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Third Sunday of Lent (Mar 15th) – Cycle A

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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 EXODUS 17:3‑7 FIRST READING

(“God satisfies the thirst of the Israelites whose hearts had become hardened and rebellious.”)

1. What made the people grumble against Moses, and what did they say to him? Exodus 17:3

 

2. To whom did Moses cry out, and what did he say? Exodus 17:4

 

3. Where did the Lord tell Moses to go, whom was he to have with him, and what was he to have in his hand as he went? Exodus 17:5

 

4. What happened when Moses outstretched the staff at the river?  Ex. 14:15‑16, 21‑22

 

5. Where did the Lord say he would be? Exodus 17:6

 

6. What did he tell him to do to the rock, and what would happen? Exodus 17:6

 

7. What was Moses’ response?   Exodus 17:6

 

8. What was the place called where this happened, and why was it called this? Ex. 17:7

 

9. Before Moses outstretched the staff over the Red Sea, how were the Israelites acting?   Exodus 14:11

 

10. What did they say to test the Lord?   Exodus 17:7

 

Personal ‑ When the Israelites were thirsty they complained and went to Moses. Moses went to the Lord. Do you complain and grumble to others about your own situation, or do you humbly go to God with your request? Do you see yourself complaining and grumbling because you are thirsty? Examine your conscience each day before the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you your thirst.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 5:1‑2, 5‑8 SECOND READING

(“Through his Spirit has his grace been poured into our hearts.”)

1. How have we been justified?  Romans 5:l , Romans 3:28

 

2. In whom is our faith?  Galatians 2:16 , Romans 5:9

 

3. If we have been justified by faith, what are we with God through our Lord Jesus Christ?   Romans 5:1

 

4. Through whom do we gain access by faith to the grace in which we now stand? Romans 5:1‑2

 

5. About what can we boast? Romans 5:2

 

6. In what is our hope? Acts 23:6

 

7. In whom can we find hope? Matthew 12:21

 

8. How will this hope leave us? Romans 5:5

 

9. What has been poured out in our hearts, and how has this been done?   Romans 5:5

 

10. Fill in the following blanks: At the __________ __________ when we were still __________ Christ died for us ___________ ___________. Romans 5:6

 

11. What is a rare thing?   Romans 5:7

 

12. How did God prove his love for us?  Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10

 

Personal‑ In what way have you accepted the love of God for you personally through the death of his Son Jesus? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the great love of the Father for you by sacrificing his beloved Son Jesus at Calvary.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 4:5‑42 GOSPEL

(“The water that I shall give will turn into a spring of eternal life.”)

1. Where did Jesus’ journey bring him; and what were the Samaritans like, according to the following verses:  

2 Kings 17:24‑29

Jeremiah 23:13

Matthew 10:5

Luke 9:52‑53

 

2. What was the plot of land that Jesus entered and what did Jesus do when he got to Jacob’s well? Why did he do it and what time was it?   John 4:5-6

 

3. When the Samaritan woman came to draw water, for what did Jesus ask her? John 4:7

 

4. What three points did the woman bring out and what are we to recall?  John 4:9

 

5. What was the woman’s response to Jesus’ reply? What did Jesus say would happen to those who drink the water from the well? John 4:10-13

 

6. What did he say would happen to the person who drinks the water he has to give and what was the woman’s response? John 4:14-15

 

7. After she asked him for this water, what did Jesus tell her to do and what did he exclaim to her and what did she say he was?   John 4:16-19

 

8. Where did she say her ancestors worshiped, where did she claim was the place where they say they ought to worship and where did Jesus say they would worship, and why? John 4:20-22

 

9. What two ways will authentic worshipers worship, and what is God?   John 4:23-24

 

Personal ‑ Where is your place of worship? Do you spend time each day worshiping God as Spirit and Truth? Do you understand not what you worship, but whom you worship, and why you worship him? Close your eyes and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to worship him as Spirit and Truth.

 

10. What did the woman say about the Messiah and who did Jesus say he was? John 4:25-26

 

11. What was the disciples’ reaction on their return? When the woman then left her water jar and went into the town, what did she say to the people?   John 4:27-29

 

12. Meanwhile the disciples were urging him to eat something. What did he tell them, what was their reaction and what did Jesus tell them was his food?   John 4:31-34

 

13. Jesus tells them to listen to him, open your eyes and see, the reaper already collects his wages and gathers a yield, for what reason?   John 4:35‑38

 

14. Many believe in him because of what occurrence and when he stayed with the Samaritans for two days, what brought many more to come to the faith?   John 4:39-41

 

15. What did they tell the woman?   John 4:42

 

Personal ‑ Are people coming to believe in the Lord through your word of testimony? If not, what do you personally need to do? See John 4:34.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 95:1‑2, 6‑9

(“O, that today you would hear his voice.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9.

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

EXODUS 17:3‑7

The Israelites, or as we have called them, the chosen people of God, were suffering under slavery and were in danger of being completely destroyed by their Egyptian captors. God chose for them a miracle, and a man would lead them in this miracle, and his name was Moses. God set them free from the Egyptians by parting the Red Sea, and Moses led them toward the promised land of Canaan. The human condition produced a series of rebellious murmuring, as they soon forgot what God had done for them. They began to complain that the difficulties of the journey were too hard to bear. They complained so much that they accused God of leading them out to the desert and leaving them to die. Moses asked God again for another miracle, and God in his mercy and love, agreed, and water came gushing forth from a rock.

Many people today are like those who were on that journey. They desire freedom, but they do not want to pay the price for it. The place where Moses drew the water from the rock is called Massah and Meribah, which means testing place. The people with Moses cried out, “Is the Lord amongst us or not?” We need to trust the Lord, not test him, because he never goes back on a promise. Like the people in the desert, many people today wonder whether God has deserted them in their hour of trial.

All the past favors, all the good times are forgotten because at the beginning their level of sincerity with God was not very high. As we begin to murmur in protest and feel abandoned or rejected we need to remember that our God is a God of love, joy, mercy, gentleness, and healing. He has promised to take us, not just to Canaan, but rather to heaven, and he will.

 

ROMANS 5:1‑2, 5‑8

As we read this passage we need to keep in mind that the Christian reality of life has two sides. One side is that we are complete in Christ (our acceptance with him is secure). On the other side, we are growing in Christ (we are becoming more and more like him). We feel both the presence of Christ and the pressure of sin. We enjoy the peace that comes from being made right with God, but we still face the daily problems that make us grow.

We need to remember these two sides in our Christian advancement and then we will not be discouraged as we face temptations and problems. Paul tells us that as believers we now stand in a place that could never be achieved by our own merits. God not only declares us not guilty, but, in fact he has drawn us closer to him. Instead of being his enemies, we have, in the response of our faith, become his own children.

Paul tells us in scripture that faith, hope and charity are at the heart of the Christian life (l Corinthians 13). Our relationship with God begins with faith. This helps us to believe that we are delivered from our past. Hope gives promise of the future, and charity or God’s love fills our lives and gives us the ability to reach out to others. The amazing part of this passage is that while we were still sinners God allowed his only begotten Son to die for all of us.

Let that sink in… Christ died for us, not because we were good enough, but because he loved us so much. He knows what is going on inside of you. He knows the problems that you are having with your own personality and yes, he died for you, especially for you. We need to remember that whenever we feel uncertain about God’s love for us, he loved us even before we decided to turn to him. The Father loved us so much that he sent his Son down to die for us and his Holy Spirit gives us the power to repent, believe and rejoice.

 

JOHN 4:4‑42

Jesus had left Jerusalem because opposition was rising against him from the Pharisees. They resented his popularity as well as his message, which challenged much of their legalistic teachings. Jesus traveled north toward the region of Galilee and it was here that he met the woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria. Samaritans were the object of tremendous racial abuse by the Jews, because when the Assyrians conquered Samaria, many of them intermarried with their conquerors.

The intermarriage resulted in a mixed race, impure in the opinion of the Jews, who lived in Judah, the southern kingdom. The Jews hated these people because they felt the Samaritans had betrayed their people and nation. Jesus was not compelled to live by such cultural restrictions and so he was not afraid to travel directly through Samaria. Jesus spotted the woman at about mid‑day. The woman probably came at that time to avoid meeting people because of her reputation.

Jesus knew that in the hot, blazing sun this woman needed a message about fresh and pure water that would quench her spiritual thirst forever. The woman was a Samaritan, had a bad reputation and was in a public place. No respectable Jewish man would talk to a woman like this under any circumstance, but JESUS did. Jesus’s message is the Good News and it is a message of hope. Jesus’ message is for every person, regardless of his or her race, social position, or age.

Jesus crossed all economic, social and racial barriers by dying on the cross for each and every one of us. We, who call ourselves Christians, must be prepared to do no less than he did. Jesus knew who the Samaritan woman was, and what she was, and he made sure that she knew it. He made sure that she knew he saw her as a child of God and told her that he was the only well that would never run dry. She knew he was different, because he did not ridicule her, and he did not try to preach the law to her. He did not even attempt to tell her that she was a sinner. He did not have to; she knew that he was offering her life, not death. She ran and told the community, not a bit worried about what they would think. She told them that he revealed everything about her, and the towns people came running to see this “Messiah.”

We need to reflect on what the Samaritan woman did when she left the well. She went forth to proclaim the Good News. The nourishment about which Jesus was speaking did not just include prayer, bible study, attending church or receiving sacraments. We also are nourished by doing God’s will and helping to bring his work of salvation to completion. We are nourished not only by what we take in, but also by what we give out for God. The woman at the well did not make excuses that her family was not ready to believe. Take a look around and, like the woman at the well, you will find plenty of people ready to hear and listen to God’s Holy Word. Tell them.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that even today, many people desire freedom, but do not want to pay the price for it. The second reading shows us that faith, hope, and charity are at the heart of Christian love. The Gospel reveals that Jesus will quench our spiritual thirst and that because of him we will never need to thirst again.

Jesus showed us that our looks and our reputations do not always tell others who and what we really are. This week look around at your family, friends, co-workers, church, and community. Pick out one person whom you think is a problem, and for a whole week, talk respectfully to them. Do not ignore them, but visit them in a hospital, prison or at home. We can make all the men and women of Jacob’s well feel loved if we follow Jesus’ example this entire week.

Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma (8 de Marzo) – 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 GéNESIS 12:1-4 PRIMeRA LECTURA

(“El llamado de Abraham, el padre del Pueblo de Dios.”)

1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando el Señor Dios en Génesis 12:1?

 

2. ¿A dónde le dijo el Señor que fuera?  Génesis 12:1

 

3. ¿Cuáles cuatro cosas dijo el Señor que haría por Abram?  Génesis 12:2-3

 

4. ¿Qué les hará Dios a los que bendigan a Abram?  Génesis 12:3

 

Personal – El diccionario define la palabra bendecir como: 1. hacer santo, santificado; 2. pedir favor divino por o para; 3. desear bien a; 4. hacer feliz o próspero; 5. guardar, preservar. ¿En qué forma te has sentido bendecido(a) por el Señor? ¿En qué forma has hecho una practica de bendecir a tu esposo o esposa, a tus hijos, parientes o amigos?

 

5. ¿Qué les hará Dios a los que maldigan a Abram?  Génesis 12:3

 

6. ¿Quién encontrará bendición en Abram?  Génesis 12:3

 

7. ¿Qué hizo Abram y quién fue con él?  Génesis 12:4

 

8. ¿Quién era Lot?  Génesis 11:31

 

9. ¿Cuántos años tenía Abram cuando se fue de Jarán, tierra de sus antecesores?Gén 12:4

 

10. ¿Qué otro nombre le fue dado a Abram por el Señor y qué hizo de él, el Señor? Génesis 17:5

 

Personal  ¿En qué forma reconoces la voz del Señor cuando te está hablando y obedeces la voz como Abram lo hizo? ¿Cómo crees que puedes discernir si el Señor te está hablando?

 

 

TERCER DIA 2 TIMOTEO 1:8-10 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El nos salvó y nos llamó, destinándonos a ser santos.”)

1. ¿Quién está hablando en 2 Timoteo 1:8, y a quién le está hablando?  2 Timoteo 1:1-2

 

2. ¿De qué no te debes avergonzar?  2 Timoteo 1:8; Eclesiástico 4:26, 51:29; Romanos 1:16; 1 Pedro 4:16

 

3. ¿Qué pasará si nos avergonzamos de Jesús y su doctrina? Lucas 9:26

 

4. ¿De dónde viene nuestra fuerza?  2 Timoteo 1:8

 

5. ¿Qué debemos soportar?  2 Timoteo 1:8

 

6. ¿A quién podemos tomar como modelos en el sufrimiento y paciencia?  Santiago 5:10

 

7. ¿Qué ha hecho Dios por nosotros y a qué tipo de vida nos ha llamado?  2 Timoteo 1:9

 

8. ¿Hemos sido salvados por algo que hayamos hecho?  2 Timoteo 1:9

 

9. ¿Cómo nos ha salvado Dios?  2 Timoteo 1:9-10; Tito 3:5

 

10. ¿Cómo le quitó Jesús el poder a la muerte?  2 Timoteo 1:10; Romanos 6:9-10

 

Personal  ¿Cuál es el testimonio para nuestro Señor que tienes para compartir? ¿Tienes un testimonio personal de como el Señor ha trabajado en tu vida?

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 17:19 EVANGELIO

(“Su cara brillaba como el sol y su ropa se puso resplandeciente como la luz.”)

1. ¿A quién se llevó Jesús a la montaña alta, y que le pasó a Jesús?  Mateo 17:1-2

 

2. ¿Quién se apareció de repente, y qué dijo Pedro entonces?  Mateo 17:3-4

 

3. ¿Cuando Pedro estaba hablando que los envolvió, y qué salió de la nube?  Mateo 17:5

 

4. ¿Qué nos detiene de escuchar al Señor?  Éxodo 7:13; Deuteronomio 1:43, 21:18; Hechos 28:27; Hebreos 12:25

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has sido capaz de afinar tu mente a lo que Dios esta diciéndote por medio de la oración y su palabra?

 

5. ¿Cómo se dirigió Dios Padre a Jesús en Mateo 17:5?  Mateo 3:17

 

6. ¿Qué les pasó a Pedro, Santiago y Juan cuando oyeron la voz de la nube y de que se llenaron? Mateo 17:6

 

7. ¿Qué hizo Jesús y qué dijo?  Mateo 17:7

 

8. ¿Qué les pasó a todos aquellos a los que Jesús les impuso las manos en las siguientes escrituras?  Mateo 8:3, 14-15, 9:23-25

 

9. ¿Qué dice 1 Juan 4:16-18 que es la relación de Dios, amor y temor?

 

10. ¿Qué le dijo Dios a Abram acerca del temor en Génesis 15:1?

 

11. ¿A quién le dijo Jesús, “no tengas temor”?  Mateo 28:1, 8-10; Marcos 6:45, 49-50; Lucas 5:10

 

12. ¿Cuando Pedro, Santiago y Juan miraron hacia arriba a quién vieron? ¿Cuando venían bajando de la montaña cuál fue la orden que les dio Jesús?  Mateo 17:8-9

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has sentido el toque sanador de Jesús? ¿Has impuesto las manos sobre alguien de tu familia que se encuentre enfermo?

 

 

QUINTO DIA SALMO 51:36, 1214, 17

(“Pues recta es la Palabra del Señor.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 51:3-6, 12-14, 17.

¿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

GéNESIS 12:1-4

Es muy significante y muy apropiado que el pasaje de Abram nos guié al Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma. Abram vivía una vida pagana en un país donde se adoraban ídolos. El tenía alrededor de 75 años y gozaba de una reputación de hombre próspero en la comunidad. Abram había experimentado una conversión personal y estaba convencido de que solo Dios era el Dios verdadero. Primero vino el llamado a Abram y luego vino la “Gran Comisión”, de “vayan y hagan que todos los pueblos sean mis discípulos”. (Mateo 28:19)

Dios nos demuestra su misericordia y su amor en la primera lección, en el llamado a Abram. Dios empezó por medio de Abram las preparaciones que llevarían a la venida de Jesucristo, nuestro Señor y Salvador, quien reabriría las puertas del cielo para nosotros. Solamente un Dios de amor y piedad pudo haber perseverado frente a esta gente tan rebelde. Nosotros también debemos extender el amor de Dios a todas las naciones no solamente a la de nosotros. Por medio de la familia de Abram, Jesús nació para salvar a toda la humanidad. Por medio de Jesús toda la gente y todas las naciones pueden tener una relación personal con Dios y las bendiciones continúan aún hasta ahora, sin medida.

La promesa de Dios para Abram de hacerlo grande estaba unida a una promesa de Abram de obediencia. Esto significó dejar la comodidad y seguridad de su casa y amistades y viajar a una tierra nueva y extraña. Abram obedeció dejando todas sus posesiones por la promesa de Dios de darle cosas aún más grandes. Nosotros somos llamados, como Abram, a ser gente escogida.

Cuando hacemos nuestra conversión como Abram lo hizo y conocemos a Dios personalmente, también somos llamados a ir adelante en su nombre. Tal vez Dios está tratando de guiarte a un lugar de santidad y de mayor servicio a su gente. No permitas que las comodidades y seguridad de lo que tienes te hagan perder el plan que Dios tiene para ti. El plan de Dios para Israel es el mismo para ti y para mí. Jesús dijo “Yo he venido no solamente a darles vida, sino también vida en abundancia”.  (Juan 10:10)

Dios planeó desarrollar una nación de gente a la que llamaría suya. Por medio de la muerte y resurrección de Jesucristo, tú y yo tenemos el privilegio de ser llamados hijos e hijas de Dios. Dios nos llama ahora y debemos escuchar y luego responder y aceptarlo personalmente e ir adelante a decirles a otros acerca de lo que hemos experimentado. Esto se llama evangelizar o atestiguar. Hemos sido llamados a hacer discípulos de todas las naciones.  (Mateo 28:19)

 

2 TIMOTEO 1:810

Pablo le escribe esta carta a Timoteo de la prisión esperando animarlo a perseverar en su ministerio. Había mucha persecución en las comunidades cristianas y Pablo estaba preocupado por la juventud de Timoteo y la cantidad de oposición al mismo como líder. Pablo estaba exhortándolo a que fuera valiente. ¡Oh!, cuánta más valentía es necesaria ahora en nuestros líderes Cristianos.

Vemos valentía en todas partes, con los líderes del mundo seglar y no suficiente en los líderes religiosos. Pablo le dice a Timoteo lo que todos nosotros no debemos olvidar nunca; el sufrimiento vendrá a todos esos que vivan el mensaje del Evangelio. En realidad Pablo estaba encarcelado por predicar el Evangelio (Hebreos 13:23). Pablo le promete a Timoteo que Dios le dará fuerza y que él estará listo cuando sea su turno de sufrir.

Nosotros también debemos estar listos y también a nosotros Jesús nos dará fuerza (Corintios 10:13). En estos días, la amenaza del ridículo, del rechazo, el ser ignorados socialmente, ser derrotados políticamente y en algunos lugares del mundo ser asesinados, es el precio puesto sobre esos que defienden a Cristo. Cuando defendemos a Cristo a pesar de la persecución, estamos viviendo el mensaje del Evangelio de que Dios nos ama, nos escogió y que mandó a Jesús a morir por nosotros. Nosotros morimos por Cristo negándonos a nosotros mismos y pidiendo el poder del Espíritu Santo para que nos defienda. Podemos defender a Cristo y resistir la persecución retirándonos de la pornografía, rechazando ir a las películas para adultos, dejando de comprar las películas que representan a la mujer como juguete-sexual.

La persecución esta activa hoy en día en muchas formas y debemos recordar que no merecemos ser salvados pero que Dios nos ofrece la salvación de todas maneras. Todo lo que tenemos que hacer es creer y responder con obediencia a El. Nunca debemos olvidar que lo malo solamente triunfará cuando la gente justa no haga nada.

 

MATEO 17:19

La transfiguración fue una revelación especial de la divinidad de Jesús a tres de sus discípulos. Dios afirma todo lo que Jesús ha hecho y que estaba por hacer en un futuro cercano. La presencia de Moisés y Elías con Jesús confirmó su misión de salvación. Moisés representaba la Ley, él es la figura central del Pentateuco (los primeros cinco libros de la Biblia), y él predijo la venida de un gran profeta (Deuteronomio 18:15-19).

Elías representa a los profetas quienes pronosticaron la venida del Mesías (Malaquías 4:5-6). Jesús es el cumplimiento de ambos, la Ley y los profetas. La Voz de Dios en la Transfiguración le dio autoridad a las palabras de Jesús. Pedro quería que todos se quedaran y ofreció construir un lugar para los tres. El quería actuar, pero ésta era la hora para orar y adorar.

Debemos recordar que antes de actuar sobre cualquier cosa, debemos orar primero y adorar a Dios. Pedro no se dio cuenta en la montaña de que Cristo no debía ser comparado con nadie. Ahora en muchas partes del mundo se mira a Jesucristo como un buen líder, una buena influencia o un buen profeta. La realidad es que, El es más que eso, El es el Hijo de Dios. Cuando comprendas esta verdad increíble, la única respuesta apropiada será la adoración.

Necesitamos saber acerca de Cristo para poder obedecerlo totalmente. Debemos orar, leer las escrituras, estudiar las escrituras, compartir las escrituras y después vivir las escrituras. Jesús les dijo a los discípulos que no dijeran lo que habían visto hasta después de su resurrección. El dijo esto porque él sabía que ellos no entendían plenamente quien era ó ni siquiera de que se trataba su misión. Ellos sabían que El era el Mesías, pero todavía tenían mucho que aprender acerca de El por medio de su muerte y resurrección. Los discípulos estaban asombrados por el resplandor de la cara de Jesús y ellos mismos fueron transfigurados.

La realidad increíble de saber quien era Jesús les cayó con toda su fuerza. Cuando una persona conoce y acepta a Jesús personalmente, hay una gran transfiguración que toma lugar. El asombro y resplandor de Jesús queda impreso en el corazón de la persona. El cambio o “arrepentimiento” trae resplandor que brilla desde adentro de la persona. Jesús quiere que seas transfigurado(a) y El quiere que tu corazón brille como el sol y que esté deslumbrante de luz como el de El.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura trae el poder del amor y la piedad de Dios a los que responden a su promesa. La segunda lectura nos llama a aguantar nuestra carga de aflicciones y a saber que Cristo nos dará la fuerza necesaria para llevar esta carga. La lectura del Evangelio nos enseña que Jesús nos quiere cambiados y quiere que le demos gloria a El por medio de nuestra respuesta.

Vamos a ser Cristianos muy sensitivos esta semana al relacionarnos con nuestra familia, en el trabajo, y comunidad. Vamos a demostrar por medio de nuestro ejemplo como podemos aguantar bajo aflicciones, por ejemplo: estando enfermo y ser feliz. Estar cansado y aún así responder a las necesidades de alguien más. Dejando que el cambio dentro de nosotros sea un signo para otros de que actuamos en lo que decimos y creemos. Tú y tu familia serán transfigurados y otros estarán atraídos al resplandor en ustedes y se darán cuenta que es el Espíritu Santo que vive en su templo santo.

Second Sunday of Lent (Mar 8th) – Cycle A

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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 GENESIS 12:1‑4 FIRST READING

(“The call of Abraham, the father of God’s people.”)

1. Who was the Lord God talking to in Genesis 12:1?

 

2. Where did the Lord tell him to go?   Genesis 12:1

 

3. What four things did the Lord say he would do for Abram? Genesis 12:2‑3

 

4. What will God do to those who bless Abram?   Genesis 12:3

 

Personal ‑ The dictionary defines the word bless as: l. to make holy, hallow, 2. to ask divine favor for, 3. to wish well to, 4. to make happy or prosperous, 5. to guard, preserve. In what way have you felt blest by the Lord? In what way have you made it a practice to bless your spouse, your children, relatives or friends?

 

5. What will God do to those who curse Abram? Genesis 12:3

 

6. Who shall find blessing in Abram?   Genesis 12:3

 

7. What did Abram do, and who went with him?   Genesis 12:4

 

8. Who was Lot?   Genesis 11:31

 

9. How old was Abram when he left Haran, land of his kinsfolk? Genesis 12:4

 

10. What other name was given to Abram by the Lord and what did the Lord make him?   Genesis 17:5

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you recognize the voice of the Lord when he is speaking to you, and do you obey that voice as Abram did? How do you think you can discern whether God is speaking to you?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 TIMOTHY 1:8‑10 SECOND READING

(“God has saved us and called us to be holy.”)

1. Who is speaking in verse 8 of 2 Timothy 1 and to whom is he speaking? 2 Tim. 1:1‑2

 

2. Of what are we not to be ashamed?

2 Timothy 1:8

Sirach 4:26

Sirach 51:29

Romans 1:16

1 Peter 4:16

3. What will happen if we are ashamed of Jesus and his doctrine?  Luke 9:26

 

4. From where does our strength come?   2 Timothy 1:8

 

5. What must we bear?   2 Timothy 1:8

 

6. Who can we take as models in suffering hardship and patience?  James 5:10

 

7. What has God done for us, and to what kind of life has he called us?   2 Timothy 1:9

 

8. Have we been saved by anything we have done?   2 Timothy 1:9

 

9. How has God saved us?  2 Timothy 1:9‑10, Titus 3:5

 

10. How did he rob death of its power?  2 Timothy 1:10, Romans 6:9‑10

 

Personal ‑ What is the testimony to our Lord you have to share? Do you have a personal testimony of how God has worked in your life? Have you shared this with your spouse, children, family, friends, or work acquaintances?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 17:1‑9 GOSPEL

(“His face became as dazzling as the sun, his clothes as radiant as light.”)

1. Who did Jesus take up on a high mountain and what happened to Jesus? Matt. 17:1-2

 

2. Who suddenly appeared there and what did Peter then say?    Matthew 17:3-4

 

3. As Peter was speaking, what overshadowed them and what came out of the cloud?   Matthew 17:5

 

4. What prevents us from listening to the Lord?

Exodus 7:13

Deuteronomy 1:43

Deuteronomy 21:18

Acts 28:27

Hebrews 12:25

Personal ‑ In what way have you been able to tune your mind into hearing what God is saying to you through prayer and his Word?

 

5. How did God the Father address Jesus in Matthew 17:5? Matthew 3:17

 

6. What happened to Peter, James, and John when they heard the voice from the cloud and with what were they overcome?    Matthew 17:6

 

7. What did Jesus do and what did he say?   Matthew 17:7

 

8. In the following scriptures, what happened to those on whom Jesus laid his hand?  Matt 8:3, 14‑15, Matt 9:23‑25

 

9. What does 1 John 4:16‑18 say is the relationship of God, love, and fear?

 

10. What did God say to Abram about fear in Genesis 15:1?

 

11. To whom did Jesus say “Do not be afraid?  ” Matthew 28:1, 8‑10 Mark 6:45, 49‑50, Luke 5:10

 

12. When Peter, James and John looked up, whom did they see and as they were coming down the mountain side, what was Jesus’ command to them?   Matthew 17:8-9

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you felt Jesus’ healing touch upon you? Have you laid your hand on those in your family who may be sick?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 33:4‑5, 18‑20, 22

(“For upright is the Word of the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 33:4-5, 18-20, 22.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

GENESIS 12:1‑4

It is very significant and quite proper that the passage of Abram should lead us into the second Sunday of Lent. Abram was a pagan living in an idol‑worshipping country. He was about 75 years old and enjoyed a reputation as a successful man of the community. Abram had experienced a personal conversion and was convinced that God alone was the true God. First came the call to Abram and then came the “Great Commission” to “go forth and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

God’s mercy and love for us are the first lesson this call of Abram teaches us. Through Abram God began the preparations that would lead to the coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who would reopen heaven’s gates for us. Only a God of love and mercy could have persevered in the face of such a stubborn people. We, too, are to extend God’s love to all nations, not just our own. Through Abram’s family, Jesus was born to save all humanity. Through Jesus all people and all nations can have a personal relationship with God and the blessings will continue even unto today, beyond measure.

God’s promise to make Abram great was tied to a promise of obedience by Abram. This meant leaving the comfort and safety of his home and friends and traveling to a new and strange land. Abram obeyed, walking away from all of his possessions, for God promised him even greater things. We are called, like Abram, to be chosen people.

When we make our conversion, as Abram did, and experience God personally, we will also be called to go forth in his name. God may be trying to lead you to a place of holiness and of greater service to his people. Don’t let the comfort and security of what you have achieved, allow you to miss out on God’s plan. God’s plan for Israel is the same as it is for you and me. Jesus said, “I have come to give you, not just life, but life in its fullness.” (John 10:10).

God planned to develop a nation of people he would call his own. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, you and I have the privilege of being called sons and daughters of God. God calls today and we are to listen and respond by accepting him personally, and then to go forth and tell others what we have experienced. This is called evangelizing or witnessing. We are called to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

2 TIMOTHY 1:8‑10

Paul, in prison writes this letter to Timothy in hopes of encouraging him to persevere in his ministry. There was much persecution going on in the Christian communities, Paul was concerned because of Timothy’s youth and the amount of opposition to him as a leader. Paul was urging him to be bold. Oh, how much boldness is needed by our Christian leaders today.

We see boldness everywhere in secular world leaders and not enough belief in the religious leaders. Paul tells Timothy, what everyone of us should never forget, that suffering will come to those who live out the Gospel message. In fact, Paul was jailed for preaching the Gospel (Hebrews 13:23). Paul promised Timothy that God would give him strength and that he would be ready when it was his turn to suffer.

We too must be ready and we too will be given strength by Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:13). Today, the threat of ridicule, rejection, being politically defeated, and, in some places in the world, being assassinated is the price for standing up for Christ. When we stand up for Christ in spite of the persecution, we are living out the Gospel message of God who loves us, chose us and sent Jesus to die for us. We die for Christ by dying to ourselves and when we call on the power of the Holy Spirit to defend us. We can stand up for Christ and endure peer pressure by walking away from pornography, refusing to go to R‑rated movies, and not buying the videos that portray women as sexual play‑toys.

Persecution is active today in many ways, and we must remember that we do not deserve to be saved, but God offers us salvation anyway. All we have to do is believe and respond with obedience to him. We must never forget that evil will succeed only when righteous people do nothing.

MATTHEW 17:1‑9

The Transfiguration was a special revelation of Jesus’ divinity to three of his disciples. God affirmed everything that Jesus had done and was about to do in the near future. The presence of Moses and Elijah with Jesus confirmed his mission of salvation. Moses represented the law. He is the central figure in the Pentateuch (first five books of the Bible), and he predicted the coming of a great Prophet (Deut. 18:15‑19).

Elijah represents the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5‑6). Jesus is the fulfillment of both the law and the prophets. God’s voice at the Transfiguration gave authority to Jesus’ words. Peter wanted them all to stay and offered to build a place for all three. He wanted to act, but it was a time to pray and worship.

We must remember that before anything is acted upon, we must first pray and give worship to God. Peter did not realize that Christ was not to be compared to anyone, especially on any mountain top. Today much of the world looks at Jesus Christ as being a good leader, a good influence or a great prophet. The fact is, he is more than that, he is the Son of God. When you understand this incredible truth, the only appropriate response is worship.

We need to know about Christ in order to obey him completely. We must pray, read scripture, study scripture, share scripture and then live the scripture. Jesus told the disciples not to tell what they had seen until after his resurrection. He said this because he knew that they did not fully understand who he was, or what his mission was all about. They knew he was the Messiah, but they had much more to learn about him through his death and resurrection. The disciples were amazed at the radiance of Jesus’ face and they were transfigured themselves.

The incredible reality of who Jesus really was hit them full force. When a person meets Jesus and accepts him personally, a great transfiguration takes place. The amazement and radiance of Jesus is imprinted on the person’s heart. The change or “metonoia” brings about a radiance that glows from within the person. Jesus wants you to be transfigured and he wants your heart to shine like the sun and be dazzling bright, just like his.

Application

The first reading brings the power of God’s love and mercy to those who respond to his promise. The second reading calls on us to bear our burden of hardships and know that Christ will give us the needed strength. The Gospel reading shows that Jesus wants us to be changed and he wants us to give him glory by our response to him.

This week, let us be very sensitive Christians as we relate to our families, jobs, and community. Let us show by example how we can bear up under hardship, for example: being sick and trying to be cheerful, or being tired and trying to respond to another’s needs. Let the change within us be a sign to others that we act out what we say and what we believe. You and your family will be transfigured and others will be drawn to your radiance and they will know that the Holy Spirit dwells within you.

Lectio Divina – Second Sunday of Lent (Mar 8th) – 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 17:1-9 – Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus in reply, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” And when the disciples raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.

As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, “Do not tell the vision to anyone until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina – First Sunday of Lent (Mar 1st) – 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

Matthew 4:1-11 – At that time Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was hungry. The tempter approached and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” He said in reply, “It is written: One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” Then the devil took him to the holy city, and made him stand on the parapet of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and with their hands they will support you, lest you dash your foot against a stone.” Jesus answered him, “Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Primer Domingo de Cuaresma (1 de Marzo) – 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 GÉNESIS 2:79, 3:17 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Creación de nuestros primeros padres y del pecado.”)

1. ¿De qué formó el Señor al hombre?  Génesis 2:7; Eclesiastés 33:10; Isaías 64:7

 

2. ¿Qué fue lo que sopló sobre él? ¿En qué se convirtió el hombre?  Génesis 2:7

 

3. ¿Qué fue lo que plantó el Señor, dónde lo hizo y a quién colocó allí?  Génesis 2:8

 

4. ¿Qué hizo el Señor de la tierra?  Génesis 2:9

 

5. Llena los espacios en blanco: “Yavé hizo brotar del suelo ____________________  __________________ ____________________ agradables a la ____________________ y buenos para ____________________.  Y puso en medio el __________________ ____________________  ____________________  ____________________ y el ____________________ __________________ __________________ del __________________ y del __________________.   Génesis 2:9

 

Personal  ¿Cómo te ves a ti mismo siendo “moldeado” por Jesús cada día? ¿Te has ofrecido a El y dejado que te forme en Su imagen, o te has ofrecido a los demás permitiendo que te formen a la imagen del mundo? Medita en esto.

 

6. ¿Cuál es el más astuto de los animales creados por Dios y a quién hizo la pregunta la serpiente, y cuál fue la contestación de la mujer?  Génesis 3:1-3

 

7. ¿Qué les advirtió Dios que les sucedería si comían del árbol que estaba en medio del jardín?  Génesis 2:17 y 3:3

 

8. ¿Qué le dijo la serpiente a la mujer?  Génesis 2:17 y 3:4-5

 

9. Compara las tres cosas que vio la mujer en Génesis 3:6, con las tres cosas que ofrece el mundo en 1 Juan 2:16.

GÉNESIS 3:6                                                                                      1 JUAN 2:16

1.

2.

3.

 

10. ¿Qué hizo élla y quién estaba con élla? ¿Qué pasó cuando comieron la fruta? Génesis 3:6-7

 

 

TERCER DIA ROMANOS 5:1219 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“La gracia de Dios hizo más que reparar la caída del hombre.”)

1. ¿Cómo entró el pecado en el mundo y qué vino junto al pecado?  Romanos 5:12

 

2. ¿A quién le vino la muerte y qué existía en el mundo antes de la Ley?  Romanos 5:12-13

 

3. ¿Qué reinó desde los tiempos de Adán hasta Moisés y aún hasta para aquellos que no habían pecado?  Romanos 5:14

 

4. ¿A qué no se parece el regalo y qué se desbordó para muchos?  Romanos 5:15

 

5. ¿A quién se le da la gracia?  Efesios 6:24; Salmo 84:12; Romanos 11:5

 

6. ¿Cómo trabaja la gracia de Dios en nosotros? ¿Cuál es el regalo de Dios para nosotros?  Efesios 2:8; Hechos 2:38; 1 Pedro 2:19

 

7. ¿Qué es totalmente diferente del pecado cometido por el primer hombre?  Rom. 5:16

 

8. ¿Qué sucedió en el primer y segundo caso?  Romanos 5:16

 

9. ¿Si la muerte comenzó a reinar a partir de un hombre por su ofensa, ¿qué reciben aquellos por medio de un hombre, Jesucristo?  Romanos 5:17

 

10. Compara los textos siguientes y llena los espacios: Romanos 5:18-19

una sola ofensa                                                  un solo acto justo

_______________________                ________________________

la desobediencia de un hombre                    la obediencia de un hombre

_______________________                ________________________

 

Personal  – ¿Cómo estás caminando en obediencia a la Palabra de Dios? ¿La conoces lo suficiente para distinguir si estás o no caminando en obediencia? ¿De qué manera es suficiente Su gracia para ti? Piensa sobre esto.

 

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 4:111 EVANGELIO

(“Como Adán y Eva, Jesús también fue tentado, pero no pecó.”)

1. ¿Qué pasó antes que fuera llevado Jesús al desierto?  Mateo 4:2, 3:13

 

2. ¿Quién guió a Jesús al desierto, y por quién fue tentado?  Mateo 4:1

 

3. ¿Cuánto tiempo ayunó, y cuál era su condición física después de su ayuno?  Mateo 4:2

 

4. ¿Cómo se llama el demonio, y qué le dijo Jesús?  Mateo 4:3

 

5. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Jesús, y cómo dijo El que no debe vivir este hombre?  Mat 4:4

 

6. ¿Aparte del hambre, qué otros tipos de tentaciones puede el demonio presentarnos?  Efesios 4:26-27; Santiago 4:6-7; 1 Pedro 5:8

 

7. ¿Qué hizo después el demonio, y qué le dijo a Jesús?  Mateo 4:5-6

 

8. ¿A quién recordó el diablo en Mateo 4:6 y de dónde sacó ese texto?  Salmo 91:11

 

9. ¿Qué le contestó Jesús, y en qué volvió a confiar Jesús?  Mateo 4:7; Deuteronomio 6:6

 

10. ¿Qué hizo el diablo entonces y que le prometió a Jesús y qué tenía que hacer Jesús para recibir esta promesa?  Mateo 4:8-9

 

11. ¿Qué le respondió Jesús, qué hizo el demonio y quién vino a servir a Jesús? Mat. 4:11

 

Personal – Si cuando fue tentado por el demonio, Jesús respondió diciendo: “Dicen las Escrituras…”, ¿no debíamos responder nosotros cuando nos tienta, “dicen las Escrituras”? ¿Cómo te ha ayudado el estudio de la Palabra de Dios para saber como resistir a Satanás y hacerlo huir? Usando la Palabra de Dios concéntrate esta semana en las áreas en las que te sientes débil y te sientes tentado a ceder. Si no puedes pensar en un pasaje de la Escritura en esa área en particular, acuérdate de pedir a Dios que te la revele.

 

QUINTO DIA SALMO 51:36, 1214, 17

(“En la grandeza de tu compasión, borra mis ofensas.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 51:3-6, 12-14, 17.

¿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

GÉNESIS 2:79; 3:17

En este pasaje vemos el enorme regalo que nos viene de Dios y por supuesto, es la vida. El cuerpo permanece inerte hasta que Dios sopla Su vida en él; nuestros cuerpos regresan al polvo cuando Dios retira Su soplo de vida. Es increíblemente importante entender que la vida y el valor del hombre vienen del soplo de Dios. Este pasaje muestra claramente nuestra necesidad de Dios. Solo necesitamos mirar a nuestro alrededor y ver cuán perecederas son nuestras acciones. Encontramos que Dios es el único valor permanente en nuestras vidas. Por El, tú y yo podemos enfrentarnos mañana con una necesidad y no tener miedo.

Dios nos ha dado un regalo milagroso llamado vida y necesitamos valorarlo tanto como El lo hace. Hacemos esto al valorar las vidas de otros y protegiendo la santidad de la vida humana dondequiera que vayamos. Dios nos mostró que tan especiales somos para El, al colocar a Adán y Eva en un jardín bello y seguro con plantas y árboles.

Necesitamos enfrentar la pregunta antigua, ¿porqué pondría Dios en medio del jardín un árbol, para luego prohibirle a Adán comer de él?  Dios quería, desde luego, que Adán lo obedeciera, pero también le dio la libertad de elegir. Dios nos da la misma oportunidad hoy en día, y muchas veces, tal y como Adán, a veces hacemos una mala selección. Las malas decisiones que tomamos nos causan y causan a los demás penas, dolor e irritación, éstas también nos ayudan a aprender, crecer y tomar mejores decisiones en el futuro. A Adán se le dio la oportunidad porque de otro modo se hubiera convertido en un prisionero forzado a obedecer sin posibilidad de decir “no”. Vemos a Satanás disfrazado de serpiente tratando de tentar a Eva.

Hoy en día Satanás sigue tentando a todos, aún a ti al leer este comentario. Satanás fracasó y fue aplastado por Dios (Gen. 3:14). Adán y Eva aprendieron que, como Dios es Santo y odia al pecado, debe castigar a los pecadores. ¿Por qué nos tienta Satanás? La tentación es la invitación de Satanás para que cedamos a vivir su tipo de vida dejando a un lado el tipo de vida que Dios nos propone. Satanás tentó a Eva con éxito haciéndola que pecara, y desde entonces se mantiene muy ocupado haciendo que peque la gente.

Podemos resistir la tentación orando para recibir fuerza. Podemos correr o salir de esa situación que causa tentación (películas malas, chistes sucios, malas compañías, etc.) Finalmente, podemos decir NO cuando nos enfrentamos con lo que sabemos es malo. Satanás trato de mostrar a Eva que el pecado es precioso, filosofía que se practica hoy en las películas y programas de TV. La gente normalmente escoge acciones equívocas porque están convencidos de que son correctas. Prepárate para las tentaciones atractivas que te lleguen.

ROMANOS 5:1219

“No es justo.” Este es el grito de muchos que se rehúsan a considerarse culpables por algo que hizo Adán hace miles de años. Mucha gente siente que Dios no es justo cuando nos culpa a nosotros hoy por lo que hizo Adán hace tanto tiempo. Sin embargo cada uno de nosotros confirma su identificación con la de Adán por nuestros pecados. Estamos hechos de la misma materia, rápidos en rebelarnos, y en juzgar a los demás. Todos somos pecadores y no alcanzamos la Gloria de Dios (Romanos 3:23), lo que realmente necesitamos no es justicia, sino más bien caridad.

Pablo le dice a la gente que guardar la ley no trae la salvación. El continúa diciéndole a la gente que la ley ayuda a que reconozcamos nuestros pecados. La ley señala nuestro pecado y pone la responsabilidad de ésta sobre nuestros hombros. La ley no nos salva del resultado de nuestro pecado; solo el poder salvador de Dios puede salvarnos.

Debemos volvernos a Jesús para poder ser salvados. Adán nos heredó los resultados de su pecado, heredamos su culpa, su tendencia a pecar, el castigo de Dios. Por la muerte de Jesús por nosotros en la Cruz, aún cuando somos pecadores (Romanos 5:8), podemos cambiar juicio por perdón. Jesús nos ha ofrecido la posibilidad de nacer en su familia espiritual, la familia que comienza con el perdón y lleva a la vida eterna.

Tenemos la enorme oportunidad de hacer una decisión. Si no hacemos nada, tendremos la muerte con Adán. Si, por otra parte, decidimos llegar a Dios por la fe, tendremos vida por Jesucristo. Piensa en esto cuidadosamente. ¿A qué familia quieres pertenecer?

MATEO 4:111

Mateo nos muestra en este pasaje la humanidad de Jesús cuando El estaba vulnerable y hambriento por el ayuno en el desierto. Esta experiencia le permitió a Jesús reafirmar el plan de Dios para su propio ministerio. La tentación del Señor es muy importante para nosotros porque nos muestra que hasta Jesús tuvo que enfrentarse con élla y nosotros no debemos esperar menos que eso, también.

Jesús no cayó en la tentación y nosotros estamos llamados a hacer lo mismo por medio de la fe y la obediencia al Señor Jesucristo. Una persona que nunca ha tenido oportunidad de desobedecer no puede llamarse obediente. Necesitamos darnos cuenta de que nosotros también seremos probados y debemos estar alertas y listos para esto. No somos tentados por Cristo porque El no quiere arrastrarnos abajo. Somos tentados por Satanás y solo la fe en Jesucristo nos puede dar fuerza y hacer huir al demonio.

Es importante para nosotros recordar que nuestras convicciones únicamente son buenas cuando aguantan la presión. El probarlas será nuestra acción al rechazar la tentación. Debemos hacer hincapié que por si misma, la tentación no es un pecado. Pecamos cuando cedemos y desobedecemos a Dios. Vemos en este pasaje que las tentaciones de Satanás se enfocaron en tres áreas cruciales de nuestras vidas: deseos físicos, posesiones, poder, y orgullo. Esas tentaciones existen definitivamente hoy en día en contra de la gente, igual como lo estaban para Jesús.

Jesús resistió a Satanás porque conocía la Escritura, la recordó y obedeció. A nosotros se nos dice que la Palabra de Dios es un arma que como marro, despedaza rocas (Jer. 23:29). Conocer las Escrituras es importante para resistir los embates de Satanás, pero debemos obedecer a Dios también. Debemos recordar muy bien que Satanás también conocía las Escrituras, pero escogió desobedecer la Palabra de Dios. Satanás usó la Escritura para tratar de convencer a Jesús a pecar, así como alguien hoy en una amistad tratará de convencerte con un texto que parece darle apoyo a su punto de vista. Reza, lee y estudia la Palabra de Dios diariamente y estarás listo cuando Satanás trate de envolverte para que caigas en la tentación.

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos muestra que la distorsión del mundo es peligrosa. En la segunda lectura vemos claramente que el regalo de Jesús con su muerte en la cruz borra totalmente el resultado del pecado de Adán. El Evangelio nos revela que conocer la Palabra de Dios, aún cuando es importante, no es suficiente para resistir la tentación. Debemos hacer vida la Palabra de Dios para verdaderamente liberarnos de la tentación.

Busca esta semana un pasaje de las Escrituras que se refiera a una tentación que tengamos, por ejem.: que nunca debemos irnos a la cama si tenemos algo contra la esposa, padre, madre, hermano(a), etc. Debemos actuar de acuerdo a Efes. 4:26, “Enójense, pero sin pecar: que el enojo no les dure hasta el termino del día y no den lugar al demonio”. Esto podemos lograrlo mediante la confesión de nuestro pecado y pidiendo a la persona ofendida que nos perdone. Esa es una buena forma de resistir a Satanás y hacerlo huir.

First Sunday of Lent (Mar 1st) – 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 GENESIS 2:7‑9, 3:1‑7 FIRST READING

(“Creation of our first parents, and sin.”)

1. Out of what did the Lord God form man? Genesis 2:7; Sirach 33:10; Isaiah 64:7

 

2. What did he blow into his nostrils and what did man become? Genesis 2:7

 

3. What did the Lord God plant, where did he plant it, and whom did he place there? Genesis 2:8

 

4. What did the Lord make out of the ground?   Genesis 2:9

 

5. Fill in the following blanks: Out of the ground the Lord God made __________ _________ grow that were delightful to _________ at and good for __________, with the ________ ___ ________ in the middle of the garden and the ________ of the ______________ of ______ and _________.   Genesis 2:9

 

Personal ‑ How do you see yourself being molded by Jesus each day? Have you offered yourself to God and allowed him to shape you in his own image, or have you offered yourself to those around you and allowed them to shape you into the world’s image? Meditate on this.

 

6. Who is the most cunning of all the animals that the Lord God has made and to whom did the serpent ask the question, and what was the woman’s answer to the question?   Genesis 3:1-3

 

7. What did God say would happen to them if they ate from the tree in the middle of the garden?  Genesis 2:17, 3:3

 

8. What did the serpent say to the woman?  Genesis 2:17, 3:4-5

 

9. Compare the three things the woman saw in Genesis 3:6 with the three things the world has to offer in 1 John 2:16.

GENESIS 3:6                                         1 JOHN 2:16

1.

2.

3.

 

10. What did she do, who was with her, and what happened when they ate the fruit?   Genesis 3:6-7

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 5:12‑19 SECOND READING

(“The results of the gift, Jesus Christ, outweigh one man’s sin.”)

1. How did sin enter the world and what went with sin? Romans 5:12

 

2. To whom did death come and what was in the world before the law? Romans 5:12-13

 

3. What reigned from Adam to Moses and even over those who had not sinned yet?   Romans 5:14

 

4. What is the gift not like and what overflowed for the many? Romans 5:15

 

5. To whom is grace given?  Eph. 6:24, Psalm 84:12, Romans 11:5

 

6. How does God’s grace work in us and what is God’s gift to us?  Ephesians 2:8, Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 2:19

 

7. What is entirely different from the sin committed by the one man?   Romans 5:16

 

8. What happened in the first case and what happened in the second case?   Romans 5:16

 

9. If death began to reign through one man because of his offense, what will those receive through the one man, Jesus Christ? Rom. 5:17

 

10. Compare the following and fill in the blanks: Romans 5:18‑19

a single offense                                 a single righteous act

____________________     ______________________

one man’s disobedience                 one man’s obedience

____________________     ______________________

 

Personal ‑ How are you walking in obedience to God’s Word? Do you know it enough to distinguish whether you are or are not walking in obedience? In what way is his grace sufficient for you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 4:1‑11 GOSPEL

(“Like Adam and Eve, Jesus was tempted, but did not sin.”)

1. What happened just before Jesus was led into the desert? Matthew 4:2, Matthew 3:13

 

2. Who led Jesus into the desert and by whom was he tested? Mat. 4:1

 

3. How long did he fast and what was his physical condition after he fasted? Matthew 4:2

 

4. What is the devil called and what did he say to him? Matthew 4:3

 

5. What was Jesus’ reply and how did he say this man was not to live? Matthew 4:4

 

6. What are some other ways besides hunger by which the devil can tempt us?  Ephesians 4:26, 27 James 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:8

 

7. What did the devil do next and what did the devil say to Jesus? Matthew 4:5-6

 

8. What did the devil quote in Matthew 4:6, and where did the quote come from?   Psalm 91:11

 

9. What did Jesus answer him and on what did Jesus again rely?  Matthew 4:7, Deuteronomy 6:6

 

10. What did the devil then do, what did the devil promise Jesus, and what would he have to do in order to receive this promise? Mat. 4:8‑9

 

11. What did Jesus say to him, what did the devil do, and who came and waited on Jesus? Mat. 4:11

 

Personal – If, when being tempted by the devil, Jesus responded with “Scripture has it,” should we not also respond to temptation with “Scripture has it?” How has the study of God’s Word helped you resist temptation and make Satan flee? Use God’s Word and concentrate on areas in which you are weak and are tempted. If you cannot think of a scripture in that particular area, remember to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal one to you.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 51:3‑6, 12‑14, 17

(“In the greatness of your compassion, wipe out my offense.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 51:3-6, 12-14, 17.

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

GENESIS 2:7‑9; 3:1‑7

We see in this passage the tremendous gift that comes from God, and that, of course, is life. The body is lifeless until God breathes life into it. Our bodies return to dust when God removes his life‑giving breath from us. It is incredibly important that we see that man’s life and worth come from the breath of God. This passage clearly shows us our need for God. We need only to look around and see how temporary our achievements are. We find that God is the only permanent value in our lives. Because of him, you and I can face tomorrow without any need to fear.

God has given us a miraculous gift called life and we need to value it as much as he does. We do this by valuing the lives of others and protecting the sanctity of human life wherever we may go. God showed us how special we were by placing Adam and Eve in a beautiful and safe garden of plants and trees.

We need to confront the age‑old question, why would God place a tree in the garden and then forbid Adam to eat from it? God, of course, wanted Adam to obey him, but he also gave him the freedom to choose. Today, God gives us that choice, and many times, like Adam, we make a wrong choice. These wrong choices that we make today can cause us and others great pain and irritation. They also can help us to learn and grow and make better choices in the future. Adam was given a choice, because he would have been a prisoner forced to obey if he couldn’t say “no”. We see Satan disguised as a serpent trying to tempt Eve.

Satan is still trying to tempt everyone away from God even as you read this commentary. Satan failed and he was crushed by God (Gen. 3:14). Adam and Eve learned that since God is holy and hates sin, he must punish sinners. Why does Satan tempt us? Temptation is Satan’s invitation to give in to his kind of life and give up on God’s kind of life. Satan tempted Eve and was successful in getting her to sin, and ever since that time he’s been busy getting people to sin.

We can resist temptation by praying for the strength to resist. We can run away or remove ourselves from situations that cause the temptation (bad movies, dirty jokes, bad companions, etc.). Finally, we can say no when confronted with what we know is wrong. Satan tries to show Eve that sin is lovely, and today, we see that same philosophy in our movies and TV shows at home. People usually choose wrong things because they have been convinced that these things are good. Be prepared to resist the attractive temptations that may come your way.

 

ROMANS 5:12‑19

“It isn’t fair.” That is the cry of many who refuse to be declared guilty of something Adam did thousands of years ago. Many people feel it is not right or fair for God to lay his judgment on us today for what Adam did so long ago. Yet each one of us confirms our identification with Adam by our sins. We are made of the same stuff, quick to rebel, quick to make judgments on others. We are all sinners who fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and what we really need is not fairness, rather it is mercy.

Paul tells the people that keeping the law does not bring salvation. He goes on to tell them that the law helps people to see their sinfulness. The law points out our sin and places the responsibility for it squarely on our shoulders. The law does not save us from the results of sin; only the healing power of Jesus Christ can save us.

We must turn to Jesus in order to be saved. Adam has brought to all of us the results of his sin, inherited guilt, the tendency to sin, and God’s punishment. Because of Jesus’ dying for us on the cross even while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), we can still trade judgment for forgiveness. Jesus has offered us the chance to be born into his spiritual family, the family that begins with forgiveness and leads to eternal life.

We have an incredible opportunity to make a choice. If we do nothing we have death through Adam. If, on the other hand, we decide to come to God through faith, we will have life through Christ. Think about this question very seriously. To which family line do you now belong?

 

MATTHEW 4:1‑11

Matthew shows us, in this passage, the humanness of Jesus and his being tempted while being very vulnerable and hungry in the desert. This experience allowed Jesus to reaffirm God’s plan for his own ministry. This temptation of Jesus is very important for us because it showed that even Jesus had to face temptation, and we should expect no less than this, too.

Jesus did not give in to his temptation, and we can do the same through faith and obedience to Our Lord Jesus Christ. A person has not shown true obedience if he has never had the opportunity to be disobedient. We need to realize that we too will be tested and we should be alert and ready for it. We are not being tempted by Christ because he does not try to drag us down. We are being tempted by Satan, and only through faith in Jesus can we resist and make the devil flee.

It is important for us to remember our convictions are only as good as they are under pressure. Testing is a time that we experience as we react to the temptation. We need to remember that temptation itself is not a sin. We sin when we give in and disobey God. We see in this passage that Satan’s temptations focused on four crucial areas in our lives: physical desires, possessions, power, and pride. These temptations are very much in activities against the people of today as well as they were for Jesus.

Jesus resisted Satan because he knew scripture and he called on it and obeyed it. We are told that God’s Word is a weapon, like a hammer that smashes rocks (Jeremiah 23:29). Knowing scriptures is important in resisting Satan’s attacks, but we must obey God’s Word as well. We might well remember that Satan knew scripture too, but he chose to disobey God’s Holy Word. Satan used scripture to try to convince Jesus to sin, and today, sometimes a friend will try to convince you with a scripture that seems to support his viewpoint. Pray, read, and study God’s Word daily and you will be ready when Satan tries to trap you into giving in to temptation.

 

Application

The first reading shows us that distortion of the Word is dangerous. In the second reading we clearly see that the gift of Jesus’ death on the cross totally wipes out the results of Adam’s sin. The Gospel reveals that knowing God’s Word, while important, is not enough to resist temptation. We must act on God’s Word to really be free of the temptation.

This week, let us look for a scripture that fits a particular temptation that we come up against. An example is that we should never go to bed while angry at someone, such as a spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, etc. We should act upon the scripture, Ephesians 4:26, which says, “Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry, get over it quickly.” We do that by confessing our sin and asking that person to forgive us. That is a great way to resist Satan and make him flee.

Septimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (23 de Febrero) – 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 LEVITICO 19:1-2, 17-18     PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Sean santos, porque yo, Yavé, Dios de ustedes, soy Santo.”)

1. ¿A quién le estaba hablando el Señor? Levítico 19:1

 

2. ¿A quién le dijo el Señor que le hablara y qué le dijo que le dijera? Levítico 19:2

 

3. ¿Quién te hace santo y cómo te hace santo? Éxodo 31:13, Efesios 5:25-26 y 1 Corintios 3:17

 

4. ¿Qué debes hacer para ser santo(a)? Lev. 20:7

 

5. ¿Qué está con sus santos? Sabiduría 3:9

 

6. ¿Quién es la gente santa? Isaías 62:12

 

7. ¿Qué no deberás hacer y tal vez, que tendrás que hacer? Levítico 19:17

 

8. ¿Qué dice Prov. 9:8 que te pasará cuando corrijas a un hombre arrogante y a un hombre sabio?

 

9. ¿En qué no debes incurrir por la causa de tu hermano? Levítico 19:17

 

10. ¿Qué no debes hacer en contra de tus compatriotas y que mandato es dado en Lev. 19:18?

 

Personal – ¿Amas a tu cónyuge, hijos, parientes, amigos y prójimo tanto como a ti mismo? ¿De qué modo se hace evidente el amor a tu prójimo? Si deseas comparte tus ideas sobre esto con alguien.

 

11. ¿Quién dice Dios que es El? Lev. 19:18

 

Personal – ¿Quién dices tú, que es Dios? ¿De qué modo es el tu Señor, tu amigo, tu gobernante, tu Señor de todo? Medita sobre esto.

 

 

TERCER DIA     LEE 1 CORINTIOS 3:16-23     SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Ustedes son el templo de Dios.”)

1. ¿Qué es de lo que tal vez no estás consciente? 1 Corintios 3:16 y 1 Corintios 6:19

 

2. ¿Cómo sabemos esto? 2 Corintios. 6:16

 

3. ¿Qué le pasará a cualquier persona que destruya el templo de Dios? 1 Corintios 3:17

 

4. ¿Qué es el templo de Dios y quién es ese templo? 1 Corintios.3:17

 

5. ¿Cómo te puedes engañar a ti mismo(a)? 1 Corintios 3:18

 

6. ¿En qué te debes convertir si piensas que eres sabio(a) en una manera mundana? 1 Corintios 3:18

 

7. ¿Qué es absurdo frente a Dios? 1 Corintios. 3:19

 

8. ¿Que dice la escritura acerca del sabio mundano? 1 Corintios 3:19-20 y Job 5:13

 

9. ¿Qué no debes permitir que pase y qué es nuestro? 1 Corintios 3:21-22

 

10. ¿A quién le perteneces? 1 Corintios 3:23

 

11. ¿Cómo sabemos esto? 1 Corintios 6:20

 

12. ¿A quién le pertenece Cristo? 1 Corintios 3:23

 

Personal – ¿Si tú has sido comprado con la sangre de Cristo y le perteneces, de qué modo tu vida refleja su imagen y su Espíritu viviendo dentro de ti, hacia los demás? Esto será evidente por el amor que ellos vean en ti. Reflexiona en esto.

 

 

CUARTO DIA     LEE MATEO 5:38-48     EVANGELIO

(“No resistan a los malvados.”)

1. ¿En el versículo 38 de Mateo 5, quién estaba hablando y qué dijo El que ya habían escuchado? Mateo 4:17, 5:38

 

2. ¿Qué nos dice El a nosotros y cuándo a una persona le abofetean la mejilla derecha que debe hacer? Mateo 5:39

 

3. ¿Qué debe hacer si alguien quiere ir a la ley por causa de su camisa y si alguien te presiona a servirle por una milla, que debes hacer? Mateo 5:40-41

 

4. ¿Qué debes hacer con el hombre que te pide limosna, y qué nos dice Jesús que no hagamos? Mateo 5:42

 

5. ¿Qué nos ha dado Dios? Marcos 3:28 Juan 5:21 Juan 13:34

 

6. ¿Qué otro mandamiento ha dicho El que has oído en Mateo y cuál es Su mandamiento para ti? Mateo 5:43-44

 

7. ¿Qué probará esto y sobre quién sale el sol y sobre quién hace El caer la lluvia? Mateo 5:45

 

8. ¿Si amas a los que te aman hay algún mérito en eso y quién puede hacerlo? Mateo 5:46

 

9. ¿Si saludas a tus hermanos solamente, que hay de alabar en eso? Porque, ¿quién puede hacer lo mismo? Mateo 5:47

 

10. En una palabra, ¿que debes ser, así como tu Padre Santo es? Mateo 5:48

 

Personal – ¿Como estás siendo perfeccionado, como tu Padre Santo, según Su mandato de amar, desde que has estado estudiando y obedeciendo Su Palabra? Lee Juan 14:21 para que veas la correlación entre el amor, mandamientos, y la obediencia. Comparte con alguien sobre como ha afectado esto a tu vida.

 

 

QUINTO DIA     LEE EL SALMO 103:1-13

(“El rescata tu vida de la destrucción.”)

Lee y medite el Salmo 103:1-13.

¿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

LEVITICO 19:1-2, 17-18

Este libro de “Levítico” tiene este nombre porque trata con asuntos y leyes centradas en el tema de la adoración a Dios. La adoración a Dios era conducida por la tribu de los Levitas y el resultado fue este libro. Las lecturas de hoy son tomadas de un cuerpo de leyes comúnmente llamadas las Leyes de Santidad. Santidad entonces, es el tema clave en el libro del Levítico, y la palabra “santo” es usada más a menudo en este libro que en ningún otro libro en la Biblia. Israel fue llamado a estar consagrado totalmente a Dios. El les recordaba diciéndoles que El es “Santo” y quería que ellos fueran igual que El, “santos”.

El mismo llamado te hace a ti ahora y eso es que seas santo al igual que tu Dios es Santo. La santidad a la que has sido llamado debe ser expresada en cada aspecto de tu vida. La santidad a la que nuestro Padre amoroso nos está llamando ahora debe de ser visible en la forma en que tratamos a nuestros prójimos y por supuesto, la pregunta siempre es, “¿quién es mi prójimo?” Nuestro prójimo es cualquier persona que está en angustia en cualquier lugar, y necesita nuestra ayuda.

Las lecturas de ahora nos llaman a todos a dejar nuestros rencores y a convertirnos en personas que perdonan y olvidan. Se nos pide que razonemos con nuestro hermano ofendido y tratemos de regresarlo a la verdadera amistad hermanable en el Señor. El hombre natural quiere pagarle en total al que le ofendió. El hombre espiritual quien conoce y ama a Dios, quien es Santo debe ser santo también.

El llamado que nos hace Dios a ser santos como El es, no es realmente un mandato, es mas bien como un consejo que viene de un Padre muy amoroso.

 

1 CORINTIOS 3:16-23

Pablo les está diciendo a ellos y a nosotros ahora, que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo y que nuestra iglesia es la casa de Dios. Y dice que nuestros templos no deben de ser manchados. Satanás tiene la intención de matar los cuerpos de muchos cristianos y sus templos han sido manchados con el alcohol, drogas, cigarros, e inmoralidad sexual. Nuestra iglesia no debe ser ensuciada por divisiones dentro de élla, por las mezquinidades, celos y calumnias cuando sus miembros se juntan a adorar a Dios.

Pablo le está diciendo a la gente que tiene que escoger entre la sabiduría mundana o la sabiduría celestial. La sabiduría mundana que te detiene de ir a Dios no es ninguna sabiduría. Pablo nos está diciendo que algunos de los líderes de la comunidad fueron atrapados en el orgullo de la sabiduría mundana y el resultado fue que ellos evaluaban más su mensaje que su contenido.

Nosotros podemos ver hoy en día mucha sabiduría mundana siendo ejercitada en nuestras naciones y aún en algunas áreas de nuestra iglesia. Las Santas Escrituras nos dicen que Dios sabe muy bien como razona la mente humana y como es de tonta y desesperada (1 Corintios 3:20). Pablo terminó diciéndonos que como creyentes todo es para nosotros y que nosotros pertenecemos a Cristo.

Para un creyente en Cristo, la vida y la muerte se convierten en nuestras sirvientes. Nosotros conocemos sus propósitos verdaderos, pero para los incrédulos solamente la moda más nueva en comportamiento es todo en lo que se pueden apoyar. Los incrédulos son como víctimas de la vida que se deja llevar por su corriente y maravillas, si acaso hay algún significado en eso. Para los cristianos, la muerte no tiene temores porque Cristo los conquistó todos. Porque por Jesús, tú y yo viviremos para siempre.

 

MATEO 5:38-48

El evangelio de ahora revela la esencia de la vida cristiana y la conducta que debe separar a los cristianos de todos los demás hombres. Jesús comienza por citar la ley más vieja en el mundo: ojo por ojo, y diente por diente. Esta era conocida como la ley “Lex Talionis” y salió en el código de Hammorabi, quien reinó en Babilonia cerca de 1700 años antes de Cristo.

La ley claramente decía que el daño que una víctima sufre será duplicado y sufrido por la persona que cometió el crimen. Nosotros encontramos en la lectura de hoy “diente por diente” y “ojo por ojo” con un cambio sutil (Exodo 21:24).

Esta ley fue el comienzo de la piedad porque deliberadamente limita la venganza. Jesús se separo de esta Ley completamente porque la represalia o el “ajustar cuentas”, no importa que tan controlado o restricto sea no tiene lugar en la vida de un seguidor de El.

Jesús establece un espíritu de no-resentimiento y anula el concepto de la venganza limitada. Jesús nos está llamando ahora a escuchar Su mensaje, porque para ser sus seguidores, tenemos que aprender a no resentir ningún insulto, y a no buscar venganza. Debemos de ser como Jesús, y olvidar lo que significa ser insultados y en lugar de responder con venganza, debemos responder con amor. Jesús nunca insistió en apoyarse en sus derechos. En realidad, El no considera tener ningunos derechos legales (Filipenses 2:3-4).

El cristiano, el que verdaderamente sigue a Cristo no piensa en sus derechos, sino en sus obligaciones. El no piensa en sus privilegios, sino más bien en sus responsabilidades. Jesús penetra en el corazón de nuestra creencia enseñándonos que nuestras acciones verdaderamente demuestran lo que creemos. ¿Demuestras disgusto cuando alguien te pide que hagas algún trabajo doméstico? ¿Te sientes ofendido cuando has hecho un buen trabajo y nadie reconoce lo que has hecho? ¿Trabajas con algunos trabajadores ineficientes? ¿Trabajas con un ayudante desagradable?

Jesús nos pide que respondamos solo con amor y nos dice que El nos dará todo lo que necesitemos cuando seamos tentados a responder en otra forma (1 Corintios 10:13). Jesús nos enseña bastante en las lecturas de ahora que cualquier cosa que hagamos para el menor de sus hermanos o hermanas, se lo hacemos a El (Mateo 25:31-46).

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura es un llamado a la santidad y la segunda lectura nos llama a recordar que nuestros cuerpos son templos del Espíritu Santo. El Evangelio revela que los cristianos no deben de “vengarse”. Vamos a demostrar esta semana que nuestro llamado a la santidad esta siendo contestado con un sí atendiendo a la Misa tan seguido como podamos. A ser modestos en la forma en que nos vestimos y en la forma en que hablamos.

Podemos responderle a la persona que nos irrita con amor cristiano en lugar de contestaciones paganas. Sé delicado y gentil con toda la gente que conozcas y prepárate a que pasen algunos milagros muy bonitos.

Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time (Feb 23rd) – 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 LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18     FIRST READING

(“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”)

1. To whom was the Lord speaking?   Leviticus 19:1

 

2. To whom did the Lord tell him to speak, and what did he tell him to say? Leviticus 19:2

 

3. Who makes us holy and how do we become holy? Exodus 31:13, Ephesians 5:25‑26, 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

4. What must we do to become holy?   Leviticus 20:7

 

5. What is with his holy ones?   Wisdom 3:9

 

6. Who are the holy people?   Isaiah 62:12

 

7. What shall you not do, and what may you have to do?    Leviticus 19:17

 

8. What does Prov. 9:8 say will happen to us when we reprove an arrogant man and a wise man?

 

9. What must we not incur because of our brother? Leviticus 19:17

 

10. What must we not do against our fellow countrymen, and what command is given in Leviticus 19:18?

 

Personal ‑ Are you loving your spouse, children, relatives, friends, and neighbor as yourself? In what way is the love of your neighbor evident?

 

11. Who does God say he is?   Leviticus 19:18

 

Personal ‑ Who do you say God is? In what way is he your Lord? Your friend? Your ruler? Your Lord of all? Meditate on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY     READ 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23    SECOND READING

(“You are the temple of God.”)

1. What is it of which you may not be aware?  1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Cor. 6:19

 

2. How do we know this? 2 Corinthians 6:16

 

3. What will happen to anyone who destroys God’s temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

4. What is the temple of God and who is that temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

5. How can we delude ourselves?   1 Corinthians 3:18

 

6. What should you become if you think you are wise in a worldly way? 1 Cor. 3:18

 

7. What is absurdity with God? 1 Corinthians 3:19

 

8. What does scripture say about the worldly wise? 1 Corinthians 3:19‑20, Job 5:13

 

9. What must we not let happen and what is ours? 1 Corinthians 3:21‑22

 

10. To whom do you belong?   1 Corinthians 3:23

 

11. How do we know this?   1 Corinthians 6:20

 

12. To whom does Christ belong?   1 Corinthians 3:23

 

Personal ‑ If you have been purchased by the Blood of Christ and you belong to him, in what way does your life reflect him in his Spirit dwelling within you to everyone you meet? This will be evident by the love they see in you. Reflect on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY    READ MATTHEW 5:38‑48    GOSPEL

(“Offer no resistance to injury.”)

1. In Verse 38 of Matthew 5, who was speaking and what did he say that they had heard?  Matthew 4:17 5:38

 

2. What does he say to us, and when a person strikes us on the right cheek, what should we do?   Matthew 5:39

 

3. What should we do if someone wants to go to the law over our shirt, and should anyone press us into service for one mile, what should we do?   Matthew 5:40-41

 

4. What should we do with the man who begs from us, and what does Jesus tell us not to do?   Matthew 5:42

 

5. What has God given us?

Mark 3:28

John 5:21

John 13:34

 

6. What is the other commandment that he said we have heard and what is his commandment to us?   Matthew 5:43-44

 

7. What will this prove, on whom does he make the sun to rise, and on whom does he cause the rain to fall? Matthew 5:45

 

8. If we love those who love us, is there any merit in that, and who does even that much?   Matthew 5:46

 

9. If we greet our brothers only, what is praiseworthy about that, and who does as much?   Matthew 5:47

 

10. In a word, what must we be made, just as your heavenly Father is? Matthew 5:48

 

Personal ‑ In your life, how are you being made perfect, like your Heavenly Father, as you obey his command to love since you have been studying and have been obedient to his Word? Read John 14:21 to see the correlation between love, commandments, and obedience. Share with someone on how this has affected your life.

 

 

FIFTH DAY    READ PSALM 103:1‑13

(“He redeems your life from destruction.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-13.

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

LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18

This book, “Leviticus,” acquires its name from dealing with matters concerned with laws centered around the worship of God. The worship of God was conducted by the tribe of Levi, and the end result was this book. Today’s reading is taken from a body of laws commonly called the Laws of Holiness. Holiness is the key theme of Leviticus, and the word “holy” appears more often in Leviticus than in any other book of the Bible. Israel was called to be totally consecrated to God. God reminded the people of Israel that he was “holy” and wanted them to be “holy” also, just like he was.

The same call is being made to us today, and that is to be holy like our God is holy. The holiness that is being called for must be expressed in every aspect of our lives. The holiness that our loving God is calling for must be visible in the way we treat our neighbors and, of course, the question always is, “Who is my neighbor?” Our neighbor is anyone who is in distress anywhere and needs our help.

Today’s reading calls for all of us to put aside our grudges and become people who forgive and forget. We are called to reason with our offending neighbor and try to bring him back to true brotherly fellowship in the Lord. The natural man wants to repay the offender back in full. The spiritual man who knows and loves God, must also be holy himself.

God’s call for us to be holy and to imitate HIM is not really a command; it is more like advice given by a very loving Father.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23

Paul is telling the people of Corinth, and the people living at the present time, that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and our church is the house of God. He goes on to say that our temples are not to be defiled. Satan has taken direct aim at the bodies of many Christians, and their temples have become defiled with alcohol, drugs, cigarette smoking, and sexual immorality. Our church is not to be spoiled by divisions within it through bickering, pettiness, jealousy, slandering, and false teachings, as its members come together to worship God.

Paul is telling the people that they have to choose between worldly wisdom or heavenly wisdom. Worldly wisdom that holds us back from God is no wisdom at all. Paul is telling us that some of the leaders of the community were caught up in pride and worldly wisdom, and the result was they valued their message more than its content.

Today, we can see a great deal of worldly wisdom being exercised in our nations and even in some areas of our church. Scripture tells us that God knows beyond any question how the human mind reasons and how foolish and desperate it is (1 Cor. 20). Paul closed by telling us that, as believers, all is for us and we belong to Christ.

To a believer in Christ, life and death become our servants. We know life’s true purpose; but to the non‑believers, only the latest trend in behavior is all they have. Non‑believers are like victims of life who are swept along by its current and wonder if there is a meaning to it. For Christians, death holds no terrors because Christ conquered them all. Because of Jesus, you and I will live forever.

 

MATTHEW 5:38‑48

Today’s Gospel reveals the core of the Christian life and the conduct which should separate Christians from all others. Jesus begins by citing the oldest law in the world ‑ an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. That was known as the “Lex Talionis” law and it came out of the Code of Hammorabi, who reigned in Babylon about 1700 years before Christ.

The law clearly stated that the injury a victim suffers shall be duplicated and suffered by the person who committed the crime. We find in today’s reading the Mosaic law “an eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24) a subtle change.

This law was the beginning of mercy because it deliberately limited vengeance. Jesus completely moved away from that law because retaliation or “getting even,” no matter how controlled or restricted, has no place in the life of his followers.

Jesus establishes a spirit of non‑resentment and abolishes the concept of even limited vengeance. Today, Jesus is calling us to hear his message that in order to be one of his followers, we have to learn to resent no insult and to seek no vengeance. We are to be like Jesus, and forget what it is to be insulted, and not to respond with vengeance but with love. Jesus never insisted to stand on his rights. In fact, he did not consider himself as having any legal rights at all (Philippians 2:3‑4).

The Christian who really follows Christ does not think of his rights, but of his duties. He does not think of his privileges; instead, he thinks of his responsibilities. Jesus strikes at the core of our belief by showing that our actions really demonstrate what we believe. Do you show disgust when someone requests that you do a menial task? Do you feel insulted when you do a good job and no one recognizes what you did? Do you work with some inefficient workers? Do you work with an ungracious helper?

Jesus calls us to respond only with love and he tells us that he will give us all that we need when we are tempted to respond otherwise (1 Cor. 10:13). Jesus’ response, in today’s reading, is that whatever we do to the least of his brothers and sisters, we do unto him (Matthew 25:31‑46).

 

Application

The first reading is a call to holiness, and the second reading calls us to remember that we are temples of the Holy Spirit.  The Gospel reveals that Christians do not have to “get even.”  Let us, this week, show that our call to holiness is being answered with a “yes” by attending Mass as often as we can and to be modest in the way we dress and in the way we talk.

We can respond to the person who irritates us with Christian love instead of pagan retaliation.  Let us be kind and gentle to everyone we meet and, individually, be prepared for some “neat” miracles to happen!