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FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (May 7th) – 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 ACTS 6:1‑7           FIRST READING

(“The Word of God continued to spread.”)

  1. About what were those who spoke Greek complaining? Acts 6:1

 

  1. What makes for pure worship? James 1:27

 

  1. Whom did the twelve assemble, and what did they tell them it was not right for them to neglect?   Acts 6:2
  1. For what did the disciples tell them to look, and what are these men to be like?   Acts 6:3

 

  1. By words being taught by the Spirit, what does this enable us to do?   1 Cor 2:13

 

  1. On what two things would this permit the disciples to concentrate?   Acts 6:4

 

  1. By this proposal being unanimously accepted by the community, whom did they select?   Acts 6:5
  1. With what was Stephen filled? Acts 6:5

 

  1. What two things did the disciples do to them when they were presented?   Acts 6:6

 

  1. What happened at the same time the word of God spread? Acts 6:7
  1. Who were among those who embraced the faith? Acts 6:7

 

Personal ‑ How have you responded in your role of leadership as clergyman, parent, teacher, etc.? How have you shown that you are deeply spiritual and prudent in your home and work or community?

THIRD DAY              READ 1 PETER 2:4‑9        SECOND READING

(“Those who stumble, and fall are the disbelievers in God’s word;”)

  1. To whom are you to come, what kind of a stone is he, by whom was he rejected, and by whom is he approved and precious? Peter 2:4, Acts 4:11
  1. What are we, how have we been built, and into what have we been built? 1 Peter 2:5

 

  1. What are we offering, to whom have they been acceptable, and whom is it through? 1 Peter 2:5
  1. What does Scripture say is being laid in Zion, and what kind of stone? 1 Peter 2:6, Isaiah 28:16, Romans 9:33

 

  1. What will happen to him who puts his faith in the corner‑stone (Jesus)?   1 Peter 2:6

 

  1. To whom is the stone of value? 1 Peter 2:7
  1. What is the stone for those who have no faith? Peter 2:7‑8
  1. Who are those who stumble and fall? 1 Peter 2:8

 

  1. Who are we, and what does he claim for his own? 1 Peter 2:9

 

  1. From what did the one call you? 1 Peter

 

Personal ‑ In what way do those around you see in whom you put your faith? In what way do your actions reflect what you believe to your spouse, children, family, friends, co‑workers, etc.

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 14:1‑12                GOSPEL

(“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”)

  1. What are we not to do, and in whom are we to have our faith?   John 14:1
  1. Where are there many dwelling places, and what did Jesus say he was going to do? John 14:2

 

Personal ‑ How do you picture heaven, and what will it be like? Whom do you think you will see there?

 

  1. What does Jesus repeat in verse 3 of John 14, what does he say he will come back to do, and for what reason, and what does he say you know?   John 14:3-4

 

  1. What did Thomas say to Jesus, and what are the three things that Jesus says he is, and how do you come to the Father?  John 14:5-6
  1. From where does salvation come, and what assures us entrance into the sanctuary?  Acts 4:11-12, Hebrews 10:19‑20
  1. Who does Jesus say he is? John 6:35, John 10:9
  1. To whom do we have access through Jesus? Eph 2:13, 18
  1. If we really knew Jesus, who else would you know, and what does Jesus say from this point on? John 14:7
  1. What does Philip say to Jesus and what was his response? John 14:8‑9

 

  1. What question does Jesus ask them, what does he say about the words he speaks, where does the Father live, and for what reason?   John 14:10

 

  1. What is Jesus asking us to believe, and what does he do to help us believe?   John 14:11

 

  1. What will the person who has faith do and why? John 14:12
  1. What is the work of God? John 6:29

Personal ‑ How has Jesus been the way, the truth, and the life in your life? How have others seen the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus in you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY         READ PSALM 33:1‑2, 4‑5, 18‑19

(“Prepare your words and you will be listened to.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 33:1‑2, 4‑5, 18‑19.

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

ACTS 6:1‑7

The Greek‑speaking Jews were probably from other lands and they complained that their widows were being treated unfairly. This discrimination was probably compounded by a language barrier. The apostles put seven Greek‑speaking, respectable men in charge of the food and shelter program. This allowed the apostles to keep the focus of their ministry on teaching and preaching the Good News about Jesus.

We may wish that we could belong to a church like the early church with all its miracles, sharing, and joy of being part of a community, but they had just as many problems as we do today. No church will ever be perfect until Christ and his church are united at his second coming. All churches are struggling in their growth and if your church’s shortcomings distress you, ask yourself; would a perfect church let me be a member?

We need to remember that we are all called to be faithful, not successful. We can all pitch in to make our own particular church a vibrant, living, healthy community of God by focusing on the teaching and the preaching of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We might ask, “What is the Good News?” The Good News is a message of hope ‑ a hope that the oppressed will be free, the sick will be healed, the lame will walk, the blind will see, the naked will be clothed and the homeless will be sheltered.

We can bring this Good News to everyone we meet because within us is the power of the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4), and it is important for us to realize that we are called to live our lives for others, not for ourselves. We are called to die to ourselves and love others just as Jesus has done.

The early church is still here today and it is being guided by the same Holy Spirit. You need to pray and let your God‑given abilities become revealed to you, and then seek others in your community to help.

1 PETER 2:4‑9

Peter is giving the new Christians a reminder that they are called to be holy, and this will be revealed by the way they witness to others. Christians must be the living material from which the new temple of God is formed. The temple of Jerusalem was built out of ordinary dead stones, but we, because of Jesus Christ, have become living temples of God (l Cor. 3:16).

John tells us in Scripture that he is our vine, and we are his branches and, without the vine, the branches cannot bear any fruit (John 15:5). In the temple of Jerusalem they sacrificed animals and offered fruits of the field to God.

Now, you and I, because of Christ, through Christ, and in Christ, will offer ourselves and our sacrifice of praise to Christ. As temples of God we will perform good works, and the Eucharist will be a daily way of life for us. Jesus is our cornerstone, and upon that stone he has built a human temple of living saints. We do good things, not to become good or to earn a reward. We do good things because of the goodness that is within us. That goodness is the presence of the Holy Spirit which empowers us to reach out and bring our brothers and sisters out of the darkness and into the light. Much of the world today is in darkness because people have not experienced being personally loved by Christ. You are called to bring that light to them. I pray that you will start within your own family, your priestly family.

JOHN 14:1‑12

Jesus tells us that if we really believe in him, there is no uncertainty about death and to what it leads. He tells us that heaven is as positive as our trust and faith in him. He has prepared the way; that is certain.

The only uncertainty is our willingness to believe that he has prepared eternal life for us. We do not have to fear death for ourselves or our loved ones. We know that he has prepared a place for us and when it is ready he will come and take us home to our Father’s mansion. This is the incredible promise that Jesus has made to all who believe in him.

We see Jesus describing the way to find God, and it is only through him that we can reach the Father. He states, I am THE way because he is both God and man. By uniting our lives with his, we become united with God. Trust in Jesus and he will personally take us to the Father. Some people think that saying Jesus is the only way to the Father is too narrow. His way is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. Have you really chosen to accept him as the way, the truth and the life?

We must remember that Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God. As the way, he leads us to the Father. As the truth, he is the reality of all God’s promises. As the life, he joins his divine life to ours, both now and eternally.

Jesus Christ, being divine, was the only person who was ever born to die for us. Because of him, you and I will never die; believing in him, we will live forever with him in his Father’s mansion (John 3:16). The question that Philip asked, “Who is the Father; show us,” is answered by Jesus at that time and is being answered by him today.

Be still and listen to God speaking to you (Psalm 46:10) and you will hear him say, I love you, even when you were a sinner, I still decided to die for you (Rom. 5:8) because I simply love you. He is the way, the truth and the life. Let your life show others that this is true.

Application

The first reading tells us that we are to be servants of the Lord. The second reading calls us to be holy people, a people who care about others. In our Gospel, we are shown that only through Jesus can we be with the Father.

Let us, this week, practice this by being a servant to someone who is causing us some difficulty. Do not let the person know that you are making a special effort to serve him. Let your holiness be grounded in service and prayer this week. A suggested way might be to offer to help a family member with household chores or to help a co‑worker with some of his work.

CUARTO DOMINGO DE PASCUA (April 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?

 

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

 

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA                           LEE HECHOS 2:14, 36-41                 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Porque la promesa es para ustedes y sus hijos.”)

  1. ¿A quién se estaba dirigiendo Pedro, quién estaba con él y qué les estaba diciendo que hicieran?   Hechos 2:14

 

  1. ¿Qué quería él que supieran sin ninguna duda? Hechos 2:36

 

  1. ¿Qué dice la escritura que te pasará si crees que Dios hizo a Jesús Mesías y Señor?  Romanos 10:9

 

  1. ¿Qué paso cuando ellos escucharon esto y que le preguntaron a Pedro y a los otros discípulos? Hechos 2:37

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Pedro que debes hacer para poder recibir el Espíritu Santo? Hechos 2:38 y 16:31

 

  1. ¿Quién recibió primero el Espíritu Santo prometido? Hechos 2:32-33

 

  1. ¿A quién fue hecha esta promesa? Hechos 2:39

 

  1. ¿De qué les seguía insistiendo Pedro que se salvaran? Hechos 2:40

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó con los que aceptaron su mensaje y cuantos fueron agregados aquel día? Hechos 2:41

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has aceptado el mensaje de que la promesa fue hecha para ti y tus hijos?  ¿En qué forma se ha reflejado este signo de paz en tu actitud para con tu familia?

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                  LEE 1 PEDRO 2:20-25                     SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El no cometió el pecado ni se encontró mentira en su boca”.)

  1. Si soportas el sufrimiento por hacer lo que está bien, ¿qué es esto a los ojos de Dios? 1    Pedro 2:20

 

  1. ¿Qué dicen las siguientes escrituras acerca del sufrimiento?

Isaías 53:11

Marcos 8:31

Filipenses 1:29

1 Pedro 4:16

 

  1. ¿A qué has sido llamado(a), y las huellas de quién debes seguir como ejemplo?  1 Pedro 2:20-21

 

  1. ¿Qué no cometió Cristo y qué no se halló en su boca? 1 Pedro 2:22

 

  1. ¿Cuando era insultado, qué no hacía y cuando lo hacían sufrir, como respondía? 1 Pedro 2:23 é Isaías 53:7

 

  1. ¿Más bien, a quién se encomendaba? ¿Cómo juzga El?  1 Pedro 2:23

 

  1. ¿Cuando se entregó Jesús? Lucas 23:44-46

 

  1. ¿Cómo trajo nuestros pecados a la cruz y por qué? 1 Pedro 2:24

 

  1. ¿Cómo hemos sido sanados? 1 Pedro 2:24

 

  1. ¿Cómo éramos en un tiempo y a quién hemos regresado? 1 Pedro 2:25

 

  1. ¿Quién es nuestro pastor y qué hace por nosotros? Lee y medita en el Salmo 23.

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has traído tus pecados a la cruz?  ¿Los has dejado ahí?  ¿Cómo has sido sanado(a)? Jesús nos trajo libertad.  ¿Te empeñas en pensar y sufrir por tus viejos pecados o le has permitido a El que te libere totalmente?  Medita sobre este pasaje de la escritura (1 Pedro 2:20-25).

 

 

 

CUARTO DIA                             LEE JUAN 10:1-10                                                      GOSPEL

(“Yo, en cambio vine para que tengan vida.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién está hablando y a quién le está hablando? Juan 10:16 y Juan 10:19

 

  1. ¿Cómo es el hombre que no entra al corral por la puerta, sino que se brinca por otro lado? ¿Quién es el que entra por la puerta?  Juan 10:1-2

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el cuidador y qué oyen las ovejas? ¿Cómo llama El a las suyas y qué les hace?  Juan 10:3

 

  1. ¿Dónde camina cuando ha sacado del corral todas las suyas y que hacen las ovejas y por qué?  Juan 10:4

 

  1. ¿A quién no seguirán y por qué? Juan 10:5

 

  1. ¿Entendieron los oyentes lo que Jesús estaba tratando de decirles? ¿Quién, dijo Jesús queera El y  qué eran  todos los que vinieron antes que El?  Juan 10:6-8

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo de nuevo Jesús que era El, que les pasará a los que entren por medio de El, y de qué se   darán cuenta?  Juan 10:9

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el ladrón? ¿Porqué vino Jesús?  Juan 10:10 y Juan 1:4

 

  1. ¿Cómo debemos vivir la vida y qué vamos a recibir? Juan l0:10 Romanos 5:17

 

  1. ¿Qué debes hacer para tener vida eterna? Juan 3:16

 

Personal – Cuando pierdes la paz de Jesús y sientes que estás siendo destruido por cosas a tu alrededor, ¿qué haces?  ¿A dónde vas para recibir vida en plenitud?

 

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                    LEE EL SALMO 23:1-6

(“Por el camino del bueno me dirige por amor de su nombre.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 23:1-6.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 2:14, 36-41

En este pasaje escuchamos a Pablo decirle a la gente valientemente que lo deben escuchar porque las profecías del Antiguo Testamento han sido cumplidas totalmente en Jesús.  El les dijo que Jesús es el Mesías (2:25-36) y que el Cristo resucitado podría cambiar sus vidas drásticamente.  Este es un Pedro nuevo, humilde pero valiente y el poder del Espíritu Santo corrió por él como un río poderoso.  Este era el mismo Pedro que había negado haber conocido a Jesús alguna vez, y que no quiso decir que era uno de los discípulos.  Pero el Señor lo perdonó y lo restauró después de su negación.  Vemos la transformación en él al ser un orador tan dinámico y poderoso.  ¡Qué sentido tan increíble de piedad tiene Dios!  El miró a Pedro como lo negaba y luego lo escuchó confesar y arrepentirse con gran pasión.

¿Dónde estas ahora en tu vida?  ¿Has sentido alguna vez como que has cometido errores tan malos que Dios nunca podrá perdonarte y usarte?  Eso es lo que Satanás quiere que creas, pero no es así.  Es una mentira y Satanás es el padre de las mentiras (Juan 8:44).  Dios nos perdonará cualquier cosa si nos volvemos a El con un corazón contrito y sincero (Salmo 51).  Su amor es un amor que no tiene límite.  Dile tu terrible error y arrepiéntete de ello y déjalo que El se preocupe de tus temores.  Recuerda, en el amor verdadero no hay temor, porque el temor tiene que ver con el castigo (1 Juan 4:18) y no hay castigo en Dios, solamente amor.  Dios promete perdonar y El nunca se arrepiente de Su Palabra.  Permítele que te perdone y te use efectivamente, y, sírvelo, trayendo a otros a Su luz sanadora.  Quédate quieto(a) por unos momentos y escúchalo diciéndote cuánto te ama (Salmo 46:10).

 

 

1 PEDRO 2:20-25

Realmente Pedro trae una dolorosa verdad frecuente en muchas vidas y ésta es aguantar el sufrimiento injusto.  Solamente necesitamos mirar a nuestro alrededor para darnos cuenta de millones de gente con hambre y luchando solamente para sobrevivir.  Vemos a los tiranos destrozando sus naciones y dando a su gente todo tipo de sufrimiento injusto.

El mensaje de ahora es un llamado al perdón, la paciencia, y la fidelidad.  Solamente necesitamos ver el sufrimiento que experimenta el esposo(a) de un compañero(a) infiel.  Mucha gente vive en un matrimonio donde el esposo(a) es abusivo (a) verbal, física, o sexualmente.  Muchos sufrimientos se aguantan, con el poder del Espíritu Santo de Dios.  Muchos adultos han sido abusados física o sexualmente cuando eran niños y el sufrimiento aún lo tienen adentro.  Solamente el amor sanador de Jesucristo quién fue víctima de un sufrimiento injusto puede dar paciencia, perdón o hasta amor a quienes han sufrido injustamente.  Si sabemos que Cristo mismo sufrió tortura y muerte en la cruz, podemos tratar de seguir su ejemplo.  Cristo no hizo ningún mal y sufrió injustamente.

Hay padres que han sido ridiculizados, mofados y deshonrados por sus hijos y aún así están y llamados como Cristianos a ser ejemplos de paciencia, perdón y amor igual que Cristo.  Tú y yo no somos capaces de este tipo de poder.  Solamente podemos perdonar a otros cuando nos damos cuenta que nosotros mismos somos completamente amados y perdonados por Jesucristo.  El sufrimiento se hace llevadero solamente cuando Cristo es el que carga con el dolor.

Lo llamamos y El nos escucha y nos responde.  El nunca nos deja solos o abandonados.  Debemos estar listos a seguir a Jesús, sin importar a donde lleve el camino.  El sufrimiento será obligado en muchos de nosotros, pero debemos responder solamente al llamado de Jesús.

 

 

JUAN 10:1-10

Juan nos enseña sobre el amor y dedicación de un pastor bueno y fiel.  Vemos claramente que esto es una historia acerca de alguien protegiendo su rebaño aún corriendo el riesgo de perder su vida.  Ninguna persona contratada haría esto, solamente si hay un compromiso total de amor puede retirar el rebaño de los lobos y otros peligros.  Las ovejas conocen a su pastor por el sonido de su voz.  Ellas lo siguen a dondequiera que va.  Comen donde les dice, y beben en el lugar preparado.  Ellas descansan en la noche seguras en su redil, seguras en el sonido de su voz.

Se nos dice en la escritura, “El Señor es mi pastor y nada me falta”.  El Señor Jesús conoce a cada uno y a todos nosotros por nombre y El nos provee con comida para nuestro cuerpo y comida para nuestro espíritu (La Eucaristía y Su Santa Palabra).  El nos dice que estemos alertas.  Hay quienes quieren robar nuestros corazones y destruir nuestras vidas por medio del pecado.  El nos dice que El es, “el camino, la verdad y la vida” (Juan 14:16). Lee esta escritura muy atentamente y lee que dice que El es El camino, no un camino, sino El Camino.

Finalmente Juan termina este pasaje dándonos la respuesta del plan de Dios para todos nosotros. Sabemos que millones de gente saben acerca de Jesucristo y que El tiene un plan para nosotros y ese plan es que vivamos la vida en toda su plenitud.  Para ser realmente santo, uno debe ser realmente INTEGRO. Necesitamos estar afinados con Cristo física y espiritualmente.  Nuestros cuerpos son llamados a ser templos del Espíritu Santo (1 Corintios 3:16).  Hemos sido llamados a ponernos la mente de Cristo (Fil. 2:3,4) y a llenarnos del Espíritu (Efesios 5:19).  Cuando hacemos esto podemos decir personalmente con el Salmista, “El Señor es mi pastor, nada me falta”.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura trata de la virtud de la esperanza.  Hay esperanza de que todos podemos cambiar para mejorar.  La segunda lectura nos ayuda a ver el poder redentor del sufrimiento.  Es una señal visual de Jesucristo puesto que El sufrió también por nosotros una vez.  El Evangelio trae a casa el mensaje de que El nos conoce personalmente, hasta por nuestro propio nombre.

Veamos esta semana el sufrimiento que está pasando en nuestras propias familias.  Nosotros sabemos quién necesita apoyo.  Sabemos quién está en peligro físico.  Necesitamos proteger a otros del sufrimiento injusto.  Si sabes de alguien que está siendo abusado(a), repórtalo inmediatamente.  Si tienes miedo, escríbeme y encontraremos la guía del Señor.  El Señor nos quiere sanos e íntegros.  El quiere que tomemos de sus fuerzas para aguantar el sufrimiento injusto.

 

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday of Easter (April 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 – John 10:1-10, Jesus said: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gate keeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.” Although Jesus used this figure of speech, the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.

So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER (April 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 ACTS 2:14, 36‑41        FIRST READING

(“It was to you and your children that the promise was made.”)

  1. Who was Peter addressing, who stood up with him, and what was he telling them to do?   Acts 2:14
  1. What did he want them to know beyond a doubt? Acts 2:36
  1. What does Scripture say will happen to us if we believe that God made Jesus both Lord and Messiah? Romans 10:9
  1. What happened when they heard this, and what did they ask Peter and the other disciples?   Acts 2:37
  1. What did Peter say we must do in order to receive the Holy Spirit?  Acts 2:38 Acts 16:31
  1. Who first received the promised Holy Spirit? Acts 2:32‑33

 

  1. To whom was this promise made? Acts 2:39

 

  1. From what did Peter keep urging them to save themselves? Acts 2:40
  1. What happened to those who accepted his message and how many were added that day? Acts 2:41

Personal ‑ In what way have you accepted the message that it was to you and your children that the promise was made? In what way has this sign of hope for your family been reflected in your attitude?

THIRD DAY             READ 1 PETER 2:20‑25       SECOND READING

(“He did no wrong; no deceit was found in his mouth.”)

  1. If you put up with suffering for doing what is right, what is this in God’s eyes? 1 Peter 2:20
  1. What do the following Scriptures say about suffering:

Isaiah 53:11? –

Philippians 1:29 –

1 Peter 4:16 –

Mark 8:31 –

  1. To what is it we are called, and whose footsteps do we follow as our example? 1 Peter 2:20‑21
  1. What did Christ not do, and what was not found in his mouth? 1 Peter 2:22
  1. When he was insulted, what did he not do, and when he was made to suffer, with what did he not return?  1 Peter 2:23,      Isaiah 53:7
  1. Instead, to whom was he delivered, and how does he judge? 1 Peter 2:23
  1. When did Jesus deliver himself up? Luke 23:44‑46
  1. How did he bring our sins to the cross, and for what reason? 1 Peter 2:24
  1. How have we been healed? 1 Peter 2:24
  1. What were we doing at one time, and now to whom have we returned?   l Peter 2:25
  1. Who is our shepherd, and what does he do for us? Read and meditate on Psalm 23

Personal ‑ In what way have you brought your sins to the cross and let go of them? How have you been healed? Jesus brought us freedom. Are you still holding on to old sins, or have you allowed him to set you free? Meditate on this passage of Scripture (1 Peter 2:20‑25).

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 10:1‑10                GOSPEL

(“I came that they might have life.”)

  1. Who is speaking, and to whom is he speaking? John 10:6, John l0:19

 

  1. What is a man who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate but climbs in some other way, and what is the one who enters through the gate?   John 10:1-2

 

  1. What does the keeper do, what do the sheep hear, how does he call his own, and what does he do with them? John 10:3

 

  1. Where does he walk when he has brought out all that are his, what do the sheep do, and for what reason? John 10:4

 

  1. Who will they not follow and for what reason? John 10:5

 

  1. Did the listeners grasp what Jesus was trying to tell them, who did Jesus say he was, and what were all who came before him?   John 10:6-8
  1. What did Jesus say he was again, what will happen to those who enter through him, and what will they find? John 10:9

 

  1. What does the thief do, and why did Jesus come? John 10:10, John 1:4
  2. How are we to live our life and what are we to receive?   John 10:10, Romans 5:17

 

 

  1. What must we do to have eternal life? John 3:16

Personal ‑ When you lose the peace of Jesus and feel as though you are being destroyed by things going on around you, how do you handle it? Where do you go to receive the fullness of life?

 

FIFTH DAY               READ PSALM 23:1‑6

(“He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 23:1‑6.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 2:14, 36‑41

In this passage we hear Peter boldly tell the crowd that they should listen to him because the Old Testament prophecies had been entirely fulfilled in Jesus. He told them that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 2:25‑36) and the risen Christ could dramatically change their lives. This is a new Peter, humble but bold and the power of the Holy Spirit flowed through him like a mighty river.

This was the same Peter who had denied he had ever known Jesus, regardless of being one of the disciples. But the Lord forgave and restored him after his denial. We see the transformation take place as Peter becomes a powerful and dynamic speaker. What an incredible sense of mercy God has. He watched as Peter denied him and then listened as he confessed and repented with great passion.

Where are you at the present time in your life? Have you ever felt as if you have made such bad mistakes that God could never forgive you and use you? That is what Satan wants you to believe, but don’t buy it. It is a lie, and Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). God will forgive us of anything if we turn to him with a sincere and contrite heart (Psalm 51). His love is a love that has no limit. Tell him your terrible mistake and repent and let him take care of your fears.

Remember, true love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment (l John 4:18), while a relationship of love denotes a right relationship with God, therefore, there is no reason for punishment. God promises to forgive, and he never falls back on his word. Allow him to forgive and use you effectively to serve him by bringing others into his healing light. Try to be quiet and listen to him telling you how much he loves you (Psalm 46:10).

1 PETER 2:20‑25

Peter really brings home a painful truth in many of our lives and that is to endure unjust suffering. We only need to look around our world and see millions of people starving and struggling just to survive. We see tyrants tearing their nations apart and putting people through all kinds of unjust suffering.

Today’s message is a call to patience, loyalty, and forgiveness. Just look and see the suffering that is experienced by the spouse of an unfaithful partner. Many people live in a marriage where the spouse is oppressive, and verbally, physically, and sexually abusive. Much suffering is endured because of the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Many adults have been physically or sexually abused as children, and the long‑term suffering is still going on internally. Only the healing love of Jesus Christ who was the victim of unjust suffering can bring patience, forgiveness or love to someone who has suffered unjustly. Because we know that Christ did not do any wrong and suffered through his torture and death on the cross, we too, can try to follow his example.

Parents have been known to be ridiculed, mocked, and disgraced by their children and are, therefore, called as Christians to be Christ‑like examples of patience, forgiveness and love to them. You and I are not capable of this type of power. We can forgive others only when we realize that we ourselves are forgiven and loved completely by Jesus Christ. Suffering becomes bearable only when Christ is the bearer of the pain.

We call on him and he hears us and he responds to us. He never abandons us or leaves us alone. We must be ready to follow Jesus, regardless of where the road may lead. Suffering will be thrust upon many of us, but we must respond only to Jesus’ call.

JOHN 10:1‑10

John tells us of the love and dedication of a good and faithful shepherd. We clearly see that this is a story about someone protecting his flock even at the risk of losing his life. No hired hand would do this, only a total commitment of love is enough to fend off the wolves and other dangers to the flock. The sheep know their shepherd by the sound of his voice. They follow him wherever he goes. They eat wherever they are directed, and drink at the spot that is prepared for them. They safely rest at night in their sheepfold and feel secure at the sound of his voice.

We are told in Scripture, “The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want.” The Lord Jesus knows each and everyone of us by name and he provides us with food for our bodies and food for our spirit (Eucharist and his Holy Word). He tells us to be aware of those who want to steal our hearts and destroy our lives through sin. He tells us that he is “the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Look at that Scripture closely and see how it states that he is THE way, not a way, but THE way.

John ends this passage by giving us the answer to God’s plan for all of us. We know that millions of people know about Jesus Christ and that he has a plan for us, and that is to live a life in all its fullness. Really, to be holy, one has to be WHOLE. We need to be physically and spiritually in tune with Christ. Our bodies are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). We are called to put on the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:1‑4) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). When we do this, we can personally say with the Psalmist, “The Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not want.”

First Reading – Acts 2: 14, 36-41 – This is Peter’s speech at Pentecost, listen to my words – The people wanted to know what they were to do now that they realized through Peter’s speech that they killed Jesus, but God raised Him up and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Peter told them they would have to repent and be baptized, every one of them, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and then they would receive the Holy Spirit. What did they have to repent of? Their unbelief. By Peter exhorting them they were cut to the heart in condemning Jesus.

Admitted they were wrong by wanting to know what to do.

Peter told them.

Application

The first reading deals with the virtue of hope. There is hope that we can all change for the better. The second reading helps us to see the power in redemptive suffering. It is a visual sign of Jesus Christ as he, too, once suffered for us. The Gospel brings home the message that he knows us personally, and he can identify us even by our own names.

Let us, this week, look at the suffering that is going on in our own families. We know who needs to be consoled. We know who is in danger of physical harm. We need to protect others from being exposed to unjust suffering. If you know someone who is being abused, report it at once to the proper authorities. The Lord wants us to be whole and healed. He wants us to draw upon Him for strength to endure the unjust suffering.

Lectio Divina – 3rd Sunday of Easter (April 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 – Luke 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating,
Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?”
They stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply,
“Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets,
he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”
So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table,
he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

TERCER DOMINGO DE PASCUA (April 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                               LEE HECHOS 2:14, 22-28               PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Ya que no era posible que quedara bajo el dominio de la muerte.”)

  1. ¿Qué hizo Pedro con los once? Hechos 2:14

 

  1. ¿A quién se dirigió y qué les dijo que hicieran? Hechos 2:11, 14

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús a los discípulos que hicieran si la gente no los escuchaba? Mateo 10:14

 

  1. ¿Quién mandó a Jesús, cuáles eran las credenciales de Jesús, y que hizo Dios con estas credenciales?             Hechos 2:22

 

  1. ¿Porqué fue entregado El y de quién se valieron para crucificar y matar a Jesús?

Hechos 2:23

 

  1. ¿De qué lo liberó Dios, qué hizo con El, y qué era imposible? Hechos 2:24

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca de Dios, y de todas las cosas que son imposibles?  Mateo 19:26

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo David? Hechos 2:25

 

  1. ¿Cómo estará su corazón, y que harán su cuerpo y lengua? Hechos 2:26

 

  1. ¿En el versículo 27 de Hechos 2, de qué está seguro David?

 

  1. ¿Qué nos ha enseñado el Señor, y con qué nos llenará en su Presencia? Hechos 2:28

 

Personal  – El plan de Dios y el propósito de Jesús era morir en la cruz para que tengas vida.  ¿Sabes cuál es el plan de Dios para tu vida?  En Juan 10:10, dice que el plan de Dios es que puedas tener vida y vida en plenitud.  ¿En qué forma estás viviendo la vida en plenitud?

 

 

 

TERCER DIA                                   LEE 1 PEDRO 1:17-21                    SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El rescate para liberarnos fue pagado con la sangre del cordero Jesucristo.”)

  1. ¿En qué forma invocas al Padre y como juzga El a cada uno? 1 Pedro 1:17

 

  1. ¿Si esto es cierto, como debes comportarte? 1 Pedro 1:17

 

  1. ¿Cómo debemos adorar a Dios? Hebreos 12:28

 

  1. ¿En qué forma debemos obedecer a nuestros amos humanos? Efesios 6:5

 

  1. ¿De qué debemos darnos cuenta que fuimos liberados? ¿Quién pagó por está forma de    vida inútil tanto nuestra como de nuestros padres y cómo fue pagada?  1 Pedro 1:18

 

  1. ¿Cómo está la sangre de Cristo? 1 Pedro 1:19

 

  1. ¿Por medio de qué has sido liberado y purificado? 1 Pedro 1:18-19

 

  1. ¿Cuándo fue escogida la sangre del cordero sin mancha y cuando es revelada?

1 Pedro 1:20

 

  1. ¿Por medio de quién son ustedes creyentes en Dios?  1 Pedro 1:19, 21

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios por Jesús? ¿En qué están centradas tu fe y tu esperanza?  1 Pedro 1:21

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has permitido que controle tu vida lo que tus padres puedan haber dicho o hecho?  ¿Estás cargando alguna basura vieja?  Por medio de la sangre de Jesús hemos sido liberados del poder del pecado.  ¿Lo reconocemos al partir el pan, a El a quien Dios resucitó de entre los muertos y quien está sentado a su diestra para siempre?  Piensa acerca de esto y confiesa cualquier cosa que no has perdonado a alguien en el pasado y deja que la sangre de Jesús te lave y libere de cualquier forma de pensar inútil.  Que seas lavado por la sangre del cordero.  Tú has sido liberado(a).

 

 

CUARTO DIA                        LEE LUCAS 24:13-35                                               EVANGELIO

(“Lo reconocieron al partir el pan.”)

  1. ¿Qué día iban dos de ellos en camino a una aldea llamada Emaús y qué tan lejos estaba esta aldea de Jerusalén?  Lucas 24:1, 13

 

  1. ¿Qué estaban haciendo, quién se les acercó y empezó a caminar con ellos y, lo reconocieron?  Lucas 24:17-18

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús? ¿Cómo reaccionaron ellos a esta pregunta?  ¿Qué le preguntó Cleofas          a Jesús?  Lucas 24:17-18

 

  1. ¿Jesús les preguntó, qué cosas? y ellos prosiguieron a explicarle los eventos de unos cuantos días pasados.  Ellos llamaron a Jesús profeta poderoso en dos cosas, ¿cuáles     eran y a los ojos de quién?         Lucas 24:19

 

  1. ¿Quién lo entregó para que fuera condenado a muerte y crucificado? Lucas 24:20

 

  1. ¿Por que estaban esperando? Lucas 24:21

 

Personal – ¿En que forma has sido liberado con la venida del Mesías?  ¿Cómo te ven otros?  ¿Te miran como esclavo(a) de malos hábitos o como a alguien quien ha sido puesto en libertad por medio de la muerte y resurrección de Jesús?

  1. ¿Cuáles eran las noticias asombrosas que les trajeron algunas mujeres? Lucas 24:22-24

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús? ¿Empezando con quién, que interpretó Jesús concerniente a El mismo? Lucas 24:25- 27

 

  1. ¿En dónde estaban ya y cómo actuó Jesús? Lucas 24:28

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijeron a Jesús y que hizo El? Lucas 24:29

 

  1. ¿Cuando Jesús se sentó a comer con ellos, cuales tres cosas hizo con el pan? ¿Con eso,   cuál fue su  reacción y que le pasó a Jesús?  Lucas 24:32

 

  1. ¿Qué dijeron que les pasaba en el camino cuando Jesús les hablaba y explicaba las escrituras? Lucas 24:32

 

  1. ¿Quién dice que nos explica las escrituras? Lucas 24:27, 32

 

  1. ¿A dónde fueron inmediatamente y a quién hallaron ahí? ¿Con qué fueron saludados y qué          les contaron?  Lucas 24:33-35

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te sientes cuando lees las escrituras?  ¿Quién te las explica y cuál es tu reacción?  Lee Lucas 2:26 y Lucas 12:12.

 

 

QUINTO DIA                              LEE EL SALMO 16:1-2, 5, 7-11

(“Me mostrarás la senda de la vida.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 16:1-2, 5, 7-11.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 2:14, 22-28

En este pasaje se nos dice que hemos sido llamados por Dios cada uno por nuestro nombre.  El tiene un plan para cada uno de nosotros y se nos ha llamado a responder a ese plan.  El plan de Dios de salvar a su gente fue cumplido en el nacimiento, muerte, y resurrección de Jesucristo.  El Señor te ha llamado y te ha dicho que si crees en Su Hijo Jesucristo, tendrás vida eterna (Juan 3:16).  El plan de Dios es que no solamente tengas vida, sino que la tengas en abundancia.  El plan de Dios no es hacerte rico(a), su plan es hacernos íntegros.  El quiere que estés sano(a) física emocional, y espiritualmente (Juan 10:10).  Esta es la única manera que hay para sacar a la gente de la oscuridad y regresarlos a la luz de la libertad es Jesucristo.

Pedro le estaba diciendo a la muchedumbre que hasta el que ellos hayan matado a Jesús era parte del plan de Dios.  El les dice que hasta David sabía que el Señor lo entregaría al reino celestial de Dios. Necesitas saber el plan de Dios para tu vida, y necesitas responder a Su llamado.  Dios te ha dicho que te ama tanto que mandó a Jesús Su Hijo unigénito a morir por ti. Si crees que Jesús pagó el rescate por ti con Su sangre, entonces vivirás para siempre con Dios.  Debes decidir ahora, si Dios está diciendo la verdad o si esto es solamente una historia para hacerte sentir bien.

Tu respuesta a Su llamado cambiará dramáticamente tu vida.  Empezarás a seguir Su plan y tu vida continuará en la gloria para siempre en Su presencia.  Tu respuesta a Su llamado será la forma en que vivas y la forma en que ames a los demás como a ti mismo.  El te ama tanto que murió por ti, para que puedas vivir con El para siempre.

 

 

1 PEDRO 1:17-21

En este pasaje la gente estaba siendo llamada a reverenciar a un Dios amoroso y se les estaba recordando que ellos no eran como esclavos de un amo despiadado.  Ellos son, en realidad, los hijos adoptivos del Dios Verdadero.  No debemos asumir que el ser especiales y ser los hijos de Dios nos da libertad para hacer lo que queramos.  En realidad debemos convertirnos, no en hijos malcriados, sino más bien en hijos agradecidos de un Padre celestial, amoroso y que perdona.  Un crimen terrible fue cometido en contra de Dios y solamente el Hijo de Dios podía liberarnos de la pesada esclavitud que fue dejada sobre nosotros.  Dios pagó un rescate muy grande por nuestros pecados y fue pagado con la preciosa sangre de Su Hijo Jesús y así convertirnos en sus hijos adoptivos.

Este pasaje nos revela que ambas la ley y la venida de Cristo fueron parte del plan eterno de Dios (Romanos 8:29).  Vemos en la acción de Dios un amor que es real.  Un amor real es sacrificio, perdón, paciencia y bondad.  Entregarse uno totalmente quiere decir poner las necesidades de los demás antes que las nuestras.  Jesús nos enseñó lo que es la vida real, así como nos enseño como amar, nosotros podemos amar a otros como El nos amó (Juan 15:12).  Necesitas recordar que todo en esta vida, posesiones, logros y personas algún da se  irán.  Lo único que es permanente en la vida es la voluntad de Dios, Su Palabra y trabajos. Pongamos nuestra fe y esperanza en Dios porque es El, el que levantó a Cristo de entre los muertos.  Es en el nombre de Cristo que hacemos todo, decimos todo, y todo lo que esperamos que se vuelva realidad es lo que podríamos llamar una vida en libertad.

 

 

LUCAS 24:13-35

Los dos discípulos en la historia de ahora no comprendieron el significado de lo que pasó en la tumba vacía porque estaban absortos en su propio dolor y desilusión.  Ni siquiera reconocieron a Jesús caminando a su lado y uniéndose a su conversación.  Para hacer el problema más grave, ellos iban caminando en una dirección equivocada, lejos de la hermandad de los otros creyentes que estaban en Jerusalén.

Muchas veces la gente en su dolor o pesar se aleja del apoyo de sus seres queridos y se aparta a una esquina de silencio.  Debemos darnos cuenta, que solamente cuando buscamos a Jesús en medio de nosotros experimentamos el poder y ayuda que El puede dar.

Los discípulos no podían entender como Jesús podía estar tan mal informado acerca de lo que había pasado.  Pero vieron que Jesús estaba muy alerta de lo que estaba pasando, cuando les explicaba el papel de Dios entre Su gente. Los discípulos estaban buscando a un Mesías triunfante que rompería el imperio  Romano.  Jesús les dijo acerca de un salvador que cambia los corazones de la gente pero no satisface su ambición de poder.  Los discípulos empezaron a arder como fuego y estaban ansiosos de Sus enseñanzas.

¿Arden nuestros corazones como el fuego por El?  ¿Tenemos hambre y sed de conocerlo más íntimamente de lo que lo conocemos?  ¿Entendemos de verdad que la muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo es nuestra única esperanza de salvación?  Estos discípulos no entendían esto al principio, a pesar del testimonio de la mujer y las profecías bíblicas de ese evento increíble.

Ahora, después de 2000 años, la resurrección de Jesucristo todavía es sorpresa para mucha gente.  Y muchos aún rechazan creer que Jesús tuvo que venir y estar en medio de ellos vivo respirando y compartiendo el pan para que creyeran.  Para mucha  gente ahora se necesita la hermandad y la presencia viva de los Cristianos para demostrarles que Jesús está vivo y en medio de nosotros.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos enseña que Dios conoce a cada uno de nosotros por nombre.  En la segunda lectura, somos llamados a ser reverentes a nuestro Dios. El Evangelio nos dice que no nos envolvamos en nuestros propios problemas, más bien que estemos abiertos a ver y escuchar a Dios a nuestro alrededor.

Esta semana, vamos a buscar a alguien que tenga penas en nuestra familia, escuela, trabajo, o comunidad.  Vamos a llamarle y demostrarle nuestra preocupación con nuestra presencia.  Tal vez no sea más que una llamada de teléfono o una visita corta para saludarle.  Recuerda el regalo más grande que le damos a otra persona es nuestra presencia.  Es con nuestra presencia que podrán ver a Dios en medio de ellos.

 

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER (April 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)

 

Application

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

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

 

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

 

SECOND DAY            READ ACTS 2:14, 22‑28        FIRST READING

(“It was impossible for him to be held by the power of Hades.”)

  1. What did Peter do with the Eleven? Acts 2:14

 

  1. Whom did he address, and what did he tell them to do? Acts 2:11, 14

 

  1. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do if the people would not listen to them?   Matthew 10:14

 

  1. Who sent Jesus, what were Jesus’ credentials, and what did God do with these credentials?   Acts 2:22

 

  1. Why was he delivered up, and whom did they make use of to crucify and kill Jesus?   Acts 2:23

 

  1. Of what did God free him, what did he do with him, and what was impossible?   Acts 2:24

 

  1. What did Jesus say of God about all things that are impossible?  Matthew 19:26

 

  1. What did David say? Acts 2:25

 

  1. What will his heart be, and what will his tongue and body do? Acts 2:26

 

  1. In verse 27 of Acts 2, of what is David assured?

 

  1. What has the Lord shown us, and with what will he fill us in his presence?   Acts 2:28

 

Personal ‑ God’s set purpose was for Jesus to die so you could have life. Do you know what God’s plan is for your life? In John 10:10, it says God’s plan for you is that you may have life and have it to its fullness. In what way are you living the full life?

 

THIRD DAY             READ 1 PETER 1:17‑21       SECOND READING

(“The ransom that was paid to free you was the blood of the lamb Jesus Christ.”)

  1. In what way do you call upon the Father, and how does he judge each one?   1 Peter 1:17

 

  1. If this is so, how should we conduct ourselves? 1 Peter 1:17

 

  1. How must we worship God? Hebrews 12:28

 

  1. In what way must we obey our human masters? Ephesians 6:5

 

  1. What are we to realize concerning from what we were delivered? Who ransomed this futile way of life for us and our fathers?    How is it not handed on to us?   1 Peter 1:18

 

  1. What is Christ’s blood beyond? 1 Peter 1:19

 

  1. By what have we been delivered and purified? 1 Peter 1:18‑19

 

  1. When was the blood of the spotless lamb chosen, and when is it revealed?   1 Peter 1:20

 

  1. It is through whom that we are believers in God? 1 Peter 1:19, 21

 

  1. What did God do for Jesus? In what is our faith and hope centered?   1 Peter 1:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you allowed what your parents may have said or done, to control your life? Are you carrying around any old garbage? Through the blood of Jesus we have been delivered from the power of sin. We recognize him in the breaking of the bread, him whom God raised from the dead and who now sits at the right hand of God forever.

 

Think about this and confess any unforgiveness toward anyone in your past, and let the blood of Jesus wash you clean and deliver you from any futile way of thinking. Be washed by the blood of the lamb. You have been delivered.

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 24:13‑35                GOSPEL

(“They had recognized him in the breaking of the bread.”)

  1. What day were two of them making their way to a village named Emmaus, and how far was this village from Jerusalem?Luke 24:1, 13

 

  1. What were they doing? Who approached them and started to walk with them? Did they recognize him?   Luke 24:14‑16

 

  1. What did Jesus say to them? How did they react to this question? What did Cleopas ask Jesus?   Luke 24:17‑18

 

  1. Jesus asked them, “What things?” and they proceeded to explain to him the events of the past few days. They called Jesus a prophet who was powerful in what two things and in whose eyes?   Luke 24:19

 

  1. Who delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified? Luke 24:20

 

  1. For what were they hoping? Luke 24:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you been personally set free by the coming of the Messiah? How do others see you? Do they look at you as a slave to bad habits or someone set free by the death and resurrection of Jesus?

 

  1. What was the astonishing news brought to them by some women? Luke 24:22‑24

 

  1. What did Jesus say to them? And beginning with whom, what did Jesus interpret in regard to himself Luke 24:25-27

 

  1. By now, where were they located, and how did Jesus act? Luke 24:28

 

  1. What did they say to him, and what did Jesus do? Luke 24:29

 

  1. When Jesus sat with them to eat, what four things did he do with the bread? With that, what was their reaction, and what      happened to Jesus?   Luke 24:30-31

 

  1. What did they say happened to them as Jesus talked to them on the road and explained the Scriptures?   Luke 24:32

 

  1. Who does it say explains scripture to us? Luke 24:27, 32

 

  1. Where did they go immediately, and whom did they find there? With what were they greeted, and what did they recount?

Luke 24:33‑35

 

Personal ‑ How do you feel when you read scripture? Who explains it to you, and what is your reaction? Read Luke 2:26 and Luke 12:12.

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY          READ PSALM 16:1‑2, 5, 7‑11

(“You will show me the path of life.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 16:1‑2, 5, 7‑11.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 2:14, 22‑28

This passage tells us that God has called each one of us by name. God has a plan for each one of us, and we are called to respond to his plan to save his people which was fulfilled in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has called you and told you that if you believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, you will have eternal life (John 3:16). God’s plan is that not only do we have life, but that we have life to its fullest. God’s plan is not to make us rich, but to make us whole. He wants us to be healthy, physically, emotionally, and spiritual­ly (John 10:10). The one provision that brings people out of the darkness of bondage and back into the light of freedom is Jesus Christ.

Peter was telling the crowd that the death of Jesus was part of God’s plan. He tells them that even David knew that the Lord would deliver him up to the Heavenly Kingdom of God. You need to know God’s plan for your life, and you need to respond to his call. God has disclosed that he loved you so much that he sent his only Begotten Son Jesus to die for you. If you believe that Jesus paid the ransom in blood, then you will live forever with God. Today you must decide whether God is telling the truth or whether this is just some story to make you feel good.

Your response to his call will dramatically change your life. You will begin to follow his plan for you, and forever your life will continue on in glory within his presence. Your response to his call will be how you live and how much you love yourself and others. God loves you to the extent that he died for you, so that you could forever live with him.

 

1 PETER 1:17‑21

In this passage the people were called to revere a loving God and were reminded that they were not to be treated like slaves of a ruthless master. They are, in fact, the adopted children of the most High God. We do not need to assume that being special, such as being the children of God, takes away the freedom to do whatever we desire. We really need to become, not spoiled children, but grateful children of a heavenly Father who loves and forgives us. A terrible crime was committed against God, and only God’s Son could free us from the heavy bondage that was left upon us. God paid a heavy ransom for our sins and it was paid with the precious blood of his Son Jesus, so that we could become his adopted children.

This passage reveals that both the law and the coming of Christ were part of God’s eternal ongoing plan (Rom. 8:29). We see in God’s action a love that is real. A real love is sacri­fice, forgiveness, patience, and kindness. Giving up of one’s own self means to put the needs of another first. Jesus manifested what is real in life, and because of this, he showed us how to love, so we can love others as he has loved us (John 15:12). You need to remember that everything in this life, possessions, accomplishments, and people, will some day be all gone. The only thing in life that is permanent is God’s will, his word, and his works. We can only put our faith and hope in God because it is he who has raised Christ from the dead. In Christ’s name everything we do, everything we say, and everything we hope to become really is what we could call a life of freedom.

 

LUKE 24:13‑35

The two disciples in today’s story missed the significance of what happened at the empty tomb, because they were too wrapped up in their own hurt and disappointment. They didn’t even recognize Jesus when he walked beside them and joined them in their conversation. To make matters worse, they actually walked the wrong way, away from the fellowship of their fellow believers in Jerusalem.

Many times people in their hurt or grief turn away from the support of loved ones and withdraw into a corner of silence by themselves. We need to realize that it is only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst that we will experience the power and help he can bring us.

The disciples could not understand how Jesus could be so uninformed about what had happened. They saw that Jesus was very much aware of what was going on as he explained the role of God among his people. The disciples were looking for a triumphant Messiah who would break the rule of Rome. Jesus tells them about a Savior who changes the hearts of people, not their hold on power. The disciples began to see that this was no ordinary man who they met “by accident.” Their hearts began to burn like fire, and they could not get enough of his teaching.

Do our hearts burn like fire over him? Do we hunger and thirst to know him more intimately than we do? Do we really understand that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is our only hope of Salvation? These disciples did not understand this at first despite the witness of the women and the biblical prophecies of that incredible event.

Today, after 2000 years, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is still a surprise to many people. Today, many people still refuse to believe that it took the living, breathing Jesus to come in to their midst and to break bread with them before they believed. Today for many people, it takes the fellowship and presence of living, breathing Christians to show these same people that Jesus is alive and in our midst.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God knows each one of us by name. In the second reading, we are being called to show reverence to our God. The Gospel tells us not to get wrapped up in our own problems, but to be open and seek others and their problems so that they, too, can see and hear God all around them.

This week, let us reach out to someone who is hurting in our family, school, work or community. Let us call on that person and show our concern by our presence. It may be nothing more than a telephone call or a short visit to just say “Hello.” Remember, the greatest gift we give to others is our presence. It is in our presence that they will see God in their midst.

DOMINGO DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA (April 16th) ‑ 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?
  2. ¿De lo que aprendiste, qué escogiste para aplicar a tu vida esta semana?

SEGUNDO DIA                                      HECHOS 2:42-47                          PRIMeRA LECTURA

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

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

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

TERCER DIA                                           1 PEDRO 1:3-9                           SEGUNDA LECTURA

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

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

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

CUARTO DIA                                           JUAN 20:19-31                                          EVANGELIO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

SEXTO DIA                                LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 2:42-47

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

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

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

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

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

1 PEDRO 1:3-9

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

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

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

JUAN 20:19-31

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

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

Aplicación

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

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

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

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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)

 

Application

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY              READ ACTS 2:42‑47          FIRST READING

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 20:19‑31                GOSPEL

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 2:42‑47

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

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

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

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

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

 

1 PETER 1:3‑9

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

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

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

 

JOHN 20:19‑31

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

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

 

Application

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

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