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THE BREAD OF LIFE: CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN EASTER – CYCLE C

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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 ACTS 7:55-60  FIRST READING

(“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”)

1. Who was filled with the Holy Spirit, and when he looked up to heaven, what did he see?  Acts 6:8, Acts 7:55

2. With what did Ananias tell Paul (Saul) to be filled, and who did he say sent him?     Acts 9:17

3. With what were the disciples filled?   Acts 13:52

4. What are you not to do, and with what are you to be filled?  Ephesians 5:18

Personal – How have you experienced the in-filling of the Holy Spirit?

5. What did Stephen say when he looked up and saw the heavens open?  Acts 7:56

6. What happened to Jesus after John baptized him and the

heavens opened?   Matthew 3:16-17

7. How did the people react to Stephen, and what did they do to him?   Acts 7:57-58

8. At whose feet did the witnesses lay their cloaks down,

and what did Stephen call out as they were stoning him? Acts 7:58-59

9. What did Jesus say as they were crucifying him, and what were his last words?   Luke 23:34, 46

10. What did Stephen say to the Lord just before he died?

Acts 7:60

11. How are we to treat our enemies?   Matthew 5:44

Personal – Are you holding anything against a family member, friend, or neighbor over a past hurt?   Pray about it and do what the Lord is telling you to do?

THIRD DAY READ REVELATION 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 SECOND READING

(“Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one

who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water.”)

1. When the Lord comes, what will he bring?    

Revelation 22:12

2. What did Jesus tell his disciples, with whom will he come,and how will he repay us?   Matthew 16:24-28

3. Who did the Lord say he was?   Revelation 1:8, 22:13 

4. Of what is there only one?   Isaiah 44:6

5. Who are blessed, what have they done, and to what do they have a right?   Revelation 22:14

6. Where is the tree of life, and to whom does the Spirit speak? Revelation 2:7, Genesis 2:9

7. Who does Jesus say he is, and whom did he send to give this testimony to the churches?    Revelation 22:16

8. What does the Spirit and the bride say, who is to come 

forward, and who is to receive the gift of life-giving

water?    Revelation 22:17

9. Who gives life-giving water?   John 4:10

10. What does the one who gives this testimony say?

Revelation 22:20

Personal – Do you thirst for the life-giving water that only Jesus can give you, or do you see someone, whom you know, who is thirsty?  How can you answer the invitation to “come,” or how can you be an instrument in satisfying someone else’s thirst?

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 17:20-26 GOSPEL

(“…because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”)

1. For whom did Jesus say he was praying?   

John 17:6-9, 20

2. Why does Jesus pray for them, and what does he say about the Father?   John 17:21, also see John 10:30 & 14:10

3. What did Jesus give to those who kept his Father’s word? John 17:22

4. How are we brought to perfection, and whom does the Father love?   John 17:23 and also John 16:27

5. Why did God send his Son into the world?  John 3:16-17

6. When did the Father love Jesus, and what are we to Jesus from the Father?    John 17:24

7. What has Jesus prepared for us, and how will we get there? John 14:2-3

8. Whom does the Father love and honor?   John 12:23, 26

9. Whom does Jesus and his disciples know and who does not know him?  What does Jesus call his Father?  John 17:25

10. Whom does the world love, and what will they do to you on account of Jesus?   John 15:19-21

11. What did Jesus make known, what is he making known, and for what reason?    John 17:26

12. What was kept by those to whom Jesus revealed the Father? John 17:6

Personal – What priority have keeping God’s Word and speaking God’s Word had in your life?   Evaluate last week and see what you spent most of your time doing and saying.  How do others see the love of Jesus in you?

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 97:1-2, 6-7, 9

(“The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all people see his glory.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 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

ACTS 7:55-60

The Jewish leaders were enraged by Stephen’s accusation that they were murderers of the prophets and destroyers of God’s laws. He accused them of even murdering the Messiah.  Stephen’s words of seeing Jesus standing at God’s right hand supported Jesus’ claim and angered the Jewish leaders.  In their guilt and rage, they would not tolerate Stephen’s words, so they mobbed him and killed him.

Today people may not kill us for witnessing about Christ, but they will let us know they do not want to hear the truth and will often try to silence us.   In many lands, those who try to protect the rights of the unborn children against abortion are ridiculed, beaten, and sent to jail.  These Christians are responding by not standing by and doing nothing while innocents are being slaughtered (Proverbs 24:11).  Keep honoring God in your words, your worship and in your actions. You may experience the rejection of many people to your message, but some will turn to Christ and your effort will be noticed more than you realize. 

Paul is introduced into today’s reading (verse 58) as a murderer and then later we see him as a changed, repentant apostle of the Lord. This tells us that the power of God’s love can change anyone who is open to his call. Paul was tremendously qualified to preach to the Jews because he too had once opposed Jesus Christ and his Christian followers. He understood the opposition and was, therefore, able to be compassionate and forgiving, as well as encouraging them to become free in Christ. Paul never forgot that day when he watched in silence and let the evil actions of those men destroy the life of a very holy man. He knew that he could never be silent again, and he spent the rest of his life preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior of the whole world. We need to speak out in Jesus’ name and let people see in us the holiness of St. Stephen.

REVELATION 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

The Risen Christ is coming, and he makes two powerful claims, that there will be a final judgment and this will not be confined to non-believers. The eternal destiny of a true Christian believer is secure, but Jesus will look at how they handled gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities in their lifetime. He then tells us that he is complete. There is no beginning or end to his existence. Christ is telling us that he is the source and he needs nothing else. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.  The Jews said that since God was the beginning, he received his power from no one; since he was the middle, he shared his power with no one; and since he was the end, he never handed his power over to anyone.

Those who washed their robes in the blood of Christ were purified and have the right of entry into the “City of God” or the “New Jerusalem.”  Jesus, through his cross, has provided that grace by which man can be forgiven; but man has to hunger and thirst for that grace, and then he has to make use of that grace. Those who enter into the “Holy City” or heaven are the ones who have accepted Jesus as Lord. In the new and eternal life, people will eat from the tree of life because their sins have been removed by Christ’s death and resurrection and they will live forever. 

If we have confessed our sins, repented, and accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we will have the right to eat from this tree.  The church has been the faithful guardian that has protected us, taught us about Jesus Christ, and has presented him to us in sacrament and word.  The church, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit brings glory to God the Father by extending the invitation to the whole world to come to Jesus.

JOHN 17:20-26

Jesus completes his prayer to the Father. He began by asking his Father to glorify him so that he may glorify the Father. He told his Father that he did everything that was asked of him, and now the hour of glory had come. His glory would be the cross; it was not his will but he obeyed his Father’s will even unto death on a cross (Phil. 2:2-11). Then he prayed for his disciples and asked God to keep them strong in their faith.

In today’s passage Jesus is praying for us. In this prayer, we see his confidence both in his Father and for those who are going to be Christ-followers. He knew that in a very short time he was going to be betrayed, arrested and killed, and he still was confident that his disciples would carry on his name. He was praying for the new church to come. He prayed for a unity of heart, not administration, not a unity of ecclesiastical organization. He prayed for a unity of personal relationships. 

We have seen the unity between Jesus and his Father was love and obedience. Jesus prayed for a unity based on the relationships of heart to heart, not denomination to denomination. Jesus prayed that a unity would exist in which people loved each other because they loved him.  Christian unity overcomes all differences because it joins people together in love. It is more natural for people to be divided then united.  It is more natural for people to fly apart then to come together. But real unity between all Christians would require a “supernatural” solution, and that solution is loving one another as Jesus has loved us.

Application 

In the first reading we see that evil can only succeed when good men do nothing. In the second reading we see Jesus is the beginning, middle and the end. The Gospel shows unity does not have to mean uniformity.

This week, bring unity into your own heart by praying that God will change your attitude toward others who do not believe and practice their faith in God like you. Then look around you and see who is not of the same faith as you, and then let them experience your respect, your kindness, and your generosity.  Then love them just as Jesus loves you. You will be amazed at the power and result of your witness of Christ.

DOMINGO DE LA ASCENSION – CICLO C

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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?

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

SEGUNDO DIA HECHOS 1:1-11 PRIMERA LECTURA

1. ¿De qué se trató antes de que Jesús fuera Ilevado al cielo?  Hechos 1:1

2. ¿Cómo instruyó Jesús a los Apóstoles que había escogido?  Hechos 1:2

3. ¿Después de que Jesús sufrió, que les mostró a Sus Apóstoles y cómo se los mostró?  Hechos 1:3

Personal – ¿Cómo te has convencido de que Jesús está vivo hoy en día?

4. ¿Por qué les dijo Jesús a sus discípulos que no se alejaran de Jerusalén?  Hechos 1:3

5. ¿Con qué bautizó Juan y que pasaría en unos cuantos días?  Hechos 1:5

6. ¿Qué le preguntaron los Apóstoles a Jesús y que les dijo El?  Hechos 1:6-7

7. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús que recibirían cuando el Espíritu Santo descendiera sobre éllos y qué los

haría ésto?  Hechos 1:8

8. ¿Al estar los Apóstoles mirando, qué le pasó a Jesús y cómo pasó ésto?  Hechos 1:9

9. ¿Cuándo estaban mirando quién se les apareció y qué dijeron?  Hechos 1:10-11

10. ¿Cómo bajará el Señor y que les pasará a los que estén vivos, los que creén en El?

1 Tesal. 4:16-17

Personal – ¿Cómo te estás preparando para el regreso de Jesús?

TERCER DIA EFESIOS 1:17-23 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(¿“Qué es ésta extraordinaria fuerza que actúa a favor de los que hemos creido?”)

1. ¿Qué le está pidiendo Pablo a Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, el Padre de la Gloria que te dé?

Efesios 1:17

2.¿Cuáles son las tres cosas que quiere que sepa tu mirada interior, los ojos de tu corazón?

Efesios 1:18-19

3. ¿Qué representan tus ojos, y si tus ojos son buenos que será tu cuerpo?  Mateo 6:22

4. ¿Cuál es la antorcha para nuestros pies y la luz de nuestro camino?  Salmo 119:105

5. ¿Cómo es está extraordinaria fuerza para los que hemos creído?  Efesios 1:19-20

6. ¿Dónde está sentado Cristo?  Efesios 1:20-21

7.¿Qué ha puesto Dios bajo los pies de Jesús y qué lo ha hecho más arriba de la Iglesia, Su cuerpo?

Efesios 1:22

8. ¿Quién es la cabeza de todo hombre; quién es la cabeza de la mujer y quién es la cabeza de Cristo?

1 Corintios 11:3

9.¿De qué hay solo uno?  Efesios 4:4

10. ¿Cómo se construye el cuerpo de Cristo?  Efesios 4:11-12

Personal – ¿Cómo se han iluminado los ojos de tu corazón con la grandeza extraordinaria de Su poder en tí?

CUARTO DIA LEE LUCAS 24:46-53 EVANGELIO

(“Ahora yo voy a enviar sobre ustedes al que mi Padre prometió”)

1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús a Sus discípulos?  Lucas 24:46

2. ¿Qué sería predicado en Su nombre y dónde se comenzaría?  Lucas 24:47

3. ¿Qué dice el Salmo 32:5 que pasará si tú reconoces y confiesas tus pecados?

4. ¿De qué les dice Jesús a Sus discípulos que éllos han sido testigos?  Lucas 24:48

5.¿A quién iba Jesús a enviar y por qué debían quedarse en la ciudad?  Lucas 24:49

6. ¿Qué prometió el Padre y a quién se le hizo esa Promesa?  Hechos 2:38-39

 

7. ¿Con qué debemos vestirnos?  Colosenses 3:12

8. ¿A dónde condujo Jesús a Sus discípulos y qué hizo?  Lucas 24:50

9. ¿Qué le pasó a Jesús mientras los bendecía?  Lucas 24:51

  1. 8. ¿Qué hicieron los discípulos? ¿Cómo regresaron a Jerusalén y qué hicieron constantemente

al permanecer en el templo?  Lucas 24:52-53

Personal – ¿Cuándo recibiste la promesa del Padre y qué comisión te ha dado? ¿De qué has sido tú, testigo? ¿Y con qué te has revestido?

QUINTO DIA LEE  EL SALMO 47:2-3, 6-9

(“Dios se sienta en Su santo trono, entre voces alegres”)

Leé y medita en el Salmo 47:2-3, 6-9.

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

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 1:1-11

Este pasaje empieza con Lucas hablándole al oficial Romano Ilamado Teófilo. Lucas se estaba refiriendo a que el trabajo de Jesús continúa en los Hechos de los Apóstoles por del poder del Espíritu Santo.

Los Hechos son Ilamados por muchos, el quinto Evangelio ya que habla acerca de las vidas y los eventos de la nueva Iglesia. Jesús mostró a los Apóstoles después de Su sufrimiento y muerte, Sus muchas heridas. Les dió muchas pruebas convincentes de que estaba vivo. Les dijo que entonces recibirían al Espíritu Santo y recibirían poder y vendrían a ser Sus testigos por toda la tierra. Luego fue ascendido delante de sus propios ojos y una nube lo cubrió de su vista.

Hoy, El todavía está vivo en el Poder que vive dentro de Su Iglesia y dentro de tí como miembro de la comunidad de Sus discípulos. Tú has venido a ser un Templo de ese Poder debido a tu Bautizmo y Confirmación. El Poder que partió el Mar Rojo para Moisés vive dentro de tí. El Poder que bautizó a Jesús en el Río Jordán vive dentro de tí. El esta vivo y vive en tí, esperando ser dado gratuitamente al que sufre, al que está perdido, al enfermo, al que está solo, al cautivo por todos los contines de la tierra.

EFESIOS 1:17-23

En este pasaje San Pablo ora y dá gracias por los dones que han sido dados a los creyentes. Hoy se nos recuerda a nosotros dar gracias a Dios por los dones de sabiduría y conocimiento que están a nuestra disposición. Crecemos en sabiduría y conocimiento a traves de la oración, las escrituras, los sacramentos y las enseñanzas de la Iglesia Católica. A ésto le sigue un órden de disciplina y humildad.

Nuestra esperanza para el futúro no es un sentimiento ambiguo, por lo contrario, es una completa seguridad de la victoria a traves del poder del Espíritu Santo y en el nombre de Jesuscristo. Vemos a muchos por todos lados temiendo un desastre nuclear, una desintegración de las computadoras y un colapso de la moral. Debemos recordar siempre que pertenecemos al Dios del Universo, quien resucitó a Jesucristo de entre los muertos. El gran poder de Dios está a nuestra disposición para ayudarnos hoy a traves del Espiritu Santo en la comunidad de fe. Las Escrituras nos dicen que con Dios nada es imposible (Filipenses 4:13). Pablo nos dice en la escritura, que no tenemos que temerle a nada ni a nadie pues nada puede separarnos de Dios y de Su amor (Romanos 8:31-39).

Cuando hablamos de la plenitud de la Iglesia Católica, estamos hablando sobre Cristo colmando a la Iglesia con dones y bendiciones. La Iglesia es en sí misma la expresión total de Cristo quien es El Mismo, la plenitud de Dios (Efesios 3:19). La imágen del cuerpo representa la unidad de la Iglesia. No debemos pretender trabajar, servir o dar adoración por nuestra propia cuenta. En el Cuerpo de Cristo no hay “Llaneros Solitarios.” Cada uno de nosotros está involucrado con todos los demas al ir trabajando por Dios en la tierra.

LUCAS 24:46-53

Celebramos en éste día especial de la Iglesia, la Ascensión del Señor. Esto sucedió cuando Jesús fué llevado al cielo y sentado a la derecha de Dios.

A través de los siglos muchos creyentes, vencidos, por estar conscientes de sus propios pecados han encontrado en las palabras del pasaje de hoy un fuerte rayo de esperanza. Jesús abrió sus mentes para entender las escrituras. El Espíritu Santo hace lo mismo en nuestras vidas cuando estudiamos la Santa Palabra de Dios (testimonio escrito) y la Sagrada tradición (testimonio oral), especialmente como se presenta en el Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica.

El mensaje de las buenas nuevas para el mundo entero hoy en día es que Jesús murió para rescatar el alma de cada persona viva. El tiene sed de tí. Está esperando que te confieses, te arrepientas y recibas Su misericordia y perdón. El confesar nuestro pecado es estar de acuerdo con Dios en que El tiene la razón de declarar que lo que hemos hecho es pecaminoso y estuvimos equivocados. El abandonar ese pecado es arrepentirse o cambiar, es darle la espalda al pecado y regresar a Dios a traves del poder del Espiritu Santo. Entonces podemos confiar en que El nos perdonará y nos hará puros otra vez.

El les dijo a Sus discípulos que ya eran testigos de Su misericordia y perdón. Les promete mandarles lo que Su Padre ha prometido, y era el regalo del Espíritu Santo. Su promesa fué revelada a los discípulos en el cuarto de arriba (Hechos 1:8) y ese mismo Espíritu Santo es el que reside en tu Templo. Tu cuerpo es el Templo del Espíritu Santo (1 Corintios 6:19) y tú estás para atestiguar hasta a los confines de la tierra con el mismo poder que tenían los discípulos.

La presencia física de Jesús se fué de los discípulos cuando levantó Sus manos, los bendijo y fue elevado al Cielo (Hechos 1:9). Tú recibes esa bendición cada vez que vas a Misa. Ellos se postraron con reverencia y regresaron a Jerusalén llenos de alegría. Ahí se les encontraba en el templo hablando constantemente las alabanzas de Dios.

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que los Apóstoles estaban mirando, Jesús fue levantado y dijo, “recibirán poder cuando el Espíritu Santo venga sobre ustedes”. En la segunda lectura Dios sentó a Jesús a su derecha en los cielos y lo dió a la Iglesia como cabeza sobre todas las cosas; y en el Evangelio se nos dice que el Mensaje de las Buenas Nuevas es que Jesús murió para rescatar las almas de todo el mundo.

Esta semana vamos a ver a alguien de nuestra familia, nuestra comunidad o nuestra parroquia hagamos oración con éllos y proclamémosles las Buenas Nuevas de que Jesús está vivo. Arrepiéntete de lo malo que hayas hecho deja la acción pecaminosa y regresa a Dios. Recibe el Sacramento de la Reconciliación y la Sagrada Eucaristía con frecuencia y ésto te dará la gracia necesaria para que vivas tu vida por Cristo.

ASCENSION THURSDAY-CYCLE C

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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 weeks readings.

  1. 1. What was a helpful or new thought from the readings or from the homily you heard on Sunday?
  1. 2. From what you learned what personal application did you choose to apply to your life this week?

SECOND DAY READ ACTS 1:1-11

(“He presented Himself alive to them….”)

  1. 1. What was dealt with before Jesus was taken up to heaven? Acts 1:1
  1. 2. How did Jesus instruct the Apostles He had chosen? Acts 1:2
  1. 3. After Jesus had suffered what did He show His Apostles and how did He show them? Acts 1:3

Personal – How have you been convinced that Jesus is alive today?

  1. 4. Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to leave Jerusalem? Acts 1:4
  1. 5. What did John baptize with and what would happen in a few days? Acts 1:5
  1. 6. What did the Apostles ask Jesus and what did He tell them? Acts 1:6-7
  1. 7. What did Jesus tell them they would receive when the Holy Spirit came down on them and what would that make them? Acts 1:8
  1. 8. As the Apostles were looking on what happened to Jesus and how did it happen? Acts 1:9
  1. 9. As they were looking up who appeared to them and what did they say? Acts 1:10-11
  1. 10. How will the Lord come down from heaven and what will happen to the living, the believers in Him? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Personal – How are you preparing for Jesus’ return?

THIRD DAY READ EPHESIANS 1:17-23 SECOND READING

(“What is the surpassing greatness of His power for us who believe?”)

  1. 1. What is Paul asking our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, to give you? Ephesians 1:17
  1. 2. What three things does he want your innermost vision, the eyes of your hearts, to know?

Ephesians 1:18-19

1.

  1. 3. What do your eyes represent, and if your eyes are good what will your body be? Matthew 6:22
  1. 4. What is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path? Psalm 119:105
  1. 5. What is it like, this immeasurable scope of His power in us who believe? Ephesians 1:19-20
  1. 6. Where is Christ seated? Ephesians 1:20-21
  1. 7. What has God put beneath Jesus’ feet and what has He made Him over the Church, His body? Ephesians 1:22
  1. 8. Who is the head of every man; who is the head of the woman and who is head of Christ? 1 Corinthians 11:3
  1. 9. There is one what? Ephesians 4:4
  1. 10. How is the body of Christ built up? Ephesians 4:11-12

Personal – How have the eyes of your heart been enlightened to the surpassing greatness of His power in you?

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 24:46-53 GOSPEL

(“…behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;)

  1. 1. What did Jesus say to His disciples? Luke 24:46
  1. 2. What would be preached in His name and where would it begin?  Luke 24:47
  1. 3. What does Psalm 32:5 say will happen if you acknowledge and confess your sins?
  1. 4. What did Jesus tell His disciples they witnessed?  Luke 24:48
  1. 5. What was Jesus sending His disciples and why were they to wait in the city?  Luke 24:49
  1. 6. What did the Father promise and to whom was this promise made?  Acts 2:38-39
  1. 7. What are we to cloth ourselves with?  Colossians 3:12
  1. 8. Where did Jesus lead His disciples and what did He do?  Luke 24:50
  1. 9. While Jesus was blessing His disciples what happened to Him?  Luke 24:51
  1. 10. What did the disciples do? How did they return to Jerusalem and what did they continually stay at the temple doing?  Luke 24:52-53

Personal – When did you receive the promise of the Father and what has He commissioned you to do?  What things have you been a witness to and what have you been clothed with?

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 47:2-3, 6-9

(“God mounts His throne amid shouts of joy;”)

Read and mediate on Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 1:1-11

This passage begins with Luke addressing the Roman official called Theophilus. Luke was implying that Jesus’ work continues in Acts through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts is called by many the fifth Gospel in that it tells about the lives and events of the new Church. Jesus showed the Apostles after His suffering and death His many wounds. He gave them many convincing proofs that He was alive. He told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the gift that His Father had promised them.  He told them that they would then receive the Holy Spirit and they would receive power and become His witnesses to the ends of the earth.  He then was taken up before their very eyes and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

Today, He is still alive in the Power that lives within His Church and within you as a member of the community of His disciples.  You have become a Temple of that Power by your Baptism and Confirmation. The Power that split the Red Sea for Moses lives within you. The Power that impregnated Mary with Jesus lives within you.  The Power that baptized Jesus in the Jordan River lives within you.  The Power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within you.  He is alive and He liv es in you waiting to be given freely to the hurt, the lost, the sick, the lonely, the captive throughout the ends of the earth.

EPHESIANS 1:17-23

In this passage St. Paul is praying and giving thanks for the gifts that have been given to the believers.  We today are reminded to thank God for the gifts of wisdom and knowledge that are available to us today.   We grow in wisdom and knowledge through prayer, scripture, sacraments and Catholic Church teaching. This follows an order of discipline and humility.

Our hope for the future is not an ambiguous feeling, on the contrary, it is a complete assurance of victory through the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ. We see many on all sides fearing nuclear disaster, computer meltdown and the collapse of morals. We must always remember we belong to the God of the Universe, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God’s great power is available to help us today through the Holy Spirit in the community of faith.  Scripture tells us that with God nothing is impossible (Philippians 4:13). Paul tells us in scripture that we do not have to fear anything or anyone because nothing can separate us from God and His love (Romans 8:31-39).

When we talk about the fullness of the Catholic Church, we are talking about Christ filling the Church with gifts and blessings. The Church itself is the full expression of Christ who Himself is the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). The image of the body shows the Church’s unity.  We should not attempt to work, serve or worship on our own.  There are no Lone Rangers in the Body of Christ.  Each one of us is involved with all the others as we go about doing God’s work on earth.

LUKE 24:46-53

We celebrate on this special feast day of the Church the Ascension of the Lord.  This is the time when Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

Over the centuries many believers overcome by the awareness of their own sins have found the words of today’s passage a strong ray of hope.  Jesus opened up their minds to understand the scriptures.  The Holy Spirit does this in our lives today when we study God’s Holy Word (written testimony)and Sacred Tradition (oral testimony), especially as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  The message of good news for the whole world today is that Jesus died to ransom the soul of every living person. He thirsts for you. He is waiting for you to confess, to repent, and to receive His mercy and forgiveness.  To confess our sin is to agree with God that He is right to declare that what we have done is sinful and we are wrong. To abandon that sin is to repent or change, which  is to turn away from sin and turn back to God, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Then we can trust in Him to forgive us and make us whole again.  He told His disciples that they were already witnesses to His mercy and forgiveness.  He promises to send them what His Father has promised, and that was the gift of the Holy Spirit.  His promise was revealed to the disciples in the upper room (Acts 1:8) and that Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that resides in your Temple.  Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and you are to witness to the ends of the earth with the same power as the disciples.

Jesus physical presence left the disciples when He lifted up His hands, blessed them and was taken up into Heaven ( Acts 1:9). You receive this blessing each time you attend Mass. They fell down to do him reverence, then returned to Jerusalem filled with joy. There they were to be found in the temple constantly speaking the praises of God.

Application

The first reading tells us as the Apostles were looking on, Jesus was lifted up and says, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you”. In the second reading God seated Jesus at His right hand in the heavens and gave Him as head over all things to the Church, and in the Gospel we are told that the Message of Good News is that Jesus died to ransom the souls of the whole world.

This week let us go to someone in our family, our community or our parish, to pray with them and to proclaim the Good News to them that Jesus is alive. Repent of any wrongdoing by stopping the sinful action and turning back to God.  Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist frequently and this will give you the grace needed in order for you to live your life for Christ.

May Newsletter 2016

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slider

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

In March we sent out 153 packages at an average cost of $22.00 per package.  The cost to us was approximately $3,366.00 to ship these books. With your prayers and financial help we hope to send more next month. Your help is very much appreciated.

Testimony

Dear St. Dismas Guild, Hi. I’ve been doing time for 21 years in this institution.  I’ve abused drugs and alcohol, and cigarettes and marijuana basically all my life before coming to prison. I quit street drugs in 1991.  After my last arrest, I quit alcohol and marijuana and a little later I quit tobacco. The Good Lord took it all away forever. Now I’m clean straight. I found my mother by a miracle in 2009 after 20 years of lost contact which led to a reuniting of my long-lost brother and sister all because I kept my faith in the Good Lord. It would not have been possible for this miracle of God, the Lord, as he continues to bless me all the way and He will do it for you too.  May God bless you and Keep the Faith. DM

That’s a long time in prison, DM, and as they say you are a work in progress. Healing is a process and it takes time to get over the things that have a stronghold on you. God’s ways are not our ways and our ways are not God’s ways (Isaiah 55:8). We want to be instantly transformed, but God says, “Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 You, DM, have chosen to co-operate with God’s grace. Finding your family is a blessing. God is a God of miracles. Jesus says, “….Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to me.”(Matthew 12:50)

Doing Time With Jesus

Dear St. Dismas Guild, I enjoy all that you have sent me. I enjoy reading Fr. Paulsen’s literature. Recently I was reading some spiritual material from another author and it was so hateful. I do not easily comprehend how someone can write about the love of Jesus and to love one another and in the next paragraph put down the doctrines of the Catholic Church. How is it that we are tolerable to other religions among other things? I was so turned off. I like the fact that I am told by scripture, “but I say to you, ‘love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” It doesn’t say to love your enemies only if they have the same God as you, or share your political affiliations. I will pray for that author.

I am asking if you could please send me two more books: The GOSPELS in Their Original Meaning by Deacon L. Michaels, and When I was in Prison, Hope for the Hopeless by Father Harold Paulsen. Please continue to pray for my family and me for my faith to remain strong and for my son and wife to break free from their heroin additions.  Sincerely,  GA

GA, we certainly will pray for your family and you. We already sent you the books you requested. Heroin is a stronghold that only God can break. I know someone who after 20 years of addiction, including heroin, after going through detoxification, was immersed in the word of God and had his mind transformed by it, was healed and went on to live a productive life. He had to get out of the environment.  “The One who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” Thank you for sharing

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Dear St. Dismas Guild, God’s Peace and Blessing to you through Mother Mary! My name is CH and I am currently incarcerated. I am writing to request a Catholic Study Bible and a Catechism of the Catholic Church. I would also like a matching set of images of the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart, if possible. Last, I am looking for Catholic organizations that help those who struggle with homosexuality. I need mainly addresses, if possible, or for you to send my information to them for me.

I am 38 years old and have been in the gay “life” my whole life, but now I wish to live a chaste life for love of Jesus and Mary by being celibate. It has been really hard and I struggle daily with lust/masturbation and could use some help. I have a priest and a deacon who do their best but they just don’t understand and being in here I don’t get much support. Anything you can help with will be appreciated. Thank you in Jesus through Mary with St. Joseph.  CH

CH, The following is a quote from Pope Francis that Couragerc.org has on their website:

“I am glad that we are talking about ‘homosexual people’ because before all else comes the individual person, in his wholeness and dignity. And people should not be defined only by their sexual tendencies: let us not forget that God loves all his creatures and we are destined to receive his infinite love.”

 – Pope Francis, The Name of God is Mercy

This website has a great deal of information and helps that you are requesting. I know many of the inmates do not have access to a computer but if you write to Courage International. Inc, 8 Leonard Street, Norwalk CT 06850 or call (203) 803-1564, they will send you all the material you need to help you. Please let us know if this is a help to you. We leave you with these two scriptures Luke 9:23…“Whoever wishes to be my follower must deny his very self, take up his cross each day, and follow in my steps. …”and Philippians 4:8, “Finally, my brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise.”

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Dear St. Dismas Guild, A friend of mine gave me a few copies of your newsletter a couple of weeks ago. I was very moved by the testimonies of the prisoners who wrote in to you. As a result, I decided it is time to come home. I have been the prodigal son. I was lost. I drifted in and out of several pagan religions. But I always felt a pain inside of me. I sensed that something was missing. I was sexually abused as a child. I have been angry at God for allowing that to happen to me. I also lost my father when I was young, and I am estranged from my mother. She won’t speak of my family or me and won’t communicate with me. I am just starting back on the road back to my home, the Church. I need your help.

I am indigent, but could I please be put on your mailing list for your newsletter? I have a New American Bible that I have kept for years for some reason, so I don’t need a bible, I would, however, be very grateful if you would send me any soft cover literature you have, such as prayer cards, catalogs, how to say the Rosary, etc. I would also like to be enrolled in your Bread of Life Bible Study program. Also, as a victim of sexual abuse, I would like your pamphlet, Overcoming Sexual Abuse. I suffer from PTSD on account of my history of sexual and physical abuse. I am vulnerable and afraid right now, but I have hope now, thanks be to God! Please remember me in your prayers.  MT

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” Isaiah 40:31 MT, as you put your hope in the Lord and in His timing He will heal you. That healing may be emotional, physical, or spiritual. Keep your eyes on Him and learn everything you can about Jesus Christ by reading and meditating on the gospels. Find out how Jesus responded to people, how He talked to people, how He acted around people. When you get to know Jesus and follow in His footsteps you will find the desires of your heart. 

Family Ministry

During the month of May we celebrate Mother’s Day.

Where would we be if not for our moms?

I thank God for the family that I grew up in, especially my hard, working mom who was always there for me.  For a long time Mother’s Day was a difficult holiday for me.  I wanted to be a mom, but I was not blessed with children of my own.  I knew God had a plan for my life and it wasn’t until I was in my late 30’s that I figured it out.  As a woman, God wanted me to be a spiritual mother to those students and young adults he placed in my life.  It didn’t stop me from hoping for children of my own, but it helped me to see His plan for me.  God wanted me to pray for and with those who did not have a mom to pray with.  He wanted me to share with others that we all have a loving mother in heaven.  With the following words, Jesus’ mother becomes our mother too:

“When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.”  Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. “(John 19:26-27)

This is just one reason that the Catholic Church dedicates the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  She is everyone’s mother.  We can look to her as a role model for our families.  We can reach out to her and ask for her intercession at any time.  St. John Paul II says it beautifully…“From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things.  From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone.  From Mary we learn to love Christ her son and the son of God.”

Maybe this month, consider praying the rosary as Pope Francis suggested.

Pro-Life

From Thanksgiving to Mother’s Day

As a crisis pregnancy advocate, I spoke with a young lady around Thanksgiving who came into our PRC (pregnancy resource center) thinking she had arrived at a Planned Parenthood clinic. She was with her young son and talking very quickly (suspiciously, I was thinking she must be on drugs.)  She told me she was almost four months pregnant and wanted an abortion.  I could tell she was trying to be honest with me so I asked her to, “tell me a little bit about yourself and why you are seeking an abortion?” She had recently been in jail over the summer, had been using meth for 10 years, was lapse on meeting with her parole officer and already had two children.

I proceeded to tell her that we did not perform abortions at our clinic and gave her all the brochures about abortion.  I told her I knew of a maternity home where she could live if she would seriously considering placing her baby for adoption.  At first, she wouldn’t even consider it.  I told her that unfortunately, I had chosen abortion when I was her age and did not realize the terrible consequence involved and how I was still negatively affected by that decision.  I told her that I did not want her to go through that and that I cared about her life as much as her unborn baby.  I told her that I know many women who regret their abortions and like me now spend time volunteering in clinics or praying outside of clinics, in order to help in any way possible, to prevent another abortion from occurring.

She met with the doctor and the medical assistants.  She spoke with another advocate, had an ultrasound, and with much prayer from our other advocates and volunteers she reconsidered and was willing to take a tour of the maternity home that day after her appointment.

Long story short, because she had not checked in with her parole officer and was still using drugs, she ended up back in jail…  The Good News Is, she has now completed her time in jail, is finishing up going through a rehab facility which is helping her get her life in order with classes and by living the example presented to her.  She is returning to her faith, has been drug-free for five months and with new encouragement from her parents has decided to parent her baby.  Thanks be to God the Holy Spirit sent her to our pro-life clinic and she and her new baby will be celebrating Life together just in time for Mother’s Day.

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.” ~ Isaiah 41:13

“Be strong, and let your heart be courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD.” ~ Psalm 31:24

Happy Mother’s Day to all our mother’s, and most especially to our Blessed Mother Mary. She loves to see everyone come to her Son.

In Jesus’ love,

St. Dismas Staff

April Newsletter 2016

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 “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Psalm 119:105

Last month we were able to send out free of charge 83 Bread of Life Catholic Bible Studies and 89 bibles.  The cost to us was $2,028.00 to ship these books. With your prayers and financial help we hope to send more next month. Your help is very much appreciated.

Testimony

Dear St. Dismas family, I first wrote to you, back in the summer of 2012 as I was beginning a two-year sentence for meth-induced assault and robbery, and covered head-to-toe in itchy, raw, stress-induced eczema. My celly had a Catholic bible he’d gotten from St. Dismas Guild and your address was stamped inside, so I wrote to you. You sent me the Catholic Bible, study course and most of all, hope. My celly and I began reading and praying together and when I got transferred I looked up the Catholic chaplain there. There I made my first good confession in fifteen years, put on a Brown Scapular, started praying the Rosary every day and attending Mass regularly. I haven’t looked back since, except to be grateful!

I looked forward to the mailbag every late afternoon for those two years. I was always on the lookout for your newsletters. On the morning our Holy Father Pope Francis was elected – morning in California, anyway — I “happened” to be in the prison chapel with some of the Catholic brothers. There are no coincidences with God!! Our chaplain pulled out a television, and we were able to watch and pray with our new pontiff right there on the yard in real time. As we sat there in our polyester prison-issues, we were all overwhelmed as he asked us to pray for him! As Pope Francis traced the Sign of the Cross over the world in blessing for the first time from the balcony at St. Peter’s via that television I really, honestly felt warm grace pour through my body! At the time, I remembered to ask the Holy Spirit for my plenary indulgence for a pontiff’s first blessing! I tingled from head to toe – and I don’t really consider myself a charismatic, either. Our Lady spoils me!

When I was released I was granted my request to enter a fifteen month post-prison, residential program, honing my work skills as their office coordinator. One of my greatest blessings was being able to answer the prison mail from inmates seeking help from the program. I always tried to enclose a holy card of the Holy Face of Jesus with every letter I answered. I remembered how much I loved receiving mail when I was on the yard myself, so being able to “visit the prison” in this way was a double blessing to me! Following my graduation from this program I got a job at a local factory and moved into the local shelter to save every penny so I could return home to N.Y. as soon as I discharged my parole. That happened in time for this Christmas! I now work at a place that helps addicts, prisoners, and others in crisis. Also, I begin classes soon to finish my undergraduate studies. And most importantly, as I sit typing you this letter here at work, Jesus is just across the hall in the rehab’s chapel in the Blessed Sacrament! God is so good!

Jesus and Mary have brought me all the way from that stinky cell in reception nearly four years ago, where I first wrote to you and Deacon Ken. You both have a very special place in my heart for the part you have played in my journey back home to the Church. In fact, we still play a part in each other’s lives, because I regularly pray for you – and I ask Deacon Ken often for his prayers, too! I didn’t get a chance to meet him in this life, but something tells me that he knows who I am already. Again, please know that I pray for you and everyone at the Guild often! Love in Jesus and Mary, CM

CM, thank you for such a powerful letter. Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” It is your response to the bible, bible study and catechism that has put that hope in you. Praying with your celly and sharing what the Holy Spirit teaches you will increase your faith. “Faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) You were truly blessed to be able to watch the Pope on the TV and be blessed by him. You have a heart for prisoners because you know what they are going through. Stress causes a tremendous amount of physical sicknesses like you said you had stress-induced eczema. That must have been awful. Praise God you are doing so well now. God’s Word and coming to know Jesus personally through the Word reduces a tremendous amount of stress. The Holy Spirit is leading and guiding you keep up the responding. Thank you for your prayers and I know Deacon Ken is interceding for all of us.

DOING TIME WITH JESUS

To Whom it May Concern, Hello, my name is KH, I’m 23 years old and I’m studying to become Catholic. I was raised in an anti-church family, and though it is very cliché, I didn’t find God until I was in the county jail. Overtime I lost my faith, but tried to restore it after coming to prison. I went to chapel as much as I could and spread the name Jesus to those who would listen, but I never really loved God like I should. I was never really happy with my choice of faith.

Once again the faith I had in Our Lord and Savior faded away and I almost chose the mythical gods the Vikings worshiped instead of Jesus. This may sound weird, but one day I was watching a movie dealing with demonic possession and the Catholic Church and something kept saying, “Get on the call-out list for Tuesday Mass” (which is when our chapel does mass.) I kept hearing this over and over again. I don’t know if it was my interest in demonology or exorcisms or if it was the Holy Spirit talking to me at a time when I just so happened to be watching a film about the church, but I listened. I started going to Mass and reading about Catholicism and I must say that I love it. The history and scriptural background of this religion astonish me. This is why I want to convert from non-denominational to Catholic.

The reason I write to you is not only to share my story but also because I was told you could provide learning tools that are essential to the Faith. I have a study Catholic Bible, a Rosary and a prayer book, but I would love to have a Catechism. If you could provide me with a copy as well as put me on the newsletter list, I would be tremendously grateful. I’d hate to ask for more, but I was also hoping that you could provide me with someone to write to because there aren’t many Catholics on this prison compound. It would be nice to have someone to write about my concerns and who can answer questions. I hope that’s not too much to ask. Thank you for your time and God bless. With love, KH

We sent your letter to one of our mentors and sent you a catechism. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people perish for want of knowledge!” Most people do not know the history or what the church teaches and, like you, once they find out what it is all about they are blessed and find a tremendous peace in finding their roots. Satan is a liar and draws people away from the truth. When you pray and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and you get the knowledge of your faith you find the peace that passes all understanding. In speaking about Satan, Jesus says in John 8:44, “When he tells a lie, he speaks in character, because he is a liar and the father of lies.” Then Jesus goes on to say, “But because I speak the truth, you do not believe me.”

Dear St. Dismas Guild, Hello and God bless you. I have been receiving your newsletter for some time now and every month I still look forward to its encouraging messages. Reading about the strength that others received from the Lord strengthens me as well. I ask that you please pray for me and my family. I haven’t heard from them in a while and just ask that you pray that they are well and that they come to Christ. I would also like to please be assigned a mentor, someone I can talk to about my struggles and goals, any questions, and can hold me accountable for my actions. Thank you for everything. I enjoy your newsletter and greatly look forward to continuing to receive them. Your brother in Christ. FMcM

We are praying for you and all the inmates and their families. Prayer is what will change things. 1 Thess. 5:17-18 says, “Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” Thank God for what He is going to do in your family. He says ask and you will receive and He wills none to be lost. Believe Him and stand on His promises. God bless you.

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  1. DISMAS GUILD’S MISSION IS TO HELP PEOPLE KNOW GOD OUR FATHER THROUGH HIS SON JESUS BY THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT CONTAINED IN GOD’S WORD, HOLY SCRIPTURE. IT’S MISSION IS PRIMARILY TO MINISTER TO PRISONS, FAMILIES, AND PROLIFE ADVOCACY.

Family Ministry

PRAYING AS A FAMILY In this hectic world, I often find myself rushed to get everything done. As a wife, mother of a three year old, caregiver for elderly parents and working woman, I am always trying to stay one step ahead. One step ahead of laundry, meals, doctor appointments, and play dates just to name a few. God has blessed me in so many ways, yet I sometimes forget to give thanks and pray as a family. At the beginning of each meal we give thanks. When we are together, sometimes we forget and Grandpa has already finished his soup or our three year old has a mouthful, but we stop and say grace together. Whether in a restaurant or at home, this is an easy way for us to pray as a family and to witness to our love for Christ. Often, during grace, someone at the table asks us to pray for something or someone. Just the other day, my daughter asked us to pray for a neighbor boy that got hurt in an accident. This opened up a wonderful dialog about accidents and why they happen. A topic that may not have come about…except through the Holy Spirit. When we can’t be together, each of us prays before our meal knowing that the other family members are giving thanks at the same time.

“Again, [amen,] I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:19)

 

Abortion and The Year of Mercy

“Then Jesus stood up and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Now Go and sin no more.” ~ John 8: 10-11

This year, Pope Francis has declared a Jubilee year, and is calling it, “The Year of Mercy.” It focuses on offering special indulgences to those who seek its graces. There are many groups of people that he wishes to address and one of these groups is to the men and women who have participated in the act of abortion.

The pope wants to extend forgiveness and absolution to those who are truly sorry. There are many who now realize what they had done was wrong, but don’t know what to do with this guilt and shame.

So, if you haven’t already, please prayerful consider taking advantage of this beautiful grace and turn to the Lord in the Sacrament of Confession. Ask for absolution of this sin of abortion and be free of the burdens it brings.

Below is a section of Pope Francis’ Jubilee Letter concerning Abortion and Year of Mercy. May it bring you peace and consolation that can free your soul.

           “…I think in particular of all the women who have resorted to abortion. I am well aware of the pressure that has led them to this decision. I know that it is an existential and moral ordeal. I have met so many women who bear in their heart the scar of this agonizing and painful decision. What has happened is profoundly unjust; yet only understanding the truth of it can enable one not to lose hope. The forgiveness of God cannot be denied to one who has repented, especially when that person approaches the Sacrament of Confession with a sincere heart in order to obtain reconciliation with the Father.

            For this reason too, I have decided, notwithstanding anything to the contrary, to concede to all priests for the Jubilee Year the discretion to absolve of the sin of abortion those who have procured it and who, with contrite heart, seek forgiveness for it. May priests fulfill this great task by expressing words of genuine welcome combined with a reflection that explains the gravity of the sin committed, besides indicating a path of authentic conversion by which to obtain the true and generous forgiveness of the Father who renews all with his presence.”  – Pope Francis, Sept. 1, 2015

Help for post-abortive women and men can be found at; http://www.rachelsvineyard.org

 

In Jesus’ love,

St. Dismas Staff

 

 

March Newsletter 2016

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“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105

Last month we were able to send out free of charge 103 Bread  of Life Catholic Bible Studies.  The cost to us is $18 each book we ship. With your prayers and financial help we hope to send out more next month.

Testimony

Dear St. Dismas Guild, I have been receiving your monthly newsletters now since 2008, and throughout the years that have passed I’d say that I was mostly “spiritually lost.”  I was not Catholic at any time in my life. I am 26 years old and have been incarcerated since I was 17 on a sentence for home invasion/burglary. As I mentioned, I have been lost. Over the years I’ve been in a vicious jail gang and have gotten into all kinds of trouble, then phased out of that into religion. Well sort of.  First I liked the idea of being a Christian. That didn’t last long and before I knew it I was back in my old ways gang banging and sinning. Then, more recently, I began to study Islam. That didn’t last either! Soon I was plotting and scheming again.

Out of the blue I received a letter from one of my Catholic school teachers and he began corresponding regularly, talking about all kinds of things – family and life, my future, but most importantly, religion. I managed to find myself in the hole – again, for something foolish and here I’ve been for the last eight months with nothing to do but think. My teacher has continued to stay in touch for moral support and spiritual guidance. Recently I received your January newsletter. As I was reading the testimonies given I couldn’t explain why, but tears began to build up in my eyes. At first I tried to hold them back, but for whatever reason, I couldn’t and the urge to cry just became even more intense. I finally just let go and wept and found myself praying to the Lord. And inside of me I knew this was right. I could feel that it was right in every part of my being. I have from that day decided to give myself to Jesus, to convert, and take whatever steps necessary. I am ready to change my life and live properly. I am eager to read and learn anything you may have for me. If possible, could you provide me with a Catholic bible and bible study course? It would truly mean a lot to me. I want to thank you for your newsletters and all that you do! Without you I’m not sure that I’d be where I am today, so thank you! May the Blessings of Christ, Our Lord, be bestowed upon you!  God bless always, MF

MF, what a wonderful teacher you must have had to support you in your time of need. Sharing with you family and life, your future, and like you said most importantly religion must bring you comfort. It sounds like he prepared the way for you to receive the love of Jesus when you were reading one of the testimonies from the newsletter. “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 1:6) It says in Revelations 21:4, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” Thank you for sharing your testimony.

Doing Time With Jesus

Dear St. Dismas Guild, I have received your newsletter for several years now, and in addition the Catholic Bible and several other publications. A simple thanks is not enough to show my gratitude, so I give it up to Our Father.  My message today is to state that after serving 6-1/2+ years for Gross Vehicular Manslaughter that I will parole this month. I was the driver in a single car accident on a rural road, a roll-over occurred, and I caused the death of my older brother for which I have accepted my responsibility for the laws I broke. That stated, I was left with much unresolved sorrow, remorse and guilt. Today, while the sorrow has not totally subsided, I live more peacefully in the faith God gives us all for the future. A good part of my recovery and rehabilitation comes from the testimonies I read from other inmates through your newsletter.  Thanks Be to God! My spiritual healing will continue for all my life on earth as I cannot fix the dead, but only through the One, God our Father, who overcame the sting of death. Lord Have Mercy. As much as I have gained spiritually from your newsletters, please cancel my delivery, as I am being paroled this month, so to allow it to reach another inmate. God bless you all, AL

AL, The pain you suffered for causing your brothers death must be tremendous. Your testimony has brought me to repentance. Thank you for that as you may have saved someone else’s life. It made me look at how I drive. I am always in a hurry and I speed all the time and sometimes even look at my phone if someone calls. I could be sitting where you are. I could kill someone. The Holy Spirit convicted me as I was reading your testimony and I asked God to forgive me for breaking the law and went to confession. Its been almost two weeks since I read your letter and I have not gone over the speed limit or used my phone since then. That’s what is called repentance, turning away from the sin and turning to God (obeying His Word) Thank you so much for sharing. The scripture that comes to mind is Romans 13:1-2, “Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God. Therefore; whoever resists authority opposes what God has appointed, and those who oppose it will bring judgment upon themselves.” The traffic laws are there for our benefit and to keep us safe. God bless you.

Family Ministry

Dear St. Dismas Guild, My name is S…., and I have six children. In 2012 I watched as Satan tore my family and our life completely apart. It started with the death of the children’s father, then my addition to drugs and alcohol. I eventually had to give up my children and then I ended up in jail and then prison. Little did I know prison was the best thing that God ever did for me. Prison saved my life. Prison is where my miracle begins. Little by little I have watched and felt God working with me, staying beside me through good times and bad, never giving up on me nor letting me give up on myself putting my life back together again.  These last four months I have been fighting for my parental rights for two of my six children. I am in the facilities’ law library every day making sure I know my rights. I am also in my Bible every day making sure I am giving to God because He does my worrying for me. He knows my heart’s desire. God has shown me that through Him my life can be amazing even in my trials. I am now more free that I’m in prison than I have ever been. I still have my parental rights and I am going in front of the parole board in February because the Lord saw fit to allow it. I will be a better mother now that I have experienced this. Praise be to God. My faith will never waiver in good time and in bad and I will turn to my Father in Heaven.  The friend who gave me this address said I may be able to get a bible study and a Catholic study Bible from you. I would greatly appreciate it if possible.  Thank you for your time.  God bless, SY

SY, Your right, God never gives up on us. It must be very difficult for you being separated from your children. The Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study, Bible, Catechism & Pamphlets are on the way to you. These will help you in your walk with Jesus. Yes, he knows your hearts desire and it sounds like that is to be united with your children. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” We are so sorry for the death of the children’s father. Children need a godly father but most of all they need our heavenly Father. He fills all their needs. Stay close to the Lord and do not waiver.  Pray fervently. God will do what’s best for you and your children. James 5:16 says, “…The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” We will pray you will get your children back and raise them to know, love, and serve our wonderful loving Lord. 

Pro Life

I am a man who has two sisters. Our mother passed way about 5 years ago at the age of 85. We are children from the same mother, however we all have different fathers. My older sister and I knew each other from the start. She went with my mother to be raised by my single parent mother after the second marriage failed. I am the child of the second marriage and my father kept me to raise me. The third child was never seen by me or my older sister for 60 years. We didn’t even know we had a younger sister until about 12 years ago when our mother shared with us that she had gotten pregnant by a married man she worked with in 1955. Our mother had secretly given birth to that little girl and given her up for a closed adoption through Catholic Charities. She told us about her decision to be Pro-life so that we would not be shocked when we were going through her paperwork after she had passed away, and found out we had a sister somewhere in the world. She continued by telling us that she had contacted some adoption organizations and “opened up” some paperwork trails that would allow the child (who was now a woman) to find her birth mother and her siblings if she chose to do so. We were curious, but never felt like we “had” to find her. If God wanted us to meet…we figured it would certainly happen. So we just went on with our lives. That is,… we went on with our lives, until one day I was sitting in my office.  I was tired and needed a break, so I reached into my drawer at work to get the last file I need for my work, and out came the adoption file for my little sister that my mother had given to me. I could not understand what that particular file was doing in my business files. I opened the file again in curiosity. I looked at the simple paperwork with limited information which included the name of my sister given at birth, the hospital she was born in and the name of the father and the mother. So, for no particular reason, other than it was all that I had to go on….I searched the name of my sister given to her at birth; her name before her adoption.

Up came a website of a high school in Tennessee. There was a picture of a woman who is a teacher at that school. She looked very much like my mother and seemed to be in an age range that might include a birthday in 1955. I immediately called my older sister and told her what I had done. She was sitting in front of a computer, so she searched just as I had done…and up came the picture on her screen. She quickly agreed that the picture did look like her personally and also that of our mother. But then things got really wild in a hurry. My older sister said in an excited voice, “look at the website right below the one we are looking at…its an adoption search website and our sisters birth name is there”! I didn’t see what she was looking at. We quickly realized I was searching on “Bing” and she was searching on “Google”.  I opened up the adoption search website which was one dedicated to children looking for their birth parents….and there she was! In a database line item, I followed her birth name across the line to the name of the mother. It was my mother as well! The hospital was a match as was the date of birth. I knew I had just found our long lost little sister! Interestingly enough, the teacher in Tennessee is not related. I contacted the adoption search website people and filled in the online form. They called me very quickly and said “yes” you have found your sister. The adoption search group contacted my little sister that night and called me back the next morning. They were both excited and sad at the same time. They informed me that they had spoken to the daughter of my sister (our new-found niece). Our little sister was living in L.A. just 100 miles from me, however, two weeks earlier, she had been diagnosed with aggressive, non-curable brain cancer.

We all wanted to meet….and to meet soon. So my older sister flew out the next week from Florida and we drove up to meet our little sister in L.A. She was divorced but had two children, a son and a daughter…unfortunately, her son is currently in prison for drug trafficking. Her daughter is amazing. She had been adopted by a wonderful Catholic family who loved her completely and had told her from the beginning that she was “chosen” by them through adoption. Our little sister had enjoyed a great life. She was a graphics designer and in charge of that department at one of the largest universities in California. In the next two months my older sister and I visited our little sister twice before she passed away from cancer. We had been allowed to find her just in time to share with her that she had more of a family than she knew. Our little sister was soon called home to be with God the Father.

I share this story with you because our mother chose life, and that life was lived well. God in all his mercy made many miraculous things happen for us all to meet before He took her home to heaven. Only the hand of God could have made all things work together as he did (Romans 8:28). It was a gift of love given to three siblings who will be forever grateful that God loves us all so much and proves it often.

He loves you too, far more than you may realize! Never give up on God, because He will never give up on you.

In Jesus’ love,

St. Dismas Staff