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Lectio Divina – Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord (May 29th) – 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 24:46-53 – Jesus said to His disciples, “Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then He led them out as far as Bethany, raised His hands, and blessed them. As He blessed them He parted from them and was taken up to heaven. They did Him homage and then returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and they were continually in the temple praising God.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina – Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 22nd) – Cycle C

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

John 14:23-29 – Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; yet the word you hear is not mine but that of the Father who sent me. I have told you this while I am with you, The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away and I will come back to you. If you loved me you would rejoice that I am going to the Father; for the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it happens, so that when it happens you may believe.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter (May 22nd) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ ACTS 15:1-2, 22-29 FIRST READING

(“It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,”)

1. What did some men from Judea begin to teach the brothers in Antioch? Acts 15:1

 

2. Where did circumcision originate among the Jews? Genesis 17:1-14

 

3. Among whom did this teaching cause dissension?  Acts 15:2

 

4. What did Paul, Barnabas, and some of the brothers decide to do about this dissension and where did they go? Acts 15:2-3

 

5. What caused the controversy between them? Acts 15:5, 11

 

6. What was resolved by the apostles and the presbyters, with whom were they in agreement with, and what were they to deliver? Acts 15:22-23

 

7. After they sent their greetings, what was it they said they had heard? Acts 15:24

 

8. What did they unanimously resolve to do? Acts 15:25

 

9. To whom had they dedicated their cause and, how were they to convey this message? Acts 15:26-27

 

10. Whose decision  was it not to lay on them any burden beyond that which is strictly necessary? Acts 15:28

 

11. What four things were they advised to avoid? Acts 15:29

 

Personal – In what way have church members, not under the authority of the church, put a burden on you?  How could you resolve this?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ REVELATIONS 21:10-14,22-23 SECOND READING

(“I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb.”)

1. Who was carried away and how was he carried away? Revelation 1:1, Revelation 21:10

 

2. Where was he taken, what was he shown, and what did the city look like? Revelation 21:10-11

 

3. Who is the designer and maker of this city? Hebrews 11:10

 

4. Describe the following from Revelation 21:12:

Its walls

________________________________________________________________________

How many gates on the walls?

_______________________________________________________

Who were stationed at the gates?

_________________________________________________________

What was written on the gates?

______________________________________________________

Whose names were written there?

______________________________________________

5. Who were the twelve tribes of Israel and where were the gates located? Ezekiel 48:30-35, Revelation 21:13

 

6. The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation. Whose names were on them? Revelation 21:14

 

7. Who were the twelve apostles of the Lamb and who is the Lamb? Matthew 10:2-4, John 1:29, Acts 1:20-26

 

8. What did John not see, and what did he see as a temple? Revelation 21:22

 

9. Of what did the city have no need of and what gave it light? Revelation 21:23

 

10. Who is our lamp and who is the light for our path? Revelation 21:23, Psalm 119:105, and John 1:1,14

 

Personal – Picture what heaven will look like from what you have just read and studied.  How do you think you will respond when you enter its gates?  In what way have you been enlightened here and now? How do your family, friends, work acquaintances, or people you come in contact with during the day see the light of Christ in you as his walking, living temple?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 14:23-29 GOSPEL

(“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”)

1. If you love Jesus, to what will you be true, who will love him, and who will come to him? John 14:23

 

2. Notice in verse 23, it says “we will come to him.”  To whom is this verse referring, when it says we? John 14:11, 17, 26

 

3. Where will the Spirit make his dwelling place? John 14:17,23

 

4. Who is it that does not love Jesus, and where does the Word you hear come from? John 14:24

 

5. While Jesus was with them, what did he tell them? John 14:26

 

Personal – As you began this study did you read or pray John 14:26.  Of what has he reminded you?

 

6. What is Jesus farewell to you and his gift to you, and what does he tell you not to be? John 14:27

 

7. What does Jesus say in verse 28 of John 14?

 

8. If you love Jesus, what would you do when he goes to the Father? John 14:28

 

9. Who is greater than Jesus? John 14:28, John 10:29

 

10. Why was he telling them before this took place? John 14:29

 

Personal – In what specific way have you obeyed the command to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12), in your family, with your friends, at work or school?  In what way have you shown your love for the Father?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 67:2-3, 5-6, 8

(“For you govern the peoples justly,”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 15:1-2, 22-29

Christianity would have become nothing other than a sect of Jews if the condition that new Christians had to be circumcised first was upheld.  There were certain Jews who could never forget their positions as the chosen people. They were willing to accept Gentiles into the church provided they were circumcised first.  Paul and Barnabas argued strongly against this attitude and a violent collision seemed inevitable.

An appeal was made to Jerusalem, the headquarters of the church, for a ruling.  The principle at stake was quite simple.  Was the gift of God for the chosen few or for the entire world?  Was the gift of God a privilege or a responsibility?  Certain Pharisees who had become Christian insisted that all converts must be circumcised and keep the Mosaic law.

The Mosaic law of Moses stated that on the eighth day the flesh of a male child’s foreskin shall be circumcised (Leviticus 12:3). This was submitting of one’s flesh to the covenant that originated between God and Abraham (Gen. 17:14). Peter stood up to the apostles and elders and told them that the new covenant is fulfilled by believing the word of the Gospel.

God who knows the heart bore witness to them giving the Gentiles the Holy Spirit, just as he also did to us. This was a circumcision of faith, a cutting off of one’s pride and submitting to the will of the Lord. Peter told them that they were saved through the Grace of the Lord Jesus and so also were the Gentiles saved the same way.

The church leaders stated that the men who disturbed the brothers were not given instruction, or authority, to do what they did. The church leaders, inspired by the Holy Spirit, decided to send authorized representatives with Paul and Barnabas. They did not want to lay upon them a greater burden than the essentials which are: they shall abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from illicit sexual union.

Today we still can look to the essentials for guidance for our daily living.  We are not to sacrifice ourselves to idols such as jobs, power, sex, or money.  We are called to stop eating and drinking ourselves into gluttony and sickness.  We are called to be chaste in our actions as well as in our thoughts.  We must turn away from illicit sexual union such as homosexuality, fornication, pornography, adultery, pre-marital sex, etc.

The controversy about keeping the law is still with us today.  There still exists divisions between  believers and church authorities. The authoritative teachings of the church are meant to protect the people as well as to preserve the true deposit of faith.

 

REVELATION 21:10-14, 22-23

John draws much of his imagery from Isaiah Chapter 65:17-24. In this chapter a new heaven is created, things of the past are not remembered, and there is rejoicing and no sadness or pain. John is not concerned about interspace travel or geophysics. Heaven exists because of the moral relationship between God and man.

God has taken the initiative and is the cause of the new order or as we call it the “New Jerusalem” or Heaven.  God began by walking with man in the garden of paradise.  He sought to dwell near man in the ark and the temple.  He made man the holy of holies through his Incarnation.  But these former things all passed away when he begins to dwell with them in the immediate personal intimacy of the “New Jerusalem.”  John has, with much phraseology and repetition, attempted to convey the incomparable beauty of heaven through the use of earthly descriptions.

The radiance of Christ in his eternal home is so dazzling that the lights of the galaxy are not needed.  The holy of holies was a cube twenty cubits high, wide, and deep.  The cities of Babylon and Nineveh were square.  Can you imagine a city as high as it is wide and long.  One side would extend from Boston to Chicago  (1500 miles). A fence 216′ high would hardly seem proportional around this gigantic cube of the heavenly city.  We can see that earthly details pale when matched against the concept of spiritual symbolism. The author’s main intent is to convey that it is the Divine Presence, radiant and enlivening, that transforms the holy Jerusalem into purest splendor.  God began with Paradise.  John ends his portrayal of the celestial city with details borrowed from the paradise story.  We might all picture ourselves as believers.

 

JOHN 14:23-29

Before his passion and death, Jesus spoke words of comfort, love and obedience to his disciples. These words brought a sense of serenity and helped them to not be afraid. Jesus promised to provide for them by leaving with them “the Counselor,” “The Holy Spirit.” Jesus told them that the Father would send them the Holy Spirit in his name. He told them that the Holy Spirit would teach  them all things and help them to remember all that he taught them (John 14:26).  We have been made by faith, through Gods action in the sacrament of Baptism, temples of the Holy Spirit.

Today, living a life conforming to the prompting of the Holy Spirit is not easy. We have so many distractions in our every day living, that only the Holy Spirit could empower us to remember with clarity the obedience that’s needed to walk the Christian walk. We need only to look around us and we can see very easily that unless we control our selfish desires and concerns by submitting them to  the word of the Lord, they run wild, quickly overcoming any desire to know and experience God’s love.

We can’t split our desires evenly between God and the world; we must first seek the kingdom of God (Mt 6:33). We need to ask the Holy Spirit to teach us more about the healing, saving love of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Pray that you will be open to receive the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to follow and experience the incredible love of Jesus.                 

 

Application

The first reading tells us that the gift of God was not for a chosen few, but for the entire world. The second reading reveals that Heaven exists because of the moral relationship between God and man. The Gospel shows us that the power to walk the Christian walk can only come from the Holy Spirit.

This week, show those around you at work, at home or in school that God’s gift to you has brought you freedom of choice. Choose to love your neighbors, family and friends as yourself. With the power of the Holy Spirit, you can also choose to love your enemies. We can only do this when we seek his kingship first and then everything else is added (Mt 6:33). Remember, the Holy Spirit will teach you in all things (John 14:26).

Sexto Domingo de Pascua (22 de Mayo) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA HECHOS 15:1-2, 22-29 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Es la decisión del Espíritu Santo y nuestra no imponerles cargas innecesarias.”)

1. ¿Qué empezaron a enseñar algunos hombres de Judea a los hermanos de Antioquia? Hechos 15:1

 

2. ¿Dónde tiene origen la circuncisión entre los Judíos? Génesis 17:1-14

 

3. ¿Entre quienes causó discusión esta enseñanza? Hechos 15:2

 

4. ¿Qué decidieron hacer Pablo, Bernabé y algunos de los hermanos acerca de la discusión y a dónde fueron? Hechos 15:2-3

 

5. ¿Qué fue lo que causó la controversia entre ellos? Hechos 15:5 y 11

 

6. ¿Qué resolvieron los apóstoles y los presbíteros, con quién se pusieron de acuerdo y qué iban a caminar? Hechos 15:22-23

 

7. ¿Después de enviar sus saludos, de qué dijeron que se habían enterado? Hechos 15:24

 

8. ¿Qué resolvieron hacer de forma unánime? Hechos 15:25

 

9. ¿A quién habían consagrado su causa y cómo iban a transmitir este mensaje? Hechos 15:26-27

 

10. ¿De quién fue la decisión de no imponerles ninguna carga más de lo que era estrictamente necesario? Hechos 15:28

 

11. ¿Cuáles eran las dos cosas que se les aconsejó evitar? Hechos 15:29

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera han puesto sobre tí una carga algunos miembros de la iglesia que no están bajo la autoridad de la misma?  ¿Cómo puedes resolverlo?

 

 

TERCER DIA APOCALIPSIS 21:10-14, 22-23 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“No ví ningún santuario en la ciudad, porque el Señor, el Dios todopoderoso, es su santuario y también el Cordero.”)

1. ¿Quién fue llevado y cómo fue llevado? Apocalipsis 1:1 y 21:10

 

2. ¿A dónde fue llevado, qué se le mostró y cómo se veía la ciudad? Apocalipsis 21:10-11

 

3. ¿Quién es el diseñador y constructor de esa ciudad? Hebreos 11:10

 

4. Describe lo siguiente de Apocalipsis 21:12:

Sus murallas

________________________________________________________________________

¿Cuántas puertas en las murallas?

_______________________________________________________

¿Quiénes estaban a las puertas?

_________________________________________________________

¿Qué estaba escrito en las puertas?

______________________________________________________

¿Los nombres de quién estaban escritos ahí?

______________________________________________

5. ¿Cuáles fueron las doce tribus de Israel y dónde estaban colocadas las puertas? Ezequiel 48:30-35 y Apocalipsis 21:13

 

6. La muralla de la ciudad tenía doce piedras de cimientos. ¿De quién eran los nombres que estaban escritos ahí? Apocalipsis 21:14

 

7. ¿Quiénes eran los doce apóstoles del Cordero y quién es el Cordero? Mateo 10:2-4, Juan 1:29 y Hechos 1:20-26

 

8. ¿Qué cosa no vió Juan y que vió como templo? Apocalipsis 21:22

 

9. ¿De qué no tenia necesidad la ciudad y qué la iluminaba? Apocalipsis 21:23

 

10. ¿Quién es nuestra lámpara y quién es la luz para nuestro camino? Apocalipsis 21:23, Salmo 119:105 y Juan 1:1, 14

 

Personal – Imagina como se verá el cielo de acuerdo con lo que acabas de leer y estudiar. ¿Cómo crees que actuarás cuando entres por sus puertas? ¿De qué modo has sido iluminado aquí y ahora? ¿Cómo ven tu familia, amigos, compañeros o personas que tienen contacto contigo durante el día, la luz de Cristo en tí siendo tú Su templo viviente?

 

 

CUARTO DIA JUAN 14:23-29 EVANGELIO

(“Les doy mi paz, les dejo mi paz.”)

1. ¿Si amas a Jesús qué guardarás, quién te amará y quién vendrá a tí? Juan 14:23

 

2. ¿Fíjate que en el versículo 23 dice “vendremos a él, a quién se refiere cuando dice vendremos? Juan 14:11,17, y 26

 

3. ¿Dónde hará el espíritu su morada? Juan 14:17, y 23

 

4. ¿Quién es el que no ama a Jesús? ¿De dónde viene la Palabra que oyes? Juan 14:24

 

5. ¿Mientras Jesús estaba con ellos qué les decía? Juan 14:26

 

Personal – Al empezar este estudio leíste Juan 14:26. ¿Qué te ha hecho recordar?

 

6. ¿Cuál fué la despedida de Jesús para tí y qué obsequio te dejó? ¿Qué te dijo que no debe haber en tí? Juan 14:27

 

7. ¿Qué dijo Jesús en el versículo 28 de Juan 14?

 

8. ¿Si amas a Jesús qué harás cuando El se vaya al Padre? Juan 14:28

 

9. ¿Quién es más grande que Jesús? Juan 14:28 y Juan 10:29

 

10. ¿Qué les decía antes de que esto sucediera? Juan 14:29

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo específico has obedecido el mandamiento “ámense unos a otros como Yo los he amado” (Juan 15:12). Piénsalo en relación con tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o escuela. ¿De qué  modo has mostrado tu amor al Padre?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 67:2-3, 5-6, 8

(“Tu gobiernas los pueblos con justicia.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 67:2-3, 5-6, 8.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 5:1-2, 22-29

La Cristiandad no sería más que una secta de los Judíos si la condición de que los nuevos Cristianos debían ser circuncidados hubiera permanecido. Algunos Judíos no podían olvidar su posición de pueblo escogido. Estaban dispuestos a aceptar a los Gentiles en la iglesia siempre y cuando primero que nada fueran circuncidados. Pablo y Bernabé discutieron fuertemente esta actitud y un choque violento era inevitable.

Se suplicó a Jerusalén, a la matriz de la iglesia por una regla. El principio en cuestión era muy simple; ¿Era el don de Dios para unos cuantos escogidos o para todo el mundo? ¿Era el don de Dios un privilegio o una responsabilidad? Algunos Fariseos que se habían vuelto Cristianos insistían en que todos los convertidos debían ser circuncidados y debían guardar la ley Mosaica.

La ley Mosaica (de Moisés) decía que en el octavo día la carne del prepucio del niño varón debía ser circuncidado (Levítico 12:13). Esto era someter su propia carne al pacto que se originó entre Dios y Abraham (Génesis 17:14). Pedro se erigió ante los apóstoles y ancianos y les dijo que el nuevo pacto se cumple creyendo en la palabra del Evangelio.

Dios, quien conoce el corazón lo atestiguó dando el Spíritu Santo a los Gentiles, así como lo ha hecho para nosotros. Esta fue una circuncisión de fe, un corte de tajo al orgullo de uno y una sumisión a la voluntad del Señor. Pedro les dijo que ellos estaban salvados a traves de la gracia del Señor y que también lo estaban los Gentiles.

Los líderes de la iglesia dijeron que los hombres que confundieron a los hermanos no tenían instrucción ni autoridad para hacerlo. Los líderes de la iglesia inspirados por el Espíritu Santo decidieron mandar representantes autorizados con Pablo y Bernabé. No querían sobrecargarlos con algo más pesado que lo esencial, o sea: se debían abstener de cosas sacrificadas a ídolos, de sangre, de carne de animales estrangulados y de uniones sexuales ilícitas.

Hoy en día todavía podemos ver a lo esencial como guía para nuestra vida diaria. No debemos sacrificarnos a nosotros mismos por ídolos como el trabajo, el poder, el sexo o el dinero. Estamos llamados a dejar de comer y beber al extremo de la glotonería y ponernos enfermos. Estamos llamados a ser castos en nuestras acciones tanto como en nuestros pensamientos. Debemos evitar la unión sexual ilícita tal como la homosexualidad, la fornicación, la pornografia, el adulterio, el sexo antes del matrimonio, etc.

La controversia acerca de guardar la ley existe todavía hoy en día. Todavía hay división entre creyentes y autoridades de la iglesia. Le enseñanza autoritaria de la iglesia está hecha para proteger a la gente tanto como para preservar el verdadero depósito de la fe.

 

APOCALIPSIS 21:10-14, 22-23

Mucho de la visión de Juan viene del capítulo 65:17-24 de Isaías. En este capítulo es creado un cielo nuevo, las cosas del pasado ya no se recuerdan, todo es alegría y no hay tristeza ni dolor. Juan no se preocupa del viaje interespacial o de la geofísica. El cielo existe debido a la relación moral entre Dios y el hombre.

Dios ha tomado la iniciativa y es la causa del nuevo orden o como se le llama la “Nueva Jerusalén o Cielo.” Dios empezó caminando con el hombre en el jardín del paraíso. El buscó habitar cerca del hombre en el Arca o en el Templo. El hizo al hombre el Santo de los Santos a traves de su Encarnación. Pero estas cosas pasadas se terminaron cuando El empieza a habitar con ellos en la intimidad inmediata y personal de la “Nueva Jerusalén.” Juan intentó usando muchas frases y repeticiones transmitir la incomparable belleza del cielo usando descripciones terrenales.

La radiancia de Cristo en su morada eterna es tan deslumbrante que las luces de la Galaxia no son ni necesarias. La Nueva Jerusalén o Cielo era un cubo de doce mil estadios de alto, ancho y profundidad. Las ciudades de Babilonia y Nínive eran cuadradas. Puedes imaginar una ciudad tan alta como su anchura y su largo. Un lado se extendería desde Boston hasta Chicago (1500 millas). Una barda de 216 pulgadas de alto no sería proporcional alrededor de este cubo gigantesco de la ciudad celestial. Podemos ver que los detalles terrenales palidecen cuando se comparan contra el concepto de simbolismo espiritual. El objetivo principal del autor es transmitir que es la Divina Presencia, radiante y animada la que transforma la santa Jerusalén en esplendor puro. Dios empezó con el Paraíso. Juan termina su descripción de la ciudad celestial con detalles prestados de la historia del paraíso. Imaginémonos a nosotros mismos como creyentes.

 

JUAN 14:23-29

Antes de su pasión y muerte, Jesús habló a sus discípulos palabras de consuelo, amor y obediencia. Estas palabras trajeron un sentido de serenidad y los ayudó a no tener miedo. Jesús prometió socorrerlos dejándoles al “Consejero,” “El Espíritu Santo.” Jesús les dijo que el Padre les enviaría al Espíritu Santo en Su nombre. Les dijo que el Espíritu Santo les enseñaría todos las cosas y les ayudaría a recordar todo lo que El les había enseñado (Juan 14:26). Hemos sido hechos templos del Espíritu Santo mediante la fe a traves de la acción de Dios en el sacramento del Bautizmo.

No es fácil hoy en día vivir una vida de acuerdo con los dictados del Espíritu Santo. Tenemos tantas distracciones en nuestro vivir diario que solo el Espíritu Santo podrá capacitarnos para recordar con claridad la obediencia que se necesita para caminar el camino Cristiano. Solo necesitamos ver a nuestro alderredor y nos daremos cuenta fácilmente de que a menos de que controlemos nuestros deseos egoístas y preocupaciones sometiéndolos a la Palabra de Dios, éstos se desbocarán, sobreponiéndose rápidamente a cualquier deseo de conocer y experimentar el amor de Dios.

No podemos dividir nuestros deseos de modo parejo entre Dios y el mundo, debemos buscar primero el reino de Dios (Mateo 6:33). Necesitamos pedirle al Espíritu Santo que nos enseñe más acerca del amor sanador y salvador de Jesús y del Reino de Dios. Has oración para que te abras para recibir los dictados del Espíritu Santo y sigas y sientas el increíble amor de Jesús.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que el don de Dios no fue para unos cuantos escogidos sino para todo el mundo. La segunda lectura revela que el Cielo existe debido a la relación moral entre Dios y el hombre. El Evangelio muestra que el poder caminar el camino Cristiano únicamente es posible cuando viene por medio del Espíritu Santo.

Esta semana, demuestra a los que te rodean en el trabajo, la casa o la escuela que el don de Dios te ha traido la libertad de escoger. Escoger amar a tu prójimo, tu familia y amigos así como a tí mismo. Con el poder del Espíritu Santo puedes también escoger amar a tus enemigos. Eso solo lo podremos hacer si buscamos Su reino primero y todo lo demás será por añadidura (Mateo 6:33). Recuerda, que el Espíritu Santo te enseñará todas las cosas (Juan 14:26).

Quinto Domingo de Pascua (15 de Mayo) – Ciclo C

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA HECHOS 14:21-27 PRIMERA LECTURA

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

TERCER DIA APOCALIPSIS 21:1-5 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Ahora todo lo hago nuevo.”)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

CUARTO DIA JUAN 13:31-35 EVANGELIO

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

7. ¿A dónde iba Jesús?  Juan 7:33

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 145:8-13

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

Leé y medita el Salmo 145:8-13.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

HECHOS 14:21-27

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

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

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

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

 

APOCALIPSIS 21:1-5

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

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

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

 

JUAN 13:31-35

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

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

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

 

Aplicación

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

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

Fifth Sunday of Easter (May 15th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ ACTS 14:21-27 FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THIRD DAY READ REVELATION 21:1-5 SECOND READING

(“Behold I make all things new.”)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY JOHN 13:31-35 GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

7. Where was Jesus going?  John 7:33

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 145:8-13

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 145:8-13.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 14:21-27

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

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

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

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

 

REVELATION 21:1-5

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

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

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

 

JOHN 13:31-35

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

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

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”
  1. Say the opening prayer.
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

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

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

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

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

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

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter (May 8th) – Cycle C

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

SECOND DAY READ ACTS 13:14, 43-52 FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 10:27-30 GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 100:1-3, 5

(“Serve the Lord with gladness.”)

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

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 13:14, 43-52

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

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

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

 

REVELATION 7:9, 14-17

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

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

 

JOHN 10:27-30

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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