Author Archive: admin

NAVIDAD (Dec. 25th) – CICLO A-B-C 

Posted on by

EL PAN DE VIDA ESTUDIO DE BIBLIA CATOLICA

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

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            LEE ISAIAS 52:7-10            PRIMERA LECTURA 

(“Tu Dios es Rey”) 

 

  1. ¿De quién son los pasos bienvenidos y qué anuncia?  Isaías 52:7, Romanos 10:15

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos gritar sin miedo?  Isaías 40:9

 

  1. ¿Por qué gritan jubilosos los centinelas?  Isaías 52:8

 

  1. ¿Cómo deben estar los centinelas?  Isaías 62:6

 

  1. ¿Qué debemos hacer y por qué?  Isaías 52:9

 

  1. ¿Por qué Dios nos consuela y nos anima?  2 Corintios 1:3-4

 

  1. ¿A quién redime el Señor?  Salmo 34:23

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el Señor con su brazo santo y a la vista de quién?  Isaías 52:10

 

  1. ¿Qué ven hasta los extremos del mundo?  Isaías 52:10

 

  1. ¿Qué conocerán en toda la tierra y en todas las naciones?  Salmo 67:3

 

Personal – ¿A quién le has anunciado la paz y las buenas nuevas?  ¿Cómo ve la gente en ti el júbilo y la salvación del Señor? 

 

 

TERCER DIA            LEE HEBREOS 1:1-6            SEGUNDA LECTURA 

(“Que todos los ángeles de Dios lo adoren.”) 

 

  1. ¿Cómo habló Dios en aquellos tiempos?  Hebreos 1:1

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos habla ahora y qué hizo de El y por El?  Hebreos 1:2

 

  1. ¿Qué se hizo por El (Jesús)?  Juan 1:3-4

 

  1. ¿De quién es Jesús el reflejo y la copia perfecta y cómo se mantiene el universo?  Hebreos 1:3 

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús después que purificó al mundo de sus pecados?  Hebreos 1:3

 

  1. ¿Cómo cumplió Jesús con ésta purificación?  Colosenses 1:15-20

 

  1. ¿Qué ha heredado Jesús y de quién está muy por encima?  Hebreos 1:4

 

  1. ¿Debido a que Jesús se humilló a sí mismo siendo obediente a morir, qué hizo Dios con El? Filipenses 2:8-9 

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las preguntas que se hacen sobre los ángeles?  ¿Qué dice El acerca de su hijo?  Hebreos 1:5 

 

  1. ¿Quién es el Rey de los reyes de la tierra y quién nos ama?  Apocalipsis 1:5

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha sostenido la Santa Palabra de Dios y cómo has adorado a Su Hijo Jesús esta semana? 

 

 

CUARTO DIA            LEE JUAN 1:1-18            EVANGELIO 

(“Y el Verbo se hizo carne y habitó entre nosotros”) 

 

  1. ¿Quién era en el principio?  Juan 1:1, 14

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que eran El y su Padre?  Juan 10:30

 

  1. ¿Quién estaba en el principio con Dios y cómo fue esta vida que vino a ser por medio de El?  Juan 1:2-4

 

  1. ¿Qué no pudieron vencer las tinieblas?  Juan 1:5

 

  1. ¿Quién vino a dar testimonio, sobre qué atestiguó y qué dijo acerca de si mismo? Juan 1:6-8 

 

  1. ¿Qué hace la luz verdadera, cómo se hizo el mundo y quiénes no lo recibieron? Juan 1:9-11 

 

  1. ¿Qué les concedió a los que aceptaron a Jesús, en qué creyeron y cómo han nacido?  Juan 1:12-13 

 

  1. ¿Quién puede entrar al reino de Dios?  Juan 3:5

 

  1. ¿Qué no ha sido revelado y qué nos pasará cuando lo sea?  1 Juan 3:2

 

  1. ¿Cuando el Verbo se hizo carne de qué estaba lleno?  Juan 1:14

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Juan sobre Jesús, qué nos había dado por medio de Moisés y qué vino por medio de Jesús? Juan 1:15-17

 

  1. ¿Quién nos ha revelado al Padre?  Juan 1:18

 

Personal – ¿Qué te ha revelado Jesús sobre el Padre? 

 

QUINTO DIA            LEE SALMO 98:1-6 

(“El Señor ha dado a conocer Su salvación.”) 

 

Lee y medita el Salmo 98:1-6. 

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria? 

 

SEXTO DIA            LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO 

 

ISAIAS 52:7-10 

 

En el pasaje de hoy Dios anima a su pueblo a buscar el consuelo en la historia y a esperar ansiosamente un éxodo más grande.  Les está diciendo que es tiempo de dejar los lamentos a un lado y el letargo que tenían.  Viene el sonido de las Buenas Nuevas de que Dios acompañará a su pueblo a casa, a Jerusalén, la ciudad santa de Dios, la ciudad con el Templo de Dios.  Pero la gente estaba desolada en vez de próspera y destruida en vez de libre.  Sufrían terriblemente debido a sus pecados pero Dios les prometió restaurar a Jerusalén como ciudad santa. 

Dios reina y hoy El sigue permaneciendo en control.  El versículo de hoy nos dice que hermosas son las pisadas de aquel que trae la buena nueva de la paz y la salvación (v. 7).  Qué hermosas son las pisadas de los que van adelante y predican el Evangelio de Jesucristo (Romanos 10:15).  Qué bienvenidos son los que traen el mensaje de esperanza a un pedazo de nuestro mundo destrozado, sin esperanzas. 

El gran mensaje de salvación de Dios debe pasar a otros por medio de nosotros para que tengan la oportunidad de responder a las “Buenas Nuevas.”  ¿Cómo lo van a oír nuestros seres queridos si no se las decimos?  Dios nos está llamando a tomar parte para que ese mensaje sea conocido en nuestra familia y nuestra comunidad.  Piensa en una persona que necesite oír las buenas nuevas y piensa en algo que puedes hacer para ayudarle a escucharlas.  Ve y hazlo en nombre de Jesús lo más pronto posible. 

 

HEBREOS 1:1-6 

 

La carta a los Hebreos fue escrita para un grupo de Judíos Cristianos que parecía que habían repensado acerca de Jesucristo como su tan esperado Mesías.  Debía haber sido una comunidad de Cristianos maduros ya para entonces pero en vez de eso parecían retraídos y viendo a su interior en su camino espiritual. Necesitaban un recordatorio severo de que lo que ya poseían en Cristo era mucho mejor de lo que tenían antes de hacerse Cristianos.  

Este pasaje empieza con una fuerte afirmación de la divinidad de Jesús.  A través de Jesús, Dios ha hecho Su revelación suprema y final de Si mismo al hombre.  Jesús es la encarnación viva del carácter y la majestad de Dios.  Jesús ha hecho frente al problema del pecado humano sacrificándose a sí mismo en la cruz y pagando el rescate por toda la humanidad con su sangre.  El está ahora al lado de Dios en una posición de poder supremo.  Los ángeles, a quienes los Judíos casi adoraban, adoraron a Jesucristo.  Los ángeles son seres espirituales y están para servir y glorificar a Dios mismo. 

La gente conocía bien las escrituras y ya sea por dudas, persecución o falsas enseñanzas, parecía estar en peligro de retirarse de su fe Cristiana.  Este peligro está también muy presente en el mundo de hoy. Hay muchas enseñanzas falsas y muchos que se dan en llamar “Pastores” que no son más que lobos disfrazados de ovejas.  Necesitamos estar en contacto con la comunidad, orar y estudiar la Santa Palabra de Dios y seguir las enseñanzas de nuestra iglesia.  Toma el tiempo en esta época de Navidad para dar gracias al Señor por traer la luz a tu corazón y un mejor entendimiento con El.  ¡Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Jesús y el regalo que El más quiere eres Tú! 

 

JUAN 1:1-18 

 

Este pasaje muestra claramente que lo que Jesús enseñó y lo que hizo está unido inseparablemente a El como lo que es.  En la lectura de hoy Juan muestra a Jesús como absolutamente humano y absolutamente Dios.  Aún cuando Jesús tomó la humanidad total para sí mismo y vivió como un hombre pasando por todas las emociones que nosotros pasamos, nunca dejo de ser Dios, el que ha existido siempre.  Esta es la verdad sobre Jesús y es la base de toda la verdad.  Si no queremos o no podemos creer en esta verdad básica, no tendremos suficiente fe para confiarle nuestro destino eterno.  Esta es la razón por la que Juan escribe este Evangelio, para crear la fe y la confianza en Jesucristo y así creamos que El realmente fue y es Dios hecho carne (Juan 20:30-31). 

La vida de Jesús trae luz a la humanidad, en su luz nos vemos como realmente somos: pecadores con la necesidad de un salvador.  Caemos de rodillas y como los pastores en el portal de Belén damos alabanza y gloria a la luz del mundo, nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo.  Los magos siguieron la luz de la estrella para ver la luz del mundo.  Cuando seguimos a Jesús, luz del mundo podemos evitar el caminar a ciegas y el caer en pecado.  El ilumina nuestro camino yendo delante de nosotros para que veamos como debemos vivir.  El quita la oscuridad del pecado de nuestras vidas y si permitimos que la luz de Cristo brille en nuestras vidas en esta época de Navidad nunca tropezaremos en la oscuridad. 

Ahora que el mundo celebra el nacimiento de Cristo, renace tú espiritualmente.  A través de la fe en Cristo este renacer nos cambia de adentro para afuera, arreglando otra vez nuestras actitudes, deseos y motivos.  ¿Le has pedido a Cristo que te haga una persona nueva en el día de la Navidad?  Este nuevo comienzo está a la mano para todos aquellos que creen en El.  Feliz Navidad. 

 

 

Aplicación 

La primera lectura nos dice que hermosos son los pasos de aquellos que van adelante y proclaman la Palabra de Dios.  La segunda lectura nos muestra que el tener ánimo y disciplina lleva a un compromiso más fuerte con Dios.  El Evangelio revela que la Navidad es tiempo de renacer y tiempo de darle tu vida a Dios. 

Esta semana dale a los que amas el mejor presente que puedes darles de Navidad.  Qué hermosos son tus pasos cuando vas adelante y haces el obsequio de tu presencia, de tu amor, de la salvación acercándolos a Cristo.  ¡Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Cristo y los regalos deben ser todos para El y El lo único que quiere es a Ti! 

 

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD (Jan. 1st) – CYCLE A-B-C 

Posted on by

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 NUMBERS 6:22-27            FIRST READING 

 

(“The Lord bless you and keep you!”) 

 

  1. To whom was the Lord speaking, and to whom did he tell him to speak?   Numbers 6:22-23 

 

  1. Who was Aaron, and what did the Lord say to Moses about him? Exodus 4:14-16 

 

  1. About what was Moses to speak to them?   Numbers 6:23

 

  1. What six things were included in the blessing? Numbers 6:24-26 

 

  1. Who will be blessed?   Proverbs 28:20

 

  1. What brings wealth?   Proverbs 10:22

 

  1. Who was blessed by the Lord, what did he do for her, and what was her response?   Luke 1:46-55 

 

  1. What has the Lord given us?   Psalm 118:27

 

  1. Who did Jesus say he was?   John 8:12

 

  1. What shall be invoked upon the Israelites, and what will the Lord do?   Numbers 6:27 

 

 

Personal – In what way have you blessed a family member or a friend? What do others see shining forth from your face? 

 

 

 

THIRD DAY            READ GALATIANS 4:4-7            SECOND READING 

 

(“…God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, `Abba, Father!'”) 

 

  1. Under what was God’s Son born?   Galatians 4:4

 

  1. What did God’s Son do?   Galatians 4:5

 

  1. What happens to everyone who believes in Jesus? John 3:16 

 

  1. Who did the law come through, and what did Jesus bring? John 1:17 

 

  1. Who are the children of God, and who bears witness that we are?   Romans 8:14-16 

 

  1. What proof do we have that we are his children? Galatians 4:6 

 

  1. To whom did he give the power to become children of God? John 1:12-13 

 

  1. Why are the children of God not known to the world? 1 John 3:1 

 

  1. What are we no longer, and what has he made us? Galatians 4:7 

 

  1. With whom are the children of God joint heirs? Romans 8:17 

 

Personal – In what way have you cried out to “Abba,” Daddy, this week? What have you inherited from God? What are your parents leaving you as an inheritance, or what are you leaving your children as an inheritance? 

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ LUKE 2:16-21            GOSPEL 

 

(“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”) 

 

  1. When the shepherds went off in haste, who did they find? Luke 2:16 

 

  1. Why did Mary lay her firstborn Son in a manger? Luke 2:7 

 

  1. What did the shepherds do when they saw the child? Luke 2:17 

 

  1. What was the reaction of those who were told the message? Luke 2:18 

 

  1. What amazed or astonished the people listening to Jesus? Matthew 7:28-29 

 

Personal – What have you seen and made known to others since you have been studying God’s Word? 

 

 

  1. What did Mary do?   Luke 2:19

 

  1. What did Mary do when Jesus became lost and then told her he was about his Father’s business?   Luke 2:49-51 

 

Personal – What have you personally pondered in your heart that God revealed to you, and how have you followed Mary’s example? 

 

 

  1. How did the shepherds return?   Luke 2:20

 

  1. What was the reaction of the paralytic and the people upon the healing?   Luke 5:25-26 

 

  1. What happened on the eighth day, and to whom had the name been given?  Luke 2:21, Luke 1:31 

 

  1. What has his name done for us?   Acts 4:12

 

  1. To what is the name Jesus inherited far superior? Hebrews 1:3-4 

 

Personal – What name has been given to you, and of what is it a reflection? 

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 67:2-6, 8 

 

(“…may he let his face shine upon us.”) 

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 67:2-6, 8. 

 

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life? 

 

 

SIXTH DAY            READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY 

 

NUMBERS 6:22-27

When Mary said, “Generation after generation shall call me blessed of God,” she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her (Luke 1:48). If Mary had denied her incredible position, she would have been throwing God’s blessing back at Him.  

 

In today’s reading we are being shown that a blessing was one way of asking God’s divine favor to rest upon others. All of God’s blessings had their fulfillment in the coming of Christ on earth. Mary received the fullness of these promises and blessings when she said, “Be it done unto me according to thy Word.” At that very moment she conceived Jesus Christ in her womb. As proof of this blessing we have the angel Gabriel’s words as he salutes her as “full of grace.” She has the full friendship of God, and no man or woman had ever received the fullness of God’s blessing until then. 

 

A blessing conveys that God will (1) bless and protect, (2) be pleased because of us, (3) be gracious, merciful, and compassionate to us, (4) show favor to us, and (5) give us peace. When we ask God to bless us and others, we are asking Him to do these five things. We will have the full friendship of God as we ask Him to bless others as well as ourselves. 

 

Today, on this special feast, let us thank God for all the blessings that He has given Mary, the Mother of God. We have all profited through her blessings; and the title, Mother of God, that the church confirmed in her regard at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, demonstrates all this.  

 

GALATIANS 4:4-7 

 

In today’s reading Paul uses the example of slavery to show that before Christ came and died for our sins, people were in bondage to the law. By becoming enslaved to the law, people thought they could be saved. At just the right time, God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins, and we who were once slaves are now God’s very own children with an intimate relationship with Him. For centuries the Jews were wondering when their Messiah would come, but God’s timing was perfect. 

 

We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers, but we must never stop trusting or give up hope. At the right time, He will respond to us. Jesus was born of a woman and was subject to God’s law and fulfilled it. His death brought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so we could be adopted into God’s family. Under the Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to his father’s property. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God’s resources. 

 

As God’s heirs, we can claim what He has provided for us; which is our full identity as his children. The Old Testament was based on the law, but was only a shadow of things to come. Christianity is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Christianity is the reality, and the reality is God has become man, and man is now free and has been adopted into God’s family as rightful heirs to the kingdom. 

 

LUKE 2:16-21 

 

What a tremendous sign of comfort and hope it is when we read that the first visitors to lay eyes on the long-awaited Messiah were simple, hard-working, uneducated, common folks called shepherds. Even in birth Jesus has shown us the ultimate in humility, and His choice of those who were part of His birth experience were of humble origins themselves.  

 

Can you imagine the thoughts that flowed through Mary’s head as she observed the shepherds coming to pay homage to her Son? She certainly was aware of the power and beauty of the angels singing praises of glory to God to their new born king. The Jewish custom was when a new child was born the local musicians would come by and sing some congratulatory songs. Mary had, not earthly musicians to sing to her son, but she had a choir of angels to fill the air with heavenly sounds. 

 

On this very special day, we can honor Mary in her blessed role as Mother of God. God Himself honored her by making her the mother of his Son. Jesus, in one of His last acts on this earth before dying on the cross, made His mother our mother. It was through no merit of her own that she earned this dignity. This honor was given as a sheer gift of God. When we honor her, we are in fact thanking God for His gift of her to us. 

 

Application  

 

The first reading explains that a blessing is God giving someone His protection and direction. The second reading tells how the Old Testament was a time of preparation, and the New Testament was a time of the reality of God entering into human history as a human being named Jesus. The Gospel reveals Jesus beginning His life on earth humbly, and in humility He went to His death on a cross for us. 

 

This week, let the humility of the shepherds be your model of conduct during the Christmas holidays. Bring to your family, friends, and co-workers, the gift of listening, the gift of gentleness, and the gift of humility. Mary was a role model for the whole world, for both male and female. 

 

FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH (Dec. 31) – CYCLE B

Posted on by

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 SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14            FIRST READING 

 

(“He who honors his father atones for sins.” 

 

  1. Where does the Lord place a father over his children, and what does he confirm over sons?    Sirach 3:2

 

 

  1. What happens to one who honors his father?  Sirach 3:3

 

 

  1. What do we store up when we revere our mother?  Sirach 3:4

 

 

  1. By what is the man gladdened who honors his father, and what happens when he prays?  Sirach 3:5

 

 

  1. What will happen to him who reveres his father?  Sirach 3:6, Exodus 20:12 

 

 

  1. What does one do who brings comfort to his mother?  Sirach 3:6

 

 

  1. What are we to do, and what are we not to do when our father gets old?   Sirach 3:12 

 

 

  1. To whom are we to listen, for what reason, and whom are we not to despise?   Proverbs 23:22

 

 

  1. How are we to treat our father, even if his mind fails? Sirach 3:13

 

 

  1. What will not be forgotten, and as what will it serve? Sirach 3:14 

 

 

Personal – In what ways do you listen to and honor both your earthly father and your heavenly Father?  In what ways has your earthly father become a burden to you in his old age?  Compare your relationship with your heavenly Father and your earthly father. Repent where it is necessary. 

 

 

THIRD DAY            READ COLOSSIANS 3:12-21            SECOND READING 

 

(“You children, obey your parents in everything as the acceptable way in the Lord.”) 

 

  1. With what five things are we to clothe ourselves, and for what reason?   Colossians 3:12

 

 

  1. What are these five qualities called, according to Galatians 5:22? 

 

 

  1. What are we to do with one another, and what are we to do over any grievance we may have for another?  Colossians 3:13

 

 

  1. Why are we to forgive?  Colossians 3:13

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say as he was dying on the cross, and to whom was He speaking?    Luke 23:34

 

 

  1. In the Lord’s Prayer, what are we saying and what is the Father saying?   Matthew 6:12-15

 

 

Personal – How have you sinned and received the forgiveness of God? In what way is that reflected by your forgiveness of others when they have hurt you? 

 

 

  1. What virtue do we put on over all the rest?   Colossians 3:14

 

 

  1. What must reign in our hearts, of what are we members, to what are we called, and to what must we dedicate ourselves?   Colossians 3:15 

 

 

  1. What must dwell in us, how are we to treat one another, and how are we to sing gratefully to God?  Colossians 3:16

 

 

  1. Whatever we do, in speech or action, in whose name are we to do it, and to whom are we to give thanks?   Colossians 3:17

 

 

  1. How are wives to act toward their husbands, and how are husbands to act toward their wives?  Colossians 3:18-19

 

            

  1. How are children to act toward their parents, and how are fathers to act toward their children?   Colossians 3:20-21

 

 

Personal – What do you think causes the most break-ups in the family today?  How do you think this can be remedied? In what ways are you obeying or disobeying what God says in Colossians 3:18-21. Reflect on this, and make changes where necessary. Remember, we receive grace from the sacrament of reconciliation. 

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ LUKE 2:22-40            GOSPEL 

(“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”)      

 

  1. What was done according to the law of Moses, what is written in the law, and what did Mary and Joseph offer in sacrifice? Luke 2:22-24, Leviticus 12:2-6, 8, Exodus 13:2

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say is the greatest commandment of the law? Matthew 22:37-38

 

 

  1. Who was in Jerusalem at the time, what was he like, for what was he waiting, and who was upon him?   Luke 2:25

 

 

  1. What was revealed to the man by the Holy Spirit, who inspired him to come to the temple, and what did he do when the parents brought in the child Jesus?    Luke 2:26-28

 

 

Personal – Simeon blessed God in his words. In what ways can you bless God in your words? 

 

  1. What did Simeon call the Lord, what did he say he had done, and what did he say his eyes had witnessed?    Luke 2:29-32

 

 

  1. How do we fulfill the law?   Romans 13:8

 

 

  1. As Mary and Joseph were marveling over what was being said, what did Simeon do and say to them? Luke 2:33-35

 

 

  1. What did Jesus come into the world to do?    John 9:39

 

 

  1. Where was Mary when Jesus was crucified?   John 19:25

 

 

  1. For what reason was Mary pierced with a sword?  Luke 2:35

 

 

  1. What is the sword of the Spirit?   Ephesians 6:17

 

 

  1. Who was a certain prophetess, how old was she, where could she constantly be found, and what was she doing? Luke 2:36-37 

 

 

  1. What did the prophetess do both day and night, what did she give to God, about whom did she talk, and to whom? Luke 2:37-38

 

 

  1. After Mary and Joseph fulfilled the law, where did they go? In what did the child grow, with what was he filled, and what was upon him?   Luke 2:39-40

 

 

  1. What was Jesus called?   Matthew 2:23

 

 

  1. Where do we receive our strength?   Philippians 4:13

 

 

Personal – In what ways have you been pierced with a sword? What does it mean to you to be pierced with a sword as Jesus and Mary were pierced?  For what reasons have you been pierced? 

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 128:1-5 

(“Happy are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways!”) 

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 128:1-5. 

 

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 

 

 

SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14

 

Sirach was a pious and learned Jew who lived in the second century B.C. He wrote a collection of sayings to help others live their lives in accordance with God’s Holy Word. In today’s passage he speaks of family. He shows us that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race. 

 

The foundation of the family was traditionally the father, and he had the place of honor. The father was given the right to be respected and obeyed by his family. We see the mother also shares the authority with the father in the home. The authority of both parents, in accordance with God’s Word, is to be respected by the children.  

 

This passage applies very strongly to today’s families because the family structure is under a severe attack by Satan. Children who respect their parents are not only doing God’s will, but also are storing up spiritual rewards for themselves. Over the centuries it has been shown that children who respect their parents generally have children who will respect their parents.  

 

We see that prayer is very important for a family’s growth and that all prayer is answered. The call to love, honor, and respect your parents carries with it the reward of your children’s care for you in your old age.  With love and respect, a long life thus becomes a sign of God’s blessing for those who follow His commands. 

 

Children are called to give their aging parents loving care. The child who has learned to respect his parents is respecting God. No matter how feeble, mentally or physically, one’s parents may become, it is the children’s responsibility to care for them. This is not some social health care program’s slogan; this is in accordance with God’s Holy Word. God wants love, kindness, respect, honor, sacrifice, comfort, safety, etc. 

 

 

COLOSSIANS 3:12-21

 

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. He was told by a follower, named Epaphras, that recent converts to the Christian faith were being disturbed by false teachers. Paul’s letter spells out some very practical rules for the Christians; to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Paul is telling them that these virtues must be secure in their hearts in order for the community to live out the Christian vision. 

 

Forgiveness is a main virtue of a Christian. This is what separates us from the non-believers. God wiped out all our sins in Baptism and is constantly waiting to wash away the sins of a repentant sinner in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We also must imitate God and be willing to forgive a repentant brother or sister. Paul again shows Christ as the head of the body and the source of unity, harmony and peace. We hear that it is not enough to know the doctrines of Christ, but we must live Christ’s life, and our lives must be witnesses of good and bearing fruit. 

 

Today, as then, we are called to help each member of the family of God. Paul deals with the family by telling the husband to “love your wife,” and wives to be subject to the spiritual authority of the husband. Children are called to obey their parents. This may sound common today, but in Paul’s time, wives had few rights and were often considered to be the property of the husband. Paul’s call to “love your wife” brings her into equality and a full sharing in the authority of the family. Paul also tells fathers not to provoke their children. The authority of a father comes from God, and this authority is to lead, to love, and to serve his family. A loving father leads his children by serving them in the name of the Lord.  A loving father puts on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:2-5). 

 

LUKE 2:22-40 

 

Today’s Gospel is a powerful lesson on redemptive suffering. We read how a family follows the ceremonies of their religion and see respect, reverence, and obedience in all their actions. We hear the wisdom that comes from two old people in the temple. We need to reflect for a moment on how we listen with respect to elderly people in our lives. 

 

Simeon told Mary that along with the joys of having such a wonderful child, a sword would pierce her soul. Mary felt that sword when Jesus was murdered on the cross at Calvary. Some parent’s souls are pierced many times from danger, sickness, and violence to their children. They suffer the hurt that happens to their child. Mary took on the hurt of her Son’s rejection and crucifixion. She did not strike back or cry out with vengeance. She suffered tremendously for her Son and for all of us. Jesus suffered tremendously and, like a lamb, He was slaughtered and never struck back. He and His mother were both pierced by the sword of suffering.  

 

What makes suffering redemptive and what makes it useless? Suffering that leads us closer to God in our thoughts and actions is redemptive suffering. Suffering that leads us into ourselves is selfish and useless. We need only to look at our own families and see the suffering saints who have held us up in prayer. 

 

St. Augustine’s mother prayed for 30 years for him to turn to God, and her prayers were answered. Pope John Paul II has been the object of assassination, and he constantly is the vision of a man at prayer with his God for his people. Pope John Paul II visited his would-be assassin in prison and extended to him God’s forgiveness and love as well as his own.  Mother Teresa, 80, and with a bad heart is still doing something beautiful for God. She says, “Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.” 

 

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family. Let us celebrate by praying together for all the families in the world.  Let us pray that all the families who are suffering will be like Mary and Jesus and let their sufferings be accepted for others. This is what redemptive suffering is all about, and this is bringing mankind closer to God. 

 

Application

 

This week we are celebrating the special feast of the Holy Family, and all the readings reflect some aspect of family. We see how the power and love of Holy Families can change a dark world into a community of light. 

 

Today, let your suffering be for the Lord and for someone else in your family. Maybe you can offer your pain for someone who is on drugs or alcohol. Pick a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, and pray for that person all week. Let your soul be pierced so that the heart of others will be laid bare and they will turn to God. 

 

CHRISTMAS – CYCLE A-B-C 

Posted on by

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 ISAIAH 52:7-10 FIRST READING 

 

(“Your God is King”) 

 

  1. Whose feet are beautiful and what does he announce?  Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15 

 

  1. What are we not to be afraid to cry out?   Isaiah 40:9

 

  1. Why do the watchmen shout for joy?   Isaiah 52:8

 

  1. What are the watchmen never to do?   Isaiah 62:6

 

  1. What are we to do together and for what reason? Isaiah 52:9 

 

  1. Why does God comfort and encourage us?   2 Cor 1:3-4

 

  1. Whom does the Lord redeem?   Psalm 34:23

 

  1. What has the Lord done with his holy arm and in the sight of whom?   Isaiah 52:10

 

  1. What will all the ends of the earth see?   Isaiah 52:10

 

  1. What is to be known upon the earth, among all nations? Psalm 67:3

 

Personal – To whom have you been announcing peace and good news? How do people see the joy and salvation of the Lord upon you? 

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 1:1-16 SECOND READING 

 

(“Let all the angels of God worship him.”) 

 

  1. How did God speak in times past?   Hebrews 1:1

 

  1. How does God speak to us now, what did He make Him, and what did He do through Him?   Hebrews 1:2

 

  1. What came to be through him (Jesus)?   John 1:3-4

 

  1. Of whom is Jesus the reflection and perfect copy, and by what are all things sustained?   Hebrews 1:3

 

  1. When Jesus accomplished purifications from sins what did He do?   Hebrews 1:3

 

  1. How did Jesus accomplish this purification?   Col 1:15-20

 

  1. What has Jesus inherited, and to what is He far superior? Hebrews 1:4 

 

  1. Because Jesus humbled Himself becoming obedient to death, what did God do to Him?   Philippians 2:8-9

 

  1. What are the questions asked about angels, and what does he say about his first born?   Hebrews 1:5

 

  1. Who is ruler of the kings of the earth and who loves us? Revelations 1:5 

 

 

Personal – How have you been sustained by God’s Mighty Word and how have you worshipped his Son Jesus this past week? 

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 1:1-18 GOSPEL 

 

( “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,”) 

 

  1. Who was in the beginning?   John 1:1,14

 

2. Who did Jesus say he was to the Father?   John 10:30

 

  1. Who was in the beginning with God and what was this life that came to be through him?   John 1:2-4

 

  1. What has the darkness not overcome?   John 1:5

 

  1. Who came for testimony, to what did he testify, and what did he say about himself?   John 1:6-8

 

6. What does the true light do, how did the world come to be, and who did not accept him?   John 1:9-11

 

  1. To those who did accept Jesus what did he give them power to become, in what did they believe, and how were they born?    John 1:12-13

 

  1. Who can enter the kingdom of God?   John 3:5

 

  1. What has not been revealed and what will happen to us when it is revealed?   1 John 3:2

 

  1. When the Word became flesh what was he full of? John 1:14 

 

  1. What did John say about Jesus, what came through Moses, and what came through Jesus?   John 1:15-17

 

  1. Who has revealed the Father to us?   John 1:18 

 

Personal – What has Jesus revealed to you about the Father?  

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 98:1-6 

 

(” The Lord has made his salvation known.”)  

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:1-6 

 

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

 

 

 

How can you apply this to your life? 

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY 

 

ISAIAH 52:7-10 

 

In today’s passage God urges His people to draw comfort from past history and to look forward to a greater exodus. He is telling them that it is time to shake off the grief and lethargy that has overtaken them. There is the sound of Good News that God is about to escort His people home, to Jerusalem, God’s holy city, the city with God’s temple. But the people experienced desolation instead of prosperity, and destruction instead of liberty. The people suffered terribly because of their sins, but God promised to restore Jerusalem as a holy city. 

 

God reigns, and today He still is very much in control. Today’s verse states how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation (v.7). How beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:15). How welcome are those who bring the message of hope to a broken, hopeless, segment of our world. 

 

God’s great message of salvation must be through us to others so they can have the chance to respond to the “Good News”. How will our loved ones hear it unless we take it to them. How will the nations hear it unless someone takes it to them? God is calling us to take a part in making His message known in our family and our community. Think of one person who needs to hear the good news, and think of something you can do to help him or her hear it. Then you go out and do that act, in Jesus’ name, as soon as possible. 

  

HEBREWS 1:1-6  

 

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who appeared to be having second thoughts about Jesus Christ being their long-awaited Messiah. They should have been a community of mature Christians by this time; instead, they seemed to be sort of withdrawn and inward-looking in their spiritual walk. They needed a strong reminder that what they now possess in Christ is far better than what they had before they became Christians.  

 

This passage begins with a tremendous affirmation of Jesus’ divinity. Through Jesus, God has made His supreme and final revelation of Himself to man. Jesus is the living embodiment of the character and majesty of God. Jesus has dealt with the problem of human sin by sacrificing Himself on the cross and paying the ransom for all mankind with His blood. He is now at God’s side in the position of supreme power. The angels, whom the Jews came very close to worshipping themselves, worship Jesus Christ. They are spiritual beings and they are to serve and glorify God himself.  

 

The people were well versed in scripture and whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, they seemed to be in danger of falling away from their Christian faith. This danger is very much present in today’s world. There is much false teaching today and many so-called “Shepherds” are just wolves in sheep’s clothing. We need to stay in fellowship, pray, and to study God’s Holy Word, and follow the teachings of our church. Take the time this Christmas season to thank the Lord for bringing His light into your heart and bringing about a better relationship with Him. Remember, it is Jesus’ birthday, and the present He wants most is YOU!  

 

 

JOHN 1:1-18 

 

This passage clearly shows that what Jesus taught and what He did are tied inseparably to who He is. In today’s reading John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon Himself full humanity and lived as a man experiencing all the emotions that all of us have, He never ceased to be God who has always existed. This is the truth about Jesus, and the foundation of all truth. If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to Him. This is the reason John writes this Gospel, to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, so that we may believe He truly was and is God in the flesh (John 20:30-31).  

 

Jesus’ life brings light to mankind, in his light we see ourselves as we really are: sinners in need of a savior. We fall on our knees, and like the shepherds at the little cave in Bethlehem, we too give praise and glory to the Light of the World, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The wise men followed the light of a star to see the light of the world. When we follow Jesus, the Light of the World, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives, and if we have allowed the light of Christ to shine in our lives this Christmas season, then we will never stumble in the darkness. 

 

As the world celebrates the birth of Christ, let yourself be reborn spiritually. Through faith in Christ this new birth changes us from the inside out – rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person on Christmas day? This fresh start is available to all who believe in Him. Merry Christmas. 

 

Application 

 

The first reading tells us how beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and proclaim God’s Word. The second reading shows that encouragement and discipline lead to a stronger commitment to God. The Gospel reveals Christmas as a time of new birth, a time of giving your life over to God. 

 

This week, give those you love the greatest present you could give them for Christmas. How beautiful are your feet as you go forth and gift them with the gift of your presence, of your love, of salvation by bringing them to Christ. Remember, it is Christ’s birthday, and the presents should all be for Him, and He only wants you!  

 

Lectio Divina – Fourth Sunday in Advent (Dec. 24th)

Posted on by

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 1:26-38 –  The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

 

  • What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

  •  What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

Lectio Divina – Third Sunday in Advent (Dec. 17th)

Posted on by

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 1:6-8, 19-28 – A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. And this is the testimony of John: When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” and he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord, as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

Lectio Divina – Second Sunday in Advent (Dec. 10th)

Posted on by

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 1:1-8 – The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of His sandals. I have baptized you with water; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

CUARTO DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO (Dec. 24th) – CICLO B

Posted on by

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 2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16                                                                           PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“He estado contigo en todas partes y he destruido ante ti a todos tus enemigos.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién es el Rey David, y de que lo habia librado el Señor? 2 Samuel 7:1, 1 Samuel 16:11-13 y 1 Samuel 17:12-15

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el Rey David a Natan, el profeta? 2 Samuel 7:2

 

  1. ¿Adonde habita el Espíritu de Dios? 1 Corintios 3:16

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Natán al Rey David, quien estaba con él? 2 Samuel 7:3

 

  1. ¿Cuándo hablo el Señor a Natán, a donde le dijo el Señor que fuera y que debia decir? 2 Samuel 7:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cuándo se apareció el ángel del Señor a los pastores? ¿Cuándo hizo Jesús oracion? Lucas 2:8-9 y Lucas 6:12

 

Personal – ¿Has oido alguna vez al Señor hablándote en la noche, qué te dice y qué le respondes?

 

  1. ¿De dónde dice el Señor que sacó a David y que ha hecho por Israel? 2 Samuel 7:8

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que ha hecho por David y que va a hacer de el ahora? 2 Samuel 7:9

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que hará por Israel, su pueblo y por qué? 2 Samuel 7:10

 

  1. ¿De qué los liberó el Señor y que les reveló? 2 Samuel 7:11

 

  1. ¿Quiénes dice Jesús que seran nuestros enemigos? Mateo 10:35-36

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará a su casa, a su reino y a su trono? 2 Samuel 7:16

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo te ha liberado Dios de tus enemigos, o te encuentras sufriendo los ataques de tus enemigos? ¿Cómo respondes a esos ataques?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                              LEE ROMANOS 16:25-27                               SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“..haz saber a todas las naciones que se sometan a la fé.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué puede hacer Dios por ti, de acuerdo al evangelio y a lo que Jesucristo proclamó? Romanos 16:25

 

  1. ¿Qué puede realizar el Señor en nosotros? Efesios 3:20

 

  1. ¿Cual es el evangelio de Pablo? 2 Timoteo 2:8

 

  1. ¿Cómo recibio Pablo el evangelio que predicaba? Galatas 1:11-12

 

  1. ¿Cómo se ha manifestado el Evangelio? Romanos 16:26

 

  1. ¿Conforme al mandato de quién se ha dado a conocer el evangelio a todas las naciones y que trae eso como resultado?  Romanos 16:26

 

  1. ¿Qué hemos recibido para someternos a la fé? Romanos 1:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la señal de tu fe? 2 Corintios 9:12-13

 

  1. ¿A traves de quién se da la gloria para siempre? Romanos 16:27

 

  1. ¿Cómo estan todas las cosas en Jesús? Romanos 11:36

 

  1. ¿Cómo ves la gloria de Dios? Juan 11:40

 

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha fortalecido el evangelio proclamado esta semana o las escrituras proféticas de la Biblia? ¿Cual es la evidencia de esta fortaleza?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                 LEE LUCAS 1:26-38                                               EVANGELIO

 

(“Has encontrado el favor de Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién fue mandado por Dios, qué mes era y adonde fue? Lucas 1:26-27

 

  1. ¿Quién era la prometida de un hombre llamado José y a que familia pertencia éste?   Lucas 1:27

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasaba una muchacha cuando no se encontraba la evidencia de su virginidad? Deuteronomio 22:20-21

 

  1. ¿De acuerdo con el ángel quién estaba con Maria y como es ella entre las mujeres? Lucas 1:28

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son los benditos y como han sido bendecidos? Galatas 3:8

 

  1. ¿Cómo se sintió Maria al oir las palabras del ángel y que se preguntaba? Lucas 1:29

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el angel a Maria que no tuviera, qué habia encontrado y qué iba a concebir? Lucas 1:30-31

 

  1. ¿Qué nombre habia de darle, cómo iba a ser y como lo llamarian? Lucas 1:31-32

 

  1. ¿Dónde será su reino? ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Maria? Lucas 1:33-34

 

  1. ¿Quién, dijo el ángel, que descenderia sobre Maria y qué le haria a élla el poder del Altisimo ¿Cómo será llamado su Santo Hijo?   Lucas 1:35

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo acerca de su parienta Isabel? ¿Qué se puede lograr con Dios? Lucas 1:36-37

 

  1. ¿Qué cosas son posibles para Dios? Lucas 18:27

 

  1. ¿Qué hace que no haya imposibles para ti? Mateo 17:20

 

  1. ¿Quién dijo Maria que era élla y qué dijo que se hiciera? Lucas 1:38

 

 

Personal – ¿De que modo has sentido el poder del Espiritu Santo dentro de tu ser? Como te has sometido a la fe, asi como Maria hizo ante el mensajero del Señor?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                           LEE SALMO 89:2-5, 27, 29

 

(“Tu eres mi Padre, mi Dios; la Roca, mi Salvador.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 89:2-5, 27, 29.

 

¿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

 

2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16

 

Dios habia hecho un pacto con David prometiendole que su linaje permaneceria para siempre. Esta promesa se cumpliria cuando Jesús naciera. Dios hizo posible que viviera un profeta durante el reinado de cada uno de los reyes de Israel. Esta fue la primera vez que Natán, el Profeta, fue mencionado y como todos los profetas, el exhortaba a la gente a seguir a Dios y comunicaba las leyes y los planes de Dios al rey.

 

Dios dijo a David que el habia sido llamado de ser un simple pastor de ovejas a ser un gran rey guerrero. El iba a ser usado para unificar y guiar a Israel y para destruir a sus enemigos. Dios no quizo un guerrero que tuviera sangre en sus manos para que construyera su templo sagrado. David fue obediente, hizo los planos y junto los materiales para que el templo fuera construido por el siguiente rey, quien iba a ser el próximo hijo de David, Salomón.

 

Es muy importante que nosotros seamos como David y reconozcamos y permanezcamos satisfechos con la parte que Dios nos dé. Dios rechazó lo que David le pedia, pero eso no queria decir que Dios rechazaba a David. La peticion de David era buena, pero Dios dijo no. Dios planeaba algo para David que era mucho mas que permitirle tener el honor de construir el templo.

 

Dios está esperando a hacer lo mismo contigo y conmigo. El quiere que le digas “Si”, tal como lo hizo David. Dios prometió a David que su linaje viviria para siempre. La dinastia terrena de David finalizó cuatro siglos despues. Pero Jesucristo, descendiente directo de David fue el cumplimiento final de esa promesa.

 

¿Has hecho oracion con muy buenas intenciones solo para oir que Dios te responde No? No lo veas como un rechazo, sino como un modo que Dios tiene para llevar a cabo algo mucho mejor en tu vida. Acuerdate siempre de dejar ir lo que debas dejar ir y dejar a Dios hacer lo suyo!

 

 

ROMANOS 16:25-27

 

Pablo estaba y está compartiendo con la gente de su tiempo y de nuestro tiempo, que es maravilloso estar vivo y ser parte del misterio de Dios para salvar a los Gentiles. Pablo se regocijaba de su papel como instrumento en el plan de salvacion que se habia revelado. Todas las profesias del Antiguo Testamento se hacian realidad y a traves de Jesucristo, el misterio de Dios habia sido totalmente revelado. Pablo no habia estado en Roma, pero el sabia qaue esa ciudad era el centro de mayor influencia politica y religiosa. El estaba preparandose para salir de Jerusalén, que era el centro de la vida Judia y su mensaje era un mensaje de esperanza.

 

Hoy vivimos en un mundo que ha sido tremendamente reducido por la television. Podemos ver los eventos mas importantes el mismo dia que pasan. Tenemos la capacidad de influir en gran escala a crear graves conflictos. Somos llamados a ser parte de la revelacion del misterio de Dios. Nuestra parte es vivir nuestras vidas de tal manera que lleven hacia una respuesta, la cual la mayoria de las veces es verdaderamente dramatica. Los conflictos son siempre un obstáculo potencial en el camino de alguien que trae la luz a donde habia obscuridad.

 

El “misterio” de Cristo explotó a traves de todo el mundo conocido. El hombre ya no estaba sujeto a la herencia como unico camino para llegar al cielo. Pablo trajo las “Buenas Nuevas” y trataban de que Dios amó tanto al mundo (a ti) que dio a Su Unico Hijo en la cruz, para que todo el que creyera en Su Hijo pudiera tener vida eterna. Este misterio fue revelado con la muerte y resurreccion de Cristo. Tu eres el embajador de Cristo e iras de lugar en lugar llevando Su “mensaje” de esperanza a todo aquel que esté sufriendo. Reflexionemos en que tanto nuestra propia vida refleja unidad, servicio y amor de Jesucristo.

 

LUCAS 1:26-38

 

El evangelio de hoy es un relato de sumision y poder. El ángel Gabriel quien prometió el nacimiento de Jesús a Maria es el mismo que se le apareció al profeta David mas de 500 años antes. José y Maria vivian en un pequeño pueblo llamado Nazareth. Esa area tenia mala fama porque las barracas de la armada Romana se encontraban ahi y la gente se veia forzada a trabajar a servicio de los soldados. Muchos sospechaban de la gente de Nazareth y las mujeres en ese tiempo estaban bajo el dominio de los hombres. Eran consideradas casi como pertenencias, casi igual que tener cabras u ovejas, etc. La principal contribucion de la mujer era tener hijos y cuidar la casa. Parecia casi increible que Dios usara dos mujeres para algo muy importante. Pero Dios escogió a Maria para uno de los mas importantes actos de obediencia que jamas se haya pedido a alguien.

 

Quiza te sientes en un momento de tu vida en el que Dios no podria usarte para algun servicio. No limites las alternativas del Señor; El puede y te usará si tu se lo permites. Las bendiciones o selecciones de Dios no traen fama o favores automaticamente. El haber escogido a Maria para el honor de ser la madre del Mesias llevó a ésta a muchos dolores. Sus amigas la ridiculizarian y su prometido estuvo a punto de dejarla. Su Hijo seria rechazado y finalmente asesinado. Pero a traves de su Hijo Jesucristo, vendria la única esperanza del mundo. La rendición de Maria nos guio hacia la salvacion victoriosa. Su “Si, mi Señor”, abrió las puertas del cielo para todo el que creyera en su Hijo.

 

Fue una mujer joven la que contestó el llamado de Dios diciendo, “Hágase en mi segun tu palabra.” (Lucas 1:38) Tu puedes aprender de Maria que amar es obedecer el llamado de Dios. Si tus bendiciones te llevan al dolor, piensa en Maria y espera pacientemente a que Dios termine de llevar a cabo Su plan. Maria permitió al Espíritu Santo que viniera sobre élla y asi fue capacitada para tener un hijo. Era ella una joven soltera que se arriesgo al desastre. Su relato de haber quedado embarazada por obra del Espíritu Santo llevaba el riesgo de que la consideraran loca. No esperes hasta el final para ofrecer tu vida a Dios. Ofrecete voluntariamente como Maria, aun cuando los resultados se vean como desastrozos.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura mostró que somos instrumentos en la revelación de Jesucristo. La segunda reveló a Dios como un Dios que mantiene Sus promesas. El Evangelio nos dice que nos ofrezcamos completamente a Dios, sin poner limitaciones.

 

Esta semana, comparte con tu familia y amistades la fuerza que dá el amor de Dios, visitando algun lugar donde dan asistencia a las mujeres embarazadas y solteras. Ofrece tu ayuda. Comenta con alguna de ellas los riesgos que Maria corrió. Arriesgate tu mismo y ofrecele tu apoyo tanto a élla como a su hijo por nacer.

 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT (Dec. 24th) – CYCLE B

Posted on by

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 2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16               FIRST READING

 

(“I have been with you wherever you went, and

I have destroyed all your enemies before you.”)

 

  1. Who is King David, and from what did the Lord give him rest? 2 Samuel 7:1,  1 Sam. 16:11-13, and 1 Sam. 17:12-15

 

 

  1. What did King David say to Nathan, the prophet? 2 Samuel 7:2

 

 

  1. Where does the Spirit of God dwell? 1 Corinthians 3:16

 

 

  1. What did Nathan say to King David, and who did he say was with him?   2 Samuel 7:3

 

 

  1. When did the Lord speak to Nathan, and where did the Lord tell him to go and what to say?  2 Samuel 7:4-5

 

 

  1. When did the angel of the Lord appear to the shepherds, and when did Jesus pray?  Luke 2:8-9 and Luke 6:12

 

 

Personal – Do you ever hear the Lord speak to you in the night? What does he say, and what is your response?

 

 

  1. What does the Lord of hosts say he has taken from David, and what has he made him for Israel?   2 Samuel 7:8

 

 

  1. What does the Lord say he has done for David, and what does he say he will make him?   2 Samuel 7:9

 

 

  1. What does the Lord say he will do for his people Israel, and for what reason?   2 Samuel 7:10

 

 

  1. From what will the Lord give them rest, and what does he reveal to them?    2 Samuel 7:11

 

 

  1. Who did Jesus say will be our enemies? Matthew 10:35-36

 

 

  1. What will happen to his house, kingdom, and throne? 2 Samuel 7:16

 

 

Personal – In what way has God given you rest from your enemies, or are you undergoing attacks from your enemies?  How do you deal with the attacks?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 16:25-27                    SECOND READING

 

(“…made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith.”)

 

  1. What can God do for us, according to the Gospel and proclamations of Jesus Christ?   Romans 16:25

 

 

  1. What is God able to accomplish in us? Ephesians 3:20

 

 

  1. What is Paul’s Gospel? 2 Timothy 2:8

 

 

  1. How did Paul receive the Gospel preached by him? Galatians 1:11-12

 

 

  1. How has the Gospel been manifested? Romans 16:26

 

 

  1. By whose command has the Gospel been made known to all the nations, and what is this to bring about?    Romans 16:26

 

 

  1. What have we received to bring about the obedience of faith? See Romans 1:4-5

 

 

  1. What is evidence of our faith? 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

 

 

  1. Through whom is glory given forever and ever? Romans 16:27

 

 

  1. How are all things in Jesus? Romans 11:36

 

 

  1. How do we see the glory of God? John 11:40

 

 

Personal – How have you been strengthened by the gospel proclaim­ed this week, or by prophetic writings in the bible?  What has been the evidence of this strengthening?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 1:26-38 GOSPEL

 

(“You have found favor with God.”)

 

  1. Who was sent from God, what month was it, and where did he go?   Luke 1:26-27

 

 

  1. Who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, and of what house? Luke 1:27

 

  1. What happens when evidence of a girl’s virginity is not found?   Deuteronomy 22:20-21

 

 

  1. According to the angel, who was with Mary, and what is she among women?   Luke 1:28

 

 

  1. Who are the blessed, and how have they been blessed? Galatians 3:8

 

 

  1. How did Mary feel at the words of the angel, and what did she wonder?    Luke 1:29

 

 

  1. What did the angel tell Mary not to do, what has she found with God, and what would she conceive?   Luke 1:30-31

 

 

  1. What name would she give him, who would be great, and what would he be called?   Luke 1:31-32

 

 

  1. Where would be his reign, and what was Mary’s response? Luke 1:33-34

 

 

  1. Who did the angel say would come upon Mary, what would the power of the Most High do to her, and what would the holy offspring be called?    Luke 1:35

 

 

  1. What did the angel say about her kinswoman, Elizabeth, and what is possible with God?    Luke 1:36-37

 

 

  1. What things are possible for God? Luke 18:27

 

 

  1. What makes nothing impossible for us? Matthew 17:20

 

 

  1. What did Mary say she was, and what did she say be done? Luke 1:38

 

Personal – In what way have you experienced the empowering of the Holy Spirit within your being?  How have you yielded in faith as Mary did to a messenger of the Lord?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 89:2-5, 27, 29

 

(“You are my father, my God; the rock, my savior.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29.

 

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

 

2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16

 

God had made a covenant with David and promised him that his family line would go on forever. This promise would be fully realized when Jesus was born. God made certain that a prophet was living during the reign of each of the kings of Israel. This was the first time that Nathan, the Prophet, was mentioned, and like all prophets, he urged the people to follow God and to communi­cate God’s laws and plans to the king.

 

God told David that he was called from being a simple peasant who tended sheep to become a great warrior-king. He would be used to unify and lead Israel and to destroy its enemies. God did not want a warrior with blood on his hands to build his sacred temple. David being obedient, made the plans and collected the materials so that the temple would be built by the next king, who would be David’s son, Solomon.

 

It is very important that we, too, should be like David and recognize and be satisfied with the roles which God gives all of us. God rejected David’s request, but this does not mean God rejected David. David’s request was also good, but God said no. God was planning something in David’s life that was much bigger than allowing him the prestige of building a temple.

 

God is waiting to do the same thing with you and me. He wants you to say “Yes” to him, just like David did. God promised David that his line would live forever. David’s earthly dynasty ended four centuries later. But Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of David, was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.

 

Have you prayed with very good intentions only to hear God say no? This is not rejection, but God’s way of fulfilling a greater purpose in your life. Remember always to let go and let God!

 

ROMANS 16:25-27

 

Paul is sharing with the people of his time and also of our time that it is wonderful to be alive and to be part of God’s mystery of saving the Gentiles. Paul was rejoicing in his role as an instru­ment in the unfolding plan of salvation. All the Old Testament prophecies were coming true and, through Jesus Christ, God’s mystery was fully revealed. Paul had not been to Rome, but he knew that the city was the center of great political and religi­ous influence. He was getting ready to leave Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish life, and his message was a message of hope.

 

Today we live in a world that has been vastly reduced by television. We can view all the major events that happened on that very day. We have the potential for widespread influence or wrenching conflict. We are called to be part of that revelation of God’s mystery. Our part is to live our lives in such a manner that brings a response that most times is very dramatic. Conflict is always potentially an obstacle in the path of the one who brings light into the darkness.

 

The “mystery” of Christ exploded across the entire known world. No longer was man subjected to heritage being the only way to heaven. Paul brought the “Good News” and that was that God loved the world (you) so much that He gave up His Son on the cross, so that all who believed in His Son would have eternal life. This mystery was revealed in Christ’s death and resur­rection. You are that ambassador of Christ and you will go from place to place and bring His “message” of hope to all who are hurting.  We need to reflect on how much of our own life reflects unity, service and love of Jesus Christ.

 

 

LUKE 1:26-38

Today’s gospel is a story of surrender and empowerment. The angel Gabriel who promises the birth of Jesus to Mary is the same angel who appeared to the prophet David more than 500 years earlier. Joseph and Mary lived in a small town named Nazareth. The area had a bad name because the Roman army barracks were located there, and the people were forced to work as ser­vants to the soldiers. The people of Nazareth were very distrust­ful of most, and women were under the domination of the men at that time. Women were little more than possessions like the goats and sheep, etc. A woman’s main contribution was to have children and take care of the home. It seemed highly unlikely that God would use two women for a major task. But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience ever demanded of anyone.

 

You may feel that you are in a place in your life where God could not possibly use you for service. Do not limit God’s choices; He can and will use you if you will only let Him. God’s blessings or choosing does not automatically bring instant fame or favor. His choosing of Mary for the honor of being the mother of the Messiah would lead to much pain. Her peers would ridicule her, and her fiance’ would come close to leaving her. Her son would be rejected and finally murdered.  But through her Son, Jesus Christ, would come the world’s only hope. This is why Mary has been called “Blessed among women.” Her surrender led to our victorious salvation. Her “Yes Lord” opened the doors to heaven for all who would believe in her Son.

 

A young woman answered God’s call by saying, “Do unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38).  We can learn from Mary that love is obedience to God’s call. If our blessings lead to sorrows, think of Mary and wait patiently for God to finish working out His plan. Mary let the Holy Spirit come upon her, and she was empowered to have a child. Mary was a young unmarried girl who risked disaster. Her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit had the risk of her being considered crazy as well.  Do not wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God.  Offer yourself willingly, like Mary did, even when the results look disastrous.

 

 

Application

 

The first reading revealed God as a God who keeps His promises.  The second reading showed that we are instruments in the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Gospel tells us to offer our­selves completely to God, to be radical.

 

This week, share with your family and friends the power of God’s love by visiting a shelter for unmarried pregnant women. Then take a risk and offer your support to her and her soon-to-be-born child.

 

TERCER DOMINGO DE ADVIENTO (Dec. 17th) – CICLO B

Posted on by

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 ISAIAS 61:1-2, 10-11                          PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Mi alma se alegra en mi Dios.”)

 

  1. ¿Dónde está el Espíritu del Señor Dios y que ha hecho El Señor? Isaias 61:1

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El Señor me ha enviado a hacer por los humildes y los angustiados? Isaias 61:1

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que proclamamos a los cautivos y prisioneros? Isaias 61:1

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue el pasaje leido por Jesús en la Sinagoga y qué dijo El acerca del mismo? Lucas 4:18-19, 21

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios con Jesús? Hechos 10:38

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que hace por ti la unción que recibiste de El? 1 Juan 2:27-28

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El me ha mandado anunciar? ¿Qué debemos hacer por todos los que están de duelo? Isaias 61:2

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que hago delante de mi Dios que es el gozo de mi alma y qué ha hecho El por mi? Isaias 61:10

 

  1. ¿Qué hará brotar el Señor Dios ante todas las naciones? Isaias 61:11

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que la práctica de la justicia hace por el justo? Proverbios 21:15

 

  1. ¿En que se interesa el hombre justo? Proverbios 29:7

 

 

Personal – ¿Cómo puedes liberar a, los cautivos dentro de tu medio ambiente y a aquellos que están encerrados en su propia miseria? ¿Cómo ha hecho El Señor brotar justicia y alabanzas dentro de ti?

 

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE 1 TESALONICENSES 5:16-24                                                                           SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Estén Siempre Alegres.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer siempre? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer sin cesar? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:17

 

  1. ¿A qué se dedicaron devotamente los apóstoles y quien estaba con ellos? Hechos 1:14

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el Espíritu por nosotros en nuestras debilidades? Romanos 8:26

 

  1. ¿Qué hacemos en todas las circunstancias; de quién es la voluntad y en quién? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:18

 

  1. ¿Qué no debemos apagar? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:19

 

  1. ¿Cómo entristecemos al Espíritu Santo? Isaias 63:10

 

  1. ¿Qué no debes menospreciar? ¿Qué debes examinar y que es lo que debes retener? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:20-21

 

  1. ¿De qué debes cuidarte? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:22

 

  1. ¿Aquellos que hacen mal, que es lo que no ven apto hacer? De qué están llenos y a quién odian? Romanos 1:28-31

 

  1. ¿Que puede hacernos el Dios de Paz y como puedes ser irreprochable para la venida de Nuestro Senor Jesucristo?  1 Tesalonicenses 5:23

 

  1. ¿Qué es aquel que te llama y qué hara El? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:24

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué diste gracias hoy y de qué maldad te abstuviste esta semana?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                               LEE JUAN 1:6-8, 19-28                                            EVANGELIO

 

(“Enderecen el camino del Señor.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién mandó al hombre llamado Juan y qué era lo él debia atestiguar? Juan 1:6-7

 

  1. ¿Qué habia visto Juan y que fue lo que el atestiguó? Juan 1:34

 

  1. ¿Qué no era él? ¿Pero qué debia hacer? Juan 1:8

 

  1. ¿Quién es la luz y qué tendrá áquel que lo siga a El? Juan 8:12

 

  1. ¿Cuando los judios de Jerusalén enviaron sacerdotes y levitas a preguntarle a Juan quien era él, que dijo?   Juan 1:19-20

 

  1. ¿Qué preguntaron ellos a Juan y cúal fue su respuesta? Juan 1:21

 

  1. ¿Qué respondió Juan a los sacerdotes y levitas y qué dijo el profeta Isaias? Juan 1:23 e Isaias 40:3

 

  1. ¿Para qué debemos hacer el camino derecho y porqué? Hebreos 12:13

 

  1. ¿Respondiendo a las preguntas de los fariseos, con qué dijo Juan que él bautizaba y a quien dijo el que ellos no reconocian?   Juan 1:26

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Juan que él no es digno de hacer a aquel que viene despues de él y donde tuvo lugar esto? Juan 1:27

 

  1. ¿Quién no es digno de Jesús? Mateo 10:37-38

 

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has preparado el camino del Señor para aquellos que te rodean? ¿Ha sido tu testimonio personal acerca de Jesus en tu vida?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                          LEE LUCAS 1:46-50, 53-54

 

(“…mi Espiritu se alegra en Dios mi Salvador”)

 

Leé y medita Lucas 1:46-50, 53-54.

 

¿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

 

ISAIAS 61:1-2, 10-11

 

Este pasaje de Isaias fue leido por Jesús en Lucas 4:18. El terminó Su lectura al pueblo en la sinagoga por la mitad del capitulo 61:2, despues de las siguientes palabras: “La hora de gracia de Dios ha llegado.” Jesús enrolló el libro y dijo, “Hoy se cumple ante ustedes ésta escritura.” (Lucas 4:21). El resto de Isaias 61:2, “y el dia de Su ira hacia sus enemigos” vendrá cuando Jesus retorne a la tierra otra vez. Es importante que te des cuenta que estás aun bajo la gracia de Dios y su ira esta todavia por llegar.

La lectura de hoy da buenas noticias para aquellos que sufren, porque el Espíritu de Dios está sobre aquellos que iran públicamente ayudando a todos aquellos que sufren. Leé los versiculos 1 y 2 y pon tu nombre en lugar de “mi.” El Espíritu de Dios está sobre ti y El te ha ungido para traer las buenas nuevas a los sufridos y afligidos, El te ha ungido para consolar a los angustiados.” Tal vez alguien, ahi mismo en tu familia esté sufriendo y tú seras quien ha de traerle las “Buenas Nuevas” de esperanza. Lo unico que tienes que hacer es decir “Sí, Señor, ven dentro de mi corazón, toma residencia en mí.”

Toma tiempo ahora mismo, dondequiera que estés y confiesa tus pecados y arrepientete y deja que la gracia de Dios mismo te llene con Su Espiritu Santo. Sabes que eres el templo de Dios y que el Espiritu de Dios mora en ti.? (1 Cor. 3:16) a causa de tu bautismo? Ahora, Dios te esta llenando con Su Espíritu de manera que Su amor pueda desbordar a traves tuyo, volcándose sobre Su pueblo herido y quebrantado. Abriras los ojos a los ciegos porque llevaras la luz del mundo dentro de ti. – Recuerden, mis queridos hermanos y hermanas, el Espíritu de Dios está sobre nosotros, y El nos ha ungido. El nos ha vestido con Su ropaje de salvación y nos ha cubierto con Su manto de virtudes.

 

 

1 THESALONICENSES 5:16-24

 

En la lectura de hoy vemos que en todas nuestras circunstancias, alegrias, oraciones y agradecimiento no debemos subir y bajar segun nuestros sentimientos. Estos tres mandamientos de “ser gozoso, estar siempre en oración y continuar siendo agradecido” muchas veces van en contra de nuestras inclinaciones. Podemos esperar estar contentos y agradecidos cuando seguimos la voluntad de Dios porque es Su poder que se mueve a traves nuestro y es en Sus manos que colocamos nuestras necesidades (1 Pedro 5:7). Encontraremos siempre mucho mas fácil estar contentos, agradecidos y llenos de oracion cuando realmente ponemos nuestra confianza en el Señor.

Sabemos que no siempre podemos pasar nuestro tiempo de rodillas, pero si es posible mantener todo el tiempo una piadosa actitud. Construimos esta actitud al admitir nuestra dependencia en Dios, entendiendo que Su presencia está justo alli frente a nosotros, detrás de nosotros, sobre nosotros, debajo de nosotros y dentro de nosotros. Debemos elejir obedecerle plenamente. No es suficiente hablar acerca de Cristo, debemos tambien caminar con Cristo. Encontraremos entonces natural el rezar oraciones frecuentes, espontáneas, cortas y muy significantivas. Recuerden que una actitud devota de oración no es substituto de tus momentos de oración “a solas” con Jesús. Una actitud devota debe ser una extension de esos momentos de quietud.

Pablo nos enseñó que debemos estar agradecidos en todo lo que nos sucede. Estamos siempre agradecidos porque Dios ES y por el bien que El puede traer a traves de los tiempos de angustia. Se nos dice de no “sofocar al Espíritu Santo” o de no ignorar o apartar los regalos que el Espíritu Santo nos ha dado. A veces los regalos espirituales son controversiales y causan division en una iglesia. Pablo menciona el regalo de profecia y él nos incita a todos a usar la expresion total de estos talentos en el cuerpo de Cristo.

No nos permitamos nunca burlarnos de aquellos que no estan de acuerdo con lo que nosotros profesamos creer. Verifiquemos tambien los trabajos de ellos en contraste con las sagradas escrituras y sagradas tradiciones. No dejamos a Cristo controlarnos solo a nivel religioso. Estamos llamados a dejar a Jesucristo controlarnos en todo y en todas circunstancias.

 

JUAN 1:6-8, 19-28

 

Este pasaje del Evangelio es realmente un mensaje de “Buenas Nuevas.” Es el mensaje de una luz que ha venido a penetrar la oscuridad del mundo, especialmente la oscuridad de los corazones de la gente. La luz es Jesús y Juan Bautista dió testimonio de la luz. Somos llamados a desempeñar hoy el papel de reflectores de la luz de Cristo. Nunca debemos presentarnos como la luz a otros, sino siempre como Juan Bautista hizo, señalarles a Cristo, la Luz.

Necesitamos recordar siempre que Jesús fue el creador de la vida y Su vida trae Luz a una humanidad caida. En Su Luz tú. y yo nos vemos como realmente somos (pecadores en necesidad de un salvador). Nos decimos a nosotros mismos que no hacemos todas esas cosas terribles que la gente mala hace, pero no debemos olvidar nunca que las escrituras nos dicen que todos hemos pecado y nos falta la gloria de Dios (Romanos 3:23). Algunos pecados parecen mas grandes que otros, pero todos los pecados nos hacen pecadores y todos los pecados nos separan de nuestro Santo Dios. No menospreciemos los pecados “chicos.” Todos ellos nos separan de Dios, pero todos pueden ser perdonados. Cuando seguimos a Jesucristo, la Luz, podemos evitar el ir caminando y cayendo ciegamente en pecado. Su vida y obras han alumbrado el sendero de vida para todos nosotros. El, en misericordia y rectitud, remueve la oscuridad del pecado de nuestras vidas.

Has permitido a la luz de Cristo brillar en tu vida? Hoy, te desafio a dejar a Jesucristo llevar luz a tu vida y nunca mas necesitarás tropezar en la oscuridad.

 

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura revela que el Espíritu del Señor está sobre mí. En la segunda lectura, se nos llama a ser alegres, piadosos y agradecidos en todas las circunstancias. En el Evangelio, Jesús es la Luz y se nos llama a reflejar esa luz.

 

Mira alrededor tuyo a tu familia, parientes, amigos, vecinos o comunidad y encuentra a alguien que este sufriendo, solo o prisionero. Escribele o visítale y dile que, continuara’s rezando por el y si es posible, con él. Quizá puedas traer alguien a Misa o llevar la Eucaristia a alguien. Tal vez puedas leer la lección de esta semana a alguien que no puede ver o leer. Recuerda, has sido llamado a reflejar la Luz de Jesús y Su Espiritu Santo te ha ungido. Id y haced discípulos de todas las naciones, (Mateo 28:19) especialmente aquellos en vuestras propias familias.