Trigésimo Tercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (14 de Noviembre) – Ciclo B

El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE DANIEL 12:1-3 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Los guias espirituales brillarán como el resplandor del firmamento;”)

1. ¿Quiénes se despertarán y qué encontrarán, y quiénes escaparán? Daniel 12:1, tambien Mateo 24:21

 

2. ¿Contra quién pelearon Miguel y sus ángeles? Apocalipsis 12:7

 

3. ¿Sobre qué debemos regocijarnos? Lucas 10:20

 

4. ¿Qué pasará con los que duermen en la region del polvo y qué pasara con éllos? Daniel 12:2

 

5. ¿Quiénes iran al suplicio eterno y quiénes a la vida eterna? Mateo 25:45-46 y Juan 5:28-29

 

6. ¿Qué harán los justos y los que enseñaron? Daniel 12:3

 

7. Si cumplen la palabra de Dios, ¿qué harán cuando se encuentren en medio una raza descarriada y pervertida? Filipenses 2:15

 

8. ¿Qué pasará con los que enseñaron a muchos la justicia? Daniel 12:3

 

9. ¿Cómo será la senda de los justos? Proverbios 4:19

 

10. ¿Debemos estar atentos a dos cosas que sucederán, que son? 2 Pedro 1:19

 

11. Personal – ¿Cómo resaltas tu en medio de la perversión que hay a tu alrededor?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE HEBREOS 10:11-14, 18 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Asi, pues, con Su única ofrenda, llevó a la perfección para siempre a los que hizo santos.”)

1. ¿Qué hace a diario el sacerdote y qué no puede hacer el sacrificio? Hebreos 10:11

 

2. ¿A quién se tomó de entre los hombres para aparecer ante Dios para presentar ofrendas, y que es lo que nadie puede hacer? Hebreos 5:1 y Hebreos 10:4

 

3. ¿Qué hizo Jesús y qué está esperando? Hebreos 10:12-13

 

4. ¿Cuando Jesús ascendió al cielo, adonde se fué? Marcos 16:19

 

5. ¿Qué les dijo Josué a los hombres de Israel que el Señor podria hacer a todos los enemigos contra los que ellos pelearian? Josué 10:24-25

 

6. ¿Quiénes son tus enemigos y quá poder te dió Dios sobre éllos? Lucas 10:17-20

 

7. ¿Con una ofrenda, a quién hizo Jesús perfecto? Hebreos 10:14

 

8. ¿Cómo eres consagrado? Juan 17:17-19

 

9. ¿Qué ha pasado que ha eliminado los sacrificios por el pecado? Hebreos 10:18

 

10. ¿Cómo se te da el entendimiento de tu salvación? Lucas 1:77

 

Personal – ¿Cómo enseñas que el enemigo es de tu estirpe? ¿Cómo reconoces al enemigo? Leé Efesios 6:11-12 para identificarlos.

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 13:24-32 EVANGELIO

(“Pasarán el cielo y la tierra, pero mis palabras no pasarán.”)

1. ¿Que pasará despues de los dias de angustias? Marcos 13:24-25

 

2. ¿Cómo vendrá el dia del Señor? Isaias 13:9-10

 

3. ¿Qué verán en ese dia? Marcos 13:26

 

4. ¿Qué contestó Jesús cuando le preguntaron si era el Mesias? Marcos 14:60-62

 

5. ¿Quién verá a Jesús cuando regrese en las nubes? Apocalipsis 1:7

 

6. ¿A quién mandará, y qué harán cuando venga en Su gloria? Marcos 13:27

 

7. ¿De qué debemos aprender y cómo sabremos que está cerca? Marcos 13:28-29

 

8. ¿Qué no pasará? Marcos 13:30-31

 

Personal – ¿Qué verdad acerca de ti mismo y de Dios te ha sido revelada este dia?

 

9. ¿A quién se le llamará el mas pequeño y el mas grande en el reino de Dios? Mateo 5:18-19

 

10. ¿Quién es el único que sabe el dia y la hora de Su venida? Marcos 13:32

 

11. ¿Cómo vendrá el dia del Señor para ti? 1 Tesalonicenses 5:1-2

 

Personal – ¿Si Jesús viniera en una nube hoy que tan preparado te encontrarias para ser llevado por los ángeles?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 16:5, 8-11

(“…pongo siempre al Señor ante mi vista; porque a mi lado está, jamás vacilo”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 16:5, 8-11.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

DANIEL 12:1-3

El pasaje de hoy es sobre las profecias de los últimos dias. Le vienen muchos años de sufrimiento al pueblo de Israel. Jeremias usó este modo para describir el futuro (Jer. 30:7), y Jesús también (Mateo 24:21). Pero el sufrimiento es aligerado por una promesa para todo creyente verdadero.

Vemos en las lecturas de hoy, una referencia clara para la resurreción del justo y el pecador aunque la vida eterna será muy diferente para ambos. Hasta este punto no se sabia mucho sobre la resurreción. Pero todo Judio devoto sabia que un dia él o élla sería incluido en la restauración del nuevo reino. La idea de que hubiera una resurrección del cuerpo era muy radical.

Vemos en nuestras comunidades a muchas personas que tratan de superarse en su mundo transitorio de entretenimiento y se dan cuenta que su superación es solo temporal. Dios nos dice como podemos superarnos eternamente. Podemos hacerlo obedeciendo al llamado de Dios a la santidad y el llamado a la santidad quiere decir obedencia a la voluntad de Dios y el servicio a los demas. El camino a la superación para los creyentes es un camino lleno de distracciones, pero tambien tiene sus momentos de satisfacción.

Si compartimos a nuestro Señor con los demas, podemos ser estrellas brillantes para Dios siempre. Dios nos ha llamado para ser guias de alguien hacia El. Nos dice Jesús en las escrituras que debemos hacer discípulos de todas las naciones y bautizarlas en el nombre del Padre, Hijo y Espiritu Santo (Mateo 28:20). Estamos en los últimos dias y somos los embajadores de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.

 

HEBREOS 10:11-14, 18

Era costumbre de los sacerdotes pararse mientras hacian sacrificios. Los sacrificios en el modo antiguo eran repetidos una y otra vez, año tras año, pero aun asi no podian salvar a los que vivian bajo estos reglamentos. Cristo sentado a la derecha del Padre simboliza el fin del tiempo de sacrificios. Cristo se dió en sacrificio a Dios por nuestros pecados para siempre, y luego se sentó en el puesto mas alto a la derecha de Dios.

Habia peligro que la gente regresará al sistema judio antiguo, que seria como decir que el sacrificio de Cristo no era bastante para el perdon del pecado. Cualquier sistema que trata de ganar la aprobación de Dios por sus buenas obras está rechazando el significado de la muerte de Cristo y menospreciando el trabajo del Espíritu Santo. No dejes que nadie te diga que el sacrificio de Cristo fue incompleto o que necesitas otra cosa mas para ser aceptable a Dios, porque ésto te puede llevar lejos de la buena fé y la buena vida.

Somos completos en Cristo y aun nos estamos santificando. Hacemos el bien no porque somos buenos sino porque el bien está en nosotros (1 Juan 4:4). Por su muerte y resurrección Jesús nos hizo a los creyentes aceptables a los ojos de Dios limpiandonos del pecado. A la ves nos hace santos en nuestro diario peregrinar por la vida. Debemos darnos cuenta que porque Dios todavia no termina con nosotros, debemos estar abiertos a nuestro proceso de crecimiento siendo obedientes a Cristo, viviendo todos los valores de las escrituras y de la iglesia en nuestra vida diaria. Mas que nada debemos aceptar el perdon que Cristo nos dá a cada uno de nosotros.

 

MARCOS 13:24-32

En los pasajes de este dia Jesús nos dice que cuando termine el tiempo de la tribulación, su venida será inconfundible. En medio de la persecusión aun a los creyentes mas fuertes se les hará dificil seguirlo y no creer en los falso maestros. Cuando venga Cristo no habrá duda alguna de que es El. Si te tienen que decir que es El, entonces no lo es (Mateo 24:27).

La venida de Cristo será muy obvia a todos y habrá mucho pesar por los no creyentes cuando comprendan que escojieron mal. En el tiempo de Jesús el mundo era muy concreto y seguro. El lugar de la gente era claramente definido, dando la impresión de permanencia. Lo que Jesús amenazaba a cambiar era esta esensia de permanencia.

Hoy dia la gente teme la destrucción del mundo por los poderes nucleares. Jesús nos dice que podemos estar seguros que el mundo pasará, pero la verdad de sus palabras no cambiaran ni serán borradas. Dios y Su Santa Palabra proveerán la única establilidad en un mundo inestable. Es increible como gastamos el tiempo aprendiendo lo de este mundo temporal y acumulando sus posesiones, y al mismo tiempo siendo tan negligentes a Dios, las escrituras, iglesia, y todas las verdades eternas de nuesta Fe.

Hoy dia hay muchos libros escritos en muchas lenguas y predicen cuando vendrá Jesús. Estos libros fueron escritos para dar la impresion que el hombre ya sabe todo lo que dijo Jesús. Solo el Padre sabe y debemos estar alertas (Marcos 13:32). Cuando dijo Jesús que El no sabia el tiempo del fin. El afirmaba Su humanidad. Jesús voluntariamente dió sus atributos divinos sin límite, cuando se hizo hombre. Lo que éste pasaje quiere decir es que nadie puede predecir ni con las Escrituras, ni ciencia, el dia exacto de la venida de Jesús. Jesús nos enseña que no son necesarios los cálculos sino la preparación.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que podemos ser estrellas eternas si compartimos al Señor con los demas. La segunda nos dice que el negar el perdón de Cristo hacia nosotros es negarlo todo. El Evangelio nos revela que el mundo pasará pero la palabra de Dios nunca pasará.

Esta semana, prepara la venida del Señor dando servicio a los demas. No trates de calcularlo con libros y peliculas. Demuestra a tu familia y a tus amistades con tus actos que te estás preparando para la vida eterna y que estás listo a morir al instante. Deja que vean el poder de la oración en tu vida. Muestrales que puedes rezar por todo y no quejarte de todo. Deja que vean tu perdón, que si perdonas es porque tu sabes que eres perdonado. Has esto con tu familia, amistades, en la escuela, en el trabajo, te sorprenderá lo que puede pasar en una semana. Esta será tu semana, permitele que suceda.

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 14th) – Cycle B

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 DANIEL 12:1-3 FIRST READING

(“But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament.”)

l. Who shall arise, what shall there be, and who shall escape? Daniel 12:1, Matthew 24:21

 

2. Against whom did Michael and his angels battle? Revelation 12:7

 

3. Over what are we to rejoice? Luke 10:20

 

4. What will happen to those who sleep in the dust of the earth, and what will happen to them? Daniel 12:2

 

5. Who will go off to eternal punishment, and who will go to eternal life?  Matthew 25:45-46, John 5:28-29

 

6. What will the wise or the learned do? Daniel 12:3

 

7. As you hold onto the Word of Life, what will you do in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation?  Philippians 2:15

 

8. What will those who lead many to justice be like? Daniel 12:3

 

9. Like what is the path of the just?  Proverbs 4:18

 

10. To what are we to be attentive until two things happen? 2 Peter 1:19

 

Personal   – In what way do you shine or standout among the corruption going on around you?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 10:11-14, 18 SECOND READING

(“For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated.”)

1. What does every priest do, and what can sacrifice not do? Hebrews 10:11

 

2. Who was taken from among men to stand before God and offer sacrifices, and what is impossible? Hebrews 5:1 & 10:4

 

3. What did Jesus do, and for what is he waiting? Hebrews 10:12-13

 

4. When Jesus ascended into heaven, where did he go? Mark 16:19

 

5. What did Joshua tell the men of Israel that the Lord would do to all the enemies against whom they will fight? Joshua 10:24-25

 

6. Who are our enemies, and what has God given us the power to do? Luke 10:17-20

 

7. By one offering, who has Jesus made perfect? Hebrews 10:14

 

8. How are we being consecrated? John 17:17-19

 

9. What has happened that eliminates sin offerings? Hebrews 10:18

 

10. How are we given knowledge of our salvation? Luke 1:77

 

Personal    In what way do you show that your enemies are your footstool?   How do you recognize your enemies?  Read Ephesians 6:11-12 to help you identify the enemies.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 13:24-32 GOSPEL

(“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”)

1. What will happen in those days after the tribulation? Mark 13:24-25

 

2. How does the day of the Lord come? Isaiah 13:9-10

 

3. What will they see on that day? Mark 13:26

 

4. What did Jesus tell the high priest when he asked him if he was the Messiah? Mark 14:60-62

 

5. Who will see Jesus when he comes on the cloud? Revelation 1:7

 

6. Who will he send out, and what will they do when he comes in all his glory? Mark 13:27

 

7. From what are we to learn a lesson, and when will we know that he is near? Mark 13:28-29

 

8. What will not pass away? Mark 13:30-31

 

Personal – What truth about yourself and God has he revealed to you this day?

 

9. Who will be called least and greatest in the kingdom of God? Matthew 5:18-19

 

10. Who is the only one who knows the day or the hour of his coming? Mark 13:32

 

11. How will the day of the Lord come to us? 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

 

Personal – If Jesus were to come on the cloud today, in what way have you been preparing yourself to be gathered up by the angels?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 16:5, 8-11

(“…; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 16:5, 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

DANIEL 12:1-3

Today’s passage is a prophecy of the last days. Great suffering is in store for Israel throughout the many years ahead. Jeremiah also used this way of describing the future (Jer. 30:7), and Jesus did too (Matthew 24:21). Yet great suffering is also tempered by a great promise of hope for true believers.

In today’s reading we see a clear reference to the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, although the eternal fates of each will be quite different.  Up to this point in time, teachings on the resurrection were not common. Yet every devout Jew believed that one day he or she would be included in the restoration of the new kingdom. The idea that there would actually be a bodily resurrection was quite radical.

We look around our own communities, and we see people trying very hard to be “superstars” in this transient world of entertainment, only to find their “stardom” very temporary. God tells us how we all can be superstars eternally. We can do that by turning to God’s call to holiness, and the call to holiness involves obedience to God’s will and service to others. The road to stardom for believers is a road that has many distractions, but also many great moments of satisfaction.

If we share our Lord with others, we can be true stars that will shine forever radiantly beautiful in God’s sight. God has called each one of us to lead someone to him. Jesus tells us in scripture that we are to make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20). We are in the last days, and we are the ambassadors of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

HEBREWS 10:11-14, 18

It was customary for the priests to stand while offering sacrifices. The sacrifices under the old system were repeated again and again, year after year; but even so these sacrifices  could never save those who lived under their rules. Christ’s act of sitting down at God’s right hand symbolizes the end of the sacrificial system. Christ gave himself to God for our sins as one sacrifice for all time, and then sat down in the place of highest honor at God’s right hand.

There was a danger of the people returning to the old Jewish system, which would be saying that Christ’s sacrifice was not enough to forgive their sins. Any system to win God’s approval through good works is essentially rejecting the significance of Christ’s death and spurning the Holy Spirit’s work. Do not let anyone tell you that Christ’s sacrifice was incomplete or that something else is needed to make you acceptable to God, because this can lead you away from right faith and right living.

We have been made complete in Christ, and yet we are still being made holy. We do good things not to become good, but because of the goodness that is within us (1 John 4:4). Through his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ once and for all made it possible for his believers to become perfect in God’s sight by washing them clean from sin. At the same time he is making them holy in their daily pilgrimages through life. We must realize that because God is not finished with us, we must be open to this growth process by being obedient to Christ, by living out the values of scripture and the church in our daily lives. Most of all, we need to accept the forgiveness that Christ provides for each one of us.

 

MARK 13:24-32

In today’s passage we find that Jesus tells us that when the time of tribulation has ended his return will be unmistakable. In the midst of that time of persecution even strong believers will find it very difficult to follow Jesus and to keep from being deceived by false teachers. When Jesus does return there will be no doubt of his identity. If you have to be told that the Messiah has come, then he has not (Matthew 24:27).

Christ’s coming will be obvious to everyone, and there will be “deep mourning” because unbelievers will suddenly realize they have chosen the wrong side. In the time of Jesus the world seemed very concrete and dependable. The roles of the people were clearly defined, giving the impression of permanence. It was just that essence of permanence that Jesus was threatening to change.

Today many people fear the destruction of the world through nuclear power. Jesus tells us that while we can be sure the earth will pass away in time, the truth of his words will never be changed or abolished. God and his holy word provide the only stability in our unstable world. It is so incredibly shortsighted to spend so much of our time learning about this temporary world and accumulating its possessions, while neglecting God, scripture, church and all the eternal truths of our faith.

Today many books are written in many languages that predict when Jesus will come back. These books are written to give the impression that man has figured out what Jesus said.  Only his Father knows, and we are to stay alert (Mark 13:32,33).  When Jesus said that, even he did not know the time of the end. He was affirming his humanity.  Jesus voluntarily gave up the unlimited use of his divine attributes when he became a man. The bottom line on this passage is that no one can predict by scripture or by science the exact day of Jesus’ return. Jesus teaches us that preparation, not calculation, is needed.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that we can be eternal stars if we share our Lord with others.  The second reading shows that to deny Christ’s forgiveness to ourselves is to deny it to all. The Gospel reveals that the earth will pass away, but God’s word will never pass away.

This week, prepare for the coming of the Lord through service to others, not by trying to calculate it through books and movies.  Show your family and friends by your actions that you are preparing to live forever and are ready to die right now. Let them see the power of your prayer life. Let them see that you pray about everything and complain about nothing. Let them experience your forgiveness and show them that you forgive others because you know you are forgiven.  Do this with your family, friends, school, and work associates, and you will be amazed at what can happen in just one week.  This is your week; let it happen.

Trigésimo Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (7 de Noviembre) – Ciclo B

El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE 1 REYES 17:10-16 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“La harina de la tinaja no se agotó ni disminuyó el aceite del cántaro, segun lo que habia prometido El Señor por medio de Elias.”)

1. Cuando Elias fue a Sarepta, ¿a quien vió alli, y que le dijo él a élla? 1 Reyes 17:10

 

2. ¿Qué dijo Jesús a la mujer de Samaria? Juan 4:7

 

3. ¿Cuando la viuda iba a buscar el agua para Elias, que mas le pidio él y qué le contesto élla? 1 Reyes 17:11-12

 

4. ¿Qué dijo la viuda les iba a pasar a élla y a su hijo despues que hubieran comido lo que les quedaba? 1 Reyes 17:12

 

5. ¿Qué le dijo Elias a la viuda que no temiera y que le dijo que hiciera?  1 Reyes 17:13

 

6. ¿Qué es lo que debemos buscar primero?  Mateo 6:33

 

7. ¿Qué dice El Señor, Dios de Israel?   1 Reyes 17:14

 

8. ¿Cuándo mandará El Señor la lluvia sobre la tierra? 1 Reyes 17:1

 

9. ¿Qué hizo la viuda y por cuanto tiempo pudieron comer ellos? 1 Reyes 17:15

 

10. ¿Qué pasó, y cómo fue esto predicho?  1 Reyes 17:16

 

Personal – ¿Cuando tu mismo tenias necesidad, quién te pidió comida y agua? ¿Cuál fue tu respuesta?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE HEBREOS 9:24-28  SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Pero no; esperó que fuera el fin de los tiempos y se manifestó ahora, de una vez, para borrar el pecado con Su sacrificio.”)

1. ¿Cómo era el lugar a donde entró Cristo y por qué razón? Hebreos 9:24

 

2. ¿Si pecamos qué tenemos? 1 Juan 2:1

 

3. ¿Qué es lo que Cristo no hace en comparacion con el sumo sacerdote? Hebreos 9:25

 

4. ¿Dónde obtenemos la confianza para entrar en el santuario? Hebreos 10:19

 

5. ¿Qué hizo Jesús de una vez por todas?  Hebreos 9:26 y 7:27

 

6. ¿Qué dijo Juan acerca de Jesús? Juan 1:29

 

7. ¿Qué es lo que hacen los hombres solamente una vez, y que viene despues de esto? Hebreos 9:27

 

8. ¿Qué recibiremos frente al tribunal de Dios? 2 Corintios 5:10

 

9. ¿Qué hará Cristo la segunda vez? ¿Qué traera El y para quienes? Hebreos 9:28

 

10. ¿Cómo vendrá el Hijo del Hombre? Mateo 16:27

 

Personal – ¿Cómo se ha presentado Cristo frente a Dios en favor tuyo esta semana? Sé específico. ¿Qué le has pedido y cual fue la respuesta?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 12:38-44 EVANGELIO

(“Pero tambien llegó una viuda pobre y echó dos moneditas de muy poco valor.”)

1. ¿De qué dijo Jesús que debias cuidarte? Marcos 12:38-39

 

2. ¿Qué precede a la alabanza? Proverbios 15:33

 

3. ¿Qué hacen a las viudas los maestros de la ley que buscan los lugares de honor? ¿Y qué les pasará a éllos? Marcos 12:40

 

4. ¿Qué miraba Jesús y qué hacian muchos de los ricos? Marcos 12:41

 

5. ¿Qué tienen en comun los ricos y los pobres? Proverbios 22:2

 

6. ¿Qué hizo la viuda pobre? Marcos 12:42

 

7. ¿Despues de llamar a sus discípulos, qué les dijo Jesús acerca de la pobre viuda? Marcos 12:43

 

8. ¿Con qué dijo Jesús que contribuian los ricos y con qué contribuia esta pobre viuda? Marcos 12:44

 

9. ¿Qué debe existir para ser aceptable al Señor? 2 Corintios 8:12

 

10. ¿Qué habrá para aquéllos que dan a los pobres? Proverbios 28:27 y tambien Mateo 10:42

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera te has quitado algo que necesitabas para darlo a alguien menos afortunado? Examinate para ver si das de tu abundancia o sacas de lo que necesitas. Arrepiéntete donde sea necesario; vé al Sacramento de Reconciliación para recibir la gracia de éste y ruega por la habilidad de cambiar y comenzar a dar de lo que te hace falta.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 146:7-10

(“…El Señor libra de sus cadenas a los presos.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 146:7-10.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

1 REYES 17:10-16

En una nación que por ley requeria tener cuidado de sus profetas, parece increible que Dios haya permitido a los cuervos, que eran considerados pájaros muy impuros y a una viuda extranjera del mismo lugar de Jezabel, que cuidaran de Elias. Pero Dios proveé ayuda para nosotros de donde menos lo esperamos. El proveé ayuda que va mas alla de nuestras limitadas definiciones o expectativas. No importa cuán amargos nuestros problemas o cuán aparentemente imposible sea nuestra situación, deberemos buscar la mano de Dios que cuida. Es posible que le encontremos en los lugares mas extraños.

Cuando la viuda de Sarepta se encontró con Elias, pensaba que estaba preparando su última comida para élla y su hijo. El pasaje de hoy muestra, como un simple acto de fé proveé un milagro. Se nos ha dicho que la fé es el paso entre promesa y certeza. Fé es la respuesta del poder y de la viva presencia de Dios en nuestra vida. La mujer siendo obediente tuvo mas de lo que ella podia comer.

El centro mismo del amor es la obediencia y cada milagro, grande o pequeño, comienza con un acto de obediencia. Puede que no veamos el resultado hasta que no hayamos dado el primer paso. Aun asi, los milagros parecen fuera del alcance para nuestra debil fé. Esta mujer se esforzó y respondió a las necesidades de Elias y sus propias necesidades fueron satisfechas. Cuando nosotros respondemos a las necesidades de otros antes que a las nuestras propias, estamos haciendo lo que Jesús hizo. En los pocos versículos que siguen, la fé de la viuda sufre una prueba mayor. Su hijo muere y élla se agarra de su fé. Hoy, responde al poder y a la viva presencia de Dios en tí y te ocurrirán milagros.

 

HEBREOS 9:24-28

La descripción de Jesús como un amigo, llega como un signo de gran consuelo. Un amigo está con nosotros y por nosotros. Cristo esta de nuestra parte, apareciendo en nuestro lugar ante Dios. El es nuestro mediador, El aboga por nosotros y El nos representa. Dios nos ha elegido para que seamos Sus amigos por que somos amigos de Jesús. Dios nos considera amigos cuando nosotros nos damos a El como El se dá a si mismo a nosotros. Cuando somos amigos de Dios, sabemos que El está siempre alli, dónde y cuándo lo necesitamos. ¿Consideras que Dios es amigo tuyo? ¿Eres tu tan devoto a El como El lo es de ti?

Jesús nos ha traido hacia un lugar de gran privilegio porque como Señor y Dueño, El deberia llamarnos esclavos, pero enves, El nos llama Sus amigos. Porque El es Señor y Dueño, nuestra obediencia deberia ser absoluta y ciega, pero Jesús nos pide obedecerle por amor a El.

Sabemos que amor es una decisión y amar a Jesús quiere decir que nosotros hemos decidido por nuestra propia y libre voluntad amarlo. Debido a que Jesús murió por nosotros, se nos hizo elegibles para ser amigos de Dios. Dios es Santo y El odia el pecado. Toda la gente es pecadora y merece castigo. Cristo tomó nuestros pecados sobre El mismo y pagó el precio por ellos con Su propia muerte. Ahora el camino hacia la amistad con Dios ha sido abierto y a traves de la fé en Su obra, pasamos a ser Sus amigos en lugar de enemigos y relegados.

Porque somos amigos de Jesús sabemos que cuando morimos estaremos con El por siempre. Sabemos que toda la gente muere fisicamente pero Cristo murió para que nosotros no muramos espiritualmente. El prometió volver y llevar a “sus amigos” a una vida eterna en un mundo sin pecado y esto, mis queridos amigos, son las “Buenas Nuevas.”

 

MARCOS 12:38-44

En este pasaje del Evangelio, Jesús hace una serie de acusaciones contra los líderes religiosos judios. Estos líderes se paseaban ataviados en copiosas túnicas con las cuales no podian apresurarse o trabajar y esto era el signo del ocioso hombre honorable. Las escrituras cuentan que los judios usaban borlas al borde de sus túnicas exteriores. Estas borlas servian para recordarles que ellos eran el pueblo de Dios.

Otra vez Jesús expone los motivos impuros de estos líderes religiosos. Ellos no recibian pago oficial, por eso, dependian de la hospitalidad extendida por los judios piadosos. Algunos de ellos aprovechaban esta costumbre para explotar a la gente defraudando a los podres de todo lo que tenian y hasta abusando de los ricos. La espiritualidad de ellos era un acto para ganar respeto, una posición y reconocimiento. Jesús advirtió a la gente contra los maestros de religión que querian aparecer como santos pero en realidad eran falsos.

Los verdaderos seguidores de Cristo no se distinguen por ostentosos talentos o actos. El leer la Biblia, rezar en público o seguir al pie de la letra los ritos de la iglesia pueden ser falsos si el motivo por hacerlo es solo para ser visto u honrado. Debemos recordar siempre que la manera como vivimos es realmente lo que creemos, asi que dejen que sus acciones sean consistentes con sus creencias. Debemos vivir siempre por Cristo aun cuando nadie este mirando.

Jesús dice a la gente que el castigo a los líderes religiosos será mayor porque como líderes, éllos llevan una gran responsabilidad en la formación de la fé de aquéllos a quienes enseñan. Sus reglas mezquinas, codicia y motivos impuros conducen a mucha gente a la perdición, y tristemente, vemos que esto sucede con demasiada frequencia en nuestros tiempos y en muchas naciones. Jesús concluye el pasaje diciéndonos que cuando damos, no es cuanto damos lo que cuenta, sino cuanto ha sido el sacrificio que ha tomado. La mujer pobre dió solo una fracción de lo que los otros dieron, pero fué algo de lo mucho que necesitaba para subsistir, no de lo sobrante. Dios está llamándonos a todos a dar asi como la viuda pobre, como se nos demuestra en el Evangelio de hoy.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que Dios proveerá para nosotros en las formas mas inesperadas. La segunda lectura muestra que no hay amigo mas grande que aquel que entrega su vida por nosotros. El Evangelio nos revela que la verdadera religión es, lo que vivimos tanto como lo que proclamamos.

Esta semana, deja tu espiritualidad mostrarse, no en la forma como vistes, hablas o cantas; déjala ver en tus acciones. Esta semana haz algo hermoso por Dios y dá de tu tiempo, talento o dinero para hacer la obra de Dios. Recuerda, no he dicho – haz lo que siempre haces – digo en vez, haz algo diferente, algo especial. Cualquier cosa que hagas, cualquier cosa que des, deja que sea una verdadera experiencia de sacrificio. Tu dádiva comienza en tu corazón.

Lectio Divina – Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 7th) – Cycle B

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

Mark 12:38-44 – In the course of His teaching Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long roes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” He (Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents. Calling His disciples to Himself, He said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (November 7th) – Cycle B

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ 1 KINGS 17:10-16 FIRST READING

(“The jar of flour did not go empty, nor the oil run dry, as the Lord had foretold through Elijah.”)

l. When Elijah went to Zarephath, who did he see there, and what did he say to her? 1 Kings 17:10

 

2. What did Jesus say to the woman of Samaria? John 4:7

 

3. When the widow went to get Elijah the water, for what did he call out, and what did she say to him? 1 Kings 17:11-12

 

4. What did the widow say would happen to her and her son after they had eaten what was left? 1 Kings 17:12

 

5. What did Elijah tell the widow not to be, and what did he tell her to do first? 1 Kings 17:13

 

6. What are we to seek first?   Matthew 6:33

 

7. What does the Lord, the God of Israel, say? 1 Kings 17:14

 

8. When will the Lord send rain upon the earth? 1 Kings 17:1

 

9. What did the widow do, and how long were they able to eat? 1 Kings 17:15

 

10. What happened, and how was it foretold? 1 Kings 17:16

 

Personal    While you were in a place of need yourself, who has asked you for food or water?  What has been your response?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 9:24-28 SECOND READING

(“But now, once for all, he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice.”)

1. What did Christ not enter, what did he enter, and for what reason? Hebrews 9:24

 

2. If we sin, what do we have?  1 John 2:1

 

3. What does Christ do that the high priest does not? Hebrews 9:25

 

4. Where do we get our confidence to enter the sanctuary? Hebrews 10:19

 

5. What did Jesus do once and for all?  Hebrews 9:26 and 7:27

 

6. What did John say about Jesus? John 1:29

 

7. What do human beings do only once, and what comes after that? Hebrews 9:27

 

8. What do we receive before the judgment seat of God? 2 Corinthians 5:10

 

9. What will Christ do a second time, what will he bring, and to whom? Hebrews 9:28

 

10. How will the Son of Man come? Matthew 16:27

 

Personal – How has Christ appeared before God on your behalf this week? Be specific. What did you ask him, and what was the answer?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 12:38-44 GOSPEL

(“A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.”)

1. Of what did Jesus say you are to beware? Mark 12:38-39

 

2. What goes before honor? Proverbs 15:33

 

3. What do the scribes that look for places of honor do to the widow, and what will happen to them? Mark 12:40

 

4. What did Jesus observe, and what did many of the rich do? Mark 12:41

 

5. What do the rich and poor have in common? Proverbs 22:2

 

6. What did a poor widow do? Mark 12:42

 

7. After calling his disciples, what did Jesus say to them about the poor widow? Mark 12:43

 

8. From what did Jesus say the rich contributed, and from what did this poor widow contribute? Mark 12:44

 

9. When giving, what must be there to be acceptable to the Lord? 2 Corinthians 8:12

 

10. What happens to those who give to the poor? Proverbs 28:27, Matthew 10:42

 

Personal – In what way have you taken something that you needed and given it to someone less fortunate?  Examine yourself to see if your giving is from your surplus or from your need.  Repent where needed, attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation to receive the grace from the sacrament, and pray for the ability to change and to begin to give from your need.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 146:7-10

(“The Lord sets captives free;”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 146:7-10.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

1 KINGS 17:10-16

In a nation that was required by law to take care of its prophets, it seems incredible that God allowed ravens, which were considered to be very unclean birds, and a widow, who was a foreigner from Jezebel’s home territory, to care for Elijah.  But God provides help for us where we least expect it.  He provides help that goes beyond our narrow definitions or expectations.  No matter how bitter our trials or how seemingly hopeless our situation, we should look for God’s hand of care. We may just find him in the strangest of places.

When the widow from Zarephath met Elijah, she thought she was preparing her last meal for herself and her son. Today’s passage shows us how a simple act of faith provided a miracle. We are told that faith is the step between promise and assurance.  Faith is the response to the power and living presence of God in our lives. The woman was being obedient, and she had more than she could eat.

The core of love is obedience, and every miracle, large or small, begins with an act of obedience.  We may not see the result until we take the first step. Yet miracles seem so out of reach for our feeble faith.  This woman reached out and responded to Elijah’s need, and her own needs were filled.  When we respond to someone else’s need before our own, we are doing what Jesus did. In the next few verses the widow’s faith had a major test.  When her son died,  she reached out in faith.  Today, respond to the power and living presence of God in you and miracles will happen to you.

 

HEBREWS 9:24-28

The description of Jesus as our friend comes as a sign of great comfort. A friend stands with us and for us.  Christ is on our side, standing in our place before God. He is our mediator, he pleads for us, and he represents us. God has chosen us to be his friend because we are friends of Jesus. God considers us friends when we give ourselves to him as he gives himself to us. When we are God’s friend, we know that he is always there when we need him.  Do you consider God to be your friend? Are you as devoted to him as he is to you?

Jesus has drawn us into a place of high privilege because as our Lord and Master, he should call us slaves, but instead he calls us friends. Because he is Lord and Master, our obedience should be unqualified and blind, but Jesus asks us to obey him because we love him.

We know that love is a decision, and to love Jesus means we have decided with our own free will to love him. Because Jesus died for us, we became eligible to be friends with God. God is holy, and he hates sin. All people are sinful and deserve punishment. Christ took our sins upon himself and paid the price for them with his own death. Now the way to friendship with God has been opened and through faith in his work, we become his friends rather than enemies and outcasts.

Because we are Jesus’ friends we know that when we die we will be with him forever. We know that all people die physically but Christ died so that we would not have to die spiritually. He has promised to return and raise up “his friends” to eternal life in a world without sin, and that, my beloved friends, is “Good News.”

 

MARK 12:38-44

In this Gospel passage, Jesus makes a series of charges against the Jewish religious leaders. These leaders walked around in flowing robes in which they could neither hurry or work, and which were the sign of the leisurely man of honor. Scripture tells us that the Jews wore tassels at the edge of their outer robe. These tassels were to remind them that they were people of God.

Jesus again exposes the impure motives of these religious leaders. They received no official pay, so they depended upon the hospitality extended by devout Jews. Some of them used this custom to exploit people, cheating the poor out of everything they had and even taking advantage of the rich.  Their spirituality was an act to gain respect, status, and recognition. Jesus warned the people against the teachers of religion who loved to appear holy, but in reality were phonies.

True followers of Christ are not distinguished by showy talents or acts. Reading the Bible, praying in public, or following church rituals can be phony if the motive for doing them is to be noticed or honored.  We must always remember that how we live is really what we believe, so let your actions be consistent with your beliefs.  We must always live for Christ even when no one is looking.

Jesus tells the people that the punishment of the religious leaders would be greater because as leaders they carried great responsibility in shaping the faith of the people.  The petty rules, greed, and impure motives led many people astray, and sadly, we see that happen far too often in our times and in many nations.  Jesus closes the passage by telling us that when we give, it is not how much we give that counts, but it is how much of a sacrifice it takes.  The poor woman only gave a fraction of what others gave, but it was out of the funds that she needed to survive that she gave, not out of what was surplus.  God is calling all of us to give just as the poor widow gave, as shown in today’s Gospel.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God will provide for us in the most unexpected ways.  The second reading shows that there is no greater friend than one who lays down his life for us. The Gospel reveals to us that real religion is what we live as well as what we say.

This week, let your spirituality show, not in the way you dress, speak or sing; let it show in your actions.  This week do something beautiful for God, and give of your time, talent, or your money to do God’s work.  Remember, I did not say, do what you always do; I say, do something different, something special. Whatever you do, whatever you give, let it really be an experience of sacrifice.  Your gift of giving begins with your heart.

Trigésimo Primer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (31 de Octubre) – Ciclo B

El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA DEUTERONOMIO 6:2-6 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“…El Señor, nuestro Dios, es el único Señor.”)

1. ¿Cómo tendremos una vida larga y a quién debemos de temer? Deuteronomio 6:2

 

2. ¿Si guardamos los mandamientos, quien tendrá prosperidad despues de nosotros? Deuteronomio 4:40, 5:29

 

3. ¿Qué nos prometió el Padre, si guardamos Sus mandatos con mucho cuidado? Deuteronomio 6:3

 

4. ¿Quién es estimado por el Señor mas que todos los demás?  Exodo 19:5

 

5. ¿Quién es nuestro Dios y qué dijo Jesús acerca de El? Deuteronomio 6:4,  Marcos 12:29

 

6. ¿Con qué debemos amar y servir al Señor? Deut. 10:12

 

7. ¿De qué tres maneras debemos amar al Señor nuestro Dios? Deuteronomio 6:5

 

8. ¿Qué debe estar escrito en nuestro corazón? Deut. 6:6

 

9. ¿Qué hay en nuestro corazón para que no faltemos? Salmo 37:31

 

10. ¿Qué atesoramos en nuestro corazón para no pecar en contra de El? Salmo 119:11

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has demostrado tu amor por Dios? ¿Cómo demuestras a los demas que para ti hay un solo Dios y no hay otro mas que El?

 

 

TERCER DIA HEBREOS 7:23-28 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El es capaz de salvar de una vez a los que, por Su intermedio, se acercan a Dios.”)

1. ¿Quiénes no permanecieron en sus cargos por el impedimento de la muerte? Hebreos 7:23

 

2. ¿Quién tiene un sacerdocio que no pasará? Hebreos 7:24, 28

 

3. ¿Qué pasa a los que llegan a Dios por Jesús, y que hace El por ellos? Hebreos 7:25

 

4. ¿Dónde está Jesús? Romanos 8:34

 

5. ¿Si alguno peca, qué hace Jesús? 1 Juan 2:1-2

 

6. ¿Por qué cabe tener un sumo sacerdote asi? Hebreos 7:26

 

7. ¿Quién es el sacerdote supremos que pasó por los cielos? Hebreos 4:14

 

8. ¿Qué hizo Jesús de una vez y por todos, y qué no era necesario que El hiciera? Hebreos 7:27

 

9. ¿Porqué vive Jesús, y qué debemos considerarnos nosotros? Romanos 6:10-11

 

10. ¿Quién nombra la ley y a quién nombra el juramento de Dios? Hebreos 7:28

 

11. ¿Quién es perfecto?  Hebreos 7:28 y tambien Hebreos 5:8-10

 

Personal – ¿Cómo puede inteceder Jesús por ti con el Padre? Trata de tener un diario de oraciones con fechas y checa los resultados cada semana.

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 12:28-34 EVANGELIO

(“Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo.”)

1. ¿Qué le preguntó un escriba a Jesús? Marcos 12:28

 

2. ¿Quién dijo Jesús que era su Padre y cómo le debemos amar? Marcos 12:29-30

 

3. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que era el segundo mandamiento y qué dijo acerca de estos dos mandamientos primeros? Marcos 12:31

 

4. ¿A qué se resume este dicho, por decirlo asi,  “Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo”? ¿qué no hace el amor? Romanos 13:9-10

 

5. ¿Qué dijo el escriba acerca de Dios? Marcos 12:32

 

6. ¿Según el escriba, que valia mas que los sacrificios y ofrendas? Marcos 12:33

 

7. ¿A qué es lo que el Señor quiere que estemos abiertos? Salmo 40:7

 

8. ¿Qué vió Jesús en el escriba y qué le dijo? Marcos 12:34

 

9. ¿Dónde gobierna el reino de Dios? Salmo 103:19

 

10. ¿Qué no se atrevió a hacer nadie?  Marcos 12:34 y Mateo 22:46

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has demostrado tu amor a Dios esta semana amando a tu prójimo? ¿A quien consideras tu prójimo en tu vida actual?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 18:2-4, 47, 51

(“Yo te amo, O Señor, mi fuerza,”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 18:2-4, 47, 51.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

DEUTERONOMIO 6:2-6

Este pasaje nos enseña que el vagar de los Judios por el desierto no fue solo un castigo sino tambien una prueba para enseñarle al pueblo que debe depender totalmente de Dios. Para una nación que por cuarenta años anduvo por el desierto y llegar cerca de una tierra que “manaba leche y miel” sonaba como un paraiso. Ellos se imaginaban cosechas abundantes, rios de agua, lluvias lentas y valles llenos de ganado. Todo esto hubiera sido de los Israelitas, cuarenta años antes pero no fue asi por su terquedad y rebeldia.

Moisés les estaba dando a desear esta hermosa tierra y les estaba explicando las condiciones para entrar en élla. La gran oracion Judia conocida con el nombre de “Shema” palabra hebrea “Oir,” dá comienzo a esta oración. Esta oración era recitada por todo Judio devoto y era una proclamación de fe y deseo de servir a Dios. Como Jesús era un judio piadoso, las palabras del Shema venian a Sus labios con toda naturaleza cuando se le preguntaba por el mandamiento mas grande (Marcos 12:29). Los Rabinos estaban de acuerdo con que de los 612 mandamientos de la ley Judia, éste era el mas importante. La oracion declara que (Yave) su Dios es el único y verdadero Dios. Esto era muy importante para el pueblo de los Israelitas, porque iban a entrar a una tierra con muchos dioses.

En aquel tiempo como ahora hay gente que prefiere poner su confianza en muchos dioses. Hoy en dia vemos gente que cree en dioses falsos: dinero, poder, fama, belleza física, alcohol, inteligencia, drogas, inmoralidad, placeres mundanos y muchas formas de lo oculto.

Con frecuencia se dice que este pasaje es el tema central del Deuteronomio. Pone un patron que nos ayuda a relacionar la Palabra de Dios con nuestra vida diaria. Hoy mas que nunca debemos amar a Dios con todo nuestro corazón, alma y fuerzas. Debemos enseñar los mandamientos a nuestro hijos y vivir nuestras vidas con la guia de Su palabra.

 

HEBREOS 7:23-28

Este convenio nuevo de Cristo es el convenio del Nuevo Testamento. Este convenio nuevo permite a la gente llegar a Dios directamente por medio de Jesucristo. Ya no tenian que hacer sacrificios para obtener el perdón de Dios. El convenio nuevo es permanente porque Jesucristo vive para siempre como Sacerdote Supremo y solo Jesús salva.

Debemos preguntarnos, ¿Qué quiere decir que Jesús es capaz de salvarnos completamente? Nadie puede añadir nada a lo que Jesús hizo para salvarnos; nuestros pecados pasados, presentes y futuros todos han sido perdonados y Cristo está con el Padre como signo de que nuestros pecados han sido perdonados. Cristo ha pagado el precio de nuestros pecados de una vez por todas. Si estás leyendo esto y no eres cristiano, entonces permítele ahora que venga a tu corazón, y deja que Su sangre te limpie. Confiesa tus pecados y pide perdón en nombre de Jesús. Si eres cristiano sabes muy bien que debes reconciliarte con Dios de nuevo. Jesús nos recibe con el mismo júbilo que el pastor siente cuando encuentra a la oveja perdida de Su rebaño. Nosotros en la iglesia Catolica somos bendecidos con el sacramento de la Reconciliacion. Recuerda, no es bastante decir perdóname; se nos pide un (cambio), arrepentimiento y regresar a compartir y dialogar con nuestros hermanos en comunidad.

Jesús es nuestro abogado, el mediador entre Dios y nosotros. El convenio de Cristo es nuestra entrada inmediata al Padre amoroso y celestial. Hoy en dia el mundo no comprende el precio tan caro que pagó Jesús por nuestra perdón, le costó Su sangre y Su vida. (1 Pedro 1:18-19).

Debido a que Cristo murió de una vez por todos, El terminó con todos los sacrificios. Los Judios no tenian que retroceder al sistema viejo, porque Cristo, el sacrificio perfecto, completó el trabajo de la redención. Su muerte nos da la vida eterna. Qué frios, qué duros, los que tercos se rehusan a aceptar Su muerte, El regalo mas grande de Dios.

 

MARCOS 12:28-34

Hay un viejo dicho y se le acreditó a San Agustin y dice, “Ama a Dios y has lo que quieras.” Habia muchos cerca de Jesús que no estarian de acuerdo con este dicho. El sabio que le hizo la pregunta a Jesús estaba preguntando algo que era un tema viviente en el pensamiento judio, discusion y ley. Jesús le contestó uniendo los dos grandes mandamientos.

“Escucha, Oh Israel: El Señor, nuestro Dios, es el único Señor.” (Deut. 6:4). Esta frase es el corazón del Judaismo. Se llama Shema, lo que quiere decir oir. Era la frase con la cual todo servicio en la sinagoga empezaba y todavia empieza. Los tres pasajes del Shema se guardaban en unas cajitas de piel llamadas filacterias, (Mateo 23:5), el judio devoto las usaba en su frente y muñeca. Cuando estaba en oración el Shema se guardaba en una cajita llamada Mezuza, la que estaba atada entonces y ahora en la puerta de todo hogar judio, y en la puerta de cada cuarto para recordar a Dios cuando saliera y cuando entrara.

Cuando Jesús citó el segundo mandamiento, “Amarás a tu prójimo como a ti mismo,” (Lev. 19:18), tambien queria decir que se incluia a los gentiles. Jesús tomó la ley antigua y le dió mas sentido. Para Jesús el amar a Dios y a la gente era Su religión. El dice que el único modo que el hombre puede demostrar que ama a Dios es amando al prójimo. Oseas habia oido decir a Dios, “Porque yo quiero amor, no sacrificios,” (Oseas 6:6). Para mucha gente es mas facil dejar que un ritual tome el lugar del amo, y para algunos es mas facil dejar que la oración se convierta en el templo en lugar de ser un asunto de toda la vida.

El maestro de la ley se creia mas que nadie y por eso se encontraba simpatizando con Jesús. El siguiente paso era tener fé en Jesús mismo y este era un paso muy difícil para él. Cuando te sientes inseguro de lo que debes hacer preguntate, qué accion de tu parte va a demostrar mejor tu amor por Dios y por los demas.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que la oración y la obediencia son la base del amor. La segunda lectura nos enseña que Jesús nos salva completamente. El Evangelio nos revela que la idea de religión de Jesús es amar a Dios y al hombre.

Esta semana, enséñale a tu familia que el amor, no los ritos, dominan tus acciones. Toma el tiempo para ver a los que te rodean en tu familia, trabajo y escuela, determina quienes son los mas difícil de amar. Esta semana levántalos en oración diaria y haz un esfuezo por darles amor, viendo como puedes ayudarles en sus necesidades. El amar es una decisión y ya es tiempo que te decidas amar a Dios y al prójimo.

Lectio Divina – Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 31st) – Cycle B

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

Mark 12:28-34One of the scribes, when he came forward and heard them disputing and saw how well he had answered them, asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Jesus replied, “The first is this: ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to him, “Well said, teacher. You are right in saying, ‘He is One and there is no other than he.’ And ‘to love him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’ is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” And when Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 31st) – Cycle B

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ DEUTERONOMY 6:2-6 FIRST READING

(“…The Lord is our God, the Lord alone!”)

l. How are we to have a long life, and who are we to fear? Deuteronomy 6:2

 

2. Who will prosper after us if we keep the commandments? Deuteronomy 4:40, Deuteronomy 5:29.

 

3. What did the Father promise us if we are careful to observe his commands? Deuteronomy 6:3

 

4. Who is dearer to the Lord than all other people? Exodus 19:5

 

5. Who is our God, and what did Jesus say about him? Deuteronomy 6:4, Mark 12:29

 

6. With what are we to love and serve the Lord? Deuteronomy 10:12

 

7. With what three ways are we to love the Lord our God? Deuteronomy 6:5

 

8. What is to be written on our heart?  Deuteronomy 6:6

 

9. What is in our heart that we do not falter? Psalm 37:31

 

10. What do we treasure in our heart so we will not sin against him? Psalm 119:11

 

Personal – How have you shown your love for God?  What shows others that he alone is your God and there is none other than him?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 7:23-28 SECOND READING

(“…He is always able to save those who approach God through him.”)

1. Who were prevented by death from remaining in office? Hebrews 7:23

 

2. Who has a priesthood that does not pass away? Hebrews 7:24, 28

 

3. What happens to those who approach God through Jesus, and what does he do for them?  Hebrews 7:25

 

4. Where is Jesus?  Romans 8:34

 

5. If anyone sins, what does Jesus do?  1 John 2:1-2

 

6. Why is it fitting to have such a high priest?  Hebrews 7:26

 

7. Who is this high priest who passed through the heavens? Hebrews 4:14

 

8. What did Jesus do once and for all, and what did he have no need to do?  Hebrews 7:27

 

9. For what does Jesus live, and what must we consider ourselves? Romans 6:10-11

 

10. What does the law appoint, and who does the word of the oath appoint? Hebrews 7:28

 

11. Who is perfect?  Hebrews 7:28, Hebrews 5:8-10

 

Personal    About what can you have Jesus intercede for you to the Father? Try keeping a prayer journal with dates and check the results each week.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 12:28-34 GOSPEL

(“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”)

1. What did one of the scribes ask Jesus?  Mark 12:28

 

2. What did Jesus say his Father was, and how are we to love him? Mark 12:29-30

 

3. What did Jesus say was the second commandment, and what did he say about these two commandments? Mark 12:31

 

4. What is summed up in this saying (namely), “you shall love your neighbor as yourself, and what does love not do? Romans 13:9-10

 

5. What did the scribe say about God? Mark 12:32

 

6. What did the scribe say was worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices? Mark 12:33

 

7. To what does the Lord want us to be open?  Psalm 40:7

 

8. What did Jesus see in the scribe, and what did Jesus say to him?  Mark 12:34

 

9. Where does God’s kingdom rule? Psalm 103:19

 

10. What did no one dare to do?  Mark 12:34, Matthew 22:46

 

Personal    In what way have you shown your love for God by loving your neighbor this week?  Who in your life is considered your neighbor right now?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 18:2-4, 47, 51

(“I love you, O Lord, my strength,”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 18:2-4, 47, 51.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

DEUTERONOMY 6:2-6

This passage shows us that the wandering in the desert was not only a punishment but also a test to show the people how utterly dependent they must be on God.  For a nation that had wandered forty years in a parched desert to be close to a land “flowing with milk and honey” sounded like a paradise. They envisioned rich crops, rushing streams, gentle rains, and lush fields filled with livestock.  The Israelites could have had all that forty years earlier, but their stubbornness and rebellion prevented it from happening.

Moses was now whetting their appetite for this beautiful land and clearly explaining the conditions for entering the land. The great Hebrew prayer known as the “Shema” from the Hebrew word “Hear” begins the prayer. This prayer was recited by devout Jews and was a proclamation of faith and a desire to serve God.  Since Jesus was a pious Jew, the words of the Shema came to his lips when he was asked which commandment was the greatest (Mark 12:29). The rabbis agree also that of the 612 Jewish commandments of the Law, this was the most important.  The prayer declares that their God (Yahweh) is the only true God. This was a very important insight for the people of Israel, because they were about to enter a land with many gods.

Both then and today there are people who prefer to place their trust in many gods. Today we see people who believe in the false gods of money, power, status, fame, youth, physical beauty, intelligence, drugs, alcohol, immorality, pleasure, and many forms of the occult.

This passage is often said to be the central theme of Deuteronomy. It sets a pattern that helps us to relate the Word of God to our daily lives.  Today, more than ever, we are to love God with all of our heart, soul and might. We are to teach his commandments to our children, and to live our lives by the guidelines of his word.

 

HEBREWS 7:23-28

The covenant of Christ is the  covenant of the New Testament.  This new covenant allowed the people to go to God directly through Jesus Christ. They no longer had to rely on sacrificed animals to gain God’s forgiveness.  The new covenant is permanent because Jesus Christ lives forever as our high priest, and only Jesus saves.

We need to ask ourselves, what does it mean that Jesus is able to save completely?  No one can add to what Jesus did to save us; our past, present, and future sins are all forgiven, and Jesus is with the Father as a sign that our sins are forgiven. Christ has paid the price for our sins once and for all. If you are reading this as a non-Christian, then let him come into your heart right now, and let his blood wash you clean. Confess your sins and repent in the name of Jesus.  If you are a Christian, then you know that you need to be reconciled with God again. Jesus welcomes us back with the same joy as the good shepherd experiences when he recovered the one lost sheep in the fold. We have been blessed in the Catholic Church through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Remember, it is not enough to say I am sorry; we are called to repent (change) and get back into Christian worship and fellowship.

Jesus is our advocate, the mediator between us and God. The covenant of Christ is immediate access to our loving and just heavenly Father.  Today much of the world does not realize how costly it was for Jesus to secure our forgiveness – it cost him his blood and his life (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Because Christ died once and for all, he finished all sacrifices. The Jews did not need to go back to the old system, because Christ, the perfect sacrifice, completed the work of redemption.  His death brings us eternal life.  How callous, how cold, how stubborn are those who refuse to accept this death, God’s greatest gift.

 

MARK 12:28-34

There is an old saying that is credited to St. Augustine. He stated, “Love God and do whatever you like.”  There were many in the crowd that surrounded Jesus that would strongly disagree with that saying. The expert who asked Jesus the question was asking about something which was a living issue in Jewish thought, discussion and law.  Jesus answered him by putting two great commandments together.

“Hear,  Oh Israel!  the Lord is our God,  the Lord alone!” This single sentence is the heart of Judaism (Deut. 6:4). It is called the Shema which means to hear.  It was the sentence with which the service of the synagogue always began and still begins. The three passages of the Shema were contained in the Phylacteries, (Matt. 23:5), little leather boxes which the devout Jew wore on his forehead and wrist. When the Jew was at prayer, the Shema was contained in a little box called the Mezuzah, which was and still is attached to the door of every Jewish house and the door of every room in it, to remind the Jew of God at his going out and his coming in.

When Jesus quoted the second commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18), he intended it to mean the Gentiles also. Jesus took an old law and filled it with meaning. Religion to Jesus Christ was loving God and loving people.  He tells us that the only way in which a man can prove that he loves God is by showing that he loves men.  Hosea had heard God say, “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice.” (Hosea 6:6). For some people it is always easier to let ritual take the place of love, and for some, it is easer to let worship become a matter of the church building, instead of a matter of the whole life.

The scribe had risen beyond his friends, and that is why he found himself in sympathy with Jesus.  His next step was faith in Jesus himself, and this was the most difficult step to take.  When you are uncertain about what to do, ask yourself what course of action best demonstrates your love for God and your love for others.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that prayer and obedience are the foundation of love.  The second reading shows us that Jesus saves completely.  The Gospel reveals Jesus’ idea of religion as love of God and man.

This week, show your family that love, not ritual, dominates your actions.  Take the time to look at those in your family, work and school and determine the ones whom you have great difficulty loving.  This week, lift them up in daily prayer and make an effort to show them love in the form of meeting their needs. Love is a decision, and it is time for you to decide to love God and all your fellow men.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 24th) – Cycle B

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ JEREMIAH 31:7-9 FIRST READING

(“I will lead you to brooks of water,”)

l.What does God say, and what has he done for his people? Jeremiah 31:7

 

2. Why do the people of God shout with exultation, joy and gladness?  Isaiah 12:6 and Psalm 14:7

 

3. Upon whom do the survivors of the house of Jacob lean, and who will return to the mighty God? Isaiah 10:20- 21

 

4. From where will the Lord bring back his remnant, and who will return? Jeremiah 31:8

 

Personal    Who do you see today as the remnant of Israel, and where do you see yourself?

 

5. Who will join Israel, and where will they go? Jeremiah 3:18

 

6. What will happen to the remnant that God brings back? Jeremiah 23:3-4, also Isaiah 35:5

 

7. How did the people depart, and what will God do for them? Jeremiah 31:9

 

8. What did Jesus say would flow from within those who believe in him?  John 7:37-39

 

9. What does God call himself, and what is Ephraim? Jeremiah 31:9,  also Exodus 4:22

 

10. Who is Ephraim? Genesis 41:50-52

 

Personal    Since you have been studying God’s Word, from where has your Heavenly Father led you out?  To where is he guiding you and directing you?  How have you gone from tears to rejoicing?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 5:1-6 SECOND READING

(“You are my son; this day I have begotten you;”)

1. Who is taken from among men and made a representative before God, and what does he offer? Hebrews 5:1

 

2. What is every high priest appointed to offer, and how does the high priest worship? Hebrews 8:3, 5

 

3. Why is the high priest taken from among men able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring? Hebrews 5:2

 

4. Because of his weakness, for whom must he make the sin offerings? Hebrews 5:3

 

5. What did Moses tell Aaron to do? Leviticus 9:7

 

6. What comes from God that no one takes this honor upon himself? Hebrews 5:4

 

7. Who was called to be priest from among the Israelites, and what set them apart? Exodus 28:1-3

 

8. Who, in the same way, did not glorify himself in becoming high priest but received it from his Father who said what about him?  Hebrews 5:5

 

9. Who does Jesus say glorifies him, and who does Jesus say he knows, and what does he keep? John 8:54-55

 

10. How long are we priests, and who is Melchizedek? Hebrews 5:6, Genesis 14:18

 

Personal    In what way have you shown the honor and respect due to the priests in your parish?  Have you recognized them as some-one called by God for a special purpose? What is that purpose?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 10:46-52 GOSPEL

(“Go your way; your faith has saved you.”)

1. Who was sitting by the roadside, and what was he doing? Mark 10:46

 

2. When the beggar heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, what did he do and say? Mark 10:47

 

3. What did the people do, and what did the beggar continue to do? Mark 10:48

 

4. Whom are we to rebuke? Luke 17:3

 

5. When Jesus stopped, what did he say, and what did his followers say to the blind man? Mark 10:49

 

Personal – Does Jesus call you directly, through others, or both?

 

6. What did the blind man do, and where did he go? Mark 10:50

 

7. What did Jesus say to the man, and what did the man tell him? Mark 10:51

 

8. Where did Jesus tell him to go, and what did he say saved him? Mark 10:52

 

9. What is faith? Hebrews 11:1

 

10. How does faith come to us? Romans 10:17

 

Personal    In what specific way have you been healed by hearing God’s Word? How has he turned your blindness into the light of day?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 126:1-6

(“Those that sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.”)

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

JEREMIAH 31:7-9

This promise of restoration was open to all the families of Israel, not only to the tribe of Judah. The restoration will include all those who trust in God. This restoration shows a God who reaches toward his people with loving kindness, motivated by a deep love.  We hear God tell us that he has loved us with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). This was a tremendous statement by God to a people who had been through so much.

Today, he makes that same statement to you and me. He does not care where we have been or what we have done. He is very much interested in where we are right now, and he wants us to know that he has loved us with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah has seen Israel scattered, and the events leading to Jerusalem’s destruction had disoriented most of the people. The prophet knew that.  After many words of warning about sin, this reminder of God’s incredible love is a fresh breath. We may often think of God with dread or fear, but if we look carefully, we can see him lovingly drawing us toward himself. The people were very excited to proclaim and hope that God has saved the faithful remnant of his people.  That salvation will soon be manifested when God leads Israel back to Jerusalem from distant Babylon. Killing, slavery, blindness, lameness, homelessness evoke the horror of war and suffering that they had experienced; their salvation will be all the more extraordinary. The faithful remnant of God’s people have continued to experience the horrors of many tyrants and wars.

The Messiah whom we know as Jesus was their only hope of salvation.  They looked to the future with hope because they knew the Messiah was coming.  Today in many parts of the world there are  faithful people of Jesus Christ experiencing the horrors of killing, blindness and lameness.  In some parts of our world, to believe in Christ is to be ridiculed, rejected, and, in some instances, to be executed.  The religion of humanism is taking a great toll on the people and upon the faithful remnant of today. The faithful remnant will be the witness of the Messiah who is present to his people.  His power is within you (1 John 4:4) and you will make disciples of all the nations (Matt. 28:19-20). Jesus is leading us home today away from the many horrors of war that exist in many lands.

 

HEBREWS 5:1-6

Today’s reading focuses on the meaning of Old Testament priesthood and situates Christ with regard to it.  Every high priest is a human being whom God chooses to represent people in his presence and to offer worship.  The type of worship, also called the liturgy, is offered as a redemptive sacrifice so that it atones for the sins of the believers. These high priests can treat sinners with great patience, because they are sinners also. The offerings they make are for their own sins as well as their people.

No one can assume this type of ministry on his own. Only God who called Aaron can call a person to take his honored role in Israel’s religious life. We must understand, to the Jews the high priest was the highest religious authority in the land. He alone entered into the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation (Lev. 16).  Like the high priest, the source of Christ’s high priestly office is not different, and like them, he received the priesthood from God.

Jesus as high priest mediates between God and us. As man’s representative, he intercedes for us before God. As God’s representative, he assures us of God’s forgiveness.  Jesus has more authority than the Jewish high priest because he is truly God and truly man. In his sinlessness, he transcends the Old Testament high priest, but he did not glorify himself with his office. Unlike the priest who could go before God only once a year, Christ is always at God’s right hand interceding for us.

Today, call upon the Lord to stand in your place before God. Jesus has already paid the full ransom for you. We only need to confess our sins and repent in his name. The church has provided this incredible gift for us through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The priest invites us to, once again, be reconciled with God in the name of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. The world will know we are priestly people by the way we live.

 

MARK 10:46-52

Jesus was on his way to the Passover and being a well known teacher, he was surrounded by a large crowd of people, disciples and learners. Students of a teacher or rabbi learned while they listened as the teacher walked and talked. That was one of the most common ways of teaching. It was also the law that every male Jew of 12 years of age who lived within 15 miles of Jerusalem attend the Passover in the Holy City.  So there would be even more than the normal crowds on the streets heading toward Jerusalem.

There were many who followed just to see this rebel who was about to invade Jerusalem. At the northern gate was a blind beggar named Bartimaeus. He heard the tramp of feet and asked what was happening and who was passing. He was told that it was Jesus, and there and then he set up an uproar to attract Jesus’ attention to him. To those walking along and listening to their teacher, this was a great offence. They tried to silence Bartimaeus, but no one was going to take from him his chance to escape from his world of darkness, and he cried and shouted with such violence that the procession stopped, and he was brought to Jesus.

Beggars were a common sight in most towns, since most occupations of that day required physical labor, and anyone with a crippling disease or handicap was at a severe disadvantage and usually forced to beg, even though God’s laws commanded care for such needy people (Lev. 25:35-38).  Blindness was considered a curse from God for sin; but Jesus rejected this idea when he healed the blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:25).

To approach Jesus, the blind man had to overcome the disciple’s resistance.  The blind man throws off the mantle of his former life, jumps up and approaches Jesus.  He boldly calls out, “I want to see,” and Jesus instantly heals him. Jesus knew that because Bartimaeus called him the “Son of David” he knew that Jesus was the Messiah who was going to heal him.

The blindness in question was physical, yet Bartimaeus saw Jesus as the Messiah with spiritual vision. The blindness of many today is lack of faith, understanding, and acceptance. Spiritual vision on the other hand is faith. Ask Jesus to restore your sight today, and he will give you perfect spiritual vision.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God and Christ lead us home from exile.  The second reading shows that Jesus Christ’s priesthood is perfect and eternal. The Gospel reveals that Bartimaeus had spiritual vision before he had physical vision.

This week, take a spiritual inventory of yourself.  See where you are crippled and handicapped. Ask your spouse, clergyman or a close friend to help you. Do not let the noise of the crowd, job, or school distract you. Cry out for Jesus and pray and read his Word constantly this week. Keep a pad and pen near you, and write down any thoughts about your spiritual handicap. In the case of two blind men, one healing was gradual (8:25); the other was instant (10:52).  Jesus heals both ways, and he wants you to have perfect spiritual health as well as good physical health.