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 daily spiritual life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY            READ JONAH 3:1-5, 10            FIRST READING 

 

(“The Word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.”) 

 

1. What came to Jonah a second time, and what did the Lord tell him to do?   Jonah 3:1-2

 

 

2. What was the Word of God that came to Jonah the first time, and why did it come to him a second time?   Jonah 1:1-3 

 

 

3. What did Jonah do, where did he go, and whom was he following?   Jonah 3:3 

 

 

4. Who are called blessed?   Luke 11:28

 

 

5. How big was Nineveh, and how long did it take to go through it?   Jonah 3:3 

 

 

6. What did Jonah do, how far did he get before the people of Nineveh believed God, and what did he announce? Jonah 3:4-5 

 

 

7. When the people of Nineveh believed God, what did they do? Jonah 3:5 

 

8. What does God do to those who humble themselves and turn from their evil ways?   2 Chronicles 7:14 

 

 

9. What did God see, of what did God repent, and what did God not do?   Jonah 3:10 

 

 

10. What leads us to repentance?   Romans 2:4

 

 

Personal – In what way have you obeyed or not obeyed the Word of God this past week? What happened to you as a result of your obedience or disobedience? Compare it to the story of Jonah in this study. 

 

 

THIRD DAY            READ 1 CORINTHIANS 7:29-31            SECOND READING 

 

(“I tell you, brothers, the time is running out.”) 

 

1. What is Paul telling the brothers?   1 Corinthians 7:29

 

 

2. What does the wise man’s heart know?  Ecclesiastes 8:5

 

 

3. What happened at an acceptable time, and what day is it now?  2 Corinthians 6:2 

 

 

4. How are those with wives to act?   1 Corinthians 7:29

 

 

5. What happens to those who give up their wife for the kingdom of God?   Luke 18:29-30 

 

 

6. What does Paul tell those who are weeping, those who are rejoicing, and those who are buying?  1 Corinthians 7:30 

 

 

7. What are those who make use of the things of this world not to do?  1 Corinthians 7:31 

 

 

8. What is the world in its present form doing? 1 Corinthians 7:31 

 

 

9. What is happening to the world, and who will remain forever? 1 John 2:17 

 

10. What will always remain, and why?  1 Corinthians 13:13 and 1 John 4:16 

 

 

Personal – How much time do you spend on the things of this world, in comparison to time spent loving God and others? What is the world in its present form to you? 

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MARK 1:14-20            GOSPEL 

 

(“Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”) 

 

1. After John had been arrested, what did Jesus come to Galilee proclaiming?   Mark 1:14 

 

 

2. What time did Jesus say this was, what was at hand, and what two things must we do?   Mark 1:15 

 

 

3. What does sorrow for God’s sake produce?   2 Corinthians 7:9-11 

 

 

4. What was Paul sent to do, and what was that Gospel? 1 Corinthians 1:17-18 

 

 

5. What signs will accompany those who believe?  Mark 16:17-18

 

 

6. What is possible to those who have faith, and what did the boy’s father cry out?   Mark 9:23-24 

 

 

Personal – What signs are coming from you showing the extent of your faith? 

 

 

7. As Jesus passed by the Sea of Galilee, whom did he see, what were they doing, and what were they?   Mark 1:16 

 

 

8. Whom did Jesus say to come after, and what would he make them?   Mark 1:17 

 

 

9. What did they leave, and whom did they follow?  Mark 1:18

 

 

10. As Jesus walked a little farther, whom did he see? What were they doing, and what did Jesus do?  Mark 1:19-20 

 

 

11. What was their response to him?   Mark 1:20

 

 

12. What must we do to follow Jesus, and what will the Father do?   John 12:26 

 

 

Personal – As a believer, how are you like the Apostles, a fisher of men bringing others into the kingdom of God? 

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 25:4-9 

(“He guides the humble to justice.”) 

 

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 daily spiritual life? 

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY            READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY 

 

JONAH 3:1-5, 10 

 

Jonah, like many people today and of his time, had ignored God and rebelled against him. Jonah, again like many of us, ran away from God, but also like us, he was given a second chance to participate in God’s work. 

 

When we ignore God, He will discipline us, but he will always offer compassion and forgiveness if we turn from our sins and obey him. We may feel we are no longer able to qualify to serve God because of our past mistakes, but remember, that serving God is not an earned position. There is not one single living person on this earth that qualifies for God’s service. Yet, He asks each of us to be a part of His work. This may be your time for another chance. 

 

Jonah was to preach only what God told him, and that was a message of doom to the most powerful city in the world. He did not want this assignment, but he finally spoke out and did not let society, social pressures, or fear of people dictate his words. 

 

We are called to preach God’s message no matter how unpopular it may be. God’s message, then and today, is for everyone. The people of Nineveh were shocked when they heard God’s message, and they repented immediately. We need to realize that there are many people waiting to hear God’s word proclaimed. We are called to be today’s Jonah. You will be surprised when people confess and repent, just like they did at Nineveh. Remember, it is not the hearing of God’s word that really pleases Him, but an obedient response to it. 

 

I CORINTHIANS 7:29-31 

 

Paul tells the people that time is short, and their future is determined by their present interests. He is urging all believers to stay free from the trappings of the world and to be available to the Lord.  The lesson given here is not to let homes, financial security and even a successful marriage be the ultimate goal of life for all ages.  We must be unhindered by the cares of the world. We should not be getting involved with mortgages, budgets, investments or bills that will prevent us from doing God’s work. 

 

Paul tells us that a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities, but he should be careful to keep them modest and manageable. The time of salvation is now, and that means that our primary reason for living is to bring glory to God. The world and all its things will pass away, but we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will endure forever (1 John 2:17). We cannot call ourselves believers if our actions do not bear Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). We are called to die to ourselves and become Christ-centered instead of self-centered. 

 

We are to live to serve others instead of waiting for someone to serve us. A Christ-centered person experiences a new meaning of love. Love is giving, not taking. Our spouse will come alive with hope and joy as we become Christ-centered. Our children will come to honor and respect us as we become Christ-centered. To be Christ-centered is to be fully alive. To be self-centered is to be dead. Remember, today is the time of salvation and that means being Christ-centered. 

 

MARK 1:14-20 

 

Jesus proclaimed the Good News to those in Galilee, and this Good News would change the world forever.  His words were Good News because they offered freedom, blessings and promise. At last the long-awaited Messiah had come to begin God’s personal reign on earth.  

 

Do we really believe that the reign of God is at hand? Do we believe that God is present now and observes and allows pain, sickness and death to innocent people all over the earth? We need to take this message really into our heart, because the core of this message is that He is with us and He will never leave us, no matter how difficult the situation may be. The next part of that message was very uncomfortable for many people then and continues to be uncomfortable for many people today. To reform means to change and to change means to give up our power. People who want to change are people who are hurting, whether physically, emotionally, or even spiritually.  

 

Jesus tells us to believe in the Gospel and that means to repent. Most of the people who heard this message were oppressed, poor and without hope. They were thrilled that their Messiah was at last present in their lives. Today many people are still oppressed, poor and without hope and the reign of God is still at hand. The message to reform and believe in the Gospel is a message from a God of love and justice. He will forgive all those who come forth in Godly sorrow because that sorrow leads to repentance (2 Corinthians  7:9-10). He hates sin and will not look the other way while one is sinning because He is a just God. 

 

Let each one of us look into our heart and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your child.” (Luke 15:18-19) Remember, God’s love is constant and waiting. He will search for us and give us chances to respond, but He will not force us to come into His kingdom. 

 

 

Application   

 

In the first reading we are called to preach God’s message no matter how unpopular it may be.  The second reading reveals that the time of salvation is now and we are called to be Christ centered instead of self centered.  The Gospel shows us that to believe is to repent, and to repent is to become free.    

 

This week, look around in your family, school, and work and see where you may need to repent. An oppressed, lonely, and helpless one may be someone who is very close to you. Ask God to reveal to you where you need to repent, and then go to that person in faith and ask his or her forgiveness.  

 

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.”)  

 

1. 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 60:1-6         FIRST READING

(“But upon you the Lord shines.”)

1. 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.