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DUODECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (June 23rd) – CICLO B

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EL PAN DE VIDA ESTUDIO DE BIBLIA CATOLICO

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele 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 homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                      LEE JOB 38:1, 8-11                                   PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Entonces el Señor respondió a Job en medio de la tempestad,…”)

 

  1. ¿Quién se dirijió a Job y en donde estaba El cuando le habló? Job 38:1

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando en nuestra angustia clamamos al Señor qué hace éste a la tempestad que nos rodea? Salmo 107:28-29

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando Moisés extendió su mano sobre el mar que hizo el Señor? Exodo 14:21

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando el mar brotó fuera del seno materno, qué hizo el Señor? Job 38:8 y Génesis 1:9-10

 

 

  1. Qué fijó el Señor para el mar y por qué razón? Proverbios 8:29

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando el Señor fijó los limites para el mar, que pasó con el orgullo de las olas? Job 38:9-11

 

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que no tiene límites? Salmo 147:5

 

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa a las aguas cuando El dá la orden? ¿Qué hay que no tiene límites? Eclesiástico 39:17-18

 

 

  1. ¿Qué calma en los pueblos el Señor? Salmo 65:8

 

 

  1. ¿A quién ve el Señor y a quién distingue desde lejos? Salmo 138:6

 

 

Personal – ¿Qué puedes hacer para permitir que sea Dios quien tenga el control en tu vida, cómo lo hizo Job?

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                    LEE 2 CORINTIOS 5:14-17                      SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“El que está en Cristo es una creatura nueva.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué nos impulsa y a qué convicción llegamos? 2 Corintios 5:14

 

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó con nuestro “yo” viejo? ¿De qué es liberada la persona muerta? Romanos 6:6-7

 

 

  1. ¿Y ahora Quien vive en mi? Galatas 2:20

 

 

  1. ¿Por quién murió Jesús y por qué razon? 2 Corintios 5:15

 

 

  1. ¿Ya sea que vivamos o muramos, a quién le pertenecemos? ¿Por qué razón murió y vivió Cristo? Romanos 14:8-9

 

 

  1. ¿De qué manera ya no debemos ver a Cristo? 2 Cor 5:16

 

 

  1. ¿Aunque somos humanos, con que ya no batallamos? 2 Corintios 10:3-4

 

 

  1. ¿Qué es el que está en Cristo, que ha pasado y que ha llegado? 2 Corintios 5:17

 

 

  1. ¿Si somos obra de las manos de Dios, en quién hemos sido creados y por qué razón? Efesios 2:10

 

 

  1. ¿Cómo fuimos sepultados con Cristo y como hemos de vivir? Romanos 6:4

 

 

Personal – ¿Qué significa para ti ser una nueva creación? ¿Todavia te aferras a algo de la vieja creacion? ¿Serás capaz de dejar ir lo viejo? ¿Como lo harás?

 

 

 

CUARTO DIA                 LEE MARCOS 4:35-41                  EVANGELIO

 

(“¿Todavía no tienen fé?”)

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús al atardecer, cómo se fueron y quiénes mas iban con ellos? Marcos 4:35-36

 

 

  1. ¿Por qué les dijo Jesús a Sus discípulos que tuvieran una barca lista para El, adonde iba a ir? Marcos 3:9 y Marcos 5:1

 

 

  1. ¿Qué se presentó y qué se rompia contra la barca? Marcos 4:37

 

 

  1. ¿Dónde estaba Jesús, qué estaba haciendo, qué hicieron y qué le dijeron Sus discípulos? Marcos 4:38

 

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Jesús acerca de los que oyen Su voz y lo siguen? Juan 10:28

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando Jesús despertó, qué le hizo al viento? ¿Qué le dijo al mar y cuál fue el resultado? Marcos 4:39

 

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos preguntas que Jesús les hizo a Sus discípulos? Marcos 4:40

 

 

  1. ¿Qué le hizo y qué le dijo Jesús a Pedro? Mateo 14:31

 

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús con los Once y por qué razón? Marcos 16:14

 

 

  1. ¿Qué sentían los que estaban en la barca y qué se decian unos a otros?   Marcos 4:41

 

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que Jesús manda y ellos le obedecen? Marcos 1:27

 

 

Personal – ¿Qué clase de tormenta te rodea? ¿A quién llamas para que te ayude y como lo llamas? ¿Cuál ha sido la respuesta de Jesús en el pasado cuando lo has llamado en tiempos de tormenta en tu vida?

 

 

 

QUINTO DIA                      LEE SALMO 107:23-26, 28-31

 

(“Dió la orden y sopló un viento huracanado que levantaba las olas.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 107:23-26, 28-31.

 

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

 

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

 

SEXTO DIA                     LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

JOB 38:1, 8-11

 

La lectura de hoy es un ejemplo importante de nuestro Dios como un Dios del órden. Dios se valió de la falta de conocimientos que Job tenia, acerca de como fue hecha la tierra para que funcionara en un orden natural, para revelarle que poquito sabia Job del orden moral de Dios. Si Job no entendia como trabajaba la creacion física de Dios, cómo podria entender la mente y el carácter de El?

 

Se nos dice en la Escritura que nos estemos quietos y que entendamos que El es Dios (Salmo 46:11). El es nuestro Dios, nuestro refugio, nuestra fuerza, nuestra fortaleza (Salmo 91) y es El nuestro modelo fundamental. Dios es el único que es el juez. No hay un modelo o criterio mayor que Dios mismo. Vemos gente en nuestra sociedad que se ríe y rechaza la autoridad de Dios y para algunos parece que ellos tienen el control absoluto de sus vidas y destinos. La Escritura nos dice que a Dios no le gusta que las cosas estén en desorden y desquiciadas (1 Corintios 14:33). Nuestro Dios es un Dios amoroso y justo y El no se volteará ni parpadeará mientras alguien esté perturbando Su orden moral. La Escritura nos dice que Dios dijo “La venganza es mia,” (Deuteronomio 32:35) y nos dice que Dios castigará a los malvados por todos sus pecados.

 

Estamos llamados asi como Job, a dejar a Dios tener el control de nuestras vidas. Esto no significa que nos volvamos robots. Al contrario, esto nos dá un enorme nivel de libertad. Sabremos con certeza que Dios nunca nos dejará. Nunca caminaremos por los valles de las sombras de la muerte sin su compañia. La sabiduria de Dios sera nuestra fuerza. Dios nunca nos abandonará. Nada podrá separarnos del amor de Dios, ni la enfermedad, ni la persecución, ni las pruebas, ni el divorcio ni siquiera la muerte. Nuestro Dios tiene el control de todo el universo y El nos ha escogido para ser sus hijos muy especiales. El es un Dios de órden y quiere que nosotros vivamos en armonia unos con otros y que nos amemos unos a otros asi como El nos ha amado (Juan 13:34).

 

 

2 CORINTIOS 5:14-17

 

Pablo escribe con audacia en contra de las filosofias de la vida basadas únicamente en ideas y experiencias humanas. Nos dice que los Cristianos somos personas nuevas por adentro. El Espíritu Santo da nueva vida y ya no somos los mismos. Cuando aceptamos a Cristo como Señor de nuestras vidas, la vida comienza de nuevo con un inicio de frescura. No es que seamos rehabilitados, reformados o reeducados, somos una creación nueva, viviendo en una vital union con Cristo (Colosenses 2:6, 7).

 

Es muy importante recordar que cuando aceptamos a Cristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador, le estamos dando permiso de residir en nosotros. Le hemos dicho que queremos habitar en El y que El habite en nosotros (Juan 15:7). No estamos nada mas dandole vuelta a una nueva hoja, estamos empezando una nueva vida bajo un nuevo patrón. Esto quiere decir que debemos obedecer Su mandato diariamente.

 

Podrás vivir por Cristo comprometiendo tu vida y sometiendo tu voluntad a la Suya. (Romanos 12:1,2). Podrás continuar buscando y aprendiendo de El, de Su vida y de Sus enseñanzas (Col. 3:16). Podrás reconocer el poder del Espíritu Santo dentro de ti (Hechos 1:8).

 

Pablo usa el ejemplo de ser enraizados o conectados con Cristo. Como las plantas obtienen su alimento de la tierra, asi nosotros sacamos nuestra fuerza, alimento y la vida misma de Cristo. Lo mas que habitemos (residimos) en Cristo, lo menos que seremos engañados por aquellos que falsamente aclaman tener las respuestas de la vida. Pablo realmente nos muestra que ser una creación nueva significa que a la vista de Dios, nuestros motivos son puros y nuestras manos estan limpias. Aun cuando continuen sospechando de nosotros aquellos que nos conocieron antes de haber comprometido nuestra vida a Cristo.

 

Recordemos siempre que el mensaje del hombre siempre es escuchado de acuerdo al contexto de su carácter. Pablo dice a la gente que su conducta ha sido el resultado de querer únicamente servir a Dios. Nuestra conducta no debe ser menos que la de Pablo. Mucha gente pensaba que Pablo era un lunático y lo rechazaban, le pegaban y lo encarcelaban por su conducta. A Pablo no le importaba que la gente pensara que era un tonto, pues el era un tonto por Cristo. Piensa el mundo que tu eres un tonto por Cristo debido a tu conducta?

 

 

MARCOS 4:35-41

 

El Mar de Galilea era notable por sus tormentas debido a que está a 680 pies bajo el nivel del mar y rodeado de colinas. Algunos de los discípulos eran pescadores con mucha experiencia que habian pasado sus vidas pescando en ese lago, pero en esa tormenta les dió pánico y creyeron que los iba a destruir. Jesús estaba durmiendo en la parte trasera de la barca, ahi donde se sentaban a los visitantes distinguidos, en un pequeño asiento sobre un tapete. Parecia como que si El no se daba cuenta y no se preocupaba de la tormenta.

 

Hacemos injusticia a este relato si lo tomamos únicamente en un sentido literal. Esta fue una tormenta física, pero las tormentas se dan tambien en otras formas. Cuando los discípulos se dieron cuenta que la presencia de Jesús estaba con ellos, la tormenta se calmó. O sea, una vez que supieron que El estaba ahi, la paz entró a sus corazones.

 

Piensa por un momento en las tormentas que ha habido en tu vida y en las situaciones que te causan mucha ansiedad. Nosotros tambien podemos sentir lo que los discípulos sintieron en la barca. El viaje con Jesús fue un viaje en paz aun dentro de la tormenta. Permitanme decirlo otra vez: Con la presencia de Jesus podemos tener paz aun en las mas fieras tormentas de la vida. Cualquiera que sea nuestra dificultad, tenemos dos opciones. Podemos estar afligidos y pensar que Jesús no se preocupa ya de nosotros o podemos resistir el miedo poniendo nuestra confianza en El. Cuando sintamos pánico, confesemos nuestra necesidad de Dios y recordemos que El nos dará paz en la tormenta de afliccion. El cambia la obscuridad de la muerte en el brillo del pensamiento de la vida eterna. El nos dará paz en la tempestad de la duda, de las tensiones y de la incertidumbre.

 

Preguntale cual es Su voluntad y ponte sumiso a élla y el camino hacia la paz aparecerá en ese momento. El nos da la paz en la tormenta de la ansiedad. El mayor enemigo de la paz es la aflicción y Jesús nos trae Su paz o sea el amor incondicional de Dios. Invita a Jesus a calmar las tormentas de tu vida y El te dejara maravillado asi como dejó maravillados a los discípulos en la barca en el Mar de Galilea.

 

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos dice que nuestro Dios es un Dios de orden. La segunda nos muestra que no somos rehabilitados, somos creaciones nuevas. El Evangelio nos revela que Jesús puede calmar cualquier tormenta en nuestras vidas.

Esta semana pídele al Señor que te revele lo que quiere que tu hagas. Sé preciso. Pídele que te guie en tu papel de hijo, esposo, padre de familia o líder. Ve a tu alrededor en tu familia, escuela o trabajo y fíjate si eres una parte de la tormenta en sus vidas. Sometete a ser guiado por Jesús y El aliviará la tormenta de tu vida.

Lectio Divina – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 23rd)

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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

Mark 4:35-41 – On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to His disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as He was. And other boats were with Him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then He asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

Lectio Divina – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 16th)

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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

Mark 4:26-34 – Jesus said to the crowds: “This is how it is with the kingdom of God; it is as if a man were to scatter seed on the land and would sleep and rise night and day and through it all the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how. Of its own accord the land yields fruit, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the grain is ripe, he wields the sickle at once, for the harvest has come.”

He said, “To what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable can we use for it? It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” With many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private.

 

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (July 7th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

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 EZEKIEL 2:2-5              FIRST READING

 

(“As he spoke to me, spirit entered into me and set me on my feet.”)

 

  1. Whom did the Spirit enter, and what did the Spirit do to him?  Ezekiel 1:3 and Ezekiel 2:2

 

 

  1. How did the one who was speaking address him, where did he send him, and what did he say about the Israelites? Ezekiel 2:3

 

 

  1. Against whom had the Israelites sinned, and what did they not do?   Jeremiah 3:25

 

 

  1. Against what did the whole house of Israel rebel? Ezekiel 5:6

 

 

  1. What do those who resist authority oppose, and upon whom will they bring judgment?   Romans 13:2

 

 

Personal  –  In what way do you see any signs of rebellion in yourself toward God or those in authority over you?  What do you need to do to change it?

 

 

 

  1. Where did the one who was speaking send the son of man, and what did he say about the people?   Ezekiel 2:3-4

 

 

  1. What was Ezekiel to say to the Israelites, and what will they know whether they heed or resist?   Ezekiel 2:4-5

 

 

  1. What gives no excuse for their sin? John 15:22

 

 

  1. What two things is Ezekiel not to fear? Ezekiel 2:6

 

 

  1. Why are we not to fear the rebellious when we speak God’s word to them? Deuteronomy 31:6

 

 

Personal  –  How do you respond to someone who resists your warning when you have prayed and followed God’s lead in speaking to them?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY       READ 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10             SECOND READING

 

(“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”)

 

  1. What was given to Paul, what did Paul call it, and why did he say it was given to him?  2 Corinthians 12:7

 

 

  1. What does God do to the proud? James 4:6

 

 

  1. How many times did Paul beg God to take this thorn in the flesh from him?   2 Corinthians 12:8

 

 

  1. What did Jesus pray three consecutive times to the Father? Matthew 26:39, 44

 

 

  1. What did the Lord say was sufficient for Paul, and what is made perfect in weakness?   2 Corinthians 12:9

 

 

  1. Who comes to our aid in our weakness? Romans 8:26

 

 

  1. What does Paul boast of most gladly, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in him?   2 Corinthians 12:9

 

 

  1. For what do we have the strength, and who gives it to us? Philippians 4:13

 

 

  1. With what is Paul content for the sake of Christ, and when he is weak, then what is he? 2 Corinthians 12:10

 

 

  1. What are we to bear for the Gospel, and from where do we get our strength?  2 Timothy 1:8

 

 

Personal  –  What is in your life that keeps you from becoming proud?  In what way have you been thankful for it?

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY                READ MARK 6:1-6                GOSPEL

 

(“…He began to teach in the Synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished.”)

 

  1. To where did Jesus return, and who was with him? Mark 6:1, Matthew 2:23

 

 

  1. When the Sabbath came, what did Jesus do, and what was the reaction of many who heard him?   Mark 6:2

 

 

  1. How did Jesus teach? Mark 1:21-22

 

 

  1. What were the questions the people were asking about Jesus, and what was their attitude toward him?  Mark 6:2-3

 

 

  1. By whom did Jesus say we will be taught? How will we be drawn to him, and about what were the Jews murmuring? John 6:41-45

 

 

  1. Where did Jesus say a prophet is without honor, among whom, and where? Mark 6:4

 

  1. What was Jesus not able to do in his own native place apart from curing a few sick people? Mark 6:5

 

 

  1. How were some healed by Jesus? Mark 6:5

 

 

Personal   How has Jesus healed you by his touch, and how have others been healed by his touch through you?

 

 

 

  1. At what was Jesus amazed? Mark 6:6

 

 

  1. Where is the righteousness of God revealed, and who is the one who will live?   Romans 1:16-17

 

 

  1. How did many come to believe in Jesus? John 4:41

 

 

Personal – How has your faith grown since you have been studying God’s Word?

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY                 READ PSALM 123:1-4

 

 

(“To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven?”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 123:1-4.

 

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

 

EZEKIEL 2:2-5

 

What a contrast we have in this passage. We have the immor­tal God address the mortal man by calling him “son of man,” emphasizing the distance between them.  It is incredible that God even chooses to work His divine will on earth through imperfect beings.  We are made from dust; yet God chooses to place within each one of us His life and breath.

 

Ezekiel was enormously blessed to have been able to ex­perience this vision. He knew that because it came from God it did not matter whether he did not under­stand the full meaning of the vision. God saw in Ezekiel a hunger and thirst to know more about Him. Ezekiel had an open and obedient attitude, and he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. God gave Ezekiel the power for the job ahead.

 

God does not expect us to understand everything about Him, but he does expect us to be willing, obedient, and faithful servants to what we know is true and right. Today we measure success by consumer demand. Ezekiel’s measure of success did not depend on whether the people listened to him or not. The measure of success would be how well he obeyed God’s will and fulfilled God’s purpose for him.

 

We must always remember that God’s truth is not dependent on human response. God will not judge us on how well others respond to our faith, but on how faithful we ourselves have been. What God accomplished through us is very important, but the bottom line is what God accomplished in us.  God was being very straight and direct when He called the people hard-hearted and stiff-necked. He called them that because they refused to admit their sin of rebellion.  Is God today pointing at sin in your life?  Do not be stubborn, confess your sin, and begin to live for God. You will be ready to stand before God tomorrow if you obey Him today.

 

 

2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10

 

The source of Paul’s thorn in the flesh has never been revealed. We do know that it was a very chronic and debilitating type of physical problem which at many times kept him from work­ing. This thorn was a hindrance to his ministry, and he prayed for its removal, but God refused. Paul’s illness kept him humble and reminded him of his constant need to keep in touch with God. Those around Paul benefitted as they saw God work in his life.

 

Are people helped by being in your presence? Do people see God alive and active in your life?

 

God did not remove Paul’s physical affliction, but He demonstra­ted His power very clearly in Paul’s weakness. The marvelous fact is that God is power, and He will always show up in people who are weak and who call out to Him.  This divine power should give tremendous courage and hope for all of us who may be physical­ly and emotionally handicapped.  We need to realize our limitations and turn to God to seek His pathways for effective­ness.  Paul’s great strength was that he knew that he was nothing, nor could he do anything without Christ (John 15:5). Today, more than ever, we must not be seduced by modern technology, but rely on God for our effectiveness rather than on simple energy, effort, or talent.

 

We must never forget that our weakness can help us develop our Christian character. In admitting our weakness, we affirm God’s strength and even deepen our sense of worship.  We are tempted to do God’s work on our own when we are strong in talent, time, or health. This always leads to pride, and then the long slide down.  When we are weak, and when we allow God to fill us with His power, then we become stronger than we ever could be on our own. Our strength lies in realizing that He is the source of all gifts (Philippians 4:19).

 

 

MARK 6:1-6

 

Jesus was teaching and healing around the country, but the people of His hometown saw him only as a carpenter. They looked at Jesus and asked, “What are His credentials? Where did He go to school?  He is no better than we are; He is just a common labor­er.”  The towns people were insulted that others could be im­pressed by Him and even follow Him. They completely rejected His authority because He was one of their peers. These people missed His message because they thought that they knew all that was needed to know about Him. Prejudice and spiritual blindness kept them from the truth.

 

Today there are many people who still reject His message because it is too simple, too common, and too demanding. Today we have many people who refuse the message because they have too much power, wealth, education, or fame to be committed to such a servant like Jesus.

 

The Jews were looking for a mighty, powerful, educated warrior-type Messiah. They were not about to listen to some itinerant preacher talk about loving your enemy, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and the imprisoned.  They rose up in outrage and demanded to see His credentials, and then they tried to get Him out of their part of the country.

 

Jesus has shown us in this Gospel message that if people do not give you any attention or respect for the work you do in God’s name, that does not make your work any less important. Jesus shows each one of us that we do not need to be respected or honored to be useful to God. If your friends, neighbors, or family do not respect your Christian lifestyle and ministry, do not let their rejection keep you from serving God. Today Jesus is seeking those who would respond to His miracles and message.  What will be your response?

 

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us that obedience is the core of holiness.  The second reading reveals that in our weakness is his strength.  The Gospel shows us that being honored does not make what we do important.

 

This week show your love by being a servant for someone who is physically or emotionally weak. Let their weakness become strength in Christ through you.  You can do this by visiting someone who is shut-in or imprisoned. You can read the weekly scriptures to a blind person. You can fix a meal for an elderly person in your home, family, or church. You can take someone who is lonely or depressed to a movie.  You can telephone someone and pray with them. You can be God’s ambassador, and let His strength shine through you.

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (June 30th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

 

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 WISDOM 1:13-15; 2:23-24              FIRST READING

 

 

(“…the image of his own nature he made him.”)

 

 

  1. What did God not make, and in what does he not rejoice? Wisdom 1:13

 

 

 

  1. How did Jesus destroy the one who has the power of death? Hebrews 2:14

 

 

 

  1. When sin reaches maturity, to what does it give birth? James 1:15

 

 

 

  1. In what does God not delay? What is he with us, and for what reason?  2 Peter 3:9

 

 

 

  1. Why did God fashion all things, what are the creatures of the world, and what is there not among them?   Wisdom 1:14

 

 

 

  1. What is undying? Wisdom 1:15

 

 

 

  1. To what does the path of justice lead, and to what does the abominable way lead?   Proverbs 12:28

 

 

 

  1. What did God form man to be, and in whose image did he form him?  Wisdom 2:23 and also Genesis 1:27

 

 

 

  1. How did death enter the world, and who experienced it? Wisdom 2:24

 

 

 

  1. How did sin enter the world? What came through sin, and who has sinned? Romans 5:12

 

 

 

  1. What do envy and anger do? Sirach 30:24

 

 

 

Personal   In what way in your everyday life are you a reflec­tion of the image of God?   Give specific examples.  Whose image dominates your day?   Reflect on this.

 

 

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15           SECOND READING

 

 

(“…by his poverty you might become rich.”)

 

 

  1. What do you do in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in love? 2 Corinthians 8:7

 

 

 

  1. How were you enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge? 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus Christ become for our sake, although he was rich, and for what reason?   2 Corinthians 8:9

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus, though he was in the form of God, not regard himself as? Philippians 2:6-8

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus come to do? Matthew 20:28

 

 

 

Personal –  In what way do you see yourself as poor?

 

 

 

 

  1. What is Paul’s desire for the brothers? 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

 

 

 

  1. Of what was the community of believers, and what was there not among them? Acts 4:32-34

 

 

 

  1. What is a reason for working? Ephesians 4:28

 

 

 

  1. What is it that is written? 2 Corinthians 8:15

 

 

 

  1. What occurred when the Israelites gathered the manna? Exodus 16:16-18

 

 

 

Personal  –  How have you been sharing what you have with the needy?  Do you see the community of believers (those in your parish) being cared for equally, and if not, what can you do to change it?

 

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 5:21-43                 GOSPEL

 

 

(“Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured.”)

 

 

  1. As a large crowd gathered around Jesus, who came forward? What did he do upon seeing Jesus? Mark 5:21-23

 

 

 

  1. What did he say would happen to his daughter if Jesus laid hands on her, and when Jesus went off with him, who followed them?  Mark 5:23-24

 

 

 

  1. What happened to the woman afflicted, how did she suffer, and was she helped by the doctors?   Mark 5:25-26

 

 

 

  1. After doing what three things do you give the doctor his place?    Sirach 38:9-12

 

 

 

  1. When the woman with the hemorrhage heard about Jesus, what did she do and what did she say?   Mark 5:27-28

 

 

 

  1. What immediately happened to the woman when she touched Jesus?  What did Jesus ask when he was aware that power had gone out of him?  Mark 5:29-30

 

 

 

  1. How did the woman approach Jesus, and what did he say saved her?  Mark 5:31-34

 

 

 

Personal  –  How has your faith saved you?

 

 

 

 

  1. What happened while Jesus was still speaking? Disregarding the message, what did Jesus tell the synagogue official? Mark 5:35-36

 

 

 

  1. Whom did Jesus allow to accompany him inside, how were the people acting, and what did Jesus say to them?  Mark 5:37-39

 

 

 

  1. How did the people react to Jesus; and, putting them out, whom did he take in with him?   Mark 5:40

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do and say to the child, and what was the girl’s response?  About what did Jesus give strict orders, and what did he tell them to do for the girl?  Mark 5:41-43

 

 

 

Personal – How do you see touching as having a healing effect on those around you?

 

 

 

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

 

 

(“You changed my mourning into dancing.”)

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY              READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

 

WISDOM 1:13-15, 2:23-24

 

This passage clearly reveals to us that death and sickness are not of God’s making.  They are, in fact, just the opposite of what God is.  Suffering, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, raises some very hard questions.  Why does God allow so much suffering to take place in the world?  This is a question that seems to be asked all through the ages.

 

God allows suffering to exist because He has given all mankind the freedom to accept or reject Him and His teach­ings. He created each one of us in His image, and as we are told in Genesis, everything that God made was good. We can say this in another way: God does not make junk, but through one man, sin entered into the world, and the wages of sin are death (Rom. 6:23). Sin gave birth to death and suffering. We need only look around and we can see how much death and destruction are put upon the people of the world through pollution, toxic chemicals, drug abuse, alcoholism, abortion, and the incredible plague of war. Man has, in many cases, made God’s image a reflection of man’s image. Those who are in possession of this false destructive image induced by Satan experience all of death and destruction. This death and destruction also touches many innocent people, and it will be stopped only when people turn to the healing power of God. Nations have to stop plundering and des­troying each other.

 

We are being called to the only real peace, and that is the peace of Christ. Jesus Christ died so that all men might have eternal life (John 3:16).  His death won for us freedom from Satan (death) even while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Our God is a loving and just God. All who suffer and repent are forgiven and all who suffer and are innocent, He glorifies in heaven, and they are with Him forever.

 

 

2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15

 

Today’s reading is a classic example of an old saying that goes like this: “It is not enough to talk the talk, you must also walk the walk.” We give others a clear message of what we really believe by the way we live our lives.  Today’s reading is not just an appeal to be a giver, it is a call to be a joyful giver. Giving is the natural response of love, and Paul was not ordering the Christians to give. He told them that actions speak much louder than words.

 

When you love someone, you want to provide for his needs. If we refuse to help, our love may not be as genuine as we say. Jesus gave up His rights as God to become man. Incarnation means God voluntarily became man. Jesus gave up His life for all, and He let Himself take on the form of a mere slave. He was obedient even up to His death on the cross.

 

The Corinthian church had money and Paul challenged them to give of their time, talent, and money for the needy and the poor. Paul shares with us several principles of giving. Your willingness to give is more important than the amount you give. He states that if you give to others in need then you too will be helped in your need. You are called to give as your response to Christ, not for what you may get out of it.  Giving or tithing expresses a fundamental trust in God’s provision for our lives (Phil 4:19).

 

Jesus chose to give us eternal life, and His giving continues as He gives us grace and power. Jesus tells us in scripture that whatever we do to the least of his brethren, we do unto Him (Matt. 25:31-45). Christians are called to share alms with the poor and those in need  (Luke 11:41).

 

 

MARK 5:21-43

 

In today’s Gospel there are all the elements of tragedy and hope. The passage begins with Jesus being confronted by a ruler of the local synagogue named Jarius. Many synagogue rulers had close ties with the Pharisees.  It was very likely that calling on Jesus’ help was not supported very much by Jarius’ peers. To bow before Jesus in front of all those Jewish people was a daring act of respect and worship on Jarius’ part. When his daughter fell ill, something happened to him, and he thought of Jesus. His prejudices were forgotten.  He must have regarded Jesus as an outsider, as one to whom the synagogue doors were closed. His dignity was forgotten. He, the ruler of the synagogue, came and threw himself at the feet of Jesus. His pride was forgotten. This was a man who forgot everything except that he wanted the help of Jesus.

 

We see a woman with an incurable condition desperately reach out and touching Jesus. Her disorder caused her to bleed constantly which would have made her ritually unclean (Lev. 15:25-27). She knew her bleeding would cause Jesus to be unclean, according to Jewish law, if she touched Him. Still she reached out by faith and was healed.

 

Many times we feel our problems keep us from being close to God, but He is always present and ready to help us. We should never let our fear keep us from reaching out to Him. Jesus said her faith caused the cure. Jarius’ faith caused him to seek out Jesus for his daughter. His faith caused his daughter’s cure. Genuine faith involves action. Faith that is not put into action is no faith at all.

 

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us that God does not make junk.  The second reading shows us that our actions speak louder than words.  The Gospel reveals God’s presence in all situa­tions.

 

This week, by your actions, show what it is that you really believe.  Look for specific ways to be humble to your family, like the ruler in the synagogue.  Make a decision to put your family members’ interests before your own. Share the Good News of the Gospel with each member of your family. Love one another as He loves you.

TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (June 23rd) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

 

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 JOB 38:1, 8-11                     FIRST READING

 

 

(“Then the Lord addressed Job out of the storm,…”)

 

 

  1. Who addressed Job, and where was he when he addressed him? Job 38:1

 

 

 

  1. When we cry in distress to the Lord, what will he do to the storm around us? Psalm 107:28-29.

 

 

 

  1. When Moses stretched his hand over the sea, what did the Lord do? Exodus 14:21.

 

 

 

  1. When the sea burst forth from the womb, what did the Lord do? Job 38:8, Genesis 1:9-10.

 

 

 

  1. What does the Lord set for the sea, and for what reason? Proverbs 8:29

 

 

 

  1. When God set limits for the sea, what happened to the proud waves? Job 38:9-11

 

 

 

  1. To what is there no limit? Psalm 147:5

 

 

 

  1. What happens to the waters at his command, and to what is there no limit? Sirach 39:17-18.

 

 

 

  1. What does the Lord still in the people? Psalm 65:8

 

 

 

  1. Whom does the Lord see and know from afar? Psalm 138:6

 

 

 

Personal – How can you yield, like Job did, and let God be the one in control of your life?

 

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                    READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17                   SECOND READING

 

 

(“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation.”)

 

 

  1. What impels us, and to what conviction do we come? 2 Corinthians 5:14

 

 

 

  1. What happened to our old self, and from what is a dead person absolved? Romans 6:6-7

 

 

 

  1. By what do we now live? Galatians 2:20

 

 

 

  1. For whom did Jesus die, and for what reason? 2 Corinthians 5:15

 

 

 

  1. Whether we live or die, to whom do we belong? For what reason did Christ die and come to life? Romans 14:8-9.

 

 

 

  1. How do we no longer know Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:16

 

 

 

  1. Although we are in the flesh, with what do we not battle? 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

 

 

 

  1. What is meant by, whoever is reconciled in Christ; what has passed away, and what has come? 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

 

  1. For if we are God’s handiwork, in whom have we been created, and for what reason? Ephesians 2:10

 

 

 

  1. How were we buried with Christ, and how might we live? Romans 6:4

 

 

Personal –  What does being a new creation mean to you? Are you still trying to hang onto something in the old creation? How are you able to let go of the old?

 

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY               READ MARK 4:35-41                GOSPEL

 

 

(“Why are you lacking in faith?”)

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say as evening drew on, how did they go, and were others with them? Mark 4:35-36

 

 

 

  1. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to have a boat ready for Him, and where was He going? Mark 3:9, Mark 5:1

 

 

 

  1. What came up, and what was breaking over the boat? Mark 4:37

 

 

 

  1. Where was Jesus, what was He doing, and what did His disciples do and say to Him?  Mark 4:38

 

 

 

  1. What does Jesus say about those who hear His voice and follow Him? John 10:28

 

 

 

  1. When Jesus woke up, what did He do to the wind? What did He say to the sea, and what was the result? Mark 4:39

 

 

 

  1. What two questions did Jesus ask His disciples? Mark 4:40

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do and say to Peter? Matthew 14:31

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do to the eleven, and for what reason? Mark 16:14

 

 

 

  1. With what were those in the boat filled, and what did they say to one another? Mark 4:41

 

 

 

  1. What does Jesus command and they obey Him? Mark 1:27

 

 

 

Personal –  What kind of storm is going on around you?  Who are you calling on to help you and how are you calling him?  What has Jesus’ response been to you in the past when you called out to him in a stormy time in your life?

 

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY                    READ PSALM 107:23-26, 28-31

 

 

(“His command raised up a storm wind which tossed its waves on high.”)

 

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 107:23-26, 28-31.

 

 

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

 

 

JOB 38:1, 8-11

 

Today’s reading is a powerful example of our God being a God of order. God used Job’s lack of knowledge about how the earth was made to function in a natural order to reveal to Him how little Job knew of God’s moral order. If Job did not understand the workings of God’s physical creation, how could he understand God’s mind and character?

 

We are told in Scripture to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:11). He is our God, our refuge, our strength, our fortress (Psalm 91), and He is our ultimate standard.  God is the only one who is to be the judge. There is no standard or criteri­on higher than God.  We see people in our society laugh and reject God’s authority, and for some, it seems like they are in complete control of their lives and destiny.  Scripture tells us that God is not one who likes things to be disorderly and upset (1 Cor. 14:33). Our God is a loving God, and a just God, and he will not turn His head or blink His eye while someone is disturbing His moral order. Scripture tells us that God says, “Vengeance is mine,” (Deut. 32:35) and it tells us that God will punish the evildoers in full for all their sins.

 

We are called, just like Job, to let God be the one in control of our lives. This does not mean that we become a robot. Rather, it gives us a tremendous level of freedom. We will know with certainty that God will never leave us. We will never walk alone anymore through the valley of the shadow of death.  God’s wisdom will become our strength. We will never be abandoned by God. Noth­ing can separate us from God’s love, not sickness, persecu­tion, trials, divorce, or even death itself.  Our God is in control of the whole universe, and He has chosen us to be His very special children.  He is a God of order, and He wants us to live in harmony with each other and to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).

 

 

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17

 

Paul boldly writes against any philosophy of life based only on human ideas and experiences. He tells us that Christians are brand new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same anymore.  When we accept Christ as Lord of our life, life begins again with a fresh, new start. We are not reformed, rehabilitated or reeducated; we are a new creation, living in vital union with Christ (Col. 2:6,7).

 

It is very important to remember that when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are giving Him permission to take up residence in us.  We have told Him that we want to abide in Him and He to abide in us (John 15:7).  We are not merely turning over a new leaf, we are beginning a new life under a new Master. This means we must follow His leadership on a daily basis.

 

You can live for Christ by committing your life and submitting your will to Him (Romans 12:1,2). You can continue to seek to learn from Him, His life and His teachings (Col. 3:16). You can recognize the Holy Spirit’s power within you (Acts 1:8).

 

Paul used the illustration of our being rooted or connected to Christ. As plants get their nourishment from the soil, so we draw our strength, nourishment, and life itself from Christ. The more we abide (reside) in Christ, the less we will be fooled by those who make false claims to life’s answers. Paul really shows us that being a new creation means that in the sight of God, our motives are pure and our hands are clean. But suspicion will still be cast on us by people who knew us before we committed our lives to Christ.

 

We must always remember that a man’s message will always be heard in the context of his character. Paul tells the people that his conduct has been the result of wanting only to serve God. Our conduct should not have anything less than the motive of Paul. Many people thought Paul was a lunatic and they rejected him, beat him and jailed him for his conduct. Paul was not bothered that people thought he was a fool because he was a fool for Christ. Today, does the world think of you as a fool for Christ because of your conduct?

 

 

 

MARK 4:35-41

 

The Sea of Galilee was notorious for its storms because it is 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills. Some of the disciples were veteran fishermen who had spent their lives fishing on this lake, but in this storm they panicked and the storm threatened to destroy them all.  Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat where distinguished visitors would have been seated on a small seat placed on a carpet.  He seemed to be completely unaware and unconcerned with the storm.

 

We do this story a great injustice if we merely take it in a literalistic sense.  This was a physical storm, but storms come in other forms too.  When the disciples realized the presence of Jesus was with them, the storm became calm.  Once they knew he was there, fearless peace entered their hearts.

 

Think for a moment about the storms in your life and the situations that cause you great anxiety.  We can experience what Jesus’ disciples experienced in that boat. That voyage with Jesus was a voyage in peace even in a storm.  Let me repeat that again for you: In the presence of Jesus, we can have peace even in the wildest storms of life. Whatever our difficulties, we have two options, we can worry and think that Jesus is no longer con­cerned about us, or we can resist fear by putting our trust in Him. When we feel like panicking, we need to confess our need for God, and then remember that he will give us peace in the storm of sorrow.  He changes the darkness of death into the sunshine of the thought of eternal life. He will give us peace in the tempest of doubt, tension, and uncertainty.

 

Ask His will, submit to it and the way to peace comes at such a time. He gives us peace in the storm of anxiety.  The chief enemy of peace is worry, and Jesus brings us His peace which is the unconditional love of God. Invite Jesus to calm the storms in your life and He will fill you with awe just as He filled the disciples with awe in that boat on the Sea of Galilee.

 

 

Application

 

The first reading tells us that our God is a God of order.  The second reading shows that we are not rehabilitated;  we are new creations.  The Gospel reveals that Jesus can calm any storm in our lives.

 

This week, ask the Lord to reveal to you what He wants you to do.  Be specific.  Ask His guidance about your role as a child, spouse, parent, or leader.  Look at the people in your family, school, or work and see whether you are part of a storm in their lives.  Submit to Jesus’ guidance, and He will heal the storm in your life.

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (June 16th) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

 

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 EZEKIEL 17:22-24                     FIRST READING

 

(“As I, the Lord, have spoken, so will I do.”

 

 

  1. Who is speaking, and what will he plant on a high and lofty mountain?   Ezekiel 17:22

 

 

 

  1. What shall the survivors of the house of Judah do? 2 Kings 19:30

 

 

 

  1. What did Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesy in days to come? Isaiah 2:2 and Jeremiah 23:5-6

 

 

 

  1. Where will God plant a majestic cedar, what will it put forth and bear, and what shall dwell beneath it? Ezekiel 17:23

 

 

 

  1. What will happen to Israel in days to come, and with what will they cover the world? Isaiah 27:6

 

 

 

  1. Who shall flourish like a palm tree and grow like a cedar of Lebanon? Psalm 92:13

 

 

 

  1. What will all the trees of the field know? Ezekiel 17:24

 

 

 

  1. What two things will be brought low, and who will be exalted? Isaiah 2:12-17

 

 

 

  1. What are we to hate? Proverbs 8:13

 

 

 

  1. What comes with pride, and what comes with the humble? Proverbs 11:2

 

 

 

Personal – How has the Lord brought you low, and how has He lifted you up? In what way has He made you bloom?

 

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                   READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-10                    SECOND READING

 

 

(“We walk by faith, not by sight.”)

 

 

  1. Who is writing this letter, and to whom is he speaking? 2 Corinthians 1:1

 

 

 

  1. What are we to be always, and when are we away from the Lord?   2 Corinthians 5:6

 

 

 

  1. By what do we walk? 2 Corinthians 5:7

 

 

 

  1. What is faith? Hebrews 11:1

 

 

 

Personal – What are you convinced of concerning Jesus Christ even though you have not seen?

 

 

 

 

  1. Why would we rather leave the body?2 Cor. 5:1 and 5:8. See also Romans 8:23

 

 

 

  1. What are life and death? Philippians 1:21

 

 

 

  1. What do we aspire to do whether we are at home or away? 2 Corinthians 5:9

 

 

 

  1. How are we to serve Christ and in this way be pleasing to God and approved by others? Romans 14:17-18

 

 

 

  1. Where must we all appear, and for what reason? 2 Corinthians 5:10

 

 

 

  1. What must you not do, and for what reason? Romans    14:10

 

 

 

Personal – For what reasons are you looking forward to appearing before the judgment seat of God?

 

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY                READ MARK 4:26-34                  GOSPEL

 

 

(“This is how it is with the kingdom of God.”)

 

 

  1. What would a man scatter on the ground? Mark 4:26

 

 

 

  1. What would a man not know as he would sleep and rise? Mark 4:27

 

 

 

  1. Of its own accord, what does the land yield, and what does man do when the grain is ripe? Mark 4:28-29

 

 

 

  1. What happens to those who die in the Lord, and who harvested the earth? Revelation 14:13-16

 

 

 

  1. What happens at the resurrection of the dead, what is sown, and what is raised? 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say about the kingdom of God, and what is the mustard seed when it is sown in the ground? Mark 4:30-31

 

 

 

  1. What is the tongue considered? James 3:5-6

 

 

 

  1. What happens when the mustard seed springs up? What does it put forth, and who dwells in its shade?   Mark 4:32

 

 

 

  1. How does our faith grow? Romans 10:17

 

 

 

Personal – How has your faith grown, and what have you found to hinder your growth in faith?

 

 

 

 

  1. How did Jesus speak the parables? Mark 4:33

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do in private with his disciples? Mark 4:34

 

 

 

Personal – In your private prayer time with the Lord, how does Jesus speak to you through His Holy Spirit dwelling within you?

 

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY                 READ PSALM 92:2-3, 13-16

 

(“The just man shall flourish like the palm tree.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 92:2-3, 13-16.

 

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

 

 

EZEKIEL 17:22-24

 

This reading is a message of hope for the people of today, as it was in the time of Ezekiel.  It shows us what happened to a nation that put its hope in a foreign alliance.  The people relied on their ability to make treaties with neighbors instead of relying on the power of God. Only God could offer them a sign of real and trusting hope. God said He would plant a tender twig, called the Messiah, whose kingdom would grow and become a shelter for all who come to Him (Isaiah 11:1).

 

We have seen this prophecy fulfilled in the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We experience false hope when we depend on foreign alliances, like pride, power, wealth and status. The Lord was the one who took a small twig and made it into a mighty fruit-bearing tree. Our gifts and talents come not from ourselves, but from God. We need only look around in our communities to see mighty trees that have fallen, and much damage has resulted in their crashing fall.

 

The Lord will bring the proud and haughty crashing to the ground, and He also will exalt the lowly and the meek. There is a tendency in our societies to identify meekness with weakness. The proud depend on themselves and others like themselves and end up in disgrace and complete humiliation. The meek never forget that they are a twig made by God and their growth into a giant, fruit-bearing tree is the result of God’s tremendous gift of grace. The meek, because of their humility and obedience to the Lord, become the strongest in the kingdom of God.  Scripture tells us that the proud end in failure, but the meek become wise (Proverbs 11:2).

 

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:6-10

 

Death is so frightening for many people because it is mysterious, unknown and final.  Yet we see in today’s reading that Paul was not afraid to die because he was confident of spending eternity with Christ.  This does not deny that facing the unknown and leaving loved ones do not bring some form of anxiety.  Leaving those whom we love hurts deeply, but if we believe in Jesus Christ, we can share Paul’s hope and confidence of eternal life with Christ.

 

Scripture tells us that if we believe in Christ, we shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).  For those who believe in Jesus Christ, death is not the last word.  Death is only a prelude to eternal life with God. When Christians leave the land of the dying, they enter into the land of the living. In fact, the only person who was ever born to die was Jesus Christ. His death won for us a victory over death.  Because of Him, you and I can face tomorrow without fear.  Upon our physical death, our lives will continue in spirit and at the end of time in a new glorified body forever in the presence of our loving God.  It is this confident hope that inspires us to faithful service.

 

It is true that eternal life is a free gift, given through God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8,9). It is also true that our lives will still be judged by Christ. The gift of faith does not free us from obedience.  We must never use God’s gift as an excuse for laziness, because all Christians must give an account for how they had lived (Matthew 16:27). We must never forget that faith is the response to the living presence and power of God in our lives.  We can, like Paul, look forward to that “Day of the Lord” without any fear, because fear has to do with punishment (1 John 4:18). And we have a God of love, who died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8) simply because He loved us so much.

 

 

MARK 4:26-34

 

Today’s Gospel reveals that spiritual growth is a continual, gradual process that reaches its fullness in spiritual maturity. Spiritual growth is very much like the slow, steady growth of a plant.  It is harvested when it reaches its time of fullness. Jesus’ example of the tiny mustard seed really identifies with the church. Our Catholic Church started out very small. It was not very long before it had grown into a worldwide Christian com­munity of believers.

 

The tiny mustard seed is also like you and me, in that when we feel alone in our stand for Christ, we realize that God is building a worldwide kingdom through us. God has many faithful followers in every part of the world, and our faith, no matter how small, can join with others to accomplish great things.  Today our faith continues to grow through hearing His Word, and we need to proclaim His Word to all we meet, whether in our homes, workplaces or schools (Matt. 28:19).

 

Jesus spoke in parables to challenge the sincere seekers to discover the true meaning of his words.  He spoke out against hypocrisy and impure motives which were characteristic of the various members of the crowd listening to Jesus. We need to realize that only as we put God’s teachings into practice will we understand and see more of the truth. The truth is clear, but our ability to understand it is imperfect.  As we obey, we will sharpen our vision and increase our understanding (James 1:22-25).  Today, as in the days of this Gospel, those who truly listen to Jesus and obey his holy Word know what he is talking about.

 

 

 

Application

 

The first reading reveals that putting our hope in man rather than in God is a false hope.  The second reading shows us that belief is an action that calls for a response. We live the way we really believe.  The Gospel tells us that hypocrisy is defeated by truth.

 

This week, make a list of what areas in your life are a hypocrisy, and then confess that one area to a Christian brother or sister, so that he or she may pray that you will be healed (James 5:16). Pick out someone from your family, job, or school and be specific.  Remember, the prayer of a righteous man avail­eth much (James 5:16). The truth of Christ will really set you free from hypocrisy (John 8:32). In one week you will experience a tremen­dous healing.  Write to us and share how God has answered your prayer.

Lectio Divina – 10th Sunday of Ordinary Time (June 9th)

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10th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle B

 

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 – Gospel Mk 3:20-35

 

Jesus came home with his disciples. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat.
When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and “By the prince of demons he drives out demons.”

Summoning them, he began to speak to them in parables, “How can Satan drive out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand; that is the end of him. But no one can enter a strong man’s house to plunder his property unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can plunder the house. Amen, I say to you, all sins and all blasphemies that people utter will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never have forgiveness,
but is guilty of an everlasting sin.” For they had said, “He has an unclean spirit.”

His mother and his brothers arrived. Standing outside they sent word to him and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.”
But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”

 

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

DECIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (June 9th) – CICLO B

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EL PAN DE VIDA ESTUDIO DE BIBLIA CATOLICO

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

 

Ora y pidele 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 homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA          LEE GENESIS 3:9-15         PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“El te aplastará la cabeza mientras tu te abalanzas sobre su talón.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién llamó al hombre y que le preguntó? Génesis 3:9

 

 

  1. ¿A quién vino a llamar Jesús? Marcos 2:17

 

 

  1. ¿Por qué se escondia el hombre? Génesis 3:10

 

 

  1. ¿Con que esperamos ser vestidos? 2 Corintios 5:1-3

 

 

  1. ¿Qué le preguntó Dios al hombre? Génesis 3:11

 

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el hombre acerca de la mujer y qué hizo? Génesis 3:12

 

 

  1. ¿Qué le preguntó el Señor a la mujer y quién dijo ella que la habia engañado? Génesis 3:13

 

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el temor que tenia Pablo acerca de la serpiente que podia corromper a la gente de Corintio? 2 Corintios 11:3

 

 

Personal – ¿A quién culpas cuando pierdes la paz de Dios que hay dentro de ti? ¿Quién es el responsable?

 

 

  1. Qué le dijo el Señor a la serpiente? ¿Qué dijo que pondria entre la serpiente y la mujer y qué seria lo que aplastaría?  Génesis 3:14-15

 

 

  1. ¿A qué debemos estar siempre atentos? ¿Quién aplastará a Satanás bajo nuestros pies? Romanos 16:19-20

 

 

  1. ¿Contra quién es nuestra lucha? ¿Qué debemos ponernos en la cabeza para cubrirla? Efesios 6:12-17

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo puedes proteger tu mente y tus pensamientos del Maligno? ¿A quién ven tus familiares y amigos controlando tu mente por aquello que sale de tu boca?

 

 

TERCER DIA                    LEE 2 CORINTIOS 4:13 – 5:1                      SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“Creí y por eso hablé.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién habla y a quienes les habla? 2 Corintios 1:1

 

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el mismo don espiritual que tenemos y por que creemos, qué hacemos? 2 Corintios 4:13

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando hablamos qué sabemos? 2 Corintios 4:14

 

 

  1. ¿Cómo llega la fé? Romanos 10:17

 

 

  1. ¿Qué se le ha otorgado a mas y mas gente? 2 Corintios 4:15

 

 

  1. ¿Dónde aumentó el pecado, que abundó? ¿Cómo reina la gracia? Romanos 5:20-21

 

 

  1. ¿Por qué no nos desanimamos? ¿Qué sucede a nuestro exterior y qué a nuestro yo interior? 2 Corintios 4:16

 

 

  1. ¿Para qué nos prepara esa ligera y momentánea aflicción? ¿En qué nos fijamos y por qué razon? 2 Corintios 4:17-18

 

 

  1. ¿Si nuestra morada terrenal es destruida que tenemos que Dios nos dá? 2 Corintios 5:1

 

 

  1. ¿Mientras que Pedro estaba en esa “tienda de campaña,” que halló que era necesario hacer y por qué? 2 Pedro 1:12-15

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo sientes el deseo ardiente de hablar a otros sobre Jesus? ¿Qué ha hecho El por ti? Si no tienes este deseo, para en este momento y pidele a Dios que te lo dé.

 

 

CUARTO DIA                   LEE MARCOS 3:20-35                  EVANGELIO

 

  1. ¿Por qué era casi imposible comer para Jesús y Sus apóstoles? Marcos 3:20

 

 

  1. ¿Qué dijeron Sus parientes al ver que Jesús no podia comer? ¿Qué decian los escribas acerca de los demonios?  Marcos 3:21-22

 

 

  1. ¿Cómo hablaba Jesús a la muchedumbre y cuál fue su pregunta? Marcos 3:23

 

 

  1. ¿Si Satanás, un reino o una casa están divididos en bandos que les pasará? Marcos 3:24-26

 

 

  1. ¿Qué deben hacerle a un hombre fuerte para poder robarle su propiedad? Marcos 3:27

 

 

  1. ¿Como echa Jesús fuera los demonios? Mateo 12:28

 

 

  1. ¿Qué pecados serán perdonados a la gente, cuáles no lo seran y de que son culpables? Marcos 3:28-30

 

 

  1. ¿Cuando la madre de Jesús y Sus hermanos llegaron, qué hicieron? ¿Qué dijo la multitud que estaba sentada a Su alrededor?   Marcos 3:31-32

 

 

  1. Jesús contestó con una pregunta. ¿Cuál fue ésta y qué dijo a los que estaban sentados a Su alrededor? Marcos 3:33-34

 

 

  1. ¿Quién es Su hermano, Su hermana y Su madre? Marcos 3:35

 

 

11. ¿Cómo discernimos la voluntad de Dios? Romanos 12:2

 

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos dejar atras, en qué debemos renovarnos y qué debemos ponernos? Efesios 4:20-24

 

 

Personal – ¿Cómo disciernes cual es la voluntad de Dios en tu vida? ¿Eres obediente y vives de acuerdo a Su voluntad?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                 LEE SALMO 130:1-8

 

(“Mas el perdón se encuentra junto a ti, por eso te veneran.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 130:1-8.

 

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                     LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

GENESIS 3:9-15

 

En ese momento de pequeña rebelión algo grande, hermoso y libre fue roto…la creación perfecta de Dios. El hombre se separó de Dios por su deseo de actuar de acuerdo a su propia voluntad. El efecto en una ventana de vidrio es el mismo ya sea una piedrecita o una roca la que se estrelle ahi. Los miles de fragmentos nunca podran ser puestos juntos otra vez.

 

La lectura de hoy nos muestra la realidad de como se esparce el pecado. No solo pecó Eva, sino que arrastró a Adán a el mismo error. Cuando hacemos algo incorrecto es frecuente que nuestra primera reacción de aliviar la culpa sea involucrar a alguien mas. El pecado es como un veneno que se echa en un rio y rapidamente se hace imposible recogerlo. Reconozcamos y confesemos nuestro pecado antes de que nos llegue la tentación de arrastrar en el polvo a aquellos que estan a nuestro alrededor.

 

Despues de pecar, Adán y Eva sintieron culpa y vergüenza de su desnudez. Su sentimiento de culpa los hizo huir y tratar de esconderse de Dios. Culpa o conciencia culpable puede ser una señal de aviso que Dios pone adentro de nosotros y que sale cuando hacemos algo incorrecto. El mundo quiere que eliminemos los sentimientos de culpa sin eliminar la causa y eso será lo peor para nosotros. Seria como tomar una pastilla para el dolor pero sin atacar a la enfermedad. Adan y Eva no hicieron caso del aviso de Dios y los resultados fueron desastrozos.

 

Hoy dia, mucha gente falla en escuchar y falla en obedecer a Dios porque no parece lógico o por que no es algo popular. Cuando las cosas van mal, mucha gente trata de disculpar sus pecados culpando a otros o a las circunstancias de sus fallas personales. Pero Dios sabe la verdad y El nos va a pedir cuentas a cada uno por nuestras acciones. Asi que mejor admite tus pecados y no trates de culpar a otros. La desobediencia es un pecado y rompe nuestra amistad con Dios. Dios nos perdona y nos restaura cuando nos confesamos y nos arrepentimos.

 

 

2 CORINTIOS 4:13 – 5:1

 

El increíble mensaje de salvación en Jesucristo ha sido entregado por Dios a los seres humanos frágiles y completamente ordinarios. Pablo no vive en este “contenedor” perecedero sino en su contenido que no tiene precio. La fuerza de Dios que habita dentro de nosotros. Como Cristianos quizá estamos al final del hilo, pero nunca al final de la esperanza. Nuestros cuerpos perecederos estan sujetos al pecado y quizás a grandes sufrimientos, pero Dios nunca nos abandona. Debido a la victoria de Cristo sobre la muerte, aquellos que creemos en El tendremos vida eterna. Es por eso que todos los peligros, humillaciones y pruebas que pasamos en Su nombre son realmente oportunidades para demostrar la fuerza de Cristo y Su presencia en nosotros.

 

Pablo supo todo lo que era dolor y sufrimiento. Lo encaró en pruebas y tribulaciones cuando predicaba la “Buena Nueva” o sea el mensaje de paz. Debemos estar atentos a que cuando encaramos grandes problemas en nuestras vidas, es fácil centrar nuestra atencion en el dolor en vez de en nuestra meta final.

 

Estemos seguros de que como dice la palabra del mismo Jesús, no importa lo que nos pase en esta vida, tendremos la seguridad de la vida eterna donde termina todo el sufrimiento. Pablo nos anima aqui para que desarrollemos nuestra fuerza interna. Podemos hacerlo dandonos cuenta de que nuestros sufrimientos, problemas y limitaciones humanas tienen varios beneficios. Pueden ayudarnos a recordar que Cristo sufrió y murió por nosotros. Pueden evitar que seamos orgullosos y que pensemos que no necesitamos a nadie. También ésta puede ser una gran oportunidad que Dios toma para demostrarnos Su gran fuerza y para hablarnos de distintas maneras.

 

No guardemos resentimiento de nuestras aflicciones o problemas, veamoslas como oportunidades (Romanos 8:28). Pablo dice que cuando muramos tendremos un cuerpo nuevo y maravilloso. Los Griegos no creian en la resurrección del cuerpo. Solo veian el alma como ser inmortal, pero las Escrituras nos enseñan que el cuerpo y el alma son finalmente inseparables (1 Cor. 15:46-58).

 

 

MARCOS 3:20-35

 

Jesús muestra en el evangelio de hoy las condiciones de un verdadero parentesco. Nos enseña que la familia no es solo un asunto de cuerpo y sangre. La necesidad mas básica de todo ser humano es la de querer pertenecer a alguien. El deseo de ser amado y necesitado está en cada uno de los seres humanos de este planeta. Vemos que los miembros de la familia de Jesús trataban de llevarselo a casa y quitarlo de aquel lugar donde estaban los encolerizados Fariseos y escribas. Oimos entonces la explicación de Jesús acerca de quienes son los miembros de Su familia. La iglesia nos enseña que Jesús fue el único hijo de Maria y que los “hermanos” eran posiblemente sus primos (en esos tiempos eran comun llamar hermanos a los primos). La familia de Jesús no entendió Su ministerio, especialmente cuando Jesús dijo a la multitud que quienquiera que haga la voluntad de Dios es Su hermano, hermana y aun mas Su madre.

 

Jesús nos comunica que nuestra familia espiritual tiene unas relaciones que son finalmente mas importantes y duraderas que aquellas formadas por las familias físicas. La familia de Dios está abierta a cualquiera que crea en Su Hijo Jesucristo. Aun cuando Jesús se preocupaba de Su madre y de los otros miembros de la familia, tambien se preocupaba de aquellos que lo amaban. Jesús no mostraba parcialidad. El permite a todos el privilegio de obedecer a Dios y de llegar a formar parte de Su familia.

 

El nos enseña como relacionarnos con otros creyentes en una forma nueva. En nuestro ocupado, computarizado, impersonal mundo, las relaciones cálidas, amorosas, cuidadosas entre los miembros de la familia de Dios tienen la mayor importancia. Hoy dia hay millones de personas que no pertenecen a la familia de Dios. Jesús nos dice que vayamos y hagamos discípulos de todas las naciones (Mateo 28:19-20). Nosotros que formamos parte de la amorosa familia de Dios y que somos llamados la iglesia, podemos dar cuidados personales y amorosos a tanta gente que lo necesita desesperadamente. Es tiempo de hacer de nuestra familia y nuestra iglesia un hospital para pecadores y no un asilo para santos. Jesús nos dice que lo que hagamos al mas pequeño de nuestros hermanos, se lo hacemos a El (Mateo 25:31-41).

 

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos enseña que se nos tomaran cuentas de nuestras acciones. La segunda lectura nos muestra que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo. El Evangelio nos revela quien realmente forma parte de la familia de Dios.

 

Esta semana, muéstrale a tu familia mediante tus acciones que ellos son verdaderamente especiales para ti. Pasa un tiempo a solas con cada miembro, ora con él o con élla y dale gracias a Dios por este don que te ha dado. Despues mira a tu alrededor a ver quien necesita ser reafirmado dentro de la familia de Dios. Quizá es un pariente, un vecino, un compañero de trabajo o de escuela. Recuerda, todo el que cree en hacer la voluntad de Dios es el hermano, la hermana y la madre de Jesús. Ama a tu familia esta semana y pasa un poco de tu tiempo con ellos.