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St. Dismas Guild June 2016

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NEWSLETTER

                                                        St. Dismas Guild       June 2016
                          “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

We would like to wish all the men out there a Blessed and Happy Father’s Day. Our Father is waiting for many of you to come home. He is waiting with open arms and wishes none to perish. Make the decision today to return to your Father’s house. Jesus had a close relationship with His Father. They talked all the time.

TESTIMONY

Dear St. Dismas Guild,  Hi! My name is DC and I just changed my travel card to “Roman Catholic.” I’d like to give a little testimony and request of you three items, please. I’m told that you may be able to help me obtain a Catholic bible study so I can learn more and a Catholic study bible too. Also, please send me the newsletter. I’m not a highly educated person as far as big or fancy words, so send me a Catholic study bible that is easy to understand. Thank you.

My testimony: The Lord Jesus Christ has brought me a long way since last year…”the night I asked Him into my heart.” I got saved that night and was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit the next day. He has been taking me from glory to glory ever since I turned my life over to Him. He spoke to me as I was slain (resting) in the Spirit. I was laughing and crying (tears of joy) at the same time for about 15 minutes. My legs were so shaky I couldn’t stand up for about 20 minutes and people in the service had to help me walk. I said, “God, I feel you. Let me hear you.” He said, “I love you.” I was so blown away that I said, “I heard you, let me hear you again.”  He said one word; a name; “John.” I began studying and seeking Him and trying to find my place in the Lord. He spoke to my heart to write three confessions.

I wrote the first confession in detail and sent the 24 pages home and told my family to pray and see what God told them to do. A week or so later I prayed, “Lord, is it time to write the second confession?” That night I saw in my dream, “1 John” in bold lettering. I read the first chapter and was convicted at verse 9 (if we confess our sins He is just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us). I wrote the second confession and did the same with it as with the first one.

Then a few weeks later I wrote the third confession and gave it to a guard here on this unit because I committed the crime in TDCJ custody. I spent one week in solitary confinement as they did their investigation and then was released into population. “No TDCJ case was written against me and no free world charge either.”  “GOD is great, AMEN!” The Lord has promised me many things for my obedience and I continue to be obedient. The Lord spoke to me one evening and said, “Genesis 12:1-3.” (The Promise to Abram). The Lord has held His end and made me an inspiration all over this unit. People I’ve never met before are inspired to speak the truth and follow God because they see what He has done for me and what He continues to do for me due to my obedience. I don’t have a high level of education; just average, but even a child knows how to speak the truth. I give “all” thanks, honor and glory to God for all He has done in the Holy and Precious name of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen. Inspired by: the Holy Spirit, written by: DC; Love always, your brother in Christ Jesus, DC

 

This testimony was accompanied by a beautifully-colored painting by DC of John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”  It is a picture of a heart shape with wings and a beautiful flower growing out of the heart.  JOY is written on the heart.  It’s very beautiful and colorful.

 

DC, thank you so much for sharing a powerful testimony of confession and truth. The truth really does set you free. You may have to pay the consequences of your sins but the great thing about telling the truth is your heart and mind eventually find the peace that surpasses all understanding, Jesus’ great gift to us. Your right, even a child knows how to tell the truth. The truth is found in Jesus and the truth is He calls each and every one of us by name. The world draws you away from the truth and that is quite evident in this upcoming election. James 4:4 says, O you unfaithful ones, are you not aware that love of the world is enmity to God? A man is marked out as God’s enemy if he chooses to be the world’s friend.” Jesus calls us His friends, since He has made known to us all that He heard from the Father (John 15:15)

DOING TIME WITH JESUS

 

Dear St. Dismas Guild, I’m on the way to be confirmed. I’ve studied the catechism and am praying and reading the Word, but being attacked on all sides for my faith in the Catholic Church. It’s a bit overwhelming and, at times, I wish I could just be alone to study and talk to God. There are so few of us here and we only have Mass twice a month. Every time we have Mass I feel the Holy Spirit move on me. I feel the presence of the Lord during the Holy Eucharist even though I can not partake yet, I feel it. I try to invite as many fellows as I can but so many try to fight our faith that it feels like a warzone. I’m an 8-1/2 year veteran in the Army and deployed many times, but this is unlike any warfare I’ve ever been in. Please pray for strength, courage and most of all, Mercy and Unity of All Christians. Thank you and God Bless you!.   KH

 

You know KH, sometimes I, too, feel like just being alone to study and talk to God. We need those times to get through this life. Jesus spent much time going off to be alone with our Father. We are not fighting human forces but the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. (Ephesians 6:12) Satan works through those who are disobedient to God’s Word. If you want strength go to Philippians 4:13 which says, “In Him who is the source of my strength I have strength for everything.” Thank you for sharing               

** * *  * * * *

Dear St. Dismas Guild,            Peace be unto you. First and foremost, I’d like to thank you for sending me the cycle C bible study and the bible. I was wondering when cycle A and B come out will you send those to me, please and thank you. Second, I would like to be paired with a mentor.  I grew up Catholic, first communion, and confession, but sadly never confirmed.

As I got older I fell off the faith and developed the lifestyle of “sex, drugs, and rock n roll!” While I bounced from job to job I struggled with addiction. Then I decided to get clean and go to college. Since I was in and out of jail so much I got a GED and HSED. While working on my way to FL for college I relapsed after being clean for about a year. I got into a fight and killed a man, and got 35 years at 100%. Since then I came back to God. I had my brother with me that dark night. Now I want to get a psychology, sociology, ministry or another degree so I can help troubled teens when I get out. I want to help them so they don’t have to go through the things I did. Thank you for sharing my story and hope it can help someone.  Sincerely.  JJ

 

JJ, God has put that desire in you to want to help others so they don’t have to go through what you have gone through. Remember this JJ, “The God of all grace, who called you to His everlasting glory in Christ will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish those who have suffered a little while.” (1 Peter 5:10). You need to be on guard every minute of the day from falling back. Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will hold you up when you feel the urge to fall back. Remember drugs only cover up the need to be accepted and loved and you can be an over comer by keeping your eyes on Jesus, obeying His Word and following the lead of the Holy Spirit who you received at baptism.

+++++++++

Dear St. Dismas Guild, I recently was given your newsletter and was told I could receive a catechism. Upon reading further I also learned that I might receive a bible study as well. I really appreciate what you are doing for the incarcerated Catholics. I am 38 and a recent widower and this is my first and last trip to the “joint.” I won’t bore you with my story but I do ask that you might join me in praying for all the suffering addicts as well as their families who suffer along with them daily whether they know it or not. I found my way back to Jesus and I have reconciled with God, church and family. I plan to continue on this path for good. Again I want to say thank you for all you do and have done for us inmates. Love, peace and mercy to all my fellow “Slaves of Jesus Christ” as Saint Paul would say.  Sincerely, IH

 

IH, We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. Yes, we pray for addicts and those in prison every day. It is the healing power of God’s Word that will take away any desire for drugs. Drugs are a cover up to the greatest need of every human being, to love and to be loved. “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life (John 3:16). Do you really believe Jesus took on Himself sins of drug addiction, sexual promiscuity, foul language, hate, rage, revenge, into His innocent body to set you free? He did, When we take our eyes off Jesus and look at the storms going on around us then we sink as Peter did in the boat (Matthew 14:30). Stay close to Jesus, immerse yourself in the Gospels and learn how Jesus talked, walked, healed and delivered and you will never fall back again. Jesus said to all: “Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny His very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps.”

FAMILY MINISTRY

During the month of June we celebrate Father’s Day.  I thank God for the family that I grew up in, especially my hard working dad, who worked two jobs to put us all through Catholic school. Through my faith journey, I learned that I had another father; God in heaven was my father.  “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God.  Yet so we are.” (1 John 3:1)

Whether or not you had a loving, faithful father, we can all turn to God our father in heaven who loves us simply because we are His children. He is our loving, faithful Father!

 

Having a family of my own now, I admire my husband and my dad even more, as dads have an incredible responsibility.  They need to be a good husband, loving father and spiritual leader just to name a few.  This month, I ask St. Joseph for his intercession for all fathers and families.  As Mary is our role model for mothers, St. Joseph is our role model for fathers.  St. Joseph teaches us that being a father is more than biological, as he was not the biological father of Jesus.  Raising Jesus in a Jewish household, St. Joseph was the spiritual leader and teacher of the faith.

Pope Francis called St. Joseph, the guardian of Jesus and guardian of the Holy Family.  “May his presence make us stronger and more courageous in making space for God in our lives to always defeat evil with good. We ask Him to protect us, take care of us, so that a life of grace grows stronger in each of us every day.” (Pope Francis about St. Joseph, July 2013)

PRO-LIFE MINISTRY

Men and Abortion – Men Hurt Too

We know that women regret and suffer greatly from their past abortions. But now evidence shows that men who have participated in abortion are also dealing with a lot of pain and suffering afterwards as well.

Men achieve success in five key areas of their lives: the ability to procreate, provide, protect, perform and [enjoy] pleasure. If these areas of their lives are not fulfilled, due to abortion, there will be many devastating effects.

SYMPTOMS

– anger and frustration

– drug and alcohol

– workaholic or excessive risk takers

– unemployment

– difficulty with relationships

– sexual dysfunction, pornography, masturbation

– sleeplessness, panic attacks, poor coping skills,  flashbacks, nightmares, self-imposed isolation or  suicidal tendencies

 

DEALING WITH SYMPTOMS

– It’s okay to Grieve and Cry

– find Counseling

– go to Confession

– consults with a Deacon or Priest

– find a Support Group

– Pray and start a Bible Study

 

Almost every woman who has found healing from her past abortion has discovered or rediscovered her faith, turned to God and the church.

We are praying for you if you are in this situation. If you have true contrition and seek forgiveness from God, amend your life and go and sin no more, you will find healing.

 

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and Healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant Peace and Truth.” Jeremiah 33:6

 

Turn to your Father in heaven He is always waiting for you.

Millions of men have felt these experiences too. If you need help dealing with this loss then contact: Life Issues Institute, 1821 W. Galbraith Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45239

 

http://www.priestsforlife.org/postabortion/fathersandabortion.htm

 

In Jesus’ love,

St. Dismas Staff

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – C

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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 9:51-62 – When the days for Jesus’ being taken up were fulfilled, He resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and He sent messengers ahead of Him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for His reception there, but they would not welcome Him because the destination of His journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.

As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to Him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to rest His head.”

And to another He said, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, let me go first and bury my father.” But He answered him, Let the dead bury their dead. But you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” And another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” To him Jesus said, “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

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                                THIRTEENTH 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?

 

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY         READ 1 KINGS 19:16, 19-21     FIRST READING

 

    (Elisha gave up all that he had to follow the Lord’s call.)

 

  1. In 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21 who is speaking and to whom is he  speaking? 1 Kings 19:12-15

 

 

  1. Who was Elijah to name king of Israel? 1 Kings 19:16

 

 

  1. What was Elijah called and who was to succeed him?     1 Kings 19:16           

 

 

  1. Which of the following show how this was to be done?
  2. appoint
  3. assign
  4. anoint

 

 

Personal – What does to anoint mean to you personally?

 

 

  1. As Elijah set out, who did he come upon and what was he doing?    1 Kings 19:19

 

 

  1. What did Elijah do to him? 1 Kings 19:19

 

 

  1. What did Elisha do with the oxen, who did he run after and what did he say to him?  1 Kings 19:20

 

  

  1. What did Elijah say to him? 1 Kings 19:20

 

 

  1. When Elisha left him, what did he do to the yoke of oxen and  the plowing equipment?  1 Kings 19:21

 

 

  1. What did he do with the flesh? 1 Kings 19:21

 

 

  1. After he did all this what did he do and how did he follow   Elijah? 1 Kings 19:21

 

 

Personal – To what extent have you been called to give up some earthly possessions to follow the Lord’s call?

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ GALATIANS 5:1, 13-18     SECOND READING

 

              (We are called to live in freedom.)

 

  1. Who is writing this epistle? Galatians 1:1

 

 

  1. Why did Christ free us? Galatians 5:1

 

 

  1. How must you stand and what must you not do? Galatians 5:1

 

 

  1. How were you freed the first time? Revelations 1:5

 

 

  1. How have we been called to live and to what does this not give full reign?  Galatians 5:13

 

 

  1. How are we to place ourselves at one another’s service? Galatians 5:13 

 

 

  1. How has the law found its fulfillment? Galatians 5:14

 

 

  1. What will happen to you if you go on biting and tearing at   one another?  Galatians 5:15

 

             

  1. How should you live and what will not happen to you?      Galatians 5:16

 

 

  1. What does the flesh and the spirit do to one another and why do you not do what your will intends?  Gal. 5:17

 

 

  1. If you are guided by the spirit, what are you not under?      Galatians 5:18

 

 

Personal – In what way are you living in accordance with the Spirit, in your home, work, or at play?  In what way are you yielding to the cravings of the flesh?  How can you take this situation and live according to the spirit?

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 9:51-62                GOSPEL

 

        (“Come away and proclaim the kingdom of God.”)

 

  1. As the time approached for Jesus to be taken from this world,  where did he resolve to go and who did he send ahead of him?  Luke 9:51

 

 

  1. What kind of town did those he sent ahead come to and why    were they there?  Luke 9:52

 

 

Personal – In what way have you prepared the way for the Lord’s coming for yourself and for your family?

 

 

  1. What was the Samaritan’s reaction to his coming and what was       the reason they acted this way?  Luke 9:53

 

        

  1. What did Jesus’ disciples, James and John, say when they saw the Samaritans would not welcome him? Luke 9:54

 

   

  1. How did Jesus respond to this and where did he turn?      Luke 9:55

 

 

  1. Where did they go? Luke 9:56

 

 

 

Personal – When you find opposition in walking with the Lord, what is your reaction especially in your family?  Do you continue walking with him or do you persist on getting through to them?

 

 

  1. As they were making their way along, what did someone say to       Jesus?  Luke 9:57

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say to him? Luke 9:58

 

 

  1. What did he say to another? Luke 9:59

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say to him? Luke 9:60

 

 

  1. Why did Jesus want him to come with him? Luke 9:60

 

 

  1. What was the stipulation another gave him before he could be his follower?  Luke 9:61

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say about a person who keeps looking back? Luke 9:62

 

Personal – What blockages or excuses have you had for not following Jesus?  He is saying to you “Come after me.”  In what way have you been going before him instead of after him as a follower?

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

                          1 KINGS 19:16, 19-21

     One of the most important aspects of this passage, from the Old Testament, deals with the price of discipleship.  To follow the call of God means that we surrender our will to God so that we may fulfill the divine will.  We “tie” ourselves to the holy will of God.  This demands sacrifice, an important characteristic of religion.

     Sacrifice means “to make holy.”  Religion means to bind oneself to almighty God and to promote the kingdom of God in this life.

      We share in the mysteries of Christ; we all have the vocation to live out the mysteries of Christ.  And in the Old Testament we see the first manifestations of this truth since all mankind is founded on the mystery of the Incarnation (Colossians 1:15-20; Ephesians 1:4-14). 

      All of the above may be applied to the Jewish prophet, Elisha.  Elisha paid the price of discipleship.  Indeed, he gave up his worldly possessions to follow God’s call, made manifest through Elijah.  He was to succeed Elijah to the office of prophecy.

      The Old Testament tells us that repeatedly the Jewish nation had fallen into spiritual adultery by following the gods of pagan nations.  The Book of Hosea is replete with this sad phenomenon.  To recall the Jews to the worship of the true God, God raised up men totally dedicated to this task of restoration.

      This was no easy task; paganism offered an “easy” religion, a religion that made few demands on fallen human nature where the gods were made in the image of man and not man to the image of the true God.

      The prophets, as we see in the case of Elisha, his predecessor, Elijah, Jeremiah and the other prophets, faced their gigantic task with fortitude – one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.  They were men of God, worthy of imitation.

                        GALATIANS 5:1, 13-18

      Above, I mentioned that we should be “tied” and here we have Paul speaking of liberty.  Nonetheless, there is no contradiction.  To “tie” ourselves, is to bind ourselves, as the word religion suggests (from the Latin religare, to bind) therefore we are bound to the infinite God; there is no constraint whatsoever.

     On the other hand, sin can become slavery; temptations are constant demands for self-satisfaction; fallen human nature has the tendency to seek not the kingdom of God but rather the kingdom of instant gratification.  To master ourselves calls for the grace of God; to master ourselves is to possess the liberty of Christ as Paul puts it so well:  “It was for liberty that Christ freed us.  Do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!”

      In the spirit of true liberty, we are able to give of ourselves to God who is not only within us but within our neighbor as well.  In that same liberty, we give ourselves to the service of our neighbor, to the sick neighbor, to the sick in spirit, and to see in all of these the Christ Jesus. (Matthew 25:31-46)

      When all this comes about, know that the kingdom of God is near at hand, despite appearances.

                          LUKE 9:51-62

      Today’s gospel passage deals with the last stages of Christ’s public ministry: “As the time approached when Jesus was to be taken from this world.”

      Jesus and his disciples were to return to Jerusalem by way of Samaria.  At that time bad feelings existed between the Jews and the Samaritans.  The Samaritans were a mixed race, descendants of Israelitic-Assyrian colonists, and much hated by the Jews at the time of Christ. For a Jew to go through Samaritan territory was rather a risky thing just as it was risky for a Samaritan to go through Jewish territory.

      With this background, we can understand the Samaritan’s reluctance to allow Jesus and his followers to pass through their territory.  Unlike James and John, Jesus accepted the situation.  These two disciples were all for the destruction of the Samaritans: “Lord, would you not have us call down fire from heaven and destroy them?”  But this was not the doctrine of Christ. Instead, Jesus had taught:  “…love your enemies…If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that?”  (Matthew 5:44-46).  A true disciple “…must be made perfect as (our) heavenly Father is perfect.”  (Matthew 5:48)

      We come now to the subject of vocations.  To follow Christ was never an easy task, and it will always be so.  Christ made that clear in today’s Gospel. “The foxes have lairs, the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

      A second example is given:  “To another he said, “Come after me.”  The man replied, “Let me bury my father first.” Jesus’ answer seems strange.  “Let the dead bury their dead.”  Obviously, Christ did not mean that the dead can perform burials.  As commentators (e.g., Stuhlmueller in The Jerusalem Commentary, p.143,#97) point out:  “A play on words:  Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead, mine is a message of life.”  Jesus did not intend to be taken literally, but rather he wanted to stir thought.

      Today’s gospel gives us a third example concerning the vocation to follow him.  Vocation entails a “totality.”  By this I mean that once we set out to follow Christ we do so wholeheartedly, no half-way measures.  We cannot chase after other pursuits; we should not be distracted so as other pursuits gradually become more and more important at the  expense  of  the vocation to follow Christ.  In brief, an avocation should never become a vocation; a vocation should never become an avocation. 

      In following Christ, it is of the greatest importance to pay heed to his words: “Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God.”  This is a very real admonition. Throughout the course  of  Church  history, “looking back”  has sometimes led to disastrous consequences, especially among priests and religious. Witness the spectacle of the worldly priest, the worldly religious and the worldly Christian.  Surely, if there were a better way to follow Christ; to help bring about the kingdom of God more effectively, the merciful Christ would have pointed out the way.  So we believe that doing the will of God, and not our will, is the only true criterion for putting today’s readings into practice.

Application

      The first reading shows us that the cost of discipleship is very high. The second reading teaches that mastering ourselves is to possess the liberty of Christ, and the Gospel explains that a true disciple must be made perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.

     This week, let the power of the Holy Spirit come upon you and root out the bigotry that is within you. Examine your speech, thoughts and actions and see if these areas need to be improved. Following Jesus calls for obedience, and obedience is the core of being a disciple. To really be free is to be obedient to the law of Christ, and that is to love one another as he has loved us, without regard for race, creed or color.

DECIMOSEGUNDO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

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DECIMOSEGUNDO 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                                                       ZACARIAS 12:10-11                                  PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“El Señor dispondrá el ánimo para que vuelvan a El con amor y confianza.”)

 

 

  1. ¿Quién está hablando en el versículo 10 de Zacarías 12? Zacarias 12:1

 

  1. ¿A traves de quién está hablando? Zacarias 1:1

 

  1. ¿Quién es David? Mateo 1:1, 6

 

  1. ¿Qué derramará el Señor en la casa de David y los habitantes de Jerusalén? Zacarías 12:10

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que hará la casa de David y sus habitantes? Zacarías 12:10

 

  1. __________________________________________________________________­_____________
  2. ________________________________________________________________________________

 

  1. ¿A quién le harán estas cosas y con qué lo traspasaran? Juan 19:33-34

 

  1. ¿Por quién lloraron en Meguidó? 2 Crónicas 35:22-24

 

  1. ¿Cuando Dios derrama su espíritu de gracia en nosotros, que debemos hacer? Hechos 20:24

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera he lamentado la muerte de Jesús? ¿Qué significa tener el espíritu de gracia y petición derramada en tí?

 

TERCER DIA                                                           GALATAS 3:26-29                                   SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Todos son uno en Cristo.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién eres y cómo te hace ésto? Gálatas 3:26

 

  1. ¿Todos ustedes que han sido bautizados en Cristo con qué han sido revestidos? Gálatas 3:27

 

  1. ¿Qué no existe entre ustedes? Gálatas 3:28

 

  1. ¿Qué eres en Cristo? Gálatas 3:28

 

  1. ¿Qué eres de Abram y qué te hace esto? Gálatas 3:29

 

  1. ¿Qué prometió Dios? Santiago 2:5

 

  1. ¿Cómo heredas la promesa y qué puede impedir ésto? Gálatas 3:29 y Hebreos 6:12

 

  1. ¿Cómo mira el mundo a los herederos del reino? Santiago 2:5

 

  1. ¿Dónde está el Reino? Mateo 6:9-10

 

Personal – En tus propias palabras escribe lo que significa vestirse con Cristo. ¿Cómo has sido un imitador de Jesús frente a tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo y con los que tienes contacto diariamente.

 

CUARTO DIA                                                              LUCAS 9:18-24                                                       EVANGELIO

 

(“¿Quién dicen las multitudes que soy, quién dices tú que soy?”)

 

  1. ¿Qué estaba haciendo Jesús, dónde estaba y con quién estaba? Lucas 9:18

 

  1. ¿Qué les preguntó? Lucas 9:18, Mateo 16:13

 

  1. ¿Qué le contestaron éllos? Lucas 9:19

 

  1. ¿Cuál era la pregunta que Jesús les hizo a los discípulos? ¿Quién respondió y qué dijo? Lucas 9:20

 

  1. ¿Qué les prohibió que hicieran? Lucas 9:21

 

  1. ¿Qué título se dió Jesús a sí mismo y que tenía que sufrir? Lucas 9:22

 

  1. ¿Cómo trataban las autoridades, jefes de los sacerdotes y los escribas a Jesús? ¿Qué le hicieron? Lucas 9:22

 

  1. ¿Qué haría El al tercer día? Lucas 9:22

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús a todos éllos? ¿Cada cuando necesitaba el discípulo negarse a sí mismo y cargar su cruz?  Lucas 9:23

 

  1. ¿A quién debemos seguir? Lucas 9:23

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasará a la persona que trata de salvar su propia vida y qué le pasará a la persona que pierde su vida por Jesús?   Lucas 9:24

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera te has negado a tí mismo por seguir a Jesucristo? ¿Cómo puedes hacer esto día tras día en tus relaciones con los que tienes contacto diariamente?

 

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                   LEE EL SALMO 63:2-6, 8-9

 

(“Señor, tú eres mi Dios, a tí te busco.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 63:2-6, 8-9.

 

¿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

 

ZACARIAS 12:10-11

 

En la lectura de hoy Zacarías llama al Espíritu “el Espíritu de la gracia y oración.” Este es el Espíritu Santo que fue recibido en Pentecostés (Hechos 2). Es el Espíritu que nos muestra culpables de pecado, que nos revela el juicio y la justicia de Dios. El Espíritu nos ayuda a orar aún cuando no sabemos como hacerlo o por qué hacerlo (Romanos 8:26).

Eventualmente, todos nos daremos cuenta que Jesús fue áquel al que se le atravesó la lanza y que murió por todos nuestros pecados. Estamos viviendo un despertar y un revivir hoy en día en todo el mundo. El Cristo crucificado está siendo claramente revelado a traves del poder del Espíritu Santo. Mucha gente está empezando a darse cuenta de que solamente cuando el Espíritu Santo de Dios está entre nosotros, podemos alcanzar la verdadera paz y la prosperidad.

Sabemos que la obediencia a hacer oración, a la Santa Palabra de Dios y a las enseñanzas de nuestra querida iglesia nos llevan a la presencia de Dios mismo. Entonces experimentaremos la tristeza en tal forma que iremos directo hacía el arrepentimiento que nos revivirá. La lectura de hoy revela que no puede haber renovación hasta que no haya habido primero un arrepentimiento. Este viene de una tristeza divina, no terrena, que atraviesa nuestro corazón. Cuando damos el paso al poder del Espíritu Santo nuestros corazones se rompen, se humillan y se arrepienten (Salmo 51:19).

Algunos preguntarán “¿Cómo hago para conocer a este Espíritu Santo?” Lo conocerás cuando te hinques a rezar, cuando camines alrededor de tu cuarto en oración constante. No lo encontrarás tan solo cantando canciones. Llamemos hoy al Espíritu Santo para que nos dé su gracia, hagámoslo a traves de la oración y la obediencia a su Santa Palabra. La Escritura dice que el yugo dejará de pesar debido a la gracia (Isaías 10:27). Este es el Espíritu de la gracia y la oración en la lectura de hoy.

Hoy, ese mismo espíritu de misericordia y de oración deberá manifestarse en nuestras vidas. Necesitamos reflexionar en que cuando fallamos en amar a los demás estamos causándole dolor y humillación a Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. El pueblo en esta lectura era llamado a recordar y a arrepentirse de su conducta pecadora, nosotros estamos llamados hoy a hacer lo mismo.

 

GALATAS 3:26-29

 

Hay un hilo continuo que va de la lectura a los Gálatas de las dos semanas pasadas y la de ésta. Este es el hilo de la FE. Pablo les dice a sus hermanos de la recién encontrada fe, que ésta no está basada en lo que había escuchado de otros, sino de una “revelación” personal de Jesucristo. ¡Qué cambio hizo esto en Pablo! Fué y les dijo “la vida que vivo no es mía; Cristo vive en mí. Todavía vivo mi vida humana, pero es una vida de fe en el Hijo de Dios.” Pablo ha cambiado. Pero Pablo no se detiene ahí; sigue y nos dice en la lectura de esta semana que “Cada uno de ustedes es hijo (o hija) de Dios por su FE en Jesucristo.”

Nuestras lecturas de la celebración de este domingo nos hablan de FE…acerca de nuestra FE.  Escuchamos a Pedro dicéndole a Cristo que él es “el Mesías de Dios,” una declaración de FE.  En Mateo 16:17 Oímos a Jesús diciéndole a Pedro que esta revelación “no vino de un ser humano, sino que te ha sido dada directamente por mi Padre en el cielo.” Jesús les preguntó a sus discípulos, “¿Quién dices tú que soy yo?” Podemos hacerles la misma pregunta a otros “¿Quién dices tú que soy?” y orar para que ellos contesten con la revelación…CRISTIANOS.

“Todos ustedes que han sido bautizados en Cristo” se han convertido en hijos de Dios. Escuchamos esta declaración en la ceremonia bautismal. Pero no deberíamos considerarnos unicamente como niños que poseén un conocimiento limitado de su padre o de su hermano. Somos hijos adultos de Dios…hijos que hemos o deberíamos haber crecido en nuestra FE. Pablo poseía una fe en Dios que le permitió resistir, debido a la ignorancia, la “nueva manera” practicada por sus compañeros Judíos. Pero su fé fue aumentada por un encuentro con Jesús en el camino a Damasco y la revelación adquirida lo cambió…cambió la relación entre él y Dios y entre él y los demás, llevándolo a profesar que “somos uno en Cristo Jesús.” Fuimos bautizados en una relación con Dios, y en una fé que creé en Jesucristo.  Ojalá hubieramos recibido alguna “revelación” a cerca de Jesús de nuestros padres, el clero, maestros religiosos y nuestros amigos espirituales. No permanecemos solo como “niños en la fé” sino que nos hemos convertido en “adultos en fé” sin embargo, la pregunta permanece para ser contestada. ¿Hasta qué grado nos ha causado esta FE consciente el cambiar en nuestra relación con Dios, con Jesús, con los demas?

 

LUCAS 9:18-24

 

“¿Quién dices que soy yo?” Ahí está esa misma pregunta, la misma que es preguntada en todos los Evangelios tan a menudo. Nuestra lectura está situada entre Jesús alimentando a los cinco mil y su tranfiguración. En la comida de los cinco mil, Jesús muestra su compasión, caridad y preocupación por nuestro bienestar. La gente no pidió ser alimentada, Jesús sabía la necesidad de éllos y respondió de acuerdo a eso; respondió por amor a sus hermanos y hermanas. Si El le preguntara a la multitud quién era, ellos contestarían que era un buen proveedor…un hacedor de milagros; ciertamente no dirían el “Mesías.” Lo que hizo no fue visto como una experiencia de fe, solamente estaban recibiendo una comida. ¿Qué tan a menudo recibimos un regalo de Jesús y lo percibimos como algo distinto a una experiencia de fé?

En la transfiguración, Jesús muestra a sus discípulos escogidos lo que realmente es su relación con Dios y quien es él realmente. Está cambiado, transfigurado y nos muestra que una relación intensa con Dios causará que nosotros cambiemos. Así como a los discípulos, quizá se nos haga difícil comprender, por que buscamos el cambio en nosotros y no necesariamente lo vemos. No lo vemos porque no estamos buscando con nuestros ojos de FE sino con nuestros ojos humanos. Buscamos un cambio físico, un cambio material. Como los discípulos que miraban fijamente la imágen transfigurada de Cristo, nuestros hermanos y hermanas tienen que mirarnos fijamente y ver en la imágen que perciben, una persona transfigurada en su vida y serán capaces de responder a la pregunta “¿Quién dices que soy yo,” con la respuesta…”un Cristiano.”

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos dice que debemos escuchar, aún cuando no sea algo placentero. La segunda lectura nos dice que debemos crecer en nuestra fé. El Evangelio nos exhorta a preguntarnos quién es Jesucristo para nosotros de manera personal.

Esta semana, muéstrales a los que están a tu alrededor que estás creciendo en tu fé y que tienes la fuerza para escuchar a Dios y a otros. Tu ejemplo de humildad y servicio les ayudará a otros a ver quién es Jesús realmente en sus vidas. En tí verán a Jesús y eso dirá que realmente estás creciendo en tu fé.

ONCEAVO DOMINGO DE TIEMPO ORDINARIO – CICLO C

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ONCEAVO DOMINGO DE TIEMPO ORDINARIO – CICLO C

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pídele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO, EL INTERPRETE QUE EL PADRE LES VA A ENVIAR EN MI NOMBRE, LES ENSENARA TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODO LO QUE YO LES HE DICHO.” (JUAN 14:26)

 

PIMER 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                                         2 SAMUEL 12:7-10                             PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Te consagré como rey de Israel”)

 

  1. ¿Quién fue Natán?  2 Samuel 7:1

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Natán a David acerca de la parábola en 2 Samuel 12:1-4?

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Natán que Dios habia hecho por David? 2 Samuel 12:7-8

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo David con Betsabé, la hija de Elíam y la esposa de Urías el hitita?  2 Samuel 11:3-5

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo David a Joab, quién estaba en commando del ejército, que hizo y qué le pasó a Urías?      2 Samuel 11:15-24

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo David en la vista del Señor?  2 Samuel 12:9

 

  1. ¿Qué nunca saldrá de la casa de David?  2 Samuel 12:10

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a uno de sus discípulos?  Mateo 26:52

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasó a los hijos de David, Amnón y Adonías? 2 Sam. 13:28-29, 2 Sam. 18:14, 1 Rey 2:24-25

 

  1. Como resultado del pecado de David ¿Qué dijo el Señor que iba hacerle a su casa y qué pasará  a la luz del día?  2 Samuel 12:11

 

  1. David había hecho este pecado en secreto pero, ¿qué hará el Señor?  2 Samuel 12:12

 

Personal – ¿Qué pecado en tu vida se ha pasado en tu familia?

 

 

 TERCER DIA                                           GALATAS 2:16, 19-21                                     SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Con Cristo he sido crucificado)

 

 

  1. ¿Cómo es una persona no justificada y cómo es justificada? Gálatas 2:16

 

  1. ¿Por quién somos justificados? Hechos 13:37-39

 

  1. ¿Cómo murió Pablo por medio de la ley? Gálatas  2:19

 

  1. ¿Quién dio la ley y qué trajo Jesucristo? Juan 1:17

 

  1. ¿Por quién vivió Pablo y qué hizo por Cristo? Gálatas 2:19

 

  1. ¿De qué se glorifica Pablo y qué se ha crucificado a él y él a qué? Gálatas 6:14

 

  1. ¿Quién vive en Pablo? Gálatas 2:20

 

  1. ¿En quién tiene Pablo fe y qué ha hecho por él? Gálatas 2:20

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que Pablo no anula? Gálatas 2:21

 

  1. Si la justificación viene por medio de la ley ¿qué hizo Cristo? Gálatas 2:21

 

Personal – ¿En qué manera otros te ven viviendo por Dios? ¿Cuáles son las áreas que estás viviendo por la ley que se deben cambiar? Si estás haciendo todas las cosas bien, pero una mala actitud se refleja, ve si las estás haciendo por deber y viviendo por la ley.

 

CUARTO DIA                                                  LUCAS 7:36-8                                                 EVANGELIO

 

(“Ella ha enseñado gran amor.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién invitó a Jesús a comer con él? Lucas 7:36

 

  1. ¿Quién se dio cuenta de que Jesús estaba comiendo en la casa del fariseo y qué trajo con ella?

Lucas 7:37

 

  1. ¿En dónde se paró la mujer y qué hizo? Lucas 7:38

 

  1. ¿Qué se dijo el fariseo a sí mismo? Lucas 7:39

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús al fariseo y qué le contestó? Lucas 7:40

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca de las dos personas y qué dijo que hizo el prestamista? Lucas 7:41-42

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la pregunta en Lucas 7:24?

 

  1. ¿Qué le contestó Simón y qué le dijo Jesús? Lucas 7:43

 

  1. ¿Cuáles tres cosas no hizo el fariseo y cuáles tres cosas hizo la mujer? Lucas 7:44-46

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús acerca de sus pecados y qué demostró la mujer? Lucas 7:47

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a la mujer y qué dijeron los que estaban en la mesa? Lucas 7:48-49

 

  1. ¿Qué fue lo que le dijo Jesús a la mujer que salvó y cómo le dijo que se fuera? Lucas 7:50

 

Personal – ¿Cuál a sido tu respuesta al perdón de tus pecados por Jesús? ¿Cómo puedes enseñar un grán amor para Dios y para tu  prójimo?

 

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                      LEE EL SALMO 32:1-2, 5, 7

 

(“…me quitaste la culpa de mi pecado.”)

 

 

Lee y medita acerca del Salmo 32:1-2, 5, 7.

 

  1. ¿Qué te ésta diciendo el Señor personalmente por medio del Salmo?

 

  1. ¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida espritual diaria?

 

SEXTO DIA                                                        LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

2 SAMUEL 12:7-10

 

Este pasaje nos revela el poder destructivo del pecado y las consecuencias que pasan como resultado del pecado. David, un hombre especial escogido por Dios, cayó en pecado por medio de asesinato, robo y adulterio. Fue confrontado por su grán amigo, consejero y profeta Natán. David admitió su culpa cuando Natán le dijo “tú eres ese hombre” y Natán le dijo que el Señor le había perdonado pero las consecuencias de sus actos serían sentidas por su propia familia. Su hijo con Betsabé murió y todos sus hijos excepto Salomón, él murió en violencia.

Entonces se limpió y fue al Tabernáculo y adoró al Señor. Hoy estamos enfrentando el perdón de nuestros pecados, pero todavía hay una consecuencia que se debe  de pagar por el pecado. Como David quien depués llegó a ser un grán hombre en la vida, nosotros también debemos arrepentirnos y entrar en la voluntad de Dios de amor y obediencia. David fue llamado por Dios “Un hombre siguiendo mi propio corazón,” estamos llamados a ser lo mismo. No pecamos tanto como David, pero habrá una consecuencia por nuestro orgullo, rebeldía, mentiras, críticas, etc. La respuesta de David al perdón de Dios fue una vida de amor y obediencia a Dios y la nuestra debe ser la misma.

 

GALATAS 2:16, 19-21

 

Nos están diciendo en éste pasaje que la ley no nos puede salvar. La ley es como un espejo y te enseña lo que haz hecho. Pablo estaba tratando de enseñarles que si la ley fuera la salvación, entonces Cristo mismo murió en vano. La ley nunca nos hace aceptables a Dios y todavía la ley tiene un papel muy importante en la vida de un cristiano. Nos protege poniendo reglas de comportamiento aceptables y son difinitivamente muy convictas de cualquier mal hechor. Esto puede ser el tiempo o el vehículo que nos hace volver al Señor para pedirle perdón.

Todos los pecados tienen consecuencias y le llamamos penitencias. Todos los crimenes tienen  consecuencias y les llamamos multas o prisión. Es evidente que no podemos quebrar los mandamientos; por lo tanto, nos trae una profunda confianza en el poder de la sanación del perdón de Jesucristo. La ley no puede salvarnos, solamente Jesús puede, pero la ley nos puede guíar a vivir una vida mejor por Cristo. Porque todos hemos sido infectados por el pecado, no podemos mantener la ley de Dios perfectamente. Solamente podemos confiar en Jesucristo para que nos quite nuestros pecados, entonces y solamente entonces podemos llegar a ser aceptables a Dios. Cristo no murió en vano. Su muerte en la cruz trajo libertad a todo el mundo.

 

LUCAS 7:36-8:3

 

Este pasaje nos revela algunas fuertes costumbres en los tiempos de Jesús. Jesús se reclina en la mesa, una postura normal porque se acomodó en Sus codos para comer en la mesa. Esta fue la manera que aquella mujer pudo alcanzar los pies y cabeza de Jesús. El anfitrión normalmente saludaba al huésped con un beso, Jesús no recibió uno. Lavar los pies polvosos del huésped era muy normal y ponerle aceite perfumado en la cabeza del huésped por el anfitrión era muy tradicional, Jesús no tuvo estas cortecías del anfitrión. La mujer pecadora lavó Sus pies con sus lágrimas, secó Sus pies con su pelo y hasta lo ungió con perfume especial. Ella  hizo por Jesús más que el huésped hizo por El. Ella demostrando tanta reverencia por Jesús esto es un signo de que ella ha experimentado el ser perdonado por El y las consecuencias de ese perdón es demostrado por su grán amor a Jesús.

Este ejemplo está también aclarado por medio de la comparación de los dos hombres quienes tenían una deuda con el prestamista. Al que fue perdonado mucho regresó mucho más amor al que le perdonó que el otro quién tenía menos que perdonarle. Cristo perdona hoy a todos quienes vienen a El. Su Santo Espíritu nos atrae a pedirle perdón a Jesús. La muerte de Jesús en la cruz ganó la libertad para todo el mundo y nos enseña que nuestra gratitud se demuestra amando a nuestro prójimo cómo  El nos ama (Juan 13:34). Ella le pusó aceite a El y El la perdonó. No vamos hacer menos de lo que El hizo con el uno para el otro. El amor es  una decisión y el perdón también es una decisión. No perdonar es el mayor impedimento para sanar, entonces debemos perdonar y experimentar el perdón  y experimentar el perdón de Dios sin límite.

 

Aplicación

 

                En la primera lectura David fue confrontado por Natán acerca de sus pecados. En la segunda lectura Pablo vive por fe porque él sabe que Dios lo ama y en el Evangelio la mujer responde al amor y perdón de Jesús por medio de servirle.

Examina tu consciencia y ve si tú has sido confrontado por otros para ver tus pecados o si te has visto tu mismo con un gran pecado. Responde a Dios imitando a David, Pablo y la mujer pecadora con tu familia.

 

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

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ELEVENTH 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 2 SAMUEL 12:7-10                         FIRST READING

(“I anointed you King of Israel”)

 

  1. Who was Nathan? 2 Samuel 7:2

 

  1. What did Nathan say to David in regards to the Parable in 2 Samuel 12:1-6?             2 Samuel 12:7

 

  1. What did Nathan say God had done for David? 2 Samuel 12:7-8

 

  1. What did David do with Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, and the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 2 Samuel 11:3-5

 

  1. What did David tell Joab, who was in command of the Army, to do and what happened to Uriah?  2 Samuel 11:15, 24

 

  1. What did David do in the sight of the Lord? 2 Samuel 12:9

 

  1. What would never depart from David’s house? 2 Samuel 12:10

 

  1. What did Jesus tell one of His disciples? Matthew 26:52

 

  1. What happened to David sons, Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah?             2 Samuel 13:28-29, 2 Samuel 18:14, 1 Kings 2:24-25

 

  1. As a result of David’s sin what did the Lord say he would do to his house, and what would happen in broad daylight? 2 Samuel 12:11

 

  1. David had done this deed in secret but the Lord will do what? 2 Samuel 12:12

 

Personal – What sin in your life has been passed on to your family?

THIRD DAY                                 READ Galatians 2:16,19-21                    SECOND READING

                                                  (“I have been crucified with Christ.”)

 

  1. How is a person not justified and how is a person justified? Galatians 2:16

 

  1. By who are we justified? Acts 13:37-39

 

  1. How did Paul die to the law? Galatians 2:19

 

  1. How was the law given and what comes through what comes through Jesus Christ? John 1:17

 

  1. Who does Paul live for and what has he done with Christ? Galatians 2:19

 

  1. What does Paul boast about and what has been crucified to him and him to it?             Galatians 6:14

 

  1. Who lives in Paul? Galatians 2:20

 

  1. In who is Paul’s faith and what has he done for him?             Galatians 2:20

 

  1. What does Paul not nullify? Galatians 2:21

 

  1. If justification comes through the law what did Christ do? Galatians 2:21

 

Personal – In what way do others see you living for God? What are area’s that you are living by the law that need to be changed? If you are doing all the right things but have a bad attitude reflect and see if you are doing them out of duty and living by the law.

 

FOURTH DAY                                  READ LUKE 7:36-8:3                                           GOSPEL

(“She has shown great love.”)

 

  1. Who invited Jesus to dine with him? Luke 7:36

 

  1. Who learned that Jesus was dining at a Pharisees house and what did she bring with her?             Luke 7:37

 

  1. Where did the woman stand and what did she do? Luke 7:38

 

  1. What did the Pharisee say to himself? Luke 7:39

 

  1. What did Jesus say to the Pharisee and what was his reply? Luke 7:40

 

  1. What did Jesus say about two people and what did he say the creditor did? Luke 7:41-42

 

  1. What was the question asked in Luke 7:42?

 

  1. What did Simon reply and what did Jesus tell him? Luke 7:43
  2. What three things did the Pharisee not do and what three things did the woman do?             Luke 7:44-46

 

  1. What did Jesus say about her sins and what had the woman shown? Luke 7:47

 

  1. What did Jesus say to the woman and what did the others at table say? Luke 7:48-49

 

  1. What did Jesus tell the woman saved her and how did he tell her to go. Luke 7:50

 

Personal – What has been your response to the forgiveness of your sins by Jesus? How can you show great love to God and to your neighbor?

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                   READ PSALM 32:1-2, 5, 7

(“…you took away the guilt of my sin.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 7.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your daily spiritual life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

                                                               2 SAMUEL 12:7-10

This passage reveals to us the destructive power of sin and the consequences that happens as a result of sin. David, a special chosen man of God, fell to sin through murder, theft and adultery. He was confronted by his great friend, counselor, and Prophet Nathan. David admitted his guilt when Nathan told him “you are that man” and Nathan told him that the Lord had forgiven him but the consequences of his actions would be felt by his own family. His child by Bathsheba died and all his sons except Solomon died in violence.

He then cleansed himself and went into the Tabernacle and worshipped the Lord. Today we are faced with forgiveness for our sins, but there still is a consequence that must be paid for that sin. Like David who later became one of the greatest men that ever lived, we must repent, and enter into God’s will of love and obedience. David was called by God “A man after my own heart”, we are called to be the same. We may not sin as greatly as David, but there still will be consequences for our pride, rebellion, lying, criticism, etc. David’s response to God’s forgiveness was a life of love and obedience to God and ours should be the same.

GALATIANS 2:16, 19-21

We are being told in this passage that the law cannot save you. The law is like a mirror and shows you what you have done. Paul was trying to show them that if the law was salvation, then Christ Himself died in vain. The law can never make us acceptable to God and yet the law has a very important role to play in the life of a Christian.  It protects us by setting up a standout of acceptable behavior and it very definitely convicts us of wrong doing. This can be the time or vehicle that lets us turn to the Lord for forgiveness. All sins have a consequence and we call that penance. All crimes have a consequence and we call that fines or prison. It is obvious that we cannot keep from breaking the commandments; therefore, it brings us into a deep trust in the healing power of the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. The law cannot save us only Jesus can, but the law can be a guide to living a better life for Christ. Because we have all been infected by sin, we cannot keep God’s laws perfectly. We can only trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins, then and only then do we become acceptable to God. Christ did not die in vain, His death on the cross brought freedom to the whole world.

LUKE 7:36-8:3

             This passage reveals to us some very strong customs of the people in Jesus’ time. Jesus reclined at the table, a normal posture because he propped up on His elbow to eat at the table. This was why the woman had such easy access to Jesus’ feet and head. The host normally greeted his guest with a kiss, Jesus did not receive one. Washing the dusty feet of guests was very normal and the anointing of the guest heads by the host was very traditional. Jesus did not get these courtesies by the host. The sinful woman washes His feet with her tears, dried His feet with her hair and even anointed Him with her special perfume. She did for Jesus more than the host did for Him. Her showing such reverence for Jesus is a sign that she has experienced being forgiven by Him and the consequence of that forgiveness is demonstrated by her great love for Jesus.

This example is also spelled out by the comparison of the two men who owed a debt to the creditor. The one who has been forgiven much will return much love to the forgiver than the one who had less to be forgiven. Christ forgives today all those who come to Him. His Holy Spirit draws us to ask Jesus for forgiveness. Jesus’ death on the cross won freedom for the whole world and we show our gratitude by loving others as He loves us (John 13:34). She anointed Him with oil and He anointed her with forgiveness. Let us do no less than he did with one another. Love is a decision and forgiveness is also a decision. Unforgiveness is the greatest blockage to healing so let us forgive and experience God’s never ending forgiveness.

Application

In the first reading David was confronted by Nathan of his sinfulness. In the second reading Paul lives by faith because he knows God loves him and in the Gospel the woman responds to Jesus love and forgiveness by serving Him.

Examine your conscience and see if you have had to be confronted by another to see your sinfulness or have you seen yourself as with great sin. Respond to God by imitating David, Paul and the sinful woman to your family.

TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – C

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TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 7:11-17 – Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and His disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As He drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”  The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

DECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – CICLO C

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DECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – CICLO C

 

ANTES DE EMPEZAR

 

Reza y pídele a Dios que te hable por medio del Espíritu Santo. “EL PARACLITO, EL ESPIRITU SANTO QUIEN EL PADRE MANDARA EN MI NOMBRE, TE ENSENARA EN TODO Y TE RECORDARA DE TODO LO QUE TE DIJE.” (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 aplicación personal vas a escojer para aplicar a tu vida ésta semana?

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                          1 REYES 17:17-24                                            PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“El Señor escuchó el ruego de Elías, el soplo de la vida regresó al cuerpo del niño…”)

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasó al hijo de la dueña de la casa?  1 Reyes 17:17

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo la viuda a Elías y qué le llamó? 1 Reyes 17:18

 

  1. ¿Quién fue Elías y qué dijo Malaquías 4:5-6 que haría?

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Elías a la viuda que hiciera con su hijo, a dónde lo llevó y de dónde lo trajo?

1 Reyes 17:19

 

  1. ¿A quién llamó Elías y qué le dijo? 1 Reyes 17:20

 

  1.  ¿Qué hizo tres veces y llamando al Señor qué le dijo?  1 Reyes 17:21

 

  1.  ¿Qué escuchó el Señor y qué le pasó al niño?  1 Reyes 17:22

 

  1.  Después que Elías le dió el niño a su madre ¿qué le dijo?  1 Reyes 17:23

 

  1.  ¿Qué es lo que la viuda sabe ahora y qué dijo que salía de su boca?  1 Reyes 17:24

 

  1.  ¿Qué es la palabra de Dios?  Salmo 119:105

 

  1.  ¿Qué le pasará a un profeta quien escucha una palabra del Señor?  Ezequiel 3:17-21

 

  1.  ¿Qué hace Dios con nuestros pecados y nuestras enfermedades?  Salmo 103:3

 

Personal – ¿Cómo demuestra tu vida que haz aceptado el perdón de Dios? ¿Qué tienes que hacer para experimentar la sanación de Dios?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                 GALATAS 1:11-19                                       SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“…pero vino por medio de una revelación de Jesucristo!”)

 

  1. ¿Qué quiere Pablo que sepas acerca del Evangelio que él predicaba? Gálatas 1:11

 

  1. ¿De quién no recibió, o enseñó el Evangelio que predicaba? ¿Cómo le llego? Gálatas 1:12

 

  1. ¿Qué se le fue dado a Pablo, cómo fue conocido su misterio y a quién se le reveló? Efecios 3:2-5

 

  1. ¿Cuáles dos cosas trató de hacer Pablo en la iglesia en la manera anterior de su vida? Gálatas 1:13

 

  1. ¿En qué progresó Pablo y qué era él por su tradición de sus antecesores? Gálatas 1:14

 

  1. ¿Cuándo apartó Dios a Pablo y cómo lo llamó? Gálatas 1:15

 

  1. ¿Qué le agradó a Dios hacer y por qué razón? Gálatas 1:16

 

  1. ¿Con quién no consultó Pablo, a dónde fue, después de tres años a dónde se fue y luego a quién consultó? Gálatas 1:16-18

 

  1. ¿A quién consultó Pablo y se quedó por quince días? Gálatas 1:18

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el único apóstol que vio Pablo ésta vez? Gálatas 1:19

 

Personal – ¿Cómo se te reveló Dios y qué te ha llamado hacer?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                   LUCAS 7:11-17                                                   EVANGELIO

 

(“Jóven, a tí te digo: ¡Levántate!”)

 

  1. ¿Quién acompañó a Jesús en su viaje a Naín? Lucas 7:11

 

  1. ¿Qué vio Jesús al llegar cerca del pueblo? Lucas 7:12

 

  1. ¿Con quién se conmobió Jesús cuando vio a la viuda y qué le dijo? Lucas 7:13

 

  1. ¿Con quién tuvo Dios compasión? Salmo 72:13

 

  1. ¿Al ver la hombre golpeado, con quién fue compasivo el buen samaritano? Lucas 10:33

 

  1. ¿Qué tocó Jesús, qué hicieron los portadores y qué dijeron? Lucas 7:14

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el hombre que había estado muerto y a quién se lo entregó Jesús? Lucas 7:15

 

  1. ¿Por qué le dio miedo a la gente y glorificó a Dios? ¿Quién dicen que aparació entre ellos? Lucas 7:16

 

  1. ¿Qué echó fuera el miedo? 1 Juan 4:18

 

  1. ¿Qué es Dios? 1 Juan 4:16

 

  1. ¿Quién visitó a su gente y cuándo se extendió el reporte acerca de Jesús? Lucas 7:16-17

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera Dios te ha tenido compasión  y cómo has experimentado que Dios te ha resusitado de la muerte o a alguien que conoces?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                               LEE EL SALMO 30:2,4-6, 11-13

 

(“Te alabo, Señor, por que me levantaste…”)

 

Leé y medita acerca del Salmo 30:2, 4-6. 11-13

 

¿Qué es lo que el Señor te dice personalmente por medio del Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria espiritual?

 

SEXTO DIA                                              LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO                                   1 REYES 17:17-24

 

En éste pasaje vemos a Elías, el más famoso de todos los profetas desafiado por una viuda pagana acerca de su papel de ser un hombre verdadero de Dios. Ella se hizo amiga, le dio de comer y le dio casa pensando que estaba haciendo bien. Ella es una viuda y tiene solamente un hijo y ve su futúro por medio de sus ojos. De pronto el hijo se enferma, luego muere y su mundo explota. Ella reclama a Elías y piensa que él es parte del plan de Dios de destrosarla por un pecado escondido en su pasado. Ella lo acusa de ser cruel porque piensa que Dios está haciendo el daño. En verdad, podemos decir que ella era una pagana y no conocía a Dios. Pero, sabía quien era Elías. El era el famoso profeta Elías. Su fama era conocida por toda la tierra. ¿Puedes ver que esto pasa hoy en día? ¿Haz experimentado lo que ésta mujer hizo? ¿Puedes preguntarte algunas veces si Dios está castigándote por algún pecado que pensabas que ya estaba perdonado? ¿Culpas a Dios por algunas de las cosas dolorosas en tu vida? Bueno, Elías nos demuestra que cuando tenemos fe podemos esperar cualquier cosa y sobrevivir cualquier cosa. La lección de hoy termina con un fin feliz, algunos de ellos hoy no lo son, ¿porqué? Elías le dijo a la mujer “no te apures.” Jesús nos dice hoy no te apures, nada más confía en El. Cuando ponemos toda nuestra confianza en El, recibimos el regalo que sobrepasa toda comprención. La palabra Evangelio quiere decir “buenas noticias” y las buenas noticias es esperanza para nosotros, esperanza para nuestras familias y esperanza para todos nuestros parientes. Hoy los hombres y mujeres de Dios están en tu vecindario. Búscalos.

 

GALATAS 1:11-19

 

En éste pasaje escuchamos a Pablo diciéndonos que el camino al cielo no es basado en solamente sueños humanos o caprichos. El está basicamente diciendo que hay solo un camino a Dios y eso es por medio de Jesucrito (Juan 14:1-6). Hoy en día hay algunas religiones que dicen que hay caminos validos iguales a Dios, pero eso no es verdad. Había Judíos cristianos que dicen que prácticas como la circumcisión y restricciones dietéticas son requeridas de todos los creyentes en Cristo. Esta gente se llamaba judaísmo. Pablo se puso firme en el mensaje que la salvación para Judíos y gentiles por igual es solamente por la fe en Jesucristo. Pablo les dice a sus oyentes que él no escogió ser un apóstol. Cristo lo designó para ésa tarea. Las buenas noticias  de las cuales Pablo predicó están bajo la autoridad del mismo Jesucristo. Pablo ahora dirije sus energías hacía edificar la iglesia cristiana. Pablo sabía que Dios le llamó antes que él hubiera nacido. Dios te conoce intimamente también y El te escogió para que seas de El antes de que nacieras. El quiere que cumplas el trabajo que te ha dado para hacer. Cuando la gente nos ve, reconocen que Dios ha hecho un cambio en nosotros, si no posiblemente no estamos viviendo nuestras nuevas vidas como debemos hacerlo. Pablo dice “Sí Señor” y su vida y todo su mundo cambio para él y para muchos otros alrededor del mundo. Digamos también “Sí Señor” y pidamos al Señor que nos ayude cambiar el mundo.

 

LUCAS 7:11-17

 

El evangelio de hoy nos enseña el Cristo compasivo, el cual ve el corazón no solamente la apariencia. La Madre Teresa nos llama para ver a Jesús escondido disfrazado de pobre, el enfermo, el cojo, el ciego, el solitario, el de corazón roto, el preso, el perdido y olvidado. El ve ese miedo  en los ojos de la viuda  de estar sola en el mundo. Ella no tendrá el lujo de un esposo o un hijo más. El sabía lo que quería decir una procesión de un funeral para la madre viuda y su corazón sintió una tremenda compasión  por ella. Leemos en todas las lecturas que Dios demuestra gran compasión por los desvalidos.

Vemos al Buen Samaritano demostrando gran compasión por el hombre, la víctima  de un robo, acostado allí en un camino desolado. De seguro Dios vio su corazón, se alegró y debe de estár contento con el Samaritano.  Le dio de su tiempo, su fuerza y su dinero sin esperar un reconocimiento y ni siquiera las gracias. El te dio a tí y a mí  una vista muy de cerca y muy personal de su corazón. Las escrituras nos dicen que el amor de Dios dura para siempre. Puedes imaginarte el poderoso intercambio cuando escuchamos a Jesús diciéndole a la mujer muy suavemente “no llores.” Después camina al frente, toca el ataúd y le dice al jóven muerto “regresa a la vida otra vez.” ¿No crees que la vida de ella también regresó? Vamos a vernos los unos a los otros como El vio a esa madre. En gran poder Jesús levantó al jóven a la vida.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura demostró la fuerte fe de Elías levantando al niño de la muerte por medio de la palabra de Dios. Vemos en la segunda lectura el poder de la fe de Pablo dada por Dios para predicar las Buenas Noticias. El evangelio revela que Dios tiene grán compasión por el débil.

 

Esta semana deja que otros vean el poder de fe en tí, misericordia, y amor visitando una viuda y testíficando el poder de sanación de Cristo. Esta semana sé un verdadero embasador de Cristo.

 

TENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE C

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 TENTH 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 1 KINGS 17:17-24                          FIRST READING

 

(“The Lord heard the prayer of Elijah, the life breath returned to the child’s body …”)

 

  1. What happened to the son of the mistress of the house? 1 Kings 17:17

 

  1. What did the widow say to Elijah and what did she call him? 1 Kings 17:18

 

  1. Who was Elijah and what does Malachi 4:5-6 say he will do?

 

  1. What did Elijah tell the widow to do with her son, from where did he take him and where did he bring him? 1 Kings 17:19

 

  1. Who did Elijah call out to and what did he say to him? 1 Kings 17:20

 

  1. What did he do three times and calling out to the Lord what did he say? 1 Kings 17:21

 

  1. What did the Lord hear and what happened to the Child?

 

  1. After Elijah gave the child to his mother what did he say? 1 Kings 17:23

 

  1. What did the widow now know and what did she say comes from his mouth? 1 Kings 17:24

 

  1. What is God’s Word? Psalm 119:105

 

  1. What will happen to a prophet who hears a word from the Lord? Ezekiel 3:17-21

 

  1. What does God do with our sins and our ills? Psalm 103:3

 

Personal – How does your life show you have accepted God’s forgiveness? What do you need to do to experience God’s healing touch?

 

THIRD DAY                                    READ Galatians 1:11-19                       SECOND READING

 

(“…but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ!”)

 

  1. What does Paul want you to know about the Gospel preached by him? Galatians 1:11

 

  1. From whom did he not receive, or be taught the gospel he preaches? How did it come to Him? Galatians 1:12

 

  1. What was given Paul, how was the mystery made known to him and to whom has it been revealed? Ephesians 3:2-5

 

  1. What two things did Paul try to do to the church in his former way of life? Galatians 1:13

 

  1. What did Paul progress in and what was he for his ancestral tradition? Galatians 1:14

 

  1. When did God set Paul apart and how did he call him? Galatians 1:15

 

  1. What was God pleased to do and for what reason? Galatians 1:16

 

  1. Who did Paul not consult, where did he go, and then after three years where did he go and then who did he consult? Galatians 1:16-18

 

  1. Who did Paul consult and remain with for fifteen days? Galatians 1:18

 

  1. Who was the only Apostle Paul saw at this time? Galatians 1:19

 

Personal – How has God revealed himself to you and what has he called you to do?

 

FOURTH DAY                                   READ LUKE 7:11-17                                            GOSPEL

 

(“Young man, I tell you arise!”)

 

  1. Who accompanied Jesus on his journey to Nain? Luke 7:11

 

  1. What did Jesus see as he drew ear the gate of the city? Luke 7:12

 

  1. What was Jesus moved with when he saw the widow and what did he say to her? Luke 7:13

 

  1. To whom does God show pity? Psalm 72:13

 

  1. What was the Good Samaritan moved with upon seeing the man who was beaten? Luke 10:33

 

  1. What did Jesus touch, what did the bearers do and what did he say? Luke 7:14

 

  1. What did the dead man do and to whom did Jesus give him? Luke 7:15

 

  1. What seized the people and glorifying God who did they say has arisen in their midst? Luke 7:16

 

  1. What cast out fear? 1 John 4:18

 

  1. What is God? 1 John 4:16

 

  1. Who has visited his people and where did the report about Jesus spread? Luke 7:16-17

 

Personal – In what way has God had pity on you and how have you experienced God raise you or someone you know from the dead?

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                READ PSALM 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

 

(“I praise you, Lord, for you raised me up….”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your daily spiritual life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

1 KINGS 17:17-24

 

In this passage we see Elijah, the most famous of all prophets being challenged by a pagan widow about his role as being a real man of God. She befriends him, feeds him and shelters him thinking she is doing the right thing. She is a widow and has only one son, and she sees her future through his eyes. Suddenly the boy becomes ill and then dies and her world explodes. She lashes out at Elijah and thinks that he is a part of God’s plan to destroy her for some hidden sin in her past. She accuses him of being especially cruel because she thinks God is doing the damage. True, we might say that she was a pagan and did not really know God. Yet, she knew who Elijah was. He was the famous prophet Elijah. His fame was known all over the land. Do you see that happening today? Have you ever experienced what this woman did? Do you wonder at times if God is punishing you for some sin that you thought was forgiven? Do you blame God for some of the painful things in your life? Well, Elijah shows us that when we have faith we can expect anything and survive anything. Today’s lesson ended with a happy ending, some of them today do not, why? Elijah told the woman “do not be troubled”. Jesus today tells us do not be troubled, just trust in him. When we put our complete trust in him, we receive the gift that passes all understanding. The word Gospel means “good news” and the good news is hope for us, hope for our families and hope for all our relatives. Today’s men and women of God are in your neighborhood. Seek them out.

 

GALATIANS 1:11-19

 

In this passage we hear Paul telling that the way to heaven is not based on some mere human dream or whim. He is basically saying that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus Christ (John 14:1-6). Today there are some religions who say there are equal valid paths to God, but that just is not true. There were zealous Jewish Christians that stated such practice as circumcision and dietary restrictions were required of all believers in Christ. These people were called Judaizers. Paul stood his ground on the message that salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike is only by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul tells his listeners that he did not choose to become an Apostle. Christ appointed him to that task. The good news of which Paul preached rests upon the authority of Jesus Christ himself. Paul now directs his energies toward building up the Christian Church. Paul knew that God called him before he was even born. God knows you intimately as well and he chose you to be his even before you were born. He wants you to fulfill the job he has given you to do. When people look at us, do they recognize that God has made a change in us, if not maybe we are not living our new lives as we should. Paul said “Yes Lord” and his life and whole world changed for him and for many others around the world. Let us also say “Yes Lord” and ask the Lord to help us change the world.

 

LUKE 7:11-17

 

Today’s Gospel shows us the compassionate Christ, the one who sees the heart not just the appearance. Mother Teresa calls us to look and see Jesus hiding in the disguise of the poor, the sick, the lame, the blind, the lonely, the broken hearted, the imprisoned and the lost and forgotten. He sees that fear in the widow’s eyes of being alone in the world. She will not have the luxury of a husband or a son anymore. He knew what a funeral procession meant to the surviving widowed mother and his heart felt tremendous sympathy for her. We read all through scripture that God shows great pity for the weak.

We see the Good Samaritan showing great pity and compassion for the man, the victim of a robbery, lying there on a deserted roadway. God surly saw his heart and must have been very pleased with the Samaritan. He gave of his time, his strength and his money without expecting a reward or even a thank you. He gave you and I a close and very personal view of his own heart. Scripture tells us that God’s love endures forever and ever. Can you picture the powerful exchange when we heard Jesus telling the woman very gently “don’t cry”. He then stepped forward and touched the coffin and said to the dead man “come back to life again”. Don’t you think that her life came back again too? Let us look at each other like he looked at that mother. In great power Jesus raised the man back to life.

 

Application

 

The first reading shows the strong faith of Elijah raising the child from the dead by the word of God. We see in the second reading the power of faith Paul was given by God to preach the Good News. The Gospel reveals that God has great compassion for the weak.

 

This week let others see in you the power of faith, mercy and love by visiting a widow and testifying to the healing power of Christ. This week be a real ambassador for Christ.

THE MOST HOLY BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST – CORPUS CHRISTI

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THE MOST HOLY BODY & BLOOD OF CHRIST – CORPUS CHRISTI

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 9:11-17 – Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed to be cured. As the day was drawing to a close, the Twelve approached him and said, “Dismiss the crowd so that they can go to the surrounding villages and farms and find lodging and provisions; for we are in a deserted place here.” He said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” They replied, “Five loaves and two fish are all we have, unless we ourselves go and buy food for all these people.” Now the men there numbered about five thousand. Then he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty.” They did so and made them all sit down. Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.