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First Sunday of Advent (Nov. 27th) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

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 ISAIAH 2:1‑5                             FIRST READING

(“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain.”)

  1. Who saw something concerning Judah and Jerusalem and whose son was he?   Isaiah 2:1

 

  1. What will happen to the mountain of the Lord’s house, who will come towards it, and when will this happen?   Isaiah 2:2

 

  1. What will the people say who come to it? Isaiah 2:3

 

  1. Who is to instruct us in his ways, in whose paths are we to walk, and from where will instruction come?   Isaiah 2:3

 

  1. Where is Zion? 1 Kings 8:1, Joel 4:17, 21

 

  1. In days to come, from where will the Word of the Lord come?      Isaiah 2:3

 

  1. Where does the Word of God come from today? John 1:1,14

 

  1. How do we know he is speaking to us if he is not walking and talking with us as he did with the apostles two thousand years   ago?   John 16:7

 

  1. In days to come, how will there be a judgment? And what will end?   Isaiah 2:4

 

  1. What are we to walk in and who is the light of the world?   Isaiah 2:5, John 8:12

 

Personal – How are you anticipating with joy our Lord’s coming? Do your family and friends know that Jesus will come again? How are you preparing for his coming and how is your family preparing for it?

 

THIRD DAY                                   READ ROMANS 13:11‑14                   SECOND READING

 

(“Let us cast off deeds of darkness  and put on the armor of light.”)

 

  1. What is the summation of all the commandments? Romans 13:9-10

 

  1. When should we wake from sleep? Romans 13:11

 

  1. When will our salvation be completed? Revelations 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:2

 

  1. What does it mean to “accept the faith? ” Write out the following verses John 3:16, John 14:6

 

  1. What does verse 12 of Romans 13 say about the day and night, what must we cast off and what must we put on?   Romans 13:12

 

  1. What is the armor of light? (Light representing Jesus, John 8:12) List all of the armor that we are to put on:

Ephesians 6:10-17

Helmet ‑

Breastplate ‑

Belt ‑

Footgear ‑

Shield ‑

Sword ‑

 

  1. According to Romans how are we to live and how are we not to live?   Romans 13:13

 

Personal ‑ According to verse 13, what is one of the major reasons for divorce today? What is one of the major causes of automobile accidents? What is one of the major causes of abortion today? What is one of the major causes of division in our churches today?

 

  1. To put on the Lord Jesus Christ, how must we conduct ourselves?   1 John 2:6

 

  1. For what are we not to make provision? Romans 13:14

 

  1. How do we not give in to the desires of the flesh? Galatians 5:13

 

Personal ‑ Do you know Jesus well enough through his Word to walk as he did? In what way can you better learn about him?

 

 

FOURTH DAY                              READ MATTHEW 24:37‑44                                      GOSPEL

(“Stay awake, therefore, you cannot know the day your Lord is coming.”)

  1. Who is the Son of Man? Matthew 1:18, 23

 

  1. What will he repeat? Matthew 24:37, Gen 7:11-23

 

  1. What were the people doing in the days before the flood and what did the flood do to them?   Matthew 24:38‑39

 

  1. What will happen when Jesus comes again? Matthew 24:40‑41

 

  1. What must we do, why must we do this, and what must we not allow?   Matthew 24:42-43

 

  1. Who are the thieves? John 10:1, 8

 

  1. What do the thieves come to do? John 10:10

 

  1. What must we be before the Son of Man comes? Matthew 24:44

 

  1. How can we be best prepared? John 8:31

 

Personal ‑ In what way are you living according to his teachings? How do you know his teachings?

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                      READ PSALM 122:1‑9

(“We will go up to the house of the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 122:1‑9.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                        READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 2:1‑5

The emphasis in this passage is peace through obedience to God. This is the only kind of peace that will be permanent. The temple is mentioned, not so much because of its architecture, but because of the presence of God in the Old Testament scripture. The temple was a symbol of religious authority, and all worship was centralized through the temple. The temple was a symbol of God’s holiness, and it was the setting for many of the great visions of the prophets. The temple was a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel.

The temple was a symbol of God’s forgiveness, and it prepared the people for the coming of their long-awaited Messiah. The temple was a testimony to human effort and creativity, and finally, above all else, the temple was a place of prayer. Isaiah was prophesying what was going to happen to Jerusalem, and that was that Jerusalem would not only be freed of her bondage, but that she would become a leader to all nations.

The new Jerusalem is a city of God where there will be no more tears, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain and no more death. Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? The Holy City, or New Jerusalem is described in scripture (Rev. 21) as a place where God dwells among his people amid the absence of pain, sorrow and death.

This is a tremendous comfort for us, because no matter what we may be going through, it is not the last word. God has written that last chapter and he has promised us that if we believe in his Son (Jesus), we will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We are told in this passage that a wonderful day of peace will come when we are taught God’s laws and then obey them. We know that sin causes war, conflict, sickness, and disruption.

We are encouraged to begin to obey God, not in the next world but rather, in today’s world. He has given us his Word for direction and guidance. We will not have to wait until we die to enjoy the benefits of his love, we will begin to enjoy them immediately. We will become changed, and that change will affect our family, friends, and fellow co‑workers. We must never forget God made a covenant with us. He will never break his promise, and his promise is to be with us until the end of time. (Matt. 28:20).

 

 

ROMANS 13:11‑14

In this message, Paul really stresses the urgency of changing our lives before Jesus Christ comes back again. No man knows when God will rise and bid him go. The time grows shorter, for we are every day one day nearer that time. Paul stresses that we too must have all things in our life ready. St Augustine, in his story “Confessions” tells of finding conversion in the last verses of this passage. He wondered how long it was going to take to end his life of sinfulness.

With his Word God had spoken to St. Augustine and he will speak to us if we will let him. We do not search for God; he is already searching for us. God’s Word can always find the human heart, no matter how much darkness surrounds it. Let Jesus come into your heart right now and put on the clothes of light and the armor of right living.

In Roman society, a young man put down the clothes of his childhood and put on the toga, a sign of an adult, with its rights and responsibilities. Paul is saying we have laid aside the clothes of the law and now we are putting on Christ’s clothes of righteousness. We are to do the same, we are to cast off and throw away our rotten garments of sin and put on the clothes of grace. Paul was appealing to the commitment the believers had made in their baptism (2:12). They understood baptism to symbolize the death and burial of the old way of life, followed by resurrection to a new life in Christ. When we think of our old life in sin as being dead, we then have a powerful motive to resist sin in our lives today. Today we must consider ourselves dead and unresponsive to the deadly desires of sins of attitude as well as to sins of the flesh. Attitudes lead to action, just like hatred can lead to murder. Jealousy can lead to fighting, and lust can lead to adultery. We must be ourselves, as clean on the inside as we are on the outside when Christ returns again.

 

 

MATTHEW 24:37‑44

The message in today’s Gospel is to be alert and be prepared for Jesus’ return to earth. We call this special time Advent as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child on Christmas Day. As we prepare for this blessed day in our Christian calendar, we need to especially remember that what we are celebrating is the anticipation of Christ coming again on this earth to bring the “Good News” to all who have believed in him. As we are told in today’s passage, we are fortunate not to know when that special day comes because we might become lazy in our work for Christ. Some would probably keep on sinning right up to the end and then try to turn to God in the nick of time.

Our goal in life is not just to get to heaven; we also have a commission (Matt. 28:19) right here on earth. We must continue on in our life, living out the reality of God’s presence until we see the triumphant return of our Savior. Our Lord’s second coming will be instantaneous and there will be no time for last minute repentance or bargaining. The choice we have already made today will determine our destiny. Have you made a choice today to let Jesus Christ become the Lord of your life? In today’s passage, Jesus is not telling us about his return to put fear or doubt in our heart. He is not trying to get us into making all kinds of predictions. He is warning us to be prepared. He is giving us a warning of love, because he wants no man or woman to perish.

The bottom line in today’s message is: Will you be found faithfully doing his work on the day of his return? We have those who say we can work our way to heaven alone, and others who say we need only faith to be saved. A story was told of a man in a rowboat taking passengers from the dock to the waiting ship. He had painted on one oar “Faith” and on the other oar “Works.” When he used only the oar that said “Faith,” the boat went in a circle to the left. When he used only the oar marked “Works,” the boat still went into a circle, only this time to the right. When he used both oars the boat went ahead to its desired goal. Jesus wants us, in faith, to continue our good works until he comes again in glory.

 

Application

In the first reading, we saw the emphasis being placed on obedience. The second reading stressed the urgency of changing our lives, and the Gospel tells us to be alert and prepared.

This week, be alert and prepared to do battle against temptation and sin by being obedient to those who are placed in authority over us. Therefore, let us curb our tongue when we are in conversations at work, school or in the privacy of our own home. The example you provide will allow your co-workers, classmates and family to see the gifts and fruits of the Spirit in your life.

 

 

Thirty-Fourth Sunday of Ordinary Time – Christ the King (November 20th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE

    CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

        THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY (CHRIST THE KING) – CYCLE C

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

  

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

 

 

SECOND DAY            READ 2 SAMUEL 5:1-3          FIRST READING

 

             (“You shall shepherd my people Israel…”)

  

  1. Who came to David and what did they say to him? 2 Samuel 5:1 

    

  1. Where was David? If you can locate this place on a bible map, give location.  2 Samuel 5:1

  

  1. Who led the Israelites out and brought them back?     2 Samuel 5:2

 

 4. Who did the tribes of Israel say spoke to David and what did he say to him?  2 Samuel 5:2, Ezekiel 34:23-24

 

Personal – Who, then, do you think appoints those to shepherd the people?  Are you following the One whom God has appointed King of kings for all times?

 

  1. To whom was David speaking? 2 Samuel 24:17

 

Personal – How does God speak to you and how do you speak to him   as David did?

 

  1. What will happen to the shepherd God has appointed that does    not listen and submit to the words of God? Zechariah 11:17 and Jeremiah 25:34-36

 

  1. Who is our Great Shepherd? Read and write out the following scriptures:

      Genesis 48:15

     Psalm 23:1

     John 10:6-7, 11

     John 10:16

 

  1. Who was made king of Israel? With whom did the king make an agreement before and who anointed him?  2 Samuel 5:3

 

Personal – What do you see as the difference between a good shepherd, a good king, and a bad king?  What are you?

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ COLOSSIANS 1:12-20        SECOND READING

 

(“Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness for our sins.”)             

 

  1. For what are we to give thanks to the Father? Colossians 1:12

 

  1. What does it mean “the saints in light” and who is the light?      John 8:12

 

  1. Who rescued us and from whom did he rescue us? Colossians 1:13

 

  1. Who is the power of darkness? Acts 26:18

 

  1. When he rescued us, where did he bring us?  Colossians 1:13

 

  1. What do we receive through Jesus? Colossians 1:14,     1 Peter 2:9

 

Personal – Have you been redeemed?  Have you asked the Lord to cleanse you and make you whole?  Reread verse 14.  This is a promise from God.  Write out this verse and meditate on it.

 

  1. Who is the image of our God we cannot see and who is the first-born of all creatures?  Colossians 1:15

 

  1. Read and write out:

     Psalm 89:28

     John 1:3

     John 1:18

 

Personal – How do you see God the Father?  How has Jesus revealed him to you personally?  Is he holding a rod ready to punish you or is he gentle, kind and forgiving?  As you see Jesus, you see the Father.

 

  1. What was created in him and where was it created?     Colossians 1:16, 1 Corinthians 8:6

 

  1. For what reason was all created? Colossians 1:16

 

  1. How does everything continue its being? Colossians 1:17

 

  1. Who began the church and who is the head of it?     Ephesians 1:22, Revelation 1:5, Colossians 1:18

 

  1. Onto whom did Christ pass this headship? Matthew 16:18

 

  1. How have we been reconciled with the Father?     Colossians 1:19-20

 

Personal – Have you allowed Jesus to wash you with his blood and   bring you to peace with the Father?  What changes can you see in your life since you have done this?

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY               READ LUKE 23:35-43               GOSPEL

                (“This is the King of the Jews”)

  1. Who stood there watching? Who was jeering at Jesus, and what were they saying?  Luke 23:35

 

  1. Was there anyone else making fun of Jesus? What did they offer him, and what were they telling him to do?     Luke 23:36-37 

 

Personal – Why do you think Jesus did not come down off the cross and save himself from this agonizing death?  Luke 22:42

 

  1. Was it the Father’s will that Jesus, his only begotten Son, die on the cross and why?

 

     Read and write out:

     1 Timothy 2:4

     John 12:47

     John 3:16

     John 10:10

 

  1. If Jesus was obedient to the Father and hung on the cross and      suffered from the weight of our sins in order to save us, what must we do?  John 1:12, Revelation 3:20

 

  1. How are we to follow Jesus’ example? Matthew 16:24-25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24

 

  1. Was it through any effort of our own that we have been saved?     Titus 3:4-5

 

  1. What was the inscription written over Jesus’ head?     Luke 23:38

 

Personal – How have you made Jesus your King of Kings and Lord of Lords?  1 Timothy 1:17, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16

 

  1. What did the one criminal say to Jesus in Luke 23:39?

 

  1. About whom was he concerned? Luke 23:39

 

  1. What did the other criminal do and say?  Luke 23:40-41

 

Personal – In what way are you like either one of the criminals?  Who was denying himself and how do you deny yourself?

 

  1. What did he say to Jesus in verse 42 of Luke 23 and what was Jesus’ reply?

 

  1. Read Matthew 25:33-34, 41. How can this be compared to Luke     23:39-40?

 

Personal – Are you the one on the left or the right?  In what ways have you denied yourself this week for your spouse, children, friends, neighbor, business associates, or school friends?

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 122:1-5              

 

             (“Give thanks to the name of the Lord.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 122:1-5.

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     

 

                         2 SAMUEL 5:1-3

     David was finally anointed king over all Israel, and this was a fulfillment of God’s promise.  He first was anointed king in private by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).  David was just a teenager then and spent many years in the service of King Saul.  David was thirty years old when he was crowned King of Judah, which was the southern half of the Promised Land (2 Samuel 2:4).  He was crowned king of the whole country at the age of thirty-seven and reigned for forty years. 

 

     When David was young and an outlaw, his future looked very bleak, but God’s promise to make him king was now fulfilled.  David had to wait very patiently for God’s promise to be fulfilled, even though he had been promised the kingship many years earlier.  We need to reflect on the patience and humility that David practiced in his long wait.  He went on to become a great king, warrior, poet, singer, musician, writer and spiritual leader of his people.  David was anointed by God and he knew that in time, God’s time, the plan would come into being. 

 

     David’s time of waiting prepared him for the very important task of being the good shepherd that his country needed. We too need to wait on the Lord and trust that he will direct us in our walk through the kingdom.  David was a leader because he was a follower of God.  Later David took his eyes off of God and he fell into great sin.  David repented and saw how puny his kingdom was next to God’s and he came back and received God’s gift of grace and forgiveness. We too can be like David; we can all come back to God’s holy light by repenting and realizing that God is our only good shepherd, and he will never fail to go out and save the lost sheep.  Let us follow David’s example and let our baptismal anointing be the beginning of our eternal life with the “Good Shepherd,” Jesus, who will set us all free forever (John 8:32).

 

                        COLOSSIANS 1:12-20

     Paul was bringing to light a heresy in the Colossian church that was the beginning of Gnosticism.  The word “Gnosticism” means knowledge and the word “heresy” means a teaching contrary to true doctrine.  The Gnostic heresy attacked Christianity in several ways. It held that important secret knowledge was to be kept from most believers, and it taught that the body is evil.  Paul responded to this heresy by stating that Jesus chose to dwell in a human body.  This heresy denied the humanity of Christ and Paul insisted that in Jesus we see one who is fully alive, human and good. 

 

     Gnosticism was beginning to get known and it could easily sway believers’ minds that did not know God’s will through the teachings of the church.  We see many signs of this heresy still lingering on in our church.  Today, as in the times of Paul, the best way a church can remain true to the teachings of the Lord is through personal study and church teachings.  Paul lists five benefits that Jesus gave us through his death on the cross.  He made us to be part of his kingdom.  He rescued us from Satan and made us his children.  He brought us into his eternal kingdom (Eph 2:5-6).

 

     The Colossian church was caught up in believing that all matter is basically evil.  They believed that God, being a spirit which is all good, would never come to earth as a true human being (being human is part of matter).  They believed that Christ did not make the world, because they believed God would not create anything that was evil.  They believed that special and secret knowledge was the only way people could find God.  Paul told them that only Christ has the power to save.  Paul told them that Jesus is not only equal to God (Phil 2:6), he is God (John 10:30). 

 

     We need to understand that Paul is combatting a heresy that tries to put knowledge above the saving aspects of God.  We, like the Colossians, must believe that Jesus Christ is God and not simply some great prophet.  Our faith will be hollow, misdirected, and meaningless if we see Jesus as anything less than God.  

 

                          LUKE 23:35-43

     In this passage, Jesus is placed on the cross; and even in his own incredible pain, he seeks to comfort and to forgive others.  The place where Jesus was led to be crucified was called “Golgotha” which means “the skull.”  This was a small hill just outside of the city walls, alongside a main road.  The Romans made the execution a public display as an example of what happens to those who defy Roman law.  It is ironic that Jesus was asked by James and John for the places of honor next to him in his Kingdom (Mark 10:35-39).  Now that Jesus was preparing to enter his Kingdom through his crucifixion, the places on his left and right were to be taken by dying, convicted criminals.  This is an incredible example for all of us that Jesus’ death was for all men, not just a selected few.  We must take Jesus’ words to his two power-hungry disciples, to our own hearts and remember that anyone who wants to be close to Jesus must be prepared to suffer and die as he did.  The only way to paradise is through the cross.  Even as he hung there dying in agony, Jesus was asking his Father to “forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”  We need to reflect on those words, especially with what is going on in today’s world.

 

     Do we really understand how horrible sin is to God?  Do we really understand how horrible it is when we let others starve, go homeless, or we fail to clothe the naked?  Do we really understand when we turn our backs on the old, the lonely, the imprisoned, the mentally ill?  Do we really understand how horrible it is when we cause others to live in fear, and when we fail to love?  Jesus understands that we don’t really understand our own cruelty and he shows us the real reason why he died for all of us.  He freed us from the deathhold that Satan had on us and now, in faith, we can choose to love, choose to make all men free, and choose to forgive.  God tells us that if we accept his son, we will live forever (John 3:16). 

 

     Jesus died for us and forgave us our sins.  We must also forgive others as he has forgiven us (Matt 6:15).  Let us be like the good thief (Dismas) on Jesus’ right, and say, “Lord, will you remember me in your Kingdom?”  He will say to us as surely as he said to Dismas,  “Believe in me and you too shall be with me in Paradise.”  Jesus is the dawn that breaks into the darkness of sin and gives us the light eternal.

 

Application

     In the first reading, we saw David being patient and humbly waiting to be crowned King in God’s time.  In the second reading, Paul is telling the Colossians that salvation is a person named Jesus, not some intellectual doctrine.  The Gospel shows us that even as he was dying, Jesus was forgiving those who hurt him.

     Let us look at the people and situations around us and specifically say, “Father, forgive so and so for what he or she is doing to me.”  Apply this to family, friends, boss, fellow workers, etc.        

Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (November 13th) – 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 MALACHI 3:19-20 FIRST READING          

(“…There will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays…”)

1. What will the day be like that is coming? Malachi 3:19

 

2. What will happen to all the proud and evildoers? Malachi 3:19

 

3. How will that day leave them? Malachi 3:19

 

4. Who says this will happen? Malachi 3:19

 

5. What do the proud and evildoers do? Malachi 3:5, 13-14

 

6. For those who fear the name of the Lord, what will arise and with what kind of rays? Malachi 3:20

 

7. What will you do? Malachi 3:20

 

8. What do those who fear the Lord do? Malachi 3:16

 

9. What is the difference between the proud, the evildoer, and the one who fears the Lord? Malachi 3:18

 

10. To fear the Lord brings what and what does it avoid? Proverbs 14:27

 

Personal – Examine your conscience over this past week. What ways have you served the Lord and what ways have you not served him? Do you have one foot in the kingdom and one outside? Read Revelation 3:15-16.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 THESSALONIANS 3:7-12 SECOND READING

(“…That we might present ourselves as an example for you to imitate.”)

1. Who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? What are they asking them to do in 2 Thessalonians 3:7? 2 Thessalonians 1:1

 

2. Why were they asking the Thessalonians to imitate them? 2 Thessalonians 3:6-8

 

3. What is the workman worth? Matthew 10:10

 

4. How  did they want to present themselves and for what reason? 2 Thessalonians 3:9

 

5. What was the rule that they laid down while they were with them? 2 Thessalonians 3:10

 

6. With what did they tell them to work, and for what reason? 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

 

7. What did Paul and the others hear that some of them were not  doing and how were they acting? 2 Thessalonians 3:11

 

8. What happens when you don’t keep busy but waste time? 1 Timothy 5:13

 

9. What did Paul and the others urge them strongly in the Lord  Jesus Christ to do and how were they to do it? 2 Thessalonians 3:12

 

10. What should we remember when working? Colossians 3:23

 

Personal – If you are a student, if you are a homemaker or working on a job, or if you are retired, what has your attitude been towards the work you are doing? What kind of example are you to outsiders? Reflect on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 21:5-19 GOSPEL

(“All will hate you because of me,…”)

1. About what were some people speaking? Luke 21:5

 

2. What did Jesus say to them about the things they were contemplating? Luke 21:6

 

3. What two things did they ask Jesus? Luke 21:7

 

4. Who did Jesus say not to follow and what would they be saying? Luke 21:8

 

5. What is bound to happen first about which we are not to become perturbed? Does the end immediately follow this? Luke 21:9

 

6. What did Jesus continue to say to them? Luke 21:10-11

 

7. What did he say would happen to them before all this took place? Luke 21:12

 

8. What action concerning his name would result in persecution and trial? Acts 5:28

 

9. What will we be brought to do?  What are we not to do and for what reason? Luke 21:13-15

 

10. With what did Stephen speak when engaged in debate? Acts 6:9-10

 

11. Who will deliver us up and what will happen to some of us? Luke 21:16

 

12. What will all do to us because of Jesus and, yet, what will happen to the hair on our heads? Luke 21:17-18

 

13. How will we save our lives? Luke 21:19

 

14. Read the following scriptures and write out what they say about patient endurance:

Hebrews 3:14

Hebrews 6:11-12

Hebrews 10:36

 

Personal – In what way do you see yourself being persecuted because of the name of Jesus? In what way are you persecuting others for their obedience to God? Where do you stand?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 98:5-9

(“He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with equity.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:5-9.

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 

MALACHI 3:19-20

We read in this passage that the day of judgment is coming like a blazing furnace for those who have turned their backs on God.  Malachi exhorted and warned the people about being obedient to the Lord or facing terrible consequences. A blazing furnace is white hot and its function is to burn impurities out of precious metal. It requires a hot, dangerous and all-consuming fire. Malachi compared judgment day to this.

Many people were disobedient to God’s will and dishonored his name (Mal.1:6). They offered false worship (Mal.1:7-14), and they led others into sin (Mal.2:7-9). Many became arrogant and proud, and they called “evil” good (Mal.2:17). These were the people who Malachi promised would be reduced to stubble on Judgment Day. We need to reflect on our own lifestyle in these troubled times and see if this warning applies to us also. The name of God is mocked and profaned on television and in the movies with great regularity. Idolatry is as common today in this country as it ever was in the time of Abraham. Today many pay homage to the god of sports, television, pornography, abortion, money, and power. That blazing furnace is as real today as it was in the time of Malachi.

Malachi was not a prophet of doom, and he left them with a strong message of hope and forgiveness. He gave us the image of a loving God who will be like the healing warmth of the sun to those that repent and come back to love and obey him. God wills that no man perish. John the Baptist told about the coming of Jesus and said he was like the dawn about to break with light for those in sin and darkness (Luke 1:76-79). Jesus is the light of the world, and we are called to bring that light everywhere.

 

2 THESSALONIANS 3:7-12

Paul takes a strong stand against laziness in the church leaders and in the people themselves. He strongly exhorts them to be responsible and hard-working Christians. Paul certainly did not think that working or insisting that people who should work was an attack on their integrity or dignity.  Paul thought that a person should make the most of his time and talents. Paul exhorted them to provide for themselves and for others as well. Paul stresses very strongly how important example is to a community.

We need to stress that today more than ever to our young people and especially our children. What kind of example are you setting? Do people see you as a hard-working, kind, and patient Christian?  Do you spend too much time watching television? Do you spend time alone every day with the Lord in quiet prayer? Do you read and study Scripture every day? These are the type of examples we need to set for others.

Paul really admonishes the people about wasting time gossiping, a sin against the fifth commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.”  You kill a person socially, emotionally, and even spiritually inch by inch when you are gossiping about him. Gossips breed distrust, division, discouragement, and, finally, despair in the body of Christ. Gossip, in some cases, is exciting to hear; and it means those who are hearing it feel like insiders. Instead of building up, gossiping tears down. Jesus calls us to love others as he has loved us (John 15:12). We cannot be tearing someone down through gossip and think we are loving, obedient Christians. We need to pray to the Lord so that he will heal us of this miserable, bad habit. Our prayers are powerful because our Lord listens and heals (James 5:16).

 

LUKE 21:5-19

The temple the disciples were admiring was not Solomon’s temple. Solomon’s temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in the sixth century B.C. The temple in Jesus’ day was the one built by Herod the Great, beginning in 20 B.C. It was much larger than the earlier temples. This temple, after many restorations, was destroyed completely in 70 A.D. by the Roman army. The disciples were commenting on the beauty and durability of the temple. Jesus tells them the temple will be knocked down and it will become a pile of rubble. They wanted to know when this terrible event would happen. Jesus warned them about false Messiahs and natural disasters. He told them that he would never leave them and that he would be with them even unto the end of time (Matthew 28:16-20). He warned them about persecution and being dragged into court because of being associated with him. We see that happening today to those involved in a movement to stop abortion by blocking the entrance into the abortion clinics. Many of the protestors have been arrested and hauled into court. A tremendous witness is taking place in our country, so many people have come forward and are being imprisoned for the sake of Christ. Jesus’ warning and his promises still apply to us as we look forward to his return. In response to their question of “knowing when the end of the age will come,” Jesus stated that they should be less concerned about the date and more concerned about being prepared.

We are called to live God’s way constantly so that no matter when he comes, we will be prepared.  The early church thrived despite incredible persecution. In the early second century, the blood of the Christians was considered the seeds of future believers. We need to remember that Jesus’ words are as true today as they were yesterday. Today we have many families who have turned against each other and suffer great persecution at the hands of their own loved ones. We can be assured that no matter how rough the times may get, he is with us, and his Spirit even teaches us what to say in times of trial.

Jesus tells us, “Not a hair of your head will be harmed.” He means that none of his followers will suffer spiritual or eternal loss. You may lose all of your possessions here on earth, and you may be beaten, robbed, and even put to death, but you will be saved forever and ever.

 

Application

In the first reading, we are choosing to be either hot or cold. In the second reading, we are called to be role models. In the Gospel, we heard that we need to take a stand with God or against him.

Let us choose Christ in every situation we encounter in our homes, church, and jobs. Before we take action in any situation this week let us ask ourselves, “Am I compromising what I believe in by doing this?”

Lectio Divina – Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time (November 13th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 21:5-19 – While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then he asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end,” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (November 6th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit.“THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ 2 MACCABEES 7:1-2, 9-14 FIRST READING

(“We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors.”)

1. How many brothers were arrested and who was with them? 2 Maccabees 7:1

 

2. What did the king do to them? Why did he do this and of what was this in violation? 2 Maccabees 7:1

 

3. What did one of the brothers say in speaking for the other brothers? 2 Maccabees 7:2

 

4. What would they rather do than transgress the laws of whom? 2 Maccabees 7:2

 

5. After killing the first brother what did they do to the second brother and what did he say? 2 Maccabees 7:7-9

 

6. Who is the King of the world and for what will he raise us up? 1 Timothy 6:14-15, 2 Maccabees 7:9

 

7. What happened to the third brother and what did he say? 2 Maccabees 7:10-11

 

8. At what did the king and his attendants marvel, and for what reason? 2 Maccabees 7:12

 

9. What happened to the fourth brother and what did he choose to do at the hands of men? 2 Maccabees 7:13-14

 

10. What was the fourth brother’s God-given hope and what did he say there would not be for the torturers? 2 Maccabees 7:14

 

11. When we die who gives back both breath and life and for what reason? 2 Maccabees 7:23

 

12. What does the Son, Jesus, do? John 5:19-30.

 

Personal – In what way have you been willing to suffer for your belief in Jesus? What have you said lately to those around you that took courage to say to them? Pray and ask God to give you the courage to stand up for what you believe in.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-3:5 SECOND READING

(“…console your hearts and strengthen them for every good work and word.”)

1. What did God our Father in his mercy give us? 2 Thessalonians 2:16

 

2. What does God do for your heart and for what reason does he do this? 2 Thessalonians 2:17

 

3. For what reason did Paul and the others ask the brothers to pray for them? 2 Thessalonians 3:1

 

4. What is another reason that Paul asks others to pray for them? Colossians 4:3-4

 

5. Paul asks them to pray that they be delivered from whom? 2 Thessalonians 3:2

 

6. What is it that not every man has and that the Lord always keeps? 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3

 

7. What two things does the Lord do for you against the evil one? 2 Thessalonians 3:3

 

8. How does God strengthen us? Psalm 119:28, Ephesians 3:16

 

9. How do we receive this strength? Acts 3:16

 

10. About what are Paul and the others con dent in the Lord? 2 Thessalonians 3:4

 

11. In what are they asking the Lord to rule their hearts? 2 Thessalonians 3:5

 

12. How do we speak and of what is God the tester? 1 Thessalonians 2:4

 

Personal – In what way has God strengthened you for every good work and word through his Word and the teaching of the Holy Spirit this past week? Be specific.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 20:27-38 GOSPEL

(“God is not the God of the dead but of the living. All are alive for him.”)

1. Who came forward to pose a problem to Jesus and what did they claim? Luke 20:27-28

 

2. What was the problem they proposed to Jesus? Luke 20:28-33

 

3. What did Jesus say children of this age do? Luke 20:34

 

4. What do those judged worthy of a place in the age to come and of resurrection from the dead do in regard to marriage? Luke 20:35

 

5. What do those judged worthy become like and what will not happen to them? Luke 20:36

 

6. Who are the ones that will rise? Luke 20:36

 

7. What did Moses in the passage about the bush show? Luke 20:37

 

8. Who does not have God and who does have God? Luke 20:38

 

9. For what are we alive? Luke 20:38

 

10. What does Corinthians say about being raised up from the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

 

11. What does it take to believe in Christ’s resurrection? Acts 20:21.

 

Personal – In what way have you already been resurrected and to what do you look forward? In what way do others see the resurrected Christ living in you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15

(“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15.
What is the Lord saying to you personally through the Psalm?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

2 MACCABEES 7:1-2, 9-14

This passage has a powerful message of justice and resurrection. Can you imagine how horrible it must have been for that mother to watch each one of her seven sons being tortured and then executed? Can you just imagine the pain in her heart as she leans closely to her last remaining son and encourages him to save his life by giving it up for God (Matthew 16:25)? What tremendous courage this mother, who is herself later tortured and murdered, and her sons had. We need to reflect on this story.

The fear of pain and death was not in their responses because the hunger and thirst to be at one with God was greater. We must not dismiss this passage as an exaggerated story told to make a point. These young men loved life as much as you or I do. They dreamed about their futures just like you and I do. They knew that to refuse this command meant torture and death. Could we do the same? Today, here in our society, we are being threatened with such a barrage of filth in our movies, television, magazines, and now even in our home videotape recordings. The level of filth and profit is so high that like Habakkuk (1:2), we cry out, how long will I call for help, and you do not hear?

The degree of brutality has never been equaled as it has here in the United States when we look at the 25 million unborn babies we have murdered. Our nation is being savagely attacked, and our throats are being slashed by the incredibly overwhelming use of drugs. The primary motive for this plague of evil is greed and profit. Where are men like these brothers who will stand up and protest against these outrages? Where are these men who will die if they have to? The questions upon us today are: Do we really believe in the Resurrection? Do we really believe that Jesus died to make all men free and live forever with him? I pray that our nation will come forth and give us men and women like the spiritual giants in today’s passage. I pray with confidence because he tells us that he will never turn away anyone who calls out to him (John 6:37).

 

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-3:5

Paul knew that the pressures of persecution, apathy among the people, worldliness of the people, and false teachers would cause a wavering of faith and a looseness with the truth. He exhorted them to stand firm in the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ passed on to us through scripture and the teachings of the church. We, too, are being confronted with these temptations that try to turn us away from God. We need to more than ever hold onto the truth. This is found in the teachings of Jesus, simply because our lives depend on it.

We must never forget the reality of his life and love. Paul is not only exhorting the people, but he is also warning them about the dangers of evil men in their midst. He is telling them that beneath the surface calm of daily living is the struggle that goes on among invisible spiritual powers. The question we need to ask ourselves is, do we really believe that? Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above (Ephesians 6:12). These evil rulers, satanic beings and evil princes of darkness are not people, but fallen angels over whom Satan has control. They are not fantasies; they are very real. We need only to look around and see how the drugs are tearing Americans’ throats open.

The pornography industry is colossal and it is in every city in the United States. Abortion or murder is accepted and legally protected in all parts of this great nation. Is there any doubt that these demons of Satan are active in these abominations that are crippling our nation? When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and follow the teachings of our Catholic Church, Satan becomes our arch-enemy. He is out to kill us, and we must remember that the Spirit within us is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Jesus is the only answer to our problems and he has won the victory over Satan for us. He is the one who will strengthen us and guard us against the evil one (2 Thess. 3:3). Let us in the Lord follow the teachings of the church with the same obedience and confidence that Paul had in the Thessalonians.

 

LUKE 20:27-38

The Sadducees were a group of conservative religious leaders who honored only the Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy). They did not believe in the resurrection of the dead because they could not find any mention of it in their first five books of the Old Testament. They tried to trick Jesus with a question that always bothered the Pharisees. Jesus answered their real question about resurrection after he addressed their other question on marriage. Jesus based his response on the writings of Moses. The Sadducees respected Moses so much that they honored only the books that dealt with him and his ancestors.

Jesus knew that they respected Moses and his answers upheld belief in the resurrection. Jesus’ answer on marriage didn’t mean that people will not recognize their spouses when they get to heaven; he meant that heaven is not an extension of life as we know it here on earth. Jesus talks about those who are counted worthy of being raised from the dead to heavenly life. We might ask ourselves: What does it mean to be worthy of being raised to heavenly life? We are told that if we believe in Jesus Christ, we shall not perish, rather we shall have eternal life (John 3:16).

Jesus told them they couldn’t compare what we have on earth with what we will have in heaven. He answered their question about “the resurrection” by showing that the writings of Moses proved that there is a resurrection. Moses’ God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This means that the Lord is some person’s God, which means that person is alive, not dead. God sees all men who believe in him as living children of him.

We need to ask ourselves this question: Do we believe in the resurrection? Will we rise from the dead like Jesus did? Will we someday be reunited in heaven with all of our loved ones who died before us? We are told in Scripture to confess with our lips and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and then we are his children and we will be with him forever. The real question for the Sadducees was: “Is the Resurrection real?” God said “YES” when he said that all who believe in his Son will not die but live forever in heaven (John 3:16).

 

Application

The first reading shows that hunger and thirst for God were much stronger than the fear of pain and death. The second reading calls us to stand rm in the teaching of scripture and the teachings of our beloved church. The gospel tells us that heaven is not an extension of life as we know it here on earth.

This week, let all who come in contact with you see that the message of justice and resurrection is alive in you. Let your prayers be heard in your home. Do not be afraid to give thanks and praise to God for something that happens to you in public. Look around and see where opportunities to witness are present. Your family will see and experience this courage and follow your example.

Lectio Divina – Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (November 6th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 20:27-38 – Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out ‘Lord,’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Trigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (6 de Noviembre) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

Por Deacon Ken y 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 2 MACABEOS 7:1-2, 9-14 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Estamos listos para morir y no violar a las leyes de nuestros antepasados.”)

1. ¿Cuántos hermanos fueron arrestados y quién estaba con ellos? 2 Macabeos 7:1

 

2. ¿Qué les hizo el rey, por qué lo hizo y cuál fue el motivo por el cual violó la ley? 2 Macabeos 7:1

 

3. ¿Qué dijo uno de los hermanos cuando estaban hablando de los demás? 2 Macabeos 7:2

 

4. ¿Qué prefirieron hacer en vez de quebrantar las leyes de quién? 2 Macabeos 7:2

 

5. ¿Después de matar al primer hermano qué le hicieron al segundo y qué dijo éste? 2 Macabeos 7:7-9

 

6. ¿Quién es el Rey del mundo y por qué nos resucitará? 1 Timoteo 6:14-15 y 2 Macabeos 7:9

 

7. ¿Qué le pasó al tercer hermano y qué dijo? 2 Macabeos 7:10-11

 

8. ¿De qué estaban sorprendidos el rey y sus ayudantes y por qué razón? 2 Macabeos 7:12

 

9. ¿Qué le pasó al cuarto hermano y qué escogió hacer a manos de los hombres? 2 Macabeos 7:13-14

 

10. ¿Cuál era la esperanza en Dios que tenía el cuarto hermano y qué es lo que dijo que no habría para los que lo torturaban? 2 Macabeos 7:14

 

11. ¿Cuando nos morimos quién nos regresa el aliento y la vida y por qué razon? 2 Macabeos 7:23

 

12. ¿Qué hace el Hijo, Jesús? Juan 5:19-30

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera estás dispuesto a sufrir por creer en Dios? Reza y pídele a Dios que te de valor para defender tus creencias. ¿Qué has dicho ultimamente a los que están a tu alrededor y que te costó trabajo y tuviste que darte valor?

 

 

TERCER DIA 2 TESALONICENSES 2:16-3:5 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Consuelen sus corazones y háganlos más fuertes y progresarán en todo lo bueno que se puede obrar y conocer.”)

1. ¿Qué nos dió Dios nuestro Padre por compasión? 2 Tesalonicenses 2:16

 

2. ¿Qué hace Dios por tu corazón y por qué? 2 Tesalonicenses 2:17

 

3. ¿Por qué razón pidieron Pablo y los otros a los hermanos que rezaran por ellos? 2 Tesalonicenses 3:1

 

4. ¿Cuál es la otra razon por la que Pablo pidió a otros que rezaran por ellos? Colosenses 4:3-4

 

5. ¿Pablo pidió que rezaran para que fueran librados de quién? 2 Tesalonicenses 3:2

 

6. ¿Cómo son algunos hombres y cómo es el Señor? 2 Tesalonicenses 3:2-3

 

7. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que el Señor hace por tí contra el Maligno? 2 Tesalonicenses 3:3

 

8. ¿Cómo nos fortalece Dios? Salmo 119:28 y Efesios 3:16

 

9. ¿Cómo recibimos esta fuerza? Hechos 3:16

 

10. ¿En quién tienen confianza Pablo y los otros? 2 Tesalonicenses 3:4

 

11. ¿Para qué va a dirigir Dios sus corazones? 2 Tesalonicenses 3:5

 

12. ¿Qué nos había encargado Dios y cómo se los decíamos? 1 Tesalonicenses 2:4

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera te ha fortalecido Dios por cada buena obra y palabra dicha a traves de Su Palabra y las enseñanzas del Espíritu Santo durante la semana pasada? Sé específico.

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 20:27-38 EVANGELIO

(“Dios no es Dios de los muertos sino de los vivos. Para El todos viven.”)

1. ¿Quién se adelantó para plantearle a Jesús un problema, a qué se referían? Lucas 20:27-28

 

2. ¿Cuál fue el problema que le propusieron a Jesús? Lucas 20:28-33

 

3. ¿Qué dijo Dios que hacen los hombres y mujeres de este mundo? Lucas 20:34

 

4. ¿Los que son dignos de entrar al otro mundo y resucitar qué hacen en relación al matrimonio? Lucas 20:35

 

5. ¿A quién se parecen los que son juzgados dignos y qué es lo que no les pasará? Lucas 20:36

 

6. ¿Quiénes son los que van a resucitar? Lucas 20:36

 

7. ¿Qué demostró Moisés en el pasaje de la zarza? Lucas 20:37

 

8. ¿Quiénes no tienen a Dios y quiénes si? Lucas 20:38

 

9. ¿Para quién están vivos todos? Lucas 20:38

 

10. ¿Qué dice sobre resucitar de entre los muertos, 1 Corintios 15:12-19?

 

11. ¿Qué se necesita para creer en la resurrección de Cristo? Hechos 20:21

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has sido resucitado y qué esperas con placer? ¿Cómo ven otros a Cristo resucitado en tí?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15

(“Guárdame como la niña de tus ojos, escóndeme en la sombra de tus alas.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 17.

¿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

2 MACABEOS 7:1-2, 9-14

Este pasaje tiene un mensaje poderoso de justicia y resurrección. ¿Pueden imaginar que horrible debió haber sido para esa madre presenciar como cada uno de sus siete hijos era torturado y ejecutado? ¿Pueden imaginar el dolor en su corazón cuando se acerca a su último hijo que le quedaba y animarlo a salvar su vida dándola por Dios? (Mateo 16:25). Qué valor tan grande el de esa madre, quien también es torturada y asesinada y el de sus hijos también. Reflexionemos sobre este relato.

El miedo al dolor y la muerte no estaba en ellos porque el hambre y la sed de estar con Dios era mayor. No tomemos este pasaje como algo muy exagerado para explicar el asunto. Estos jóvenes amaban la vida tanto como tú o yo. Ellos soñaban con el futúro como tú o yo. Sabían que si se negaban a obedecer serían torturados y muertos. ¿Podríamos hacer nosotros lo mismo? Hoy, aquí en nuestra sociedad nos amenazan con tanta suciedad en nuestras películas, televisión, revistas y hasta con los videos en casa. El nivel de suciedad y de ganancias es tan alto que como Habacuc (1:2) gritamos: ¿Cuánto tiempo tengo que pedir auxilio y tú no me oyes?

El grado de brutalidad nunca había sido como es ahora en los Estados Unidos ya que vemos que 25 millones de niños que no han nacido son asesinados. Nuestra nación está siendo atacada salvajemente y nuestras gargantas son cortadas con el uso desmedido de las drogas. El motivo primordial de esta plaga maligna es la codicia y las ganancias. ¿Dónde están los hombres como estos hermanos que se paren y protesten contra semejantes barbaridades? ¿Dónde están esos hombres que morirán si es necesario? Las preguntas para nosotros son: ¿Creemos realmente en la resurrección? ¿Creemos realmente que Jesús murió para librar a todos los hombres y para vivir para siempre con El? Ruego que nuestra nación se adelante y nos dé hombres y mujeres como los gigantes espirituales del pasaje de hoy. Rezo con confianza por que El nos dijo que nunca despreciaría al que lo llamara (Juan 6:37).

 

2 TESALONICENSES 2:16-3:5

Pablo sabía que las presiones por la persecusión, la apatía entre la gente, la mundanería de la gente y los falsos maestros podían causar vacilación en la fe e imprecisión sobre la verdad. El los exhortó a permanecer firmes en las enseñanzas que el Señor Jesucristo les dió, mediante las escrituras y las enseñanzas de la iglesia. Nosotros también nos enfrentamos con esas tentaciones que tratan de alejarnos de Dios. Necesitamos más que nunca asirnos bien a la verdad. Esto se encuentra en las enseñanzas de Jesús, simplemente porque nuestras vidas dependen de ello.

No debemos olvidar nunca la realidad de Su vida y de Su amor. Pablo no solo está exhortando a la gente, también los está previniendo contra los peligros de los hombres malvados que están entre ellos. Les dice que abajo de la calma superficial de la vida diaria está llevandose a cabo una lucha entre los poderes espirituales invisibles. La pregunta que debemos hacernos es: ¿realmente lo creemos? Nuestra batalla no es contra fuerzas humanas es contra las autoridades y los poderes, los gobernantes del mundo de la obscuridad, los espíritus del mal de las regiones sobrenaturales (Efesios 6:12). Estos gobernantes malvados, seres satánicos y príncipes de la obscuridad no son personas, sino ángeles caidos sobre los que Satanás tiene el control. Estas no son fantasias; son reales verdaderamente. Solo necesitamos mirar a nuestro derredor para ver como las drogas están desgarrando las gargantas de los Americanos.

La industria de la pornografía es inmensa y está en todas las ciudades de los Estados Unidos. El aborto o asesinato, está aceptado y legalmente protegido en todas partes de esta grán nación. ¿Hay alguna duda de que esos demonios de Satanás estan activos en estas cosas abominables que estan mutilando a nuestra nación? Cuando aceptamos a Jesús como nuestro Señor y Salvador y seguimos las enseñanzas de nuestra Iglesia Católica, Satanás se convierte en nuestro archienemigo. Está ahí para matarnos y debemos recordar que el Espíritu que está dentro de nosotros es más grande que el que está en este mundo (1 Juan 4:4). Jesús es la única respuesta a nuestros problemas y ha ganado para nosotros la victoria sobre Satanás. El es el que nos dará la fuerza y nos cuidará contra el maligno (2 Tes. 3:3). Sigamos en el Señor las enseñanzas de la iglesia con la misma obediencia y confianza que Pablo tenía en los Tesalonicenses.

 

LUCAS 20:27-38

Los Saduceos eran un grupo de líderes religiosos conservadores que solo honraban el Pentateuco (Del Génesis al Deuteronomio). No creían en la resurrección de los muertos porque no podían encontrar ninguna mención de ello en los primeros cinco libros del Antiguo Testamento. Trataron de ponerle una trampa a Jesús con una pregunta que siempre preocupaba a los Fariseos. Jesús les contestaba sus verdaderas preguntas acerca de la resurrección después de hablarles sobre su otra pregunta acerca del matrimonio. Jesús basó sus respuestas en los escritos de Moisés. Los Saduceos respetaban a Moisés tanto que solo honraban los libros que tenían que ver con él y sus antepasados.

Jesús sabía que respetaban a Moisés y sus respuestas confirmaban la creencia en la resurrección. La respuesta de Jesús sobre el matrimonio no quería significar que la gente no reconocería a sus esposos cuando llegaran al cielo; lo que quiso decir es que el cielo no es una extensión de la vida como la conocemos aquí en la tierra. Jesús habla de los que son encontrados dignos de ser resucitados de la muerte a una vida celestial. Quizá nos preguntamos, ¿Qué significa ser digno de ser resucitado a la vida celestial? Se nos ha dicho que si creemos en Jesucristo no pereceremos, sino que tendremos vida eterna (Juan 3:16).

Jesús les dijo que no podían comparar lo que tenemos en la tierra con lo que tendremos en el cielo. El contestó a sus preguntas acerca de “la resurrección” mostrándoles que las escrituras de Moisés probaban que si hay una resurrección. El Dios de Moisés es el Dios de Abraham, Isac y Jacob. Esto significa que el Señor es el Dios de alguna persona, lo cual significa que esa persona está viva, no muerta. Dios ve a todos los hombres que creen en El como Sus hijos vivos.

Necesitamos preguntarnos: ¿Creemos en la resurrección? ¿Resucitaremos de la muerte como Jesús? ¿Nos reuniremos algún día en el cielo con todos nuestros seres queridos que murieron antes que nosotros? Se nos dice en las escrituras que confesemos con los labios y creamos con el corazún que Jesús es el Señor y entonces seremos hijos suyos y estaremos con El por siempre. La verdadera pregunta para los Saduceos era: “¿Es la resurrección algo real?” Dios dice “Sí” cuando dice que todo el que crea en Su Hijo no morirá sino que vivirá para siempre en el cielo (Juan 3:16).

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra que el hambre y la sed por Dios eran más fuertes que el miedo al dolor y la muerte. La segunda lectura nos dice que nos mantengamos firmes a las enseñanzas de las escrituras y a las enseñanzas de nuestra amada iglesia. El evangelio nos dice que el cielo no es la extensión de la vida como la conocemos aquí en la tierra.

Esta semana deja que todos los que estén en contacto contigo vean que el mensaje de justicia y resurrección está vivo en tí. Que se oigan tus oraciones en casa. No temas darle gracias y alabanzas a Dios en público por algo que te haya pasado. Ve a tu alrededor y mira donde se presentan oportunidades para atestiguar. Tu familia verá y sentirá este valor y seguirá tu ejemplo.

Trigésimo Primero Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (30 de Octubre) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

Por Deacon Ken y 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 SABIDURIA 11:22-12:1 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Porque tu amas todo lo que existe.”)

1. ¿Todo el mundo es como cuáles dos cosas? Sabiduría 11:22

 

2. ¿Qué es lo que Dios tiene de todos y qué es lo que puede hacer? Sabiduría 11:23

 

3. ¿Qué es lo que Dios disimula y por qué razón? Sabiduría 11:23

 

4. ¿Qué es lo que Dios ignora y para que le daba lugar al hombre? Sabiduría 12:10

 

5. ¿Qué es lo que Dios manda a todo hombre hacer? Hechos 17:30

 

6. ¿Qué es lo que Dios proclama a todo lo que existe? ¿Qué es lo que no aborrece? ¿Por qué razón? Sabiduría 11:24

 

7. ¿Dios es qué para toda la gente y para todos sus trabajos? Salmo 145:9

 

8. ¿Cómo se puede conservar o preservar algo por medio de Dios? Sabiduría 11:25

 

9. ¿Qué es lo que Dios tiene a todas las cosas, por qué y qué es lo que ama? Sabiduría 11:26

 

10. ¿Qué está en todas las cosas? Sabiduría 12:1

 

11. ¿Qué es lo que se ha llenado con el Espíritu del Señor? ¿Y qué es lo que sabe? Sabiduría 1:7

 

Personal – ¿Cómo he aceptado el amor de Dios? ¿En qué forma he perdonado los pecados de un miembro de mi familia, amigo, o compañero de trabajo? ¿Y cómo le he dado oportunidad de arrepentirse y en esa forma demostrar mi amor por éllos?

 

 

TERCER DIA 2 TESALONICENSES 1:11-2:2 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Rogamos nosotros a cada momento por ustedes”)

1. ¿Quién habla, con quién habla en 2 Tesalonicenses 1:11-2:2? 2 Tesalonicenses 1:1

 

2. ¿Qué es lo que hacen por la iglesia y por qué razón? 2 Tesalonicenses 1:11

 

3. ¿Cómo Dios lleva a efecto los buenos propósitos y concede una fe activa? 2 Tesalonicenses 1:11

 

4. ¿Quién produce en tí el querer o el lograr? Filipenses 2:13

 

5. ¿Quién será glorificado en ustedes y ustedes en él? ¿Y cómo se hará esto? 2 Tesalonicenses 1:12

 

6. ¿Sobre la pregunta de quién vendrá y quién se reunirá con él ¿Cómo les habla Pablo a los hermanos? 2 Tesalonicenses 2:1

 

7. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que les ruega que no dejen que pasen tan fácilmente? 2 Tesalonicenses 2:2

 

8. ¿Cuáles tres cosas dice para que no se dejen convencer que el día de su llegada está aquí? 2 Tesalonicenses 2:2

 

9. ¿Cómo es que el Señor vendrá otra vez, qué pasará con los que murieron en Cristo? 1 Tesalonicenses 4:13-16

 

10. ¿Qué pasará con los que viven y con los sobrevivientes? ¿Qué debemos hacer con este mensaje? 1 Tesalonicenses 4:17

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma te has preparado para la segunda venida del Señor?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 19:1-10 EVANGELIO

(“El Hijo del Hombre vino a buscar y salvar lo que estaba perdido.”)

1. ¿Cuando Jesucristo llegó a Jericó quién estaba ahí? ¿Cómo se llamaba? ¿Qué posición tenía? ¿De qué posición social era? Lucas 19:1-2

 

2. ¿Quién fue a ser bautizado por Juan Bautista y qué fue lo que les dijo? Lucas 3:12-14

 

3. ¿Cuál de los discípulos de Jesús fue cobrador de impuestos? Mateo 9:9

 

4. ¿Qué es lo que Zaqueo estaba haciendo? ¿Por qué quería hacer eso y qué le prevenía de hacerlo? Lucas 19:3

 

5. ¿Qué fue lo que hizo primero y cuando no pudo qué fue lo que hizo? Lucas 19:4

 

6. ¿Qué fue lo que hizo Jesús cuando llegó al lugar donde Zaqueo estaba y qué fue lo que le dijo a él? Lucas 19:5

 

7. ¿Cómo se bajó Zaqueo y cómo recibió a Jesús? Lucas 19:6

 

8. ¿Al observar esto qué fue lo que murmuraron todos? Lucas 19:7

 

9. ¿Qué hizo Zaqueo y qué dijo al Señor? Lucas 19:8

 

10. ¿Qué fue lo que Jesús le dijo a él? Lucas 19:9

 

11. ¿Por qué vino el hijo de Dios? Lucas 19:10

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has pagado a alquien a quien hayas defraudado? ¿En qué forma Jesús te ha buscado y te ha salvado? Comparte con alguien de tu familia o con un amigo.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14

(“El Señor es bueno con todos.”)

Leé and medita el Salmo 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14.

¿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

SABIDURIA 11:22-12:1

Este pasaje nos forza a reflexionar en qué tanto somos amados y protegidos por Dios. Se nos ha dicho que este maravilloso universo se puede comparar con una pequeña partícula usada para pesar en una báscula muy precisa. En Dios hay mucho más y aún así, nuestro universo es tan querido por El como el rocío de la mañana. Oímos acerca de un Dios que es tán majestuoso que aún cuando El puede hacer todas las cosas, le encanta ser misericordioso. El libro de la Sabiduría es hermoso pues nos ayuda a entender el increíble amor que Dios nos tiene.

A Dios no se le pasa nada, El vé nuestras fallas y aún así nos anima constantemente para que sigamos adelante. Nos dá muchas oportunidades para que nos arrepintamos y disfrutemos de Su reino (Marcos 1:15). Es muy difícil para el hombre entender el amor de Dios, pues El ama todo lo que ha creado. El no hace basura, nosotros no somos basura y Dios nunca hará basura. Es por eso que El nos ama siempre. El nos ama tanto que dió a Su único Hijo para que todos los que creamos en El no muramos sino que tengamos vida eterna (Juan 3:16). ¿Tu creés que él te amo tanto que murió sabiendo que podrías pecar (Romanos 5:8)? Sí, lo hizo.

Sabiduría es tener temor al Señor, no temor al castigo, es temor de ofender su amor y benevolencia, pues el verdadero amor echa fuera el temor (1 Juan 4:18). El amor de Dios por nosotros está consumado en Jesús. El nos dá su mandamiento, ámense unos a otros como yo los he amado (Juan 15:12). Sabiduría es entender que el Espíritu del Señor se dá para todos los hombres y que ese Espíritu Santo nos instruirá en todo (Juan 14:26. Así vemos que los brazos de Cristo se extendierón en la cruz del Calvario para que tú y yo podamos tener el increíble privilegio de escoger la vida o la muerte. La persona sabía escogerá la vida, la tonta escogerá la muerte.

 

2 TESALONICENSES 1:11 – 2:2

Pablo está animando al pueblo pues habían tenido una temporada de alborotos y confusión acerca de “los últimos días.” El pensamiento del fin del mundo y del regreso de Jesús hizo que mucha gente dejara de estimar las responsabilidades de la vida diaria. Algunos no querían regresar a su trabajo, otros no querían continuar con sus obligaciones monetarias. Pablo les dice en este pasaje que su vida y el modo en que viven es un reflejo de Nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. También les dice que Dios nos llama a vivir honradamente y tener fe en su promesa. Esa promesa es que, todo el que crea en él no morirá sino que tendrá vida eterna con El.

Pablo continúa y les dice que no se sabe cuando regresará el Señor, pero que su Espíritu estará dentro de nosotros hasta que eso suceda (Juan 14:26). Oímos hoy en día muchas ideas de como andar el camino. Oímos y vemos mucho de la teología de “la nueva era” que nos dice que podemos volvernos dioses nosotros mismos. Debemos reflexionar acerca de la seducción de la que habla Pablo en el versículo tres. Cuando la iglesia se une a la época se vuelve viuda rápidamente.

Pablo les dice a éllos y a nosotros que solo hay un camino hacía la vida eterna y es através de Jesús; solo Dios sabe cuando será el final de los tiempos. Nuestra fe depende únicamente de la presencia viva del poder de Dios en nuestras vidas. Debemos vivir nuestra vida como si fuera hoy el día en que Jesús viniera a llevarnos con el Padre.

 

LUCAS 19:1-10

Una vez más vemos a Jesús como el clásico ministro. Jesús sabía muy bien lo que la gente del lugar pensaba de los recolectores de impuestos y sabía que sus acciones podían provocar una gran controversia. El quería que ellos amaran al pecador y odiaran al pecado, y no quería que odiaran al pecador del mismo modo que odiaban al pecado. El quiso enseñarles llendo a cenar con Zaqueo que estaba abierto para aliviar el corazón de las personas sin importar cual era su situación en la vida.

Zaqueo sabía que la gente pensaba que él era un estafador ya que la mayoría de los recolectores de impuestos eran así (Lucas 5:27-32). Zaqueo era rico pero no felíz. Probablemente se sentía muy solo ya que había escogido un trabajo que lo hacía indeseable como amigo. Sin duda había oído de Jesús y de su amor por los indeseables y los pecadores como él y se preguntaba si habría para él algo de esas “buenas nuevas.” Despreciado y odiado por la gente del pueblo, Zaqueo estaba buscando el amor y la aceptación de Dios. Uno tiene que recordar que Zaqueo era de baja estatura y que se arriesgó a ser visto en público estando solo. No podía ver por encima de los demás, así que buscó un árbol se subió a él y vió a Jesús cuando pasaba por ahí.

Puedes imaginarte lo que sintió Zaqueo cuando oyó la invitación que Jesús le hacia. Literalmente brincó de árbol con alegría y le dijo a todos que era un hombre nuevo, había cambiado. El supo que Jesús estaba arriesgándose a ser rechazado por la multitud al decir que quería ir a la casa de un pecador conocido. Jesús hace esto hoy en día contigo y conmigo. Nos dice que él quiere estar en nuestra casa o sea en nuestro corazón. Zaqueo entonces hizo una decisión; decidió amar, pues había percibido el increíble regalo del amor de Dios. Debido a este amor decidió dar la mitad de sus bienes a los pobres. En el pago de su falta fue más allá de lo que la ley requería. Unicamente si el robo era un acto de destrucción, violentamente premeditado tenía que darse cuatro veces más (Exodo 22:1).

Zaqueo mostró que era un hombre cambiado con sus acciones no con sus palabras. Se había arrepentido por el amor no por la fuerza. Un hombre o una mujer que se arrepiente, cambia completamente. Arrepentirse no es solamente decir “Perdóname.” El testimonio de Zaqueo hubiera sido completamente inválido si no hubiera estado respaldado por sus acciones. Debemos reflexionar en la historia de hoy y ver de que debemos arrepentirnos nosotros.

Como Zaqueo, necesitamos tener a Jesús viviendo en nuestro corazón para amar y ser amados (Juan 15:12). Este pasaje termina con Jesús diciéndonos que El vino a buscar y a salvar al que está perdido. Zaqueo era judío, hijo de Abraham y el Señor vino a él y lo trajo a su reino. Nosotros tenemos ese mismo Dios amoroso que siempre está listo para venir a nuestra “casa” y traernos a su casa también.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice qué tanto somos amados y protegidos por Dios a pesar de nuestro egoísmo. La segunda lectura muestra que el modo en que vivimos es una reflexión de lo que creemos. El Evangelio demuestra a traves de la historia de Zaqueo que las acciones hablan más fuerte que las palabras. Arrepentirse significa Cambiar.

Escoge uno de tus malos hábitos y en oración y con fe trabaja sobre el esta semana. Atestiguar con palabras sin actuar no tiene ninqún valor, así que comparte con alguien especial tus progresos. El modo en que le hablas a tus hijos les dice si éllos son para tí algo especial o una carga. Deja que tu familia vea que eres sumiso al Señor y que le das permiso para que te cambie. Funciona. El cambió a Zaqueo y quiere cambiarte a tí.

Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time (October 30th) – Cycle C

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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 WISDOM 11:22-12:1 FIRST READING

(“For you love all things that are.”)

1. What two things is the whole universe like? Wisdom 11:22

 

2. What does God have on all and what can he do? Wisdom 11:23

 

3. What does God overlook and for what reason? Wisdom 11:23

 

4. Of what is God not unaware and for what does he give man space? Wisdom 12:10

 

5. What does God call men everywhere to do? Acts 17:30

 

6. What does God do to all things that are, what does he loathe, and for what reason? Wisdom 11:24

 

7. What is the Lord to all people and toward all his works? Psalm 145:9

 

8. Unless God does what, how can anything remain or be preserved? Wisdom 11:25

 

9. What does God do to all things, for what reason, and of what is he a lover? Wisdom 11:26

 

10. What is in all things? Wisdom 12:1

 

11. What does the Spirit of the Lord ll and what does he know? Wisdom 1:7

 

Personal – How have I accepted God’s love for me? In what way have I overlooked the sins of a family member, friend, or co-worker and given them an opportunity to repent and thus show my love for them?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 THESSALONIANS 1:11-2:2 SECOND READING

(“We pray for you always.”)

1. Who is speaking and to whom is he speaking in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-2:2? 2 Thessalonians 1:1

 

2. What do they do always for the church and for what reason? 2 Thessalonians 1:11

 

3. How does God fulfill every honest intention and work of faith? 2 Thessalonians 1:11

 

4. Who begets (brings forth) in you any measure of desire or achievement? Philippians 2:13

 

5. Who may be glorified in you and you in him and how is this done? 2 Thessalonians 1:12

 

6. On the question of whose coming, and of who is being gathered with him, how is Paul addressing the brothers? 2 Thessalonians 2:1

 

7. What two things is he begging them not to let happen so easily? 2 Thessalonians 2:2

 

8. What three ways is he saying not to be swayed into believing that the day of the Lord is here? 2 Thessalonians 2:2

 

9. How is the Lord going to come again and what will happen to those who have died in Christ? 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16

 

10. Personal – In what way have you been preparing for the Lord’s second coming?

 

11. What will happen to those who are living, the survivors, and what are we to do with this message? 1 Thessalonians 4:17

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 19:1-10 GOSPEL

(“The Son of Man has come to search out and save what is lost”)

1. As Jesus entered Jericho who was there, what was his name, what position did he hold, and what economic status did he hold? Luke 19:1-2

 

2. Who came to be baptized by John the Baptist and what did he tell them? Luke 3:12-14

 

3. Which one of Jesus’ disciples was a tax collector? Matthew 9:9

 

4. What was Zacchaeus doing, why did he want to do this and what prevented him from doing this? Luke 19:3

 

5. What did he rst do and when that did not work, what did he then do? Luke 19:4

 

6. What did Jesus do when he came to the spot where Zacchaeus was and what did he say to him? Luke 19:5

 

7. How did Zacchaeus descend and how did he welcome Jesus? Luke 19:6

 

8. When this was observed what did everyone begin to murmur? Luke 19:7

 

9. What did Zacchaeus do and what did he say to the Lord? Luke 19:8

 

10. What did Jesus say to him? Luke 19:9

 

11. Why did the Son of Man come? Luke 19:10

 

Personal – In what way have you repaid anyone you may have defrauded? In what way has Jesus come to search you out and save you personally?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14

(“The Lord is good to all.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 145:1-2, 8-11, 13-14.
What is the Lord saying to you personally through the Psalm?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

WISDOM 11:22-12:1

This passage forces us to reflect on how much we are loved and protected by God. We are being told that this awesome universe is like being compared to a small particle used for weighing on sensitive scales. In God there is so much more and yet our universe is as precious to him as early morning dew. We hear about a God who is so majestic that even though he can do all things, he loves being merciful. Wisdom is so precious because it helps us to understand God’s incredible love for us.

God doesn’t miss anything, he sees our failures, and yet he constantly encourages us to go forward. He gives us so much room to repent and to enjoy his kingdom (Mark 1:15). It is so hard for man to understand God’s love, because God loves everything that he has created. God does not make junk, we are not junk, and God will never make junk. That is why he loves us always. God loves us so much he gave us his only Son, so that all who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Do you really believe that he loved you so much he died knowing that you would be sinning (Romans 5:8)? He did.

Wisdom is fear of the Lord, not a fear of punishment but fear of offending his love and goodness because true love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). God’s love for us is complete in Jesus. He gives us his command, love one another as I have loved you (John 15:12). Wisdom is knowing that the Spirit of the Lord is given for all men and that the Spirit will instruct us in everything (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is all-embracing and this means that the arms of Christ were stretched out wide on the cross of Calvary so that you and I can have the incredible privilege of choosing life or death. The wise person will choose life; the fool will choose death.

 

2 THESSALONIANS 1:11-2:2

Paul is now encouraging the people because they had been going through a time of turmoil and confusion about the “last days.”The thought of the world coming to an end and Jesus coming back led many to give up the responsibilities of daily life. Some of the people did not want to go back to work, some did not want to continue to meet their financial obligations. Paul is telling them in this passage that their life and the way that they live is a reflection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Paul also tells them that God calls us to live in honor and have faith in his promise. His promise is that all who believe in him will not perish but instead have eternal life with him.

Paul goes on to tell them that the day which the Lord is to come back is not yet known, but his Spirit will be within us until then (John 14:26). We hear today many new ways to “talk the talk” and “walk the walk.” We hear and see quite a bit of the “new age” theology which calls us to become gods unto ourselves. We really need to reflect on the seduction of the age that Paul spoke about in verse three. When the Church marries the age or times, the church quickly becomes a widow.

Paul is telling them, as he is telling us, that there is only one way to eternal life, and that is through Jesus; and that only God knows when the end days are near. Our faith depends only on the living presence of the power of God in our lives. We are to live our lives as if this is the day that Jesus comes to take us home to the Father.

 

LUKE 19:1-10

Once again we see Jesus being the classic minister. Jesus knew full well what the local townspeople thought about tax collectors and knew that his actions would provoke a tremendous amount of controversy. He wanted them to love the sinner and hate the sin, but not hate the sinner as well as the sin. He chose to show them that by having dinner with Zacchaeus he was open to healing a person’s heart no matter what his station in life.

Zacchaeus knew that the people thought that he was a crook as most tax collectors were in those days (Luke 5:27- 32). Zacchaeus was wealthy but not happy. He probably was very lonely because he had chosen a way that made him an outcast. He no doubt had heard of Jesus and his love for outcasts like tax collectors and sinners like himself and wondered if he had any “good news” for him. Despised and hated by the local townspeople, Zacchaeus was reaching out for the love and acceptance of God. One has to remember that Zacchaeus was small in stature and he took a great risk to be seen alone in public. He could not see over the crowd so he finally found a tree that he could climb and see Jesus as he walked by.

Can you imagine the thrill that went through Zacchaeus when he heard Jesus’ invitation? He literally jumped out of the tree in joy and shock and proclaimed to the community that he was a changed man. He knew that Jesus was risking the rejection of the crowd by saying that he wanted to stay at the home of a known sinner. Jesus does that today with you and me. He tells us that he wants to stay in our house, which means in our hearts. Zacchaeus then made a decision; he decided to love because he had experienced the incredible gift of God’s love. Because of this love, he then decided to give half of his goods to the poor. In his restitution, he went far beyond what the law required. Only if robbery was a pre-meditated violent act of destruction was a fourfold giving back necessary (Exodus 22:1).

Zacchaeus showed that he was a changed man by his actions not just his words. Zacchaeus was a man who had repented because of love, not force. A man or woman who repents changes completely. Repentance is not only saying “I am sorry.” Zacchaeus’ testimony would have been completely worthless if it was not backed up by deeds. We should reflect on today’s story and see where, in our lives, repentance is needed.

Like Zacchaeus, we need to have Jesus reside in our hearts in order to love and be loved (John 15:12). This passage ends with Jesus telling us that he came to search out and save the lost. Zacchaeus was a Jew, a child of Abraham, and the Lord came to him and brought him back into the kingdom. We have that same loving God who is always ready to come to our “house” and bring us home, too.

 

Application

The first reading tells us how much we are loved and protected by God in spite of our selfishness. The second reading shows that the way we live is a reflection of what we believe. The Gospel demonstrates through the story about Zacchaeus that actions speak louder than words. Repentance means change.

Pick one specific bad habit and in prayer and faith work on it for this week. Testimony of words without action is worthless, so share your progress with someone special. The way that you talk to your children tells that they are either special or a burden. Let your family know that you are submitting yourself to the Lord and are giving him permission to change you. It works. He changed Zacchaeus and he wants to change you.

Lectio Divina – Thirty-First Sunday of Ordinary Time (October 30th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Luke 19:1-10 – At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?