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Quinto Domingo de Pascua (15 de Mayo) – 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 HECHOS 14:21-27 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Es necesario que pasemos por muchas pruebas para entrar en el Reino de Dios.”)

1. ¿Qué proclamaron Pablo y Bernabé en Derbe. ¿Qué pasó ahí? ¿A dónde regresaron? Hechos 14:20-21

 

2. ¿Cuáles fueron las Buenas Nuevas que proclamaron? Hechos 13:32-34

 

3. ¿Sobre qué animaban Pablo y Bernabé a los discípulos? ¿Qué les decían que era necesario? Hechos 14:22

 

4. ¿De dónde te viene la fuerza para llevar tu parte del peso del Evangelio? ¿De qué no debes avergonzarte? 2 Timoteo 1:8

 

5. ¿A quién designaron Pablo y Bernabé para cada iglesia, qué hicieron y a dónde fueron? Hechos 14:23-24

 

6. ¿Qué estaban haciendo los discípulos cuando les habló el Espíritu Santo?  Hechos 13:2

 

7. ¿En dónde proclamaban los discípulos la Palabra de Dios?  Hechos 14:25-26

 

8. ¿Para qué reunieron Pablo y Bernabé a los de la iglesia de Antioquia?  Hechos 14:27

 

Personal – ¿Qué le puedes contar a tu familia o amigos sobre lo que Dios ha hecho contigo?

 

9. ¿Qué pasó con los Gentiles que oyeron la Palabra del evangelio y creyeron? ¿Cómo purificó Dios sus corazones?  Hechos 15:7-9

 

10. ¿Por qué debes orar y cómo debes portarte con los que no son de la iglesia? Colosenses 4:2-5

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te acercas o hablas a aquellos que no son de tu fe? ¿Qué puedes hacer para traer el mensaje del evangelio a los que te rodean y que no creen o no saben lo que Jesús ha hecho por ellos?

 

 

TERCER DIA APOCALIPSIS 21:1-5 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Ahora todo lo hago nuevo.”)

1. ¿Qué fue visto y que ya no existía? Apocalipsis 21:1

 

2. ¿Qué hay en el nuevo cielo y en la nueva tierra? 2 Pedro 3:13

 

3. ¿Qué venía bajando del cielo al lado de Dios y cómo estaba arreglada? Apocalipsis 21:2

 

4. ¿De quién es esposa, la novia? Apocalipsis 21:9

 

5. ¿Qué se oyó desde el trono? ¿Dónde está la morada de Dios y qué serán ellos de El? Apocalipsis 21:3

 

6. ¿Qué somos nosotros para el Dios viviente y qué es El para nosotros?  2 Corintios 6:16

 

7. ¿Qué enjugará Dios de los ojos de Su pueblo? ¿Qué no habrá ya más? ¿Qué habrá pasado? Apocalipsis 21:4

 

8. ¿Qué es el que está en Cristo?  2 Corintios 5:17

 

9. ¿Qué dijo aquel que estaba sentado en el trono y por qué dijo que se escribiera esto? Apocalipsis 21:5

 

10. ¿Qué es verdadero y justo?  Apocalipsis 19:1-2

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo se nota en tu vida que Dios ha hecho Su morada dentro de tí? ¿Puedes distinguir a la vieja y a la nueva persona?  Reflexiona sobre esto.

 

 

CUARTO DIA JUAN 13:31-35 EVANGELIO

(“Como Yo les he amado, así deben amarse unos a otros.”)

1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús cuando salió Judas? Juan 13:31

 

2. ¿Cómo glorificamos al Padre? Juan 15:7-8

 

3. ¿Si Dios es glorificado en Jesús que hará Dios a Jesús? Juan 13:32

 

4. ¿A quién dijo Jesús que el Padre le dará honor o glorificará? Juan 12:26

 

5. ¿Cómo glorificó Jesús a Dios en la tierra? Juan 17:4

 

6. ¿Cómo llamó Jesús a Sus discípulos y qué dijo acerca de donde iba?  Juan 13:33

 

7. ¿A dónde iba Jesús?  Juan 7:33

 

8. ¿Qué nos dió Jesús y cómo debemos amarnos unos a otros?  Juan 13:34

 

9. ¿Que dijo Jesús acerca de un amor del que no hay nada más grande que éste?  Juan 15:12-13

 

10. ¿Cómo se reconocerá que se es discípulo de Jesús?  Juan 13:35

 

11. ¿Por qué amamos y quién es el que ama a Dios?  1 Juan 4:19-21

 

Personal – ¿Qué haces para demostrar tu amor a Dios y a los demás?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 145:8-13

(“El Señor dice siempre la verdad en todas Sus palabras y es bondadoso en todas Sus acciones.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 145:8-13.

¿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 14:21-27

Pablo nos dice en la lectura de hoy que la honestidad y la voluntad de aceptar las aflicciones serían requisitos serios en la nueva iglesia. Les dijo que no había un modo fácil y les recordó que Jesús no había venido a hacer la vida fácil sino a hacer grande al hombre. Pablo les muestra que la Cristiandad debe ser vivida en armonía con los demás.

Uno de los grandes padres de la Iglesia dijo “Ningún hombre puede tener a Dios por Padre a menos que tenga a la Iglesia por madre.” Ninguno de nosotros irá al cielo por si sólo, será debido a alguien que nos influenció para buscar a Cristo, conocer a Cristo y ser salvados por Cristo. Para algunas personas la única Biblia que leerán serás tú. Estamos llamados a convivir con otros cristianos.

La Iglesia como una amorosa madre enseña, predica y dá las normas a sus hijos para que crezcan y mueran a si mismos (se den por entero a los demás) y vivan por Cristo viviendo para otros. Un buen padre quiere que sus hijos crezcan y vayan adelante. La Iglesia quiere lo mismo para sus hijos, que crezcan, vayan adelante y traigan a alguien para Cristo.

Pablo nos habla del problema de muchos Gentiles que venían a la nueva iglesia. El hace notar las fricciones y habla del modo en que se supone que el Cristiano debe ser realmente. Los Gentiles querían ser Cristianos. En el otro lado del problema los Judíos no tenían permiso de relacionarse con los Gentiles. La iglesia dá la bienvenida a todo el que venga a la familia de Dios, sean como sean no como alguien más crea que deban ser. Eso es lo que hoy también significa ser cristiano. Así que sé todo lo que puedas ser y regocíjate en quien eres. Eres único y no hay nadie que sea como tú. Recuerda, todo lo que haces y todo lo que dices y todo lo que eres se perfecciona en la directa proporción de tu obediencia a la Santa Palabra de Dios.

 

APOCALIPSIS 21:1-5

El pasaje de hoy revela que el sueño de un cielo nuevo y una nueva tierra estaba muy dentro de los pensamientos de los Judíos. Hoy escuchamos a mucha gente en muchos lugares que todavía andan buscando por un lugar mejor del que tienen aquí en la tierra. Isaías habla del cielo nuevo y la nueva tierra que Dios hará y pide a la gente que hagan de su vida un acto de adoración (Isaías 66:22). En el nuevo cielo y tierra hay la esperanza eterna de no más dolor, no más lágrimas, el pecado será vencido y no habrá más obscuridad y la alegría será por siempre. Esta visión ha sido fuertemente sostenida a traves de las épocas por la fe que el hombre tiene en Dios y su inherente sentido del pecado.

Los antiguos le temían al mar porque creían que había criaturas terribles que venían del mar. Creían que un día el mar ya no sería una barrera entre Dios y el hombre Sus creencias consistían en dos conceptos en relación a la nueva Jerusalén. El primer concepto era de origen griego. Se decía que en el mundo invisible existía la cosa o el lugar perfecto de todo lo visible aquí en la tierra. O sea que había ahí un Jerusalén celestial del cual el Jerusalén terrenal no era más que una copia imperfecta. Lo ideal es un reto, o sea que, aún si en este mundo lo imperfecto no puede ser hecho perfecto todavía puede lograrse en el siguiente mundo pues Dios es la fuente de todos los ideales. El segundo pensamiento o concepto es Judío y comparte los sueños de los profetas.

La nueva Jerusalén o la “Ciudad Santa” era un sueño constante que inspiraba y sostenía al Judío que estaba constantemente en proceso de ser eliminado. Los Judíos nunca perdieron la confianza de que eran el pueblo escogido y que Dios algún día los obsequiaría con su “Ciudad Santa,” la nueva Jerusalén. Ellos expresaban sus esperanzas con cosas materiales pero esas eran únicamente símbolos para los fieles. Vemos que Dios está para hacer Su morada con el hombre. En el desierto el tabernáculo era una tienda de campaña. Hoy el tabernáculo de Dios eres tú. Lo llevas contigo donde quiera que vaz. Su poder está dentro de tí esperando ser usado para hacer del mundo la “Nueva Jerusalén.”

 

JUAN 13:31-35

Cuando se piensa en la palabra “comprometerse” se piensa en alguien que se dá por completo. La gloria de Jesús es la gloria del comprometerse y esa es la gloria de la cruz. Jesús nos ha mostrado que la mayor gloria en la vida es la gloria que viene del sacrificio. En tiempo de guerra el honor y la gloria suprema pertenecen a aquellos que han dado su vida para que otros puedan vivir. La historia nos ha enseñado que aquéllos que han hecho grandes sacrificios están entre los grandes de la historia.

Jesucristo en Su humildad y obediencia fue a la cruz por tí y por mí y trajo honor y gloria a Dios. Hemos encontrado a traves de las experiencias que nos ponen a prueba que la obediencia es la base del amor. El modo más notable en que un hijo puede honrar a sus padres es siendo obediente a ellos. Dios se glorifica a Sí mismo en Jesús por medio de la encarnación y de la cruz. El amor de Jesús por nosotros nos muestra que no hay ninguna gloria mayor que la de ser amado. Toma una pausa ahorita para que esto te penetre. El murió por tí debido a que te ama tal y como eres no como debieras ser.

La coronación de Cristo vino después de Su crucifixión. La corona de espinas se cambió a una corona de gloria y como dice la escritura “los ojos no pueden ver, los oidos no pueden oir, ni el hombre puede comprender lo que Dios tiene guardado para aquellos que lo aman.” Jesús nos dejó Su sello de gloria y éste es que debemos amar a los demás como El nos ha amado. Se nos pedirá amar al que nos es antipático, al sucio, al que no se puede besar, al feo, al deforme, al enfermo, en fin a la gente de la tierra. Solo necesitamos mirar y veremos cómo amo El. El amó deliberadamente abiertamente, resueltamente, completamente, gentilmente y sin reservas. El escogió amar simplemente porque El es amor. Su gloria estará en tí cuando ames a otros así como El te ama a tí.

 

Aplicación

En la primera lectura se menciona que ser un Cristiano en la nueva iglesia quería decir igualdad para todos. En la segunda lectura vemos que el Espíritu Santo reside en ti esperando ser usado para hacer del mundo “una Nueva Jerusalén.” El Evangelio muestra que la gloria de Dios recaé en la encarnación y en la cruz.

Esta semana comprométete a tí mismo de hacer del mundo que te rodea sea tu casa, tu oficina, tu escuela, “una nueva Jerusalén” o “Ciudad Santa” viendo en otros la marca de Cristo. Esta semana ama a otros como Cristo te ama a tí. O sea, especialmente a aquellos en tu familia o a tu alrededor a los que encuentras muy difícil de amar. Recuerda, el comprometerse significa sacrificio y sacrificio significa ir a la cruz. Tu gloria será la gloria de Dios en tí. Tú serás Su gloria cuando El te vea amando a la gente que te rodea como El te ama a tí. Esto traerá la “nueva Jerusalén” precisamente a tu corazón.

Fifth Sunday of Easter (May 15th) – 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 ACTS 14:21-27 FIRST READING

(“It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”)

1. What did Paul and Barnabus proclaim in Derbe, what happened there, and to where did they return? Acts 14:20-21

 

2. What is the Good News they proclaimed?  Acts 13:32-34

 

3. What did Paul and Barnabas strengthen in the disciples, in what did they encourage them to persevere, and what did they say was necessary? Acts 14:22

 

4. Where does your strength come from in order to bear your share of the hardship for the Gospel and of what are you not to be ashamed? 2 Timothy 1:8

 

5. What did Paul and Barnabas appoint for the people, what did they do, and then where did they go? Acts 14:23-24

 

6. What were the disciples doing when the Holy Spirit spoke to them? Acts 13:2

 

7. Where did the disciples proclaim the Word of God? Acts 14:25-26

 

8. Why did Paul and Barnabus call the church together in Antioch? Acts 14:27

 

Personal – What can you report to your family or friends as to what God has done with you?

 

9. What happened to the Gentiles who heard the Word of the Gospel and believed, and how did God purify their hearts? Acts 15:7-9

 

10. For what should you pray, and how should you conduct yourself towards outsiders? Colossians 4:2-5

 

Personal – How do you approach or talk to those outside your faith?  What can you do to bring the Gospel message to those around you who do not believe or know what Jesus has done for them?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ REVELATION 21:1-5 SECOND READING

(“Behold I make all things new.”)

1. What was seen and what had passed away? Revelation 21:1

 

2. What dwells in the new heavens and the new earth? 2 Peter 3:13

 

3. What was seen coming down out of heaven from God and how was it prepared? Revelation 21:2

 

4. Of whom is the bride the wife? Revelation 21:9

 

5. What was heard from the throne, where is God’s dwelling, and what will they be to him? Revelation 21:3

 

6. What are we to the living God and what is he to us? 2 Corinthians 6:16

 

7. What will God wipe from his peoples eyes, of what will there be no more, and what has passed away? Revelation 21:4

 

8. What is anyone who is in Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

9. What did the one who sat on the throne say and why did he say to write them down? Revelation 21:5

 

10. What are true and just?  Revelation 19:1-2

 

Personal – In what way does your life show God has made his dwelling place within you?  Can you see the old and the new person?  Reflect on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY JOHN 13:31-35 GOSPEL

(“As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.)

1. After Judas left, what did Jesus say? John 13:31

 

2. How do we glorify the Father? John 15:7-8

 

3. If God is glorified in Jesus, what will God do to Jesus? John 13:32

 

4. Whom did Jesus say the Father will honor or glorify? John 12:26

 

5. How did Jesus glorify God on earth? John 17:4

 

6. What did Jesus call his disciples, and what did he say about where he was going? John 13:33

 

7. Where was Jesus going?  John 7:33

 

8. What did Jesus give us, and how should we love one another? John 13:34

 

9. What did Jesus say about no greater love than this? John 15:12-13

 

10. How will all know that you are a disciple of Jesus? John 13:35

 

11. Why do we love, and who is the one who loves God? 1 John 4:19-21

 

Personal – What do you do to show your love for God and one another?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 145:8-13

(“The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 145:8-13.

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 14:21-27

Paul tells us in today’s reading that honesty and the willingness to accept afflictions was going to be a strong requirement in the new church.  He told them that there was no easy way and reminded them that Jesus did not come to make life easy but to make men great.  Paul shows them that Christianity must be lived in fellowship.

One of the great fathers of the Church stated, “No man can have God for his Father unless he has the Church for his mother.” None of us will go to heaven alone; it will be because someone influenced us to seek Christ, know Christ, and be saved by Christ.  To some people, the only bible they will read will be you.  We are called into Christian fellowship.

Like a loving mother, the Church teaches, preaches, and rules her children so that they will grow up and die to themselves and live for Christ by living for others.  Good parents want their children to grow up, go out and forward.  The Church wants the same for her children, to grow up, go out, and bring someone back to Christ.

Paul tells about the problem of so many Gentiles coming into the new church.  He states the friction over what a Christian is really supposed to be.  Gentiles wanted to be Christians.  The other side of the problem, Jews were not allowed to have anything to do with Gentiles.  The church welcomed all to come into God’s family, as they are, not as someone else thought they should be.  That is what being a Christian means today.  So be all that you can be and be excited in who you are.  You are unique, there is no one else quite like you.  Remember, all that you do, and all that you say, and all that you are is being brought into perfection in direct proportion to your obedience to God’s Holy Word.

 

REVELATION 21:1-5

Today’s passage reveals that the dream of a new heaven and earth was deep in Jewish thought.  Today we hear people in many lands still looking forward to a better place than what they have here on earth.  Isaiah speaks of the new heaven and earth that God will make, and he calls for the people to make their lives an act of worship (Isaiah 66:22).  In the new heaven and earth, there is the eternal hope of no more sorrow, no more tears; sin is defeated, darkness is no more, and joy is forever.  This vision has been strongly held throughout the ages because of man’s faith in God and his inherent sense of sin.

The ancient people feared the sea because they believed terrible creatures came from the sea.  They believed that one day the sea would not be a barrier between God and man.  Their beliefs consisted of two concepts regarding the new Jerusalem.  The first concept was of Greek origin.  It taught that in the invisible world there existed the perfect thing or place of everything visible here on earth.  That meant there was a heavenly Jerusalem of which the earthly Jerusalem was an imperfect copy.  The ideal is a challenge, in that, even if in this world the imperfect can not be made perfect, it can still be worked out in the next world, because God is the source of all ideals.  The second thought or concept is Jewish and it shares the many dreams of the prophets.

The new Jerusalem or the “Holy City” was a constant dream that inspired and sustained the Jew as he was constantly being in the process of being obliterated.  The Jews never lost confidence that they were the chosen people and God would someday present them with their “Holy City,” the new Jerusalem.  They expressed their hope in material things, but these were just symbols for the faithful.  We see that God is to make his dwelling place with men.  In the wilderness the tabernacle was a tent.  Today the tabernacle of God is you.  You carry him wherever you go.  His power lies within you waiting to be used to make the world “The New Jerusalem.”

 

JOHN 13:31-35

When you look at the word “commitment” you think of someone giving their complete all.  The glory of Jesus is the glory of commitment and that is the glory of the cross.  Jesus has shown

us that the greatest glory in life is the glory which comes from sacrifice.  In war time the supreme honor and glory belongs to those who lay down their lives so that others may live.  History has taught us that those who have made great sacrifices have entered into great history.

Jesus Christ in his humility and obedience went to the cross for you and me and he brought honor and glory to God.  We have found through time tested experience that obedience is the foundation of love.  The most notable way a child can honor his parents is by being obedient to them.  In Jesus God glories himself in the incarnation and the cross.  Jesus’ love, for us shows us that there is no glory like that of being loved.  Let that sink in for a moment.  He died for you because he loved you just as you are, not as you should be.

The enthronement of Christ followed his crucifixion.  The crown of thorns has changed into a crown of glory and as scripture tells us “eye cannot see, ear cannot hear, nor can man even comprehend what God has in store for those who love him.”  Jesus leaves us his stamp of glory and that is we are to love others as he has loved us.  We will be asked to love the unlovable, the unwashable, the unkissable, the ugly, the deformed, the sick, and the people of the land.  We need only to look and see how he loved.  He loved deliberately, openly, unhesitant, completely, gently, unreservedly.  He chose to love because simply he is love.  His glory will be in you loving others as he has loved you.

 

Application

In the first reading it brought out to be a Christian in the new church meant equality for all.  In the second reading the Holy Spirit resides in you waiting to be used to make the world “a new Jerusalem.”  The Gospel shows the glory of God lies in the incarnation and the cross.

This week, let yourself be committed to making the world around your home, office, or school “a new Jerusalem” or “Holy City” by seeing in others the signs of Christ.  Let yourself, this week, love others as Christ loves you.  This especially means those in your family or those around you that you find very difficult to love.  Remember, commitment means sacrifice and sacrifice means going to the cross.  Your glory will be God’s glory in you.  You will be his glory as he sees you loving the people around you as Jesus loves you.  This will bring the “new Jerusalem” right into your heart.

Lectio Divina – Fifth Sunday of Easter (May 15th) – 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

John 13:31-33a, 34-35 – When Judas had left them, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and God will glorify Him at once. My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina – Fourth Sunday of Easter (May 8th) – 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

John 10:27-30 – Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter (May 8th) – 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 ACTS 13:14, 43-52 FIRST READING

(“The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”)

1. Who arrived in Antioch, and what did they do on the Sabbath? Acts 13:13-14

 

2. Who followed Paul and Barnabas, and what did they urge them to do? Acts 13:43

 

3. To what is the grace they are to remain faithful? Romans 3:24-25

 

4. What did almost the whole city do on the following Sabbath, and when the Jews saw the crowd, what did they do? Acts 13:44-45

 

5. How did Paul and Barnabas speak out, what did they say it was necessary to do, and to whom have they now turned? Acts 13:46

 

6. What has the Lord commanded them to be, how did the Gentiles react to this, and what did they glorify? Acts 13:47-48

 

Personal – How has God made you an instrument of salvation to the world?

 

7. Who came to believe, and what did the word of the Lord continue to do? Acts 13:48-49

 

8. Whom did the Jews incite, and what did they do to Paul and Barnabas? Acts 13:50

 

9. Who does not please God, and what do they try to prevent? 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

 

10. Why did Paul and Barnabas shake the dust from their feet, and with what were the disciples filled? Acts 13:51-52

 

11. What did Jesus tell his disciples? Matthew 10:14-15

 

Personal – When you gather to hear the Word of God, what is your reaction to it and to the person proclaiming it?  Who are the people who proclaim the Word of God, and how can you affirm them?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ REVELATION 7:9, 14-17 SECOND READING

(“…God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”)

1. Who had a vision of great multitudes, where were they standing, and what were they wearing and holding? Revelation 1:1 and 7:9

 

2. What was said by one of the elders about those wearing the robes, and how did they make their robes white? Revelation 7:14

 

3. What does the blood of the Lamb do for you? Hebrews 9:13-14

 

4. What must you do to be cleansed from sin? 1 John 1:7

 

5. What do the multitudes do, and what will the one who sits on the throne do? Revelation 7:15

 

6. From what does the Lord shelter us? Psalm 31:21

 

7. What will no longer happen to the multitudes? Revelation 7:16, see also Isaiah 49:10

 

8. What did Jesus tell his disciples? John 6:35

 

9. Who will shepherd them and lead them to life-giving water, and what will God do? Revelation 7:17

 

10. Who did Jesus say he was, and what did he say to the woman at the well? John 10:11 and John 4:10

 

11. Where does God dwell, and what has passed away? Revelation 21:3-4

 

Personal – How have you been washed by the blood of Jesus? How and where is Jesus leading you today?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 10:27-30 GOSPEL

(“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”)

1. What does Jesus say his sheep hear, whom does he know, and what do they do? John 10:27

 

2. Why were they trying to kill Jesus? John 8:37

 

3. Who hears the words of God?  John 8:47

 

4. What does Jesus give his sheep, what will never happen to them, and what can no one do? John 10:28

 

5. What is the will of the Father? John 6:39-40

 

6. To whom does the Lord open his hand? Psalm 145:16

 

7. Who is the Father greater than and what can no one do? John 10:29

 

8. Why did the Father give Jesus authority over all the people, and who belonged to the Father? John 17:2, 6

 

9. What are the Father and Jesus? John 10:30

 

10. What did Jesus pray that we all be? John 17:20-23

 

Personal – How do you recognize Jesus’ voice and know when to follow him? When was the last time you felt the protecting hand of God upon you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 100:1-3, 5

(“Serve the Lord with gladness.”)

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

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 13:14, 43-52

The Jewish leaders tried to hide behind the shadow of jealousy as they brought legal and religious arguments against Paul and Barnabas. The root of their jealousy was that Peter and the apostles were already getting more respect than they had ever received. The difference between Peter, Paul, and Barnabas and the religious leaders was that the Pharisees demanded the respect and reverence for themselves. The goal of the apostles was to bring respect, reverence, and honor to God. The apostles were respected, not because they demanded it, but because they earned it. It is difficult to rejoice with others who are succeeding where we are not; but when we call upon the Holy Spirit, he will give us the strength we need (1 John 4:4).

Jealousy is a human and natural reaction, and it is tragic when we let our own jealous feelings make us try to stop God’s work. If a work being done is God’s work, then rejoice in it, no matter who is doing it.

Paul wanted the Jewish people to join him in proclaiming God’s salvation. Unfortunately, many Jews did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and they did not understand that in Jesus, God was offering salvation to everyone, Jews and Gentiles. Paul, being a Jew himself, hoped that the people would see that through Israel came Jesus, the light of all nations (Luke 2:32). This light would spread out and enlighten the whole world. The Jewish leaders turned away and like so many people today, when confronted with a disturbing truth, they often turn away and refuse to listen. When God speaks we must listen to him, or else we risk pushing the truth out of our lives.

 

REVELATION 7:9, 14-17

In today’s reading we see a great crowd gathered in front of the throne  before the lamb. Some say the crowd was a group of all the martyrs who died preaching God’s word. In the face of warfare, famine, persecution, and death, Christians will be called to stand firm for what they believe. These souls were sealed by God and now they are victorious. This crowd in heaven appears to be composed of those who remained faithful to God throughout the generations. The ones who came out of the tribulation washed their souls clean with the blood of Jesus Christ. The blood of Christ is the world’s greatest purifier, because it removes the ugly stain of sin. White symbolizes the qualities of sinlessness or holiness which can be imparted by shedding the blood of the sinless Lamb of God.

Some believe the suffering of the martyrs has gone on through the ages, and some believe there will be a specific time of intense tribulation. God will provide for his children’s needs in their eternal home. There will be no hunger, thirst, or pain; he will wipe away all tears in his beautiful eternal “Holy City.” This is a tremendously comforting verse when you feel that it is hopeless to even go on trying. This truth will sustain you in your time of trial. It is important to remember that all who have been faithful throughout the ages are singing before God’s throne. Their tribulations and sorrows are over and all their sins are over.  All believers have been resurrected and die no more. Alleluia!

 

JOHN 10:27-30

The role of a shepherd was very well known in Palestine, and they knew that a flock of sheep knew their master by the sound of his voice. Jesus compared his followers to sheep, and he was their shepherd. When he spoke, the people knew very well what he was talking about. He promised them eternal life if they accepted him as Master and Lord of their lives.

He offers that to us right here and now. All the littleness of our earthly life would be gone and we would know the splendor of being loved by God. He promised a life that would know no end. Death would be the beginning of living forever. He promised a life that was secure. Nothing could snatch that life from his hand. It did not mean that they would be saved from sorrow, suffering, or death. It did mean that they would know the serenity and power of God.

Jesus made a tremendous claim to the crowd of Jews, and he showed them his tremendous trust in God. He had been speaking to them about his sheep and his flock and that no one would ever take them away from him. He revealed that his Father gave him the sheep, and both the sheep and he were secure in his Father’s hand. Jesus was so sure of himself because he was sure of his Father. He then told them and us that he and the Father were one (17:11).

Jesus is saying that the unity between himself and the Father is the same unity he wants for us. His prayer is that all Christians be united in love as he is united in love with the Father.

 

Application

The first reading says faith is a free gift and respect is something you earn.  In the second reading we see that only the Blood of Christ can wash away sin.  In the Gospel we see prayer as a dialogue between two people in love with one another.

This week let your prayer be that the Lord gives you the courage to confess your sins by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Then let the power of the Holy Eucharist nurture you and let you approach your family and friends with humility and reverence. Let your faith be shared in unity with members of other denominations in a spirit of joy. Jesus commanded all of us to be filled with his Spirit (Eph. 5:18) and then go out and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). Let your unity begin with God and you; then God, you, and your family; then God, you, your family, and your community.  Miracles will then be happening in your neighborhood.

Cuarto Domingo de Pascua (8 de Mayo) – 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 HECHOS 13:14, 43-52 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Los discípulos estaban llenos de gozo y del Espíritu Santo.”)

1. ¿Quiénes llegaron a Antioquia y qué hicieron el Sábado? Hechos 13:13-14

 

2. ¿Quiénes siguieron a Pablo y a Bernabé y qué les rogaron que hicieran? Hechos 13:43

 

3. ¿A cuál gracia les invitaban a permanecer fieles? Romanos 3:24-25

 

4. ¿Para qué se reunió casi toda la ciudad el Sábado siguiente? ¿Cuando los Judíos vieron al gentio, qué hicieron? Hechos 13:44-45

 

5. ¿Qué dijeron con firmeza Pablo y Bernabé? ¿Qué dijeron que era necesario hacer y a quién iban a ir ahora?  Hechos 13:46

 

6. ¿Qué les había ordenado el Señor que fueran? ¿Cómo reaccionaron a esto los Gentiles? ¿A quién glorificaron?  Hechos 13:47-48

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo te ha hecho Dios un instrumento de salvación para el mundo?

 

7. ¿Quiénes creyeron y qué continuaba haciendo la Palabra del Señor?  Hechos 13:48-49

 

8. ¿A quiénes incitaron los Judíos y qué les hicieron a Pablo y a Bernabé?  Hechos 13:50

 

9. ¿Quiénes no agradan a Dios y qué tratan de impedir? 1 Tesalonicenses 2:14-16

 

10. ¿Por qué Pablo y Bernabé se sacudieron el polvo de los pies y de qué estaban llenos los discípulos?   Hechos 13:51-52

 

11. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús a Sus discípulos?  Mateo 10:14-15

 

Personal – ¿Cuando te reunes con otros para escuchar la Palabra de Dios cuál es tu reacción hacía esto y hacía la persona que la está proclamando? ¿Quiénes son las personas que proclaman la Palabra de Dios y cómo puedes afianzarlos?

 

 

TERCER DIA APOCALIPSIS 7:9, 14-17 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…y Dios enjugará sus lágrimas.”)

1. ¿Quién tuvo una visión de grandes multitudes? ¿Dónde estaban parados, qué vestían y qué llevaban en las manos? Apocalipsis 1:1 y 7:9

 

2. ¿Qué se le dijo a un anciano acerca de aquellos que usaban las vestiduras y cómo las hicieron blancas? Apocalipsis 7:14

 

3. ¿Qué hace la sangre del Cordero por tí?  Hebreos 9:13-14

 

4. ¿Qué debes hacer para ser lavado de tus pecados?  1 Juan 1:7

 

5. ¿Qué hacen las multitudes y qué hace el que está en el trono?  Apocalipsis 7:15

 

6. ¿De qué nos protege el Señor?  Salmo 31:21

 

7. ¿Qué no pasarán ya mas las multitudes?  Apocal. 7:16 y también Isaías 49:10

 

8. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús a Sus discípulos?  Juan 6:35

 

9. ¿Quién será su Pastor y los guiará a las fuentes del agua de la vida y Dios que hará?  Apocal. 7:17

 

10. ¿Quién dijo Jesús que El era? ¿Qué le dijo a la mujer en el pozo?  Juan 10:11 y Juan 4:10

 

11. ¿Dónde habita Dios, qué cosa ya no existirá? Apocalipsis 21:3-4

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has sido lavado con la sangre de Jesús? ¿A dónde y cómo te está guiando Jesús hoy en día?

 

 

CUARTO DIA JUAN 10:27-30 EVANGELIO

(“Mis ovejas conocen mi voz. Yo las conozco a ellas y ellas me siguen.”)

1. ¿Qué dice Jesús que sus ovejas oyen? ¿A quién conoce El y qué hacen estas? Juan 10:27

 

2. ¿Por qué estaban tratando de matar a Jesús? Juan 8:37

 

3. ¿Quién escucha la Palabra de Dios? Juan 8:47

 

4. ¿Qué les dá Jesús a sus ovejas? ¿Qué será lo que nunca les pasará? ¿Y qué es lo que nadie podrá hacer?   Juan 10:28

 

5. ¿Cuál es la voluntad del Padre?  Juan 6:39-40

 

6. ¿A quién le abre el Señor Su mano?  Salmo 145:16

 

7. ¿Qué es lo que nadie podrá hacer? ¿Quién es más grande que el Padre?  Juan 10:29

 

8. ¿Por qué el Padre le dá autoridad a Jesús sobre toda la gente? ¿Quién pertenece al Padre? Juan 17:2 y 17:6

 

9. ¿Qué son el Padre y Jesús?  Juan 10:30

 

10. ¿Qué es lo que Jesús pide que seamos todos nosotros?  Juan 17:20-23

 

Personal – ¿Cómo reconoces la voz de Jesús y cómo sabes cuando seguirlo? ¿Cuándo fué la última vez que sentiste la mano protectora de Dios?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 100:1-3, 5

(“Servid al Señor con alegría.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 100:1-3, 5.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 13:14, 43-52

Los líderes Judíos trataron de esconderse tras las sombras de los celos al traer argumentos legales y religiosos en contra de Pablo y Bernabé. Las raices de sus celos eran que Pedro y los apóstoles estaban recibiendo mucho más respeto del que ellos recibían. La diferencia entre Pedro, Pablo y Bernabé y los líderes religiosos era que los Fariseos demandaban el respeto y la reverencia para ellos mismos. La meta de los apóstoles era conseguir el respeto, la reverencia y el honor para Dios. Los apóstoles eran respetados no por que ellos lo demandaran sino por que se lo habían ganado. Es difícil alegrarse con otros que están teniendo éxito cuando nosotros no lo podemos lograr, pero cuando llamamos al Espíritu Santo, El nos dá la fuerza que necesitamos (1 Juan 4:4).

Los celos son reacciones humanas y naturales pero es trágico dejar que nuestros celos nos hagan querer parar el trabajo de Dios. Si alguna obra es obra de Dios, alégrate sin que importe quien la esté realizando.

Pablo quería que el pueblo Judío se le uniera en proclamar la salvación de Dios. Desafortunadamente, muchos Judíos no reconocieron a Jesús como el Mesías y no entendieron que en Jesús, Dios estaba ofreciendo la salvación a todos, Judíos y Gentiles. Pablo siendo también Judío esperaba que la gente viera que Jesús había venido a traves de Israel y era la luz de todas las naciones (Lucas 2:32). Esta luz se esparciría e iluminaría al mundo entero. Los líderes Judíos voltearon la cara cuando alguien los enfrentaba con una verdad que les molestaba, como mucha gente hoy en día, rehusaban escuchar. Cuando Dios habla debemos escucharlo, si no nos arriesgamos a echar fuera de nuestras vidas a la verdad.

 

APOCALIPSIS 7:9, 14-17

En la lectura de hoy vemos a una multitud congregada en frente del trono y ante el cordero. Algunos dicen que esa multitud era el grupo de todos los mártires que murieron predicando la Palabra de Dios. Cuando se presente la guerra, el hambre, la persecusión y la muerte, los Cristianos serán llamados a permanecer firmes en sus creencias. Estas almas fueron selladas por Dios y ahora son victoriosas. Esta muchedumbre en el cielo parece estar compuesta por los que permanecieron fieles a Dios a traves de generaciones. Los que salieron de las tribulaciones lavaron sus almas con la sangre de Jesucristo. La sangre de Jesucristo es el purificador más grande del mundo ya que remueve la mancha horrible del pecado. El blanco simboliza las cualidades de estar libre de pecado o sea la santidad, lo cual puede ser obtenido por el derramamiento de la sangre del cordero de Dios que está libre de pecado.

Algunos creen que el sufrimiento de los mártires se ha terminado con los años y otros creen que habrá un tiempo especial de tribulaciones inmensas. Dios proveerá a las necesidades de sus hijos en su hogar eterno. No habra hambre, sed o dolor y El secará las lágrimas en Su hermosa y eterna “Ciudad Santa.” Este versículo es sumamente reconfortante cuando uno se siente que no vale la pena ni tratar. Esta verdad te sostendrá en tus momentos de prueba. Es importante recordar que todos aquellos que han sido fieles a traves de los tiempos están cantando ante el trono de Dios. Sus tribulaciones y dolores han terminado y sus pecados se han terminado también. Todos los que creyeron han sido resucitados y no morirán nunca más. ¡Aleluya!

 

JUAN 10:27-30

El papel de un pastor era muy conocido en Palestina y sabían bien que las ovejas conocen bien el sonido de su voz. Jesús comparó a Sus seguidores con las ovejas y El era su pastor. Cuando habló al pueblo supo muy bien de lo que estaba hablando. Les prometió vida eterna si lo aceptaban como su Maestro y Señor de sus vidas.

El nos ofrece esto a nosotros ahora mismo.  Toda la pequeñez de nuestra vida terrenal se irá y conoceremos el esplendor de ser amados por Dios.  El prometió una vida sin final.  La muerte será el principio de la vida eterna.  El prometió una vida que era segura.  Nada podía arrebatarle esa vida de sus manos.  Esto no quería decir que serían salvados de las penas, los sufrimientos o la muerte.  Quería decir que conocerían la serenidad y el poder de Dios.

Jesús hizo una enorme declaración a la multitud de Judíos y les mostró Su infinita confianza en Dios. El les había estado hablando sobre Sus ovejas y Su rebaño y de que nadie las apartaría de El. Les revela que Su Padre le dió a las ovejas y ambos, El y las ovejas estaban seguros en las manos de Su Padre. El estaba muy seguro de sí mismo debido a que estaba seguro de Su Padre. Entonces les dice a ellos y a nosotros que El y el Padre son uno solo (Juan 17:11). Jesús dice que la unidad entre El mismo y el Padre es la misma unidad que El quiere de nosotros. Su oración es que todos los Cristianos estén unidos en el amor así como El está unido en el amor con El Padre.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura dice que la fe es un don gratuito y el respeto es algo que se gana. En la segunda lectura vemos que solamente la Sangre de Cristo puede lavar el pecado. En el Evangelio, vemos que la oración es un diálogo entre dos personas enamoradas una de la otra.

Esta semana, que tu oración sea para que el Señor te dé el valor de confesar tus pecados por medio del Sacramento de la Reconciliación (Confesión). Luego permite que el poder de la Santa Eucaristía te alimente y te acerque a tu familia y amigos con humildad y reverencia. Permite que tu fe sea compartida con todos los que encuentres a tu paso en un espíritu de alegría. Jesús nos mandó a todos que nos llenaramos del Espíritu Santo (Efesios 5:18) y luego ir y hacer discípulos de todas las naciones (Mateo 28:19). Permite que tu unidad empiece entre Dios y tú; Después Dios, tú, tu familia y luego Dios, tú, tu familia y tu comunidad. Los milagros empezarán a suceder en tu comunidad.

Tercer Domingo de Pascua (1 de Mayo) – 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 HECHOS 5:27-32, 40-41 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Debemos obedecer a Dios, no a los hombres.”)

1. ¿Quiénes fueron traidos y presentados ante el Sanedrín? ¿Quién los interrogó? Hechos 5:17-18, 27

 

2. ¿Cuáles fueron las órdenes estrictas que les dieron a los apóstoles y qué difundieron en todo Jerusalén? Hechos 5:28

 

3. ¿Sobre quién no debían ni decir el nombre? ¿Qué dijeron Pedro y Juan que era imposible? Hechos 4:18-20

 

4. ¿Qué dijeron Pedro y los otros apostóles?  Hechos 5:29

 

5. ¿Quién resucitó a Jesús? ¿Qué dijeron los apóstoles que estos les habían hecho? Hechos 5:30

 

6. ¿Por qué Dios exaltó a Jesús a su derecha como Jefe y Salvador? Hechos 5:31

 

7. ¿Qué recibes cuando te arrepientes? Hechos 2:38

 

8. ¿A quién le ha sido dado el Espíritu Santo? Hechos 5:32

 

9. ¿Qué les pasó a los apóstoles y qué les prohibieron? Hechos 5:40

 

10. ¿Cómo salieron los apóstoles del Sanedrín y por qué salieron así?  Hechos 5:41

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has tenido que ir en contra de las autoridades para obedecer a Dios en lugar de a los hombres? ¿De qué manera has hablado en nombre de Jesús a tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o de escuela?

 

 

TERCER DIA APOCALIPSIS 5:11-14 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Digno es el Cordero que ha sido degollado, de recibir el poder y la riqueza,…”)

1. ¿Quién seguía mirando, qué oía y veía? Apocalipsis 1:1-2 y Apocalipsis 5:11

 

2. ¿Mientras los ángeles gritaban a toda voz, quién decían que era digno y qué había recibido? Apocalipsis 5:12

 

3. ¿Cómo llamó a Jesús, Juan el Bautista? Juan 1:29

 

4. ¿Cómo podemos recibir el poder y la riqueza? Hechos 1:8 y Mateo 6:33

 

5. ¿Cómo recibimos sabiduría y fortaleza? Santiago 1:5 y Filipenses 4:13

 

6. ¿Quién no es digno de Jesús?  Mateo 10:37-38

 

7. ¿A quién se oía gritar y desde dónde? Apocalipsis 5:13

 

8. ¿Quién se debe arrodillar ante el nombre de Jesús? Filipenses 2:10

 

9. ¿Quién debe recibir alabanza, honor, gloria y poder por los siglos de los siglos? Apocalipsis 5:13

 

10. ¿Qué contestaron los Cuatro Vivientes y qué hacían los ancianos? Apocalipsis 5:14

 

Personal – ¿Qué es lo que te ha hecho digno de usar el nombre de Cristiano? ¿Dónde encuentras tu propia dignidad?  Lee Apocalipsis 5:12 y medita en esto.

 

 

CUARTO DIA JUAN 21:1-19 EVANGELIO

(“Simón, hijo de Juan, ¿me amas?”)

1. ¿A quién se le reveló Jesús mismo? ¿Qué estaban haciendo? Juan 21:1-3

 

2. ¿A qué hora del día estaba Jesús en la orilla y qué era lo que no sabían los discípulos? Juan 21:4

 

3. ¿Cómo llamó Jesús a los discípulos, qué les dijo y qué contestaron estos? Juan 21:5

 

4. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús, qué sucedió como resultado de haber hecho lo que El les pidió? ¿Quién reconoció al Señor? Juan 21:6-7

 

Personal – ¿Qué te ha pedido el Señor? ¿Cuál ha sido el resultado?

 

5. ¿Qué vieron los discípulos en la orilla, qué les dijo Jesús y qué hizo Simon Pedro? Juan 21:8-11

 

6. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús, qué fue lo que los discípulos no se atrevieron a preguntar, qué hizo Jesús? ¿Cuántas veces se reveló Jesús mismo a ellos desde Su resurrección? Juan 21:12-14

 

7. ¿Cuando terminarón de desayunar, qué le preguntó Jesús a Simón Pedro? ¿Cuál fue su respuesta y qué le dijo Jesús que hiciera? Juan 21:15

 

8. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Pedro la segunda y tercera vez que Jesús le preguntó si lo amaba y qué le dijo que hiciera? Juan 21:16-17

 

9. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que le iba a pasar a Pedro, qué significaba esto? Juan 21:18-19

 

10. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a Pedro que hiciera? Juan 21:19

 

11. ¿Por qué debes tu seguir las huellas de Jesús? 1 Pedro 2:21

 

Personal – ¿Qué has hecho para demostrar tu amor a Jesús? ¿Quiénes entre tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o de escuela han sido alimentados por tí, esta semana?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

(“Te alabaré Señor, por que me has librado.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 30:2, 4-6, 11-13.

¿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 5:27-32,40-41

En la lectura de hoy vemos el poder de Dios trabajando a traves de un grupo de hombres. Sería bueno preguntarnos que haríamos si fueramos amenazados por ser líderes poderosos y tuvieramos quizá que ser encarcelados por hablar de Dios. Estos hombres fueron golpeados, arrestados y encarcelados y aún así, volvieron a proclamar la Santa Palabra de Dios cuando fueron soltados. Cuando estemos convencidos del poder de la resurrección de Cristo y hayamos percibido la presencia de Su Espíritu Santo, entonces también tendremos la confianza de hablar por Cristo.

El templo era un lugar muy concurrido y mucha gente se detenía ahí a orar y a adorar al amanecer. Estas eran las gentes con las que los apóstoles se encontraban para hablar de la “Buena Nueva.” Hoy en día en nuestros lugares comerciales hay la tendencia de mantener la religión como un asunto privado entre nosotros y nuestro Dios. Es fácil ver a las personas Cristianas voltear los ojos cuando hay algo incorrecto pues “no quieren verse involucrados.” Estamos percibiendo mucha maldad que se permite continuar debido a que el miedo al hombre es más fuerte que el miedo al Señor.

Los apóstoles supieron que el castigo por hablar en el nombre de Jesús podía ser la muerte. Pero ellos sabían sus  prioridades. Debemos siempre de tratar de mantener la paz con todos (Romanos 12:18) pero a veces el conflicto con el mundo y sus autoridades es inevitable para un Cristiano (Juan 15:18). Habrá situaciones donde no podrás obedecer a Dios y el hombre, por ejemplo la práctica del aborto. Aquí debes obedecer a Dios y confiar en Su palabra y no en la palabra del hombre o la ley.

El mismo Jesús nos anima en Sus propias palabras a seguirlo “Qué felicidad cuando otros te odian y te excluyen y te insultan y calumnian tu nombre debido a que eres mío” Cuando esto pase ¡alégrate! ¡Sí, brinca de gusto! Pues tú tendrás un grán premio esperándote en el cielo (Lucas 6:22-23). Estamos llamados a vivir como Cristo nos ha pedido, compartiendo nuestra fe sin importar el costo. Quizá no nos golpeén o no nos metan a la cárcel pero quizá si nos ridiculicen, nos excluyan o nos calumnien. ¿Qué tanto estás dispuesto a sufrir en nombre del Evangelio compartiéndolo con los demás?

 

APOCALIPSIS 5:11-14

Como Cristianos Católicos se nos ha enseñado que los ángeles son seres espirituales creados por Dios y que le ayudan a realizar Su trabajo en la tierra. En algunos casos son mensajeros (Lucas 1:26) y en otros protegen al pueblo de Dios (Daniel 6:23). Los ángeles animan (Génesis 16:7) y sirven de guías (Exodo 14:9). Hay dos clases de ángeles: buenos y malos (Apocalipsis 12:7-9) pero debido a que los ángeles malos siguieron a Satanás y no a Dios, tienen mucho menos poder y autoridad. El papel principal de los ángeles buenos es alabar constantemente a Dios.

La lectura de hoy nos muestra que solo el Cordero de Dios, Jesucristo es digno de abrir el Libro Sellado. Para nosotros el Libro Sellado significa los eventos de la historia y es Jesucristo quien lo tiene, no Satanás. Jesucristo es el Señor y solo El es digno de poner en movimiento los eventos de los últimos días de la historia. A Jesucristo se le representa como un cordero lo cual simboliza Su humilde sumisión a la voluntad de Dios. El cordero es la figura central de la visión de Juan. Cristo, el Cordero fue el sacrificio perfecto por los pecados de toda la humanidad.

El es el único que puede salvarnos de los terribles eventos revelados en el Libro Sellado. Jesús es también representado como un león simbolizando su autoridad y poder (Apocal. 5:5). Cristo el Cordero ganó la batalla más grande de todas derrotando a todas las fuerzas y a la muerte sometiéndose humildemente a la voluntad de Dios y muriendo en la cruz. Cristo el León es victorioso debido a lo que Cristo el Cordero ha hecho. Nosotros gozaremos los premios de la victoria no debido a nuestro poder y fuerzas sino a traves de nuestra humilde sumisión a Dios. Juan por medio de sus imágenes de Dios, nos ha mostrado que, es en el acto de someter humildemente nuestras vidas a Dios en el cual recibimos el poder de Su Espíritu Santo para hacerlo. No debemos olvidar nunca que cualquiera que se arrepienta y tenga fe es aceptado por Dios y tendrá parte en Su reino. Cuando vayas por ahí, deja que la gente vea como el fruto de la humildad brilla en tí y así verán muy claramente a traves de tí al Cordero de Dios (Juan 1:29).

 

JUAN 21:1-19

En el Evangelio de hoy Jesús le da a Pedro la comisión de alimentar a sus ovejas. Jesús se les aparece a sus discipulos cuando están pescando y los llama para que se acerquen. Es importante recordar que esos hombres estaban sumamente desilusionados por el modo en que habían ocurrido las cosas. Ellos habían seguido a un amado Mesiás que había prometido vida eterna y ahora ya se había ido. Así que ellos decidieron regresar a sus ocupaciones que tenían originalmente antes de haber oido de Jesucristo y se encontraban otra vez pescando. Sonaba medio cómico recordar las palabras de Jesús “Yo los haré pescadores de hombres.”

Cuando Jesús los llamó y les preguntó si ya habían pescado algo, ellos contestaron que no y entonces Jesús les empieza a decir a estos pescadores profesionales como deben pescar. Estas palabras deben haberles impactado con mucha fuerza. Los pensamientos que deben haber corrido por las mentes de estos hombres en la barca deben haber sido de mucho asombro y aún más de miedo. Ellos lo habían visto y sabían que estaba muerto. Habían visto las apariciones en aquella habitación de los altos pero después de eso El había desaparecido. Sin embargo obedecieron Su mandato y el resultado fue increíble. Juan tratando desesperadamente de mantener sus emociones controladas le dice a Pedro que debe ser el Señor el que les está aconsejando desde la orilla. Pedro explota y se echa al agua a nadar, gatear, correr, cualquier cosa con tal de llegar lo más pronto posible a donde estaba Jesús. Juan supo que era Jesús porque lo había visto hacer un milagro similar en el Lago de Genesaret (Lucas 5:1-11). Ya en la playa los apóstoles supieron lo que era que Jesús les cocinara y comiera con ellos.

Jesús guía a Pedro a una experiencia profunda de alivio que quitaría la nube de su negación. Pedro negó a Jesús tres veces. Tres veces Jesús le pregunta si lo ama. Cuando Pedro le contesta que sí, Jesús le dice que alimente a sus ovejas. Debes recordar que una cosa es decir que amas a Jesús y otra es la prueba real de tu voluntad de servirle. Pedro estaba arrepentido y ahora Jesús le pide que le dedique su vida. La vida de Pedro cambió cuando se dió cuenta verdaderamente de quien era Jesús. Pedro había enfrentado sus verdaderos sentimientos cuando Jesús le hace frente; nosotros también debemos hacerle frente a nuestros verdaderos sentimientos. ¿Cómo responderías hoy si Jesús te preguntara “Me amas, realmente me amas?”

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra que debemos obedecer a Dios más que al hombre. La segunda lectura revela que digno es el cordero que fue degollado por nosotros. El Evangelio muestra que el amor es una decisión, no una expresión sentimental.

Esta semana muéstrale a los que están a tu alrededor que obedeces la ley de Dios con tus acciones, tus palabras y aún más con tus pensamientos. Demuéstrale a tu familia la humildad del Cordero de Dios que vive en ti por medio de tus actos de amabilidad y gentileza hacía ellos. Puedes demostrar que realmente amas a Jesús alimentando a sus ovejas en tu propia casa. Puedes hacer esto guiándolos en la oración, la lectura de las escrituras, compartiendo en la iglesia y en la adoración a traves de los sacramentos.

Third Sunday of Easter (May 1st) – 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 ACTS 5:27-32, 40-41 FIRST READING

(“We must obey God rather than men.”)

1. Who was brought in and made to stand before the Sanhedrin? Who questioned them? Acts 5:17-18, 27

 

2. What strict orders were the apostles given, and with what did they fill Jerusalem? Acts 5:28

 

3. Whose name were they told not to speak about and what did Peter and John say was impossible? Acts 4:18-20

 

4. What did Peter and the apostles say? Acts 5:29

 

5. Who raised Jesus, and what did the apostles say they did to him? Acts 5:30

 

6. Why did God exalt Jesus at his right hand as leader and Savior? Acts 5:31

 

7. What do you receive when you repent?  Acts 2:38

 

8. Who is given the Holy Spirit? Acts 5:32

 

9. What happened to the apostles, and what were they told? Acts 5:40

 

10. How did the apostles leave the Sanhedrin, and for what reason did they leave that way? Acts 5:41

 

Personal – In what way have you gone against the authorities in order to obey God rather than men? In what way have you spoken in the name of Jesus to your family, friends, co-workers, or classmates?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ REVELATION 5:11-14 SECOND READING

(“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches,…”)

1. Who looked again and what did he hear and see? Revelation 1:1-2, Revelation 5:11

 

2. As the angels cried out in a loud voice, who did they say was worthy and what did he receive? Revelation 5:12

 

3. What did John the Baptist call Jesus? John 1:29

 

4. How can we receive power and riches? Acts 1:8, Matthew 6:33

 

5. How do we receive wisdom and strength? James 1:5, Philippians 4:13

 

6. Who is not worthy of Jesus? Matthew 10:37-38

 

7. Who was heard crying out, and from where?  Revelation 5:13

 

8. Whose knee should bend at the name of Jesus? Philippians 2:10

 

9. Who should receive blessing, honor, glory, and might forever and ever? Revelation 5:13

 

10. What did the four living creatures answer, and what did the elders do? Revelation 5:14

 

Personal – What has made you worthy to bear the name Christian? How do you find your self-worth?  Revelation 5:12 and meditate on it.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 21:1-19 GOSPEL

(“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”)

1. To whom did Jesus reveal himself, and what were they doing? John 21:1-3

 

2. What time of day was Jesus standing on the shore and what did the disciples not realize? John 21:4

 

3. What did Jesus call the disciples, what did he say to them, and what was their reply? John 21:5

 

4. What did Jesus tell them, what happened as a result of their doing what he asked, and who recognized the Lord? John 21:6-7

 

Personal – What has God asked of you, and what has been the result?

 

5. What did the disciples see on shore, what did Jesus say to them, and what did Simon Peter do?  John 21:8-11

 

6. What did Jesus say to them, what did the disciples not dare to ask, what did Jesus do, and how many times was this that Jesus revealed himself to them since his resurrection? John 21:12-14

 

7. When they had finished breakfast, what did Jesus ask Simon Peter, what was his response, and what did Jesus tell him to do? John 21:15

 

8. What was Peter’s response the second and third time Jesus asked him if he loved him, and what did he tell him to do? John 21:16-17

 

9. What did Jesus say would happen to Peter and what did this signify?  John 21:18-19

 

10. What did Jesus tell Peter to do? John 21:19

 

11. Why should you follow in Jesus’ footsteps? 1 Peter 2:21

 

Personal – What have you done to show your love for Jesus? Who in your family, friends, work associates, or schoolmates have been fed by you this week?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

(“I will extol you, O Lord, for you drew me clear.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13.

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 5:27-32, 40-41

We see in today’s reading God’s power working through a group of men. We might do well to ask ourselves what would we do if we were threatened by powerful leaders and faced imprisonment for talking about God.  These men were beaten, arrested, and jailed and still went back to preaching God’s Holy Word when they were released.

When we are convinced of the power of Christ’s resurrection and have experienced the presence of his Holy Spirit, then we too will have the confidence to speak out for Christ.

The temple was a very busy place and many people stopped there to pray and worship at sunrise. These were the people the apostles met with the “Good News.” Today in our own marketplaces there is a tendency to keep our religion a private affair between us and our God. It is very difficult to see Christian people turn their eyes away from acts of wrongdoing because they “do not want to get involved.” Today we are experiencing a great amount of evil that is allowed to continue because the fear of man is greater than the fear of the Lord.

The apostles knew that the penalty for speaking out in the name of Jesus could mean death for them. The apostles knew their priorities. We should always try to keep peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), but conflict with the world and its authorities is sometimes inevitable for a Christian (John 15:18). There will be situations where you cannot obey both God and man, such as accepting the practice of abortion. Then you must obey God and trust in his word and not in man’s word or law.

Jesus himself encourages us to follow him in his own words: What happiness it is when others hate you and exclude you and insult you and smear your name because you are mine!  When that happens, rejoice!   Yes, leap for joy! For you will have a great reward awaiting you in heaven (Luke 6:22-23).  We are called to live as Christ has asked, sharing our faith no matter what the cost. We may not be beaten or thrown into jail, but we may be ridiculed, ostracized, or slandered.

To what extent are you willing to suffer for the sake of sharing the Gospel with others?

 

REVELATION 5:11-14

As Catholic Christians, we have been taught that angels are spiritual beings created by God, who help carry out his work on earth. In some instances they are messengers (Luke 1:26) and in others, they protect God’s people (Daniel 6:23). The angels offer encouragement (Genesis 16:7), and give guidance (Exodus 14:9). There are both good and evil angels (Revelation 12:7-9), but because the evil angels follow Satan and not God, they have much less power and authority. The main role of the good angels is to offer continuous praise to God.

Today’s reading shows us that only the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is worthy to open the scroll. The scroll signifies for us the events of history and it is Jesus Christ who holds it, not Satan. Jesus Christ is Lord, and he alone is worthy to set into motion the events of the last days of history. Jesus Christ is pictured as a lamb which symbolizes his humble submission to God’s will. It is the lamb that becomes the focus in John’s vision. Christ, the Lamb, was the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. He alone is the only one who can save us from the terrible events revealed by the scroll.

Jesus is also pictured as a lion symbolizing his authority and power (Revelation 5:5). Christ the Lamb won the greatest battle of all, defeating all the evil forces and death, by submitting humbly to God’s will and dying on the cross. Christ the Lion is victorious because of what Christ the Lamb has already done.

We will enjoy the rewards of victory not because of our power and might, but through our humble submission to God. John, through his images of God, has shown us that it is in the act of humbly submitting our lives to God that we receive the power of God’s Holy Spirit to do it. We must never forget that anyone who comes in repentance and faith is accepted by God and will be part of his kingdom. Wherever you go, let people see the fruit of humility shine in you and people will see in you, very clearly, the Lamb of God (John 1:29).

 

JOHN 21:1-19

In today’s Gospel Jesus commissions Peter to feed his flock. Jesus appears to the disciples while they are fishing and calls out to them. It is important to remember that these men were tremendously disappointed in the way events had turned out.  They had followed a loving Messiah who promised eternal life and now was gone. They decided to go back to doing what they originally did before they heard of Jesus Christ, and that was fishing. It seemed almost comical to recall Jesus’ words, “I will make you fishers of men.”

When Jesus called out to them and asked if they had caught any fish yet, they said no, and Jesus proceeded to tell these professional fishermen how to fish. These words must have struck them with tremendous force. The thoughts that must have been racing through the minds of these men in the boat must have been awesome and even fearful. They had seen him, they knew him to be dead, and there had been those appearances in the Upper Room; but then he disappeared. They obeyed his command and the result was incredible.  John, trying desperately to keep his emotions under control, said to Peter that it must be the Lord on the shore giving the advice.

Peter explodes and jumps into the water to swim, crawl, run, anything to get to Jesus as soon as he can. John knew it was Jesus because he saw him do a similar miracle on Lake Genneserat (Luke 5:1-11). There on the beach, the apostles experience Jesus cooking for them and eating with them.

Jesus leads Peter through the tremendous healing experience that removed the cloud of his denial.  Peter denied Jesus three times, and three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. When Peter answered yes, Jesus told him to feed his sheep.  You need to remember it is one thing to say that you love Jesus, but the real test is your willingness to serve him.  Peter had repented and now Jesus asked him to commit his life. Peter’s life changed when he finally realized who Jesus was. Peter had faced his true feelings when confronted by Jesus, and we have to confront our true feelings too.

How would you respond today if Jesus asked you, “Do you love me, do you really love me?”

 

Application

The first reading shows that we must obey God rather than man. The second reading reveals worthy is the lamb that was slain for us. The Gospel shows love is a decision, not a sentimental expression.

This week, show those around you that you are in obedience to God’s law by your actions, your words, and even in your thoughts. Show your family the humility of the Lamb of God that resides in you by your acts of kindness and gentleness towards them. You can show that you really love Jesus by feeding the sheep in your own household. You can do that by leading them in prayer, scripture readings, church fellowship, and worship through the sacraments.

Lectio Divina – Third Sunday of Easter (May 1st) – Cycle C

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PURPOSE OF 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 who Jesus is. Psalm 32:8: “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

John 21:1-19 – At that time, Jesus revealed himself again to His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. […] Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We also will come with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, have you caught anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” So He said to them, “Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something.” So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of fish. So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he tucked in his garment, for he was lightly clad, and jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, for they were not far from shore, only about a hundred yards, dragging the net with the fish. When they climbed out on shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish on it and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” So Simon Peter went over and dragged the net ashore full of one hundred fifty-three large fish. Even though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. Jesus came over and took the bread and gave it to them, and in like manner the fish. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead. (When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to Simon Peter a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Simon Peter answered him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” Jesus said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that Jesus had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when he had said this, He said to him, “Follow me.”)

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday) (April 24th) – 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 ACTS 5:12-16 FIRST READING

(“Many signs and wonders were done among the people….”)

1. By what means did many signs and wonders occur? Acts 5:12

 

2. From where did the power to perform these signs and wonders come? Acts 1:8

 

3. This power has been passed on to whom? Acts 2:38-39

 

4. In what regard do the people place the apostles? Acts 5:13

 

5.  What did men and women in great numbers do? Acts 5:14

 

6. What did the apostles say that they came to believe? Acts 4:4

 

7. As a result of people believing and being added to their number, what did they do, and where did they bring the sick? Acts 5:15

 

8. What happened to the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits? Acts 5:15-16

 

9. Read the following Scriptures and tell what constitutes healing: Mark 5:34 – Luke 18:42 – Acts 14:9

 

10. Read the following Scriptures and tell who was healed:

Matthew 8:16 – Matt. 12:15 –

Mark 6:56 – Acts 5:16 –

 

Personal – In what way do you see signs and wonders occurring in your home?  In what way do you, your family, friends, and co-workers need healing?  What do you think will bring about a healing? Meditate on this and then share it with someone.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ REVELATIONS 1:9-13, 17-19 SECOND READING

(“the first and the last and the one who lives”)

1. On what island did John find himself? Revelation 1:9

 

2. See if you can find this island on a Bible map.

 

3. With whom does John share and what three things does he share with them? Revelation 1:4, 9

 

4. Why was John sent to the island Patmos? Revelation 1:9

 

Personal – In what way have you ever felt deserted or isolated for proclaiming God’s word and for having borne witness to Jesus?

 

5. On the Lord’s day John heard something. What was it, and what did it say? Revelation 1:10-11

 

6. For what did John turn around, and what did he see? Revelation 1:12-13

 

7. What did he hold in his right hand and what came out of his mouth? Revelation 1:16

 

8. When John caught sight of him, what did he do? Revelation 1:17

 

9. What did he say to John? Revelation 1:17-19

 

10. What did he tell him to do when he sees a vision, what he sees now, and what he will see in time to come? Rev.1:19

 

Personal – What were some thoughts or visions you had today that you could write down? How can writing your spiritual thoughts in a journal each night help you in your journey through life?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 20:19-31 GOSPEL

(Blest are they who have not seen and have believed.)

1. On the evening of the first day of the week who appeared to the disciples, what did they do to the door, and for what reason? John 20:19

 

2. What did he say to them, what did he show them, and what was their reaction? John 20:19-20         

 

3. What did he say again to them? John 20:21

 

Personal – Reflect on areas in which you do not have peace. Stop what you’re doing in that area and ask the Holy Spirit if it is an area that he is sending you or speaking through you, or is it an area of your own doing?

 

4. In Verse 22 of John 20, what did Jesus do and say to the disciples?

 

5. What must we do to receive the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38

 

6 If you forgive men’s sins, what will happen to them; and if you retain them, what will happen? John 20:23

 

7. What did Jesus say to Peter in Matthew 16:19?

 

8. Read Matthew 18:18; what does it say about binding and loosing?

 

9. Who was absent when Jesus came to the disciples, what did they keep telling him, and what was his answer? John 20:24-25

 

10. What happened a week later, what was the greeting, what did Jesus say to Thomas, and what was his response? John 20:26-28

 

11. Whom did Jesus say are the blessed? John 20:29

 

12. What did Jesus do, and why have these been recorded? John 20:30-31

 

13. Where do you find your life? John 14:6 and John 20:31 Write out John 14:6.

 

Personal – What areas of life (education, job, athletics, hobbies, etc.) have you been pursuing?  In what way can you focus more on the true fulfillment (Jesus) in life rather than on what you have been doing?

 

 

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

(The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.)

Read and meditate of Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 5:12-16

It was like in the days of Jesus in Galilee all over again, so many were being healed by the apostles.  No wonder the Jewish authorities grew jealous of their enormous influence.  But threats, imprisonment, even the lash are no weapons with which to resist the power of God.  The apostles demonstrated an almost unlimited amount of healing power.  The healing was so spectacular that it seemed almost like magic. Peter parallels such items as Paul’s handkerchief (Acts.19:12) and the edge of Jesus’ cloak (Mt. 9:20).  But Peter very carefully tells all that his healing power comes from God in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:12-16).

Today, many wonder if God really heals his people.  Where are the people like Peter, Paul, and the other apostles?  Why are people so reluctant to reach out and call for a healing?  We see in today’s Scripture a high sense of expectancy by the people.  We see them bringing their sick out into the streets and believing that a healing was going to take place.  We need to bring that expectancy into our lives, and God’s healing power will explode today just as it did in the Scriptures.  We need to fall on our knees and repent of our sin of unbelief and let God heal us through his signs and wonders.

We see people like St. Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, and many Spirit-filled expectant Christians today who confidently call forth God’s healing power through their loving touch to the poor.  His healing power was given to all who professed that He was Lord and, as in Scripture, everyone who called on Him was healed.  His healing power is alive today through His Word, Eucharist, and the loving touch of His children.  He is the healer yesterday, today, and forever.

It was common practice for groups to meet for teaching and discussion in the courts of the public buildings.  Disciples listened to their teachers in the courts of the Temple.  The Christians met in Solomon’s Porch; but knowing the authorities’ hostilities toward them, many kept their distance.  Some Jews were afraid to join the meetings because they were in direct defiance of the Sanhedrin’s order as seen in chapter four of Acts.

Because of the fate of Ananias and his wife (Acts 5:1-11), those who want to follow Christ should seriously evaluate the cost of discipleship.

 

REVELATION 1:9-13, 17-19

Revelation shows us that John was a church leader who was well known to the seven churches in Asia Minor. The churches were located about 50 miles apart and formed a circle in what today is known as Turkey. These churches were like postal centers, and the entire book of Revelation apparently was sent to each one of the seven churches.

The Christians were entering a time of persecution and John, himself, was sent to the Island of Patmos which was a Roman penal colony.  Roman authorities at this time were beginning to enforce the cult of emperor worship.  Christians who held that Christ, not Caesar, was Lord faced great hostility. John, himself, was exiled for proclaiming the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus (v.9).

John wrote to the believers to resist staunchly the demands of emperor worship.  John is also encouraged to write about what is current and what is to happen.  We also need to write, read, and reflect on what the Lord is saying to us in our daily living.  Like John, we are called to spread the word of God and testimony of Jesus.  We need to write in our journal those daily inspirational thoughts that come from the Holy Spirit.  We also need to stand up like John did to the idolatry of today’s world.

The gods of money, power, sex, and the media are very powerful and demand full tribute.  We, like John, may be called upon to pay the price for our belief in Jesus Christ.  Jesus tells us to go forth and make disciples of all nations (Mat. 28:16-20). Jesus gave John the great commission; he responded, and we are called to make the same response.


JOHN 20:19-31

There is a story told about a primitive South American jungle tribe that had as its most important member someone who was called “A keeper of the flame.”  Fire among this primitive people was a precious commodity and to start a fire often took long hours.  Keeping the flame going was much easier.  It was the very important task of the flame keeper to add wood to the fire at night and to be sure the fire never went out.  In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus’ final appearance was to prepare the disciples to continue to carry on his earthly ministry.  His final words to his followers are basically words that will equip them to be “keepers of the flame.”

Jesus appeared to this small group of frightened men gathered in the upper room.  He found them in the darkness of despair.  Jesus greeted them, “Peace be unto you” (John 20:19).  Oh, how they needed to hear those words from him.  A more frightened group of men could not be found anywhere in Jerusalem that night.

Jesus startled his disciples out of their despair by reminding them of a fundamental fact: “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21).  Jesus is saying, ” I need you to continue the work that I started.”   Even though he would be seen leaving to ascend to heaven, the fire started by his life, death, and resurrection must not be extinguished.  He must continue to teach, preach, heal, save mankind, and he will do it through his “keepers of the flame.”   His new body will be composed of believers, and they will become Christ’s hands, feet, heart, and life upon the earth.

And what about us?  Is the message and mission of Jesus continuing in our world?  Are we fulfilling the mission entrusted to the small group of men who followed Jesus of Nazareth?  What is our calling?  The answer to these questions requires a closer look at this Easter appearance of Jesus.  Meeting their Resurrected Savior transformed eleven terrified apostles into courageous “keepers of the flame.”  The secret of their power is also our secret, and that is the peace of mind and heart.   

The real power is the Holy Spirit, who gives us the Peace of Christ and sends us out to fulfill the Great Commission.  He gives us the power to fulfill this mission by giving us what we need most, “His living presence in our life.”  There are four things we must be ready to do in a moment as “keepers of the flame”:  pray, preach, give our testimony, and die.  The mission of our Lord, Jesus Christ, is ours; and we must be ready to do what he has done also.

 

Application

The first reading shows that Jesus is the healer yesterday, today, and forever.  The second reading shows that like John, we are called to spread the Word of God everywhere.  The Gospel tells us that we are called to be “keepers of the flame.”

To be a “keeper of the flame” in your family, you must take on the responsibility of making certain that the fire does not go out.  You can do this by your prayer, leading your family in Scripture, attending the sacraments with them, encouraging them to give their lives to Christ, and letting them see in your actions that you are a real “keeper of the flame.”