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Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 18th) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ ISAIAH 45:1, 4-6 FIRST READING

(“I have called you by your name.”)

l. What does the Lord say to Cyrus, and what does he grasp? Isaiah 45:1

 

2. What does the Lord say he has done for Cyrus, and what has Cyrus done for the Lord?  Isaiah 45:1, Isaiah 44:28

 

Personal – What have you done for the Lord, and what has he done for you?

 

3. Who are God’s chosen ones, and how have they been called? Isaiah 45:4

 

4. What does God give Cyrus even though Cyrus did not know him? Isaiah 45:4

 

5. What are we not to do and for what reason? Isaiah 43:1

 

6. Where is our name written?   Isaiah 49:16

 

7. Who does the Lord say there is none other besides him? Isaiah 45:5

 

8. Even though we do not know him, what does he do for us? Isaiah 45:5

 

9. Why does the Lord arm those who do not know him? Isaiah 45:6,14

 

10. What does the Lord use to bring his message to Balaam? Numbers 22:28-35

 

Personal – What and how have you been anointed? What is the message you are to bring to your family, friends, schoolmates, and work acquaintances?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5 SECOND READING

(“For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone,”)

1. With what and in whose names are Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greeting the Church of Thessalonica? 1 Thessalonians 1:1

 

2. How do we receive grace?   John 1:16-17

 

3. What did Jesus tell his disciples he would be leaving them? John 14:27

 

4. How is Paul remembering the Church of the Thessalonians, and how often does he give thanks for them?  1 Thessalonians 1:2

 

Personal – This past week, how often did you thank God and pray for the specific church in your area, your parish, and your diocese?

 

5. What work of ______________, labor of _________________, and endurance in ______________ were they calling to mind, and before whom is it done?  1 Thessalonians 1:3

 

6. How does God feel about the Church of Thessalonica, and what has he done for them?   1 Thessalonians 1:4

 

7. What four ways did the Gospel come to them? 1 Thess. 1:5

 

8. The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who does what?   Romans 1:16

 

9. What was further proof to the Church of Thessalonica of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s message? 1 Thessalonians 1:6

 

10. What did Christ Jesus display in Paul, and for what reason? 1 Timothy 1:16

 

Personal – In what way have you spread the Gospel message in word, power, the Holy Spirit, and with conviction to those around you? Be specific, and share with someone.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 22:15-21 GOSPEL

(“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God, what belongs to God.”)

1. What did the Pharisees go off and plot?  Matthew 22:15

 

2. Who was a Pharisee, and how is he described? Acts 5:34

 

3. Whom did the Pharisees send to Jesus with the Herodians? How did they address him, what did they call him, and how did they say he taught? Matthew 22:16

 

4. What does Jesus say about himself?   John 14:6

 

5. With what is Jesus not concerned, and what does he not regard?   Matthew 22:16

 

6. What does God not have and accept?   Deuteronomy 10:17

 

7. What was Jesus’ answer to the question, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not? Matthew 22:17-19

 

8. What did Jesus call the Pharisee’s that were questioning him?  Matthew 22:18

 

9. When we walk in the truth, with whom do we not stay? With whom do we not consort?   Psalm 26:3-4

 

Personal – How do you know who the hypocrites are in your life? Read 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and see one of the traits of a hypocrite in Verse 2.

 

10. What did Jesus say to them, and what did they reply? Matthew 22:20-21

 

11. What did Jesus say to repay to Caesar, and what did he say to repay to God?   Matthew 22:21

 

Personal – How have you been able to discern what you are to give to Caesar (your government)? What are you to give to God?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 96:1, 3-5, 7-10

(“Tell his glory among the nations,”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 96: 1, 3-5, 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 45: 1, 4-6

This is the only place in the bible where a pagan ruler is called “anointed.” God is the power over all powers, and he anoints whom he chooses for his special assignments. Cyrus’ kingdom was the largest of the then-known world. God chose Cyrus to be the instrument in his plan. Cyrus would allow God’s city of Jerusalem to be rebuilt, and he would set the exiles free without expecting anything in return. There were very few kings of Israel or Judah that had done as much for God’s people as Cyrus.

This is a tremendous show of God’s sovereignty over all people. He had chosen this pagan king to be instrumental in restoring God’s chosen people to their homeland. Cyrus was a disciple of the pagan god called Bel-Marduk. This religion was very active in prostitution and child sacrifice. Its adherents worshiped in Babylon, and the god’s name stood for weather, war, and sun god.

The title “anointed one” was used for priests, prophets, and kings in the Old Testament. Every Christian is anointed priest, prophet, and king through the sacrament of Baptism. We need to ask ourselves what we have done with our gift of anointing. Do other people see us as one who sacrifices our wants to help others? Do we attend church regularly and receive the Holy Eucharist on a regular basis? Are we proclaiming God’s Holy Word like a prophet in our families, at school or work? Do we rule in our home, school, or job, like a king who is compassionate, just and very merciful?

We come back to the question of why would God anoint someone like Cyrus? He was a pagan, and the Lord not only anointed him, he also armed him. The Lord subdued nations before him. He opened many doors for Cyrus and, as a result, Cyrus became very popular. Through Cyrus, the Lord has shown that nothing is outside of the scope of his power.

The power of the Lord is not to be denied to anyone. Your name is engraved in the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49:15), and he will work through you if you will let him. Cyrus did not even know who God was. Balaam’s donkey knew who he was, and finally, even Balaam understood the message that “there is no one else beside me,” said the Lord (Numbers 22:28-35).

Do people see the power of God working in you? Do you see the power of God working in your life? Stop now and ask him to allow you to experience his love and gentleness. God is our fortress, refuge, and rock (Psalm 91).

 

1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5

Thessalonica was the place of the first Christian church in Greece founded by Paul in about 50 A.D. However, Paul had to leave in a great hurry because his life and the lives of his companions were threatened (Acts 17:1-10). Paul made a brief visit there later, and the new believers were growing fast and firm in their new faith. Paul wrote this letter to answer some of their questions, and he commended them on their faithfulness to the Good News. Timothy and Silvanus were of great help to Paul in getting the new church on its feet.

Thessalonica was the capitol of Macedonia and was one of the wealthiest cities in the region. The city was allowed self-rule and with that came many pagan religions and cultural influences that seriously challenged the faith of the young Christians there. Persecution only made the believers stand even more committed to their faith.

The power of the Holy Spirit changes people when they believe in God’s Holy Word. When we tell others about Jesus, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and convince them that they need salvation. This is what happened in Thessalonica. We must remember, his power changes people, not our cleverness or persuasion. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, our words are meaningless.

The Good News produced a powerful effect upon the Thessalonians. Whenever and wherever the Word of God is heard and obeyed, lives are changed. We must always remember that Christianity is more than just a collection of interesting facts; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Paul told them our very lives were further proof (Vs. 5). They could see that what Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus were preaching was true, because they lived it. Does your life confirm or contradict what you say you believe?

 

MATTHEW 22:15-21

The Pharisees were a religious sect of Jews who aimed to keep the Mosaic law in all of its strict interpretations. They had many followers among the elite, and they kept strictly aloof from the ordinary people. They were opposed to Christ from the beginning of his public preaching because he came to “call sinners” and he associated freely with them.

Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites because, while they pretended outwardly to be strictly religious, they were lacking true religion in their hearts, love of God and neighbor, and humility. Jesus clearly tells them and us with his answer to “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s,” that the government has a right to expect obedience and cooperation in all things that tend to the material welfare of the state, provided the spiritual welfare of the members is not impeded by the government. This is where the hypocrisy that Jesus speaks about is so common. Many people try to figure out ways to cheat the government out of the tax money that is due. People will justify their actions by making all kinds of excuses about why the government does not need the money.

Jesus tells us that we have to be truthful in all matters of our lives. We are called to be truthful in our relationships with our families, in our jobs and with our government. Cheating on income tax is a very common form of acceptable hypocrisy. Jesus also tells the Pharisees that putting the law above the common good of the people is also hypocritical. Jesus knew very well that they were trying to trap him, but he still did not shy away from his conviction of being truthful. A hypocrite is a person who is deceitful and who depends on lying. He appears to be a so-called “good person,” but is loaded with sinful intentions. Jesus really spoke out strongly against hypocrites.

You and I have to choose between God’s laws or man’s laws (Acts 5:29). We need to show that the way we live is the way we believe. Our example of loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves will be the strength of all nations.

 

Application

This week’s first reading shows that God will use anyone to fulfill his plan for his people. The second reading shows that a strong faith is needed to endure persecution and death. The Gospel reveals that Jesus came for the sick, lonely, and oppressed, and he deflated the hypocrites with their trickery.

This week get involved with a project, such as the pro-life cause, that affects your community. Invite someone from your school or work to go with you. Share your feelings with someone close to you about your discoveries working on that project.

Vigesimooctavo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (11 de Octubre) – Ciclo A

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA ISAIAS 25:6-10 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“El Señor Dios enjugará las lágrimas de todos los rostros.”)

1. ¿A quién proveerá el Señor en esta montaña?  Isaías 25:6

 

2. ¿Qué será lo que el Señor preparará?  Isaías 25:6

 

3. ¿Qué será lo que quitará en esta montaña?  Isaías 25:7

 

4. ¿Qué destruirá el Señor para siempre?  Isaías 25:8

 

5. ¿Quién ha pasado de la muerte a la vida?  Juan 5:24

 

6. ¿Qué enjugará el Señor de todos los rostros?  Isaías 25:8

 

7. ¿Quién te guiará hacia el agua que da la vida?  Apocalipsis 7:17

 

8. ¿Qué le devolverá el Señor a Su pueblo?  Isaías 25:8

 

9. ¿Qué será dicho ese día y por qué deberemos estar contentos y alegrarnos?  Isaías 25:9

 

10. ¿Por qué razón envió El Padre a Su Hijo a este mundo?  1 Juan 4:14

 

11. ¿En donde se nota la mano del Señor?  Isaías 25:10

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has pasado de la muerte a la vida aquí y ahora?  ¿De que modo has percibido algo del cielo aquí en la tierra?  ¿Cómo puedes aplicar en tu vida este pasaje de las Escrituras para enjugar tus lágrimas?

 

 

TERCER DIA FILIPENSES 4:12-14, 19-20 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Todo lo puedo en aquel que me fortalece.”)

1. ¿Cuáles eran las circunstancias en que Pablo sabía vivir?  Filipenses 4:12

 

2. ¿Para qué estaba preparado y cuál era el secreto que Pablo aprendió para todas las cosas y en todas las circunstancias?  Filipenses 4:12

 

3. ¿Qué hacía Pablo cuando lo ridiculizaban o perseguían?  1 Corintios 4:11-13

 

4. ¿Para qué tenía fuerzas Pablo y donde las conseguía?  Filipenses 4:13

 

5. ¿Por qué Pablo prefería vanagloriarse de su debilidad?  2 Corintios 12:9

 

6. ¿Qué dijo Pablo que estaba bien que hicieran los Filipenses?  Filipenses 4:14

 

7. ¿Cómo somos fortalecidos?  Efesios 3:16

 

8. ¿Por qué el Señor estaba con Pablo y le dio su fuerza?  2 Timoteo 4:17

 

9. ¿De acuerdo con quién y cómo proveerá Dios lo que necesitas?  Filipenses 4:19

 

10. ¿Con qué puede Dios colmarnos y por qué?  2 Corintios 9:8

 

11. ¿A qué te lleva la bondad de Dios?  Romanos 2:4

 

12. ¿Que es dado a Nuestro Dios y Padre?  Filipenses 4:20

 

Personal – ¿Dónde buscas la fuerza para salir adelante cada día?  ¿Cuando tienes un problema en quién confías?  ¿Cómo respondes cuando te persiguen o ridiculizan?

 

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 22:1-14 EVANGELIO

(“Muchos son los llamados, pocos los escogidos.”)

1. ¿Como hablaba Jesús y quién lo escuchaba?  Mateo 22:1 y Mateo 21:45

 

2. ¿A qué comparaba Jesús el Reino de los Cielos?  ¿Para quién era la celebración?  Mateo 22:2

 

3. ¿Qué pasó cuando el rey llamó a los invitados a la fiesta?  Mateo 22:3

 

4. ¿Cuando el rey mandó a sus sirvientes por segunda vez diciendo que todo estaba listo, qué hicieron algunos de los invitados?  Mateo 22:4-6

 

5. ¿Cuál fue la reacción del rey y que ordenó hacer?  Mateo 22:7

 

6. ¿Cuando la fiesta estaba lista, quiénes eran indignos de asistir, a quien mandó el rey invitar después? Mateo 22:8-9

 

7. ¿Con quién se llenó la sala y cuando el rey vino que vio?  Mateo 22:10-11

 

8. ¿Con qué ropas me vistió y con qué me abrigó?  Isaías 61:10

 

9. ¿De quién nos hemos revestido?   Gálatas 3:27

 

10. ¿Cómo habló el rey al hombre que no tenía ropas de boda y cómo reaccionó este último?  Mateo 22:12

 

11. ¿Qué les dijo el rey a los sirvientes que debían hacer con ese hombre?  Mateo 22:13

 

12. ¿Cuántos son los invitados y cuántos los escogidos?  Mateo 22:14

 

13. ¿Cuáles son las tres características de aquellos que siguen al Señor?  Apocalipsis 17:14

 

Personal – ¿Diariamente, cuando te encuentras con el Señor, como estás vestido?  ¿Cómo festejas Su Palabra? ¿Eres fiel a ella cuando la participas con tu familia, amigos, compañeros de trabajo o amigos de la escuela?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 23:1-6

(“Y Adonde brota agua fresca me conduce.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 23:1-6.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

ISAIAS 25:6-10

El mensaje de esta lectura viene de una profecía de más o menos 700 años antes de que Cristo viniera a la tierra.  Isaías describe el resultado de esa venida del Mesías de un modo muy hermoso con la imagen de un magnífico banquete.  En este banquete todos los que tomaban parte encontrarían contento y felicidad para siempre.  Isaías se refería por supuesto al cielo, la etapa segunda y final del reino Mesiánico. En el cielo, todos los deseos serán buenos y la felicidad será satisfecha.  La realidad es que lo que Isaías predijo, Jesús lo hizo verdad.

Jesús destruyó el poder de la muerte muriendo en la cruz por nosotros y con Su muerte se nos dio la victoria sobre la muerte.  Debido a la victoria de Jesús, no hay más velos de temor sobre la muerte para todos los que creen en El.  Por medio de su muerte Jesús nos hizo sus hermanos y hermanas y coherederos del cielo con El.  Debido a esto tú y yo hemos sido aceptados como hijos adoptivos de Dios.  El cielo es nuestro, está para que lo tomemos.  Dios Padre lo inventó para nosotros, Dios Hijo lo ha ganado para nosotros y Dios Espíritu Santo está siempre listo a ayudarnos para obtenerlo.  Nosotros con nuestras mentes humanas no podemos describir como es el cielo, ni siquiera a que se parece.

La escritura nos dice que “ni el ojo vio, ni el oído oyó, ni vino a la mente del hombre lo que Dios ha preparado para los que le ama.”  (1 Corintios 2:9)  El mensaje de hoy es un mensaje de esperanza y libertad eterna sobre el dolor, la enfermedad, la prisión, la persecución y la muerte. Trae la esperanza y la alegría de volver a estar unidos con nuestros familiares, amigos y santos de Dios.

Haríamos bien en meditar en como será el cielo y ver esta vida como realmente lo que es, un viaje. A veces nuestro viaje no es placentero o es difícil y para algunos es muy corto.  Este viaje es nuestra ruta de regreso hacía nuestra casa permanente con Dios.  Mucha gente comete el error de creer que este mundo es el único y por consiguiente no viaja por el camino que El ha marcado.  Dios nos está esperando para que disfrutemos de nuestro eterno banquete con El.  No seamos tontos viajando por el camino equivocado.

 

FILIPENSES 4:12-14, 19-20

Hoy, mucha gente que difícilmente se contenta con lo que tiene, con el lugar donde está y más aún con ser quienes son.  ¿Te encuentras contento con cualquier situación que tengas que enfrentar?  San Pablo nos dice en la lectura de hoy que él sabía como contentarse con mucho o poco.  Pablo estaba contento porque el miraba la vida desde el punto de vista de Dios.  El se concentró en lo que se suponía que tenía que hacer, no en lo que el sentía que quería hacer.

Podemos aprender a estar contentos con la vida si confiamos en las promesas de Dios y en el poder de Cristo.  Si tienes grandes necesidades y parece que siempre estas descontento, pídele a Dios que te quite esos deseos y que te enseñe a estar contento en todas las situaciones.  Hay un mensaje tremendo en nuestra sociedad hoy en día que dice, piensa solo en el número uno.  La gente es felicitada por ser solitaria y por hacer las cosas a su manera.  Hemos perdido mucho de la humildad que Cristo nos pide tener en nuestra vida diaria.

Pablo tenía muy definidas sus prioridades y estaba agradecido por todo lo que Dios le daba.  El conocía a Dios porque hablaba con El, leía las sagradas escrituras y lo adoraba.  Solo necesitamos ver a nuestro alrededor en nuestra comunidad y muchas veces aún en nuestra propia familia como el deseo de tener más o mejores cosas es realmente una ansiedad de llenar un lugar vacío en nuestras vidas.  Necesitas reflexionar en las cosas que sueñas cuando sientes un vacío en tu interior.  La escritura dice que la respuesta está en tu perspectiva, tus prioridades y tu fuente.

Puedes deshacerte de tu ansiedad orando cuando esos pensamientos invaden tu mente.  Llena tu mente con cosas que son buenas, sólidas, puras y rectas ante Dios.  Esto te traerá una paz a la cual nada en este mundo se le puede comparar ni siquiera entender (Filipenses 4:6-8).  Tu fuente para este increíble poder es Jesucristo.  El es la fuente que suplirá todas tus necesidades en todo lo que tú quieras.  Recordemos siempre que Dios satisface nuestras necesidades, pero no siempre lo hace en esta vida.  Los Cristianos sufren y mueren y Dios no siempre interviene para salvarlos o eximirlos de las penas.  En el cielo en donde el pecado y la muerte han sido permanentemente destruidos, nuestras necesidades o deseos serán abundantemente satisfechos por toda la eternidad.

 

MATEO 22:1-14

En el Evangelio de hoy se nos hace una tremenda revelación, Dios quiere que tú y yo lo acompañemos en Su celestial y eterno banquete.  Nos ha mandado invitaciones en muchas diferentes formas. ¿Has aceptado Su invitación?  En la cultura de la gente a la que se refiere el relato de hoy se habían dado dos invitaciones de boda.  La primera les pedía a los invitados que asistieran; la segunda les anunciaba que todo estaba listo y que vinieran inmediatamente.  Tú estás invitado a dejar entrar a Jesús en tu corazón y a dejarlo ser el Señor de tu vida.  Algún día el Señor te llamará a casa y si tú has aceptado Su invitación, disfrutarás de Su banquete para siempre.  Si no aceptaste Su invitación, “serás dejado fuera en la oscuridad donde todo es llanto y rechinar de dientes” (Mateo 22:13).

La costumbre era ponerse un traje especial que el anfitrión daba para el banquete de bodas.  No usar el manto era un insulto para el anfitrión.  Jesús al contar este relato está hablando del manto de la rectitud, necesaria para entrar al reino, al banquete de Dios.  Este manto es nuestra aceptación de Cristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador personal.  Es una imagen de aceptación total a los ojos de Dios que Cristo da a todo creyente.

Cristo ha dado esta prenda a todos, pero cada uno tiene que decidir si se la pone, para así poder entrar al banquete del Rey (la vida eterna).  Jesús ganó para nosotros el derecho de usar este manto de rectitud mediante Su muerte en la cruz y Su resurrección de la muerte.  Tenemos permiso de usar esta prenda especial no debido a nuestros méritos, sino únicamente por el increíble don de la gracia que nos ha dado. Mucha gente ha oído acerca de la invitación de Cristo a su banquete, pero por diversas razones están muy ocupados para escuchar, reflexionar y aceptar Su invitación.  Es cierto, muchos son los llamados y pocos los escogidos.

Toma un tiempo ahora mismo y agradécele al Señor el haberte escogido y por haberte dado Su invitación al banquete (vida eterna), ponte de rodillas ahora mismo y dile que tú quieres que El venga y resida en tu corazón.  El traerá una de Sus prendas especiales y te pondrá junto a El en un lugar de honor.  Tu vida entera cambiará cuando te des cuenta que debido a El, has sido llamado a ser uno de Sus escogidos.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos revela un mensaje de libertad eterna sin dolor ni muerte.  La segunda lectura nos muestra que el secreto de vivir contentos está en tener el poder de Cristo en nuestras vidas.  El Evangelio nos invita a dejar al Señor Jesús entrar en nuestros corazones y hacerlo el Señor de nuestras vidas.

Esta semana comparte con algún miembro de tu familia, del trabajo o de la escuela, dándoles a saber de donde viene tu fuerza, la fuente de tu poder.  Ten audacia y muéstrale a la gente a tu alrededor ese don de haber sido escogido.  No necesitas predicar, pero sí necesitas dar tu testimonio.  Has partícipe a tu esposo(a) de como Dios te provee en tus necesidades con Cristo Jesús y escucha su respuesta.  ¡Escucha!

Lectio Divina – Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 11th) – Cycle A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

Matthew 22:1-14 – Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the people in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come. A second time he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those invited: “Behold, I have prepared my banquet, my calves and fattened cattle are killed, and everything is ready; come to the feast.’” Some ignored the invitation and went away, one to his farm, another to his business. The rest laid hold of the servants, mistreated them, and killed them. The king was enraged and sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, ‘The feast is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy to come. Go out, therefore, into the main roads and invite to the feast whomever you find.’ The servants went out into the streets and gathered all they found, bad and good alike, and the hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to meet the guests, he saw a man there not dressed in a wedding garment. The king said to him, ‘My friend, how is it that you came in here without a wedding garment?’ But he was reduced to silence. Then the king said to his attendants, ‘Bind his hands and feet, and cast him into the darkness outside, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth.’ Many are invited, but few are chosen.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 11th) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ ISAIAH 25:6-10 FIRST READING

(“The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces.”)

l. Who will the Lord of host provide for on this mountain? Isaiah 25:6

 

2. What will the Lord provide?   Isaiah 25:6

 

3. What will he destroy on this mountain, and where is it woven?   Isaiah 25:7

 

4. What will the Lord destroy forever?   Isaiah 25:8

 

5. Who has passed from death to life?   John 5:24

 

6. What will the Lord God wipe away from all faces? Isaiah 25:8

 

7. Who will lead us to life-giving water?   Rev 7:17

 

8. What will the Lord remove from his people?   Is 25:8

 

9. On that day, what will be said, and about what shall we be glad and rejoice?   Isaiah 25:9

 

10. For what reason did the Father send his Son into the world? 1 John 4:14

 

11. On what will the Lord rest his hand?   Isaiah 25:10

 

Personal – In what way have you passed from death to life here and now? In what way have you experienced some of heaven here on earth? How can you apply this Scripture passage in wiping away the tears in your life?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 4:12-14, 19-20 SECOND READING

(“I have the strength for everything, through him who empowers me.”)

1. In what circumstances does Paul know how to live? Philippians 4:12

 

2. In what other way does he know how to live, and in every circumstance and in all things, what is the secret Paul learned?   Philippians 4:12

 

3. What does Paul do when ridiculed and persecuted? 1 Corinthians 4:11-13

 

4. For what does Paul have strength, and where does he get it? Philippians 4:13

 

5. Why would Paul rather boast of his weaknesses? 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

6. What did Paul say it was kind of the Philippians to do? Philippians 4:14

 

7. How are we strengthened with power?   Ephesians 3:16

 

8. Why did the Lord stand by Paul and give him strength? 2 Timothy 4:17

 

9. According to whom and with what will God fully supply us? Philippians 4:19

 

10. What is God able to make abundant for us, and for what reason?   2 Corinthians 9:8

 

11. To what does the kindness of God lead?   Romans 2:4

 

12. What is given to our God and Father?  Philippians 4:20

 

Personal – Where do you seek the strength to get through your day? Upon whom do you rely when you have a problem? What is your response when you are ridiculed or persecuted?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 22:1-14 GOSPEL

(“Many are invited, but few are chosen.”)

1. How did Jesus speak, and who was listening to him? Matthew 22:1, Matthew 21:45

 

2. To what did Jesus compare the kingdom of heaven, and for whom did he have it?   Matthew 22:2

 

3. What happened when the king invited the guests to the feast? Matthew 22:3

 

4. When the king sent his servants out a second time and told them everything was ready, what did some of them do? Matthew 22:4-6

 

5. What was the king’s reaction, and what did he do? Matthew 22:7

 

6. When the feast was ready, who were those not worthy to come, and whom did he send his servants to invite?   Matthew 22:8-9

 

7. Who filled the hall, and when the king came, what did he see?   Matthew 22:10-11

 

8. With what has the Lord clothed and wrapped us? Isaiah 61:10

 

9. In whom have we clothed ourselves?   Galatians 3:27

 

10. How did the king address the man without a wedding garment, and how did the guest react?   Matthew 22:12

 

11. What did the king tell his attendants to do with the man? Matthew 22:13

 

12. How many are invited, and how many are chosen? Matthew 22:14

 

13. What three things are those who follow the Lord? Revelation 17:14

 

Personal – When you meet with the Lord on a daily basis, how are you clothed? How have you feasted on his Word? How have you been faithful in carrying it out among your family, friends and co-workers or school friends?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 23:1-6

(“Beside restful waters he leads me.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 23:1-6.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 25:6-10

The message in this reading came from a prophecy about 700 years before Christ came to earth. Isaiah described the result of that coming of the Messiah in the beautiful imagery of a bountiful banquet. In this banquet all those who took part would find everlasting happiness and contentment. Isaiah was referring, of course, to heaven, the second and final stage of the messianic kingdom. In heaven, desires will be pleasant and happiness will be fulfilled. The reality is that whatever Isaiah foretold, Jesus brought to pass.

Jesus destroyed the power of death by dying on the cross for us, and in his death we are given victory over death. There is no more veil of fear from death because of Jesus’ victory for all those who believe in him. Jesus, through his death, made us his brothers and sisters and co-heirs of heaven with him. Because of Jesus, you and I have been accepted as God’s adopted children. Heaven is ours for the taking. For us, God the Father invented it, God the Son has earned it, and God the Holy Spirit is always ready to help us obtain it. We, in our human minds, can not really describe what heaven is like or even perceive what it looks like.

Scripture tells us that, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor can man ever comprehend what God has in store for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9). Today’s message is a message of hope and eternal freedom from pain, sickness, imprisonment, persecution, and death. Once again, it brings the hope and joy of being in eternal union with all of our relatives, friends and saints of God.

We may do well to meditate on what heaven will be like and to see this life as it really is – a journey. Sometimes our journey is unpleasant or difficult and, for some, very short. This journey is our route back home to our permanent home with God. Many people are mistaken and think this world is the only one and, therefore, fail to travel on the path he has laid down for us on our journey. God is waiting for us to enjoy our eternal banquet with him. Let us not be foolish and journey the wrong way and miss the banquet.

 

PHILIPPIANS 4:12-14, 19-20

Today, many people have great difficulty being content with what they have, where they are, and who they are. Are you content in any situation you face? St. Paul tells us in today’s readings that he knew how to be content whether he had much or little. He tells us that the secret of contentment was having Christ’s power in his life. Paul was content because he saw life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not on what he felt like doing.

We can all learn to be content with life if we try to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power. If you have great needs and always seem to be discontent, ask God to remove these desires and teach you to be content in every situation. There is a tremendous message in our society today that says, think only about number one. People are congratulated for being loners and doing things their way. We have lost much of the humility that Christ calls for us in our daily lives.

Paul had his priorities straight and was grateful for everything that God gave him. He knew God because he talked to him, he read Sacred Scripture, and he worshiped him. We need only to look around in our communities, and, many times, even in our own families, and see that the desire for more or better possessions is really a longing to fill an empty place in our own life. We need to reflect on what we dream about when we feel empty inside. Scripture tells us the answer lies in our perspective, our priorities and our source.

You can dismiss your anxiety by praying when these thoughts are invading your mind. Fill your mind with things that are good, solid, pure, and right with God. This will bring you a peace that nothing in this world can match or even understand (Phil. 4:6-8). Your source for this incredible power is Jesus Christ. He is the source that will supply all your needs, not all your wants. We always must remember that God will meet our needs, but he may not always meet them in this life. Christians suffer and die and God does not always intervene to save or spare them. In heaven, where sin and death have been permanently destroyed, our wants and needs will be abundantly supplied for eternity.

 

MATTHEW 22:1-14

A tremendous revelation is made to us in today’s Gospel, and that is, God wants you and me to join him in his eternal heavenly banquet. He has sent us invitations in many, many ways. Have you accepted his invitation? In the culture of the people in today’s story, there were two wedding invitations given. The first asked the guests to attend; the second announced that all was ready and to come right away. You are invited to let Jesus come into your heart and let him become the Lord of your life. Some day the Lord will call you to come home, and if you have accepted his invitation, you will enjoy his banquet forever. If you did not accept his invitation, “You will be left out in the outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 22:13).

The custom was to put on a special garment supplied by the host at the wedding banquet, and to refuse the robe would be an insult to the host. Jesus, in telling this story, is speaking of the garment of righteousness needed to enter God’s banquet in the kingdom. The robe is our acceptance of Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. It is a picture of total acceptance in God’s eyes, given to every believer by Christ.

Christ has provided this garment for everyone, but each person has to choose to wear it in order to enter the king’s banquet (eternal life). For us, Jesus won the right to wear this robe of righteousness by his dying on the cross and rising from the dead. We are allowed to wear this special garment, not because of our merit, but totally because of his incredible gift of grace to us. Many people have heard about Christ inviting us to his banquet, but for various reasons they are too busy to listen to, reflect upon and accept his invitation. It is true, many are called but only a few are chosen.

Take this time, right now, and thank him for choosing you and for offering you such a precious garment. If you have not accepted his invitation to his banquet (eternal life), fall on your knees right now and tell him that you want him to come and take up residence in your heart. He will bring out one of his special garments and place you next to him in a special place of honor. Your whole life will be changed when you realize that because of him, you have been called to be one of his chosen ones.

 

Application

The first reading reveals to us a message of eternal freedom from pain and death. The second reading shows us that the secret of contentment is having Christ’s power in our lives. The Gospel invites us to let the Lord Jesus come into our hearts and become the Lord of our lives.

This week, share with a family member, work or school associate, where you obtain your strength. Share who is the source of your power. Be bold and introduce to the people around you the gift of being chosen. You do not need to preach, but you do need to witness. Share with your spouse how God supplies your needs in Christ Jesus. Then listen to the reply. Listen!

Lectio Divina – Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 4th) – Cycle A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

Matthew 21:33-43 – Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people “Hear another parable. There was a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey. When vintage time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat, another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones, but they treated them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, thinking, ‘they will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.’ They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?” They answered him, “He will put those wretched men to a wretched death and lease his vineyard to other tenants who will give him the produce at the proper times.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time (October 4th) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ ISAIAH 5:1-7 FIRST READING

(“What more was there to do for my vineyard that I had not done?”)

1. For whom and for what shall we sing in Isaiah 5:1?

 

2. What does my friend have, and what kind of a hillside is it on?   Isaiah 5:1

 

3. What did he do with it, what did he build within it, and what did he hew out?   Isaiah 5:2

 

4. Who are the true vine and the vine grower?   John 15:1

 

5. When he looked for the crop of grapes, what had it yielded? Isaiah 5:2

 

6. Between what two things must the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the people of Judah judge?  Isaiah 5:3-4

 

7. How did the vine turn out to the Lord?   Jeremiah 2:21

 

8. What did he mean to do with his vineyard? Isaiah 5:5-6

 

9. Who is the vineyard of the Lord of hosts, and who are the cherished plants?   Isaiah 5:7

 

10. The Lord looked for judgment and justice, but what did he see and hear?   Isaiah 5:7

 

Personal – List some of the things the Lord has done for you in cultivating and preparing your soil. What kinds of fruit are you bearing?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 4:6-9 SECOND READING

(“Dismiss all anxiety from your minds.”)

1. What are we not to have at all, and in everything, how are we to make our requests known to God?  Philippians 4:6

 

2. What does anxiety do to a person’s heart? Proverbs 12:25

 

3. What are we to do with all our worries?   1 Peter 5:7

 

4. How often and for whom are we to pray?  Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:1

 

5. What does the peace of God surpass, and what will it do to our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus?  Philippians 4:7

 

6. When Jesus left to go to the Father, what did he tell his followers he would leave with them?   John 15:26

 

7. What keeps a nation in peace?   Isaiah 26:3

 

8. About what eight things are we to think? Philippians 4:8

 

9. About what are we to seek and think?  Colossians 3:1-2

 

10. What does Paul tell the Philippians to keep on doing, and who will be with them?   Philippians 4:9

 

Personal – Evaluate your thinking for the last 24 hours. What did you think about the eight ways to find peace taken from Philippians 4:8?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 21:33-43 GOSPEL

(“The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.”)

1. What did the property owner do to the vineyard he planted, and to whom did he lease it?   Matthew 21:33

 

2. What did the property owner do at vintage time, and how did the tenants respond?   Matthew 21:34-35

 

3. What did the property owner do a second time, and how were the slaves treated?   Matthew 21:36

 

4. Whom did he finally send, and how did he feel they would treat him?   Matthew 21:37

 

5. What did the tenants say when they saw the vineyard owner’s son?   Matthew 21:38

 

6. Whom has God made heir of all things?   Hebrews 1:1-2

 

7. How have we become heirs in hope of eternal life? Titus 3:4-7

 

8. What did the tenants do to the son?   Matthew 21:39

 

9. What was the question Jesus asked in Matthew 21:40, and what was their reply?   Matthew 21:41

 

10. From what did Jesus ask if they read? Who is the stone which the builders rejected, and what has he become? Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:10-11

 

11. Who made this stone the cornerstone, and how do we find it? Matthew 21:42

 

12. For this reason, what will happen to the kingdom of God? Matthew 21:43

 

Personal – In what way has Jesus become the keystone in your life? He is either an obstacle or the keystone for you to succeed in this life and the next. Read 1 Peter 2:4-8 and repent of the times you have rejected the Lord.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 80:9, 12-16, 19-20

(“A vine from Egypt you transplanted;”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 80:9, 12-16, 19-20.

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 5:1-7

Today’s passage tells us that God’s chosen nation was to “bear fruit,” to carry out his work, and to uphold justice. It did bear fruit, but the fruit was sour and wild. We see in Scripture that the way to identify a tree or a person is by the kind of fruit it produced (Matt. 7:20). This was a powerful story about God’s people and how he prepared everything for their benefit, and how they were very careless in taking care of what God had given to them.

Today, we need to take a look at our own vineyard. Jesus’ blood prepared our soil. His death gave us the right of becoming an heir to the vineyard. How have we spaded our vineyard? How have we taken out the rocks and weeds in our life?

Lately, have you checked the fruit that is growing on your vine? Is it being deprived of spiritual nourishment by being in the shadow and coldness of sin? Do you give your vineyard plenty of sunlight through Sacred Scripture, the Sacraments and church fellowship? You may want to check the fruit in your vineyard and make the necessary corrections.

The vine is Jesus and we are the branches. We cannot do anything without the vine (John 15:1). We are in the full protection of the vineyard owner when we are giving praise and glory to his Son, Jesus. People will judge us on the kind of fruit that we bear. The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness and self-control.

Since we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and live by the Spirit, let us follow in the Spirit’s lead (Gal. 5:22, 23, 25). Let our grapes never become sour or wild. Let us not ever be boastful or challenging or jealous toward one another.

 

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-9

In today’s reading we are encouraged to worry about nothing. Imagine never having to worry about anything! It seems like an impossibility. We all have worries on the job, in our homes, or at school, but today, Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Scripture tells us that anxiety depresses a person’s heart (Prov. 12:25). We only are required to look around in our society and see how much competition and anxiety there is in the area of work.

We are told in Scripture to cast all of our cares on to the Lord, because he cares about us (1 Peter 5:7). We keep our eyes on what is so temporary, instead of on what is eternal (Col 3:1-2). We are called to become pray-ers and the light of the world will drive away the anxiety and darkness (John 8:12).

We must never forget that God’s peace is different from the world’s peace (John 14:27). We do not find his peace in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or even in good feelings. Real peace can come only when we know that God is in control. When we seek his kingship first, all else will fall into place, and we will experience his peace (Matt. 6:33). His peace is our destiny, and because of his peace we know that victory over sin in our lives is indisputable.

You can receive his peace at this moment if you will renew in faith your commitment to him. Let him come into you right now and feed your hungry and unstable heart (Rev. 3:20). He promised that he would never leave us orphans and that he will never leave us. His peace surpasses all understanding because it is a peace of love.

You might be asking, “How do I achieve that peace?” What we bring into our minds determines what comes out by our words and actions. Paul tells us to fill our minds with thoughts that are true, good and right. If you are having impure thoughts and daydreams, then examine what you are bringing into your mind because of television, movies, books and magazines. You need to read, study and put into action God’s Holy Word every day. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to help you right now to free you of the “stinking thinking” and help focus your mind on what is proper and pure. Remember, try to fill your mind with thoughts of the Lord that are pure and true and see your anxiety disappear. You will have peace that surpasses all understanding.

 

MATTHEW 21:33-43

In this parable Jesus is showing the chief priests and the elders the incredible patience and mercy of God. To his chosen people God has given a fertile and productive vineyard for their homeland. He did all of this to prepare them for the future Messiah. All he asked of them was their cooperation. But, as we see in this story, they had other plans. They wanted their kingdom on earth and they wanted it now. Does this sound familiar?

God was extremely patient with his people. He sent them many prophets to bring them into a state of repentance, and they abused them, ignored their warnings, and even killed a few of them. God finally sent his only begotten Son to earth in human form. His Son lived among them and preached a message of love and peace. He offered them his Father’s mercy and pardon. Instead of accepting his offer, they committed an even greater sin. They killed the Son of God by crucifying him on the cross as a criminal.

The people’s plan backfired because Jesus’ death brought life to the world and opened up the gates of God’s eternal home for all nations and races. He was trying to get them to see that they were like the people in the story, when he asked them if they had ever read the Scriptures. Jesus told them this so that they could repent even as he was telling them. They did not see themselves as the greedy tenants or the murderers of the prophets. They blinded themselves to God’s justice. (God’s justice is that he hates sin, and whatever happened to the chief priests and elders will happen to unfaithful Christians.)

Jesus has set up a new vineyard and we have been called to work in it. Are we working honestly and devotedly? Is our life producing good fruit so that it will feed others? Jesus gives us that chance to repent and to let his grace come into our lives and become faithful tenants.

We can say thank you to our heavenly Father and ask him to help us, through his Holy Spirit, to keep us on the right path. Jesus wants us to repent. He wants us to change and to enjoy his vineyard. He wants us to make the vineyard enjoyable for others. We can still put ourselves right with God. Let’s do it now; tomorrow may be too late.

 

Application

This week’s first reading reveals that a tree or a person is judged by the fruit it produced. The second reading shows that peace comes from filling our mind with thoughts that are pure, good and true. The Gospel shows how God is merciful and patient, and to ignore God is to lose our soul for eternity.

This week, show others that the fruit you are bearing is good fruit, by being especially kind and supportive to someone who is very unkind or non-supportive to you. Do not let this person know your intentions.

Also, this week, try to be a righteous example to someone in your family, school, or at work, by inviting them to read with you a passage from Scripture that is good, pure, and wholesome.

Finally, show someone your Bible Study and tell them what virtue it is bringing into your life. You may very well be an instrument of the Lord that will help them dismiss some anxiety and help them find the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Vigesimoseptimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (4 de Octubre) – Ciclo A

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE ISAIAS 5:1-7 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“¿Qué otra cosa se puede hacer a mi viña que no se la haya hecho?”)

1. ¿Por quién y por qué debo cantar en Isaías 5:1?

 

2. ¿Qué es lo que tiene mi amigo y en qué clase de loma está?  Isaías 5:1

 

3. ¿Qué hizo con ella, que construyó en medio de ella, y que cavó ahí?  Isaías 5:2

 

4. ¿Quién es la viña y quién el viticultor?  Juan 15:1

 

5. ¿Cuando buscó la producción de uvas, que fue lo que éstas habían dado?  Isaías 5:2

 

6. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas sobre las que los habitantes de Jerusalén y la gente de Judá deben juzgar? Isaías 5:3-4

 

7. ¿Cómo pasó a ser la viña del Señor?  Jeremías 2:21

 

8. ¿Qué dijo que haría con su viñedo?  Isaías 5:5-6

 

9. ¿Quién es la viña del Señor de los Ejércitos y quién su plantación escogida?  Isaías 5:7

 

10. El Señor esperaba rectitud y justicia y en vez de eso ¿qué oyó y vio?  Isaías 5:7

 

Personal – Enlista algunas de las cosas que el Señor ha hecho por ti cultivando y preparando tu tierra.  ¿Qué clase de frutos estas dando?

 

 

TERCER DIA FILIPENSES 4:6-9 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Quiten toda la ansiedad de sus mentes.”)

1. ¿Qué no debes tener y cómo debes hacer llegar tus peticiones a Dios?  Filipenses 4:6

 

2. ¿Qué hace la ansiedad al corazón de una persona?  Proverbios 12:25

 

3. ¿Qué debemos hacer con todas nuestras preocupaciones?  1 Pedro 5:7

 

4. ¿Cada cuándo y por quién debemos orar?  Efesios 6:18 y 1 Timoteo 2:1

 

5. ¿Cómo es la paz de Dios y cómo mantendrá a nuestros corazones y mentes en Jesucristo?   Fil. 4:7

 

6. ¿Cuando Jesús se fue para ir al Padre, qué les dijo a Sus seguidores que dejaría con ellos? Juan 15:27

 

7. ¿Qué es lo que mantiene a una nación en paz?  Isaías 26:3

 

8. ¿Cuáles son las ocho cosas sobre las que debes pensar?  Filipenses 4:8

 

9. ¿Qué debes buscar y pensar?  Colosenses 3:1-2

 

10. ¿Qué les dice Pablo a los Filipenses que deben mantenerse haciendo y quién estará con ellos?  Filipenses 4:9

 

Personal – Evalúa lo que has pensado en las ultimas 24 horas.  Sobre que pensaste que haya tenido que ver con los ochos aspectos que están en Filipenses 4:8.

 

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 21:33-43 EVANGELIO

(“La piedra que los constructores desecharon llegó a ser la piedra principal del edificio.”)

1. ¿Qué hizo el propietario con la viña que plantó y a quién se la alquiló?  Mateo 21:33

 

2. ¿Qué hizo el propietario de la viña cuando llegó el tiempo de la vendimia y cómo respondieron los inquilinos?  Mateo 21:34-35

 

3. ¿Qué hizo el propietario la segunda vez y cómo fueron tratados los esclavos? Mateo 21:36

 

4. ¿A quién mandó finalmente y cómo creyó que lo tratarían?  Mateo 21:37

 

5. ¿Qué dijeron los inquilinos cuando vieron al hijo del dueño?  Mateo 21:38

 

6. ¿A quién ha hecho Dios heredero de todas las cosas?  Hebreos 1:1-2

 

7. ¿Cómo llegamos a ser herederos en la esperanza de la vida eterna?  Tito 3:4-7

 

8. ¿Qué hicieron los inquilinos al hijo?  Mateo 21:39

 

9. ¿Cuál es la pregunta que Jesús hizo en Mateo 21:40, y cuál fue la respuesta? Mateo 21:41

 

10. ¿Sobre qué les preguntó Jesús que si habían leído?  ¿Quién es la piedra que los constructores rechazaron y qué llegó a ser éste?  Mateo 21:42 y Hechos 4:10-11

 

11. ¿Quién hizo a esta piedra la piedra principal del edificio y cómo podemos nosotros encontrarla?  Mateo 21:42

 

12. ¿Debido a esto que sucederá con el Reino de Dios?  Mateo 21:43

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo ha venido a ser Jesús la piedra angular de tu vida?  El es o la piedra angular o el obstáculo para que tu tengas éxito en esta vida y en la otra.  Lee Pedro 2:4-8 y arrepiéntete de las veces que has rechazado al Señor.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 80:9, 12-16, 19-20

(“Habías traído una viña de Egipto.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 80:9, 12-16, 19-20.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

ISAIAS 5:1-7

El pasaje de hoy nos muestra que la nación escogida por Dios debía de “dar fruto” haciendo el trabajo que El les mandaba y defendiendo la justicia.  Y sí dio fruto, pero un fruto amargo y silvestre.  Vemos en la Escritura que el modo de identificar un árbol o una persona es por la clase de frutos que produce (Mateo 7:20).  Esta es una impresionante historia acerca del pueblo de Dios y como El preparó todo para su beneficio y como ellos fueron descuidados con lo que Dios les había dado.

Hoy necesitamos dar una mirada a nuestro propio viñedo.  La sangre de Jesús preparó nuestra tierra.  Su muerte nos dio el derecho de llegar a ser herederos del viñedo.  ¿Cómo has removido la tierra de tu viñedo?  ¿Cómo has quitado las rocas y la hierba mala en tu vida?  ¿Has estado revisando últimamente la fruta que crece en tu viña?  ¿Está tu tierra privada del alimento espiritual por encontrarse bajo la sombra y el frío del pecado?  ¿Le das a tu viñedo suficiente luz solar por medio de las Sagradas Escrituras, los sacramentos y la fraternidad en la iglesia?  Quizás hoy querrás revisar la fruta de tu viñedo y hacer las correcciones necesarias.

La viña es Jesús y nosotros somos las ramas.  No podemos hacer nada sin la viña (Juan 15:1). Estamos bajo la protección absoluta del propietario de la viña cuando damos alabanza y gloria a Su Hijo, Jesús.  La gente te juzgará por la clase de fruto que tú des.  Los frutos del espíritu son amor, alegría, paz, paciencia, comprensión a los demás, bondad, generosidad, fidelidad, mansedumbre y dominio de si mismo.

Ya que nosotros hemos aceptado a Jesucristo como Nuestro Señor y Salvador vivamos según el Espíritu, sigamos el camino del Espíritu (Gálatas 5:22, 23, 25).  No permitamos que nuestras uvas sean silvestres y amargas.  No seamos jactanciosos ni desafiantes ni celosos unos con otros.

 

FILIPENSES 4:6-9

En la lectura de hoy se nos anima a que no nos preocupemos por las cosas.  ¿Se imaginan?  ¡Nunca tener que preocuparse acerca de lo que nos pase!  Parece algo imposible.  Todos tenemos preocupaciones en el trabajo, en nuestros hogares o en la escuela, pero el consejo de Pablo es cambiar nuestras preocupaciones a oraciones.  La Escritura nos dice que la ansiedad deprime el corazón de una persona (Proverbios 12:25).  Solo necesitamos ver a nuestro alrededor en la sociedad y ver cuanta competencia y ansiedad hay en el campo del trabajo.

La Escritura nos ha dicho que dirijamos todas nuestras inquietudes hacía el Señor ya que El se preocupa por nosotros (1 Pedro 5:7).  Mantenemos nuestros ojos en muchas cosas que son solo temporales y no lo hacemos suficiente en lo que es eterno (Colosenses 3:1-2).  Somos llamados a orar y así la luz del mundo removerá la ansiedad y oscuridad (Juan 8:12).

No olvidemos nunca que la paz de Dios es diferente a la paz del mundo (Juan. 14:27).  No encontraremos Su Paz en un pensamiento positivo, en la ausencia de conflicto, ni aún en los buenos sentimientos.  La Paz verdadera solo viene cuando sabemos que Dios tiene el control.  Cuando buscamos primero Su reino, todo lo demás caerá en su lugar y experimentaremos Su paz (Mat. 6:33).  Su paz es nuestro destino y debido a Su paz podemos saber que la victoria sobre el pecado es algo cierto en nuestras vidas.

Tú puedes recibir Su paz ahora mismo si renuevas con fe tu compromiso con El.  Déjalo venir a ti ahora mismo y alimenta tu hambriento e inestable corazón (Apocalipsis 3:20).  El nos prometió que nunca nos dejaría huérfanos y que nunca se alejaría de nosotros.  Esto es lo que Su paz es y sobrepasa nuestro entendimiento porque es una paz de amor.

Quizás estas diciendo, “¿Cómo consigo esa paz?”  Lo que ponemos en nuestras mentes determina lo que decimos con palabras y nuestras acciones.  Pablo nos dice que llenemos nuestra mente con pensamientos que sean verdaderos, buenos y correctos.  Si tienes pensamientos impuros y ensueños, examina que es lo que estas poniendo en tu mente por medio de la televisión, las películas, los libros y revistas.  Necesitas leer estudiar y poner en acción La Santa Palabra de Dios todos los días.  Pídele a Nuestro Señor Jesucristo que te ayude ahora mismo a deshacerte de esos “pensamientos que apestan” y que pongas tu mente en lo que es correcto y puro.  Recuerda, llena tu mente con pensamientos del Señor que sean puros y verdaderos y tu ansiedad desaparecerá y tendrás una paz que sobrepasa todo el entendimiento.

 

MATEO 21:33-43

En esta parábola Jesús les muestra a los sumos sacerdotes y a los ancianos la increíble paciencia y misericordia de Dios.  Para Su pueblo escogido Dios había dado un viñedo fértil y productivo para que fuera su tierra.  El hizo esto preparándolos para el futuro Mesías.  Solo les pidió su cooperación.  Pero como vemos en este relato ellos tenían otros planes.  Querían tener su reino en la tierra y lo querían ahora.  ¿Te suena esto algo familiar?

Dios fue extremadamente paciente con Su gente.  Les envió muchos profetas para que llegaran a un estado de arrepentimiento.  Ellos abusaron de esos profetas, ignoraron sus advertencias y más aún mataron a algunos de ellos.  Dios finalmente mandó a su Único Hijo a la tierra en forma humana.  Su Hijo vivió entre ellos y les predicó un mensaje de amor y de paz.  Les hizo los ofrecimientos de Su Padre de la misericordia y el perdón.  Pero en vez de aceptar Su oferta ellos cometieron un pecado aún más grande, mataron al Hijo de Dios crucificándolo en una cruz como a un criminal.

El plan de la gente fue contraproducente pues la muerte de Jesús trajo la vida al mundo y abrió las puertas a todas las naciones y razas.  Jesús les dijo esto para que ellos se arrepintieran incluso en el momento que se los decía.  Ellos no se vieron a si mismos como los codiciosos inquilinos o los asesinos de los profetas. Se cegaron a si mismos a la justicia de Dios.  La justicia de Dios está en Su odio al pecado y lo que pasó a los supremos sacerdotes y ancianos sucederá a los Cristianos infieles.

Jesús ha puesto un viñedo nuevo y nos llama a trabajar en él.  ¿Estás tu trabajando honesta y devotamente?  ¿Está tu vida produciendo buena fruta de modo que pueda alimentar a otros?  Jesús nos da la oportunidad de arrepentirnos y de que Su Gracia entre en nuestra vida y nos volvamos inquilinos fieles.

Podemos dar gracias a nuestro Padre celestial y pedirle su ayuda por medio de Su Espíritu Santo para que nos mantenga en el camino recto.  Jesús quiere que te arrepientas.  Quiere que cambies y que goces de Su viñedo.  Quiere que hagas el viñedo agradable para otros.  Aún podemos ponernos en el camino correcto con Dios.  Hagámoslo ahora, mañana puede ser demasiado tarde.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura de esta semana nos revela que el árbol y la persona son juzgados por los frutos que produce.  La segunda lectura muestra que la paz viene de llenar tu mente con pensamientos que son puros, buenos y verdaderos.  El evangelio muestra qué misericordioso y paciente es Dios y que, por lo tanto, ignorar a Dios es perder tu alma para la eternidad.

Esta semana enséñale a otros la fruta que estas dando siendo especialmente amable y dando tu apoyo a alguien que es muy poco amable o que no te brinda su apoyo.  No le digas a esta persona tus intenciones. También esta semana trata de ser un ejemplo para alguien de tu familia, escuela o trabajo e invítalos a leer contigo algo que sea bueno puro y saludable, como por ejemplo un pasaje de las Escrituras.  Finalmente muéstrale a alguien tu Estudio Bíblico y diles lo que esto está haciendo en tu vida.  Puedes muy bien ser tú el instrumento del Señor que los ayude a despedir su ansiedad y a encontrar la paz que sobrepasa todo el entendimiento.

Lectio Divina – Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 27th) – Cycle A

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

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

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

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

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

Matthew 21:28-32 – Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. ‘The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 27th) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 


SECOND DAY READ EZEKIEL 18:25-28 FIRST READING

(“Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair?”)

l. What do we say about the Lord’s way?   Ezekiel 18:25

 

2. What is the question asked in Ezekiel 18:25?

 

3. How does the judge of all the world act? Genesis 18:25

 

4. When a virtuous man turns away from virtue to commit iniquity and dies, what causes it that he must die? Ezekiel 18:26

 

5. If a wicked man, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, what shall he preserve?   Ezekiel 18:27

 

6. What is right and just?   Psalm 119:137,144

 

7. Fill in the following blanks: Since the wicked man has turned away from __________ the sins which he has committed, he shall surely __________, he shall not die.   Ezekiel 18:28

 

8. Read the following Scriptures and write out what causes you to turn around.

Numbers 32:15______________

Deut. 5:32-33_________________

Psalm 34:14-15________________ 

Acts 3:19_________________

 

Personal – Have you ever felt you were being treated unfairly? What caused the unfair treatment, and what was the result? What has caused you to turn to the Lord?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11 SECOND READING

(“Jesus Christ is Lord.”)

1. What does Paul say is owed to him in Christ? What can love bring, and what does fellowship in the Spirit bring? Philippians 2:1

 

2. How can they make his joy complete and in what is the one love united?   Philippians 2:2

 

3. Who enables us to live in perfect harmony with others, and of what is he the source?   Romans 15:5

 

4. How are we never to act, and how should we think of others?   Philippians 2:3

 

5. For whom are we to show interest, and what must be our attitude? Philippians 2:4-5

 

6. How must we estimate ourselves?   Romans 12:3

 

7. In what form was Jesus, and with whom did he not deem equality?   Philippians 2:6

 

8. What did Jesus do? What form did he take, and in whose likeness was he born?   Philippians 2:7

 

9. In what way did he humble himself by accepting death on a cross?   Philippians 2:8

 

10. What did God do to Jesus, what did he bestow on him, and what must every knee do at the name of Jesus?   Philippians 2:9-10

 

11. In the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth every tongue must proclaim what to the glory of the Father? Philippians 2:11

 

Personal – In what ways do you show those in your family, your friends, your schoolmates, or your co-workers that you see them as more important than yourself?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 21:28-32 GOSPEL

(“No, I will not; but afterwards he regretted it and went.”)

1.   Who is asking about the man with the two sons, and where is Jesus speaking?   Matthew 21:23

 

2. With what did the man approach his elder son, and what did the son say and do?   Matthew 21:28-29

 

3. When the man came to his second son and said the same thing, what was his reply?   Matthew 21:30

 

4. After the second son said he would go, what happened to him?   Matthew 21:30

 

5. What produces repentance without regrets?   2 Cor 7:10

 

6. Who did they say did what the father wanted? Matthew 21:31

 

7. Who did Jesus say was entering the kingdom of God before them?   Matthew 21:31

 

8. What did the entire populace receive from John, and what did the Pharisees and the lawyers fail to receive? Luke 7:29-30

 

9. When John came preaching a way of holiness, what did they not do? What did the prostitutes and tax collectors do? Matthew 21:32

 

10. Even when the chief priests and elders saw them putting their faith in him, what two things did they fail to do? Matthew 21:32

 

Personal – How can you relate to the Scripture verse, “No, I will not, but afterwards he regretted it and went.” Matthew 21:30. Share a specific incident.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 25:4-9

(“Guide me in your truth and teach me.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 25:4-9.

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

EZEKIEL 18:25-28

In the days of Ezekiel some of the people of Judah believed they were being punished for the sins of their ancestors, rather than for their own sins. Ezekiel is bringing home the reality that everyone is responsible for their own sin.

Today, we hear many people trying to shift the blame of their sinfulness on to others. It is true that we often suffer from the effects of sins committed by those who came before us. It is also true that we can not use their mistakes as an excuse for our sins.

Ezekiel shows us that God is not only a God of love, but he is also a God of perfect justice. His love which is perfect causes him to be merciful to those who recognize their sinfulness and turn back to him. God hates sin and will not tolerate it, and he will not wink at those who willfully sin.

We all like to hear that God is love, but we become a little uncomfortable when we hear he is also a God of justice. We are called to love one another as God has loved us (John 13:34). This means we are not to retaliate or brood over wrongdoing against us. For many, a common response to a difficult circumstance is to say, “That isn’t fair.” In reality, God is perfect justice because he is perfect love.

Many of us turn to the Lord because we finally realize that we can not make it through life without the protection and love of Jesus Christ. We must remember that it is not God who must live up to our ideas of fairness and justice, but it is our responsibility to live up to God’s standards. We are challenged not to look for loopholes in God’s law, instead we are to decide to work toward living up to his standards. We do that through prayer, scripture, sacraments and fellowship in the church.

 

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-11

Paul is exhorting the members of the community to be humble and Christ-like to each other. Today we would do well to take to heart this very message. To be humble is a gift that is like a precious stone which never loses its value. To be humble is to put others first and ourselves second.

Today, there is much talk about the need for a healthy self-esteem. Paul tells us in Scripture not to go too far in self-love. There are many people who think too little of themselves and some who think too much of themselves. The key to an honest and accurate evaluation is knowing that the basis of our self worth is in our identity in Christ.

Apart from Christ we are not worth a great amount by eternal standards. In him our worth as creations of God is priceless. We must always evaluate ourselves in God’s eyes and not in the world’s eyes. Many people today, including Christians, live only to make a good impression on others or to please themselves. This self-centered type of living sows the seeds of discord.

Paul is calling for spiritual unity by asking the Philippians, as well as us, to love one another and to work together with one heart and purpose. When we work together and care for the problems of others, we are living out the example of Christ by putting others first. This is what brings unity in a marriage, a family, a congregation, a parish, a nation and, finally, the whole world.

Being humble means having a true perspective of ourselves (Romans 12:3). It does not mean that we should put ourselves down. We realize that we are all sinners saved by God’s grace and we have a tremendous worth in God’s kingdom. We can place ourselves in Jesus’ hands and humbly let ourselves be used by him to spread his Word and share his love with others.

 

MATTHEW 21:28-32

The way we live our lives is truly what we profess to believe. The way we treat others is truly the way we profess our faith in God. Scripture tells us that if we say we love God and hate our brother, then we are liars.

The parable of the two sons strikes at the very heart of what is wrong in today’s society. Many people pretend that they are following Christ. They say it and even sing it in some songs, but their lives do not prove it. The Pharisees gave the impression that they were very obedient to God’s will by keeping all the external signs of their religion. We have that today in our society. We have those who make great financial contributions but live with their own set of values. We can fool others about our inner intentions, but it is dangerous to pretend to obey God when our hearts are distant from him. God knows the intentions of our hearts. Our actions must always match our words.

In today’s Gospel passage we see the first son say, “no,” then regrets his action and becomes obedient to his father. True repentance means being sorry for our sins and to change our behavior. Paul tells us that occasionally God uses sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from selfishness and to come back to God. Compare Peter’s remorse and repentance with Judas’ bitterness. Both of these men denied Christ. One repented and was restored to faith and service. The other ended with his life in disgrace.

Let us, as Jesus did, be obedient and humble in our relationships with others (Phil. 2:2-11). Jesus calls us to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34). He also tells us that he will abide in us if we keep his commandments (John 15:7). Jesus gave us his two greatest commandments, “Love your God with all your heart, mind and spirit, and love your neighbor as yourself.” We can do this only when we are obedient to God’s word. Remember, we are all sinners and we are saved only by God’s grace and not by our own deeds.

 

Application

This week’s first reading tells of being accountable for your own sins. The second reading reveals the power of humility which brings unity. The Gospel tells us that actions speak louder than words.

This week, let us show our accountability in what we say and do by not being selfish. The cure for selfishness is servant hood, which is being like Christ. Do something beautiful for God by doing something pleasing for members of your family, school and work area. Do not let them know your intentions. Show others that your actions in humility and caring are what you really believe and live. When you say “yes,” mean it; and when you say “no,” ask yourself, “What would Jesus say at this time?”