DOMINGO DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA (April 16th) ‑ CICLO A

El Pan de Vida – Estudio de Biblia Catolico

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

SEGUNDO DIA                                      HECHOS 2:42-47                          PRIMeRA LECTURA

(“Los primeros Cristianos vivían una vida de oración y compartían todas las cosas en común.”)

  1. ¿Aquellos que habían sido bautizados eran devotos a cuáles cuatro aspectos de la vida Cristiana? Hechos 2:42
  2. _________________________ 3. _________________________
  3. _________________________ 4. _________________________
  4. ¿Por qué se apoderaba de ellos un temor reverente? Hechos 2:43
  5. ¿Qué significaba vivir en común? Hechos 2:44-45
  6. ¿Cómo se repartían los bienes y la propiedad? Hechos 2:45
  7. ¿En los primeros tiempos en dónde continuaron yendo los Judíos Cristianos diariamente a orar y a oír la Palabra de Dios? Hechos 2:46
  8. ¿Dónde partían el pan estos Cristianos y celebraban la Eucaristía? Hechos 2:46
  9. ¿Cuál era la condición de sus corazones al tomar sus alimentos en común? Hechos 2:46
  10. ¿Cuáles eran las dos cosas que sucedían cuando tomaban sus alimentos en común?  Hechos 2:47
  11. ¿Qué se agregaba cada día y quién lo hacía? Hechos 2:47

Personal – ¿Como he vivido la presencia de Dios en mi vida? ¿Pienso acerca de la salvación como algo muy individual y privado o mi punto de vista se puede comparar con este cuadro de los principios de la iglesia? ¿Cómo comparto mis bienes y cómo me siento acerca del estilo de vida descrito aquí?.

TERCER DIA                                           1 PEDRO 1:3-9                           SEGUNDA LECTURA

 (“La gente celebra el regalo de la gracia de Dios para los Gentiles.”)

  1. ¿Quién debe ser alabado y por qué? 1 Pedro 1:3
  2. ¿Qué trajo este nacimiento y de dónde sacó su vida? 1 Pedro 1:3
  3. ¿En qué está fija nuestra esperanza? 1 Timoteo 4:10
  4. ¿Al final cuáles tres cosas perdurarán? 1 Corintios 13:13
  5. ¿Qué es aquello incapaz de desaparecer o ser corrompida, dónde se guarda y cómo está protegida? 1Pedro 1:4-5
  6. ¿Cuáles son las tres cosas que esta nueva verdad nos da, y cuando nos será revelada? 1 Pedro 1:3-5
  7. ¿Qué nos causa esto, qué será preciso pasar y por qué? 1 Pedro 1:6-7
  8. ¿Por qué rebozas de alegría gloriosa? 1 Pedro 1:8
  9. ¿Cuál es la meta de nuestra fe? 1 Pedro 1:9

Personal – ¿De qué modo he sido puesto a prueba en mi fe? ¿Cómo creció mi fe como resultado de esta prueba?

CUARTO DIA                                           JUAN 20:19-31                                          EVANGELIO

(“Jesús se les aparece a los discípulos en el lugar donde se encontraban.”)

  1. ¿Por qué tenían los discípulos las puertas cerradas del lugar donde se reunían? Juan 20:19
  2. ¿Cuál fue el saludo de Jesús cuando se apareció ante los discípulos? Juan 20:19. Compara este con su saludo en Juan 14:27
  3. ¿Qué les mostró Jesús a sus discípulos y cuál fue la reacción de éstos? Juan 20:20
  4. Cuando los apóstoles vieron a Jesús ¿qué les dijo El por segunda vez; quién dijo que lo había enviado a El y los iba a enviar a ellos? Juan 20:21
  5. Jesús sopló sobre ellos y dijo: “Recibid el ________________ ________________.” Juan 20:22
  6. ¿Después de haber recibido al Espíritu Santo, ¿qué autoridad tienen los discípulos en lo que se refiere al pecado? Juan 20:23.  ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca del perdón de los pecados?  Lucas 17:3-4

Personal – ¿Cómo penetra la vida de Cristo en mi vida diaria y en mis acciones? ¿Su saludo, “La Paz sea contigo”, me llena de alegría y paz, o de otras emociones? Así como Jesús ha mandado a sus discípulos al mundo, así también me manda a mí. Por medio de mi bautismo he recibido al Espíritu Santo. ¿Cómo vivo esta comisión en mi vida diaria?

  1. ¿Quién estuvo ausente cuando Jesús vino a visitar a los discípulos? Los discípulos le dijeron a él que habían visto al Señor. ¿Qué les respondió? Juan 20:24-25
  2. A la semana siguiente Jesús vino otra vez, ¿cuál fue su saludo a los discípulos? Juan 20:26
  3. ¿Qué hizo Jesús para que Tomás creyera, y cuál fue la respuesta de Tomás? (Escríbela.) Juan 20:27-28
  4. ¿Jesús bendijo a Tomás por que él _________________ y ____________. Y bendijo a aquellos que sin haber ___________ ___ ________han______ ____ _________. ¿Cómo ayuda esto a fortalecer mi fe? Juan 20:29
  5. ¿Cómo afectan estas señales a nuestra fe? Juan 20:30-31

Personal – Así como Tomás creyó por medio de ver y tocar, ¿cómo me invita a mi Jesús a tener fe en mi vida por medio de la vista y el tacto? ¿Cuándo he pasado del miedo o la tristeza, a la alegría “al ver al Señor”?

QUINTO DIA                                SALMO 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24

(“Mi fuerza y mi valor están en el Señor y El ha sido mi Salvador.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24.

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

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

SEXTO DIA                                LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 2:42-47

Este pasaje nos revela un tremendo sentido de amor y compromiso de unos a otros. Los Apóstoles enseñaron acerca de la vida y los eventos de Jesucristo con un alto grado de entusiasmo y autoridad. Ser apóstol significaba haber sido testigo ocular del ministerio, pasión, muerte y resurrección del Señor.

La confraternidad entre los seguidores y los nuevos convertidos fue cálida, fuerte e increíblemente alegre. A los pobres y necesitados se les ayudó físicamente y con oraciones. Los hambrientos fueron alimentados, a los que no tenían hogar se les proporcionaba, los desnudos fueron vestidos, y a los que estaban tristes y solitarios les dieron amor y confianza. También fueron ayudados los que estaban en las cárceles o en las colonias de leprosos.

Hubo muchas señales de la presencia sanadora de Dios en la comunidad. Los lazos entre ellos fueron estrechados por medio del rendimiento de sus placeres personales para que la comunidad pudiera ser salvada.

La esencia de esta acción sanadora de la comunidad fue por la fe en Nuestra Señor Jesucristo, no por sus propias habilidades personales. Hoy en día necesitamos recordar que todo lo que tenemos que es bueno viene de nuestro Dios amoroso. La gente iba al templo y partían el pan juntos en sus hogares.

Hoy somos llamados a “celebrar”. Celebramos la increíble victoria que Jesús ganó por nosotros muriendo y resucitando. Compartimos “el Pan de Vida” o “Eucaristía” durante esta celebración y somos alimentados con la presencia de Jesucristo. De manera que estamos llamados a salir del templo y “Compartir la Eucaristía” con todos con quien tengamos contacto. Podemos hacer esto por que El está en donde quiera que estemos nosotros (1 Juan 4:4).

1 PEDRO 1:3-9

Hoy las palabras de San Pedro nos recuerdan una vez más lo que significa el evento único de “la Resurrección”, para nosotros y para la fe que profesamos. Los primeros conversos al Cristianismo comprendieron la verdad de compartir la vida eterna con el Padre como resultado de lo que Jesús había hecho por toda la humanidad. Estas gentes estaban con mucho dolor, con mucha tristeza y sin esperanza en su futuro. Se aferraron a esta verdad acerca del Señor con hambre y sed y se alegraron. Nosotros también nos aferramos a esa verdad. También sabemos que por medio de la Encarnación, muerte y resurrección de Cristo hemos sido hechos herederos del reino de nuestro Padre celestial.

Necesitamos reflexionar y preguntarnos a nosotros mismos porqué tanta gente no permite a esta consoladora convicción Cristiana gobernar y regular sus vidas y sus acciones. La tecnología de hoy es tan sofisticada que impide a muchos de ponerse a pensar en el real y eterno hacedor de las leyes. Dios es el creador de todo, El ha planeado y tiene el control de nuestro futuro.

Muchos de nosotros estamos tan ocupados usando y gozando los dones terrenales de Dios que nos olvidamos y en muchos casos ignoramos el mayor don de todos el que perdura por siempre la vida eterna. San Pedro nos dice que nuestra fe es mucho más preciosa que el oro y como el oro será purificada y probada bajo el fuego de la adversidad. Somos llamados “gente de la Pascua” porque El ha resucitado y vive con nosotros. Estamos vivos en Cristo, y nuestra vida eterna con El empieza desde hoy. Regocíjate y ponte contento. El está vivo y bien contigo, así que tú también puedes estar bien.

JUAN 20:19-31

Los discípulos se reunían a puerta cerrada por que tenían un miedo mortal de que los soldados vinieran y los arrestaran y posiblemente los mataran. El miedo por si mismos y por sus familias estaba profundamente metido en sus corazones cuando Jesús se les apareció. En su miedo, soledad, rechazo y fracaso, Jesús hace esta increíble declaración “la paz sea contigo”, les enseñó sus heridas, pero sobre todo les mostró que todavía estaba entre ellos. Fueron subyugados con una alegría tremenda. Hoy millones de personas se encuentran atrás de puertas cerradas. Muchos están en prisión, hospitales y muchos atrapados detrás de la puerta cerrada de una mente cerrada y rota. El mensaje de Jesús para nosotros es siempre el mismo, no importa donde estemos o por que estemos pasando.

Jesús se identifica a Si mismo con Su Padre y les dice a los discípulos bajo la autoridad de quién, El hizo su trabajo. Ahora El le pasa ese trabajo a sus discípulos, de esparcir la “Buena Nueva” en todo el mundo. Dios te ha escogido a ti para hacer eso hoy y tu autoridad viene de Dios. Jesús nos ha enseñado con sus palabras y sus acciones como efectuar esa “Gran Comisión”. Así como el Padre ha enviado a Jesús, ahora te envía a ti con la protección y el poder de Su Espíritu Santo. El te da ese poder por medio de su aliento sobre ti. Hay vida en el aliento de Dios y por medio del aliento de Jesús, Dios dirigió la vida eterna del espíritu. Con este aliento viene el poder para cumplir el mandato de Dios en la tierra. Jesús les dijo cual era su misión y esa misión es la misma para ti. Háblale a la gente de la “Buena Nueva”, de que Jesús ha perdonado los pecados. Nosotros no tenemos el poder de perdonar pero Jesús si lo tiene. La gente hoy no puede recibir el mensaje del perdón hasta que reciba al que perdona y su nombre es Jesús

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos habla de que la comunidad es el amor en acción. La segunda lectura nos muestra que la esperanza es eterna. El Evangelio nos dice que salgamos y esparzamos la “Buena Nueva.”

Esta semana vayamos adelante llevando las buenas nuevas con nuestras palabras y acciones trayendo el estudio de la Biblia a alguien que este confinado en su hogar, en un hospital o en la prisión. Tomemos una escritura esta semana como por ejemplo – el amor es amable – (1 Corintios 13:4) – practiquémoslo en nuestra familia, trabajo o escuela. El mensaje de Jesús al mundo es “La paz sea contigo” y El quiere que esto empiece primero que nada con nosotros mismos.

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16th) ‑ CYCLE A

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)

 

Application

Jesus’ death brought us freedom from sin and death. We are now called to free others from sin and death here on earth. Some of us can do that by our professions as medical people, legal people, politicians, educators, business people, parents, and children.

This week, free someone in your family, home, or work from a chore that you know they don’t like. Let them see that joy in someone who really knows that he is free. Then each day have your family gather together to pray that all may become free from sin through Jesus Christ. Because of him, you are free. Let freedom ring throughout this land.

 

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 ACTS 2:42‑47          FIRST READING

(“The early Christians live a life of prayer and share all things in common.”)

  1. Those who were baptized were devoted to what four aspects of Christian living? Acts 2:42

 

 

  1. Why did a reverent “fear” overtake them? Acts 2:43

 

 

  1. What did it mean to live in common? Acts 2:44‑45

 

 

  1. How were goods and property divided? Acts 2:45

 

 

  1. In the earliest times, where did the Jewish Christians     continue to go daily to pray and hear the Word of God? Acts 2:46

 

 

  1. Where did these Christians break bread and celebrate the Eucharist? Acts 2:46

 

 

  1. What was the condition of their hearts as they took their meals in common? Acts 2:46

 

 

  1. What two things were happening as they took their meals in common? Acts 2:47

 

 

  1. What was added, day by day, and by whom? Acts 2:47

 

 

Personal ‑ How have I been living out God’s presence in my life? Do I think of salvation as something very individual and private, or how does my view compare to this picture of the early church? How do I share my goods and feel about the lifestyle described here?

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ 1 PETER 1:3‑9        SECOND READING

 

(“The people celebrate God’s gift of grace to the Gentiles.”)

 

  1. Who is to be praised, and for what reason? 1 Peter 1:3

 

 

  1. What does this birth give, and from what does it draw its life? 1 Peter 1:3

 

 

  1. On what is our hope fixed? 1 Timothy 4:10

 

 

  1. In the end, what three things last? 1 Cor 13:13

 

 

  1. What is incapable of fading or being defiled, where is it kept, and how is it guarded? 1 Peter 1:4‑5

 

 

  1. What three things does this new truth give, and when will this be revealed? 1 Peter 1:3‑5

 

 

  1. For what is there cause, what may you have to do, and for what reason? 1 Peter 1:6‑7

 

 

  1. Why do you rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory?   1 Peter 1:8

 

 

  1. What is faith’s goal? 1 Peter 1:9

 

 

Personal ‑ In what way have I been tested in my faith? How did my faith grow as a result?

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 20:19‑31                GOSPEL

(“Jesus appears to the disciples in the room.”)

  1. Why had the disciples locked the door where they were staying? John 20:19

 

 

  1. What was Jesus’ greeting as he stood before the disciples? John 20:19 Compare it to his greeting in John 14:27

 

 

  1. What did Jesus show the disciples, and what was their re‑action? John 20:20

 

 

  1. At the apostles’ sight of him, what did Jesus say again; whom did he say sent him and, in turn, is sending them? John 20:21

 

 

  1. Jesus “breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the _________.” John 20:22

 

  1. After receiving the Holy Spirit, what authority did the disciples have regarding sin? John 20:23. What did Jesus say about forgiving sins?   Luke 17:3‑4

 

 

Personal ‑ How does the life of Christ penetrate my daily life and actions? Does his greeting, “Peace be with you,” fill me with joy and peace or other emotions? Just as Jesus has sent his disciples out to the world, so also he sends me. By my baptism, I have received the Holy Spirit. How do I live out this commission in my everyday life?

 

 

  1. Who was absent when Jesus came to the disciples, and what did they tell Him they had seen? What was his response? John 20:24-25

 

  1. A week later, Jesus again came to them in the room. What was Jesus’ greeting to the disciples?   John 20:26

 

  1. How did Jesus challenge Thomas to believe, and what was Thomas’ response?  (Write it out.)  John 20:27‑28

 

  1. Jesus blest Thomas because he and      , and Jesus blessed all those “who have not     and have           _________.” How does this help to strengthen my faith?    John 20:29

 

  1. How do these signs affect our faith? John 20:30‑31

 

Personal ‑ Just as Thomas came to believe through seeing and touching, how does Jesus invite me to faith in my life through sight and touch? When have I passed from fear or sadness to joy “at the sight of the Lord?”

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY       READ PSALM 118:2‑4, 13‑15, 22‑24

(“My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my Savior.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 118:2‑4, 13‑15, 22‑24.

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 2:42‑47

This passage reveals a tremendous sense of love and commitment to one another. The Apostles gave their teachings about the life and events of Jesus Christ with a high degree of enthusiasm and authority. An apostle meant one who was an eyewitness to the ministry, passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord.

The fellowship between the followers and new converts was warm, strong, and incredibly joyful. The poor and needy were taken care of physically as well as in prayer. The hungry were being fed, the homeless were being sheltered, the naked were being clothed, and the lonely were being loved and affirmed. They ministered to outcasts in prisons or leper colonies.

There were many signs of God’s healing presence in the community. The bond between them was shared through their giving up of their personal pleasures in order that the community might be saved.

The core of this healing action by the community was Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not through their own individual talent. Today, we need to remember that all we have that is good comes from our loving God. The people attended the temple and broke bread together in their homes.

Today, we are called to church to “celebrate.” We are celebrating the incredible victory that Jesus won for us by dying and rising for us. We share in the “Bread of Life” or “Eucharist.” At this celebration, we become nourished with the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We are then called to go out from the Church and “Eucha­rist” with all that we come into contact. We do this because he is wherever we are. (1 John 4:4).

 

1 PETER 1:3‑9

Today, St. Peter’s words remind us, once again, what that unique event, “the Resurrection,” means to us, and to the Christian Faith that we profess. The first converts to Christianity had grasped the truth of sharing eternal life with the Father because of what Jesus had done for all mankind. These people were in much pain, in much sorrow, and with no hope for their future. They grasped this truth about the Lord with a hunger and a thirst, and they rejoiced in it. We, too, have grasped this truth. We, too, know that through the Incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ, we also have been made heirs to the kingdom of our heavenly Father.

We need to reflect now and ask ourselves why so many people do not let this consoling Christian conviction govern and regulate their lives and actions. Our technology today is so sophisticated that it prevents many from thinking about the real and permanent Lawmaker. God is the Creator of all, and he has planned and is in control of all of our futures.

Many of us are so busy using and enjoying the earthly gifts of God that we forget and, in many cases, ignore the greatest gift of all ‑ the one that will last forever ‑ Eternal Life. St. Peter tells us that our Faith is more precious than gold and, like gold, it will be purified and tested under the fire of adversity. We are called “Easter people” because he is risen and lives within us. We are alive in Christ, and our Eternal Life with him begins today. Rejoice and be glad. He is alive and well within you, so you may be well, too.

 

JOHN 20:19‑31

The disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were terribly frightened that the soldiers were going to come and arrest them and, possibly, even put them to death. Fear for themselves and their families was deep in their hearts when Jesus appeared to them. In their fear, loneliness, rejection, and failure, Jesus makes the incredible statement, “Peace be unto you!” He showed them his wounds but most of all, he let them know that he was still among them. They were overcome with tremendous joy. Today, millions of people are behind locked doors; many are in prisons or hospitals, and many are trapped behind the locked door of a closed, broken mind. Jesus’ message to us today, regardless of where we are or what we are going through, is to remember that he is always with us.

Jesus identified himself with his Father and told the disciples by whose authority he did his work. Now he passed the job on to his disciples to spread the “Good News” around the world. God has chosen you to do that today, and your authority comes from him. Jesus has shown us by his words and actions how to accomplish the “Great Commission.” As the Father has sent Jesus, he now sends you with the protection and power of his Holy Spirit. He gives you that power by breathing upon you. There is life in the breath of God, and through the breath of Jesus, God directed eternal spiritual life. With this inbreathing came the power to do God’s will on earth. Jesus told them their mission, and it is the same mission that we must undertake. Tell the people about the “Good News” that Jesus has forgiven their sins. We do not have that power to forgive, but Jesus does. People of today cannot receive the message of forgiveness until they receive the one who forgives; his name is Jesus.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that community is love in action. The second reading tells us that hope is eternal. The Gospel tells us to go out and spread the “Good News.”

This week, let us go forth and spread the Good News by our words and actions. Bring a Bible Study to someone who is confined to a home, hospital, or prison. Take a Scripture this week, such as love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4), and practice it in your family, job, or school. Jesus’ message to the world is, “Peace be with you,” and he wants it to begin with you first.

 

 

Lectio Divina – 2nd Sunday of EASTER (Divine Mercy Sunday, April 16th) – Cycle A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

John 20:19-31 – On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now, Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of  God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

Lectio Divina – EASTER Sunday (April 9th)

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

John 20:1-9 – On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. For they did not yet understand the Scripture that He had to rise from the dead.

 

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

DOMINGO DE PASCUA (April 9th) ‑ CICLO A

El Pan de Vida – Estudio de Biblia Catolico

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

SEGUNDO DIA                                   HECHOS 10:34, 37-43                      PRIMeRA LECTURA

(“Hemos bebido y comido con El después de Su resurrección.”)

  1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando Pedro? Hechos 10:24-28
  2. ¿Qué les dijo? Hechos 10:34-35
  3. ¿Cómo describe Deuteronomio 10:17 a Dios y qué dice que no hace El? 2 Crónicas 19:7
  4. ¿Porqué razón Dios no tiene favoritos? Job 34:19,  Sabiduría 6:7

Personal – ¿De qué manera muestras parcialidad con tus hijos, amigos, y compañeros de trabajo?  Pasa un tiempo solo con el Señor, arrepiéntete de esto y pídele al Señor su ayuda para poder ver a los demás a través de sus ojos.

  1. ¿Qué estaba siendo reportado acerca de Jesús de Nazaret por toda Judea? ¿Dónde comenzó y con qué?  Hechos 10:37-38
  2. ¿Quién ungió a Jesús, y quién ungió a Pablo, Silvano y Timoteo? Hechos 10:38, 2 Cor. 1:21-22
  3. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que hacia Jesús y quién estaba con El? Hechos 10:38
  4. ¿De qué son testigos, qué le hicieron finalmente a El y qué hizo Dios? Hechos 10:39-40
  5. ¿Qué les concedió Dios, y por medio de quién? Hechos 10:40-41
  6. ¿Quiénes son los escogidos y por qué motivo son escogidos? Efesios 1:13
  7. ¿Qué nos encargó hacer? Hechos 10:42
  8. ¿A quién envió a predicar a su pueblo? Marcos 3:14, 2 Corintios 4:1-2
  9. ¿Quiénes son sus discípulos hoy en día? Juan 8:31, Juan 13:35
  10. ¿De qué debemos dar testimonio y de qué dan testimonio todos los profetas? Hechos 10:42-43

Personal – ¿Qué observas en tu vida diaria como resultado de la unción y el poder del Espíritu Santo?  ¿Ve tu familia buenas obras y sanación en todo lo que haces?  Reflexiona sobre esto.

TERCER DIA                                       COLOSENSES 3:1-4                       SEGUNDA LECTURA

 (“Piensen en las cosas de arriba, no en las de la tierra.”)

  1. ¿Con quién has resucitado y dónde debes poner tu corazón? Colosenses 3:1
  2. ¿Dónde está sentado Jesucristo? Colosenses 3:1
  3. ¿Quién nos levantó y nos reservó un lugar en el cielo? Efesios 2:4-6
  4. ¿A qué debemos estar atentos y porqué? Colosenses 3:2-3
  5. ¿Cuáles son las cosas que están enraizadas en la tierra? Colosenses 3:5, 8, 9
  6. ¿Cómo podemos estar atentos en las cosas de arriba? Colosenses 3:10
  7. ¿Dónde está escondida nuestra vida ahora? Colosenses 3:3
  8. ¿Quién es Cristo para nosotros? Colosenses 3:4
  9. ¿Cuándo aparezca Cristo, qué nos pasará y cómo? Colosenses 3:4

Personal – Así como has muerto con Cristo a los deseos antiguos y a las cosas terrenales, ¿ven tus familiares, amigos y vecinos tu vida como un reflejo de la vida de Cristo?  En una hoja de papel, nombra algunas de las características de Cristo en una columna y en la otra columna pon las tuyas; Haz esto para un día entero y compara las dos columnas.

CUARTO DIA                                            JUAN 20:1-9                                            EVANGELIO

(“Vio y creyó.”)

  1. ¿Quién llegó a la tumba, qué hora era y qué día? Juan 20:1
  2. ¿Dónde estaba María Magdalena mientras Jesús estaba clavado en la cruz? Juan 19:25
  3. ¿Qué había echado fuera de María Magdalena, Jesús? Marcos 16:9
  4. ¿Qué vio María cuando llegó a la tumba? Juan 20:1
  5. ¿A casa de quién se fue corriendo y qué les dijo? Juan 20:2
  6. ¿Qué hicieron Pedro y el otro discípulo? Juan 20:3
  7. ¿Quién llegó primero a la tumba y cómo llegaron allí? Juan 20:4

Personal – ¿En qué forma te ves a ti mismo corriendo para ver donde está Jesús?  ¿Perseveras en esa carrera? ¿En quién tienes fijos los ojos?  ¿Te ven tu familia y amigos como alguien que mira al cielo o al suelo?

  1. ¿Qué hizo el discípulo cuando llegó a la tumba y qué vio tirado en el suelo? Juan 20:5
  2. ¿Qué hizo Pedro al llegar allí? ¿Qué observó en el suelo y en el lienzo que cubría la cabeza de Jesús?  Juan 20:6-7
  3. ¿Que hizo el discípulo que llego primero y cuál fue su reacción a esto? Juan 20:8
  4. ¿Qué se necesita para creer? Juan 1:12
  5. ¿Qué recibirás por creer en el nombre de Jesús? Juan 3:36
  6. Después que Jesús resucitó de entre los muertos, ¿qué llegaron a entender y creer los discípulos? Juan 2:22
  7. ¿Cuándo entendieron y creyeron? Lucas 24:30-32
  8. ¿Qué dice Jesús acerca de quienes no ven y creen? Juan 20:29

Personal – ¿Cómo has visto operarse un cambio en tu vida por medio de la lectura de las Escrituras?  ¿Has llegado a creer en la Palabra de Jesús por medio de la Biblia?  Recuerda, que Juan, nos dice que Jesús es la Palabra hecha carne.  Ora y pídele al Señor llenarte con el entendimiento de Su Palabra por medio del don del Espíritu Santo que has recibido de El.

QUINTO DIA                                SALMO 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

(“La mano del Señor hizo prodigios.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.

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

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

SEXTO DIA                                LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 10:34, 37-43

Aleluya es una palabra de origen hebreo que significa “Alabad al Señor.”  En este gran Domingo de Pascua, damos gracias, expresamos nuestra gratitud y total alegría alabando a nuestro Señor Jesucristo.  Este pasaje demuestra claramente que la resurrección es la doctrina básica y, al mismo tiempo, prueba de la verdad de la fe cristiana.  La Escritura nos dice que si Cristo no hubiera resucitado, nuestra predicación y nuestra fe serían vanas (1 Cor. 15:14).

Hay muchos hoy en día que desdeñan la resurrección física y dicen que no tiene importancia.  Ellos dicen que la resurrección espiritual es la que verdaderamente cuenta.  San Pablo dice todo lo contrario.  Jesús se levantó de entre los muertos y fue visto por testigos que no solo le hablaron, sino que comieron con El. Los apóstoles estaban consternados el Viernes por la noche después de la crucifixión.  Permanecieron encerrados con llave por temor de que los soldados Romanos vinieran por ellos.  Inclusive, tenían temor de pensar que pudiera llegarles alguna buena noticia de Jesús.  Fue difícil convencerlos de que de verdad había resucitado aún cuando ya había sucedido.

Necesitamos reflexionar en este pasaje: ¿Lo hemos visto, hemos hablado con El, hemos comido con El?  El está vivo y nosotros, como el apóstol Pedro, estamos llamados a evangelizar y enseñar acerca de Jesús.  Estamos llamados a hacer amistad con todos quienes creen que resucitó y vive hoy en día. Necesitamos descubrir por medio de Cristo algo significativo acerca de nuestros prójimos, sean creyentes o incrédulos.  Ha resucitado para todo el mundo – ¡Aleluya! – ¡Aleluya!

COLOSENSES 3:1-4

En este pasaje, Pablo comienza por introducirnos al corazón del significado de nuestro bautismo. En los primeros días de la iglesia, el bautismo se hacía por inmersión total. Cuando escuchabas la historia de Cristo y estabas listo para creer en un solo Dios, Padre, Hijo y Espíritu Santo, entonces se te bautizaba metiéndote totalmente en el agua.  Eras limpiado de los pecados y de lo mundano.  La inmersión es un símbolo de morir y ser enterrados con Cristo.  Esto significa que el nuevo cristiano ya ha muerto para todos los deseos mundanos.  El/ella era levantado del agua, o de la tumba del pecado, para resucitar con Cristo. Pablo dijo: “Si has resucitado con Cristo, busca las cosas de arriba”; esto significa que debemos ser sinceros en lo que decimos y hacemos.

Hemos sido resucitados con Cristo y ya no necesitamos fijarnos en las cosas de la tierra.  Esto no quiere decir que faltemos a nuestra responsabilidad, ni tampoco basta con ser obedientes con nuestros padres y con la sociedad.  Tampoco significa que solamente tenemos que trabajar para mantenernos a nosotros y nuestras familias.  Significa que no debemos dejar que domine nuestra vida la ambición de posesiones terrenales.

Estamos llamados a amar a la gente, no a las cosas, o al dinero, poder, posición, etc.  Nuestras vidas deben mostrar que lo que hicimos en el bautismo tiene significado para toda nuestra vida.  Lo que hacemos tiene mucho más efecto en los demás que lo que podamos predicar.  Fuimos creados para tener felicidad sin fin en el cielo y ésta felicidad está a nuestro alcance, gracias a la muerte y resurrección de Cristo.  La gracia de Dios es la que nos ayuda diariamente en nuestra vida.  Recuerda, que Dios quiere que vayamos al cielo y El tiene planeada una Pascua de Resurrección para cada uno de nosotros.

JUAN 20:1-9

El plan divino para toda la humanidad fue cumplido por medio de la muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo.  Todos los hombres y mujeres pueden ahora ser llamados hijos de Dios por el acto de perfecta obediencia de Jesucristo. Por El, un día resucitaremos de nuestra sepultura con nuestros cuerpos glorificados, como Cristo.

La resurrección es la base de la nueva fe cristiana.  Si no hubiera sucedido, nunca hubiera comenzado la cristiandad.  No tendríamos por que celebrar la Pascua.  Pedro hubiera regresado con sus amigos pescadores a las barcas y las redes y Jesús hubiera sido olvidado al cabo de algunos años.

El descubrimiento de María Magdalena de una tumba vacía impresionó y causó temor.  Ella corrió donde estaba Pedro y le dijo que ella creía que alguien se había robado el cuerpo de Jesús.  Pedro tenía que ver por si mismo y averiguar los hechos.

Tal vez quieras poner atención a como encontraron la mortaja de Jesús, ordenadamente doblada después que descubrieron que el cuerpo de Jesús no estaba.  Si hubieran robado Su cuerpo, jamás hubieran dejado los lienzos ordenados.  Cuando los discípulos llegaron, quedaron totalmente sorprendidos al ver la tumba vacía.  Fue hasta entonces cuando recordaron que Jesús les había dicho que resucitaría.

Hoy en día mucha gente no creé en Jesús porque dicen que los “hechos” no concuerdan.  Nosotros solo podremos aceptar el hecho de la resurrección cuando hayamos tenido un encuentro personal con Cristo. El entendimiento de la resurrección toma un sentido especial en la medida en que comprometemos nuestra vida a Jesús y Su presencia permanece con nosotros.

La resurrección de Jesús es la base para nuestra fe porque la muerte, como nosotros la conocemos, no es el final.  La resurrección corporal de Jesús nos muestra que El es el gobernador del reino de Dios.  Por Su promesa, los que morimos a nosotros mismos con El, resucitaremos de entre los muertos con El.  Por El tú y yo podemos enfrentar el futuro sin miedo.  Porque por El tenemos Su Santo Espíritu viviendo en nosotros y protegiéndonos de todo mal (1 Juan 4:4).  Por El podemos dar testimonio a todo el mundo, que si cree en Cristo, también a ellos les dará la felicidad eterna.  Por El, toda la humanidad puede ser realmente libre y vivir eternamente.

¡Aleluya!  ¡Resucitó!  ¡Aleluya!  ¡Está Vivo!

Aplicación

La muerte de Jesús nos trajo liberación del pecado y de la muerte.  Ahora estamos llamados a liberar a otros del pecado y de la muerte aquí en la tierra.  Algunos de nosotros lo podemos hacer por medio de nuestro trabajo profesional, como médicos, abogados, políticos, educadores, hombres y mujeres de negocios, padres, hijos.

Esta semana preocúpate de liberar a alguien de tu familia, trabajo, etc., de algún trabajo concreto que sabes que no les agrada.  Procura que vean la alegría en alguien que realmente sabe que es libre.  Luego, reúne a diario a tu familia, y recen todos juntos para que puedan liberarse del pecado por medio de Jesucristo.  Por El, tú eres libre.  Dejemos que la libertad reine por toda esta tierra.

EASTER SUNDAY (April 9th) – CYCLE A

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)

Application

The first reading showed us that suffering can lead to obedience. The second reading shows that humility is the cornerstone of leadership. And the Gospel tells us that suffering for something that you didn’t do and showing humility in your actions calls for spirituality that only Jesus can give.

This week, look around and see if you can be helpful and set an example of Christ to someone who is suffering. This could be your spouse, your children or someone at work.

 

 

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 ACTS 10:34, 37-43       FIRST READING

(“We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead.”)

  1. Whom was Peter addressing? Acts 10:24‑28

 

  1. What did he say to them? Acts 10:34‑35

 

  1. How does Deuteronomy 10:17 describe God, and what does it say he does not do?   2 Chronicles 19:7

 

  1. For what reason does God have no favorites? Job 34:19, Wisdom 6:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you show partiality with your children, your friends, and your co‑workers? Spend time alone with the Lord, repent of this, and ask the Lord to help you look at others through his eyes.

 

  1. What was reported all over Judea about Jesus of Nazareth? Where did it begin, and with what?   Acts 10:37‑38

 

  1. Who anointed Jesus and who anointed Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy?  Acts 10:38, 2 Corinthians 1:21‑22

 

  1. What two things did Jesus go about doing and who was with him?   Acts 10:38

 

  1. To what are they witnesses, what did they finally do to him, and what did God do?   Acts 10:39‑40

 

  1. What did God grant, and by whom? Acts 10:40‑41

 

  1. Who are the chosen and for what purpose are they chosen? Ephesians 1:13

 

  1. What did he commission us to do? Acts 10:42

 

  1. Whom has he sent to preach to the people? Mark 3:14, 2 Corinthians 4:1‑2

 

  1. Who are his disciples today? John 8:31, John 13:35

 

  1. To what are we to bear witness and to what do all the prophets testify?   Acts 10:42‑43

 

Personal ‑ What results and power do you see in your everyday life from your anointing with the Holy Spirit? Does your family see good works and healing taking place from your touch? Reflect on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY             READ COLOSSIANS 3:1-4        SECOND READING

(“Be intent on things above rather than things of earth.”)

  1. With whom have we been raised up, and on what should we set our heart?   Colossians 3:1

 

  1. Where is Christ seated? Colossians 3:1

 

  1. Who raised us up and gave us a place in the heavens? Ephesians 2:4‑6

 

  1. On what are we to be intent and why? Colossians 3:2‑3

 

  1. What are things that are rooted in earth? Col 3:5, 8-9

 

  1. How do we become intent on things above? Col 3:10

 

  1. Where is our life hidden now? Colossians 3:3

 

  1. Who is Christ to us? Colossians 3:4

 

  1. When Christ appears, what will happen to us and in what way?      Colossians 3:4

 

Personal ‑ As you have died with Christ to your old desires and to things rooted in this earth, do your family, friends, and work acquaintances see you as a reflection of Christ? On a sheet of paper, name some of the characteristics of Christ in one column and in another column list your characteristics through a 24‑hour day and compare the two columns.

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 20:1-9                 GOSPEL

(“He saw and believed.”)

  1. Who came to the tomb, what time was it, and what day was it? John 20:1

 

  1. Where was Mary Magdalene as Jesus hung on the cross? John 19:25

 

  1. What did Jesus drive out of Mary? Mark 16:9

 

  1. What did Mary see when she arrived at the tomb? John 20:1

 

  1. To whom did she run, and what did she say to them? John 20:2

 

  1. What did Peter and the other disciple do? John 20:3

 

  1. Who reached the tomb first, and how did they get there? John 20:4

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you see yourself running to see Jesus? Are you persevering in running the race? On whom are you keeping your eyes fixed? Do your family and friends see you as someone with eyes looking up or cast down? Read Hebrews 12:1‑­2.

 

  1. What did the disciple do when he got to the tomb and what did he see lying on the ground?   John 20:5

 

  1. What did Peter do when he got there? What did he observe on the ground, and what did he notice about the cloth which had covered Jesus’ head?   John 20:6‑7

 

  1. What did the disciple who had arrived first do, and what was his reaction to this?   John 20:8

 

  1. What does it take to believe? John 1:12

 

  1. What will you receive by believing in the name of Jesus? John 3:36

 

  1. After Jesus rose from the dead, what did the disciples come to understand and believe?   John 2:22

 

  1. When did they understand and believe? Luke 24:30‑32

 

  1. What does Jesus say about those who believe and have not seen?      John 20:29

 

Personal ‑ How have you seen a change take place in your life through reading the scriptures? Have you come to believe in the spoken Word of Jesus through the scriptures? Remember, John tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh. Pray and ask God to fill you with an understanding of the Word through his gift of the Holy Spirit that you received from him.

 

 

FIFTH DAY       READ PSALM 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

(“The right hand of the Lord has struck with power.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 10:34, 37-43

Alleluia is a Hebrew word that means “praise ye the Lord.” On this great day of Easter Sunday we give thanks, gratit­ude and our complete joy in the form of praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage strongly shows that the resurrection is the basic doctrine and proof of the truth of the Christian faith. We are told in scripture that if Christ has not risen, then our preach­ing is in vain, and our faith is worthless also (1 Cor. 15:14).

There are many today who disregard the physical resurrection and say that it is no big deal. They say that it is the spirit­ual resurrection that really matters. St. Paul says just the op­posite. Jesus rose from the dead, and then he was seen by witnes­ses who had not only spoken with him, but had actually eaten with him. The Apostles were devastated on Friday night after the cruc­ifixion. They remained locked in the upper room, fearful of what the Roman soldiers were going to do next. They were even too afraid to do any wishful thinking about their beloved master Jesus. They were hard to convince even when it happened.

We need to reflect on this passage. Have we seen him, have we talked with him, have we eaten with him? He is alive today, and like the Apostle Peter, we too are called to evangelize and teach about Jesus. We are called to fellowship with others who believe that he is risen and that he lives today. We need to dis­cover through Christ something significant about each other, both believers and non‑believers. He has risen for the whole world ‑ Alleluia ‑ Alleluia!

 

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

In this passage, Paul begins by bringing us into the core meaning of our baptism. In the early days of the church, baptism was by total immersion. When you heard the story of Christ and you were ready to believe in the one true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, you were then immersed in water. You were cleansed from your sins and worldliness. Immersion was a symbol of being drowned or buried with Christ. This sig­nified that the new Christian has died to all earthly attachments and desires. He was raised out of the water or the tomb to be with the risen Christ. Paul said, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above.” This means that we must mean what we say and do.

We have been raised with Christ and we no longer need to dwell on things of the earth. This does not mean we can walk away from responsibilities. It does not mean just being obedient to parents and to society. It does not mean just having to work to support ourselves or our families. It means that our earthly possessions must not dominate our life.

We are called to love people, not things, money, power, status, etc. Our lives need to show that what we did at baptism has life-long meaning. What we do is far more effective on others than what we say. We were created for unending happiness in heaven and this happiness is now within our grasp, thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are helped in our daily living by God’s holy grace. Remember, God wants us to go to heaven and he has an Easter resurrection planned for all of us.

 

JOHN 20:1-9

The divine plan of God for all people was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All would now be eligible to be called sons and daughters of God because of Jesus Christ’s perfect act of obedience. Because of him, we will one day, like Christ, rise from the grave in our glorified bodies.

The resurrection is the basis of the new Christian faith. Had it not happened, Christianity would never have started. There would have been no Easter Sunday. Peter would have returned with his compan­ions to their fishing nets and boats, and Jesus Christ would have been forgotten after a few short years.

Mary Magdalene’s discovery of an empty tomb brought shock and fear. She ran to Peter and told him that she thought someone had stolen the body of Jesus. Peter had to see for himself and check out the facts.

We might take notice how the clothes were folded after they discovered Jesus’ body was gone. They would not have been arranged that way if there had been a robbery. The disciples were completely surprised when they found the empty tomb. It was only then that they remembered that Jesus had said that he would rise again.

Many people today do not believ­e in Jesus because they say the “facts” do not check out. We can only accept the fact of the resurrection when we have first personally encountered Jesus Christ. The understanding of the resurrection takes on a special meaning as we commit our lives to Jesus and his presence remains with us.

Jesus’ resur­rection is the key to our Christian faith because death, as we know it, is not the end. Jesus’ bodily resurrection shows us that he is ruler of God’s kingdom. Be­cause of his promise, we who die to ourselves with him, will rise from the dead with him. Because of him, you and I can face tomorrow without fear. Because of him, we have his Holy Spirit living within us and protecting us against all evil (1 John 4:4). Because of him, we can witness to the whole world that if they believe in Jesus Christ, they may also receive eternal happiness. Because of him, all mankind can really be free and live forever.

Alleluia ‑ HE is Risen ‑ Alleluia ‑ HE is alive.

 

Application

Jesus’ death brought us freedom from sin and death. We are now called to free others from sin and death here on earth. Some of us can do that by our professions as medical people, legal people, politicians, educators, business people, parents, and children.

This week, free someone in your family, home, or work from a chore that you know they don’t like. Let them see that joy in someone who really knows that he is free. Then each day have your family gather together to pray that all may become free from sin through Jesus Christ. Because of him, you are free. Let freedom ring throughout this land.

Lectio Divina – Palm Sunday (April 2nd) – Cycle A

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 – (Shorter version)

Matthew 27:33-44 – And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull), they gave Jesus wine to drink mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink. After they had crucified him, they divided his garments by casting lots; then they sat down and kept watch over him there. And they placed over his head the written charge against him: This is Jesus, the King of the Jews. Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and the other on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself, if you are the Son of God, and come down from the cross!” Likewise, the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, “He saved others, he cannot save himself. So, he is the king of Israel! Let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ The revolutionaries who were crucified with him also kept abusing him in the same way.

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

Lectio Divina – 5th Sunday of Lent (March 26th) – Cycle A

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 – (Shorter Version)

John 11:3-7, 17, 20-27, 33-45 – The sisters of Lazarus sent word to Jesus saying, “Master, the one you love is ill.” When Jesus heard this he said, “This illness is not to end in death, but is for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. Then after this he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him; but Mary sat at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise.” Martha said to him, “I know he will rise, in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the one who is coming into the world.” He became perturbed and deeply troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Sir, come and see.” And Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him.” But some of them said, ”Could not the one who opened the eyes of the blind man have done something so that this man would not have died?” So Jesus, perturbed again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay across it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, “Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus raised his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you for hearing me. I know that you always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” And when he had said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with the burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” Now many of the Jews who had come to Mary and seen what he had done began to believe in him.

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

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday of Lent (March 19th) – Cycle A

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  – (Shorter version)

John 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 – As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” – which means Sent –. So he went and washed, and came back able to see.

His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said, “Isn’t this the one who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “It is,” but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” He said, “I am.” They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees. Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a Sabbath. So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see.” So some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, because he does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man do such signs?” And there was a division among them. So they said to the blind man again, “What do you have to say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.

When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

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

Lectio Divina – 3rd Sunday of Lent (March 12th) – Cycle A

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 4:5-15, 19b-26, 39a, 40-42 – Jesus came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down there at the well. It was about noon. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. The Samaritan woman said to him, “How can you, a Jew, ask me, a Samaritan woman, for a drink?” –For Jews use nothing in common with Samaritans.—Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” The woman said to him, “Sir, you do not even have a bucket and the cistern is deep; where then can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us this cistern and drank from it himself with his children and his flocks?” Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may not be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.” I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem.” Jesus said to her, “Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that the Messiah is coming, the one called the Christ; when he comes, he will tell us everything.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one speaking with you.” Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in Him. When the Samaritans came to him, they invited him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. Many more began to believe in him because of his word, and they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.”

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