Primer Domingo de Cuaresma (6 de Marzo) – Ciclo C

Posted on February 8, 2022February 8, 2022 by admin

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 DEUTERONOMIO 26:4-10 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El nos sacó de Egipto con mano firme.”)

1. ¿Quién tomará el canasto de tus manos y qué hará con él? Deuteronomio 26:4

2. ¿En el versículo 5 del Deuteronomio 26, quién está hablando? Deuteronomio 1:1

3. ¿Quién era el Arameo errante, a dónde fue? Génesis 46:6

4. ¿Cómo vivió el Arameo errante y en qué se convirtió? Deuteronomio 26:5

5. ¿Cómo trataron los egipcios a los Israelitas y quien vino en su ayuda? Deuteronomio 26:6-7

6. ¿Qué dicen los siguientes versículos sobre la opresión?

A. Isaías 53:8

B. Isaías 58:9

Personal – ¿Has sido tú maltratado ú oprimido de alguna manera? ¿Qué has hecho al respecto?

7. ¿Cuáles son los dos sentidos que dice Deuteronomio 26:7 que Dios usó?

8. ¿De qué manera contestó el Señor a su llamado de auxilio? Deuteronomio 26:8

9. ¿Cómo era la tierra a la que el Señor los llevó? Deuteronomio 26:9

10. ¿Qué hizo Moisés en respuesta a lo que el Señor hizo por él? Deuteronomio 26:10

11. ¿Qué debemos hacer en respuesta a lo que El ha hecho por nosotros? Enumera las 2 cosas del versículo 10, de Deuteronomio 26.

Personal – ¿Qué ha hecho el Señor por tí personalmente en el pasado? ¿De lo que has ganado o producido financieramente le has dado algo a Dios en respuesta de lo que El ha hecho por ti? ¿Te has inclinado en acción de gracias y en reverencia al Señor por todo lo que ha hecho por tí?

TERCER DIA ROMANOS 10:8-13 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El que invoque el Nombre del Señor se salvará.”)

1. ¿Qué está cerca de tí en tus labios y en tu corazón? ¿Qué dice Pablo que se predica? Romanos 10:8

2. ¿Quién o qué es la Palabra? Juan 1:1, 14

3. ¿Con qué te confiesas y qué confiesas? Romanos 10:9

4. ¿Quién te da la habilidad para confesar que Jesús es el Señor? 1 Corintios 12:3

5. ¿Con qué crees y que te pasará si lo haces? Romanos 10:9

6. ¿Qué te lleva a la justicia y qué te lleva a la salvación? Romanos 10:10

7. ¿Qué dice la Escritura en Romanos 10:11? Ver también Romanos 9:33 e Isaías 28:16

Personal – Hay dos requisitos para ser reconocidos y salvados. ¿De qué modo has cubierto estos requisitos?

8. ¿Con quién es Dios abundante en misericordia? Romanos 10:12

9. ¿Qué debes hacer para recibir la misericordia de Dios? Romanos 10:12

10. ¿Quiénes serán salvados? Romanos 10:13 y Hechos 2:21

Personal – ¿A quién y de qué manera has hablado acerca de lo que Jesús ha hecho por tí? Toma unos minutos ahora y reflexiona en quién es Jesús y que ha hecho por tí.

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 4:1-13 EVANGELIO

(“Adorarás al Señor tu Dios y a El solo servirás.”)

1. ¿De qué estaba Jesús lleno y quién lo condujo al desierto? Lucas 4:1

2. ¿Qué había pasado anteriormente en el Río Jordán? Lucas 3:21

3. ¿Cuánto tiempo estuvo en el desierto, quién lo estaba tentando? ¿Qué comió mientras estuvo ahí? Lucas 4:2

4. ¿Qué le dijo el demonio? Lucas 4:3

5. ¿Cuál es la palabra en el versículo 3 que denota que el demonio no cree en El?

6. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Jesús? ¿Qué dice Mateo 4:4 que el hombre debe tener para vivir aparte del pan? Lucas 4:4

7. ¿Qué le mostró el demonio a Jesús y qué le dijo? Lucas 4:5-6

8. ¿En Deuteronomio 26:10 se nos dice que nos inclinemos en la presencia del Señor por todo lo que El ha hecho por nosotros. ¿Qué es lo que el demonio dice en Lucas 4:7?

9. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Jesús? Lucas 4:8

10. ¿Qué hizo entonces el demonio a Jesús y qué palabra del versículo 9 demuestra su incredulidad?

11. ¿De dónde tomó el demonio las palabras que pronunció? Salmo 91:11

12. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús al demonio? ¿Cuando dejó éste de tentarlo qué hizo? Lucas 4:12 y Deuteronomio 6:16

Personal – ¿De cuál de las siguientes maneras has sido tu tentado por Satanás? Cuando tienes hambre. Cuando te sientes inferior. Cuando las cosas no van del modo que a tí te gustaría que fueran. ¿De qué modo práctico puedes aplicar esta lección a tu vida durante esta semana? Compártelo con alguien.

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 91:1-2, 10-15

(“Tu eres mi refugio, mi fortaleza, mi Dios en quien confio.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 91:1-2, 10-15.

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

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

DEUTERONOMIO 26:4-10

La lectura de hoy aclara muy bien el propósito del diezmo. O sea poner a Dios primero que nada en nuestras vidas. Estamos llamados a darle a Dios lo primero y lo mejor de lo que ganamos. Lo cual significa que le demos con el corazón y con alegría. Lo que hacemos con nuestro dinero es lo que más valoramos. Darle al Señor la primera parte de nuestro sueldo en vez de lo que sobra después de pagar las cuentas y los impuestos, denota que le estamos dando nuestra atención. Si nos habituamos a dar con regularidad el diezmo nos ayudaremos a tener a Dios en el primer lugar de la lista de nuestras prioridades y eso nos dará una perspectiva apropiada de todo lo demás que tengamos.

La Biblia y la Iglesia Cristiana han apoyado siempre un sistema organizado para ayudar a los pobres. Dios les dijo entonces y nos dice hoy, que el diezmo se ha de usar para ayudar a los pobres y desvalidos. Estas normas fueron hechas para prevenir al país de hundirse bajo la aplastante pobreza y opresión.

Vemos en la lectura de hoy que era la responsabilidad de todos el ayudar a los menos afortunados y esa responsabilidad aún hoy en día recae en el cuerpo de los creyentes de nuestra iglesia. En la tradición Israelita, a cada persona se le requería saber de memoria la historia de los tratados de Dios con su pueblo. Debemos reflexionar en la historia de los tratados de Dios con los Cristianos a traves de todas las épocas.

¿Cuál es la historia de tus relaciones con Dios? ¿Puedes recordar específicamente lo que Dios ha hecho por tí? Pasa un tiempo a solas para que reflexiones en los muchos dones que Dios te ha dado. Esto te ayudará a reconocer que todos tus dones y talentos te vienen de Dios. Esta es la razón por la cual gustosamente le damos a Dios el diezmo pues El nos ha colmado con esos tesoros. Recuerda, donde está tu tesoro ahi está tu corazon.

ROMANOS 10:8-13

Es una declaración realmente enorme cuando decimos que la salvación que viene de confiar en Cristo ya está dentro de cada uno de nosotros. De hecho esta tan cerca como nuestros corazones y nuestras bocas. La gente a traves de todas las epocas ha buscado a Dios por medio de experiencias dramáticas. Hay quien ha viajado por todo el mundo para encontrar a un líder espiritual.

La Escritura de hoy nos dice que la salvación de Dios está enfrente de nosotros. El vendrá a nosotros dondequiera que estemos y en cualquier momento que lo llamemos (Juan 6:37). Todo lo que necesitamos hacer es responder y aceptar Su increíble don de salvación. Hoy en día mucha gente piensa que hacerse Cristiano y ser recipiente del don de la salvación es un proceso complicado, pero no lo es si creemos verdaderamente en nuestros corazones y se denota en los cambios que haya en nuestra vida y confesamos que Jesús es el Señor de nuestra vida, entonces nosotros también seremos salvados.

Pablo no está diciendo que los Cristianos estarán libres de desilusiones. Habrá muchas veces que las personas nos fallarán y que las circunstancias serán sumamente difíciles. Lo que Pablo nos dice realmente es que Jesucristo nunca nos desilusionará y que cualquiera que crea en El será salvado. Hoy existe mucha gente que dice que cree, pero no hay un fruto visible del Espíritu Santo en sus vidas. Hacemos válido lo que sale de nuestra boca con el modo en que vivimos nuestras vidas. Cuando creemos realmente con nuestro corazón y confesamos que Jesús es realmente el Señor de nuestra vida, otros verán en nosotros los frutos del amor, la paz, la alegría, la paciencia, la amabilidad, la bondad, la fidelidad, la gentileza y el dominio de nosotros mismos. (Gálatas 5:22-23)

LUCAS 4:1-13

Las tentaciones con frecuencia aparecen cuando estamos en un punto alto de nuestra vida espiritual o ministerio. Algunas veces creemos que si el Espíritu Santo nos está guiando las cosas siempre estarán “donde están las aguas tranquilas” (Salmo 23:2). Pero eso no es necesariamente cierto. El guió a Jesús hacía el desierto y le permitió pasar por un largo y difícil tiempo de pruebas.

El Espíritu Santo puede y de hecho nos guía hacía situaciones dificiles durante el desierto de nuestras propias vidas. Cuando estés pasando por esas pruebas, primero asegurate de que no las has traído tu mismo por medio del pecado o de haber escogido algo sin pensar, sin cuidado. Si no encuentras pecados que confesar o conductas que cambiar pídele a Dios que te dé fuerzas para cuando vengan tus pruebas. Así como Jesús, tú también debes seguir fielmente el camino que el Espíritu Santo te señale. Debemos recordar siempre que Satánas es un ser real y que la tentación que les puso a Eva en el paraíso y a Jesús en el desierto no son unicamente símbolos o ideas. Tenemos que estar en guardia ya sea en tiempos victoriosos como en tiempos de desaliento. Satanás constantemente está luchando contra Dios y contra aquellos que lo siguen y lo obedecen. Podemos estar seguros de que si conocemos y obedecemos la Palabra de Dios tendremos un arma muy efectiva contra la tentación.

La Escritura claramente señala que la Santa Palabra de Dios es un arma potente y ofensiva que forma parte de la armadura del Cristiano (Efesios 6:17). El saber las Escrituras no es suficiente para derrotar a Satanás, él tambien las sabe. Debemos tener fe en la promesa de Dios de que El nos ama tanto que mandó a Su Unico Hijo al mundo para que muriera por nosotros. Jesús nos dice que El es el camino, la verdad y la vida (Juan 14:6) y Satanás no puede contra esa clase de poder.

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra que donde está tu tesoro ahí está tu corazón. En la segunda lectura vemos, que la fe es creer más en el que dá, que en lo que está dando. En el Evangelio, el amor de Dios es mucho más poderoso que el recelo de Satanás.

Esta semana, muéstrale a tu familia que el poder te viene de Dios cuando lo pones a El en el primer lugar de tu vida. Deja que tu familia vea que das con gusto el diezmo y anímalos para que ellos también devuelvan a Dios algunos de los frutos de los que están disfrutando. El simple hecho de dar tu diezmo alegremente por amor a los desvalidos sera un testimonio enorme para tus hijos y los hijos de tus hijos.

First Sunday of Lent (March 6th) – Cycle C

Posted on February 8, 2022February 16, 2022 by admin

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 DEUTERONOMY 26:4-10 FIRST READING

(“He brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand and outstretched arm.”)

1. Who shall take the basket out of your hands, and what will he do with it? Deuteronomy 26:4

2. In verse 5 of Deuteronomy 26, who is speaking? Deuteronomy 1:1

3. Who is the wandering Aramean, and where did he go? Genesis 46:6

4. How did the wandering Aramean live, and what did he become? Deuteronomy 26:5

5. How did the Egyptians treat the Israelites, and to whom did they cry out? Deuteronomy 26:6-7

6. What do the following verses say about oppression?

A. Isaiah 53:8

B. Isaiah 58:9

Personal – In what way have you been maltreated and oppressed? How have you dealt with it?

7. What two senses did the Lord use in Deuteronomy 26:7?

8. In what way did the Lord answer their cry? Deuteronomy 26:8

9. What was the land like to which the Lord brought them to? Deuteronomy 26:9

10. What did Moses do in response to what the Lord did for him? Deuteronomy 26:10

11. What should we do in response to what he has done for us? List the two things in verse 10 of Deuteronomy 26.

Personal – What has God personally done for you in the past? From what you have earned or produced financially, in what way have you responded to what God has done for you? Have you bowed down in thanksgiving and reverence to the Lord for all he has done for you?

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 10:8-13 SECOND READING

(“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”)

1. What is near you, on your lips, and in your heart, and what does Paul say is preached? Romans 10:8

2. What or who is the Word? John 1:1, 14

3. With what do you confess, and what do you confess? Romans 10:9

4. Who gives you the ability to confess Jesus is Lord? 1 Corinthians 12:3

5. With what do you believe and what will happen to you if you do this? Romans 10:9

6. What leads to justification, and what leads to salvation? Romans 10:10

7. What does Scripture say in Romans 10:11, Romans 9:33, and Isaiah 28:16?

Personal – There are two requirements to being justified and saved. In what way have you fulfilled these requirements?

8. To whom is God rich in mercy? Romans 10:12

9. What must you do to receive God’s mercy? Romans 10:12

10. Who will be saved? Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21

Personal – To whom and in what way have you spoken to others of what Jesus has done for you? Take a few minutes now and reflect on Jesus, who he is, and what he has done.

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 4:1-13 GOSPEL

(“You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve.”)

1. What was Jesus full of, and who conducted him into the desert? Luke 4:1

2. What had previously taken place in the Jordan River? Luke 3:21

3. How long was he in the desert, who tempted him, and what did he eat while there? Luke 4:2

4. What did the devil say to him? Luke 4:3

5. What one word in verse 3 denotes the devil’s unbelief in him?

6. What was Jesus’ response, and besides bread, what does Matthew 4:4 say man shall live on? Luke 4:4

7. What did the devil show Jesus, and what did the devil say to him? Luke 4:5-6

8. Deuteronomy 26:10 tells us to bow down in the presence of the Lord for all he has done for us. What is the devil saying in Luke 4:7?

9. What was Jesus’ reply to him? Luke 4:8

10. Then what did the devil do and say to Jesus, and what small word in verse 9 showed the devil’s unbelief?

11. From what did the devil quote? Psalm 91:11

12. What did Jesus say to the devil, and when the devil had finished all the tempting, what did he do? Luke 4:12 and Deuteronomy 6:16

Personal – In which of the following ways have you been tempted by Satan: When you are hungry – When you feel inferior – When things are not going the way you would like them to go? In what practical way can you apply this lesson to your life this week? Share with someone.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 91:1-2, 10-15

(“My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 91:1-2, 10-15.

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

DEUTERONOMY 26:4-10

Today’s reading makes the purpose of tithing very clear: to put God first in our lives. We are called to give God the first and best of what we earn. This means that we give from the heart, and we are to give joyously. What we do with our money shows what we value most. Giving the first part of our paycheck to God, rather than what is left after taxes and bills, focuses our attention on him. A habit of regular tithing can keep God at the top of our priority list and give us a proper perspective on everything else we have.

The Bible and the Christian Church have always supported an organized system of caring for the poor. God told his people then, and he tells us today, to use our tithe for the helpless and poor. These regulations were designed to prevent the country from sinking under crushing poverty and oppression.

We see in today’s reading that it was everyone’s responsibility to care for the less fortunate and that responsibility still falls upon the body of believers in our church. In the Israelite tradition, each person was required to recite the history of God’s dealings with his people. We need to reflect on the history of God’s dealings with Christians throughout the ages.

What is the history of your relationship with God? Can you specifically recall what God has done for you? Take some time alone to reflect on the many gifts that God has given you. This will help you to see how all of your gifts and talents really come from God. That is why we can joyously tithe to God, because he has showered us with so much treasure. Remember, where your treasure is, your heart is.

ROMANS 10:8-13

A tremendously powerful statement is made when we say salvation that comes from trusting Christ is already within easy reach of us. In fact, it is as near as our own hearts and mouths. People all through the ages have looked for God through dramatic experiences. Some people have traveled all across the world to meet a spiritual leader.

Today’s Scripture reading tells us that God’s salvation is right in front of us. He will come to us wherever we are and whenever we call (John 6:37). All we need to do is to respond and accept his incredible gift of salvation. Today many people think that to become a Christian and be the recipient of the gift of salvation is a complicated process, but it is not. If we truly believe in our hearts and this belief is shown in the changes that take place in our lives and confess that Jesus is the Lord of our lives, then we too will be saved.

Paul is not saying that Christians will be free of all disappointments. There will be many times when people let us down and when circumstances take a turn for the worse. What Paul is really saying is that Jesus Christ will never let us down and that everyone who believes in him will be saved. Today there are some people who say they believe, but there is no fruit of the Holy Spirit visible in their lives. We validate what comes out of our mouths by the way we live our lives. When we really believe without hearts and confess that Jesus is really the Lord of our life, then others will see in us the fruits of love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

LUKE 4:1-13

Temptations often come after a high point in our spiritual lives or ministries. Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us, it will always be “beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). But that is not necessarily true. He led Jesus into the desert and allowed him to experience a long and difficult time of testing.

The Holy Spirit can and does lead us into difficult situations in the desert experiences of our own lives. When facing these trials, first make sure you have not brought them on yourself through sin or foolish choices. If you find no sin to confess or behavior to change, then ask God to strengthen you for your test. Like Jesus did, you are also to follow faithfully where the Holy Spirit leads. We must always remember that Satan is a real being and his temptation of Eve in the Garden and of Jesus in the wilderness is not to be dismissed as just a symbol or an idea. We need to be on our guard in times of victory, just as in times of discouragement. Satan constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey him. We can be assured that knowing and obeying God’s Word is a very effective weapon against temptation.

Scripture clearly points out that God’s Holy Word is a very powerful offensive weapon that is provided in the Christian’s armor (Ephesians 6:17). Knowing Scripture is not enough to defeat Satan because he also knows Scripture. We must have faith in God’s promise that he loves us so much that he sent his only begotten Son into the world to die just for us. Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and Satan cannot stand up to that power.

Application

The first reading shows that where your treasure is, your heart is. In the second reading, faith is belief in the giver more than in the gift. In the Gospel, God’s love is far more powerful than Satan’s fear.

This week show your family the power that comes from God when you set him in first place in your life. Let your family see that you joyously tithe and encourage them to give back to God some of the fruits that they enjoy. The simple act of your joyful caring for the helpless with your tithe will be a tremendous witness to your children and your children’s children.

Octavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (27 de Febrero) – Ciclo C

Posted on February 1, 2022February 1, 2022 by admin

El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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 ECLESIASTICO 27:4-7 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“…así la palabra dá a conocer los sentimientos del hombre.”)

1. ¿Qué pasa cuando se sacude el cedazo, y cuándo aparecen los defectos del hombre? Eclesiástico 27:4

2. ¿De qué rogamos quedar limpios? ¿Con qué le pedimos al Señor para ser agradable a El? Salmo 19:13, 15

3. ¿Así como el horno pone a prueba los moldes del alfarero en donde está la prueba del hombre? Ecles. 27:5

4. ¿Quién tiene al rey por amigo? Proverbios 22:11

5. ¿Qué demuestran los frutos del árbol? ¿La palabra del hombre que dá a conocer? Ecles. 27:6

6. ¿Cuál es el fruto del Espíritu Santo? Gálatas 5:22-23

7. ¿Cómo se conoce al árbol? ¿De qué habla la boca y qué pasará el día del juicio? Mateo 12:33-37

8. ¿Qué no debes hacer antes de que hable el hombre y por qué? Eclesiástico 27:7

9. ¿Qué es lo que mancha a una persona? Mateo 15:11

10. ¿Cómo has de poner el ejemplo a los creyentes? 1 Timoteo 4:12

Personal – Piensa en el día de ayer y evalúa lo que dijiste. ¿Qué efecto tuvo lo que dijiste en los que te rodean? ¿Cómo puedes mejorar tu lenguaje?

TERCER DIA 1 CORINTIOS 15:54-58 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“La muerte se valía del pecado para inyectar su veneno y la misma ley reforzaba al pecado.”)

1. ¿Con qué se reviste nuestro ser mortal? 1 Corintios 15:54

2. ¿Qué es lo que los hijos comparten? ¿Qué es lo que se destruyó con la muerte de Jesús? Hebreos 2:14-15

3. ¿Qué palabras de la Escritura se han vuelto realidad? 1 Corintios 15:54-55

4. ¿Cuál es el aguijón de la muerte y cuál es el poder del pecado? 1 Corintios 15:56

5. ¿Qué produce la ley? ¿Cuando no hay ley, qué sucede? Romanos 4:15

6. ¿Cómo llegamos a conocer el pecado? ¿Cómo supiste lo que significa codiciar? Romanos 7:7

7. ¿De qué debemos dar gracias a Dios? 1 Corintios 15:57

8. ¿A dónde nos lleva Dios y qué difunde por medio de nosotros? 2 Corintios 2:14

9. ¿Cómo debemos ser en nuestra obra por el Señor y qué debemos saber? 1 Corintios 15:58

10. ¿Qué no les sucederá a aquellos que Dios bendice? Isaías 65:23

Personal – ¿De qué modo has tenido la experiencia de la muerte y la victoria en tu vida? ¿Qué significa para tí “trabajar por el Señor?”

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 6:39-45 EVANGELIO

(“…por que su boca habla de lo que abunda en el corazón.”)

1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a la gente, qué dijo acerca del ciego? ¿El discípulo no es superior a quién? Lucas 6:39-40

2. ¿A quién se parecerá el discípulo si se deja guiar? Lucas 6:40

3. ¿Qué dijo Jesús después de haber lavado los pies a sus discípulos? Juan 13:15-16

4. ¿Qué observas en el ojo de tu hermano y qué no observas en el tuyo propio? ¿Qué no puedes decirle a tu hermano? Lucas 6:41-42

5. ¿Cómo los llamó Jesús y qué les dijo que hicieran? Lucas 6:42

6. ¿Qué hacen los hipócritas con sus labios? ¿En dónde están sus corazones? Mateo 15:7-8

Personal – ¿Sobre qué asuntos has corregido o tratado de ayudar a otros? Examínate en esos mismos asuntos y observa si tú mismo necesitas sacar la viga de tu ojo.

7. ¿Qué no dará un buen árbol y qué dará un árbol que no es sano? Lucas 6:43

8. ¿Cómo se conoce al árbol? ¿Qué no se puede hacer? Lucas 6:44

9. ¿Qué produce una persona buena? ¿De dónde las saca? ¿Qué produce una persona mala? ¿De dónde las saca? Lucas 6:45

10. ¿De qué habla la boca? Lucas 6:45

11. ¿Qué debes de cuidar y por qué? ¿Qué debes alejar de tu boca? Proverbios 4:23-24

Personal – Apréndete de memoria el Salmo 141:3 úsalo diariamente para darte cuenta si hay grandes cambios que salen de tu corazón.

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 92:2-3, 13-16

(“El justo crecerá como palmera.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 92:2-3, 13-16.

¿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

ECLESIASTICO 27:4-7

En la lectura de hoy podemos ver el poder tanto positivo como negativo de la palabra hablada. Muchas veces las Escrituras nos han mostrado como palabras dichas de modo irresponsable han afectado la vida espiritual de alguien. Es muy importante que recordemos siempre que lo que decimos y lo que no decimos puede tener un enorme poder en diversas situaciones.

Hablar adecuadamente no es solo decir las palabras correctas en el momento correcto, es controlar nuestro deseo de decir algo que no es necesario decir o algo que no debemos decir de ningún modo. Desafortunadamente, los ejemplos de usar la lengua de modo impropio son muchos, como por ejemplo, al chismear, al humillar a otros, al alardear, manipular, enseñar falsedades, exagerar, quejarse, adular y mentir. Antes de hablar debemos preguntarnos a nosotros mismos: ¿es esto verdad?, ¿es necesario?, ¿es bénefico?.

Les enseñamos a los demás de que estamos hechos realmente y que es lo que hay en nuestro corazón con el modo en que hablamos. Las Escrituras nos dicen que el daño que la lengua puede causar al ser humano se puede comparar con el furioso fuego del bosque. La maldad de la lengua tiene su origen en el mismo infierno. Satanás se vale de las palabras de una persona para dividir a la gente y enemistarlos unos contra otros. Una conversación llevada a cabo con alegría y veracidad será una conversación de gente alegre y verdaderamente libre. Una persona no quiere ser adulada y no necesita ser alabada por sus actos, una persona quiere ser respetada y ser el producto de un Dios amoroso, de una familia y de una sociedad. Y solo puede ser así cuando le pregunta a Dios que quiere de él o élla en vez de ver que es lo que Dios tiene para él o élla.

Recuerda, unas cuantas palabras dichas con enojo pueden destruir una relación que tomó años para ser construida. Recuerda estamos luchando con nuestra propia fuerza y poder. El Espíritu Santo nos dará mas poder para manejar y controlar lo que decimos. Como cristianos no somos perfectos; pero no debemos dejar de crecer, y eso significa hacer que nuestra palabra revele el amor de Dios que se derrama de nuestro corazón.

1 CORINTIOS 15:54-58

En el pasaje de hoy, Pablo va desarrollando la idea de que el hombre siempre necesita ser cambiado para entrar en un grado de vida. Insiste en que antes de que podamos entrar en el reino de Dios debemos ser cambiados. Creer en Cristo es no temer a ningún cambio, incluyendo el que más obsesiona al hombre – la muerte. La mayoría de la gente teme a la muerte por que le es desconocida. Pero para el hombre viene más por el sentido del pecado. Este sentido del pecado viene por estar bajo la ley y eso es exactamente el por qué de la venida de Jesús.

Jesús vino a decirnos que Dios no es la ley, sino el amor y que el centro del ser de Dios no es el legalismo, sino la gracia. Cuando morimos vamos no hacía un juez sino hacía un padre que espera que sus hijos vengan a casa. Debido a eso, Jesús nos dió la victoria sobre la muerte y el temerla se aleja con la maravilla del amor de Dios. El verdadero amor echa fuera el temor, pues este se relaciona con el castigo. (1 Juan 4:18). La muerte ya no es fuente de temor porque Cristo la venció y un día nosotros también lo haremos.

Pablo nos dice que a causa de la resurrección nosotros debemos estar listos y alertas y notar que nada de lo que hacemos se desperdicie. Algunas veces dudamos de dar un paso adelante y hacer algo hermoso por Dios porque no pensamos que es de grán importancia o porque probablemente no veremos el resultado de nuestros esfuerzos. Debemos recordar que todo lo que hacemos por Dios es importante y el efecto durará hasta la vida eterna. Has lo bueno que tengas oportunidad de hacer sabiendo que tu trabajo tendrá resultados a largo plazo.

Pablo nos ha dicho enfáticamente algo que necesitamos oir mucho hoy en día. Dios ha ganado su victoria sobre la muerte y el pecado por que fueron derrotados por Cristo. Mediante Su resurrección, Cristo nos ha mostrado que, el pecado y la muerte no tienen la última palabra y que únicamente guían hacía la vida. Les recuerda a los Corintios de entonces y nos recuerda a nosotros hoy que, “nuestra labor no es en vano.” (1 Corintios 15:58)

LUCAS 6:39-45

El Evangelio de hoy nos habla acerca de criticar a otros. A traves de los tiempos, no importando que tipo de situación haya existido, casi todos están de acuerdo en que si criticamos en vez de compadecernos de los demás, seremos a nuestra vez criticados. Si tratas a otros con generosidad, amable y compadecidamente, esas cualidades volverán a ti en toda su extensión.

Estamos llamados a amar a los demás, no a juzgarlos. Jesús le está diciendo a la gente que se aseguren de seguir a los verdaderos maestros y líderes. Les dice a ellos y nos dice a nosotros, que busquemos líderes que nos demuestren lo que es la fe tanto como que nos enseñen lo que la fe es. Jesús hace hincapié en que no debemos poner tanta atención a lo que la gente hace mal y pasar por alto nuestro propio camino espiritual hacía Dios. Nos anima a buscar la guía de aquellos que aman de acuerdo con Su Santa Palabra y las enseñanzas de Su iglesia. Jesús no quiere decir que ignoremos lo que esté mal hecho, sino que no juzguemos tanto a los demás y empezemos a volvernos como aquellos que perteneciendo a Dios parece que estuvieran congelados, en vez de ser como aquellos que El ha escogido.

Constantemente racionalizamos nuestros pecados señalando nuestros mismos errores en otros. Entendámos el término “hipócrita” y démonos cuenta que por estos fue exactamente por los que Cristo vino y murió. Mucha gente no va a la iglesia porque ahí es donde van los hipócritas el domingo. Bien, si es así, ciertamente también vas a encontrar a Jesús ahí. El vino para los enfermos y todos los pecadores están enfermos. Jesús será el primero en decirte que lo que El quiere es que Su iglesia sea un hospital para los pecadores no un cielo para los santos. Recuerda, ser débil en la fe no es hipocresia, hipocresia es pensar que estas espiritualmente más cerca de Dios que otros.

Lo que haya en nuestros corazones saldrá a la vista por medio de lo que digamos y de nuestra conducta.

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos muestra que cuando nuestras palabras estan motivadas por Dios estan llenas de misericordia. La segunda lectura revela que Dios no es la ley, Dios es el amor. El Evangelio nos dice que la iglesia es un hospital para pecadores, no un cielo para santos.

Esta semana, deja que tu familia y amigos vean tu corazón mediante el modo en que hables y actues. Una palabra amorosa que digas puede afirmar, elevar y fortalecer el espiritu roto de casi cualquier persona. Es muy importante que escuches a la gente que te rodea y que le pidas al Señor que te haga saber que es lo que necesitas para corregirte. Deja que tu familia y amigos se den bien cuenta de lo que ven en tí y lo que verán será todo del Señor.

Lectio Divina – Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 27th) – Cycle C

Posted on February 1, 2022February 1, 2022 by admin

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.”

Say the opening prayer.
Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
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 6:39-45 – He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but every one when he is fully taught will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, `Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure produces evil; for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 27th) – Cycle C

Posted on February 1, 2022February 1, 2022 by admin

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 SIRACH 27:4-7 FIRST READING

(“…a man’s speech discloses the bent of his mind.”)

1. What happens when you shake a sieve, and when does a man’s faults appear? Sirach 27:4

2. From what do we pray to be cleansed, and with what do we ask the Lord to find favor? Psalm 19:13, 15

3. As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace, where is the test of the man? Sirach 27:5

4. Who has the king for his friend? Proverbs 22:11

5. What does the fruit of the tree show, and what does a man’s speech disclose? Sirach 27:6

6. What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit? Galatians 5:22-23

7. How is a tree known, what does the mouth speak from, and what will happen on the day of judgment? Matthew 12:33-37

8. What should you not do before a man speaks, and for what reason? Sirach 27:7

9. What defiles a person? Matthew 15:11

10. How are you to set an example for those who believe? 1 Timothy 4:12

Personal – Look at yesterday and evaluate your speech. What effect did your speech have on those around you? How can you improve your speech?

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:54-58 SECOND READING

(“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.”)

1. With what will this which is corruptible, and mortal clothe itself? 1 Corinthians 15:54

2. In what do the children share, and what did Jesus’ death destroy? Hebrews 2:14-15

3. What words of scripture have come true? 1 Cor. 15:54-55

4. What is the sting of death and what is the power of sin? 1 Corinthians 15:56

5. What does the law produce and where there is no law what happens? Romans 4:15

6. How did you come to know sin, and how did you know what it means to covet? Romans 7:7

7. For what are we to be thankful to God? 1 Corinthians 15:57

8. Where does God always lead us, and what does he manifest through us? 2 Corinthians 2:14

9. How should we be in our work for the Lord, and what are we to know? 1 Corinthians 15:58

10. What will not happen to those blessed by the Lord? Isaiah 65:23

Personal – How have you experienced death and victory in your life? What does the phrase “to work for the Lord” mean to you?

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 6:39-45 GOSPEL

(“…for from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”)

1. What did Jesus tell the people, what did he say about a blind person, and to whom is a disciple not superior? Luke 6:39-40

2. Who will a disciple be like when fully trained? Luke 6:40

3. What did Jesus say after he washed the feet of his disciples? John 13:15-16

4. What do you notice in your brother’s eye, and what do you not notice in your eye? What can you not say to your brother? Luke 6:41-42

5. What did Jesus call them, and what did he tell them to do? Luke 6:42

6. What do the hypocrites do with their lips, and where are their hearts? Matthew 15:7-8

Personal – In what areas have you been correcting or trying to help others? Examine yourself in that same area and see whether you need to remove the plank from your eye.

7. What does a good tree not bear, and what does a rotten tree bear? Luke 6:43

8. How is every tree known and what do people not do? Luke 6:44

9. What does a good person produce, and from where does it come? What does an evil person produce, and from where does it come? Luke 6:45

10. From what does the mouth speak? Luke 6:45

11. What are you to guard and for what reason? What are you to put away? Proverbs 4:23-24

Personal – Memorize Psalm 141:3. Use this psalm on a daily basis to see whether you have some great changes come from within your heart.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16

(“The just man shall flourish like the palm tree.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 92:2-3, 13-14, 15-16.

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

SIRACH 27:4-7

In today’s reading we can see both the negative and positive power of the spoken word. Many times, Scripture has shown us how irresponsible words of speech have affected the spiritual lives of many. It is very important for us to always remember that what we say and what we do not say can have enormous power in many situations.

Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time but controlling our desire to say what is not needed to be said and something we should not have said at all. Unfortunately, examples of wrongly using the tongue are several, such as gossiping, putting others down, bragging, manipulating, false teachings, exaggerating, complaining, flattering, and lying. Before we speak, we need to ask ourselves: is it true, is it necessary, and is it kind?

We show others what we are really made of and what is in our hearts by the way we speak. Scripture tells us that the damage the tongue can do to the human being is like comparing the tongue to a raging forest fire. The tongue’s wickedness has its source in hell itself. Satan uses a person’s speech to divide people and pit them against one another. A conversation that deals with joy and truth will be a conversation between joyful and truly free people. A person does not want to be flattered and does not need to be praised for his deeds either. A person wants to be respected and to be a product of a loving God, family and society. He can only be this when he asks what God wants of him, rather than what does God have for him.

Remember, a few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build. Remember, we are fighting in our own power and strength. The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say. As Christians, we are not perfect; but we should never stop growing, and this means letting our speech disclose the love of God that overflows our hearts.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:54-58

In today’s passage, Paul is developing the idea that a man always needs to be changed to enter into a higher level of life. He insists that before we can enter the kingdom of God we must be changed. To believe in Christ is to not fear any change, including the one that haunts most men – death. Most people fear death because it is unknown to them. But to man, it comes to many, many more from the sense of sin. The sense of sin comes from being under the law, and that is exactly why Jesus came.

Jesus came to tell us that God is not law, but love, and that the center of God’s being is not legalism, but grace. When we die, we go out, not to a judge, but to a father who awaits his children coming home. Because of that, Jesus gave us the victory over death, and its fear is driven out in the wonder of God’s love. True love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment (1 John 4:18). Death is no longer a source of fear, because Christ overcame it, and one day we will overcome it too.

Paul tells us that because of the resurrection we are to be ready and alert and see that nothing we do is wasted. Sometimes we hesitate to step out and do something beautiful for God because we do not think it is important enough or because we probably will not see any results of our efforts. We need to remember that everything we do for God is important, and the effect will last into eternal life. Do the good that you have the opportunity to do, knowing that your work will have long-term results.

Paul has told us very strongly something that we all need to hear very much today. God has won his victory over death and sin because they were defeated by Christ. By his resurrection, Christ has shown us that death and sin are not the last word, but only lead to life. He reminded the Corinthians then, and he reminds us today, that our “labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

LUKE 6:39-45

Today’s Gospel speaks to us about criticizing others. All through the ages, no matter what type of situation may have been present, almost everyone would agree that if you are critical, rather than compassionate, you will also receive criticism. If you treat others generously, gracefully, and compassionately, these qualities will come back to you in full measure.

We are called to love others, not to judge them. Jesus is telling the people to make sure that they are following the right teachers and leaders. He tells them, and us, to look for leaders who will show us what faith is as well as teach us what faith is. Jesus strongly states that we should not be so intent on watching what the other person is doing wrong and overlook our own spiritual walk with God. He encourages us to look for guidance from those who love in accordance with his Holy Word and teachings of his church. Jesus does not mean we should ignore wrong doings, but we are not to become so critical of others that we begin to become one of God’s frozen people instead of one of his chosen people.

We often rationalize our own sins by pointing out the same mistakes in others. We need to be able to address the term “hypocrite” and realize that the “hypocrite” is exactly the ones for whom Christ came and died. Many people do not go to church because that is where the hypocrites go on Sunday. Well, if that is where the hypocrites are, then you will certainly find Jesus there too. He came for the sick, and all sinners are sick. Jesus would be the first one to tell you that he wants his church to be a hospital for sinners and not just a haven for saints. Remember, it is not hypocrisy to be weak in faith, but it is hypocrisy to think that we are spiritually closer to God than someone else. What is in our hearts will come out in our speech and behavior.

Application

The first reading shows us that when our speech is motivated by God, it is full of mercy. The second reading reveals that God is not the law, but God is love. The Gospel tells us the church is a hospital for sinners, not just a haven for saints.

This week let your heart be revealed to your family and friends by what you speak and how you act. A loving word by you can affirm, build up, strengthen and open a broken spirit in almost everyone. It is very important for you to listen to the people around you and ask the Lord to discern what you need to do to correct your decision. Let your family and friends really get what they see in you, and their vision be all that is of the Lord.

Septimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (20 de Febrero) – Ciclo C

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by admin

El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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 1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El Señor devolverá a cada uno según sus méritos y fidelidad.”)

1. ¿Por qué fue Saúl al desierto de Zif? ¿Quién fue con él? 1 Samuel 26:2

2. ¿Cuándo y a dónde fueron David y Abisay? ¿A quién hallaron durmiendo y cómo lo encontraron? 1 Samuel 26:7

3. ¿Quién te rodea? Salmo 125:2

4. ¿Qué le dijo Abisay a David? 1 Samuel 26:8

5. ¿Quién cayó sobre Saúl? ¿Que hizo este a David? 1 Samuel 18:10-11

6. ¿Qué le dijo David a Abisay acerca del ungido del Señor? 1 Samuel 26:9

7. ¿Qué te hace a tí Su Unción? 1 Juan 2:27

8. ¿Qué hizo David? ¿Qué hizo el Señor a los que dormían y a dónde fue David? 1 Samuel 26:12-13

9. ¿Qué dijo David sobre la lanza del rey? ¿Y qué, acerca de cómo el Señor los premiaría? 1 Samuel 26:22-23

10. ¿Qué es lo que el Señor ama? ¿Cómo es lo que El hace? Salmo 33:5 y Salmo 111:7

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha ayudado en los tiempos de tentación la Unción que recibiste en tu bautizmo?

TERCER DIA 1 CORINTIOS 15:45-49 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…también llevaremos la semejanza del hombre celestial.”)

1. ¿Qué se ha escrito acerca del primer y del último Adán? 1 Corintios 15:45

2. ¿Cómo llegó a ser un ser vivo el Primer Adán? ¿Quién dá la vida a quienquiera que El deseé dársela? Génesis 2:7 y Juan 5:21

3. ¿Qué es lo que no fue primero? 1 Corintios 15:46

4. ¿Cómo es nuestro cuerpo sembrado y resucitado? 1 Corintios 15:44

5. ¿De dónde fue sacado el primer hombre y de dónde el segundo? 1 Corintios 15:47

6. ¿Quién es el que vino del cielo? Juan 3:13

7. ¿Quien es el terrenal y quién el celestial? 1 Cor 15:48

8. ¿Qué hace a nuestro cuerpo el Señor Jesús? Filipenses 3:21

9. ¿Así cómo hemos nacido con la imágen terrenal, cuál otra imagen también tendremos? 1 Cor 15:49 y Romanos 8:29

10. ¿Cómo llevas la imagen del celestial? Efesios 5:1-2

Personal – ¿De qué modo te ves a tí mismo cambiado de ser un ser terrenal a uno celestial? ¿Qué cambios particulares han tenido lugar en tí?

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 6:27-38 EVANGELIO

(“Sean compasivos, así cómo es compasivo el Padre de Ustedes.”)

1. ¿A quién dijo Jesús que debemos amar y con quién debemos ser buenos? Lucas 6:27

2. ¿A quién debemos bendecir y por quién debemos rogar? Lucas 6:28

3. ¿Qué se dijo antes y qué dice Jesús ahora? Mateo 5:43-44

4. ¿Qué debes hacer cuando alguien te golpea en la mejilla derecha, toma tu manto y te pide algo? Lucas 6:29-30

Personal – ¿Cuando alguien te hiere, cómo respondes?

5. ¿Cómo debemos tratar a los demás? ¿A quién aman y hacen el bien aún los que son pecadores? Lucas 6:31-33

6. ¿Qué estás llamado a alcanzar? 1 Pedro 3:9

7. ¿Cómo debes prestar el dinero, cuál será tu recompensa y cómo serás llamado? Lucas 6:34-35

8. ¿Quién es amable con los ingratos y los pecadores? ¿Por qué debemos ser compasivos? Lucas 6:35-36

Personal – ¿Puedes enlistar las cosas que regalaste la semana pasada y que sabías que no ibas a tener retribución por éllas?

9. ¿Qué pasará si dejas de juzgar y condenar y si perdonas? Lucas 6:37

10. ¿Cuál virtud triunfa sobre el juicio? Santiago 2:13

11. ¿Si das qué se te dará? ¿Cómo serás medido? Lucas 6:38

Personal – ¿Qué dones has recibido al haber dado algo? ¿De qué modo has juzgado a otros? ¿Qué necesitas hacer para reparar el daño?

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

(“El perdona tus pecados y sana tus dolencias.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13.

¿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

1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

La lectura de hoy revela la conciencia de David. David sabía que Saúl lo estaba cazando para poder matarlo. El llegó al rey Saúl sorpresivamente y a pesar de que era un guerrero profesional sabía que Saúl había sido escogido por Dios y que no tenía el derecho de matarlo.

David escribió el Salmo 51 y en el nos dá una idea de como era su verdadero carácter. El sabía que Dios quiere un corazón arrepentido y sabía que podía sufrir miserablemente por la culpa de matar a Saúl. David y su ayudante demostraron grán valor y vemos como David muestra una disciplina de control sobre sí mismo que no permite que su ayudante mate al rey Saúl. Este último respetaba la lealtad de David hacía la autoridad y se convirtió en uno de los más leales y poderosos guerreros de la armada de David. David estaba determinado a seguir a Dios y eso lo llevó a tomar la decisión de no asesinar al rey ungido de Dios.

Hoy hay una grán pérdida de respeto a la autoridad en nuestas tierras pues se ha perdido la reverencia y el miedo a Dios mismo. Vemos aún hoy en día que las decisiones morales más fuertes que hacemos son las que tomamos antes de que la tentación nos ataque. ¿Como quién has sido tú en esas situaciones? ¿Has sido como David o como los hombres de David? Cuando decides seguir a Dios debes darte cuenta de que no debes hacer cosas erróneas para hacer justicia. Aún cuando tus amigos más cercanos te animen a tomar una decisión que parece ser la correcta, debes acordarte primero de cuales son los mandamientos de Dios. David no mató a Saúl debido a que Dios había puesto a Saúl en el poder y el no quería adelantarse al tiempo determinado por Dios. David dejó el destino de Saúl en manos de Dios.

1 CORINTIOS 15:45-49

En la lectura de hoy, Pablo no habla de hechos que se pueden verificar sino de hechos de fe. Tenemos creyentes que todavía preguntan, ¿Con que clase de cuerpo resucita la gente? Pablo nos dice que la semilla es puesta en la tierra, muere y a su tiempo resucita con un cuerpo diferente. Se trata todaíia de la misma semilla pero ha pasado por distintas etapas de desarrollo. En la vida hay desarrollo.

El primer hombre fue hecho del polvo de la tierra (Génesis 2:7), pero Jesús es la encarnación del mismo espíritu de Dios. Compartimos bajo el viejo modo de vida, el pecado de Adán, muriendo como él y teniendo un cuerpo como el suyo. Sin embargo, compartimos bajo la nueva vida con Cristo, Su vida y Su ser. Ahora tenemos un cuerpo físico, pero un día tendrémos un cuerpo espiritual. Nuestro cuerpo presente es corruptible y nuestro cuerpo futúro será incorruptible. Nuestro cuerpo presente es un cuerpo natural y nuestro futúro cuerpo será espiritual. En el futúro el Espíritu Santo será capaz de llenarnos de modo absoluto y entonces seremos capaces de adorar y amar absolutamente a Dios Todopoderoso, lo cual por ahora es únicamente una visión, un sueño envuelto en el misterio de la fé.

Cuando Cristo resucitó de entre los muertos, entró en una nueva forma de existencia. El nuevo y glorificado cuerpo humano de Cristo va de acuerdo con su nueva y glorificada vida. Lo vemos así como vemos que el cuerpo humano de Adán estaba de acuerdo con su vida natural. Cuando nosotros, los que creemos en Jesucristo, muramos, tendremos un nuevo y glorificado cuerpo que Dios nos dará y que estará de acuerdo con la vida eterna.

LUCAS 6:27-38

Jesús nos hace saber con mucha precisión en esta lectura que el amor es una decisión y no una emoción sentimental de poca consistencia. Nos dice que cualquiera puede amar a alguien que es fácil de amar o que a su tiempo nos devolverá el amor. Y vá más allá diciendo que aún los paganos aman a sus familias y amigos. Y dice que cualquiera puede amar bajo esas circunstancias. Jesús nos pide algo más que un si sentimental, El nos pide una decisión, una decisión de amar.

Jesús se daba muy bien cuenta de la opresión que sufrían los Judios a mano de los Romanos, pero aún así les dijo que amaran a sus enemigos. Estas enseñanzas y modo de hablar ocasiono que muchos le dieran la espalda. El no estaba hablando de sentimientos sino del uso de la voluntad. Las enseñanzas de Jesús son acerca de actos de amor que en realidad son actos de la voluntad. Nosotros escogemos amar a alguien con nuestra mente. También escogemos perdonar a alguien con nuestra mente.

En el mundo Griego en tiempos de Cristo había tres tipos de amor y eso prevalece aún hoy en día. 1, Eros – el amor natural de un hombre por una mujer; 2, Philo – el amor por un pariente o amigo; y 3, Agape – un amor que solo enaltece a la otra persona sin esperar alguna clase de respuesta. Este amor del tipo Agape es el que Jesús pide y es el tipo de amor que El nos ha brindado.

Jesús murió por todos nosotros sabiendo muy bien que a mucha gente no le importaría en lo más mínimo. Murió por todos nosotros sabiendo que muchos estaban pecando mientras El moría y que habría pecadores mucho tiempo después de que El muriera. El supo de antemano lo que significa amar a los que te odian, te persiguen y aún más, te dan muerte. El no nos pide hacer nada que él no haya hecho y nos dice que nos dará el poder de amar así por medio de Su Espíritu Santo (Hechos 1:8), Su mensaje de hoy es para todo el mundo, así como lo fue entonces, y ese mensaje es “Aménse unos a otros como Yo los he amado.” (Juan 13:34).

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que el destino de toda la gente está en las manos protectoras de Dios. La segunda lectura explica que nuestro cuerpo presente es un cuerpo natural y que nuestro cuerpo futuro será un cuerpo espiritual. El Evangelio revela que el amor es una decisión no un sentimiento.

Esta semana, has un inventario de tí mismo y ve quien no tiene tu amor. Piensa en los miembros de tu familia, en tus parientes y luego en tus compañeros de trabajo o de escuela. Toma la decisión de amar y de perdonar. Puedes empezar este inventario y toma la decisión arrodillándote y confesando a Dios tus propios pecados. Después escúchalo como El discierne tu inventario y lo pone en el orden adecuado. Pídele al Espíritu Santo que limpie todos los “pensamientos sucios” que haya en tu cabeza y prepárate a decidirte a amar a todos, aun aquellos que son tus enemigos.

Lectio Divina – Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 20th) – Cycle C

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by admin

Say the opening prayer.
Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
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 6:27-38 “But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 20th) – Cycle C

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by admin

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 1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23 FIRST READING

(“The Lord will award each man for his justice and faithfulness.”)

1. Why did Saul go to the desert of Ziph, and with whom did he go? 1 Samuel 26:2

2. When and where did David and Abishai go, who did they find sleeping, and how did they find him? 1 Samuel 26:7

3. Who surrounds you? Psalm 125:2

4. What did Abishai say to David? 1 Samuel 26:8

5. What came over Saul, and what did Saul do to David? 1 Samuel 18:10-11

6. What did David say to Abishai about the Lord’s anointed? 1 Samuel 26:9

7. What does his anointing do for you? 1 John 2:27

8. What did David do, what did the Lord do to those sleeping, and where did David go? 1 Samuel 26:12-13

9. What did David say about the king’s spear, and for what did he say the Lord will reward them? 1 Samuel 6:22-23

10. What does the Lord love, and what are the works of his hands? Psalm 33:5 and Psalm 111:7

Personal – How has the anointing that you received in baptism helped you in your times of temptation?

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:45-49 SECOND READING

(“…we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.”)

1. What is written about the first Adam and the last Adam? 1 Corinthians 15:45

2. How did the first Adam become a living being, and who gives life to whomever he wishes? Genesis 2:7 and John 5:21

3. What was not first? 1 Corinthians 15:46

4. How is our body sown and raised? 1 Corinthians 15:44

5. From where was the first man, and from where was the second? 1 Corinthians 15:47

6. Who is the One who came down from heaven? John 3:13

7. Who are the earthly and who are the heavenly? 1 Cor. 15:48

8. What does the Lord Jesus do to our body? Philippians 3:19-21

9. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, whose image shall we also bear? 1 Corinthians 15:49, Romans 8:29

10. How do you bear the image of the heavenly one? Ephesians 5:1-2

Personal – In what way do you see yourself changed from an earthly being to a spiritual being? What characteristic changes took place in you?

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 6:27-38 GOSPEL

(“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”)

1. Who did Jesus say to love, and to whom did he say to be good? Luke 6:27

2. For whom does Jesus say to bless and pray? Luke 6:28

3. What was said before, and what is Jesus saying now? Matthew 5:43-44

4. What are you to do when someone strikes you on the right cheek, takes your cloak, and asks for something? Luke 6:29-30

Personal – When someone has hurt you, what is your response?

5. What are we to do to others, who do even sinners love, and do good to? Luke 6:31-33

6. What were you called to inherit? 1 Peter 3:9

7. How should you lend money, what will be your reward, and what will you be called? Luke 6:34-35

8. Who is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked, and why should you be merciful? Luke 6:35-36

Personal – List how many things you gave away this past week for which you knew you would not be repaid?

9. What will happen if you stop judging and condemning, and if you forgive? Luke 6:37

10. What virtue triumphs over judgment? James 2:13

11. If you give, what will be given you, and what will be measured out to you? Luke 6:38

Personal – What are some of the gifts you have received for giving something away? In what way have you made judgments on others, and what do you need to do to repair the damage?

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

(“He pardons all your iniquities, he heals all your ills.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13.

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

1 SAMUEL 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

Today’s reading reveals the conscience of David. David knew that Saul was hunting him so that he could kill him. He caught King Saul by surprise and, even though David was a professional warrior, he knew that Saul was chosen by God, and David had no right to kill him.

David wrote Psalm 51, and in this psalm, it gives us an insight into the depths of his character. He knew that God wants a contrite heart, and he knew that he would suffer miserable guilt if he killed Saul. David and his aide showed great courage and David displayed the discipline of self-control that prevented his aide from killing King Saul. David’s aide respected David’s loyalty to authority and became one of David’s most loyal and powerful warriors in his army. David was determined to follow God, and this carried over into his decision not to murder God’s anointed king.

Today there is a drastic loss of respect for authority in our lands because there is a loss of reverence and fear of God himself. We see even today that the strongest moral decisions we make are the ones we make before temptation strikes. Who would you have been like in such a situation? Would you have been like David or David’s men? When you decide to follow God, you must realize that you cannot do wrongful things in order to execute justice. Even when your closest friends might encourage you to take a certain action that seems to be right, you must always remember to put God’s commands first. David did not kill Saul because God had placed Saul in power, and David did not want to run ahead of God’s timing. David left Saul’s destiny in God’s hands.

1 CORINTHIANS 15:45-49

In today’s reading, Paul is talking not about verifiable matters of fact, but about matters of faith. Today we have believers who still ask, what kind of a body do people have when they rise again? Paul tells us that a seed is put into the ground, dies, and in due time rises again with a different kind of body. It is still the same seed, but it has gone through stages of development. In life there is development.

The first man was made from the dust of the earth (Genesis 2:7), but Jesus is the incarnation of the very Spirit of God. We share under the old way of life the sin of Adam, dying like him, and having a body like him. However, we share in the new life under Christ — his life and his being. We now have a physical body, but one day we shall have a spiritual body. Our present body is corruptible, and our future body will be incorruptible. Our present body is a natural body, and our future body will be a spiritual body. In the future the Holy Spirit will be able to fill us completely, and then we will be able to worship and love Almighty God completely, which for now can only be a vision and a dream enveloped in the mystery of faith.

When Christ rose from the dead, he entered into a new form of existence. Christ’s new glorified human body suits his new glorified life. We see this as Adam’s human body was suitable to his natural life. When we, who are believers of Jesus Christ, die, God will give us a new and glorified body suited to eternal life.

LUKE 6:27-38

Jesus makes known, very strongly in this reading, that love is a decision and not some sentimental sloppy emotion. He tells us that anyone can love someone who is easy to love or who in turn loves us back. He goes on to say that even pagans love their families and friends. He even states that anyone can love under those kinds of situations. Jesus ask for something more than a sentimental yes, he calls for a decision, a decision to love.

Jesus was well aware of the oppression of the Jewish people by the Romans. But he told the people to love their enemies. This kind of talk and teachings turned many people away from him. He was not talking about feelings, but about the use of our will. Jesus’ teachings are about an act of love which is really an act of the will. We make a choice to love someone with our mind. We also make a choice to forgive someone with our mind.

The Greeks distinguished between three different types of love in the world at the time of Christ, and this still is true today. They are: 1, Eros – a natural love of man for a woman; 2, Philo – a love for relative or friend; and 3, Agape – a love that only builds up the other person with no expectation for any kind of response. This Agape-type of love is what Jesus was calling for as the type of love that he has extended to us.

Jesus died for all of us knowing quite well that many people could have cared less about him. He died for us knowing that many were sinning while he was dying for us and would be sinners long after he died. He knew first-hand what it meant to love those who hate, persecute, and even put you to death. He asks us to do nothing that he has not done, and he tells us that he will give us the power to love like this through his Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). His message today is for all the world just as it was then, and that message is to “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34).

Application

The first reading tells us that the destiny of all people is in God’s protective hands. The second reading explains how our present body is a natural body, and our future body will be a spiritual body. The Gospel reveals that love is a decision, not a feeling.

This week take inventory of yourself and see who is NOT getting your love. Look at members of your family, then your relatives, and then your work or school associates. Make a decision to love and make a decision to forgive. You might begin this inventory and decision making by first getting down on your knees and confessing to God your own sins. Then listen to him as he discerns your inventory and puts it in proper order. Ask the Holy Spirit to clear all of the “stinking thinking” out of your head as you get ready to decide to love all, even your enemies.

Lectio Divina – Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 13th) – Cycle C

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by admin

Say the opening prayer.
Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
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 6:17, 20-26 – Jesus came down with the twelve and stood on a stretch of level ground with a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 13th) – Cycle C

Posted on January 26, 2022January 26, 2022 by admin

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 JEREMIAH 17:5-8 FIRST READING

(“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.”)

1. What does the Lord say about the man who trusts in human beings? Where does he seek his strength, and from whom does he turn his heart away? Jeremiah 17:5

2. Why do you not put your trust in man? Psalm 146:3

3. What is worthless? Psalm 108:13

4. Who else do we not trust? 2 Corinthians 1:9

5. What happens to the man who turns his heart away from the Lord? Jeremiah 17:5-6

6. What is the person who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in the Lord? Jeremiah 17:7

7. What is Jeremiah telling Ebed-melech, the Cushite, will happen to him because he trusted the Lord? Jeremiah 39:18

8. What does he that trusts the Lord not fear, and what does he bear? Jeremiah 17:7-8

9. What makes you fruitful? Ezekiel 19:10

10. What will happen to those who believe and trust in Jesus? John 7:38-39

Personal – In whom do you put your trust for your shelter, food clothing, protection, guidance, etc.? How much control does your spouse, banker, or insurance agent have on your well-being or mood for the day?

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12, 16-20 SECOND READING

(“But now Christ has been raised from the dead,”)

1. As what was Christ being preached, and what were some saying? 1 Corinthians 15:12

2. What was Paul preaching to the brothers? 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

3. If the dead are not raised, what is that saying about Christ? What happens to your faith, and what are you still in? 1 Corinthians 15:16-17

4. Why was Jesus raised from the dead? Romans 4:23-25

5. If you do not believe Christ was raised, what happens to those who have fallen asleep in Christ? 1 Corinthians 15:18

6. Who are the most unfortunate or pitiable people of all? 1 Corinthians 15:19

7. Who is in you, and for what is this hope? Colossians 1:27

8. What has Christ done, and what is he to those who have fallen asleep? 1 Corinthians 15:20

9. Who is the One who raised Jesus from the dead, where is he now, and what will he give you? Romans 8:11

10. Of what is Jesus the head, the beginning, and the first born of the dead? What does this make him? Colossians 1:18

Personal – What are you hoping for when you pass from this life to the next in Christ?

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 6:17, 20-26 GOSPEL

(“Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!”)

1. When Jesus came and stood on level ground, who came to hear Him? Luke 6:17-18

2. Toward whom did Jesus raise his eyes, and to who did he say the kingdom of God belonged? Luke 6:20

3. Who became poor for our sake? 2 Corinthians 8:9

4. Who will be satisfied and laughing? Luke 6:21

5. If we come to the Lord, what will he do? Isaiah 55:1-2

6. When people hate you, exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil because of Whom, what will you be? Luke 6:22

7. What did Jesus tell his disciples, and what will those who kill you think they are doing? John 16:1-2

8. What are you to do, where is your reward, and what did your ancestors do? Luke 6:23

9. Who has received his consolation, and what will happen to those who are full and happy now? Luke 6:24-25

10. About whom did your ancestors speak well? Luke 6:26

Personal – What has been your reaction to your own poverty and mistreatment here and now? Give an example of your rejoicing and leaping for joy on account of your love of Jesus and for being persecuted for that love.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 1:1-4, 6

(“For the Lord watches over the way of the just,”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 1:1-4, 6.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

JEREMIAH 17:5-8

Jeremiah is describing two kinds of people in today’s reading: the wicked and the righteous. The wicked trust false gods and military alliances instead of God and thus are barren and unfruitful. The people of Judah sought advice from everyone but God.

When we are driven by fear, we seem to look everywhere for advice and comfort, hoping to find an easy way out of our troubled situation. Instead, we should have gone to God first for direction. He will give us the help we need, but he prefers to be our source of everything throughout our lives. We can do this by reading his Word and actively seeking to do his will. We can maintain contact that gives us strength no matter what the problem.

In today’s reading, God was not happy with his people because they sought power and protection from other nations. He warned that these alliances may seem inviting, but in the long run, they will turn out to be harmful.

We are not to turn for direction from those who are of the world and not of God. Ask God to help you choose what the best and wisest action you should take is. Trusting in the Lord is the first step of obedience in following the Lord. We always make another marvelous discovery of the depth of God’s goodness and kindness when we step out and trust him.

Many people have grown up with a misunderstanding of God and right living. To live a lifestyle that is pleasing to God is found only by demonstrating a reverence for God and experiencing how good he actually is. You show reverence to God by showing deep respect and honor to one another. Jesus shows us how to reverence him when he tells us to love one another as he has loved us (John 15:12).

1 CORINTHIANS 15:12, 16-20

For Paul, the death and resurrection of Christ is the core of all Christian teaching. Paul states this very dramatically when he tells the Corinthian converts, “If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain.” The church at Corinth was in the heart of Greek culture and most Greeks did not believe that people’s bodies would be resurrected after death. They saw life after death as something that happened only to the soul. At that time Greek philosophy states that only the soul was the real person, and it was imprisoned in a physical body. At death, there was no immortality for the body, but the soul entered an eternal state. In contrast, Scripture stated that the body and soul will be united after resurrection. Paul did not want the Christian converts to fall back into pagan ideas about what really happens to a believer after death.

Today there are false teachers proclaiming that the resurrection of Christ was not really physical, but spiritual. We know that by his resurrection is revealed as “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Paul is telling the people that if Christianity has no eternal value, then what was the reason for going through the persecution and, in many cases, death?

The resurrection is the center of our Christian faith. Because Christ rose from the dead, we know that what he said was true — he is God. Because he rose, his death for our sins was validated, and we can be forgiven. Because he rose, he lives and makes intercession for us. Because he rose and defeated death, we who believe in him will rise also. Without the bodily resurrection of Christ, perseverance in faith, including the sacrifices involved in suffering and persecutions, is pointless and at best foolish.

LUKE 6:17, 20-26

In today’s reading we see Luke giving an account on the beatitudes similar to Matthew’s sermon (Matt. 5:1-12). Beatitude comes from a Latin word which means “blessing.” The beatitudes describe what it means to be a real follower of Christ. They are also a standard of conduct, and a way in which we can live our lives in accordance with the teachings of Christ. They are referred by many as the Christian attitudes of being well, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

There is tremendous conflict between the values of God’s kingdom and the values of the world. The beatitudes show what Christians can expect from the world, and what God will give them. Like a very sharp knife, the beatitudes cut away false piety from true humility. They also very clearly show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in God’s kingdom.

Jesus startled his listeners because each beatitude or blessing is in fact a challenge. The beatitudes are like flashes of lightning followed by a thunder of surprise and amazement. They take the accepted standards of the world and turn them upside down. The people whom Jesus called happy or blessed would be called wretches, misfits, or losers in today’s world. Jesus reaches into the core of what he is teaching when he stated that if we set our heart and bend our energies to obtain things which the world values, we will get them, but that is all we will get.

Jesus puts the challenge to us very clearly. Will we take the easy way which yields immediate pleasure and profit, or will we take the hard way which yields immediate toil and sometimes much suffering? Will we concentrate on the world’s rewards which are temporary or on God’s blessings which will bring us eternal life?

Application

The first reading shows God, not man, as the source of all real power. The second reading says that because Christ rose from the dead, as a believer of him, so will we. In the Gospel we see that God’s reward is forever, and the world’s reward is temporary.

This week let your attitude be an action of love, gentleness, and strength. Show your humility by putting family needs before your own needs. You can only demonstrate this kind of power if you are strong in your private time alone in prayer with the Lord. Read Scripture daily, and he will give you direction in your daily actions. Show the people at school or work that because you are loved, you are capable of loving others. Remember, blessed are they who love, for they are of God.