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Lectio Divina – 2nd Sunday of Advent (Dec 8th) – Cycle A

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER: Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Matthew 3:1-12 – John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jeruselem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his had. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

B. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

1st Sunday of Advent (Dec 1st) – Cycle A

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

 

FIRST DAY     Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY    READ ISAIAH 2:1-5     FIRST READING

(“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain.”)

1. Who saw something concerning Judah and Jerusalem and whose son was he? Isaiah 2:1

 

2. What will happen to the mountain of the Lord’s house, who will come towards it, and when will this happen? Isaiah 2:2

 

3. What will the people say who come to it? Isaiah 2:3

 

4. Who is to instruct us in his ways, in whose paths are we to walk, and from where will instruction come? Isaiah 2:3

 

5. Where is Zion?  1 Kings 8:1, Joel 4:17, 21

 

6. In days to come, from where will the Word of the Lord come? Isaiah 2:3

 

7. Where does the Word of God come from today? John 1:1,14

 

8. How do we know he is speaking to us if he is not walking and talking with us as he did with the apostles two thousand years ago? John 16:7

 

9. In days to come, how will there be a judgment? And what will end? Isaiah 2:4

 

10. What are we to walk in and who is the light of the world? Isaiah 2:5, John 8:12

 

Personal – How are you anticipating with joy our Lord’s coming? Do your family and friends know that Jesus will come again? How are you preparing for his coming and how is your family preparing for it?

 

 

THIRD DAY    READ ROMANS 13:11-14     SECOND READING

(“Let us cast off deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”)

1. What is the summation of all the commandments? Romans 13:9-10

 

2. When should we wake from sleep? Romans 13:11

 

3. When will our salvation be completed Revelations 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 5:2

 

4. What does it mean to “accept the faith?  ” Write out the following verses

John 3:16

 

John 14:6

 

5. What does verse 12 of Romans 13 say about the day and night, what must we cast off and what must we put on?   Romans 13:12

 

6. What is the armor of light?  (Light representing Jesus, John 8:12) List all of the armor that we are to put on: Ephesians 6:10-17

 

7. According to Romans how are we to live and how are we not to live? Romans 13:13

 

Personal According to verse 13, what is one of the major reasons for divorce today? What is one of the major causes of automobile accidents? What is one of the major causes of abortion today? What is one of the major causes of division in our churches today?

 

8. To put on the Lord Jesus Christ, how must we conduct ourselves? 1 John 2:6

 

9. For what are we not to make provision?   Romans 13:14

 

10. How do we not give in to the desires of the flesh? Galatians 5:13

 

Personal Do you know Jesus well enough through his Word to walk as he did? In what way can you better learn about him?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ     MATTHEW 24:37-44     GOSPEL

(“Stay awake, therefore, you cannot know the day your Lord is coming.”)

1. Who is the Son of Man?   Matthew 1:18, 23

 

2. What will he repeat?  Matthew 24:37, Gen 7:11-23

 

3. What were the people doing in the days before the flood and what did the flood do to them? Matthew 24:38-39

 

4. What will happen when Jesus comes again? Matthew 24:40-41

 

5. What must we do, why must we do this, and what must we not allow? Matthew 24:42-43

 

6. Who are the thieves? John 10:1, 8

 

7. What do the thieves come to do? John 10:10

 

8. What must we be before the Son of Man comes? Matthew 24:44

 

9. How can we be best prepared? John 8:31

 

Personal In what way are you living according to his teachings? How do you know his teachings?

 

 

FIFTH DAY      READ PSALM 122:1-9

(“We will go up to the house of the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 122:1-9.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY    READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 2:1-5

The emphasis in this passage is peace through obedience to God. This is the only kind of peace that will be permanent. The temple is mentioned, not so much because of its architecture, but because of the presence of God in the Old Testament scripture. The temple was a symbol of religious authority, and all worship was centralized through the temple. The temple was a symbol of God’s holiness, and it was the setting for many of the great visions of the prophets. The temple was a symbol of God’s covenant with Israel.

The temple was a symbol of God’s forgiveness and it prepared the people for the coming of their long-awaited Messiah. The temple was a testimony to human effort and creativity, and finally, above all else, the temple was a place of prayer. Isaiah was prophesying what was going to happen to Jerusalem, and that was that Jerusalem would not only be freed of her bondage, but that she would become a leader to all nations.

The new Jerusalem is a city of God where there will be no more tears, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain and no more death. Have you ever wondered what heaven will be like? The Holy City, or New Jerusalem is described in scripture (Rev. 21) as a place where God dwells among his people amid the absence of pain, sorrow and death.

This is a tremendous comfort for us, because no matter what we may be going through, it is not the last word. God has written that last chapter and he has promised us that if we believe in his Son (Jesus), we will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). We are told in this passage that a wonderful day of peace will come when we are taught God’s laws and then obey them. We know that sin causes war, conflict, sickness, and disruption.

We are encouraged to begin to obey God, not in the next world but rather, in today’s world. He has given us his Word for direction and guidance. We will not have to wait until we die to enjoy the benefits of his love, we will begin to enjoy them immediately. We will become changed and that change will affect our family, friends, and fellow coworkers. We must never forget God made a covenant with us. He will never break his promise, and his promise is to be with us until the end of time. (Matt. 28:20).

 

ROMANS 13:11-14

In this message, Paul really stresses the urgency of changing our lives before Jesus Christ comes back again. No man knows when God will rise and bid him go. The time grows shorter, for we are every day one day nearer that time. Paul stresses that we too must have all things in our life ready. St Augustine, in his story “Confessions” tells of finding conversion in the last verses of this passage. He wondered how long it was going to take to end his life of sinfulness.

With his Word God had spoken to St. Augustine and he will speak to us if we will let him. We do not search for God; he is already searching for us. God’s Word can always find the human heart, no matter how much darkness surrounds it. Let Jesus come into your heart right now and put on the clothes of light and the armor of right living.

In Roman society, a young man put down the clothes of his childhood and put on the toga, a sign of an adult, with its rights and responsibilities. Paul is saying we have laid aside the clothes of the law and now we are putting on Christ’s clothes of righteousness. We are to do the same, we are to cast off and throw away our rotten garments of sin and put on the clothes of grace. Paul was appealing to the commitment the believers had made in their baptism (2:12). They understood baptism to symbolize the death and burial of the old way of life, followed by resurrection to a new life in Christ. When we think of our old life in sin as being dead, we then have a powerful motive to resist sin in our lives today. Today we must consider ourselves dead and unresponsive to the deadly desires of sins of attitude as well as to sins of the flesh. Attitudes lead to action, just like hatred can lead to murder. Jealousy can lead to fighting, and lust can lead to adultery. We must be ourselves, as clean on the inside as we are on the outside when Christ returns again.

 

MATTHEW 24:37-44

The message in today’s Gospel is to be alert, and be prepared for Jesus’ return to earth. We call this special time Advent as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child on Christmas Day. As we prepare for this blessed day in our Christian calendar, we need to especially remember that what we are celebrating is the anticipation of Christ coming again on this earth to bring the “Good News” to all who have believed in him. As we are told in today’s passage, we are fortunate not to know when that special day comes because we might become lazy in our work for Christ. Some would probably keep on sinning right up to the end and then try to turn to God in the nick of time.

Our goal in life is not just to get to heaven; we also have a commission (Matt. 28:19) right here on earth. We must continue on in our life, living out the reality of God’s presence until we see the triumphant return of our Savior. Our Lord’s second coming will be instantaneous and there will be no time for last minute repentance or bargaining. The choice we have already made today will determine our destiny. Have you made a choice today to let Jesus Christ become the Lord of your life? In today’s passage, Jesus is not telling us about his return to put fear or doubt in our heart. He is not trying to get us into making all kinds of predictions. He is warning us to be prepared. He is giving us a warning of love, because he wants no man or woman to perish.

The bottom line in today’s message is: Will you be found faithfully doing his work on the day of his return? We have those who say we can work our way to heaven alone, and others who say we need only faith to be saved. A story was told of a man in a rowboat taking passengers from the dock to the waiting ship. He had painted on one oar “Faith” and on the other oar “Works.” When he used only the oar that said “Faith,” the boat went in a circle to the left. When he used only the oar marked “Works,” the boat still went into a circle, only this time to the right. When he used both oars the boat went ahead to its desired goal. Jesus wants us, in faith, to continue our good works until he comes again in glory.   

 

Application

In the first reading, we saw the emphasis being placed on obedience. The second reading stressed the urgency of changing our lives, and the Gospel tells us to be alert and prepared.

This week, be alert and prepared to do battle against temptation and sin by being obedient to those who are placed in authority over us. Therefore, let us curb our tongue when we are in conversations at work, school or in the privacy of our own home. The example you provide will allow your co-workers, classmates and family to see the gifts and fruits of the Spirit in your life.

Lectio Divina – 1st Sunday of Advent (Dec 1st) – Cycle A

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE 

Matthew 24:37-44

The coming of the Son of Man will repeat what happened in Noah’s time.  In the days before the flood people were eating and drinking, marrying and being married, right up to the day Noah entered the ark.  They were totally unconcerned until the flood came and destroyed them. So will it be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.  Two women will be grinding meal; one will be taken and one will be left.  Stay awake, therefore! You cannot know the day your Lord is coming.

Be sure of this: if the owner of the house knew when the thief was coming he would keep a watchful eye and not allow his house to be broken into.  You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect.

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

B. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina – 34th Sunday Christ The King (Nov 24th) – Cycle C

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE 

Luke 23:35-43 – The rulers sneered at Jesus and said, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God.” Even the soldiers jeered at him. As they approached to offer him wine they called out, “If you are King of the Jews, save yourself.” Above him there was an inscription that read, “This is the king of the Jews.” Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus saying, “Are you not the Christ! Save yourself and us.” The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply, “Have you no fear of God, for you are subject to the same condemnation? And indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

B. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Trigésimo Cuarto Domingo Cristo Rey (24 de Nov) – Ciclo C

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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      2 SAMUEL 5:1-3      PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Tú eres el que guiará a mi pueblo, Israel.”)

1. ¿Quiénes vinieron a hablarle a David, qué le dijeron?  2 Samuel 5:1

 

2. ¿Dónde estaba David? Si puedes busca en un mapa bíblico el lugar, 2 Samuel 5:1

 

3. ¿Quién dirigia a Israel y los trajo de regreso?  2 Samuel 5:2

 

4. ¿Según las tribus de Israel quién habló a David y qué le dijo?  2 Samuel 5:2, y Ezequiel 34:23-24

 

Personal – ¿Entonces, quién creés tú que es el que designa al pastor del pueblo? ¿Sigues tú al Unico, al que Dios ha designado como Rey de Reyes de todos los tiempos?

 

5. ¿Con quién estaba hablando David?  2 Samuel 24:17

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te habla Dios y cómo le hablas tú como lo hizo David?  

 

6. ¿Qué le pasará al pastor que Dios ha designado cuando éste no escucha y se somete a la palabra de Dios?  Zacarías 11:17, y Jeremías 25:34-36

 

7. ¿Quién es nuestro Gran Pastor?   Leé y escribe las siguientes escrituras:

Génesis 48:15

Salmo 23:1

Juan 10:6-7, 11

Juan 10:16

8. ¿Quién fue hecho rey de Israel? ¿Con quién hizo un pacto el rey antes de ser ungido? 2 Samuel 5:3

 

Personal – ¿Qué diferencias encuentras entre un buen pastor, un buen rey y un rey malo? ¿Y tú qué eres?

 

TERCER DIA COLOSENSES 1:12-20 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“A través de El tenemos la redención y el perdón de nuestros pecados.”)

1. ¿Por qué tenemos que darle gracias al Padre?  Colosenses 1:12

 

2. ¿Quién tendrá luz y vida? ¿Quién es la luz?  Juan 8:12

 

3. ¿Quién nos rescató y de quién?  Colosenses 1:13

 

4. ¿Quién tiene el poder de las tinieblas?  Hechos 26:18

 

5. ¿Cuando nos rescató a dónde nos llevó?  Colosenses 1:13

 

6. ¿Qué recibimos a través de Jesús?  Colosenses 1:14, 1 Pedro 2:9

 

Personal – ¿Has sido tu redimido? ¿Le has pedido al Señor que te perdone y te haga libre? Vuelve a leer el versículo 14. Esta es una promesa de Dios. Copia este versículo y medita sobre él.

 

7. ¿Quién es la imágen de Dios que no se puede ver y quién es el primogénito de toda la creación? Colosenses 1:15

 

8. Lee y copia lo siguiente:

Salmo 89:28

Juan 1:3

Juan 1:18

Personal – ¿Cómo ves a Dios Padre? ¿Cómo te lo ha revelado Jesús a tí de manera personal? ¿Está con la vara en la mano listo para castigarte o es gentil, amable y está listo para perdonarte? Así como ves a Jesús así vé al Padre.

 

9. ¿Qué fué creado en él y dónde?  Colosenses 1:16, 1 Corintios 8:6

 

10. ¿Para quién se hizo todo?  Colosenses 1:16

 

11. ¿En quién se mantiene todo?  Colosenses 1:17

 

12. ¿Quién empezó la iglesia y quién es la cabeza?  Efesios 1:22, Apocalipsis 1:5, Colosenses 1:18

 

13. ¿A quién le pasó Cristo ese lugar de cabecera?  Mateo 16:18 

 

14. ¿Cómo hemos sido reconciliados con el Padre?  Colosenses 1:20

 

Personal – ¿Le has permitido a Jesús lavarte con su sangre y darte la paz con el Padre? ¿Qué cambios puedes ver en tu vida desde que esto fue hecho?

 

CUARTO DIA LUCAS 23:35-43 EVANGELIO

(“Este es el rey de los Judíos.”)

1. ¿Quién estaba ahí mirando? ¿Quiénes se burlaban de Jesús y qué decían?  Lucas 23:35

 

2. ¿Había alguien más, burlandose de Jesús? ¿Qué le ofrecieron y qué le dijeron?  Lucas 23:36-37

 

Personal – ¿Por qué crees que Jesús no se bajó de la cruz y se salvó a sŇ mismo de ésta muerte tan agonizante? Lucas 22:42

 

3. ¿Era el deseo del Padre que Jesús, Su único Hijo muriera en  la cruz? ¿Por qué?  Leé y copia:

1 Timoteo 2:4

Juan 12:47

Juan 3:16

Juan 10:10

4. ¿Si Jesús fué obediente al Padre y estuvo colgado en la cruz y sufrió el peso de nuestros pecados para salvarnos, qué debemos hacer nosotros?  Juan 1:12, Apocalipsis 3:20

 

5. ¿Cómo debemos seguir el ejemplo de Jesús?  Mateo 16:24-25, Marcos 8:35, Lucas 9:24

 

6. ¿Ha sido a través de algún esfuerzo que nosotros hayamos hecho, que hemos sido salvados?  Tito 3:4-5

 

7. ¿Cuál era la inscripción en el letrero de la cruz de Jesús?  Lucas 28:38

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has hecho a Jesús tu Rey de Reyes y Señor de Señores?  1 Timoteo 1:17, Apocalipsis 17:14, Apocalipsis 19:16

 

8. ¿Qué le dijo uno de los criminales a Jesús en Lucas 23:39?

 

9. ¿Por quién estaba preocupado?  Lucas 23:39

 

10. ¿Qué dijo e hizo el otro criminal?  Lucas 23:40-41

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo eres como alguno de esos dos criminales? ¿Quién se negaba a sí mismo? ¿Cómo te niegas tú a tí mismo?

 

11. ¿Qué le dijo a Jesús en el versículo 42 de Lucas 23 y cuál fué la respuesta de Jesús?

 

12. Leé Mateo 25:33, 34, y 41. ¿Cómo puedes comparar esto con Lucas 23:39-40?

 

Personal – ¿Eres tú el de la derecha o el de la izquierda? ¿De qué modo te has negado a tí mismo esta semana, poniendo antes que a tí mismo a tu esposa, hijos, amigos, vecinos, compañeros de trabajo o amigos de la escuela?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE EL SALMO 122:1-5

(“Dá gracias al nombre del Señor.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 122:1-5.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

2 SAMUEL 5:1-3

David fué finalmente ungido rey de todo Israel y esto fué el cumplimiento de una promesa de Dios. Previamente había sido ungido rey en privado por Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). David era apenas un adolescente y pasó muchos años al servicio del Rey Saúl. Cuando fue coronado Rey de Judá, a los 30 años que era la mitad sur de la Tierra Prometida (2 Samuel 2:4). Fué Coronado rey de todo el país a los treinta y siete años y reinó por cuarenta años.

Cuando David era jóven y estaba considerado fuera de la ley, su futúro se veía muy triste, pero la promesa de Dios de hacerlo rey se había cumplido. David tuvo que esperar muy pacientemente para que ésta se cumpliera, pasaron muchos años antes de que sucediera. Nosotros debemos reflexionar sobre la paciencia y humildad que David tenía al esperar tanto tiempo. El llegó a ser un gran rey, soldado, poeta, cantante, músico, escritor y líder espiritual de su pueblo. Había sido ungido por Dios y sabía que con el tiempo cuando según Dios fuera el tiempo, el plan se realizaría.

El tiempo que David tuvo que esperar lo preparó para el importante oficio de ser el buen pastor que su país necesitaba. Así nosotros necesitamos esperar en el Señor y confiar en que El nos dirigirá en nuestro camino hacia el reino. David fué un líder porque había sido un seguidor de Dios. En un tiempo él quitó sus ojos de Dios y cayó en grave pecado. Pero se arrepintió y vió que insignificante era su reino comparado con el de Dios y regresó y recibió el don de la gracia de Dios y el perdón. Nosotros podemos ser como David; podemos regresar a la sagrada luz de Dios arrepintiéndonos y dándonos cuenta de que Dios es nuestro único buen pastor y de que El nunca falla en ir a buscar y salvar a la oveja perdida. Sigamos el ejemplo de David y permitamos que nuestra unción bautismal sea el principio de nuestra vida eterna con el “Buen Pastor,” Jesús, quien nos hará libres por siempre (Juan 8:32).

 

COLOSENSES 1:12-20

Pablo estaba sacando a la luz una herejía de la iglesia Colosense que fue el inicio del Gnosticismo. La palabra “Gnosticismo” quiere decir conocer y la palabra “herejía” quiere decir instruir contrariamente a la verdadera doctrina. La herejía Gnóstica atacó a la Cristinadad en diversas formas. Sostenía que el conocimiento secreto importante no debía ser revelado a todos los creyentes y enseñaba que el cuerpo es maligno. Pablo responde a esta herejía declarando que Jesús eligió el vivir en un cuerpo humano. Esta herejía niega la humanidad de Cristo y Pablo insistió que en Jesús, vemos a alguien que está completamente vivo, es humano y es bueno.

El Gnosticismo empezaba a ser conocido y podía haber hecho tambalear facilmente las mentes de los creyentes que no sabían sobre la voluntad de Dios a traves de las enseñanzas de la iglesia. Todavía vemos muchas señales de esta herejía rondando en nuestra iglesia. Hoy como en los tiempos de Pablo el mejor modo de que la iglesia permanezca fiel a las enseñanzas del Señor es a través del estudio personal y las enseñanzas de la iglesia. Pablo enlista beneficios que Jesús nos dió a traves de su muerte en la cruz. Nos hizo para ser parte de su reino. Nos rescató de Satanás, nos hizo Sus hijos y nos trajo a su reino eterno (Efesios 2:5-6).

La iglesia Colosense estaba atrapada creyendo que todo lo que es materia es básicamente maligno. Ellos creían que Dios, siendo un espíritu completamente bueno, nunca vendría a la tierra como un verdadero ser humano (ser humano es tener algo de materia). Creían que Cristo no había hecho el mundo pues era increíble que Dios hubiera creado algo que era maligno. Creían que el saber secreto y especial era el único modo de que la gente encontrara a Dios. Pablo les dice que solo Cristo tiene el poder de salvar. Les dice que Jesús no solo es igual a Dios (Filipenses 2:6), El és Dios (Juan 10:30).

Entendamos que Pablo está combatiendo una herejía que trata de poner el conocimiento por encima de los aspectos salvíficos de Dios. Nosotros como los creyentes Colosenses, debemos creer que Jesucristo es Dios y no simplemente un gran profeta. Nuestra fe será hueca, dirigida erroneamente y sin sentido si vemos a Jesús como alguien menos que Dios.

 

LUCAS 23:35-43

En este pasaje Jesús es puesto en la cruz; y aún con su increíble dolor busca el modo de consolar y perdonar a otros. El lugar donde Jesús fue llevado para ser crucificado se llamaba “Gólgota” que significa “calavera.” Era una pequeña colina en las afueras de las murallas de la ciudad, a un costado de uno de los caminos principales. Los Romanos hacían de las ejecuciones una exposición pública como un ejemplo de lo que sucedía a los que desafiaban la ley Romana. Es irónico que Santiago y Juan le pidieron a Jesús tener lugares de honor cerca de El en su reino (Marcos 10:35-39). Cuando Jesús se estaba preparando a entrar a su reino por la crucifixión, los lugares a su izquierda y derecha eran tomados por criminales convictos que estaban muriendo.

Es un ejemplo increíble para todos nosotros el que Jesús muriera por todos los hombres no solo por unos cuantos seleccionados. Debemos tomar las palabras de Jesús, dirigidas a sus dos discípulos hambrientos de poder, como nuestras y recordar que aquél que quiera estar cerca de Jesús debe prepararse para sufrir y morir como El lo hizo. El único camino al paraíso es a través de la cruz. Aún estando colgado, muriendo y en agonía, Jesús le pide a su Padre que “los perdone por que no saben lo que hacen.” Debemos reflexionar sobre esas palabras, especialmente con todo lo que sucede hoy en día en el mundo.

¿Realmente entendemos que horrible es el pecado para Dios? ¿Realmente entendemos que horrible es cuando dejamos a otros morir de hambre, vivir sin un techo o cuando no damos de vestir al desnudo? ¿Realmente entendemos cuando le damos la espalda al anciano, al que está solo o en prisión o al enfermo mental? ¿Realmente entendemos que horrible es cuando somos la causa de que otros vivan con miedo y que les fallemos sin nuestro amor? Jesús sabía que no entendemos realmente nuestra crueldad y nos muestra la razón real por la cual El murió por todos nosotros. Nos libró de las garras mortales en las que Satanás nos tenía y ahora, con fe, podemos escoger el amar, el hacer a todos los hombres libres y el perdonar. Dios nos dice que si aceptamos a Su hijo, viviremos por siempre (Juan 3:16).

Jesús murió por nosotros y nos perdonó nuestros pecados. Así, nosotros, debemos perdonar a otros como El nos ha perdonado (Mateo 6:15). Seamos como el buen ladrón (Dimas) a la derecha de Jesús y digamos, “Señor, recuérdame cuando estés en tu reino.” El nos dirá como le dijo a Dimas, “En verdad te digo que estarás conmigo en el paraíso.” Jesús es la aurora que se abre en la obscuridad del pecado y dá luz eterna.

 

Aplicación

En la primera lectura vemos a David siendo paciente y humilde, esperando ser coronado rey cuando Dios lo dispusiera. En la segunda lectura Pablo les está diciendo a los Colosenses que la salvación es una persona llamada Jesús, no una doctrina intelectual. El Evangelio muestra que aún al estar muriendo, Jesús estaba perdonando a los que lo habían herido.

Veamos a las personas y situaciones a nuestro derredor y digamos específicamente, “Padre, perdona a ___________ y a ___________ por lo que él o élla me está haciendo. Aplica esto a la familia, los amigos, el jefe y los compañeros de trabajo

34th Sunday Christ The King (Nov 24th) – Cycle C

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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 5:1-3          FIRST READING 

             (“You shall shepherd my people Israel…”)

1. Who came to David and what did they say to him?  2 Samuel 5:1  

     

2. Where was David?  If you can locate this place on a bible map, give location.  2 Samuel  5:1

 

3. Who led the Israelites out and brought them back? 2 Samuel 5:2

 

4. Who did the tribes of Israel say spoke to David and what did he say to him?  2 Samuel 5:2, Ezekiel 34:23-24

 

Personal – Who, then, do you think appoints those to shepherd the people?  Are you following the One whom God has appointed King of kings for all times?

 

5. To whom was David speaking?  2 Samuel 24:17

 

Personal – How does God speak to you and how do you speak to him   as David did?

 

6. What will happen to the shepherd God has appointed that does  not listen and submit to the words of God? Zechariah 11:17 and Jeremiah 25:34-36

 

7. Who is our Great Shepherd?  Read and write out the following scriptures:

Genesis 48:15

Psalm 23:1

John 10:6-7, 11

John 10:16

8. Who was made king of Israel? With whom did the king make an agreement before and who anointed him? 2 Samuel 5:3

 

Personal – What do you see as the difference between a good shepherd, a good king, and a bad king?  What are you?

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ COLOSSIANS 1:12-20        SECOND READING

(“Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness for our sins.”)              

1. For what are we to give thanks to the Father?  Colossians 1:12

 

2. What does it mean “the saints in light” and who is the light?  John 8:12 

 

3. Who rescued us and from whom did he rescue us? Colossians 1:13

 

4. Who is the power of darkness?  Acts 26:18

 

5. When he rescued us, where did he bring us?  Colossians 1:13

 

6. What do we receive through Jesus?  Colossians 1:14, 1 Peter 2:9

 

Personal – Have you been redeemed?  Have you asked the Lord to cleanse you and make you whole?  Reread verse 14.  This is a promise from God.  Write out this verse and meditate on it.

 

7. Who is the image of our God we cannot see and who is the first-born of all creatures?  Colossians 1:15

 

8. Read and write out:

Psalm 89:28

John 1:3

John 1:18

Personal – How do you see God the Father?  How has Jesus revealed  him to you personally?  Is he holding a rod ready to punish you or is he gentle, kind and forgiving?  As you see Jesus, you see the Father.

 

10. What was created in him and where was it created? Colossians 1:16, 1 Corinthians 8:6 

 

11. For what reason was all created?  Colossians 1:16

 

12. How does everything continue its being?  Colossians 1:17

 

13. Who began the church and who is the head of it? Ephesians 1:22, Revelation 1:5, Colossians 1:18

 

14. Onto whom did Christ pass this headship?  Matthew 16:18

 

15. How have we been reconciled with the Father? Colossians 1:19-20

 

Personal – Have you allowed Jesus to wash you with his blood and   bring you to peace with the Father?  What changes can you see in your life since you have done this?

 

 

FOURTH DAY               READ LUKE 23:35-43               GOSPEL

                (“This is the King of the Jews”)

1. Who stood there watching?  Who was jeering at Jesus, and what  were they saying?  Luke 23:35

 

2. Was there anyone else making fun of Jesus?  What did they offer him, and what were they telling him to do?

Luke 23:36-37

 

Personal – Why do you think Jesus did not come down off the cross  and save himself from this agonizing death?  Luke 22:42

 

3. Was it the Father’s will that Jesus, his only begotten Son,   die on the cross and why?

Read and write out:

1 Timothy 2:4

John 12:47

John 3:16

John 10:10

4. If Jesus was obedient to the Father and hung on the cross and  suffered from the weight of our sins in order to save us, what must we do?  John 1:12, Revelation 3:20

 

5. How are we to follow Jesus’ example?  Matthew 16:24-25, Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24

 

6. Was it through any effort of our own that we have been saved? Titus 3:4-5

 

7. What was the inscription written over Jesus’ head? Luke 23:38

 

Personal – How have you made Jesus your King of Kings and Lord of Lords?  1 Timothy 1:17, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16

 

8. What did the one criminal say to Jesus in Luke 23:39?

 

9. About whom was he concerned?  Luke 23:39

 

10. What did the other criminal do and say?  Luke 23:40-41

 

Personal – In what way are you like either one of the criminals?  Who was denying himself and how do you deny yourself?

 

11. What did he say to Jesus in verse 42 of Luke 23 and what was  Jesus’ reply?

 

12. Read Matthew 25:33-34, 41.  How can this be compared to Luke 23:39-40?

 

Personal – Are you the one on the left or the right?  In what ways have you denied yourself this week for your spouse, children, friends, neighbor, business associates, or school friends?

 

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 122:1-5               

             (“Give thanks to the name of the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 122:1-5.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY      

2 SAMUEL  5:1-3

     David was finally anointed king over all Israel, and this was a fulfillment of God’s promise.  He first was anointed king in private by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).  David was just a teenager then and spent many years in the service of King Saul.  David was thirty years old when he was crowned King of Judah, which was the southern half of the Promised Land (2 Samuel 2:4).  He was crowned king of the whole country at the age of thirty-seven and reigned for forty years.  

When David was young and an outlaw, his future looked very bleak, but God’s promise to make him king was now fulfilled.  David had to wait very patiently for God’s promise to be fulfilled, even though he had been promised the kingship many years earlier.  We need to reflect on the patience and humility that David practiced in his long wait.  He went on to become a great king, warrior, poet, singer, musician, writer and spiritual leader of his people.  David was anointed by God and he knew that in time, God’s  time, the plan would come into being.  

David’s time of waiting prepared him for the very important task of being the good shepherd that his country needed. We too need to wait on the Lord and trust that he will direct us in our walk through the kingdom.  David was a leader because he was a follower of God.  Later David took his eyes off of God and he fell into great sin.  David repented and saw how puny his kingdom was next to God’s and he came back and received God’s gift of grace and forgiveness. We too can be like David; we can all come back to God’s holy light by repenting and realizing that God is our only good shepherd and he will never fail to go out and save the lost sheep.  Let us follow David’s example and let our baptismal anointing be the beginning of our eternal life with the “Good Shepherd,” Jesus, who will set us all free forever (John 8:32).

 

COLOSSIANS 1:12-20

     Paul was bringing to light a heresy in the Colossian church that was the beginning of Gnosticism.  The word “Gnosticism” means knowledge and the word “heresy” means a teaching contrary to true doctrine.  The Gnostic heresy attacked Christianity in several ways. It held that important secret knowledge was to be kept from most believers, and it taught that the body is evil.  Paul responded to this heresy by stating that Jesus chose to dwell in a human body.  This heresy denied the humanity of Christ and Paul insisted that in Jesus we see one who is fully alive, human and good.  

Gnosticism was beginning to get known and it could easily sway believers’ minds that did not know God’s will through the teachings of the church.  We see many signs of this heresy still lingering on in our church.  Today, as in the times of Paul, the best way a church can remain true to the teachings of the Lord is through personal study and church teachings.  Paul lists five benefits that Jesus gave us through his death on the cross.  He made us to be part of his kingdom.  He rescued us from Satan and made us his children.  He brought us into his eternal kingdom (Eph 2:5-6).

The Colossian church was caught up in believing that all matter is basically evil.  They believed that God, being a spirit which is all good, would never come to earth as a true human being (being human is part of matter).  They believed that Christ did not make the world, because they believed God would not create anything that was evil.  They believed that special and secret knowledge was the only way people could find God.  Paul told them that only Christ has the power to save.  Paul told them that Jesus is not only equal to God (Phil 2:6), he is God (John 10:30).  

We need to understand that Paul is combatting a heresy that tries to put knowledge above the saving aspects of God.  We, like the Colossians, must believe that Jesus Christ is God and not simply some great prophet.  Our faith will be hollow, misdirected, and meaningless if we see Jesus as anything less than God.   

 

LUKE 23:35-43

     In this passage, Jesus is placed on the cross; and even in his own incredible pain, he seeks to comfort and to forgive others.  The place where Jesus was led to be crucified was called “Golgotha” which means “the skull.”  This was a small hill just outside of the city walls, alongside a main road.  The Romans made the execution a public display as an example of what happens to those who defy Roman law.  It is ironic that Jesus was asked by James and John for the places of honor next to him in his Kingdom (Mark 10:35-39).  Now that Jesus was preparing to enter his Kingdom through his crucifixion, the places on his left and right were to be taken by dying, convicted criminals.  This is an incredible example for all of us that Jesus’ death was for all men, not just a selected few.  We must take Jesus’ words to his two power-hungry disciples, to our own hearts and remember that anyone who wants to be close to Jesus must be prepared to suffer and die as he did.  The only way to paradise is through the cross.  Even as he hung there dying in agony, Jesus was asking his Father to “forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”  We need to reflect on those words, especially with what is going on in today’s world.

Do we really understand how horrible sin is to God?  Do we really understand how horrible it is when we let others starve, go homeless, or we fail to clothe the naked?  Do we really understand when we turn our backs on the old, the lonely, the imprisoned, the mentally ill?  Do we really understand how horrible it is when we cause others to live in fear, and when we fail to love?  Jesus understands that we don’t really understand our own cruelty and he shows us the real reason why he died for all of us.  He freed us from the deathhold that Satan had on us and now, in faith, we can choose to love, choose to make all men free, and choose to forgive.  God tells us that if we accept his son, we will live forever (John 3:16).  

Jesus died for us and forgave us our sins.  We must also forgive others as he has forgiven us (Matt 6:15).  Let us be like the good thief (Dismas) on Jesus’ right, and say, “Lord, will you remember me in your Kingdom?”  He will say to us as surely as he said to Dismas,  “Believe in me and you too shall be with me in Paradise.”  Jesus is the dawn that breaks into the darkness of sin and gives us the light eternal.

 

Application 

In the first reading, we saw David being patient and humbly waiting to be crowned King in God’s time.  In the second reading, Paul is telling the Colossians that salvation is a person named Jesus, not some intellectual doctrine.  The Gospel shows us that even as he was dying, Jesus was forgiving those who hurt him.

Let us look at the people and situations around us and specifically say, “Father, forgive so and so for what he or she is doing to me.”  Apply this to family, friends, boss, fellow workers, etc.

Lectio Divina – 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time (Nov 17th) – Cycle C

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE 

Luke 21:5-19 – While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Then he asked him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” He answered, “See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and ‘The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end,” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky. “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

B. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina- 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Nov 10th)- Cycle C

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE 

Luke 20:27-38 – Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us, If someone’s brother dies leaving a wife but no child, his brother must take the wife and raise up descendants for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman but died childless. Then the second and the third married her, and likewise all the seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be? For all seven had been married to her.” Jesus said to them, “The children of this age marry and remarry; but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age and to the resurrection of the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. They can no longer die, for they are like angels; and they are the children of God because they are the ones who will rise. That the dead will rise even Moses made known in the passage about the bush, when he called out ‘Lord,’ the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

B. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Lectio Divina- 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Nov 3rd)- Cycle C

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE 

Luke 19:1-10 – At that time, Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town. Now a man there named Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man, was seeking to see who Jesus was; but he could not see him because of the crowd, for he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, who was about to pass that way. When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. When they all saw this, they began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to stay at the house of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Behold, half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone I shall repay it four times over.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.”

A. What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

B. What does the Lord personally want you to do?