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 10:34, 37-43 FIRST READING

(“We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead.”)

1. Who was Peter addressing? Acts 10:24-28

 

2. What did he say to them? Acts 10:34-35

 

3. How does Deuteronomy 10:17 describe God, and what does it say he does not do? 2 Chronicles 19:7

 

4. For what reason does God have no favorites? Job 34:19, Wisdom 6:7.

 

Personal – In what way do you show partiality with your children, your friends, and your co-workers? Spend time alone with the Lord, repent of this, and ask the Lord to help you look at others through his eyes.

 

5. What was reported all over Judea about Jesus of Nazareth? Where did it begin, and with what? Acts 10:37-38

 

6. Who anointed Jesus and who anointed Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy? Acts 10:38, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

 

7. What two things did Jesus go about doing and who was with him? Acts 10:38

 

8. To what are they witnesses, what did they finally do to him, and what did God do? Acts 10:39-40

 

9. What did God grant, and by whom? Acts 10:40-41

 

10. Who are the chosen and for what purpose are they chosen? Ephesians 1:11-13

 

11. What did he commission us to do?  Acts 10:42

 

12. Whom has he sent to preach to the people? Mark 3:14

 

13. Who are his disciples today? John 8:31, John 13:35

 

14. To what are we to bear witness and to what do all the prophets testify? Acts 10:42-43

 

Personal – What results and power do you see in your everyday life from your anointing with the Holy Spirit?  Does your family see good works and healing taking place from your touch? Reflect on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ COLOSSIANS 3:1-4 SECOND READING

(“Be intent on things above rather than things of earth.”)

1. With whom have we been raised up, and on what should we set our heart? Colossians 3:1

 

2. Where is Christ seated? Colossians 3:1

 

3. Who raised us up and gave us a place in the heavens? Ephesians 2:4-6.

 

4. On what are we to be intent and why? Colossians 3:2-3

 

5. What are things that are rooted in earth? Colossians 3:5, 8, 9

 

6. How do we become intent on things above? Colossians 3:10

 

7. Where is our life hidden now? Colossians 3:3

 

8. Who is Christ to us?  Colossians 3:4

 

9. When Christ appears, what will happen to us and in what way? Colossians 3:4

 

Personal – As you have died with Christ to your old desires and to things rooted in this earth, do your family, friends, and work acquaintances see you as a reflection of Christ?  On a sheet of paper name some of the characteristics of Christ in one column and in another column list your characteristics through a 24-hour day and compare the two columns.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 20:1-9 GOSPEL

(“He saw and believed.”)

1. Who came to the tomb, what time was it, and what day was it? John 20:1

 

2. Where was Mary Magdalene as Jesus hung on the cross? John 19:25

 

3. What did Jesus drive out of Mary? Mark 16:9

 

4. What did Mary see when she arrived at the tomb? John 20:1

 

5. To whom did she run, and what did she say to them? John 20:2

 

6. What did Peter and the other disciple do? John 20:3

 

7. Who reached the tomb first, and how did they get there? John 20:4

 

Personal – In what way do you see yourself running to see Jesus? Are you persevering in running the race?  On whom are you keeping your eyes fixed? Do your family and friends see you as someone with eyes looking up or cast down? Read Hebrews 12:1-2.

 

8. What did the disciple do when he got to the tomb and what did he see lying on the ground? John 20:5

 

9. What did Peter do when he got there? What did he observe on the ground, and what did he notice about the cloth which had covered Jesus’ head?  John 20:6-7

 

10. What did the disciple who had arrived first do and what was his reaction to this?  John 20:8

 

11. What does it take to believe? John 1:12

 

12. What will you receive by believing in the name of Jesus? John 3:36

 

13. After Jesus rose from the dead, what did the disciples come to understand and believe? John 2:22

 

14. When did they understand and believe? Luke 24:30-32

 

15. What does Jesus say about those who believe and have not seen? John 20:29

 

Personal – How have you seen a change take place in your life through reading the scriptures?  Have you come to believe in the spoken word of Jesus through the scriptures?  Remember, John tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh.  Pray and ask God to fill you with an understanding of the Word through his gift of the Holy Spirit that you received from him.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

(“The right hand of the Lord has struck with power.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.

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 10:34, 37-43

Alleluia is a Hebrew word that means “praise ye the Lord.” On this great day of Easter Sunday we give thanks, gratitude and our complete joy in the form of praise to our Lord, Jesus Christ.  This passage strongly shows that the resurrection is the basic doctrine and proof of the truth of the Christian faith. We are told in scripture that if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is in vain, and our faith is worthless also (1 Cor. 15:14).

There are many today who disregard the physical resurrection and say that it is no big deal. They say that it is the spiritual resurrection that really matters. St. Paul says just the opposite. Jesus rose from the dead, and then he was seen by witnesses who had not only spoken with him, but had actually eaten with him.  The Apostles were devastated on Friday night after the crucifixion. They remained locked in the upper room, fearful of what the Roman soldiers were going to do next.  They were even too afraid to do any wishful thinking about their beloved master Jesus. They were hard to convince even when it happened.

We need to reflect on this passage. Have we seen him, have we talked with him, have we eaten with him? he is alive today, and like the Apostle Peter, we too are called to evangelize and teach about Jesus.  We are called to fellowship with others who believe that he is risen and that he lives today. We need to discover through Christ something significant about each other, both believers and non-believers. He has risen for the whole world – Alleluia – Alleluia!

 

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

In this passage, Paul begins by bringing us into the core meaning of our baptism. In the early days of the church, baptism was by total immersion.  When you heard the story of Christ and you were ready to believe in the one true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, you were then immersed in water.  You were cleansed from your sins and worldliness. Immersion was a symbol of being drowned or buried with Christ. This signified that the new Christian has died to all earthly attachments and desires. He was raised out of the water or the tomb to be with the risen Christ. Paul said, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above.”  This means that we must mean what we say and do.

We have been raised with Christ and we no longer need to dwell on things of the earth. This does not mean we can walk away from responsibility. It does not mean just being obedient to parents and to society. It does not mean just that we have to work to support ourselves or our families. It means that our earthly possessions must not dominate our life.

We are called to love people, not things, money, power, status, etc. Our lives need to show that what we did at baptism has life-long meaning. What we do is far more effective on others than what we say. We were created for unending happiness in heaven and this happiness is now within our grasp, thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  We are helped in our daily living by God’s holy grace. Remember, God wants us to go to heaven, and he has an Easter resurrection planned for all of us.

 

JOHN 20:1-9

The divine plan of God for all people was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All people would now be eligible to be called sons and daughters of God because of Jesus Christ’s perfect act of obedience. Because of him, we will one day like Christ rise from the grave  in our glorified bodies. The resurrection was the basis of the new Christian faith. Had it not happened, Christianity would never have started. There would have been no Easter Sunday. Peter would have returned with his companions to their fishing nets and boats, and Jesus Christ would have been forgotten after a few short years.

Mary Magdalene’s discovery of an empty tomb brought shock and fear. She ran to Peter and told him that she thought someone had stolen the body of Jesus. Peter had to see for himself and check out the facts. We might take notice of how the clothes were folded after they discovered Jesus’ body was gone. They would not have been arranged that way if there had been a robbery. The disciples were completely surprised when they found the empty tomb. It was only then that they remembered that Jesus had said that he would rise again.

Many people today do not believe in Jesus because the “facts” do not check out. We can only accept the fact of the resurrection when we have first personally encountered Jesus Christ. The understanding of the resurrection takes on a special meaning as we commit our life to Jesus and his presence remains with us. Jesus’ resurrection is the key to our Christian faith because death, as we know it, is not the end. Jesus’ bodily  resurrection shows us that he is ruler of God’s kingdom. Because of his promise, we who die to ourselves with him will rise from the dead with him.  Because of him, you and I can face tomorrow without fear.  Because of him, we have his Holy Spirit living within us and protecting us against all evil (1 John 4:4). Because of him, we can witness to all the people in the world that if they believe in Jesus Christ, they will be given  eternal happiness. Because of him, all mankind can really be free and live forever.  Alleluia – he is Risen – Alleluia – he is Alive.

 

Application

The first reading shows that “Alleluia” is a Hebrew word that means Praise the Lord.  The second reading reveals that Baptism is being drowned or buried with Christ.  The Gospel tells us that because of Jesus Christ all mankind can really be free.

Jesus’ death brought us freedom from sin and death. We are now called to free others from sin and death here on earth. Some of us can do that by our professions as medical people, legal people, politicians, educators, business people, parents, and children.

This week, free someone in your family, home, or workplace from a chore that you know they do not like.  Let them see that joy in someone who really knows that he is free.  Then each day, have your family gather together to pray that all may become free from sin through Jesus Christ.  Because of him, you are free.  Let freedom ring throughout this land.

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).

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.

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.