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Lectio Divina – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 30th)

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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 ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

Matthew 13:44-52 – Jesus said to His disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Aug. 6th) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

(Partial Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study Lesson by Deacon Ken Finn, never completed)

 

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14, Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 9, 2 Peter 1:16-19, Matthew 17:1-9

 

As I watched, Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took His throne. His clothing was snow bright, and the hair on His head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where He sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to Him, and myriads upon myriads attended Him.

 

As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming on the clouds of heaven; When He reached the Ancient One and was presented before Him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, His kingship shall not be destroyed.

 

SECOND DAY                            READ DANIEL 7:9-10, 13-14                      FIRST READING

  

  1. Who watched and what did he have? Daniel 7:1

 

  1. What were set up in his dream and who took his throne? Daniel 7:9

 

  1. What was his clothing and hair like? Daniel 7:9

 

  1. What did his throne look like? Daniel 7:9

 

  1. What flowed out from where he sat? Daniel 7:10

 

  1. How many ministered to the Ancient One? Daniel 7:10

 

  1. As the visions continued what did Daniel see? Daniel 7:13

 

  1. What did he receive? Daniel 7:14

 

  1. Who will serve him? Daniel 7:14

 

  1. What did the high priest ask Jesus and what was His answer? Mark 14:61-62

 

  1. Who is the Lord of lords and the King of kings? Revelations 17:14

 

  1. Who is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world? John 1:29

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY                               READ MATTHEW 17:1‑9                                        GOSPEL

(“His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light.”)

  1. Who did Jesus take up on a high mountain and what happened to him?     Matthew 17:1-2

 

 

  1. Who suddenly appeared there and what did Peter then say? Matthew 17:3-4

 

  1. As Peter was speaking, what overshadowed them and what came out of the cloud?           Matthew 17:5

 

  1. What prevents us from listening to the Lord?

 

Exodus 7:13 –

Deuteronomy 1:43 –

Deuteronomy 21:18 –

Acts 28:27 –

Hebrews 12:25 –

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you been able to tune your mind into hearing what God is saying to you through prayer and his Word? Meditate on this.

 

  1. How did God the Father address Jesus in Matthew 17:5? Matthew 3:17

 

  1. What happened to Peter, James, and John when they heard the voice from the cloud and with what were they overcome?   Matthew 17:6

 

  1. What did Jesus do and what did he say? Matthew 17:7

 

  1. In the following scriptures, what happened to those on whom Jesus laid his hand? Matthew 8:3, 14‑15, Matthew 9:23‑25

 

  1. What does 1 John 4:16‑18 say is the relationship of God, love, and fear?

 

  1. What did God say to Abram about fear in Genesis 15:1?
  2. To whom did Jesus say “Do not be afraid? “Matthew 28:1, 8‑10, Mark 6:45, 49‑50, Luke 5:10

 

  1. When Peter, James and John looked up, whom did they see and as they were coming down the mountain side, what was Jesus’ command to them? Matthew 17:8-9

 


Personal ‑ In what way have you felt Jesus’ healing touch upon you? Have you laid your hand on those in your family who may be sick? If a friend or a family member is afraid, lay your hand on them and reassure them of God’s presence.

MATTHEW 17:1‑9

The Transfiguration was a special revelation of Jesus’ divinity to three of his disciples. God affirmed everything that Jesus had done and was about to do in the near future. The presence of Moses and Elijah with Jesus confirmed his mission of salvation. Moses represented the law. He is the central figure in the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible), and he predicted the coming of a great Prophet (Deut. 18:15‑19).

Elijah represents the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5‑6). Jesus is the fulfillment of both the law and the prophets. God’s voice at the Transfiguration gave authority to Jesus’ words. Peter wanted them all to stay and offered to build a place for all three. He wanted to act, but it was a time to pray and worship.

We must remember that before anything is acted upon, we must first pray and give worship to God. Peter did not realize that Christ was not to be compared to anyone, especially on any mountain top. Today much of the world looks at Jesus Christ as being a good leader, a good influence or a great prophet. The fact is, he is more than that, he is the Son of God. When you understand this incredible truth, the only appropriate response is worship.

We need to know about Christ in order to obey him completely. We must pray, read scripture, study scripture, share scripture and then live the scripture. Jesus told the disciples not to tell what they had seen until after his resurrection. He said this because he knew that they did not fully understand who he was, or what his mission was all about. They knew he was the Messiah, but they had much more to learn about him through his death and resurrection. The disciples were amazed at the radiance of Jesus’ face, and they were transfigured themselves.

The incredible reality of who Jesus really was hit them full force. When a person meets Jesus and accepts him personally, a great transfiguration takes place. The amazement and radiance of Jesus is imprinted on the person’s heart. The change or “metanoia” brings about a radiance that glows from within the person. Jesus wants you to be transfigured and he wants your heart to shine like the sun and be dazzling bright, just like his.

 

 

Application

The first reading talks about the brilliance of God and who we are to worship.

The Gospel reading shows that Jesus wants us to be changed and he wants us to give him glory by our response to him.

This week, let us be very sensitive Christians as we relate to our families, jobs, and community. Let us show by example how we can bear up under hardship, for example: being sick and trying to be cheerful or being tired and trying to respond to another’s needs. Let the change within us be a sign to others that we act out what we say and what we believe. You and your family will be transfigured, and others will be drawn to your radiance, and they will know that the Holy Spirit dwells within you.

 

DECIMOSEPTIMO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (July 30th) – CICLO A

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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?

 

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

 


SEGUNDO DIA                                  LEE 1 REYES 3:5, 7-12            PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Te doy un corazón sabio e inteligente…”)

  1. ¿En dónde le habló el Señor a Salomón, y por qué era conocido ese lugar? 1 Reyes 3:4-5

 

  1. ¿Quiénes eran los padres de Salomón? 2 Samuel 12:24

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Dios a Salomón y en dónde se lo dijo? 1 Reyes 3:5

 

  1. ¿Por qué Dios mostró que favorecía al padre de Salomón? 1 Reyes 3:6

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Salomón que Dios había hecho de él y como se llamó a si mismo? 1 Reyes 3:7

 

  1. Debido a su edad, ¿qué reconocía acerca de si mismo? 1 Reyes 3:7

 

  1. ¿A quien iba Salomón a servir y cuántos eran estos? 1 Reyes 3:8

 

  1. ¿Qué clase de corazón pidió Salomón a Dios que le diera y esto le iba a ayudar para dos cosas? 1 Reyes 3:9

 

  1. ¿Cómo reaccionó el Señor acerca de ésta petición de Salomón? 1 Reyes 3:10

 

  1. Dios estaba complacido con Salomón porque el no pidió tres cosas, ¿cuáles eran?  1 Reyes 3:11

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Dios que haría? ¿Qué clase de corazón tendría Salomón?  ¿Habrá alguna vez alguien como él?  1 Reyes 3:12

 

  1. ¿Qué nos ha dado Dios por medio de Cristo? Efesios 1:9

 

  1. ¿En dónde está todo el tesoro de la sabiduría y el conocimiento escondido?  Colosenses 2:2-3

 

Personal – ¿Cuáles fueron tus peticiones al Señor esta semana pasada?  ¿De qué modo has estado orando por algún ser querido que tal vez haya perdido la fe?  Después de haber estudiado lo anterior, ¿qué cambio puedes hacer en el modo de hacer tus oraciones (peticiones a Dios)?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                   LEE ROMANOS 8:28-30           SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“A los que El llamó, a esos también los justificó.”)

  1. ¿Qué es lo que sabemos que Dios hace y para quién lo hace? Romanos 8:28

 

  1. ¿Para aquellos que Dios de antemano conoció qué predestinó que ellos compartirían? Rom. 8:29

 

  1. ¿De quién iba a ser el Hijo (Jesús) el primogénito? Romanos 8:29

 

  1. ¿Por medio de quién nos ha predestinado Dios para llegar a ser Sus hijos e hijas adoptivos? ¿Cuándo planeó Dios esto?  Efesios 1:4-5

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios por ellos? Romanos 8:30

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios por aquellos que El llamó y en turno glorificó? Romanos 8:30

 

  1. ¿Cómo administra Dios todas las cosas y como fuimos predestinados? Efesios 1:11

 

  1. ¿Cuáles fueron sus dos respuestas al haber sido escogidos en Jesús? Efesios 1:13

 

  1. Así como fue prometido, ¿con quién fuiste tu sellado? Efesios 1:13

 

  1. ¿Cómo hemos sido justificados? Romanos 8:30 y Efesios 1:7, 13

 

Personal – ¿Cuál es tu respuesta a lo que Jesús ha hecho por ti de una manera personal?  ¿Tus acciones en público, muestran tus creencias?  ¿Cómo actúas en un momento de crisis?  ¿Es visible para los demás la realidad de lo que Cristo ha hecho en tu vida en todas las diferentes circunstancias?  Reflexiona sobre esto.

 


CUARTO DIA                                         MATEO 13:44-52                               EVANGELIO

(“Los ángeles vendrán y separarán los malos de entre los justos.”)

  1. El reino de Dios es como un hombre que encuentra un tesoro. ¿Qué es lo que él hará cuando lo encuentre?  Mateo 13:44

 

  1. ¿También a qué otra cosa se parece el cielo? Mateo 13:45

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el mercader cuando encontró una perla realmente valiosa? Mateo 13:46

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que tendrás en el cielo si vendes todas tus posesiones? ¿Y a quién debes de seguir?   Mateo 19:21

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que Pablo considera una pérdida a la luz del conocimiento sobresaliente de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo? ¿Y, para ganar a Cristo que es lo que ha perdido?  Filipenses 3:7-8

 

  1. ¿El reino de Dios es también como una red echada al lago que recoge toda clase de cosas, cuando esta llena la sacan a la orilla. ¿Qué es entonces lo que se hace con lo que sirve y qué se hace con lo que no sirve?  Mateo 13:47-48

 

  1. ¿Cómo va a ser al fin del mundo? Mateo 13:48-49

 

  1. ¿Qué harán los ángeles? Mateo 13:49-50

 

  1. ¿Qué pregunta les hizo Jesús a sus discípulos y cuál fue la respuesta de estos?  Mateo 13:51

 

  1. ¿Quién nos enseña a interpretar las cosas espirituales y de quién tenemos la mente?  1 Cor. 2:10-16

 

  1. ¿A qué se asemeja cada maestro de la ley cuando ha aprendido acerca del Reino de Dios? Mateo 13:52

 

Personal – Has un inventario de tu vida y reflexiona sobre aquellas cosas en las que has sido valioso o útil a Dios.  También reflexiona sobre aquello en lo que no has sido valioso o útil para Dios.  ¿Cómo puedes volverte más útil?  Un buen ejemplo de ser muy útil para Dios es la Madre Teresa.  Has oración sobre esto.

 

 

QUINTO DIA                        LEE SALMO 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130

(“La revelación de tus palabras ilumina dando inteligencia a los sencillos.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130.

¿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 REYES 3:5, 7-12

El pasaje de hoy del libro 1 de los Reyes trata acerca de Salomón, el tercer rey de Israel.  A él se le llamó el hombre más sabio que jamás había vivido.  El selló muchos de sus acuerdos foráneos casándose con mujeres paganas y permitió que su ambición desordenada por las mujeres y el poder afectara su lealtad a Dios.  Salomón es un ejemplo para todos nosotros de como un liderazgo eficaz puede quedar bloqueado cuando la vida personal es inadecuada.  El era un fabuloso político, diplomático, comerciante y coleccionista de bellas artes, pero fue muy desobediente a Dios en lo que toca al manejo de su casa.  Lo tenía todo y aún así falló en su obediencia a Dios y no supo arrepentirse hasta que ya era muy viejo.  Esta historia nos demuestra lo que es verdaderamente real en la vida y lo que es únicamente temporal.  Salomón tuvo la oportunidad de tener todo lo que pidiera y el pidió tener sabiduría para ser un buen líder de su pueblo.  Dios estaba muy complacido de su petición.

Necesitamos preguntarnos a nosotros mismos, ¿si Dios nos diera la misma oportunidad de tener cualquier cosa que deseáramos, responderíamos como Salomón?  Necesitamos pedir esta misma clase de sabiduría.  Salomón pidió sabiduría para hacer lo que se esperaba de él, y hoy más que nunca, necesitamos pedir a Dios la sabiduría necesaria para saber lo que debemos hacer y el valor para hacerlo.  Salomón, como muchos de nosotros recibió grandes dones, pero también, como muchos de nosotros no aplicó los beneficios de estos dones a todas las áreas de su vida.

Tú y yo necesitamos reflexionar acerca de nuestras vidas y discernir que tanto estamos viviendo para Dios en vez de para nosotros mismos.  Salomón era sabio, pero no puso esa sabiduría en completa acción.  La sabiduría comprende el discernimiento de saber que es lo mejor y la fuerza de carácter para actuar de acuerdo a ese conocimiento.  Salomón pidió sabiduría, no riqueza, poder o fama.  Dios le dio todo esto por que El es muy generoso.  Salomón buscó solamente el reino de Dios, no otra cosa, nosotros también debemos hacer lo mismo y tener el valor de seguir Su camino toda nuestra vida (Mateo 6:33).  Tú puedes ser más sabio que Salomón poniendo a Dios y el trabajo por El en el primer lugar de tu vida.  El verdadero sabio es aquel que se pone en la mente a Cristo y se pone al servicio de otros en vez de tratar de gobernar a otros (Filipenses 2:2-5).

 

ROMANOS 8:28-30

La lectura de hoy de Pablo a los Romanos trata de uno de los mas poderosos versículos del Nuevo Testamento y es también uno de los más mal entendidos.  Dios hace todas las cosas, no solo unos cuantos incidentes separados, por nuestro bien.  Todo lo que nos sucede a muchos de nosotros no siempre es bueno, a veces suceden también cosas malas.  Dios es capaz de tomar eso y voltearlo completamente por nuestro bien a la larga.  Dios no trabaja para hacernos felices sino para lograr Sus propósitos.  Debemos reconocer que esta promesa solo es aplicable a aquellos que aman a Dios y que entran en Sus planes.  Estamos llamados a confiar en Dios, no en los tesoros del mundo.  Estamos llamados para ver por nuestra seguridad en el cielo, no aquí en la tierra (Corintios 3:204).  Entonces y sólo entonces podremos aprender a aceptar el dolor y la persecución en la tierra, pues esto nos acerca a Dios.  Esto suena algo difícil, pero cuando la fuerza de alguna catástrofe golpea nuestra vida, el poder sanador del amor de Dios puede sostenernos en la oscuridad de las furiosas aguas.

Dios hace las cosas por nuestro bien. Muchas veces no lo vemos así al principio, pero el tiempo nos enseña que Dios estaba ciertamente presente cuando nos considerábamos completamente solos.  La última meta de Dios es que todos nosotros nos volvamos como Cristo (1 Juan 3:2).  La Sagrada Palabra de Dios nos revela que podemos llegar a ser aquello para lo que fuimos creados.  Necesitamos recordar que el propósito de Dios fue el que ningún hombre pereciera.  Estamos llamados a servir y a glorificar a Dios.  La soberanía de Dios debe ser siempre una razón de regocijo y confianza no de confusión o duda.  Recordemos, si Dios dio a Su Hijo Engendrado para morir por nosotros, El no va a retirar el don de la salvación.  Si Cristo dio Su vida por nosotros, El no va a darnos la espalda y condenarnos.  No importa que sea lo que nos esté pasando, descansemos en Su gracia redentora y El resolverá las cosas por nosotros para nuestro bien último, simplemente porque El nos ama.

 

MATEO 13:44-52

El reino del cielo es más valioso que ninguna otra cosa que podamos tener. Así que las personas debemos estar deseosas de renunciar a todo por obtenerlo.  El reino del cielo es nuestro debido a la muerte y resurrección de Jesús.  Su muerte nos compró la libertad y la vida eterna para estar con El para siempre en el cielo.

Quizá nos preguntamos, ¿quién puede oponerse a nuestra meta de obtener el reino del cielo?  En muchos lugares la tiranía de los gobiernos ponen muy estrictamente la presión con sus amenazas y con daños físicos (Mateo 10:23) sobre los Cristianos y en muchos casos están sujetos al ridículo público.  Con solo que miremos alrededor y veamos como trata la sociedad a los que se oponen al aborto, es suficiente.  La gente que escoge defender la vida en vez de defender la muerte ha sido muchas veces arrestada y sentenciada a la cárcel (Mateo 10:18-19).

El pasaje del evangelio de hoy se trata del tesoro encontrado por accidente que tenía tanto valor que todo se vendía para poder poseer ese gran tesoro.  ¿Cuántos de tus tesoros serías capaz de dejar ir para poder poseer el más grande tesoro del universo?  No puedes servir a Dios y al dinero, el poder o la posición social. Como Cristianos estamos llamados a ir y decir a otros acerca del tesoro sin precio que tenemos.

Necesitamos enseñar a otros que ellos también pueden poseer ese tesoro renunciando a sus tesoros temporales y reclamando el tesoro de tesoros, la relación personal con Jesucristo.  No olvidemos nunca las palabras de Jesús en Mateo 10:39, “Si te apegas a tu vida la perderás, pero si renuncias a ella por Mi, la salvarás”.  Jesús nos enseñó que el reino estaba aquí y el tesoro verdadero era El Mismo, no el poder, el dinero, el sexo o la posición social.  El nos vuelve a decir hoy, que para ganar Su tesoro debemos dejar ir los tesoros de este mundo y asirnos únicamente a El.  Si alguna vez dudas de tu salvación, del perdón de tus pecados o del trabajo de Dios en tu vida, busca la evidencia en las Escrituras y los cambios en tu vida. Pensando en qué, pasas la mayor parte de tu tiempo.  Recuerda, donde está tu tesoro ahí está también tu corazón (Mateo 6:21).

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura de esta semana muestra a Salomón escogiendo realmente un gran tesoro, al pedir por la sabiduría.  En la segunda lectura vemos a Pablo que va más allá de una compostura rápida y con toda fe proclamar los deseos de Dios para aquellos que crean en el Señor.  El evangelio nos trae lo tocante al cómo y dónde de nuestro tesoro real.

Usemos esta semana nuestra visión espiritual y veamos que es lo que Dios quiere que hagamos con nuestras vidas.  Veamos a nuestro alrededor y escojamos alguien en la familia o en la escuela o en el trabajo y demostremos con nuestras acciones que nosotros queremos servirles y que sus intereses vienen primero.  Tu tesoro está en servir a otros en el Nombre de Jesús.  Sírveles haciendo algún quehacer para ellos, ayudándoles en casa o pasando el tiempo con la familia.  No dejes que nada te interrumpa.

 

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (July 30th) – 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 1 KINGS 3:5, 7-12       FIRST READING

(“I give you a heart so wise and understanding…”)

  1. Where did the Lord speak to Solomon, and what was known about that place? 1 Kings 3:4-5

 

  1. Who were Solomon’s parents? 2 Samuel 12:24

 

  1. What did God say to Solomon, and where did he say it? 1 Kings 3:5

 

  1. Why did God show great favor to Solomon’s father? 1 Kings 3:6

 

  1. What did Solomon say God has made him, and what did he call himself?   1 Kings 3:7

 

  1. Because of his age, what did he recognize about himself? 1 Kings 3:7

 

  1. Whom would Solomon serve, and how many were there? 1 Kings 3:8

 

  1. What kind of heart did Solomon ask God to give him, and what two things would this help him to do? 1 Kings 3:9

 

  1. How did the Lord feel about Solomon’s request? 1 Kings 3:10

 

  1. God was pleased with Solomon because he did not ask for what three things? 1 Kings 3:11

 

  1. What did God say he would do? What kind of heart would Solomon have, and would there ever be anyone like him? 1 Kings 3:12

 

  1. What has God given us through Christ? Ephesians 1:9

 

  1. Where is every treasure of wisdom and knowledge hidden? Colossians 2:2-3

 

Personal – What have been your requests from God this past week? How have you been praying for a loved one who may have strayed from the faith? After you have done the above study, what changes can you make in your prayers (requests from God)?

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 8:28-30        SECOND READING

(“Those he called he also justified;”)

  1. What do we know God makes, and to whom does he make this happen? Romans 8:28

 

  1. For those whom God foreknew, what did he predestine them to share? Romans 8:29

 

  1. Of whom might the Son (Jesus) be the first-born? Romans 8:29

 

  1. Through whom has God predestined us to become his adopted sons and daughters, and when did God plan this? Ephesians 1:3-5

 

  1. What did God do for them? Romans 8:30

 

  1. What did God do to those he called and in turn glorified? Romans 8:30

 

  1. How does God administer everything, and how were we predestined?   Ephesians 1:11

 

  1. What two things were our responses to being chosen in Jesus?  Ephesians 1:13

 

  1. As was promised, with whom were we sealed?  Ephesians 1:13

 

  1. How have we been justified? Romans 8:30, Ephesians 1:7, 13

 

Personal – What is your response to what Jesus has done for you personally? Do your actions in public show your belief? How do you act in a crisis? Is the reality of what Christ has done in your life visible to others in all circumstances? Reflect on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 13:44-52              GOSPEL

(“Angels will go and separate the wicked from the just.”)

  1. The reign of God is like a man who finds a treasure. What does he do when he finds it? Matthew 13:44

 

  1. Again, like what is the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 13:45

 

  1. What did the merchant do when he found a really valuable pearl? Matthew 13:46

 

  1. What did Jesus say we would have in heaven if we sell all our possessions, and whom are we to follow? Matthew 19:21

 

  1. What does Paul consider a loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of his Lord Jesus Christ, and for Jesus’ sake, what has he forfeited? Philippians 3:7-8

 

  1. The reign of God is also like a dragnet thrown into the lake which collected all sorts of things. When the haul is brought ashore, what is done with what is worthwhile, and what is done with what is useless?   Matthew 13:47-48

 

  1. What will it be like at the end of the world? Matthew 13:48-49

 

  1. What will the angels do? Matthew 13:49-50

 

  1. What is the question Jesus put to his disciples, and what was their reply?   Matthew 13:51

 

  1. By whom are we taught in order to interpret spiritual things, and whose mind do we have?   1 Cor 2:10-16

 

  1. What is every teacher of the law like who is learned in the reign of God? Matthew 13:52

 

Personal – Take an inventory of your life and reflect on the areas where you have been worthwhile or useful for God. Also, reflect where you have not been worthwhile or useful for God. How can you become more useful? A good example of usefulness for God is Mother Teresa. Pray on this.

 

FIFTH DAY     READ PSALM 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130

(“The revelation of your words give light, giving understanding to the simple.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130.

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 KINGS 3:5, 7-12

Today’s passage from the book of 1 Kings, is about Solomon, the third king of Israel. He was called the wisest man who ever lived. He sealed many of his foreign agreements by marrying pagan women, and he allowed his lust for women and power to affect his loyalty to God. Solomon is an example to all of us how effective leadership can be blocked by an ineffective personal life. He was a tremendous politician, diplomat, trader, and collector of fine arts, but he was very disobedient to God in running his own household. He had it all and yet he failed to obey God, and he did not learn repentance until late in life. Today’s story brings out what is really lasting in life and what is temporary. Solomon was given a chance to have anything he requested and he asked for wisdom to be a good leader of his people. God was very pleased at his request.

We need to ask ourselves: if God gave us the same chance to have anything we wished, would we have responded like Solomon? We need to ask for this same kind of wisdom. Solomon asked for wisdom to do what was expected of him, and today more than ever, we need to ask God for the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. Solomon, like many of us, received great gifts; but again, like some of us, he did not apply the benefits of these gifts to all areas of his life.

You and I need to reflect on our own lives and discern how much we are living for God instead of ourselves. Solomon was wise, but he did not put that wisdom fully into action. Wisdom is both the discernment to know what is best and the strength of character to act upon that knowledge. Solomon asked for wisdom, not wealth, power or fame. God gave him all of this because of his generosity. Solomon sought only God’s Kingship, not anything else, and we too must do the same and have the courage to follow his way all of our life (Matt.6:33). You can be wiser than Solomon by putting God and his work first in your life. The real wise man is the one who has put on the mind of Christ and serves others rather than rules over others (Phil. 2:2-5).

 

ROMANS 8:28-30

Today’s reading from Paul to the Romans is one of the most powerful verses in the New Testament, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. God works out all things, not just a few isolated incidents, for our good. All that happens to many of us is not just good; sometimes bad things happen too. God is able to take them and turn them around for our long-range good. God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill his purpose. We must recognize that this promise applies only to those who love God and are fitting into God’s plans. We are called to trust in God, not in life’s treasures. We are called to look for our security in heaven, not here on earth (Cor. 3:2-4). Then, and only then, can we learn to accept pain and persecution on earth, because they bring us closer to God. This sounds rather hard; but when the force of some catastrophic event slams into your life, the healing power of God’s love can take you through the dark raging waters.

God does work things out for our good. Many times we do not see them at first, but time shows us how God was very much present when we thought we were all alone. God’s ultimate goal is for all of us to become like Christ (1 John 3:2). God’s Holy Word reveals to us that we can become the persons we were created to be. We need to remember that God’s purpose was that no one should perish. We are all called to serve and to glorify God. The sovereignty of God should always be a reason for rejoicing and confidence, not of puzzlement or doubt.

Remember, if God gave his Begotten Son to die for us, he is not going to hold back the gift of salvation. If Christ gave his life for us, he is not going to turn around and condemn us. No matter what may be happening to you, just rest in his redeeming grace and he will work things out for your ultimate good, simply because he loves you.

 

MATTHEW 13:44-52

The kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The kingdom of heaven is ours because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. His death bought our freedom and eternal life with him forever in heaven.

We might ask, who would oppose us in our goal to obtain the kingdom of heaven. In many places the tyranny of governments strictly puts the pressure of threats and physical harm on Christians, and in many cases, subjects them to public ridicule. We need only look around and see how society treats those who object to abortion. The people who choose pro-life instead of pro-death are many times arrested and sentenced to jail (Matt. 10:18-19).

Today’s Gospel passage deals with a treasure found by accident and the value was so great that everything else was sold in order to possess the great treasure. How much of your treasures are you willing to let go in order that you might possess the greatest treasure in the universe? We cannot serve God and money, power or status. We are called as Christians to go out and tell others of this priceless treasure.

We need to show others that they too may possess this treasure by giving up their temporary treasures and claiming the treasure of treasures, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We must never forget Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:39, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, but if you give it up for Me, you will save it.” Jesus taught that the kingdom was now and he was the real treasure, not power, money, sex, or status. He tells us again today that to gain his treasure, we must let go of the earth’s treasures and cling only to him. If you sometimes doubt your salvation, the forgiveness of your sins, or God’s work in your life, look at the evidence in Scripture and the changes in your life. About what do you spend most of your time thinking? Remember, where your treasure is, there is your heart also (Matthew 6:21).

 

Application

The first reading this week shows Solomon really choosing a great treasure in asking for wisdom. In the second reading we see Paul going beyond the quick fix, and in faith proclaiming God’s will for those who believe in the Lord. The Gospel brings us into touch with the what and where of our real treasure.

This week, let us use our spiritual vision and see what God wants to do with our lives. Look around and choose someone in the family, or in school or at work, and show by your action that you want to serve them and that their interest comes first. Your treasure is serving others in the name of Jesus. Serve them by doing a chore for them, helping out at home, or spending time with your family. Do not let anything interrupt.

Lectio Divina – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 23rd)

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

Matthew 13:24-43 – Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from? He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”

He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

DECIMOSEXTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (July 23rd) – CICLO A

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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?

 

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

 


SEGUNDO DIA                                SABIDURIA 12:13, 16-19            PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Tu fuerza es el principio de tu justicia.”)

  1. ¿Por quién se preocupa Dios y que es lo que El no ha hecho? Sabiduría 12:13

 

  1. ¿Qué no demuestra el Señor a la gente y como provee El para todos? Sabiduría 6:7

 

  1. ¿Qué debes aprender de Dios? Deuteronomio 32:39

 

  1. ¿Qué se dice del Señor en Isaías 44:6, 8?

 

  1. ¿Cómo es su fuerza y que le da el dominio sobre todas las cosas? Sabiduría 12:16

 

  1. ¿Cuándo manifiesta El Su fuerza? Sabiduría 12:17

 

  1. ¿Sobre qué reprende a aquellos que la desconocen? Sabiduría 12:17

 

  1. ¿A pesar de que Dios es el maestro de la fuerza, como nos juzga y gobierna?      Sabiduría 12:18

 

  1. ¿Qué le enseñó a su gente? Sabiduría 12:19

 

  1. ¿Qué le dio a sus hijos y que permitió después del pecado? Sabiduría 12:19

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha demostrado Dios Su poder y su clemencia?  El versículo 19 nos dice que esos quienes son justos deben ser bondadosos.  ¿En qué forma has sido esta semana pasada, bondadoso(a) con tu familia, y aquellos a tu alrededor?  ¿En qué forma has sido clemente e indulgente con ellos?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                       ROMANOS 8:26-27                SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El Espíritu nos viene a socorrer en nuestra debilidad,…”)

  1. ¿Qué hace el Espíritu? Romanos 8:26

 

  1. ¿Qué no sabemos hacer como debemos? Romanos 8:26

 

  1. ¿Quién intercede por nosotros y cómo lo hace? Romanos 8:26

 

  1. ¿Por el bien de quién estamos contentos con la debilidad, y qué pasa cuando yo soy débil?      2 Corintios 12:10

 

  1. ¿Quién está a la diestra de Dios y qué hace El por nosotros? Romanos 8:34

 

  1. ¿Por quién debemos interceder y a qué guiará esto? 1 Timoteo 2:1-2

 

  1. ¿Qué sabe Aquel que busca los corazones? Romanos 8:27

 

  1. ¿Por quién intercede el Espíritu y con quién está de acuerdo el Espíritu? Romanos 8:27

 

  1. ¿Qué busca el Hijo de Dios y a quién le hace esto? Apocalipsis 2:18, 23

 

  1. ¿Qué conoce Dios? Lucas 16:15

 

Personal – ¿Has intercedido con oraciones por esos a tu alrededor?  ¿Quién está en necesidad de oración ahora entre tus amistades o familiares?  Toma unos cuantos minutos e intercede ante el Padre por ellos por medio de Jesús.

 

CUARTO DIA                                         MATEO 13:24-43                                EVANGELIO

(“El Reino de los Cielos es como…”)

  1. ¿A qué dijo Jesús que puede compararse el reino de Dios? ¿Mientras que todos estaban durmiendo, ¿quién vino y sembró maleza entre el trigo?  Mateo 13:24-25

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó cuando la cosecha empezó a madurar y a producir grano, y que dijo el esclavo del dueño? Mateo 13:26-27

 

  1. ¿Qué reconoció el dueño y qué ofrecieron hacer los esclavos? Mateo 13:28

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el dueño que pasaría si ellos arrancaban la maleza, y qué les dijo a sus esclavos que hicieran? Mateo 13:29-30

 

  1. ¿En otra parábola con qué comparó Jesús al reino de Dios? Mateo 13:31

 

  1. ¿Qué tan grande es la semilla de mostaza y qué pasa cuando esta crece? Mateo 13:32

 

  1. Jesús les ofreció otra imagen. ¿A qué se parece el reino de Dios en Mateo 13:33?

 

  1. ¿Cómo enseñó Jesús a las muchedumbres, que tenía que ser cumplido, y que debía anunciar El? Mateo 13:34-35, Salmo 78:2

 

  1. ¿Después de despedir a las muchedumbres, ¿a dónde se fue Jesús, quién fue con El y cuál fue su ruego? Mateo 13:36

 

  1. ¿Quién era el granjero que estaba sembrando la buena semilla, qué era el campo, la buena semilla y la maleza? Mateo 13:37-38

 

  1. ¿Quién es el enemigo que la sembró, qué es la cosecha, y quiénes son los segadores?      Mateo 13:39

 

  1. ¿Cómo será al final del mundo, a quién mandará el Hijo del Hombre y que recogerán de Su Reino?      Mateo 13:40-41

 

  1. ¿Qué harán los ángeles con ellos, que pasará con los santos, y a que debe poner atención toda la gente? Mateo 13:42-43

 

Personal – ¿Por medio de tus acciones a que estás atrayendo a otros?  ¿En qué forma trata de plantar maleza el malo en tu familia, en tu trabajo, en la escuela, o en tu vecindario?  ¿Al ir creciendo tú entre ellos, que haces para contrarrestar esto?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                           LEE EL SALMO 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16

(“Tu, Señor, eres compasivo y bueno.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16.

¿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

SABIDURIA 12:13, 16-19

Este pasaje es un testimonio poderoso al amor fantástico que Dios tiene para nosotros y un testimonio de la clemencia continúa de Dios hacía nosotros su gente terca.  Dios nos demuestra Su poder y fuerza más visiblemente en la forma que El perdona.  El nos demuestra que la fuerza más grande en nuestro mundo no es poder, ni fuerza, sino amor.  El nos dice muy claramente en Deuteronomio 32:39 que El es nuestro único Dios y El quiere que lo amemos y honremos primero que todo.  El nos dice que El está en control de la vida y la muerte.  El nos enseña en Isaías 44:16 que El es el principio y el final de todas las cosas.

Jesús cumplió esta profecía cuando El dijo “Yo soy el Alfa y la Omega”(Rev. 1:8).  Jesús cumplió todas estas descripciones de Dios y Su amor por Su gente.  La gente rechazó a Jesús, en realidad ellos lo mataron, por que El pidió una respuesta de amor.  La gente estaba esperando un gran Dios-guerrero que los guiara fuera de la pobreza, esclavitud, y temor.

Ahora la mayor parte del mundo está en temor y muchos países están explotando con violencia.  Las drogas, el alcohol y el crimen parece que se están extendiendo por muchas ciudades.  ¿Dónde está este Dios maravilloso de Piedad?, algunos preguntan, e igual que los Israelitas en el desierto, ellos también, preguntaron, “¿Está Yavé en medio de nosotros, o no?” (Ex. 17:7).

Nuestro Dios es un Dios de amor, compasión y justicia.  El es un Dios quien constantemente nos perdona y anima a ser sanados.  En el pasaje de ahora, leemos de un Dios quien está lleno de poder y sin embargo El gobierna con compasión y justicia.  Nuestro Dios es un Dios que gobierna con gran piedad, y eso es lo que El busca de ti y de mi.  El no quiere nuestros ritos ni siquiera nuestros sacrificios.

Nuestro Dios quiere que seamos compasivos unos con otros, así como El ha sido con nosotros. Nosotros somos llamados a ser gente recta, gente justa.  Para ser realmente recto o justo, uno debe de estar bien con Dios primero.  Nosotros hacemos eso siguiendo las palabras de la Escritura que están en el pasaje de ahora.  El es nuestro Dios y nosotros creemos solamente en El.  Jesús es nuestro principio y final.  El es poderoso y justo, por que El es bondadoso y gentil.  Nosotros seremos una nación poderosa y justa cuando seamos bondadosos y gentiles para con todas las criaturas de Dios.  Nunca debemos olvidar que nuestras acciones le dicen a otros que tipo de Dios es en el que creemos.

 

ROMANOS 8:26-27

El pasaje de ahora nos trae a un tiempo de reflexión y respuesta a la calidad de nuestra vida de oración.  Solamente necesitamos mirar alrededor a nuestras familias y comunidades para encontrar mucha gente adolorida.  Se nos ha dicho que alejemos todas nuestras ansiedades y que presentemos nuestras necesidades a Dios en oración (Fil. 4:6, 7).  Jesús nos enseñó muy claramente que El era un hombre de oración profunda. El se levantaba muy temprano en la mañana, y se iba a un lugar solitario, y se quedaba completamente sumergido en oración.  Jesús era muy obediente en sus rutinas de oración pública, pero era cuando El estaba a solas con Su Padre, o “Abba”, cuando realmente abría Su corazón.

Se nos dice en el pasaje de ahora que muchas veces no sabemos ni siquiera por que orar, o aún como hacer la oración.  Jesús ve los corazones de la gente y eso es lo que El quiere cambiar en nosotros.  El quiere darnos un corazón de carne en intercambio de un corazón de piedra debemos recordar que los creyentes en Jesucristo no están abandonados a sus propios recursos y a arreglárselas con sus problemas a solas.

La oración es reconocida ahora en día en el mundo de la medicina como una gran protectora contra enfermedades que amenazan la vida, especialmente la presión alta.  No tenemos que sucumbir a nuestras emociones, podemos orar y dejar que el Espíritu Santo tome todas nuestras preocupaciones.  Hay ocasiones cuando no sabemos por qué orar, o como orar.  El Espíritu Santo ora con y por ti y Dios contesta cada vez. No necesitas tener miedo de venir a Dios con tus peticiones.  Solamente pídele al Espíritu Santo que ruegue por ti en armonía con el propio designio de Dios.

Recuerda, cuando, le traes tus peticiones a Dios, confía en que El siempre hará lo que está mejor para ti, aunque en ese momento no tenga ningún sentido (Romanos 8:18).  Encontrarás una paz tremenda al dejar al Espíritu Santo que ore por ti y contigo.  Necesitas darte permiso a ti mismo(a) para que tus cuerdas vocales hagan algunos sonidos y dejarte ser guiado(a) en una oración de alabanza.  Entonces estarás orando en lenguas y el Espíritu Santo estará hablando dentro de ti y por ti a nuestro Padre celestial en el nombre de Jesús.

 

MATEO 13:24-43

Todas las parábolas en este pasaje nos enseñan acerca de Dios y de Su reino. Ellas explican que el reino es tan opuesto como nuestras expectativas de el.  Necesitamos recordar que el reino del paraíso no es como algún lugar en el cielo, sino más bien, es un reino espiritual en el cual Dios gobierna y en el cual tienes la vida eterna de Dios.  Se nos es dicho que los cardos y las pequeñas briznas de maleza se parecen bastante y que no pueden ser reconocidas hasta que están crecidas y listas para la cosecha.  Los cardos son los incrédulos y el trigo son los creyentes.  Ambos deben vivir lado a lado en este mundo.

Dios es como el granjero, El permite que los incrédulos permanezcan en este mundo para que los creyentes sean desarraigados con ellos.  En la cosecha los cardos serán desarraigados y tirados a la basura. La cosecha de Dios (el día del juicio) de toda la gente está en camino y necesitamos asegurarnos de que nuestra fe en Jesucristo esté firme.  Jesús nos enseña que debemos ser bondadosos y pacientes aún con los que hacen mal, dejando que la maleza continúe creciendo hasta el día de la cosecha.

Jesús quiere que nosotros inspiremos a otros interiormente, no que los forcemos exteriormente.  El quiere que seamos alentadores, no desalentadores, El quiere que cambiemos los corazones de la gente, no solamente sus mentes.  Este pasaje habla de la semilla de la mostaza, la cual se convierte en una planta muy grande y nosotros debemos animar a otros a que dejen crecer su fe.  Debemos enseñarles como, no dominarlos con nuestra fe y nuestros regalos.  Debemos dejarlos que hagan errores e impulsarlos hacía adelante a cosas mejores.  Somos, en realidad, como la levadura que hace a la harina levantarse y ser una barra de pan.

La maleza que está creciendo en el campo puede ser parte de nuestro propio temperamento por el cual dominamos a otros.  Puede que no estemos equivocados, pero debemos estar seguros que tampoco vamos a asfixiar el crecimiento de otros.  La mayoría de los pecados de un creyente están en el uso excesivo de sus buenas cualidades.  Los que son buenos administradores fácilmente sobre-administran y sofocan el espíritu de otros.  Los que poseen control en la ley, como los abogados, policías, jueces y clero pueden hallar culpa en el inocente y permitir al culpable ser libre.  De alguna manera la semilla buena que debía crecer y ser buen fruto se convierte en algo rancio.  La levadura debe levantar la harina para que sea un pan delicioso y si es usada mal, nos quedamos con pastel plano y duro.  Nuestras buenas cualidades deben capacitar a otros para hacer lo mejor con sus dones interiores.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos muestra que la mayor potencia en nuestro mundo no es el poder, ni la fuerza sino el amor.  La segunda lectura revela que Jesús fue un hombre que oraba profundamente.  El Evangelio nos dice que Jesús quiere que inspiremos a otros interiormente, no que los forcemos de modo exterior.  El quiere que seamos gente que anima, no que desanima.

Las tres lecturas de hoy atraen la atención a nuestras cualidades interiores de fuerza, inspiración y habilidad.  Esta semana, vamos a sacar las cualidades interiores de alguien en nuestra familia, escuela o trabajo, por medio de nuestro apoyo.  Podemos hacer esto escuchándolos cuando hablan y dándoles alabanza, no por algo que ellos han hecho recientemente.  Dales a saber lo que te gusta más de ellos.  Finalmente, has una amistad, sea amigo o amiga y trae esa amistad a Cristo.

SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (July 23rd) – 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 WISDOM 12:13, 16-19      FIRST READING

(“For your might is the source of justice;”)

  1. For whom does God care and what has he not done? Wisdom 12:13

 

  1. What does the Lord not show toward people, and how does he provide for all?   Wisdom 6:7

 

  1. What must we learn from God? Deuteronomy 32:39

 

  1. What does it say of the Lord in Isaiah 44:6,8?

 

  1. What is his might, and what does his mastery over all things make him? Wisdom 12:16

 

  1. When does he show his might? Wisdom 12:17

 

  1. What does he rebuke in those who know him? Wisdom 12:17

 

  1. Although God is the master of might, how does he judge and govern us?   Wisdom 12:18

 

  1. What did we teach our people? Wisdom 12:19

 

  1. What did we give our sons, and what did we permit for their sins?   Wisdom 12:19

 

Personal – How has God shown his might to you personally and been lenient with you? Verse 19 tells us that those who are just must be kind. In what way, this past week, have you been kind to your family, friends, and those around you? In what way have you been lenient and forgiving to those around you?

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 8:26-27        SECOND READING

(“The Spirit, too, helps us in our weakness,…”)

  1. What does the Spirit do? Romans 8:26

 

  1. What do we not know how to do as we ought? Romans 8:26

 

  1. Who intercedes for us, and how does he do it? Romans 8:26

 

  1. For whose sake are we content with weakness, and what happens when I am powerless?   2 Cor 12:10

 

  1. Who is at the right hand of God, and what does he do for us? Romans 8:34

 

  1. For whom are we to intercede, and to what will this lead? 1 Timothy 2:1-2

 

  1. What does he know who searches hearts? Romans 8:27

 

  1. For whom does the Spirit intercede, and with whom is the Spirit in accordance?   Romans 8:27

 

  1. For what does the Son of God search, and to whom does he do this?   Revelations 2:18, 23

 

  1. What does God read? Luke 16:15

 

 

Personal – How have you interceded in prayer for those around you? Who among your family or friends is in most need of prayer right now? Take a few minutes and intercede to the Father through Jesus for them.

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 13:24-43              GOSPEL

(“The reign of God is like…”)

  1. To what did Jesus propose the reign of God might be compared; and while everyone was asleep, who came and sowed weeds through the wheat? Matthew 13:24-25

 

  1. What happened when the crop began to mature and yield grain, and what did the owner’s slave say to him? Matthew 13:26-27

 

  1. What did the owner recognize, and what did his slaves offer to do?   Matthew 13:28

 

  1. What did the owner say would happen if they pulled the weeds, and what did he tell his slaves to do? Matthew 13:29-30

 

  1. In another parable Jesus proposed, to what was the reign of God compared?   Matthew 13:31

 

  1. How big is the mustard seed, and what happens when it is full grown?   Matthew 13:32

 

  1. Jesus offered them another image. What is the reign of God like in Matthew 13:33?

 

  1. How did Jesus teach the crowds, what was it to fulfill, and what was he to announce?  Matthew 13:34-35, Psalm 78:2

 

  1. After dismissing the crowds, where did Jesus go, who went with him, and what was their request?   Matthew 13:36

 

  1. Who was the farmer sowing the good seed, what was the field, the good seed, and the weeds?  Matthew 13:37-38

 

  1. Who is the enemy who sowed them, what is the harvest, and who are the harvesters?   Matthew 13:39

 

  1. How will it be at the end of the world, whom will the Son of Man dispatch, and what will they collect from his kingdom?   Matthew 13:40-41

 

  1. What will the angels do with them, what will happen to the saints, and what should everyone heed?   Matthew 13:42-43

 

 

Personal – To what are you drawing others by your actions? In what way does the evil one try to plant weeds in your family, in your work, in school, or in your neighborhood? As you are growing side by side, how do you counteract the weeds?

 

 

FIFTH DAY         READ PSALM 86:5-6,9-10, 15-16

(“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 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

WISDOM 12:13, 16-19

This passage is a powerful testimony of God’s fantastic love for us and a testimony of God’s continuing leniency toward his stubborn people. God shows us his power and might most visibly in the way he forgives. He shows us that the greatest force in our world is not power, not might, but love. He very clearly tells us in Deuteronomy 32:39 that he is our only God and he wants us to love and honor him first of all. He tells us that he is in control of life and death. He shows us in Isaiah 44:16 that he is the beginning and the end of all things.

Jesus fulfills this prophecy when he said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” (Rev. 1:8). Jesus fulfilled all of these descriptions of God and his love of his people. The people rejected Jesus; in fact they killed him, because he called for a response of love. The people were expecting a great warrior-God to lead them out of poverty, slavery, and fear.

Today much of the world is in fear, and many countries are exploding with violence. Drugs, alcohol, and crime seem to be spreading throughout many cities. “Where is this wonderful God of mercy,” some ask, and like the Israelites in the desert, they, too, asked, “Is he in our midst or not?” (Ex. 17:7)

Our God is a God of love, compassion, and justice. He is a God who constantly forgives and encourages us to become healed. In today’s passage, we read of a God who is filled with power and yet rules with compassion and justice. Our God is a God who rules with great mercy, and that is what he seeks from you and me. He does not want our rituals or even our sacrifices.

Our God wants us to be merciful to one another, as he has been to us. We are all called to be a righteous people, a just people. To be really righteous or just, one has to be right with God first. We do that by following the words of Scripture that are in today’s passage. He is our God and we believe only in him. Jesus is our beginning and end. He is mighty and just, because he is kind and gentle. We will be a mighty and just nation when we are kind and gentle to all of God’s children. We must never forget that our actions tell others what kind of a God it is in whom we believe.

 

ROMANS 8:26-27

Today’s passage brings us into a time of reflection and response to the quality of our prayer life. We need only look around our families and communities to find many hurting people. We are told to dismiss all of our anxieties and to present our needs to God in every form of prayer (Phil. 4:6-7). Jesus showed us very clearly that he was a man of deep prayer. He would rise very early in the morning, go off to some lonely place, and be completely immersed in prayer. Jesus was very obedient in his public prayer routines, but it was when he was alone with his Father, or “Abba,” that he really poured out his heart.

Jesus reads people’s hearts and that is what he wants to change in us. He wants to give us a heart of flesh in exchange for a heart of stone. We must remember that believers in Jesus Christ are not left to their own resources to cope with problems.

Prayer is now being recognized in the medical world as a great protector against life-threatening diseases, especially high blood pressure. We do not have to succumb to our emotions; we can pray, and let the Holy Spirit take all of our concerns. There are times when we do not know what to pray for, or how to pray the prayer that needs to be prayed. The Holy Spirit prays with and for us and God answers every time. You do not need to be afraid of coming before God with your petitions. Just ask the Holy Spirit to plead for you in harmony with God’s own will.

Remember, when we bring our requests to God, trust that he will always do what is best for us, even if it does not make sense at that time (Rom. 8:28). We will find tremendous peace in letting the Holy Spirit pray in us and with us. We need to give ourselves permission to let our vocal cords make some sounds and let ourselves be led into a prayer of praise. We will then be praying in tongues, and the Holy Spirit will be talking within us and for us in Jesus’ name to our heavenly Father.

 

MATTHEW 13:24-43

All of the parables in this Gospel passage teach us about God and his kingdom. They explain what the kingdom is really like as opposed to our expectations of it. We need to remember that the kingdom of heaven is not just some place in the sky; but rather, it is a spiritual realm in which God rules and in which we have God’s eternal life. We are told that the thistles and the young blades of grass look very much the same and can not be recognized until they are grown and ready for harvest. The thistles are unbelievers and the wheat are the believers. They both must live side by side in this world.

God is like the farmer; he allows the unbelievers to remain in this world so the believers are uprooted with them. At the harvest the thistles will be uprooted and thrown away. God’s harvest (judgment day) of all people is coming, and we need to make sure our faith in Jesus Christ is secure. Jesus teaches us that we are to be mild and patient even toward the evildoers, letting the weeds continue to grow until harvest time.

Jesus wants us to inspire others interiorly, not to force them exteriorly. He wants us to be encouragers, not discouragers. He wants us to change people’s hearts, not just their minds. This passage talks about the mustard seed which becomes a very large bush, and we are to encourage others to let their faith grow. We are to show them how and not dominate them with our faith and our gifts. We are to let them make mistakes and urge them onward to better things. We are, in effect, like the leaven which enables the dough to rise into a loaf of bread.

The weeds that are growing in the field can be parts of our own temperament by which we dominate others. We may not be wrong, but we need to be sure we do not choke off anyone else’s growth. Most of the sins of a believer are the excess use of their good qualities. Those who are good administrators easily over-adminis­trate and suffocate the spirit of others. Those who possess control over law, like lawyers, policemen, judges and clergy, can find fault with the innocent and enable the guilty to go free. Somehow the good seed which should grow into good fruit turns into rank growth. The yeast is to raise the dough into delicious bread, and if it is misused, we are left with a hard flat cake. Our good qualities should enable others to make the best of their interior gifts.

 

Application

The first reading shows us that the greatest force in our world is not power, not might, but love. The second reading reveals to us that Jesus was a man of deep prayer. The Gospel tells us that Jesus wants us to inspire others interiorly, not to force them exteriorly. He wants us to be encouragers, not discouragers.

All three readings today draw much attention to our inner qualities of strength, inspiration, and ability. This week, draw out the inner qualities of someone in your family, school, or work, by encouraging them. You can do this by listening to them when they speak, and by giving them praise, not flattery, for something that they have done recently. Let them know what you like most about them. Finally, make a friend, be a friend, and bring that friend to Christ.

Lectio Divina – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 16th)

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE – Matthew 13:1-23 – The Parable of the Sower. On that day Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow.  And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.

The Purpose of Parables. The disciples approached him and said “Why do you speak to them in parables? He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given, and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them which says: ‘You shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and be converted, and I heal them.’\

         The Privilege of Discipleship. “But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

         The explanation of the Parable of the sower. “Hear then the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no roots and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word, and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?