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Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (December 26th) – 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 SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14 FIRST READING

(“He who honors his father atones for sins.”)

l. Where does the Lord place a father over his children, and what does he confirm over sons?  Sirach 3:2

 

2. What happens to one who honors his father? Sirach 3:3

 

3. What do we store up when we revere our mother? Sirach 3:4

 

4. By what is the man gladdened who honors his father, and what happens when he prays?  Sirach 3:5

 

5. What will happen to him who reveres his father? Sirach 3:6, Exodus 20:12

 

6. What is he doing who brings comfort to his mother? Sirach 3:6

 

7. What are we to do, and what are we not to do when our father gets old? Sirach 3:12

 

8. To whom are we to listen, for what reason, and whom are we not to despise? Proverbs 23:22

 

9. How are we to treat our father, even if his mind fails? Sirach 3:13

 

10. What will not be forgotten, and as what will it serve? Sirach 3:14

 

Personal – In what ways do you listen to and honor both your earthly father and your heavenly Father?  In what ways has your earthly father become a burden to you in his old age?  Compare your relationship with your heavenly Father and your earthly father. Repent where it is necessary.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ COLOSSIANS 3:12-21 SECOND READING

(“You children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.”)

1. With what five things are we to clothe ourselves, and for what reason? Colossians 3:12-13

 

2. What are these five qualities called, according to Galatians 5:22?

 

3. What are we to do with one another, and what are we to do over any grievance we may have for another? Colossians 3:13

 

4. Why are we to forgive? Colossians 3:13

 

5. What did Jesus say as he was dying on the cross, and to whom was he speaking? Luke 23:34

 

6. In the Lord’s Prayer, what are we saying and what is the Father saying? Matthew 6:12-15

 

Personal – How have you sinned and received the forgiveness of God? In what way is that reflected by your forgiveness of others when they have hurt you?

 

7. What virtue do we put on over all the rest? Colossians 3:14

 

8. What must reign in our hearts, of what are we members, to what are we called, and to what must we dedicate ourselves? Colossians 3:15

 

9. What must dwell in us, how are we to treat one another, and how are we to sing gratefully to God? Colossians 3:16

 

10. Whatever we do, in speech or action, in whose name are we to do it, and to whom are we to give thanks? Colossians 3:17

 

11. How are husbands to act toward their wives, and how are wives to act toward their husbands? Colossians 3:18-19

 

12. How are children to act toward their parents, and how are fathers to act toward their children? Colossians 3:20-21

 

Personal – What do you think causes the most break-ups in the family today?  How do you think this can be remedied? In what ways are you obeying or disobeying what God says in Colossians 3:18-21. Reflect on this, and make changes where necessary. Remember, we receive grace from the sacrament of reconciliation.

 

 

FOURTH DAY LUKE 2:41-52 GOSPEL

(“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”)

1. Where did Mary and Joseph go each year, and what did they do when Jesus was 12 years old? Luke 2:41-42

 

2. When Mary and Joseph were returning home, what did they not know? Luke 2:43

 

3. Where did they think Jesus was, what did they do, and where did they go when they did not find him? Luke 2:44-45

 

4. What is not the will of your heavenly Father? Matthew 18:14

 

5. Where did they find Jesus, what was he doing, and what was the reaction of all who heard him? Luke 2:46-47

 

6. Who instructs us in everything? John 14:26

 

Personal  –  What have you learned the last time you sat and listened to your teacher?

 

7. What was the reaction of Jesus’ parents when they saw him, and what did his mother say to him? Luke 2:48

 

8. What did Jesus say to his parents, and what was their understanding of it? Luke 2:49-50

 

9. What did Jesus do, what was he to his parents, and what did his mother do? Luke 2:51

 

10. Who are we to obey, and who does this please? Colossians 3:20

 

Personal – How have you advanced in wisdom and knowledge of God’s will for you in your personal life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 128:1-5

(“Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 128:1-5.

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

SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14

Sirach was a pious and learned Jew who lived in the second century B.C.  He wrote a collection of sayings to help others live their lives in accordance with God’s Holy Word.  In today’s passage he speaks of family. He shows us that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race.

The foundation of the family was traditionally the father and he had the place of honor. The father was given the right to be respected and obeyed by his family.  We see the mother also shares the authority with the father in the home. The authority of both parents in accordance with God’s Word is to be respected by the children.

This passage really applies very strongly to today’s families because the family structure is under a severe attack by Satan. Children who respect their parents are not only doing God’s will, but also are storing up spiritual rewards for themselves. Over the centuries it has been shown that children who respect their parents generally have children who will respect their parents.

We see that prayer is very important for a family’s growth and that all prayer is answered. The call to love, honor, and respect your parents carries with it the reward of your children’s care for you in your old age with love and respect, a long life thus becomes a sign of God’s blessing for those who follow his commands.

Children are called to give their aging parents loving care. The child who has learned to respect his parents is respecting God. No matter how feeble, mentally or physically, one’s parents may become, it is the children’s responsibility to care for them. This is not some social health care program’s slogan; this is in accordance with God’s Holy Word. God wants love, kindness, respect, honor, sacrifice, comfort, safety, etc.

 

COLOSSIANS 3:12-21

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. He was told by a follower, named Epaphras, that recent converts to the Christian faith were being disturbed by false teachers. Paul’s letter spells out some very practical rules for the Christians; to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Paul is telling them that these virtues must be secure in their hearts in order for the community to live out the Christian vision.

Forgiveness is one of the main virtues of a Christian. This is what separates us from the non-believers. God wiped out all our sins in Baptism and is constantly waiting to wash away the sins of a repentant sinner in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We also must imitate God and be willing to forgive a repentant brother or sister. Paul again shows Christ as the head of the body and the source of unity, harmony and peace. We hear that it is not enough to know the doctrines of Christ, but we must live Christ’s life, and our lives must be witnesses of good and bearing fruit.

Today, as then, we are called to help each member of the family of God. Paul deals with the family by telling the husband to “love your wife,” and wives to be subject to the spiritual authority of the husband. Children are called to obey their parents. This may sound common today, but in Paul’s time, wives had few rights and were often considered to be the property of the husband. Paul’s call to “love your wife” brings her into equality and a full sharing in the authority of the family. Paul also tells fathers not to provoke their children. The authority of a father comes from God, and this authority is to lead, to love, and to serve his family. A loving father leads his children by serving them in the name of the Lord.  A loving father puts on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:2-5).

 

LUKE 2:41-52

According to God’s law, every male was required to go to Jerusalem three times a year for the great festivals of Unleavened Bread, Weeks, and Shelters (Deut. 16:16). In the spring the Passover was celebrated, followed immediately by the week-long feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus has just reached the age of adulthood, so he did not spend a lot of time with his parents during the festival. The people traveled in caravans to the city and it was common for the women and children to travel at the front. A twelve year old boy could have been in either group, and probably Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with the other.

The caravan, however, left Jerusalem without Jesus, who was absorbed in his discussion with the religious leaders. He would have been eager to listen and ask probing questions. It was not his youth, but the depth of his thoughts that amazed the teachers. Mary searched frantically, and when she finally found him, she knew she had to let go of her child and let him become a man.

For parents, it is both sweet and painful to see our children as adults. But when the time comes to step back and let go, we must do so in spite of the hurt. Then our children can take flight and soar to the heights God intended for them.

This was the first hint that Jesus realized he was God’s Son. But even though he knew his real Father, he did not reject his earthly parents. God’s people do not reject family relationships or family responsibilities. If Jesus Christ obeyed his parents, how much more we should honor our parents.

 

Application

The first reading emphasizes that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race. The second reading shows false teachers are destructive to families and society. The Gospel reveals Jesus’ responsibility of obedience to his parents.

Today, let your suffering be for the Lord and for someone else in your family. Maybe you can offer your pain for someone who is on drugs or alcohol. Pick a family member, friends, or a co-worker, and pray for that person all week. Let your soul be pierced so that the heart of others will be laid bare and they will turn to God.

Lectio Divina – Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) (December 25th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

John 1:1-18 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, “The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me,’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Solemnidad de la Natividad del Señor (Navidad) (25 de Diciembre) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pidele 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 homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA  LEE ISAIAS 52:7-10  PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Tu Dios es Rey”)

1. ¿De quién son los pasos bienvenidos y qué anuncia? Isaias 52:7, Romanos 10:15

 

2. ¿Qué debemos gritar sin miedo? Isaias 40:9

 

3. ¿Por qué gritan jubilosos los centinelas? Isaias 52:8

 

4. ¿Cómo deben estar los centinelas? Isaias 62:6

 

5. ¿Qué debemos hacer y por qué? Isaias 52:9

 

6. ¿Por qué Dios nos consuela y nos anima? 2 Corintios 1:3-4

 

7. ¿A quién redime el Señor? Salmo 34:23

 

8. ¿Qué hace el Señor con su brazo santo y a la vista de quién? Isaias 52:10

 

9. ¿Qué ven hasta los extremos del mundo? Isaias 52:10

 

10. ¿Qué conocerán en toda la tierra y en todas las naciones? Salmo 67:3

 

Personal – ¿A quién le has anunciado la paz y las buenas nuevas? ¿Cómo vé la gente en ti el júbilo y la salvación del Señor?

 

 

TERCER DIA  LEE HEBREOS 1:1-6  SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Que todos los ángeles de Dios lo adoren.”)

1. ¿Cómo habló Dios en aquellos tiempos? Hebreos 1:1

 

2. ¿Cómo nos habla ahora y que hizo de El y por El? Hebreos 1:2

 

3. ¿Qué se hizo por El (Jesús)? Juan 1:3-4

 

4. ¿De quién es Jesús el reflejo y la copia perfecta y cómo se mantiene el universo? Hebreos 1:3

 

5. ¿Qué hizo Jesús después que purificó al mundo de sus pecados? Hebreos 1:3

 

6. ¿Cómo cumplió Jesús con ésta purificación? Colosenses 1:15-20

 

7. ¿Qué ha heredado Jesús y de quién está muy por encima? Hebreos 1:4

 

8. ¿Debido a que Jesús se humilló a sí mismo siendo obediente a morir, qué hizo Dios con El? Filipenses 2:8-9

 

9. ¿Cuáles son las preguntas que se hacen sobre los ángeles? ¿Qué dice El acerca de su hijo? Hebreos 1:5

 

10. ¿Quién es el Rey de los reyes de la tierra y quién nos ama?   Apocalipsis 1:5

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha sostenido la Santa Palabra de Dios y cómo has adorado a Su Hijo Jesús ésta semana?

 

 

CUARTO DIA  LEE JUAN 1:1-18  EVANGELIO

(“Y el Verbo se hizo carne y habitó entre nosotros,”)

1. ¿Quién era en el principio? Juan 1:1, 14

 

2. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que eran El y su Padre? Juan 10:30

 

3. ¿Quién estaba en el principio con Dios y cómo fué esta vida que vino a ser a través de El? Juan 1:2-4

 

4. ¿Qué no pudieron vencer las tinieblas? Juan 1:5

 

5. ¿Quién vino a dar testimonio, sobre qué atestiguó y qué dijo acerca de si mismo? Juan 1:6-8

 

6. ¿Qué hace la luz verdadera, cómo se hizo el mundo y quiénes no lo recibieron?  Juan 1:9-11

 

7. ¿A quellos que aceptaron a Jesús, qué les concedió, en qué creyeron y cómo han nacido? Juan 1:12-13

 

8. ¿Quién puede entrar al reino de Dios? Juan 3:5

 

9. ¿Qué no ha sido revelado y qué nos pasará cuando lo sea? 1 Juan 3:2

 

10. ¿Cuando el Verbo se hizo carne de qué estaba lleno? Juan 1:14

 

11. ¿Qué dijo Juan sobre Jesús, qué nos habia dado por medio de Moisés y qué vino por medio de Jesús? Juan 1:15-17

 

12. ¿Quién nos ha revelado al Padre?  Juan 1:18

 

Personal – ¿Qué te ha revelado Jesús sobre el Padre?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 98:1-6

(“El Señor ha dado a conocer Su salvación.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 98:1-6.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

ISAIAS 52:7-10

En el pasaje de hoy Dios anima a su pueblo a buscar el consuelo en la historia y a esperar ansiosamente un éxodo mas grande. Les está diciendo que es tiempo de dejar los lamentos a un lado y el letargo que tenian. Viene el sonido de las Buenas Nuevas de que Dios acompañará a su pueblo a casa, a Jerusalén, la ciudad santa de Dios, la ciudad con el Templo de Dios. Pero la gente estaba desolada en vez de próspera y destruidad en vez de libre. Sufrian terriblemente debido a sus pecados pero Dios les prometió restaurar a Jerusalén como ciudad santa.

Dios reina y hoy El sigue permaneciendo en control. El versículo de hoy nos dice que hermosas son las pisadas de áquel que trae la buena nueva de la paz y la salvación (v. 7). Qué hermosas son las pisadas de aquellos que van adelante y predican el Evangelio de Jesucristo (Romanos 10:15). Qué bienvenidos son aquellos que traen el mensaje de esperanza a un mundo destrozado, sin esperanzas, parte de nuestro mundo.

El gran mensaje de salvación de Dios debe pasar a otros a traves de nosotros para que tengan la oportunidad de responder a las “Buenas Nuevas.” ¿Cómo lo van a oir nuestros seres queridos si no se las decimos? Dios nos está llamando a tomar parte para que ese mensaje sea conocido en nuestra familia y nuestra comunidad. Piensa en una persona que necesite oir las buenas nuevas y piensa en algo que puedes hacer para ayudarle a escucharlas. Vé y hazlo en nombre de Jesús lo mas pronto posible.

 

HEBREOS 1:1-6

La carta a los Hebreos fue escrita para un grupo de judios Cristianos que parecía que habian repensado acerca de Jesucristo como su tan esperado Mesias. Debia haber sido una comunidad de Cristianos maduros ya para entonces pero en vez de eso parecían retraidos y viendo para sus adentros en su camino espiritual. Necesitaban un recordatorio severo de que lo que ya poseían en Cristo era mucho mejor de lo que tenian antes de hacerse Cristianos.

Este pasaje empieza con una fuerte afirmación de la divinidad de Jesús. A traves de Jesús, Dios ha hecho Su revelación suprema y final de Si mismo al hombre. Jesús es la encarnación viva del carácter y la majestad de Dios. Jesús ha hecho frente al problema del pecado humano sacrificándose a sí mismo en la cruz y pagando el rescate por toda la humanidad con su sangre. El está ahora al lado de Dios en una posición de poder supremo. Los ángeles, a quienes los judios casi adoraban, adoraron a Jesucristo. Los ángeles son seres espirituales y están para servir y glorificar a Dios mismo.

La gente sabia bien las escrituras y ya sea por dudas, persecusión o falsas enseñanzas, parecia estar en peligro de retirarse de su fé Cristiana. Este peligro está también muy presente en el mundo de hoy. Hay muchas enseñanzas falsas y muchos que se dan en llamar “Pastores” que no son mas que lobos disfrazados de ovejas. Necesitamos estar en contacto con la comunidad, orar y estudiar la Santa Palabra de Dios y seguir las enseñanzas de nuestra iglesia. Toma el tiempo en ésta época de Navidad para dar gracias al Señor por traer la luz a tu corazón y un mejor entendimiento con El. Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Jesús y el regalo que El mas quiere eres Tú!

 

JUAN 1:1-18

Este pasaje muestra claramente que lo que Jesús enseñó y lo que hizo está unido inseparablemente a El como lo que es. En la lectura de hoy Juan muestra a Jesús como absolutamente humano y absolutamente Dios. Aún cuando Jesús tomó la humanidad total para sí mismo y vivió como un hombre pasando por todas las emociones que nosotros pasamos, nunca dejó de ser Dios, el que ha existido siempre. Esta es la verdad sobre Jesús y es la base de toda la verdad. Si no queremos o no podemos creer en esta verdad básica, no tendremos suficiente fé para confiarle nuestro destino eterno. Esta es la razón por la que Juan escribe este Evangelio, para crear la fé y la confianza en Jesucristo y asi creamos que El realmente fué y es Dios hecho carne (Juan 20:30-31).

La vida de Jesús trae luz a la humanidad, en su luz nos vemos como realmente somos: pecadores con la necesidad de un salvador. Caemos de rodillas y como los pastores en el portal de Belén damos alabanza y gloria a la luz del mundo, nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Los magos siguieron la luz de la estrella para ver la luz del mundo. Cuando seguimos a Jesús, luz del mundo podemos evitar el caminar a ciegas y el caer en pecado. El ilumina nuestro camino llendo delante de nosotros para que veamos como debemos vivir. El quita la obscuridad del pecado de nuestras vidas y si permitimos que la luz de Cristo brille en nuestras vidas en ésta época de Navidad nunca tropezaremos en la obscuridad.

Ahora que el mundo celebra el nacimiento de Cristo, renance tú espiritualmente. A través de la fé en Cristo este renacer nos cambia de adentro para afuera, arreglando otra vez nuestras actitudes, deseos y motivos. ¿Le has pedido a Cristo que te haga una persona nueva en el dia de la Navidad? Este nuevo comienzo está a la mano para todos aquellos que creén en El. Felíz Navidad.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que hermosos son los pasos de aquellos que van adelante y proclaman la Palabra de Dios. La segunda lectura nos muestra que el tener ánimo y disciplina lleva a un compromiso mas fuerte con Dios. El Evangelio revela que la Navidad es tiempo de renacer y tiempo de darle tu vida a Dios.

Esta semana dale a los que amas, el mejor presente que puedes darles de Navidad. Qué hermosos son tus pasos cuando vas adelante y les regalas el obsequio de tu presencia, de tu amor, de la salvación, acercándolos a Cristo. Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Cristo y los regalos deben ser todos para El y El lo único que quiere es a Tí!

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) (December 25th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY  READ ISAIAH 52:7-10  FIRST READING

(“Your God is King”)

l. Whose feet are beautiful and what does he announce? Isaiah  52:7, Romans 10:15

 

2. What are we not to be afraid to cry out? Isaiah 40:9

 

3. Why do the watchmen shout for joy? Isaiah 52:8

 

4. What are the watchmen never to do? Isaiah 62:6

 

5. What are we to do together and for what reason? Isaiah 52:9

 

6. Why does God comfort and encourage us?  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

7. Whom does the Lord redeem?  Psalm 34:23

 

8. What has the Lord done with his holy arm and in the sight of  whom? Isaiah 52:10

 

9. What will all the ends of the earth see?  Isaiah 52:10

 

10. What is to be known upon the earth, among all nations? Psalm 67:3

 

Personal – To whom have you been announcing peace and good news? How do people see the joy and salvation of the Lord upon you?

 

 

THIRD DAY  READ HEBREWS 1:1-6 SECOND READING

(“Let all the angels of God worship him.”)

1. How did God speak in times past? Hebrews 1:1

 

2. How does God speak to us now, what did he make him, and what  did he do through him? Hebrews 1:2

 

3. What came to be through him (Jesus)? John 1:3-4

 

4. Of whom is Jesus the reflection and perfect copy, and by what  are all things sustained? Hebrews 1:3

 

5. When Jesus accomplished purifications from sins what did he do? Hebrews 1:3

 

6. How did Jesus accomplish this purification? Colossians 1:15-20

 

7. What has Jesus inherited, and to what is he far superior? Hebrews 1:4

 

8. Because Jesus humbled himself becoming obedient to death, what  did God do to him? Philippians 2:8-9

 

9. What are the questions asked about angels, and what does he say about his first born? Hebrews 1:5

 

10. Who is ruler of the kings of the earth and who loves us? Revelations 1:5

 

Personal – How have you been sustained by God’s mighty Word and how have you worshipped his son Jesus this past week?

 

 

FOURTH DAY  READ JOHN 1:1-18 GOSPEL

(“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,”)

1. Who was in the beginning? John 1:1,14

 

2. Who did Jesus say he was to the Father? John 10:30

 

3. Who was in the beginning with God and what was this life that  came to be through him? John 1:2-4

 

4. What has the darkness not overcome? John 1:5

 

5. Who came for testimony, to what did he testify and what did he say about himself? John 1:6-8

 

6. What does the true light do, how did the world come to be, and who did not accept him? John 1:9-11

 

7. To those who did accept Jesus what did he give them power to  become, in what did they believe, and how were they born?  John 1:12-13

 

8. Who can enter the kingdom of God? John 3:5

 

9. What has not been revealed and what will happen to us when it  is revealed? 1 John 3:2

 

10. When the Word became flesh of what was he full? John 1:14

 

11. What did John say about Jesus, what came through Moses, and   what came through Jesus?  John 1:15-17

 

12. Who has revealed the Father to us?  John 1:18   

 

Personal – What has Jesus revealed to you about the Father?

 

 

FIFTH DAY  READ PSALM 98:1-6 

(” The Lord has made his salvation known.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:1-6

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 52:7-10

In today’s passage God urges his people to draw comfort from past history and to look forward to a greater exodus.  He is telling them that it is time to shake off the grief and lethargy that has overtaken them. There is the sound of Good News that God is about to escort his people home to Jerusalem, God’s holy city, the city with God’s temple. But the people experienced desolation instead of prosperity, and destruction instead of liberty. The people suffered terribly because of their sins, but God promised to restore Jerusalem as a holy city.

God reigns, and today he still is very much in control.  Today’s verse states how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation (v.7).  How beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:15).  How welcome are those who bring the message of hope to a broken, hopeless, segment of our world.

God’s great message of salvation must be through us to others so they can have the chance to respond to the “Good News”.  How will our loved ones hear it unless we take it to them?  How will the nations hear it unless someone takes it to them?  God is calling you to take a part in making his message known in your family and your community.  Think of one person who needs to hear the good news, and think of something you can do to help him or her hear it.  Then you go out and do that act, in Jesus’ name, as soon as possible.

   

HEBREWS 1:1-6

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who appeared to be having second thoughts about Jesus Christ being their long-awaited Messiah.  They should have been a community of mature christians by this time; instead, they seemed to be sort of withdrawn and inward-looking in their spiritual walk.  They needed a strong reminder that what they now possess in Christ is far better than what they had before they became Christians.

This passage begins with a tremendous affirmation of Jesus’ divinity.  Through Jesus, God has made his supreme and final revelation of himself to man.  Jesus is the living embodiment of the character and majesty of God.  Jesus has dealt with the problem of human sin by sacrificing himself on the cross and paying the ransom for all mankind with his blood. He is now at God’s side in the position of supreme power.  The angels, whom the Jews came very close to worshipping themselves, worship Jesus Christ.  They are spiritual beings and they are to serve and glorify God himself.

The people were well versed in scripture and whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, they seemed to be in danger of falling away from their Christian faith.  This danger is very much present in today’s world.  There is much false teaching today and many so-called “Shepherds” are just wolves in sheep’s clothing.  We need to stay in fellowship, pray, and study God’s Holy Word, and follow the teachings of our church.  Take the time this Christmas season to thank the Lord for bringing his light into your heart and bringing about a better relationship with him. Remember, it is Jesus birthday, and the present he wants most is YOU!

 

JOHN 1:1-18

This passage clearly shows that what Jesus taught and what he did are tied inseparably to who he is.  In today’s reading John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God.  Although Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man experiencing all the emotions that all of us have, he never ceased to be God who has always existed.  This is the truth about Jesus, and the foundation of all truth.  If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to him.  This is the reason John writes this gospel, to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, so that we may believe he truly was and is God in the flesh (John 20:30-31).

Jesus’ life brings light to mankind, in his light we see ourselves as we really are: sinners in need of a savior.  We fall on our knees, and like the shepherds at the little cave in Bethlehem, we too give praise and glory to the light of the world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The wise men followed the light of a star to see the light of the world.  When we follow Jesus, the light of the world, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin.  He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live.  He removes the darkness of sin from our lives, and if we have allowed the light of Christ to shine in our lives this Christmas season, then we will never stumble in the darkness.

As the world celebrates the birth of Christ, let yourself be reborn spiritually.  Through faith in Christ this new birth changes us from the inside out – rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives.  Have you asked Christ to make you a new person on Christmas day?  This fresh start is available to all who believe in him.  Merry Christmas.

 

Application

The first reading tells us how beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and proclaim God’s Word.  The second reading shows that encouragement and discipline lead to a stronger commitment to God.  The gospel reveals Christmas as a time of new birth, a time of giving your life over to God.

This week, give those you love the greatest present you could give them for Christmas.  How beautiful are your feet as you go forth and gift them with the gift of your presence, of your love, of salvation by bringing them to Christ.  Remember, it is Christ’s birthday, and the presents should all be for him, and he only wants you!

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday in Advent (December 19th) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

Luke 1: 39-45 – Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Cuarto Domingo de Adviento (19 de Diciembre) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA MIQUEAS 5:1-4 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El se pondrá de pie y guiará su rebaño con la autoridad del Señor.”)

1. ¿Qué es demasiado pequeño para estar entre los pueblos de Judá? ¿Quién saldrá de allí y cuál será su origen? Miqueas 5:1

 

2. ¿Quién era hijo de un oriundo de Efrata llamado Jesé, y de dónde era él? 1 Samuel 17:12

 

3. ¿Qué hará El Señor hasta que aquélla que debe dar a luz tenga su hijo y qué pasará al resto de los hermanos? Miqueas 5:2

 

4. ¿Qué dicen las escrituras acerca del Mesias? Juan 7:42

 

5. ¿Dónde nació Jesús y de quiénes será El el pastor? Mateo 2:1,6

 

6. ¿Con qué autoridad se pondrá de pie y guiará a su rebaño? ¿Y bajo el nombre majestuoso, de quién lo hará? Miqueas 5:3

 

7. ¿Qué le pasará a su rebaño y porqué razón? Miqueas 5:3

 

8. ¿Qué será El? Miqueas 5:4

 

9. ¿Por la sangre de Cristo, qué es El para nosotros y qué es lo que El destruyó? Efesios 2:13-14

 

10. ¿Si Asiria invade su tierra qué hará la gente?  Miqueas 5:4-5

 

Personal – ¿Quién gobierna o quién tiene autoridad sobre tí y de dónde reciben su fuerza? ¿A quién gobiernas y de dónde recibes tu fuerza?

 

 

TERCER DIA HEBREOS 10:5-10 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Mira, aquí vengo;…cumpliré, oh Dios, tu voluntad.”)

1. ¿Qué es lo que no se quiso y qué fue formado al entrar El al mundo? Hebreos 10:5

 

2. ¿Qué es lo que no le agrada y qué es lo que no se pidió? Salmo 40:7

 

3. ¿En qué no se deleitaba El Señor? Hebreos 10:6

 

4. ¿Qué se dijo de Jesús en el libro? Hebreos 10:7

 

5. ¿Cuál fue la oración de Jesús en el Monte de los Olivos? Lucas 22:42

 

6. ¿Cuál era al alimento de Jesús? Juan 4:34

 

7. ¿De acuerdo con qué eran los sacrificios y ofrendas? Hebreos 10:8

 

8. ¿Qué es lo que dice Jesús, y qué hizo El con el primero para establecer el segundo? Hebreos 10:9

 

9. ¿Qué fue la nueva Ley que El estableció y por lo cual estaba tan triste? Mateo 26:38-39

 

10. ¿Cómo hemos sido consagrados de una vez por todas? Hebreos 10:10

 

11. ¿Su muerte, de qué nos purifica? Hebreos 9:14

 

Personal – ¿La voluntad de quién sigues diariamente? ¿Cuántas veces se te ocurre pedirle que sea Su voluntad la que se haga? ¿Cuántas veces al día te niegas a tí mismo por hacer la voluntad del Padre?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 1:39:45 EVANGELIO

(“Dichosa por haber creído que de cualquier manera se cumplirán las promesas del Señor!”)

1. ¿Quién viajó a un pueblo de Judá ubicado entre los cerros? ¿En la casa de quién entró élla y a quién saludó? Lucas 1:39-40

 

2. ¿Qué era Zacarías? ¿De dónde era su esposa y qué clase de gente eran ellos? Lucas 1:5-6

 

3. ¿Qué le había dicho el ángel a Zacarías; y qué hizo la criatura en el vientre de Isabel cuando María la saludó? Lucas 1:13 y 1:41

 

4. ¿De qué se llenó Isabel? Lucas 1:41

 

5. ¿De qué fue lleno Juan, aún desde el vientre de su madre? Lucas 1:15

 

6. ¿A quién le dá al Espíritu Santo el Padre? Lucas 11:13

 

7. ¿Qué exclamó Isabel en alta voz? Lucas 1:42-44

 

8. ¿Quién es la mujer que será alabada, y porqué será celebrada? Proverbios 31:30-31

 

9. ¿Qué hizo María para ser bendecida? Lucas 1:45

 

10. ¿Quién dijo Jesús es bendicido? Juan 20:29

 

11. ¿Qué encerró todas las cosas bajo el poder del pecado? ¿Cómo fue dada la promesa y a quién fue dada?  Gálatas 3:22

 

Personal – ¿Cuándo fuiste llenado con el Espíritu Santo o te diste cuenta de Su presencia dentro de ti? ¿Pueden aquellos que te rodean llamarte bendito? ¿Por qué? ¿Qué influencia ha tenido la respuesta de María en tu vida?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

(“Oh Dios, manifiéstate…y ven a salvarnos.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

MIQUEAS 5:1-4

El profeta Miqueas, asegura a un pequeño y obscuro pueblo en Judá, de que ese será el lugar de nacimiento del Mesias. Los líderes de Jerusalén estaban obsesionados con riqueza y posición. Miqueas no solo profetizó que Jerusalén con su poder y riqueza sería asediada y destruida, sino tambien de que su rey no podría salvarla. En alarmante contraste, Belén, un pequeñisimo pueblo, seria el lugar de nacimiento del único rey que podía salvar a toda su gente. El Mesias habría de nacer como un bebé en Belén (Lucas 2:4-6) y eventualmente reinaría como rey eterno.

El rey que fue vencido fue Sedecias, y el fue el último rey de la linea de David que se sentó en el trono en Jerusalén (2 Reyes 25:1) Miqueas profetizó que el próximo rey descendiente de David seria el Mesias y que Su reino no tendría fin. El Mesias aunque eterno, entró en la historia humana como un hombre, Jesús de Nazaret.

La lectura de hoy nos proveé una muy clara profesia del Antiguo Testamento acerca de la venida de Cristo. Miqueas nos dice que el Mesias será nuestra paz (Miqueas 5:4). Jesús nos dice que El nos deja con un regalo, un regalo de paz en la mente y en el corazón, y el regalo no es frágil como la paz del mundo (Juan 14:27). De manera que no tengas miedo, el temor es inútil. Lo que se necesita es confianza (Marcos 5:36). La paz de Cristo nos da seguridad aún cuando las guerras continuan. No necesitamos tener mas miedo del juicio, no mas conflictos y culpabilidad. Esto es lo que la paz de Cristo realmente significa. Puedes descartar ansiedad, preocupaciones o angustias, ruega por todo y recibirás la paz del Mesias (Filip. 4:6-7) quien sobrepasa todo entendimiento.

 

HEBREOS 10:5-10

La lectura de hoy muestra que nuestro vínculo con Dios no es un sacrificio de animal. Estamos ligados a Dios a través de una persona y esa persona es Jesucristo. Tenemos en El un Salvador, que nos muestra lo que nuestro amor debe ser con Su propio ejemplo. La sangre de animal no quitó los pecados, pudo solo sacarlos fuera de la vista hasta que Jesús vino a arreglar eso de un modo permanente.

La gente del tiempo del Antiguo Testamente recibió el perdón por sus pecados, de la misma manera como éstos son perdonados hoy, a través de la gracia de Dios, que éllos aceptaron por medio de la fé. El costoso sacrificio de una valiosa vida animal imprimía sobre el pecador la seriedad de su pecado ante Dios. Debido a que Jesús derramó Su propia sangre por nosotros, Su sacrificio se hace mucho mas grande que un ofrecimiento del Antiguo Testamento. Cristo vino a ofrecer Su cuerpo en la cruz por nosotros como un sacrificio completamente aceptable a Dios.

Mirando al regalo increible que El nos ha dado, deberiamos estar sobresaltados con un gozoso deseo de obedecerle a El. Hoy vemos tanta, tanta gente que trata de llenar su vida vacia con drogas, alcohol e inmoralidades con el único resultado de quedarse aún mas vacios. La unica forma en que uno puede llenarse de vida es comenzar a estar completamente limpio y libre. Si tu vida es vacia y confusa, entonces cae de rodillas y acepta el increible regalo de perdon y salvación que fue ganado para ti a traves de la muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo. El nos dice en el verso 9 de la lectura de hoy que El vino a cumplir la voluntad de Su Padre, y ésta es, que todos nosotros estemos unidos con El a traves de Jesús. El es el camino (Juan 14:6), y solo El nos puede libertar. (Juan 8:32).

 

LUCAS 1:39-45

El milagro del amor está en su sentido de expectativa. El amor va mucho mas allá de un sentimiento, es una decisión que dice “Sí.” María termina de recibir la increible noticia de que élla ha sido elegida para ser la Madre de Dios. Ella dice al ángel que ella es la sierva del Señor, y que hará todo lo que está de acuerdo con Su Palabra. Luego espera, con el conocimiento y expectacion de que dará el fruto predicho por los profetas.

María seria la Madre del Dios de sus padres y todos habrian de llamarla bendita. Y sin embargo, en su espera, ella cuida las circunstancias a su alrededor. Su prima, Isabel, que era mucho mayor, esperaba tambien una criatura. María va a cuidarla, y con su cariño da muestra del amor que siente por élla. Isabel reconoce el deseo de María de servirle y en ese servicio está el centro mismo del amor llamado humildad. Isabel dice a María que su fruto es bendito y que el niño de María se hizo instrumento para la salvacion de todo el mundo.

Este tiempo de Adviento, un tiempo de espera para la nueva venida de Cristo en nuestras vidas, es un tiempo para que nosotros nos parezcamos a María. Podemos compartir las bendiciones de María. A traves de nosotros Cristo puede hacerse real para otros. Ahi, justo donde estás, hay una Isabel que necesita tu visita. Mientras atiendes, tal como María atendió, vé mas allá de ti mismo para otros tal como élla lo hizo. ¿Quién es tu Isabel? Aquel o aquella que tiene hambre, o está solo, enojado o abandonado. Esa persona espera tu visita. Quizá ni necesites ir mas alla que del otro lado de la calle, o del otro lado de la mesa de la cocina. Y asi que esperamos que por la fiesta de Navidad, la promesa de los profetas será, una vez mas, colmada. ¿Qué te traerá?

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra que Dios eligió cosas ordinarias y gente simple para producir resultados extraordinarios. La segunda lectura nos dice que la salvación es una persona y su nombre es Jesucristo. El Evangelio revela que atender es una decisión de servir mientras esperamos.

Esta semana, deja que la humildad de María sea tu modelo. Puede ser que debas esperar algunas veces durante la semana, como en el tráfico, en la cafeteria, en el trabajo o esperar para ver a un maestro en la escuela. El ejemplo que das con tus acciones es muy poderoso. María fue muy humilde aun cuando élla sabía que lo que le estaba pasando era muy especial. Da a tu familia y amigos un grandioso regalo estas Navidades. Dales el regalo de tu humilidad, y Cristo se hará vivo a través de ti y serás bendecido.

4th Sunday in Advent (December 19th) – 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 MICAH 5:1-4 FIRST READING

(“He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord.”)

1. What is too small to be among the clans of Judah? Who is to come forth from there, and where is his origin? Micah 5:1

 

2. Who was a son of an Ephrathite named Jesse and where was he from? 1 Samuel 17:12

 

3. What will the Lord do until the time she is to give birth, and what shall happen to the rest of the brethren? Micah 5:2

 

4. What does scripture say about the Messiah? John 7:42

 

5. Where was Jesus born, and whom shall he shepherd? Matthew 2:1, 6

 

6. How shall he stand and shepherd his flock, with Whose power or strength, and by Whose majestic name will he do it? Micah 5:3

 

7. What will happen to his flock and for what reason? Micah 5:3

 

8. What shall he be? Micah 5:4

 

9. Because of the blood of Christ, what is he to us, and what did he break down? Ephesians 2:13-14

 

10. If Assyria invades their country, what will the people do? Micah 5:4-5

 

Personal – Who is ruler or has authority over you, and where do they get their strength?  Over whom do you rule, and where do you get your strength?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 10:5-10 SECOND READING

(“Behold, I come to do your will, O God.”)

1. What was not desired, and what was prepared on his coming into the world? Hebrews 10:5

 

2. What was sought not, and what was given? Psalm 40:7

 

3. In what did the Lord take no delight? Hebrews 10:6

 

4. What is written of Jesus in the scroll? Hebrews 10:7

 

5. What was the prayer of Jesus at the Mount of Olives? Luke 22:42

 

6. What was Jesus’ food? John 4:34

 

7. With what are sacrifices and offerings in accord? Hebrews 10:8

 

8. What does Jesus say, and what has he done with the first to establish the second? Hebrews 10:9

 

9. What was the new Law he established over which he was sorrowful? Matthew 26:38-39

 

10. How have we been consecrated once and for all? Hebrews 10:10

 

11. From what does his death cleanse us? Hebrews 9:14

 

Personal – Whose “will” do you follow on a daily basis?  How often does it occur to you to ask for his will to be done?  How often do you die to yourself to do the will of the Father on a daily basis?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 1:39-45 GOSPEL

(“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”)

1. Who traveled to the hill country to a town of Judah? Whose house did she enter, and whom did she greet?  Luke 1:39-40

 

2. What was Zechariah, where was his wife from, and what kind of people were they? Luke 1:5-6

 

3. What was Zechariah told by the angel, and what did the child in her womb do when Mary greeted her? Luke 1:13, 41

 

4. With what was Elizabeth filled? Luke 1:41

 

5. With what was John filled, even from his mother’s womb? Luke 1:15

 

6. To whom does the Father give the Holy Spirit? Luke 11:13

 

7. What did Elizabeth cry out in a loud voice?  Luke 1:42-44

 

8. Who is the woman to be praised, and what will give her the praise? Proverbs 31:30-31

 

9. What did Mary do to become blessed? Luke 1:45

 

10. Who did Jesus say is blessed? John 20:29

 

11. What confined all things under the power of sin, how was the promise given, and to whom was it given? Galatians 3:22

 

Personal – When were you filled with the Holy Spirit or became aware of his presence within you?  Can those around you call you blessed, and if so, why?  What effect has Mary’s response had on your life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

(“Rouse your power, and come to save us.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

MICAH 5:1-4

The prophet, Micah, assures a small, obscure town in Judea that it will be the birth place of the Messiah.  Jerusalem’s leaders were obsessed with wealth and position. Micah not only prophesied that Jerusalem with its wealth and power would be besieged and destroyed, but that its king could not save it. In startling contrast, Bethlehem, a tiny town, would be the birth place of the only king who could save all of his people.  The Messiah would be born as a baby in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-6) and eventually would reign as the eternal king.

The king that was defeated was Zedekiah, and he was the last of the kings in David’s line to sit on the throne in Jerusalem.   Micah prophesied that the next king in David’s line would be the Messiah, and his kingdom would never end.  The Messiah, although eternal, entered human history as the man, Jesus of Nazareth.

Today’s reading provides us with a very clear Old Testament prophecy of Christ’s coming.  Micah tells us that the Messiah will be our peace (5:4).  Jesus tells us that he is leaving us with a gift, a gift of peace of mind and heart, and the gift is not fragile like the peace of the world (John 14:27). So do not be afraid, fear is useless.  What is needed is trust (Mark 5:36). Christ’s peace gives us assurance even though wars continue.  We need to have no more fear of judgment, no more conflict and guilt. This is what the peace of Christ really means. You can dismiss anxiety, worry about nothing, pray about everything, and you will receive the peace (Phil. 4:6-7) of the “Messiah” which surpasses all understanding.

 

HEBREWS 10:5-10

Today’s reading shows us that our link with God is not animal sacrifice. We are bound to God through a person and that person is Jesus Christ. We have in him a Savior, who shows us what our love must be like through his example.  Animal blood could not take away sin; it could only take it out of sight until Jesus came to deal with it permanently.

The people in Old Testament times were forgiven of their sins, just as they are forgiven today, through God’s grace which they accepted through faith.  The costly sacrifice of a valued animal’s life impressed upon the sinner the seriousness of his sin before God.  Because Jesus shed his own blood for us, his sacrifice is far greater than an Old Testament offering.  Christ came to offer for us his body upon the cross as a sacrifice completely acceptable to God.

Looking at the incredible gift that he has given us, we should be overwhelmed with a joyful desire to obey him. Today we see so many people trying to fill emptiness in their lives with drugs, alcohol, and immorality and becoming more empty.  The only way one can become full and alive is to first become really clean and free.  If your life is empty and confused, then fall on your knees and accept the incredible gift of forgiveness and salvation that was won for you through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He tells us in verse 9 of today’s reading that he has come to do the will of his Father, and that is, that we all be united with him through Jesus.  He is the Way (John 14:6), and only he can set you free (John 8:32).

 

LUKE 1:39-45

The miracle of love is in its sense of expectancy.  Love is far more than a feeling, it is a decision that says “Yes.”  Mary has just received the incredible news that she has been chosen to be the Mother of God.  She tells the angel that she is the Lord’s servant, and she will do whatever is in accordance with his Word. She then waits, with the knowledge and expectation that she will bear the fruit the prophets had predicted.

Mary was to be the Mother of the God of her fathers, and all would call her blessed.  And yet, in her waiting, she attends to her surroundings.  Her cousin, Elizabeth, who was much older, was also expecting a child.  Mary goes out to attend to her, and in her love she gives a signal of the love she bears with her. Elizabeth recognizes Mary’s desire to serve her, and in that service is the core of love called humility.  Elizabeth tells Mary that blessed is her fruit, and Mary’s child became the instrument of salvation for the whole world.

This time of Advent, a time of waiting for the new coming of Christ in our own lives, is a time for us to be like Mary. We can share Mary’s blessing.  Through us Christ can become real for others. Out there, right where you are, there is an Elizabeth who needs your visit.  As you wait, like Mary waited, go out of yourself to others as she did.  Who is your Elizabeth?  Someone hungry, lonesome, angry or neglected?  That person awaits your visit. You may not have to go any further than across the street, or just across the kitchen table.  As we wait for the Christmas celebration, the promise of the prophets will once again be fulfilled.  What will it bring you?

 

Application

The first reading shows that God chose ordinary things and ordinary people to produce extraordinary results.  The second reading tells us that salvation is a person and his name is Jesus Christ.  The Gospel reveals that waiting is a decision to serve while waiting.

This week, let the humility of Mary be your model. You might look at the times you have to wait during the week, such as in traffic, in cafeteria lines at work, or waiting to see a teacher in school.  The example that you show by your actions can be very powerful.  Mary was very humble even though she knew that what had happened to her was very special. Give your family and friends a tremendous gift this Christmas time. Give them the gift of your humility, and Christ will come alive through you, and you will be blessed.

Tercer Domingo de Adviento (12 de Diciembre) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA SOFONIAS 3:14-18 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El se regocijará sobre tí con alegría.”)

1. ¿Qué debemos hacer con todo nuestro corazón? Sofonías 3:14

 

2. ¿Por qué se ha de regocijar y gritar de alegría Israel? Zacarías 9:9

 

3. ¿Qué ha retirado el Señor y de qué ya no hay necesidad? Sofonías 3:15

 

4. ¿En el día del Señor, qué será dicho? Sofonías 3:16

 

5. ¿Qué dijo Dios a sus discípulos? Mateo 14:27

 

6. ¿Qué hace el amor perfecto?  1 Juan 4:18

 

7. ¿Cómo es el Señor, nuestro Dios, llamado? ¿Qué te hará El a tí y qué hará El por tí? Sofonías 3:17

 

8. ¿Cómo no te llamará la gente ya y cómo te llama a tí el Señor? Isaías 62:4-5

 

9. ¿Qué apartará el Señor de ustedes? Sofonías 3:19

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has sido renovado en el amor de Dios? ¿Cómo se muestra el gusto en tí desde que te diste cuenta de que Jesús está en tu corazón? Den ejemplos.

 

 

TERCER DIA FILIPENSES 4:4-7 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Regocíjense en el Señor siempre, Yo lo diré de nuevo: sí regocíjense!”)

1. ¿Qué debemos hacer siempre? Filipenses 4:4

 

2. ¿Por qué nos regocijamos en el Señor? Salmo 85:7

 

3. ¿Qué deberá ser dicho a todos y quién está cerca? Filipenses 4:5

 

4. ¿Qué es el amor? 1 Corintios 13:4-7

 

5. ¿Quién era Dios, nuestro Salvador, cuándo se nos apareció a nosotros y qué hizo su misericordia por nosotros? Tito 3:4-6

 

6. ¿De quién es el fruto de la bondad? Gálatas 5:22

 

7. ¿Qué no deberemos tener y qué deberemos hacer en todo? Filipenses 4:6

 

8. ¿Qué nos hace a nosotros la ansiedad y qué hace una palabra cariñosa? Proverbios 12:25

 

9. ¿Qué guardará nuestros corazones y pensamientos en Cristo? Filipenses 4:7

 

10. ¿Porqué dijo Jesús que El iba a dejar a sus discípulos? (Nota: Esto también es un fruto del Espíritu Santo Ver Gálatas 5:22) Juan 14:25-27

 

Personal – ¿Qué actos de bondad has mostrado a tu esposo(a), hijos, padres, amigos, compañeros de trabajo y vecinos?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 3:10-18 EVANGELIO

(“El te bautizará en el Espíritu Santo y en el fuego.”)

1. ¿A quién le hablaba la multitud y qué le preguntaron? Lucas 3:10, también ver Lucas 3:2

 

2. ¿Qué le respondió Juan a la multitud, quién vino también a él y por qué razón? Lucas 3:11-12

 

3. ¿Qué le dijo Juan al hombre que recaudaba los impuestos? Lucas 3:13

 

4. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a Sus discípulos que Su Padre estaba muy contento en darles, qué deberan hacer y qué dijo acerca del corazón?  Lucas 12:32-34

 

5. ¿Qué le preguntaron los soldados a Juan y cuáles tres cosas les dijo él que hicieran? Lucas 3:14

 

6. ¿Qué estaba empezando a pensar la gente de Juan? Lucas 3:15

 

7. ¿Qué les dijo Juan a los sacerdotes y levitas cuando le preguntaron que quién era? Juan 1:19, 20, 23

 

8. ¿Cuando Juan contestó a la gente, les dijo que los estaba bautizando con qué? ¿Quién dijo él que venía y de qué no era digno?   Lucas 3:16

 

9. ¿Qué dijo Juan acerca del modo en que los bautizaría El que estaba por venir? ¿Qué dijo acerca de la pala para limpiar el trigo?  Lucas 3:16-17

 

10. ¿Qué nos dá el Espíritu Santo?   Hechos 1:8

 

11. ¿Qué predicaba Juan a la gente?   Lucas 3:18

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has compartido tu ropa y comida con alguien que no tiene nada? Examina tu conciencia:¿Tengo demasiada ropa en mi ropero? ¿Gasto mucho dinero en comida? ¿He engañado a alguien? ¿He acusado falsamente a alguien? ¿He estado descontento con mis ganancias en el trabajo? Busca el Sacramento de la Reconciliación.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE ISAIAS 12:2-6

(“Dios es verdaderamente mi salvador; me siento seguro y sin miedo.”)

Leé y medita Isaías 12:2-6

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

SOFONIAS 3:14-18

En la primera lectura la iglesia gustosamente anticipa la venida del Mesías por medio de las palabras del profeta Sofonías. El mensaje exhuberante del profeta anticipa una revelación que no puede ser contenida: El Señor está entre nosotros y Su presencia nos da gusto. Sofonías nos da a saber que una grán felicidad resulta cuando permitimos que Dios esté con nosotros. Pecamos cuando tratamos de encontrar la felicidad en un modo que nos separa de la amistad con Dios, la única persona que nos puede hacer felices verdaderamente.

Hay un viejo dicho que la alegría es el signo infalible de la presencia de Dios. Uno puede estar con mucho calor y sediento y estar muy feliz al recibir un vaso de agua fría. La persona puede estar en estado de confusión, pero por algunos momentos está feliz. Así una persona puede tener su propia vida atacada por enfermedad, accidente, muerte de un ser querido, aún un divorcio, y todavía tener gozo y estar en paz, porque el gozo está en la presencia del Señor.

El percibir a Dios en medio de ustedes va mucho más allá de una explicación técnica. Se te ha dicho que el Espiritu Santo está sobre tí, El te ha escogido para predicar la Buena Nueva a los pobres; El te ha mandado para que ayudes a los que están tristes. Este gozo de saber que El esta entre nosotros y de que Su Espíritu está sobre nosotros, llega cuando fielmente lo seguimos y obedecemos Su Palabra. Este es el gozo anticipado del cual Sofonías les dice a su gente y aplica especialmente a tí hoy día, donde quiera que tú estés. Si tu quieres estar gozoso, acercate a la fuente del gozo obedeciendo a Dios. Y después escucha como Dios se regocija en tí cantando.

 

FILIPENSES 4:4-7

Qué poderoso y qué hermosamente extraño es que un hombre en la carcel estuviera diciéndole a una iglesia que tuviera gozo. Pero la actitud de Pablo nos enseña una lección muy importante: Nuestra actitud interior no tiene que reflejar nuestras circunstancias exteriores. Pablo nos está diciendo que quizá no podremos controlar las circunstancias, pero que sí podemos controlar nuestra respuesta a esa circunstancia.

Pablo toma el himno gozoso; el Señor mismo está cerca, despidan toda ansiedad de sus mentes. Pablo está lleno de gozo, porque él sabía que fuera lo que fuera lo que le sucediera, el Espíritu Santo estaría en él y no tenía nada que temer (1 Juan 4:4). Pablo les está sugiriendo a los Filipenses que estén gozosos, y te está hablando a tí; quizas tú necesites escuchar esto.

Es muy fácil molestarse acerca de circunstancias no placenteras, o tomar eventos sin importancia muy seriamente. Si tú no has experimentado el gozo ultimamente, quizás no estes mirando a la vida del buen punto de vista. El nunca tener que preocuparse de nada no es un escape de la responsabilidad. Todos tenemos preocupaciones en el trabajo, en nuestros hogares, escuelas y con nuestras familias.

¿Tú quieres preocuparte menos? Pablo nos está diciendo que tenemos que cambiar nuestras preocupaciones en oraciones. Entonces oren mucho más. Cuando tú empieces a preocuparte, detente, y ponte a orar. La paz que tú recibes, es la paz de Dios, y Su paz es diferente a la paz del mundo (Juan 14:27). Esta paz no está en pensar positivamente, en la ausencia de conflicto, o en buenos sentimientos. Esta paz es una paz verdadera, y nos viene de saber que Dios está en control de nuestras vidas. Esto significa que nuestro destino está establecido, nuestra victoria sobre el pecado es un hecho, y ésta es una paz que sobrepasa todo entendimiento.

 

LUCAS 3:10-18

El mensaje de Juan el Bautista traspasó sobre toda la gente como un grán estampido de un trueno. El no les “dodará la pildora”. El no es gracioso ni es persona estelar. Su mensaje no eran buenas noticias, sino que eran noticias de terror. Juan había vivido en el yermo y frecuentemente había incendios. Los animales salían de sus escondites, corriendo aterrorizados de las llamas amenazantes. Juan comparaba esos animales con la gente que venía a ser bautizada.

Los Judíos pensaron que Dios iba a juzgar a las otras naciones en una forma, y a los Judíos en otra, y como hijos de Abraham ellos estaban excentos. Juan les dijo que los privilegios raciales no significaban nada, y la vida, no el linaje era la forma universal del juicio para Dios.

El mensaje de Juan hechó raices en unos lugares inesperados, entre los pobres, los criminales, y los soldados. Ellos se daban dolorosamente cuenta de sus necesidades. Mucha gente en esos días, así como hoy día, fallan en notar que la falta de respeto no siempre está conectada con vivir bien. Juan indica que la falta de respeto puede impedir la forma correcta de vivir si nos obstaculiza para ver nuestra necesidad de Dios.

¿Si tú tuvieras que escojer entre estas dos cosas, protegerías tu carácter aunque te arruinen tu reputación? Juan nos previene del juicio inminente comparando a los que rehusan trabajar por Dios con el desperdicio, con la cáscara inútil del grano. Esos que se niegan a creer en Dios serán descartados porque ellos no encuentran ningún valor en continuar el trabajo de Dios. Los que se arrepienten y creen, tienen un valor muy grande ante los ojos de Dios porque ellos estan empezando una nueva vida al servicio de El.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que el Señor está entre nosotros. La segunda lectura nos revela que la paz no se encuentra preocupándose sino orando por todo. El Evangelio nos llama para algo más que el respeto; nos llama a vivir bien.

Esta semana, permite a tu testimonio vivir correctamente tener una grán medida de alegría. Empieza contigo mismo y has un inventario espiritual, emocional y físico de tí mismo. Sé honesto, específico y gozoso. Toma cualquier area de tus necesidades, corrige y ora constantemente cada día por esa parte que está rompiéndose.

Tú no necesitas decirte que malo eres; tú necesitas decirte que eres bendecido en tener alguien que te perdona y te ama. Jesús te ama tanto que murió por tí. Por eso busca un area en la que puedas cambiar esta semana. Comparte este cambio con alguien a quien quieres, un amigo o quizás un sacerdote.

Lectio Divina – 3rd Sunday in Advent (December 12th) – 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 3:10-18 – The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do/” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

3rd Sunday in Advent (December 12th) – 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 ZEPHANIAH 3:14-18 FIRST READING

(“He will rejoice over you with gladness.”)

1. What are we to do with all of our heart?  Zephaniah 3:14

 

2. Why is Israel to rejoice and shout for joy? Zechariah 9:9

 

3. What has the Lord removed, and of what is there no further need? Zephaniah 3:15

 

4. On the day of the Lord what shall be said?  Zephaniah 3:16

 

5. What did Jesus say to his disciples? Matthew 14:27

 

6. What does perfect love do? 1 John 4:18

 

7. What is the Lord, our God, called?  What will he do to you, and what will he do because of you? Zephaniah 3:17

 

8. What will people no longer call you, and what does the Lord call you? Isaiah 62:4-5

 

9. What will the Lord remove from among you?  Zephaniah 3:18

 

Personal – How have you been renewed in God’s love?  How does the joy show in you since the personal realization that Jesus has come into your heart?  

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7 SECOND READING

(“Rejoice in the Lord always, I shall say it again: rejoice!”)

1. What are we to do always? Philippians 4:4

 

2. Why do we rejoice in the Lord? Psalm 85:7

 

3. What should be made known to all, and who is near? Philippians 4:5

 

4. What is love? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 

5. What was God, our Savior, to us when he appeared, and what did his mercy do for us? Titus 3:4-6

 

6. Kindness is a fruit of whom? Galatians 5:22

 

7. What are we not to have, and what are we to do in everything? Philippians 4:6

 

8. What does anxiety do to us, and what does a kindly word do? Proverbs 12:25

 

9. What will guard our hearts and minds in Christ? Philippians 4:7

 

10. What did Jesus say he was leaving his followers? (Note: This is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22)John 14:25-27

 

Personal – What acts of kindness have you shown towards your spouse, children, parents, friends, co-workers, and neighbors?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 3:10-18 GOSPEL

(“He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and in fire.”)

1. To whom were the crowds talking, and what did they ask him? Luke 3:10, Luke 3:2

 

2. What was John’s reply to the crowd, who else came to him, and for what reason? Luke 3:11-12

 

3. What did John tell the tax collectors? Luke 3:13

 

4. What did Jesus tell his disciples his Father was pleased to give them, what should they do, and what did he say about the heart? Luke 12:32-34

 

5. What did the soldiers ask John, and what three things did he tell them to do? Luke 3:14

 

6. What were the people beginning to think about John? Luke 3:15

 

7. What did John say to the priests and Levites when they asked him who he was?  John 1:19-20, 23

 

8. When John answered the people, with what did he say he was baptizing them?  Who did he say was coming, and of what was John not even worthy?   Luke 3:16

 

9. With what did John say the “one who was coming” was going to baptize them?  What did he say about the winnowing fan?   Luke 3:16-17

 

10. What does the Holy Spirit give us? Acts 1:8

 

11. What did John preach to the people?   Luke 3:18

 

Personal – In what way have you shared your clothing and food with someone who has none?  Examine your conscience: Do I have excessive clothing cluttering my closet? Do I spend a lot of money on food? Have I extorted anyone? Have I accused anyone falsely? Have I been dissatisfied with my wages? Seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ ISAIAH 12:2-6

(“God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid.”)

Read and meditate on Isaiah 12:2-6.

What is the Lord saying to you personally through this reading?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ZEPHANIAH 3:14-18

In this reading the church joyfully anticipates the Messiah’s coming through the words of the prophet Zephaniah. The prophet’s exuberant message anticipates a revelation that cannot be contained:  The Lord is in our midst and his presence gives us joy.  Zephaniah points out that great gladness results when we allow God to be with us.  We sin when we try to find happiness in ways that bring a cutting off of ourselves from fellowship with God, the only person who can make us truly joyful.

There is an old saying that joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God. One can be very hot and thirsty and be very happy to receive a cold glass of water. The person may be in complete turmoil, but for a few moments he is happy.  Because joy is the presence of the Lord, a person may have his own personal life under attack through sickness, accident, death of a loved one, or even a divorce, and still be joyful and at peace.

To experience God in our midst goes far beyond any technical explanation. We are told that the Holy Spirit is upon us; he has appointed us to preach Good News to the poor; He has sent us to heal the broken hearted. This joy of knowing that he is in our midst, knowing that his Spirit is upon us comes when we faithfully follow him and obey his Word.  This is the anticipation of joy that Zephaniah tells his people about and it applies, especially today, to you, wherever you are.  If you want to be joyful,  draw close to the source of joy by obeying God.   Then listen as God rejoices over you in song.

 

PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7

How powerful and yet how wonderfully strange that a man in prison would be telling a church to be joyful.  But Paul’s attitude teaches us a very important lesson: Our inner attitudes do not have to reflect our outward circumstances.  Paul is saying that we may not be able to control the circumstances, but we always can control our response to those circumstances.

Paul takes up the joyful anthem; the Lord himself is near, dismiss all anxiety from your minds.  Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him, the Holy Spirit was within him and he had nothing to fear (1 John 4:4). Paul is urging the Philippians to be joyful, and he is speaking to you; maybe you need to hear this.

It is easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously.  If we have not experienced joy lately, we may not be looking at life from the right point of view.  Never having to worry about anything is not an escape from responsibility.  We all have worries in work, in our homes, schools and with our families.

Do you want to worry less?  Paul is saying that we need to turn our worries into prayers.  Then pray much more.  Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.  The peace that you receive is God’s peace, and his peace is different from the world’s peace (John 14:27).  This peace is not in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings.  This is a real peace, and it comes from knowing that God is in control of our life. This means our destiny is set, our victory over sin is certain, and this is a peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

LUKE 3:10-18

The message of John the Baptist broke upon the people like a giant clap of thunder.  He did not tickle the people’s ears. He was not cute or an entertainer.  His message was not good news, it was news of terror.  John had lived in the wilderness and sometimes fire would break out. The animals would come out of their nicks and crannies, scurrying in terror from the menacing flames.  It was to them that John likened the people who came to be baptized.

The Jews thought that God would judge other nations with one standard, and the Jews with another and that as sons of Abraham they were exempt. John told them that racial privilege meant nothing, that life, not lineage, was God’s standard of judgment.

John’s message took root in unexpected places, among the poor, the criminals, and the soldiers.  They were painfully aware of their needs. Many people then, as well as today, failed to see that respectability is not always connected with right living. John states that respectability can hinder right living if it keeps us from seeing our need for God.

If you had to choose between them, would you protect your character even if it ruined your reputation?  John warns of impending judgment by comparing those who refuse to work for God to chaff, the useless outer husk of the grain.  In contrast, he compares those who repent and reform their lives to the nourishing grain itself.  Those who refuse to believe in God will be discarded because they have no value in furthering God’s work. Those who repent and believe hold great value in God’s eyes because they are beginning a new life of service for him.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that the Lord is in our midst. The second reading reveals that peace is not worrying, but praying, about everything.  The Gospel calls us to more than respectability; it calls us to right living.

This week, let your witness to right living have a strong measure of joy. Start with yourself and take a spiritual, emotional and physical inventory of yourself. Be honest, specific and joyful. Take any area of you that needs correcting and pray constantly every day for just that one area of brokenness.

You do not need to tell yourself how bad you are; you need to tell yourself how blessed you are to have someone forgive and love you. Jesus loves you so much he died for you. So look at an area of yourself that you can change this week. Share this change with a loved one, a friend, or maybe a clergyman.