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Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord (Jan 5th)

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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 60:1-6     FIRST READING

(“But upon you the Lord shines.”)

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

 

2. How did the glory of the Lord appear in the following scriptures? Exodus 16:7, 10 Exodus 24:16, 17 Leviticus 9:6, 23, 24 Ezekiel 3:12-13 Luke 2:9

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

6. Who is the light?   John 8:12

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

2. What was revealed?   Ephesians 3:3

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY     READ MATTHEW 2:1-12     GOSPEL

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

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

 

2. Read the following scriptures: Daniel 2:27 and Daniel 4:4.

 

According to these verses, are those who read the stars able to know God’s plan for their lives?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

9. Read the following and write out your favorite verse: John 10:11, John 10:14, John 10:16, Acts 20:28,

1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:3-4, Revelation 7:17

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FIFTH DAY     READ PSALM 72:1-13

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 72:1-13.

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

 

How can you apply this to your daily spiritual life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 60:1-6

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

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

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

 

EPHESIANS 3:2-3,5-6

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

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

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

 

MATTHEW 2:1-12

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

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

Lectio Divina – Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God (Jan 1st)

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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

Luke 2:16-21 – The Shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in a manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God (Jan 1st)

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

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 NUMBERS 6:22-27     FIRST READING

(“The Lord bless you and keep you!”)

l. To whom was the Lord speaking, and to whom did he tell him to speak? Numbers 6:22-23

2.Who was Aaron, and what did the Lord say to Moses about him? Exodus 4:14-16

3.About what was Moses to speak to them? Numbers 6:23

4.What six things were included in the blessing? Numbers 6:24-26

5.Who will be blessed? Proverbs 28:20

6.What brings wealth? Proverbs 10:22

7.Who was blessed by the Lord, what did he do for her, and what was her response? Luke 1:46-55

8.What has the Lord given us? Psalm 118:27

9.Who did Jesus say he was? John 8:12

10.What shall be invoked upon the Israelites, and what will the Lord do? Numbers 6:27

Personal – In what way have you blessed a family member or a friend? What do others see shining forth from your face?

THIRD DAY     READ GALATIANS 4:4-7     SECOND READING

(“…God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!’”)

1.Under what was God’s Son born? Galatians 4:4

2.What did God’s Son do? Galatians 4:5

3.What happens to everyone who believes in Jesus? John 3:16

4.Who did the law come through, and what did Jesus bring? John 1:17

5.Who are the children of God, and who bears witness that we are? Romans 8:14-16

6.What proof do we have that we are his children? Galatians 4:6

7.To whom did he give the power to become children of God? John 1:12-13

8.Why are the children of God not known to the world? 1 John 3:1

9.What are we no longer, and what has he made us? Galatians 4:7

10.With whom are the children of God joint heirs? Romans 8:17

Personal – In what way have you cried out to “Abba,” Daddy, this week? What have you inherited from God? What are your parents leaving you as an inheritance, or what are you leaving your children as an inheritance?

FOURTH DAY     READ LUKE 2:16-21     GOSPEL

(“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”)

1.When the shepherds went off in haste, who did they nd? Luke 2:16

2.Why did Mary lay her firstborn Son in a manger? Luke 2:7

3.What did the shepherds do when they saw the child? Luke 2:17

4.What was the reaction of those who were told the message? Luke 2:18

5.What amazed or astonished the people listening to Jesus? Matthew 7:28-29

Personal – What have you seen and made known to others since you have been studying God’s Word?

6.What did Mary do? Luke 2:19

7.What did Mary do when Jesus became lost and then told her he was about his Father’s business? Luke 2:49-51

Personal – What have you personally pondered in your heart that God revealed to you, and how have you followed Mary’s example?

8.How did the shepherds return? Luke 2:20

9.What was the reaction of the paralytic and the people upon the healing? Luke 5:25-26

10.What happened on the eighth day, and to whom had the name been given? Luke 2:21, Luke 1:31

11.What has his name done for us? Acts 4:12

12.To what is the name Jesus inherited far superior? Hebrews 1:3-4

Personal – What name has been given to you, and of what is it a reflection?

FIFTH DAY     READ PSALM 67:2-6, 8.

(“…may he let his face shine upon us.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 67:2-6, 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

NUMBERS 6:22-27

When Mary said, “Generation after generation shall call me blessed of God,” she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her (Luke 1:48). If Mary had denied her incredible position, she would have been throwing God’s blessing back at him.

In today’s reading we are being shown that a blessing was one way of asking God’s divine favor to rest upon others. All of God’s blessings had their fulfillment in the coming of Christ on earth. Mary received the fullness of these promises and blessings when she said, “Be it done unto me according to thy Word.” At that very moment she conceived Jesus Christ in her womb. As proof of this blessing we have the angel Gabriel’s words as he salutes her as “full of grace.” She has the full friendship of God, and no man or woman had ever received the fullness of God’s blessing until then.

A blessing conveys that God will (1) bless and protect, (2) be pleased because of us, (3) be gracious, merciful, and compassionate to us, (4) show favor to us, and (5) give us peace. When we ask God to bless us and others, we are asking him to do these ve things. We will have the full friendship of God as we ask him to bless others as well as ourselves.

Today, on this special feast, let us thank God for all the blessings that he has given Mary, the Mother of God. We have all pro ted through her blessings; and the title, Mother of God, that the church confirmed in her regard at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, demonstrates all this.

GALATIANS 4:4-7

In today’s reading Paul uses the example of slavery to show that before Christ came and died for our sins, people were in bondage to the law. By becoming enslaved to the law, people thought they could be saved. At just the right time, God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins, and we who were once slaves are now God’s very own children with an intimate relationship with him. For centuries the Jews were wonder- ing when their Messiah would come, but God’s timing was perfect.

We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers, but we must never stop trusting or give up hope. At the right time, he will respond to us. Jesus was born of a woman and was subject to God’s law and fulfilled it. His death brought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so we could be adopted into God’s family. Under the Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to his father’s property. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God’s resources.

As God’s heirs, we can claim what he has provided for us; which is our full identity as his children. The Old Testament was based on the law, but was only a shadow of things to come. Christianity is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Christianity is the reality, and the reality is God has become man, and man is now free and has been adopted into God’s family as rightful heirs to the kingdom.

LUKE 2:16-21

What a tremendous sign of comfort and hope it is when we read that the first visitors to lay eyes on the long-awaited Messiah were simple, hard-working, uneducated, common folks called shepherds. Even in birth Jesus has shown us the ultimate in humility, and his choice of those who were part of his birth experience were of humble origins themselves.

Can you imagine the thoughts that owed through Mary’s head as she observed the shepherds com- ing to pay homage to her Son? She certainly was aware of the power and beauty of the angels singing praises of glory to God to their new born king. The Jewish custom was when a new child was born the local musicians would come by and sing some congratulatory songs. Mary had, not earthly musicians to sing to her son, but she had a choir of angels to ll the air with heavenly sounds.

On this very special day, we can honor Mary in her blessed role as Mother of God. God himself honored her by making her the mother of his Son. Jesus, in one of his last acts on this earth before dying on the cross, made his mother our mother. It was through no merit of her own that she earned this dignity. This honor was given as a sheer gift of God. When we honor her, we are in fact thanking God for his gift of her to us.

Application

The first reading explains that a blessing is God giving someone his protection and direction. The second reading tells how the Old Testament was a time of preparation, and the New Testament was a time of the reality of God entering into human history as a human being named Jesus. The Gospel reveals Jesus beginning his life on earth humbly, and in humility he went to his death on a cross for us.

This week, let the humility of the shepherds be your model of conduct during the Christmas holidays. Bring to your family, friends, and co-workers, the gift of listening, the gift of gentleness, and the gift of humility. Mary was a role model for the whole world, for both male and female.

Fiesta de La Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José (29 de Dic) – 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 ECLESIASTICO 3:2-6, 12-14     PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Quien honra a su padre paga sus pecados.”)

1. ¿En que lugar pone el Señor a un padre sobre sus hijos, y que les confirma a los hijos?      Eclesiástico 3:2

 

2. ¿Qué le pasa al que honra a su padre?  Eclesiástico 3:3

 

3. ¿Qué guardamos cuando honramos a nuestra madre? Eclesiástico 3:4

 

4. ¿De que se alegra el hombre que honra a su padre y qué pasa cuando él ora? Eclesiástico 3:5

 

5. ¿Qué le pasará al que glorifica a su padre?  Eclesiástico 3:6, Éxodo 20:12

 

6. ¿Qué está haciendo el que le da consuelo a su madre?  Eclesiástico 3:6

 

7. ¿Qué debemos hacer y qué no debemos hacer cuando nuestro padre envejezca? Eclesiástico 3:12

 

8. ¿A quién debemos escuchar, por qué razón, y a quién no debemos despreciar? Proverbios 23:22

 

9. ¿Cómo debemos tratar a nuestro padre aunque le falle su memoria?  Eclesiástico 3:13

 

10. ¿Qué no será olvidado y como qué servirá?  Eclesiástico 3:14

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma escuchas y honras a ambos tu padre terrenal y tu Padre Celestial?  ¿En que forma se ha convertido tu padre terrenal en una carga en su edad avanzada? Compara tu relación con tu Padre Celestial y tu padre terrenal y arrepiéntete de lo que sea necesario.

 

 

TERCER DIA     LEE COLOSENSES 3:12-21     SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Hijos, obedezcan a sus padres en todo, porque eso agrada al Señor.”)

1. ¿Con cuáles cinco cosas debemos vestirnos, y por qué razón?  Colosenses 3:12

 

2. ¿Cómo se les llama a estas cuatro cualidades, de acuerdo a Gálatas 5:22?

 

3. ¿Qué debemos hacer uno al otro y en cualquier desavenencia que podemos tener con alguien?  ¿Qué debemos de hacer para perdonar? Colosenses 3:13

 

4. ¿Qué dijo Jesús cuando estaba muriendo en la cruz y a quién le estaba hablando? Lucas 23:34

 

5. ¿En la Oración del Señor, ¿qué estamos diciendo y qué está diciendo el Padre? Mateo 6:12-15

 

Personal – ¿De que forma has pecado y recibido el perdón de Dios?  ¿En que forma está reflejado esto por la forma en que tú perdonas a otros cuando te han lastimado?

 

6. ¿Qué virtud ponemos sobre todo el resto?  Colosenses 3:14

 

7. ¿Qué debe reinar en nuestros corazones, de qué somos miembros, como somos llamados, y a qué nos debemos dedicar?  Colosenses 3:15

 

8. ¿Qué debe habitar en nosotros, cómo debemos tratarnos uno al otro y cómo debemos de cantar a Dios en agradecimiento?  Colosenses 3:16

 

9. ¿Lo que sea que hagamos, al hablar o en oración, ¿en nombre de quién debemos hacerlo y a quién debemos darle gracias?  Colosenses 3:17

 

10. ¿Cómo deben actuar los esposos hacia las esposas y cómo deben actuar las esposas hacia los  esposos? Colosenses 3:18-19

 

11. ¿Cómo deben actuar los hijos hacia los padres y los padres hacia los hijos? Colosenses 3:20-21

 

Personal – ¿Cuál crees tú que sea la causa más grande de rompimiento en la familia hoy en día?  ¿Cómo piensas que se puede remediar esto? ¿En qué forma estas obedeciendo o desobedeciendo lo que Dios dice en Colosenses 3:18-21?  Reflexiona sobre esto y haz cambios donde sea necesario. Recuerda, recibimos la gracia por medio del Sacramento de la Reconciliación.

 

 

CUARTO DIA     LEE MATEO 2:13-15, 19-23     EVANGELIO

(“Levántate y regresa con el niño y su madre a la tierra de Israel.”)

1. ¿Después de que se fueron los astrólogos, ¿cómo se le apareció el ángel del Señor a José y cuál fue su mandato?  Mateo 2:13

 

2. ¿Cómo respondió José a este mandato?  Mateo 2:14

 

3. ¿Cuánto tiempo se estuvo en Egipto y qué dijo el Señor por medio del profeta Óseas?  Mateo 2:15, Óseas 11:1

 

4. ¿Qué le pasó a José después de la muerte de Herodes?  Mateo 2:19

 

5. ¿Cuál fue la otra vez que José tuvo un sueño y el Señor le dio instrucciones en él? Mateo 1:20

 

6. ¿Cuál fue el mandato que se le dio?  Mateo 2:20

 

7. ¿Cómo respondió José a este mandato?  Mateo 2:21

 

8. ¿Qué había escuchado José, que lo hacía temer regresar a Belén?  Mateo 2:22

 

9. ¿Cómo fue advertido y a cuál región se fue?  Mateo 2:22

 

10. ¿En que pueblo se quedaron y qué fue cumplido?  Mateo 2:23

 

Personal – José escuchó y respondió a la Palabra de Dios. ¿En que formas has oído al Señor que te habla y tú has obedecido? ¿En que formas te ha hablado a ti personalmente? Apunta todas las formas en las que Dios te habla.

 

 

QUINTO DIA      LEE EL SALMO 128:1-5

(“Felices los que temen al Señor y siguen Su camino.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 128:1-5.

¿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

Hoy estamos celebrando la Fiesta especial de la Sagrada Familia. Vemos en nuestra lectura como el poder y amor de las familias santas puede cambiar un mundo de oscuridad a una comunidad de luz.

ECLESIASTICO 3:2-6, 12-14

Sirácides era un Judío educado y piadoso que vivió en el segundo siglo antes de Cristo.  El escribió una colección de dichos para ayudar a los demás a vivir sus vidas de acuerdo a la Santa Palabra de Dios. En el pasaje de ahora él habla acerca de la familia. El nos enseña que la unidad de la familia ha sido honrada como la fundación de la raza humana. La fundación de la familia era que tradicionalmente el padre tenía el lugar de honor. Se le dio al padre el derecho de ser respetado y obedecido por su familia.  La madre también comparte la autoridad con el padre en el hogar. La autoridad de ambos padres, de acuerdo con la Palabra de Dios debe de ser respetada por sus hijos.

Este pasaje de verdad se aplica fuertemente a las familias de ahora porque la estructura de la familia está bajo un ataque severo de Satanás por medio de ciertos grupos y diferentes aspectos de los valores de nuestra sociedad. Los hijos que respetan a sus padres no solamente están haciendo la voluntad de Dios, sino también están guardando recompensas espirituales para ellos mismos. A través de los siglos se ha demostrado que los hijos que respetan a sus padres generalmente tienen hijos que los respetarán a ellos. Vemos que la oración es muy importante para el crecimiento de una familia y que toda oración es contestada. El llamado a amar, honrar y respetar a nuestros padres lleva consigo la promesa de la bendición de Dios. Una larga vida era un signo de la bendición de Dios en el mundo Hebreo y significaba estar dedicados a la voluntad de Dios.

Los hijos son llamados a cuidar amorosamente de sus padres ancianos y el hijo que ha aprendido a respetar a sus padres está respetando a Dios.  No importa que tan débiles mental o físicamente, estén nuestros padres, es el privilegio y responsabilidad de los hijos cuidar de ellos. Este no es un comercial de un programa social del cuidado de la salud, más bien, es una declaración de la responsabilidad que está de acuerdo con la Santa Palabra de Dios.  Dios quiere amor, bondad, respeto, honor, sacrificio, consuelo, seguridad, etc.

 

COLOSENSES 3:12-21

Pablo escribió esta carta cuando estaba encarcelado en Roma.  Le había dicho un seguidor de Epafra, que algunos de los más recientes convertidos a la fe Cristiana estaban siendo molestados por falsos profetas.  La carta de Pablo habla de algunas reglas muy prácticas para la vida Cristiana. Se nos dice que debemos vestirnos con la ropa de la compasión, bondad, humildad, mansedumbre y paciencia.  Pablo les está diciendo que estas virtudes deben estar seguras en sus corazones para que la comunidad pueda vivir la visión Cristiana. El perdón era una de las virtudes principales de un Cristiano, y esto era lo que lo separaba del no-creyente.  Dios limpió todos nuestros pecados en el bautismo y está esperando constantemente para lavar los pecados de un pecador arrepentido en el Sacramento de la Reconciliación. También debemos imitar a Dios y estar dispuestos a perdonar a un hermano o hermana arrepentido.

Pablo de nuevo nos muestra como un cuerpo, y con Cristo como su cabeza y como el recurso de unidad, armonía y paz.  `Escuchamos que no es suficiente conocer la doctrina de Cristo, más bien debemos vivirla y nuestras vidas deben ser testigos de buen fruto.  Hoy, como entonces, se nos llama a ayudar a cada miembro de la familia de Dios. Pablo trata con la familia diciéndole a la esposa que se sujete a la autoridad espiritual de su esposo.  A los hijos se les dice que obedezcan a sus padres. Pablo le dice al esposo “ama a tu esposa.” Esto puede sonar algo común ahora, pero en los tiempos de Pablo, las esposas no se consideraban más que una esclava o propiedad.  Las esposas no tenían derechos y ellas eran propiedad de su esposo. El llamado de Pablo de “ama a tu esposa” la trae a élla a una igualdad y a compartir plenamente la autoridad en la familia. Finalmente Pablo les dice a los papás que no provoquen a sus hijos.  La autoridad de un padre viene de Dios, y ésta autoridad debe llevar al amor y a servir a su familia, no de rebajarlos hasta el suelo. Un padre amoroso guía a sus hijos sirviéndoles en nombre del Señor. Un padre amoroso se pone la mente de Cristo. (Filipenses 2:2-5).

 

MATEO 2:13-15, 19-23

Las acciones de Herodes eran las de una persona desesperada.  El mató a todos los niños Judíos que tenían menos de dos años de edad, en un intento desesperado para prevenir que éste niño llamado rey le quitara su trono.  Herodes no tuvo éxito porque su acto fue un hecho humano torcido. Jesús era rey por acción divina. Necesitamos ver en esto que nadie puede distorsionar o prevenir el plan de Dios. La gente se daña a sí misma tratando de hacerlo.

José recibió de Dios un segundo sueño.  Su primer sueño le reveló que María estaba cargando en su cuerpo al “Mesías” (1:20).  Su segundo sueño le enseñó como proteger a su familia y que se fuera para Egipto inmediatamente.  El corazón de José estaba abierto porque él estaba preparado en su relación con Dios. El continuó estando abierto y receptivo a la guía de Dios.  Necesitamos preguntarnos a nosotros mismos si estamos abiertos a la guía de Dios, y irnos de un lugar como José lo hizo si Dios nos llamara a hacerlo.

El viaje a Egipto no fue muy fuera de lo común, porque muchas colonias de Judíos Vivían ahí.  El viaje duraba alrededor de 12 días viajando en caminos duros con noches frías, solos y con muy poca comodidad.  Hay un paralelo interesante entre el escape de la Sagrada Familia a Egipto y la historia de Israel. Cuando Israel estaba joven, se fue a Egipto, igual que José, María y Jesús lo hicieron. Dios guió a Israel fuera de Egipto (Óseas 11:1) y Dios regresó a la Sagrada Familia.  Dios continúa salvando a Su gente aún hoy en día.

El Evangelio de ahora nos enseña que tan fuertes están unidos el amor y la obediencia.  También vemos que la base de una familia es el padre. La fidelidad y protección de José para María y Jesús estaban directamente conectadas a su obediencia al mandato de Dios.  José es un modelo que todos los esposos y padres pueden imitar. El deseo de Dios es que todas las familias sean santas y que todas las familias santas sean completamente obedientes a la Palabra Santa de Dios.  ¿Qué tan santa es tu familia?

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura no dice que a la familia humana se le ha dado el honor de ser la base de la raza humana.  La segunda lectura nos revela el peligro de que los falsos maestros son tan reales ahora como lo fueron en su tiempo.  El Evangelio enseña que nadie puede distorsionar o impedir el plan de Dios.

Padres de familia, tómense algún tiempo cada día para leer la Santa Palabra de Dios y ver que es lo que está diciendo acerca de la familia.  Padres de familia, denles a sus hijos el ejemplo de obediencia siendo obedientes a Dios en su manera de hablar. Sin pelear, molestar, mentir, o chismear.  Hijos obedezcan a sus padres en todo y háblenles siempre con respeto, bondad y alegría. Dios quiere que tengas una Familia Santa también.

Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (Dec 29th) – 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 SIRACH 3:2‑6, 12‑14     FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

6. What is he doing who brings comfort to his mother? Sir 3:6

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you listen to and honor both your earthly father and your heavenly Father? In what way has your earthly father become a burden to you in his old age? Compare your relationship with your heavenly Father and your earthly father and repent where necessary.

 

 

THIRD DAY     READ COLOSSIANS 3:12‑21    SECOND READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

10. How are husbands to act towards their wives and how are wives to act towards their husbands?   Colossians 3:18‑19

 

11. How are children to act towards their parents and fathers towards children? Colossians 3:20‑21

 

Personal ‑ What do you think is the biggest cause of break‑up in the family today? How do you think this can be remedied? In what way are you obeying or disobeying what God says in Colossians 3:18‑21? Reflect on this and make changes where necessary. Remember, we receive grace from the sacrament of reconciliation.

 

 

FOURTH DAY     READ MATTHEW 2:13‑15, 19‑23    GOSPEL

(“Get up, take the child and his mother, and set out for the land of Israel.”)

1. After the astrologers left, how did the angel of the Lord appear to Joseph and what was his command?   Matthew 2:13

 

2. How did Joseph respond to his command?   Matthew 2:14

 

3. How long did he stay in Egypt and what did the Lord say through the prophet Hosea?  Matthew 2:15, Hosea 11:1

 

4. After Herod’s death, what happened to Joseph? Matthew 2:19

 

5. What other time did Joseph have a dream and was given instructions by the Lord? Matthew 1:20

 

6. What was the command given him?   Matthew 2:20

 

7. How did Joseph respond to this command?   Matthew 2:21

 

8. What had Joseph heard, causing him to fear to return to Bethlehem?   Matthew 2:22

 

9. How was he warned, and to what region did he go? Matt 2:22

 

10. In what town did they settle and what was fulfilled? Matthew 2:23

 

Personal ‑ Joseph listened and responded to the Word of God.

 

In what ways have you heard the Lord speak to you and you obeyed? What ways has he spoken to you personally? List all the ways God speaks to us.

 

 

FIFTH DAY    READ PSALM 128:1‑5

(“Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 128:1-5.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY     READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

Today we are celebrating the special Feast of the Holy Family. We see in our reading how the power and love of holy families can change a dark world into a community of light.

SIRACH 3:2‑6, 12‑14

Sirach was a pious, learned Jew who lived in the second century B.C. He wrote a collection of sayings to help others live their lives in accordance with God’s Holy Word. In today’s passage he speaks of family. He shows us that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race. The foundation of the family was traditionally the father and he had the place of honor. The father was given the right to be respected and obeyed by his family. The mother also shares the authority with the father in the home. The authority of both parents, in accordance with God’s word, is to be respected by their children.

This passage really applies very strongly to today’s families because the family structure is under a severe attack by Satan through certain groups and different aspects of our society’s values. Children who respect their parents are not only doing God’s will, but also are storing up spiritual rewards for themselves. Over the centuries it has been shown that children who respect their parents generally have children who will respect them. We see that prayer is very important for a family’s growth and that all prayer is answered. The call to love, honor and respect our parents carries with it a promise of God’s blessing. A long life was a sign of God’s blessing in the Hebrew world and it signified that we were dedicated to God’s will.

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

 

COLOSSIANS 3:12‑21

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. He was told by a follower of his called Epaphras, that recent converts to the Christian faith were being disturbed by false teachers. Paul’s letter spells out some very practical rules for Christian living. We are told to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Paul is telling them that these virtues must be secure in their hearts in order for the community to live out the Christian vision. Forgiveness was a main virtue of a Christian, and this is what separated him from the non‑believer. God wiped out all our sins in baptism and is constantly waiting to wash away the sins of a repentant sinner in the sacrament of reconciliation. We also must imitate God and be willing to forgive a repentant brother or sister.

Paul again shows us as a body, and with Christ as the head, and as the source of unity, harmony and peace. We hear that it is not enough to know the doctrine of Christ, rather we must live it and our lives must be witnesses of good-bearing fruit. Today, as then, we are called to help each member of the family of God. Paul deals with the family by telling the wife to be subject to the spiritual authority of her husband. Children are called to obey their parents. Paul tells the husband to “love your wife.” This may sound common today, but in Paul’s times, wives were not considered much more than “chattel” or prized goods. Wives had no rights and a wife was the property of the husband. Paul’s call to “love your wife” brings her into equality and a full sharing in the authority of the family. Paul finally tells fathers not to provoke their children. The authority of a father comes from God and this authority is to lead, to love, and to serve his family, not to drive them into the ground. A loving father leads his children by serving them in the name of the Lord. A loving father puts on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:2‑5).

 

MATTHEW 2:13‑15, 19‑23

Herod’s actions were those of a desperate person. He killed all the Jewish boys under the age of two, in a desperate attempt to prevent this so-called newborn king from taking his throne away. Herod was not successful because his act was a twisted human act. Jesus was a king by divine action. We need to see in this that no one can distort or prevent God’s plan. People hurt only themselves in trying to do so.

Joseph received from God a second dream. His first dream revealed to him that Mary was carrying in her body the “Messiah” (l:20). His second dream showed him how to protect his family and to leave immediately for Egypt. Joseph’s heart was open because he was prepared in his relationship with God. He continued to be open and receptive to God’s guidance. We need to ask ourselves whether we are open to God’s guidance, and would we move like Joseph did, if God called us to do so.

The trip to Egypt was in itself not so unusual, because many colonies of Jews lived there. The trip was about 12 days traveling on hard roads with cold lonely nights and very little comfort. There is an interesting parallel between the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt and Israel’s history. When Israel was young, she went to Egypt, as Joseph, Mary and Jesus did. God led Israel out (Hosea 11:1) and God brought the Holy Family back. God continues to save his people even today.

Today’s Gospel shows how strong love and obedience are tied together. We also see that the foundation of a family is the father. Joseph’s loyalty and protection of Mary and Jesus were directly connected to his being obedient to God’s command. Joseph is a role model that all husbands and fathers can imitate. God’s wish is that all families be holy and all holy families be in complete obedience to God’s Holy Word. How holy is your family?

 

Application

The first reading tells us that the human family has been honored as the foundation of the human race. The second reading reveals to us the danger of false teachers being as real today as it was in his time. The Gospel shows us that no one can distort or prevent God’s plan.

Fathers, take some time each day to read God’s Holy Word and see what it is saying about the family. Parents, give your children the example of obedience by being obedient to God in your manner of talk. No bickering, no nagging, no slandering, and no gossip. Children, obey your parents in everything and speak to them with respect, kindness and joy. God wants you to have a Holy Family, too.

Lectio Divina – Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (Dec 29th) – 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 2:13-15, 19-23 – When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, Out of Egypt I called my son. When Herod had died, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” He rose, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go back there. And because he had been warned in a dream, he departed for the region of Galilee. He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazorean.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina – Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) (Dec 25th)

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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

John 1:1-18 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, he glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Solemnidad da la Natividad del Señor (Navidad) (25 de Dic)

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico 

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pidele 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 homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE ISAIAS 52:7-10      PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Tu Dios es Rey”)

1. ¿De quién son los pasos bienvenidos y qué anuncia? Isaias 52:7, Romanos 10:15

 

2. ¿Qué debemos gritar sin miedo?   Isaias 40:9

 

3. ¿Por qué gritan jubilosos los centinelas?   Isaias 52:8

 

4. ¿Cómo deben estar los centinelas?   Isaias 62:6

 

5. ¿Qué debemos hacer y por qué?   Isaias 52:9

 

6. ¿Por qué Dios nos consuela y nos anima? 2 Corintios 1:3-4

 

7. ¿A quién redime el Señor?   Salmo 34:23

 

8. ¿Qué hace el Señor con su brazo santo y a la vista de quién?   Isaias 52:10

 

9. ¿Qué ven hasta los extremos del mundo?   Isaias 52:10

 

10. ¿Qué conocerán en toda la tierra y en todas las naciones? Salmo 67:3

 

Personal – ¿A quién le has anunciado la paz y las buenas nuevas? ¿Cómo vé la gente en ti el júbilo y la salvación del Señor?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE HEBREOS 1:1-6      SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Que todos los ángeles de Dios lo adoren.”)

1. ¿Cómo habló Dios en aquellos tiempos?   Hebreos 1:1

 

2. ¿Cómo nos habla ahora y que hizo de El y por El? Hebreos 1:2

 

3. ¿Qué se hizo por El (Jesús)?  Juan 1:3-4

 

4. ¿De quién es Jesús el reflejo y la copia perfecta y cómo se mantiene el universo?  Hebreos 1:3

 

5. ¿Qué hizo Jesús después que purificó al mundo de sus pecados?   Hebreos 1:3

 

6. ¿Cómo cumplió Jesús con ésta purificación? Colosenses 1:15-20

 

7. ¿Qué ha heredado Jesús y de quién está muy por encima? Hebreos 1:4

 

8. ¿Debido a que Jesús se humilló a sí mismo siendo obediente a morir, qué hizo Dios con El? Filipenses 2:8-9

 

9. ¿Cuáles son las preguntas que se hacen sobre los ángeles? ¿Qué dice El acerca de su hijo?   Hebreos 1:5

 

10. ¿Quién es el Rey de los reyes de la tierra y quién nos ama?   Apocalipsis 1:5

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha sostenido la Santa Palabra de Dios y cómo has adorado a Su Hijo Jesús ésta semana?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE JUAN 1:1-18      EVANGELIO

(“Y el Verbo se hizo carne y habitó entre nosotros,”)

1. ¿Quién era en el principio?   Juan 1:1, 14

 

2. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que eran El y su Padre?   Juan 10:30

 

3. ¿Quién estaba en el principio con Dios y cómo fué esta vida que vino a ser a través de El?   Juan 1:2-4

 

4. ¿Qué no pudieron vencer las tinieblas?   Juan 1:5

 

5. ¿Quién vino a dar testimonio, sobre qué atestiguó y qué dijo acerca de si mismo?   Juan 1:6-8

 

6. ¿Qué hace la luz verdadera, cómo se hizo el mundo y quiénes no lo recibieron?   Juan 1:9-11

 

7. ¿A quellos que aceptaron a Jesús, qué les concedió, en qué creyeron y cómo han nacido?   Juan 1:12-13

 

8. ¿Quién puede entrar al reino de Dios?   Juan 3:5

 

9. ¿Qué no ha sido revelado y qué nos pasará cuando lo sea? 1 Juan 3:2

 

10. ¿Cuando el Verbo se hizo carne de qué estaba lleno? Juan 1:14

 

11. ¿Qué dijo Juan sobre Jesús, qué nos habia dado por medio de Moisés y qué vino por medio de Jesús?

Juan 1:15-17

 

12. ¿Quién nos ha revelado al Padre?   Juan 1:18

 

Personal – ¿Qué te ha revelado Jesús sobre el Padre?

 

 

QUINTO DIA      LEE SALMO 98:1-6

(“El Señor ha dado a conocer Su salvación.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 98:1-6.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA      LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

ISAIAS 52:7-10

En el pasaje de hoy Dios anima a su pueblo a buscar el consuelo en la historia y a esperar ansiosamente un éxodo mas grande. Les está diciendo que es tiempo de dejar los lamentos a un lado y el letargo que tenian. Viene el sonido de las Buenas Nuevas de que Dios acompañará a su pueblo a casa, a Jerusalén, la ciudad santa de Dios, la ciudad con el Templo de Dios. Pero la gente estaba desolada en vez de próspera y destruidad en vez de libre. Sufrian terriblemente debido a sus pecados pero Dios les prometió restaurar a Jerusalén como ciudad santa.

Dios reina y hoy El sigue permaneciendo en control. El versículo de hoy nos dice que hermosas son las pisadas de áquel que trae la buena nueva de la paz y la salvación (v. 7). Qué hermosas son las pisadas de aquellos que van adelante y predican el Evangelio de Jesucristo (Romanos 10:15). Qué bienvenidos son aquellos que traen el mensaje de esperanza a un mundo destrozado, sin esperanzas, parte de nuestro mundo.

El gran mensaje de salvación de Dios debe pasar a otros a traves de nosotros para que tengan la oportunidad de responder a las “Buenas Nuevas.” ¿Cómo lo van a oir nuestros seres queridos si no se las decimos? Dios nos está llamando a tomar parte para que ese mensaje sea conocido en nuestra familia y nuestra comunidad. Piensa en una persona que necesite oir las buenas nuevas y piensa en algo que puedes hacer para ayudarle a escucharlas. Vé y hazlo en nombre de Jesús lo mas pronto posible.

 

HEBREOS 1:1-6

La carta a los Hebreos fue escrita para un grupo de judios Cristianos que parecía que habian repensado acerca de Jesucristo como su tan esperado Mesias. Debia haber sido una comunidad de Cristianos maduros ya para entonces pero en vez de eso parecían retraidos y viendo para sus adentros en su camino espiritual. Necesitaban un recordatorio severo de que lo que ya poseían en Cristo era mucho mejor de lo que tenian antes de hacerse Cristianos.

Este pasaje empieza con una fuerte afirmación de la divinidad de Jesús. A traves de Jesús, Dios ha hecho Su revelación suprema y final de Si mismo al hombre. Jesús es la encarnación viva del carácter y la majestad de Dios. Jesús ha hecho frente al problema del pecado humano sacrificándose a sí mismo en la cruz y pagando el rescate por toda la humanidad con su sangre. El está ahora al lado de Dios en una posición de poder supremo. Los ángeles, a quienes los judios casi adoraban, adoraron a Jesucristo. Los ángeles son seres espirituales y están para servir y glorificar a Dios mismo.

La gente sabia bien las escrituras y ya sea por dudas, persecusión o falsas enseñanzas, parecia estar en peligro de retirarse de su fé Cristiana. Este peligro está también muy presente en el mundo de hoy. Hay muchas enseñanzas falsas y muchos que se dan en llamar “Pastores” que no son mas que lobos disfrazados de ovejas. Necesitamos estar en contacto con la comunidad, orar y estudiar la Santa Palabra de Dios y seguir las enseñanzas de nuestra iglesia. Toma el tiempo en ésta época de Navidad para dar gracias al Señor por traer la luz a tu corazón y un mejor entendimiento con El. Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Jesús y el regalo que El mas quiere eres Tú!

 

JUAN 1:1-18

Este pasaje muestra claramente que lo que Jesús enseñó y lo que hizo está unido inseparablemente a El como lo que es. En la lectura de hoy Juan muestra a Jesús como absolutamente humano y absolutamente Dios. Aún cuando Jesús tomó la humanidad total para sí mismo y vivió como un hombre pasando por todas las emociones que nosotros pasamos, nunca dejó de ser Dios, el que ha existido siempre. Esta es la verdad sobre Jesús y es la base de toda la verdad. Si no queremos o no podemos creer en esta verdad básica, no tendremos suficiente fé para confiarle nuestro destino eterno. Esta es la razón por la que Juan escribe este Evangelio, para crear la fé y la confianza en Jesucristo y asi creamos que El realmente fué y es Dios hecho carne (Juan 20:30-31).

La vida de Jesús trae luz a la humanidad, en su luz nos vemos como realmente somos: pecadores con la necesidad de un salvador. Caemos de rodillas y como los pastores en el portal de Belén damos alabanza y gloria a la luz del mundo, nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo. Los magos siguieron la luz de la estrella para ver la luz del mundo. Cuando seguimos a Jesús, luz del mundo podemos evitar el caminar a ciegas y el caer en pecado. El ilumina nuestro camino llendo delante de nosotros para que veamos como debemos vivir. El quita la obscuridad del pecado de nuestras vidas y si permitimos que la luz de Cristo brille en nuestras vidas en ésta época de Navidad nunca tropezaremos en la obscuridad.

Ahora que el mundo celebra el nacimiento de Cristo, renance tú espiritualmente. A través de la fé en Cristo este renacer nos cambia de adentro para afuera, arreglando otra vez nuestras actitudes, deseos y motivos. ¿Le has pedido a Cristo que te haga una persona nueva en el dia de la Navidad? Este nuevo comienzo está a la mano para todos aquellos que creén en El. Felíz Navidad.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que hermosos son los pasos de aquellos que van adelante y proclaman la Palabra de Dios. La segunda lectura nos muestra que el tener ánimo y disciplina lleva a un compromiso mas fuerte con Dios. El Evangelio revela que la Navidad es tiempo de renacer y tiempo de darle tu vida a Dios.

Esta semana dale a los que amas, el mejor presente que puedes darles de Navidad. Qué hermosos son tus pasos cuando vas adelante y les regalas el obsequio de tu presencia, de tu amor, de la salvación, acercándolos a Cristo. Recuerda es el cumpleaños de Cristo y los regalos deben ser todos para El y El lo único que quiere es a Tí!

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) (Dec 25th)

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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 52:7-10     FIRST READING

                      (“Your God is King”)

l. Whose feet are beautiful and what does he announce? Isaiah  52:7, Romans 10:15

 

2. What are we not to be afraid to cry out?  Isaiah 40:9

 

3. Why do the watchmen shout for joy?  Isaiah 52:8

 

4. What are the watchmen never to do?  Isaiah 62:6

 

5. What are we to do together and for what reason? Isaiah 52:9

 

6. Why does God comfort and encourage us?  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

7. Whom does the Lord redeem?  Psalm 34:23

 

8. What has the Lord done with his holy arm and in the sight of  whom? Isaiah 52:10

 

9. What will all the ends of the earth see?  Isaiah 52:10

 

10. What is to be known upon the earth, among all nations? Psalm 67:3

 

Personal – To whom have you been announcing peace and good news? How do people see the joy and salvation of the Lord upon you?

 

 

THIRD DAY     READ HEBREWS 1:1-6      SECOND READING                      

(“Let all the angels of God worship him.”)

1. How did God speak in times past? Hebrews 1:1

 

2. How does God speak to us now, what did he make him, and what  did he do through him?  Hebrews 1:2

 

3. What came to be through him (Jesus)? John 1:3-4

 

4. Of whom is Jesus the reflection and perfect copy, and by what  are all things sustained?  Hebrews 1:3

 

5. When Jesus accomplished purifications from sins what did he do?  Hebrews 1:3

 

6. How did Jesus accomplish this purification? Colossians 1:15-20

 

7. What has Jesus inherited, and to what is he far superior? Hebrews 1:4

 

8. Because Jesus humbled himself becoming obedient to death, what  did God do to him?  Philippians 2:8-9

 

9. What are the questions asked about angels, and what does he   say about his first born?  Hebrews 1:5

 

10. Who is ruler of the kings of the earth and who loves us? Revelations 1:5

 

Personal – How have you been sustained by God’s mighty Word and how have you worshipped his son Jesus this past week?

 

 

FOURTH DAY      READ JOHN 1:1-18      GOSPEL 

  ( “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”)

1. Who was in the beginning? John 1:1,14

 

2. Who did Jesus say he was to the Father? John 10:30

 

3. Who was in the beginning with God and what was this life that  came to be through him? John 1:2-4

 

4. What has the darkness not overcome? John 1:5

 

5. Who came for testimony, to what did he testify and what did he say about himself?  John 1:6-8

 

6. What does the true light do, how did the world come to be, and who did not accept him?  John 1:9-11

 

7. To those who did accept Jesus what did he give them power to  become, in what did they believe, and how were they born? John 1:12-13

 

8. Who can enter the kingdom of God?  John 3:5

 

9. What has not been revealed and what will happen to us when it  is revealed? 1 John 3:2

 

10. When the Word became flesh of what was he full?  John 1:14

 

11. What did John say about Jesus, what came through Moses, and what came through Jesus?  John 1:15-17

 

12. Who has revealed the Father to us?  John 1:18   

 

Personal – What has Jesus revealed to you about the Father?

 

 

FIFTH DAY     READ PSALM 98:1-6       

          (” The Lord has made his salvation known.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:1-6

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY     READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 52:7-10

In today’s passage God urges his people to draw comfort from past history and to look forward to a greater exodus.  He is telling them that it is time to shake off the grief and lethargy that has overtaken them. There is the sound of Good News that God is about to escort his people home to Jerusalem, God’s holy city, the city with God’s temple. But the people experienced desolation instead of prosperity, and destruction instead of liberty. The people suffered terribly because of their sins, but God promised to restore Jerusalem as a holy city.

God reigns, and today he still is very much in control.  Today’s verse states how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation (v.7).  How beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:15).  How welcome are those who bring the message of hope to a broken, hopeless, segment of our world.

God’s great message of salvation must be through us to others so they can have the chance to respond to the “Good News”.  How will our loved ones hear it unless we take it to them?  How will the nations hear it unless someone takes it to them?  God is calling you to take a part in making his message known in your family and your community.  Think of one person who needs to hear the good news, and think of something you can do to help him or her hear it.  Then you go out and do that act, in Jesus’ name, as soon as possible.

   

HEBREWS 1:1-6

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who appeared to be having second thoughts about Jesus Christ being their long-awaited Messiah.  They should have been a community of mature christians by this time; instead, they seemed to be sort of withdrawn and inward-looking in their spiritual walk.  They needed a strong reminder that what they now possess in Christ is far better than what they had before they became Christians.

This passage begins with a tremendous affirmation of Jesus’ divinity.  Through Jesus, God has made his supreme and final revelation of himself to man.  Jesus is the living embodiment of the character and majesty of God.  Jesus has dealt with the problem of human sin by sacrificing himself on the cross and paying the ransom for all mankind with his blood. He is now at God’s side in the position of supreme power.  The angels, whom the Jews came very close to worshipping themselves, worship Jesus Christ.  They are spiritual beings and they are to serve and glorify God himself.

The people were well versed in scripture and whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, they seemed to be in danger of falling away from their Christian faith.  This danger is very much present in today’s world.  There is much false teaching today and many so-called “Shepherds” are just wolves in sheep’s clothing.  We need to stay in fellowship, pray, and study God’s Holy Word, and follow the teachings of our church.  Take the time this Christmas season to thank the Lord for bringing his light into your heart and bringing about a better relationship with him. Remember, it is Jesus birthday, and the present he wants most is YOU!    

 

JOHN 1:1-18

This passage clearly shows that what Jesus taught and what he did are tied inseparably to who he is.  In today’s reading John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God.  Although Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man experiencing all the emotions that all of us have, he never ceased to be God who has always existed.  This is the truth about Jesus, and the foundation of all truth.  If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to him.  This is the reason John writes this gospel, to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, so that we may believe he truly was and is God in the flesh (John 20:30-31).

Jesus’ life brings light to mankind, in his light we see ourselves as we really are: sinners in need of a savior.  We fall on our knees, and like the shepherds at the little cave in Bethlehem, we too give praise and glory to the light of the world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  The wise men followed the light of a star to see the light of the world.  When we follow Jesus, the light of the world, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin.  He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live.  He removes the darkness of sin from our lives, and if we have allowed the light of Christ to shine in our lives this Christmas season, then we will never stumble in the darkness.

As the world celebrates the birth of Christ, let yourself be reborn spiritually.  Through faith in Christ this new birth changes us from the inside out – rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives.  Have you asked Christ to make you a new person on Christmas day?  This fresh start is available to all who believe in him.  Merry Christmas.

 

Application

The first reading tells us how beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and proclaim God’s Word.  The second reading shows that encouragement and discipline lead to a stronger commitment to God.  The gospel reveals Christmas as a time of new birth, a time of giving your life over to God.

This week, give those you love the greatest present you could give them for Christmas.  How beautiful are your feet as you go forth and gift them with the gift of your presence, of your love, of salvation by bringing them to Christ.  Remember, it is Christ’s birthday, and the presents should all be for him, and he only wants you!