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Lectio Divina 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sept. 29th)

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 – At that time, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

VIGESIMOSEXTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (Sept. 29th) CICLO B

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VIGESIMOSEXTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO

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?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                                             LEE NUMEROS 11:25-29                                             PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“Y cuando el espíritu reposo sobre ellos, se pusieron a profetizar.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo El Señor, y a quién le habló El? Números 11:24-25

 

  1. ¿Qué tomó de Moisés El Señor y qué hizo El con esto? ¿Qué comenzaron ellos a hacer? Números 11:25

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el profeta Joel acerca de profetizar y del Espíritu de Dios? Hechos 2:17

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasó a Eldad y Medad y dónde sucedió esto? Números 11:26

 

  1. ¿Porqué hemos sido puestos en Su lista o hemos sido elegidos? 1 Pedro 2:9

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el joven a Moisés acerca de Eldad y Medad? Números 11:27

 

  1. ¿Qué era Josué de Moisés y qué le dijo a él? Números 11:28

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Moisés a Josué? Números 11:29

 

  1. ¿Lo que dijo Pablo era similar a lo que Moisés respondió a Josué? Filipenses 1:15-18

 

  1. ¿Cuál es una manera de determinar si vamos caminando en la carne y no en el Espíritu? 1 Corintios 3:3

 

Personal – ¿Te ves caminando carnalmente, compitiendo o estando celoso de alguien en tu familia, trabajo o escuela? ¿Cómo puedes comenzar a caminar guiado por el Espíritu?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE SANTIAGO 5:1-6                                                                                                       SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“¿Cómo pudieron hacer reservas en los últimos tiempos?”)

 

  1. ¿A causa de qué, les toca a los ricos llorar y lamentarse? Santiago 5:1

 

  1. ¿Quiénes han recibido ya su consuelo? Lucas 6:24

 

  1. ¿Qué reservas se han hecho los ricos para el último día? Santiago 5:2-3

 

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que debes de hacer con tu dinero? Eclesiástico 29:10-11

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que ha llegado a los oidos del Señor? Santiago 5:4

 

  1. ¿En contra de quién testifica el Señor con rapidez? Malaquias 3:5

 

  1. ¿Qué han hecho los que viven en la tierra por lujos y placeres? Santiago 5:5

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasará al hombre rico que no cuida al hombre pobre? Lucas 16:25

 

  1. ¿Qué ha hecho el hombre rico? Santiago 5:6

 

  1. ¿Quienes son los justos (o los inocentes) y quienes son los acusados? Mateo 25:37-43

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma puedes compartir lo que tienes con los pobres? Examínate y mira si has sido justo en tus contratos con la gente. Arrepiéntete donde sea necesario.

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 9:38-43, 45, 47-48                                                                                                                      EVANGELIO

 

(“y cualquiera que les dé de beber un vaso de agua porque son

de Cristo y llevan su nombre, les aseguro que no quedará sin recompensa.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Juan a Jesús? Marcos 9:38

 

  1. ¿Porqué le dijo Jesús que no lo detuviera de expulsar espíritus malos en Su nombre? Marcos 9:39

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que nadie puede decir si no es guiado por el Espíritu Santo? 1 Corintios 12:3

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has usado el nombre de Jesús para echar afuera lo maligno de ti o de tu familia?

 

 

  1. Si alguien no está contra Jesús, ¿con quién está? Marcos 9:40

 

  1. ¿Quién no perderá su recompensa? Marcos 9:41

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Jesús acerca de alguien que hace tropezar a uno de sus pequeños que creen en El?

Marcos 9:42

 

  1. ¿Qué es mejor para ti, si tu mano, pie o un ojo te causa pecar? Marcos 9:43

 

  1. ¿Qué podrá pasarte si no te quitas la parte que te hace pecar? Marcos 9:45-48

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa en la Gehena (infierno)? Marcos 9:48

 

  1. ¿Qué les pasará a los hombres que se rebelan contra Dios? Isaías 66:24

 

Personal – ¿Hay una parte tuya o de alguien que te está causando pecar? A la luz de esta escritura, ¿qué vas ha hacer para deshacerte de este problema?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                               LEE SALMO 19:8, 10, 12-14

 

(“…ciertas son sus palabras y al ignorante enseñan.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 19:8, 10, 12-14.

 

¿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

 

NUMEROS 11:25-29

 

Cuando se trata de servir a Dios, hay lugar suficiente para todos. Josué protestó por la forma inoficial en que se dió el espíritu a los dos hombres que se habían quedado en el camp­amento. Moisés había reunido setenta ancianos del campamento y los había colocado alrededor del tabernáculo. Moisés le dijo a Josué que el poder de Dios no era limitado a un tiempo fijo, lugar o ceremonia. Moisés era reconocido como el lider de Israel, sin embargo, cuando otros en la comunidad mostraban habilidades directivas, él se llenaba de alegría. Josué era tan protector de la primacía de Moisés que se olvidó del objetivo – fundar una nación de gente fiel. Como resultado del trato de restringir el trabajo de Dios por mantener a Moisés con la luz enfocada en el.

Enfocarse en individuos y en sus habilidades puede ocasionarnos el perder de vista el objetivo general. Esto ocasionó a Josué el tener su vista limitada, y nos sucederá también a nosotros si seguimos el ejemplo de Josué. Necesitamos recordar que los planes misteriosos de Dios no siempre coinciden con nuestros planes. Hoy día el Espíritu Santo está esperando ser puesto en libertad en tanta gente, y en muchas ocasiones la razón es que demasiado énfasis es puesto sobre el liderazgo de la gente y no en el Espíritu Santo.

Moisés sabía que el poder de Dios está al alcance de todos los que hacen la voluntad del Padre. Necesitamos abrirnos al Espíritu Santo, no solamente en nosotros, sino también trabajando en medio de la gente que piensa que no está calificada. Como Moisés, debemos estar abiertos a los regalos de la gracia de Dios y estar dispuestos a ver el poder del Espíritu Santo siendo usado entre toda Su gente.

 

SANTIAGO 5:1-6

 

La lectura de hoy trae a la mente el valor propio de la gente y el impropio valor de las cosas. El dinero de hoy no tendrá valor alguno cuando Jesús retorne, así que deberíamos pasar nuestro tiempo acumulando riquezas que valgan la pena en el reino de Dios. El dinero en si mismo no es el problema, los líderes cristianos necesitan dinero para vivir y sustentar a sus familias, los misioneros necesitan dinero para ayudarles a pregonar el Evangelio. La Iglesia necesita dinero para trabajar efectivamente. Es el amor al dinero el que conduce a todos los males. (1 Timoteo 6:10). Esta es una fuerte advertencia para nosotros de que todos los cristianos somos tentados a adoptar normas mundanas en lugar de las normas de Dios. (Romanos 12:1-2).

Jesús nos dice en la escritura, que no guardemos riquezas en el mundo porque pueden corroerse o pueden ser robadas. El con­tinua diciendo: acumulen riquezas en el cielo donde nunca per­deran su valor y están a salvo de los ladrones (Mateo 6:19-20). Jesús nos dice entonces que si nuestras ganancias están en el cielo, nuestro corazón está allí también. Necesitas preguntarte a ti mismo: ¿Dónde pasas la mayor parte de tu tiempo y dónde gastas la mayor parte de tu dinero? Finalmente, ¿En qué piensas la mayor parte del tiempo? Ora y reflexiona en estas preguntas porque esto es donde está tu riqueza ahora, y cuando mueras, ¿Estarás en el cielo con Jesucristo?

 

MARCOS 9:38-43, 45- 47-48

 

 

Jesús insiste, a través de varios dichos, las leyes básicas del discípulo. Sus propios discípulos no entienden; y la falta de comprensión de lo que realmente implica el ser un discípulo, se vé claramente en el arrogante rechazo de un exorcista que usa el nombre de Jesús. Vemos a los discípulos estando muy celosos de un hombre que sanó en el nombre de Jesús. Estaban mas apurados en la posición de su propio grupo en vez de ayudar a liberar de demonios a aquéllos acosados por estos. Muchos de nosotros hoy hacemos lo mismo cuando nos negamos a participar en causas meri­torias porque no están ligadas con nuestra denominacion.

Muchas veces nos sentimos desganados por estar alrededor de gente que nos hacen sentir incómodos. Nuestra falta de comprensión de lo que quiere decir el ser discípulo, se demuestra cuando rechazamos a aquellos que no hacen las cosas en la forma que estabamos acostumbrados. El mas evidente de todos los rechazos es cuando pensamos que nuestros esfuerzos no recibirán suficiente reconocimiento por lo que hacemos. La teología correcta es importante pero nunca debe ser excusa para evitar ayudar a aquéllos que necesitan ayuda.

En las escrituras Jesús nos dice que quienquiera que no le está ayudando, lo está hiriendo a El. (Mateo 12:30). Definitivamente, El no está diciendo que siendo indiferente a otros que están sirviendo en Su nombre es tan bueno como estar comprometido. Jesús nos dice que mucha gente, de todas clases sociales, ha respondido, siguiéndolo a El y haciendo obras en Su nombre. El ha demostrado a través de todas Sus enseñanzas, que Su esperanza es que todos seamos uno en El Padre. Mas bien podríamos recordar que aquéllos que comparten una fe común en Cristo, deberían ser capaces de cooperar unos con otros. Como cristianos nuestros pensamientos y acciones deben ser motivadas por amor, y debemos tener cuidado en juzgar a otros. (Mateo 7:1-5). Al mismo tiempo, no debemos nunca tener miedo de confrontar flagrante pecado dentro de la iglesia. (1 Corintios 5:12-13).

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura revela que hay bastante lugar para todos para servir a Dios. La segunda lectura nos llama a adoptar las normas de Dios, no las normas del mundo. El Evangelio nos muestra la dolorosa disciplina que es requerida de Sus verdaderos seguidores.

Esta semana, deja que el llamado al discipulado realmente tome prenda de ti. Corta el pecado fuera de tu vida, renunciando a una relación, trabajo, costumbre o cualquier otra cosa que está contra la voluntad de Dios. Fíjate muy bien, esta semana, la forma como hablas, la forma como te vistes y la forma como tratas a otros. Si no puedes hacerlo, no puedes usarlo o no puedes decirlo frente a Cristo, entonces no lo hagas.

 

 

Lectio Divina 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sept. 22nd)

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Mark 9:30-37 – Jesus and His disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching His disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.  They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

Lectio Divina 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Sept. 15th)

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

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

 

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

 

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

 

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Mark 8:27-35 – Jesus and His disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way He asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to Him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then He warned them not to tell anyone about Him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. At this He turned around and, looking at His disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” He summoned the crowd with His disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”

 

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your reflection with someone.

VIGESIMOQUINTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – (Sept. 22nd) CICLO B

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VIGESIMOQUINTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – CICLO B

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?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE SABIDURIA 2:12, 17-20                                                                                                    PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“…ya que, según él, Dios intervendrá en su favor.”)

 

  1. ¿Quién es odioso y por qué razón? Sabiduría 2:12

 

  1. Aquéllos que no son justos o virtuosos ¿qué están esperando ver en el hombre que es justo?

Sabiduría 2:17

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasará al hombre que es justo o virtuoso? Isaías 3:10

 

  1. ¿Cómo eres justificado? Romanos 3:28

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará si el justo es el hijo de Dios? Sabiduría 2:18

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el injusto acerca de Jesús mientras El colgaba de la cruz? Salmo 22:9

 

  1. ¿Cómo te conviertes en hijo de Dios? Juan 1:12

 

  1. ¿Qué se hace para probar la mansedumbre y paciencia del hombre justo? Sabiduría 2:19

 

  1. ¿Qué se dice acerca del hombre que es condenado a una muerte humillante? Sabiduría 2:20

 

  1. ¿En quién fijamos nuestros ojos, y qué sobrellevó El para que nosotros no nos cansaramos ni desalentaramos? Hebreos 12:2-3

 

Personal – ¿Te ves como aquél que está siempre verificando a ver si Dios cumplirá o no y causando problemas a otros; o eres tú el que es puesto a prueba confiando en Dios? Reflexiona sobre esto, especialmente cuando estás pasando dificultades.

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                 LEE SANTIAGO 3:16 – 4:3                                            SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“La justicia se siembra en la paz y da su fruto a los artesanos de la paz.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué se encuentra donde hay envidia y ambiciones? Santiago 3:16

 

 

  1. ¿Qué es la sabiduría que viene de arriba? Santiago 3:17

 

  1. ¿De quién es la Sabiduría el espejo sin mancha? Sabiduría 7:22-26 concentrándose en el versículo 26

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasa a los pacificadores que son los artesanos de la paz? Santiago 3:18

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son llamados hijos de Dios? Mateo 5:9

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos preguntas hechas en Santiago 4:1?

 

  1. ¿Qué guerra lleva el hombre dentro de sí mismo? Romanos 7:22-25

 

  1. ¿Por qué no posees lo que tú quieres? Santiago 4:2

 

  1. ¿Por qué, cuando pides algo a Dios, no lo recibes? Santiago 4:3

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos dice Jesús que recemos? Mateo 6:5-13

 

  1. ¿Quién viene a nuestra ayuda e intercede por nosotros? Romanos 8:26-27

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma, ésta lucha o guerra, está sucediendo dentro de ti mismo? ¿Como puedes cultivar la paz en ti mismo para que penetre en tu ambiente?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 9:30-37                                                                                                                               EVANGELIO

 

(“El que recibe a un niño como éste, en mi Nombre, a mí me recibe;”)

 

  1. Así como Jesús y Sus discípulos comienzan su trayecto a través de Galilea, ¿qué les iba El enseñando? Marcos 9:30-31

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la reacción de Pedro cuando Jesús comenzó a enseñarles que el Hijo del Hombre sufriría, sería muerto, y luego resucitaría al tercer día? ¿Cuál fue la reacción de los discípulos mientras iban viajando? Marcos 8:31-32 y Marcos 9:32

 

  1. Cuando llegaron a Cafarnaún, ¿qué pidió Jesús a Sus discípulos? Marcos 9:33

 

  1. ¿Qué iban discutiendo, y qué dijeron ellos? Marcos 9:34

 

  1. Cuando Jesús se sentó y llamó a los doce, ¿qué dos cosas dijo El que debía hacer el que desease ser primero? Marcos 9:35

 

  1. ¿Qué vino a hacer el Hijo del Hombre? Mateo 20:28

 

  1. ¿A quién puso Jesús entre Sus brazos y colocó frente a Sus discípulos? Marcos 9:36

 

  1. ¿A quién revela cosas Dios? Mateo 11:25

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús cuando puso El sus brazos alrededor del niño? Marcos 9:37

 

  1. ¿Cómo recibimos a Jesús? Marcos 9:37

 

 

  1. ¿Qué cualidad del niño nos hace grandes en el reino de Dios? Mateo 18:4

 

Personal – ¿Qué cualidades tienes que revelan tu inocencia infantil a aquéllos con los que te pones en contacto? ¿Qué puedes hacer para que esas cualidades se hagan más dominantes en ti?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                      LEE SALMO 54:3-8

 

(“Pero a mi Dios me ayuda, El Señor viene en apoyo de mi vida.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 54:3-8.

 

¿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

 

SABIDURIA 2:12, 17-20

 

Vemos profundamente impregnados en el estilo de vida de esta gente pagana, el deseo de las comidas (2:6-9), placeres (2:10-11), y fornicación (2:12-20). La pregunta pertinente a la mayor parte del mundo hoy es, ¿han cambiado los tiempos realmente? Puesto que estos respetables paganos no creían en nada, aparte del sobrevivir de los mas aptos, era lógico que ellos se deshicieran de cualquier hebreo moralista fastidioso condenándolo a una muerte humillante.

Hoy en día basta con sólo mirar alrededor del planeta tierra para ver que la fe en un único y verdadero Dios despierta siempre oposición. La fe que implica acción es inconveniente y un obstáculo para el pensador libre (2:12); le clava una espina a su orgullo. El hombre religioso evita camaradería con ellos, especialmente cuando éstos se enganchan en disputas tontas y destructivas. Como la vida es corta, los impíos, a través de sus creencias de que el poder hace lo justo, traen la muerte a sí mismos y a otros. Hoy hay muchos que traen la urgencia de la gratificación sensual y se incitan unos a otros a oprimir a los justos que llaman a Dios su Padre.

Los pobres, los niños, los ancianos, los viudos, los enfermos, todos representan debilidad y por lo tanto los impíos creen que éllos no tienen derechos. Hoy, mas que nunca, el mundo mira y espera para ver como los cristianos reaccionan a este tipo de horror. ¿Vendrá Dios a la ayuda de éllos como se espera? ¿Dará Dios a los cristianos la fortaleza para soportar las injusticias? Los injustos no permanecen pasivos; ellos continúan poniendo a prueba la mansedumbre de los pobres justos para ver si éllos son tan buenos como dicen ser. Ellos ya han visto a Dios responder en Jesucristo, y hoy, a través de ti, el poder del Espíritu Santo, en el nombre de Jesús, está esperando de ser liberado en un mundo que espera hambriento, angustiado e injuriado. Jesús nos dice que cualquier cosa que hagamos para el mas pequeño de Sus Hermanos, lo estamos haciendo para El (Mateo 25:31-46).

 

SANTIAGO 3:16 – 4:3

 

La verdadera sabiduría puede medirse por medio del carácter de uno. Así como se puede identificar un árbol por el tipo de fruto que da, así se puede identificar tu sabiduría por la forma en que te comportas. ¿Has conocido alguna vez a alguien que se las dé de sabio pero que se comporta disparatadamente? Lo tonto y necio acarrea el desorden, pero la sabiduría conduce a la paz y a la bondad.

Hay sabiduría mundana y sabiduría verdadera, y es necesario que conozcamos la diferencia. La sabiduría mundana desea siempre escaparse de la luz y vista de Dios, pero la sabiduría verdadera puede mantenerse firme bajo su escrutinio porque está siempre a la luz y vista de Dios. La Sabiduría mundana es mañosa y arrogante. Esta clase de sabiduría separa al hombre del hombre y eso hace que un hombre mire con mayor desprecio a sus prójimos. Hay una clase de sabiduría cruel, la cual se complace en herir a otros con palabras astutas, pero cortantes. La sabiduría mundana trata de seducir al hombre alejándolo de la fidelidad a Dios. Pero la sabiduría verdadera, en todo momento,  trae a los hombres y la sabiduría mas cerca de Dios. La sabiduría verdadera es pura.

La definición griega de sabiduría es “hagnos” y esto quiere decir “lo suficientemente puro para acercarse a los dioses.” La sabiduría verdadera está limpia de motivos ulteriores y egoismo y es lo suficientemente pura para ver a Dios. La sabiduría verdadera produce buenas relaciones entre el hombre y Dios y entre el hombre y el hombre. Puedes identificar a una persona verdaderamente sabia porque esa persona está llena de misericordia. No debes olvidar jamás que la misericordia cristiana es misericordia para cualquiera que esté en dificultades, aun cuando se haya metido a sí mismo en estas dificultades. La misericordia cristiana no es una emoción, es acción.

Debemos preguntarnos a nosotros mismos una pregunta muy áspera pero muy necesaria: “¿Cuál es mi propósito en la vida? ¿Es someterme a la voluntad de Dios o es la de gratificar, por placer, mis propios deseos? El deseo egoista es la raíz de todo lo maligno, arruina la vida e incita al hombre contra el hombre. Necesitamos rogarle a Dios que nos ayude a deshacernos de nues­tros deseos egoistas y confiar en que El nos de todo lo que realmente necesitamos.

 

MARCOS 9:30-37

 

Hoy el Evangelio nos da un gran ejemplo de lo que se necesita para ser un verdadero discípulo de Nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Hemos visto cómo Jesús evitó, lo mas que pudo la publicidad porque El quería tener mas tiempo para estar a solas con Sus discípulos. El sabía que la comprensión de éllos, acerca de quién era El en realidad, y del verdadero significado de Su ministerio, tomaría tiempo. Jesús quiso que este tiempo fuese de primera y de calidad, no precipitado ni enfermizo.

Qué extraordinario bienestar es el saber que Jesús busca estar a solas con nosotros, hoy, tanto como El lo hizo con Sus discípulos. El quiere que nosotros conozcamos lo que realmente es El y El quiere que nosotros confiemos totalmente en El, para que podamos desarrollar una relación personal y de amor con El. Esto toma tiempo, como es bien sabido se necesita conocer muy bien a alguien para poder realmente amar a esta persona. Entre más conocemos, más amamos. Jesús sabe que cuando realmente confiamos en El, lo conocemos y lo amamos, entonces, y sólo entonces, estaremos listos para servirlo.

Jesús dijo a Sus discípulos en el versículo 29, que ellos enfrentarían situaciones difíciles en la vida, que podrían resolverse solamente por medio de la oración. La oración es la llave que abre la fe en nuestras vidas. Una oración efectiva necesita tanto actitud como acción. No hay un substituto para la oración, especialmente en circunstancias que parecen inconquistables. Esta clase de oración pide confianza, amor y tiempo especial en y con Jesucristo.

Jesús sabía muy bien que era lo que los discípulos iban discutiendo por el camino. Ellos iban ensoberbeciéndose a sí mismos sobre quién era el mas importante de Sus acompañantes. El sabía que éllos no estaban listos aún para salir al mundo y predicar Su mensaje. Su mensaje no era poder, ni victoria, ni fama. Su mensaje fue obediencia total a la voluntad de Su Padre. Su mensaje llamaba a una completa negación de la importancia de uno mismo. Su mensaje fue un mensaje de esperanza, a través de servicio. El les dijo que si querían ser los primeros deberían practicar ser los últimos. Si quieren ser importantes entonces practiquen ser servidores. El les dijo que si éllos querían vivir por siempre, hicieran lo que “Yo voy a hacer,” y ésto es morir por otros.

Nosotros podemos hacer esto poniéndonos sobre nuestras rodillas, muriendo en nuestro amor propio y nuestro espíritu rebelde, e invitando a Jesucristo a que se convierta en el Señor y Dueño de nuestras vidas. El nos dará tanto tiempo como nosotros querramos, simplemente porque El nos ama tal cual somos.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura muestra que aquéllos que buscan a Dios caminan en la luz. La segunda lectura revela que la sabiduría mundana divide y la verdadera sabiduría unifica. En el Evangelio Jesús nos dice que debemos venir a El como niños confiados.

Esta semana, habla con Dios. Cuéntale acerca de tus deseos. Busca Su aprobación por lo que piensas hacer. Pídele a El que te ayude a zafarte de tratar de buscar sólo el obtener tus deseos. Pídele que te dé verdadera sabiduría. Tus oraciones resultarán mas poderosas cuando permitas que Dios cambie tus deseos para que correspondan con Su Divina Voluntad (1 Juan 3:21-22).

 

VIGESIMOCUARTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (Sept. 15th) – CICLO B

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VIGESIMOCUARTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO – B

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?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE ISAIAS 50:4-9                                                                                                            PRIMERA LECTURA

 

(“El Señor me ayuda,”)

 

  1. ¿Qué me ha concedido el Señor y por qué razón?Isaías 50:4

 

  1. ¿Quién no puede dominar la lengua? Santiago 3:8

 

  1. ¿A qué hora te abre los oidos para que escuches? Isaías 50:4

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo ha puesto Dios las palabras en tu boca?

 

  1. ¿Qué haces cuando el Señor te abre los oidos? Isaías 50:5

 

  1. ¿Qué haces con tu espalda, mejillas y cara? Isaías 50:6

 

  1. ¿Qué le hicieron a Jesús antes de crucificarlo? Mateo 26:6,7

 

  1. ¿Por qué no se protegió a sí mismo contra los golpes y los escupitajos? Isaías 50:7

 

  1. ¿Cómo se mostraría contra los que se oponen a El, y quién viene en su ayuda? Isaías 50:8

 

  1. ¿Quién le hace justicia y que pasará con aquéllos que tratan de condenarlo? Isaías 50:9

 

  1. ¿Quién me da fuerzas y me sostiene? Isaías 41:10

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo te han perseguido por creer en Cristo aquéllos que están cerca de ti, tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o en tu iglesia?

 

TERCER DIA                                                  LEE SANTIAGO 2:14-18                                               SEGUNDA LECTURA

 

(“…te mostraré mi fe por el bien que hago.”)

 

  1. ¿Cuál es la pregunta que hace Santiago en el versículo 2:14?

 

  1. ¿Cómo nace la fe? Romanos 10:17

 

 

 

  1. ¿Qué dice Jesús acerca de escuchar únicamente Sus Palabras? Mateo 7:24-26

 

  1. ¿Qué se dice acerca de los hermanos o hermanas que no tiene comida o algo que ponerse?

Santiago 2:15-16

 

  1. ¿Comó heredan los justos el reino de Dios? Mateo 25:34-37

 

  1. ¿Como debemos amar? 1 Juan 3:17-18

 

  1. ¿Qué es la fe sin obras? Santiago 2:26

 

  1. ¿Cómo se muere el cuerpo? Santiago 2:26

 

  1. ¿Cómo demostramos nuestra fe? Santiago 2:18

 

  1. ¿El que es sabio y educado como lo demuestra? Santiago 3:13

 

 

Personal – ¿Cómo has demostrado tu fe a tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o de escuela? ¿Pueden otros dar cuenta de tus creencias por comó actúas?

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 8:27-35                                                                                                                               EVANGELIO

 

(“Tú eres el Mesías.”)

 

  1. ¿Qué preguntas les hizo Jesús a sus discípulos y qué respondieron éstos? Marcos 8:27-28

 

  1. ¿Qué preguntó Jesús específicamente a sus discípulos y qué dijo Pedro? Marcos 8:29 y tambien Juan 6:69

 

Personal – ¿Quién dices tú que es Jesús?

 

  1. ¿Qué les advirtió Jesús que no hicieran? Marcos 8:30

 

  1. ¿Qué comenzó a enseñarles? Marcos 8:31

 

  1. ¿Qué hace Cristo por ti y por qué razón? 1 Pedro 2:20-25

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has sufrido tú en este mundo?

 

  1. ¿Cómo les habló Jesús y qué hizo Pedro? Marcos 8:32

 

  1. ¿De qué modo hablaba y enseñaba Jesús? Juan 18:20

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús con Pedro, qué le dijo y a quién se dirigió especialmente? Marcos 8:33

 

  1. ¿Qué mandó Jesús a Satanás que hiciera? Marcos 8:33, tambien Mateo 4:10

 

Personal – ¿Cuando te reprenden cómo reaccionas?

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús a la muchedumbre que debía hacer aquél que deseara seguirlo? Marcos 8:34

 

  1. ¿Quien no es digno de Jesús? Mateo 10:38

 

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará con aquéllos que desean salvar sus vidas y qué pasará con los que pierdan su vida por Jesús y el Evangelio? Marcos 8:35

 

Personal – ¿Has perdido tu vida de alguna manera especial (morir negándose a sí mismo) por amor a Cristo y al Evangelio?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                 LEE SALMO 116:1-6, 8-9

 

(“El Señor defiende a los pequeños,

estaba yo sin fuerzas y me salvó.”)

 

Leé y medita el Salmo 116:1-6, 8-9.

 

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                              LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

 

                                                                                   ISAIAS 50:4-9

 

La lectura de hoy muestra la visión de Isaías del servidor que sufre, el cual prefigura lo que Jesús tomaría sobre Si mismo por nosotros: golpes, humillaciones, desgracia, etc. Isaías estaba escribiendo a gente que luchaba por su libertad de los opresores de Babilonia. Ansiosamente anticipaban la gloriosa restauracion de Jerusalén.

Es este un cuadro del último servidor, el Mesías. El profeta habla por Dios, pero el Mesías revela a Dios de un modo perfecto. Dios se valió de diversos modos para mandar Su mensaje a la gente en los tiempos del Viejo Testamento. El le habla a Isaías en visiones, a Jacob en un sueño (Génesis 28:10-22), y a Abraham y a Moisés de modo personal (Génesis 18:33, Exodo 31:18). Los Judíos que tenían conocimiento de estas historias no tenían dificultad en creer que Dios estaba todavía revelando a Su Mesías prometido.

El vibrante poema del mensaje de hoy viene de un hombre que recordaba la grandeza de Israel y abrigaba la esperanza de las poderosas promesas de Dios. Pero ese recuerdo era en si mismo un sufrimiento porque él había vivido humillado y golpeado. Las promesas de libertad que Dios le daba no eran suficientes para inspirarle valor en los momentos de opresión.

Estamos llamados a identificarnos con el héroe de Isaías, el servidor sufriente. Caminaremos en la presencia del Señor debido a nuestra fe en Jesucristo. Cuando el mundo nos esté ahorcando, el poderoso y misericordioso Señor nos soltará libres. Dios no va a titubear, seremos liberados.

Jesús es naturalmente, ese servidor sufriente. El acepta esa identidad en el mundo de hoy como verdadera, así como la aceptó en tiempos de Isaías. Isaías también nos dice que si escogemos vivir bajo nuestra propia luz y no sujetarnos a nadie, seguramente viviremos entre aflicciones. Hoy diá vemos mucha aflicción causada por la gente rebelde que en vez de buscar al Mesías busca sólo su propia sombra.

 

SANTIAGO 2:14-18

 

El pasaje de hoy nos habla de que los buenos deseos para nuestro prójimo tienen un hueco si las palabras de nuestros labios no van de acuerdo con la acción de nuestras manos. El estar de acuerdo con un conjunto de enseñanzas Cristianas de manera intelectual es una fe incompleta. La verdadera fe trae un cambio verdadero en nuestras vidas. Si nuestras vidas permanecen sin cambio, realmente no creemos lo que decimos que creemos. Vivir del modo que Dios quiere que vivamos no nos alcanza el derecho al cielo. El ser obediente a los mandamientos de Dios demuestra que nuestro compromiso con Dios es verdadero. El comportarse como Cristo, no es un substituto, sino una verificación de nuestra fe en Jesucristo.

Este pasaje de ningún modo se contradice con lo que Romanos 3:28 declara, “Somos salvados por Cristo y no por las buenas obras que hacemos.” Aun cuando es verdad que nuestras obras buenas nunca nos ganarán la salvación, la verdadera fe siempre resulta en un cambio de vida y ese cambio en la vida incluye buenas obras. La lectura de hoy muestra que no es un asunto de fe o de obras sino que por el contrario, a menos que la fe esté encarnada en una conducta efectiva la primera (fe) no es real. Es únicamente ilusión sin una fuerza salvadora (Santiago 2:18).

San Pablo habla contra aquellos que tratan de ser salvados únicamente por sus obras en vez de buscarlo a través de una fe verdadera. Santiago habla en contra de aquellos que confunden un acuerdo intelectual con la verdadera fe. La escritura nos dice que aun los demonios saben quién es Jesús, pero ellos no lo obedecen (Santiago 2:19). Santiago les está diciendo a los que le escuchan que la fe y los trabajos se refieren a ayudar en las necesidades de los pobres, los que están solos, los que no tienen hogar o tienen hambre. Si llamas a alguien hermano o hermana pero no ayudas a solucionar sus necesidades, estás viviendo una falsedad sin sentido (Santiago 2:15-17). La fe es la respuesta viva a la fuerza y presencia de Dios en nuestras vidas. El amor es una decisión y el modo en que vivimos les dice a otros lo que realmente creemos.

 

MARCOS 8:27-35

 

Este Evangelio nos muestra qué tanto nos parecemos a Pedro en el momento que fue voluble. En un momento proclama con orgullo a Jesús como el Mesías y al siguiente trata de tentar a Cristo para que abandone el instrumento de su poder mesiánico, la cruz.

Cesarea de Filipo era una ciudad especialmente pagana conocida por su adoración a dioses Griegos y sus templos estaban dedicados al antiguo dios Baal. Era el lugar oportuno para que Jesús preguntara a sus discípulos si reconocían Su identidad como el Hijo de Dios. Jesús les pregunta a los discípulos quién dicen los otros que El era, y luego Se concentra en ellos. La pregunta, “¿Quién piensan ustedes que soy yo?” fue hecha por que como los discípulos, nosotros debemos entender y aceptar para nosotros mismos que El es el Mesías. Debemos pasar de la curiosidad al compromiso, de la admiración a la adoración.

Jesús les dijo a sus discípulos que no le dijeran a nadie acerca de El, pues El sabía que aquéllos necesitaban mas enseñanzas acerca del trabajo que cumpliría a través de Su muerte y resurrección. Hoy mas que nunca, necesitamos conocer a Jesús a través de Su Palabra y pasando mas tiempo con El en oración. Cuando confesamos que Jesucristo es nuestro Señor y Salvador, tenemos que saber lo que eso nos va a costar.

Jesús habló sencilla y directamente a Sus discípulos acerca de Su muerte y resurrección. Pedro no fue capaz de entender el pensamiento de que mataran a Jesucristo y trató de convencer a Jesús para que no hiciera esta clase de declaraciones. Pedro quiso que Jesús fuera rey y no el sufriente servidor que Isaías (versículo 53) había profetizado. El estaba como muchos de nosotros hoy día, listos para recibir la gloria de seguir al Mesías, pero no la persecusión. La vida Cristiana no es un camino pavimentado hacia la abundancia y la comodidad sino algo que muchas veces involucra rechazo, dolor, soledad y enfermedad. Pedro vio sólo la mitad del cuadro. Debemos centrarnos en la resurrección que viene después de la crucifixión. Hoy hay mucha gente que se pasa la vida buscando placeres. Jesús nos dijo que el mundo del placer centrado en tener posesiones, al final de cuentas no tiene ningún valor. Sigamos a Jesús y sabremos lo que en realidad significa ser completamente humanos y completamente vivos.

 

Aplicación

 

La primera lectura nos muestra la visión de Isaías del sufriente servidor. La segunda lectura nos dice que la fe sin obras no sirve de nada. El Evangelio muestra a Pedro, que como nosotros, estaba buscando al rey en lugar del servidor.

Esta semana, deja notar tus acciones a aquéllos que tienen gran necesidad. Puede que esto sea dentro de tu familia, escuela o area de trabajo. Toma un tiempo para ayudar a alguien. Quizá puedes orar, jugar o estudiar con esa persona. Pasa un rato con alguien que esté solo, enfermo o en prisión. Que la gente diga que por el modo en que tú actúas es obvio que realmente sabes quién es Jesús.

 

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Sept. 22nd) CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ WISDOM 2:12, 17-20                           FIRST READING

(“…for according to his own words, God will take care of him.”)

  1. Who is obnoxious and for what reason? Wisdom 2:12

 

  1. What are those who are not just or virtuous waiting to see about the just man?   Wisdom 2:17

 

  1. What will happen to the just or virtuous man? Isaiah 3:10

 

  1. How are we justified? Romans 3:28

 

  1. What will happen if the just one is a son of God? Wisdom 2:18

 

  1. What did the unjust say about Jesus while he hung on the cross?   Psalm 22:9

 

  1. How do we become children of God? John 1:12

 

  1. What is done to show proof of a just man’s gentleness and patience?   Wisdom 2:19

 

  1. What is said about a man who is condemned to a shameful death?   Wisdom 2:20

 

  1. On whom do we keep our eyes fixed, and what did he endure in order that we may not grow weary and lose heart? Hebrews 12:2-3

 

Personal  –  Do you see yourself as the one always checking to see whether or not God will come through?  Are you causing hardsh­ips for others,  or are you the one being put to the test to trust God?  Reflect on this, especially when you are going through a hard­ship.

 

 

 

THIRD DAY READ JAMES 3:16 – 4:3                          SECOND READING

 

(“And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.”)

  1. What is there where jealousy and selfish ambition exist? James 3:16

 

  1. What is the wisdom from above? James 3:17

 

  1. Of whom is wisdom the spotless mirror? Wisdom 7:22-   26, concentrating on verse 26.

 

  1. What happens to those peacemakers who cultivate peace? James 3:18

 

  1. Who are called the children of God? Matthew 5:9

 

 

  1. What are the two questions asked in James 4:1?

 

 

  1. What war is going on within man? Romans 7:22-25

 

 

  1. Why do we not possess what we want? James 4:2

 

 

  1. Why, when we ask God for something, do we not receive it? James 4:3

 

 

  1. How does Jesus tell us to pray? Matthew 6:5-13

 

 

  1. Who comes to our aid and intercedes for us? Romans 8:26-27

 

Personal – In what way is this struggle or war going on within you? How can you cultivate peace in yourself so it will penetrate into your environment?

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 9:30-37      GOSPEL

 

(“Whoever received one child such as this in my name, receives me;”)

  1. As Jesus and his disciples began their journey through Galilee, what was he teaching them? Mark 9:30-31

 

 

  1. What was Peter’s reaction when Jesus began teaching them that the Son of Man would suffer, be killed, and rise on the third day?  What was the disciples’ reaction as they were journeying? Mark 8:31-32 and Mark 9:32

 

 

  1. When they came to Capernaum, what did Jesus ask his disciples?  Mark 9:33

 

 

  1. What were they discussing, and what did they say?  Mark 9:34

 

 

  1. When Jesus sat down and called the twelve, what two things did he say that the one who wishes to be first must do? Mark 9:35

 

 

  1. What did the Son of Man come to do? Matthew 20:28

 

 

  1. Who did Jesus put his arms around and place in front of his disciples? Mark 9:36

 

 

  1. To whom does God reveal things? Matthew 11:25

 

  1. What did Jesus say when he put his arms around the child? Mark 9:37

 

  1. How do we receive Jesus? Mark 9:37

 

  1. What quality of the child makes us great in the kingdom of God? Matthew 18:4

 

Personal – What qualities do you have that reveal your child-likeness to those who come in contact with you?  How can you make those qualities more dominant in you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY               READ PSALM 54:3-8

(“Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 54:3-8.

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY           READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

WISDOM 2:12,17-20

We see deeply ingrained in the lifestyles of these pagan people food (2:6-9), fun (2:10-11), and fornication (2:12-20). The question that applies to much of the world today is, have times really changed?  Since these respectable pagans did not believe in anything other than survival of the fittest, it was only logical that they should rid themselves of any annoying Hebrew moralist by condemning Him to a shameful death.

We need only look around the planet Earth today and see that faith in the one true God always arouses opposition. Faith that involves action is inconvenient to the free thinker (2:12); He pricks their pride.  The religious man avoids fellowship with them especially when they get into their foolish destructive quarrels. Because of life’s shortness, the ungodly, through their belief that might makes right, bring death for themselves and for others.  Today there are many who urge sensual gratification and encourage each other to oppress the righteous who call God their Father.

The poor, the children, the aged, the widows, the sick all represent the weak, and the ungodly believe they have no rights. Today, more than ever, the world watches and waits to see how Christians react to this kind of horror. Will God come to their aid as expected? Will God give the Christians the strength to endure the injustice?  The unrighteous do not remain passive; they continue to test the gentleness of the righteous poor to see if they are as good as claimed. They have already seen God respond in Jesus Christ, and today, through you, the power of the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus, is waiting to be released on a starving, broken, hurting, waiting world.  Jesus tells us that whatever we do to the least of his brethren, we do unto him (Matthew 25:31-46). JAMES 3:16 – 4:3

True wisdom can be measured by one’s character. As you can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can identify your wisdom by the way you act.  Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise, but acted foolishly? Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness.

There are worldly wisdom and true wisdom, and we need to know the dif­ference. Worldly wisdom wishes always to escape God’s light and sight,  but true wisdom is able to bear his scrutiny because it is always in God’s light and sight.  Worldly wisdom is clever and arrogant.  This kind of wisdom separates man from man and makes a man look with superior contempt on his fellows. There is a kind of cruel wisdom which takes delight in hurting others with clever, but cutting words. Worldly wisdom tries to seduce men away from loyalty to God. But true wisdom at all times brings men and wisdom closer to God. True wisdom is pure.

The Greek definition of wisdom is “hagnos,” and it means “pure enough to approach the gods.”  True wisdom is cleansed of ulterior motives and self and is pure enough to see God. True wisdom produces right relationships between man and God and between man and man.  We can identify a truly wise person because that person is full of mercy.  We must never forget that Christian mercy is mercy for anyone who is in trouble, even if he has brought that trouble on himself.  Christian mercy is not an emotion, it is action.

We have to ask ourselves a very blunt yet very necessary ques­tion, “What is my aim in life?  Is it to submit to the will of God or to gratify my own desires for pleasure?”  Selfish desire is at the root of all evil and ruins lives and pits man against man.  We need to ask God in prayer to help us to get rid of our selfish desires and trust him to give us what we really need.

MARK 9:30-37

Today’s Gospel gives us a tremendous example of what it takes to be a real disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have seen how Jesus had avoided as much publicity as he could because he wanted more time to be alone with his disciples. He knew that their understanding of who He really was and what His ministry really meant would take time.  Jesus wanted that to be prime time and quality time, not rushed time or sick time.

What an incredible comfort it is to know that Jesus seeks to be alone today with us as much as He did with His disciples.  He wants us to know really who he is, and he wants us to trust him completely, so that we can develop a personal loving relationship with Him.  This takes time as it is very well known that we need to know someone in order to really love that person.  The more we know, the more we love.  Jesus knows that when we really trust Him, know Him, and love Him, then and only then will we be ready to serve Him.

Jesus told his disciples in verse 29 that they would face dif­ficult situations in life that could be resolved only through prayer.  Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives. Effective prayer needs both an attitude and an action. There is no substitute for prayer, especially in circumstances that seem unconquerable. This kind of praying calls for trust, love and quality time in and with Jesus Christ.

Jesus knew very well what the disciples were discussing on the road. The disciples were puffing themselves up on who was the most impor­tant of his followers. He knew that the disciples were not ready to go out to the world and preach his message. His message was not power, not victory, and not fame. His message was total obedience to his Father’s will. His message called for complete denial of one’s own self-importance. His message was a message of hope, through service. He told the disciples that if they want to be first, then prac­tice being last, and if they want to be important, then practice being a servant. He told them that if they want to live forever, then do what I will do, and that is to die for others.

We can do that today by getting on our knees and dying to our ego and our rebellious spirit, and by inviting Jesus Christ to become the Lord and Master of our life. He will give as much time with us as we want, simply because He loves us just as we are.

Application

The first reading shows that those who seek God walk in the light.  The second reading reveals that worldly wisdom divides and true wisdom unites.  In the Gospel Jesus tells us that we are to come to him as trusting children.

This week, talk to God. Tell Him about your desires. Seek His approval for what you plan to do.   Ask Him to help you get rid of seeking only to have your desires granted.  Ask Him to give you true wisdom. Your prayers will become more powerful when you allow God to change your desire to correspond to His will. 1 John 3:21-22

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Sept. 15th) CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY              READ ISAIAH 50:4-9      FIRST READING

(“See, the Lord God is my help,”)

  1. What has the Lord God given the suffering servant, and for what reason?    Isaiah ­50:4

 

 

  1. Who cannot tame the tongue? James 3:8

 

 

  1. When does he open our ears to listen? Isaiah 50:4

 

 

Personal  –  In what way has God trained your tongue?

 

 

 

  1. When our ears are opened in the morning, what do we not do?   Isaiah 50:5

 

  1. What do we do with our back, cheeks, and face? Isaiah 50:6

 

  1. What was done to Jesus before he was crucified? Matthew 26:67

 

  1. Why did he not shield himself from buffets and spitting? Isaiah 50:7

 

  1. How will he appear before those who oppose him, and who is near? Isaiah 50:8

 

  1. Who is our help, and what will happen to those who try to prove us wrong? Isaiah 50:9

 

  1. How will God strengthen and uphold us? Isaiah 41:10

 

Personal – How have you been persecuted for your belief in Christ by those close to you, in your family, among your friends and co-workers, and in your church?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY READ JAMES 2:14-18                          SECOND READING

 

(“..I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.”)

 

  1. What is the question asked in James 2:14?

 

  1. How does faith come to you? Romans 10:17

 

  1. What did Jesus teach about listening only to his words?    Matthew 7:24,26

 

  1. What is said about a brother or sister who has nothing to wear or no food?   James 2:15-16

 

  1. How do the righteous inherit the kingdom of God? Matthew 25:34-37

 

  1. How are we to love? 1 John 3:17-18

 

  1. What is faith without works? James 2:26

 

  1. How is the body dead? James 2:26

 

  1. How do we demonstrate our faith? James 2:18

 

  1. He who is wise and understanding will show his works by what?   James 3:13

 

Personal – In what way have you demonstrated your faith to your family, friends, work acquaintances, or schoolmates?   Can others identify what you believe in by your actions?

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 8:27-35      GOSPEL

 

(“You are the Messiah.”)

 

  1. What question did Jesus ask his disciples, and what was the response? Mark 8:27-28

 

 

  1. What did Jesus specifically ask his disciples, and what did Peter say?   Mark 8:29, John 6:69

 

Personal  –  Who do you say Jesus is?

 

 

  1. What did Jesus warn them not to do? Mark 8:30

 

 

  1. What did Jesus begin to teach them? Mark 8:31

 

 

  1. What did Christ do for us, and for what reason? 1 Peter 2:20-25

 

 

Personal  –  How have you suffered in this world?

 

 

 

  1. How did Jesus speak to them, and what did Peter do? Mark 8:32

 

  1. How did Jesus always speak and teach? John 18:20

 

  1. What did Jesus do to Peter, what did he say to him, and whom did he specifically address?   Mark 8:33

 

  1. What does Jesus command Satan to do? Mark 8:33, Matthew 4:10

 

Personal  –  What has your reaction been to being rebuked?

 

 

  1. What did Jesus tell the crowd the one who wishes to come after him must do?    Mark 8:34

 

  1. Who is not worthy of Jesus? Matthew 10:38

 

  1. What will happen to those who wish to save their life, and what will happen to those who lose their life for Jesus and the Gospel?   Mark 8:35

 

Personal  –  In what specific way have you lost your life (died to self) for the sake of Christ and the Gospel?

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 116:1-6, 8-9

(“The Lord keeps the little ones, I was brought low and he saved me.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9.

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 50:4-9

Today’s reading shows Isaiah’s vision of the suffering servant which prefigures what Jesus will take upon Himself for our sakes: beatings, humiliation, disgrace, etc.  Isaiah was writing to a people struggling for freedom from their Babylonian oppressors. They were eagerly anticipating Jerusalem’s glorious restoration.

This is a picture of the ultimate servant, the Messiah. The prophet speaks for God, but the Messiah reveals God perfectly. God used many approaches to send his message to people in Old Testament times. He spoke to Isaiah in visions, to Jacob in a dream (Genesis 28:10-22), and to Abraham and Moses personally (Genesis 18:33, Exodus 31:18). Jewish people familiar with these stories would not have found it hard to believe that God was still revealing his promised Messiah.

The vibrant poem of today’s passage comes from a man who remembered Israel’s greatness and cherished God’s powerful promises. But that memory was itself a suffering because he lived humiliated and beaten down. God’s promise of freedom was enough to inspire his bravery in the face of oppression.

We are called to identify with Isaiah’s hero, the suffering servant. We will walk in the presence of the Lord because of our faith in Jesus Christ. The world’s choke-hold on us will be struck loose by a powerful and merciful Lord. God is not about to stumble, and we shall all be free.

Jesus is, of course, that suffering servant. He accepts the identity in today’s world as true as he accepted it in Isaiah’s time. Isaiah also tells us that if we choose to live in our own light and be subject to no one, then we surely will live among the sorrows. Today, we see much sorrow caused by a rebellious people who look not for the Messiah, but only to their own shadow.

JAMES 2:14-18

Today’s passage tells us that well-wishing to our neighbors has a hollow ring if the words of our lips are not matched by the action of our hands. Agreement with a set of Christian teachings, intellectually, is incomplete faith. True faith brings about a real change in our lives. If our lives remain unchanged, we do not truly believe the truths we claim to believe. Living the way God wants us to live does not earn our way into heaven. Being obedient to the commands of Jesus Christ does show that our commitment to God is real. Christ-like conduct is not a sub­stitute for, but a verifica­tion of, our faith in Jesus Christ.

This passage in no way is a contradiction of Romans 3:28 which states, “We are saved by Christ and not the good things we do.”  While it is true that our good works can never earn salva­tion, true faith always results in a changed life and that changed life includes good works.  Today’s reading shows us that it is not a matter of faith or works; rather, unless faith is incar­nate in actual behavior, it has no reality. It remains an il­lusion, with no power to save (James 2:18).

St. Paul speaks against those who try to be saved by works alone instead of true faith. James speaks against those who confuse intellectual agreement with true faith. Scripture tells us that even demons know who Jesus is, but they do not obey him (James 2:19).  James is telling his listeners that faith and works are a matter of meeting the needs of the poor, lonely, homeless and hungry. If we call someone brother or sister but dismiss their needs, we are living a meaningless sham (James 2:15-17). Faith is the living response to the power and presence of God in our life.  Love is a decision, and the way we live tells others what we really believe.

MARK 8:27-35

This Gospel shows us how much we relate to Peter in his moment of fickleness. One moment he proudly proclaims Jesus as Messiah and in the next tempts Christ to abandon the instrument of his messianic power, the cross.

Caesarea Philippi was an especially pagan city known for its worship of Greek gods.  Its temples were devoted to the ancient god Baal.  It was a fitting place for Jesus to ask the disciples to recognize his identity as the Son of God. Jesus asked the dis­ciples who others thought he was, then he focused on them. The question, “Who do you think I am?” was asked because, like the disciples, we must understand and accept for ourselves that he is the Messiah. We must move from curiosity to commit­ment, from admiration to adoration.

Jesus told his disciples not to tell anyone about him because he knew that they needed more instruction about the work he would accomplish through his death and resurrection. Today more than ever, we need to know Jesus through his Word and through spending time alone with him in prayer. When we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we need to know what that will cost us.

Jesus spoke plainly and directly to his disciples about his death and resurrection. Peter was not able to handle the thought of Jesus being put to death and tried to talk Jesus out of making these kinds of statements. Peter wanted Jesus to be king, but not the suffering servant prophesied in Isaiah 53. He was like many of us today, ready to receive the glory of following the Messiah, but not the persecution. The Christian life is not a paved road to wealth and ease, but often involves rejection, pain, loneli­ness, and sickness. Peter saw only part of the picture. We need to focus on the resurrection that follows the crucifixion. Today many people spend their lives seeking pleasure. Jesus told us that the world of pleasure centered on possessions is ultimately worthless.  Follow Jesus, and we will know what it really means to be fully human and fully alive.

Application

The first reading shows us Isaiah’s vision of the suffering servant.  The second reading tells us that faith without works is useless.  The Gospel shows Peter, like us, looking for the king instead of the servant.

This week, let your actions be seen by those who are in great need. This may be right in your family, school or work area. Take time to help someone. Maybe pray, play, or study with them. Spend some time with someone who is lonely, sick or in prison. Let people say that by the way you act it is obvious that you really know who Jesus is.

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – (Sept. 8th) CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY              READ ISAIAH 35:4-7 FIRST READING

(“Be strong, fear not!”)

 

  1. What is said for those whose hearts are frightened? Isaiah 35:4

 

  1. What has God come to do for us? Isaiah 35:4

 

  1. Why should we not be afraid? Isaiah 41:10

 

 

  1. Where do we get our strength? Ephesians 6:10

 

 

  1. What will happen to the blind and the deaf when God comes? Isaiah 35:5

 

 

  1. What will happen to the lame and the dumb? Isaiah 35:6

 

 

  1. What was Jesus’ message to John? Matthew 11:4-5

 

 

  1. What did Jesus do as the crowds came to him, and what was their reaction? Matthew 15:29-31

 

 

  1. What will happen to the burning sands and the thirsty ground? Isaiah 35:7

 

 

  1. Who will remain in the parched land? Psalm 68:7

 

 

Personal – What do you say to a family member or a friend when they are frightened?  What can you say or do when you become frightened, drawing reference from the above scripture passage?

 

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                READ JAMES 2:1-5    SECOND READING

 

(“..show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.”)

 

  1. What should we not do to one another? James 2:1

 

 

  1. What does God not do? Acts 10:34

 

 

  1. What have we done if we pay attention to the one wearing fine clothes and not to the one wearing shabby clothes? James 2:2-4

 

 

  1. How should we judge? John 7:24

 

 

  1. Whom did the Lord choose to be rich in faith?   James 2:5

 

 

  1. Whom did God choose to shame the wise and the strong of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

 

 

  1. Who chose us, and what did he choose us to do? John 15:16

 

 

  1. What did God promise to those who love him? James 2:5, James 1:12

 

 

  1. How do we prove our love for God? 1 John 4:20-21

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Personal – When you are at a gathering, whom do you prefer to be around?  Reflect on this.  Be honest, and repent if need be.

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 7:31-37      GOSPEL

 

(“And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.”)

 

  1. Where did Jesus go, and what was wrong with the man the people brought to him? Mark 7:31-32

 

 

  1. What did the people beg Jesus to do? Mark 7:32

 

 

  1. Where did Jesus take the man, and what did he do?   Mark 7:33

 

 

  1. Where did Jesus look, and what did he say? Mark 7:34

 

 

  1. When Jesus raised his eyes, what did he say? John 11:41

 

 

  1. What happened to the man, and how long did it take for this to happen? Mark 7:35

 

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say those who believe in him would do? John 14:12

 

 

  1. What did Jesus order the people not to do, and what was their response? Mark 7:36

 

 

  1. About what were the people astonished? Mark 7:37

 

 

  1. What did the people do who heard the mute speak, and saw the deformed made whole, the lame walk, and the blind see?  Matthew 15:31

 

 

 

Personal – In what way can you show faith in someone being healed in your crowd?   What can you do that is different from what you have already done? How can you be an instrument in the glorifica­tion of God by others?

 

 

 

 

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      ISAIAH 35:4-7

This passage is filled with tremendous hope for all of us today as well as it was for the people in Isaiah’s time. It is the message that the Lord’s crippled people will be whole again. The chapter is a beautiful picture of the final kingdom in which God will establish His justice and destroy all evil.

Isaiah had spoken about a time when God will judge all people for their actions, and in Chapter 35, he tells us about when life will be peaceful at last.  The bleak times in our lives will be made into springs with the life-giving water of Jesus Christ (John 4:10).

The people in today’s passage were being encouraged not to give up hope, that soon a messiah would deliver them from bond­age.  The people would soon be reunited with their families, and prison­ers would be released from jail and allowed to go home.  God will be praised for his protection and provisions.  Their sick were to be healed.  The lame would soon be able to walk.  The blind would be able to see, and the mute would shout and laugh with joy.  Yet, in the middle of all this excitement and praise, there was also the warning that the rebellious would continue to be left in distress.

Today we have seen that prophecy come true in the presence of Jesus Christ.  He has set the captives free, and He has given sight to the blind. He has freed mankind from the darkness of death, and He has given all of us the incredible gift of being able to see him in all of his brilliant light of love. Jesus has come and borne our sicknesses and inequities (Matt. 8:17). He has healed us through his death and resurrection. We do not have to look and hope into the future for help. We have it in our posses­sion now. We have within us the Holy Spirit, and He is greater than any other spirit in the world (1 John 4:4).  Jesus is our healer, our past, our present, and our future. He is Lord.

JAMES 2:1-5

James is telling us that commitment is an essential part of faith. We cannot be a Christian just by following the laws of some doctrine or agreeing with biblical statement. We must commit our mind and heart to Christ.  Good works are the evidence of true faith, the essence of one who says “Amen.”  They are the works of a believer, and we do not do good things to become good.  We do good things because of the goodness that is within us (1 John 4:4).  A real Christian will have a changed life. Faith without good works does not do anybody any good;  it is useless (James 2:14-17).

Paul strongly states that the purpose of faith is to bring salvation. He also reveals that the result of faith is a changed life.  James cautions his hearers to avoid partiality. He empha­sizes that the poor are a special object of God’s care. A common error today that is made by many Christians is treating a well dressed, impressive looking person better than someone who looks poor.  This is done because most people would rather identify with successful people than apparent failures.  Many of the rich and successful find it hard to identify with the Lord Jesus who came as a humble servant.

We need to ask ourselves a very brutal question. Are we partial to the “successful” while ignoring the possible failures? We call this prejudice sin. God views all people as equals, and if indeed He has favorites, it is the poor and the powerless. We need to realize the error of judging a person by economic stature or his educational achievements or wealth. This may mean that the person had the good fortune of being born into a family of wealth and power. We need to make sure that we do not seek people to join us just for their money.

James speaks out very strongly about helping the poor.  Many times, we may foolishly assume that because people have wealth and power that they can change the circumstances of the event.  We must always remember one of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride. For the poor, it is bitterness.  We must never assume that the poor will automatically go to heaven and the rich will go to hell.  The poor,  however,  are usually more aware of their powerlessness  and are usually more open to ac­knowledge their need for Jesus Christ.

MARK 7:31-37

Today’s gospel passage takes place as Jesus enters into the territory around the Sea of Galilee. This long journey together was very helpful in bringing a bond among all of them as they ap­proached the end of Jesus’ very short ministry.

The people brought to Jesus a man who could not speak or hear, and Jesus, being very conscious of the man’s dignity, led the man away from the curious crowd and laid his hands on him to heal him. The healing was done at the request of unnamed friends, and it was what today is called an “action-miracle.”  Jesus did what many Greeks and Hebrew healers did at that time, and that was to use saliva. He immediately established contact with the damaged organs, looks up in prayer and utters a command. Jesus used an Aramaic word, “Ephphatha”  which means open,  and the man’s ears were at once opened.  Jesus put his hand in the man’s ears and touched his tongue with his spittle. The custom in those days allowed for spittle to have curative powers.  Jesus did not consider this man to be merely a case, he considered him as an individual and was healing him from within as well as on the outside. Mark tells us the onlookers were astonished by what they saw.  Much more certain is that in their wonderment the people were recall­ing the signs of the last times told by Isaiah (Isaiah 35:5).

Today Jesus continues to heal the broken hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits of all people.  He continues to bring salva­tion to all who will turn to him in their hour of darkness and pain.  Jesus had done all things well,  and he wants to make you well for eternity.  Let him come into your life right now and heal you of what is crippling you.  Today, Jesus is bringing back the beauty of God to the world,  which sin has made ugly.

Application

The first reading tells us the “Good News” is the message of “Hope.” The second reading shows that faith without works is useless. The Gospel reveals that Jesus is a hands-on healer who is gentle.

This week, let your faith be visible to your family. Let your actions be a sign of what you really believe. Show a family member a side of you that prays, reads scripture, meditates, and worships with joy.  Better yet, invite a family member or friend or school or work associate to pray with you or go to a worship service with you. Remember, God wants to heal others through you. All you have to do is be available.

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Sept. 1st) – CYCLE B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE B

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?

 

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

 

SECOND DAY    READ DEUTERONOMY 4:1-2, 6-8     FIRST READING

 

(“This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.”)

 

  1. What is Moses telling the Israelites to observe, and what will happen if they observe them? Deuteronomy 4:1

 

  1. As the Israelites observe the commandments enjoined upon them, what are they not to do? Deuteronomy 4:2,    Deut.13:1

 

 

  1. What will happen to us if we add to God’s words? Proverbs 30:6

 

 

  1. By observing his commands carefully, we will be giving evidence of having what two things? Deuteronomy 4:6

 

 

 

  1. To whom will we be giving this evidence, and what will they say? Deuteronomy 4:6

 

  1. To what is this wonder capable of leading us? 2 Timothy 3:15

 

 

  1. What is the Lord, Our God, to us whenever we call upon him? Deuteronomy(4:7)

 

  1. What is being set before the Israelites this day, and what is said about it? Deuteronomy 4:8

 

  1. What are God’s commandments? Psalm 119:144, 172

 

  1. What are God’s ways of doing things? Revelation 15:3

 

Personal – In what way do you show wisdom and intelligence to those with whom you come in contact?  What are you contributing to your nation?

 

 

THIRD DAY    READ JAMES 1:17-18, 21-22, 27                          SECOND READING

 

(“Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.”)

 

  1. From where does every good and perfect gift come? James 1:17

 

 

  1. What is God, and what is not in him? James 1:17, 1 John 1:5

 

  1. What did God will to give us, and how did he do this? James 1:18

 

  1. How have we been born? 1 Peter 1:23

 

  1. Of what are we to rid ourselves, and what are we to welcome? James 1:21

 

 

Personal – How has the study of God’s Holy Word been a saving grace to you?

 

  1. How can we deceive or delude our self? James 1:22

 

 

  1. Who is the wise man, and who is the fool? Matthew 7:24-27

 

 

  1. Who will be justified? Romans 2:13

 

 

  1. What is religion that is pure and undefiled before God? James 1:27

 

 

  1. How do we escape the defilement of the world? 2 Peter 2:20

 

 

Personal – Who are the orphans and widows in your neighborhood, and how have you cared for them?  How have you kept yourself unstained by the world?

 

 

FOURTH DAY        READ MARK 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 GOSPEL

 

(“Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.”)

 

  1. Who gathered around Jesus, and what did they observe? Mark7:1-2

 

 

  1. What tradition did the Pharisees and all Jews keep? Mark 7:3-4

 

 

  1. About what did the Pharisees and scribes question Jesus, and about whom did Isaiah prophesy? Mark 7:5-6

 

  1. With what did Isaiah say these hypocrites honored him, and what was far from him?  Mark 7:6, Isaiah 29:13.

 

 

Use a dictionary and write out the definition of hypocrite.

 

  1. What is the first thing a hypocrite should do?  Matthew 7:5

 

 

  1. In what way do they worship God, and what do they teach? Mark 7:7

 

 

  1. What do the hypocrites disregard, and to what do they cling? Mark 7:8

 

 

  1. What did Jesus say defiles or makes a person unclean, and what does not defile that person? Mark 7:14-15

 

 

  1. What happens to that which enters the mouth, and from where does that come which comes out of the mouth?  Mark 7:18-20

 

 

  1. What comes from the heart, and what do these evils do? Mark 7:21-23

 

 

Personal – How much time do you spend on what goes into your mouth, and how much time do you spend on what comes out of your mouth?  How can you better deal with what comes out of your mouth?

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY               READ PSALM 15:2-5

(“He who does these things shall never be disturbed.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 15:2-5.

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY           READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

DEUTERONOMY 4:1-2, 6-8

In today’s reading Moses emphasizes the Law and Israel’s exalted status among the nations.  The Law was considered a blessing and a source of life, only if it was to be accepted and enforced with equal respect for all.  There was a great cry by the people to change some of the laws, and Moses told them that these laws were the work of God and therefore complete. Moses knew that mankind, with its limited wisdom and knowledge, could not do an editing job on God’s perfect law.  Moses knew that to make changes in God’s law is to assume a position of authority over God.

The religious leaders at the time of Christ did exactly that. They elevated their own laws to the same level as God’s. Moses said that a reputation for wisdom comes only by obeying God’s Holy Word. Today, we see many religious leaders in many countries trying to impress the people with how smart they are, how talented they are and with the size of their churches. The most authentic way to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ is not becoming colorful and exciting, not becoming rich or successful, but through obedience to God’s Holy Word, his sacraments, and the fellowship of a faith-filled community.

Do you fall into the trap of trying to make others think that you are intelligent, resourceful and very religious?  Do you try to be up on almost every subject, especially the subject of theology and administration?  Remember, in Christianity it is not what you do, it is whom you know.  If you really know Christ, then you will be seeking his guidance on every aspect of your life. When you come to know Christ, then and only then, will you be able to understand the difference between the law of rigidity and the law of love.

JAMES 1:17-18, 21-22, 27

In today’s passage, we hear James calling these first-genera­tion Christians who believed in Jesus Christ as the Messiah “The first children in God’s new family.”  We are called to be lis­teners and doers of the word.  When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think only our ideas have any lasting value.

We read in today’s passage’s that it is important to know what God’s word says, but it is much more important to obey it.  Our behavior and attitude reflect the effectiveness of our bible reading and study time. The message of obedience calls for a response, and it is in this responsive action of being a doer of God’s Holy Word that brings us real freedom.

Scripture is often called God’s law for free men or the law of liberty.  God’s law points out the sin in our lives and gives us the opportunity to ask God’s forgiveness (Rom. 7:7-8). We know that as Christians, we are saved by God’s grace and not by any of our own doing.  Because of God’s grace we can live a holy life, and not by any of our own doing. This grace of God has given us the gift of salvation, which includes freedom from sin’s control. As believers, we are free to live as we should and in his grace we can. However, we are not free to live as we please, but rather, in our gratitude to Christ, by following his commandments of loving one another  as He has loved us. (John 13:34). We see that in today’s world it is not enough just to “talk the talk,” but we have to “walk the walk” of Christ, and that means loving others with actions as well as with good intentions.

The first century of the new church was a time of physical, emotional and spiritual help for the powerless in the new Chris­tian communities.  By caring for these defenseless people, the church put God’s words into practice.  They gave because it was needed, not hoping for a return.  The early church showed what it means to serve others, and today Jesus Christ is calling us to be doers of the word, not just listeners.  Jesus himself tells us, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:31-46).

 

MARK 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Today’s Gospel shows the tremendous importance of the dif­ference between Jesus and the Pharisees and the experts of the Law. The religious leaders sent some investigators to check up on Jesus, and they did not like what they found. Jesus scolded them for keeping the Law in order to look holy instead of to honor God.  The prophet Isaiah accused the religious leaders of his day of the same thing (Isaiah 29:13), and Jesus used Isaiah’s words to accuse these men.

Mark explained some Jewish rituals because he was writing to a non-Jewish audience.  About four or five centuries before Christ, there came into being a class of legal experts on Jewish law, whom we know as the scribes. The scribes reflected on the great moral principles of the Ten Commandments and broke them down into hundreds of little rules and regulations. These rules were called “The Oral Laws” and they later were written down and known as the “Mishnah.”  Jesus told them that ceremonial cleanness did not purify the heart. To fail to achieve this ceremonial clean­ness of washing this or that properly in Jewish eyes, was not to be guilty of bad manners, but to be unclean in the sight of God. The man who ate with unclean hands was subject to the attacks of a demon called “Shibta.”  To many Pharisaical and scribal Jews, religion was ritual, ceremonial and regulations. It was because Jesus considered God’s laws more important than all these regulations that they considered him bad and dangerous.

Jesus saw religion as loving God and loving his fellowman, and the scribes saw religion as rules and regulations. Jesus accused them of hypocrisy.  Hypocrisy means “actor,” but it goes beyond acting on the stage. It means acting without any sincerity behind it all.  Jesus struck at the core of hypocrisy by saying that love, not legalism, is the core of religion. Legalism takes account of a man’s outward actions; but it takes no account at all of his inward feelings. We may serve God outwardly and bluntly disobey God in inward things, and that is hypocrisy. We become hypocrites when we pay more attention to reputation than to character. True religion must always come from the simple listening and accepting of the voice of God. Jesus tells us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through me.” (John 14:6).

Application

The first reading tells us that we have a God who is always near.  The second reading shows that we are called to be “doers” of the word.  The Gospel reveals that Jesus goes way beyond legalism.

This week show your family, school friends, or work asso­ciates that what you do is morally right, not just what you say. Show your family members especially, that your image is of one who is yielding, bending, and open to God’s grace, not one who is locked in a legalistic rigidity of rules and regulations.