THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

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

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

SECOND DAY READ 1 SAMUEL 3:3-10, 19 FIRST READING

(“Speak, for you servant is listening.”)

l. Who was sleeping in the temple of the Lord, and what was there?  1 Samuel 3:3

2. Who is Samuel, and what did his mother do?  1 Samuel 1:19-20, 27-28

3. Of what was the ark made, and what was in it? Deuteronomy 10:3-5.

4. Who called Samuel, and what was his response? 1 Samuel 3:4

5. To whom did he run, and what did he tell him to do? 1 Samuel 3:5-6.

6. What was Eli?   1 Samuel 1:9.

7. With whom was Samuel not familiar and for what reason? 1 Samuel 3:7.

8. Who reveals even the depths of God to us? 1 Corinthians 2:10-12.

9. How many times did the Lord call Samuel, and what did Eli understand?  1 Samuel 3:8.

10. What did Eli tell Samuel to do?  What did the Lord reveal, and what did Samuel answer?  1 Samuel 3: 9-10.

11. To whom are we to listen?  Mark 9:7-8.

12. What happened to Samuel, and what did the Lord not permit? 1 Samuel 3:19.

Personal – How has the Lord revealed himself to you?  In what way has your priest helped you distinguish the voice of the Lord?

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 6:13-15, 17-20 SECOND READING

(“Glorify God in your body.”)

1. With what will the Lord do away, for what is the body not to be used, and for whom is the body? 1 Corinthians 6:13.

2. What will food not do? 1 Corinthians 8:8.

Personal – In what way has food affected your body?

3. What did God do, and what will he do? 1 Corinthians 6:14

4. What way is the body sown before and after the resurrection of the dead?   1 Corinthians 15:42-44

5. Of whom are our bodies members, and of whom shall I then take these members and of whom make them members? 1 Corinthians 6:15

6. To what are we not to present the parts of our bodies, and for what reasons?   Romans 6:13

7. What happens to whoever is joined to the Lord? 1 Corinthians 6:17

8. What are we to avoid, where is every other sin committed, and against what does the immoral person commit a sin? 1 Corinthians 6:18.

9. What do we know about our body?  1 Corinthians 6:19

10. Who does not belong to God?   Romans 8:9

11. What is our eager expectation and hope for our body? Philippians 1:20

12. How have we been purchased, and what must we do with our body?  1 Corinthians 6:20

Personal – How have I not glorified God in my body, and what changes do I need to make in order to glorify God in my body?

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 1:35-42 GOSPEL

(“We have found the Messiah.”)

1. Who was with John, who did they watch walk by, and what did John say?  John 1:35-36

2. Why are we to be watchful and alert?   Mark 13:32-33

3. When the two disciples heard what John said, what did they do?  John 1:37

4. If anyone wishes to come after Jesus, what must he do daily?  Luke 9:23

5. When Jesus turned and saw them following him, what did he ask them, what did they ask him?  John 1:38

6. What does “Rabbi” mean and who instructs us in everything and reminds us of all that Jesus told us? John 1:38, John 14:26

7. When Jesus said “come,” what would happen; what did happen and what did they do?  John 1:39 8. Who heard John; who followed Jesus and what did he tell his own brother Simon?  John 1:40-41

Personal  Have you found the Messiah and if so, how did you find him?  Did someone lead you to him or did he speak to you directly?

9. As  what is Messiah translated, and what did Andrew do with his brother?  John 1:41-42

10. What was Jesus anointed to do?   Luke 4:18-19

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

12. When Jesus looked at Simon, what did he say about his name? John 1:42

Personal In what way have you experienced Jesus saying to you, “Come and you will see.”  What did you learn when you stayed with him that day, and whom did you bring with you?

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 40:2, 4, 7-10

(“…ears open to obedience you gave me”)     

Read and meditate on Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

1 SAMUEL 3:3-10, 19

The Ark of the Covenant was kept in the holy of holies.  Samuel probably slept only a few yards away from the Ark, with the other priests.  One would naturally expect a message from God to be given to the priest, Eli, and not the youth, Samuel.  Eli held the proper position and he was older and more experienced.  But God’s chain of command is based on faith.  His view of authority is not based on age or title.

God may decide to use an unexpected channel to communicate with us.  We need to  be prepared always for the Lord to speak or work at any place, at any time and through anyone he chooses.  This was an era when God still gave direct and audible messages to his people.  Today some people refuse to listen to God, or they will allow greed to get in the way of any communication with him.  You must be absolutely convinced that listening and responding are vital in relationship with God.  God may not always use the sound of a human voice; he speaks just as clearly today through his Word.  Be ready to listen  and to act upon what he tells you.  Like Samuel, be ready to say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.”

The sounds of today’s world want to blot out the sound of God’s calling voice.  Listen, listen, listen.  By disciplining yourself to quiet time alone every morning with the Lord, you can prepare to hear God calling you in your daily prayer time, daily scripture, and study time.  In a very short time your discipline will turn into delight.

1 CORINTHIANS 6: 13-15, 17-20            

Many of the world’s religions think the soul is very important and the body is not.  Christianity sometimes seems to be influenced by them. However, Christianity is a very physical religion.  We believe in a God who created a physical world and called it good.  The core of our faith is God himself taking on flesh and blood and coming to live with us (John 1:14).  We must remember that like Adam we are a combination of dust and spirit.  We cannot commit sin with our bodies without affecting our souls.

Freedom is a mark of the Christian faith.  Christ has freed us from the grasp of Satan.  We should not abuse that freedom through abuse of drugs, excessive drinking, and gluttony.  We need to be very careful that what God has allowed us to use, does not grow into a bad habit that controls us.  Paul really addresses the sins of the body as a temptation that we cannot escape.  In movies, television, books or magazines, sex outside of marriage is treated as normal, desirable, part of life, while marriage is often shown as confining and joyless.  God does not forbid sexual sin just to be difficult.  He knows its power to destroy us physically and spiritually.  Sexual sin has devastated countless lives and destroyed families, communities and even nations.  Paul clearly states in today’s reading and the Church today also agrees that Christians are to have no part in sexual sin, even if it is acceptable and popular in our culture.  We must never forget that a sin against our body is a sin against the Holy Spirit, because by our Baptism we have become temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19).  The sexual sins of homosexuality, fornication, prostitution and adultery are sins against the home of the Holy Spirit.

Remember that God has bought you with a great price, so use every part of your body to give glory back to God, because he owns it (1 Cor. 6:20).  If you are caught up in the turmoil of sexual sin, take a moment right now and ask God to forgive you of your sins.  Then go to a priest and receive the healing of being reconciled with God and community.  Live God’s way one day at a time, and he will show you what to do.  Jesus loves you too much to let you stay where you are.          

JOHN 1:35-42

John the Baptist’s job was to point people to Jesus,  the Messiah,  for whom they were looking.  Today people all over the world are looking for security and peace in an insecure world.  Our job is to point them to Christ and to show them that he is the one they seek.

When Jesus walked by, John was with his two disciples  and said, “There is the Lamb of God.”  The two disciples began to follow Jesus, and he said to them, “What do you want?”  That is being asked of us today by both Jesus and the world.  Jesus said, “Come and see” and the world says the same.  Jesus offers life and freedom, the world offers death and destruction.

The disciples knew and appreciated Jesus more and more as they began to spend time with him.  Jesus tells them that if they really want to follow him, they will have to take up their cross each day and follow in his footsteps.  They had no idea then that those footsteps led to Calvary.  We are called to do the same and his footsteps may lead us into rejection, ridicule, and possibly even the loss of our physical life.  We must always remember that when we choose to follow him, we choose to die to ourselves and live for others.

Andrew was so impressed with Jesus, that he ran home and told his brother Peter, “We have found the Messiah.”  What confidence and hope Andrew had as he led his brother Peter to Jesus.  That is what we are being called today to do.  Lead others to Jesus and show by your life that the conversion to Jesus is life-changing.  Today’s Gospel is about the joy, excitement and power of discovering the Messiah.  We are called to spread that joy and excitement to all whom we meet.

We eagerly carry our cross each day and follow him because he carries it for us and he is leading us to eternal freedom.        

Application     

In the first reading, we hear God calling his servant.  In the second reading, Paul tells us that sexual sin is sin against the Temple of the Holy Spirit.  The Gospel shows us that we are to go out and point to Jesus.

This week spend time each day alone and listen to what God is saying to you.  Ask someone in your family to do the same thing.  Meet every day and share what the Lord is saying to you.  Remember, you cannot bring anyone to Jesus if you do not know how to listen to his instructions.    

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 42:1-4, 6-7 FIRST READING

(“Here is my servant whom I uphold.”)

l. Fill in the blanks in the following scripture:

“Here is my __________ whom I uphold, my __________ ______ with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my ___________; he shall bring forth _____________ to the nations” Is. 42:1

2. To whom do the following scriptures refer?

Luke 1:38, 48 _________________, John 12:26 _______________,

Acts 3:13 __________________, Acts 4:29-30 _______________.

Personal – Do you see yourself as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ in your home or at work? Share how you are servant of Christ.

3. Who are the chosen ones? Read the following scriptures:

1 Chronicles 16:13 ___________, Tobit 13:11 _______________, Psalm 89:3-4 __________________, Psalm 106:23 _______________,  Ephesians 1:3-5 __________________.

Personal – Do you feel you are among the chosen ones of God?

4. In the following scriptures, who are receiving the Spirit or have the Spirit of God working through them? 2 Samuel 23:1-2 ____________, Matthew 3:16 ______________, John 20:19-22 ______________, Acts 8:14-19 _______________.

Personal – Do you have the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life?  If not, read Matthew 7:7-8 and see what you must do to receive this power.

5. In the following scriptures, who brings forth justice to the nations?

Deuteronomy 10:17-18 ______________________________, Psalm 9:8-9 _______________, Acts 17:31 ___________________.

6. In what way was this prophecy in Isaiah 42:1-4 fulfilled? Matthew 12:16-21

7. Whom has God grasped by the hand, formed, and set as a covenant of the people?  Isaiah 42:6

8. Whom has he made a light to the nations, and what are we to do?  Isaiah 42:6-7

Personal – Are you a light to others? Do those in your family, your work and your environment see the love of Christ shining out of you?  If you are yielding to the Spirit of God dwelling in you, others will see the light.

THIRD DAY READ ACTS 10:34-38 SECOND READING

(“I begin to see how true it is that God shows no partiality.”)

1. Who was addressing the people, and what did he say? Acts 10:34

2. In the following scriptures, what does God’s Word say about showing partiality?

Leviticus 19:15 __________________________, 2 Chronicles 19:7 ___________________________, Wisdom 6:7 ________________________________.

3. What must we do to become acceptable to God?   Acts 10:35

4. What does it mean to fear God?  Daniel 6:27, Isaiah 8:13 and Malachi 2:5

5. Through whom is the good news proclaimed, and who is the Lord of all? Acts 10:36

6. What was reported all over Judea about Jesus, and where did it begin?   Acts 10:37-38

7. What was the baptism John preached?  Matthew 3:11 Acts 19:4

8. Who anointed Jesus, and with what? Acts 10:38

9. Did God intend for us to be anointed with the Holy Spirit? John 14:14-17

10. What is one of the functions of the Holy Spirit? John 14:25-26

11. What did Jesus go about doing, and who was with him? Acts 10:38

Personal – When you receive the Holy Spirit, do you also receive the power to go about doing good works and healing as Jesus did? Is this evident in your life?

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 1:7-11 GOSPEL

(“…He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”)       

1. What did John the Baptist proclaim about the One who was coming after him?   Mark 1:7

2. Where do we draw our strength?   Ephesians 6:10

3. What did John say he was not worthy to do?   Mark 1:7

4. What are we to do under the mighty hand of God? 1 Peter 5:6

5. With what was John baptizing, and with what would the one to come baptize?   Mark 1:8

6. For what is the water used by John in baptism, and what are the two things that result?  Matthew 3:11

7. What did Jesus come to do?   Luke 12:49

Personal – Has a fire been burning within you? When did it begin?

8. Where had Jesus been, and what happened in the Jordan River?    Mark 1:9

9. On coming out of the water, what did John see? Mark 1:10  John 1:32

10. What came from the heavens, and what did he say?  Mark 1:11

11. Who are the children of God?   Romans 8:14

Personal – In what way have you become one of God’s children? Can you hear him saying to you, “This is my child in whom I am well pleased”?

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 29:1-4, 9-10

(“Give to the Lord the glory due his name.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10.

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 42:1-4, 6-7

This week’s reading from Isaiah comes from a section sometimes called Second Isaiah (Chapters 40-55) and is generally considered to have been written by an unknown poet who prophesied near the end of the Babylonian exile.  In 586 B.C. the city of Jerusalem fell, the walls and palaces were destroyed and the sacred temple burned. King Zedikiah and the rest of the population were marched to Babylon in chains.

From these chapters come the great messianic oracles known as the Song of the Servant. In each song a different viewpoint of the mysterious “servant” is given.

Isaiah is calling upon a figure who represents Israel and yet still addresses her. The “servant” is both a single individual and a nation as a collective individual. He talks about the qualities of the past, and he makes his “servant” very much a key figure of the future.

Isaiah points out that the servant’s role is not limited to Israel, but would become universal. He saw his people in chains and exiled to Babylonia, which was one thousand miles away from Judah. The need for a messiah was of great importance, and the hope of being restored to their lost homeland was in great danger of being completely demolished. The “servant” is being described as different from other leaders, not relying on military might or upon treaties with other nations. He will not be a victorious warrior or king, nor like other prophets shouting out their warnings. What the servant is will speak much louder than his words. The servant will be empowered by the same “Spirit” that rushed upon David when he was anointed king by Samuel (1 Sam. 16:13). Isaiah exhorts the people to look to the servant as God’s chosen one.  The servant’s destiny of suffering and glorification is fulfilled in the passion and glorification of Jesus Christ.

ACTS 10:34-38

In this passage, Peter is preaching to the crowd that God shows absolutely no partiality. We see this truth being reaffirmed constantly in the Old Testament. The Lord shows no partiality, nor does he fear the famous or powerful (Lev. 19:15 and Wis. 6:7).  God will have no part of activity like that. Peter challenges his listeners to fear the Lord and act upright, which means to be in reverence and awe of the Lord and to follow his commandments. We are told that fear of the Lord is to hate evil (Prov. 8:13).

Peter tells the crowd that God has sent to all the people of Israel a Messiah, in whom he baptizes people in the power of the Holy Spirit. He preached that Jesus is Lord of all, a message that still is being presented today to a waiting, hungry world. The Good News began when John baptized people in the name of repentance. Jesus was baptized by God in the power of the Holy Spirit.

We have been anointed with the same power and Spirit as Jesus. Jesus went forth doing good works and healing the sick. Peter’s message is very much alive today as we see in our newspapers and television how bribes, fear of the powerful, and partiality to favored people can be very destructive to our society.

We are called to go forth in the power of the same Spirit and do good works and heal the sick in the name of Jesus (Acts 1:8). Jesus wants us to carry on through word and sacrament (Baptism and Confirmation), and to be witnesses to the world that he is alive here and now.

MARK 1:7-11

Today’s Gospel message speaks of great humility in John the Baptist. He was regarded as the first genuine prophet in 400 years. John would disappear very suddenly and shockingly as well, while Jesus the Messiah would go on to infinite greatness. John, who was very well known at the time, was pointing out how insignificant he was compared to the one who was coming. John states that he was not even worthy to untie the sandals of the coming Messiah. What John began with his ministry, Jesus finished. What John prepared, Jesus fulfilled. John’s baptism with water prepared them to receive Christ’s message and demonstrated a humility and a desire to turn away from sin. This was the beginning of the journey back to the kingdom of God.

When we received our baptism of the Holy Spirit, our whole being was transformed by the Spirit’s power. This kind of baptism is the result of the completed work of Christ. Jesus did not need to be baptized, because he was sinless. He deliberately chose to be baptized (1) to bring the message of salvation to all people, (2) to show that he was God’s Son and his mission was approved by his Father, (3) to begin officially his public ministry, (4) to identify with all our humanness and sinfulness, and last, but not least, (5) to give us an example to follow.

Today’s passage gives us a tremendous view of all three persons of the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are that living temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20), and our baptism has called us to lead others out of the darkness and into the light of Christ. We have received power (Acts 1:8), and we are commanded to be full of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). Like John, we are called to be humble and still be bold. Baptism is an ongoing commitment that calls us every day of our life. It is not a one-time ritual ceremony; rather it is a life-changing, everyday encounter with the world through the eyes and mind of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist died for his faith. Jesus died for all people, and we are called to die to ourselves, repent and believe in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, 39).

Application 

The first reading reveals to us that the Messiah is to be a “servant”.  The second reading reveals that God has no favorites. In the Gospel, God speaks to us, even today, with his voice from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”

This week be a servant to your family, a friend or someone in the community who is sick.  Be available, be specific, be consistent, and be ready to see the joy of Christ in their eyes as you live what you believe. Let the joy of the Father be reflected in the way you love others.  “You are his beloved child, and he is well pleased with you.”

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 60:1-6 FIRST READING

(“But upon you the Lord shines.”)

l. To what are the Israelites being called, whose light has come, and what shines upon the Israelites?   Isaiah 60:1

2. How did the glory of the Lord appear in the following scriptures?

Exodus 16:7, 10

Exodus 24:16, 17

Leviticus 9:6, 23, 24

Ezekiel 3:12-13

Luke 2:9

Personal – In your life, in what way has “the glory of the Lord” appeared to you?

3. What covers the earth and the unbelievers?   Isaiah 60:2

4. Upon whom does the Lord shine, and what appears over them? Isaiah 60:2

5. Fill in the blank: Nations shall walk by your _____________ and kings by your shining radiance.   Isaiah 60:3

6. Who is the light?   John 8:12

7. Why must we raise our eyes, and who comes to the light?    Isaiah 60:4

8. Who shall be radiant, whose heart shall overflow, and what will happen to the sea and the nations?   Isaiah 60:5

9. What will the camels do, and from where will they come? Isaiah 60:6

10. What shall they bear, and what will they be proclaiming? Isaiah 60:6

Personal – In what way is the light of Christ shining through you in your family, your work, and your environment? Are people drawn to you because they see that light within you?

THIRD DAY READ EPHESIANS 3:2-3, 5-6 SECOND READING

(“In Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews.”)

1. Who heard of the ministry which God gave Paul, and for whose regard?  Ephesians 3:2, Ephesians 2:11

2. What was revealed?   Ephesians 3:3

3. What was unknown to men in former ages?   Ephesians 3:4-5

4. Who has revealed this mystery, and to whom was this mystery revealed?   Ephesians 3:5

5. Read the following scriptures:  John 14:26, Acts 11:12, 1 Corinthians 2:13

Personal – Do you listen each day for the Holy Spirit’s instructions for you? What has he taught you as you have been reading his word? Remember to pray before you read God’s word, asking the Holy Spirit to teach you and give you wisdom, knowledge, and obedience to follow his plan for your life.

6. Who were some of the holy apostles and prophets, and by whom were they sent?Isaiah 1:1, Jeremiah 1:1, John 1:35-50, Romans 1:1

7. What is the mystery revealed?   Ephesians 3:6-8

8. How do the Gentiles and the Jews become co-heirs? Ephesians 3:6

9. Whom has God commissioned to preach the Gospel? Ephesians 3:6 Matthew 28:18-20

Personal – In what way have you ever felt called to teach or share God’s Word with others? A good beginning is to share with your spouse, children or a close friend how the Lord has touched you in his Word or from the homily on Sunday.

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 2:1-12 GOSPEL

(“They prostrated themselves and did him homage.”)

1. Where was Jesus born, who was king at that time, and who arrived from the east? Matthew 2:1

2. Read the following scriptures: Daniel 2:27 and Daniel 4:4. According to these verses, are those who read the stars able to know God’s plan for their lives?

3. Who is the only sign we follow? Isaiah 7:14 Luke 11:30

4. For whom were the astrologers searching, and what did they observe? Matthew 2:2

5. How did King Herod react, and who reacted along with him? Matthew 2:3

6. Whom did King Herod summon, and what did he inquire of them? Matthew 2:4

7. What did the chief priest and scribes tell Herod, and to what prophet were they referring?  Matthew 2:5, Micah 1:1 5:1

8. What is the ruler to do?   Matthew 2:6

9. Read the following and write out your favorite verse: John 10:11, John 10:14, John 10:16, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:3-4, Revelation 7:17

Personal – Share the scripture you chose and tell how it has affected your life.

10. What did King Herod find out from the astrologers? Matthew 2:7

11. Where did he send them, and what were his instructions to them? Matthew 2:8

12. What was the astrologer’s reaction to the star as they followed it? Matthew 2:10

Personal – Have you had any insight to God’s light in his Word? What is your reaction to this?

13. When the astrologers found the child with his mother, Mary, what did they do? Is this in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophesy? Matthew 2:11, Isaiah 60:5-6

Personal – Have you bowed before the Lord? How have you prostrated yourself in homage before our Holy God? In his presence in the Eucharist, have you knelt to do him homage, or do you do it just out of habit? Reflect on this.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 72:1-13

(“For he shall rescue the poor man when he cries out.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 72:1-13.

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

How can you apply this to your daily spiritual life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 60:1-6

This week’s reading from Isaiah comes from a section sometimes called Third Isaiah (Chapters 55-66), and is generally considered to be written by an unknown poet. The time of this passage is about 535 B.C. and it prophesies the role of the temple and offers to open its doors to all other nations. The invitation was given to the whole world to join the ranks of Israel as the Lord’s chosen people.

Isaiah is calling on the people to rise up in the splendor and radiance of the Lord (verse 1). He tells them that the glory of the Lord shines in them and through them (verse 3). He urges them to be confident in that love and they will become leaders of all nations and many from all nations will be drawn to them (verses 4-5).

Today we are being called to rise up and become symbols of light and hope. We are called to be a light to a world that is covered with much darkness. We can be a light to the world only as long as we walk in the light of Christ. Each one of us is called by the Psalmist (Psalm 119:105) to be a light unto each other’s path. We are being called today, as in the time of Isaiah, to let the glory of God’s light shine through all of us.

EPHESIANS 3:2-3,5-6

Paul wrote this letter while in prison awaiting trial before Nero. He reflects on his mission to the Gentiles (those who do not believe in the Jewish faith), and he speaks about his own conversion as being a great mystery of Christ.

Paul was on a journey to Damascus to persecute disciples of the Lord when suddenly a light flashed around him that seemed to come from heaven. He was challenged by the Lord to stop persecuting him and to come follow him. Paul did and his whole life changed. He uses that conversion experience to bring others to the Lord (Acts 9:3-9). He claimed his place as an apostle because he was an eyewitness to the Lord during his “metanoia” or conversion experience.

Paul gained a deeper understanding of God’s plan of salvation through Christ. He reveals to us in this letter that into his life had come the great secret of God. That secret was that the love and mercy and grace of God were meant not for the Jews alone, but for all mankind. When Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus there was a sudden flash of revelation that affected his whole life. That “metanoia” is open to all of us, and we are being called to bring to the world that same message. It was to the Gentiles that God sent Paul, to open their eyes that they might turn from darkness to light. We hear Paul stating very boldly that God’s love and mercy are given to all, Jews and Gentiles alike.

MATTHEW 2:1-12

We celebrate the feast of Epiphany, which means the visitation of the seekers or as they are often called, the Magi, and Christ’s manifestation of his glory to them. It was in Bethlehem, a little town six miles south of Jerusalem, that Jesus was born.

The name Bethlehem means “house of bread,” and the manger in which Jesus slept was used to feed the animals. It is significant that Jesus was born in a place called “house of bread,” as he chose to feed us with his Word and in his presence in the Eucharist. He calls himself “Living Bread,” in John 6:35-66, and we share his living bread in our liturgies in accordance with scripture (Luke 22:14-20), in churches throughout the world.

Bethlehem was where Jacob buried Rachel (Genesis 48:7) and it was there that Ruth married Boaz (Ruth 4:13). This city was the home of David (1 Sam. 16:1, 17:12, 20:6) and it was in Bethlehem that the Jews expected God’s Anointed One to come into the world (Micah 5:1-2). When Jesus was born, there came to Bethlehem seekers from the east to do him homage. The Magi were holy and wise men and were skilled in philosophy, medicine, natural sciences, soothsaying, and interpretation of dreams. Many later became members of a tribe of pagan priests in Persia and functioned much like the Levite priests in Israel.

About the same time that Jesus was born, the Roman poet, Virgil, was praising through his writings and poems the “savior of the world,” the emperor, Augustus Caesar of Rome. So it was to a waiting world that Jesus came and the astrologers from lands far away gathered at his cradle. It was the first sign and symbol of the world’s conquest by Jesus Christ.

Today many of the learned men and women are coming to praise the King of Kings, Jesus; but many are not. What about you? Is Jesus your King and are you bringing him your presence as a gift? We need to reflect on the gift given to all who believe in the Christ Child of Bethlehem. The gift is being co-heirs of his kingdom, members of the one body and sharers of the promise. Have we made someone feel like an unwanted stranger? Have we dared label anyone a foreigner, alien, outsider, or pagan? Have we welcomed all to our “manger scene?” Is the light in our hearts drawing others to him, as the star did in Bethlehem? The manifestation of the star’s brilliance spoke to the Magi of the entry of a King into the world. The glory of God’s love for all is called to be manifested in us through the power of the Holy Spirit and in the saving name of Jesus Christ.

Application

Isaiah urges us to look at the glory of God being unfolded before us, and calls upon the people to rise up from the shackles of captivity. In Ephesians Paul describes God’s secret plan, and in Matthew we see the wise men overjoyed at the results of following the star.

This week, like the wise men or Magi, let us bring Jesus our gift. Yours might be a gift of joy or love, peace or patience, etc. Then you need to share this gift with someone in your family or work place. The wise men came in humility and left encouraged and full of hope. We can expect no less, when we bring Jesus our gift.

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 SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14 FIRST READING

(“He who honors his father atones for sins.”)

l. Where does the Lord place a father over his children, and what does he confirm over sons? Sirach 3:2

2. What happens to one who honors his father? Sirach 3:3

3. What do we store up when we revere our mother? Sirach 3:4

4. By what is the man gladdened who honors his father, and what happens when he prays? Sirach 3:5

5. What will happen to him who reveres his father? Sirach 3:6, Exodus 20:12

6. What does one do who brings comfort to his mother? Sirach 3:6

7. What are we to do, and what are we not to do when our father gets old? Sirach 3:12

8. To whom are we to listen, for what reason, and whom are we not to despise? Proverbs 23:22

9. How are we to treat our father, even if his mind fails? Sirach 3:13

10. What will not be forgotten, and as what will it serve? Sirach 3:14

Personal – In what ways do you listen to and honor both your earthly father and your heavenly Father? 

THIRD DAY READ COLOSSIANS 3:12-21 SECOND READING

(“You children, obey your parents in everything as the acceptable way in the Lord.”)

1. With what five things are we to clothe ourselves, and for what reason? Colossians 3:12

2. What are these five qualities called, according to Galatians 5:22?

3. What are we to do with one another, and what are we to do over any grievance we may have for another? Colossians 3:13

4. Why are we to forgive? Colossians 3:13

5. What did Jesus say as he was dying on the cross, and to whom was he speaking? Luke 23:34

6. In the Lord’s Prayer, what are we saying and what is the Father saying? Matthew 6:12-15

Personal – How have you sinned and received the forgiveness of God? In what way is that reflected by your forgiveness of others when they have hurt you?

7. What virtue do we put on over all the rest? Colossians 3:14

8. What must reign in our hearts, of what are we members, to what are we called, and to what must we dedicate ourselves? Colossians 3:15

9. What must dwell in us, how are we to treat one another, and how are we to sing gratefully to God? Colossians 3:16

10. Whatever we do, in speech or action, in whose name are we to do it, and to whom are we to give thanks? Colossians 3:17

11. How are wives to act toward their husbands, and how are husbands to act toward their wives? Colossians 3:18-19

12. How are children to act toward their parents, and how are fathers to act toward their children? Colossians 3:20-21

Personal – What do you think causes the most break-ups in the family today?  How do you think this can be remedied? In what ways are you obeying or disobeying what God says in Colossians 3:18-21.

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 2:22-40 GOSPEL

(“The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him.”)     

1. What was done according to the law of Moses, what is written in the law, and what did Mary and Joseph offer in sacrifice? Luke 2:22-24, Leviticus 12:2-6, 8, Exodus 13:2

2. What did Jesus say is the greatest commandment of the law? Matthew 22:37-38

3. Who was in Jerusalem at the time, what was he like, for what was he waiting, and who was upon him? Luke 2:25

4. What was revealed to the man by the Holy Spirit, who inspired him to come to the temple, and what did he do when the parents brought in the child Jesus? Luke 2:26-28

Personal – Simeon blessed God in his words. In what ways can you bless God in your words?

5. What did Simeon call the Lord, what did he say he had done, and what did he say his eyes had witnessed? Luke 2:29-32

6. How do we fulfill the law? Romans 13:8

7. As Mary and Joseph were marveling over what was being said, what did Simeon do and say to them? Luke 2:33-35

8. What did Jesus come into the world to do? John 9:39

9. Where was Mary when Jesus was crucified? John 19:25

10. For what reason was Mary pierced with a sword? Luke 2:35

11. What is the sword of the Spirit? Ephesians 6:17

12. Who was a certain prophetess, how old was she, where could she constantly be found, and what was she doing? Luke 2:36-37

13. What did the prophetess do both day and night, what did she give to God, about whom did she talk, and to whom? Luke 2:37-38

14. After Mary and Joseph fulfilled the law, where did they go? In what did the child grow, with what was he filled, and what was upon him? Luke 2:39-40

15. What was Jesus called? Matthew 2:23

16. Where do we receive our strength? Philippians 4:13

Personal – In what ways have you been pierced with a sword? What does it mean to you to be pierced with a sword as Jesus and Mary were pierced?  

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 128:1-5

(“Happy are you who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways!”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 128:1-5.

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

SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14

Sirach was a pious and learned Jew who lived in the second century B.C. He wrote a collection of sayings to help others live their lives in accordance with God’s Holy Word. In today’s passage he speaks of family. He shows us that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race.

The foundation of the family was traditionally the father, and he had the place of honor. The father was given the right to be respected and obeyed by his family. We see the mother also shares the authority with the father in the home. The authority of both parents, in accordance with God’s Word, is to be respected by the children.

This passage applies very strongly to today’s families because the family structure is under a severe attack by Satan. Children who respect their parents are not only doing God’s will, but also are storing up spiritual rewards for themselves. Over the centuries it has been shown that children who respect their parents generally have children who will respect their parents.

We see that prayer is very important for a family’s growth and that all prayer is answered. The call to love, honor, and respect your parents carries with it the reward of your children’s care for you in your old age.  With love and respect, a long life thus becomes a sign of God’s blessing for those who follow his commands.

Children are called to give their aging parents loving care. The child who has learned to respect his parents is respecting God. No matter how feeble, mentally or physically, one’s parents may become, it is the children’s responsibility to care for them. This is not some social health care program’s slogan; this is in accordance with God’s Holy Word. God wants love, kindness, respect, honor, sacrifice, comfort, safety, etc.

COLOSSIANS 3:12-21

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. He was told by a follower, named Epaphras, that recent converts to the Christian faith were being disturbed by false teachers. Paul’s letter spells out some very practical rules for the Christians; to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Paul is telling them that these virtues must be secure in their hearts in order for the community to live out the Christian vision.

Forgiveness is a main virtue of a Christian. This is what separates us from the non-believers. God wiped out all our sins in Baptism and is constantly waiting to wash away the sins of a repentant sinner in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We also must imitate God and be willing to forgive a repentant brother or sister. Paul again shows Christ as the head of the body and the source of unity, harmony and peace. We hear that it is not enough to know the doctrines of Christ, but we must live Christ’s life, and our lives must be witnesses of good and bearing fruit.

Today, as then, we are called to help each member of the family of God. Paul deals with the family by telling the husband to “love your wife,” and wives to be subject to the spiritual authority of the husband. Children are called to obey their parents. This may sound common today, but in Paul’s time, wives had few rights and were often considered to be the property of the husband. Paul’s call to “love your wife” brings her into equality and a full sharing in the authority of the family. Paul also tells fathers not to provoke their children. The authority of a father comes from God, and this authority is to lead, to love, and to serve his family. A loving father leads his children by serving them in the name of the Lord.  A loving father puts on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:2-5).

LUKE 2:22-40

Today’s gospel is a powerful lesson on redemptive suffering. We read how a family follows the ceremonies of their religion and see respect, reverence, and obedience in all their actions. We hear the wisdom that comes from two old people in the temple. We need to reflect for a moment on how we listen with respect to elderly people in our lives.

Simeon told Mary that along with the joys of having such a wonderful child, a sword would pierce her soul. Mary felt that sword when Jesus was murdered on the cross at Calvary. Some parent’s souls are pierced many times from danger, sickness, and violence to their children. They suffer the hurt that happens to their child. Mary took on the hurt of her Son’s rejection and crucifixion. She did not strike back or cry out with vengeance. She suffered tremendously for her Son and for all of us. Jesus suffered tremendously and, like a lamb, he was slaughtered and never struck back. He and his mother were both pierced by the sword of suffering.

What makes suffering redemptive and what makes it useless? Suffering that leads us closer to God in our thoughts and actions is redemptive suffering. Suffering that leads us into ourselves is selfish and useless. We need only to look at our own families and see the suffering saints who have held us up in prayer.

St. Augustine’s mother prayed for 30 years for him to turn to God, and her prayers were answered. Pope John Paul II has been the object of assassination, and he constantly is the vision of a man at prayer with his God for his people. Pope John Paul II visited his would-be assassin in prison and extended to him God’s forgiveness and love as well as his own.  Mother Teresa, 80, and with a bad heart is still doing something beautiful for God. She says, “Unless life is lived for others, it is not worth while.”

Application

This week we are celebrating the special feast of the Holy Family, and all the readings reflect some aspect of family. We see how the power and love of Holy Families can change a dark world into a community of light.

Today, let your suffering be for the Lord and for someone else in your family. Maybe you can offer your pain for someone who is on drugs or alcohol. Pick a family member, a friend, or a co-worker, and pray for that person all week. Let your soul be pierced so that the heart of others will be laid bare and they will turn to God.