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Lectio Divina – Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 6th) – 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 18:15-20 – Jesus said to His disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector. Amen, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time (September 6th) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ EZEKIEL 33:7-9 FIRST READING

(“You, son of man, I have appointed watchman for the house of Israel.”)

l. To whom did the Word of the Lord come, and who has been appointed watchman for the house of Israel? Ezekiel 1:3 3:17, and 33:7

 

2. What is Ezekiel to do for the Lord?   Ezekiel 33:7

 

3. If the Lord tells the wicked man that he shall surely die, that was Ezekiel to do, and what will happen to the wicked man?   Ezekiel 33:8

 

4. Who will be held responsible for the death of the wicked man?   Ezekiel 33:8

 

5. What will happen if we do not speak out?   Psalm 32:3

 

6. What happens to the wicked man, and how is he repaid? Isaiah 3:11

 

7. Who is the one who shall die?   Ezekiel 18:20

 

8. How are we to warn the wicked man?   Ezekiel 33:9

 

9. If he refuses to do this, what will happen to him, and what will happen to us?   Ezekiel 33:9

 

10. What kind of a God do we have?   Psalm 7:12

 

Personal – What do you say to those you see doing wrong within your household? What do you think will happen to you if you remain silent when you see those around you being sinful?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 13:8-10 SECOND READING

(“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”)

1. What are we not to owe anyone, and what exception is there to this?   Romans 13:8

 

2. What has he who loves his neighbor done?   Romans 13:8

 

3. What is the virtue that binds all the rest together and makes them perfect?   Colossians 3:14

 

4. What is all summed up in “You shall love your neighbor as yourself?”  Romans 13:9

 

5. What did Jesus give us, and how are we to love one another?   John 13:34

 

6. How are we to treat others?   Matthew 7:12

 

7. What are we not to bear in our heart against our brother, and what are we not to take and cherish against our fellow countrymen?   Leviticus 19:17-18

 

8. What does love never do, and what is the fulfillment of the law?   Romans 13:10

 

9. What is love, and what does it not do? 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

 

10. Who is our neighbor?   Luke 10:25-37, concentrating on verses 36-37

 

Personal – Have you seen anyone in need this week, and how did you respond to that need? In what way have you loved your neighbor? Write down a time you loved your neighbor each day this week.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 18:15-20 GOSPEL

(“If your brother should commit a crime against you, go and point out his fault,”)

1. If our brother should commit some wrong against us, what are we to do?   Matthew 18:15

 

2. Who did Jesus say were brother, sister, and mother to him? Mark 3:35

 

3. After going to our brother who has wronged us, what have we done if he listens. If he does not listen, what should we do, and for what reason?   Matthew 18:15-16

 

4. What is laid down in the law?   John 8:17

 

5. If our brother ignores the others we have summoned, to whom do we refer him?   Matthew 18:17

 

6. If the brother who committed the wrong ignores the church, how should we treat him?   Matthew 18:17

 

7. Whom do we have no business judging, what should happen to those who bear the title “brother” and who is immoral? l Corinthians 5:9-13

 

8. Whatever we declare bound on earth shall be declared what, and whatever we declare loosed on earth shall be held what in heaven?   Matthew 18:18

 

Personal – How have you dealt with someone who has wronged you, in comparison to the above scripture?

 

9. What does Jesus say will happen if two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatsoever? Matthew 18:19

 

10. What must we do in order to receive anything from the Lord? Matthew 7:7, John 15:7

 

11. Who is present when two or three are gathered in his name? Matthew 18:20

 

Personal – With whom have you joined your voice in prayer this week, and what has been the result?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 95:1-2, 6-9

(“Let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.”)

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

EZEKIEL 33:7-9

This passage tells us that God will hold us responsible for not speaking out in defense of his name to those who violate his teachings. We cannot say that it is not our responsibility to speak out because we are not qualified. Ezekiel tells us that God has called us to warn the wicked man of his wrong doings or to face up to the responsibility of his death.

Today there is a strong emphasis to turn the other way concerning wrong doing. A major philosophy of today seems to be, that if it does not affect me, why should I complain. For example: the rate of crime is staggering in many countries; the breakdown of the family is accepted as a price of progress. A tremendous financial profit is being made today in the areas of pornography, child pornography, prostitution, drugs, alcohol, smoking, and abortion.

Scripture tells us the wages of sin are death (Rom. 6:23), yet we remain incredibly silent with our Christian response to this barrage of filth. The essence of all sin is self, and it is the gratification of self that is tearing countries apart. The result of sin is death, and if we do not believe this, take a look around our communities and see the effects of sin. Many times the deaths and horror from AIDS are the results of drugs and immorality that can be passed on even to innocent victims in blood transfusions. Children are born infected with the dreaded disease through no fault of their own.

The rate of abortions has climbed to about 70 million a year worldwide. There has to be an end to the millions of people becoming zombies through the use of drugs and alcohol. Cigarettes kill more people than drugs and alcohol combined, and yet there is a silence in the Christian world. Silence indicates to many a degree of acceptance of the conditions.

I pray that you speak out in the name of Jesus and protest the wrongdoing that is going on in your own heart, your family, your community and your country.

 

ROMANS 13:8-10

St. Paul calls us to a complete sense of freedom in that we owe no man anything except our love. Jesus gives us his commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”(John 13:34). Jesus went further when he tells us all to love God with our whole heart, mind, and spirit and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

To many people today that does not offer much, especially when self-esteem, self-image or self-love have never been established. There are millions of people walking around who do not feel that self-worth or feel they are worthy of being loved. Jesus knows that and consequently he said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” You are so precious, and so valuable, that God sent his only begotten son to die on the cross at Calvary just for you.

Jesus loves us completely and unconditionally, and he loves us wherever we are. The incredible part of this statement is that he loves us to the extent that he will not leave us as we are. He will transform you if you will let him. Right now he is knocking at the door of your heart while you are reading this study (Rev. 3:20). Try to look for a picture showing Jesus knocking on the door and you will see something very powerful. There is no door handle on the door; it opens only from within. He will love you with an everlasting love. People perish simply because of the lack of knowledge of who he is and of his great love for them (Hosea 4:6).

We are told that God is love and that we love him because we learn that he has loved us first. God is love. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love bears all things. Love believes all things. Love is hope. Love endures all things, and love is the fulfillment of the law. Jesus tells us that if we live in him and keep his commandments, then he will live in us (John 15:7). To love your neighbors as yourself really means that God loved you so much that he died for you. We have to die to ourselves and be willing to do whatever it takes to help anyone who is in need of God’s love and mercy.

 

MATTHEW 18:15-20

The Gospel message tells us today that we are to go to our brother and tell him of his fault of sinning. Many ask today, “Who is my brother?” Jesus tells us in scripture that all who do the will of his Father are his brother, sister and mother (Mark 3:35). You can lovingly confront our brother or sister in Christ, if they are suffering or in pain but it should be done privately. (A wound will fester if it is not tended or healed right away.) If they listened to you and the problem is not resolved, then you know that the problem does not lie with you, it allows you to forgive that person so that he may become healed.

Today, bitterness and divisiveness rage among Christians because of misunderstandings. We are told in Scripture that we will be insulted because of our Christian beliefs and conduct and whoever is called on to suffer should not be ashamed but to give thanks and glory to God (1 Peter 4:16). We are not called to judge the pagans or unbelievers, rather we are called to confront the “brother in the Lord” who is living in sin. This can be done only in love and in accordance with Scripture.

Jesus tells us that even our love of family is not to come between him and ourselves. Also Jesus tells us that he is always present in our midst. Whenever we come together to pray in his name, our requests will be honored by his Father in heaven. We need to remember that to pray in his name means to be completely immersed in prayer with him. His name is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-healing. Scripture tells us that every knee shall bend and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil. 2:11). To pray in his name means to have released all unforgiveness toward others. It means to confess all unrepented sins. To pray in his name means to remove all the blocks towards healing within ourselves.

When we pray in his name, whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven (Matt. 19:18). Then in Jesus’ name we can bind the evil in one of our sinful brothers, and in Jesus’ name loose upon that person the power of the Holy Spirit. Joy, peace, love – the Holy Spirit brings all that heavenly power and faith. In Jesus’ name the honor and glory of the Father are accomplished. We can be an expectant pray-er every time we pray in Jesus’ name because we have his Word on it (Matthew 18:19-20).

 

Application

The first reading tells us that we are responsible for speaking out in faith, and we are called to address the sinful actions of others. The second reading tells us that love is not love until it is freely given away to others, without any conditions. The Gospel tells us to confront one another lovingly in the name of Jesus when their conduct is out of order.

This week, speak lovingly but frankly and privately, to one of your loved ones who is not walking with the Lord. Remember, your silence may indicate that you agree with that person’s actions.

Lectio Divina – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 30th) – 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 16:21-27 – Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”  Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save His life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with His angels in His Father’s glory, and then He will repay all according to his conduct.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Vigesimosegundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (30 de Agosto) – 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 JEREMIAS 20: 7-9 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Pero sentí en mi algo así como un fuego ardiente en mi corazón.”)

1. ¿Quién está hablando y a quién le está hablando?  Jeremías 20:1,7

 

2. ¿Cómo vino la palabra del señor a Jeremías y cómo respondió éste?  Jeremías 1:4-7

 

3. ¿Qué dijo que el Señor le había hecho, qué sucedió y por qué?  Jeremías 20:7

 

4. ¿Qué pasa todo el día?  Jeremías 20:7

 

5. ¿Siempre que el habla, cuál es su mensaje?  Jeremías 20:8

 

6. ¿Qué le ha traído la palabra del Señor?  Jeremías 20:8

 

7. ¿Qué se dice Jeremías a si mismo?  Jeremías 20:9

 

8. ¿Qué sucede con su corazón y sus huesos cuando no habla?  Jeremías 20:9

 

9. ¿De qué estaba Jeremías cansado y qué es lo que ya no podía aguantar?  Jeremías 20:9

 

10. ¿Qué dice Pablo acerca de predicar el Evangelio?  1 Corintios 9:16-17

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has tenido ese deseo ardiente de enseñar o predicar la Palabra de Dios desde que empezaste a estudiar Su Palabra?  Ya no te fatigues aguantándote de no hablar y comparte con los que están cerca de ti lo que El Señor te ha enseñado.

 

 

TERCER DIA ROMANOS 12:1-2 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“…transfórmense por la renovación de su mente.”)

1. ¿A quién le está hablando Pablo?  Romanos 1:7 y Romanos 12:1

 

2. ¿Qué les suplica que hagan con sus cuerpos a través de la misericordia de Dios, y como han de hacerlo?  Romanos 12:1

 

3. ¿Para qué fue la muerte de Cristo de una vez por todas; y a qué debemos nosotros considerarnos muertos?  Romanos 6:10-11

 

4. ¿Por quién estás vivo, y qué es lo que no debes permitir a tu cuerpo?  Romanos 6:11-12

 

5. ¿A quién le ofreces tu cuerpo y por qué razón?  Romanos 6:13

 

6. ¿A qué no debemos amoldarnos?  Romanos 12:2

 

7. ¿Por medio de qué debemos transformarnos y por qué razón?  Romanos 12:2

 

8. ¿De dónde viene la renovación?  Tito 3:5

 

9. ¿De qué vivimos que nos transforma la mente?  Mateo 4:4

 

10. ¿Cómo puedes juzgar la voluntad de Dios?  Juan 12:44-48, concentrándose en el versículo 48

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo ha transformado Dios tu mente esta semana por medio de lo que has estudiado de las escrituras?  ¿Cómo ha afectado eso a los que están a tu alrededor?  ¿De qué modo has adorado a Dios en tu cuerpo?  ¿Es tu cuerpo santo y aceptable para hacer adoración al Señor?

 

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 16:21-27 EVANGELIO

(“El que quiera seguirme que renuncie a si mismo, …”)

1. ¿A dónde dijo Jesús que tenía que ir, que iba a pasar ahí y a manos de quién?  Mateo 16:21

 

2. ¿Qué hizo Pedro y qué le dijo a Jesús?  Mateo 16:22

 

3. ¿Cómo respondió Jesús a Pedro, a quién le dijo que se quitará de su vista?  ¿Cómo quién estaba Pedro juzgando, de acuerdo con Jesús?  Mateo 16:23

 

4. ¿Cómo son esos Judíos que no son otra cosa que miembros de la Asamblea de Satanás?  Apoc. 2:9

 

5. ¿A quién dice Jesús que el hombre debe renunciar, qué es lo que debe de tomar y qué debe empezar a hacer?  Mateo 16:24

 

6. ¿Qué le pasa al que se busca solo a si mismo, y cómo descubres quién eres tú?  Mateo 10:39

 

7. ¿Qué es no buscarse a si mismo?   1 Corintios 13:4-5

 

8. ¿Qué conseguirá el que quiera asegurar su vida?  ¿Y aquél que la pierda por El que conseguirá?  Mateo 16:25

 

9. ¿Cuáles son las dos preguntas que Jesús hace a Sus discípulos en Mateo 16:26?

 

10. ¿Cuándo el Hijo del Hombre venga con la gloria de Su Padre acompañado de Sus ángeles como recompensará a cada uno?  Mateo 16:27

 

11. ¿Cómo seguimos los pasos de Jesús?  Mateo 25:31-40

 

Personal – Escribe en un papel las cosas que hayas hecho esta semana que indiquen que mueres (renuncias) a ti mismo.  También escribe de que modo estás siguiendo a Jesús.  Lee y medita Filipenses 2:3-5, y di un modo específico en el que deliberadamente pensaste en el interés de otro antes de tu propio interés.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 63:2-6, 8-9

(“…te elogiaré con labios jubilosos.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 63:2-6, 8-9.

¿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

JEREMIAS 20:7-9

Jeremías fue un profeta que sirvió a Dios por más de 40 años.  Su mensaje venia a una nación que había rechazado a Dios y que se iba resbalando de cabeza a la ruina.  Jeremías era recordado como un entrometido y un traidor.  La gente, nobles y reyes alternadamente trataban de matarlo.  Jeremías había alcanzado el punto en el que si proclamaba la palabra de Dios, la gente se enojaba.  No querían oír la verdad de sus labios porque la verdad los condenaba por sus pecados.

Jeremías era considerado “fuera de tiempo,” “no en la corriente de la teología de hoy,” y “pasado de moda.”  Era el hazme reír de la región.  Pero cuando el no proclamaba la Palabra de Dios debido al constante rechazo, su cuerpo entero se contraía y su corazón estaba como fuego ardiente.  El estaba cansado de tratar de detenerse y de predicar lo que la gente quería oír.  No podía hacerlo por que el llamado de la verdad era el llamado de Dios y el no iba a darle la espalda a ese llamado.

¿Hablas la santa verdad de Dios cuando estás entre tus amigos, o caes en la red y hablas de lo que crees que la gente quiere oír?  Jeremías nunca sintió que era apto para ser un profeta, y nunca lo siguieron fanáticos que lo adoraran.  El escogió continuar por que su corazón ardía como fuego por el Señor.

El pasaje de hoy es un mensaje tremendo de esperanza para todos los hijos de Dios y ese mensaje es que Dios te ama.  El te formó en el vientre de tu madre y te conoce por tu nombre (Jeremías 1:4-7).  No permitas que la voz del mundo sea tu guía.

Permite que el suave susurro de Dios que habló a Elías en la cueva sea la fuente de tus palabras.  La gente se reirá y se burlará de ti hoy por proclamar la Palabra de Dios, pero está bien por que el Señor es nuestro pastor y nada nos falta (Salmo 23:1).  El pastor siempre protege a su rebaño y nosotros tenemos un Pastor que nos ama tanto que hasta murió por nosotros.

 

ROMANOS 12:1-2

El llamado de Dios es muy firme en el mensaje del Nuevo Testamento.  Te está llamando a creer en Su único Hijo, Jesús, y si lo crees tendrás vida eterna (Juan 3:16).  Esta promesa ha sido hecha por Dios para todo el mundo.  Aún así gran parte del mundo ha rechazado este mensaje lo cual nos impide vivir la vida en toda su plenitud.

¿Por qué gran parte del mundo no vive la vida en toda su plenitud (Juan 10:10) cuando hay tantos que saben acerca de Jesucristo?  La respuesta es, el pecado.  Por que para vivir la vida abundantemente debemos servir al Señor, Jesucristo.  El mismo Jesús nos enseñó como ser un ejemplo de servicio, muriendo por nosotros en la cruz.  Como queda dicho en esta lectura a los Romanos debemos “presentar nuestros cuerpos” en una rendición voluntaria a la voluntad de Dios.  Dios debe controlar el uso de la persona toda y nosotros debemos presentar nuestros cuerpos como un santo y viviente sacrificio.

Estamos llamados a ser Templos del Espíritu Santo (1 Corintios 6:20) y debemos poner nuestra mirada en lo que está arriba (Colosenses 3:1-2).  Tu templo del Espíritu Santo no incluye drogas, alcohol o fornicación. El mundo se ríe a la descripción de que tu seas un templo del Espíritu Santo, pero es el mismo Jesús quien te ordena llenarte con Su Espíritu Santo.

Ustedes mis amigos Cristianos han sido transformados por el poder de Dios y ya no forman parte del programa del mundo.  Debido a que el Espíritu Santo vive en ti, ahora tienes el poder de someterte a la buena, aceptable y perfecta voluntad de Dios y disfrutarás de una vida que es física, emocional y espiritualmente plena.  Permite a tu mente que sea renovada por la Santa Palabra de Dios, pasando un tiempo en oración silenciosa y en comunidad con otros Cristianos.  Finalmente como describe enérgicamente el Salmista, “Paren y reconozcan que soy Dios” (Salmo 46:11).

 

MATEO 16:21-27

Ser discípulo es muy costoso y sin embargo es un costo al que no debemos renunciar.  Un discípulo es un aprendiz que sigue las enseñanzas de su maestro.  Jesús nos dice que si de verdad queremos seguirlo debemos tomar nuestra cruz y cargarla en Su nombre.  Jesús tomó Su cruz y la cargó hasta el Calvario y permitió ser crucificado en la cruz por nosotros.  El murió en Su cruz para que tú y yo podamos tener vida eterna.

Estás llamado a cargar tu cruz diariamente y a hacer las mismas cosas que Cristo hizo.  Estás llamado a renunciar a ti mismo y poner a los otros antes que a ti (Filipenses 2:2-4).  Cuando miramos alrededor vemos tantos alborotos en el mundo y la principal razón es que mucha gente no quiere levantar y cargar su cruz diariamente.  La esencia del pecado está en nosotros mismos y el único modo de romper la esclavitud al pecado es renunciar a nosotros mismos.  Es en la pérdida de nuestra vida por Cristo o en el renunciar a nosotros mismos que ocurre la salvación de nuestra vida.  ¿”Por qué las cruces de algunas personas son mas pesadas que las de otras?” se pregunta mucha gente.  Entre más que alguien renuncia a si mismo diariamente, lo mas que se aligera la cruz.  Vemos personas pasando por horrendos sucesos en sus vidas y hay un sentir de paz interior y alegría.  Esto pasa con una persona que se ha rendido al llamado de Cristo y ha dejado que el Señor se haga cargo de todas sus preocupaciones (1 Pedro 5:7).

Cuando cedemos al poder del Espíritu Santo, El nos da el poder de volvernos discípulos del Señor, Jesucristo. Así podemos salir y hacer de otros discípulos (Mateo 28:19) cuando aprendemos a renunciar a nosotros mismos y a vivir por Cristo.  Morir por Cristo es muy noble, vivir por Cristo es mucho más difícil. Es necesario comprometerse diariamente.  Debemos recordar que cualquier cosa que consigamos o nos pertenezca en esta vida terminará cuando nos muramos.  Cuando renunciemos a nosotros mismos y recojamos nuestra cruz diariamente y vivamos para otros en Cristo, viviremos por siempre en la victoria con nuestro Señor y Salvador, Jesucristo.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos muestra que la perseverancia es la virtud de un profeta.  La segunda lectura nos dice que vivamos la vida abundante y nos llama a comprometer nuestra mente, cuerpo y alma.  El Evangelio de esta semana nos dice que si queremos vivir para siempre debemos morir como Cristo si vamos a resucitar como Cristo.

Esta semana practiquemos la renuncia a nosotros mismos con nuestra familia de la siguiente manera: Padres de Familia – busquen un poco de tiempo diariamente para compartirlo con su cónyuge y con cada uno de sus hijos.  Hijo – encuentra un tiempo cada día para servir algún miembro de tu familia por ejemplo ayudando a un hermano o hermana en sus quehaceres.  Ayuden a sus padres en la casa o con algún dinero si ya están ancianos.  Todos – Renuncien a si mismos en la escuela o en el trabajo para escuchar a otros y realmente oír lo que ellos tengan que decir.

Recuerden, perder la vida por Cristo es la mejor manera de resucitar con Cristo.

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 30th) – 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 JEREMIAH 20:7-9 FIRST READING

(“But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart.”)

l. Who is speaking and to whom is he speaking? Jer 20:1, 7

 

2. How did the Word of the Lord come to Jeremiah, and what was his response? Jer 1:4-7

 

3. What did he say the Lord did to him, what happened, and why? Jeremiah 20:7

 

4. What happens all the day long?   Jeremiah 20:7

 

5. Whenever he speaks, what is his message? Jeremiah 20:8

 

6. What has the Word of the Lord brought to him? Jer 20:8

 

7. What does Jeremiah say to himself?   Jeremiah 20:9

 

8. What happens to his heart and his bones when he does not speak out?   Jeremiah 20:9

 

9. Of what does Jeremiah grow weary, and what can he not endure?   Jeremiah 20:9

 

10. What did Paul say about preaching the Gospel? 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

 

Personal – In what way have you had a burning desire to teach or preach the Word of God since you have been studying his Word? Stop growing weary by holding it in, and share with those closest to you what the Lord has taught you.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 12:1-2 SECOND READING

(“…be transformed by the renewal of your mind,”)

1. To whom is Paul speaking?  Romans 1:7, Romans 12:1

 

2. What does he beg them to do to their bodies through the mercy of God, and how are they to do it?   Romans 12:1

 

3. For what was Christ’s death, once for all; and to what must we consider ourselves dead?   Romans 6:10-11

 

4. For whom are we alive, and what must we not let our body do?   Romans 6:11-12

 

5. To whom do we offer our body, and for what reason? Romans 6:13

 

6. To what must we not conform?   Romans 12:2

 

7. By what must we be transformed, and for what reason? Romans 12:2

 

8. From where does renewal come?   Titus 3:5

 

9. On what do we live that transforms the mind?  Matthew 4:4

 

10. How can we judge God’s will?   John 12:44-48, concentrating on verse 48

 

Personal – Through your study of scripture, what way has God transformed your mind this week? How has that affected those around you? In what way have you worshipped God in your body? Is your body holy and acceptable for worship?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 16:21-27 GOSPEL

(If a man wishes to come after me, he must deny his very self,…”)

1. Where did Jesus say that he must go, what would happen there, and by whose hand?   Matthew 16:21

 

2. What did Peter do and say to Jesus?   Matthew 16:22

 

3. How did Jesus respond to Peter, whom did he say was an obstacle to him, and how did Jesus say Peter was thinking? Matthew 16:23

 

4. What kind of Jews are nothing other than members of Satan’s assembly?   Revelation 2:9

 

5. Whom did Jesus say a man must deny, what must he take up, and what must he begin to do?   Matthew 16:24

 

6. What happens to him who seeks only himself, and how do we discover who we are?   Matthew 10:39

 

7. What is not self-seeking?   1 Corinthians 13:4-5

 

8. Whoever would save his life will do what, but whoever loses his life for Jesus sake will what?   Matthew 16:25

 

9. What two questions does Jesus ask his disciples in Matthew 16:26?

 

10. When the Son of Man comes with his Father’s glory accompanied by his angels, how will he repay each man? Matthew 16:27

 

11. How do we follow in Jesus’ footsteps?   Matthew 25:31- 40

 

Personal – Write down on a piece of paper things you have done this week that indicate a dying to self. Also, write down specific ways in which you are following Jesus. Read and meditate on Philippians 2:3-5. Give one specific way you deliberately thought of another’s interest before your own interest.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 63:2-6, 8-9

(“…with lips of joy my mouth shall praise you.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 63:2-6, 8-9.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

JEREMIAH 20:7-9

Jeremiah was a prophet who served God for over 40 years. His message was coming to a nation that had rejected God and was sliding head long into ruin. Jeremiah was regarded as a meddler and a traitor. People, nobles and kings alternately tried to put him to death. Jeremiah had reached the point where, if he proclaimed God’s word, people became angry. They did not want to hear the truth from him, because the truth would convict them of their sinfulness.

Jeremiah is considered “out of date,” “not in the mainstream of today’s theology,” and “old fashioned.” He becomes a laughing-stock of the countryside. When he would not proclaim God’s Word because of the constant rejection, his whole body would constrict and his heart would become like a burning fire. He became weary of trying to hold it in and preach what the people wanted to hear. He could not do it because the call to truth was the call of God and he would not turn away from that call.

Do you speak God’s holy truth when you are among your friends, or do you fall into line and speak what you think people want to hear? Jeremiah never felt he was qualified to be a prophet, and he never had a following of adoring fans. He chose to go on because his heart was burning like a fire for the Lord.

Today’s passage is a tremendous message of hope to all of God’s children, and that message is that God loves you. He formed you in your mother’s womb, and he knows you by name (Jer. 1:4-7).

Do not let the voice of the world be your guide. Let the quiet whisper of God who spoke to Elijah in the cave be the source of your words.

People will laugh and mock us today for proclaiming God’s word, but that is all right because the Lord is our shepherd and we shall not want (Psalm 23:1). A shepherd always protects his flock, and we have a shepherd who loves us so much he even died for us.

 

ROMANS 12:1-2

The call of God is so vibrant in the message of the New Testament. He is calling us to believe in his only begotten Son, Jesus, and if we do, we will have eternal life (John 3:16). This promise is made by God to the whole world. Yet much of the world has rejected this message which lets us live life in all of its fullness.

Why is so much of the world not living a life of fullness (John 10:10) when so many know about Jesus Christ? The answer is sin. To live abundantly we must serve the Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus showed us how to be an example of service by dying for us on the cross. As stated in this reading from Romans, we are to “present our bodies” in voluntary surrender to the will of God. God must control the use of the whole person, and we are to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.

We have been called to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:20), and we must set our sights on what is above (Col. 3:1-2). Our temple of the Holy Spirit does not include drugs, alcohol or fornication. The world laughs at the description of our being a temple of the Holy Spirit, but Jesus commands us to be filled with his Holy Spirit.

You, my Christian friends, have been transformed by the power of God and no longer conform to the agenda of the world. Because of the Holy Spirit who lives in you, you now have the power to conform to the good, acceptable and perfect will of God; and you will enjoy a life that is physically, emotionally and spiritually full. Let your mind be renewed by God’s Holy Word, by spending time in quiet prayer and in fellowship with other Christians. And, finally, as the Psalmist so powerfully describes, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:11)

 

MATTHEW 16:21-27

Discipleship is very costly, and yet, it is a cost that we can not afford to reject. A disciple is a learner who follows the teachings of the master. Jesus tells us that if we really wish to follow him, we are to take up our cross and carry it in his name. Jesus took up his cross and carried it to Calvary and allowed himself to be crucified for us. He dies on his cross so that you and I could have eternal life.

We are called to carry our cross daily and do the same things that Christ did. We are called to die to self and to put others before us (Phil. 2:2-4). We look around and see so much turmoil in our world, and the main reason is that many people do not want to pick up and carry their daily cross. The essence of sin is self and the only way that we break the bondage of sin is to die to self. It is in the losing of our life for Christ or in the dying to self that the saving of one’s life happens. “Why are some people’s crosses heavier than others?” is asked by many people. The more one dies to self on a daily basis, the lighter that cross becomes. We see people going through some horrendous events in their lives and there is a sense of inner peace and joy. This is a person who has yielded to the call of Christ and has cast all his cares upon the Lord (1 Peter 5:7).

When we yield to the power of the Holy Spirit, he will empower us to become disciples of the Lord, Jesus Christ. We can go out and make disciples of others (Matt. 28:19) only when we have learned to die to ourselves and live for Jesus Christ. To die for Christ is very noble; to live for Christ is much harder. It calls for a daily commitment. We need to remember that anything we achieve or own in this life will end when we die. When we die to ourselves and pick up our daily cross and live for others in Christ, we will live forever in victory with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

Application

The first reading shows us that perseverance is a virtue of a prophet. The second reading tells us to live the abundant life, and calls for a commitment of our mind, body and soul. This week’s Gospel tells us that in order to live forever, we must die like Christ if we are to rise like Christ.

This week let us practice dying to ourselves in our family by trying to do some of the following:

Parents – set aside some time every day to share with each child and your spouse.

Children – find a time each day to serve a member of your family, such as helping a brother or sister do their chores. Help your parents around the home, or financially as they get older.

Everyone – Die to yourself in school or work by listening to

others and really hearing what they have to say.

Remember, to lose our life for Christ is the best way to rise with Christ.

Lectio Divina – Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 23rd) – 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 16:13-20 – Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi  and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 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 ISAIAH 22:15, 19-23 FIRST READING

(“…and give over to him your authority.”)

l. Who is speaking, and where does he say to go? Isaiah 22:15

 

2. Who is Shebna, and what does Isaiah 36:3 say about him? Isaiah 22:15

 

3. What happened to Shebna?   Isaiah 22:16-19

 

4. Who does the Lord summon, and who is his father? Isaiah 22:20

 

5. With what does the Lord clothe and gird Eliakim, and what does he give over to him?   Isaiah 22:21

 

6. Who has full authority over heaven and earth? Matthew 28:18

 

7. Who established the existing authority?   Romans 13:1

 

8. To whom is Eliakim the father?   Isaiah 22:21

 

9. What will the Lord place on Eliakim’s shoulder, and what will happen when he opens and shuts the house of David? Isaiah 22:22

 

10. What did Jesus entrust to Peter, and what authority does that give him?   Matthew 16:19

 

11. How does the Lord fix Eliakim, and where does he place him with his family?   Isaiah 22:23

 

Personal – Where do you see yourself as far as “when you open, no one can shut; when you shut, no one can open?” How has God given you the key to forgive or hold others bound by your unforgiveness? Think about this, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal his truth to you.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 11:33-36 SECOND READING

(“For from him and through him and to God are all things.”)

1. Fill in the following blanks: Oh, the depth of the ___________and___________and__________ of God? Romans 11:33

 

2. How is God’s wisdom made known?   Ephesians 3:10

 

3. In whom is every treasure of wisdom and knowledge hidden? Colossians 2:2-3

 

4. What is inscrutable and unsearchable?   Romans 11:33

 

5. What questions are being asked in Romans 11:34 and in Wisdom 9:13?

 

6. How has God revealed this wisdom to us?  1 Corinthians 2:10

 

7. What is given to God, and for what reason is it given? Romans 11:35

 

8. How are all things?   Romans 11:36

 

9. What is to him forever?   Romans 11:36

 

10. From whom do all things come, and for whom do we live? Through whom was everything made, and through whom do we live? 1 Corinthians 8:6

 

11. How was everything on the earth created?  Colossians 1:16

 

Personal – In what way do you show the Lord your love for him as the Great Creator? Take a few moments right now and praise him for the All Powerful Mighty God that he is.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 16:13-20 GOSPEL

(“Who do you say that I am?”)

1. To what neighborhood has Jesus come, and what did he ask his disciples?   Matthew 16:13

 

2. Who do the people say Jesus is?   Matthew 16:14

 

3. Who did Herod the Tetrarch say Jesus was?   Matthew 14:1-2

 

4. What direct question did Jesus ask his disciples? Matthew 16:15

 

5. Who answered Jesus, what did he call him, and who did he say was his Father?   Matthew 16:16

 

6. What is the meaning of Messiah?   John 4:25

 

7. What was Jesus’ reply to Peter’s answer, and who revealed this to Peter?   Matthew 16:17

 

8. What did Jesus declare to Peter, what will he build on him, and what will not prevail against it?   Matthew 16:18

 

9. What does he entrust to Peter?   Matthew 16:19

 

10. What happens when he declares something bound on earth and loosed on earth?   Matthew 16:19

 

11. What did Jesus tell his disciples not to do? Matthew 16:20

 

Personal – Who do you say Jesus is? Write out on a piece of paper who Jesus is to you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 138: 1-3, 6, 8

(“You build up strength within me.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 138: 1-3, 6, 8.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 22:15, 19-23

This passage is the result of Isaiah’s prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem. Isaiah warns his people against making alliances with foreigners and telling them they should trust in God alone for their future. Jerusalem was savagely attacked and its people were slaughtered. The real tragedy, in today’s reading, is the people had plenty of warning and chose to trust in their own ingenuity, weapons and even their pagan neighbors. Isaiah told them that unless they repented of their evil ways, they would face God’s punishment. They did not want to hear this kind of talk. They said, “Let us eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die.”

We need to reflect on how much we depend on God to help us in our decision making. Too often we turn to things which, though good in themselves, really will not give us the help we need. We must do all the necessary work today in our homes, community, and country, but God must guide our efforts. Today, national danger should be a call to national repentance. The essence of all sin is self. We are called to root out the rebellion in our spirit before we start to clean out anyone else. We can only do that by repentance, a complete change of mind (Rom. 12:2). We need to confess with our lips and believe with our hearts that Jesus Christ is Lord (Rom. 10:10). We can only repent or change when we obey God’s law and not man’s law (Acts 5:29).

Today we see people giving up hope and following drugs, alcoholism and immoral sex. The world’s response to hopelessness is despair and self-indulgence. The proper response is to turn to God and trust in his promise of eternal life (John 3:16).

Shebna was a high official who got above the Law of God and became a law unto himself. We see that type of individual in many nations today. Shebna was the peg that was pulled out of the wall and all his power and riches were gone. You are a good leader when you are building up others, and the source of your good leadership is Jesus Christ.

 

ROMANS 11:33-36

Paul tells us the greatness of our God is almost beyond description. The depth of his riches, knowledge and wisdom is far beyond the comprehension of our mind. Scripture tells us that “eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor can man ever comprehend what God has in store for those who love him” (1 Cor. 2:9). The wisdom of God has been revealed to us by means of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will do what he has promised. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is our assurance of eternal life with all of its blessings.

The world fears power, yet we belong to the God of the universe, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. We do not need to fear any power whether it be dictator, nation, death or Satan himself. God’s incomparable power is for us who choose to believe in him. The Holy Spirit searches out and shows us all of God’s deepest secrets. These secrets are contained in Jesus Christ. The secrets are his resurrection and the plan of salvation which has been revealed to those who believe that what God says is true.

Those who believe and put their faith in Jesus will know all that they need to know to be saved. To really put on the “mind of Christ” we need to realize that it means to get a true perspective of humility for ourselves. We do not need to put ourselves down, that is not true humility. We do need to see that we are sinners, saved only by God’s grace. To put on the “mind of Christ” is to avoid selfishness, and the cure for selfishness is servanthood. This brings unity among believers and is a witness to unbelievers that God’s power is present in this world. We must always remember that selfish ambitions destroy church unity by putting one Christian against another.

The full glory of God is manifested to us in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. God glorified Jesus because of his obedience. God glorified him by raising him to his original position at the right hand of the Father, where he will reign forever as our Lord and judge (Phil. 2:2-4). Jesus Christ was humble and willing to give up his rights in order to obey God and serve people. Like Jesus, we must serve out of love for a God who is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-wise, and the riches of his will all be ours through the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

MATTHEW 16:13-20

Today’s Gospel passage took place in territory ruled by Caesarea Philippi. The influence of Greek and Roman culture was everywhere and pagan temples and idols were extremely popular. The city was rebuilt and named after Caesar and called Caesarea.

Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They told him that many people thought he was a great prophet returned. Peter told him that he was “the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus was pleased that Peter was not fooled by the culture or the latest fad. He knew that his Father had revealed his identity to Peter.

Jesus tells Peter that he is a stable leader, a rock, and that he will build his church on that rock. Jesus personally tells Peter that his church would stand up victorious against even the gates of hell. This is a tremendous statement made by Jesus. We have a church that was commissioned by Jesus Christ who tells the whole world that his church will never fall. He gives Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, which means the authority to rule in his name. He tells Peter, “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Jesus gave this authority to Peter and his successors who passed this on down until today.

A Catholic is forgiven his sins by a priest in the name of Jesus Christ. You can hold someone in bondage by not forgiving them and cutting off their supply of love. This will result in your damaging not only the other person but yourself too. You can loose the person of their bondage by your forgiveness and the result is freedom to both of you. Jesus wants all of us to be free, and he calls all of us into repentance. God has chosen each one of us to help someone find the way. Remember, to all who believe in Christ and obey his words, the kingdom doors are swung wide open.

 

Application

This week’s first reading tells us to trust in God, not people. The second reading tells us that no one can fully understand the mind of Christ, but we can put on his mind by following his example. The Gospel shows how God built his church and gave Peter the keys of heaven to preach, teach, and rule. The church is guaranteed by Christ to never fail.

If you are holding a grudge against anyone and you are having trouble forgiving them, try the following three steps:

1. Forgive that person for what has been done to you.

2. Ask the Lord to forgive that person for what has been done to you.

3. Ask the Lord to cleanse your heart of the bitterness, resentment, anger, and the unforgiveness that you have towards that person who hurt you. This will bind the spirit of anger, resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness. It will loose the spirit of forgiveness and love and set you and that person free.

Vigesimoprimer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (23 de Agosto) – Ciclo A

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE ISAIAS 22:15, 19-23 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“… y le traspasaré tu autoridad.”)

1. ¿Quién está hablando y adonde dice que debe ir?  Isaías 22:15

 

2. ¿Quién es Sobna y que dice Isaías 36:3 acerca de él?  Isaías 22:15

 

3. ¿Qué le pasó a Sobna?  Isaías 22:16-19

 

4. ¿A quien llamó el Señor y quien es su padre?  Isaías 22:20

 

5. ¿Con que vistió y ciñó el Señor a Eliaquim y qué le fue traspasado a este?  Isaías 22:21

 

6. ¿Quién tiene absoluta autoridad sobre el cielo y la tierra?  Mateo 28:18

 

7. ¿Quién estableció la autoridad existente?  Romanos 13:1

 

8. ¿De quién es padre Eliaquim?  Isaías 22:21

 

9. ¿Qué pondrá el Señor en el hombro de Eliaquim y que pasará cuando abra o cierre la casa de David?   Isaías 22:22

 

10. ¿Qué le confió Jesús a Pedro y que autoridad le dio?  Mateo 16:19

 

11. ¿Cómo fijó el Señor a Eliaquim y qué lugar le dio a él y a su familia?  Isaías 22:23

 

Personal – ¿Dónde te encuentras, en lo que se refiere a “cuando abras, nadie podrá cerrar, cuando cierres, nadie podrá abrir.”  ¿De qué modo te ha dado el Señor la llave de perdonar o retener a otros atados por no haberlos perdonado?  Piénsalo y pide al Espíritu Santo que te revele Su Verdad.

 

 

TERCER DIA ROMANOS 11:33-36 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Todo viene de El, ha sido hecho por El y ha de volver a El.”)

1. ¿Completa las siguientes líneas: Qué profunda es la ____________ y la _____________ y la ______________de Dios?  Romanos 11:33

 

2. ¿Cómo se conoce la sabiduría de Dios?  Efesios 3:10

 

3. ¿En quién están escondidas todas las riquezas de la sabiduría y el entendimiento?  Colosenses 2:2-3

 

4. ¿Qué es lo impenetrable e incomprensible?  Romanos 11:33

 

5. ¿Qué preguntas son hechas en Romanos 11:34 y en Sabiduría 9:13?

 

6. ¿Cómo nos ha revelado Dios esta sabiduría?  1 Cor. 2:10

 

7. ¿Qué se le ha dado a Dios y por qué razón se le ha dado?  Romanos 11:35

 

8. ¿Cómo son todas las cosas?  Romanos 11:36

 

9. ¿Qué será suyo por siempre?  Romanos 11:36

 

10. ¿De quién vienen todas las cosas y por quién estamos vivos?  ¿A través de quién fue todo hecho y a través de quien existimos?  1 Corintios 8:6

 

11. ¿Cómo fue creado todo en la tierra?  Col. 1:16

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo muestras al Señor tu amor por El como el Gran Creador?  Toma unos momentos ahora y bendícelo por todo lo Grande y Poderoso que es.

 

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 16:13-20 EVANGELIO

(“Y ustedes, ¿quién dicen que soy yo?”)

1. ¿A qué región llegó Jesús y qué les preguntó a sus discípulos?  Mateo 16:13

 

2. ¿Quién dice la gente que es Jesús cuando se les pregunta?  Mateo 16:14

 

3. ¿Quién dice Herodes el Tetrarca que es Jesús?  Mateo 14:1-2

 

4. ¿Qué pregunta directa les hace Jesús a sus discípulos?  Mateo 16:15

 

5. ¿Quién le contestó a Jesús, cómo lo llamó y quién dijo que era Su Padre?  Mateo 16:16

 

6. ¿Qué significa Mesías?  Juan 4:25

 

7. ¿Qué dijo Jesús después que Pedro contestó y quién le reveló esto a Pedro?  Mateo 16:17

 

8. ¿Qué declaró Jesús a Pedro, que construiría sobre él y qué es aquello que no la podrá vencer?   Mateo 16:18

 

9. ¿Qué le entregó a Pedro?  Mateo 16:19

 

10. ¿Qué pasará cuando el declare algo atado o desatado en la tierra?  Mateo 16:19

 

11. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús a sus discípulos que no hicieran?  Mateo 16:20

 

Personal – ¿Quién dices tú que es Jesús?  Escribe en un papel quien es Jesús para ti.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 138:1-3, 6, 8

(“y le infundiste a mi alma mas valor.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 138: 1-3, 6, 8.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

ISAIAS 22: 15, 19-23

Este pasaje es el resultado de la profecía de Isaías acerca de la destrucción de Jerusalén.  Isaías previene a su gente contra hacer alianzas con extranjeros y les dice que únicamente en Dios deben confiar para su futuro.  Jerusalén fue salvajemente atacada y su gente aniquilada.  La real tragedia en la lectura de hoy es que la gente fue prevenida a tiempo y escogió confiar en su propia ingenuidad, armas y hasta en sus vecinos paganos.  Isaías les dijo que si no se arrepentían de sus malos modos tendrían que encarar el castigo de Dios.  Ellos no querían oír esto.  Dijeron, “Comamos, bebamos, seamos felices que mañana moriremos”.

Necesitamos reflexionar y ver cuanto dependemos de Dios para que nos ayude en tomar nuestras decisiones.  Muy seguido volteamos hacía cosas que aún siendo buenas en si mismas no nos darán realmente la ayuda que necesitamos.  Debemos hacer todo el trabajo necesario en nuestros hogares, comunidad y país, pero Dios debe ser quien guíe nuestros esfuerzos.  Hoy en día un peligro nacional debe llamar a un arrepentimiento nacional.  La esencia de todo pecado está en uno mismo.  Estamos llamados a arrancar de raíz la rebelión en nuestro espíritu antes de empezar a querer sacarla de alguien más.  Solo podremos hacerlo por medio del arrepentimiento, un completo cambio de modo de pensar (Romanos 12:2).  Debemos confesar con nuestros labios y creer con nuestros corazones que Jesucristo es el Señor (Romanos 10:10).  Únicamente nos arrepentimos o cambiamos cuando obedecemos la ley de Dios y no la del hombre (Hechos 5:29).

Hoy en día vemos gente sin esperanzas dedicadas a las drogas, el alcohol o el sexo inmoral.  La respuesta del mundo a la falta de esperanza es la desesperación y el desenfreno.  La respuesta apropiada es voltear hacía Dios y confiar en Su promesa de vida eterna (Juan 3:16).

Sobna era un alto oficial que pasó por encima la Ley de Dios y vino a ser la ley el mismo.  Vemos esa clase de individuos en muchas naciones hoy en día.  Sobna fue el clavo que se sacó de la pared y todo su poder y riquezas se acabaron.  Tu eres un buen líder cuando estas inspirando o otros y la fuente de tu buen liderazgo es Jesucristo (Filipenses 4:19).

 

ROMANOS 11:33-36

Pablo nos dice que la grandeza de nuestro Dios esta mas allá de toda descripción.  La profundidad de Sus riquezas, conocimientos y sabiduría está más allá de la comprensión de nuestra mente.  La Escritura nos dice que “el ojo no ha visto, el oído no ha oído, ni puede el hombre comprender jamás lo que Dios tiene guardado para aquellos que lo aman” (2 Corintios 4:9).  La sabiduría de Dios nos ha sido revelada por medio del Espíritu Santo.  El Espíritu Santo es la garantía de Dios de que El hará lo que ha prometido.  La presencia del Espíritu Santo en nuestras vidas es nuestra seguridad de vida eterna con todas sus bendiciones.

El mundo teme al poder, más sin embargo nosotros pertenecemos al Dios del universo, quien resucitó a Jesucristo de la muerte.  No debemos temerle a ningún poder sea este un dictador, una nación, la muerte o el mismo Satanás.  El incomparable poder de Dios es para nosotros los que escogemos creer en El. El Espíritu Santo nos descubre y nos enseña todos los más profundos secretos de Dios.  Estos secretos están contenidos en Jesucristo.  Los secretos son Su resurrección y el plan de salvación que ha sido revelado a aquellos que creen que lo que Dios dice es verdad.

Aquellos que creen y ponen su fe en Jesús sabrán todo lo que necesitan para ser salvados.  Para realmente meternos en la cabeza “la mente de Cristo” necesitamos darnos cuenta que eso significa tener una verdadera disposición de humildad en nosotros mismos.  No necesitamos degradarnos, eso no es verdadera humildad.  Necesitamos darnos cuenta de que somos pecadores, salvados únicamente por la gracia de Dios. Meternos en la cabeza la mente de Cristo es evitar el egoísmo, y la sanación para el egoísmo es la servitud. Esto trae unidad entre los creyentes y sirve de testimonio para los no creyentes de que el poder de Dios está presente en este mundo.  Debemos recordar siempre que las ambiciones egoístas destruyen la unidad de la iglesia causando una confrontación de un Cristiano contra otro.

La gloria absoluta de Dios se nos manifiesta en la Encarnación de Jesucristo.  Dios glorificó a Jesús porque El fue obediente.  Dios glorificó a Jesús ascendiéndolo a Su posición original a la derecha del Padre, donde reinará por siempre como nuestro Señor y juez (Filipenses 2:2-4).  Jesucristo era humilde y con voluntad de ceder Sus derechos con el objeto de obedecer a Dios y servir a la gente.  Como Jesús nosotros debemos ser servidores en el amor para un Dios que es todo conocimiento, todo poderoso, todo sabiduría y las riquezas de Su testamento serán todas nuestras a través de la gracia salvadora de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo.

 

MATEO 16:13-20

El pasaje del Evangelio de hoy tuvo lugar en un territorio regido por Felipe.  La influencia de las culturas Griega y Romana estaba por dondequiera y los templos paganos e ídolos eran extremadamente populares.  La ciudad fue reconstruida y tomó su nombre por César, fue llamada Cesárea.

Jesús preguntó a los discípulos, “¿Quién dice la gente que soy yo?”  Ellos contestaron que mucha gente creía que El era un gran profeta que había regresado.  Pedro le dijo que El era “El Cristo, el Mesías, El Hijo del Dios Vivo.”  Jesús estuvo contento de que Pedro no se había dejado engañar por la cultura o por la última moda.  El supo que Su Padre había revelado Su identidad a Pedro.

Jesús le dice a Pedro que el es un líder estable, una roca.  Jesús personalmente le dice a Pedro que Su iglesia se levantará victoriosa aún hasta contra las puertas del infierno.  Esta es una tremenda declaración hecha por Jesús.  Tenemos una iglesia que fue nombrada por el mismo Jesús y Cristo le dice a todo el mundo que Su iglesia nunca caerá.  El da a Pedro las llaves del reino del cielo o sea la autoridad de gobernar en Su nombre.  Le dice a Pedro, “Lo que ates en la Tierra será atado en el cielo y lo que desates en la tierra será desatado en el cielo.”  Jesús dio esa autoridad a Pedro y sus sucesores quienes lo han ido pasando hasta hoy.

A un Católico le son perdonados sus pecados por un sacerdote en el nombre de Jesucristo.  Tu puedes mantener a alguien atado si no lo perdonas y le cortas su provisión de amor.  Esto no solo dañará a la otra persona sino que te dañará a ti mismo.  Puedes desatar a alguien de su atadura con tu perdón y el resultado será la libertad para los dos.  Jesús quiere que todos seamos libres y nos llama a todos a arrepentirnos.  Dios nos ha escogido a cada uno para ayudar a alguien a encontrar el camino.  Recordemos, todos los que creen en Cristo y obedecen Su palabra tendrán completamente abiertas las puertas del reino.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura de esta semana nos habla de confiar en Dios, no en la gente.  La segunda lectura nos dice que nadie puede entender completamente la mente de Cristo.  Pero podemos meternos en la cabeza Su mente siguiendo Su ejemplo.  El Evangelio muestra como Dios construyó Su iglesia y dio a Pedro las llaves del reino para predicar enseñar y gobernar.  Cristo mismo garantizó a la iglesia que nunca fallaría.

Si tú estás guardando rencor contra alguien y tienes dificultad para perdonarle trata de seguir los tres siguientes pasos:

1. Perdona a la persona por lo que haya hecho.

2. Pídele al Señor que perdone a esa persona por lo que te ha hecho.

3. Pide al Señor que limpie tu corazón de amargura, resentimiento, enojo y del sentimiento de no querer perdonar que tu tienes hacía esa persona que te hizo daño.  Esto atará al espíritu de enojo, resentimiento, amargura y del no querer perdonar.  Y soltará el espíritu del perdón y el amor y esa persona y tú quedarán libres.

Lectio Divina – Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 16th) – 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 15:21-28 – At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David!  My daughter is tormented by a demon.”  But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. 
Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.”
He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.”  He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.”  She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps
that fall from the table of their masters.”  Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.”  And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?