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Lectio Divina – Fifth Sunday of Lent (April 6th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

John 8:1-11 – Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to Him, and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test Him, so that they could have some charge to bring against Him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger. But when they continued asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So He was left alone with the woman before Him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Fifth Sunday of Lent (April 6th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ ISAIAH 43:16-21 FIRST READING

  (“See, I am doing something new!”)

1. What has the Lord done? Isaiah 43:16

 

2. Why has he done this? Isaiah 51:10.

 

3. When was this done? Exodus 14:21.

 

4. Who lies prostrate never to rise again? Isaiah 43:17

 

5. What are we not to remember or even consider? Isaiah 43:18

 

Personal – Memorize Isaiah 43:18.  When your mind begins to dwell on the past, from this time forward, repeat this verse and keep your eyes on what Jesus has in store for you.

 

6. What is the Lord doing in verse 19 of Isaiah 43?

 

7. Who honors the Lord?  Isaiah 43:20

 

8. Where does the Lord put water and who drinks it? Isaiah 43:20

 

9. Who are his chosen in the following scriptures:

a. Luke 9:35    –

b. Acts 1:2     –

c. Deut. 7:6-11 –

d. Romans 11:5  –

 

10. For what reason did he form these people? Isaiah 43:21

 

Personal – In what way do you see yourself as one of God’s chosen people? Meditate on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 3:8-14 SECOND READING

(“I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”)

1. To what has Paul considered all as loss, what has he accepted, and for what reason has he considered this? Philippians 3:8

 

2. What is the righteousness Paul possesses and where does it have its origin? Philippians 3:9

 

3. On what is this righteousness based? Philippians 3:9

 

4. What three things does Paul wish to know in verse 10 of Philippians 3?

1.

2.

3.

 

5. What does Romans 6:3-4 say about baptism?

 

6. What must we do in order to be glorified with him? Romans 6:4 and John 3:16.

 

7. What does Paul hope to attain? Philippians 3:11

 

8. What has Paul not yet reached, what is he pursuing, and who has taken possession of him? Philippians 3:12

 

9. What do Philippians 3:13 and Isaiah 43:18 tell us to forget and what are we to do?

 

10. Toward what is Paul pursuing and what is the prize? Philippians 3:14

 

Personal – In which of the following ways are you going towards the finish line: sitting, crawling, strolling, fast walking, or running? What is the goal you are pursuing?

 

 

FOURTH READ JOHN 8:1-11 GOSPEL

(“Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin anymore.”)

1. Where was Jesus and what did he do when the people started coming to him? John 8:1-2

 

2. What two groups of men were there, who did they bring in, and what did they make her do? John 8:3

 

3. How did they address Jesus and what did they say to him? John 8:4-5

 

4. According to the law if a woman is married and is caught in adultery what will happen to both man and woman? Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22-24

 

5. Why did they question Jesus about the adulterer and what did Jesus do when they questioned him about her? John 8:6

 

6. When they persisted in their questioning, what did he say to them? John 8:7

 

7. How can you avoid judgment, and what must you do to see clearly? Matthew 7:1-5

 

8. Who are the sinners among us? Romans 3:23

 

9. What did Jesus do a second time? What happened to the audience, and in what succession? John 8:8-9

 

Personal – By whom are you being led?  Are you obedient to what your leaders in government tell you? Are you obedient to what your church leaders tell you?  Has there been a time when Jesus’ Word has been put in conflict with what government or church law has stated?  How have you responded to that conflict?

 

10. What did Jesus say to the woman after they were alone, what was her response, and then what did he say?  John 8:10-11

 

11. In what does God take pleasure? Ezekiel 33:11

 

Personal – How can you bring pleasure to the Lord today?  Take time to examine your conscience and attend the sacrament of reconciliation this week.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 126:1-6

(The Lord will lead his people from captivity to freedom)

Read and meditate on Psalm 126:1-6.

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

ISAIAH 43:16-21

The prophet Isaiah continues to proclaim a favorite theme to the exiles in Babylon.  It is called, “The New Exodus.”  God is being shown as the one “creating Israel – opening a way – leading out chariots”.  The words portray the exodus out of Egypt, ending in the final scene where the Egyptians are lying prostrate and never to be rising.  Pharaoh’s troops were crushed and drowned as they rushed into the parted sea opened for the Israelites (Exodus 15:19).  The Israelites are being warned not to continue glorifying in a past that has no time for application in the present.

The old exodus was temporary; the new exodus is forever.  The word Anamnesis is from this great act of exodus. (Exodus 15:19) Anamnesis means to bring back, to continue, to recreate, to live.  This is the heart of the Eucharistic prayer that constitutes the new exodus at every celebration of the Catholic Mass.  The people are being told to stop looking in the past and look to the future, toward the permanent, new exodus.

 

PHILIPPIANS 3:8-14

Paul shows us that true freedom can be found only in Jesus Christ, not in observance of a law.  He came to God in humble faith, as Jesus told him to do, and he found that fellowship he had sought for so long. Paul discovers that a right relationship with God is based not on law but on faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness is not achieved by any man but given by God.  Paul’s understanding of Christ changed his whole value system.

Paul, being a Jew himself, was very much aware of how complete compliance with the law was stressed.  He was an educated man, a Roman citizen, and one who hunted down people who did not comply fully with the Jewish belief.

To Paul, salvation meant sharing in the power of Christ’s resurrection as well as sharing in the suffering and becoming like him in death.  Like Paul, we too hope to share in the power of Christ’s resurrection, even as it means sharing in his sufferings and becoming like him in death.  Our sharing in his suffering can be through rejection by loved ones, family or friends. Jesus experienced rejection by friends right in his own home town.  It is this kind of imitation of Christ that gives us hope that will be completed by our resurrection from the dead, even as Christ also was raised.

Paul tells us that he has not yet reached his goal, that he is not yet been raised and is not yet perfect.  Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, take firm hold on the  everlasting life to which you were called, when, in the presence of many witnesses you made your noble profession of faith.”  We continue to make our profession of faith every time we say the Nicene Creed at a Roman Catholic Mass until we reach the finish line which is life on high in Christ Jesus.

Resurrection and perfection are goals which are pursued, not ones which we already have.  The prize of which Paul speaks is “Life on high in Christ Jesus”, that is, knowing and experiencing Jesus.  Our righteousness and goals come not because of our merit but because of grace which comes from God through Jesus Christ.

 

JOHN 8:1-11

In the eyes of the Jewish law, adultery was a very serious crime and was punishable by death.  The Scribes and the Pharisees were out to get something on Jesus and discredit him.

A scribe was an educated man, an intellectual, maybe a lawyer or even a scholar.  They were teachers of the Law.  Many were chosen to be Rabbis.  A Pharisee was a leader who practiced the observance of the law to its maximum degree.  The Pharisees were more concerned with keeping the external tenets of the law than what was in your heart.

The leaders insisted that Jesus give a decision on what to do with this adulteress.  They were hoping to trap him.  Jesus turned the tables on them by saying, “Let the man that is without sin cast the first stone.”  The elders were the first to leave and the rest followed.  Today, as in the days of Christ, people still follow the lead of influential people in the community, even if they are uninformed.  Jesus asked her where did her tormentors go, and who is there to condemn her.  Jesus told her that he does not condemn her either and to go and sin no more.  In Jesus there is the gospel of the second chance.  He didn’t say that what she had done did not matter; broken laws and broken hearts always matter;  but he was interested in her future more than in her past.

The Pharisees and scribes wished to condemn; Jesus wished to forgive.  They knew the thrill of exercising power to condemn; Jesus knew the thrill of exercising the power to forgive.  Jesus confronted the woman with a challenge to go out and reach for a life that does not involve sin.  He called her to go out and fight, to change her life completely.  Jesus showed his belief in her as a person.  He did not say “Lady you are a loser.”  He said, “Go and sin no more.”  His method is not to blast people with the knowledge which they already knew, that they were miserable sinners, but to inspire them to become living saints.

Jesus also gives a warning, unspoken but implied. She has a choice either to go back to her old life and end up in destruction or to reach out to the new way with him.  Jesus tells the man who he had just healed in the pool to stop sinning or something worse may happen to him (John 5:14).  He clearly warns all of us that sin leads only to destruction.  He offers to all of us a second chance, the gift of forgiveness.                

 

Application

The first reading shows us that to look “back” is not of the Lord.  The second reading reveals that only in Christ can true freedom be experienced.  The Gospel tells us that Jesus forgives us, he does not condemn us.

This week, let your family and your community see and experience you as a person who seeks justice and extends mercy and forgiveness.  A person who can forgive and forget is a person who is really free.

Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma (30 de Marzo) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pídele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.”  (JUAN 14:26)

PRIMER DIA  Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilía o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA JOSUE 5:9-12 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Hoy he quitado de encima de ustedes la vergüenza de Egipto.”)

1. ¿Qué le dijo el Señor a Josué que había quitado de ellos ese día? Josué  5:9

 

2. ¿Qué ha quitado el Señor de aquellos que le temen?  Salmo 103:12

 

3. ¿Dónde estaban acampados los Israelitas y qué celebraron en la noche del décimo cuarto día del mes? Josué  5:10

 

4. ¿Qué mandó el Señor el décimo cuarto día del mes?  Exodo 12:5-6, 11

 

5. ¿Qué comieron los Israelitas el día después de la Pascua? Josué  5:11

 

6. ¿Por qué has de trabajar? ¿Quién te lo dá? Juan 6:27

 

7. ¿Cuál dice Jesús que es la verdadera comida y bebida? Qué le pasa al que la come y la bebe? Juan 6:55-56

 

8. ¿Qué se acabó ese mismo día después de la Pascua?  Josué 5:12

 

9. ¿Por cuánto tiempo comieron el maná?  Exodo 16:35

 

10. ¿Por cuánto tiempo vivirás si comes la carne del Hijo de  Dios y bebes Su sangre? Juan 6:49-51

 

Personal – ¿Qué se te ha quitado que te permite participar en la comunión los Domingos? ¿Qué te demuestra en tu vida que la comunión es más importante que la comida en tu mesa?

 

 

TERCER DIA 2 CORINTIOS 5:17-21 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Somos mensajeros de Cristo; como si Dios mismo les rogara por nuestra boca.”)

1. ¿Qué es aquel que está en Cristo? ¿Qué ha pasado a lo antiguo? 2 Corintios 5:17

 

2. ¿Para aquellos que aceptaron a Cristo qué se les concedió llegar a ser? Juan 1:12-13

 

3. ¿Cómo hemos sido reconciliados con Dios y cuál es el ministerio que nos ha dado?  2 Corintios 5:18

 

4. ¿Qué eramos cuando fuimos reconciliados con Dios? ¿Cómo fuimos salvados? Romanos 5:10-11

 

5. ¿Qué no tomaba Dios ya en cuenta? ¿Qué nos encargó?  2 Corintios 5:19

 

6. ¿Qué declaró David y quién es bendecido? Romanos 4:6-8

 

7. ¿Qué somos ahora de Cristo? ¿Qué implora Pablo a la gente? 2 Corintios 5:20

 

8. ¿Cómo quiere Pablo dar a saber el misterio del Evangelio? ¿Qué hace aún estando encadenado? Efesios 6:19-20

 

9. ¿Por el bien de quién hizo Dios que Jesús cargara con  nuestros pecados aún sin haber El cometido alguno? ¿Qué obtenemos nosotros con éllo?  2 Corintios 5:21

 

10. ¿Qué es capaz Jesús de hacer y por qué razon? Hebreos 4:15

 

Personal – ¿Si Dios te ha encargado el mensaje de la reconciliación, cómo lo has compartido y llevado a cabo con los que te rodean?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 15:1-3, 11-32 EVANGELIO

(“Pero había que hacer fiesta y celebrar pues tu hermano estaba muerto y ha vuelto a la vida.”)

1. ¿Quiénes se acercaban a oír a Jesús, de qué se quejaban los Fariseos y escribas? ¿Cómo les habló Jesús?   Lucas 15:1-3

 

2. ¿En esta parábola que les dijo Jesús, qué le sucedió al hijo menor? ¿Qué deseaba haber comido? Lucas 15:11-16

 

3. ¿Cuando recapacitó qué decidió hacer y qué le iba a decir a su padre? Lucas 15:17-19

 

4. ¿De qué estaba lleno su padre cuando lo vió venir y qué hizo? Lucas 15:20

 

5. ¿De qué tiene compasión el Señor? Salmo 103:13

 

6. ¿Qué le dijo el hijo al padre?  ¿Qué hizo el padre y qué dijo acerca del hijo? Lucas 15:21-24

 

7. ¿A quién estabamos siguiendo que nos hizo morir por nuestros propios pecados?  ¿Cómo fuimos traidos de nuevo a la vida?  Efesios 2:1-5

 

8. ¿Cuál fue la reacción del hijo mayor al ver todos los festejos para el hijo menor?  Lucas 15:25-28

 

9. ¿Qué hizo el padre cuando su hijo mayor reaccionó así? ¿Qué le dijo éste a su padre?  Lucas 15:29-30

 

10. ¿Qué dijo el padre que le pertenecía al hijo mayor? ¿Por qué dijo que era tiempo de celebrar? Lucas 15:31-32

 

11. ¿Cuál es la voluntad de nuestro Padre celestial? ¿Qué no debes sentir en contra de ninguno  de sus pequeños?  Mateo 18:10-14

 

Personal – ¿Con quién te identificas en este evangelio? ¿Por qué?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 34:2-7

(“Mírenlo y quedarán iluminados.)

Leé y medita el Salmo 34:2-7.

¿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

JOSUE 5:9-12

Los Israelitas estaban listos para entrar muy pronto en la tierra prometida después de haber pasado 39 años en el desierto sin necesidad, solo por que tuvieron miedo y subestimaron la habilidad de Dios. Los Cananeos oyeron acerca de las grandes victorias de Israel conseguidas a traves de Dios (el cruce del Mar Rojo) y estaban aterrorizados. No subestimes a Dios. Si somos fieles a El como lo fueron Josué  y los Israelitas, entonces Dios podrá poner la suficiente oposición para desaparecer a los que se nos oponen. Dios puede cambiar las actitudes de estos.

El Señor le habló a Josué y le dijo que circuncidara a todos los varones de su campamento pues ese era un signo del pacto con El. Entonces el ángel le habló a Josué y le dijo que se preparara para la batalla y que solo escuchara el plan de Dios. Celebraron la fiesta de la Pascua antes de ir a la batalla de Jericó. La celebración les recordó quienes eran y lo que les había pasado para llegar a estar en esas condiciones.

Esta fue la primera celebración de la Pascua en la tierra prometida. Recordaron como había sido Dios con ellos en sus tiempos de peligro y hambre. Ahora estaban en una tierra donde abundaba la fruta, las verduras y el agua. Se dieron cuenta que Dios milagrosamente les había provisto con esta tierra para ellos. Se arrodillaron y oraron en acción de gracias a Dios por sostenerlos en su fe lo suficiente para pasar el desierto. Ellos supieron, y es importante que nosotros sepamos también que hacer oración no es una alternativa para prepararse a lo que se tiene que hacer y que la fe no es un substituto para el trabajo duro y honrado. Dios puede y de hecho nos proveé de milagros, pero El espera que usemos los talentos que nos ha dado y los recursos para proveernos a nosotros mismos y a los demás.

 

2 CORINTIOS 5:17-21

Los Cristianos son gente nueva por dentro cuando son bautizados. El Espíritu Santo vive dentro de ellos y les dá nueva vida, ya no son igual que antes. Cuando somos bautizados y nuevos hijos del Señor, no somos reformados, rehabilitados o reeducados; somos creaciones nuevas viviendo en completa unión con Cristo (Colosenses 2:6,7). No significa que estamos volteando una nueva hoja cuando somos bautizados. Significa que empezamos una vida nueva bajo un nuevo Maestro. Somos reconciliados con Dios por Su llanto debido a nuestros pecados o pecado original si es que fuimos bautizados cuando niños. Nos hace justos. No somos ya extraños o forasteros cuando confiamos en Dios.

Debido a que hemos sido reconciliados con Dios, se nos ha dado el privilegio de alentar a otros a hacer lo mismo. Estamos llamados a ser embajadores de Cristo y eso significa que seremos sus representantes. Como embajadores de Cristo somos mandados con Su mensaje de reconciliación al mundo. No tomemos esta responsabilidad a la ligera pues el mundo hambriento, pobre, derrotado y oprimido espera ansiosa y esperanzadamente por tí. ¿Cómo te ves a tí mismo en tu papel de embajador de Cristo?

Mientras confies en Dios haces un trato: tus pecados por Su bondad. El tomó para Sí mismo todos nuestros pecados en el Calvario y nosotros recibimos Su piedad que nos dá a manos llenas cuando nos convertimos. Esto es lo que los Cristianos quieren dar a entender cuando hablan acerca de la expiación de Cristo por los pecados. Caigamos de rodillas y demos a Dios toda nuestra gratitud por hacer posible que tengamos acceso a este trato increíble.

 

LUCAS 15:3, 11-32

El Evangelio de hoy nos muestra el conflicto entre el modo en que los Fariseos trataban a los pecadores y el modo en que lo hacía Jesús. A la gente que no guardaba las leyes se le llamaba “La gente de la tierra.” Estas personas fueron rechazadas por la mayoría de los Judíos Ortodoxos. A un fariseo se le prohibía tener algo que ver con un pecador conocido. Estuvieron espantados cuando Jesús sencillamente se llevaba bien con ellos. Ellos creían que si comías con un pecador, le hablabas y andabas con él tú también debías ser un pecador. Su filosofía era destruir al pecador delante de Dios.

Por supuesto Jesús creyó en salvar a los pecadores y les contó la historia de un jóven que se rebelaba mucho contra su familia. La ley Judía establecía que el hijo mayor debía obtener dos veces más del dinero de la herencia que lo que obtuvieran los otros hijos varones juntos. En esta historia el hijo más joven demandaba su parte de la herencia. Estaba aburrido y era flojo y quería irse del hogar y disfrutar del mundo. Pronto se le acabó el dinero y terminó alimentando puercos en una granja del lugar. Este era un trabajo que estaba prohibido a un Judío pues la ley establecia, “Maldito el que alimenta a los cerdos.”

El momento en que la historia cambia es cuando el jóven reflexiona y dice que es un pecador. Vuelve a casa, no pidiendo ser tratado como un hijo otra vez o como un esclavo pues aún estos tenían un cierto lazo de unión con la familia. Lo que pidió fue ser un sirviente a sueldo ya que estos no tenían ningún nivel social ni ninguna seguridad, unicamente vivían al día.  El sabía que era un pecador así que se confesó y se arrepintió.

El padre lo vió venir y corrió a encontrar a su hijo arrepentido. Le puso su capa de honor, un anillo que le daba un poder ilimitado para comprar cosas y le dió calzado. (A los esclavos o sirvientes a sueldo no se les daba calzado.) Una fiesta fue ordenada para que todos se alegraran de que un pecador estaba perdido y ahora había sido encontrado o como dijo el padre “Mi hijo estaba muerto y ahora esta vivo.” No olvidemos nunca que el amor de Dios puede derrotar aún la deliberada rebelión del corazón.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra al hombre que no debemos subestimar la habilidad de Dios. La segunda lectura revela que un Cristiano no es reformado o rehabilitado, es una creación nueva de Dios Todopoderoso. El Evangelio dice que los Fariseos creyeron en destruir al pecador, pero Jesús creyó en salvar al pecador.

Esta semana, deja que la gente vea tus acciones que son como las de Cristo no como las de los Fariseos. Demuéstralo mediante tu misericordia, tu habilidad de escuchar, no chismorreando y mostrando tu alegría cuando alguien pide perdón por algo que haya hecho mal. Jesús creyó que el amor puede conquistar toda clase de maldad y tus acciones probarán a la “gente de la tierra” que El decía la verdad. Jesús amó y salvó y tú tienes que hacer lo mismo.

Lectio Divina – Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 – …to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation…Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But the father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him…Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ …Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back…the servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry…and said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders, yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughtered the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 30th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ JOSHUA 5:9-12 FIRST READING

(“Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.”)

1. What did the Lord tell Joshua he had removed from them that day? Joshua 5:9

 

2. What has the Lord removed from those who fear him? Psalm 103:12

 

3. Where were the Israelites encamped, and what did they celebrate on the evening of the fourteenth of the month? Joshua 5:10

 

4. What was prescribed by the Lord on the fourteenth day of the month? Exodus 12:5-6, 11

 

5. What did the Israelites eat the day after the Passover? Joshua 5:11

 

6. For what are we to work, and who gives it to us? John 6:27

 

7. What did Jesus say is true food and drink, and what happens to whoever eats and drinks it? John 6:55-56

 

8. On that same day, after the Passover, what ceased? Joshua 5:12

 

9. How long did they eat the manna? Exodus 16:35

 

10. How long will you live if you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood? John 6:49-51

 

Personal – What has been removed from you that allows you to participate in communion on Sunday? In your life, what shows that communion is more important than the food on your table?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21 SECOND READING

(“So, we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us.”)

1. What is “whoever is in Christ,” and what has happened to the old things? 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

2. To those who accepted Christ, what did he give them the power to become? John 1:12-13

 

3. How have we been reconciled to God, and what has he given us the ministry of? 2 Corinthians 5:18

 

4. What were we when we were reconciled to God, and how were we saved? Romans 5:10-11

 

5. What did God not count, and what did he entrust to us? 2 Corinthians 5:19

 

6. What does David declare, and who is blessed? Romans 4:6-8

 

7. What are we for Christ, and what is Paul imploring the people to be? 2 Corinthians 5:20

 

8. How does Paul want to make known the mystery of the Gospel, and what does that make him in chains? Ephesians 6:19-20

 

9. For whose sake did God make Jesus become sin even though he did not know sin, and what did that make us?  2 Cor. 5:21

 

10. What is Jesus able to do and for what reason?  Hebrews 4:15

 

Personal – If God has entrusted to you the message of reconciliation, how have you shared and acted upon that message to those around you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 15:1-3,11-32 GOSPEL

(“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again.”)

1. Who was drawing near to listen to Jesus, and what were the Pharisees and scribes complaining about?  How did he address them? Luke 15:1-3

 

2. In the parable Jesus told, what happened to the younger son? What did the man long to eat? Luke 15:11-16

 

3. Coming to his senses, what did he decide to do, and what was he going to say to his father? Luke 15:17-19

 

4. With what was his father filled when he saw his son, and what did he do? Luke 15:20

 

5. On who does the Lord have compassion? Psalm 103:13

 

6. What did the son say to the father, and what did the father do and say about the son? Luke 15:21-24

 

7. What were we following that made us dead in our own transgressions, and how were we brought to life? Ephesians 2:1-5

 

8. What was the older son’s reaction to all the dancing and festivities for the younger son? Luke 15:25-28

 

9. What did the father do at the older son’s reaction, and what did he say to his father? Luke 15:29-30

 

10. What did the father say belonged to the older son, and why did he say it was time to celebrate? Luke 15:31-32

 

11. What is the will of our heavenly Father, and how should we not feel over one of his little ones? Matthew 18:10-14

 

Personal – With whom do you relate in this gospel, and why?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 34:2-7

(“Look to him that you may be radiant with joy.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 34:2-7.

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

JOSHUA 5:9-12

The Israelites were ready to soon enter into the promised land after spending 39 years in the wilderness unnecessarily because they were afraid and underestimated God’s ability.  The Canaanites heard about Israel’s great victories through God (crossing the Red Sea) and were terrified of them.  Do not underestimate God. If we are faithful to him, as Joshua and the Israelites were faithful, then God can cause great opposition to melt away. God can change the attitudes of those who oppose us.

The Lord spoke to Joshua and told him that he was to circumcise all the males in his camp because that was the sign of the covenant with him. Then the angel spoke to Joshua and told him to prepare for battle and to listen to God’s plan only. They celebrated the feast of Passover before they went on to the battle of Jericho.  The celebration reminded them of who they were, and what happened to get them that far.

This was the first celebration of the Passover in the Promised Land.  The Israelites remembered how God was with them in their times of danger and hunger. They were now in a land that was overflowing with fruit, vegetables, and water. They knew that God has miraculously provided this land for them. They knelt and in prayer they thanked God for keeping their faith strong enough to get through the wilderness.

They knew, and it is important for us to know too, that prayer is not an alternative to preparing for what needs to be done, and faith is not a substitute for hard, honest work.  God can and does provide us with miracles, but he expects us to use our God-given talents and resources to provide for others and ourselves.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21

Christians are brand-new people on the inside when they become baptized. The Holy Spirit dwells within them and gives them a new life, and they are no longer the same. When we become baptized and a new child of the Lord, we are not reformed, rehabilitated or reeducated: we are brand-new creations, living in complete union with Christ (Colossians 2:6,7). It does not mean we are turning over a new leaf when we are baptized. It means we are beginning a new life under a new Master. We are reconciled to God by his wiping out of our sins, or original sin if one is being baptized as a child. We are made righteous. We are no longer strangers or foreigners when we trust in God.

Because we have been reconciled to God, we now have been given the privilege of encouraging others to do the same. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, and this means we are to be his representatives. As ambassadors of Christ, we are sent with his message of reconciliation to the world. We need not take this responsibility lightly because a hungry, broken, poor, and oppressed world anxiously and hopefully awaits us. How do you see yourself in the role of Christ’s ambassador?

While you trust in Christ, you make a trade: your sins for his goodness. He took on unto himself all of our sins at Calvary, and we received his righteousness that he has poured out for us at our conversion.  This is what Christians mean when they talk about Christ’s atonement for sin. Let us fall on our knees and give God our total gratitude for making this marvelous trade available for us.

 

LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32

Today’s Gospel shows us the conflict between the Pharisees’ way of treating a sinner and Jesus’ way.  To people who did not keep the law, a label called “The people of the land” was given to them. These people were shunned by most Orthodox Jews. A Pharisee was forbidden to have anything to do with a known sinner. They were shocked at the easy way that Jesus got along with them. Their attitude was that to eat with a sinner, to talk to a sinner and to be with sinners must mean that you, too, were a sinner. Their philosophy was to destroy the sinner before God.

Jesus, of course, believed in saving the sinner and told them a story about a young man who was very rebellious to his family. Jewish law stated that the oldest son must get twice as much inheritance money as all the other sons combined.  In this story the younger of two sons demanded his share of the money. He was bored and lazy and wanted to leave home to go and enjoy the outside world.  He soon ran through the money, and he finished up feeding the pigs at a local farm.  This was a job that was forbidden to a Jew because the law stated, “Cursed is he who feeds the swine.

The turning point in the story came when the young man came to his senses and said that he was a sinner. He came back home, not to ask if he could be a son again or even a slave, because there still was some kind of tie to the family being even a slave. But he asked to be a paid servant who had no status or security, only day-to-day existence.  He knew that he was a sinner, so he confessed and was repentant.

The father saw the son coming and rushed out to meet his repentant son. His father put a robe of honor on his son, a ring that gave him unlimited buying power, and shoes (a slave or hired servant had no shoes). A feast was ordered so that all might rejoice in that a sinner was lost but now was found, or as the father put it, “My son was dead, but now he is alive.” We must never forget that the love of God can defeat even the deliberate rebellion of the heart.

 

Application

The first reading shows all men that we are not to under-estimate the ability of God.  The second reading reveals that a Christian is not reformed or rehabilitated but is a brand-new creation of almighty God.  The Gospel says the Pharisees believed in destroying the sinner, but Jesus believed in saving the sinner.

This week let people around you see Christ-like actions, not Pharisee-type actions. Show others by your mercy, by your ability to listen, by your not joining in the gossip, and by showing joy when someone apologizes for something they have done wrong. Jesus believed that love will conquer all forms of evil, and your actions will prove to the “people of the land” that he is right.  Jesus loved and saved, and you are called to do no less.

Lectio Divina – Third Sunday of Lent (March 23rd) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 13:1-9 – Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And He told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in His orchard, and when He came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Tercer Domingo de Cuaresma (23 de Marzo) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pídele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.”  (JUAN 14:26)

PRIMER DIA  Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilía o de las lecturas que oíste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA EXODO 3:1-8, 13-15 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Esto es lo que le dirás a los Israelitas: YO-SOY me ha enviado a ustedes.”)

1. ¿Qué estaba haciendo Moisés, a donde fue, cómo se llamaba ese lugar? Exodo 3:1

 

2. ¿Cómo se apareció a Moisés el ángel del Señor? ¿Por qué se encontraba Moisés sorprendido? ¿Qué decidió hacer? Exodo 3:2-3

 

3. ¿Qué edad tendría Moisés aproximadamente cuando se le aparecio el ángel? Hechos 7:23, 30

 

4. ¿Qué hizo y dijo Dios a Moisés cuando este se acercó a la zarza? Exodo 3:4-6

 

5. ¿Cuál dijo Jacob que era la puerta del cielo? Génesis 28:17

 

6. ¿De qué tuvo miedo Moisés? Exodo 3:6

 

7. ¿Qué dijo el Señor que había visto, qué conocía y a qué bajo? Exodo 3:7-8

 

8. ¿Qué debemos hacer por los que son llevados a la muerte?  Proverbios 24:11

 

Personal – ¿Sabiendo que el Señor ha rescatado a Su pueblo de la esclavitud y la muerte, qué has hecho tú para continuar siendo Sus manos y sus pies, rescatando a los que se planea abortar? ¿Qué puedes hacer en esos lugares donde van a abortar para que sepan de Su presencia?

 

9. ¿Qué contestó y qué preguntó Moisés a Dios? ¿Cuál dijo Dios que era Su nombre?  Exodo 3:13-14

 

10. ¿Qué le dijo Dios a Moisés que les dijera a los Israelitas?  Exodo 3:15

 

11. ¿Cuánto tiempo dura el nombre de Dios? ¿Cuál es Su título?  Salmo 135:13

 

12. ¿Quién entrará en el reino de los cielos?  Mateo 7:21

 

Personal – ¿Cómo llamas a Aquel que te ha enviado y a qué te ha enviado?

 

 

TERCER DIA 1 CORINTIOS 10:1-6, 10-12 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Así pues, el que crea estar firme, tenga cuidado de no caer.”)

1. ¿De qué quería Pablo que los hermanos se dieran cuenta? 1 Corintios 10:1-2

 

2. ¿En quién y con quién has sido bautizado? Romanos 6:3

 

3. ¿Qué comieron y qué bebieron todos ellos, de qué clase de roca bebieron y quién era la roca? 1 Corintios 10:3-4

 

4. ¿Qué alimento espiritual les dió a nuestros antepasados? ¿Qué alimento espiritual nos dá a nosotros? Juan 6:31 y Juan 6:35

 

5. ¿Por qué cayeron nuestros antepasados? 1 Corintios 10:5-6 y Hebreos 3:17

 

6. ¿Qué hizo el Señor con los incrédulos? Judas 5

 

7. ¿Qué no debemos hacer así como hicieron algunos de nuestros antepasados? 1 Corintios 10:10

 

8. ¿Por qué se han escrito estas cosas? ¿De qué debes tener cuidado? 1 Corintios 10:11-12

 

9. ¿Por qué no te vuelves altanero, qué es lo que te sostiene? Romanos 11:20

 

Personal – ¿Qué actitudes que no son agradables a Dios has adquirido de tus antepasados? ¿Cómo podrías o como has podido superarlas?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 13:1-9 EVANGELIO

(“Si no se arrepienten, ustedes perecerán como ellos.”)

1. ¿Qué le contaron a Jesús algunos, cuál fue Su respuesta? Lucas 13:1-2

 

2. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que pasará si no te arrepientes? Lucas 13:3

 

3. ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca de las 18 personas que fueron aplastadas cuando la torre de Siloé se derrumbó? ¿Qué les repitió? Lucas 13:4-5

 

4. ¿Qué te pasará si no creés que Jesús es qué? Juan 8:24

 

5. ¿De qué debes arrepentirte y qué recibirás? Hechos 2:38

 

6. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a la gente? ¿Qué estaba plantado en la viña de un hombre? Lucas 13:6

 

7. ¿Qué le dijo el hombre al viñador? Lucas 13:7

 

8. ¿Qué le hizo Jesús a la higuera y qué les dijo a Sus discípulos? Mateo 21:19-21

 

9. ¿Qué le pasará a todos los árboles que no den buenos frutos? Mateo 3:10

 

10. ¿Qué dijo el viñador al hombre que haría para ver si el árbol daba fruto en el futíro? ¿Y si no lo daba que se haría? Lucas 13:8-9

 

Personal – Arrepentirse significa Cambiar. ¿Cómo ha cambiado tu vida desde que estás estudiando la Palabra de Dios, qué frutos se han hecho evidentes con este cambio?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 103:1-4, 6-8, 11

(“El Señor es tierno y compasivo, es paciente y todo amor.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 103:1-4, 6-8, 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

EXODO 3:1-8, 13-15

En la lectura de hoy se nos muestra el asombroso contraste entre la vida de Moisés como príncipe Egipcio y su vida como un insignificante pastor. Como príncipe, todo lo hacían por él; siendo hijo de una princesa Egipcia, se hizo muy famoso y muy popular. Como pastor el sabía lo que era trabajar duro, sin ser premiado y con mucha soledad. Ahora tenía el trabajo que antes se le había enseñado a despreciar. Vivía en las colinas como un desconocido y como un forastero. Esto debió haber sido una increible experiencia de humildad para Moisés, pero Dios en Su infinita sabiduría estaba preparándolo para ser un líder. Moisés no podía ver esto entonces, pero Dios lo estaba preparando para libertar a Israel.

Dios le habló a Moisés desde una fuente inesperada: una zarza ardiente. Cuando Moisés la vió, fue a investigar. Con frecuencia Dios se vale de fuentes inesperadas cuando esta trabajando algo en nuestra vida. Tú también puedes ir a investigar. Dios también habla a traves de las personas. El quizá le hable a tu conyuge, a tus padres, a algún amigo, a un pariente, a cualquiera. Tú debes investigar y abrirte como Moisés  ya sea que El se valga de esas personas o de algunas experiencias.

Debes estar listo para las sorpresas de Dios. El podrá decirte por donde ir cuando estés listo para escuchar a “la zarza ardiendo.” Dios le dijo a Moisés que se quitara los zapatos porque estaba pisando tierra santa. Moisés obedeció inmediatamente y no solo se descalzo sino que cubrió su rostro. Quitarse los zapatos fue un acto de reverencia y le dió a entender a Dios que se sentía indigno. Dios es nuestro amigo, pero primero y más que nada es nuestro Señor y Soberano. ¿Cuando adoras a Dios te le acercas de un modo despreocupado o como alguien que fuera invitado a presentarse ante un rey?

 

1 CORINTIOS 10:1-6, 10-12

La lectura de hoy es un ejemplo muy claro de lo que le acarrea a una persona, a una población ó a una nación el confiarse demasiado y no disciplinarse, una grán inmadurez espiritual. Esta lectura nos anima a recordar nuestro Bautizmo y como hemos sido bendecidos con tener a Dios dentro de nosotros mismos. Como la gente de la lectura de hoy, nosotros hemos sido guiados a traves de tormentas espantosas y traidos a un lugar seguro por medio del amor y el poder de Dios. Ellos siguieron la nube de día y el fuego de noche.

Tenemos a Cristo dentro de nosotros de modo personal. Podemos tener acceso inmediato a El si así lo deseamos. El mundo de hoy, como los Egipcios trataron de hacer a los Israelitas, está tratando de guiarnos hacía el mar de la desesperación y la destrucción. Pero debido a que somos templos del Espíritu Santo (1 Corin. 6:19), podemos pedir el poder del Espíritu Santo que está dentro de nosotros (1 Juan 4:4) y calmar la tormenta que se descarga en los distintos momentos de nuestra vida.

Recordemos, así como los Israelitas necesitaron recordar, que a menos que continuemos siendo un pueblo que haga oración, que adore a Dios y haga lo que Su Santa palabra dice, seremos unos rebeldes y moriremos en nuestro desierto tambien. Las presiones del mundo de hoy hacen fácil el olvidar las lecciones del pasado, pero la lectura diaria de las Escrituras será una poderosa manera de recordar como es que Dios quiere realmente que vivamos. No necesitamos hacer los mismos errores que hicieron los hombres de la lectura de hoy. Se nos ha dado el inmenso regalo de la libertad de hacer nuestra voluntad. Nuestro Dios es un Dios de amor y tenemos dentro el poder del Espíritu Santo para ayudarnos a escoger el amar.

 

LUCAS 13:1-9

El Evangelio de hoy es un llamado al arrepentimiento. El que nos maten o el estar vivos no es una indicación de que seamos justos de por sí. Todos eventualmente moriremos, es parte de la naturaleza humana. Pero no todos necesitamos permanecer muertos. Jesús nos prometió a todos que si creemos en El, no pereceremos, sino que tendremos vida eterna (Juan 3:16).

Hay muchas personas en nuestra sociedad y aún en nuestra familia que se parecen a la higuera de la lectura de hoy. Han sido alimentadas toda la vida y no están produciendo ningún fruto. Rehusan escuchar como se dan los frutos buenos y finalmente muchos de ellos mueren o son cortados. Necesitamos oir lo que dice el Evangelio de hoy pues somos como aquella higuera y debemos arrepentirnos. Necesitamos ser regados y recultivados si no, nos arrancarán y nos tirarán. Jesús murió por nosotros; El ha dejado Su Espíritu para que nos ayude a crecer.

Nuestra iglesia nos rodea con las enseñanzas de Cristo, los sacramentos, las Sagradas Escrituras, la convivencia; todo ello para ayudarnos a dar frutos de amor. Somos productores de una maravillosa clase de fruta que da la vida. Así sabrán quienes somos cuando vean y prueben nuestros frutos de amor, alegría, paz, paciencia, amabilidad, generosidad, fidelidad, gentileza y control de nosotros mismos. Esta es la clase de frutas que debemos dar.

Jesús constantemente te ruega que salves tu árbol de vida que tienes dentro. Escúchalo hoy mismo. Déjalo que abra tus raices y que saque todo lo podrido por medio del sacramento de la reconciliación. Deja que Jesús te ame a traves de la oración y de Su Santa Palabra y toma un tiempo únicamente para oirlo. Permítele que se deleite contigo otra vez.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura dice como Moisés vió la zarza ardiendo e investigó, así como nosotros debemos investigar. En la segunda lectura vemos que nuestro bautizmo esta constantemente presente a traves de nuestras vidas. El Evangelio dice que el Cristiano ha nacido para no morir nunca y para vivir por siempre.

Esta semana como Moisés, mira y escucha a Dios hablándote. Quizá te está hablando a traves de alguien de tu famila. Moisés lo oyó en una “zarza ardiendo.” Tu bautizmo te hace un templo del Espíritu Santo y tu lenguaje refleja tu actitud de lo que crees que hay dentro de tu templo. Deja que los que te rodean oigan únicamente palabras que sean honorables y aceptables en la presencia de un rey. ¿Qué clase de frutos darás? ¿Pregúntales a los que están mas cercanos a tí que clase de fruto ven en tí? Esta semana, pasa un tiempo, recortando, alimentando, regando tu árbol de vida y tus frutos alimentarán a tu famila.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 23rd) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ EXODUS 3:1-8, 13-15 FIRST READING

(“This is what you are to tell the Israelites: I Am sent me to you.”)

1. What was Moses doing, where did he arrive, and what was it called? Exodus 3:1

 

2. How did an angel of the Lord appear to Moses, at what was he surprised, and what did he decide to do? Exodus 3:2-3

 

3. Approximately how old was Moses when the angel appeared to him? Acts 7:23, 30

 

4. What did God do and say when Moses came near the bush? Exodus 3:4-6

 

5. What did Jacob say was a gateway to heaven? Genesis 28:17

 

6. What was Moses afraid to do? Exodus 3:6

 

7. What did the Lord say he has witnessed, what does he know, and what has he come down to do?  Exodus 3:7-8

 

8. What are we to do to those who are being dragged to death? Proverbs 24:11

 

Personal  –  As the Lord has rescued his people from slavery and death, how have you continued to be his hands and feet and rescued those who have been programmed for abortion?  What can you do at the abortion mills to make his presence known?

 

9. What did Moses say and ask God, and what did God say is his name? Exodus 3:13-14

 

10. What did God tell Moses to say to the Israelites? Exodus 3:15

 

11. How long does God’s name endure, and what is his title? Psalm 135:13

 

12. Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 7:21

 

Personal – What do you call the One who has sent you, and what has he sent you to do?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6, 10-12 SECOND READING

(“Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure, should take care not to fall.”)

1. Of what does Paul not want the brothers to be unaware? 1 Corinthians 10:1-2

 

2. Into who and what have you been baptized? Romans 6:3

 

3. From what did they all eat and drink, from what kind of a rock did they drink, and who was the rock? 1 Cor. 10:3-4

 

4. What spiritual food did he give our ancestors, and what spiritual food does he give us? John 6:31, 6:35

 

5. Why were our ancestors struck down? 1 Corinthians 10:5-6 and Hebrews 3:17

 

6. What did the Lord do to those who did not believe? Jude 5

 

7. What should we not do as some of our ancestors have done? 1 Corinthians 10:10

 

8. Why have these things been written down, and of what should you be careful? 1 Corinthians 10:11-12

 

9. Why do you not become haughty, and how should you stand? Romans 11:20

 

Personal – What attitudes that are not pleasing to God have been passed on to you by your ancestors? How can you or how have you overcome them?   

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 13:1-9 GOSPEL

(“If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did.”)

1. What did some people tell Jesus, and what was his reply? Luke 13:1-2

 

2. What did Jesus say will happen if you do not repent? Luke 13:3

 

3. What does Jesus say about the eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Saloam fell on them, and what does he repeat? Luke 13:4-5

 

4. If you do not believe Jesus is what, what will happen to you? John 8:24

 

5. Of what are you to repent, and what will you receive? Acts 2:38

 

6. What did Jesus tell the people, and what was planted in the man’s orchard? Luke 13:6

 

7. What did the man say to the gardener? Luke 13:7

 

8. What did Jesus do to the fig tree, and what did he tell his disciples? Matthew 21:19-21

 

9. What will happen to every tree that does not bear good fruit? Matthew 3:10

 

10. What did the gardener tell the man he would do in hopes it would bear fruit in the future, and what did he say to do if it did not bear fruit? Luke 13:8-9

 

Personal –  Repent means to change. How has your life changed since you have been studied God’s Word, and what fruit is evident from this change?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 103:1-4, 6-8, 11

(“Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 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

EXODUS 3:1-8, 13-15

In today’s reading we are shown the startling contrast between Moses’ life as an Egyptian prince and his life as an obscure shepherd.  As a prince, he had everything done for him, and as the son of an Egyptian princess, he became very famous and very popular.  As a shepherd he experienced hard work, little recognition and much loneliness. He was now holding the very job he had been taught to despise. He lived in the hills unknown and as a foreigner. This must have been an incredibly humbling experience for Moses, but God in his infinite wisdom was preparing Moses for leadership.  Moses could not see this yet, but God was getting him ready to free Israel.

God spoke to Moses from an unexpected source: a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he went to investigate. God often uses unexpected sources when working in our lives.  You can be open to investigate as God speaks through his people. He might speak to your spouse, parents, friend, relative, or anyone. You need to investigate and be open as Moses was open to God’s use of people or experiences.

Be ready for God’s surprises. He may have guidance for you that can come when you are ready to listen to a “burning bush.” God told Moses to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. Moses immediately obeyed and covered his face as well. Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence and conveying to God his own unworthiness. God is our friend, but he is first and foremost our sovereign Lord. When you worship God, do you approach him casually or as though you were an invited guest before a king.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6, 10-12

Today’s reading is a powerful example of what happens to a person, a people, or a nation when over confidence and lack of discipline bring about a great spiritual immaturity. This reading encourages us to remember our own Baptism and how we have been blessed to have God within us.  Like the people in today’s reading, we too have been guided through many raging storms and have been led through to safety by the love and power of God. They followed a cloud by day and fire by night.

We have Christ within us personally. We can have instant access to him if we so desire. The world today, as the Egyptians tried to do to the Israelites, is trying to drive us into the sea of despair and destruction.  Because we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), we can call upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us (1 John 4:4) and calm the storms that rage in different times of our lives.

We need to remember, just as the Israelites needed to remember, that unless we continue to be people of prayer, worship, and doers of God’s Holy Word, we will be rebellious, and we will die in our wilderness too.  The pressures of today’s world makes it easy to forget the lessons of the past, but the daily reading of Scripture will be a powerful reminder of how God wants us to really live. We do not need to make the same mistakes as the people in today’s reading. We have been given the tremendous gift of free will.  Our God is a God of love, and we have within us the power of the Holy Spirit to help us choose to love.

 

LUKE 13:1-9

Today’s Gospel is a call to repentance. Being killed or staying alive are not measures of righteousness in themselves. Everyone will die at some time; that is part of being human. But not everyone needs to stay dead. Jesus promises all of us that if we believe in him, we will not perish, but instead we will have eternal life (John 3:16).

There are many people in our communities, and even in our families, who are like the fig tree in today’s reading. They are being nurtured through life, and they are not producing any fruit. They refuse to listen on how to bear good fruit, and finally, many of them die or are cut down. We need to really hear what is being said in today’s Gospel because we are like that tree and we need to repent. We need to be watered and re-cultivated or we will be ripped out and thrown away. Jesus died for us; he has left his Spirit to help us grow.

Our church embraces us with the teachings of Christ, the sacraments, Holy Scripture, fellowship; all of this to help us bear the fruits of love. We are bearers of a wonderful kind of life-giving fruit. They will know who we are when they see and taste our fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  This is the kind of fruit we were meant to bear.

Jesus is constantly pleading to save your tree of life within you. Listen to him today. Let him open your roots and root out all the rotten growth through the sacrament of reconciliation. Let Jesus love you through prayer and his Holy Word, and spend time just listening to him.  Let him make you his delight once again.

 

Application

The first reading tells how Moses saw the burning bush and investigates just as we should investigate.  In the second reading we see our baptism is constantly being experienced throughout our lives.  The Gospel says a Christian is born to never die, but to live forever.

This week, like Moses, look and listen to God speak. He may be speaking through someone in your family. Moses heard him in a “burning bush.”  Your baptism made you a temple of the Holy Spirit, and your language reflects your attitude of what you think is inside your temple. Let those around you hear only words that are honorable and acceptable in the presence of a king. What kind of fruit do you bear?  Ask those closest to you what kind of fruit they see in you?  This week, spend time in pruning, nurturing, and watering your tree of life, and your fruit will feed your family.

Second Sunday of Lent (March 16th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18 FIRST READING

(“I am the Lord who brought you from Ur…”)

1. The Lord took Abram outside and said what to him? Genesis 15:5

 

2. In whom did Abram put his faith, and as what was it credited? Genesis 15:6

 

3. The righteousness Paul possesses comes from what? Philippians 3:9

 

4. Read the following scriptures and tell how they apply to you. Romans 4:3, 9, 22, Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23

 

5. From where did Abram come? Genesis 15:7

 

6. What question did Abram put to the Lord? Genesis 15:8

 

7. What did the Lord tell Abram to do and what swooped down on the carcasses? Genesis 15:9-11

 

8. What did Abram do when the birds of prey came? Genesis 15:11

 

9. What happened to Abram as the sun was about to set? Genesis 15:12

 

10. What are similar ways symbolizing the presence of God in these scriptures? Exodus 19:17-19, Acts 2:3-4

 

11. What did the Lord do with Abraham on that occasion? Genesis 15:18

 

12. In whom did the fulfillment of this covenant take place? Joshua 1:1-9

 

Personal – What is your relationship with God right now? How do you show that you believe the promises God has made in the Bible? What are some of the promises of God, and the covenants he has made with his people? Reflect on this and talk to God about it.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1 SECOND READING

(“…continue, my dear ones, to stand firm in the Lord.”)

1. Who are we to imitate, and who are we to take as a guide? Philippians 1:1 and 3:17

 

2. How do many conduct themselves and what will happen to them? Philippians 3:18-19

 

3. What is their god and their glory, and with what do they occupy their mind? Philippians 3:19

 

4. Where do we have our citizenship, and for what do we wait? Philippians 3:20

 

5. What will the Lord do to our bodies? Philippians 3:21

 

6. According to what does he remake our bodies, and for what reason? Philippians 3:21

 

7. Who does Paul love? Philippians 4:1

 

8. Who does Jesus say his brothers are? Matthew 12:46-50

 

9. What does Paul tell his brothers? Philippians 4:1

 

Personal – How much time do you spend taking care of your body? Are you looking forward to the Lord remaking this body? How can you “stand firm,” as Paul tells us to do?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 9:28-36 GOSPEL

(“This is my Son, my Chosen One. Listen to him.”)

1. What did Jesus say eight days before he took Peter, John and James up onto a mountain to pray? Luke 9:27

 

2. On what other occasions were Peter, John and James with Jesus? Luke 8:51-52 and Mark 14:32-33

 

3. What did they go up on the mountain to do? Luke 9:28

 

4. What happened to Jesus’ face and clothes as he prayed? Luke 9:29

 

5. Who were suddenly conversing with Jesus? Luke 9:30

 

6. How did they appear, and about what did they speak? Luke 9:31

 

7. Upon awakening, what happened to Peter and those with him? Luke 9:32

 

Personal – How do you think you would react if while in prayer you fell asleep and awoke seeing Jesus, Moses and Elijah? Do you think this is possible?

 

8. When the men were leaving, what did Peter say to Jesus? Luke 9:33

 

9. While Peter was speaking, what overshadowed them? What was the reaction of the disciples? Luke 9:34

 

10. What came from the cloud and what was said? Luke 9:35

 

11. Who was standing there when the voice fell silent, and did the disciples tell anyone about this at that time? Luke 9:36

 

Personal – In what ways have you listened to Jesus this past week? Do you speak to him and then listen to what he has to say through his Word?  What is it that God wants to do in you?  Are you allowing God to transform you?  As you do this you too will be transformed as it says in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 27:1, 7-9, 13-14

(“Wait for the Lord, take courage;”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 27:1, 7-9, 13-14.

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

GENESIS 15:5-12, 17-18

Abram was not promised wealth or fame, he already had that, but God promised that Abram’s descendants would be too numerous to count. Abram was an old man with no heirs to his own fame and fortune and we see God promising to change all that. Abram believes with all his heart, mind and soul. Abram’s faith was a strong response to the living presence and power of God in his life and his faith had made him right with God.

We too can have a right relationship with God by trusting him with our lives. Our outward actions, church attendance, prayer, good deeds, and even reading Sacred Scripture, by themselves, will not make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith. We are confident that God is who he says he is, and does what he says he will do. Righteous actions will follow a strong faith naturally as a by-product.

We have read of Abram’s mistakes and know that he was not perfect. Though human and sinful, Abram believed and trusted in God. It was faith and not perfection that made Abram righteous in God’s eyes. This same principle applies to us. Our first response must be to believe in God and to trust in him completely.  God’s covenant with Abram was serious business. It represented an incredible promise from God and a huge responsibility from Abram. To confirm his promises to Abram, God gave him a sign, the smoking fire pot and the flaming torch. God confirmed his promise to you and to me when he gave us Jesus Christ, our personal Lord and Savior.

 

PHILIPPIANS 3:17-4:1

Paul challenges the Philippians to use him as a role model in their attempt to live like Christ. He did not mean that they should just copy him as if he were perfect, but they should focus on their lives being like Christ’s life. There was no written Gospel yet, so Paul could not tell them to read the bible to see what Christ was like. Paul therefore urged the people to follow his example as a personal testimony to his character.

We need to ask ourselves about what kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she imitated us. There is an old saying that is pretty powerful, and it goes like this: “To some people, the only bible that they will ever read will be you.” Paul was very strong in his comment about the self-indulgent Christians. These are people who claim to be Christian, but do not live up to the model of being a servant of Christ. There is very little sacrifice in their attitude or actions. They satisfy their own desires before even thinking about the needs of others.

Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to be selfish, it means the opportunity to serve. We can only become true servants of the Lord when we die to ourselves. This means putting others first, and it means that we all are called to “walk the walk, as well as, talk the talk.” Paul was very clear in stating that the bodies we receive when we as Christians are raised from the dead will be like Christ’s resurrected body.

Paul is encouraging his listeners to give thanks, and we might all give thanks today, because when Christ returns to take us into his eternal kingdom, we will be glorified and made completely perfect. Paul closes the reading by telling his listeners that he longs to see his brothers and sisters in the Lord. He longs to renew old friendships and he urges them to stay true to the Lord.

Today that plea is extremely important and we are called to hold true to the Lord. The attack on us as Christians is enormous and only by being true to Jesus Christ and staying close in Christian fellowship through his Holy Word, church and sacraments can we be victorious with him.

 

LUKE 9:28-36

Jesus took Peter, James and John to the top of the mountain to pray together to his heavenly father. He took them there to show them who he really was, not just a great prophet, but God’s only Begotten Son. He just recently told them that they would not die before they had seen the kingdom of God (Luke 9:27). He was referring to the transfiguration. Jesus’ listeners were not going to have to wait for another future Messiah. He was telling them the kingdom was among them and would soon come in power through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Moses, representing the Law, and Elijah, representing the prophets, appeared with Jesus and God’s voice singled out Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah with divine authority. Jesus would fulfill both the law and the prophets because he was the summation of it all. The brightness of Jesus’ face was being seen for the first time by the apostles. They were really seeing him for whom he really was. Moses saw the dazzling brightness in the clouds on the mountaintop and in the burning bush on the desert floor, but while he was alive, he never saw the brightness that radiated from the face of Christ on that mountaintop. The transfiguration or change was in the apostles because they were seeing Jesus in a totally new way.

Have you experienced the miracle of the transfiguration in your life?  Have you asked Christ to come in and take up residence in your heart?  He will gladly abide in you if you will abide in him (John 15:7). Jesus stands knocking on the door to our heart, and he will wait as long as it takes. Open that door of your heart today and look into the radiance and dazzling brightness of his face. He is waiting to share his transfiguration with you, and he wants you to witness to others the miracle of his love and forgiveness.

The apostles did not want to leave that mountain because the change was fantastic, and they did not want to take a chance of losing the excitement of the moment. Jesus is the chosen one and in him is all power and glory. He wants the apostles to come off that mountain and go forth and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus is giving all of us the same command, and that is to leave the safety of the mountaintop, and go down into the dark, cold valleys and lead our children to safety (Matthew 28:20). And remember, whatever you do to the least of my children, you do unto me (Matthew 25:31-46.)

 

Application

The first reading shows faith is the response to the living presence and power of God in our life. The second reading challenges faith-filled Christians to be Christ-like role models. The Gospel reveals that conversion to Christ brings upon us a complete transfiguration.

This week, let others see in you a transfiguration. Show that Christ resides within you by your actions. Make a commitment to serve joyfully those around you, and others will notice the radiance and dazzling brightness that comes from you. You will bring more people to Christ by the good fruit you bear. Gal.5:22-23