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Lectio Divina – Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 26th) – 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 13:44-52 – Jesus said to His disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 26th) – 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 1 KINGS 3:5, 7-12 FIRST READING

(“I give you a heart so wise and understanding…”)

l. Where did the Lord speak to Solomon, and what was known about that place?   1 Kings 3:4-5

 

2. Who were Solomon’s parents?   2 Samuel 12:24

 

3. What did God say to Solomon, and where did he say it? 1 Kings 3:5

 

4. Why did God show great favor to Solomon’s father? 1 Kings 3:6

 

5. What did Solomon say God has made him, and what did he call himself?   1 Kings 3:7

 

6. Because of his age, what did he recognize about himself? 1 Kings 3:7

 

7. Whom would Solomon serve, and how many were there? 1 Kings 3:8

 

8. What kind of heart did Solomon ask God to give him, and what two things would this help him to do?   1 Kings 3:9

 

9. How did the Lord feel about Solomon’s request? 1 Kings 3:10

 

10. God was pleased with Solomon because he did not ask for what three things?   1 Kings 3:11

 

11. What did God say he would do? What kind of heart would Solomon have, and would there ever be anyone like him? 1 Kings 3:12

 

12. What has God given us through Christ?   Ephesians 1:9

 

13. Where is every treasure of wisdom and knowledge hidden? Colossians 2:2-3

 

Personal – What have been your requests from God this past week? How have you been praying for a loved one who may have strayed from the faith? After you have done the above study, what changes can you make in your prayers (requests from God)?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 8:28-30 SECOND READING

(“Those he called he also justified;”)

1. What do we know God makes, and to whom does he make this happen?   Romans 8:28

 

2. For those whom God foreknew, what did he predestine them to share?   Romans 8:29

 

3. Of whom might the Son (Jesus) be the first-born? Romans 8:29

 

4. Through whom has God predestined us to become his adopted sons and daughters, and when did God plan this? Ephesians 1:3-5

 

5. What did God do for them?   Romans 8:30

 

6. What did God do to those he called and in turn glorified? Romans 8:30

 

7. How does God administer everything, and how were we predestined?   Ephesians 1:11

 

8. What two things were our responses to being chosen in Jesus?  Ephesians 1:13

 

9. As was promised, with whom were we sealed?  Ephesians 1:13

 

10. How have we been justified? Romans 8:30, Ephesians 1:7, 13

 

Personal – What is your response to what Jesus has done for you personally? Do your actions in public show your belief? How do you act in a crisis? Is the reality of what Christ has done in your life visible to others in all circumstances? Reflect on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 13:44-52 GOSPEL

(“Angels will go and separate the wicked from the just.”)

1. The reign of God is like a man who finds a treasure. What does he do when he finds it?   Matthew 13:44

 

2. Again, like what is the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 13:45

 

3. What did the merchant do when he found a really valuable pearl?   Matthew 13:46

 

4. What did Jesus say we would have in heaven if we sell all our possessions, and whom are we to follow? Matthew 19:21

 

5. What does Paul consider a loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of his Lord Jesus Christ, and for Jesus’ sake, what has he forfeited? Philippians 3:7-8

 

6. The reign of God is also like a dragnet thrown into the lake which collected all sorts of things. When the haul is brought ashore, what is done with what is worthwhile, and what is done with what is useless?   Matthew 13:47-48

 

7. What will it be like at the end of the world? Matthew 13:48-49

 

8. What will the angels do?   Matthew 13:49-50

 

9. What is the question Jesus put to his disciples, and what was their reply?   Matthew 13:51

 

10. By whom are we taught in order to interpret spiritual things, and whose mind do we have?   1 Cor 2:10-16

 

11. What is every teacher of the law like who is learned in the reign of God?   Matthew 13:52

 

Personal – Take an inventory of your life and reflect on the areas where you have been worthwhile or useful for God. Also, reflect where you have not been worthwhile or useful for God. How can you become more useful? Pray on this.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130

(“The revelation of your words give light, giving understanding to the simple.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-130.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

1 KINGS 3:5, 7-12

Today’s passage from the book of 1 Kings, is about Solomon, the third king of Israel. He was called the wisest man who ever lived. He sealed many of his foreign agreements by marrying pagan women, and he allowed his lust for women and power to affect his loyalty to God. Solomon is an example to all of us how effective leadership can be blocked by an ineffective personal life. He was a tremendous politician, diplomat, trader, and collector of fine arts, but he was very disobedient to God in running his own household. He had it all and yet he failed to obey God, and he did not learn repentance until late in life. Today’s story brings out what is really lasting in life and what is temporary. Solomon was given a chance to have anything he requested and he asked for wisdom to be a good leader of his people. God was very pleased at his request.

We need to ask ourselves: if God gave us the same chance to have anything we wished, would we have responded like Solomon? We need to ask for this same kind of wisdom. Solomon asked for wisdom to do what was expected of him, and today more than ever, we need to ask God for the wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. Solomon, like many of us, received great gifts; but again, like some of us, he did not apply the benefits of these gifts to all areas of his life.

You and I need to reflect on our own lives and discern how much we are living for God instead of ourselves. Solomon was wise, but he did not put that wisdom fully into action. Wisdom is both the discernment to know what is best and the strength of character to act upon that knowledge. Solomon asked for wisdom, not wealth, power or fame. God gave him all of this because of his generosity. Solomon sought only God’s Kingship, not anything else, and we too must do the same and have the courage to follow his way all of our life (Matt.6:33). You can be wiser than Solomon by putting God and his work first in your life. The real wise man is the one who has put on the mind of Christ and serves others rather than rules over others (Phil. 2:2-5).

 

ROMANS 8:28-30

Today’s reading from Paul to the Romans is one of the most powerful verses in the New Testament, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. God works out all things, not just a few isolated incidents, for our good. All that happens to many of us is not just good; sometimes bad things happen too. God is able to take them and turn them around for our long-range good. God is not working to make us happy, but to fulfill his purpose. We must recognize that this promise applies only to those who love God and are fitting into God’s plans. We are called to trust in God, not in life’s treasures. We are called to look for our security in heaven, not here on earth (Cor. 3:2-4). Then, and only then, can we learn to accept pain and persecution on earth, because they bring us closer to God. This sounds rather hard; but when the force of some catastrophic event slams into your life, the healing power of God’s love can take you through the dark raging waters.

God does work things out for our good. Many times we do not see them at first, but time shows us how God was very much present when we thought we were all alone. God’s ultimate goal is for all of us to become like Christ (1 John 3:2). God’s Holy Word reveals to us that we can become the persons we were created to be. We need to remember that God’s purpose was that no one should perish. We are all called to serve and to glorify God. The sovereignty of God should always be a reason for rejoicing and confidence, not of puzzlement or doubt.

Remember, if God gave his Begotten Son to die for us, he is not going to hold back the gift of salvation. If Christ gave his life for us, he is not going to turn around and condemn us. No matter what may be happening to you, just rest in his redeeming grace and he will work things out for your ultimate good, simply because he loves you.

 

MATTHEW 13:44-52

The kingdom of heaven is more valuable than anything else we can have, and a person must be willing to give up everything to obtain it. The kingdom of heaven is ours because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. His death bought our freedom and eternal life with him forever in heaven.

We might ask, who would oppose us in our goal to obtain the kingdom of heaven. In many places the tyranny of governments strictly puts the pressure of threats and physical harm on Christians, and in many cases, subjects them to public ridicule. We need only look around and see how society treats those who object to abortion. The people who choose pro-life instead of pro-death are many times arrested and sentenced to jail (Matt. 10:18-19).

Today’s Gospel passage deals with a treasure found by accident and the value was so great that everything else was sold in order to possess the great treasure. How much of your treasures are you willing to let go in order that you might possess the greatest treasure in the universe? We cannot serve God and money, power or status. We are called as Christians to go out and tell others of this priceless treasure.

We need to show others that they too may possess this treasure by giving up their temporary treasures and claiming the treasure of treasures, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We must never forget Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:39, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, but if you give it up for Me, you will save it.” Jesus taught that the kingdom was now and he was the real treasure, not power, money, sex, or status. He tells us again today that to gain his treasure, we must let go of the earth’s treasures and cling only to him. If you sometimes doubt your salvation, the forgiveness of your sins, or God’s work in your life, look at the evidence in Scripture and the changes in your life. About what do you spend most of your time thinking? Remember, where your treasure is, there is your heart also (Matthew 6:21).

 

Application

The first reading this week shows Solomon really choosing a great treasure in asking for wisdom. In the second reading we see Paul going beyond the quick fix, and in faith proclaiming God’s will for those who believe in the Lord. The Gospel brings us into touch with the what and where of our real treasure.

This week, let us use our spiritual vision and see what God wants to do with our lives. Look around and choose someone in the family, or in school or at work, and show by your action that you want to serve them and that their interest comes first. Your treasure is serving others in the name of Jesus. Serve them by doing a chore for them, helping out at home, or spending time with your family. Do not let anything interrupt.

Lectio Divina – Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 19th) – 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 13:24-43 – Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from? He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

He proposed another parable to them. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.’”

He spoke to them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” All these things Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. He spoke to them only in parables, to fulfill what had been said through the prophet: I will open my mouth in parables, I will announce what has lain hidden from the foundation of the world. Then, dismissing the crowds, he went into the house. His disciples approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He said in reply, “He who sows good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed the children of the kingdom. The weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. Just as weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all who cause others to sin and all evildoers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

 

 

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Decimosexto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (19 de Julio) – 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 SABIDURIA 12:13, 16-19 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Tu fuerza es el principio de tu justicia.”)

1. ¿Por quién se preocupa Dios y que es lo que El no ha hecho?  Sabiduría 12:13

 

2. ¿Qué no demuestra el Señor a la gente y como provee El para todos?  Sabiduría 6:7

 

3. ¿Qué debes aprender de Dios?  Deuteronomio 32:39

 

4. ¿Qué se dice del Señor en Isaías 44:6, 8?

 

5. ¿Cómo es su fuerza y que le da el dominio sobre todas las cosas?  Sabiduría 12:16

 

6. ¿Cuándo manifiesta El Su fuerza?  Sabiduría 12:17

 

7. ¿Sobre qué reprende a aquellos que la desconocen?  Sabiduría 12:17

 

8. ¿A pesar de que Dios es el maestro de la fuerza, como nos juzga y gobierna? Sabiduría 12:18

 

9. ¿Qué le enseñó a su gente?  Sabiduría 12:19

 

10. ¿Qué le dio a sus hijos y que permitió después del pecado?  Sabiduría 12:19

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha demostrado Dios Su poder y su clemencia?  El versículo 19 nos dice que esos quienes son justos deben ser bondadosos.  ¿En qué forma has sido esta semana pasada, bondadoso(a) con tu familia, y aquellos a tu alrededor?  ¿En qué forma has sido clemente e indulgente con ellos?

 

 

TERCER DIA ROMANOS 8:26-27 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El Espíritu nos viene a socorrer en nuestra debilidad,…”)

1. ¿Qué hace el Espíritu?  Romanos 8:26

 

2. ¿Qué no sabemos hacer como debemos?  Romanos 8:26

 

3. ¿Quién intercede por nosotros y cómo lo hace?  Romanos 8:26

 

4. ¿Por el bien de quién estamos contentos con la debilidad, y qué pasa cuando yo soy débil? 2 Corintios 12:10

 

5. ¿Quién está a la diestra de Dios y qué hace El por nosotros?  Romanos 8:34

 

6. ¿Por quién debemos interceder y a qué guiará esto?  1 Timoteo 2:1-2

 

7. ¿Qué sabe Aquel que busca los corazones?  Romanos 8:27

 

8. ¿Por quién intercede el Espíritu y con quién está de acuerdo el Espíritu?  Romanos 8:27

 

9. ¿Qué busca el Hijo de Dios y a quién le hace esto?  Apocalipsis 2:18, 23

 

10. ¿Qué conoce Dios?  Lucas 16:15

 

Personal – ¿Has intercedido con oraciones por esos a tu alrededor?  ¿Quién está en necesidad de oración ahora entre tus amistades o familiares?  Toma unos cuantos minutos e intercede ante el Padre por ellos por medio de Jesús.

 

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 13:24-43 EVANGELIO

(“El Reino de los Cielos es como…”)

1. ¿A qué dijo Jesús que puede compararse el reino de Dios?  ¿Mientras que todos estaban durmiendo, ¿quién vino y sembró maleza entre el trigo?  Mateo 13:24-25

 

2. ¿Qué pasó cuando la cosecha empezó a madurar y a producir grano, y que dijo el esclavo del dueño?   Mateo 13:26-27

 

3. ¿Qué reconoció el dueño y qué ofrecieron hacer los esclavos?  Mateo 13:28

 

4. ¿Qué dijo el dueño que pasaría si ellos arrancaban la maleza, y qué les dijo a sus esclavos que hicieran?  Mateo 13:29-30

 

5. ¿En otra parábola con qué comparó Jesús al reino de Dios?  Mateo 13:31

 

6. ¿Qué tan grande es la semilla de mostaza y qué pasa cuando esta crece?  Mateo 13:32

 

7. Jesús les ofreció otra imagen.  ¿A qué se parece el reino de Dios en Mateo 13:33?

 

8. ¿Cómo enseñó Jesús a las muchedumbres, que tenía que ser cumplido, y que debía anunciar El?  Mateo 13:34-35, Salmo 78:2

 

9. ¿Después de despedir a las muchedumbres, ¿a dónde se fue Jesús, quién fue con El y cuál fue su ruego?  Mateo 13:36

 

10. ¿Quién era el granjero que estaba sembrando la buena semilla, qué era el campo, la buena semilla y la maleza?  Mateo 13:37-38

 

11. ¿Quién es el enemigo que la sembró, qué es la cosecha, y quiénes son los segadores?  Mt. 13:39

 

12. ¿Cómo será al final del mundo, a quién mandará el Hijo del Hombre y que recogerán de Su Reino?   Mateo 13:40-41

 

13. ¿Qué harán los ángeles con ellos, que pasará con los santos, y a que debe poner atención toda la gente?  Mateo 13:42-43

 

Personal – ¿Por medio de tus acciones a que estás atrayendo a otros?  ¿En qué forma trata de plantar maleza el malo en tu familia, en tu trabajo, en la escuela, o en tu vecindario?  ¿Al ir creciendo tú entre ellos, que haces para contrarrestar esto?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16

(“Tu, Señor, eres compasivo y bueno.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16.

¿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

SABIDURIA 12:13, 16-19

Este pasaje es un testimonio poderoso al amor fantástico que Dios tiene para nosotros y un testimonio de la clemencia continúa de Dios hacía nosotros su gente terca.  Dios nos demuestra Su poder y fuerza más visiblemente en la forma que El perdona.  El nos demuestra que la fuerza más grande en nuestro mundo no es poder, ni fuerza, sino amor.  El nos dice muy claramente en Deuteronomio 32:39 que El es nuestro único Dios y El quiere que lo amemos y honremos primero que todo.  El nos dice que El está en control de la vida y la muerte.  El nos enseña en Isaías 44:16 que El es el principio y el final de todas las cosas.

Jesús cumplió esta profecía cuando El dijo “Yo soy el Alfa y la Omega”(Rev. 1:8).  Jesús cumplió todas estas descripciones de Dios y Su amor por Su gente.  La gente rechazó a Jesús, en realidad ellos lo mataron, por que El pidió una respuesta de amor.  La gente estaba esperando un gran Dios-guerrero que los guiara fuera de la pobreza, esclavitud, y temor.

Ahora la mayor parte del mundo está en temor y muchos países están explotando con violencia.  Las drogas, el alcohol y el crimen parece que se están extendiendo por muchas ciudades.  ¿Dónde está este Dios maravilloso de Piedad?, algunos preguntan, e igual que los Israelitas en el desierto, ellos también, preguntaron, “¿Está Yavé en medio de nosotros, o no?” (Ex. 17:7).

Nuestro Dios es un Dios de amor, compasión y justicia.  El es un Dios quien constantemente nos perdona y anima a ser sanados.  En el pasaje de ahora, leemos de un Dios quien está lleno de poder y sin embargo El gobierna con compasión y justicia.  Nuestro Dios es un Dios que gobierna con gran piedad, y eso es lo que El busca de ti y de mi.  El no quiere nuestros ritos ni siquiera nuestros sacrificios.

Nuestro Dios quiere que seamos compasivos unos con otros, así como El ha sido con nosotros. Nosotros somos llamados a ser gente recta, gente justa.  Para ser realmente recto o justo, uno debe de estar bien con Dios primero.  Nosotros hacemos eso siguiendo las palabras de la Escritura que están en el pasaje de ahora.  El es nuestro Dios y nosotros creemos solamente en El.  Jesús es nuestro principio y final.  El es poderoso y justo, por que El es bondadoso y gentil.  Nosotros seremos una nación poderosa y justa cuando seamos bondadosos y gentiles para con todas las criaturas de Dios.  Nunca debemos olvidar que nuestras acciones le dicen a otros que tipo de Dios es en el que creemos.

ROMANOS 8:26-27

El pasaje de ahora nos trae a un tiempo de reflexión y respuesta a la calidad de nuestra vida de oración.  Solamente necesitamos mirar alrededor a nuestras familias y comunidades para encontrar mucha gente adolorida.  Se nos ha dicho que alejemos todas nuestras ansiedades y que presentemos nuestras necesidades a Dios en oración (Fil. 4:6, 7).  Jesús nos enseñó muy claramente que El era un hombre de oración profunda. El se levantaba muy temprano en la mañana, y se iba a un lugar solitario, y se quedaba completamente sumergido en oración.  Jesús era muy obediente en sus rutinas de oración pública, pero era cuando El estaba a solas con Su Padre, o “Abba”, cuando realmente abría Su corazón.

Se nos dice en el pasaje de ahora que muchas veces no sabemos ni siquiera por que orar, o aún como hacer la oración.  Jesús ve los corazones de la gente y eso es lo que El quiere cambiar en nosotros.  El quiere darnos un corazón de carne en intercambio de un corazón de piedra debemos recordar que los creyentes en Jesucristo no están abandonados a sus propios recursos y a arreglárselas con sus problemas a solas.

La oración es reconocida ahora en día en el mundo de la medicina como una gran protectora contra enfermedades que amenazan la vida, especialmente la presión alta.  No tenemos que sucumbir a nuestras emociones, podemos orar y dejar que el Espíritu Santo tome todas nuestras preocupaciones.  Hay ocasiones cuando no sabemos por qué orar, o como orar.  El Espíritu Santo ora con y por ti y Dios contesta cada vez. No necesitas tener miedo de venir a Dios con tus peticiones.  Solamente pídele al Espíritu Santo que ruegue por ti en armonía con el propio designio de Dios.

Recuerda, cuando, le traes tus peticiones a Dios, confía en que El siempre hará lo que está mejor para ti, aunque en ese momento no tenga ningún sentido (Romanos 8:18).  Encontrarás una paz tremenda al dejar al Espíritu Santo que ore por ti y contigo.  Necesitas darte permiso a ti mismo(a) para que tus cuerdas vocales hagan algunos sonidos y dejarte ser guiado(a) en una oración de alabanza.  Entonces estarás orando en lenguas y el Espíritu Santo estará hablando dentro de ti y por ti a nuestro Padre celestial en el nombre de Jesús.

MATEO 13:24-43

Todas las parábolas en este pasaje nos enseñan acerca de Dios y de Su reino. Ellas explican que el reino es tan opuesto como nuestras expectativas de el.  Necesitamos recordar que el reino del paraíso no es como algún lugar en el cielo, sino más bien, es un reino espiritual en el cual Dios gobierna y en el cual tienes la vida eterna de Dios.  Se nos es dicho que los cardos y las pequeñas briznas de maleza se parecen bastante y que no pueden ser reconocidas hasta que están crecidas y listas para la cosecha.  Los cardos son los incrédulos y el trigo son los creyentes.  Ambos deben vivir lado a lado en este mundo.

Dios es como el granjero, El permite que los incrédulos permanezcan en este mundo para que los creyentes sean desarraigados con ellos.  En la cosecha los cardos serán desarraigados y tirados a la basura. La cosecha de Dios (el día del juicio) de toda la gente está en camino y necesitamos asegurarnos de que nuestra fe en Jesucristo esté firme.  Jesús nos enseña que debemos ser bondadosos y pacientes aún con los que hacen mal, dejando que la maleza continúe creciendo hasta el día de la cosecha.

Jesús quiere que nosotros inspiremos a otros interiormente, no que los forcemos exteriormente.  El quiere que seamos alentadores, no desalentadores, El quiere que cambiemos los corazones de la gente, no solamente sus mentes.  Este pasaje habla de la semilla de la mostaza, la cual se convierte en una planta muy grande y nosotros debemos animar a otros a que dejen crecer su fe.  Debemos enseñarles como, no dominarlos con nuestra fe y nuestros regalos.  Debemos dejarlos que hagan errores e impulsarlos hacía adelante a cosas mejores.  Somos, en realidad, como la levadura que hace a la harina levantarse y ser una barra de pan.

La maleza que está creciendo en el campo puede ser parte de nuestro propio temperamento por el cual dominamos a otros.  Puede que no estemos equivocados, pero debemos estar seguros que tampoco vamos a asfixiar el crecimiento de otros.  La mayoría de los pecados de un creyente están en el uso excesivo de sus buenas cualidades.  Los que son buenos administradores fácilmente sobre-administran y sofocan el espíritu de otros.  Los que poseen control en la ley, como los abogados, policías, jueces y clero pueden hallar culpa en el inocente y permitir al culpable ser libre.  De alguna manera la semilla buena que debía crecer y ser buen fruto se convierte en algo rancio.  La levadura debe levantar la harina para que sea un pan delicioso y si es usada mal, nos quedamos con pastel plano y duro.  Nuestras buenas cualidades deben capacitar a otros para hacer lo mejor con sus dones interiores.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos muestra que la mayor potencia en nuestro mundo no es el poder, ni la fuerza sino el amor.  La segunda lectura revela que Jesús fue un hombre que oraba profundamente.  El Evangelio nos dice que Jesús quiere que inspiremos a otros interiormente, no que los forcemos de modo exterior.  El quiere que seamos gente que anima, no que desanima.

Las tres lecturas de hoy atraen la atención a nuestras cualidades interiores de fuerza, inspiración y habilidad.  Esta semana, vamos a sacar las cualidades interiores de alguien en nuestra familia, escuela o trabajo, por medio de nuestro apoyo.  Podemos hacer esto escuchándolos cuando hablan y dándoles alabanza, no por algo que ellos han hecho recientemente.  Dales a saber lo que te gusta más de ellos.  Finalmente, has una amistad, sea amigo o amiga y trae esa amistad a Cristo.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 19th) – 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 WISDOM 12:13, 16-19 FIRST READING

(“For your might is the source of justice;”)

1. For whom does God care and what has he not done? Wisdom 12:13

 

2. What does the Lord not show toward people, and how does he provide for all?   Wisdom 6:7

 

3. What must we learn from God?   Deuteronomy 32:39

 

4. What does it say of the Lord in Isaiah 44:6,8?

 

5. What is his might, and what does his mastery over all things make him?   Wisdom 12:16

 

6. When does he show his might?   Wisdom 12:17

 

7. What does he rebuke in those who know him?   Wisdom 12:17

 

8. Although God is the master of might, how does he judge and govern us?   Wisdom 12:18

 

9. What did we teach our people?   Wisdom 12:19

 

10. What did we give our sons, and what did we permit for their sins?   Wisdom 12:19

 

Personal – How has God shown his might to you personally and been lenient with you? Verse 19 tells us that those who are just must be kind. In what way, this past week, have you been kind to your family, friends, and those around you? In what way have you been lenient and forgiving to those around you?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 8:26-27 SECOND READING

(“The Spirit, too, helps us in our weakness,…”)

1. What does the Spirit do?   Romans 8:26

 

2. What do we not know how to do as we ought?   Romans 8:26

 

3. Who intercedes for us, and how does he do it? Romans 8:26

 

4. For whose sake are we content with weakness, and what happens when I am powerless?   2 Cor 12:10

 

5. Who is at the right hand of God, and what does he do for us? Romans 8:34

 

6. For whom are we to intercede, and to what will this lead? 1 Timothy 2:1-2

 

7. What does he know who searches hearts?   Romans 8:27

 

8. For whom does the Spirit intercede, and with whom is the Spirit in accordance?   Romans 8:27

 

9. For what does the Son of God search, and to whom does he do this?   Revelations 2:18, 23

 

10. What does God read?   Luke 16:15

 

Personal – How have you interceded in prayer for those around you? Who among your family or friends is in most need of prayer right now? Take a few minutes and intercede to the Father through Jesus for them.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 13:24-43 GOSPEL

(“The reign of God is like…”)

1. To what did Jesus propose the reign of God might be compared; and while everyone was asleep, who came and sowed weeds through the wheat?   Matthew 13:24-25

 

2. What happened when the crop began to mature and yield grain, and what did the owner’s slave say to him? Matthew 13:26-27

 

3. What did the owner recognize, and what did his slaves offer to do?   Matthew 13:28

 

4. What did the owner say would happen if they pulled the weeds, and what did he tell his slaves to do? Matthew 13:29-30

 

5. In another parable Jesus proposed, to what was the reign of God compared?   Matthew 13:31

 

6. How big is the mustard seed, and what happens when it is full grown?   Matthew 13:32

 

7. Jesus offered them another image. What is the reign of God like in Matthew 13:33?

 

8. How did Jesus teach the crowds, what was it to fulfill, and what was he to announce?  Matthew 13:34-35, Psalm 78:2

 

9. After dismissing the crowds, where did Jesus go, who went with him, and what was their request?   Matthew 13:36

 

10. Who was the farmer sowing the good seed, what was the field, the good seed, and the weeds?   Matthew 13:37-38

 

11. Who is the enemy who sowed them, what is the harvest, and who are the harvesters?   Matthew 13:39

 

12. How will it be at the end of the world, whom will the Son of Man dispatch, and what will they collect from his kingdom?    Matthew 13:40-41

 

13. What will the angels do with them, what will happen to the saints, and what should everyone heed?   Matthew 13:42-43

 

Personal – To what are you drawing others by your actions? In what way does the evil one try to plant weeds in your family, in your work, in school, or in your neighborhood? As you are growing side by side, how do you counteract the weeds?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 86:5-6,9-10, 15-16

(“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16.

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

WISDOM 12:13, 16-19

This passage is a powerful testimony of God’s fantastic love for us and a testimony of God’s continuing leniency toward his stubborn people. God shows us his power and might most visibly in the way he forgives. He shows us that the greatest force in our world is not power, not might, but love. He very clearly tells us in Deuteronomy 32:39 that he is our only God and he wants us to love and honor him first of all. He tells us that he is in control of life and death. He shows us in Isaiah 44:16 that he is the beginning and the end of all things.

Jesus fulfills this prophecy when he said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega.” (Rev. 1:8). Jesus fulfilled all of these descriptions of God and his love of his people. The people rejected Jesus; in fact they killed him, because he called for a response of love. The people were expecting a great warrior-God to lead them out of poverty, slavery, and fear.

Today much of the world is in fear, and many countries are exploding with violence. Drugs, alcohol, and crime seem to be spreading throughout many cities. “Where is this wonderful God of mercy,” some ask, and like the Israelites in the desert, they, too, asked, “Is he in our midst or not?” (Ex. 17:7)

Our God is a God of love, compassion, and justice. He is a God who constantly forgives and encourages us to become healed. In today’s passage, we read of a God who is filled with power and yet rules with compassion and justice. Our God is a God who rules with great mercy, and that is what he seeks from you and me. He does not want our rituals or even our sacrifices.

Our God wants us to be merciful to one another, as he has been to us. We are all called to be a righteous people, a just people. To be really righteous or just, one has to be right with God first. We do that by following the words of Scripture that are in today’s passage. He is our God and we believe only in him. Jesus is our beginning and end. He is mighty and just, because he is kind and gentle. We will be a mighty and just nation when we are kind and gentle to all of God’s children. We must never forget that our actions tell others what kind of a God it is in whom we believe.

 

ROMANS 8:26-27

Today’s passage brings us into a time of reflection and response to the quality of our prayer life. We need only look around our families and communities to find many hurting people. We are told to dismiss all of our anxieties and to present our needs to God in every form of prayer (Phil. 4:6-7). Jesus showed us very clearly that he was a man of deep prayer. He would rise very early in the morning, go off to some lonely place, and be completely immersed in prayer. Jesus was very obedient in his public prayer routines, but it was when he was alone with his Father, or “Abba,” that he really poured out his heart.

Jesus reads people’s hearts and that is what he wants to change in us. He wants to give us a heart of flesh in exchange for a heart of stone. We must remember that believers in Jesus Christ are not left to their own resources to cope with problems.

Prayer is now being recognized in the medical world as a great protector against life-threatening diseases, especially high blood pressure. We do not have to succumb to our emotions; we can pray, and let the Holy Spirit take all of our concerns. There are times when we do not know what to pray for, or how to pray the prayer that needs to be prayed. The Holy Spirit prays with and for us and God answers every time. You do not need to be afraid of coming before God with your petitions. Just ask the Holy Spirit to plead for you in harmony with God’s own will.

Remember, when we bring our requests to God, trust that he will always do what is best for us, even if it does not make sense at that time (Rom. 8:28). We will find tremendous peace in letting the Holy Spirit pray in us and with us. We need to give ourselves permission to let our vocal cords make some sounds and let ourselves be led into a prayer of praise. We will then be praying in tongues, and the Holy Spirit will be talking within us and for us in Jesus’ name to our heavenly Father.

 

MATTHEW 13:24-43

All of the parables in this Gospel passage teach us about God and his kingdom. They explain what the kingdom is really like as opposed to our expectations of it. We need to remember that the kingdom of heaven is not just some place in the sky; but rather, it is a spiritual realm in which God rules and in which we have God’s eternal life. We are told that the thistles and the young blades of grass look very much the same and can not be recognized until they are grown and ready for harvest. The thistles are unbelievers and the wheat are the believers. They both must live side by side in this world.

God is like the farmer; he allows the unbelievers to remain in this world so the believers are uprooted with them. At the harvest the thistles will be uprooted and thrown away. God’s harvest (judgment day) of all people is coming, and we need to make sure our faith in Jesus Christ is secure. Jesus teaches us that we are to be mild and patient even toward the evildoers, letting the weeds continue to grow until harvest time.

Jesus wants us to inspire others interiorly, not to force them exteriorly. He wants us to be encouragers, not discouragers. He wants us to change people’s hearts, not just their minds. This passage talks about the mustard seed which becomes a very large bush, and we are to encourage others to let their faith grow. We are to show them how and not dominate them with our faith and our gifts. We are to let them make mistakes and urge them onward to better things. We are, in effect, like the leaven which enables the dough to rise into a loaf of bread.

The weeds that are growing in the field can be parts of our own temperament by which we dominate others. We may not be wrong, but we need to be sure we do not choke off anyone else’s growth. Most of the sins of a believer are the excess use of their good qualities. Those who are good administrators easily over-administrate and suffocate the spirit of others. Those who possess control over law, like lawyers, policemen, judges and clergy, can find fault with the innocent and enable the guilty to go free. Somehow the good seed which should grow into good fruit turns into rank growth. The yeast is to raise the dough into delicious bread, and if it is misused, we are left with a hard flat cake. Our good qualities should enable others to make the best of their interior gifts.

 

Application

The first reading shows us that the greatest force in our world is not power, not might, but love. The second reading reveals to us that Jesus was a man of deep prayer. The Gospel tells us that Jesus wants us to inspire others interiorly, not to force them exteriorly. He wants us to be encouragers, not discouragers.

All three readings today draw much attention to our inner qualities of strength, inspiration, and ability. This week, draw out the inner qualities of someone in your family, school, or work, by encouraging them. You can do this by listening to them when they speak, and by giving them praise, not flattery, for something that they have done recently. Let them know what you like most about them. Finally, make a friend, be a friend, and bring that friend to Christ.

Lectio Divina – Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 12th) – 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

On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear.”

The disciples approached him and said, “Why do you speak to them in parables?” He said to them in reply, “Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because ‘they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.’ Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

‘You shall indeed hear but not understand,

you shall indeed look but never see.

Gross is the heart of this people,

they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes,

lest they see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart and be converted,

and I heal them.’

“But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

“Hear then the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.”

 

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Decimoquinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (12 de Julio) – 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 55:10-11 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“No volverá a mi sin haber hecho lo que yo quería”)

1. ¿Qué baja de los cielos?  ¿Hasta cuando vuelven allá?  ¿Qué hacen a la tierra?  Isaías 55:10

 

2. ¿Qué le da al que siembra y al que come?  ¿Qué saldrá de la  boca del Señor? Isaías 55:10-11

 

3. ¿Cómo no regresará al Señor?  ¿Qué hará la Palabra, y qué logrará?  Isaías 55:11

 

4. ¿A quién debe escuchar la tierra y como llegará su Palabra?  Deuteronomio 32:1-2

 

5. ¿Quién es la Palabra?  Juan 1:1, 14

 

6. ¿Por cuánto tiempo permanecerá la Palabra?  Isaías 40:8

 

7. ¿A quién regresamos para estar seguros y qué dice El?  Isaías 45:22-23

 

8. ¿Qué hace la Palabra de Dios por nosotros?  Hebreos 4:12

 

9. ¿De quién confirma Dios las Palabras y como realiza El Su plan?  Isaías 44:26

 

10. ¿Qué dice el Señor acerca de todo lo que El habla?  Ezequiel 12:25

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma has sido un mensajero de la Palabra de Dios para tu familia y amistades?  ¿Qué resultados has visto que toman lugar en ti mismo(a) y en aquellos con quienes has tenido contacto durante este tiempo de estar leyendo y estudiando la Palabra de Dios?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE ROMANOS 8:18-23 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Considero que los sufrimientos presentes no son nada si los comparamos con la gloria que hemos de ver después.”)

1. ¿Con qué no tiene comparación el sufrimiento presente?  Romanos 8:18

 

2. ¿Qué harás cuando Su gloria sea revelada?  1 Pedro 4:13

 

3. ¿Qué espera ansiosamente el mundo entero?  Romanos 8:19

 

4. ¿A qué fue hecha sujeta la creación y por el acuerdo de quién?  Romanos 8:20

 

5. ¿De qué será liberado el mundo y qué compartirá?  Romanos 8:21

 

6. ¿Qué esperamos nosotros?  2 Pedro 3:12-13 y Apocalipsis 21:1

 

7. ¿Qué sabemos del que ha hecho todo lo creado?  Romanos 8:22

 

8. ¿Por qué estamos abrumados?  2 Corintios 5:1-5

 

9. ¿A pesar de que tenemos al Espíritu como primeros frutos, qué esperamos?  Romanos 8:23

 

10. ¿Por qué esperamos y cómo nos rendimos a esto?  Galatas 5:5

 

11. ¿Qué les va a hacer El a nuestros cuerpos, como lo hará, y por qué?  Fil. 3:21

 

Personal – ¿En qué pones tu esperanza?  ¿En qué forma estás sufriendo y como está gimiendo tu cuerpo interiormente?

 

 

CUARTO DIA         MATEO 13:1-23       EVANGELIO

(“A ustedes se le ha permitido conocer los misterios del Reino de los cielos…”)

1. ¿Mientras Jesús se sentaba a la orilla del lago, quién se reunió a Su alrededor?  ¿A dónde se fue El y qué hizo con todo detalle?  Mateo 13:1-3

 

2. Parte de lo que sembró el granjero cayó en cuatro áreas diferentes.  ¿Dónde están estas y qué le pasó a esto?  Mateo 13:4-9

 

3. ¿A qué debe prestar atención todo el mundo? ¿Qué le preguntaron a Jesús los discípulos? Mateo 13:9-10

 

4. ¿Qué se les ha dado a ellos que a otros no se les ha dado?  ¿Qué le pasará al hombre que tiene y al hombre que no tiene?  Mateo 13:11-12

 

5. ¿Por qué dijo Jesús que El usa parábolas cuando habla?  Mateo 13:13

 

6. ¿Qué es cumplido en ellas?  Llena los espacios: “Oirán pero no ___________________, y, por más que ___________________ no verán”.  Mateo 13:14

 

7. ¿Cómo están los corazones de la gente?   ¿Qué han hecho con sus oídos y sus ojos?  ¿De otra manera, qué hubiera pasado con sus oídos, ojos y corazones?  Mateo 13:15

 

8. ¿Qué pasará si ellos se vuelven al Señor?  Mateo 13:15

 

9. ¿Qué son aquellos que ven y oyen?  ¿Quién anhelaba ver y oír lo que ustedes ven y oyen pero no lo hizo?  Mateo 13:16-17

 

10. ¿Cómo es la semilla sembrada en el camino?  ¿De dónde la roba el malo?  Mateo 13:19

 

11. ¿Cómo es la semilla que cayó en tramos de piedra?  ¿Qué causa a esta persona que falle? Mateo 13:20-21

 

12. ¿Cómo es la semilla que fue sembrada entre zarzas?  ¿Cuáles dos cosas la ahogan y qué produce? Mateo 13:22

 

13. ¿Cómo es la semilla que fue sembrada en tierra buena?  ¿Qué produce esta persona?  Mateo 13:23

 

Personal – ¿Cuando escuchas el mensaje de Dios y no lo comprendes, que haces?  ¿Cuando escuchas el mensaje, pero no tiene raíces, como puedes desarrollarlas?  ¿Qué haces cuando pensamientos de ansiedad y dinero vienen primero que Jesús y el bienestar de otros?  ¿Qué cambios puedes hacer en tu vida ahora?

 

 

QUINTO DIA   LEE EL SALMO 65:10-14

(“Tu visitas la tierra y le das agua.”)

Lee y medita el Salmo 65:10-14.

¿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 55:10-11

Isaías nos muestra en este pasaje un ejemplo grandioso de como la Palabra Divina es duradera y confiable; solo necesitamos mirar alrededor en nuestro mundo para ver que pasa cuando no llueve ni nieva: hay sequías, luego se pierden las cosechas y como resultado hay hambre.  Sin embargo muchos de nosotros damos por hecho que nunca nos faltará el agua ni experimentaremos un tiempo de hambre.

La Palabra de Dios es como la lluvia que cae en la tierra yerma.  Trae la semilla de la verdad eterna. El pan cosechado como producto de la siembra de la Santa Palabra de Dios es eterno: es el verdadero pan de vida.  La Palabra de Dios no viene vacía, nos da vida, como la suave lluvia en el desierto; su amor por nosotros alimenta nuestro espíritu, cambia nuestro corazón y nos inspira a seguir sembrando Su palabra de amor, justicia, alimento, refugio y fe.

¿Te has sentido alguna vez suficientemente hambriento y sediento como para dar cualquier cosa por un mendrugo o un vaso de agua?  Jesús es nuestra bebida, nuestro alimento, el cual nos fortalecerá a seguir y reforzar a los más pequeños de nuestros hermanos y hermanas (Mat. 25)31-41).  Toma Su Palabra hoy y riega con ella los desiertos de tu mente, alimenta el hambre de tu corazón.  Eres su escogido(a), El te llamó por tu nombre y el plan que tiene para ti es el de vivir una vida en toda su plenitud (Jn. 10:10).  Dios quiere que Su Santa Palabra llene a todas las naciones y les traiga paz y armonía.  Estás llamado a ser uno de sus mensajeros escogidos para llevar Su Palabra donde quiera que vayas (Mat. 28:19).

 

ROMANOS 8:18-23

Pablo nos dice que el ser identificado con Jesús tiene un alto precio: solo tenemos que ver a nuestro alrededor para ver los resultados de naciones enteras que están sujetas a dirigentes sin Dios y gobiernos sin Dios.  Pablo nos dice del sufrimiento que los Cristianos debemos enfrentar.

Hoy en día podemos ver a nuestro alrededor y decir que clase de sufrimiento tenemos que enfrentar. El horror de los abortos se ha vuelto algo tan común en tal forma que quienes hablan en contra de el, están sujetos no solo a crítica, sino al rechazo económico, social y al ridículo.  Ahora muchas personas van a ir a la prisión por los crímenes de tratar de salvar a criaturas no natas.  Quizá hemos leído acerca del dios Babilonio “Mardok” a quien el pueblo sacrificaba a sus pequeños “a los fuegos de Mardok.”  Hoy hay millones de pequeños sacrificados al dios del “orgullo, egoísmo y comodidad”.  Así pues, el precio de practicar tu fe puede ser alto y puede, en algunos lugares resultar en tu muerte.  No debemos ser complacientes con las comodidades sociales e ignorar la responsabilidad de vivir como Jesús vivió.  Debemos continuar sirviendo a los demás, prescindiendo de nuestros propios derechos y resistiendo las presiones del mundo que siempre nos ponen un precio a pagar.

Somos un pueblo de esperanza y no debemos ser pesimistas.  Esperamos el nuevo orden divino que liberará al mundo del pecado, la enfermedad y el mal.  Mientras tanto, no podemos sentarnos a ver y no hacer nada mientras se llevan a los inocentes indefensos a la muerte.  Este pasaje se refiere particularmente al aborto (Proverbios 74:11).  Debemos recordar que un día resucitaremos con cuerpos, pero serán cuerpos gloriosos como el cuerpo que Cristo tiene hoy en día en el cielo (1 Corintios 15:50-56).

 

MATEO 13:1-23

Jesús usó muchas parábolas cuando hablaba a las multitudes.  Una parábola sirve para entender verdades espirituales usando conceptos y relaciones de la vida diaria.  Una parábola anima al oyente a descubrir la verdad, al tiempo que esconde la misma verdad para quien es un necio o está muy ocupado para verla.

Vemos en el pasaje del Evangelio de hoy que la llamada a escuchar es muy fuerte.  Debemos tener ojos que vean y oídos que escuchen realmente lo que sucede.  Este pasaje anima a todos a ser campesinos espirituales predicando, enseñando y llevando a otros a Dios.  El campesino sembró buena semilla, pero la respuesta no siempre fue buena, dependiendo del lugar donde cayó cada semilla.  No te desanimes si tu palabra “cae” donde no es recibida.  Necesitamos recordar, que es el Espíritu Santo quien dirige toda la operación y solo nos usa a nosotros como medio, y es Jesús quien abre los corazones endurecidos.  El milagro del Espíritu de Dios tiene lugar cuando usas sus palabras para mover a otros hacia El.  El ser humano puede oír muchos tipos de sonido pero hay una forma muy especial y profunda de escuchar que da por resultado el entendimiento espiritual.  Puedes estar seguro(a) de que si buscas honradamente a Dios, El te dará “oídos” para escuchar sus palabras y ellas tendrán un significado totalmente nuevo para ti.

Jesús no escondió la verdad en las parábolas que exponía, quienes eran receptivos entendían perfectamente sus mensajes.  En cambio, para quienes no creían en El, los significados eran variables.  Las parábolas permitían a Jesús dar alimento espiritual a quienes lo necesitaban.  Hoy en día muchas veces la Palabra de Dios es proclamada con muy poco poder y mucha confusión por mensajeros que rechazan someterse a El.  Quienes conocemos personalmente a Jesús sabemos que El nos llama a amar a los demás como El nos ama.  Tendremos que rendir cuentas ante El mismo si no seguimos sus órdenes específicamente. Si rechazamos a Jesús, la dureza de nuestro corazón nos privará aún del poco entendimiento que teníamos.

La Semilla del pasaje de hoy es la Palabra de Dios, la cual estamos llamados a sembrar en todos los que conocemos.  Los cuatro tipos de suelo representan las diferentes respuestas que tiene la gente al mensaje de Dios.  Algunos están endurecidos, algunos vacíos, otros son distraídos por el mundo, otros son muy receptivos.  ¿Cómo has respondido concretamente?  ¿Qué clase de suelo eres?  Recuerda la Palabra era Dios (Juan 1:1) y la Palabra se hizo Carne (Juan 1:14) y el Espíritu que está en ti es mucho mayor que el espíritu del mundo (1 Juan. 4:4).

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que podemos depender de la Palabra de Dios, perdurable y que no regresará vacía.  La segunda lectura muestra que el costo de ser discípulos es muy alto.  El Evangelio revela que la semilla en el pasaje de hoy es la Palabra de Dios y nosotros estamos llamados a cosecharla.

Vamos, esta semana a ser mensajeros humildes y fieles a Dios leyendo nuestros pasajes de la Escritura a alguien a quien conocemos.  Toma las lecturas del día y léesela a algún pariente enfermo o a algún chico, o a alguien que amas; especialmente a tu cónyuge.  Estudia las lecturas, compara lo que significan para ti y VIVE LAS LECTURAS especialmente con tu familia.  Su Palabra no regresará vacía cuando seas su mensajero.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 12th) – 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 55:10-11 FIRST READING

(“It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will.”)

1. What comes down from the heavens and what does it do to the earth? Isaiah 55:10

 

2. What does it give to one who sows and one who eats and what shall go forth from the Lord’s mouth?   Isaiah 55:10-11

 

3. How shall it not return to the Lord, what shall the Word do, and what shall it achieve?   Isaiah 55:11

 

4. To what is the earth to hearken, and what is instructed? Deuteronomy 32:1-2

 

5. Who is the word?   John 1:1, 14

 

6. How long will the Word stand?   Isaiah 40:8

 

7. To whom do we turn to be safe, and what does he utter? Isaiah 45:22-23

 

8. What does God’s Word do for us?   Hebrews 4:12

 

9. Of whom does the Lord confirm the words, and how does he carry out his plan?   Isaiah 44:26

 

10. What does the Lord say about whatever he speaks? Ezekiel 12:25

 

Personal – In what way have you been a messenger of God’s Word to your family and friends? What results have you seen take place in yourself and those you contact as you have been reading and studying God’s Word.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 8:18-23 SECOND READING

(“I consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us.”)

1. With what is the suffering of the present nothing by comparison?   Romans 8:18

 

2. What will we do when his glory is revealed? 1 Peter 4:13

 

3. What does the whole created world eagerly await? Romans 8:19

 

4. To what was creation made subject, and by whose accord? Romans 8:20

 

5. From what will the world be freed, and in what will it share?   Romans 8:21

 

6. What do we await?  2 Peter 3:12-13, Rev 21:1

 

7. What do we know all creating has done?   Romans 8:22

 

8. Why are we weighted down?   2 Corinthians 5:1-5

 

9. Although we have the Spirit as first fruits, what do we await?  Romans 8:23

 

10. For what do we hope, and how do we yield to it? Galatians 5:5

 

11. What will he do to our bodies, how will he do it, and for what reason?   Philippians 3:21

 

Personal – In what do you place your hope? In what ways are you suffering, and how is your body groaning inwardly?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 13:1-23 GOSPEL

(“To you has been given a knowledge of the mysteries of the reign of God,….”)

1. As Jesus sat by the lake shore, who gathered around him? Where did he go, and what did he do at length? Matthew 13:1-3

 

2. Part of what the farmer sowed landed in four different areas. Where were these, and what happened to the seed? Matthew 13:4-9

 

3. What is everyone to heed and what did the disciples ask Jesus?  Matthew 13:9-10

 

4. What have they been given that others have not been given and what will happen to the man who has and the man who has not?  Matthew 13:11-12

 

5. Why did Jesus say he uses parables when he speaks? Matthew 13:13

 

6. What is fulfilled in them?  Fill in the blanks:

“Listen as _________ ________, you shall not understand;

look intently as _________ _________, you shall not see.”

Matthew 13:14

 

7. How are the people’s hearts? What have they done with their ears and their eyes? Otherwise, what might happen with

their ears, eyes, and hearts? Matthew 13:15

 

8. What would happen if they would turn back to the Lord? Matthew 13:15

 

9. What are those who see and hear? Who longed to see and hear what we see and hear, but did not?   Matt 13:16-17

 

10. What is the seed along the path and from where does the evil one steal it?   Matthew 13:19

 

11. What is the seed that fell on patches of rock and what causes this person to falter?   Matthew 13:20-21

 

12. What is the seed that was sown among briers, what two things choke it, and what does it produce?   Matthew 13:22

 

13. What is the seed that was sown on good soil and what does this person yield?   Matthew 13:23

 

Personal – When you hear the message of God and do not understand it, what do you do? When you hear the message, but have no roots, how can you develop roots? What do you do when anxiety and money come before your thoughts of Jesus and the well being of others?

What changes can you make in your life right now?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 65:10-14

(“You have visited the land and watered it.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 65:10-14.

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 55:10-11

In this passage Isaiah shows us a tremendous example of how God’s Holy Word is so dependable and long lasting. We need only look around at our world today and see what happens when rain and snow do not come upon the earth. There are droughts; then there are no crops, and the tragic result is famine. Yet, so many of us take for granted that we will never run out of water or experience a time of famine.

God’s Word is like the rain that falls on a dry, parched land. It brings forth a seed of eternal truth. The bread that is harvested from the spreading of God’s Holy Word is eternal bread; it is the real bread of life. God’s Word does not come back empty upon us. His Word is life-giving, like the soft rain on a dry desert land. His love for us feeds our spirit; and it changes our heart and inspires us to go forth and sow his seed of love, justice, mercy, hope, and faith.

Have you ever been so hungry and thirsty that you would do anything to get food or drink? Jesus is our drink, he is our food, and he will strengthen us to go forth and strengthen the least of his brothers and sisters (Matt. 25:31-41). Take hold of his Holy Word today and water the deserts of your mind and feed the hunger in your heart. You are his chosen one, he has called you by name, and his plan for you is to live a life that is at its fullest (John 10:10). God wants his Holy Word to fill all nations and bring them peace and harmony. We are called to be his chosen messengers by bringing his Word with us wherever we go (Matt. 28:19).

 

ROMANS 8:18-23

Paul tells us that there is a high price to be paid for being identified with Jesus. We need only look around our planet and see the results of nations that are being attacked by godless people and godless governments. Paul tells of the suffering Christians must face.

Today we might look around and say what kind of suffering are we to endure? The horror of abortion has become so commonplace that those who speak out against it are subject to ridicule, and economic and social rejection. Today many people are going to prison for the crime of trying to save unborn babies. We have read about the Babylonian god “Mardok” where the people sacrificed their children to the “fires of Mardok.” Today we see millions of children being sacrificed to the great gods of “greed and convenience.” The price for practicing our faith can be very high, and it can, in some places, result in death. We must not become complacent in the comforts of our society and ignore the responsibility to live as Jesus did. We must continue serving others, giving up our own rights, and resisting the pressures to conform to the world which always exacts a price.

We are people of hope and must not become pessimistic. We await God’s new order that will free the world of sin, sickness and evil. In the meantime, we can not watch, and stand by and do nothing, while they drag the defenseless innocents to their death. This passage refers particularly to abortion (Proverbs 24:11). We must remember that one day we will be resurrected with bodies, but they will be glorified bodies like the body that Christ now has in heaven (1 Cor. 15:50-56).

 

MATTHEW 13:1-23

Jesus used many parables when he was speaking to the crowds. A parable helps us to understand spiritual truths by using everyday objects and relationships. A parable encourages the listener to discover truth, while at the same time concealing the truth from those too stubborn or too busy to see it.

We see in today’s Gospel passage that the call to listen is very strong. We are to have eyes that really see and ears that really hear what is going on. This passage encourages all to become spiritual farmers – those who preach, teach, and lead others to the Lord. The farmer sowed good seed, but not all responses were good because of the locations. Do not become discouraged if you spread your seed of the Holy Word of God and it is not properly received. We need to remember that it is the Holy Spirit who opens up the hardened hearts of people. The miracle of God’s Holy Spirit will take place as he uses our words to move others to come to him. A human being can hear many types of sound, but there is a deeper and special kind of listening that results in spiritual understanding. We can be assured that if we honestly seek God’s will, we will have spiritual hearing and these parables will take on dynamic new meanings for us.

Jesus did not hide the truth in parables; those who were receptive to spiritual truth understood the parables completely. To others who did not believe in God, they were only stories with various meanings. The parables allowed Jesus to give spiritual food to those who hungered for it. Today, many times, God’s Word is proclaimed with little power and much confusion by messengers who refuse to be submissive to him. We who know Jesus personally are called to love others as he loves us. We are to be held accountable to the Lord if we do not follow his commands very specifically. If we reject Jesus, our hardness of heart will drive away even the little understanding we had.

The seed in today’s passage is the Word of God, and we are called to sow it to all we meet. The four types of soil represent the different responses people have to God’s message. Some people are hardened, some are shallow, some are very distracted by the world, and some are very receptive. How have you responded? What kind of soil are you? Remember, the Word was God, (John 1:1) and the Word became Flesh (John 1:14), and the Spirit that is in you is greater than the spirit that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God’s Word is dependable, long lasting, and will not return empty. The second reading shows us that the cost of discipleship is very high. The Gospel reveals that the seed in today’s passage is the Word of God and we are all called to sow it.

Let us, this week, be faithful, humble messengers of God by reading our scripture readings to someone we know. Take the day’s readings and read them to a sick relative or a small child, a loved one, and especially your husband or wife. Study the readings, share what they mean to you, and LIVE THE READINGS, especially with your family. His Word will not return empty when you are being his messenger.

Lectio Divina – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 5th) – 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 11:25-30 – At that time Jesus exclaimed:

“I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones.
Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father.
No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

 

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?