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 ACTS 2:14, 36‑41 FIRST READING

(“It was to you and your children that the promise was made.”)

1. Who was Peter addressing, who stood up with him, and what was he telling them to do?   Acts 2:14

 

2. What did he want them to know beyond a doubt?   Acts 2:36

 

3. What does Scripture say will happen to us if we believe that God made Jesus both Lord and Messiah?   Romans 10:9

 

4. What happened when they heard this, and what did they ask Peter and the other disciples?   Acts 2:37

 

5. What did Peter say we must do in order to receive the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38 Acts 16:31

 

6. Who first received the promised Holy Spirit? Acts 2:32‑33

 

7. To whom was this promise made?   Acts 2:39

 

8. From what did Peter keep urging them to save themselves? Acts 2:40

 

9. What happened to those who accepted his message and how many were added that day?   Acts 2:41

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you accepted the message that it was to you and your children that the promise was made? In what way has this sign of hope for your family been reflected in your attitude?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 PETER 2:20‑25 SECOND READING

(“He did no wrong; no deceit was found in his mouth.”)

1. If you put up with suffering for doing what is right, what is this in God’s eyes?   1 Peter 2:20

 

2. What do the following Scriptures say about suffering:

Isaiah 53:11? –

Philippians 1:29 –

1 Peter 4:16 –

Mark 8:31 –

 

3. To what is it we are called, and whose footsteps do we follow as our example?   1 Peter 2:20‑21

 

4. What did Christ not do, and what was not found in his mouth? 1 Peter 2:22

 

5. When he was insulted, what did he not do, and when he was made to suffer, with what did he not return? 1 Pet 2:23, Isaiah 53:7

 

6. Instead, to whom was he delivered, and how does he judge? 1 Peter 2:23

7. When did Jesus deliver himself up?   Luke 23:44‑46

 

8. How did he bring our sins to the cross, and for what reason? 1 Peter 2:24

 

9. How have we been healed?   1 Peter 2:24

 

10. What were we doing at one time, and now to whom have we returned?   l Peter 2:25

 

11. Who is our shepherd, and what does he do for us?  Read and meditate on Psalm 23

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you brought your sins to the cross and let go of them? How have you been healed? Jesus brought us freedom. Are you still holding on to old sins, or have you allowed him to set you free? Meditate on this passage of Scripture (1 Peter 2:20‑25).

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 10:1‑10 GOSPEL

(“I came that they might have life.”)

1. Who is speaking, and to whom is he speaking?   John 10:6, John 10:19

 

2. What is a man who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate but climbs in some other way, and what is the one who enters through the gate?   John 10:1-2

 

3. What does the keeper do, what do the sheep hear, how does he call his own, and what does he do with them? John 10:3

4. Where does he walk when he has brought out all that are his, what do the sheep do, and for what reason? John 10:4

 

5. Who will they not follow and for what reason?   John 10:5

 

6. Did the listeners grasp what Jesus was trying to tell them, who did Jesus say he was, and what were all who came before him?   John 10:6-8

 

7. What did Jesus say he was again, what will happen to those who enter through him, and what will they find? John 10:9

 

8. What does the thief do, and why did Jesus come? John 10:10, John 1:4

 

9. How are we to live our life and what are we to receive?   John 10:10, Romans 5:17

 

10. What must we do to have eternal life?   John 3:16

 

Personal ‑ When you lose the peace of Jesus and feel as though you are being destroyed by things going on around you, how do you handle it? Where do you go to receive the fullness of life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 23:1‑6

(“He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 23:1‑6.

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

ACTS 2:14, 36‑41

In this passage we hear Peter boldly tell the crowd that they should listen to him because the Old Testament prophecies had been entirely fulfilled in Jesus. He told them that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 2:25‑36) and the risen Christ could dramatically change their lives. This is a new Peter, humble but bold and the power of the Holy Spirit flowed through him like a mighty river.

This was the same Peter who had denied he had ever known Jesus, regardless of being one of the disciples. But the Lord forgave and restored him after his denial. We see the transformation take place as Peter becomes a powerful and dynamic speaker. What an incredible sense of mercy God has. He watched as Peter denied him and then listened as he confessed and repented with great passion.

Where are you at the present time in your life? Have you ever felt as if you have made such bad mistakes that God could never forgive you and use you? That is what Satan wants you to believe, but don’t buy it. It is a lie, and Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). God will forgive us of anything if we turn to him with a sincere and contrite heart (Psalm 51). His love is a love that has no limit. Tell him your terrible mistake and repent, and let him take care of your fears.

Remember, true love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment (l John 4:18), while a relationship of love denotes a right relationship with God, therefore, there is no reason for punishment. God promises to forgive and he never falls back on his word. Allow him to forgive and use you effectively to serve him by bringing others into his healing light. Try to be quiet and listen to him telling you how much he loves you (Psalm 46:10).

 

1 PETER 2:20‑25

Peter really brings home a painful truth in many of our lives and that is to endure unjust suffering. We only need to look around our world and see millions of people starving and struggling just to survive. We see tyrants tearing their nations apart and putting people through all kinds of unjust suffering.

Today’s message is a call to patience, loyalty and forgiveness. Just look and see the suffering that is experienced by the spouse of an unfaithful partner. Many people live in a marriage where the spouse is oppressive, and verbally, physically, and sexually abusive. Much suffering is endured because of the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Many adults have been physically or sexually abused as children, and the long‑term suffering is still going on internally. Only the healing love of Jesus Christ who was the victim of unjust suffering can bring patience, forgiveness or love to someone who has suffered unjustly. Because we know that Christ did not do any wrong and suffered through his torture and death on the cross, we too, can try to follow his example.

Parents have been known to be ridiculed, mocked and disgraced by their children and are, therefore, called as Christians to be Christ‑like examples of patience, forgiveness and love to them. You and I are not capable of this type of power. We can forgive others only when we realize that we ourselves are forgiven and loved completely by Jesus Christ. Suffering becomes bearable only when Christ is the bearer of the pain.

We call on him and he hears us and he responds to us. He never abandons us or leaves us alone. We must be ready to follow Jesus, regardless of where the road may lead. Suffering will be thrust upon many of us, but we must respond only to Jesus’ call.

 

JOHN 10:1‑10

John tells us of the love and dedication of a good and faithful shepherd. We clearly see that this is a story about someone protecting his flock even at the risk of losing his life. No hired hand would do this, only a total commitment of love is enough to fend off the wolves and other dangers to the flock. The sheep know their shepherd by the sound of his voice. They follow him wherever he goes. They eat wherever they are directed, and drink at the spot that is prepared for them. They safely rest at night in their sheepfold, and feel secure at the sound of his voice.

We are told in Scripture, “The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want.” The Lord Jesus knows each and everyone of us by name and he provides us with food for our bodies and food for our spirit (Eucharist and his Holy Word). He tells us to be aware of those who want to steal our hearts and destroy our lives through sin. He tells us that he is “the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Look at that Scripture closely and see how it states that he is THE way, not a way, but THE way.

John ends this passage by giving us the answer to God’s plan for all of us. We know that millions of people know about Jesus Christ and that he has a plan for us, and that is to live a life in all its fullness. Really, to be holy, one has to be WHOLE. We need to be physically and spiritually in tune with Christ. Our bodies are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). We are called to put on the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:1‑4) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). When we do this we can personally say with the Psalmist, “The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want.”

 

Application

The first reading deals with the virtue of hope. There is hope that we can all change for the better. The second reading helps us to see the power in redemptive suffering. It is a visual sign of Jesus Christ as he, too, once suffered for us. The Gospel brings home the message that he knows us personally, and he can identify us even by our own names.

Let us, this week, look at the suffering that is going on in our own families. We know who needs to be consoled. We know who is in danger of physical harm. We need to protect others from being exposed to unjust suffering. If you know someone who is being abused, report it at once to the proper authorities. The Lord wants us to be whole and healed. He wants us to draw upon Him for strength to endure the unjust suffering.

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 ACTS 2:14, 22‑28 FIRST READING

(“It was impossible for him to be held by the power of Hades.”)

1. What did Peter do with the Eleven?   Acts 2:14

 

2. Whom did he address, and what did he tell them to do? Acts 2:11, 14

 

3. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do if the people would not listen to them?   Matthew 10:14

 

4. Who sent Jesus, what were Jesus’ credentials, and what did God do with these credentials?   Acts 2:22

 

5. Why was he delivered up, and whom did they make use of to crucify and kill Jesus?   Acts 2:23

 

6. Of what did God free him, what did he do with him, and what was impossible?   Acts 2:24

 

7. What did Jesus say of God about all things that are impossible?   Matthew 19:26

 

8. What did David say?   Acts 2:25

 

9. What will his heart be, and what will his tongue and body do?  Acts 2:26

 

10. In verse 27 of Acts 2, of what is David assured?

 

11. What has the Lord shown us, and with what will he fill us in his presence?   Acts 2:28

 

Personal ‑ God’s set purpose was for Jesus to die so you could have life. Do you know what God’s plan is for your life? In John 10:10, it says God’s plan for you is that you may have life and have it to its fullness. In what way are you living the full life?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 PETER 1:17‑21 SECOND READING

(“The ransom that was paid to free you was the blood of the lamb Jesus Christ.”)

1. In what way do you call upon the Father, and how does he judge each one?   1 Peter 1:17

 

2. If this is so, how should we conduct ourselves? 1 Peter 1:17

 

3. How must we worship God?   Hebrews 12:28

 

4. In what way must we obey our human masters? Ephesians 6:5

 

5. What are we to realize concerning from what we were delivered? Who ransomed this futile way of life for us and our fathers? How is it not handed on to us?   1 Peter 1:18

 

6. What is Christ’s blood beyond?   1 Peter 1:19

 

7. By what have we been delivered and purified?  1 Peter 1:18‑19

 

8. When was the blood of the spotless lamb chosen, and when is it revealed?   1 Peter 1:20

 

9. It is through whom that we are believers in God? 1 Peter 1:19, 21

 

10. What did God do for Jesus? In what is our faith and hope centered?   1 Peter 1:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you allowed what your parents may have said or done, to control your life? Are you carrying around any old garbage? Through the blood of Jesus we have been delivered from the power of sin. We recognize him in the breaking of the bread, him whom God raised from the dead and who now sits at the right hand of God forever. Think about this and confess any unforgiveness toward anyone in your past, and let the blood of Jesus wash you clean and deliver you from any futile way of thinking. Be washed by the blood of the lamb. You have been delivered.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 24:13‑35 GOSPEL

(“They had recognized him in the breaking of the bread.”)

1. What day were two of them making their way to a village named Emmaus, and how far was this village from Jerusalem? Luke 24:1, 13

 

2. What were they doing? Who approached them and started to walk with them? Did they recognize him?   Luke 24:14‑16

 

3. What did Jesus say to them? How did they react to this question? What did Cleopas ask Jesus?   Luke 24:17‑18

 

4. Jesus asked them, “What things?” and they proceeded to explain to him the events of the past few days. They called Jesus a prophet who was powerful in what two things and in whose eyes?   Luke 24:19

 

5. Who delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified? Luke 24:20

 

6. For what were they hoping?   Luke 24:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you been personally set free by the coming of the Messiah? How do others see you? Do they look at you as a slave to bad habits or someone set free by the death and resurrection of Jesus?

 

7. What was the astonishing news brought to them by some women? Luke 24:22‑24

 

8. What did Jesus say to them?   And beginning with whom, what did Jesus interpret in regard to himself Luke 24:25-27

 

9. By now, where were they located, and how did Jesus act? Luke 24:28

 

10. What did they say to him, and what did Jesus do? Luke 24:29

 

11. When Jesus sat with them to eat, what four things did he do with the bread? With that, what was their reaction, and what happened to Jesus?   Luke 24:30-31

 

12. What did they say happened to them as Jesus talked to them on the road and explained the Scriptures?   Luke 24:32

 

13. Who does it say explains scripture to us?   Luke 24:27, 32

 

14. Where did they go immediately, and whom did they find there? With what were they greeted, and what did they recount? Luke 24:33‑35

 

Personal ‑ How do you feel when you read scripture? Who explains it to you, and what is your reaction? Read Luke 2:26 and Luke 12:12.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 16:1‑2, 5, 7‑11

(“You will show me the path of life.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 16:1‑2, 5, 7‑11.

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

ACTS 2:14, 22‑28

This passage tells us that God has called each one of us by name. God has a plan for each one of us, and we are called to respond to his plan to save his people which was fulfilled in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has called you and told you that if you believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, you will have eternal life (John 3:16). God’s plan is that not only do we have life, but that we have life to its fullest. God’s plan is not to make us rich, but to make us whole. He wants us to be healthy, physically, emotionally, and spiritually (John 10:10). The one provision that brings people out of the darkness of bondage and back into the light of freedom is Jesus Christ.

Peter was telling the crowd that the death of Jesus was part of God’s plan. He tells them that even David knew that the Lord would deliver him up to the Heavenly Kingdom of God. You need to know God’s plan for your life, and you need to respond to his call. God has disclosed that he loved you so much that he sent his only Begotten Son Jesus to die for you. If you believe that Jesus paid the ransom in blood, then you will live forever with God. Today you must decide whether God is telling the truth or whether this is just some story to make you feel good.

Your response to his call will dramatically change your life. You will begin to follow his plan for you, and forever your life will continue on in glory within his presence. Your response to his call will be how you live and how much you love yourself and others. God loves you to the extent that he died for you, so that you could forever live with him.

 

1 PETER 1:17‑21

In this passage the people were called to revere a loving God and were reminded that they were not to be treated like slaves of a ruthless master. They are, in fact, the adopted children of the most High God. We do not need to assume that being special, such as being the children of God, takes away the freedom to do whatever we desire. We really need to become, not spoiled children, but grateful children of a heavenly Father who loves and forgives us. A terrible crime was committed against God, and only God’s Son could free us from the heavy bondage that was left upon us. God paid a heavy ransom for our sins and it was paid with the precious blood of his Son Jesus, so that we could become his adopted children.

This passage reveals that both the law and the coming of Christ were part of God’s eternal ongoing plan (Rom. 8:29). We see in God’s action a love that is real. A real love is sacrifice, forgiveness, patience, and kindness. Giving up of one’s own self means to put the needs of another first. Jesus manifested what is real in life, and because of this, he showed us how to love, so we can love others as he has loved us (John 15:12). You need to remember that everything in this life, possessions, accomplishments, and people, will some day be all gone. The only thing in life that is permanent is God’s will, his word, and his works. We can only put our faith and hope in God because it is he who has raised Christ from the dead. In Christ’s name everything we do, everything we say, and everything we hope to become really is what we could call a life of freedom.

 

LUKE 24:13‑35

The two disciples in today’s story missed the significance of what happened at the empty tomb, because they were too wrapped up in their own hurt and disappointment. They didn’t even recognize Jesus when he walked beside them and joined them in their conversation. To make matters worse, they actually walked the wrong way, away from the fellowship of their fellow believers in Jerusalem.

Many times people in their hurt or grief turn away from the support of loved ones and withdraw into a corner of silence by themselves. We need to realize that it is only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst that we will experience the power and help he can bring us.

The disciples could not understand how Jesus could be so uninformed about what had happened. They saw that Jesus was very much aware of what was going on as he explained the role of God among his people. The disciples were looking for a triumphant Messiah who would break the rule of Rome. Jesus tells them about a Savior who changes the hearts of people, not their hold on power. The disciples began to see that this was no ordinary man who they met “by accident.” Their hearts began to burn like fire, and they could not get enough of his teaching.

Do our hearts burn like fire over him? Do we hunger and thirst to know him more intimately than we do? Do we really understand that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is our only hope of Salvation? These disciples did not understand this at first despite the witness of the women and the biblical prophecies of that incredible event.

Today, after 2000 years, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is still a surprise to many people. Today, many people still refuse to believe that it took the living, breathing Jesus to come in to their midst and to break bread with them before they believed. Today for many people, it takes the fellowship and presence of living, breathing Christians to show these same people that Jesus is alive and in our midst.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God knows each one of us by name. In the second reading, we are being called to show reverence to our God. The Gospel tells us not to get wrapped up in our own problems, but to be open and seek others and their problems so that they, too, can see and hear God all around them.

This week, let us reach out to someone who is hurting in our family, school, work or community. Let us call on that person and show our concern by our presence. It may be nothing more than a telephone call or a short visit to just say “Hello.” Remember, the greatest gift we give to others is our presence. It is in our presence that they will see God in their midst.

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 ACTS 2:42‑47 FIRST READING

(“The early Christians live a life of prayer and share all things in common.”)

1. Those who were baptized were devoted to what four aspects of Christian living?   Acts 2:42

 

2. Why did a reverent “fear” overtake them?   Acts 2:43

 

3. What did it mean to live in common?   Acts 2:44‑45

 

4. How were goods and property divided?   Acts 2:45

 

5. In the earliest times, where did the Jewish Christians continue to go daily to pray and hear the Word of God?

Acts 2:46

 

6. Where did these Christians break bread and celebrate the Eucharist?   Acts 2:46

 

7. What was the condition of their hearts as they took their meals in common?   Acts 2:46

 

8. What two things were happening as they took their meals in common?   Acts 2:47

 

9. What was added, day by day, and by whom?   Acts 2:47

 

Personal ‑ How have I been living out God’s presence in my life? Do I think of salvation as something very individual and private, or how does my view compare to this picture of the early church? How do I share my goods and feel about the lifestyle described here?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 PETER 1:3‑9 SECOND READING

(“The people celebrate God’s gift of grace to the Gentiles.”)

1. Who is to be praised, and for what reason? 1 Peter 1:3

 

2. What does this birth give, and from what does it draw its life? 1 Peter 1:3

 

3. On what is our hope fixed? 1 Timothy 4:10

 

4. In the end, what three things last? 1 Cor 13:13

 

5. What is incapable of fading or being defiled, where is it kept, and how is it guarded?   1 Peter 1:4‑5

 

6. What three things does this new truth give, and when will this be revealed?   1 Peter 1:3‑5

 

7. For what is there cause, what may you have to do, and for what reason?   1 Peter 1:6‑7

 

8. Why do you rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory?  1 Peter 1:8

 

9. What is faith’s goal?   1 Peter 1:9

 

Personal ‑ In what way have I been tested in my faith? How did my faith grow as a result?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 20:19‑31 GOSPEL

(“Jesus appears to the disciples in the room.”)

1. Why had the disciples locked the door where they were staying? John 20:19

 

2. What was Jesus’ greeting as he stood before the disciples? John 20:19 Compare it to his greeting in John 14:27

 

3. What did Jesus show the disciples, and what was their re‑action?   John 20:20

 

4. At the apostles’ sight of him, what did Jesus say again; whom did he say sent him and, in turn, is sending them? John 20:21

 

5. Jesus “breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the _______ _______.” John 20:22

 

6. After receiving the Holy Spirit, what authority did the disciples have regarding sin? John 20:23. What did Jesus say about forgiving sins?   Luke 17:3‑4

 

Personal ‑ How does the life of Christ penetrate my daily life and actions? Does his greeting, “Peace be with you,” fill me with joy and peace or other emotions? Just as Jesus has sent his disciples out to the world, so also he sends me. By my baptism, I have received the Holy Spirit. How do I live out this commission in my everyday life?

 

7. Who was absent when Jesus came to the disciples, and what did they tell Him they had seen? What was his response? John 20:24-25

 

8. A week later, Jesus again came to them in the room. What was Jesus’ greeting to the disciples?   John 20:26

 

9. How did Jesus challenge Thomas to believe, and what was Thomas’ response?  (Write it out.)  John 20:27‑28

 

10. Jesus blest Thomas because he _________ and ______  ______, and Jesus blessed all those “who have not ______ and have ____________” How does this help to strengthen my faith? John 20:29

 

11. How do these signs affect our faith?   John 20:30‑31

 

Personal ‑ Just as Thomas came to believe through seeing and touching, how does Jesus invite me to faith in my life through sight and touch? When have I passed from fear or sadness to joy “at the sight of the Lord?”

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 118:2‑4, 13‑15, 22‑24

(“My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my Savior.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 118:2‑4, 13‑15, 22‑24.

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

 

2. How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 2:42‑47

This passage reveals a tremendous sense of love and commitment to one another. The Apostles gave their teachings about the life and events of Jesus Christ with a high degree of enthusiasm and authority. An apostle meant one who was an eyewitness to the ministry, passion, death, and resurrection of the Lord.

The fellowship between the followers and new converts was warm, strong, and incredibly joyful. The poor and needy were taken care of physically as well as in prayer. The hungry were being fed, the homeless were being sheltered, the naked were being clothed, and the lonely were being loved and affirmed. They ministered to outcasts in prisons or leper colonies.

There were many signs of God’s healing presence in the community. The bond between them was shared through their giving up of their personal pleasures in order that the community might be saved.

The core of this healing action by the community was Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, not through their own individual talent. Today, we need to remember that all we have that is good comes from our loving God. The people attended the temple and broke bread together in their homes.

Today, we are called to church to “celebrate.” We are celebrating the incredible victory that Jesus won for us by dying and rising for us. We share in the “Bread of Life” or “Eucharist.” At this celebration, we become nourished with the presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. We are then called to go out from the Church and “Eucharist” with all that we come into contact. We do this because he is wherever we are. (1 John 4:4).

1 PETER 1:3‑9

Today, St. Peter’s words remind us, once again, what that unique event, “the Resurrection,” means to us, and to the Christian Faith that we profess. The first converts to Christianity had grasped the truth of sharing eternal life with the Father because of what Jesus had done for all mankind. These people were in much pain, in much sorrow, and with no hope for their future. They grasped this truth about the Lord with a hunger and a thirst, and they rejoiced in it. We, too, have grasped this truth. We, too, know that through the Incarnation, death, and resurrection of Christ, we also have been made heirs to the kingdom of our heavenly Father.

We need to reflect now and ask ourselves why so many people do not let this consoling Christian conviction govern and regulate their lives and actions. Our technology today is so sophisticated that it prevents many from thinking about the real and permanent Lawmaker. God is the Creator of all, and he has planned and is in control of all of our futures.

Many of us are so busy using and enjoying the earthly gifts of God that we forget and, in many cases, ignore the greatest gift of all ‑ the one that will last forever ‑ Eternal Life. St. Peter tells us that our Faith is more precious than gold and, like gold, it will be purified and tested under the fire of adversity. We are called “Easter people” because he is risen and lives within us. We are alive in Christ, and our Eternal Life with him begins today. Rejoice and be glad. He is alive and well within you, so you may be well, too.

 

JOHN 20:19‑31

The disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were terribly frightened that the soldiers were going to come and arrest them and, possibly, even put them to death. Fear for themselves and their families was deep in their hearts when Jesus appeared to them. In their fear, loneliness, rejection, and failure, Jesus makes the incredible statement, “Peace be unto you!” He showed them his wounds but most of all, he let them know that he was still among them. They were overcome with tremendous joy. Today, millions of people are behind locked doors; many are in prisons or hospitals and many are trapped behind the locked door of a closed, broken mind. Jesus’ message to us today, regardless of where we are or what we are going through, is to remember that he is always with us.

Jesus identified himself with his Father, and told the disciples by whose authority he did his work. Now he passed the job on to his disciples to spread the “Good News” around the world. God has chosen you to do that today, and your authority comes from him. Jesus has shown us by his words and actions how to accomplish the “Great Commission.” As the Father has sent Jesus, he now sends you with the protection and power of his Holy Spirit. He gives you that power by breathing upon you. There is life in the breath of God, and through the breath of Jesus, God directed eternal spiritual life. With this inbreathing came the power to do God’s will on earth. Jesus told them their mission, and it is the same mission that we must undertake. Tell the people about the “Good News” that Jesus has forgiven their sins. We do not have that power to forgive, but Jesus does. People of today cannot receive the message of forgiveness until they receive the one who forgives; his name is Jesus.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that community is love in action. The second reading tells us that hope is eternal. The Gospel tells us to go out and spread the “Good News.”

This week, let us go forth and spread the Good News by our words and actions. Bring a Bible Study to someone who is confined to a home, hospital, or prison. Take a Scripture this week, such as love is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4), and practice it in your family, job, or school. Jesus’ message to the world is, “Peace be with you,” and he wants it to begin with you first.

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 ACTS 10:34, 37-43 FIRST READING

(“We have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead.”)

1. Whom was Peter addressing?   Acts 10:24‑28

 

2. What did he say to them?   Acts 10:34‑35

 

3. How does Deuteronomy 10:17 describe God, and what does it say he does not do?   2 Chronicles 19:7

 

4. For what reason does God have no favorites? Job 34:19, Wisdom 6:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you show partiality with your children, your friends, and your co‑workers? Spend time alone with the Lord, repent of this, and ask the Lord to help you look at others through his eyes.

 

5. What was reported all over Judea about Jesus of Nazareth? Where did it begin, and with what?   Acts 10:37‑38

 

6. Who anointed Jesus and who anointed Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy?  Acts 10:38, 2 Corinthians 1:21‑22

 

7. What two things did Jesus go about doing and who was with him?   Acts 10:38

 

8. To what are they witnesses, what did they finally do to him, and what did God do?   Acts 10:39‑40

 

9. What did God grant, and by whom?   Acts 10:40‑41

 

10. Who are the chosen and for what purpose are they chosen? Ephesians 1:13

 

11. What did he commission us to do?   Acts 10:42

 

12. Whom has he sent to preach to the people? Mark 3:14, 2 Corinthians 4:1‑2

 

13. Who are his disciples today?  John 8:31, John 13:35

 

14. To what are we to bear witness and to what do all the prophets testify?   Acts 10:42‑43

 

Personal ‑ What results and power do you see in your everyday life from your anointing with the Holy Spirit? Does your family see good works and healing taking place from your touch? Reflect on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ COLOSSIANS 3:1-4 SECOND READING

(“Be intent on things above rather than things of earth.”)

1. With whom have we been raised up, and on what should we set our heart?   Colossians 3:1

 

2. Where is Christ seated?   Colossians 3:1

 

3. Who raised us up and gave us a place in the heavens? Ephesians 2:4‑6

 

4. On what are we to be intent and why?   Colossians 3:2‑3

 

5. What are things that are rooted in earth?   Col 3:5, 8-9

 

6. How do we become intent on things above?   Col 3:10

 

7. Where is our life hidden now?   Colossians 3:3

 

8. Who is Christ to us?   Colossians 3:4

 

9. When Christ appears, what will happen to us and in what way?  Colossians 3:4

 

Personal ‑ As you have died with Christ to your old desires and to things rooted in this earth, do your family, friends, and work acquaintances see you as a reflection of Christ? On a sheet of paper, name some of the characteristics of Christ in one column and in another column list your characteristics through a 24‑hour day and compare the two columns.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 20:1-9 GOSPEL

(“He saw and believed.”)

1. Who came to the tomb, what time was it, and what day was it? John 20:1

 

2. Where was Mary Magdalene as Jesus hung on the cross? John 19:25

 

3. What did Jesus drive out of Mary?   Mark 16:9

 

4. What did Mary see when she arrived at the tomb? John 20:1

 

5. To whom did she run, and what did she say to them? John 20:2

 

6. What did Peter and the other disciple do?   John 20:3

 

7. Who reached the tomb first, and how did they get there? John 20:4

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you see yourself running to see Jesus? Are you persevering in running the race? On whom are you keeping your eyes fixed? Do your family and friends see you as someone with eyes looking up or cast down? Read Hebrews 12:1‑2.

 

8. What did the disciple do when he got to the tomb and what did he see lying on the ground?   John 20:5

 

9. What did Peter do when he got there? What did he observe on the ground, and what did he notice about the cloth which had covered Jesus’ head?   John 20:6‑7

 

10. What did the disciple who had arrived first do, and what was his reaction to this?   John 20:8

 

11. What does it take to believe?   John 1:12

 

12. What will you receive by believing in the name of Jesus? John 3:36

 

13. After Jesus rose from the dead, what did the disciples cometo understand and believe?   John 2:22

 

14. When did they understand and believe?   Luke 24:30‑32

 

15. What does Jesus say about those who believe and have not seen?  John 20:29

 

Personal ‑ How have you seen a change take place in your life through reading the scriptures? Have you come to believe in the spoken Word of Jesus through the scriptures? Remember, John tells us Jesus is the Word made flesh. Pray and ask God to fill you with an understanding of the Word through his gift of the Holy Spirit that you received from him.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23

(“The right hand of the Lord has struck with power.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23.

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

ACTS 10:34, 37-43

Alleluia is a Hebrew word that means “praise ye the Lord.” On this great day of Easter Sunday we give thanks, gratitude and our complete joy in the form of praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. This passage strongly shows that the resurrection is the basic doctrine and proof of the truth of the Christian faith. We are told in scripture that if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is in vain, and our faith is worthless also (1 Cor. 15:14).

There are many today who disregard the physical resurrection and say that it is no big deal. They say that it is the spiritual resurrection that really matters. St. Paul says just the opposite. Jesus rose from the dead, and then he was seen by witnesses who had not only spoken with him, but had actually eaten with him. The Apostles were devastated on Friday night after the crucifixion. They remained locked in the upper room, fearful of what the Roman soldiers were going to do next. They were even too afraid to do any wishful thinking about their beloved master Jesus. They were hard to convince even when it happened.

We need to reflect on this passage. Have we seen him, have we talked with him, have we eaten with him? He is alive today, and like the Apostle Peter, we too are called to evangelize and teach about Jesus. We are called to fellowship with others who believe that he is risen and that he lives today. We need to discover through Christ something significant about each other, both believers and non‑believers. He has risen for the whole world ‑ Alleluia ‑ Alleluia!

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

In this passage, Paul begins by bringing us into the core meaning of our baptism. In the early days of the church, baptism was by total immersion. When you heard the story of Christ and you were ready to believe in the one true God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, you were then immersed in water. You were cleansed from your sins and worldliness. Immersion was a symbol of being drowned or buried with Christ. This signified that the new Christian has died to all earthly attachments and desires. He was raised out of the water or the tomb to be with the risen Christ. Paul said, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above.” This means that we must mean what we say and do.

We have been raised with Christ and we no longer need to dwell on things of the earth. This does not mean we can walk away from responsibilities. It does not mean just being obedient to parents and to society. It does not mean just having to work to support ourselves or our families. It means that our earthly possessions must not dominate our life.

We are called to love people, not things, money, power, status, etc. Our lives need to show that what we did at baptism has life-long meaning. What we do is far more effective on others than what we say. We were created for unending happiness in heaven and this happiness is now within our grasp, thanks to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We are helped in our daily living by God’s holy grace. Remember, God wants us to go to heaven and he has an Easter resurrection planned for all of us.

JOHN 20:1-9

The divine plan of God for all people was accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All would now be eligible to be called sons and daughters of God because of Jesus Christ’s perfect act of obedience. Because of him, we will one day, like Christ, rise from the grave in our glorified bodies.

The resurrection is the basis of the new Christian faith. Had it not happened, Christianity would never have started. There would have been no Easter Sunday. Peter would have returned with his companions to their fishing nets and boats, and Jesus Christ would have been forgotten after a few short years.

Mary Magdalene’s discovery of an empty tomb brought shock and fear. She ran to Peter and told him that she thought someone had stolen the body of Jesus. Peter had to see for himself and check out the facts.

We might take notice how the clothes were folded after they discovered Jesus’ body was gone. They would not have been arranged that way if there had been a robbery. The disciples were completely surprised when they found the empty tomb. It was only then that they remembered that Jesus had said that he would rise again.

Many people today do not believe in Jesus because they say the “facts” do not check out. We can only accept the fact of the resurrection when we have first personally encountered Jesus Christ. The understanding of the resurrection takes on a special meaning as we commit our lives to Jesus and his presence remains with us.

Jesus’ resurrection is the key to our Christian faith because death, as we know it, is not the end. Jesus’ bodily resurrection shows us that he is ruler of God’s kingdom. Because of his promise, we who die to ourselves with him, will rise from the dead with him. Because of him, you and I can face tomorrow without fear. Because of him, we have his Holy Spirit living within us and protecting us against all evil (1 John 4:4). Because of him, we can witness to the whole world that if they believe in Jesus Christ, they may also receive eternal happiness. Because of him, all mankind can really be free and live forever.

Alleluia ‑ he is Risen ‑ Alleluia ‑ he is alive.

Application

Jesus’ death brought us freedom from sin and death. We are now called to free others from sin and death here on earth. Some of us can do that by our professions as medical people, legal people, politicians, educators, business people, parents, and children.

This week, free someone in your family, home, or work from a chore that you know they don’t like. Let them see that joy in someone who really knows that he is free. Then each day have your family gather together to pray that all may become free from sin through Jesus Christ. Because of him, you are free. Let freedom ring throughout this land.