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Fourth Sunday in Advent (December 20th) – Cycle B

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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 2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16 FIRST READING

    (“I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you.”)

1. Who is King David, and from what did the Lord give him rest? 2 Samuel 7:1,  1 Sam. 16:11-13, and 1 Sam. 17:12-15

 

2. What did King David say to Nathan, the prophet?  2 Samuel 7:2

 

3. Where does the Spirit of God dwell?  1 Corinthians 3:16

 

4. What did Nathan say to King David, and who did he say was with him?   2 Samuel 7:3

 

5. When did the Lord speak to Nathan, and where did the Lord tell him to go and what to say?  2 Samuel 7:4-5

 

6. When did the angel of the Lord appear to the shepherds, and when did Jesus pray?  Luke 2:8-9 and Luke 6:12

 

Personal – Do you ever hear the Lord speak to you in the night? What does he say, and what is your response?

 

7. What does the Lord of hosts say he has taken from David, and what has he made him for Israel?   2 Samuel 7:8

 

8. What does the Lord say he has done for David, and what does he say he will make him?   2 Samuel 7:9

 

9. What does the Lord say he will do for his people Israel, and for what reason?   2 Samuel 7:10

 

10. From what will the Lord give them rest, and what does he reveal to them?    2 Samuel 7:11

 

11. Who did Jesus say will be our enemies?  Matthew 10:35-36

 

12. What will happen to his house, kingdom, and throne? 2 Samuel 7:16

 

Personal – In what way has God given you rest from your enemies, or are you undergoing attacks from your enemies?  How do you deal with the attacks?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 16:25-27 SECOND READING

(“…made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith.”)

1. What can God do for us, according to the Gospel and proclamations of Jesus Christ?   Romans 16:25

 

2. What is God able to accomplish in us?   Ephesians 3:20

 

3. What is Paul’s Gospel?   2 Timothy 2:8

 

4. How did Paul receive the Gospel preached by him? Galatians 1:11-12

 

5. How has the Gospel been manifested?  Romans 16:26

 

6. By whose command has the Gospel been made known to all the nations, and what is this to bring about?    Romans 16:26

 

7. What have we received to bring about the obedience of faith? See Romans 1:4-5

 

8. What is evidence of our faith?   2 Corinthians 9:12-13

 

9. Through whom is glory given forever and ever?  Romans 16:27

 

10. How are all things in Jesus?   Romans 11:36

 

11. How do we see the glory of God?   John 11:40

 

Personal – How have you been strengthened by the gospel proclaimed this week, or by prophetic writings in the bible?  What has been the evidence of this strengthening?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 1:26-38 GOSPEL

(“You have found favor with God.”)

1. Who was sent from God, what month was it, and where did he go?   Luke 1:26-27

 

2. Who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, and of what house? Luke 1:27

 

3. What happens when evidence of a girl’s virginity is not found?   Deuteronomy 22:20-21

 

4. According to the angel, who was with Mary, and what is she among women?   Luke 1:28

 

5. Who are the blessed, and how have they been blessed? Galatians 3:8

 

6. How did Mary feel at the words of the angel, and what did she wonder?    Luke 1:29

 

7. What did the angel tell Mary not to do, what has she found with God, and what would she conceive?   Luke 1:30-31

 

8. What name would she give him, who would be great, and what would he be called?   Luke 1:31-32

 

9. Where would be his reign, and what was Mary’s response? Luke 1:33-34

 

10. Who did the angel say would come upon Mary, what would the power of the Most High do to her, and what would the holy offspring be called?    Luke 1:35

 

11. What did the angel say about her kinswoman, Elizabeth, and what is possible with God?    Luke 1:36-37

 

12. What things are possible for God?   Luke 18:27

 

13. What makes nothing impossible for us?  Matthew 17:20

 

14. What did Mary say she was, and what did she say be done? Luke 1:38

 

Personal – In what way have you experienced the empowering of the Holy Spirit within your being?  How have you yielded in faith as Mary did to a messenger of the Lord?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 89:2-5, 27, 29

(“You are my father, my God; the rock, my savior.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29.

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

2 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16

God had made a covenant with David and promised him that his family line would go on forever. This promise would be fully realized when Jesus was born. God made certain that a prophet was living during the reign of each of the kings of Israel. This was the first time that Nathan, the Prophet, was mentioned, and like all prophets, he urged the people to follow God and to communicate God’s laws and plans to the king.

God told David that he was called from being a simple peasant who tended sheep to become a great warrior-king. He would be used to unify and lead Israel and to destroy its enemies. God did not want a warrior with blood on his hands to build his sacred temple. David being obedient, made the plans and collected the materials so that the temple would be built by the next king, who would be David’s son, Solomon.

It is very important that we, too, should be like David and recognize and be satisfied with the roles which God gives all of us. God rejected David’s request, but this does not mean God rejected David. David’s request was also good, but God said no. God was planning something in David’s life that was much bigger than allowing him the prestige of building a temple.

God is waiting to do the same thing with you and me. He wants you to say “Yes” to him, just like David did. God promised David that his line would live forever. David’s earthly dynasty ended four centuries later. But Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of David, was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.

Have you prayed with very good intentions only to hear God say no? This is not rejection, but God’s way of fulfilling a greater purpose in your life. Remember always to let go and let God!

 

ROMANS 16:25-27

Paul is sharing with the people of his time and also of our time that it is wonderful to be alive and to be part of God’s mystery of saving the Gentiles. Paul was rejoicing in his role as an instrument in the unfolding plan of salvation. All the Old Testament prophecies were coming true and, through Jesus Christ, God’s mystery was fully revealed. Paul had not been to Rome, but he knew that the city was the center of great political and religious influence. He was getting ready to leave Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish life, and his message was a message of hope.

Today we live in a world that has been vastly reduced by television. We can view all the major events that happened on that very day. We have the potential for widespread influence or wrenching conflict. We are called to be part of that revelation of God’s mystery. Our part is to live our lives in such a manner that brings a response that most times is very dramatic. Conflict is always potentially an obstacle in the path of the one who brings light into the darkness.

The “mystery” of Christ exploded across the entire known world. No longer was man subjected to heritage being the only way to heaven. Paul brought the “Good News” and that was that God loved the world (you) so much that he gave up his Son on the cross, so that all who believed in his Son would have eternal life. This mystery was revealed in Christ’s death and resurrection. You are that ambassador of Christ and you will go from place to place and bring his “message” of hope to all who are hurting.  We need to reflect on how much of our own life reflects unity, service and love of Jesus Christ.

 

LUKE 1:26-38

Today’s gospel is a story of surrender and empowerment. The angel Gabriel who promises the birth of Jesus to Mary is the same angel who appeared to the prophet David more than 500 years earlier. Joseph and Mary lived in a small town named Nazareth. The area had a bad name because the Roman army barracks were located there, and the people were forced to work as servants to the soldiers. The people of Nazareth were very distrustful of most, and women were under the domination of the men at that time. Women were little more than possessions like the goats and sheep, etc. A woman’s main contribution was to have children and take care of the home. It seemed highly unlikely that God would use two women for a major task. But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience ever demanded of anyone.

You may feel that you are in a place in your life where God could not possibly use you for service. Do not limit God’s choices; he can and will use you if you will only let him. God’s blessings or choosing does not automatically bring instant fame or favor. His choosing of Mary for the honor of being the mother of the Messiah would lead to much pain. Her peers would ridicule her, and her fiance’ would come close to leaving her. Her son would be rejected and finally murdered.  But through her Son, Jesus Christ, would come the world’s only hope. This is why Mary has been called “Blessed among women.” Her surrender led to our victorious salvation. Her “Yes Lord” opened the doors to heaven for all who would believe in her Son.

A young woman answered God’s call by saying, “Do unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38).  We can learn from Mary that love is obedience to God’s call. If our blessings lead to sorrows, think of Mary and wait patiently for God to finish working out his plan. Mary let the Holy Spirit come upon her, and she was empowered to have a child. Mary was a young unmarried girl who risked disaster. Her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit had the risk of her being considered crazy as well.  Do not wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God.  Offer yourself willingly, like Mary did, even when the results look disastrous.

 

Application   

The first reading revealed God as a God who keeps his promises.  The second reading showed that we are instruments in the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Gospel tells us to offer ourselves completely to God, to be radical.

This week, share with your family and friends the power of God’s love by visiting a shelter for unmarried pregnant women. Then take a risk and offer your support to her and her soon-to-be-born child.

Third Sunday in Advent (December 13th) – Cycle B

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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 61:1-2, 10-11 FIRST READING

(“I rejoice heartily in the Lord.”)

1. Where is the spirit of the Lord God, and what has the Lord done?   Isaiah 61:1

 

2. What has the Lord God sent me to do for the lowly and to the broken hearted?   Isaiah 61:1

 

3. What do we proclaim to the captives and the prisoners? Isaiah 61:1

 

4. What was the passage read by Jesus in the synagogue, and what did he say about it?   Luke 4:18-19, 21.

 

5. What did God do with Jesus?  Acts 10:38

 

6. What does the anointing we received from him do for us? 1 John 2:27-28

 

7. What has he sent me to announce, and what are we to do to all who mourn?  Isaiah 61:2

 

8. What do we do in our God who is the joy of our soul, and what has he done for us?  Isaiah 61:10

 

9. What will the Lord God make spring up before all the nations?   Isaiah 61:11

 

10. What does the practice of justice do for the just? Proverbs 21:15

 

11. For what does the just man concern himself? Proverbs 29:7

 

Personal – How can you set free the captives within your environment and those who are locked into self-pity? How has the Lord sprung up justice and praise within you?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24 SECOND READING

(“Rejoice always.”)

1. What are we to do always?  1 Thessalonians 5:16

 

2. What are we to do without ceasing?   1 Thessalonians 5:17

 

3. To what did the apostles devote themselves, and who was with them?   Acts 1:14

 

4. What does the Spirit do for us in our weakness? Romans 8:26

 

5. What do we do in all circumstances, whose will is it, and in whom?  1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

6. Whom do we not quench?  1 Thessalonians 5:19

 

7. How do we grieve the Holy Spirit?  Isaiah 63:10

 

8. What are we not to despise, what are we to test, and what are we to retain?   1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

 

9. From what are we to refrain?   1 Thessalonians 5:22

 

10. What do those who do evil see not fit to do, with what are they filled, and whom do they hate?   Romans 1:28-31

 

11. What may the God of peace make us, and how may we be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ?  1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

12. What is the One who calls us, and what will he do? 1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

Personal – For what did you give thanks today, and from what evil did you refrain this week?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28 GOSPEL

(“Make straight the way of the Lord.”)

1. Who sent the man named John, and to what was he to testify? John 1:6-7

 

2. What had John seen, and to what did he testify? John 1:34

 

3. What was John not, but what was he to do?  John 1:8

 

4. Who is the light, and what will he who follows him have?   John 8:12

 

5. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask John who he was, what did he say?  John 1:19-20

 

6. What did the priests and Levites ask John, and what was his answer? John 1:21

 

7. What was John’s response to the priests and Levites, and what did the Prophet Isaiah say?   John 1:23, Isaiah 40:3

 

8. For what are we to make straight paths, and why? Hebrews 12:13

 

9. In response to the Pharisee’s question, with what did John say he baptizes, and whom did he say they do not recognize? John 1:26

 

10. What does John say he is not worthy to do to the One coming after him, and where did this take place?  John 1:27

 

11. Who is not worthy of Jesus?  Matthew 10:37-38

 

Personal – In what way have you prepared the way of the Lord to those around you?  Has your personal testimony been about Jesus in your life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ LUKE 1:46-50, 53-54

(“…my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”)

Read and meditate on Luke 1:46-50, 53-54.

What is the Lord saying to you personally through this reading?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 61:1-2, 10-11

This passage of Isaiah was read by Jesus in Luke 4:18. He stopped his reading to the people in the synagogue in the middle of Chapter 61:2, after the words, “The time of God’s favor has come.” Jesus closed the book and said, “These scriptures came true today.” (Luke 4:21). The rest of Isaiah 61:2, “and the day of his wrath to his enemies,” will come true when Jesus returns to earth again. It is important for us to realize that we are now under God’s favor and his wrath is yet to come.

Today’s reading is good news for those who suffer because the Spirit of God is upon those who will go forth and help all those who are suffering. Read Verses 1 and 2 and put your name in place of “me.” “The Spirit of God is upon you and he has anointed you to bring the good news to the suffering and afflicted, he has anointed you to comfort the brokenhearted.” Maybe someone right in your own family is suffering, and you will be the one to bring the  “Good News” of hope to them. All you need to do is say, “Yes, Lord, come into my heart, take up residence in me.”

Take the time right now, wherever you are, and confess your sins and repent, and let the grace of God fill you with his Holy Spirit. Are you aware that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you (1 Cor. 3:16) because of your baptism? Now God is filling you up with his Spirit so that his love can overflow through you and spill on to his hurt and broken people. You will open the eyes of the blind because you are carrying the light of the world within you. Remember, my beloved brothers and sisters, the Spirit of God is upon us and he has anointed us. He has clothed us with his garment of salvation and has draped his robe of righteousness about us.

 

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24

In today’s reading we see that in all of our circumstances, joy, prayer, and thanksgiving should not go up or down because of feelings. These three commands to “be joyful, keep on praying, and continue to be thankful” often go against our natural inclinations. We can expect to be joyful and thankful when we are following God’s will because it is his power that flows through us and it is in his hands that we place our cares (1 Peter 5:7). We will always find it much easier to be joyful, thankful, and full of prayer when we really put our trust in the Lord.

We know that we cannot spend all of our time on our knees in prayer, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude all of the time. We build this attitude on admitting our dependence on God, realizing that his presence is right there in front of us, behind us, above us, below us and within us.  We must choose to obey him fully. It is not enough to talk about Christ, we must also walk with Christ. We will then find it natural to pray frequent, spontaneous short, and very meaningful prayers. Remember that an attitude of prayer is not a substitute for our alone, “quiet” time of prayer with Jesus. A prayerful attitude should be an extension of those times.

Paul was teaching us that we should be thankful in everything that happens to us. We are thankful always because God IS and for the good he can bring out through the time of distress. We are told not to “smother the Holy Spirit” or not to ignore or toss aside the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to us. Sometimes spiritual gifts are controversial and cause division in a church. Paul mentions the gift of prophecy, and he encourages all to use the full expression of these gifts in the body of Christ.

Let us never make fun of those who do not agree with what we profess to believe. Let us also check their works against sacred scripture and sacred tradition. We do not allow Christ to control us only on a religious level. We are called to let Christ control all of us at all times, under all circumstances.

 

JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28

This Gospel message is really a message of “Good News.” It is a message of a light that has come to penetrate the darkness of the world, and especially the darkness of people’s hearts. The light is Jesus, and John the Baptist gave witness to the light. We are called to carry out our role, today, as reflectors of Christ’s light. We are never to present ourselves as the light to others, but always as John the Baptist did, point them to Christ the Light.

We need to remember always that Jesus was the creator of life, and his life brings light to a fallen mankind. In his light you and I see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a savior). We may say to ourselves that we do not do all those terrible things that bad people do, but we must never forget that scripture tells us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Some sins seem bigger than others, and all sins make us sinners, and all sins cut us off from our Holy God. Do not minimize “little” sins. They all separate us from God, but they all can be forgiven. When we follow Jesus Christ, the Light, we can avoid walking and falling blindly into sin. His life and deeds have lit the path of life for all of us. He, in mercy and righteousness, removes the darkness of sin from our lives.

Have you allowed the light of Christ to shine in your life? Today, I challenge you to let Jesus Christ bring light into your life and you will never need to stumble in darkness again.

 

Application   

The first reading reveals that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us.  In the second reading, we are called to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful in all circumstances. In the Gospel, Jesus is the Light, and we are called to reflect that light.

Look around you at your family, relatives, friends, or community and pick out someone who is hurting, alone or imprisoned. Write or visit that person and tell him that you will continue to pray for him and, if possible, with him. You may be able to take someone to Mass or bring Eucharist to someone. You may be able to read this week’s lesson to someone who cannot see or read. Remember, you are called to reflect the Light of Jesus, and his Holy Spirit has anointed you. Go forth and make disciples of all nations, (Math. 28:19), especially those in your own family.

Segundo Domingo de Adviento (6 de Diciembre) – Ciclo B

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE ISAIAS 40:1-5, 9-11 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Proclámalo en voz alta.”)

1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que se dé a Su Pueblo? Isaias 40:1

 

2. ¿Qué nos dá Dios cuando estamos afligidos, cómo nos permite confortar a otros en sus aflicciones? 2 Corintios 1:3-4

 

3. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que hay que hacer para Jerusalén y qué es lo que ésta ha recibido de manos del Señor? Is 40:2

 

4. ¿Quién hablará por nosotros, y qué debemos proclamar? Mateo 10:20 y 10:27

 

5. ¿Qué es lo que dice la voz que clama en el desierto? Isaias 40:3

 

6. ¿Qué pasará a todos los cerros, lomas, quebradas, colinas y cuestas? Isaias 40:4

 

7. ¿Qué será revelado entonces, quiénes la veran y quién habrá hablado? Isaias 40:5

 

8. ¿Qué es lo que el Padre dá al Hijo y qué es lo que el Hijo dá al Padre? ¿Cómo se lo ha dado el Hijo al Padre? Juan 17:1 y 17:4

 

9. ¿Qué debes gritar, cómo debes hacerlo y qué es lo que vas a decir? Isaias 40:9

 

10. ¿Quién viene con mucho poder, sometiendo todo con Su brazo, qué es lo que trae y qué va delante de El? Isaias 40:10

 

11. ¿Qué es lo que hace un pastor con su rebaño, con sus corderos, en donde los carga y a quienes conduce al reposo? Isaias 40:11

 

12. ¿Qué es el ojo para el cuerpo según Mateo 6:22?

 

Personal – ¿Son tus acciones un grito que clama acerca del Señor para que otros lo oigan? ¿Has sentido alguna vez que el Señor te va cargando en Su pecho y va guiando a las ovejas con cuidado?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE 2 PEDRO 3:8-14 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“El Señor no demora en cumplir lo que prometió.”)

1. ¿Qué es un dia a los ojos del Señor? 2 Pedro 3:8

 

2. ¿Qué es lo que el Señor no demora en cumplir? 2 Pedro 3:9

 

3. ¿Qué promesa ha hecho, tanto a ti como a tus hijos? Hechos 2:38-39

 

4. ¿Qué tiene el Señor y qué es lo que El quiere? 2 Pedro 3:9

 

5. ¿Cómo muestra Jesucristo todo Su paciencia? 1 Timoteo 1:15-16

 

6. ¿Cómo llegará el Dia del Señor y que pasará entonces? 2 Pedro 3:10

 

7. ¿Qué pasará con todo y cómo debe ser la conducta de la gente? 2 Pedro 3:11 Hechos 3:19

 

8. ¿Cómo debe ser tu conducta y devoción si miras hacia el dia de la venida del Señor? 2 Pedro 3:11-12

 

9. ¿Cómo llegamos a participar de la santidad de Dios? 2 Corintios 5:21

 

10. ¿Qué dicen las Escrituras acerca de ser santo? Levitico 19:2 y 1 Pedro 1:16

 

11. ¿Qué ha de venir y que permanecerá? 2 Pedro 3:13

 

Personal – Has sentido la paciencia de Dios para contigo? ¿Cómo demuestras paciencia con tus padres, hijos, amigos, compañeros de escuela o de trabajo revelandoles la verdad de Dios y su oportunidad de aceptarlo o rechazarlo?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 1:1-8 EVANGELIO

(“…El te bautizará en el Espíritu Santo.”)

1. ¿Qué comienza aquí, que está escrito en el libro de Isaias acerca de un mensajero y por qué razon fue enviado éste? Marcos 1:1-2

 

2. ¿Qué gritaba el heraldo en el desierto? Marcos 1:3

 

3. ¿Qué mensaje nos ha entregado Dios? 2 Corintios 5:19

 

4. ¿Qué dice Jesús que ha hecho el Padre con El y que hara El con nosotros?

 

5. ¿Quién apareció en el desierto, qué era lo que predicaba y con qué objeto?

 

6. ¿Cómo se debe predicar a todas las naciones? Lucas 24:47 Juan 17:18 Marcos 1:4

 

7. ¿Quién acudia a Juan y qué les sucedia cuando confesaban sus pecados? Marcos 1:5

 

8. ¿A quién debemos confesarle nuestros pecados? Santiago 5:16

 

9. ¿Con qué se vestia Juan, de que era su cinturón y que comia? Marcos 1:6

 

10. ¿Con qué debemos vestirnos y cuál es nuestro alimento? Efesios 6:13-17 y Juan 4:32-34

 

11. ¿Cuál fue el tema de la predicación de Juan y con qué eres bautizado? Marcos 1:8 y Juan 1:29-33

 

Personal – Examina tu conciencia. Escribe como te ves a ti mismo como pecador y como te sientes al haber sido bautizado con agua y en el Espíritu Santo.

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 85:9-14

(“Quiero escuchar qué está hablando el Señor,”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 85:9-14.
¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

ISAIAS 40:1-5, 9-11

En este momento el libro de Isaias hace un cambio dramático. En vez de advertir a la gente sobre el juicio inminente, Isaias los conforta. Los Israelitas todavia tuvieron cerca de 100 años de problemas antes de que Jerusalén cayera. Despues experimentaron 70 años de exilio. Dios llamó a Isaias para que confortara y hablara con ternura a Su pueblo escogido.

Las semillas del consuelo pueden tener sus raices en la tierra de la adversidad. Cuando creas que tu vida se esta desbaratando a pedazos, pidele a Dios que te sostenga y te consuele. Probablemente seguirás pasando por pruebas y tribulaciones adversas, pero hallarás el consuelo de Dios en medio de todo eso. Para algunos el único consuelo que tienen es el saber que un dia estarán con Dios. Hablo ahora a aquellos que parece que tienen muy pocas esperanzas en lo que concierne a su salud física, a su matrimonio o que están en prisión. Agarrense bien! Aprecien el consuelo y el aliento que se encuentra en Su palabra, en Su presencia, en Su Eucaristia y en Su pueblo.

La voz de la esperanza te llama tanto a ti como a aquellos a los que se dirigia esta lectura para que prepares un camino derecho y sereno. O sea que quites los obstáculos que hay en tu vida y que están impidiendo que recibas a Jesús en tu corazón. El desierto en nuestra vida de ahora puede ser una imágen de lo que es la vida de sufrimientos y pruebas. No estamos inmunes a ello, pero debido a nuestra fé y debido a la promesa de Dios (Juan 3:16), las dificultades de la vida no tienen que ser un obstáculo.

Juan el Bautista hablaba a la gente para que se preparara para ver a Dios trabajando en sus vidas, como nosotros debemos hacerlo ahora (Mateo 3:3). El los llamaba a prepararse para la venida del Mesías y eso es lo que el Adviento es para nosotros hoy dia. Se nos llama a prepararnos para la venida de Cristo en nuestros corazones. Debemos prepararnos para la Encarnación de Dios. Necesitamos enderezar nuestros caminos torcidos y lo haremos pidiendole a Dios que nos perdone por ello y por nuestras actitudes incorrectas. En la lectura de hoy se compara a la gente con el pasto y las flores que se secan (Isaias 40:6-8). Nuestras vidas son mortales, pero la palabra de Dios es eterna e infalible.

 

2 PEDRO 3:8-14

Esta lectura es un mensaje de esperanza. La gente del tiempo de Pedro sufria persecusión y anhelaba ser liberada. Pedro les dice que mil años son como un dia para el Señor. Les dice que Dios no es lento, lo que sucede es que El no se rige por nuestra medida del tiempo. Jesús está esperando para que mas pecadores se arrepientan y se vuelvan hacia El. El demuestra su increíble paciencia tratándonos con misericordia. No debemos sentarnos y esperarlo. Al contrario, quiere que vayamos adelante haciendo mas discípulos en todas las naciones (Mateo 28:19). Ellos se daban cuenta que el tiempo era corto y habia mucho trabajo importante que llevar a cabo.

Hoy ese mensaje está puesto con un sentido de urgencia. Debemos planear nuestra vida como si fueramos a vivir para siempre en la tierra y vivirla como si hoy fuera el último dia. Se nos dice que el regreso de Cristo sera repentino y terrible para aquellos que no creen en El y no obedecen Sus mandamientos. Pasas tu tiempo amontonando posesiones terrenas o estás luchando por traer a otros el mensaje de paz?

Somos llamados a traer a nuestros hermanos y hermanas hacia el arrepentimiento. Asi, ellos también experimentarán el increíble perdon del Señor. El propósito de Dios para la raza humana no es la destrucción, sino la creación. El quemará los cielos y la tierra con fuego y los volverá a crear nuevamente. No podemos acelerar el retorno de Dios aun cuando nos encontremos sufriendo ahora. El está esperando pacientemente a que mas de Sus hijos rebeldes se arrepientan. Podemos atraer mas gente a tener fé en El con el hecho de vivir nuestras vidas, especialmente si estamos sufriendo. El quiere que seamos santos simplemente por que El es santo y El quiere lo mejor para nosotros.

 

MARCOS 1:1-8

Marcos no fue uno de los doce apóstoles pero es muy probable, que haya conocido a Jesús personalmente. Este evangelio está escrito en una forma de historia acelerada para los Cristianos de Roma, donde se veneraban muchos dioses. Marcos queria que ellos supieran que Jesús es el único y verdadero Hijo de Dios.

Vemos a Juan el Bautista anunciando la venida de Jesús y llamando a la gente a enderezar sus vidas y terminar con esos modos egoistas de vivir. Se les pide que renuncien a sus pecados, busquen el perdón de Dios y establezcan una relación personal con El, creyendo y obedeciendo Su santa palabra. Hoy nosotros estamos llamados a hacer lo mismo, a darnos cuenta que somos pecadores y a que debemos renunciar a esos pecados. Unicamente podremos experimentar el perdón de Dios si admitimos que estabamos equivocados. Juan Bautista era muy popular y su mensaje de arrepentimiento fue oido y aceptado por muchos. Arrepentimiento no significa “decir lo siento mucho;” significa “cambiar de actitud.”

Juan les decia a todos que se prepararan para alguien que iba a venir y que era mucho mas efectivo que él. Juan les dijo que no era digno ni siquiera de atar las cintas de sus sandalias. También les dijo que el Mesías los bautizaría con agua y con el Espíritu. El propósito de la predicación de Juan era preparar a la gente para aceptar a Jesús como el hijo de Dios. Juan invita a la gente a una nueva relación personal con Dios cuando les pide que se confiesen individualmente.

¿Donde te encuentras tu ahora? ¿Necesitas cambiar algo en tu vida antes de que puedas oir y entender el mensaje de Jesús? Debes admitir que eres pecador para poder recibir el perdón. Necesitas estar verdaderamente arrepentido para tener verdadera fé.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura de esta semana nos habla de que nuestro Dios es un Dios que dá el consuelo. La segunda lectura revela que Dios nos trata a cada uno con misericordia. El Evangelio muestra que la respuesta al arrepentimiento lleva al poder del perdón.

Esta semana hagamos saber a aquellos que están a nuestro alrededor algo de nuestras imperfecciones mas notables. Por ejemplo, una falta específica como el estar juzgando a los otros y digámosles que vamos a cambiar y que si nos ven juzgando nos lo hagan notar con amor. Esto te guiará hacia un increíble mejoramiento en tus relaciones con los seres queridos, con aquellos con los que trabajas o en la escuela. Sé especifíco y escoje primero una imperfección pequeña, luego has oración y cambia (arrepiéntete). Tu cambio, no tus palabras, ni tus lágrimas, serán las que traigan el perdón. Prueba con dejar de fumar, de beber, de decir mentiras, de jurar en vano, etc. Has algo hermoso por Dios — cambia (arrepiéntete).

Second Sunday in Advent (December 6th) – Cycle B

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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 40:1-5, 9-11 FIRST READING

(“Cry out at the top of your voice.”)

l. What does the Lord say to give to his people? Isaiah 40:1

 

2. What does God give us in our afflictions, thus enabling us to give others in their troubles? 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

3. What two things are we to do to Jerusalem, and what has Jerusalem received from the hand of the Lord?  Isaiah 40:2

 

4. Who speaks for us, and what do we proclaim? Matthew 10:20 and 10:27

 

5. What does a voice crying out in the desert say?  Isaiah 40:3

 

6. What shall happen to every valley, mountain and hill, the rugged land and the rough country?  Isaiah 40:4

 

7. Then what shall be revealed, who shall see it, and who has spoken?   Isaiah 40:5

 

8. What does the Father give the Son, and what does the Son give the Father?  How did the Son give this to the Father? John 17:1 and John 17:4

 

9. What are we to do at the top of our voice, what are we not to do, and what are we to say?   Isaiah 40:9

 

10. Who comes with power ruling by his strong arm, and what is with him and before him?   Isaiah 40:10

 

11. What does a shepherd do to his flock and lambs, where does he carry them, and what does he lead with care? Isaiah 40:11

 

12. What is the eye in Matthew 6:22?

 

Personal – What have your actions been crying out about our Lord to others?  How have you experienced the Lord carrying you in his bosom and leading the ewes with care?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 PETER 3:8-14 SECOND READING

(“The Lord does not delay in keeping his promise.”)

1. In the Lord’s eyes, what is one day?   2 Peter 3:8

 

2. What does the Lord not delay in keeping?   2 Peter 3:9

 

3. What promise was made to us and to our children? Acts 2:38-39

 

4. What does the Lord show us, and what does he want? 2 Peter 3:9

 

5. How does Jesus Christ display all his patience? 1 Timothy 1:15-16

 

6. How will the day of the Lord come, and what will happen on that day?   2 Peter 3:10

 

7. What will happen to everything, and what are people to do? 2 Peter 3:11 and Acts 3:19

 

8. How are we to be in our conduct and devotion while looking for the coming of the day of the Lord? 2 Peter 3:11-12

 

9. How do we become the very holiness of God? 2 Cor. 5:21

 

10. What does scripture say about being holy?   Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16.

 

11. What do we await, and what will reside?  2 Peter 3:13

 

Personal – How have you experienced God’s patience with you? How have you shown patience to your parents, children, friends, schoolmates or co-workers in revealing God’s truth to them and their choice to accept or reject it?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 1:1-8 GOSPEL

(“…He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”)

1. What begins here, and what is written in Isaiah as to who is being sent and for what reason?   Mark 1:1-2

 

2. What was the herald’s voice in the desert crying?  Mark 1:3

 

3. What message has God entrusted to us?  2 Corinthians 5:19

 

4. What does Jesus say the Father has done to him, and in turn, does to us?   John 17:18

 

5. Who appeared in the desert, what was he proclaiming, and to what did it lead?   Mark 1:4

 

6. What is to be preached to all the nations?  Luke 24:47

 

7. Who went out to John, what was happening to them as they confessed their sins?   Mark 1:5

 

8. To whom are we to confess our sins?   James 5:16

 

9. With what was John clothed, what did he wear around his waist, and what was his food?   Mark 1:6

 

10. With what are we to cloth ourselves, and what is our food? Ephesians 6:13-17, John 4:32-34

 

11. What was the theme of John’s preaching, and in what has he baptized us?  Mark 1:8, John 1:29-33

 

Personal – Examine your conscience. Write out what way you have seen yourself sin, and how you have experienced being baptized in water and the Holy Spirit?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 85:9-14

(“I will hear what God proclaims.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 85:9-14.

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 40:1-5, 9-11

This week’s reading from Isaiah comes from a section sometimes called Second Isaiah (Chapters 40-55) and is generally considered to have been written by an unknown poet who prophesied near the end of the Babylonian exile.  In 586 B.C. the city of Jerusalem fell, the walls and palaces were destroyed and the sacred temple burned.  King Zedikiah and the rest of the population were marched to Babylon in chains.  God has called his prophet to speak tenderly and to comfort his chosen people.

The seeds of comfort can take root in the soil of adversity. When it seems as if your life is falling apart, ask God to hold you and comfort you. You may still experience the trials and tribulations of adversity, but you may find God’s comfort right in the midst of it. To some, the only comfort people have is the knowledge that someday they will be with God. I speak now to those who seem to be experiencing very little signs of hope concerning their physical health, in their imprisonment or in their marriage. Hold on. Appreciate the comfort and encouragement found in his word, his presence, his Eucharist and his people.

  The voice of hope calls out to us, as well as to the people in this reading, to prepare a straight and smooth way. This means removing obstacles in our life that prevent us from receiving Jesus into our heart. The desert in our life today can be a picture of life’s trials and suffering. We are not immune to them, but because of our faith and because of God’s promise (John 3:16), we need not be hindered by life’s obstacles.

John the Baptist told the people to prepare to see God work, even in our lives now (Matt. 3:3). He challenged the people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, and that is what Advent is about for us today. We are called to prepare for the coming of the Christ into our hearts. We are to prepare for the Incarnation of God. We need to smooth our crooked ways, and we do that by asking God to forgive us for our crooked ways and attitudes. In today’s reading, people are compared to grass and flowers that fade away (Is. 40:6-8).  Our lives are mortal, but God’s word is eternal and unfailing.

 

2 PETER 3:8-14

This reading is a message of hope. The people of Peter’s time faced persecution and longed every day to be delivered. Peter tells them that a thousand years is like a day to the Lord. He was telling them that God is not slow and that he just is not on our time table. Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him. He displays his incredible patience by dealing with us so mercifully. We are not called just to sit around and wait for him. Rather, we are called to go forth and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). The disciples realized that the time was short, and there was a lot of important work to do.

Today that message is being put forth in a sense of urgency. Here on earth we must plan our life as if we will live forever, and live it as if today was our last day. We are told that Christ’s return will be sudden and terrible for those who do not believe in him and obey his commandments. Do you spend more of your time piling up earthly possessions, or are you striving to bring to others a message of hope?

We are called to bring our brothers and sisters back into repentance. Then they too will experience the incredible forgiveness of the Lord. God’s purpose for mankind is not destruction, but creation. He will burn the heavens and earth with fire, and he will create them anew. We cannot hurry God’s return, even if we are suffering now. He is waiting patiently for more of his rebellious children to repent. We can bring more people to faith in him by the way we live our lives, especially if we are suffering. He wants us to be holy simply because he is holy, and he wants only the best for us.

 

MARK 1:1-8

Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, but he probably knew Jesus personally. This gospel is written in the form of a fast-paced story to Christians in Rome where there were many gods. Mark wanted the Romans to know that Jesus is the one, true Son of God.

We see John the Baptist announce Jesus’ coming and call for the people to straighten out their lives and give up their selfish ways of living. The people were called to renounce their sins, seek God’s forgiveness, and establish a personal relationship with God by believing and obeying his holy word. Today we are called to do the same, acknowledge that we are sinful, and renounce our sins. We can experience God’s forgiveness only when we admit we were wrong. John the Baptist was very popular, and his message of repentance was heard and accepted by many. Repentance does not mean “I am sorry;” it means “a change of attitude.”

John was telling everyone to prepare for someone who was coming who would be far more effective than he. John told the people that he was not fit even to tie the straps of this man’s sandals. He told the people that the Messiah would baptize them with water and the Spirit. The purpose of John’s preaching was to prepare people to accept Jesus as God’s Son. John challenged the people into a new personal relationship with God when he called the people to confess individually.

Where are you right now? Is change needed in your life before you can hear and understand Jesus’ message? You have to admit that you are sinful in order to receive forgiveness. You must have true repentance to have true faith.

 

Application

This week’s first reading tells us that our God is a God who comforts.  The second reading reveals that God deals with each one of us mercifully. The Gospel shows that the response to repentance leads to the power of forgiveness.

This week, let us acknowledge to those around us some of our very obvious flaws. Take a specific fault, like making judgments, and tell them that you are going to change, and if your friends see you being judgmental, to point it out to you in love. This will make a dramatic improvement with your loved ones, those in your work area or school. Be specific and pick the small flaws first, then pray and change (repent). Your change, not your words or tears, will bring forgiveness. Try this with smoking, drinking, lying, swearing, etc. Do something beautiful for God – change (repent).

Lectio Divina – Second Sunday in Advent (December 6th) – Cycle B

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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

Mark 1:1-8 – The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of His sandals. I have baptized you with water; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Vigesimocuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (13 de Septiembre) – Ciclo A

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

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

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

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

 

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

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE ECLESIASTICO 27:30 – 28:7 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Perdona los errores de tu prójimo.”)

1. ¿Cuáles cosas son abominables y qué hace el pecador con ellas?  Eclesiástico 27:30

 

2. ¿Qué debes tener en mente, y qué no cumple la ira del hombre?  Santiago 1:19-20

 

3. ¿Qué sufrirá el vengador y por qué?  Eclesiástico 28:1

 

4. ¿Quién dice, “la venganza es mía: yo repagaré”?   Romanos 12:19

 

5. ¿Si perdonas la injusticia a tu prójimo, que te pasará cuando ores?  Eclesiástico 28:2

 

6. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús al Padre cuando estaba muriendo en la cruz?  Lucas 23:34

 

7. ¿En Quién te ha perdonado Dios?  Efesios 4:32

 

8. ¿Si una persona alimenta el enojo contra otra persona, qué puede esperar del Señor?  Ecl. 28:3

 

9. ¿Cuáles son las preguntas dadas en los versículos cuatro y cinco de Eclesiástico 28?

 

10. ¿Qué debes recordar, qué debes dejar de hacer y qué debes cumplir?  Eclesiástico 28:6

 

11. ¿Qué no debes odiar, la alianza de quien debes recordar, y que debes dejar pasar?   Eclesiástico 28:7

 

Personal – Ora y pídele al Señor que te revele cualquier enojo que tal vez estés abrigando contra alguna persona.  Qué te dé la fuerza para perdonar cuando eres tratado(a) injustamente siendo inocente.

 

 

TERCER DIA ROMANOS 14:7-9 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Tanto en la vida como en la muerte, pertenecemos al Señor.”)

1. ¿Qué no hace ninguno de nosotros?   Romanos 14:7

 

2. ¿Qué ejemplo nos dio Jesús para seguir en nuestro modo de vivir?  ¿El servidor no es más grande que quién?  Juan 13:12-16

 

3. ¿Mientras vivimos para quien vivimos?  Romanos 14:8

 

4. ¿Cuando morimos, para quién morimos?  Romanos 14:8

 

5. ¿A quién pertenecemos tanto en la vida como en la muerte?  Romanos 14:8

 

6. ¿Qué es el esclavo que fue llamado a creer en el Señor, y cómo hemos sido comprados? 1 Corintios 7:22-23

 

7. ¿Por qué murió Cristo y volvió a la vida de nuevo?  Romanos 14:9

 

8. ¿Quién fue apartado por Dios para juzgar tanto a los vivos como a los muertos? Hechos 10:36-42

 

9. ¿Cómo es llamado el bendito y único regidor?  1 Timoteo 6:15

 

10. ¿Qué debe proclamar cada lengua para la gloria de Dios el Padre?  Fil. 2:11

 

Personal – ¿En qué forma te has sometido a nuestro Señor Jesucristo?  ¿Es sumisión total o parcial?  ¿Cómo se ha hecho visible esta sumisión para tu familia, amistades, compañeros de escuela, o conocidos en el trabajo?

 

 

CUARTO DIA MATEO 18:21-35 EVANGELIO

(“Mi Señor, ten paciencia conmigo y yo te pagaré todo.”)

1. ¿Quién estaba hablando y qué le pidió al Señor?  Mateo 18:21

 

2. Cuando Jesús les dijo a Sus discípulos como oraran, ¿qué dijo El que hicieran concerniente al perdón?  Mateo 6:12

 

3. ¿Cuál fue la respuesta de Jesús para perdonar siete veces?  Mateo 18:22

 

4. ¿A qué puede ser comparado el reino de Dios?  Mateo 18:23

 

5. Mientras el Rey empezaba sus audiencias uno que le debía una gran cantidad de dinero fue traído adentro, ¿qué ordenó su patrón en pago de la deuda?  Mateo 18:24-25

 

6. ¿Qué hizo y dijo el oficial?  Mateo 18:26

 

7. ¿Con qué se compadeció el patrón, y que hizo?  Mateo 18:27

 

8. ¿Qué hizo el mismo oficial cuando se encontró a un compañero sirviente?  Mateo 18:28

 

9. ¿Qué hizo y dijo su compañero sirviente y qué hizo que hicieran con él?  Mateo 18:29-30

 

10. ¿Cuando sus compañeros sirvientes vieron lo que pasó, cuál fue su reacción a dónde fueron y qué hicieron?  Mat. 18:31

 

11. ¿Cuando su patrón lo mandó a buscar, qué le dijo?  Mateo 18:32-33

 

12. ¿Qué hizo él en su coraje?  Mateo 18:34

 

13. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que haría Su Padre celestial y que debemos hacer nosotros?  Mateo 18:35

 

14. ¿Qué penetra los pensamientos más íntimos?  Hebreos 4:12

 

Personal – ¿Por cuál falta tuya murió Jesús en la cruz y te perdonó?  ¿Qué falta mayor necesitas perdonar en un hermano o hermana?  Sé especifico(a).

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 103:1-4, 9-12

(“No nos trata según nuestros pecados.”)

Lee y medita en el Salmo 103:1-4, 9-12.

¿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

ECLESIASTICO 27:30-28:7

“Padre, perdónalos, porque no saben lo que hacen (Lucas 23:34)”.  Jesús le pidió a Su Padre que perdonara a la gente que lo estaba preparando para Su muerte.  Dios contestó esa oración abriendo el camino de salvación para todos.

El pasaje de ahora nos revela que la venganza es solamente del Señor (Romanos 12:19).  Se nos ha dicho que la piedad vendrá solamente para esos quienes demuestran piedad y que seremos perdonados por nuestros pecados en la misma medida que nosotros perdonemos a quien ha pecado contra nosotros.

Tú y yo no debemos rehusar la piedad a ninguna persona porque ya hemos sido perdonados por Jesucristo y Su muerte pagó el precio de nuestra redención.  Su sangre nos ha lavado.  Porque El nos ha perdonado, podemos perdonar a otros.  El dolor de ser lastimado(a) físicamente, emocionalmente, sexualmente o hasta espiritualmente, puede ser tan abrumador que parece que la venganza es más justificable.  A veces parece más lógico esconderse del dolor que hay adentro.

Permite que Jesús entre en tu corazón y mientras estás leyendo esto, déjalo ir al punto del dolor en todo tu ser.  Di, “Ven, Espíritu Santo, dame el poder de perdonar igual como lo hace mi hermano Jesús”.  El te sanará y renovará tu mente (Romanos 12:2).  El tomará residencia en tu corazón y te dará un corazón de carne en lugar de ese corazón de piedra.  El será tu roca, tu fortaleza, tu refugio (Salmo 91).  El ungirá tu cabeza con aceite sanador, y habitarás en Su casa para siempre (Salmo 23).

Aprenderás a dar piedad porque El reside en tu templo (1 Corintios 6:20).  Perdonarás a esos quienes te han dañado porque tú has sido perdonado(a) por todos tus pecados (Mat. 6:12).  Vamos a recordar ser prontos para escuchar, lentos para el enojo, y lentos para hablar (Santiago 1:19, 20).  Pues la cólera del hombre no demuestra la justicia del Señor.

 

ROMANOS 14:7-9

La única persona que nació para morir ha sido Jesucristo.  El vivió y murió por toda la humanidad. El murió por todos los pecadores en el mundo.  Su muerte pagó el precio que liberó a la humanidad de la esclavitud de Satanás.  No toda la humanidad decidió aceptar Su regalo increíble y como consecuencia miramos un tremendo conflicto entre lo bueno y lo malo.  Porque tanto amo Dios al mundo que le dio Su único Hijo, para que todo el que crea en El no se pierda, sino que tenga Vida Eterna (Juan 3:16).

Jesús nació para ser el servidor que sufriera por la humanidad y para ser su Señor y Salvador.  Hoy en día vemos mucha gente que vive su vida en la creencia de que son sus propios talentos y deseos los que determinan su destino.  Vemos muchas culturas que dicen que tienes que ser fuerte e independiente para salir adelante.  La humildad es confundida con la debilidad en muchas partes de nuestra sociedad.  El amor a Dios, familia y país es considerado por algunos(as) como una tontería sentimental.

Jesús nos llamó a ser lavadores de pies en el mundo (Juan 13:3-17).  El nos llamó a ser sirvientes para nuestros prójimos y a amarnos unos a los otros como El nos ha amado (Juan 13:34).  El nos dice que nuestra libertad ha sido comprada a un precio muy alto y ese precio fue Su sangre (1 Corintios 7:22-23).  El nos pide una sumisión a El y una sumisión de uno para con el otro.  Debemos pensar primero en los demás.

Debemos ponernos la mente de Cristo (Fil. 2:2-11).  Hemos sido llamados a vivir para Cristo porque El ha muerto por nosotros para que podamos vivir para siempre.  El es nuestro Señor y cuando nosotros muramos pasaremos la eternidad en Su presencia amorosa.

Yo los animo a que paren de hacer lo que están haciendo ahora, se arrodillen y confiesen que Jesucristo es el Señor de sus vidas.  El está de pie junto a la puerta de tu corazón.  Abre esa puerta e invítalo a pasar y déjalo que te sane ahora.  (Apocalipsis 3:20).

 

MATEO 18:21-35

En el Evangelio de hoy se nos dice que si no perdonamos a los que nos ofenden, tampoco Dios perdonará nuestras ofensas a El.  En los días de Cristo había una costumbre Judía que solo se perdonaba a alguien tres veces.  Era considerado perfectamente aceptable y se demandaba castigo en la cuarta ofensa.

Pedro pensó que él estaba siendo muy generoso sugiriendo perdonar a alguien siete veces.  El estaba asustado, al oír a Jesús decirle que debemos perdonar siempre, sin importar cuantas veces lo pidan.

La historia de ahora nos enseñó las serias consecuencias que esperaban a los que no podían pagar sus deudas.  No era raro ver un deudor permanecer el resto de su vida en la cárcel.  Piensa acerca de esto por un momento.  Ninguno de nosotros es capaz de pagar nuestra propia deuda a Dios.  Jesucristo murió por nosotros en la cruz y pagó el rescate por nuestros pecados con Su vida.  Si alguna vez fuéramos juzgados sobre que tan bien pagamos nuestra propia deuda, el cielo estaría vacío.

¿Cuántas veces le has pedido al Señor que te perdone y recibiste Su perdón en el hermoso sacramento de la reconciliación?  ¿Cuántas veces caíste en la seducción de la tentación?  Dios en su increíble misericordia no ha puesto límite en el número de veces que podemos caer.

El camino a la vida eterna estaría vacío y sería muy largo si Dios nos limitara únicamente a un número determinado de veces de ser perdonados.  Tenemos un Dios que nos ama tanto que está tocando en la puerta de nuestros corazones pacientemente, esperando a entrar y sanarnos al igual que perdonarnos (Apocalipsis 3:20).

Jesús nos está diciendo ahora que el perdón es una decisión y es una decisión de amar.  Jesús nos dice en la última oración de la parábola de hoy que Su Padre hará con nosotros lo que nosotros le hagamos a otros (Mat. 18:35).  Jesús mismo nos dice en la Escritura que lo que sea que hagamos al más pequeño de Sus hermanos, lo hacemos a El (Mat. 25:31-41).  Jesús mismo nos ha demostrado que Sus acciones apoyan Sus palabra.  Mientras moría en la cruz El miró arriba a Su Padre y dijo, “Padre, perdónalos, porque no saben lo que hacen.”  (Lucas 23:34)  Mis queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, hemos sido llamados hoy a hacer nada menos que lo mismo y eso es perdonar a los que nos han ofendido

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos enseña que la venganza es de Dios, no de nosotros.  La segunda lectura nos dice que la humildad es el carácter de Cristo.  El Evangelio revela que el perdón no es una opción para el Cristiano.  Es un requisito que ofrecemos a otros de la misma manera que Dios nos lo ofrece a nosotros.

Toma tiempo esta semana para ir con un miembro de la familia, amistad, o compañero del trabajo contra quien guardas un resentimiento.  Pídeles que te perdonen por ello.  Pide perdón por haberte quedado con ese resentimiento, amargura, o falta de perdón hacía ellos.  Recuerda, por medio del perdón viene el alivio.