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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (July 2nd) – 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 2 KINGS 4:8-11, 14-16     FIRST READING

(“I know that he is a holy man of God.”)

  1. Who came to Shunem, and who urged him to dine with her? 2 Kings 4:8

 

 

  1. How often did he dine with the woman? 2 Kings 4:8

 

 

  1. Whom did Elisha succeed, and what was to rest on him? 2 Kings 2:9-15

 

 

  1. What did the Shunammite woman call Elisha? 2 Kings 4:9

 

 

  1. What does he who welcomes a prophet or a holy man receive? Matthew 10:41-42

 

 

  1. In what should we be generous? Romans 12:13

 

 

  1. What did the woman arrange for Elisha? 2 Kings 4:10

 

 

  1. What did Elisha do sometime later? 2 Kings 4:11

 

 

  1. What did Elisha ask his servant Gehazi, and what did he say? 2 Kings 4:14

 

 

  1. Elisha told his servant to call the woman, and as she stood at the door, what did he promise her?   2 Kings 4:15-16

 

 

  1. What did she say, and what did she call Elisha? 2 Kings 4:16

 

 

Personal – What is your attitude when a priest comes to your home? What is your attitude toward what he says to you? In what way do you show hospitality to God’s chosen ones?

 

THIRD DAY            READ ROMANS 6:3-4, 8-11      SECOND READING

(“His death was death to sin, once for all;”)

  1. We who have been baptized into Jesus Christ, into what have we also been baptized?   Romans 6:3

 

 

  1. With whom have all who have been baptized into Christ clothed them­selves? Gal 3:27

 

 

  1. In baptism we were not only buried with him but also raised to life with Him because of what? Col 2:12

 

 

  1. Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, what might we live?   Romans 6:4

 

  1. What do we believe if we have died with Christ? Romans 6:8

 

 

  1. What will Christ, once raised from the dead, never do again? Romans 6:9

 

 

  1. What was the last enemy to be destroyed?  1 Corinthians 15:26

 

 

  1. For what was Christ’s death and for whom is his life? Romans 6:10

 

 

  1. For whom did he die? Romans 6:10

 

 

  1. In the same way, to what must we consider ourselves dead? Romans 6:11

 

 

  1. For whom and in whom are we alive? Romans 6:11

 

 

Personal – In what way have you died to sin in your life? In what way are you living a life for God?

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 10:37-42              GOSPEL

(“He who welcomes me, welcomes him who sent me.”)

  1. Who is speaking in verses 37-42 of Matthew, and to whom is he speaking?  Matthew 10:5 , Matthew 11:1

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say about those who love father or mother, son or daughter more than him?   Matthew 10:37

 

 

  1. If a man wishes to come after Jesus, what three things must He do?   Matthew 16:24

 

 

  1. He who will not take up what and come after him is not worthy of whom?   Matthew 10:38

 

 

  1. To what does he who seeks only himself bring himself, and how does a person discover who he is?  Matthew 10:39, Mark 8:35

 

 

  1. Whom does he welcome who welcomes us, and he who welcomes him also welcomes whom?   Matthew 10:40

 

 

  1. What does he receive who welcomes a prophet because he bears the name of prophet?   Matthew 10:41

 

 

  1. What does he receive who welcomes a holy man because he is known as a holy man? Matthew 10:41

 

 

  1. What does Jesus promise us, and what does he call a disciple?   Matthew 10:42

 

 

  1. What will happen to any man who gives a drink of water to you because you belong to Christ?   Mark 9:41

 

 

Personal – What is the cross that you have taken up in order to follow Christ? In what ways do you die to yourself on a daily basis in your home, at work, or at school? In what way are you supportive to your brothers and sisters in the Lord who are following Jesus?

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 89:2-3, 16-19

(“The favors of the Lord I will sing forever.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 89:2-3, 16-19.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

2 KINGS 4:8-11, 14-16

This passage reveals to us the need to show hospitality and respect to God’s chosen ones, his clergy. When a priest or deacon comes into your home, is your attitude loving, caring, and reverent? The Scriptures tell us that he who received the king’s messenger will, in reality, be receiving the king himself (Matt. 10:40-42). The Jews always felt that to receive a person’s messenger was the same as to receive the person himself. To welcome with love the messenger of our Lord Jesus was the same as to welcome Jesus himself.

The Shunemite woman knew that Elisha was a prophet and a special messenger of God and she trusted him with great respect. He promised her a gift of a son and she received this miracle of God from the prophet she respected so much.

Today there is a great amount of disrespect shown toward the clergy of Christian denominations. Many people fail to look at whom these people represent. There are failures among the clergy who fall into sin, but they still have been called to represent the Lord. David was terribly mistreated by Saul the King, but David never harmed a hair on Saul’s head. David respected the office of what Saul represented. God rewarded David for this compassion, respect, and obedience. God called David a “man after my own heart.”

Look at the clergy in your parish and see where you can help them, encourage them, but most of all, love them. You can love your clergy by praying for them daily and by inviting them to your home to share your lifestyle and hospitality. Elisha was amazed at the Shunemite woman’s hospitality, and today, our clergy need that hospitality and acceptance very much. Jesus said, “What you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me.” (Matt 25:31-46). This verse also applied to those who had given up the comfort of a loving family and the security of a permanent home and community and have gone out to serve a hostile world. How we treat our clergy is very well indeed how we treat Our Lord, Jesus. Remember, they are messengers of the King.

 

ROMANS 6:3-4, 8-11

The power of sin is broken through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His death shattered the power of our sinful nature. Our old sin-loving nature was buried with Jesus by baptism when he died for our sins. Through baptism, we share his new life, and we shall rise as he did. Baptism means to sink, submerge, and to drown. We die to our old sinful nature and we emerge or rise in baptism with the Risen Christ. We have invited Christ to take up residence in us. He, in turn, welcomes us into his Holy Family of Christianity. He is present in his Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. Through baptism we become sons and daughters of God the Father and enjoy the power of the Holy Spirit and live and love others in the name of Jesus Christ.

In the church of Paul’s time, immersion was the usual form of baptism. This means that new Christians were completely buried in water. This symbolized the death and burial of the old way of life, followed by resurrection to life with Christ. It is very important to realize why baptism is so important to being a Christian. We are cleansed of sin and clothed in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the power that we use to resist the devil and make him flee from us (James 4:7). We now have the incredible power to choose life over death because we have the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. We know that the Spirit within us is far more powerful than he that is in the world (l John 4:4). Because of our baptism we have become adopted sons and daughters of the King. Jesus tells us that he has prepared a place in his Father’s house for each one of us (John 14:1-6). This passage gives us tremendous comfort and assurances as believers in Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, we never need to fear death or wonder where we will go when we die (John 3:16).

MATTHEW 10:37-42

Today’s Gospel message tells us that a Christian commitment may separate friends and loved ones. Jesus showed that his presence demands a decision. This was true in Jesus’ time, and it is especially true in today’s world. Two things are happening today. Either the world is changing you or you are changing the world. A decision for Christ is a decision to make the world a better place to live.

As we take up our cross and follow Jesus, an inevitable conflict will follow. Our different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others. Today’s message is that God should be our first priority, not friends or even family. God has called all of us to a higher mission than to find comfort in this life. To take up our cross and follow Jesus we must lay down other cares and priorities. We need to be totally committed to God (Matt. 10:39) and willing to face anything, even suffering and death, for the sake of Christ. We can see around us that the more people love this life’s rewards (leisure, power, popularity), the more they discover how empty they are.

Mother Teresa has a saying, “Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.” We can tell how much we love God by how well we treat others. God notices every good deed we do or don’t do, as if he were the one receiving it. We cannot all be prophets and proclaim the Word of God, but he who gives God’s messenger the simple gift of hospitality will receive no less a reward than the prophet himself. We must remember that even the prophet must get his breakfast and attend to his clothes. We must never forget to love, honor, and thank those who have the often thankless task of making a home, cooking meals, washing clothes, shopping for household items, and caring for children. It is God’s greatest task, and they will be far more likely to receive the prophet’s rewards than those whose days are filled with committees and comfortable homes.

 

 

Lectio Divina – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 25th)

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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 10:26-33 – Jesus said to the Twelve: “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

DECIMOSEGUNDO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (June 25th) – 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 JEREMIAS 20:10-13           PRIMERA LECTURA

(..”que salvó al desamparado de las manos de los malvados.”)

  1. ¿Qué oyó Jeremías y que esperaban ver los que antes lo saludaban? Jeremías 20:10

 

  1. ¿Qué hará un amigo falso? Eclesiástico 37:4

 

  1. ¿Qué hacen los amigos de ocasión? ¿De quién debemos cuidarnos?  Eclesiástico 6: 8-13

 

  1. ¿Quién está con Jeremías? ¿Qué les pasará a los que lo persiguen?  Jeremías 20:11

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el Señor a Jeremías? Jeremías 1:8, Jeremías 15:20

 

  1. ¿De qué están lejos los que persiguen cruelmente? Salmo 119:150

 

  1. ¿De qué está pendiente y qué conoce el Señor? ¿Qué pide Jeremías poder ver?  Jeremías 20:12

 

  1. ¿Por qué escudriña el corazón y sondea las entrañas el Señor? Jeremías 17:10

 

  1. ¿A quién debemos cantar y alabar y a quién ha rescatado? Jeremías 20:13

 

  1. ¿Por qué damos gracias y alabamos al Señor? Salmo 109:30-31

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo te ha rescatado el Señor de alguien que tú creías era tu amigo?  ¿Cómo le cantas alabanzas por lo que ha hecho por ti?

 


TERCER DIA                                   LEE ROMANOS 5:12-15            SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“La gracia hizo más que reparar la caída….”)

  1. ¿Qué entró al mundo por un solo hombre? ¿Qué se propagó a toda la humanidad?  ¿Debido a qué?   Romanos 5:12

 

  1. ¿A través de qué entró la muerte al mundo? ¿Quién la padecerá?  Sabiduría 2:24

 

  1. ¿Qué hacen la envidia y la ira? Eclesiástico 30:24

 

  1. ¿Qué pasaba con el pecado cuando todavía no había ley? ¿Por lo tanto de qué no se podía hablar?   Romanos 5:13

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo propio de la ley? ¿Cuándo no hay delito?  Romanos 4:15

 

  1. ¿Qué reinó desde Adán hasta Moisés? ¿Quién muere a pesar de no haber pecado?  ¿Qué hizo Adán?   Romanos 5:14

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa por ser de Adán y que pasa por ser de Cristo? 1 Corintios 15:22

 

Personal – ¿Cómo ha afectado el pecado y la muerte, tu vida?

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo la gracia? Romanos 5:15

 

  1. ¿Qué desbordó sobre las muchedumbres? Romanos 5:15

 

  1. ¿Cómo creemos que hemos sido salvados? Hechos 15:11

 

Personal – ¿Cómo ha afectado tu vida la gracia de Dios?  ¿Qué significa la gracia para ti?  ¿De acuerdo contigo cuál es el resultado que tiene la gracia en otros?

 


CUARTO DIA                                    LEE MATEO 10:26-33                            EVANGELIO

(“No teman a los que solo pueden matar el cuerpo, pero no el alma.”)

  1. ¿Qué no debemos sentir? ¿Qué será descubierto?  ¿Qué será revelado?  Mateo 10:26

 

  1. ¿Lo que Jesús nos dice a obscuras, cómo debemos repetirlo? ¿Y lo que nos dice al oído, cómo debemos decirlo?  Mateo 10:27

 

Personal – ¿Cuando el Señor te habla en tus momentos de oración a solas, cómo se lo haces saber a otros?

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasa a la persona que no habla? Salmo 32:3

 

  1. ¿A quién no debemos temer y a quién sí? Mateo 10:28

 

  1. ¿Qué no debemos repetir asustados? ¿A quién debemos temer y respetar?   Isaías 8:12-13

 

  1. ¿Qué no cae a la tierra si el Padre no lo permite? Mateo 10:29

 

  1. ¿Hasta qué ha sido contado? ¿Por qué no debemos temer?  Mateo 10:30-31

 

  1. ¿Qué nos sucederá a causa de Jesús? ¿Qué no se perderá?  ¿Cómo nos salvaremos? Lucas 21:17-19

 

  1. ¿Qué no debemos temer? Isaías 51:7

 

  1. ¿Quién será reconocido delante del Padre Celestial? ¿Quién será negado de la misma forma?   Mateo 10:32-33
  2. ¿Qué le pasará al que se avergüence de Jesús y de sus palabras en medio de la gente adúltera y pecadora? Marcos 8:38

 

Personal– ¿De qué modo has reconocido a Jesús y a sus palabras delante de tu familia, amigos, compañeros de escuela o de trabajo?

 


QUINTO DIA                            LEE SALMO 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35

(“Pues así el Señor escucha al pobre.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35.

¿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

JEREMIAS 20:10-13

Jeremías va derecho del valle de Ben Hinón hacia el templo y con su mensaje desafía la conducta social y moral de la gente.  El no tenía miedo de hacer críticas impopulares.  La gente podría obedecerlo o silenciarlo y escogieron lo último.  Sus falsos profetas les dijeron lo que ellos querían escuchar.  El sacerdote encargado llamado Pasjur, oyó las palabras de Jeremías y debido a su conciencia culpable lo forzó y lo mandó apalear sujetándolo con cadenas y ridiculizándolo en frente de toda la comunidad.  Jeremías llora ante Dios. Pero ni estas cosas lo detienen de proclamar la palabra de Dios.

El papel de Jeremías como profeta le puso bajo una presión terrible.  El proclamaba fielmente la palabra de Dios y no recibía nada en cambio, sólo persecución y penas.  El trató de no decir la palabra de Dios, pero se le venia como un fuego en los huesos.

Hoy, hay muchos lugares donde la gente necesita ser enfrentada sobre su conducta moral.  Los Jeremías de hoy son ridiculizados y silenciados y los falsos profetas “les dicen música a sus oídos” diciéndoles qué maravillosos son.  Cuando estés pendiente de un hilo, recuerda no hay final en la esperanza.  Sentirás “el fuego en tus huesos” y te sentirás forzado a compartirlo con otros, en cualquier situación.

 

ROMANOS 5:12-15

La pregunta, “¿Cómo es posible que se nos declare culpables de algo que Adán hizo hace miles de años”, sigue indignando a la gente.  Hay muchos que dicen que no es justo que Dios no juzgue por el pecado de Adán, pero cada uno de nosotros se parece a Adán pues todos hemos pecado.  Todos estamos hechos de “la misma madera”, rebeldes, exagerando nuestras actitudes y nuestros prejuicios.  Somos juzgados por los pecados que nosotros cometemos pues somos pecadores.  No es justicia lo que necesitamos, es misericordia.

Pablo nos dice una vez más que cumplir la ley no nos trae la salvación.  La muerte es el resultado del pecado de Adán y de los pecados que nosotros cometemos.  La ley fue añadida para ayudar a la gente a darse cuenta de sus pecados y para mostrarles la seriedad de sus ofensas y acercarlos a Dios para alcanzar misericordia y perdón.  Todo esto era verdad en tiempos de Moisés y lo es todavía hoy en día.  El pecado es una ruptura profunda entre lo que somos y lo que fuimos creados para ser.  La ley señala nuestros pecados y pone nuestra responsabilidad sobre nuestros hombros, pero no ofrece el remedio.

En muchas naciones las prisiones están saturadas por que la responsabilidad requiere disciplina y la disciplina requiere obligarse a hacer algo.  Cuando somos declarados culpables de algún pecado, la única manera de limpiarnos es por medio de Jesucristo.  Recordemos, solo la verdad podrá hacernos libre (Juan 8:32) y la verdad es nuestro Señor y salvador Jesucristo.

 

MATEO 10:26-33

El Evangelio de hoy nos revela, el costo de seguir a Jesucristo.  Jesús ayudó a sus discípulos a prepararse para el rechazo que experimentarían por el hecho de ser Cristianos.  Cuando se es persona de Dios muchas veces se crean reacciones por parte de aquellos que lo resisten.  Los discípulos las pasaron duras no solo con el gobierno, las cortes, etc. sino también con los amigos y familiares.

El vivir por Dios trae pruebas y problemas, pero de la misma manera viene la oportunidad de hablar de las Buenas Nuevas de Salvación.  Siempre podemos confiar en Jesús, pues El “ha vencido al mundo” (Juan 16:33), y es esencial que recordemos que aquellos que “perduren hasta el final”, serán salvados (10:22).

Tú vales mucho para Dios y nunca te pierde de su vista o de su alcance.  No temas las amenazas o las pruebas difíciles pues éstas no te quitarán el amor de Dios ni Su Espíritu.

Para Dios cada uno de nosotros vale muchísimo, El nos permite escoger y tener la oportunidad de decirle “No, Señor.”  Entre más que te acerques a Dios, el mundo te rechazará y abusará más de ti.  Ellos odiaban a Cristo y lo rechazaron; ¿Podremos esperar nosotros algo menos que eso?

Los que se mantengan firmes por Cristo a pesar de sus dificultades, verdaderamente tendrán un valor perdurable y recibirán el reconocimiento y amor de Dios y éste los sostendrá a través de cualquier prueba.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que la palabra de Dios es como un martillo que despedaza las rocas que obstaculizan.  La segunda lectura nos dice que la muerte es el resultado del pecado de Adán y la vida es el resultado del sacrificio de Cristo en la cruz.  El Evangelio revela que el miedo no sirve y que debemos confiar en Dios.

Esta semana, pregúntate qué estás haciendo para ser testigo de tu fe.  ¿Cómo has respondido al azote de los abortos en tu comunidad?  Ve si puedes ayudar de algún modo, tal vez escribiendo cartas a las autoridades, protestando, orando, votando por asuntos morales concernientes al aborto.  Serás ridiculizado, atacado social, emocional, espiritualmente y tal vez hasta físicamente por tu lealtad y tus creencias.

Esta semana vuélvete un discípulo de Cristo y deja que el Espíritu que está dentro de ti te recuerde que el espíritu de este mundo ha sido vencido.

 

TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (June 25th) – CYCLE A

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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 JEREMIAH 20:10-13       FIRST READING

(“For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked.”)

  1. What does Jeremiah hear, and for what are those who were his  friends on the watch?   Jeremiah 20:10

 

 

  1. What will a false friend do? Sirach 37:4

 

 

  1. What will a friend do who is a friend when it suits him, and with whom are we to be on guard?   Sirach 6:8-13

 

 

  1. Who is with Jeremiah, and what will happen to his persecutors?   Jeremiah 20:11

 

 

  1. What did the Lord say to Jeremiah? Jeremiah 1:8, Jeremiah 15:20

 

 

  1. From what are malicious persecutors far? Psalm 119:150

 

 

  1. What does the Lord test and probe, and what does Jeremiah ask to witness?   Jeremiah 20:12

 

 

  1. Why does the Lord probe the mind and test the heart? Jeremiah 17:10

 

 

  1. To whom should we sing and praise, and whom has he rescued?   Jeremiah 20:13

 

 

  1. Why do we thank and praise the Lord? Psalm 109:30-31

 

 

Personal – How has the Lord rescued you from someone you thought was a friend? In what way do you sing his praises for what he has done for you?

 

         

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 5:12-15         SECOND READING

(“But the gift is not like the transgression.”)

  1. What entered the world through one man, what came to all, and what have all done?   Romans 5:12

 

 

  1. Through what did death enter the world, and who experiences it?   Wisdom 2:24

 

 

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

 

  1. Where was sin up to the time of the law, and when is sin not accounted?   Romans 5:13

 

 

  1. What does the law produce, and where is there no violation? Romans 4:15

 

 

  1. What reigned from Adam to Moses, who dies even though they did not sin, and what was Adam? Romans 5:14

 

 

  1. What happened in Adam, and what happened in Christ? 1 Corinthians 15:22

 

 

Personal – How has sin and death affected your life?

 

 

  1. What is the gift not like? Romans 5:15

 

 

  1. What overflowed for the many? Romans 5:15

 

 

  1. How do we believe we have been saved? Acts 15:11

 

 

Personal – How has the grace of God affected your life? What does grace mean to you? From you, what is the result it has on others?

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 10:26-33              GOSPEL

(“And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”)

 

  1. What are we not to be, and what is concealed that will be revealed?   Matthew 10:26

 

 

  1. What Jesus speaks to us in the darkness, where are we to speak it? What we hear whispered, where are we to proclaim it? Matthew 10:27

 

 

Personal – When the Lord speaks to you in your quiet prayer time, how do you make it known to others?

 

 

  1. What will happen to the person who does not speak? Psalm 32:3

 

 

  1. Of whom are we not to be afraid, and who are we to fear? Matthew 10:28

 

 

  1. With what are we not to make alliance, with whom are we to make alliance, and who are we to fear and be in awe? Isaiah 8:12-13

 

 

  1. What does not fall to the ground without the Father’s knowledge?   Matthew 10:29

 

 

  1. What is even counted, and why should we not be afraid? Matthew 10:30-31

 

 

  1. What will happen to us because of Jesus, what will not be destroyed, and what will secure our life? Luke 21:17-19

 

 

  1. What are we not to fear? Isaiah 51:7

 

 

  1. Who will be acknowledged before our heavenly Father, and who will be denied before him? Matthew 10:32-33

 

 

  1. What will happen to whomever is ashamed of Jesus and his words, in this faithless and sinful generation? Mark 8:38

 

 

Personal – In what ways have you acknowledged Jesus and his words to your family, friends, school friends and co-workers?

 

 

FIFTH DAY       READ PSALM 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35

(“For the Lord hears the poor,”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35.

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

JEREMIAH 20:10-13

Jeremiah goes straight from the Hinnom Valley to the temple, and with his message challenged the people’s social and moral behavior. He was not afraid to give unpopular criticism. The people could either obey or silence him, and they chose the latter. Their false prophets told them what they wanted to hear. The priest in charge called Pashur, heard Jeremiah’s words and because of his guilt forced him into the wooden stocks. With his hands and feet made fast in the wooden stocks, and being ridicul­ed in front of the entire community, Jeremiah pours out his heart to God. Yet, even this did not stop him from making God’s Word known.

Jeremiah’s role as a prophet put him under terrific pres­sure. He has faithfully proclaimed God’s Word and has received nothing in return, only persecution and sorrow. He tried to with­hold God’s word, but it became like a fire in his bones.

Today, there are many places where people need to be chal­lenged about their moral behavior. The Jeremiahs of today are being ridiculed and silenced, and the false prophets “tickle their ears” with stories of how wonderful they are. When you feel like you are at the end of your rope, remember, there is never an end to hope. You will feel “the fire in your bones,” and you will feel compelled to share it with others, whatever the situa­tion.

 

ROMANS 5:12-15

The question, “How can we be declared guilty for something Adam did thousands of years ago?” rages on. There are many who feel it is not right for God to judge us for Adam’s sin. Yet, each one of us identifies with Adam by our own sins. We are made of the same “high-fluting,” rebellious, exaggerating attitude and prejudices. We are judged for the sins we commit, because we are sinners. It is not fairness that we need, it is mercy.

Paul tells us once again that keeping the law does not bring salvation. Death is the result of Adam’s sin and for the sins we all commit. The Law was added to help people see their sinful­ness and to show them the seriousness of their offense and to drive them to God for mercy and pardon. This was true in Moses’ day, and it is still true today. Sin is a profound rupture between who we are and who we were created to be. The Law points out our sin and places the responsibility on our shoulders, but the Law offers no remedy for it.

In many nations, prisons are overflowing because accountability calls for discipline, and discipline calls for a commit­ment to an idea. When we are convicted of sin, the only way to heal is through Jesus Christ. Remember, only the truth can really set us free (John 8:32) and the truth is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

MATTHEW 10:26-33

Today’s Gospel reveals to us the cost of following Jesus Christ. Jesus helped his disciples prepare for the rejection many of them would experience by being Christian. Being God’s person will usually create reactions from others who are resisting him. The disciples experienced hardships not only from without (government, courts, etc.), but also from friends and family.

Living for God often brings on trials and tribulations, but with it comes the opportunity to tell the Good News of Salvation. We can always be confident because Jesus has “overcome the world” (John 16:33), and it is very crucial for us to remember that those who “endure to the end” will be saved (10:22).

You are of incredible worth to God, and you are never lost from his sight or touch. You never are to fear personal threats or difficult trials because they can not shake God’s love and Spirit from you. God placed a tremendous value on each one of us, and he lets us have the choice and the chance to say “No, Lord.” The closer you get to God, the more the world will reject and abuse us. They hated Christ and rejected Him; would we expect anything less? Those who stand up for Christ in spite of their troubles truly will have lasting value and will receive the acknowledgement of God and God’s love will sustain them through any kind of trial.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God’s Word is like a hammer that smashes away at the rocks of obstacles. The second reading tells us that death is the result of Adam’s sin, and life is the result of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. The Gospel reveals fear as useless, and we must trust in God.

This week, ask yourself what you are doing to be a witness to your faith. How have you responded to the scourge of abortion in your community? See if you can help with letter writing, picket­ing, protesting, praying and voting on moral issues concerning abortion. You will be ridiculed and attacked, socially, emotional­ly, spiritually, and maybe even physically for your loyalty and belief.

This week, become a disciple of Christ and let the Spirit within you be a reminder that the spirit of the world has been defeated.

DECIMOPRIMER DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (June 18th) – 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 EXODO 19:2-6                PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Los tendré a ustedes como mi pueblo de sacerdotes, y una nación que me es consagrada.”)

  1. ¿Dónde acamparon los Israelitas, quién subió hacia Dios y quién lo llamó? Éxodo 19:2-3

 

  1. ¿Adónde fue Jesús a orar? Mateo 14:23

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el pueblo mientras Moisés se acercaba a la nube donde estaba Dios?   Éxodo 20:21

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Dios a Moisés que explicara a los Israelitas? Éxodo 19:4

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el águila con sus polluelos y que ha hecho el Señor por su pueblo?     Deuteronomio 32:11

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que debes hacer si quieres ser una posesión especial de El, y más amado que los demás? Éxodo 19:5, Deuteronomio 26:18

 

  1. ¿Qué le pertenece al Señor? Éxodo 19:5, 1 Corintios 10:26

 

  1. ¿Qué debía decirles Moisés a los Israelitas? Éxodo 19:6

 

  1. ¿Por qué somos “una raza elegida, un reino de sacerdotes, una nación consagrada, un pueblo que Dios eligió”? 1 Pedro 2:9

 

  1. ¿Para qué nos eligió Dios desde antes de la creación del mundo? Efesios 1:4

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera sientes que eres una posesión especial de Dios?  ¿Qué te hace santo a su vista y a la de tu familia y amigos?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                    LEE ROMANOS 5:6-11             SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Pero Dios dejó constancia del amor que nos tiene y, siendo aún pecadores Cristo murió por nosotros.”)

  1. ¿En qué tiempo murió Cristo por los pecadores? Romanos 5:6, Gálatas 4:4
  2. ¿Qué cosa es difícil de hacer? ¿Cómo nos dio Dios constancia de Su amor? Romanos 5:7-8

 

  1. ¿Qué hace Dios por nosotros y por qué? Juan 3:16

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús por nosotros y que nos dice esto sobre el amor? 1 Juan 4:10,19

 

  1. ¿De qué pecados fuimos perdonados? Romanos 3:25

 

  1. ¿Cómo hemos sido santificados y de qué nos salvaremos? Romanos 5:9

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que Dios nos hace ver desde el cielo? Romanos 1:18

 

  1. ¿Cómo fuimos reconciliados con Dios cuando éramos enemigos, y ahora reconciliados cómo seremos salvados? Romanos 5:10

 

  1. ¿Qué clase de ministerio nos ha dado Dios? 2 Corintios 5:18

 

  1. ¿En qué nos sentimos seguros y que hemos obtenido a través de El? Romanos 5:11

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has sentido el amor y el perdón de Dios en tu vida?  ¿Cómo te has negado a ti mismo, a tu modo de hacer las cosas con el objeto de reconciliarte con alguien que te ha hecho daño?

 

CUARTO DIA                                   LEE MATEO 9:36 – 10:8                         EVANGELIO

(“La cosecha es grande y son pocos los obreros.”)

  1. ¿Por qué se compadeció Jesús? Mateo 9:36

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a sus discípulos acerca de la cosecha y qué debían rogar al dueño de la cosecha?  Mateo 9:37

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que miráramos al levantar la vista? Juan 4:35

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has tratado de buscar y traer a alguien de regreso a la iglesia?

 

  1. ¿Sobre qué les dio Jesús autoridad a Sus discípulos y qué serían capaces de hacer con las enfermedades y dolencias? Mateo 10:1

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son los nombres de los doce apóstoles? Mateo 10:2-4

 

  1. ¿Quién era Judas y qué se debía cumplir? Hechos 1:16

 

  1. ¿A quién envió Jesús y a dónde les dijo que no fueran? Mateo 10:5

 

  1. ¿A dónde les dijo a los doce que fueran? Mateo 10:6

 

  1. ¿Qué debían ir proclamando los discípulos? Mateo 10:7

 

  1. ¿Qué predicaban tanto Juan el Bautista como Jesús? Mateo 3:2 y Mateo 4:17
  2. ¿Qué debían hacer los discípulos, cómo recibieron ellos y como debían dar? Mateo 10:8

 

Personal – ¿Qué has recibido gratuitamente en tu vida y qué has dado sin cobrar?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                    LEE SALMO 100:1-3, 5

(“El nos creó, a él pertenecemos, somos su pueblo y ovejas de su aprisco.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 100: 1-3, 5.

¿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

EXODO 19:2-6

El monte Sinaí es uno de los lugares más sagrados de la historia de Israel.  En esta montaña Moisés encontró a Dios en un arbusto ardiendo, Dios hizo su pacto con Israel y Elías oyó a Dios en “el sonido de un susurro.” Aquí fue donde el pueblo de Dios conoció las bendiciones que se reciben con la obediencia y las trágicas consecuencias de la desobediencia.  Dios estaba listo para decirle a los Israelitas por qué los había salvado de la esclavitud.  Les dice cuánto deseaba que Israel fuera un pueblo consagrado, una nación de sacerdotes por medio de los cuales cualquiera podría acercarse a Dios libremente.  Estos sacerdotes representarían el modo en que toda la nación debía ser.  Aunque todos los hombres de la tribu de Levi estaban dedicados al servicio de Dios, únicamente los descendientes de Aarón tenían derecho a ser sacerdotes. Esta distinción les permitía realizar sacrificios durante sus servicios de adoración.  Los sacerdotes tenían que estar seguros de estar limpios y re-dedicados a Dios antes de poder ayudar al pueblo a seguir el camino de la justicia.  Como parte de su rito de dedicación, se les ponía sangre como seña de que toda su persona estaba apartada para el servicio de Dios.  Este ritual servía para mostrar que la santidad viene de Dios y no del hecho de ser sacerdote.

El plan de Dios fue corrompido muy pronto.  Entonces Dios estableció a los Levitas como sacerdotes.  No toda la gente era escogida o seleccionada para ser sacerdotes, pero toda la gente debía tener una visión sacerdotal en su corazón y en sus acciones.  Sin embargo con la venida de Cristo, Dios extendió su plan a todos los creyentes.  Todos debemos consagrarnos, ser como sacerdotes, gente que cambia para llenarse con Dios.

Hoy hay una fuerte y urgente necesidad de tener gente cambiada y consagrada.  Dios quería tener una nación especial en la tierra, que representara sus caminos y fuera una presencia salvadora en el mundo. Ora para que así sea tu nación, tu comunidad, tu familia y tú serás “llenado con Dios”.  Ora especialmente para que tus líderes espirituales recuerden que su santidad les viene de Dios y no de su estado social.

 

ROMANOS 5:6-11

En la lectura de hoy, descubrimos que somos incapaces pues no podemos hacer nada por nosotros mismos para salvarnos.  Alguien tiene que venir y rescatarnos.  Dios controla toda la historia en Su tiempo y de acuerdo a Su voluntad por medio de la muerte en la cruz de nuestro Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo.

Ahora estamos en paz con Dios, lo cual no es únicamente en un sentido pacifico de seguridad y confianza.  La paz con Dios significa ser uno con El, estar reconciliado con El.  La paz con Dios es posible únicamente debido a que Jesús pagó el precio por nuestros pecados con su muerte en la cruz en el Calvario. El murió por nosotros cuando aún éramos pecadores.  Dios mandó a Jesús a morir por nosotros, no por que lo mereciéramos, sino por que nos amaba.  El amaba al fácil de ser amado y al difícil de ser amado.  El hubiera muerto por ti en la cruz si tu hubieras sido la única persona en el mundo, pues El te amó aún antes de que te convirtieras a El.

Su amor es el mismo amor que nos da el poder de resistir a Satanás diariamente.  El poder que salvó a Cristo de la muerte es el poder que vive en nosotros ahora.  El amor del Padre que permitió que Su hijo muriera por nuestros pecados es el mismo amor que envía al Espíritu Santo a vivir en nosotros.  Puedes estar seguro, tienes una reserva de poder y de amor para pedir diariamente ayuda para enfrentar todos los problemas y dificultades que se te presenten.  También puedes estar seguro de que puedes orar para conseguir el perdón y esperar todo el amor y poder de Dios que necesites.

MATEO 9:36-10:8

Jesús necesita a todos los trabajadores que saben como tratar los problemas de la gente.  Nosotros podemos consolar a otros y guiarlos en su vida, por que ya hemos sido ayudados en nuestros problemas, por que ya sabemos que El es la fuente y el proveedor de todas nuestras necesidades (Filipenses 4:19).  En el evangelio de hoy vemos la urgente necesidad de trabajadores que vayan a los campos de Dios a recolectar la cosecha.  La cosecha es de almas de hombres y mujeres y nosotros somos los trabajadores.  Jesús miró a la muchedumbre que lo seguía y se refirió a ellos como a un campo listo para ser cosechado.

Hoy, hay mucha gente que diera su vida a Cristo si alguien le enseña el camino.  Ese alguien puedes ser tú, así que prepárate para que Dios te use.  Jesús llamó a sus discípulos y ahora te llama a ti.  El no los forzó a ser de los suyos, el pidió voluntarios.  Ser llamado por Cristo quiere decir ser escogido para servir a Cristo de un modo especial.

Jesús les pidió a sus discípulos que fueran únicamente hacia los Judíos debido a que ellos habían sido escogidos para decirles a los que quedaban en el mundo acerca del poder salvador de Dios.  Los discípulos Judíos predicaron las “Buenas Nuevas” por todo el imperio Romano y pronto la iglesia se llenó con los Gentiles.  Hoy, las Buenas Nuevas son que el reino está cerca.  Jesús, el Mesías, ha empezado ya su reinado en la tierra, en los corazones de sus seguidores.

Jesús llamó a personas de todos los distintos estilos de vida, pescadores, activistas políticos, colectores de impuestos, ricos, pobres, instruidos.  Hoy día mucha gente discrimina diciendo quien merece seguir a Cristo.  Dios puede usar a quien sea sin importar si esa persona se siente insignificante. El usa gente ordinaria para llevar a cabo su trabajo extraordinario.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que la obediencia lleva a las bendiciones y la desobediencia lleva a la soledad y frustración. La segunda lectura nos dice que Jesús nos amó tanto que murió por todos, aún por aquellos a quienes no les importa en lo más mínimo.  El Evangelio revela que la gente está lista para ser cosechada pero se necesitan más trabajadores que los guíen y les muestren el camino.

Esta semana, permite que tus acciones revelen a tu familia que tu eres una persona que quiere lo mejor para ellos.  Que sepan por tus acciones lo que es la obediencia y la humildad.  Dale a tu familia el regalo de tus servicios.

Puesto que has recibido el don de la alegría y otros dones, dalos gratuitamente.  Dales el regalo de tu alegría.  Trata de leerle a un niño chiquito.  Lleva a un anciano(a) a comer contigo.  Comparte tu fe y tu amor por el Señor con alguien.  Tu capacidad de dar gratuitamente inspirará a alguien a seguir gratuitamente a Cristo.

 

Lectio Divina – 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time (June 18th)

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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 9:36—10:8  At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.” Then he summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus; Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him. Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus, “Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town. Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (June 18th) – 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 EXODUS 19:2-6         FIRST READING

(“You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.”)

  1. Where did the Israelites camp, who went up the mountain to God, and who spoke to him?   Exodus 19:2-3

 

  1. Where did Jesus go to pray? Matthew 14:23

 

  1. What did the people do while Moses approached the cloud where God was?   Exodus 20:21

 

  1. What did God tell Moses to tell the Israelites? Ex 19:4

 

  1. What does an eagle do to its young, and what has the Lord done for his people?   Deuteronomy 32:11

 

  1. What does the Lord say you must do if you want to be his special possession, dearer to him than all other people? Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 26:18

 

  1. What belongs to the Lord? Exodus 19:5, 1 Corinthians 10:26

 

  1. What was Moses to tell the Israelites? Exodus 19:6

 

  1. Why are we “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own?   ” 1 Peter 2:9

 

  1. To what did Jesus choose us before the foundation of the world?   Ephesians 1:4

 

 

Personal – In what way do you feel you are a special possession of God? What makes you holy in his sight and the sight of your family and friends?

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 5:6-11        SECOND READING

(“But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”)

 

  1. When did Christ die for the ungodly? Romans 5:6, Galatians 4:4

 

  1. What is difficult to do and how does God prove his love for us?   Romans 5:7-8

 

  1. What did God do for us and for what reason? John 3:16

 

  1. What did Jesus do for us, and what does this say about love? 1 John 4:10, 19

 

  1. From what sins were we set free? Romans 3:25

 

  1. How have we been justified, and from what are we saved? Romans 5:9

 

  1. Against what is the wrath of God being revealed from heaven?      Romans 1:18

 

  1. How were we reconciled to God while we were enemies, and once reconciled how will we be saved?   Romans 5:10

 

  1. Of what has God given us the ministry? 2 Cor 5:18

 

  1. Of what do we boast, and what do we have through him? Romans 5:11

 

Personal – How have you experienced God’s love and forgiveness in your life? How have you died to yourself, your way of doing things, in order to be reconciled with someone who may have hurt you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY           READ MATTHEW 9:36-10:8               GOSPEL

(“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.”)

  1. Why was Jesus’ heart moved with pity? Matthew 9:36

 

  1. What did Jesus say to his disciples about the harvest, and what were they to ask the master of the harvest? Matthew 9:37

 

  1. What did Jesus say for us to look up and see? John 4:35

 

 

Personal – In what way have you gone out and tried to bring someone back to church?

 

  1. Over what did Jesus give his disciples authority, and what would they be able to do with diseases and illness? Matthew 10:1

 

  1. What were the names of the twelve apostles? Matthew 10:2-4

 

  1. Who was Judas, and what had to be fulfilled? Acts 1:16

 

  1. Who did Jesus send out, and where did he instruct them not to go?   Matthew 10:5

 

  1. Where did Jesus tell the twelve to go? Matthew 10:6

 

  1. What proclamation were the disciples to make? Matthew 10:7

 

  1. What did John the Baptist and Jesus both preach? Matthew 3:2 , Matthew 4:17

 

  1. What were the disciples to do, how did they receive, and how were they to give?   Matthew 10:8

 

Personal – What have you received without cost in your life and what have you given away without charging for it?

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 100:1-3, 5

(“…He made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 100:1-3, 5.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EXODUS 19:2-6

Mount Sinai is one of the most sacred locations in the history of Israel. On this mountain Moses met God as a burning bush, God made his covenant with Israel, and Elijah heard God in “the sound of a gentle whisper.” This is where God’s people learned the potential blessings of obedience and the tragic consequences of disobedience. God was ready to tell the Israel­ites why he had rescued them from slavery. He tells them of how he wanted Israel to become a holy people, a nation of priests in which anyone could approach God freely. These priests were to represent what the entire nation should be like. Though all of the men from the Tribe of Levi were dedicated to the service of God, only Aaron’s descen­dants were allowed to be priests. This distinction allowed them to perform sacrifices at their worship services. The priests had to make sure they were cleansed and rededicated to God before they could help the people follow the path of righteousness. As part of their dedication rite, blood was placed on the priests to let them know that the entire person was set apart for service to God. This ritual was to show that holiness came from God and not from the role of being a priest.

God’s plan was soon corrupted. God then established the Levites as priests. All the people were not chosen or select­ed to be priests, but all the people were to hold the priestly vision in their hearts and actions. However, with the coming of Christ, God extended his plan to all believers. We are to become holy, a priestly people, a changed people filled with God.

Today, there is a strong and urgent need for a holy and changed people. God wanted to have a special nation on earth, to represent his ways and to be a saving presence in the world. Pray that your nation, your community, your family and you will be “filled with God.” Pray, especially, that your spiritual leaders will remember that their holiness comes from God and not their social standing.

 

ROMANS 5:6-11

In today’s reading, we discover that we are helpless because we cannot do anything on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us. God controls all history in his time and in accordance with his will, and we were rescued through the death on the cross by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now, we are at peace with God, which differs from mere peaceful feelings of security and confidence. Peace with God means being one with him, being reconciled with him. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins with his death on that cross at Calvary. He died for us while we were still sinners. God sent Jesus to die for us, not because we were deserving, but because he loved us. He loved the lovable; he loved the unlovable. He would have died on that cross if you were the only person in the world, because he loved you before you ever converted to him.

His love is that same love that gives us the power to resist Satan every day. The power that saved Christ from the dead is the power that lives in us at the present time. The Father’s love that allowed his Son to die for our sins is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us. Be assured, you have a reserve of power and love to call on each day to help you meet every challenge or trial. As surely as you can pray for forgiveness, so also, you can pray expectantly for God’s power and love as necessary.

 

MATTHEW 9:36-10:8

Jesus requires workers who know how to deal with the problems of people. We can comfort others and guide them on how to live, because we have been helped in our problems, because we know that he is the source and supplier of all our needs (Phil. 4-19). In today’s Gospel we see the tremen­dous need for laborers to be in God’s field to harvest his crop. The harvest is for men and women’s souls and we are the laborers. Jesus looked at the crowds following him and referred to them as a field ripe for harvest.

Today, there are many people who will give their lives to Christ if someone will show them the way. That someone can be you, so be prepared for God to use you. Jesus called his disciples and, as of now, he is calling you. He didn’t force them into his group but he did ask for volun­teers. Being called by Christ means to be chosen to serve Christ in a special way.

Jesus asked his disciples to go only to the Jews, because they were chosen to tell those remaining in the world about God’s saving power. Jewish disciples preached the “Good News” all over the Roman Empire and soon Gentiles poured into the church. Today, the Good News is that the kingdom is still near. Jesus, the Messiah, has already begun his kingdom on earth in the hearts of his followers.

Jesus called people from all walks of life – fishermen, political activists, tax collectors, rich, poor, and educated. Today many people discriminate as to who qualifies to follow Christ. God can use anyone, regardless of how insignificant he feels. He uses ordinary people to do his extraordinary work.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that obedience leads to blessings and disobedi­ence leads to loneliness and frustration. The second reading tells us that Jesus loves us so much, he died for all, even the ones who could care less about him. The Gospel reveals to us that people are ripe for the harvest, but more laborers are necessary to lead and to show them the way.

This week, let your actions reveal to your family that you are a person who wants the very best for them. Let them know what is obedience and humility by your actions. Give your family the gift of your service.

Since you have received the gift of joy and other gifts, give them away freely. Give them a gift of your joy. Make an attempt to read to a small child. Take an elderly person to lunch, and share your faith and your love for the Lord with someone. Your ability to freely give will inspire someone to freely follow Christ.

 

 

EL CUERPO Y SANGRE DE CRISTO (June 11th) – 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                           DEUTERONOMIO 8:2-3, 14-16      PRIMERA LECTURA

(“No solo de pan vive el hombre sino de todo lo que sale de la boca del Señor.”)

  1. ¿Quién es el que habla y de quién es la palabra del cual anuncia? Deuteronomio 5:1-5

 

  1. ¿Que les pide a los Israelitas que recuerden? Deuteronomio 8:2

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que el santo de Israel, Dios, Nuestro Dios, hace por nosotros?  Isaías 48:17

 

  1. ¿Por qué cayó la aflicción sobre los Israelitas? Deuteronomio 8:2

 

  1. ¿Cómo los afligió Dios? ¿Con qué los alimentó? y ¿por qué razón lo hizo? Deuteronomio 8:3

 

  1. ¿Por cuantos días fue Jesucristo tentado por el Diablo? ¿Cuál fue una de las tentaciones?  ¿Qué fue lo que Cristo contestó?  Lucas 4:2-4

 

  1. ¿De que les dice que deben cuidarse después de quedar satisfechos? Deuteronomio 8:14

 

  1. ¿Qué fue lo que Dios hizo por la gente de Israel? Deuteronomio 8:15

 

  1. ¿Cómo se reacciona después de pasar por aflicciones o pruebas? Deuteronomio 8:16

 

  1. ¿Cuando la prueba o la aflicción nos afecta, qué es lo que debemos hacer? Romanos 12:12

 

Personal – ¿De qué forma hay en tu vida un equilibrio entre lo que comes y tu obediencia a la palabra de Dios?  ¿En qué forma aceptas la palabra de Dios?  ¿Comes lo que es bueno para ti tanto en el pan como en la Palabra?  ¿Es la Eucaristía parte de tus alimentos diarios?

¿Qué Clase de Comida Física?

4 Alimentos Básicos                Alimentos sin valor nutritivo

 

Cuántas Veces

Actitud

 

 

Escuchando y Obedeciendo la Palabra

La Palabra de Dios                  La palabra del hombre

La Palabra de Dios                                                                                                                                     La palabra del hombre

 

Cuantas Veces

Actitud

 

Cuando Recibes la Eucaristía

                                    Corazón Arrepentido              Corazón duro

Arrepentido de Corazón                                                                                                                             Con el Corazón Endureicido

 

Cuantas Veces

Actitud

 

 

TERCER DIA                                    1 CORINTIOS 10:16-17             SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Todos formamos parte de un mismo pan.”)

  1. ¿Quién escribió esta carta y a quién está dirigida? 1 Corintios 1:1-2

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que el pregunta en 1 Corintios 10:16?

 

  1. ¿Qué fue lo que Jesús hizo con el pan? y qué es lo que dijo que era? Mateo 26:26

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que hizo con la copa y qué es lo que dijo que era? Mateo 26:27-28

 

  1. ¿En que participamos o compartimos? 1 Corintios 10:16

 

  1. ¿Porque la barra de pan es una, muchos piensan que somos qué? ¿Por qué razón? 1 Corintios 10:17

 

  1. ¿En quién somos un solo cuerpo? Romanos 12:5

 

  1. ¿Así como es un solo cuerpo, también hay un que? ¿Qué es lo que se te da al ser llamado?     Ef. 4:4

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma participas con tu familia y amigos el cuerpo y sangre de Jesús?  ¿Encuentras unidad entre todos con quien convives?  Lee el resto de 1 Corintios 10 y luego examina tu conciencia para que veas si en verdad has adorado el verdadero Dios.

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                           JUAN 6:51-58                                   EVANGELIO

(“El que coma de este pan vivirá para siempre.”)

  1. ¿Quién es que el habla? ¿Quién dice que es y de dónde ha venido?  Juan 6:43 y 51

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que pasará a aquellos que comen de su pan? Juan 6:51

 

  1. ¿Qué dice que es el pan que él da? ¿Por la vida de quién?  Juan 6:51

 

  1. ¿Cómo reaccionaron los Judíos a esto? ¿Qué fue lo que preguntaron?  Juan 6:52

 

 

  1. ¿Jesús les aseguró que si no comían del cuerpo del Hijo del Hombre y no tomaban de su sangre, que sería lo que no tendrían? Juan 6:53

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasa al que come de Su Cuerpo y toma de Su Sangre? Juan 6:54

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que dice Jesús que Su Cuerpo y Sangre son? Juan 6:55

 

  1. ¿El hombre que permanece con Jesús y Jesús con él, qué hace? Juan 6:56

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que el Padre tiene? ¿A quién mandó y qué es lo que tiene a quién mandó? Juan 6:57

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que tendrá el hombre que come y bebe del Cuerpo del Jesús? Juan 6:57

 

  1. ¿De dónde vino este pan? ¿Y a qué no se parece?  Juan 6:58

 

  1. ¿Por cuánto tiempo vivirá el hombre que come de este pan? Juan 6:58

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma demuestras que verdaderamente está El presente en ti después de haber comido de Su Cuerpo y bebido de Su Sangre?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                            LEE EL SALMO 147:12-15, 19-20

(“…su palabra corre velozmente.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 147:12-15, 19-20.

¿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

DEUTERONOMIO 8:2-3, 14-16

El pasaje de hoy nos revela lo que en verdad es la “vida real”.  Primeramente tienes que hacerte una pregunta difícil, ¿cómo encuentras la “vida real?”  Hoy en día mucha gente creé que se consigue comiendo las mejores comidas o tomando ligeras y sabrosas bebidas.  Hay otras personas que toman otro extremo el de vestir bien para verse bien.  Otros pasan bastante tiempo tratando de que sus cuerpos se vean atractivos, más jóvenes y más fuertes.  Una cantidad increíble de gente creé que la “vida real” es estudiar para así ganar mucho dinero y poder vivir donde quieren y hacer lo que quieren.  Es lo que hoy en día llamamos vivir la buena vida y para muchos, el modo en que viven otros no tiene la menor importancia.  Pero estos deseos nos dejan vacíos, porque solamente sosiegan nuestros apetitos inmediatos y no nuestros mas hondos deseos y al final estamos insatisfechos y seguimos vacíos.

Moisés nos dice que la vida real viene de confiar en Dios.  Requiere sacrificio, disciplina y simplemente trabajar duro.  Mucha gente hoy en día busca una solución rápida y fácil.  Tanto en una dieta, como en la educación, en su trabajo o en el matrimonio.  Pero solamente si nuestra relación con Dios crece nuestro carácter también se desarrollará y tendrá fuerza.  A lo largo las ganancias que tenemos, al obedecer a Dios, son más grandes que todo lo que tiene para ofrecer el mundo.  El pan que Dios dio a Moisés, fue un pan especial y vino del cielo.

Dios nos muestra, en la última cena a lo que venia, otra forma especial de pan.  Jesucristo nos dio Su Cuerpo y Su Sangre.  Nos dijo, “Este es mi cuerpo, tómalo y come.  Esta es mi sangre tómala y bebe”. Nosotros llamamos esto la Eucaristía y la recibimos en misa.  Somos Eucarísticos cuando comemos Su Cuerpo y tomamos Su Sangre.  Debemos preguntarnos, “¿Cómo podemos hacer Eucarísticos a otros?” Puedes hacer Eucarísticos a otros, dando de ti en muchas formas, como al dar una sonrisa, un abrazo, un beso, una palmada en el hombro a quien se encuentre afligido, dando una taza de café, un vaso de agua, o unos minutos de tu tiempo, escuchando a alguien.  Hay muchas formas de dar de uno a otros y ser Eucarísticos con todos con quien te encuentres.  Cuando dices “Amén” después de comulgar, estás diciendo “sí, yo soy el cuerpo de Cristo.”  Por eso estás llamado a ir y hacer Eucarísticos a los demás.

 

1 CORINTIOS 10:16-17

Pablo nos muestra como estamos unidos con Dios cuando le pedimos que bendiga nuestra ofrenda de pan y vivo. El acepta y los bendice por medio de la presencia de su hijo, Jesús. Esto era lo ideal para experimentar unidad con Dios por medio de comer el sacrificio era muy fuerte en los días del Judaísmo y en los primeros días del Cristianismo.

En los días del antiguo testamento, cuando un Judío ofrecía un sacrificio, comía parte del sacrificio (Deuteronomio 12:17, 18).  Los Cristianos tanto entonces como hoy, participan en el sacrificio de Cristo cuando comen del pan y vino que es cambiado a Su Cuerpo y Sangre.  La unidad que llamamos el cuerpo de Cristo es parte de todos los que comen y toman del Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo.  A esto llamamos comunión, que quiere decir que todos tomamos parte del beneficio de la misma procedencia (Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo).  Cuando comemos del mismo pan, estamos bendecidos con la unidad.

Nos preguntamos el significado de comer el Cuerpo de Cristo, al igual que una vieja pregunta “¿es acaso este un acto de fe en que creemos o es una gran historia que nos piden que creamos?”  Comunión es con-unión que quiere decir en unión con Cristo.  ¿Estás tú en unión con Cristo y su familia?  Cuando hablamos de tomar parte en la bendición de la sangre de Cristo, ¿acaso decimos que sus bendiciones son solo para aquellos que están limpios espiritualmente?  ¿Y que su sangre solo cubre a los justos de Gloria? Necesitamos reflexionar en nuestras actitudes cuando nos acercamos a la mesa del Señor.  En verdad creemos que el pan y vino de nuestro sacrificio se ha transformado en el Cuerpo y Sangre de Jesús?  El modo en que vivimos nuestras vidas será nuestro más grande testimonio de que lo que decimos lo profesamos y creemos.

 

JUAN 6:51-58

Este pasaje nos desafía a reflexionar en que Jesús es el “Pan de Vida.”  Muchas personas preguntan ¿cómo es que Jesús nos da su cuerpo a comer como pan?  Al comer su cuerpo nosotros nos unimos con Cristo Jesús.  Jesús le dice a la gente que sus padres comieron del pan que viene del cielo y ellos vivieron por un corto tiempo y luego murieron.  El pan que nos da Jesús da vida eterna a todos quienes lo tomen.

No unimos a Cristo al creer en su muerte y su resurrección, y también dependiendo de sus enseñanzas como guía, y teniendo fe en la fuerza del Espíritu Santo.  La gente en el tiempo de Jesús se asustaba solo de pensar en tener que tomar de su sangre y comer de su cuerpo.  Probablemente ellos pensaban que esto era canibalismo.  La ley Judía prohibía tomar sangre (Lev. 17:10-11) y no toleraba usar esa expresión.  Jesús decía que su vida tenía que ser la de ellos.

Hoy en día esta celebración es llamada la Eucaristía que es el dar gracias en unión por que Cristo murió por la humanidad.  Pablo le llama la Cena del Señor (1 Corintios 11:34), y nos dice que Jesús nos enseñó acerca de su última cena en la noche de la Fiesta de Pascua (Lucas 22:13-20).  Debemos recordar que igual como la Fiesta de Pascua celebra, la liberación de la esclavitud en Egipto, la última cena, o comunión, como muchos de nosotros le llamamos, celebra la liberación de nuestros pecados por medio de la muerte de Jesús.  Debemos recordar que Jesús está presente en el pan y vino y cuando comemos de Su Cuerpo y tomamos de Su Sangre estamos proclamando al mundo que El está con nosotros y nos bendice hasta que venga otra vez.  Este es el gran beneficio del nuevo convenio que nos da la oportunidad de personalmente llegar a Dios y comunicarnos con El.

Al comer el pan sagrado y el vino sagrado nos convertimos en gente del “Amén.” O sea que nosotros decimos “Amen, sí yo lo creo y lo vivo.”  Cuando se nos presenta el pan consagrado y el vino, y nos dicen “El Cuerpo de Cristo”, “Sangre de Cristo”, nuestro “Amén” es nuestro sí a su presencia en nosotros, y en todos quienes lo comen.  Entonces somos llamados en unión, a seguir adelante y presentar la fuerza de la Eucaristía a otros por medio de nuestro amor y servicio.  Sabrán que somos Cristianos por que nuestro amor es grande y no es nada más un decir.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que la vida real viene de una entrega total a Dios.  La segunda lectura nos muestra que “comunión” es con-unión o sea con o en unión con Cristo.  El Evangelio nos dice que “comunión” o Eucaristía significa dar gracias en unión por que Cristo murió por todos los seres humanos.

El Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo nos es dado por medio de la Santa Comunión.  Demostremos esta semana a los demás que El vive en nosotros, por el modo en que amamos dando bondad y gentileza a otros. Demostremos a los demás que este pan de vida es una comida que alimenta el corazón, la mente, el cuerpo y el Espíritu.  El ser compasivo, atento y amoroso, servirá de señal a otros para que vean que esto es mucho más que un simple símbolo.

Demuéstrales a otros como les traes la Eucaristía.  Puedes dar Eucaristía a los demás con un gesto cariñoso, una notita de apoyo, una taza de té, un hombro donde llorar, una espalda que necesite un masaje. Eucaristía es lo que llamamos el Cuerpo y la Sangre de Cristo.  Podemos recibir la Eucaristía en la iglesia y luego salir y darla a toda persona con la que estemos en contacto.

 

THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (June 11th) ‑ 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 DEUTERONOMY 8:2‑3, 14‑16    FIRST READING

(“Not by bread alone does man live, but by every Word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord.”)

  1. Who is speaking, and whose words is he announcing? Deuteronomy 5:1‑5

 

  1. What is he asking the Israelites to remember? Deuteronomy 8:2

 

  1. What two things does the Holy One of Israel, the Lord, our God, do for us? Isaiah 48:17

 

  1. Why did affliction come upon the Israelites? Deuteronomy 8:2

 

  1. With what did the Lord let them be afflicted? With what did he feed them, and for what reason? Deuteronomy 8:3

 

  1. How many days was Jesus tempted in the desert by Satan? What was one of the temptations, and what was Jesus’ answer? Luke 4:2‑4

 

  1. Of what is he telling them to be careful after they have their fill? Deuteronomy 8:14

 

  1. What did the Lord do for the Israelites? Deuteronomy 8:15-16

 

  1. What do affliction and testing make us in the end? Deuteronomy 8:16

 

  1. When under trial or affliction, what are we to do? Romans 12:12

 

 

Personal ‑ In what way is there a balance in your life between the food you eat and obedience to the Word of God? In what way are you taking in the Word? Are you eating what is good for you in bread and Word? Is Eucharist part of your daily nourishment?

 

What Kind of Physical Food

4 Basics                         Junk Food

 

How Often

Attitude

 

Listening and Obeying the Word

God’s Word                       Man’s Word

 

How Often

Attitude

 

When Receiving Eucharist

Repentant Heart                  Hard Heart

 

How Often

Attitude

 

 

 

THIRD DAY         READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:16‑17    SECOND READING

(“We all partake of the one loaf.”)

  1. Who wrote this letter and to whom was he writing? 1 Corinthians 1:1‑2

 

  1. What are the two questions he asks them in 1 Cor. 10:16?

 

  1. What did Jesus do with the bread and what did he say it was? Matthew 26:26

 

  1. What did he do with the cup, and what did he say it was? Matthew 26:27‑28

 

  1. In what do we share or participate? 1 Corinthians 10:16

 

  1. Because the loaf of bread is one, we, many though we are, are what, and for what reason?   1 Corinthians 10:17

 

  1. In whom are we one body? Romans 12:5

 

  1. Just as there is one body, there is also one what, and what is given you by your call? Ephesians 4:4

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you share in the body and blood of Jesus with your family and friends? Is there a oneness and unity among those with whom you associate? Read the rest of 1 Corinthians 10. Examine your conscience to see whether you have been worshiping the One, True God.

 

FOURTH DAY               READ JOHN 6:51‑58                GOSPEL

(“If anyone eats this bread, he shall live forever.”)

  1. Who is speaking? Who did he say he was, and from where has he come down? John 6:43, 51

 

  1. What did he say would happen to those who eat this bread? John 6:51

 

  1. What did he say the bread he will give is, and for the life of whom?   John 6:51

 

  1. How did the Jews react to this, and what did they ask? John 6:52

 

  1. Jesus assured them that if they did not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, they would have no what? John 6:53

 

  1. What happens to him who feeds on his flesh and drinks his blood?   John 6:54

 

  1. What does Jesus say his flesh and blood are? John 6:55

 

  1. The man who remains in Jesus, and Jesus in him, does what? John 6:56

 

  1. What does the Father have? Whom did he send, and what does he who was sent have because of him?   John 6:57

 

  1. What will the man who feeds on Jesus have because of him? John 6:57

 

  1. Where did this bread come from, and what is it unlike? John 6:58

 

  1. How long will the man live who lives on this bread? John 6:58

 

Personal ‑ How has the eating of Jesus’ flesh, and drinking of his blood, which is the Eucharist, shown others that he is truly present in you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY      READ PSALM 147:12‑15, 19‑20

(“…swiftly runs his Word.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20.

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

DEUTERONOMY 8:2‑3, 14‑16

Today’s passage reveals what it really means to live the “real life.” You have to ask yourself a very difficult question: “How do you find “real life?” Today, many people think it comes when you eat the right foods, or drink the light and tasty drinks. Some go to extreme measures to make sure they dress well so that they may look good. Others spend enormous amounts of time trying to build up their bodies in order to look more attractive, younger or stronger. An incredible number of people think the “real life” is to obtain an education so they can earn a fortune and live wherever they choose and do whatever they decide. Today, we call this “living the good life,” and for many, the way others must live does not enter into their concern. But these desires leave us empty because they satisfy only our appetites, not our deepest longings.

Moses tells us that real life comes from total commitment to God. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and plain hard work. Many people today are looking for the quick fix whether it be for a diet, an education, marriage, or work. Only as our relationship with God deepens will our character and strength develop. The long‑term rewards for obeying God are greater than anything the world has to offer. The bread God gave Moses was a special kind of Bread, and it came from heaven.

God showed what was coming in the form of another special kind of bread at the Last Supper. Jesus gave us himself in the taking and eating of his Body and Blood. He said, “This is my Body, take and eat. This is my Blood, take it and drink.” We call this “Eucha­rist,” which we receive at Mass. We become “Eucharist­ed” when we eat his body and drink his blood. We might ask, “How do we Eucharist others?” You can Eucharist others by giving of yourself in many ways. You Eucharist others when you give them a smile, a hug, a kiss, a loving pat on the shoulder when they are emotionally in pain, a cup of coffee, a glass of cold water, and a few moments of your time to listen. There are many ways to give yourself away to others, and be Eucharisting every one you meet. “Eucha­rist” is at its best when we joyfully give it away. When we say “amen” at communion time, we are saying “Yes, I am the body of Christ.” That is why we are called to go out and Eucharist his people.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:16‑17

Paul tells us that we have unity with God when we ask God to bless the wine and bread that is offered, he accepts it, and blesses it through the presence of his Son, Jesus. The ideal of experiencing unity with God through eating a sacrifice was strong in the old days of Judaism, and in the early days of Christianity.

In the Old Testament days, when a Jew offered a sacrifice, he ate part of that sacrifice (Deut. 12:17, 18). Christians then, and today, participate in Christ’s once-and-for-all sacrifice when they eat the bread and drink the wine that is changed into his body and blood. This unity that we call the body of Christ is shared by all who eat and drink of the body and blood of Christ. We call this Communion, which means the believers share in the benefits of the same source (body and blood of Christ). When we all eat from the same loaf, then we are blessed with the gift of unity.

We may ask, “What does it mean to eat the body of Christ, and to share in his glory?” We are asked to reflect to the age‑old question, “Is this an act of faith that we believe in, or is it some great story that we are expected to believe?” Communion is com‑union which means with or union with Christ. Are you in communion with Christ and his family? When we say we share the blessings of Christ’s blood, are we saying that his blessings are only for the spiritually clean, and that his blood covers only the righteous with glory? We need to reflect on our attitude as we come to the table of the Lord. Do we really believe that the bread and wine of our sacrifice has been transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The way we live out our lives will be our greatest testimony to what we say we profess and believe. His “Yes” is our whole healing presence of himself in the Holy Eucharist.

 

JOHN 6:51‑58

This passage challenges us to reflect on Jesus being the “bread of life.” Many people today ask, “How can Jesus give us his flesh as bread to eat?” To eat his living bread means to unite ourselves with Jesus Christ. Jesus tells the people that their fathers in the wilderness ate the bread that came from the skies, and gave them life for a time, but they eventually died. The bread that Jesus gives is eternal life to anyone who partakes of it.

We are united with Christ when we believe in his death and resurrection, and depend on his teaching for guidance, and trust in the Holy Spirit for power. The people of Jesus’ day were shocked just to imagine drinking his blood and eating his flesh. They probably thought this was very cannibalistic. The Jewish law forbade drinking blood (Lev. 17:10‑11), and they could not tolerate such a statement. Jesus was saying that his life had to become their life.

Today, the celebration is called the Eucharist which means thanksgiving or giving thanks in unity that Christ died for all mankind. Paul calls it the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23), and he tells us that Jesus taught us about his Last Supper on the night of the Passover (Luke 22:13‑20). We need to remember that just as Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, so the Lord’s supper or communion as most of us know it, celebrates deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. We need to really remember that Jesus is present to us in the bread and wine, and when we eat his body and drink his blood, we are proclaiming to the world that he will be within us, and bless us until he comes again. This is the tremendous benefit of the new covenant that allows us personally to approach God and communicate with him.

Eating the Sacred Body and drinking the Sacred Blood makes us “Amen” people. That is, we are saying “Amen or yes, I believe it, and I will live it out” when the celebrant hands the consecrated bread and wine to us and says “Body of Christ, Blood of Christ.” Our “Amen” is a yes, not only present in bread and wine, but also to his total presence in ourselves and others as we consume it. We are then called in unity to go forth and present the power and presence of that Eucharist to others by giving it away through our love and service. “They will know we are Christians by our love” is more than just a saying.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that real life comes from total commitment to God. The second reading shows us that “communion” is com-union which means with or in union with Christ. The Gospel tells us that “communion,” or Eucharist, means giving thanks, in unity that Christ died for all mankind.

The body and blood of Christ is given to us in Holy Communion. Let us, this week, show others that he lives within us by the way we act in love, kindness and gentleness. Let others see that this bread of life is a food that nurtures the heart, the mind, the body and the spirit. Your taking time to be compassion­ate, caring, and loving will be a sign to others that this is much more than a symbol.

Show those around you how you bring Eucharist to them. You can Eucharist people with a caring touch, a little note of affirmation, a cup of tea, a shoulder to cry on, a back that needs rubbing. Eucharist is what we call the Body and Blood of Christ. We can receive Eucharist in church and then go out and Eucharist every person with whom we come in contract.

Lectio Divina – Corpus Christi (June11th)

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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 – John 6:51-58 – Jesus said to the Jewish crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?