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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.

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.

TRINITY SUNDAY – C

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TRINITY SUNDAY – C

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

John 16:12-15 – Jesus said to His disciples: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, He will guide you to all truth. He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears and will declare to you the things that are coming. He will glorify me, because He will take from what is mine and declare it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that He will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

EL CUERPO Y LA SANGRE DE CRISTO – CICLO C

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EL CUERPO Y LA SANGRE DE CRISTO – CICLO C

 ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                                        GENESIS 14:18-20                                  PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Y Abram le dió la décima parte de todo lo que llevaba.”)

 

  1. ¿Cuáles eran los dos nombramientos de Melquisedec, qué trajo y a quién bendijo? Génesis 14:18

 

  1. ¿Qué significa “Rey de Salem? Hebreos 7:2

 

  1. ¿Dónde es la morada de Dios, cuál otro nombre recibe este lugar? Salmo 76:3

 

  1. ¿Quién es Abram, que hizo Dios de él? Génesis 17:5

 

  1. ¿Quién más bendijo a Abram? Génesis 14:19

 

  1. ¿Por qué alabamos el nombre del Señor? Salmo 148:5

 

  1. ¿Quién será bendita? Salmo 112:2

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios el Altísimo? Génesis 14:20

 

  1. ¿Qué dió Abram y de dónde lo sacó? Génesis 14:20

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la promesa que Jacob le hizo al Señor y cuanto le regresó fielmente? Génesis 28:20-22

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has sido bendecido por el Señor y que le has dado tú a cambio?

 

TERCER DIA                                                       1 CORINTIOS 11:23-26                              SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Yo recibí esta tradición del Señor que, a mi vez, les he transmitido:”)

 

  1. ¿De quién recibió Pablo lo que te transmite y como lo recibió? 1Corintios 11:23 y también

Gálatas 1:11-12

 

  1. ¿Qué nos fué entregado? 1 Corintios 11:23

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús con el pan en la noche que fue entregado, y para quién dijo El que hacía ésto?    1 Corintios 11:24
  1. ¿De qué es Jesús el mediador? Hebreos 8:6

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que era la copa de vino? 1 Corintios 11:25

 

  1. ¿Qué es la copa de bendición que bendecimos y el pan que partimos? 1 Corintios 10:16-17

 

  1. ¿Por quién fue derramada Su sangre? Lucas 22:20

 

  1. ¿Qué proclamamos cada vez que comemos el pan y bebemos de la copa? 1 Corintios 11:26

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que debemos esperar? 1 Corintios 1:7

 

  1. ¿De qué modo debemos hablarnos unos a otros? 1 Corintios 14:6

 

Personal – ¿Qué recibes cada vez que comulgas y que les das a los demás?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                              LUCAS 9:11-17                                                       EVANGELIO

 

(“Dénles ustedes mismos de comer.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo la multitud cuando Jesús fue a Betsaida y que hizo El cuando los vió? Lucas 9:11

 

  1. ¿Cuando el día estaba por declinar quién se acercó a Jesús? ¿Por que razón le pidieron que los      despidiera?  Lucas 9:12

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a los apóstoles que le dieran a la gente? Lucas 9:13

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que era verdadera comida y verdadera bebida? Juan 6:55

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que era Su alimento? Juan 4:34

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijeron los apóstoles a Jesús que era todo lo que tenían? Lucas 9:13

 

  1. ¿Cuántos hombres había, qué les dijo Jesús a Sus discípulos y qué hizo la gente? Lucas 9:14-15

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús con los 5 panes y los dos peces? Lucas 9:16

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó con la gente cuando les pasaron la comida y cuánto quedó de sobra? Lucas 9:17

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El Señor dá y a quién satisface? Salmo 145:15-16

 

Personal – ¿Te satisface la comida que comes? ¿De qué manera sientes la satisfacción cuando recibes la comunión?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                      LEE EL SALMO 110:1-4

 

(“Haz sentir tu dominio al enemigo.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 110:1-4.

 

¿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                         GENESIS 14:18-20

 

En el pasaje de hoy vemos el poder de los lazos familiares que inspiraron a Abram para rescatar a su sobrino Lot de ser raptado por un poderoso y despiadado rey de una tribu del norte. Cuando Abram supo que habían hecho prisionero a su sobrino inmediatamente trató de salvarlo. A veces nosotros nos tenemos que ver involucrados en situaciones muy dolorosas con tal de ayudar a otros. Debemos tener voluntad de actuar inmediatamente cuando hay alguien que necesita ayuda (Proverbios 24:11).

Melquisedec era un hombre santo cuyo nombre significa “Rey de Justicia” (Hebreos 7:2). El era un sacerdote de “El Dios del más alto cielo”. El reconoció que Dios era el creador del cielo y la tierra. Abram supo quien era y por eso le respetaba. Abram dió a Melquisedec una décima parte de su botín. Vemos que aún en la tierra de los dioses paganos dar el diezmo era una acción acostumbrada y aceptable hacía los “dioses”.  Abram la compartía y aceptaba esa antigua tradición pero rehusó el “botín” ganado en la guerra. El escojió dar su parte por que no quiso que otros pensaran que había ido a la batalla por razones codiciosas.

Abram quería que otros vieran que sus acciones eran muy justas y que su vida estaba centrada alrededor de Su Dios. El quería que la gente dijera, “Mira lo que Su Dios ha hecho por él”. Abram no quería que las atenciones por su “victoria” se centraran en él. Quería que todos supieran que Dios había ganado la victoria para él. Cuando la gente te vea, verá lo que Dios ha logrado hacer en tí y lo que está haciendo hoy mismo.

 

1 CORINTIOS 11:23-26

 

La cena del Señor es una representación visible del evangelio y la muerte de Cristo por nuestros pecados. Se centra en el recuerdo de la muerte de Cristo y la gloriosa esperanza de Su regreso. En la Iglesia Católica creemos en la presencia real de Cristo en la Santa Eucaristía. Este servicio de Adoración se llama “La Misa”, y es una celebración de la Palabra y el Sacramento. Es también un acto de amistad entre todos los Católicos creyentes. Nuestra fé se fortalece a traves de la amistad con Cristo y con todos los otros creyentes.

¿Qué significa La Cena del Señor?  Al principio la iglesia dijo que Jesús nos enseñó acerca de la cena del Señor en la noche de Pascua (Lucas 22:13-20). La Pascua celebraba la libertad de la esclavitud en Egipto y la cena del Señor celebra la libertad del pecado por la muerte de Cristo en la cruz. Todos los Cristianos Católicos creemos que cuando se dicen las palabras “Este es mí cuerpo” y “Toma esta copa y bebe” la presencia real de Cristo está en el pan y el vino y se vuelven el cuerpo y la sangre de Cristo. Cuando recibimos a Cristo en la Eucaristía (lo cual significa acción de gracias) en la Misa Católica, respondemos “Amén” lo que quiere decir, “Yo lo creo, sí, yo soy parte del cuerpo de Cristo”.

Por medio de este nuevo pacto que nos ha dado Cristo podemos acercarnos personalmente a Dios y comunicarnos con El. El pacto antiguo fué hecho en el Monte Sinaí entre Dios y los Israelitas (Exodo 19, 20) y estaba diseñado para señalar el día en que Jesús vendría. El nuevo pacto completa en vez de reemplazar el pacto antiguo. Estamos volviendo a comprometernos nosotros mismos con este nuevo pacto cada vez que proclamamos Su Santa Palabra y tomamos de Su cuerpo y sangre en la misa Católica.

 

LUCAS 9:11-17

 

Jesús trató de retirarse sin hacerse notar entre la muchedumbre e irse al pueblo de Betsaida, pero cuando se dieron cuenta a donde iba le siguieron. El sabía que la gente estaba dolida y tenía muchas necesidades así que en vez de mostrar impaciencia por esta interrupción, los aceptó gustoso y les habló. ¿Cuando la gente te interrumpe de tus quehaceres, tomas la interrupción de tus quehaceres como una molestia o como una razón para tu vida y tu ministerio?

Jesús enseñó principalmente acerca del reino de Dios e hizo hincapié en que el reino estaba aquí y ahora, no en algún lugar y tiempo del futúro. Hay mucha gente que no creé que el reino de Dios es real y está presente en los corazones de aquellos que creen en Jesús. Está tan presente con nosotros hoy en día como lo fué con los de Judea, dos mil años atrás.

Los discípulos mostraron una reacción muy humana típica y lógica cuando se les dijo que dieran de comer a la muchedumbre. Ellos tomarón la responsabilidad de tener que hacer algo imposible. Sentían que lo que tenían para ofrecer era mínimo para que alcanzara. Y estaban en lo correcto y Jesús lo sabía, pero El no estaba dependiendo de lo que había traido la gente. Jesús estaba dando simplemente porque El sabía sus necesidades y quería solucionarlas. Hoy en día El hace lo mismo con todos nosotros.

Cualquier cosa que tengamos, si la traemos a Jesús, El dará gracias, lo bendecirá, lo partirá y lo compartirá con otros. Ese es el propósito de nuestra vida en la tierra. Jesús no tenía que alimentar a esa gente. El podía haber dicho una oración y enviarlos a sus casas. Pero Jesús no ignora las necesidades. El está preocupado con todo lo concerniente a nuestra vida, física, emocional y espiritual. Hoy estamos llamados a continuar con el milagro de alimentar a otros a través de El.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura muestra que la victoria de Abram no fue una batalla ganada sino Dios mismo. La segunda lectura explica que “Amén” significa “Sí, yo creo que soy parte del Cuerpo de Cristo”. Vemos en el Evangelio que la solución de Jesús es la misma hoy que ayer “Aliméntalos”.

Esta semana, deja que la presencia de Dios te sature por completo y toma el riesgo de alimentar a tu familia y amigos con la comida de vida eterna. Sé testigo para que éllos vean lo que Cristo está haciendo con tu vida.

Este es el modo en que alimentas a otros. ¿Rezas todos los días por éllos y los anímas a leer y estudiar Su Santa Palabra?  Luego les enseñas la Palabra en acción; te ocupas de sus necesidades. Empieza alimentando a tu propia familia y luego alimenta a otros. Te sorprenderás cuando descubras que no se te acaba el alimento espiritual.  Deja que el “Amén” tuyo sea oído a traves de tu familia y tu comunidad.

 

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST – CYCLE C

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                       THE BREAD OF LIFE

                     CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

             THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST – CYCLE C    

 BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.

“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.”  (JOHN 14:26)

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

  1. What was a helpful or new thought from the readings or from  the homily you heard on Sunday?

 

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ GENESIS 14:18-20      FIRST READING

         (“Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”)

 

  1. What two things was Melchizedek, what did he bring out,  and who did he bless?    Genesis 14:18

  

  1. What does the name “King of Salem” mean? Hebrews 7:2

  

  1. Where is God’s abode, and what is another name for this  place?   Psalm 76:3

  

  1. Who is Abram, and what did God make him? Genesis 17:5

  

  1. By whom is Abram blessed? Genesis 14:19

  

  1. Why do you praise the name of the Lord? Psalm 148:5

  

  1. Who is blessed by the Lord? Psalm 112:2

  

  1. What did God Most High do? Genesis 14:20

  

  1. What did Abram give, and from what did he give it?      Genesis 14:20

  

  1. What is the vow Jacob made to the Lord, and what did he faithfully return to the Lord?   Genesis 28:20-22

 

Personal – In what way have you been blessed by the Lord, and what have you returned to the Lord?

  

THIRD DAY         READ 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-26    SECOND READING

 

(“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.”)

 

  1. From whom did Paul receive what he handed on to you, and  how did he receive it?  1 Corinthians 11:23, Galatians 1:11-12

  

  1. What was handed on to us? 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

  

  1. What did Jesus do with the bread on the night he was handed over, and who did he say it was for?   1 Corinthians 11:23-24

  

  1. Of what is Jesus mediator? Hebrews 8:6

 

  1. What did Jesus say the cup of wine was? 1 Corinthians 11:25

  

  1. What is the cup of blessing that is blessed and the bread  that we break?  1 Corinthians 10:16-17

  

  1. For whom was his blood shed? Luke 22:20

  

  1. What do we proclaim each time we eat the bread and drink  the cup?   1 Corinthians 11:26

  

  1. For what are we to wait? 1 Corinthians 1:7

  

  1. In what way are we to speak to one another? 1 Corinthians 14:6

  

Personal –  Each time you receive communion, what do you hand on or pass on to others?

 

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 9:11-17                GOSPEL

               (“Give them some food yourselves.”)

 

  1. What did the crowds do when Jesus went to Bethsaida, and  what did Jesus do when he saw them?    Luke 9:11

 

 

  1. As the day was nearing an end, who approached Jesus? For what reason did they ask him to dismiss the crowd? Luke 9:12

  

  1. What did Jesus tell the apostles to give the people?     Luke 9:13

  

  1. What did Jesus say was true food and true drink?      John 6:55

  

  1. What did Jesus say his food was? John 4:34

  

  1. What did the apostles tell Jesus was all they had?      Luke 9:13

  

  1. How many men were there, what did Jesus tell his disciples,  and what did the people do?    Luke 9:14-15

  

  1. What did Jesus do with the five loaves and two fish?      Luke 9:16

 

  1. What happened to the people when they ate, and how much   was left over?  Luke 9:17

  

  1. What does the Lord give, and who does he satisfy?      Psalm 145:15-16

  

Personal – How does the food you eat satisfy you?  In what way are you satisfied when you receive communion?

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 110:1-4

             (“Rule in the midst of your enemies.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 110:1-4.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

                       GENESIS 14:18-20

 

     In today’s passage we see the powerful bond of family ties which inspired Abram to rescue his nephew Lot from being kidnapped by a powerful and ruthless king of a northern tribe. When Abram learned that his nephew was a prisoner, he immediately tried to help him.  Sometime, we must get involved in a very painful situation in order to help others. We should be willing to act right away when others need help (Proverbs 24:11).

 

     Melchizedek was a holy man whose name means “King of Justice” (Heb. 7:2). He was a priest of “the God of Highest Heaven.” He recognized that God was the creator of heaven and earth. Abram knew who he was and was paying respect to him. Abram gave Melchizedek one-tenth of the booty. We see that even in the land of pagan gods, tithing was a customary and acceptable action towards the “gods.” Abram followed and accepted ancient tradition, but he refused the “booty” won from the war. Abram chose to give his share away because he did not want others to think that he went into battle for greedy reasons.

     Abram wanted others to see that his actions were very just and that his life was centered around his God. Abram wanted people to say, “Look what his God has done for him.”  Abram did not want the attention of his “victory” to be centered on him. He wanted everyone to know that God had won him the victory. When people look at you, they need to see what God has accomplished in you, and what he is doing with you right now.

                     1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-26

      The Lord’s supper is a visible representation of the gospel, the death of Christ for our sins. It focuses on the remembrance of Christ’s death and the glorious hope of his return. In the Catholic Church we believe in the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This worship service is called “The Mass,” and it is a celebration of Word and Sacrament. It is also an act of fellowship among all Catholic believers. Our faith is strengthened through fellowship with Christ and with all other believers.

      What does the Lord’s Supper mean?  The early church told that Jesus taught us about the Lord’s supper on the night of the Passover (Luke 22:13-20). The Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, and the Lord’s supper celebrates deliverance from sin by Christ’s death on the cross. All Catholic Christians believe that when the words “This is my body,” and “Take this cup and drink” are spoken, the real presence of Christ appears in the bread and wine to become the body and blood of Christ. When we receive Christ in the Eucharist (which means thanksgiving) at a Catholic Mass, we respond by saying “Amen.” This means, “I believe it, yes, I am part of the body of Christ.”

      Through this new covenant that Christ has given us, we can now personally approach God and communicate with him. The old covenant was made on Mount Sinai between God and the Israelites (Exodus 19,20) and was designed to point to the day when Jesus would come. The new covenant completes, rather than replaces, the old covenant. We are recommitting ourselves to this new covenant every time we proclaim his Holy Word and partake of his body and blood at the Catholic Mass.

                          LUKE 9:11-17

      Jesus had tried to slip quietly away from the huge crowds and head for the town of Bethsaida, but they found out where he was going and followed him. He knew the people were hurting and had many needs, so instead of showing impatience at this interruption, he welcomed them and ministered to them. When people interrupt your schedule, do you see this as a nuisance or as a reason for your life and ministry?

      Jesus taught mainly about the kingdom of God, and he stressed that the kingdom was here and now, not some place and time in the future. There are many people today who do not believe that the kingdom of God is real and present in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus. It is as present with us today, as it was with the Judeans two thousand years ago.

      The disciples displayed a typical, logical, human reaction when told to feed the crowd. They took on the responsibility of having to perform the impossible. They felt that what they had to offer was far too little to get the job done. They were right, and Jesus knew that, but he was not depending on what the people brought. Jesus was giving, simply, because he knew their needs and he wanted to meet them. He does that today with all of us.

      Whatever we have, if we bring it to Jesus, he will give thanks, he will bless it, break it, and share it with others. That is the purpose of our life here on earth. Jesus did not have to feed those people. He could have said a prayer and then sent them away. But Jesus does not ignore needs. He is concerned with every part of our lives, physical, emotional and spiritual. Today we are called to continue the miracle of feeding others through him.

 Application

     The first reading shows Abram’s victory was not the battle, but God himself.  The second reading explains that “Amen” means “Yes, I believe I am part of the body of Christ.”  We see in the Gospel Jesus’ solution is the same today as it was yesterday – “Feed them.”

      This week, let the presence of Christ saturate your total being, and take the risk to feed your family and friends the food of eternal life.  Witness to them about what Christ is doing in your life.

     That is how you feed other people. You pray daily for them, and you encourage them to read and study his Holy Word. Then you show them the Word in action; you minister to their needs.  Begin feeding your own family; then feed others. You will be amazed when you discover you cannot run out of spiritual food. Let the “Amen” in you be heard throughout your family and friends.

 

DOMINGO DE LA SANTISIMA TRINIDAD – 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 PROVERBIOS 8:22-31 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“…mi deleite está con los hijos de los hombres.”)

1. ¿Quién es el primogénito creado en los albores de su reino? ¿Cúal es la más antigua de sus palabras? Proverbios 8:1, 22

2. ¿En dúnde llama y levanta su voz la sabiduría?  Proverbios 1:20

3. ¿Cuándo fue formada la sabiduría? ¿Qué era lo que todavía no existía?  Proverbios 8:23-26

4. ¿Qué fue creada junto con la sabiduría? Eclesiástico 1:4

5. ¿De dónde viene toda la sabiduría?  Eclesiástico 1:1

6. ¿Cuándo cesará la sabiduría?  Eclesiástico 24:9

7. ¿Cómo formó Dios al hombre?  Sabiduría 9:1-2

8. ¿Cuándo estuvo la sabiduría al lado de Dios?  Proverbios 8:27-30

9. ¿Cómo era la sabiduría al lado de Dios y que hacía?  Proverbios 8:30-31

10. ¿En qué encontró la sabiduría su deleite?  Proverbios 8:31

11. ¿Quién es la sabiduría de Dios?  1 Corintios 1:22-24

Personal – ¿De qué manera te deleitas con los que están a tu alrededor mostrando la sabiduría de Dios? ¿Cómo puedes reconocer la sabiduría de Dios y que necesitas hacer para verla jugando en la faz de la tierra?

TERCER DIA ROMANOS 5:1-5 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…el amor de Dios ya fue derramado en nuestros

corazones por el Espíritu Santo que se nos dió.”)

1. ¿Cómo conseguimos estar en paz con Dios gracias a Cristo Jesús?  Romanos 5:1

2. ¿Cómo conseguimos la justificación?   Romanos 4:24-25

3. ¿Cómo se conoce la sabiduría de Dios con sus innumerables recursos? ¿Dónde y como conseguimos el atrevimiento y la confianza para acercanos a Dios?  Efesios 3:10-12

4. ¿A qué tenemos acceso y de lo cual hacemos alarde?  Romanos 5:2

5. ¿De qué otra cosa nos sentimos seguros? ¿Qué conseguimos con ello?  Romanos 5:3

6. ¿Qué hace Cristo cuando estamos afligidos y con ello que podremos hacer nosotros?

2 Corintios 1:3-4

7. ¿Para que necesitamos ser constantes?  Hebreos 10:36

8. ¿Qué resulta de la constancia?  Romanos 5:4

9. ¿Quién no madurará en su carácter nunca?  Eclesiástico 23:15

10. ¿Qué no hace la esperanza? ¿Qué ha sido derramado en nuestros corazones y cómo lo ha hecho?   Romanos 5:5

11. ¿Cuál era la esperanza de Pablo?  Filipenses 1:20

12. ¿Cómo nos salvó Dios y como lo derramó sobre nosotros?  Tito 3:4-6

Personal – ¿De qué modo las aflicciones te han hecho tolerante en tu vida? ¿Qué te mantuvo para continuar? ¿De qué modo se ha hecho evidente la paz de Dios durante tus aflicciones?

CUARTO DIA JUAN 16:12-15 EVANGELIO

(“El los introducirá a la verdad total.”)

1. ¿Cuál fue la razín por la cuál Jesús no les dijo más cosas a Sus discípulos?  Juan 16:12

2. ¿Por qué hablaba Jesús a Sus discípulos en forma de parábolas?  Marcos 4:33

3. ¿Cómo dijo Jesús que nos introduciría a toda la verdad? ¿Qué será lo que dirá y que anunciará?

Juan 16:13

4. ¿A qué te pide Jesús que te consagres? ¿Qué es verdad?  Juan 17:17

5. ¿Quién te enseñará y te recordará todo lo que Jesús hizo?  Juan 14:26

6. ¿Quién atestiguará por Jesús? ¿Qué debemos hacer también nosotros?  Juan 15:26-27

7. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que tú deberías hacer si lo amaras y qué le pediría El al Padre?  Juan 14:15-17

8. ¿Qué hace el Espíritu de la Verdad? ¿Qué te dará o te dirá?  Juan 16:14

9. ¿Qué pertenece a Jesús y qué te está dando?  Juan 16:15

10. ¿Qué le dijo el padre al hijo que estaba con él?  Lucas 15:31

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha guiado el Espíritu de Dios y qué te ha enseñado acerca de Jesús? ¿Cómo aplicarás a tu vida lo que te enseñó? Dá un ejemplo específico.

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 8:4-9

(“Le entregaste las obras de tus manos.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 8:4-9.

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

¿Como puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

PROVERBIOS 8:22-31

El libro de los Proverbios nos dá una demostración por medio de la poesia de una persona, de la sabiduría de Dios. Los creyentes Cristianos siempre han leído este pasaje como una alución profética de Jesucristo, la segunda persona de la Santísima Trinidad. Esta lectura era acerca de la palabra que sería hecha carne en Jesús. Nada es más inmediato que el asombroso espectáculo de la vida, y nada es más real que la maravilla de la creación.

La lectura de hoy nos muestra como percibir la mano de Dios trabajando en el mundo, y como ver la energía de vida que dá el Padre detrás de cada belleza creada. La mística en nosotros “conoce a Dios” en el momento que nos encontramos con un sentido de lo sagrado mientras que estamos viendo una puesta del sol. Dios nos dice que la sabiduría es la base en la que se fundamenta toda la vida. La lectura de hoy muestra a la sabiduría como el atributo especial de Dios. La sabiduría estaba presente en la creación y sigue trabajando hoy en día con el Creador como lo es en la belleza de la puesta del sol. La sabiduría afecta cada aspecto de toda nuestra vida desde el principio hasta el final.

Necesitas asegurarte de que la sabiduría de Dios emana a través de tí y abre todos los rincones de tu vida a la dirección y guía de Dios. La sabiduría será nuestro atributo principal cuando pongamos a Dios en primer lugar en nuestra vida (Mateo 6:33). Revisa tus valores y prioridades. ¿Qué es lo más importante para tí? ¿Dónde esta Dios en tu lista? Manténlo a El primero en todo lo que hagas. El coronará tus esfuerzos con Su sabiduría y Su entendimiento. Verás a los demás con una visión espiritual y no con una visión simplemente humana. Recuerda, la diferencia entre la sabiduría y el sentido común es que el sentido común es la habilidad que Dios le dá a la gente para pensar y escoger. El dá la sabiduría únicamente a aquellos que lo siguen.

ROMANOS 5:1-5

En esta lectura San Pablo establece que el centro de nuestra creencia en la Trinidad está en que venimos al Padre a traves de Jesús en el amor, el cual es el Espíritu Santo. Pablo estaba escribiendo a Cristianos ordinarios como nosotros acerca de la experiencia del amor de Dios inundando el corazón humano. Nada es más tangible que un amor sentido inmensamente o la esperanza de tenerlo. Pablo audazmente conecta esta experiencia con el Espíritu Santo.

Pablo está hablando de una paz que significa estar reconciliado con Dios. Sabiendo que El te ama no por lo que haces sino simplemente por quien eres. Jesús pagó el precio por esta clase especial de relaciones con Su muerte en la cruz. Debido a Jesús entramos en la presencia del Rey de Reyes y entramos en el refugio de la gracia de Dios.

Nuestra relación con Dios ha comenzado con la fe la cual nos revela que somos liberados de nuestro pasado mediante la muerte de Cristo. La esperanza crece cuando vemos todo lo que Dios tiene guardado para nosotros y el amor de Dios satisface todas nuestras necesidades y nos permite acercarnos a otros. En el futúro seremos, por ahora debemos rendirnos. La escritura nos dice que “ningún ojo ha visto, ningún oido a oído, ni el hombre puede comprender lo que Dios tiene en mente para aquellos que creen en El (1 Corintios 2:9).

Podemos poner toda nuestra confianza en Dios pues El tiene el control de nuestro futúro. Veamos a nuestros tiempos de dificultades y entendamos que aunque no entendamos como, creceremos emocional y espiritualmente. Los problemas con los que tropecemos desarrollarán nuestra paciencia la cual en turno fortalecerá nuestro caracter y hará más profunda nuestra confianza en Dios. Agradece a Dios estas oportunidades que te dá de crecer y sobrellévalas con Su fortaleza.

JUAN 16:12-15

Jesús les enseña a los apóstoles sobre la disponibilidad del Espíritu Santo. Les dijo que el Espíritu Santo les enseñaría cual era la naturaleza de su ministerio. Les dijo también que enfrentarían una oposición díficil y que el resultado de esa oposición sería revelada por el Espíritu Santo. Ellos no entendieron nada de esto hasta después de la muerte y resurrección de Jesús. Entonces el Espíritu Santo les reveló las verdades y ellos a su vez formaron los escritos del Nuevo Testamento. Es muy importante que recuerdes que la verdad hacía la cual somos guiados por el Espíritu Santo es la verdad acerca de Cristo. El nombre de sus seguidores trayendo la verdad revelada acerca de Cristo a todos los hombres de generación en generación es “Tradición” Cristiana.

El entendimiento de esta revelación se limita a ser un proceso constante, debido a que Jesús sabía que los discípulos no eran capaces de entender en esos momentos. El supo que Su Espíritu que vendría después iluminaría, fortalecería y santificaría a Sus seguidores. El sabía que necesitarían tiempo para comprender bien su papel de traer la Cristiandad a un mundo que esperaba.

El conoce nuestras limitaciones actuales y también ha dejado con nosotros al Espíritu Santo para que lo recibamos y para que nos fortalezca. La evolución de la fe de los apóstoles y la fe de la iglesia de los principios, demuestra a todo el mundo que el Espíritu Santo está revelando la verdad de Cristo a todos. Todas las verdades son verdades de Dios y la revelación de todas las verdades es el trabajo del Espíritu Santo. Cuando tú dices “Sí Señor” el poder del Espíritu Santo te revela que eres, finalmente, hecho libre, debido a que Jesús es la verdad y a que únicamente a traves de El puedes ser verdaderamente libre (Juan 8:32).

Aplicación

En la primera lectura la Palabra fue hecha carne y El habitó entre nosotros (Juan 1:14). La segunda lectura muestra que el centro de la Santísima Trinidad está en que venimos al Padre a traves de Jesús en el poder del Espíritu Santo. En el evangelio vemos que detrás de todas las verdades está la presencia de Dios.

Esta semana celebremos la Santísima Trinidad abriéndonos al poder que el Espíritu Santo nos ha dado. Hemos visto que el verdadero poder es el poder de la verdad. Esta semana habla a tu familia únicamente en el Espíritu de la verdad. La verdad significa ser humilde, gentil y obediente a la Santa Palabra de Dios. Tus palabras de verdad de acuerdo con tus acciones de servicio a los demás demostrarán a los que te rodean que el amor de Dios y la amistad del Espíritu Santo vive dentro de tí y el nombre de Jesús liberará a otros así como a tí mismo.

THE BREAD OF LIFE: CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY – TRINITY SUNDAY – 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 PROVERBS 8:22-31 FIRST READING

(“…and I found delight in the sons of men.”)

1. What is the firstborn of the Lord’s way, and what is the 

oldest of his words?    Proverbs 8:1, 22

2. Where does wisdom cry aloud and raise her voice?

Proverbs 1:20

3. When was wisdom poured forth, and what was not settled into

place?   Proverbs 8:23-26

4. What came with wisdom?  Sirach 1:4

5. Where does all wisdom come from?  Sirach 1:1

6. When will wisdom not cease?  Sirach 24:9

7. How did God establish man?   Wisdom 9:1-2

8. When was wisdom beside God?   Proverbs 8:27-30

9. How was wisdom beside God, and what was she doing?

Proverbs 8:30-31

10. In what did wisdom find delight?  Proverbs 8:31

11. Who is the wisdom of God?  1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Personal –  In what way can you take delight in those around you and show the wisdom of God?  How can you recognize the wisdom of God, and what do you need to do to see it clearly playing on the surface of the earth?

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 5:1-5 SECOND READING

(“…the love of God has been poured out into our hearts

through the Holy Spirit that has been given us.”)

1. How have we been justified, and what do we have with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ?    Romans 5:1

2. How have we been justified?   Romans 4:24-25

3. How is the manifold wisdom of God made known and where and how do we get boldness and confidence to approach God?  

Ephesians 3:10-12

4. To what have we gained access, and in what do we boast?

Romans 5:2

5. Of what else do we boast, and what does it produce?

Romans 5:3

6. What does Christ do in our afflictions and what does this

enable us to do?   2 Corinthians 1:3-4

7. For what do we need endurance?  Hebrews 10:36

8. What does endurance produce?   Romans 5:4

9. Who will never mature in character?  Sirach 23:15

10. What does hope NOT do, what has been poured out in our

hearts, and how has it been done?    Romans 5:5

11. What was Paul’s hope?  Philippians 1:20

12. How did God save us, and how did he pour it out on us?

Titus 3:4-6

Personal – In what way has affliction produced endurance in your life?  What has kept you going on, and how has the peace of God been evident in you during affliction?

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 16:12-15 GOSPEL

(“He will guide you to all truth.”)

1. What was the reason Jesus did not tell his disciples any  more?  John 16:12

2. How did Jesus speak the parables to his disciples?  

Mark 4:33

3. Whom did Jesus say will guide us to all truth and what will he speak and declare to us?  John 16:13

4. In what does Jesus ask you to be consecrated, and what is

truth?  John 17:17 

5. Who will teach you and remind you of everything Jesus did?

John 14:26

6. Who testifies to Jesus, and what are you also to do?

John 15:26-27

7. What did Jesus say you would do if you love him, and for what would he ask the Father?  John 14:15-17

8. What will the Spirit of truth do, and what will he give

or tell you?  John 16:14

9. What belongs to Jesus, and what is he giving you?  

John 16:15

10. What did the father say to the son who was with him?

Luke 15:31

Personal – How has God’s Spirit guided you and taught you about Jesus and how to apply what he taught you to your life?  Give a specific example.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 8:4-9

(“You have given him rule over the works of your hands.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 8:4-9.

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

PROVERBS 8:22-31

The Book of Proverbs gives us a person’s poetic demonstration of God’s wisdom.  Christian believers have always read this passage as a prophetic allusion to Jesus Christ, the second person of the Blessed Trinity.  This reading was about the word that would be made flesh in Jesus. Nothing is more immediate than the awesome spectacle of life, and nothing is more real than the wonder of creation.

Today’s reading shows us how to discern God’s hand at work in the world, and how to see the Father’s life-giving energy behind every created beauty.  The mystic in us “knows God” as we are struck with a sense of the sacred while gazing at a sunset. God is telling us that wisdom is the foundation on which all life is built.  Today’s reading shows wisdom as being the special attribute of God. Wisdom was present at the creation and works even today with the Creator as in the beauty of the sunset. Wisdom affects every aspect of our entire lives, from beginning to end.

You need to be sure that God’s wisdom flows through you and opens all corners of your life to God’s direction and guidance. Wisdom will be our main attribute when we put God first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). Look at your values and priorities. What is most important to you?  Where is God on that list?  Keep him first in everything you do. He will crown your efforts with his wisdom and his understanding.  You will see others with spiritual vision instead of plain human vision. Remember, the difference between wisdom and common sense is that common sense is the ability God gives to all people to think and make choices; he only gives wisdom  to those who follow him.

ROMANS 5:1-5

In this reading, St. Paul states that the core of our belief in the Trinity, is that we come to the Father through Jesus in the love which is the Holy Spirit.  Paul was writing to ordinary Christians, like us, about the experience of God’s love flooding the human heart. Nothing is more tangible than an intensely felt love or even our longing for it, and Paul boldly connects that experience with the Holy Spirit.

Paul is speaking about a peace that means being reconciled with God, knowing that he loves you not for what you do but simply because of who you are. Jesus paid the price for this special kind of relationship with his death on the cross. Because of Jesus, we have entry into the presence of the King of Kings and entry into the haven of God’s grace.

Our relationship with God has begun in faith which reveals to us that we are delivered from our past by Christ’s death. Hope grows as we learn all that God has in store for us, and God’s love supplies all our needs and enables us to reach out to others. In the future we will become, but now we must overcome. Scripture tells us that “eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor can man even comprehend what God has in mind for those who believe in him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). 

We can put all of our trust in God because he is in control of our future.  We can look at our times of difficulties and know, even if we do not understand how, that we will grow emotionally as well as spiritually. Problems we run into will develop our patience, which in turn will strengthen our character and deepen our trust in God.  Thank God for these opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength.

JOHN 16:12-15

Jesus teaches the apostles about the availability of the Holy Spirit. He told them that the Holy Spirit would teach them about the nature of their ministry. He also told them that they would face very difficult opposition and that the outcome of their opposition would be revealed by the Holy Spirit. They did not understand any of this until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit then revealed truths to them, and they in turn formed the writing of the New Testament. It is very important for you to remember that the truth into which the Holy Spirit guides you is the truth about Christ. The name for his followers bringing the revealed truth about Christ to all men through generation after generation is Christian “Tradition.”

Understanding of this revelation is bound to be an ongoing process, because Jesus knew that the disciples were not capable of understanding at that point in time. He knew that his Spirit that followed him would enlighten, empower, and sanctify his followers. He knew that they would need time to fully understand their role in bringing Christianity to the waiting world.

He knows of our limitations today, and he has left the same Holy Spirit for us to receive and to empower us. The development of the apostles’ faith and the faith of the early church demonstrate to the whole world that the Holy Spirit is revealing the truth of Christ to all peoples. All truth is God’s truth, and the revelation of all truth is the work of the Holy Spirit. When you say “Yes, Lord,” the power of the Holy Spirit reveals to you that you are at last really set free; Jesus is the truth, and only through him can you really be free (John 8:32).

Application 

In the first reading the Word was made flesh and he dwelt in their midst (John 1:14).  The second reading shows the core of the Holy Trinity as we come to the Father through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. We see in the Gospel that behind all truth is the presence of God.

This week, let us celebrate the Blessed Trinity by being open to the power that the Holy Spirit has given us. We have seen that the real power is the power of truth. This week, speak to your family only in the Spirit of truth. Truth means being humble, gentle and obedient to God’s Holy Word.  Your words of truth, matched by your actions of service, will show those around you that the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit are alive within you and the name of Jesus will set you, as well as others, free.

PENTECOST

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

John 20:19-23 – On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

THE BREAD OF LIFE: CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY – PENTECOST – 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 2:1-11 FIRST READING

            (“All were filled with the Holy Spirit”)

1. What day had come and where were the disciples gathered? Acts 2:1

2. What day was Pentecost celebrated after the Passover, 

what are other names for it?  Leviticus 23:15-16,

Deuteronomy 9:10, Exodus 23:16 and Numbers 28:26.

3. What suddenly happened from up in the sky, and where was it heard?  Acts 2:2

4. Read the following scripture, and tell what the Spirit gives to a person?  Ezekiel 37:9, 14

5. What appeared, and what did it do?  Acts 2:3

6. What was Jesus’ promise just before he ascended to heaven? Acts 1:5, 8

7. With what were all filled, and how did they express

themselves?  Acts 2:4

8. What did the Spirit prompt them to do?  Acts 2:4, Acts 4:31

9. Who was staying in Jerusalem at the time, and what did they hear?  Acts 2:5-6

10. About what were they confused?  Acts 2:6

11. What was their reaction?  What did they ask, and about what were they so amazed?  Acts 2:7-11

Personal – How can your family or friends identify the Spirit of God’s presence in you?  What comes forth from your mouth, and what do you need to do so people will be astonished by your words?

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7, 12-13 SECOND READING

 (“No one can say “Jesus is Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit.”)

1. What is Paul telling the brothers that you cannot do in the Spirit of God, and what can be said only in the Holy Spirit? 1 Corinthians 12:3

2. What is there different, but with the same Spirit? 

1 Corinthians 12:4

3. There are different ministries and works but the same God who accomplishes what?  1 Corinthians 12:5-6

4. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for what reason?  1 Corinthians 12:7

5. In what gifts should you try to be rich?  

1 Corinthians 14:12.

6. Fill in the following blanks:  The body is____ and has ______members, but all the members________ though they are, are___________ body; and so it is with Christ.  

1 Corinthians 12:12

7. In the one Spirit, who were baptized into the one body? 1 Corinthians 12:13

8. What have all of us been given to drink?  

1 Corinthians 12:13

9. Into whom have we been baptized?  Galatians 3:27

10. When were you chosen and sealed with the Holy Spirit?

Ephesians 1:13

Personal – From the above scriptures, how can you identify the manifestation of the Spirit in your life, and in those you come in contact with?   Reread 1 Corinthians 12:3, and take note of what comes forth from your mouth this week.

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 20:19-23 GOSPEL

                  (“Receive the Holy Spirit.”)

1. Why did the disciples lock the doors of the place where they were?   John 20:19

2. Who came and stood before them, and what did he say to them? John 20:19

3. When he had said this, what did he show them?  John 20:20

4. What did the disciples do at the sight of the Lord?  

John 20:20

Personal – In what way has our Lord appeared to you when you have been gathered with others praying, and what has been your response?

5. What did Jesus say again and what is his gift to you?

John 20:21, John 14:27

6. Whom has the Father sent, and who sends you?  John 20:21

7. What did Jesus do to the disciples, and what did they

receive?  John 20:22

8. How did the Lord God form man, and how did he give him life? Genesis 2:7

9. If you forgive men’s sin, what happens to them, and if you hold them bound, what happens?  John 20:23

10. What did Jesus say on the cross to the Father, and whom should we imitate?  Luke 23:34, 1 John 2:1, 6

Personal – How do others see, spiritually and physically, the breath of his life in you?  How do others see you living out your sign of baptism through repentance, which means change?  How do others see you as you practice forgiveness of others, and ask others to forgive you?  How often do you feel the need for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and why?

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34

     (“When you send forth your spirit, they are created.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34.

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 2:1-11

In today’s readings we celebrate the Feast of “Pentecost,” which means fifty (50). This was a feast that was celebrated about fifty days after Passover and was a feast of thanksgiving for the harvest. The first fruits of the crop were offered to God that day.  All Jewish men were expected to come to the temple for the feast.  The city was usually filled to overflowing, and it was fitting that this day was chosen as the day the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles.

Today is, in reality, the birthday of the church, and the Christian religion was to be a church for the whole world.  The old law was given by God to Moses for the Jews only.  The new law, given by Christ and confirmed by the power of the Holy Spirit, was for all peoples.  That means you, and that means today, right where you are.  The very fact that you are reading this Bible Study is proof that the power of the Holy Spirit is drawing you near to him.

Let today be the day that you fall upon your knees and invite Jesus Christ to come into your heart and become the Lord of your life.  Take a few moments and confess to the Lord all that is twisted with you, and then ask him to let his Holy Spirit fill you with the power and peace that surpasses all understanding.  The celebration of Pentecost is for you as well as it was for the Jews in today’s passage.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit flow through you, and you will enjoy that same gift that the Apostles had, the gift of speaking in tongues.

The signs and wonders of that incredible day brought huge crowds of Jews in huge crowds to the place where the Apostles were staying.  This was the day chosen for the Apostles to go forward and make disciples of all nations.  We are called also to go forward and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).  Let us remember, the Jews celebrated the feast of the harvest on Pentecost.  Jesus’ Holy Spirit breathed life on the universal church on the Feast of Pentecost, or the Feast of Harvest.

We are called today to harvest the crop of souls for the Lord.  The Lord needs some good laborers to work in the vineyard.  Are you ready to join the workers?   

                   1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7, 12-13

     In this passage, we see that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were given for the good of the whole community to help build up the body of Christ.  We should not refuse to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit nor claim them as our own.  Paul clearly warns against listening to false teachers and shows us how to check out their credentials. We are to find out what they teach about Christ.

We see people today who mock Jesus Christ, not only with their words, but in the way they live.  We see people using their gifts to split communities apart, and then trying to tell us that they are only doing God’s will.  Anyone can claim to speak for God, and we need only to look at some of the leaders in some countries, and we see a lot of false messiahs running around.  God has given us many different gifts, but we must remember they all come from the same Spirit, and they are to be used to help the community or church.  They will know we are Christians by the way we love and help one another.

Paul compares the body of Christ to a human body.  Every part is an individual, and has a specific job to do.  In their differences, all of the parts must work together for the good of the whole body.  Jesus Christ is the head, and the rest of us make up the body of Christ.  It is very important that we are not too proud of our abilities, and we must not compare ourselves with one another.  We are called to use our different gifts together, to spread the “Good News” to a world that is filled with “bad news.”  The church, which is the people who believe that “Jesus is Lord,” must be united in its belief in Christ. It must not let its leaders or members use any gifts to cause divisions or strife.

Faith in Christ is the core of Christian unity.  We are one body, with one spirit that is united in Christ with the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit.  When we were baptized into the Christian Faith, the Holy Spirit took up residence in us and we became the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).  You, by your baptism, have been born into God’s family, and our common goal is faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

                          JOHN 20:19-23

     Today’s Gospel passage reveals to us the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit being given publicly to the disciples of Jesus by Jesus himself.  This is a tremendous feast day in the church.  We look back, and we see that Advent was a time to prepare for the Incarnation of God (God becoming man).  Christmas was the happening of this great Incarnation act.  We then moved into Lent and began to prepare ourselves for the sufferings endured by Christ on our behalf during his holy week.  We celebrated victory in Jesus’ triumph over death which guaranteed our union with him in heaven.  

Today, we celebrate in Pentecost the Holy Spirit coming to abide within his church.  This means abiding in you, in me, and all believers of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit gives the power to preserve, teach, explain, and spread the gospel of “Good News,” which is a message of hope and love for everyone in the world.

The Holy Spirit that came upon the disciples and all of the people in the upper room is the same Spirit that wants to abide in us.  We can let him come into our heart, right now, by getting down on our knees and confessing our sins to the Lord. Invite him to come and take up residence in your heart, his temple, and let him take control of your life.  His power will flow through you, and your life will never be the same again.  His peace will be your peace, it will be a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The power from the Holy Spirit helps all of us live a life of holiness and wholeness.  We need to always remember that God’s plan for each one of us is to live a life that is abundant and full (John 10:10).  The Holy Spirit gives us the power in the name of Jesus to bind Satan and his cohorts, and in his Name, to loosen the Spirit of Life which is the Lord Jesus himself… to heal, to restore and, to forgive.  We can release others from the bondage of sin by our compassion and forgiveness.  

We are more than conquerors; we are children of the Living God, we are called to set the captives free and give sight to the blind.  We do that by forgiving them, and loving them through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Pentecost – the harvest is now, the Kingdom of God is at hand, come and be fishers of men.  I pray that the Holy Spirit today will fill you with his love and power, and fill all of us with gratitude for all that God has done for us.

Application

The first reading tells us that we celebrate the birthday of the church when we celebrate “Pentecost.”  The second reading reveals that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be used to uplift the community.  The Gospel reveals to us that the Holy Spirit gives us power in the name of Jesus.  This power is a healing power.

Let us take a long look at our gifts, and then share them with others this week.  You might visit someone who is sick, or visit someone in jail.  You might write a letter to someone who is lonely, or cook someone a special meal.  Do something beautiful for God this week, and keep on giving your gift away.  God will never let you be without a gift – try it, you’ll like it.