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Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord (April 10th) – 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 50:4-7 FIRST READING

(“The Lord is my help, therefore I am not disgraced.”)

l. From where did the well-trained tongue come? To whom has he given it, and for what reason has he been given a well-trained tongue? Isaiah 50:4

 

2. When and what does he open that you may hear? Isaiah 50:4

 

3. What has he not done? Isaiah 50:5

 

4. What happens to those who rebel? 1 Samuel 12:15

 

5. What did the servant do to those who beat him and plucked his beard? Isaiah 50:6

 

6. From what did he not shield his face? Isaiah 50:6, Matthew 26:67 and 27:30

 

7. Who is the servant’s help, and how has he set his face? Isaiah 50:7

 

8. What does the servant know?  Isaiah 50:7

 

Personal – When do you hear the Lord speaking to you?  What is he saying to you?  In what way, by using a well-trained tongue, do you rouse the weary in your own household?  Pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you how you can train your tongue.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11 SECOND READING

(“Jesus Christ is Lord.”)

1. What must be your attitude? Philippians 2:5

 

2. Of whom was he in the form? Philippians 2:6

 

3. Who is Christ? John 1:1, 14

 

4. What was something at which he did not grasp? Philippians 2:6

 

5. Rather, of what did he become empty and why? Philippians 2:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9

 

6. Of what did he take the form, and in whose likeness was he born, and of what was he known to be? Philippians 2:7

 

7. What two things did he do in verse 8 of Philippians 2?

 

8. For what reason did he do the above two things? Hebrews 2:14, 17

 

9. Because he humbled himself and accepted death on the cross, what two things did God do for him? Philippians 2:9

 

10. What must every knee do, in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, at the name of Jesus, and what must every tongue proclaim? Philippians 2:10-11

 

11. What does this tell you beyond a doubt?  Acts 2:36

 

12. For whose glory is this proclaimed (Philippians 2:11), and what will happen to you if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead? Romans 10:9

 

13. Who gives you the power to say “Jesus is Lord?” 1 Corinthians 12:3

 

Personal – In what way is your attitude that of Christ?  In what way have you humbled yourself?  What cross have you obediently accepted?  Read Mark 8:34 and meditate on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 22:14-23:56 GOSPEL

(“Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.”)

1. When Jesus took his place at the table what did he tell his disciples he was eager to do, what did he say about the cup, and what did he do and say with the bread and the cup? Luke 22:14-20

 

2. Who did Jesus say was at table with him, what did he say about him, and about what were the disciples debating? Luke 22:21-23

 

3. About what were the disciples arguing, what did Jesus say to them, and how did he say he was among them? Luke 22:24-27

 

Personal – In what ways do you show others that you are a servant?

 

4. Who did Jesus say stood by him in trials, and what did he say would happen to them? Luke 22:28-30

 

5. What did Jesus say Satan has demanded, what did Jesus do so their faith would not fail, what did he tell them to do, and what did he say to Peter? Luke 22:31-34

 

6. What did Jesus tell his disciples to do now in contrast to what they were doing? What did he say about the scripture, and what was his reply to the disciples “Look, look, there are two swords?” Luke 22:35-38

 

7. When Jesus and the disciples went to the Mt. of Olives, what did he say to them.  Withdrawing from them what did Jesus say to his Father, what strengthened him, and what was happening to him?  Luke 22:39-44

 

8. How did Jesus find his disciples and what did he tell them?  Luke 22:45-46

 

Personal – In what way have you failed to stay awake when someone you know was hurting?

 

9. How did Judas betray Jesus, what did Jesus say to him, what was the disciples response, and what did Jesus do and say? Luke 22:47-53

 

10. After they led Jesus away to arrest him what happened to Peter, when did Peter remember the word of the Lord, and what was his response? Luke 22:54-62

 

11. How did the men who held Jesus treat him, what did they say to Jesus when they brought him before the Sanhedrin, what was his response, and what was their conclusion? Luke 22:63-71

 

12. What did the assembly say about Jesus, what did Pilate ask Jesus, what did he say about his guilt, and how did the people respond to this?  Luke 23:1-5

 

13. Where did Pilate send Jesus, what was Herod’s reaction to seeing Jesus, and why did he react that way?  Luke 23:6-8

 

14. How was Jesus treated by Herod, the scribes, chief priest and soldiers, what happened to Herod and Pilate’s relationship that day, and what did Pilate say to the chief priest, rulers, and the people?  Luke 23:9-17

 

Personal – Share a time you have been swayed by popular opinion and gone along with the crowd? Did it turn out to be a good or bad decision?

 

15. What did the people shout, who was Barabbas, what happened to Barabbas, and how many times did Pilate address the people? Luke 23:18-25

 

16. Who carried the cross behind Jesus, who followed after Jesus, and what did Jesus say to them? Luke 23:26-31

 

17. Who was led away with Jesus to be executed, what happened at the place called the Skull, and what did Jesus ask the Father? Luke 23:32-34

 

Personal – In what way does your life show that you have accepted and received God’s forgiveness for you?

 

18. What did the rulers say, what did the soldiers call out to him, and what was inscribed above him? Luke 23:35-38

 

19. What did each of the criminals hanging there with Jesus say, and what did Jesus tell the one? Luke 23:39-43

 

20. At noon what happened to the veil in the temple, what did Jesus say before he breathed his last, what did the centurion and the people say and do?  Luke 23:44-48

 

21. Where were his acquaintances including the women, who was Joseph, and what did he do?  Luke 23:49-53

 

22. What day was it, what was about to begin, what did the women do, and what was the commandment they observed? Luke 23:54-56

 

Personal – Since last year what change has taken place in your life as a result of what Jesus has done for you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24

(“They have pierced my hands and my feet.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 50:4-7

The source of strength and courage for all suffering, trial, and tribulations is the suffering and death of our divine Lord Jesus Christ.  We need to hold fast to Him when the world closes in with its assault, rejection, and abandonment.  He not only has traveled this same road before the saints of old, but He travels it today constantly waiting to be with us in our suffering.

Jesus’ suffering and death opened the road to heaven for all, even though many refuse the gift.  He gave up everything for us, and He bestowed us with love, trust, hope, respect, and eternal life.  In return, He was spat upon, ridiculed, beaten, jeered, scourged and mocked.  He finally was executed when He was nailed to a cross on Calvary between two criminals.

This is a day of reflection as we are about to enter Holy Week.  Let us not forget the actions and the words of this suffering servant of Isaiah.  We need to reflect on how quickly the crowd changed from adoring Him to jeering Him.  He had taken up a cross for us, and we must remember that we too are called to carry a cross for someone else.  Sometimes we think our cross is too heavy, or that it is unfair to bear such a heavy cross. Dying to self and putting the needs of others first is our daily cross.  How heavy is your cross compared to Christ’s?  How is your Calvary compared to Jesus’ Calvary?

 

PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11

Paul tells us that our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:5).  He describes putting on the attitude of a servant rather than that of a king.  Jesus, though being God, did not demand his rights and privileges of royalty.  He deliberately set them all aside and had taken on the role of a servant.  There lies the incredible formula of a successful leader.  Jesus led by serving all of us.  He showed us that by putting others first and by being humble are the only ways a person can become a real leader.  The sheep followed the shepherd because they trusted him.  People will follow a leader if they know that he has their welfare at heart.

Jesus showed us everything of God’s character in human terms.  He was obedient even unto death, and the type of death he chose for Himself was extremely painful.  Jesus is the perfect role model for us in the world today. How many times do you demand your rights when you are being treated less than fairly?  The name of Jesus should bring to every Christian person the name of a person who willingly died so that all people could be free, and He died for us absolutely knowing that we are sinners (Romans 5:8).

Jesus voluntarily laid aside His divine rights, privileges, and position out of love for His Father.  We, too, are called to lay aside our rights and privileges for our oppressed brothers and sisters in the holy name of Jesus.

 

LUKE 22:14-23:56

Today’s gospel is lengthy and very powerful.  It reveals the emotions of the powerful and the lowly.  We see Jesus at the Last Supper eagerly waiting for it to begin.  He has mixed feelings of joy and sadness, because a betrayer was sitting among a group of very close friends.  We see pride and greed being displayed in the question, “Who among them was the greatest?” And the Master knew He was to be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver.

The betrayal of Christ by Judas happens and Jesus is arrested in the dark of night.  He is ridiculed, humiliated, tortured, and was denied, rejected and abandoned by his closest followers.  He faced the mockery of a trial and his friends and family became unfriendly towards Him. Nevertheless, He was not alone in that His Father was with Him and in Him.  He was strengthened and enlightened by the Holy Spirit.

He was humiliated and whipped by the soldiers and dragged through the howling mob to a hill called Golgotha which means Skull.  Jesus was flung and nailed onto a cross. The kingdom of God was now about to be inaugurated through His death and the places on his right and left were to be taken by two dying criminals.

Jesus told His two power-hungry disciples, James and John, (Mark 10:35-39) that a person who wishes to be close to Him must be prepared to suffer and die as He did.  This message is meant for us even today.  The way to the kingdom is the way of the cross.  Jesus then manifested to the whole world by being on the cross the core to healing is through forgiveness.  Jesus asked His Father to forgive all those who were putting Him to death.  This included the corrupt leaders in the church, politicians, soldiers, and even the bystanders who laughed and ridiculed while He was on the cross. God answered that prayer by opening the way to salvation to all sinners including Jesus’ murderers.

Since we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) we have all played a part in putting Jesus to death.  The Good News is that God forgives and He gives us a new life through His Son, Jesus.  The thief on the right side of Jesus called out to him for forgiveness, and Jesus accepted him and granted the forgiveness to him.  This shows that our faith in Jesus is a saving faith, and it is never to late to turn to God.  Even in his misery Jesus had mercy on this criminal, and that same mercy is waiting to be granted to us.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that we are to live in God’s light not our own light.  The second reading tells us that Jesus was an obedient servant even unto death on the cross.  The gospel reveals forgiveness is the core of healing.

This week, let yourself experience what it really means to forgive.  Look around and see in your family, job, or school those whom you need to forgive.  Jesus tells us that it is necessary to forgive others just as he has forgiven us.  You have the power within yourself through the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4) to hold someone in bondage or you can forgive and give them freedom.  The choice is yours, and remember, the truth will set you free (John 8:32).

Lectio Divina – Fifth Sunday of Lent (April 3rd) – 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 8:1-11 – Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to Him, and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test Him, so that they could have some charge to bring against Him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger. But when they continued asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So He was left alone with the woman before Him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Quinto Domingo de Cuaresma (3 de Abril) – 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 ISAIAS 43:16-21 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Yo voy a hacer algo nuevo”)

1. ¿Qué había hecho el Señor? Isaías 43:16

 

2. ¿Por qué lo hizo? Isaías 51:10

 

3. ¿Cuándo lo hizo? Exodo 14:21

 

4. ¿Quiénes cayeron para no levantarse más? Isaías 43:17

 

5. ¿De qué no debemos acordarnos ni soñar más? Isaías 43:18

 

Personal – Aprende de memoria el versículo 43:18 cuando tu mente empiece a vivir en el pasado. De ahora en adelante, repite ese verso y fijate en que es lo que Jesús tiene para tí en el futúro.

 

6. ¿Qué está haciendo el Señor en el versículo 19 de Isaías 43?

 

7. ¿Quién honra al Señor? Isaías 43:20

 

8. ¿Dónde pone agua y quién la bebe? Isaías 43:20

 

9. Quiénes son sus escogidos en las siguientes escrituras:

A. Lucas 9:35

B. Hechos 1:2

C. Deuteronomio 7:6-11

D Romanos 11:5

 

10. ¿Por qué razon formó ese pueblo? Isaías 43:21

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera te ves a tí mismo como un escogido de Dios? Medítalo.

 

 

TERCER DIA FILIPENSES 3:8-14 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…y corro para llegar a la meta y ganar el premio que Dios nos llama a recibir por medio de Cristo Jesús”)

1. ¿Qué ha considerado Pablo como pérdida total, qué ha aceptado? ¿Por qué razon lo ha considerado así? Filipenses 3:8

 

2. ¿Qué es lo que el justo Pablo poseé y dónde tiene su origen? Filipenses 3:9

 

3. ¿En qué se basa este mérito? Filipenses 3:9

 

4. ¿Cuáles son las 3 cosas que Pablo desea saber en el versículo 10 de Filipenses 3?

1.

2.

3.

 

5. ¿Qué se dice acerca del bautizmo en Romanos 6:3-4?

 

6. ¿Qué debemos hacer para ser glorificados con El?  Romanos 6:4 y Juan 3:16

 

7. ¿Qué espera obtener Pablo? Filipenses 3:11

 

8. ¿Qué es lo que Pablo no ha alcanzado todavía? ¿Qué es lo que está tratando de conseguir? ¿Quién ya le dió alcance? Filipenses 3:12

 

9. ¿Qué nos dicen Filipenses 3:13 e Isaías 43:18 que olvidemos y qué debemos hacer?

 

10. ¿Hacía dónde va Pablo y cuál es el premio? Filipenses 3:14

 

Personal – ¿De cuál de estas maneras vas tú acercándote a la meta final: sentado, a gatas, caminando comodamente, caminando rápido o corriendo? ¿Cuál es la meta que estás tratando de alcanzar?

 

 

CUARTO DIA JUAN 8:1-11 EVANGELIO

(“Tampoco yo te condeno: ahora vete, y no vuelvas a pecar.”)

1. ¿Dónde estaba Jesús y qué hizo cuando la gente comenzó a acercársele? Juan 8:1-2

 

2. ¿Cuáles eran los dos grupos de hombres que estaban ahí? ¿A quién trajeron y en dónde la colocaron? Juan 8:3

 

3. ¿Cómo llamaron a Jesús? ¿Qué le dijeron? Juan 8:4-5

 

4. ¿De acuerdo con la ley si una mujer está casada y sí se le sorprende en adulterio que pena reciben tanto élla como el hombre? Levítico 20:10 y Deuteronomio 22:22-24

 

5. ¿Por qué le hacían preguntas a Jesús sobre la adultera? ¿Qué hizo Jesús al oirlos? Juan 8:6

 

6. ¿Al persistir en sus preguntas qué les dijo? Juan 8:7

 

7. ¿Cómo puedes evitar el ser juzgado? ¿Qué debes hacer para ver claro? Mateo 7:1-5

 

8. ¿De entre nosotros, quiénes son los pecadores? Romanos 3:23

 

9. ¿Qué hizo Jesús por segunda vez? ¿Qué hicieron los que estaban ahí? ¿Quién lo hizo primero? Juan 8:8-9

 

Personal – ¿Quién te guía a tí? ¿Obedeces lo que tus líderes del gobierno te mandan? ¿Obedeces lo que tus líderes de la iglesia te mandan? ¿Se ha presentando la ocasión en la que hay conflicto entre lo que dicen los líderes del gobierno o de la iglesia y lo que dice la Palabra de Jesús? ¿Cómo has respondido a ese conflicto?

 

10. ¿Qué le preguntó Jesús a la mujer cuando quedaron solos? ¿Qué respondió ésta y qué le dijo Jesús? Juan 8:10-11

 

11. ¿En qué se complace Dios? Ezequiel 33:11

 

Personal – ¿Cómo puedes complacer al Señor el día de hoy? Toma tiempo para examinar tu conciencia y vé al sacramento de la reconciliación (confesión) esta semana.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 126:1-6

(“El Señor guiará a su pueblo del cautiverio a la libertad.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 126:1-6.

¿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

ISAIAS 43:16-21

El profeta Isaías continúa proclamando un tema favorito de los exiliados en Babilonia. Se le llama “El Nuevo Exodo.” Dios es presentado como el que va “creando Israel – abriendo un camino – guiando nuestros carros.” Las palabras describen el Exodo de Egipto, terminando con la última escena donde los Egipcios se encuentran postrados para nunca levantarse. El Faraón y sus tropas fueron aplastadas y ahogadas cuando corrían en el mar dividido que se había abierto para los Israelitas (Exodo 15:19). Los Israelitas han sido advertidos de no gloriarse del pasado que no tiene relación con el presente.

El viejo éxodo fue temporal, el nuevo éxodo es por siempre. La palabra Anamnesis viene de este grán acto del éxodo (Exodo 15:19). Anamnesis significa regresar, continuar, recrear, vivir. Esto es el corazón de la oración Eucarística que constituye el nuevo éxodo en cada celebración de la misa Católica. Al pueblo se le dice que deje de ver al pasado y que mire hacía el futúro, hacía un nuevo y permanente éxodo.

 

FILIPENSES 3:8-14

Pablo nos enseña que la verdadera libertad únicamente puede encontrarse en Cristo Jesús no en el observar la ley. Pablo vino a Dios con una fe humilde, como Jesús le dijo que fuera y encontró la amistad que tanto había buscado. Descubre que una relación correcta con Dios se basa no en la ley sino en la fe en Jesucristo. La virtud no la adquiere nadie, Dios la dá. Al entender Pablo a Cristo cambia su sistema de valores por completo.

Pablo siendo un Judío, sabía muy bien qué tanto se enfatizaba en cumplir con la ley. El era un hombre educado, un ciudadano Romano y alguien que perseguía a la gente que no cumplía correctamente con todas las creencias Judías.

Para Pablo la salvación significa compartir el poder de la resurrección de Cristo así como compartir los sufrimientos y ser como El en la muerte. Nosotros como Pablo también tenemos la esperanza de compartir el poder de la resurrección de Cristo aún cuando esto signifique compartir sus sufrimientos y ser como El en la muerte, nuestro modo de compartir puede ser a traves de ser  rechazados por los que amamos ya sea la familia o los amigos. Jesús supo lo que era el rechazo de los amigos en su propia tierra. Esta es la clase de imitación de Cristo que nos dá la  esperanza que será alcanzada por medio de nuestra resurrección de la muerte del mismo modo que Cristo fue resucitado.

Pablo nos dice que él no ha alcanzado todavía su meta, todavía no ha sido resucitado y todavía no es perfecto. Nos dice en 1 Timoteo 6:12, “Dá el buen combate de la fe, conquista la vida eterna a la que has sido llamado y por la que hiciste tu hermosa declaración de fe en presencia de numerosos testigos.” Continuamos haciendo nuestra profesion de fe cada vez que rezamos el Credo en la Misa Católica Romana y así hasta que alcancemos la linea final o sea la vida en lo alto en Cristo Jesús.

La resurrección y la perfección son metas que estamos tratando de alcanzar, no son cosas que ya tenemos. El premio del que habla Pablo es “Vida en lo alto en Cristo Jesús” o sea conocerlo, vivirlo.” Nuestra virtud y metas las alcanzamos no por nuestros méritos sino por la gracia que viene de Dios a traves de Jesucristo.

 

JUAN 8:1-11

A los ojos de la ley Judía el adulterio era un crimen muy serio. Se castigaba con la muerte. Los escribas y Fariseos estaban buscando algo para desacreditar a Jesús.

Un escriba era un hombre educado, intelectual, quizá un abogado o hasta un escolástico. Era un maestro de la ley. A algunos de ellos se les escogía para ser los Rabinos. Un Fariseo era un líder que practicaba en un grado máximo las leyes. Se preocupaban más por los dogmas de la ley que de lo que realmente había en los corazones.

Los líderes insistieron en que Jesús diera una decisión sobre que hacer con la adultera. Esperaban atraparlo. Pero Jesús les volteó las cartas diciéndoles “Aquel que esté libre de culpa que tire la primera piedra.” Los ancianos fueron los primeros que se retiraron y los siguieron los demás. Hoy como en los días de Cristo la gente sigue a los que son los influyentes en la comunidad, aún cuando estos no sepan nada. Jesús le preguntó a la mujer que donde estaban los que la condenaban y le dijo que El tampoco la condenaba, que se fuera y no pecara más. Con Jesús hay el evangelio de la segunda oportunidad. El no dijo que no tenía importancia lo que había hecho, leyes rotas y corazones rotos siempre son de importancia; pero El estaba interesado en su futúro mucho más que en su pasado.

Los Fariseos y Escribas deseaban condenar, Jesús deseaba perdonar. Los primeros sabían lo que se siente al ejercitar el poder de condenar, Jesús sabía lo que se siente al ejercitar el poder de perdonar. Jesús enfrentó a la mujer con la invitación de ir y alcanzar una vida que no involucrara el pecado. La llamó a ir y luchar y cambiar su vida completamente. Jesús le mostró que creía en élla como persona. El no le dijo “Mujer tú eres una perdida.” El dijo, “vé y no peques más.” Su método no es aplastar a la gente con decirle algo que ellos ya saben o sea que son miserables pecadores, sino que El quiere inspirarlos a llegar a ser santos vivientes.

Jesús también advierte sin decirlo que élla tiene la elección de escoger vivir su vida como antes y terminar destruida o levantarse a un nuevo camino con El. Jesús le dijo al hombre al que había sanado en la pileta que dejara de pecar o algo peor le pasaría (Juan 5:14). Muy claramente nos advierte a nosotros que el pecado lleva a la destrucción. Nos ofrece a todos la segunda oportunidad, el regalo del perdón.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos muestra que mirar hacía atrás no es algo que viene del Señor. La segunda lectura revela que únicamente en Jesucristo se puede encontrar la verdadera libertad. El Evangelio nos dice que Jesús nos perdona. No nos condena.

Esta semana deja que tu familia y tu comunidad vean en tí a una persona que busca la justicia y dá la misericordia y el perdón. Una persona que puede perdonar y olvidar es una persona realmente libre.

Fifth Sunday of Lent (April 3rd) – 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 43:16-21 FIRST READING

  (“See, I am doing something new!”)

1. What has the Lord done? Isaiah 43:16

 

2. Why has he done this? Isaiah 51:10.

 

3. When was this done? Exodus 14:21.

 

4. Who lies prostrate never to rise again? Isaiah 43:17

 

5. What are we not to remember or even consider? Isaiah 43:18

 

Personal – Memorize Isaiah 43:18.  When your mind begins to dwell on the past, from this time forward, repeat this verse and keep your eyes on what Jesus has in store for you.

 

6. What is the Lord doing in verse 19 of Isaiah 43?

 

7. Who honors the Lord?  Isaiah 43:20

 

8. Where does the Lord put water and who drinks it? Isaiah 43:20

 

9. Who are his chosen in the following scriptures:

a. Luke 9:35    –

b. Acts 1:2     –

c. Deut. 7:6-11 –

d. Romans 11:5  –

 

10. For what reason did he form these people? Isaiah 43:21

 

Personal – In what way do you see yourself as one of God’s chosen people? Meditate on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 3:8-14 SECOND READING

(“I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”)

1. To what has Paul considered all as loss, what has he accepted, and for what reason has he considered this? Philippians 3:8

 

2. What is the righteousness Paul possesses and where does it have its origin? Philippians 3:9

 

3. On what is this righteousness based? Philippians 3:9

 

4. What three things does Paul wish to know in verse 10 of Philippians 3?

1.

2.

3.

 

5. What does Romans 6:3-4 say about baptism?

 

6. What must we do in order to be glorified with him? Romans 6:4 and John 3:16.

 

7. What does Paul hope to attain? Philippians 3:11

 

8. What has Paul not yet reached, what is he pursuing, and who has taken possession of him? Philippians 3:12

 

9. What do Philippians 3:13 and Isaiah 43:18 tell us to forget and what are we to do?

 

10. Toward what is Paul pursuing and what is the prize? Philippians 3:14

 

Personal – In which of the following ways are you going towards the finish line: sitting, crawling, strolling, fast walking, or running? What is the goal you are pursuing?

 

 

FOURTH READ JOHN 8:1-11 GOSPEL

(“Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin anymore.”)

1. Where was Jesus and what did he do when the people started coming to him? John 8:1-2

 

2. What two groups of men were there, who did they bring in, and what did they make her do? John 8:3

 

3. How did they address Jesus and what did they say to him? John 8:4-5

 

4. According to the law if a woman is married and is caught in adultery what will happen to both man and woman? Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22-24

 

5. Why did they question Jesus about the adulterer and what did Jesus do when they questioned him about her? John 8:6

 

6. When they persisted in their questioning, what did he say to them? John 8:7

 

7. How can you avoid judgment, and what must you do to see clearly? Matthew 7:1-5

 

8. Who are the sinners among us? Romans 3:23

 

9. What did Jesus do a second time? What happened to the audience, and in what succession? John 8:8-9

 

Personal – By whom are you being led?  Are you obedient to what your leaders in government tell you? Are you obedient to what your church leaders tell you?  Has there been a time when Jesus’ Word has been put in conflict with what government or church law has stated?  How have you responded to that conflict?

 

10. What did Jesus say to the woman after they were alone, what was her response, and then what did he say?  John 8:10-11

 

11. In what does God take pleasure? Ezekiel 33:11

 

Personal – How can you bring pleasure to the Lord today?  Take time to examine your conscience and attend the sacrament of reconciliation this week.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 126:1-6

(The Lord will lead his people from captivity to freedom)

Read and meditate on Psalm 126:1-6.

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 43:16-21

The prophet Isaiah continues to proclaim a favorite theme to the exiles in Babylon.  It is called, “The New Exodus.”  God is being shown as the one “creating Israel – opening a way – leading out chariots”.  The words portray the exodus out of Egypt, ending in the final scene where the Egyptians are lying prostrate and never to be rising.  Pharaoh’s troops were crushed and drowned as they rushed into the parted sea opened for the Israelites (Exodus 15:19).  The Israelites are being warned not to continue glorifying in a past that has no time for application in the present.

The old exodus was temporary; the new exodus is forever.  The word Anamnesis is from this great act of exodus. (Exodus 15:19) Anamnesis means to bring back, to continue, to recreate, to live.  This is the heart of the Eucharistic prayer that constitutes the new exodus at every celebration of the Catholic Mass.  The people are being told to stop looking in the past and look to the future, toward the permanent, new exodus.

 

PHILIPPIANS 3:8-14

Paul shows us that true freedom can be found only in Jesus Christ, not in observance of a law.  He came to God in humble faith, as Jesus told him to do, and he found that fellowship he had sought for so long. Paul discovers that a right relationship with God is based not on law but on faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness is not achieved by any man but given by God.  Paul’s understanding of Christ changed his whole value system.

Paul, being a Jew himself, was very much aware of how complete compliance with the law was stressed.  He was an educated man, a Roman citizen, and one who hunted down people who did not comply fully with the Jewish belief.

To Paul, salvation meant sharing in the power of Christ’s resurrection as well as sharing in the suffering and becoming like him in death.  Like Paul, we too hope to share in the power of Christ’s resurrection, even as it means sharing in his sufferings and becoming like him in death.  Our sharing in his suffering can be through rejection by loved ones, family or friends. Jesus experienced rejection by friends right in his own home town.  It is this kind of imitation of Christ that gives us hope that will be completed by our resurrection from the dead, even as Christ also was raised.

Paul tells us that he has not yet reached his goal, that he is not yet been raised and is not yet perfect.  Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, take firm hold on the  everlasting life to which you were called, when, in the presence of many witnesses you made your noble profession of faith.”  We continue to make our profession of faith every time we say the Nicene Creed at a Roman Catholic Mass until we reach the finish line which is life on high in Christ Jesus.

Resurrection and perfection are goals which are pursued, not ones which we already have.  The prize of which Paul speaks is “Life on high in Christ Jesus”, that is, knowing and experiencing Jesus.  Our righteousness and goals come not because of our merit but because of grace which comes from God through Jesus Christ.

 

JOHN 8:1-11

In the eyes of the Jewish law, adultery was a very serious crime and was punishable by death.  The Scribes and the Pharisees were out to get something on Jesus and discredit him.

A scribe was an educated man, an intellectual, maybe a lawyer or even a scholar.  They were teachers of the Law.  Many were chosen to be Rabbis.  A Pharisee was a leader who practiced the observance of the law to its maximum degree.  The Pharisees were more concerned with keeping the external tenets of the law than what was in your heart.

The leaders insisted that Jesus give a decision on what to do with this adulteress.  They were hoping to trap him.  Jesus turned the tables on them by saying, “Let the man that is without sin cast the first stone.”  The elders were the first to leave and the rest followed.  Today, as in the days of Christ, people still follow the lead of influential people in the community, even if they are uninformed.  Jesus asked her where did her tormentors go, and who is there to condemn her.  Jesus told her that he does not condemn her either and to go and sin no more.  In Jesus there is the gospel of the second chance.  He didn’t say that what she had done did not matter; broken laws and broken hearts always matter;  but he was interested in her future more than in her past.

The Pharisees and scribes wished to condemn; Jesus wished to forgive.  They knew the thrill of exercising power to condemn; Jesus knew the thrill of exercising the power to forgive.  Jesus confronted the woman with a challenge to go out and reach for a life that does not involve sin.  He called her to go out and fight, to change her life completely.  Jesus showed his belief in her as a person.  He did not say “Lady you are a loser.”  He said, “Go and sin no more.”  His method is not to blast people with the knowledge which they already knew, that they were miserable sinners, but to inspire them to become living saints.

Jesus also gives a warning, unspoken but implied. She has a choice either to go back to her old life and end up in destruction or to reach out to the new way with him.  Jesus tells the man who he had just healed in the pool to stop sinning or something worse may happen to him (John 5:14).  He clearly warns all of us that sin leads only to destruction.  He offers to all of us a second chance, the gift of forgiveness.                

 

Application

The first reading shows us that to look “back” is not of the Lord.  The second reading reveals that only in Christ can true freedom be experienced.  The Gospel tells us that Jesus forgives us, he does not condemn us.

This week, let your family and your community see and experience you as a person who seeks justice and extends mercy and forgiveness.  A person who can forgive and forget is a person who is really free.

Cuarto Domingo de Cuaresma (27 de Marzo) – 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 JOSUE 5:9-12 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Hoy he quitado de encima de ustedes la vergüenza de Egipto.”)

1. ¿Qué le dijo el Señor a Josué que había quitado de ellos ese día? Josué  5:9

 

2. ¿Qué ha quitado el Señor de aquellos que le temen?  Salmo 103:12

 

3. ¿Dónde estaban acampados los Israelitas y qué celebraron en la noche del décimo cuarto día del mes? Josué  5:10

 

4. ¿Qué mandó el Señor el décimo cuarto día del mes?  Exodo 12:5-6, 11

 

5. ¿Qué comieron los Israelitas el día después de la Pascua? Josué  5:11

 

6. ¿Por qué has de trabajar? ¿Quién te lo dá? Juan 6:27

 

7. ¿Cuál dice Jesús que es la verdadera comida y bebida? Qué le pasa al que la come y la bebe? Juan 6:55-56

 

8. ¿Qué se acabó ese mismo día después de la Pascua?  Josué 5:12

 

9. ¿Por cuánto tiempo comieron el maná?  Exodo 16:35

 

10. ¿Por cuánto tiempo vivirás si comes la carne del Hijo de  Dios y bebes Su sangre? Juan 6:49-51

 

Personal – ¿Qué se te ha quitado que te permite participar en la comunión los Domingos? ¿Qué te demuestra en tu vida que la comunión es más importante que la comida en tu mesa?

 

 

TERCER DIA 2 CORINTIOS 5:17-21 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Somos mensajeros de Cristo; como si Dios mismo les rogara por nuestra boca.”)

1. ¿Qué es aquel que está en Cristo? ¿Qué ha pasado a lo antiguo? 2 Corintios 5:17

 

2. ¿Para aquellos que aceptaron a Cristo qué se les concedió llegar a ser? Juan 1:12-13

 

3. ¿Cómo hemos sido reconciliados con Dios y cuál es el ministerio que nos ha dado?  2 Corintios 5:18

 

4. ¿Qué eramos cuando fuimos reconciliados con Dios? ¿Cómo fuimos salvados? Romanos 5:10-11

 

5. ¿Qué no tomaba Dios ya en cuenta? ¿Qué nos encargó?  2 Corintios 5:19

 

6. ¿Qué declaró David y quién es bendecido? Romanos 4:6-8

 

7. ¿Qué somos ahora de Cristo? ¿Qué implora Pablo a la gente? 2 Corintios 5:20

 

8. ¿Cómo quiere Pablo dar a saber el misterio del Evangelio? ¿Qué hace aún estando encadenado? Efesios 6:19-20

 

9. ¿Por el bien de quién hizo Dios que Jesús cargara con  nuestros pecados aún sin haber El cometido alguno? ¿Qué obtenemos nosotros con éllo?  2 Corintios 5:21

 

10. ¿Qué es capaz Jesús de hacer y por qué razon? Hebreos 4:15

 

Personal – ¿Si Dios te ha encargado el mensaje de la reconciliación, cómo lo has compartido y llevado a cabo con los que te rodean?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 15:1-3, 11-32 EVANGELIO

(“Pero había que hacer fiesta y celebrar pues tu hermano estaba muerto y ha vuelto a la vida.”)

1. ¿Quiénes se acercaban a oír a Jesús, de qué se quejaban los Fariseos y escribas? ¿Cómo les habló Jesús?   Lucas 15:1-3

 

2. ¿En esta parábola que les dijo Jesús, qué le sucedió al hijo menor? ¿Qué deseaba haber comido? Lucas 15:11-16

 

3. ¿Cuando recapacitó qué decidió hacer y qué le iba a decir a su padre? Lucas 15:17-19

 

4. ¿De qué estaba lleno su padre cuando lo vió venir y qué hizo? Lucas 15:20

 

5. ¿De qué tiene compasión el Señor? Salmo 103:13

 

6. ¿Qué le dijo el hijo al padre?  ¿Qué hizo el padre y qué dijo acerca del hijo? Lucas 15:21-24

 

7. ¿A quién estabamos siguiendo que nos hizo morir por nuestros propios pecados?  ¿Cómo fuimos traidos de nuevo a la vida?  Efesios 2:1-5

 

8. ¿Cuál fue la reacción del hijo mayor al ver todos los festejos para el hijo menor?  Lucas 15:25-28

 

9. ¿Qué hizo el padre cuando su hijo mayor reaccionó así? ¿Qué le dijo éste a su padre?  Lucas 15:29-30

 

10. ¿Qué dijo el padre que le pertenecía al hijo mayor? ¿Por qué dijo que era tiempo de celebrar? Lucas 15:31-32

 

11. ¿Cuál es la voluntad de nuestro Padre celestial? ¿Qué no debes sentir en contra de ninguno  de sus pequeños?  Mateo 18:10-14

 

Personal – ¿Con quién te identificas en este evangelio? ¿Por qué?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 34:2-7

(“Mírenlo y quedarán iluminados.)

Leé y medita el Salmo 34:2-7.

¿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

JOSUE 5:9-12

Los Israelitas estaban listos para entrar muy pronto en la tierra prometida después de haber pasado 39 años en el desierto sin necesidad, solo por que tuvieron miedo y subestimaron la habilidad de Dios. Los Cananeos oyeron acerca de las grandes victorias de Israel conseguidas a traves de Dios (el cruce del Mar Rojo) y estaban aterrorizados. No subestimes a Dios. Si somos fieles a El como lo fueron Josué  y los Israelitas, entonces Dios podrá poner la suficiente oposición para desaparecer a los que se nos oponen. Dios puede cambiar las actitudes de estos.

El Señor le habló a Josué y le dijo que circuncidara a todos los varones de su campamento pues ese era un signo del pacto con El. Entonces el ángel le habló a Josué y le dijo que se preparara para la batalla y que solo escuchara el plan de Dios. Celebraron la fiesta de la Pascua antes de ir a la batalla de Jericó. La celebración les recordó quienes eran y lo que les había pasado para llegar a estar en esas condiciones.

Esta fue la primera celebración de la Pascua en la tierra prometida. Recordaron como había sido Dios con ellos en sus tiempos de peligro y hambre. Ahora estaban en una tierra donde abundaba la fruta, las verduras y el agua. Se dieron cuenta que Dios milagrosamente les había provisto con esta tierra para ellos. Se arrodillaron y oraron en acción de gracias a Dios por sostenerlos en su fe lo suficiente para pasar el desierto. Ellos supieron, y es importante que nosotros sepamos también que hacer oración no es una alternativa para prepararse a lo que se tiene que hacer y que la fe no es un substituto para el trabajo duro y honrado. Dios puede y de hecho nos proveé de milagros, pero El espera que usemos los talentos que nos ha dado y los recursos para proveernos a nosotros mismos y a los demás.

 

2 CORINTIOS 5:17-21

Los Cristianos son gente nueva por dentro cuando son bautizados. El Espíritu Santo vive dentro de ellos y les dá nueva vida, ya no son igual que antes. Cuando somos bautizados y nuevos hijos del Señor, no somos reformados, rehabilitados o reeducados; somos creaciones nuevas viviendo en completa unión con Cristo (Colosenses 2:6,7). No significa que estamos volteando una nueva hoja cuando somos bautizados. Significa que empezamos una vida nueva bajo un nuevo Maestro. Somos reconciliados con Dios por Su llanto debido a nuestros pecados o pecado original si es que fuimos bautizados cuando niños. Nos hace justos. No somos ya extraños o forasteros cuando confiamos en Dios.

Debido a que hemos sido reconciliados con Dios, se nos ha dado el privilegio de alentar a otros a hacer lo mismo. Estamos llamados a ser embajadores de Cristo y eso significa que seremos sus representantes. Como embajadores de Cristo somos mandados con Su mensaje de reconciliación al mundo. No tomemos esta responsabilidad a la ligera pues el mundo hambriento, pobre, derrotado y oprimido espera ansiosa y esperanzadamente por tí. ¿Cómo te ves a tí mismo en tu papel de embajador de Cristo?

Mientras confies en Dios haces un trato: tus pecados por Su bondad. El tomó para Sí mismo todos nuestros pecados en el Calvario y nosotros recibimos Su piedad que nos dá a manos llenas cuando nos convertimos. Esto es lo que los Cristianos quieren dar a entender cuando hablan acerca de la expiación de Cristo por los pecados. Caigamos de rodillas y demos a Dios toda nuestra gratitud por hacer posible que tengamos acceso a este trato increíble.

 

LUCAS 15:3, 11-32

El Evangelio de hoy nos muestra el conflicto entre el modo en que los Fariseos trataban a los pecadores y el modo en que lo hacía Jesús. A la gente que no guardaba las leyes se le llamaba “La gente de la tierra.” Estas personas fueron rechazadas por la mayoría de los Judíos Ortodoxos. A un fariseo se le prohibía tener algo que ver con un pecador conocido. Estuvieron espantados cuando Jesús sencillamente se llevaba bien con ellos. Ellos creían que si comías con un pecador, le hablabas y andabas con él tú también debías ser un pecador. Su filosofía era destruir al pecador delante de Dios.

Por supuesto Jesús creyó en salvar a los pecadores y les contó la historia de un jóven que se rebelaba mucho contra su familia. La ley Judía establecía que el hijo mayor debía obtener dos veces más del dinero de la herencia que lo que obtuvieran los otros hijos varones juntos. En esta historia el hijo más joven demandaba su parte de la herencia. Estaba aburrido y era flojo y quería irse del hogar y disfrutar del mundo. Pronto se le acabó el dinero y terminó alimentando puercos en una granja del lugar. Este era un trabajo que estaba prohibido a un Judío pues la ley establecia, “Maldito el que alimenta a los cerdos.”

El momento en que la historia cambia es cuando el jóven reflexiona y dice que es un pecador. Vuelve a casa, no pidiendo ser tratado como un hijo otra vez o como un esclavo pues aún estos tenían un cierto lazo de unión con la familia. Lo que pidió fue ser un sirviente a sueldo ya que estos no tenían ningún nivel social ni ninguna seguridad, unicamente vivían al día.  El sabía que era un pecador así que se confesó y se arrepintió.

El padre lo vió venir y corrió a encontrar a su hijo arrepentido. Le puso su capa de honor, un anillo que le daba un poder ilimitado para comprar cosas y le dió calzado. (A los esclavos o sirvientes a sueldo no se les daba calzado.) Una fiesta fue ordenada para que todos se alegraran de que un pecador estaba perdido y ahora había sido encontrado o como dijo el padre “Mi hijo estaba muerto y ahora esta vivo.” No olvidemos nunca que el amor de Dios puede derrotar aún la deliberada rebelión del corazón.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra al hombre que no debemos subestimar la habilidad de Dios. La segunda lectura revela que un Cristiano no es reformado o rehabilitado, es una creación nueva de Dios Todopoderoso. El Evangelio dice que los Fariseos creyeron en destruir al pecador, pero Jesús creyó en salvar al pecador.

Esta semana, deja que la gente vea tus acciones que son como las de Cristo no como las de los Fariseos. Demuéstralo mediante tu misericordia, tu habilidad de escuchar, no chismorreando y mostrando tu alegría cuando alguien pide perdón por algo que haya hecho mal. Jesús creyó que el amor puede conquistar toda clase de maldad y tus acciones probarán a la “gente de la tierra” que El decía la verdad. Jesús amó y salvó y tú tienes que hacer lo mismo.

Lectio Divina – Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 27th) – 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

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 – …to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation…Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But the father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him…Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ …Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back…the servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry…and said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders, yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughtered the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent (March 27th) – 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 JOSHUA 5:9-12 FIRST READING

(“Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.”)

1. What did the Lord tell Joshua he had removed from them that day? Joshua 5:9

 

2. What has the Lord removed from those who fear him? Psalm 103:12

 

3. Where were the Israelites encamped, and what did they celebrate on the evening of the fourteenth of the month? Joshua 5:10

 

4. What was prescribed by the Lord on the fourteenth day of the month? Exodus 12:5-6, 11

 

5. What did the Israelites eat the day after the Passover? Joshua 5:11

 

6. For what are we to work, and who gives it to us? John 6:27

 

7. What did Jesus say is true food and drink, and what happens to whoever eats and drinks it? John 6:55-56

 

8. On that same day, after the Passover, what ceased? Joshua 5:12

 

9. How long did they eat the manna? Exodus 16:35

 

10. How long will you live if you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood? John 6:49-51

 

Personal – What has been removed from you that allows you to participate in communion on Sunday? In your life, what shows that communion is more important than the food on your table?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21 SECOND READING

(“So, we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us.”)

1. What is “whoever is in Christ,” and what has happened to the old things? 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

2. To those who accepted Christ, what did he give them the power to become? John 1:12-13

 

3. How have we been reconciled to God, and what has he given us the ministry of? 2 Corinthians 5:18

 

4. What were we when we were reconciled to God, and how were we saved? Romans 5:10-11

 

5. What did God not count, and what did he entrust to us? 2 Corinthians 5:19

 

6. What does David declare, and who is blessed? Romans 4:6-8

 

7. What are we for Christ, and what is Paul imploring the people to be? 2 Corinthians 5:20

 

8. How does Paul want to make known the mystery of the Gospel, and what does that make him in chains? Ephesians 6:19-20

 

9. For whose sake did God make Jesus become sin even though he did not know sin, and what did that make us?  2 Cor. 5:21

 

10. What is Jesus able to do and for what reason?  Hebrews 4:15

 

Personal – If God has entrusted to you the message of reconciliation, how have you shared and acted upon that message to those around you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 15:1-3,11-32 GOSPEL

(“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again.”)

1. Who was drawing near to listen to Jesus, and what were the Pharisees and scribes complaining about?  How did he address them? Luke 15:1-3

 

2. In the parable Jesus told, what happened to the younger son? What did the man long to eat? Luke 15:11-16

 

3. Coming to his senses, what did he decide to do, and what was he going to say to his father? Luke 15:17-19

 

4. With what was his father filled when he saw his son, and what did he do? Luke 15:20

 

5. On who does the Lord have compassion? Psalm 103:13

 

6. What did the son say to the father, and what did the father do and say about the son? Luke 15:21-24

 

7. What were we following that made us dead in our own transgressions, and how were we brought to life? Ephesians 2:1-5

 

8. What was the older son’s reaction to all the dancing and festivities for the younger son? Luke 15:25-28

 

9. What did the father do at the older son’s reaction, and what did he say to his father? Luke 15:29-30

 

10. What did the father say belonged to the older son, and why did he say it was time to celebrate? Luke 15:31-32

 

11. What is the will of our heavenly Father, and how should we not feel over one of his little ones? Matthew 18:10-14

 

Personal – With whom do you relate in this gospel, and why?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 34:2-7

(“Look to him that you may be radiant with joy.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 34:2-7.

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

JOSHUA 5:9-12

The Israelites were ready to soon enter into the promised land after spending 39 years in the wilderness unnecessarily because they were afraid and underestimated God’s ability.  The Canaanites heard about Israel’s great victories through God (crossing the Red Sea) and were terrified of them.  Do not underestimate God. If we are faithful to him, as Joshua and the Israelites were faithful, then God can cause great opposition to melt away. God can change the attitudes of those who oppose us.

The Lord spoke to Joshua and told him that he was to circumcise all the males in his camp because that was the sign of the covenant with him. Then the angel spoke to Joshua and told him to prepare for battle and to listen to God’s plan only. They celebrated the feast of Passover before they went on to the battle of Jericho.  The celebration reminded them of who they were, and what happened to get them that far.

This was the first celebration of the Passover in the Promised Land.  The Israelites remembered how God was with them in their times of danger and hunger. They were now in a land that was overflowing with fruit, vegetables, and water. They knew that God has miraculously provided this land for them. They knelt and in prayer they thanked God for keeping their faith strong enough to get through the wilderness.

They knew, and it is important for us to know too, that prayer is not an alternative to preparing for what needs to be done, and faith is not a substitute for hard, honest work.  God can and does provide us with miracles, but he expects us to use our God-given talents and resources to provide for others and ourselves.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21

Christians are brand-new people on the inside when they become baptized. The Holy Spirit dwells within them and gives them a new life, and they are no longer the same. When we become baptized and a new child of the Lord, we are not reformed, rehabilitated or reeducated: we are brand-new creations, living in complete union with Christ (Colossians 2:6,7). It does not mean we are turning over a new leaf when we are baptized. It means we are beginning a new life under a new Master. We are reconciled to God by his wiping out of our sins, or original sin if one is being baptized as a child. We are made righteous. We are no longer strangers or foreigners when we trust in God.

Because we have been reconciled to God, we now have been given the privilege of encouraging others to do the same. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, and this means we are to be his representatives. As ambassadors of Christ, we are sent with his message of reconciliation to the world. We need not take this responsibility lightly because a hungry, broken, poor, and oppressed world anxiously and hopefully awaits us. How do you see yourself in the role of Christ’s ambassador?

While you trust in Christ, you make a trade: your sins for his goodness. He took on unto himself all of our sins at Calvary, and we received his righteousness that he has poured out for us at our conversion.  This is what Christians mean when they talk about Christ’s atonement for sin. Let us fall on our knees and give God our total gratitude for making this marvelous trade available for us.

 

LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32

Today’s Gospel shows us the conflict between the Pharisees’ way of treating a sinner and Jesus’ way.  To people who did not keep the law, a label called “The people of the land” was given to them. These people were shunned by most Orthodox Jews. A Pharisee was forbidden to have anything to do with a known sinner. They were shocked at the easy way that Jesus got along with them. Their attitude was that to eat with a sinner, to talk to a sinner and to be with sinners must mean that you, too, were a sinner. Their philosophy was to destroy the sinner before God.

Jesus, of course, believed in saving the sinner and told them a story about a young man who was very rebellious to his family. Jewish law stated that the oldest son must get twice as much inheritance money as all the other sons combined.  In this story the younger of two sons demanded his share of the money. He was bored and lazy and wanted to leave home to go and enjoy the outside world.  He soon ran through the money, and he finished up feeding the pigs at a local farm.  This was a job that was forbidden to a Jew because the law stated, “Cursed is he who feeds the swine.

The turning point in the story came when the young man came to his senses and said that he was a sinner. He came back home, not to ask if he could be a son again or even a slave, because there still was some kind of tie to the family being even a slave. But he asked to be a paid servant who had no status or security, only day-to-day existence.  He knew that he was a sinner, so he confessed and was repentant.

The father saw the son coming and rushed out to meet his repentant son. His father put a robe of honor on his son, a ring that gave him unlimited buying power, and shoes (a slave or hired servant had no shoes). A feast was ordered so that all might rejoice in that a sinner was lost but now was found, or as the father put it, “My son was dead, but now he is alive.” We must never forget that the love of God can defeat even the deliberate rebellion of the heart.

 

Application

The first reading shows all men that we are not to under-estimate the ability of God.  The second reading reveals that a Christian is not reformed or rehabilitated but is a brand-new creation of almighty God.  The Gospel says the Pharisees believed in destroying the sinner, but Jesus believed in saving the sinner.

This week let people around you see Christ-like actions, not Pharisee-type actions. Show others by your mercy, by your ability to listen, by your not joining in the gossip, and by showing joy when someone apologizes for something they have done wrong. Jesus believed that love will conquer all forms of evil, and your actions will prove to the “people of the land” that he is right.  Jesus loved and saved, and you are called to do no less.

Third Sunday of Lent (March 20th) – 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 EXODUS 3:1-8, 13-15 FIRST READING

(“This is what you are to tell the Israelites: I Am sent me to you.”)

1. What was Moses doing, where did he arrive, and what was it called? Exodus 3:1

 

2. How did an angel of the Lord appear to Moses, at what was he surprised, and what did he decide to do? Exodus 3:2-3

 

3. Approximately how old was Moses when the angel appeared to him? Acts 7:23, 30

 

4. What did God do and say when Moses came near the bush? Exodus 3:4-6

 

5. What did Jacob say was a gateway to heaven? Genesis 28:17

 

6. What was Moses afraid to do? Exodus 3:6

 

7. What did the Lord say he has witnessed, what does he know, and what has he come down to do?  Exodus 3:7-8

 

8. What are we to do to those who are being dragged to death? Proverbs 24:11

 

Personal  –  As the Lord has rescued his people from slavery and death, how have you continued to be his hands and feet and rescued those who have been programmed for abortion?  What can you do at the abortion mills to make his presence known?

 

9. What did Moses say and ask God, and what did God say is his name? Exodus 3:13-14

 

10. What did God tell Moses to say to the Israelites? Exodus 3:15

 

11. How long does God’s name endure, and what is his title? Psalm 135:13

 

12. Who will enter the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 7:21

 

Personal – What do you call the One who has sent you, and what has he sent you to do?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6, 10-12 SECOND READING

(“Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure, should take care not to fall.”)

1. Of what does Paul not want the brothers to be unaware? 1 Corinthians 10:1-2

 

2. Into who and what have you been baptized? Romans 6:3

 

3. From what did they all eat and drink, from what kind of a rock did they drink, and who was the rock? 1 Cor. 10:3-4

 

4. What spiritual food did he give our ancestors, and what spiritual food does he give us? John 6:31, 6:35

 

5. Why were our ancestors struck down? 1 Corinthians 10:5-6 and Hebrews 3:17

 

6. What did the Lord do to those who did not believe? Jude 5

 

7. What should we not do as some of our ancestors have done? 1 Corinthians 10:10

 

8. Why have these things been written down, and of what should you be careful? 1 Corinthians 10:11-12

 

9. Why do you not become haughty, and how should you stand? Romans 11:20

 

Personal – What attitudes that are not pleasing to God have been passed on to you by your ancestors? How can you or how have you overcome them?   

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 13:1-9 GOSPEL

(“If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did.”)

1. What did some people tell Jesus, and what was his reply? Luke 13:1-2

 

2. What did Jesus say will happen if you do not repent? Luke 13:3

 

3. What does Jesus say about the eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Saloam fell on them, and what does he repeat? Luke 13:4-5

 

4. If you do not believe Jesus is what, what will happen to you? John 8:24

 

5. Of what are you to repent, and what will you receive? Acts 2:38

 

6. What did Jesus tell the people, and what was planted in the man’s orchard? Luke 13:6

 

7. What did the man say to the gardener? Luke 13:7

 

8. What did Jesus do to the fig tree, and what did he tell his disciples? Matthew 21:19-21

 

9. What will happen to every tree that does not bear good fruit? Matthew 3:10

 

10. What did the gardener tell the man he would do in hopes it would bear fruit in the future, and what did he say to do if it did not bear fruit? Luke 13:8-9

 

Personal –  Repent means to change. How has your life changed since you have been studied God’s Word, and what fruit is evident from this change?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 103:1-4, 6-8, 11

(“Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11.

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

EXODUS 3:1-8, 13-15

In today’s reading we are shown the startling contrast between Moses’ life as an Egyptian prince and his life as an obscure shepherd.  As a prince, he had everything done for him, and as the son of an Egyptian princess, he became very famous and very popular.  As a shepherd he experienced hard work, little recognition and much loneliness. He was now holding the very job he had been taught to despise. He lived in the hills unknown and as a foreigner. This must have been an incredibly humbling experience for Moses, but God in his infinite wisdom was preparing Moses for leadership.  Moses could not see this yet, but God was getting him ready to free Israel.

God spoke to Moses from an unexpected source: a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he went to investigate. God often uses unexpected sources when working in our lives.  You can be open to investigate as God speaks through his people. He might speak to your spouse, parents, friend, relative, or anyone. You need to investigate and be open as Moses was open to God’s use of people or experiences.

Be ready for God’s surprises. He may have guidance for you that can come when you are ready to listen to a “burning bush.” God told Moses to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. Moses immediately obeyed and covered his face as well. Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence and conveying to God his own unworthiness. God is our friend, but he is first and foremost our sovereign Lord. When you worship God, do you approach him casually or as though you were an invited guest before a king.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6, 10-12

Today’s reading is a powerful example of what happens to a person, a people, or a nation when over confidence and lack of discipline bring about a great spiritual immaturity. This reading encourages us to remember our own Baptism and how we have been blessed to have God within us.  Like the people in today’s reading, we too have been guided through many raging storms and have been led through to safety by the love and power of God. They followed a cloud by day and fire by night.

We have Christ within us personally. We can have instant access to him if we so desire. The world today, as the Egyptians tried to do to the Israelites, is trying to drive us into the sea of despair and destruction.  Because we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), we can call upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us (1 John 4:4) and calm the storms that rage in different times of our lives.

We need to remember, just as the Israelites needed to remember, that unless we continue to be people of prayer, worship, and doers of God’s Holy Word, we will be rebellious, and we will die in our wilderness too.  The pressures of today’s world makes it easy to forget the lessons of the past, but the daily reading of Scripture will be a powerful reminder of how God wants us to really live. We do not need to make the same mistakes as the people in today’s reading. We have been given the tremendous gift of free will.  Our God is a God of love, and we have within us the power of the Holy Spirit to help us choose to love.

 

LUKE 13:1-9

Today’s Gospel is a call to repentance. Being killed or staying alive are not measures of righteousness in themselves. Everyone will die at some time; that is part of being human. But not everyone needs to stay dead. Jesus promises all of us that if we believe in him, we will not perish, but instead we will have eternal life (John 3:16).

There are many people in our communities, and even in our families, who are like the fig tree in today’s reading. They are being nurtured through life, and they are not producing any fruit. They refuse to listen on how to bear good fruit, and finally, many of them die or are cut down. We need to really hear what is being said in today’s Gospel because we are like that tree and we need to repent. We need to be watered and re-cultivated or we will be ripped out and thrown away. Jesus died for us; he has left his Spirit to help us grow.

Our church embraces us with the teachings of Christ, the sacraments, Holy Scripture, fellowship; all of this to help us bear the fruits of love. We are bearers of a wonderful kind of life-giving fruit. They will know who we are when they see and taste our fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  This is the kind of fruit we were meant to bear.

Jesus is constantly pleading to save your tree of life within you. Listen to him today. Let him open your roots and root out all the rotten growth through the sacrament of reconciliation. Let Jesus love you through prayer and his Holy Word, and spend time just listening to him.  Let him make you his delight once again.

 

Application

The first reading tells how Moses saw the burning bush and investigates just as we should investigate.  In the second reading we see our baptism is constantly being experienced throughout our lives.  The Gospel says a Christian is born to never die, but to live forever.

This week, like Moses, look and listen to God speak. He may be speaking through someone in your family. Moses heard him in a “burning bush.”  Your baptism made you a temple of the Holy Spirit, and your language reflects your attitude of what you think is inside your temple. Let those around you hear only words that are honorable and acceptable in the presence of a king. What kind of fruit do you bear?  Ask those closest to you what kind of fruit they see in you?  This week, spend time in pruning, nurturing, and watering your tree of life, and your fruit will feed your family.

Lectio Divina – Third Sunday of Lent (March 20th) – 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 13:1-9 – Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And He told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in His orchard, and when He came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?