas las naciones y en todos los lenguajes. Muchas naciones y personas estarán en contra de Jerusalén y la voluntad de Dios extenderá su brazo contra ellos y enviará a los que se salven como misioneros y sacerdotes a tierras extranjeras. Estos regresarán a Jerusalén las buenas nuevas, empuñando la señal de que el nuevo cielo y la nueva tierra han llegado. La lista de los extranjeros simbolizaba al mundo entero: Tarshish en el Sur de España, Put y Lud en Africa, Tubal cerca del Mar Negro, y Java que representaba a Grecia.

Estas naciones traerán a la gente de Dios a la montaña Sagrada de Jerusalén. Tal vez este pasaje refleje que como Israel trajo la buena nueva de la salvación a las naciones, éstas a su vez serán responsables de la conversión final de Israel hacía Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Nosotros somos hoy en día los Gentiles de una de esas naciones extranjeras. La pregunta que debemos hacernos es: ¿Es nuestro país un ejemplo de una nación perteneciente a Dios y si no, qué debemos hacer para que vuelva a ser gente santa de Dios?

Vemos hoy en día dentro de nuestra religión Gentil llamada Catolicismo, sacerdotes y diáconos que realizan funciones sacerdotales, debemos orar por ellos, bendecirlos y amarlos. Los Israelitas hacían sus ofrendas especiales al Señor usando vasijas limpias. Nosotros también debemos usar vasijas limpias para nuestras ofrendas, éstas serán nosotros mismos. Y lo hacemos así cuando lo amamos con todo nuestra mente, corazón y alma (Deut. 6:4-5) y también amando a los demás como El nos ha amado (Juan 15:12).

 

HEBREOS 12:5-7, 11-13

 

Este pasaje nos exhorta a seguir el ejemplo de Jesucristo y a permitir que Dios nos discipline mientras tanto. No es agradable que Dios nos corrija y nos discipline, pero El como un Padre amoroso no quiere que sus hijos hagan algo que los dañe posteriormente. ¿Quién amará más a su hijo, aquel que le permite hacer cosas que lo dañan o aquel que lo corrije, entrena y a veces castiga con objeto de ayudarle a aprender lo que es correcto?

La amorosa disciplina del Padre es una señal del profundo amor de Dios hacía nosotros. Cuando nos corrija pensemos que esto es una prueba de Su amor y preguntémosle que es lo que nos está tratando de enseñar. Podemos responder a la disciplina de varias maneras: (1) Con resignación; (2) Con compasión hacía nosotros mismos pensando que no la merecemos; (3) Con enojo, resentimiento y amargura hacía Dios, o (4) Aceptándola gustosamente como algo correcto que viene de un Padre amoroso.

Dios nos empuja a nuestros límites y exige una vida disciplinada. Podremos seguir adelante si seguimos a Cristo y recurrimos a Su fuerza. Así, podremos usar nuestras fuerzas para crecer y ayudar a los que son más débiles y están luchando. Debemos vivir de tal modo que otros puedan seguir nuestro ejemplo. Tenemos una responsabilidad para los demás si decimos que vivimos de acuerdo con Cristo. Preguntémonos, “¿Es más fácil para otros creer, seguir y madurar en Cristo si siguen mi ejemplo?” Asegurémonos que nuestras acciones no confundan o lleven por mal camino a otros y vayan hacia una vida de pecado.

Nuestra respuesta diaria de hacer oración, leer las escrituras y participar en las cosas de la iglesia, nos ayudarán a establecer un ejemplo de ser discípulos disciplinados de Nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo.

 

LUCAS 13:22-30

 

Esta es la segunda vez que Lucas nos recuerda que Jesús iba intencionalmente a Jerusalén (Lucas 9:51). Jesús sabía que sufriría persecusión y muerte en Jerusalén y sin embargo iba adelante. Su determinación de hacer la voluntad del Padre debe ser para nosotros el ejemplo a seguir. Cuando el Señor nos marca por donde debemos ir, debemos hacerlo sin importar los obstáculos que haya en el camino o los peligros que puedan estar esperándonos. A Jesús ni aún el panorama de la muerte lo detuvo de seguir adelante con Su misión.

“¿Es verdad que pocos hombres se salvarán?” (versículo 23) fue la pregunta que alguien le hizo a Jesús; ésto le dió la oportunidad de mencionar una vez más las muchas dificultades que tendría que pasar si lo seguía uno a El. No contestó la pregunta directamente, pero si dijo que muchos no serían salvados. El hallar la salvación requiere mucha concentración y un compromiso muy grande que no toda la gente quiere tener. La salvación no es una doctrina o conjunto de reglas, es una persona y su nombre es Jesucristo.

Es obvio que no podemos salvarnos a nosotros mismos y no es posible alcanzar el favor de Dios a nuestro modo. Hay muchos que viven bajo la ilusión, como los de este pasaje, que van siguiendo a Cristo pero que no tienen una relación íntima con El. Ellos escucharon sus enseñanzas pero no las aceptaron como palabra de Dios que debe ponerse en práctica. El trabajo al que Jesús se refería es el establecimiento de una profunda relación personal con El, sin importar el costo aquí en la tierra. Debemos tener hambre y sed por Su Santa Palabra, buscar y establecer un tiempo, diariamente, dedicado a permanecer en El (Juan 15:7) y hacerlo toda nuestra vida. No nos atrevamos a hacer de lado este trabajo, la puerta no estará abierta por siempre.

Las palabras de Jesús “Aléjense de mí todos los malhechores” (versículo 27) están dedicadas a tí y a mí para que rectifiquemos nuestro camino hacía Jerusalén con Jesús mientras todavía haya tiempo. La gente de este pasaje quería saber quien se salvaría y Jesús les explicó que aún cuando mucha gente sabía mucho sobre El, solamente eran unos cuantos los que realmente habían aceptado su perdón. No es suficiente con oir Su Palabra, asistir a la iglesia o admirar algunos milagros. Es necesario darle la espalda al pecado y confiar en que Jesucristo nos salvará.

Habrá muchas sorpresas en el reino de Dios. Mucha gente buena aquí en la tierra (según los ojos de Dios) es ignorada por el resto del mundo. Lo que a Dios le importa, no es la popularidad terrenal, el estatus, la riqueza o el poder, sino el compromiso personal que hagamos con Jesucristo. Tenemos que estar seguros de que Dios tenga el primer lugar y así nos uniremos con todos aquellos de todo el mundo que van a encontrar su lugar en el reino del cielo.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos dice que la gloria de Dios está disponible para todas las naciones. La segunda lectura nos reta para que conformemos nuestra vida y la vivamos como Jesucristo lo hizo. El Evangelio claramente revela que nosotros no podemos salvarnos a nosotros mismos.

Tomemos el increíble regalo de la fe y disciplinémonos en respuesta a ese regalo y desarrollemos una relación más profunda y personal con Jesús aceptando Su perdón. Luego permitamos que otros vean el fruto de nuestra fe cuando perdonemos, especialmente a los que están cerca de nosotros.

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

Posted on by

                       THE BREAD OF LIFE

                     CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

        TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE 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 66:18-21         FIRST READING

 

   (“As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you.”)

 

  1. Who does the Lord come to gather and what will they see?     Isaiah 66:18

    

          

  1. Who will we set among the nations? Isaiah 66:19

 

 

  1. What does Matthew 24:30 say about a sign and the glory of the      Lord?

   

 

  1. Who will he send to the Nations? Isaiah 66:19

 

 

  1. What had the coastlands never heard, what had they never seen, and what shall the fugitives do?  Isaiah 66:19

   

 

  1. Who shall they bring from all the nations as an offering to the Lord and how will they bring them?  Isaiah 66:20

    

  

  1. Where will they bring them and what is this place called? Isaiah 66:20

    

       

  1. How did the Israelites bring their offerings to the house of the Lord?  Isaiah 66:20

   

 

  1. What will the Lord do with some of them? Isaiah 66:21

 

 

Personal – As you approached the altar of the Lord this past week, in what way has your vessel (your body) been made clean and in what way can you make it clean now?

 

THIRD DAY          READ HEBREWS 12:5-7, 11-13      SECOND READING

            

           (“For whom the Lord loves he disciplines;”)

 

  1. What kind of words were addressed to you as sons and what were they?  Hebrews 12:5-6

 

 

  1. With what should you not disdain nor lose heart? Hebrews 12:5

 

 

  1. Who does the Lord discipline and who does he scourge?

     Hebrews 12:6

 

 

  1. What are you to endure as the discipline of God and how does he deal with you?  Hebrews 12:7

 

 

  1. At the time discipline is administered, what does it seem like?  Hebrews 12:11

 

 

  1. What does it bring forth later to those who are trained in its school?  Hebrews 12:11

 

 

  1. Where do you find peace and how is peace made? John 16:31,33,      Colossians 1:19-20

 

  1. What are the fruits that come from the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22

 

 

  1. How did God manifest his own justice? Romans 3:24-25

 

 

  1. What must you strengthen? Hebrews 12:12

 

 

  1. What are you to do with the paths on which you walk, and what will happen when you do this? Hebrews 12:13

 

 

Personal – In what way has God, who loves you, disciplined you this week?  In what way can you make straight the paths you walk on and what are you looking toward, according to this lesson?

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 13:22-30                 GOSPEL

 

           (“Try to come in through the narrow door.”)

 

 

  1. What was Jesus doing as he went through cities and towns and       where was he going?  Luke 13:22

    

  

  1. What did someone ask him about being saved? Luke 13:23

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say about the narrow door and what will happen     to many?  Luke 13:24

 

 

  1. What did he say about the master of the house? Luke 13:25

 

 

  1. Knocking on the door, what would you say to the master and what will be his reply?  Luke 13:25

 

 

  1. What will they then begin to say and what will they say he did in the streets?  Luke 13:26

 

  1. What will he say about where they come from and then what does he say to them?  Luke 13:27

 

 

  1. What does he call these people? Luke 13:27

 

 

  1. Who will enter the kingdom and how do you know if you will enter?  Matthew 7:16-21

 

 

  1. What are the fruits of the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22

 

 

 

Personal – On a daily basis, what fruits of the Holy Spirit are most evident in your life?  Which ones are not evident?  What can you do so that all of the fruits are evident in your life especially to your family?

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 117:1-2                   PSALM

 

            (“Steadfast is his kindness towards us.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 117:1-2.

 

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 66:18-21

 

     The incredible gift of being able to participate and to see God’s glory is now granted to all nations and tongues.  Many nations and people will go against Jerusalem and God will bring his wrath against them and send those who escape as missionaries to all those foreign lands.  They will bring back to Jerusalem the good news and will behold the sign that the new heavens and the new earth have come.  The list of foreign people was symbolic of all the world: Tarshish in Southern Spain, Put and Lud in Africa, Tubal around the Black Sea, and Javan representing Greece.

 

     These nations will bring back God’s people to the holy mount of Jerusalem.  We might reflect on this passage that as Israel brought the good news of salvation to tie nations, so will these nations in turn be responsible for Israel’s final conversion to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Today we are one of those Gentile foreign nations. The question we might ask ourselves is: “Is our country an example of God’s holy nation?” If not, what must we do to become, once again, God’s holy people? 

 

     Today we see in our Gentile religion of Catholicism, priests and deacons performing priestly functions; we need to pray for them, bless them, and above all love them.  The Israelites made their special offerings to the Lord in clean vessels.  We are called to make our offerings, which will be ourselves to the Lord and we have to be clean vessels.  We do this by loving God with all our mind, heart and soul (Deut. 6:4-5) and then by loving others as he has loved us (John 15:12).

 

 

 

                      HEBREWS 12:5-7, 11-13

 

     This passage from Hebrews exhorts us to pattern our lives after Jesus Christ and to allow God to discipline us as we are establishing this pattern.  It is never pleasant to be corrected and disciplined by God, but like a loving Father,  he does not want his child to do anything that will bring harm to himself.  Who loves his child more, the father who allows the child to do what will harm him or the one who corrects, trains and even disciplines the child to help him learn what is right. 

 

     A loving Father’s discipline is a sign of God’s deep love for us.  When we are being corrected by God, we need to see it as proof of his love and ask him what he is trying to teach us.  We can respond to discipline in several ways: (1) we can accept it with resignation; (2) we can go into self pity, thinking we do not deserve it; (3) we can be angry, resentful, and bitter at God for it; or (4) we can accept it gratefully as a proper response from a loving Father. 

 

     God pushes us to our limits and requires of us a disciplined life.  We will be able to continue as we follow Christ and draw upon his strength.  It is then that we can use our strength to grow and to help those who are weak and struggling.  We must live our lives so that others will follow our example.  We have a responsibility to them if we claim to live by Christ.  We have to ask ourselves, “Does my example of life make it easier for others to believe, follow and mature in Christ?”  We also must be sure that our actions will not confuse and mislead others into following a life of sin. 

 

     Our daily response to prayer, scripture and church fellowship will help us to establish the pattern of being a disciplined disciple of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

                          LUKE 13:22-30

 

     This is the second time Luke has reminded us that Jesus was intentionally going to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).  Jesus knew that he would be faced with persecution and death in Jerusalem, yet he pressed on toward the city.  His determination to follow the will of the Father should characterize our lives too.  When our Lord gives us a course of action, we must steadily move toward our goal, regardless of the obstacles along the way or the potential hazards that await us.  Even the prospect of death did not turn Jesus away from his mission.  

 

     The question, “Will only a few be saved?” (v.23) was asked by one of his followers.  This gave Jesus the opportunity to mention once again the many difficulties encountered in following him.  He does not directly answer the question, but he does say that many will not be saved.  Finding salvation requires more concentration and commitment than most people are willing to bear.  Salvation is not a doctrine or a set of rules, it is a person and his name is Jesus Christ. 

 

     It is obvious that we cannot save ourselves and it is not possible to work our way into God’s favor.  But, there are many who are under this illusion today, like the ones in this passage who were following Jesus but had no intimate fellowship with him.  They heard his teaching but did not accept it as the word of God to be put into practice.  The work Jesus referred to is the establishment of a deep personal relationship with him, whatever the cost is here on earth.  We need to have a hunger and thirst for his Holy Word, we need to establish a quiet time every day of our lives and learn to abide in him (John 15:7).  We dare not put off this work, the door will not stay open forever. 

 

     Jesus words, “away with you evildoers,” (v.27) are meant as a challenge to you and me to redirect our steps toward Jerusalem with Jesus while there is still time.  The people in this passage were eager to know who would be saved, and Jesus explained that while many people knew a lot about him, only a few had really accepted his forgiveness. Just listening to his Word, attending church  services or admiring a few miracles is not enough.  We need to turn away from sin and turn to and trust in Jesus Christ to save us. 

 

     There will be many surprises in God’s kingdom.  Many great people here on earth (in God’s eyes) are virtually ignored by the rest of the world.  What matters to God is not one’s earthly popularity, status, wealth, or power, but one’s personal commitment  to Jesus Christ.  We need to make sure that we put God in first place, so that we will join the people from all over the world who will find their places in the kingdom of heaven.

 

 

Application

 

     The first reading tells us that God’s glory is available to all nations.  The second reading challenges us to pattern our lives after Jesus Christ.  The Gospel clearly reveals that we cannot save ourselves.

 

     Let us take the incredible gift of faith and become disciplined in our response to that gift and develop a deeper personal relationship with Jesus by accepting his forgiveness of ourselves.  Then let others see the fruit of our faith by forgiving others, especially those who are close to us.

VIGESIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO-C

Posted on by

VIGESIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                    JEREMIAS 38:4-6, 8-10                              PRIMERA LECTURA

                                                             (El Rey Sedecías contestó: “El está en tu poder.”)

  1. ¿Qué le dijeron los principes al rey? Jeremías 38:4

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jeremías para que los principes dijeran esto? Jeremías 38:1-3

 

  1. ¿Qué dijeron los principes que Jeremías hizo a los soldados y a toda la gente? ¿Y en qué dijeron que era su interés?  Jeremías 38:4

 

  1. ¿Quién era rey en este tiempo, cómo les contestó y porqué razón? Jeremías 38:5

 

  1. ¿Qué hicieron con Jeremías? Jeremías 38:6

 

  1. ¿Quién era Abdemelec y qué hizo? Jeremías 38:7-8

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo al rey sobre los hombres que pusieron a Jeremías en la cisterna? Jeremías 38:9

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo que le pasaría a Jeremías y porque razón? Jeremías 38:9

 

  1. ¿Qué ordenó el Rey que se hiciera? Jeremías 38:10

 

Personal – ¿Te dejas llevar por las opiniones de los demás? ¿En qué forma has seguido la Palabra de Dios esta semana, aún contra lo que piensan los demás?

TERCER DIA                                                            HEBREOS 12:1-4                                   SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“A quien ama el Señor, lo corrige…”)

  1. ¿Qué es lo que nos rodea? Hebreos 12:1

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer a un lado? Hebreos 12:1

 

  1. ¿En qué debemos de perseverar? Hebreos 12:1

 

  1. ¿En quién deben estar puestos nuestro ojos y qué hace por nosotros? Hebreos 12:2
  2. ¿Qué iba a encontrar y que soportó, a pesar de su vergüenza? Hebreos 12:2

 

  1. ¿Dónde está sentado? Hebreos 12:2

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos recordar y qué no debemos hacer? Hebreos 12:3

 

  1. ¿Qué estaba contra Su misma persona? Hebreos 12:3

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son los pecadores? Romanos 3:23

 

  1. ¿De dónde sacamos la fuerza para la lucha contra el pecado? Isaías 40:28-31

 

  1. ¿Qué no hemos tenido que hacer? Hebreos 12:4

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has resistido el pecado tu vida? ¿Qué te dice esta oración a tí en lo personal, “En tu lucha contra el pecado no has resistido hasta el punto de derramar sangre?”

 

CUARTO DIA                                                             LUCAS 12:49-53                                                      EVANGELIO

(“Vine a traer fuego a la tierra.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué vino Jesús hacer en el mundo? Lucas 12:49

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que desea? Lucas 12:49

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que debe recibir, qué siente hasta que todo esto termine? Lucas 12:50

 

  1. ¿A qué bautizmo se refiere? Marcos 10:38 y Juan 19:28-30

 

  1. ¿Qué pregunta hace Jesús y cómo la contesta? Lucas 12:51

 

  1. ¿A qué vino? Lucas 12:51

 

  1. ¿A qué división se refiere? Mateo 25:32-46 y Ezequiel 34:17

 

  1. ¿Qué habrá en una casa de cinco? Lucas 12:52

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará entre padres e hijos, madres e hijas y suegras y nueras? Lucas 12:53

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará contigo por Jesús, y cuándo se llevará a cabo esto? Mateo 10:21-23

 

  1. ¿Quiénes serán nuestros enemigos? Mateo 10:36

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma te ha separado Jesús a tí de tus familiares? ¿Cómo has sobrellevado este rechazo? Medita en Mateo 11:28-30.

 

QUINTO DIA                                                    LEE EL SALMO 40:2-4, 18

(“El puso un canto nuevo en mi boca.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 40:2-4, 18.

¿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

                                                                                  JEREMIAS 38:4-6, 8-10

                 El rey Sedecías y sus oficiales no querían escuchar las palabras de Jeremías, pero si querían sus bendiciones. El rey no sabía que hacer, si rendirse o resistir. El rey estaba agitado con toda la gente. Jeremías le dijo que si aceptaba la ayuda de Egipto y se quedaba en Jerusalén, los de Babilonia lo iban a destruir. Le dijo a Jeremías que viniera en secreto al palacio haber si Dios le mandaba buenas noticias. El rey tenía pánico, quería escuchar la Palabra de Dios pero no quería tener un conflicto político con los oficiales públicos.

El rey Sedecías era incapaz de hacer decisiones firmes. Estaba de acuerdo con todos y por eso su nación estaba toda agitada. Escuchó a Jeremías (37:2) y luego le hizo caso a otros y estuvo de acuerdo de que lo mataran (38:5). Por fin les permitió a otros que rescataran a Jeremías (38:10). El no era popular y sus palabras las entendían como las de un traidor. Con toda certeza él decía que la profesía de Dios era que Jerusalén sería destruida por sus pecados. Advertía a la gente que se fueran de Babilonia pero no le escucharon. Jeremías proclamó la Palabra de Dios por 40 años y fue rechazado, perseguido y no tuvo seguidores que le animaran. Por fin tuvo que dejar su tierra y hasta la gente de Babilonia lo trataba con más respeto que su misma gente.

Dios no garantiza que sus sirvientes escaparán persecusión, aún los de categoría como Jeremías, aunque sean fieles. Pero sí nos promete como prometió a éllos, que estará con nosotros y nos dará la fuerza para perseverar. Cuando sirvas a los demás, recuerda que no es para quedar bien con el hombre sino para la gloria de Dios. Jerusalén era una ciudad con muchas puertas y una de las puertas daba a Benjamin quien arreglaba asuntos legales. Un oficial público llamado Abdemelec, fue inmediatamente a darle la queja de que se estaban cometiendo injusticias contra Jeremías. Este oficial público era el único que protestaba acerca de un complot para matar a Jeremías. Su obediencia le pudo costar la vida. Dios le perdonó cuando Jerusalén cayó (39:16-18).

Puedes hacer lo que hace la gente o hablar por Dios cuando veas una injusticia. Puede que seas tu solo el que hable. Cuando alguien te haga una injusticia a tí dá gracias a Dios por los Abdemelecs de este mundo.

HEBREOS 12:1-4

                 Vivir la vida Católica Cristiana, o como dicen los de la calle, que no sea solo palabrear sino actuar, involucra mucho trabajo. Se nos dice que debemos alejarnos de personas o situaciones donde se perjudica nuestra relación íntima con El Señor. Debemos vivir con paciencia y luchar contra el pecado con el poder del Espíritu Santo (2 Tim. 1:7). Para vivir de esta manera nuestros ojos deben estar siempre en Jesucristo. Nos tropezamos y caemos cuando quitamos la vista de Jesús y los ponemos en nosotros o las circunstancias a nuestro alrededor. Tenemos que tener en cuenta que la carrera que estamos corriendo es de Jesús y no la nuestra. Cuando tenemos obstáculos y desaliento en nuestras vidas, es fácil perder de vista lo más importante.

Jesús está siempre con nosotros para animarnos en la lucha. No debemos tener miedo del sufrimiento, porque el sufrimiento es para que crescamos y maduremos en la espiritualidad cristiana. Un famoso levantador de pesas dice que “si no te causa dolor, no ganas nada,” y creo que esto es verdad. El sufrir nos dá paciencia y hace dulce nuestra victoria final. Jesús aguantó el sufrimiento máximo y todo por nosotros. El sufrió hasta el punto de derramar sangre para que todos fueramos libres.

Muchos nos enfrentamos a dificultades tremendas, físicas, emocionales y espirituales pero el saber que El está dentro de cada uno de nosotros nos hace la carrera duradera. Jesús sudó gotas de sangre por el pecado y la tentación que venía sobre nosotros. Jesús no perdió de vista nuestra libertad y nosotros no debemos de perder de vista que la carrera de la vida es con El, por El y para El.

Hoy nos hablan de muchas maneras para correr esta carrera de la vida. Un atleta tiene que entrenar diligentemente si espera tener éxito. Tú y yo somos llamados a ver siempre en la dirección de Jesucristo y El estará con nosotros y Su amor será obvio en la manera que respondemos a los demás y sus necesidades.

LUCAS 12:49-53

                 Jesús nos advirtió que Su venida iba a traer división en muchos grupos y también en familias. El dice que nos traía un fuego al mundo y seguramente era el fuego del Espíritu Santo. Pensamos en la venida del Espíritu Santo como lenguitas de fuego sobre los apóstoles (Hechos 2:3). El fuego se usa para limpiar y purificar metales preciosos. El fuego quita y quema todas las imperfecciones. El fuego es poderoso y doloroso.

La crucifixión de Jesús fue su terrible bautizmo. El hablaba del dolor, de la experiencia de la separación completa de Dios para morir por los pecados del mundo. Sí, El tenía que sufrir el dolor por los pecados de todo el mundo. El murió por tí y por mí aún cuando todavía eramos pecadores (Romanos 5:8). Su muerte nos libro a todos de la esclavitud del pecado. Es fácil decir que vamos a sufrir todo por Cristo y sin embargo nos quejamos mucho de cosas pequeñas.

Jesús nos reveló que Su venida causaría conflictos a toda la gente, a muchas familias. El requiere una respuesta y muchos se apartan entre sí, pues unos deciden seguirlo y otros deciden lo contrario. No hay decisiones a medias con Jesús, o estás con El o contra El. Solo tenemos que ver en tantos lugares del mundo donde las familias están en conflicto entre ellos. A nosotros se nos llama a declarar nuestra lealtad hacía Cristo y a comprometernos con El. Pueda ser que esto nos orille a perder ciertas relaciones hasta en nuestra familia. ¿Quieres tomar el riesgo de perder tus amistades o tus familiares por ganar la vida eterna?

Aplicación

En la primera lectura vemos a Jeremías perseguido y rechazado por 40 años en su ministerio. La segunda lectura nos dice que pongamos nuestra vista siempre en Cristo en la carrera de la vida, especialmente cuando se trata de sufrir. El evangelio nos dice que no desmayemos. Cristo está siempre con nosotros aún en los tiempos más difíciles de nuestras vidas.

Vamos a tratar esta semana de ser concientes de los demás, especialmente de nuestros familiares. Si encontramos rechazo o persecusión por nuestro compromiso con Cristo, vamos hacer oración y de esta manera enseñaremos a los demás que nada nos puede separar del amor de Dios y que Jesús está siempre con nosotros.

TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

Posted on by

                                TWENTIETH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE 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?

 

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

 

 SECOND DAY         READ JEREMIAH 38:4-6, 8-10       FIRST READING

         (“King Zedekiah answered: ‘He is in your power.'”)

 

  1. What did the princes say to the king? Jeremiah 38:4

  

  1. What was it Jeremiah said that caused the princes to say this?  Jeremiah 38:1-3

  

  1. What did the princes say Jeremiah did to the soldiers and    all the people and in what did they say was his interest?

     Jeremiah 38:4

  

  1. Who was the king at that time, how did he answer them and  for what reason?  Jeremiah 38:5

    

 5. What did they do with Jeremiah? Jeremiah 38:6

 

 

  1. Who was Ebed-melech and what did he do? Jeremiah 38:7-8

 

  1. What did he tell the king about the men who had Jeremiah put in the cistern?  Jeremiah 38:9

 

 

  1. What did he say would happen to Jeremiah and for what reason?  Jeremiah 38:9

 

 

  1. What did the king order to be done? Jeremiah 38:10

 

 

Personal – In what way are you influenced by the opinions of others?  This past week how have you obeyed God’s Word, which was against what others thought you should do.  

 

 

THIRD DAY           READ HEBREWS 12:1-4           SECOND READING

          (“For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;”)

 

  1. By what are we surrounded? Hebrews 12:1

 

 

  1. What are we to lay aside? Hebrews 12:1

 

 

  1. In what are we to persevere? Hebrews 12:1

 

 

  1. On whom are we to keep our eyes fixed, and what does he do  for us?  Hebrews 12:2

 

 

  1. What lay before him and what did he endure, heedless of its shame?  Hebrews 12:2

 

 

  1. Where has he taken his seat? Hebrews 12:2

 

 

  1. What are we to remember and what are we not to become?     Hebrews 12:3

  

  1. Who was it that opposed him? Hebrews 12:3

 

  1. Who are the sinners? Romans 3:23

  

  1. Where do we get our strength in the struggle against sin? Isaiah 40:28-31

 

 11. What have we not yet done? Hebrews 12:4

 

 Personal – How have you resisted sin in your life?  What does it mean to you personally: “In your fight against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood?”

 

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 12:49-53               GOSPEL

           (“I have come to set the world on fire,”)

 

  1. What has Jesus come to do on the earth? Luke 12:49

 

 

  1. What does he wish? Luke 12:49

 

 

  1. What does he have to receive and what does he feel, until it is over?  Luke 12:50

 

 

  1. What is the baptism to which he is referring? Mark 10:38 and          John 19:28-30

 

 

  1. What question does Jesus ask and how does he answer it?     Luke 12:51

 

 

  1. Why did he come? Luke 12:51

 

 

  1. What is the division to which he refers? Matthew 25:32-46,    Ezekiel 34:17

 

 

  1. What will happen to a household of five? Luke 12:52

 

  1. What will happen to fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law?  Luke 12:53

 

 

  1. What will happen to you because of Jesus and when will this  happen?  Matthew 10:21-23

 

 

  1. Who will be our enemies? Matthew 10:36

 

 Personal – In what way has following Jesus separated you from family members?  How have you dealt with the rejection?  Meditate on Matthew 11:28-30.

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 40:2-4, 18             PSALM

 

                (“He put a new song into my mouth.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 40:2-4, 18.

 

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

                      JEREMIAH 38:4-6, 8-10

      King Zedekiah and his officials did not want to listen to Jeremiah’s words, but they were in need of blessing from his prayers.  The King went back and forth from surrender to resistance.  The King was in turmoil with everyone.  He was told by Jeremiah that if he accepted Egypt’s help and stayed in Jerusalem, he would be destroyed by the Babylonian army.  He asked Jeremiah to come secretly to the palace, hoping for some better news from God.  The King was in a panic, he  wanted to hear God’s word but he had no desire to enter into a political conflict with some of his public officials. 

      King  Zedekiah was a leader who was incapable of making firm decisions. He agreed with everybody, which  resulted in his nation’s being in turmoil.  He listened to Jeremiah (37:2); and then by another’s advice, he agreed that Jeremiah should be killed (38:5).  Finally, he had Jeremiah rescued by advice from yet a different person (38:10).  Jeremiah was not popular, his words were misinterpreted as being those of a traitor.  He was, in fact, stating God’s prophecy that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed because of its sins.  He warned the people to flee to Babylon but they refused to listen.  Jeremiah was proclaiming God’s word for 40 years and was rejected, persecuted, and had no followers encouraging him.  He finally was forced to leave his homeland, and even the pagan Babylonians treated him with more respect than did his own people. 

      Today, we need to recognize that God does not guarantee that his servants, even one with the stature of Jeremiah, will escape persecution, even when they are faithful.  But God does promise us, as he promised them, that he will be with us and will give us the strength to endure.  As you minister to people,  remember that your service is for God and not for man’s approval.  Jerusalem had several gates, including the gate of Benjamin, where legal matters were handled.  Ebed-melech, a public official, went immediately to the gate of Benjamin to protest to the King about the injustice being done to Jeremiah.  This public official stood alone in his protest of the murder plot.  His obedience could have cost him his life, but God spared him when Jerusalem fell (39:16-18). 

     You can either go along with the crowd or speak up for God when someone is treated unjustly.  You may be the only one, and when you are being treated unjustly yourself be sure to thank the Lord when he sends an “Ebed-melech” your way.

                          HEBREWS 12:1-4

      Living a Catholic Christian Life, or as they say in the street, not only talking the talk but also walking the walk, involves hard work.  We are called to let go of anything or anyone who endangers our personal relationship with the Lord.  We are to run patiently and to struggle against sin in our lives with the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7).  To live this type of life, we must constantly keep our vision on the Lord Jesus Christ.  We stumble and eventually fall when we take our eyes off Jesus Christ and look at ourselves or the circumstances surrounding us.  We need to remember that we are running Christ’s race and we must always keep him in sight.  When hardship and discouragement come, it is easy, sometimes, to lose sight of the big picture. 

     Jesus is always with us, encouraging us in our struggle.  We must not back away from suffering either, because suffering is the training for our Christian spiritual maturity.  Jack LaLayne, the body builder, canned the phrase “no pain, no gain.”  It is true that suffering develops our patience and makes our final victory sweeter.  Jesus endured the ultimate suffering and it was for us all.  He suffered to the point of shedding his blood, so that all mankind might be free.

     Many of us face tremendous physical, emotional or spiritual difficulties but it is in knowing that he is within each of us that makes the race endurable.  Jesus sweat great drops of blood over the sin and temptation to which all are subject.  Jesus did not give up his vision for our freedom, and neither should we give up our vision of running his race in the same manner as he did his. 

     Today we hear of many ways to run in the race of life.  An athlete has to train diligently if he expects to be successful.  You and I are called to look together to Jesus, and he will be in concert with us. His love will become obvious in the way we respond to the needs of others.

                           LUKE 12:49-53

      Jesus warns that his coming to the earth was about to bring division between many close groups, including families.  He tells us that he came to bring a fire to the earth and that, of course, was his Holy Spirit.  We think of the coming of the Holy Spirit as little tongues of fire over the heads of the Apostles  (Acts 2:3).

Fire is used for cleansing and purifying precious metals.  Fire strips and burns away all imperfections.  Fire is powerful and painful.

      Jesus’ terrible baptism was his coming crucifixion.  He talked of the incredible physical, emotional, and spiritual pain of complete separation from God which was necessary to pay for the sins of the whole world.  That’s right, he had to take on the pain of all the sins of the world.  He died for you and me, while we yet were sinners (Romans 5:8).  His death released all of us from our slavery to sin.  It is easy for us to say we will suffer anything for Christ, and yet most of us complain every day when even little irritations come.  If we say that we are willing to face suffering on a large scale for Christ, we must be willing to suffer in little ways for Christ.

      Jesus had revealed that his coming would result in conflict even between family members.  He demands a response, and many groups are torn apart when some choose to follow him and incur suffering in his name, while others refuse to do so.  There is no middle ground with Jesus; you are either with him or against him.  We need only look at places in our world where families are pitted against each other. We are called to declare our loyalty to Christ and make our commitment to him.  This might involve cutting off some relationships, possibly in our own family.  Are you willing to risk the approval of your friends or even that of your families to gain eternal life?

 Application

      In the first reading we see Jeremiah being persecuted and rejected for forty years in his ministry.  The second reading tells us that we must keep our eyes on Christ as we run the race of life, especially when suffering comes our way.  The gospel tells us not to give up, that Christ is always with us even in our darkest moments of life.

      This week, let us be especially aware of others, particularly our family members.  If we experience rejection and persecution because of our commitment to Christ, let us, through our prayers, and knowledge that Jesus is always with us, respond in a manner that will show others that nothing can separate us from God’s love.     

DECIMONOVENO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO-C

Posted on by

DECIMONOVENO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

 ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                        SABIDURIA 18:6-9                                  PRIMERA LECTURA

                                                               (“Tu pueblo esperó la salvación de los justos.”)

  1. ¿Qué noche era conocida de antemano por nuestros padres? Sabiduría 18:5-6

 

  1. Llena los siguientes espacios: “Sabiendo en que juramentos habían ______se           sintieron seguros                                            ” Sabiduría 18:6

 

  1. ¿Qué es la fe? Hebreos 11:1

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos llega la fe? Romanos 10:17

 

  1. ¿En el conocimiento de qué, habían puesto su fe con objeto de tener valor? Sabiduría 18:6

 

  1. ¿Qué espera la gente? Sabiduría 18:7

 

  1. ¿Quiénes fueron castigados? ¿En esto qué les sucedió a los que habían sido convocados?              Sabiduría 18:8

 

  1. ¿Qué estaban ofreciendo los hijos santos? ¿Y qué establecieron de común acuerdo? Sabiduría 18:9

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que compartirían los santos por igual y qué habían estado haciendo un poco antes?  Sabiduría 18:9

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has estado “cantando las alabanzas” que tus antepasados, esos que creían, te dejaron como un legado?  ¿De qué modo has pasado esto a tu familia?

 

TERCER DIA                                                       HEBREOS 11:1-2, 8-19                              SEGUNDA LECTURA

                                                            (“La fe es la manera de tener lo que esperamos…”)

 

  1. Llena los siguientes espacios: “La fe es la manera de tener lo que ,                    para           conocer lo que                                  Hebreos 11:1.

 

  1. ¿Por qué eran celebrados los antepasados? Hebreos 11:2

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Abraham cuando fue llamado? ¿A dónde fue? ¿Sabía a dónde iba? Hebreos 11:8

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Abraham en la tierra prometida así como en la tierra extranjera? ¿Con quién vivió en tiendas de campaña, que también eran herederos de esa misma promesa?  Hebreos 11:9

 

  1. ¿Qué era lo que él esperaba? ¿Quién fue el diseñador de esto? Hebreos 11:10

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Abraham por fe y de qué pensó que era digno Aquel que hizo la promesa? Hebreos 11:11

 

  1. ¿En quién deberíamos confiar? Hebreos 2:13 e Isaías 8:17

 

  1. ¿Cómo resultado de esta fe, qué nació de este solo hombre? Hebreos 11:12

 

  1. ¿Qué les sucedió a esos que murieron en fe? ¿Qué estaban buscando? Hebreos 11:13-16

 

  1. ¿De qué no se avergüenza Dios, de ser llamado? ¿Qué les ha preparado a ellos? ¿Qué hizo Abraham por fe y que sucedería a traves de Isaac?  Hebreos 11:16-18

 

  1. ¿Qué pensó Abraham que Dios podría hacer? ¿Y por hacerlo, qué recuperó a Isaac? Heb. 11:19

 

Personal – Enlista las cosas que has dejado atrás debido a tu fe y confianza en el Señor. Esta lista puede incluir personas o cosas de valor monetario.

 

CUARTO DIA                                                             LUCAS 12:32-48                                                      EVANGELIO

(“No temas pequeño rebaño”.)

 

  1. ¿Cómo debes vivir? ¿Qué le agradó a nuestro Padre celestial? Lucas 12:32

 

  1. ¿Qué deberías hacer, deberías dar y deberías recibir? Lucas 12:33

 

  1. Llena los siguientes espacios: Donde sea que esté tu tesoro, ahí también estará tú  ___________.  Lucas 12:34

 

  1. ¿Qué deberías hacer? ¿A quién le irá bien cuando el amo regrese y qué hará este para ellos?          Lucas 12:35-37

 

  1. ¿Si la cabeza de la casa supiera cuando iba a venir el ladrón, qué no haría? Lucas 12:39

 

  1. ¿Cómo debes estar? ¿Cuándo vendrá el hijo del Hombre? Lucas 12:40

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la pregunta que le hizo Pedro a Jesús cuando el Señor le respondió con otra pregunta, dando después un ejemplo?  Lucas 12:41-42

 

  1. ¿Qué está haciendo el sirviente que es tan afortunado? ¿A quién se le quitará el puesto por falta de confianza?  Lucas 12:43-46

 

  1. ¿Qué le sucedería al que sabía los deseos de su amo y qué al que no los sabía? Lucas 12:47-48

 

  1. ¿Qué se le exigirá al que se le ha dado mucho? ¿Y qué al que se le ha confiado mucho? Lucas 12:48

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te has estado preparando para el día cuando estés frente a frente con el Señor? Ora y pídele que te muestre donde gastar tu dinero, donde pasar la mayoría del tiempo y qué hacer con tus talentos (regalos naturales que Dios te ha dado). Arrepiéntete y recibe el Sacramento de la Reconciliación esta semana para recibir la gracia que te hará cambiar.

 

QUINTO DIA                                               LEE EL SALMO 33:1, 12, 18-22

(“Qué felices son las naciones cuyo Dios es el Señor.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 33:1, 12, 18-22.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                                                  LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

                                                                                       SABIDURIA 18:6-9

El Exodo tuvo lugar cuando Moisés guiaba a su pueblo para salir de la opresión de Egipto y hacía la libertad en la nueva tierra. El ángel de la muerte fue de casa en casa y mató al primogénito. Los únicos que se salvaron eran los de aquellas casas que tenían la sangre del cordero sacrificado alrededor de sus puertas. Los Israelitas en vez de sucumbir a la obscuridad de religiones falsas y de la cultura inmoral permanecieron leales a la sabiduría genuina de su fe.

Este pasaje fue escrito para los Judíos que encontraron como algo esencial mantener en sus mentes vividamente el recuerdo de esa noche (Exodo) y así mantener también su equilibrio espiritual. Esa noche todos los primogénitos de Egipto murieron.

Vemos contrastes increíbles en este pasaje; los Hebreos compartiendo las mismas cosas, las bendiciones y peligros y todo ese tiempo cantando alabanzas a su Padre celestial. Por otro lado podemos oir el llanto desesperado de sus enemigos que se lamentaban por la muerte de sus hijos. Todos sufrieron, esclavos, amos, hombres comunes y hasta el Faraón, cuyo primogénito murió esa noche. Finalmente se ve la fe de los Hebreos que fue muy sólida para ser derrotada. Y vemos como el Faraón les dice que tomen a su Dios, se lo lleven y huyan de Egipto.

Los Judíos fueron liberados del Faraón por el poder de la Santa Palabra de Dios. Con fe, ellos leyeron, creyeron y vivieron su palabra. El Señor los liberó y nos liberará a nosotros si mantenemos su Santa Palabra en nuestras mentes, en nuestros labios y en nuestro corazón. El nos ha dado el don de la fe y en élla encontraremos el valor para profesar que Jesucristo es nuestro Señor y Salvador.

Jesús es la nueva y permanente pascua. Con Moisés la gente pasó de la esclavitud a la libertad y finalmente murieron. Con Cristo nosotros pasamos de la muerte a la vida y con El tendremos vida eterna.

HEBREOS 11:1-2, 8-19

Este pasaje nos hace la pregunta del verdadero significado de la fe. ¿Qué es la fe?

La fe es la respuesta a la presencia viva del poder de Dios en nuestras vidas. Es una respuesta, una aceptación, una creencia de un don muy especial que viene de Dios. Un cumpleaños siempre trae la emoción y anticipación de recibir regalos. Sabemos que recibiremos algo pero siempre habrá alguna sorpresa. Los cumpleaños combinan la certeza con la anticipación, así sucede con la fe. La fe es la convicción basada en experiencias pasadas de que las sorpresas nuevas y frescas de Dios con toda seguridad serán nuestras.

Describimos la fe con palabras como confianza y certeza. Estas dos cualidades necesitan un punto seguro de empiezo y de final. El punto de empiezo de la fe es la creencia de que “El es quien dice ser.” El punto final es creer en las promesas de Dios, “El hará lo que dice.”

Abraham creyó en Dios y en Sus promesas. Su fe se mantuvo firme con la obediencia. No es suficiente creer, debemos por medio de la obediencia RESPONDER. Abraham dejó su casa y se fue a otras tierras obedeciendo sin preguntar. Aún más, estaba dispuesto a sacrificar a su hijo Isaac. No debemos sorprendernos si Dios nos pide hacer a un lado la seguridad de lo ya conocido con objeto de obedecerlo a El y a sus promesas. Mucha gente que aparece en las escrituras murió sin recibir todo lo que Dios había prometido, pero nunca perdieron por eso de vista al cielo.

Hoy en día muchos Cristianos se sienten frustrados y derrotados debido a que sus necesidades, demandas, deseos y esperanzas no son obtenidas de inmediato cuando creen en Cristo. Muchos se ponen impacientes y quieren darse por vencidos. Necesitamos tener el valor de esos héroes de la fe que vivieron y murieron sin ver el fruto de su fe en la tierra y que sin embargo continuaron creyendo. Con fe podemos confiar a Dios nuestras más preciadas posesiones (nuestras familias, etc.). Quizá no recibamos lo que queremos inmediatamente, pero respondiendo con fe, El hará lo que dice, cuando sea el tiempo oportuno.

LUCAS 12:32-48

Este pasaje nos dice que preocuparse no es algo que viene del Señor. Jesús nos dice que a Su padre le dá un gran placer darnos Su reino. Para entender este versículo debemos saber que cuando una persona era adoptada en una familia Hebrea, calificaba legalmente para recibir todos los beneficios a los que tendría derecho; por lo tanto era ya un heredero en ciernes. Por medio de la sangre de Cristo todos calificamos para ser herederos del Rey. Unicamente necesitamos aceptar a Jesús como nuestro Señor para ser herederos de Su reino.

Es por eso que no debemos preocuparnos, somos herederos del Rey. No debemos preocuparnos sobre cuanto dinero tenemos que ganar, Dios proveerá. Esto no significa que seamos irresponsables o que no hagamos un plan para proveer a nuestras familias. Cuando el dinero se ve como un fin en sí, este nos atrapa rápidamente y nos aparta tanto de Dios, como de los que necesitan nuestra ayuda. Necesitamos considerar cuanto dinero podemos usar para los propósitos de Dios. ¿Se acerca a tu cartera el amor a Dios? ¿Tienes libertad para usar tu dinero ayudando a otros? Si es así estás acumulando tesoros en el cielo. No podemos separar lo que hacemos de lo que creemos. Lo que más valoramos revela nuestras verdaderas prioridades. Si éstas fueran juzgadas tomando en cuenta en que pasas el tiempo, ¿en dónde pones tu dinero y tus energías, cuál sería el veredicto?

Jesús no solo nos dice que no nos preocupemos, también nos dice que estemos preparados para su regreso. Nuestra fe es una respuesta a la presencia viva de Dios en nuestras vidas. Es por el don de fe que podemos acercarnos a los recursos de Jesucristo. Es Jesús el que nos cubrirá todas nuestras necesidades con sus riquezas en la gloria (Filipenses 4:19). Debemos dejar de preocuparnos acerca de lo que el mundo piense de nosotros y vivir con fe preparándonos para su regreso.

Jesús nos dice que hay un reino que se está preparando para los que lo siguen. Y además, se nos ha dicho en este pasaje que mucho se le pedirá al que mucho se le dió ya que su responsabilidad es mayor. Tú y yo tenemos mucho; hemos sido bendecidos de muchas maneras. Tenemos un Dios amoroso y compasivo que perdona y que nos llama a hacer lo mismo que El. Nuestra fe que es un don que viene de El nos da el valor de decir “Sí, Señor.”

Para prepararnos para el regreso del Señor, debemos ser sinceros en vez de hipócritas, sin miedo y listos a ser testigos. No debemos estar ansiosos sino confiados. No debemos ser avaros sino generosos y no flojos sino diligentes. Con fe estaremos listos para Su regreso.

Aplicación

“Esa noche,” en la primera lectura, fue la huída de la fe fuera de Egipto. En la segunda lectura vemos el viaje en la obscuridad de nuestros héroes espirituales que fue iluminado por su fe. El evangelio nos dice que estemos preparados y que a traves del don de la fe, estemos listos para el regreso del Señor.

Hoy por medio de nuestro propio don de fe, con la oración diaria, la lectura de las escrituras y la recepción de los sacramentos, podemos mantenernos listos para cuando se aparezca el Señor personalmente a cada uno de nosotros.

NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

Posted on by

 

                              NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE 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.

 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 WISDOM 18:6-9        FIRST READING

         (“Your people awaited the salvation of the just.”)

 

  1. What night was known beforehand to our fathers? Wisdom 18:5-6

 

 

  1. Fill in the following blanks:  “With sure knowledge of the          oaths in which they put their __________ they might have          ____________.  Wisdom 18:6

 

 

  1. What is faith? Hebrews 11:1

 

 

  1. How does faith come to us? Romans 10:17

 

 

  1. They put faith in the knowledge of what in order to have courage?  Wisdom 18:6

 

   

  1. What did the people await? Wisdom 18:7

 

  1. Who was punished and in this, what happened to those who had been summoned?  Wisdom 18:8

 

 

 

  1. What were the holy children offering and what were they

     putting into effect with one accord?  Wisdom 18:9

 

 

  1. What two things would the holy ones share alike and what had they previously been doing?  Wisdom 18:9

 

 

Personal – In what way have you been “singing the praises” of what your forefathers, those who believed, have passed on to you?  In what way have you passed this faith on to your family?

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ HEBREWS 11:1-2, 8-19    SECOND READING

 

(“Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, …”)

 

  1. Fill in the following blanks:  “Faith is the confident          assurance concerning what we __________ for, and conviction   about things we do _______ ________.”  Hebrews 11:1

 

 

  1. Why were the men of old approved by God? Hebrews 11:2

 

 

  1. What did Abraham do when he was called, where did he go, and did he know where he was going?  Hebrews 11:8

 

        

  1. What did Abraham do in the promised land as in a foreign country and with whom did he dwell in tents who were heirs to     the same promise?  Hebrews 11:9

 

 

  1. To what was he looking forward, and who is the designer and maker of this?  Hebrews 11:10

 

 

  1. What did Abraham do by faith, and of what did he think the one who made the promise was worthy?  Hebrews 11:11

 

  1. In whom are we to trust? Hebrews 2:13, Isaiah 8:17

 

 

  1. As a result of this faith, what came forth from the one man?       Hebrews 11:12

 

 

  1. What happened to those who died in faith and for what were they searching?  Hebrews 11:13-16

 

 

  1. What is God not ashamed to be called, what has he prepared   for them, what did Abraham do by faith and what would happen through Isaac?  Hebrews 11:16-18

 

 

  1. What did Abraham reason that God was able to do; in so doing,     as what did he receive Isaac back?  Hebrews 11:19

 

 

Personal – List the things you have given up by faith and trust in the Lord.  This list can include monetary things or people.

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ LUKE 12:32-48               GOSPEL

             (“Do not live in fear, little flock”)

  

  1. In what must you not live, and what has pleased our heavenly Father?  Luke 12:32

 

       

  1. What must you do, what must you give and what must you get? Luke 12:33

 

 

  1. Fill in the following blank: “Wherever your treasure lies, there your _____________ will be.”  Luke 12:34

 

 

  1. What must you do, with whom will it go well when the master returns, and what will the master do with them? 

     Luke 12:35-37

 

 

  1. If the head of the house knew when the thief was coming, what      would he not do?  Luke 12:39

 

 

  1. What are we to be and when will the Son of Man come?      Luke 12:40

 

 

  1. What was the question Peter asked Jesus when the Lord replied with a question and then gave an example? Luke 12:41-42

 

 

  1. What is the servant doing who is fortunate, and who will the master rank undeserving of trust? Luke 12:43-46

 

 

 

  1. What will happen to the one who knew his master’s wishes and what will happen to the one who did not know them? 

     Luke 12:47-48

 

 

  1. When much has been given a man what will be required of him and what will be asked of a man to whom more has been    entrusted?  Luke 12:48

 

 

Personal – How have you been preparing for the day when you will be face to face with the Lord.  Pray and ask the Lord to show you where to spend your money, where to spend most of your time and what you should be doing with your talents (natural gifts God has given you).  Repent and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this week in order to receive the added grace to change.

 

 

FIFTH DAY         READ PSALM 33:1, 12, 18-22

 

            (“Happy the nation whose God is the Lord.”)

              

Read and meditate on Psalm 33:1, 12, 18-22.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

                        WISDOM 18:6-9

      The Exodus was Moses leading his people out of bondage in Egypt and into freedom in the new land.  The angel of death went from house to house and killed the first-born baby.  The only ones spared were in the homes that had the blood of the slain lamb spread around its doorsill.  The Israelite’s, rather than succumb to the darkness of false religions and immoral culture, remain loyal to genuine wisdom of their faith.

      This passage was written for the Jews who found it essential  to keep that night (Exodus) vividly implanted in their minds for maintaining spiritual balance.  On that night, all of Egypt’s first-born died. 

      We see incredible contrasts in this passage, the Hebrews sharing the same things, blessings and dangers, and all the time singing praises to their heavenly Father.  We can also hear the despairing cry of their enemies lamenting for their dead children.  All suffered, slave, master, common man, even Pharaoh’s first-born died that night.  Finally he saw that the faith of the Hebrews was far too strong for him to defeat.  He told them to take their God with them and flee from Egypt. 

      The Jews were delivered from Pharaoh by the power of God’s Holy Word.  In faith they read, believed, and lived his word.  The Lord delivered them and he will deliver us if we keep his Holy Word in our minds, on our lips and in our hearts.  He has given us the gift of faith and in that faith we will find the courage to profess that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. 

     Jesus is the new and permanent passover. Through Moses the people passed over from bondage to freedom and then finally they died.  Through Jesus we have passed over from death to life and with him we will have eternal life.

                       HEBREWS 11:1-2, 8-19

     This passage challenges us to question the very meaning of faith.  What is faith? 

      Faith is the response to the living presence of the power of God in our lives.  It is a response, an acceptance, a belief of a very special gift from God.  A birthday always brings the excitement and anticipation of receiving gifts.  You knew you would receive some things but there would always be something that was a surprise.  Birthdays combine assurance and anticipation and so does faith.  Faith is the conviction based on past experience that God’s new and fresh surprises will surely be ours. 

      We describe faith with words like confidence and certainty.  These two qualities need a secure beginning and ending point.  The beginning point of faith is believing – “He is what he says.”  The end point is believing in God’s promises – “He will do what he says.”

     Abraham believed in who God was and he believed in what God promised.  His faith was anchored by obedience.  It is not enough to believe, we must also, through obedience, RESPOND.  Abraham left his home and went to another land, obeying without question.  Abraham was even willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  We should not be surprised if God asks us to give up the security of the familiar to obey him and what he promised.  Many people of faith listed in scripture died without receiving all that God promised, but they never lost their vision of heaven.

     Today many Christians become frustrated and defeated because their needs, wants, expectations, and demands are not immediately met when they believe in Christ.  Many become impatient and want to quit. We need to take courage from those heros of faith who lived and died without seeing the fruit of their faith on earth, and yet they continued to believe.  We can in faith trust God with our most prized possessions (our families, etc.).  We may not receive what we want immediately, but by responding in faith he will do what he says, when the time is appropriate.

                          LUKE 12:32-48

      This passage tells us that to worry is not of the Lord. Jesus tells us that it gives his Father great pleasure to give us the kingdom. To understand this verse we must know that when a person was adopted into a Hebrew family, he became legally eligible for all the benefits that were due to him; therefore, he was now a full fledged heir to the estate.  Through the blood of Jesus Christ we all become eligible heirs to the King.  We need only to accept Jesus as Lord to become an heir to the kingdom. 

     That is why we do not have to worry, we are heirs of the King.  We do not need to worry about how much money we have to make, God will provide for us.  This does not mean that we do not need to be responsible or to plan to provide for our families.  Money used as an end in itself quickly traps us and cuts us off from both God and the needy.  We need to see how much of our money can be used for God’s purposes.  Does God’s love touch your wallet?  Does your money free you to help others?  If so, you are storing up lasting treasures in heaven.  We cannot separate what we do from what we believe.  What we treasure reveals our true priorities.  If your priorities were judged by where you put your time, your money, and your energy, what would be the verdict?

     Not only does Jesus tell us to not worry but also to be prepared for his return.  Our faith is a response to the living presence of God in our lives.  It is through the gift of faith that we can draw on the resources of Jesus Christ.  It is Jesus who will supply all of our needs from his riches in glory (Phil. 4:19).  We must stop worrying about what the world thinks of us and in faith live in preparation for his return.

      Jesus tells us that a kingdom is being prepared for his followers.  Furthermore, we are told in this passage that much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.  You and I have much; we have been blessed in many ways.  We have a loving, compassionate, forgiving God, who calls on us to be the same as he.  Our faith, which is a gift from him, gives us the courage to say “Yes Lord.”

      To prepare for the Lord’s return, we must not be hypercritical, but sincere, fearless,  and ready to witness.  We need not be anxious, but trusting.  We should not be greedy but generous, not lazy but diligent.  In faith, we can be ready for his return.

Application

      “That night,” in the first reading, was a flight of faith out of Egypt.  In the second reading, we saw a journey through darkness by our spiritual heroes that was illuminated by their faith.  The gospel tells us to be prepared and through the gift of faith, be ready for the Lord’s return. 

      Today, through our own gift of faith, by daily prayer, reading scripture and receiving the sacraments, we can keep ourselves ready for when the Lord appears personally to each one of us.                        

 

Posted on by

 

 

 

Dear St. Dismas Guild, Thank you for all you do for us inmates. May Jesus Christ continue to bless you and everyone who helps in encouraging us through these tough times of incarceration. Yes, they are tough but through the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, He makes it easier for me. A few years ago I was in a fatal accident that killed two people and seriously injured two others (me included). I woke up three days later handcuffed to a hospital bed. The chaplain came and told me the circumstances that brought me to the hospital. I cried because I took the lives of two guys and because I knew deep down I would never see the light of day. After spending a week in the hospital I was taken to jail. The world I knew was taken from me. One evening my head was pounding, my tooth was hurting, and my ear started to hurt. With each second the pain intensified. I called upon JESUS CHRIST:  “Lord, I know you are my Lord and Savior, I am a Christian, I was brought up Catholic…please help me as I dedicate my life to you. If you want me to stay Catholic, please teach me my faith and why we practice certain beliefs.” And as I apologized and cried to HIM with all my heart…I said “AMEN.” And BOOM, all the pain went away!  PRAISE GOD!

I knew nothing about reading the Bible and I only had a New Testament Bible. That weekend a deacon came to give a Liturgy of The Word and I told him I knew nothing! Who or what is Lamb of God, who is/was David, Soloman, Jonah, and other characters of the Bible? He told me he would send me a Bible and that week I received a Jerusalem Bible and I was scared because it is huge. So I prayed to JESUS to lead me, where do I begin? When I did open the Bible to read I randomly opened it and it was LUKE 6:46-49. Still, it didn’t make sense to me. I requested to see a Catholic volunteer chaplain so we might speak and we became close as a fellow Christian sisters. She would help me and explain to me and I was fortunate because she was retired and she spent many days at the jail helping the women as well.

The enemy wants us to think that we are by ourselves. I have been transferred to a new facility and this place has a strong Catholic community. During the previous years we never had a Mass because of no priests. At this location we have a great priest who leads us and considers us a parish. When he isn’t able to come, he has other priests come. Recently we had a confirmation Mass with our Bishop. We also had a Kolbe Prison Retreat recently. And, we have an outstanding CCD class and volunteers. There was a time when I would go to a church service and I was the only one attending, or other times the gangs took over the service and tried to use it as a meeting place. I thank Jesus for the grace to be patient and to have perseverance because He brought me to this unit. I pray that I may bloom where HE has planted me. Thank you and God bless you.  JMM

 

It must have been devastating for you to wake up and find out you killed two people. Being seriously injured yourself and going through the pain of body, mind, and soul at that time and how God led you to His word changed your whole perspective of life. Having the world you knew taken from you was at the time devastating to you but it was your saving grace. I know someone who had to leave the state he lived in and get away from his so called friends in order to save his life just as you, too, had to be taken out of the environment you were at in order for you to be saved. Now you are learning through God’s Word how to live by it. Jesus tells us that any man who desires to come to Him will hear His words and put them into practice (Luke 6 47). Continue to persevere and be patient. In time you will learn that to love God with all your heart is to be obedient to His Word and to love your neighbor is to die to your needs and wants for the good of another. That’s what Jesus did on the cross; He gave His life so you and I could live forever with Him in paradise. Praise God! Satan will continue to try to get you to look back at your old life but persevering with your community of believers and keeping your eyes on Jesus will help you through.

 

 

 

Dear St. Dismas Guild, Hi, How are you dong? As always I hope and pray this letter finds everyone at St. Dismas Guild in very good health in Jesus’ name. As for me, I’m doing just fine, thanks to God. I’m just writing to thank you for sending me the newsletter. As always, the testimonies were wonderful to read. In the article Family Ministry it talks about praying as a family. When I was out in the world my family always prayed together. When I came to prison, I didn’t think I would find anything like that. God proved me wrong. God led me to a prayer group. Since joining them we pray for each other and each other’s families. They have become my family now. In the article, Pro-Life, the topic is Abortion and The Year of Mercy. I believe abortion is a sin. I would also like to thank you for sending me The Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study. I have completed the study. Could you please send me another? The other book that was sent has been helpful too. I would like to receive more of the Word of God books. Thank you much for all you have done. May God bless everyone at St. Dismas Guild. Keep up the good work you are doing in Jesus’ name. I hope to receive the next bible study soon. Sincerely.  AG

 

You were truly blessed to have a family that prayed together. I am sure it brings back memories of those times together now that you are in prison. Your hunger for your family and finding a new family that you pray with will be fulfilled no matter what is going on around you. God loves you so much and will continue to not let you be tested beyond your strength but give you a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). Yes, abortion is murder. We need to pray for God’s intervention to stop this insanity and educate people to live God’s way and not the world’s way. Continue to study the word and thank you for sharing.

* * * * * *

Dear St. Dismas Guild,            I want to thank you for your last two newsletters. They encourage me to continue to stay vigilant and faithful despite whatever obstacles are presented on a daily basis. A lot of good comes from hearing those testimonies. They inspire me to continue pursuing my faith despite what others may say about me and the church. I am becoming more dedicated each day. This year I have been learning the true meaning of mercy. “Matthew 5:7, Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy.” That verse helps me reflect on the mercy I have shown others and the mercy I have received in return these 31 years of my life. Thanks to the closeness to the Virgin Mary and her intercessions I have learned as the book of John says in John 2:5. “His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Through this verse I am learning to follow Jesus’ beautiful life, death and resurrection. Once again thank you for your support because you guys truly make me feel loved. God Bless you, with brotherly love. JS

 

“You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires, and hold your ground.” Eph. 6:17 It is good you are resisting Satan who works through the disobedient. Any time someone is putting you or the church down you know it is coming from Satan, the author of lies. John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it to the full.” Our mother Mary always leads us to her Son and is always telling us to do whatever He says.

 

 

Living the Gospel.  This month Pope Francis asks us to live the gospel and give witness by loving our neighbors.

Last month I attended the ordination to the priesthood of a very dear friend.  My husband and I were so very excited for him.  Not all of us are called to a religious vocation, but we are all called as the Pope asks, to love our neighbors.  How often we forget to love our own family members.  There was a time when I was struggling, struggling to accept the life God had planned for me. I stopped talking to my folks as I felt they couldn’t possibly understand.  I put limits on God.  It was only through prayer that I came to realize that God had a plan for me, a plan that was ‘perfect’, but I needed to be open to His plan.  “I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.  Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

It was also through prayer that I realized my parents didn’t need to understand what I was going through.  They were my parents and chose life for me.  I needed to let go of my feelings and just love them as Jesus loves me.

Jesus’s love was shown to me at my friend’s ordination through the eyes of my three year old.  The ordination was held at an amazing church with a beautiful, enormous crucifix hanging high just behind the altar.  Looking up at the crucifix, Jesus appeared tired with his head tilted down.  I saw His pain and suffering.  My three year old daughter turned to me during the ordination and she said, “Mom, do you see Jesus, do you know what He is doing…He is looking down at us saying, ‘Hi, how are you’.”  What insight, she was right!  All this time all I could see was His pain on the cross, yet this three year old saw His love.  No shame, no suffering, no sin is greater than His mercy and love.  His love is bigger than our biggest sin.  We all have things we need to let go of and let God shower us with His mercy and love.  Then, we will be able to love one another.

 

 

“Gods Plan for our Life”  

This is Julian, born at 26 weeks gestation, and only weighed 1 pound and 7 ounces.  Julian’s parents were married 10 years and did not have children, so they sought an Infertility Specialist.  Mom was given medication to promote ovulation and became pregnant about three months later.  When mom was 26 weeks into the pregnancy, she developed preeclampsia (high blood pressure and protein in the urine.)  The baby was delivered by emergency C-Section at 4:53 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2016. Thanks be to God, he is now 6 months old and weighs 11 pounds and will be baptized in August. Please join us in prayers of thanksgiving for this baby LIFE and for his parents who Chose LIFE and embraced Gods Plan for this LIFE.

This image shows the dads wedding ring placed on Julian’s wrist one month after he was born.

Psalm 139:13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

 

God obviously had a plan for my life as well.  I was the 2nd unwanted child in my mother’s womb, having 3 children before she was 18. Thankfully she chose LIFE and did the very best that she could even though she agreed to my 1st abortion at age 17, probably because of her past. Even though I was very ignorant of God’s ways and naive to His plan for my LIFE, He Never gave up on me.  Through many hours of art history classes in college Mother Mary was calling me to her son Jesus through the most beautiful images I had ever seen. Images of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus and most especially the images of the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she would be the Mother of God. She became my mother as well and I thank her and God “because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”  God has a plan for your LIFE! Never give up on it, because He will Never give up on you.

 

In Jesus’ love,

St. Dismas Staff

DECIMOOCTAVO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO-c

Posted on by

DECIMOOCTAVO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                ECLESIASTES 1:2; 2:21-23                          PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Pues, ¿qué le queda al hombre de todo su trabajo y de la búsqueda que lo ocupa continuamente bajo el sol?”)

 

  1. ¿Quién es Eclesiastés y cuáles son sus palabras? Eclesiastés 1:1-2

 

  1. ¿Cómo ha trabajado el hombre, a quién le deja sus propiedades? ¿Qué es esto a más de ser vanidad?         Eclesiastés 2:21

 

  1. ¿Por qué realizamos labores (de trabajo) honestas? Efesios 6:7-8

 

  1. ¿Qué se pregunta acerca del trabajo del hombre? Eclesiastés 2:22

 

  1. ¿Por amor a la ganancia, qué hacen muchos? ¿Qué pasa cuando se quiere enriquecer a alguien? Eclesiastés 27:1

 

  1. ¿Qué cosas se unen para ahogar la Palabra y al final no dá fruto? Marcos 4:19

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a Marta? Lucas 10:41-42

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que ocupa al hombre? ¿Qué le pasa en la noche? ¿Y qué sentido tiene esto? Ec. 2:23

 

  1. ¿Qué ha hecho Dios con la sabiduría del mundo? ¿Qué echará bajo?  1 Corintios 1:19-20

 

  1. ¿Qué hay en mucha sabiduría mundana? Eclesiastés 1:18

 

Personal – ¿Has trabajado de laguna manera tan duro que las preocupaciones te mantienen despierto en la noche? ¿Cuál es tu propósito al hacerlo?

 

TERCER DIA                                                     COLOSENSES 3:1-5, 9-11                           SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“No se mientan unos a otros. Ustedes se despojaron

del hombre viejo y su manera de vivir.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué te ha pasado con Cristo, qué buscas? ¿En dónde está sentado Cristo? Colosenses 3:1

 

  1. ¿Cómo hemos sido injertados en El? ¿De qué participaremos? Romanos 6:5

 

  1. ¿Por qué debemos pensar? ¿En qué no debemos pensar y por qué razón debemos pensar de esta manera?  Colosenses 3:2-3

 

  1. ¿En qué debemos pensar? ¿En qué no debemos ocupar la mente? ¿En dónde está ahora nuestra patria?  Filipenses 4:8 y 3:20

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará cuando se manifieste Cristo que es nuestra vida? ¿Qué debemos hacer para morir? Colosenses 3:4-5

 

  1. ¿Qué no debe de ser mencionado entre nosotros? Efesios 5:3

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos dejar de hacer? ¿De qué nos hemos despojado? Colosenses 3:9

 

  1. ¿Qué ha sido renovado y para qué? Colosenses 3:10

 

  1. ¿Qué debes dejar? ¿En qué debes revestirte? Efesios 4:22-24

 

  1. ¿Entre quienes no se hace distinción? ¿Quién está en todo y en todos? Colosenses 3:11

 

Personal – ¿Cuáles son las cosas que buscas en la vida? ¿En qué piensas la mayoría del tiempo? ¿Qué necesitas hacer para pensar en lo de arriba y no en las cosas terrenales?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                             LUCAS 12:13-21                                                      EVANGELIO

 

(“Eviten con gran cuidado toda clase de codicia, porque aunque uno lo tenga todo,

no son sus pertenencias las que le dan vida.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo alguien que estaba entre la gente a Jesús? ¿Cómo lo llamó Jesús y qué le dijo?            Lucas 12:13-14

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijó Jesús que evitaran? ¿Qué dijo sobre las pertenencias? Lucas 12:15

 

  1. ¿Con qué no atrae el hombre? ¿Es mejor ser hombre pobre que qué? Proverbios 19:22

 

  1. ¿Qué no satisface a la codicia del hombre? Eclesistés 4:8

 

Personal – ¿Cómo puedes evitar la codicia en tu casa o trabajo?

 

  1. ¿Qué ejemplo le puso Jesús a la gente? Lucas 12:16

 

  1. ¿Qué se decía el rico a sí mismo? ¿En dónde guardaría sus grandes cosechas? Lucas 12:17-18

 

  1. ¿Ahora que ya tenía muchas cosas almacenadas qué iba poder hacer? Lucas 12:19

 

  1. ¿De qué no debes estar seguro y por qué razon? Proverbios 27:1

 

  1. ¿Qué debes decir a los ricos? 1 Timoteo 6:17-18

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Dios al hombre? Lucas 12:20-21

 

Personal – ¿Qué estás almacenando que pueda ser importante para Dios? ¿De qué necesitas deshacerte?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                   LEE EL SALMO 95:1-2, 6-9

                                                                        (“Vengan, inclínense y adorémosle.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 95:1-2, 6-9.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                                                  LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

                                                                              ECLESIASTES 1:2, 2:21-23

                 La lectura de hoy es del Libro de Qoheleth que en griego significa Eclesiastés. El libro es presentado como viniendo de el hijo de David, Rey en Jerusalén. Vemos al autor como un hombre de mucha, mucha experiencia. Su interés en la vida humana y en las experiencias es muy amplio.

La lectura de hoy nos desafía y tiene más preguntas que respuestas. Vemos al hombre buscando constantemente algo más que le pueda sacar a la vida y mientras más logra parece más frustrado e insatisfecho. El autor habla de la vanidad en el sentido de que todo es temporal únicamente y el poner toda nuestra energía en cosas es tonto y vano. Dice que el hombre sabio y el tonto morirán igual y cualquier cosa que tengan en la tierra se queda para que otro lo disfrute. El ve en la vanidad de la vida que el hombre es bendecido si honra reverentemente su promesa a Dios. El hombre injusto, por el otro lado, enfrentará algun día un castigo grande.

Una de las más fuertes vanidades de la vida parece ser la riqueza, ya que también le causa al hombre muchas preocupaciones y pérdida de sueño debido al miedo de perder su fortuna. Parece que la sabiduría ayuda al hombre para no estar deprimido y llena el vacio de su vida, pero parece que la muerte pone fin a esa sabiduría. Qoheleth (Eclesiastés) muestra a traves de la experiencia que parece que el hombre recto sufre y el deshonrado va sin castigo por largo tiempo. El autor pide paciencia y sabiduría, enlaza la obediencia a la autoridad con la obediencia hacía Dios. Ve la vida como algo que debe ser disfrutado en lugar de soportado. Esta lectura nos trae el ejemplo de las experiencias de la vida.

Hoy en día vemos gente que es muy sabía con muy poca instrucción formal. Vemos en el sabio el conocimiento de que solo Dios es el único que es permanente. El pasaje de hoy muestra que el poner tu confianza plena y tu fe en cualquier cosa o persona que no sea Dios es ciertamente la vanidad de vanidades.

COLOSENSES 3:1-5, 9-11

En el pasaje de hoy la conduca Cristiana es demostrada poniéndonos una nueva naturaleza y aceptando a Cristo y dejando que la vieja naturaleza muera. En el bautizmo, el Cristiano muere y resucita otra vez. Bautizo significa sumergirse, ahogarse y hundirse. Esto es, la muerte de la vieja naturaleza. La resurrección viene cuando salimos del agua y como Cristo hizo en la resurrección, tomamos una vida nueva. Nos levantamos de las aguas del bautizmo siendo personas diferentes.

Cambiamos nuestra conducta permitiendo a Cristo vivir dentro de nosotros, para que El pueda darnos la forma de lo que debemos ser, no de lo que nosotros quisieramos ser. Aún cuando el verdadero hogar del Cristiano está en el cielo, eso no significa que éste debe apartarse del trabajo o de las actividades del mundo. Dios nunca dijo que dejaramos este mundo, lo que sí dijo fue que le ganemos al mundo. El Cristiano pone sus ojos, sus normas y sus ideales no en el mundo sino en lo que es de Dios. Continuará usando las cosas del mundo pero las usará de un modo nuevo.

Como Cristianos estamos invitados a dar antes de recibir, a servir antes de mandar y a perdonar por encima de buscar venganza. Las normas de los valores del Cristiano serán las normas de Dios, no las de los hombres. El Cristiano de los principios entendía al Bautizmo como un morir y resucitar. Los griegos hablaban del hombre muerto y enterrado como escondido en la tierra, pero el Cristiano que ha muerto una muerte del espíritu en el bautizmo no está escondido en la tierra, está escondido en Cristo.

El mundo nos dice que el tesoro de la sabiduría son los conocimientos escondidos adquiridos. Los Cristianos tienen el tesoro de toda la sabiduría en Jesucristo. El Cristiano está en un programa de educación contínua. Entre más conocemos a Cristo, vamos cambiando más para ser como El. Cristo rompe las barreras y acepta a toda la gente que viene a El. Como Cristianos somos llamados a construir puentes no barreras.

LUCAS 12:13-21

                 El Evangelio de hoy nos lleva exactamente al conflicto que está amenazando con romper el corazén de nuestras comunidades. El conflicto es entre la gente que tiene mucho de lo que se ha dado en llamar “la buena vida” y aquellos que van haciendo esfuerzos para nada más irla pasando. Jesús apunta a un asunto más alto, a una actitud correcta hacía la acumulación de las riquezas. Nos dice que la vida es mucho más que únicamente los bienes materiales y que lo más importante es nuestra relación con Dios.

Cuando le traemos a Dios nuestros problemas en la oración frecuentemente vemos que El nos muestra cómo y qué debemos cambiar y cultivar en nuestras actitudes hacía esos problemas. Jesús nos dice que no debemos estar siempre deseando lo que no tenemos y nos dice que la verdadera buena vida no tiene nada que ver con ser rico. Esto es exactamente lo contrario de lo que el mundo nos dice. Los anunciantes gastan fortunas diciéndole a la gente que si compran ciertos productos su vida será más féliz y vivirán con muchas más comodidades que las que tienen ahora. ¿En tu comunidad cómo respondes las presiones constantes de comprar?

Necesitamos aprender a concentrarnos en la buena vida y eso es vivir en una constante relación con Dios y haciendo Su trabajo. El hombre de la lectura de hoy muere antes de ser capaz de usar todo lo que había acumulado. Jesús nos está señalando que tan bueno puede ser el poner toda nuestra energía en lo que necesitamos aquí en la tierra en vez de prepararnos para cuando muramos. Tanto el hombre rico como el pobre cuando mueren, tienen que pasar por el juicio. No habrá ninguna diferencia debido a que tan bien les fue en su vida terrenal. Qué tan rico, poderoso o educado eres no te será preguntado por el Señor. El dirá, “Lo que hiciste por el más pequeño de los míos, me lo hiciste a Mí.” (Mateo 25:31-46). Debes planear, ahorrar y ser prudente con tu vida, pero es muy importante hacer de ella una vida que valga la pena, viviéndola para otros a traves de Cristo. Cuando Cristo un día te pregunte “¿Qué hiciste cuando estabas en la tierra?” y tú digas, “Ame a los demás como Tú me has amado,” serás uno de los santos más ricos del cielo.

Aplicación

La primera lectura dice que “no te lo puedes llevar contigo.” La segunda dice que hay que dar antes de recibir, servir antes de mandar y perdonar en vez de buscar venganza. El Evangelio muestra que debemos buscar primero el reino de Dios y lo demás te será dado.

Esta semana usa lo que tengas para ayudar a otros y así tu ejemplo llegue a otros más. Que tus comentarios sean positivos y ofrece ayudar ya sea en algo grande o en algo pequeño. Comparte generosamente tus riquezas. Tus riquezas no son solo tu dinero. Para aquellos que te aman y te conocen tu presencia es de un valor inapreciable. Deja que vean cuando hables que ahí está Cristo. Escúchalos con los oidos de Cristo y vé a los demás a traves de los ojos de Cristo. Serás la persona más rica de tu comunidad debido a que Cristo quiere que lo des a El para que El pueda estar contigo para siempre.

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

Posted on by

                       THE BREAD OF LIFE

                     CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

          EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE 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 ECCLESIASTES 1:2; 2:21-23  FIRST READING

      (“For what profit comes to a man for all the toil and

  anxiety of heart with which he had labored under the sun.”)

  

  1. Who is Qoheleth, and what are his words? Ecclesiastes 1:1-2

 

 

  1. How has a man labored, over what has he labored, who must he leave it to, and besides vanity what is it? Ecclesiastes 2:21

 

 

  1. Why do we do honest (labor) work? Ephesians 6:7-8

 

 

  1. What question is asked over that which a man labors?      Ecclesiastes 2:22

 

 

  1. For the sake of profit, what do many do, and what does the  struggle for wealth do?    Sirach 27:1

 

 

  1. What chokes the word and bears no fruit? Mark 4:19

 

 

  1. What did Jesus tell Martha? Luke 10:41-42

 

 

  1. What is a man’s occupation, what happens to him at night,   and what is this?    Ecclesiastes 2:23

 

 

  1. What has God made the wisdom of the world, and what will he  do with it?  1 Corinthians 1:19-20

 

 

  1. What is there in much worldly wisdom and sorrow?    Ecclesiastes 1:18

 

 

Personal – In what way have you worked so hard that worry has kept you awake at night over your work?  What is your purpose in doing this?

 

THIRD DAY         READ COLOSSIANS 3:1-5, 9-11   SECOND READING

     (“Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off  the old self with its practices.”)

 

  1. What did you do with Christ, what do you seek, and where is  Christ seated?   Colossians 3:1

 

 

  1. Through what have we grown in union with him, and through what shall we also be united with him? Romans 6:5

 

 

  1. About what are we to think, about what are we not to think,  and for what reason are we to think this way? Colossians 3:2-3

 

 

  1. About what things are we to think, with what are we not to occupy our mind, and where is our citizenship?

     Philippians 4:8, Philippians 3:19-20

 

 

  1. What will happen when Christ your life appears, and what are we to put to death?   Colossians 3:4-5

 

 

  1. What should not even be mentioned among us? Ephesians 5:3

 

 

  1. What are we to stop doing, and what have we taken off?    Colossians 3:9

 

 

  1. What is being renewed, and for what is it being renewed?   Colossians 3:10

 

 

  1. What are we to put away, and in what are we to be renewed?   Ephesians 4:22-24

 

 

  1. Between what is there no distinction, and who is everything  and in everything?   Colossians 3:11

 

Personal –  What are the things you seek in life, and about what do you spend most of your time thinking?  What do you need to do to think about the things above and not of these earthly things?

 

FOURTH DAY            READ LUKE 12:13-21               GOSPEL

 

      (“Take care to guard against greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”)

 

  1. What did someone in the crowd say to Jesus, how did Jesus      address him, and what did he say?    Luke 12:13-14

 

 

  1. Against what did Jesus tell the crowd to guard, of and what did he say one’s life does not consist?   Luke 12:15

 

 

  1. What comes from a man’s greed, and it is better to be a poor  man than what? Proverbs 19:22

 

 

  1. What does not satisfy a man’s greed? Ecclesiastes 4:8

 

 

Personal – How can you guard against greed in your home or work?

 

 

  1. What did Jesus go on to tell the crowd? Luke 12:16

 

 

  1. What did the rich man ask himself, and what did he say he

     would do to store his bountiful harvest?   Luke 12:17-18

 

 

  1. Now that he had so many good things stored, what did he

     say he could do?   Luke 12:19

 

 

  1. About what should you not boast, and for what reason?   Proverbs 27:1

 

 

  1. What are you to tell the rich? 1 Timothy 6:17-18

 

 

  1. What did God say to the man? Luke 12:20-21

 

 

Personal – What are the things you are storing that matter to God, and what do you need to give away?

 

 FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 95:1-2, 6-9

 

             (“Come, let us bow down in worship.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

                    ECCLESIASTES 1:2, 2:21-23

      Today’s reading is taken from the Book of Qoheleth, which in Greek means Ecclesiastes. The book is presented as coming from David’s son, King in Jerusalem. We see the author as a man of numerous experiences. His interest of human life and experiences is very broad.

      This reading challenges us and raises more questions than it answers. We see man constantly searching for more out of life, and while he achieves a great deal, he seems frustrated and unfulfilled. He talks about vanity in the sense that everything is only temporary and to put all of our energy into things is foolish as well as in vain. He states that the wise man and the fool both die, and whatever they have on earth goes to someone else to enjoy.  He sees in the vanity of life that a man is blessed if he reverently honors his promise to God. The unjust man, on the other hand, will some day face great punishment.

      A strong vanity of life appears to be great wealth, because it also causes a man much worry and loss of sleep due to his fear of losing his wealth. Wisdom seems to help a man from being depressed and fills his life’s emptiness, but death seems to put an end to wisdom. Qoheleth showed through experience that even the just suffer and the unjust seem to go unpunished for a long time. He calls for patience and wisdom. He links obedience with authority to obedience to God. He sees life as something to be enjoyed rather than something to be endured. This reading brings to us the example of life’s experiences.

      Today we see people who are very wise with very little formal education. We see in the wise person the knowledge that God is the only one who is permanent. Today’s passage tells us that to put our complete trust and faith in anything or anyone, other than God, is indeed this vanity of vanities.

                     COLOSSIANS 3:1-5, 9-11

      In today’s passage, true Christian behavior is demonstrated by putting on a new nature and accepting Christ, and then letting the old nature die. In Baptism, the Christian dies and rises again. Baptism means to submerge, drown, and sink. This is the death of the old nature. To rise is when we come up out of the water and, like Christ did in the resurrection, take on a new life. We rise from the waters of Baptism, a different person.

      We change our behavior when we let Christ live within us, so that he can shape us into what we should be, rather than what we may want to be. While the Christian’s real home is in heaven, it does not mean that he is to withdraw himself from the work and activities of the world. God never did tell us to leave this world; he did tell us to win over the world. The Christian sets his eye, his standard, and his ideal, not on the world but on that which is of God. He will go on using the things of the world, but he will use them in a new way.

      As Christians, we are invited to place giving before getting, serving before ruling, and forgiving above avenging. The Christian’s standard of values will be God’s standards, not men’s. The early Christians regarded Baptism as a dying and rising again. The Greeks spoke of a man who was dead and buried as hidden in the earth, but the Christian who has died a spiritual death in Baptism is not hidden in the earth, but hidden in Christ.

     Today, the world tells us that the treasury of wisdom is hidden, acquired knowledge. Christians have the treasury of all wisdom in Jesus Christ. The Christian is in a continuing educational program. The more we know about Christ, the more we are being changed to be like him. Christ breaks down all barriers and accepts all people who come to him. As Christians, we are called to build bridges, not barriers.

                          LUKE 12:13-21

      Today’s Gospel brings us right into the conflict that is threatening to tear the heart out of our communities. The conflict is between the people who have much of the so-called good life and those who are struggling just to make ends meet. Jesus is pointing to a higher issue, a correct attitude toward the accumulation of wealth.  He tells us that life is far more than material goods, and most important is our relationship with God.

     When we bring our problems to God in prayer, he often shows us how we need to change and grow in our attitude toward these problems. Jesus tells us that we do not always have to wish for what we do not have, and he tells us the existing good life has nothing to do with being wealthy. This is the exact opposite of what the world is telling us. Advertisers spend fortunes telling people that if they buy a certain product, their lives will be happier, and more comfortable. In your community, how do you respond to the constant pressure to buy?

      We must learn to concentrate on the good life; that is to live in a relationship with God and do his work. The man in today’s reading died before he was able to use what he had saved. Jesus asks what good is it to put all of our energy into what we need here on earth and not to prepare for our inevitable death. When a rich man or a poor man dies, they both will stand in judgment. It makes no difference how well they did in their earthly life. How powerful, rich, or educated you are will not be the question asked by the Lord. He will say, “What you did to the least of my people, you did to me.” (Mat. 25:31-46). You are to plan and save and be prudent with your life, but it is most important to make your life worthwhile by living it for others through Christ. When Christ one day asks you, “What did you do when you were on earth?” and if you say, “I loved others as you have loved me,” you will be one of the richest saints in heaven.

Application

     The first reading tells us “that you can not take it with you.” The second reading tells us to give before getting, serve before ruling, forgive before avenging. The Gospel shows that we should seek first the kingdom of God and all else will be given to us.

     This week, use what you have to help others and let your example be passed on to others. Let your comments be positive and offer to help whether it is a big project or a small one. Share your wealth generously. Your wealth is far more than your money. To those who love you and know you, your presence is priceless to them. Let people see the Christ in you as you speak. Listen to them with the ears of Christ and see others through the eyes of Christ. You will be the richest person in your community because Christ wants you to give him away, so he can stay with you.

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

Posted on by

                       THE BREAD OF LIFE

                     CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

          SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE 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 GENESIS 18:20-32       FIRST READING

      (“The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great,  and their sin so grave,”)

 

 

  1. What did the Lord say about Sodom and Gomorrah?      Genesis 18:20-21

 

 

  1. What was one of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis 19:4-9

 

 

  1. Why did the Lord go down to Sodom and Gomorrah? Genesis 18:21

 

 

  1. Who were the two men that walked on further while Abraham  remained standing before the Lord?  Genesis 19:1

 

 

  1. What did Abraham say to the Lord in Genesis 18:23?

 

 

  1. What did he say about fifty innocent people? Genesis 18:24

 

  1. What was Abraham’s statement to the Lord, and what was the Lord’s reply?  Genesis 18:25-26

 

 8. How did Abraham see himself, with what did Abraham persist in questioning the Lord, and what was the Lord’s answer? 

     Genesis 18:27-32.

 

 

  1. How many times did he persist with his questions?

     Genesis 18:24-32.

 

 

  1. As soon as the Lord had finished speaking to Abraham, where did he go, and where did Abraham go?  Genesis 18:33.

 

 

Personal – In what specific area have you been persistent in praying to the Lord?  How often do you get into conversations with the Lord as Abraham did?

 

 

THIRD DAY           READ COLOSSIANS 2:12-14     SECOND READING

 

       (“God gave you new life in company with Christ.”)

 

  1. What two things happened to you in Baptism? Colossians 2:12

 

 

  1. In whom did these two things happen and why? Colossians 2:8-9       Colossians 2:12.

 

 

  1. Who raised Jesus from the dead? Colossians 2:12

 

 

  1. What condition were you in when God gave you new life?      Colossians 2:13

 

 

  1. When you were dead in sin, to whom did you give allegiance?      Ephesians 2:1-2.

 

 

  1. With whom was this new life that God gave you? Colossians 2:13

 

  1. How can we partake of this new life? Romans 6:3-4

 

 

  1. What did he do with all of our sins? Colossians 2:13

 

 

  1. What did he cancel, and taking it; what did he do with it?      Colossians 2:14

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do in his own flesh, what did this create in him, and what was the result?  Ephesians 2:14-15

 

Personal – In what way do people see in you a person who has been pardoned of all your sins?  Take time to thank God for freeing you from the bondage of sin which he did by sending Jesus to die on the cross for you.  Spend time in conversation with our Father this week.

 

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 11:1-13                GOSPEL

                   (“Lord, teach us to pray.”)

 

  1. What did the disciples of Jesus observe him doing in a certain place, and what did they ask him?  Luke 11:1

 

 

  1. To whom did Jesus say you first address your prayer, and what two things do you say to him? Luke 11:2

 

 

  1. Next, what do you ask him to do? Luke 11:3

 

 

  1. What do we ask him to do for us as we do the same to others?      Luke 11:4

 

 

  1. From what do we ask him to forgive us? Luke 11:4.

 

 

Personal – How have you used the five levels of prayer in the Our Father this past week?  (Praise; Acceptance; Petition; Forgiveness; Protection).  Let this include your family life and work.

 

 6. Jesus tells a parable on prayer in Luke 11:5-8. What is a    reason he gives for prayer to be answered?  Luke 11:8.       

 

  1. What does Jesus say will happen when you ask, when you seek, and when you knock?  Luke 11:9.

 

 

  1. What does he repeat in verse 10 of Luke 11?

 

 

  1. What analogy does he use about our earthly fathers?     Luke 11:11-12

 

Personal –  When did you personally ask God to give you the Holy Spirit?  What change took place in your life?

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 138:1-3, 6-8

                 (“I will give thanks to you.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 138:1-3, 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

                         GENESIS 18:20-32

 

     Abraham introduces to us the idea that prayer is the means through which we can better comprehend the mind of God.  Abraham is well aware of the evil that is going on in Sodom, and he begins his prayer for the Lord’s people, including Lot, his nephew and Lot’s family.  It appears that Abraham was attempting to change God’s mind but in the process Abraham’s mind was changed. 

      Abraham never doubted that God hated sin and that sinners

would be punished.  But he may have been confused on just how merciful God really is.  He is seen probing the mind of God and ending his prayer convinced that God is both kind and fair.  Abraham’s prayer is in many ways like ours, always subject to change.  We might question why God let Abraham intercede for a city of people who were so wicked.  God wanted Abraham to personally experience God’s mercy towards sinners.  God knew that there were not ten righteous people in the city of Sodom, but he was delighted with Abraham’s intent to intercede for them.

 

     God wants us to constantly intercede for others, so that they can repent and come back to the kingdom of righteousness.  It is very important that we see God, not as one who enjoys destroying the wicked, but as one who must punish sin.  God was fair in testing the men of Sodom.  He told Abraham that he was going to see for himself how wicked the people of Sodom were and then he would decide what to do (Genesis 18:20).  God was not ignorant of the perversion that was going on in the city (Gen. 19:4-9), but in his mercy he gave the people one last chance to turn to him. 

      God is still waiting for his people to turn to him (2 Peter 3:9).  We are that people.  We too can suffer the same fate as the people of Sodom.  We need only to look around and see the moral perversion that has become so common and acceptable in our society.  Abraham prayed that God would not destroy the city if only ten people were righteous.  We need to reflect and pray that there are enough good people in our community. 

      God wills that none of us should perish.  God was not unfair to the people of Sodom.  He showed great mercy to Lot, who had only a mild relationship with him.  We are told in scripture, “Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).  Let us not be like the Sodomites who risked God’s patience wearing out. Rather, let us imitate Abraham and be people of prayer and righteousness.

                        COLOSSIANS 2:12-14

      In Paul’s day, the Church’s common form of Baptism was total immersion.  This was because the majority of new Christians were adult converts.  The Christian family had not yet come into existence which led naturally to infant baptism.

     The new Christians were completely submerged in water. This submersion symbolized the death and burial of their old way of life.  The coming up out of the water symbolized the resurrection of Christ from the dead.  We who have been baptized need only  think of our old sinful life as dead and buried. Then we will have a powerful motive to resist sin.  We do not want to empower that ugly part of our past. 

     Through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the power of his Holy Spirit, we can consciously choose to treat the old nature as dead and enjoy our wonderful new life with Jesus Christ.  Through our baptism, we now have a new nature.  God crucified the old one (Romans 6:6) and replaced it with a new loving nature (Colossians 3:9-10).  It is important for us to realize that God does not take us out of the world and make us into religious robots.  We still have that tendency to sin occasionally and sometimes we do sin. 

     Incredibly, before we were saved we were slaves to a sinful nature, but now, through faith in Jesus Christ, we can choose to live for Christ.  We can enjoy our new life in Christ because we have joined him in his death and resurrection.  Our evil desires, our love of sin, and our bondage to sin have died with him.  Now, joining him in his resurrection, we can have unbroken fellowship with God and freedom from sin. 

      Our debt for sin has been paid in full, our sins are swept away and forgotten. We can be clean and new.  We need not be torn apart by the distractions in our society, families and even within ourselves.  We have been saved from the grasp of Satan by Christ through Baptism.  We have become heirs of the King and children of God.  We need only remember that because of our baptism “the Spirit that is within us is greater than anyone in the world.” (1 John 4:4). 

     Our baptism brings into our temple the awesome power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit makes us far more than just conquerors.  Spend time with our heavenly Father this week. Giving prayer and praise will strengthen our response in faith.  Those around us will see that we are people of prayer and power.

                           LUKE 11:1-13

     After finishing a regular, much needed, and fulfilling time of prayer, Jesus was asked by his disciples to teach them how to pray.  Jesus was a devout Jew who practiced his faith very diligently by reading his scripture and spending time in prayer.  He knew that his power and success in his mission came from his heavenly Father.  We too can take on this attitude of humility especially when we look around and see the accomplishments that we have made in our families, jobs, etc.  We need to remember that we can’t do anything of lasting value by ourselves. 

      Our only power and success comes from God (2 Cor. 3:5). This is why praying is so powerful and so needed in our lives today.  Jesus taught them what we call today the “perfect prayer.”  First, he identifies God as “Father,” which immediately ties him into a special relationship.  The Hebrew word for father is “Abba” or daddy.  Jesus, by calling him that name, states that he knows him personally. Not only he but all who make this prayer can be included in this intimate relationship.  He lets us know right from the beginning that Our Father can be trusted completely. 

      Jesus praises his Father and then he makes his requests.  Praising God first puts us in the right frame of mind to tell him about our needs.  The most powerful way to break out of a depression is through praise.  We step out of ourselves when we are truly praising someone else. 

      Many times our prayer is a shopping list, and not a conversation, between two people who love each other.  We see his precious name being hallowed or blessed.  This makes sense when we realize that in Hebrew times a person’s name was his entire character, his strength, and his reputation.  God’s name was blessed because all who called on it would also be blessed.  His kingdom was not only coming to earth but was in fact already here, transforming and saving the earth through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

     God’s provision of bread is daily, not once but for all.  We can’t just store it up and then cut off communication with God.  We dare not become fully self-satisfied.  If we are running low on strength, we need only to ask ourselves  how long have we been away from the source.  The cornerstone of this prayer is forgiveness.  Forgiveness, like love, is a decision that must be made in our relationship with God.  We can choose not to forgive and hold someone else in bondage, or we can choose to forgive and loosen someone from the bondage of being imprisoned. 

      Jesus very clearly shows us that his love is a love of forgiveness. We are to love as his Father loves and to love as Jesus loves.  We must forgive those who have wronged us just as he has forgiven us who have wronged him.  To remain unforgiving shows that we have not understood that we ourselves, along with all others, deeply need to forgive. 

     After the Lord’s prayer, Jesus continues to explain the need

for persistence in prayer by an example of a friend waking his neighbor in the middle of the night asking for food. We need to be as persistent in our prayer as the man knocking on his neighbor’s door. 

     God who loves us receives our prayers as a perfect Father would and we should be persistent in praying to him.  His response to us is always for our own good, even if we don’t understand fully the response at the time.  He is our Father, he is blessed, and he forgives us. We as his children honor him by our prayers, our praise, and our forgiveness of others.

Application

      The first reading shows that Abraham prayed constantly and with great persistence.  The second reading tells us that we are dead to the old sinful nature through Christ, and the Gospel introduces us to the perfect prayer.

      Let us pray that all will accept the Holy Spirit from our heavenly Father.  If you have not asked to receive him, I pray that you will take this time now and invite the Holy Spirit to take up residence in your heart.  This is the essence of our “perfect prayer.”  The result of this will be a hunger to know his will for your life by getting to know what he says in his Word.