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Lectio Divina – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (March 2nd) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 6:39-45 – He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your  brother’s eye. For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the  abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (March 2nd) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ SIRACH 27:4-7 FIRST READING

(“…a man’s speech discloses the bent of his mind.”)

1. What happens when you shake a sieve, and when does a man’s faults appear? Sirach 27:4

 

2. From what do we pray to be cleansed, and with what do we ask the Lord to find favor? Psalm 19:13, 15

 

3. As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace, where is the test of the man? Sirach 27:5

 

4. Who has the king for his friend? Proverbs 22:11

 

5. What does the fruit of the tree show, and what does a man’s speech disclose? Sirach 27:6

 

6. What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22-23

 

7. How is a tree known, what does the mouth speak from, and what will happen on the day of judgment? Matthew 12:33-37

 

8. What should you not do before a man speaks, and for what reason? Sirach 27:7

 

9. What defiles a person? Matthew 15:11

 

10. How are you to set an example for those who believe? 1 Timothy 4:12

 

Personal – Look at yesterday and evaluate your speech. What effect did your speech have on those around you?  How can you improve your speech?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:54-58 SECOND READING

(“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.”)

1. With what will this which is corruptible, and mortal clothe itself? 1 Corinthians 15:54

 

2. In what do the children share, and what did Jesus’ death destroy? Hebrews 2:14-15

 

3. What words of scripture have come true? 1 Cor. 15:54-55

 

4. What is the sting of death and what is the power of sin?  1 Corinthians 15:56

 

5. What does the law produce and where there is no law what happens? Romans 4:15

 

6. How did you come to know sin, and how did you know what it means to covet? Romans 7:7

 

7. For what are we to be thankful to God?  1 Corinthians 15:57

 

8. Where does God always lead us, and what does he manifest through us? 2 Corinthians 2:14

 

9. How should we be in our work for the Lord, and what are we to know? 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

10. What will not happen to those blessed by the Lord? Isaiah 65:23

 

Personal – How have you experienced death and victory in your life? What does the phrase “to work for the Lord” mean to you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 6:39-45 GOSPEL

(“…for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”)

1. What did Jesus tell the people, what did he say about a blind person, and to whom is a disciple not superior? Luke 6:39-40

 

2. Who will a disciple be like when fully trained? Luke 6:40

 

3. What did Jesus say after he washed the feet of his disciples? John 13:15-16

 

4. What do you notice in your brother’s eye, and what do you not notice in your eye? What can you not say to your brother? Luke 6:41-42

 

5. What did Jesus call them, and what did he tell them to do? Luke 6:42

 

6. What do the hypocrites do with their lips, and where are their hearts? Matthew 15:7-8

 

Personal –  In what areas have you been correcting or trying to help others? Examine yourself in that same area and see whether you need to remove the plank from your eye.

 

7. What does a good tree not bear, and what does a rotten tree bear? Luke 6:43

 

8. How is every tree known and what do people not do? Luke 6:44

 

9. What does a good person produce, and from where does it come? What does an evil person produce, and from where does it come?  Luke 6:45

 

10. From what does the mouth speak? Luke 6:45

 

11. What are you to guard and for what reason?  What are you to put away? Proverbs 4:23-24

 

Personal – Memorize Psalm 141:3. Use this psalm on a daily basis to see whether you have some great changes come from within your heart.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

SIRACH 27:4-7

In today’s reading we can see both the negative and positive power of the spoken word.  Many times, Scripture has shown us how irresponsible words of speech have affected the spiritual lives of many. It is very important for us to always remember that what we say and what we do not say can have enormous power in many situations.

Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time but controlling our desire to say what is not needed to be said and something we should not have said at all. Unfortunately, examples of wrongly using the tongue are several, such as gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teachings, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Before we speak, we need to ask ourselves: is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind?

We show others what we are really made of and what is in our hearts by the way we speak. Scripture tells us that the damage the tongue can do to the human being is like comparing the tongue to a raging forest fire.  The tongue’s wickedness has its source in hell itself. Satan uses a person’s speech to divide people and pit them against one another. A conversation that deals with joy and truth will be a conversation between joyful and truly free people. A person does not want to be flattered and does not need to be praised for his deeds either. A person wants to be respected and to be a product of a loving God, family and society. He can only be this when he asks what God wants of him, rather than what does God have for him.

Remember, a few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build.  Remember, we are fighting in our own power and strength.  The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say.  As Christians, we are not perfect; but we should never stop growing, and this means letting our speech disclose the love of God that overflows our hearts.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 15:54-58

In today’s passage, Paul is developing the idea that a man always needs to be changed to enter into a higher level of life. He insists that before we can enter the kingdom of God we must be changed. To believe in Christ is to not fear any change, including the one that haunts most men – death.  Most people fear death because it is unknown to them. But to man, it comes to many, many more from the sense of sin. The sense of sin comes from being under the law, and that is exactly why Jesus came.

Jesus came to tell us that God is not law, but love, and that the center of God’s being is not legalism, but grace. When we die, we go out, not to a judge, but to a father who awaits his children coming home.  Because of that, Jesus gave us the victory over death, and its fear is driven out in the wonder of God’s love.  True love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment (1 John 4:18). Death is no longer a source of fear, because Christ overcame it, and one day we will overcome it too.

Paul tells us that because of the resurrection we are to be ready and alert and see that nothing we do is wasted. Sometimes we hesitate to step out and do something beautiful for God because we do not think it is important enough or because we probably will not see any results of our efforts. We need to remember that everything we do for God is important, and the effect will last into eternal life. Do the good that you have the opportunity to do, knowing that your work will have long-term results.

Paul has told us very strongly something that we all need to hear very much today. God has won his victory over death and sin because they were defeated by Christ.  By his resurrection, Christ has shown us that death and sin are not the last word, but only lead to life. He reminded the Corinthians then, and he reminds us today, that our “labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

LUKE 6:39-45

Today’s Gospel speaks to us about criticizing others. All through the ages, no matter what type of situation may have been present, almost everyone would agree that if you are critical, rather than compassionate, you will also receive criticism. If you treat others generously, gracefully, and compassionately, these qualities will come back to you in full measure.

We are called to love others, not to judge them. Jesus is telling the people to make sure that they are following the right teachers and leaders. He tells them, and us, to look for leaders who will show us what faith is as well as teach us what faith is. Jesus strongly states that we should not be so intent on watching what the other person is doing wrong and overlook our own spiritual walk with God. He encourages us to look for guidance from those who love in accordance with his Holy Word and teachings of his church.  Jesus does not mean we should ignore wrong doings, but we are not to become so critical of others that we begin to become one of God’s frozen people instead of one of his chosen people.

We often rationalize our own sins by pointing out the same mistakes in others.  We need to be able to address the term “hypocrite” and realize that the “hypocrite” is exactly the ones for whom Christ came and died. Many people do not go to church because that is where the hypocrites go on Sunday. Well, if that is where the hypocrites are, then you will certainly find Jesus there too. He came for the sick, and all sinners are sick. Jesus would be the first one to tell you that he wants his church to be a hospital for sinners and not just a haven for saints.  Remember, it is not hypocrisy to be weak in faith, but it is hypocrisy to think that we are spiritually closer to God than someone else. What is in our hearts will come out in our speech and behavior.

 

Application

The first reading shows us that when our speech is motivated by God, it is full of mercy.  The second reading reveals that God is not the law, but God is love.  The Gospel tells us the church is a hospital for sinners, not just a haven for saints.

This week let your heart be revealed to your family and friends by what you speak and how you act.  A loving word by you can affirm, build up, strengthen and open a broken spirit in almost everyone.  It is very important for you to listen to the people around you and ask the Lord to discern what you need to do to correct your decision.  Let your family and friends really get what they see in you, and their vision be all that is of the Lord.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 23rd) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ 1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 FIRST READING

(“The Lord will award each man for his justice and faithfulness.”)

1. Why did Saul go to the desert of Ziph, and with whom did he go? 1 Samuel 26:2

 

2. When and where did David and Abishai go, who did they find sleeping, and how did they find him? 1 Samuel 26:7

 

3. Who surrounds you? Psalm 125:2

 

4. What did Abishai say to David? 1 Samuel 26:8

 

5. What came over Saul, and what did Saul do to David? 1 Samuel 18:10-11

 

6. What did David say to Abishai about the Lord’s anointed? 1 Samuel 26:9

 

7. What does his anointing do for you?  1 John 2:27

 

8. What did David do, what did the Lord do to those sleeping, and where did David go? 1 Samuel 26:12-13

 

9. What did David say about the king’s spear, and for what did he say the Lord will reward them? 1 Samuel 6:22-23

 

10. What does the Lord love, and what are the works of his hands? Psalm 33:5 and Psalm 111:7

 

Personal – How has the anointing that you received in baptism helped you in your times of temptation?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:45-49 SECOND READING

(“…we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.”)

1. What is written about the first Adam and the last Adam? 1 Corinthians 15:45

 

2. How did the first Adam become a living being, and who gives life to whomever he wishes? Genesis 2:7 and John 5:21

 

3. What was not first?  1 Corinthians 15:46

 

4. How is our body sown and raised?  1 Corinthians 15:44

 

5. From where was the first man, and from where was the second?  1 Corinthians 15:47

 

6. Who is the One who came down from heaven?  John 3:13

 

7. Who are the earthly and who are the heavenly?  1 Cor. 15:48

 

8. What does the Lord Jesus do to our body?  Philippians 3:19-21

 

9. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, whose image shall we also bear?  1 Corinthians 15:49, Romans 8:29

 

10. How do you bear the image of the heavenly one?  Ephesians 5:1-2

 

Personal – In what way do you see yourself changed from an earthly being to a spiritual being?  What characteristic changes took place in you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 6:27-38 GOSPEL

(“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”)

1. Who did Jesus say to love, and to whom did he say to be good? Luke 6:27

 

2. For whom does Jesus say to bless and pray? Luke 6:28

 

3. What was said before, and what is Jesus saying now? Matthew 5:43-44

 

4. What are you to do when someone strikes you on the right cheek, takes your cloak, and asks for something? Luke 6:29-30

 

Personal – When someone has hurt you, what is your response?

 

5. What are we to do to others, who do even sinners love, and do good to?  Luke 6:31-33

 

6. What were you called to inherit?  1 Peter 3:9

 

7. How should you lend money, what will be your reward, and what will you be called?  Luke 6:34-35

 

8. Who is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked, and why should you be merciful?  Luke 6:35-36

 

Personal – List how many things you gave away this past week for which you knew you would not be repaid?

 

9. What will happen if you stop judging and condemning, and if you forgive?  Luke 6:37

 

10. What virtue triumphs over judgment?  James 2:13

 

11. If you give, what will be given you, and what will be measured out to you? Luke 6:38

 

Personal – What are some of the gifts you have received for giving something away? In what way have you made judgments on others, and what do you need to do to repair the damage?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

(“He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

Today’s reading reveals the conscience of David. David knew that Saul was hunting him so that he could kill him. He caught King Saul by surprise and, even though David was a professional warrior, he knew that Saul was chosen by God, and David had no right to kill him.

David wrote Psalm 51, and in this psalm, it gives us an insight into the depths of his character. He knew that God wants a contrite heart, and he knew that he would suffer miserable guilt if he killed Saul. David and his aide showed great courage and David displayed the discipline of self-control that prevented his aide from killing King Saul. David’s aide respected David’s loyalty to authority and became one of David’s most loyal and powerful warriors in his army. David was determined to follow God, and this carried over into his decision not to murder God’s anointed king.

Today there is a drastic loss of respect for authority in our lands because there is a loss of reverence and fear of God himself.  We see even today that the strongest moral decisions we make are the ones we make before temptation strikes. Who would you have been like in such a situation?  Would you have been like David or David’s men?  When you decide to follow God, you must realize that you cannot do wrongful things in order to execute justice. Even when your closest friends might encourage you to take a certain action that seems to be right, you must always remember to put God’s commands first. David did not kill Saul because God had placed Saul in power, and David did not want to run ahead of God’s timing. David left Saul’s destiny in God’s hands.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 15:45-49

In today’s reading, Paul is talking not about verifiable matters of fact, but about matters of faith. Today we have believers who still ask, what kind of a body do people have when they rise again?  Paul tells us that a seed is put into the ground, dies, and in due time rises again with a different kind of body. It is still the same seed, but it has gone through stages of development.  In life there is development.

The first man was made from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7), but Jesus is the incarnation of the very Spirit of God. We share under the old way of life the sin of Adam, dying like him, and having a body like him. However, we share in the new life under Christ — his life and his being. We now have a physical body, but one day we shall have a spiritual body. Our present body is corruptible, and our future body will be incorruptible. Our present body is a natural body, and our future body will be a spiritual body. In the future the Holy Spirit will be able to fill us completely, and then we will be able to worship and love Almighty God completely, which for now can only be a vision and a dream enveloped in the mystery of faith.

When Christ rose from the dead, he entered into a new form of existence. Christ’s new glorified human body suits his new glorified life. We see this as Adam’s human body was suitable to his natural life. When we, who are believers of Jesus Christ, die, God will give us a new and glorified body suited to eternal life.

 

LUKE 6:27-38

Jesus makes known, very strongly in this reading, that love is a decision and not some sentimental sloppy emotion. He tells us that anyone can love someone who is easy to love or who in turn loves us back. He goes on to say that even pagans love their families and friends. He even states that anyone can love under those kinds of situations.  Jesus ask for something more than a sentimental yes, he calls for a decision, a decision to love.

Jesus was well aware of the oppression of the Jewish people by the Romans. But he told the people to love their enemies. This kind of talk and teachings turned many people away from him. He was not talking about feelings, but about the use of our will. Jesus’ teachings are about an act of love which is really an act of the will.  We make a choice to love someone with our mind. We also make a choice to forgive someone with our mind.

The Greeks distinguished between three different types of love in the world at the time of Christ, and this still is true today. They are: 1, Eros – a natural love of man for a woman; 2, Philo – a love for relative or friend; and 3, Agape – a love that only builds up the other person with no expectation for any kind of response. This Agape-type of love is what Jesus was calling for as the type of love that he has extended to us.

Jesus died for all of us knowing quite well that many people could have cared less about him. He died for us knowing that many were sinning while he was dying for us and would be sinners long after he died.  He knew first-hand what it meant to love those who hate, persecute, and even put you to death. He asks us to do nothing that he has not done, and he tells us that he will give us the power to love like this through his Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).  His message today is for all the world just as it was then, and that message is to “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34).

 

Application

The first reading tells us that the destiny of all people is in God’s protective hands. The second reading explains how our present body is a natural body, and our future body will be a spiritual body.  The Gospel reveals that love is a decision, not a feeling.

This week take inventory of yourself and see who is NOT getting your love.  Look at members of your family, then your relatives, and then your work or school associates. Make a decision to love and make a decision to forgive.  You might begin this inventory and decision making by first getting down on your knees and confessing to God your own sins. Then listen to him as he discerns your inventory and puts it in proper order. Ask the Holy Spirit to clear all of the “stinking thinking” out of your head as you get ready to decide to love all, even your enemies.

Lectio Divina – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 23rd) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 6:27-38 “But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again.  And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Septimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (23 de Febrero) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

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 1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El Señor devolverá a cada uno según sus méritos y fidelidad.”)

1. ¿Por qué fue Saúl al desierto de Zif? ¿Quién fue con él? 1 Samuel 26:2

 

2. ¿Cuándo y a dónde fueron David y Abisay? ¿A quién hallaron durmiendo y cómo lo encontraron? 1 Samuel 26:7

 

3. ¿Quién te rodea? Salmo 125:2

 

4. ¿Qué le dijo Abisay a David? 1 Samuel 26:8

 

5. ¿Quién cayó sobre Saúl? ¿Que hizo este a David? 1 Samuel 18:10-11

 

6. ¿Qué le dijo David a Abisay acerca del ungido del Señor? 1 Samuel 26:9

 

7. ¿Qué te hace a tí Su Unción? 1 Juan 2:27

 

8. ¿Qué hizo David? ¿Qué hizo el Señor a los que dormían y a dónde fue David? 1 Samuel 26:12-13

 

9. ¿Qué dijo David sobre la lanza del rey? ¿Y qué, acerca de cómo el Señor los premiaría? 1 Samuel 26:22-23

 

10. ¿Qué es lo que el Señor ama? ¿Cómo es lo que El hace? Salmo 33:5 y Salmo 111:7

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha ayudado en los tiempos de tentación la Unción que recibiste en tu bautizmo?

 

 

TERCER DIA 1 CORINTIOS 15:45-49 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…también llevaremos la semejanza del hombre celestial.”)

1. ¿Qué se ha escrito acerca del primer y del último Adán? 1 Corintios 15:45

 

2. ¿Cómo llegó a ser un ser vivo el Primer Adán? ¿Quién dá la vida a quienquiera que El deseé dársela?  Génesis 2:7 y Juan 5:21

 

3. ¿Qué es lo que no fue primero? 1 Corintios 15:46

 

4. ¿Cómo es nuestro cuerpo sembrado y resucitado? 1 Corintios 15:44

 

5. ¿De dónde fue sacado el primer hombre y de dónde el segundo? 1 Corintios 15:47

 

6. ¿Quién es el que vino del cielo?  Juan 3:13

 

7. ¿Quien es el terrenal y quién el celestial? 1 Cor 15:48

 

8. ¿Qué hace a nuestro cuerpo el Señor Jesús? Filipenses 3:21

 

9. ¿Así cómo hemos nacido con la imágen terrenal, cuál otra imagen también tendremos? 1 Cor 15:49 y Romanos 8:29

 

10. ¿Cómo llevas la imagen del celestial? Efesios 5:1-2

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo te ves a tí mismo cambiado de ser un ser terrenal a uno celestial? ¿Qué cambios particulares han tenido lugar en tí?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 6:27-38 EVANGELIO

(“Sean compasivos, así cómo es compasivo el Padre de Ustedes.”)

1. ¿A quién dijo Jesús que debemos amar y con quién debemos ser buenos? Lucas 6:27

 

2. ¿A quién debemos bendecir y por quién debemos rogar? Lucas 6:28

 

3. ¿Qué se dijo antes y qué dice Jesús ahora? Mateo 5:43-44

 

4. ¿Qué debes hacer cuando alguien te golpea en la mejilla derecha, toma tu manto y te pide algo? Lucas 6:29-30

 

Personal – ¿Cuando alguien te hiere, cómo respondes?

 

5. ¿Cómo debemos tratar a los demás? ¿A quién aman y hacen el bien aún los que son pecadores? Lucas 6:31-33

 

6. ¿Qué estás llamado a alcanzar?  1 Pedro 3:9

 

7. ¿Cómo debes prestar el dinero, cuál será tu recompensa y cómo serás llamado? Lucas 6:34-35

 

8. ¿Quién es amable con los ingratos y los pecadores? ¿Por qué debemos ser compasivos? Lucas 6:35-36

 

Personal – ¿Puedes enlistar las cosas que regalaste la semana pasada y que sabías que no ibas a tener retribución por éllas?

 

9. ¿Qué pasará si dejas de juzgar y condenar y si perdonas? Lucas 6:37

 

10. ¿Cuál virtud triunfa sobre el juicio?  Santiago 2:13

 

11. ¿Si das qué se te dará? ¿Cómo serás medido? Lucas 6:38

 

Personal – ¿Qué dones has recibido al haber dado algo? ¿De qué modo has juzgado a otros? ¿Qué necesitas hacer para reparar el daño?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

(“El perdona tus pecados y sana tus dolencias.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13.

¿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

1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

La lectura de hoy revela la conciencia de David. David sabía que Saúl lo estaba cazando para poder matarlo. El llegó al rey Saúl sorpresivamente y a pesar de que era un guerrero profesional sabía que Saúl había sido escogido por Dios y que no tenía el derecho de matarlo.

David escribió el Salmo 51 y en el nos dá una idea de como era su verdadero carácter. El sabía que Dios quiere un corazón arrepentido y sabía que podía sufrir miserablemente por la culpa de matar a Saúl. David y su ayudante demostraron grán valor y vemos como David muestra una disciplina de control sobre sí mismo que no permite que su ayudante mate al rey Saúl. Este último respetaba la lealtad de David hacía la autoridad y se convirtió en uno de los más leales y poderosos guerreros de la armada de David. David estaba determinado a seguir a Dios y eso lo llevó a tomar la decisión de no asesinar al rey ungido de Dios.

Hoy hay una grán pérdida de respeto a la autoridad en nuestas tierras pues se ha perdido la reverencia y el miedo a Dios mismo. Vemos aún hoy en día que las decisiones morales más fuertes que hacemos son las que tomamos antes de que la tentación nos ataque. ¿Como quién has sido tú en esas situaciones? ¿Has sido como David o como los hombres de David? Cuando decides seguir a Dios debes darte cuenta de que no debes hacer cosas erróneas para hacer justicia. Aún cuando tus amigos más cercanos te animen a tomar una decisión que parece ser la correcta, debes acordarte primero de cuales son los mandamientos de Dios. David no mató a Saúl debido a que Dios había puesto a Saúl en el poder y el no quería adelantarse al tiempo determinado por Dios. David dejó el destino de Saúl en manos de Dios.

 

1 CORINTIOS 15:45-49

En la lectura de hoy, Pablo no habla de hechos que se pueden verificar sino de hechos de fe. Tenemos creyentes que todavía preguntan, ¿Con que clase de cuerpo resucita la gente? Pablo nos dice que la semilla es puesta en la tierra, muere y a su tiempo resucita con un cuerpo diferente. Se trata todaíia de la misma semilla pero ha pasado por distintas etapas de desarrollo. En la vida hay desarrollo.

El primer hombre fue hecho del polvo de la tierra (Génesis 2:7), pero Jesús es la encarnación del mismo espíritu de Dios. Compartimos bajo el viejo modo de vida, el pecado de Adán, muriendo como él y teniendo un cuerpo como el suyo. Sin embargo, compartimos bajo la nueva vida con Cristo, Su vida y Su ser. Ahora tenemos un cuerpo físico, pero un día tendrémos un cuerpo espiritual. Nuestro cuerpo presente es corruptible y nuestro cuerpo futúro será incorruptible. Nuestro cuerpo presente es un cuerpo natural y nuestro futúro cuerpo será espiritual. En el futúro el Espíritu Santo será capaz de llenarnos de modo absoluto y entonces seremos capaces de adorar y amar absolutamente a Dios Todopoderoso, lo cual por ahora es únicamente una visión, un sueño envuelto en el misterio de la fé.

Cuando Cristo resucitó de entre los muertos, entró en una nueva forma de existencia. El nuevo y glorificado cuerpo humano de Cristo va de acuerdo con su nueva y glorificada vida. Lo vemos así como vemos que el cuerpo humano de Adán estaba de acuerdo con su vida natural. Cuando nosotros, los que creemos en Jesucristo, muramos, tendremos un nuevo y glorificado cuerpo que Dios nos dará y que estará de acuerdo con la vida eterna.

 

LUCAS 6:27-38

Jesús nos hace saber con mucha precisión en esta lectura que el amor es una decisión y no una emoción sentimental de poca consistencia. Nos dice que cualquiera puede amar a alguien que es fácil de amar o que a su tiempo nos devolverá el amor. Y vá más allá diciendo que aún los paganos aman a sus familias y amigos. Y dice que cualquiera puede amar bajo esas circunstancias. Jesús nos pide algo más que un si sentimental, El nos pide una decisión, una decisión de amar.

Jesús se daba muy bien cuenta de la opresión que sufrían los Judios a mano de los Romanos, pero aún así les dijo que amaran a sus enemigos. Estas enseñanzas y modo de hablar ocasiono que muchos le dieran la espalda. El no estaba hablando de sentimientos sino del uso de la voluntad. Las enseñanzas de Jesús son acerca de actos de amor que en realidad son actos de la voluntad. Nosotros escogemos amar a alguien con nuestra mente. También escogemos perdonar a alguien con nuestra mente.

En el mundo Griego en tiempos de Cristo había tres tipos de amor y eso prevalece aún hoy en día. 1, Eros – el amor natural de un hombre por una mujer; 2, Philo – el amor por un pariente o amigo; y 3, Agape – un amor que solo enaltece a la otra persona sin esperar alguna clase de respuesta. Este amor del tipo Agape es el que Jesús pide y es el tipo de amor que El nos ha brindado.

Jesús murió por todos nosotros sabiendo muy bien que a mucha gente no le importaría en lo más mínimo. Murió por todos nosotros sabiendo que muchos estaban pecando mientras El moría y que habría pecadores mucho tiempo después de que El muriera. El supo de antemano lo que significa amar a los que te odian, te persiguen y aún más, te dan muerte. El no nos pide hacer nada que él no haya hecho y nos dice que nos dará el poder de amar así por medio de Su Espíritu Santo (Hechos 1:8), Su mensaje de hoy es para todo el mundo, así como lo fue entonces, y ese mensaje es “Aménse unos a otros como Yo los he amado.” (Juan 13:34).

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que el destino de toda la gente está en las manos protectoras de Dios. La segunda lectura explica que nuestro cuerpo presente es un cuerpo natural y que nuestro cuerpo futuro será un cuerpo espiritual. El Evangelio revela que el amor es una decisión no un sentimiento.

Esta semana, has un inventario de tí mismo y ve quien no tiene tu amor. Piensa en los miembros de tu familia, en tus parientes y luego en tus compañeros de trabajo o de escuela. Toma la decisión de amar y de perdonar. Puedes empezar este inventario y toma la decisión arrodillándote y confesando a Dios tus propios pecados. Después escúchalo como El discierne tu inventario y lo pone en el orden adecuado. Pídele al Espíritu Santo que limpie todos los “pensamientos sucios” que haya en tu cabeza y prepárate a decidirte a amar a todos, aun aquellos que son tus enemigos.

Lectio Divina – Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time (Feb 22nd) – Cycle A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Matthew 5:38-48 – Jesus said to His disciples: “You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand over your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.

“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feb. 22nd) ‑ CYCLE A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY        READ LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18    FIRST READING

(“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”)

  1. To whom was the Lord speaking? Leviticus 19:1

 

  1. To whom did the Lord tell him to speak, and what did he tell him to say?   Leviticus 19:2

 

  1. Who makes us holy and how do we become holy? Exodus 31:13, Ephesians 5:25‑26, 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. What must we do to become holy? Leviticus 20:7

 

  1. What is with his holy ones? Wisdom 3:9

 

  1. Who are the holy people? Isaiah 62:12

 

  1. What shall you not do, and what may you have to do?      Leviticus 19:17

 

  1. What does Prov. 9:8 say will happen to us when we reprove an arrogant man and a wise man?

 

  1. What must we not incur because of our brother? Leviticus 19:17

 

  1. What must we not do against our fellow countrymen, and what command is given in Leviticus 19:18?

 

Personal ‑ Are you loving your spouse, children, relatives, friends, and neighbor as yourself? In what way is the love of your neighbor evident? Share with someone if you wish.

 

  1. Who does God say he is? Leviticus 19:18

 

Personal ‑ Who do you say God is? In what way is he your Lord? Your friend? Your ruler? Your Lord of all? Meditate on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23     SECOND READING

(“You are the temple of God.”)

  1. What is it of which you may not be aware? 1 Cor. 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19

 

  1. How do we know this? 2 Corinthians 6:16

 

  1. What will happen to anyone who destroys God’s temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. What is the temple of God and who is that temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. How can we delude ourselves? 1 Corinthians 3:18

 

  1. What should you become if you think you are wise in a worldly way?   1 Corinthians 3:18

 

  1. What is absurdity with God? 1 Corinthians 3:19

 

  1. What does scripture say about the worldly wise? 1 Corinthians 3:19‑20, Job 5:13

 

  1. What must we not let happen and what is ours? 1 Corinthians 3:21‑22

 

  1. To whom do you belong? 1 Corinthians 3:23

 

  1. How do we know this? 1 Corinthians 6:20

 

  1. To whom does Christ belong? 1 Corinthians 3:23

 

Personal ‑ If you have been purchased by the Blood of Christ and you belong to him, in what way does your life reflect him in his Spirit dwelling within you to everyone you meet? This will be evident by the love they see in you. Reflect on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY       READ MATTHEW 5:38‑48  GOSPEL

(“Offer no resistance to injury.”)

  1. In Verse 38 of Matthew 5, who was speaking and what did he say that they had heard?  Matthew 4:17 5:38

 

  1. What does he say to us, and when a person strikes us on the right cheek, what should we do?   Matthew 5:39

 

  1. What should we do if someone wants to go to the law over our shirt, and should anyone press us into service for one mile,      what should we do?   Matthew 5:40-41

 

  1. What should we do with the man who begs from us, and what does Jesus tell us not to do?   Matthew 5:42

 

  1. What has God given us?

Mark 3:28

John 5:21

John 13:34

 

  1. What is the other commandment that he said we have heard and what is his commandment to us?   Matthew 5:43-44

 

  1. What will this prove, on whom does he make the sun to rise, and on whom does he cause the rain to fall? Matthew 5:45

 

  1. If we love those who love us, is there any merit in that, and who does even that much?   Matthew 5:46

 

  1. If we greet our brothers only, what is praiseworthy about that, and who does as much?   Matthew 5:47

 

  1. In a word, what must we be made, just as your heavenly Father is?   Matthew 5:48

 

Personal ‑ In your life, how are you being made perfect, like your Heavenly Father, as you obey his command to love since you have been studying and have been obedient to his Word? Read John 14:21 to see the corre­lation between love, commandments, and obedience. Share with someone on how this has affected your life.

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 103:1‑13

(“He redeems your life from destruction.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-13.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18

This book, “Leviticus,” acquires its name from dealing with mat­ters concerned with laws centered around the worship of God. The worship of God was conducted by the tribe of Levi, and the end result was this book. Today’s reading is taken from a body of laws commonly called the Laws of Holiness. Holiness is the key theme of Leviti­cus, and the word “holy” appears more often in Leviticus than in any other book of the Bible. Israel was called to be totally consecrated to God. God reminded the people of Israel that he was “holy” and wanted them to be “holy” also, just like he was.

The same call is being made to us today, and that is to be holy like our God is holy. The holiness that is being called for must be expressed in every aspect of our lives. The holiness that our loving God is calling for must be visible in the way we treat our neigh­bors and, of course, the question always is, “Who is my neighbor?” Our neighbor is anyone who is in distress anywhere and needs our help.

Today’s reading calls for all of us to put aside our grudges and become people who forgive and forget. We are called to reason with our offending neighbor and try to bring him back to true brotherly fellowship in the Lord. The natural man wants to repay the offender back in full. The spiritual man who knows and loves God, must also be holy himself.

God’s call for us to be holy and to imitate HIM is not really a command; it is more like advice given by a very loving Father.

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23

Paul is telling the people of Corinth, and the people living at the present time, that their bodies are tem­ples of the Holy Spirit, and our church is the house of God. He goes on to say that our temples are not to be defiled. Satan has taken direct aim at the bodies of many Christians, and their temples have become defiled with alcohol, drugs, cigarette smoking, and sexual immorality. Our church is not to be spoiled by divisions within it through bickering, pettiness, jealousy, slandering, and false teachings, as its members come together to worship God.

Paul is telling the people that they have to choose between worldly wisdom or heavenly wisdom. Worldly wisdom that holds us back from God is no wisdom at all. Paul is telling us that some of the leaders of the community were caught up in pride and worldly wisdom, and the result was they valued their message more than its content.

Today, we can see a great deal of worldly wisdom being exercised in our nations and even in some areas of our church. Scripture tells us that God knows beyond any question how the human mind reasons and how foolish and desperate it is (1 Cor. 20). Paul closed by telling us that, as believers, all is for us and we belong to Christ.

To a believer in Christ, life and death become our servants. We know life’s true purpose; but to the non‑believe­rs, only the latest trend in behavior is all they have. Non‑believers are like victims of life who are swept along by its current and wonder if there is a meaning to it. For Chris­tians, death holds no terrors because Christ conquered them all. Because of Jesus, you and I will live forever.

 

 

MATTHEW 5:38‑48

Today’s Gospel reveals the core of the Christian life and the conduct which should separate Christians from all others. Jesus begins by citing the oldest law in the world ‑ an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. That was known as the “Lex Talionis” law and it came out of the Code of Hammorabi, who reigned in Babylon about 1700 years before Christ.

The law clearly stated that the injury a victim suffers shall be dupli­cated and suffered by the person who committed the crime. We find in today’s reading the Mosaic law “an eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24) a subtle change.

This law was the beginning of mercy because it deliberately limited vengeance. Jesus completely moved away from that law because retaliation or “getting even,” no matter how controlled or restricted, has no place in the life of his followers.

Jesus establishes a spirit of non‑resentment and abolishes the concept of even limited vengeance. Today, Jesus is calling us to hear his message that in order to be one of his followers, we have to learn to resent no insult and to seek no vengeance. We are to be like Jesus, and forget what it is to be insulted, and not to respond with vengeance but with love. Jesus never insisted to stand on his rights. In fact, he did not consider himself as having any legal rights at all (Philippians 2:3‑4). The Christian who really follows Christ does not think of his rights, but of his duties. He does not think of his privileges; instead, he thinks of his responsibili­ties. Jesus strikes at the core of our belief by showing that our actions really demonstrate what we believe. Do you show disgust when someone requests that you do a menial task? Do you feel insulted when you do a good job and no one recognizes what you did? Do you work with some inefficient workers? Do you work with an ungracious helper?

Jesus calls us to respond only with love and he tells us that he will give us all that we need when we are tempted to respond otherwise (1 Cor. 10:13). Jesus’ response, in today’s reading, is that whatever we do to the least of his brothers and sisters, we do unto him (Matthew 25:31‑46).

 

Application

The first reading is a call to holiness, and the second reading calls us to remember that we are temples of the Holy Spirit.  The Gospel reveals that Christians do not have to “get even.”  Let us, this week, show that our call to holiness is being answered with a “yes” by attending Mass as often as we can and to be modest in the way we dress and in the way we talk.

We can respond to the person who irritates us with Christian love instead of pagan retaliation.  Let us be kind and gentle to everyone we meet and, individually, be prepared for some “neat” miracles to happen!

Septimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (22 de Febrero) – Ciclo A

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

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     LEE LEVITICO 19:1-2, 17-18     PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Sean santos, porque yo, Yavé, Dios de ustedes, soy Santo.”)

1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando el Señor? Levítico 19:1

 

2. ¿A quién le dijo el Señor que le hablara y qué le dijo que le dijera? Levítico 19:2

 

3. ¿Quién te hace santo y cómo te hace santo? Éxodo 31:13, Efesios 5:25-26 y 1 Corintios 3:17

 

4. ¿Qué debes hacer para ser santo(a)? Lev. 20:7

 

5. ¿Qué está con sus santos? Sabiduría 3:9

 

6. ¿Quién es la gente santa? Isaías 62:12

 

7. ¿Qué no deberás hacer y tal vez, que tendrás que hacer? Levítico 19:17

 

8. ¿Qué dice Prov. 9:8 que te pasará cuando corrijas a un hombre arrogante y a un hombre sabio?

 

9. ¿En qué no debes incurrir por la causa de tu hermano? Levítico 19:17

 

10. ¿Qué no debes hacer en contra de tus compatriotas y que mandato es dado en Lev. 19:18?

 

Personal – ¿Amas a tu cónyuge, hijos, parientes, amigos y prójimo tanto como a ti mismo? ¿De qué modo se hace evidente el amor a tu prójimo? Si deseas comparte tus ideas sobre esto con alguien.

 

11. ¿Quién dice Dios que es El? Lev. 19:18

 

Personal – ¿Quién dices tú, que es Dios? ¿De qué modo es el tu Señor, tu amigo, tu gobernante, tu Señor de todo? Medita sobre esto.

 

 

TERCER DIA     LEE 1 CORINTIOS 3:16-23     SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Ustedes son el templo de Dios.”)

1. ¿Qué es de lo que tal vez no estás consciente? 1 Corintios 3:16 y 1 Corintios 6:19

 

2. ¿Cómo sabemos esto? 2 Corintios. 6:16

 

3. ¿Qué le pasará a cualquier persona que destruya el templo de Dios? 1 Corintios 3:17

 

4. ¿Qué es el templo de Dios y quién es ese templo? 1 Corintios.3:17

 

5. ¿Cómo te puedes engañar a ti mismo(a)? 1 Corintios 3:18

 

6. ¿En qué te debes convertir si piensas que eres sabio(a) en una manera mundana? 1 Corintios 3:18

 

7. ¿Qué es absurdo frente a Dios? 1 Corintios. 3:19

 

8. ¿Que dice la escritura acerca del sabio mundano? 1 Corintios 3:19-20 y Job 5:13

 

9. ¿Qué no debes permitir que pase y qué es nuestro? 1 Corintios 3:21-22

 

10. ¿A quién le perteneces? 1 Corintios 3:23

 

11. ¿Cómo sabemos esto? 1 Corintios 6:20

 

12. ¿A quién le pertenece Cristo? 1 Corintios 3:23

 

Personal – ¿Si tú has sido comprado con la sangre de Cristo y le perteneces, de qué modo tu vida refleja su imagen y su Espíritu viviendo dentro de ti, hacia los demás? Esto será evidente por el amor que ellos vean en ti. Reflexiona en esto.

 

 

CUARTO DIA     LEE MATEO 5:38-48     EVANGELIO

(“No resistan a los malvados.”)

1. ¿En el versículo 38 de Mateo 5, quién estaba hablando y qué dijo El que ya habían escuchado? Mateo 4:17, 5:38

 

2. ¿Qué nos dice El a nosotros y cuándo a una persona le abofetean la mejilla derecha que debe hacer? Mateo 5:39

 

3. ¿Qué debe hacer si alguien quiere ir a la ley por causa de su camisa y si alguien te presiona a servirle por una milla, que debes hacer? Mateo 5:40-41

 

4. ¿Qué debes hacer con el hombre que te pide limosna, y qué nos dice Jesús que no hagamos? Mateo 5:42

 

5. ¿Qué nos ha dado Dios? Marcos 3:28 Juan 5:21 Juan 13:34

 

6. ¿Qué otro mandamiento ha dicho El que has oído en Mateo y cuál es Su mandamiento para ti? Mateo 5:43-44

 

7. ¿Qué probará esto y sobre quién sale el sol y sobre quién hace El caer la lluvia? Mateo 5:45

 

8. ¿Si amas a los que te aman hay algún mérito en eso y quién puede hacerlo? Mateo 5:46

 

9. ¿Si saludas a tus hermanos solamente, que hay de alabar en eso? Porque, ¿quién puede hacer lo mismo? Mateo 5:47

 

10. En una palabra, ¿que debes ser, así como tu Padre Santo es? Mateo 5:48

 

Personal – ¿Como estás siendo perfeccionado, como tu Padre Santo, según Su mandato de amar, desde que has estado estudiando y obedeciendo Su Palabra? Lee Juan 14:21 para que veas la correlación entre el amor, mandamientos, y la obediencia. Comparte con alguien sobre como ha afectado esto a tu vida.

 

 

QUINTO DIA     LEE EL SALMO 103:1-13

(“El rescata tu vida de la destrucción.”)

Lee y medite el Salmo 103:1-13.

¿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

LEVITICO 19:1-2, 17-18

Este libro de “Levítico” tiene este nombre porque trata con asuntos y leyes centradas en el tema de la adoración a Dios. La adoración a Dios era conducida por la tribu de los Levitas y el resultado fue este libro. Las lecturas de hoy son tomadas de un cuerpo de leyes comúnmente llamadas las Leyes de Santidad. Santidad entonces, es el tema clave en el libro del Levítico, y la palabra “santo” es usada más a menudo en este libro que en ningún otro libro en la Biblia. Israel fue llamado a estar consagrado totalmente a Dios. El les recordaba diciéndoles que El es “Santo” y quería que ellos fueran igual que El, “santos”.

El mismo llamado te hace a ti ahora y eso es que seas santo al igual que tu Dios es Santo. La santidad a la que has sido llamado debe ser expresada en cada aspecto de tu vida. La santidad a la que nuestro Padre amoroso nos está llamando ahora debe de ser visible en la forma en que tratamos a nuestros prójimos y por supuesto, la pregunta siempre es, “¿quién es mi prójimo?” Nuestro prójimo es cualquier persona que está en angustia en cualquier lugar, y necesita nuestra ayuda.

Las lecturas de ahora nos llaman a todos a dejar nuestros rencores y a convertirnos en personas que perdonan y olvidan. Se nos pide que razonemos con nuestro hermano ofendido y tratemos de regresarlo a la verdadera amistad hermanable en el Señor. El hombre natural quiere pagarle en total al que le ofendió. El hombre espiritual quien conoce y ama a Dios, quien es Santo debe ser santo también.

El llamado que nos hace Dios a ser santos como El es, no es realmente un mandato, es mas bien como un consejo que viene de un Padre muy amoroso.

 

1 CORINTIOS 3:16-23

Pablo les está diciendo a ellos y a nosotros ahora, que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo y que nuestra iglesia es la casa de Dios. Y dice que nuestros templos no deben de ser manchados. Satanás tiene la intención de matar los cuerpos de muchos cristianos y sus templos han sido manchados con el alcohol, drogas, cigarros, e inmoralidad sexual. Nuestra iglesia no debe ser ensuciada por divisiones dentro de élla, por las mezquinidades, celos y calumnias cuando sus miembros se juntan a adorar a Dios.

Pablo le está diciendo a la gente que tiene que escoger entre la sabiduría mundana o la sabiduría celestial. La sabiduría mundana que te detiene de ir a Dios no es ninguna sabiduría. Pablo nos está diciendo que algunos de los líderes de la comunidad fueron atrapados en el orgullo de la sabiduría mundana y el resultado fue que ellos evaluaban más su mensaje que su contenido.

Nosotros podemos ver hoy en día mucha sabiduría mundana siendo ejercitada en nuestras naciones y aún en algunas áreas de nuestra iglesia. Las Santas Escrituras nos dicen que Dios sabe muy bien como razona la mente humana y como es de tonta y desesperada (1 Corintios 3:20). Pablo terminó diciéndonos que como creyentes todo es para nosotros y que nosotros pertenecemos a Cristo.

Para un creyente en Cristo, la vida y la muerte se convierten en nuestras sirvientes. Nosotros conocemos sus propósitos verdaderos, pero para los incrédulos solamente la moda más nueva en comportamiento es todo en lo que se pueden apoyar. Los incrédulos son como víctimas de la vida que se deja llevar por su corriente y maravillas, si acaso hay algún significado en eso. Para los cristianos, la muerte no tiene temores porque Cristo los conquistó todos. Porque por Jesús, tú y yo viviremos para siempre.

 

MATEO 5:38-48

El evangelio de ahora revela la esencia de la vida cristiana y la conducta que debe separar a los cristianos de todos los demás hombres. Jesús comienza por citar la ley más vieja en el mundo: ojo por ojo, y diente por diente. Esta era conocida como la ley “Lex Talionis” y salió en el código de Hammorabi, quien reinó en Babilonia cerca de 1700 años antes de Cristo.

La ley claramente decía que el daño que una víctima sufre será duplicado y sufrido por la persona que cometió el crimen. Nosotros encontramos en la lectura de hoy “diente por diente” y “ojo por ojo” con un cambio sutil (Exodo 21:24).

Esta ley fue el comienzo de la piedad porque deliberadamente limita la venganza. Jesús se separo de esta Ley completamente porque la represalia o el “ajustar cuentas”, no importa que tan controlado o restricto sea no tiene lugar en la vida de un seguidor de El.

Jesús establece un espíritu de no-resentimiento y anula el concepto de la venganza limitada. Jesús nos está llamando ahora a escuchar Su mensaje, porque para ser sus seguidores, tenemos que aprender a no resentir ningún insulto, y a no buscar venganza. Debemos de ser como Jesús, y olvidar lo que significa ser insultados y en lugar de responder con venganza, debemos responder con amor. Jesús nunca insistió en apoyarse en sus derechos. En realidad, El no considera tener ningunos derechos legales (Filipenses 2:3-4).

El cristiano, el que verdaderamente sigue a Cristo no piensa en sus derechos, sino en sus obligaciones. El no piensa en sus privilegios, sino más bien en sus responsabilidades. Jesús penetra en el corazón de nuestra creencia enseñándonos que nuestras acciones verdaderamente demuestran lo que creemos. ¿Demuestras disgusto cuando alguien te pide que hagas algún trabajo doméstico? ¿Te sientes ofendido cuando has hecho un buen trabajo y nadie reconoce lo que has hecho? ¿Trabajas con algunos trabajadores ineficientes? ¿Trabajas con un ayudante desagradable?

Jesús nos pide que respondamos solo con amor y nos dice que El nos dará todo lo que necesitemos cuando seamos tentados a responder en otra forma (1 Corintios 10:13). Jesús nos enseña bastante en las lecturas de ahora que cualquier cosa que hagamos para el menor de sus hermanos o hermanas, se lo hacemos a El (Mateo 25:31-46).

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura es un llamado a la santidad y la segunda lectura nos llama a recordar que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo. El Evangelio revela que los cristianos no deben de “vengarse”. Vamos a demostrar esta semana que nuestro llamado a la santidad esta siendo contestado con un sí atendiendo a la Misa tan seguido como podamos. A ser modestos en la forma en que nos vestimos y en la forma en que hablamos.

Podemos responderle a la persona que nos irrita con amor cristiano en lugar de contestaciones paganas. Sé delicado y gentil con toda la gente que conozcas y prepárate a que pasen algunos milagros muy bonitos.

Lectio Divina – Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 8th) – Cycle C

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

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

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 5:1-11 – While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 16th) – Cycle C

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

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

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

LUKE 6:17, 20-26 – Jesus came down with the twelve and stood on a stretch of level ground with a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?