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Lection Divina – The Ascension of the Lord (May 18th or May 21st)

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE – Matthew 28:16-20 – The Eleven Disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

Lectio Divina – 6th Sunday of Easter (May 14th)

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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 14:15-21 – Jesus said to His disciples: ‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows Him. But you know Him, because He remains with you, and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and in you. Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me. And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

QUINTO DOMINGO DE PASCUA (May 7th) – 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 6:1-7                       PRIMERA LECTURA

(“La palabra de Dios se difundía.”)

  1. ¿De qué se quejaban aquellos que hablaban griego? Hechos 6:1

 

  1. ¿En qué consiste la religión verdadera y perfecta? Santiago 1:27

 

  1. ¿A quiénes reunieron a los doce; qué les dijeron que no era correcto descuidar?   Hechos 6:2

 

  1. ¿Qué pidieron los discípulos que se buscara y cómo debían ser esos hombres? Hechos 6:3

 

  1. ¿Qué podemos hacer con las palabras que nos enseña el Espíritu? 1 Corintios 2:13

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas en las que se podían concentrar los discípulos? Hechos 6:4

 

  1. Con ésta proposición aceptada por la comunidad ¿quiénes fueron seleccionados?  Hechos 6:5

 

  1. ¿De qué estaba lleno Esteban? Hechos 6:5

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que hicieron los discípulos cuando éstos fueron presentados?  Hechos 6:6

 

  1. ¿Qué sucedía al mismo tiempo que se difundía la palabra de Dios? Hechos 6:7

 

  1. ¿Quiénes estaban entre los que aceptaron la fe? Hechos 6:7

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has respondido en tu papel de líder ya seas clérigo, padre o maestro?  ¿De qué modo has demostrado que eres profundamente espiritual y prudente en tu casa, trabajo o comunidad

TERCER DIA                                  LEE 1 PEDRO 2:4-9                         SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Tropiezan en ella: esto se refiere a que no creen en la Palabra.”)

  1. ¿A quién debemos acercarnos, qué clase de piedra es El, quién lo rechazó, y quién la escogió por su valor?  1 Pedro 2:4, Hechos 4:11

 

  1. ¿Qué somos? ¿Cómo hemos sido construidos y qué se construye con nosotros?  1 Pedro 2:5

 

  1. ¿Qué ofrecemos, a quién le agrada esto y por medio de quién lo ofrecemos? 1 Pedro 2:5

 

  1. ¿Qué dice la Escritura que fue colocado en Sión? ¿Qué clase de piedra es?  1 Pedro 2:6,  Isaías 28:16 y Romanos 9:33

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasa al que pone su fe en la piedra de base (Jesús)? 1 Pedro 2:6

 

  1. ¿Quienes recibirán honor? 1 Pedro 2:7

 

  1. ¿Qué es la piedra para aquellos que no tienen fe? 1 Pedro 2:7-8

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son los que tropiezan y caen? 1 Pedro 2:8

 

  1. ¿Quiénes somos, y quién nos eligió como suyos? 1 Pedro 2:9

 

  1. ¿De dónde no llamó Dios? 1 Pedro 2:9

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera ven los que te rodean, en quién pones tu fe?  ¿De qué modo se ve en tus acciones lo que crees?  ¿Cómo lo ve tu cónyuge, hijos, amigos, familiares compañeros de trabajo, etc.?

 

 

 

CUARTO DIA                               LEE JUAN 14:1-12                                              EVANGELIO

(“Yo soy el camino, la verdad y la vida.”)

  1. ¿Qué no debemos hacer y en quién debemos poner nuestra fe? Juan 14:1

 

  1. ¿Dónde hay muchas mansiones, que dijo Jesús que iba a hacer? Juan 14:2

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te imaginas el cielo, cómo será?  ¿A quién crees que verás allá?

 

  1. ¿Qué repite Jesús en el versículo 3 de Juan 14, qué dice que hará cuando regrese, y por qué?  ¿Qué dice que sabes?  Juan 14:3-4

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Tomás a Jesús? ¿Cuáles son las tres cosas que Jesús dice que El es?  ¿Cómo vienes tú al Padre?  Juan 14:3-6

 

  1. ¿De dónde viene la salvación? ¿Qué nos asegura la entrada al santuario?  Hechos 4:11-12 y Hebreos 10:19-20

 

  1. ¿Quién dice Jesús que es? Juan 6:35 y Juan 10:9

 

  1. ¿A quién tenemos acceso por medio de Jesús? Efesios 2:13,18

 

  1. Si conocemos realmente a Jesús, ¿a quién mas conocemos? ¿Qué dice Jesús en este punto?  Juan 14:7

 

  1. ¿Qué le dice Felipe a Jesús, cuál fue su respuesta? Juan 14:8-9

 

  1. ¿Qué pregunta les hace Jesús, qué dice sobre las palabras que pronuncia? ¿Dónde vive el padre y porqué?  Juan 14:10

 

  1. ¿Qué nos está pidiendo Jesús que creamos? ¿Qué hará para ayudarnos a creer?  Juan 14:11

 

  1. ¿Qué hará la persona que tiene fe y por qué? Juan 14:12

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la obra de Dios? Juan 6:29

 

PERSONAL – ¿De qué modo ha sido Jesús, el camino, la verdad y la vida en tu vida? ¿Cómo ven esto los demás en ti?

 

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                    SALMO 33:1-2,4-5,18-19

(“Preparen sus palabras y serán escuchados.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 33:1-2 4-5 18-19.

¿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 6:1-7

Los Judíos que hablaban griego eran probablemente de otras tierras y se quejaban de que sus viudas no eran tratadas con justicia.  Esta discriminación tal vez era debida a una barrera del lenguaje.  Los apóstoles pusieron a siete hombres respetables que hablaban griego a cargo de los programas de alimentos y viviendas.  De este modo los apóstoles podían continuar centrando su ministerio en las enseñanzas y predicación de las Buenas Nuevas acerca de Jesús.

Tal vez quisiéramos pertenecer a una iglesia como la primitiva con sus milagros, coparticipación y alegría de ser parte de una comunidad, pero ellos tenían tantos problemas como los tenemos nosotros hoy día. Ninguna iglesia será perfecta hasta que Cristo y Su iglesia se unan en Su segunda venida.  Todas las iglesias van luchando por su crecimiento y si las deficiencias de tu iglesia te mortifican, pregúntate: ¿me permitirían ser miembro de una iglesia perfecta?

Recordemos que estamos llamados a ser fieles no exitosos.  Todos podemos poner nuestro grano de arena para hacer a nuestra iglesia en particular una vibrante, viva y sana comunidad de Dios, centrándonos en las enseñanzas y predicaciones de las Buenas Nuevas de Jesucristo.

Quizá nos preguntamos “¿Qué son las Buenas Nuevas?” Estas son mensajes de esperanza, la esperanza de que los oprimidos serán libres, los enfermos sanarán, los paralíticos caminarán, los ciegos verán, los desnudos tendrán que ponerse y los que no tienen vivienda la recibirán.

Podemos traer estas Buenas Nuevas a todos los que encontremos pues dentro de nosotros está el poder del Espíritu Santo (1 Juan 4:4), y es importante que nos demos cuenta que debemos vivir nuestras vidas para otros, no para nosotros mismos.  Estamos llamados a negarnos a nosotros mismos y amar a los demás tal y como Jesús lo ha hecho.

La iglesia primitiva está aquí todavía y es guiada por el mismo Espíritu Santo.  Necesitas orar y pedir que las habilidades que Dios te dio te sean reveladas y buscar a quién puedes ayudar en tu comunidad.

 

 

1 PEDRO 2:4-9

            Pedro les está recordando a los nuevos Cristianos que deben ser santos y que eso se revelará por medio del modo que atestigüen para otros.  Los Cristianos deben ser el material viviente de que esté formado el nuevo templo de Dios.  El templo de Jerusalén estaba construido de piedras ordinarias, sin vida, pero nosotros debido a Jesucristo nos hemos convertido en templos vivos de Dios (1 Corintios 3:16).

Juan nos dice en la Escritura que El es nuestra vid y nosotros somos sus ramas y que sin la vid las ramas no pueden dar frutos (Juan 15:5).  En el templo de Jerusalén sacrificaban animales y ofrecían frutos de los campos de Dios.

Ahora, tú y yo, debido a Cristo, por medio de Cristo y en Cristo nos ofrecemos nosotros mismos y a nuestro sacrificio de alabanza a Cristo.  Como templos de Dios llevaremos a cabo nuestras buenas obras y la Eucaristía será nuestro modo diario vivir.  Jesús es nuestra piedra angular y sobre esa piedra ha construido un templo humano de santos vivientes.  Nosotros hacemos cosas buenas, no para volvernos buenos o para recibir un premio.  Lo hacemos debido a la bondad que está dentro de nosotros.  Esta bondad es la presencia del Espíritu Santo el cuál no da la fuerza de acercarnos y traer a nuestros hermanos y hermanas de la oscuridad a la luz.  Gran parte del mundo de hoy está en la oscuridad debido a que no han sentido de un modo personal el ser amados por Cristo.  Estás llamado a traer esa luz para ellos.  Rezo para que empieces dentro de tu propia familia, tu familia sacerdotal.

 

 

JUAN 14:1-12

Jesús nos dice que si realmente creemos en él, no hay incertidumbre acerca de la muerte y a donde nos llevará.  Nos dice que el cielo está tan seguro como nuestra confianza y fe en El.  El ha preparado el camino; eso es seguro.

La única duda está en nuestra buena voluntad para creer que El ha preparado la vida eterna para nosotros.  No debemos tener miedo a la muerte de nosotros mismos o de nuestros seres queridos.

Sabemos que El ha preparado un lugar para nosotros y cuando esté listo vendrá y nos llevará a casa, a la mansión de nuestro Padre.  Esta es la increíble promesa que Jesús nos ha hechos a todos los que creemos en El.

Vemos a Jesús describiendo el camino para encontrar a Dios y es únicamente por medio de El que podemos llegar al Padre.  Nos dice “Yo soy El camino” pues El es ambos Dios y hombre.  Uniendo nuestras vidas con la suya, nos unimos con Dios.  Confiemos en Dios y El personalmente nos llevará al Padre. Algunas personas creen que el decir que Jesús es el único camino es poco.  Su camino es tan ancho que cabe en el mundo entero, si éste escoge aceptarlo. ¿Has escogido aceptarlo como el camino, la verdad y la vida?

Recordemos que Jesús fue la imagen visible del Dios invisible.  Como el camino, El nos guía al Padre. Como la verdad, El es la realidad de todas las promesas de Dios.  Y como la vida, El une su vida divina a la nuestra ahora y después eternamente.

Siendo divino Jesucristo fue la única persona que nació para morir por nosotros.  Debido a El, tú y yo nunca moriremos; Creyendo en El viviremos para siempre con El en la mansión de Su Padre (Juan 3:16). La pregunta que Felipe hizo, “¿Quién es el Padre? muéstranoslo,” la contestación de Jesús entonces es la misma contestación dada por El hoy en día.

Ponte en calma y escucha a Dios hablándote (Salmo 46:11) y oirás como te dice Te amé, aún cuando eras un pecador, aún así decidí morir por ti (Romanos 5:8) simplemente por que te amo.  El es el camino, la verdad y la vida.  Has que tu vida demuestre a otros que ésta es la verdad.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que debemos ser servidores del Señor.  La segunda lectura nos invita a ser gente santa, gente que se preocupa por los demás.  En el Evangelio se nos muestra que solamente a través de Jesús podemos llegar a estar con el Padre.

Practiquemos esto esta semana sirviendo a alguien que nos cause alguna dificultad.  No dejes que la persona se de cuenta que estás haciendo un esfuerzo especial para servirle.  Que tu santidad se concrete esta semana en servir y hacer oración.  Un modo que sugiero es ofrecer tu ayuda a algún miembro de la familia haciendo quehaceres de la casa o ayudando a un compañero(a) con algún trabajo.

 

 

 

Lectio Divina – 5th Sunday of Easter (May7th)

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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 14:1-12 – Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be. Where I am going you know the way.” Thomas said to him, “Master, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, then you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me is doing his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else, believe because of the works themselves. Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

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?