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DOMINGO DE PASION (April 14th) – 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?

 

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

 

SEGUNDO DIA                 ISAIAS 50:4-7                                       PRIMERA LECTURA 

(“El Señor Dios es mi ayuda por lo tanto no quedaré avergonzado.”)

  1. ¿De dónde vino la Palabra de Dios, a quien se la dió El, y por qué razón se la dió? Isaías 50:4

 

  1. ¿Qué abrió el Señor para que tu oigas? Isaías 50:4

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que El no ha hecho? Isaías 50:5

 

  1. ¿Qué pasa con los que se rebelan? 1 Samuel 12:15

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el siervo a los que le pegaban y jalaban su barba? Isaías 50:6

 

  1. ¿De qué no escondió su cara? Isaías 50:6, Mateo 26:67 y Mateo 27:30

 

  1. ¿Quién es el que ayudó al siervo y cómo puso este último su cara? Isaías 50:7

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que el siervo reconoce? Isaías 50:7

 

Personal – ¿Escuchas al Señor cuando te habla? ¿Qué te está diciendo? ¿De qué manera y con qué palabras levantas a los cansados en tu propia casa? Ora y pide al Señor que te revele como puedes mejorar tus palabras.

 

TERCER DIA                     FILIPENSES 2:6-11                                 SEGUNDA LECTURA 

(“Cristo Jesús es el Señor.”)

  1. ¿Cuál debe ser tu actitud? Filipenses 2:5

 

  1. ¿En qué forma se presentó El? Filipenses 2:6

 

  1. ¿Quién es Cristo? Juan 1:1, 14

 

  1. ¿A qué condición no se quiso igualar? Filipenses 2:6

 

  1. ¿Por el contrario de qué se despojó y por quién? Filipenses 2:7 y 2 Corintios 8:9

 

  1. ¿Qué forma tomó y a semejanza de quién nació? ¿Cuál era su origen? Filipenses 2:7

 

  1. ¿Cuáles dos cosas hizo El, según Filipenses 8:2?

 

  1. ¿Por qué razón hizo estas dos cosas?   Hebreos 2:14-17

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Dios por El, debido a que El se humilló a sí mismo y aceptó la muerte en la cruz? Fil. 2:9

 

  1. Al oir el nombre de Jesús, ¿qué es lo que toda rodilla debe hacer, en los cielos, en la tierra y debajo de la tierra? ¿Qué es lo que toda boca debe de proclamar?   Filipenses 2:10-11

 

  1. ¿Sin lugar a dudas, qué es lo que te dice esto? Hechos 2:36

 

  1. ¿Esto se proclama por la gloria de quién, y que pasará contigo si confiesas con los labios que Jesús es el Señor y crees en tu corazón que Dios lo resucitó de entre los muertos? Romanos 10:9

 

  1. ¿Quien te dá el poder de decir que “Jesús es el Señor?” 1 Corintios 12:3

 

Personal – ¿En qué se parece tu actitud a la de Cristo? ¿De qué manera te humillas a tí mismo? ¿Qué cruz has aceptado con obediencia? Lee Marcos 8:34 y medita esto.

 

 

CUARTO DIA                    LUCAS 22:14-23:56                                   EVANGELIO 

(“Padre, perdónalos; no saben lo que hacen.”)

  1. ¿Cuando Jesús se sentó a la mesa que les dijo a los discípulos que estaba muy deseoso de hacer? ¿Qué dijo acerca de la copa, qué hizo con el pan y con la copa? Lucas 22:14-20

 

  1. ¿Quién estaba con él en la mesa, qué dijo acerca de éste? ¿Qué se preguntaban los discípulos entre ellos? Lucas 22:21-23

 

  1. ¿Sobre que discutían los discípulos? ¿Qué les dijo Jesús? ¿Cómo dijo que se encontraba El entre ellos?   Lucas 22:24-27

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo les demuestras a los demás que estás para servirles?

 

  1. ¿Quiénes habían permanecido con El compartiendo Sus pruebas? ¿Qué les pasaría a éstos?Lucas 22:28-30

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús que Satanás había pedido? ¿Qué hizo Jesús para que su fe no se fuera abajo? ¿Qué les dijo que hicieran? ¿Qué le dijo a Pedro? Lucas 22:31-34

 

  1. ¿Qué les dijo Jesús a sus discípulos que hicieran diferente a lo que hasta entonces habían estado haciendo? ¿Qué dijo acerca de la Escritura? ¿Qué les respondió cuando los discípulos dijeron “Mira,   Señor aquí hay dos espadas”? Lucas 22:35-38

 

  1. ¿Cuando Jesús y los discípulos fueron al Monte de los Olivos qué les dijo? ¿Cuando se alejó de ellos que le dijo a Su Padre? ¿Qué le dió fuerza y qué le sucedió? Lucas 22:39-44

 

  1. ¿Cómo halló Jesús a Sus discípulos y qué les dijo? Lucas 22:45-46

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo has fallado y no has estado alerta cuando alguien que tú conoces estaba sufriendo?

 

  1. ¿Cómo traicionó Judas a Jesús? ¿Qué le dijo Jesús? ¿Qué preguntaron los discípulos? ¿Qué dijo e hizo Jesús? Lucas 22:47-53

 

  1. ¿Después de que arrestaron a Jesús que pasó con Pedro? ¿Cuándo se acordó éste de la palabra del Señor y cuál fue su respuesta? Lucas 22:54-62

 

  1. ¿Cómo trataron a Jesús los que lo arrestaron? ¿Qué le dijeron cuando lo trajeron ante el Sanedrin? ¿Cuál fue Su respuesta y a qué conclusión llegaron? Lucas 22:63-71

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo la asamblea acerca de Jesús? ¿Qué le preguntó Pilato? ¿Qué les dijo acerca de la culpabilidad de Jesús? ¿Cómo respondió la gente? Lucas 23:1-5

 

  1. ¿A dónde envió Pilato a Jesús? ¿Cuál fue la reacción de Herodes al ver a Jesús? ¿Por qué reaccionó así? Lucas 23:6-8

 

  1. ¿Cómo trataron a Jesús, Herodes, los escribas, el sumo sacerdote y los soldados? ¿Qué pasó ese día con las relaciones entre Herodes y Pilato? ¿Qué les dijo Pilato al sumo sacerdote, a los jefes y a la gente? Lucas 23:9-17

 

Personal – Comenta sobre alguna vez que tú hayas tambaleado debido a la opinión popular y te hayas dejado llevar por ellos. ¿Fue ésta una buena o mala decisión?

 

  1. ¿Qué gritaba la gente? ¿Quién era Barrabás? ¿Qué pasó con éste? ¿Cuántas veces habló Pilato al pueblo? Lucas 23:18-25

 

  1. ¿Quién cargó la cruz atrás de Jesús? ¿Quién lo seguía? ¿Qué les dijo Jesús? Lucas 23:26-31

 

  1. ¿A quienes llevaban junto con Jesús para ser ejecutados? Qué pasó en el lugar llamado de la Calavera? ¿Qué pedía Jesús al Padre? Lucas 23:32-34

 

Personal – ¿De qué modo se nota en tu vida que has aceptado y recibido el perdón de Dios?

 

  1. ¿Qué dijeron los jefes? ¿Cómo lo llamaron los soldados? ¿Qué estaba escrito en el letrero?   Lucas 23:35-38

 

  1. ¿Qué dijeron cada uno de los criminales que estaban colgados con Jesús? ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a uno de ellos? Lucas 23:39-43

 

  1. ¿Qué le pasó al velo del templo a mediodía? ¿Qué dijo Jesús antes de expirar? ¿Qué dijeron e hicieron el centurión y la gente? Lucas 23:44-48

 

  1. ¿En dónde estaban todos los conocidos de Jesús incluyendo las mujeres? ¿Quién era José y qué hizo?   Lucas 23:49-53

 

  1. ¿Qué día era éste? ¿Qué iba a comenzar? ¿Qué hicierón las mujeres? ¿Qué mandamiento observaron?   Lucas 23:54-56

 

Personal – ¿Qué cambios ha habido en tu vida desde el año pasado como resultado de lo que Jesús ha hecho por tí?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                             LEE EL SALMO 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 

(“Han traspasado mis manos y mis pies.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24.

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

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA                                                 LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO 

                                                                                          ISAIAS 50:4-7 

La fuente de la fuerza y el valor para todo sufrimiento, pruebas y tribulaciones es el sufrimiento y la muerte de nuestro divino Señor Jesucristo. Necesitamos apegarnos fuertemente a El cuando el mundo se cierra con su agresión, su rechazo y su abandono. No solamente viajó él mismo camino antes de los santos de antaño, sino que El viaja hoy en día esperando constantemente estar contigo en tus sufrimientos. Su sufrimiento y su muerte abrieron el camino al cielo para todos nosotros aún cuando hay muchos que rehusan ese regalo. El renunció a todo por nosotros y nos dió Su amor, Su confianza, la esperanza, el respeto y la vida eterna. En cambio El fue escupido, ridiculizado, golpeado, despreciado, azotado y burlado. Finalmente fue clavado en la cruz en el calvario entre dos criminales.

Este es un día de reflexión y estamos por entrar a la Semana Santa. No debemos de olvidar las acciones y las palabras del sufrido siervo de Isaías. Necesitamos reflexionar sobre el cambio repentino de la muchedumbre de adorarlo a burlarlo. El tomó la cruz por nosotros y debemos recordar que nosotros también estamos llamados a tomar la cruz por otros. A veces creemos que nuestra cruz está demasiado pesada o que es injusto aguantar una cruz tan pesada. ¿Cuánto pesa tu cruz comparada a la de Cristo? ¿Cómo es tu calvario comparado al calvario de Cristo?

 

FILIPENSES 2:6-11 

Pablo nos dice que nuestra actitud debe ser igual a la de Jesucristo. (Fil. 2:5) El menciona que hay que asumir la actitud de un siervo en vez de la de un rey. Jesús, aún siendo Dios, no insistió en sus derechos y privilegios reales. El deliberadamente los hizo todos a un lado y tomó el papel de un siervo. Ahí está la fórmula increíble de un líder exitoso. Jesús nos guió sirviéndonos. El nos demostró que considerando a otros primero y siendo humildes es la única manera que una persona podrá llegar a ser líder verdadero. Las ovejas seguían al pastor por que confiaban en El.

La gente seguirá al líder si saben que su principal preocupación en su corazón es su bienestar. Jesús nos enseñó todo acerca del carácter de Dios en términos humanos. El fue obediente hasta la muerte y el tipo de muerte que escogió Dios para Jesús fue extremadamente dolorosa.

Jesús es el modelo perfecto para nosotros en la vida moderna. ¿Cuántas veces insistes en tus derechos cuando eres tratado injustamente? El nombre de Jesús hace acordar a cada persona cristiana el nombre de una persona que gustosamente murió para que la humanidad fuera libre, murió por nosotros sabiendo perfectamente bien que eramos pecadores. (Romanos 5:8) Jesús voluntariamente hizo a un lado sus derechos divinos, privilegios y su lugar debido al amor a Su Padre. Nosotros también estamos llamados a dejar a un lado nuestros derechos y privilegios en favor de nuestros hermanos y hermanas oprimidos en el sagrado nombre de Jesús.

 

 

LUCAS 22:14-23:56 

El Evangelio de hoy es largo y con mucha fuerza. Revela las emociones del poderoso y del humilde. Vemos a Jesús en la última cena ansioso de que esta empezara. Tenía sentimientos mezclados de alegría y tristeza ya que un traidor estaba sentado entre el grupo de amigos muy íntimos. Vemos el orgullo y la avaricia desplegadas al preguntarse quién entre ellos era el mejor y el Maestro sería traicionado por treinta piezas de plata.

Y sucedió la traición de Judas a Jesús y éste es arrestado en la obscuridad de la noche. Fue ridiculizado, humillado, torturado, fue negado, rechazado y abandonado por sus seguidores más cercanos. Se enfrentó con un presunto juicio a solas sin la ayuda amistosa de sus amigos o familia. Y sin embargo no estuvo solo, en todo esto Su Padre estuvo con El y en El. Fue fortalecido e iluminado por el Espíritu Santo.

Fue humillado y lacerado por los soldados y arrastrado entre la muchedumbre que aullaba hasta la colina llamada Gólgota o sea Calavera. Jesús fue arrojado a una cruz y clavado en élla. El reino de Dios estaba por iniciarse por medio de Su muerte y los lugares que estaban a su derecha e izquierda serín ocupados por dos criminales que iban a morir.

Jesús les dijo a sus dos discípulos hambrientos de poder Juan y Santiago (Marcos 10:35-39) si una persona quiere estar cerca de El debe prepararse a sufrir y a morir como El lo hizo. Este mensaje es también para nosotros hoy en día. El camino del reino es el camino de la cruz. Jesús enseñó al mundo entero en esa cruz que lo esencial para sanar, es el perdón. Jesús pidió a Su Padre que perdonara a todos los que lo estaban matando y esto incluía los líderes corruptos de la iglesia, los políticos, los soldados y hasta los mirones que se rieron y lo ridiculizarón en la cruz. Dios contestó esa oración abriendo el camino de la salvación para todos los pecadores, aún los asesinos de Jesús.

Debido a que todos somos pecadores (Romanos 3:23) todos hemos tenido un papel en poner a Jesús en la muerte. Las Buenas Nuevas son que Dios perdona y nos dió nueva vida por medio de su Hijo Jesús. El ladrón del lado derecho pidió a Jesús el perdón y este lo aceptó. Esto demuestra que nuestra fe en Jesús es una fe que salva y que nunca es demasiado tarde para buscar a Dios. Aún dentro de su miseria Jesús tuvo misericordia de este criminal y la misma misericordia te espera a tí.

 

Aplicación 

La primera lectura nos dice que debemos vivir a la luz de Dios no a la nuestra. La segunda lectura muestra que Jesús fué un servidor obediente aún en la muerte en la cruz. El evangelio revela que el perdón es lo esencial para sanar.

Esta semana permítete a tí mismo vivir lo que realmente significa perdonar. Mira a tu alrededor en tu familia, trabajo o escuela y ve a quien necesitas perdonar. Jesús nos muestra que debemos perdonar a los demás del mismo modo en que El nos perdona a nosotros. Tienes el poder dentro de tí mismo a traves del Espíritu Santo (1 Juan 4:4) de atar oprimiendo a alguien o perdonarle y darle libertad. Tú escoges y recuerda la verdad te hará libre (Juan 8:32).

 

PASSION (PALM) SUNDAY (April 14th) – 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? 

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ ISAIAH 50:4-7         FIRST READING 

     (“The Lord is my help, therefore I am not disgraced.”) 

  1. From where did the well-trained tongue come? To whom has he given it, and for what reason has he been given a well-trained tongue? Isaiah 50:4

  

  1. When and what does he open that you may hear? Isaiah 50:4

  

  1. What has he not done? Isaiah 50:5

  

  1. What happens to those who rebel?   1 Samuel 12:15

 

 What did the servant do to those who beat him and plucked his beard? Isaiah 50:6

 

 From what did he not shield his face? Isaiah 50:6,  Matthew 26:67 and 27:30

 

  1. Who is the servant’s help, and how has he set his face?  Isaiah 50:7

  

  1. What does the servant know? Isaiah 50:7

  

Personal – When do you hear the Lord speaking to you? What is he saying to you? In what way, by using a well-trained tongue, do you rouse the weary in your own household? Pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you how you can train your tongue.

 

 

THIRD DAY            READ PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11      SECOND READING 

                     (“Jesus Christ is Lord.”) 

  1. What must be your attitude? Philippians 2:5

  

  1. Of whom was he in the form? Philippians 2:6

  

  1. Who is Christ? John 1:1, 14

  

  1. What was something at which he did not grasp?  Philippians 2:6

  

  1. Rather, of what did he become empty and why?   Philippians 2:7, 2 Corinthians 8:9

 

 Of what did he take the form, and in whose likeness was he born, and of what was he known to be? Philippians 2:7

  

  1. What two things did he do in verse 8 of Philippians 2?

  

  1. For what reason did he do the above two things?   Hebrews 2:14, 17

  

  1. Because he humbled himself and accepted death on the cross, what two things did God do for him? Philippians 2:9

  

  1. What must every knee do, in the heavens, on the earth, and under the earth, at the name of Jesus, and what must every tongue proclaim? Philippians 2:10-11

  

  1. What does this tell you beyond a doubt? Acts 2:36

  

  1. For whose glory is this proclaimed (Philippians 2:11), and what will happen to you if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead? Romans 10:9

  

  1. Who gives you the power to say “Jesus is Lord?”  1 Corinthians 12:3

  

Personal – In what way is your attitude that of Christ? In what way have you humbled yourself? What cross have you obediently accepted? Read Mark 8:34 and meditate on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ LUKE 22:14-23:56              GOSPEL 

(“Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing.”) 

  1. When Jesus took his place at the table what did he tell his disciples he was eager to do, what did he say about the     cup, and what did he do and say with the bread and the cup?    Luke 22:14-20

  

  1. Who did Jesus say was at table with him, what did he say about him, and about what were the disciples debating?      Luke 22:21-23

  

  1. About what were the disciples arguing, what did Jesus say to them, and how did he say he was among them?     Luke 22:24-27

 

Personal – In what ways do you show others that you are a servant?

  

  1. Who did Jesus say stood by him in trials, and what did he say      would happen to them? Luke 22:28-30

  

  1. What did Jesus say Satan has demanded, what did Jesus do so their faith would not fail, what did he tell them to do, and what did he say to Peter? Luke 22:31-34

  

  1. What did Jesus tell his disciples to do now in contrast to what they were doing? What did he say about the scripture, and what was his reply to the disciples “Look, look, there are two swords?” Luke 22:35-38

  

  1. When Jesus and the disciples went to the Mt. of Olives, what did he say to them. Withdrawing from them what did   Jesus say to his Father, what strengthened him, and what was happening to him? Luke 22:39-44

  

  1. How did Jesus find his disciples and what did he tell them? Luke 22:45-46

  

Personal – In what way have you failed to stay awake when someone you know was hurting? 

 

  1. How did Judas betray Jesus, what did Jesus say to him, what was the disciples response, and what did Jesus do and say?     Luke 22:47-53 

 

  1. After they led Jesus away to arrest him what happened to Peter, when did Peter remember the word of the Lord, and what was his response? Luke 22:54-62

  

  1. How did the men who held Jesus treat him, what did they say to Jesus when they brought him before the Sanhedrin, what was his response, and what was their conclusion?    Luke 22:63-71

 

  1. What did the assembly say about Jesus, what did Pilate ask Jesus, what did he say about his guilt, and how did the people respond to this? Luke 23:1-5

  

  1. Where did Pilate send Jesus, what was Herod’s reaction to seeing Jesus, and why did he react that way? Luke 23:6-8

  

  1. How was Jesus treated by Herod, the scribes, chief priest and soldiers, what happened to Herod and Pilate’s relationship that day, and what did Pilate say to the     chief priest, rulers, and the people? Luke 23:9-17

  

Personal – Share a time you have been swayed by popular opinion and gone along with the crowd? Did it turn out to be a good or bad decision?

  

  1. What did the people shout, who was Barabbas, what happened to Barabbas, and how many times did Pilate address the people?      Luke 23:18-25

  

  1. Who carried the cross behind Jesus, who followed after Jesus, and what did Jesus say to them? Luke 23:26-31

  

  1. Who was led away with Jesus to be executed, what happened at   the place called the Skull, and what did Jesus ask the     Father? Luke 23:32-34

  

Personal – In what way does your life show that you have accepted and received God’s forgiveness for you?

  

  1. What did the rulers say, what did the soldiers call out to him, and what was inscribed above him? Luke 23:35-38

  

  1. What did each of the criminals hanging there with Jesus say, and what did Jesus tell the one? Luke 23:39-43

  

  1. At noon what happened to the veil in the temple, what did Jesus say before he breathed his last, what did the centurion and the people say and do? Luke 23:44-48

  

  1. Where were his acquaintances including the women, who was Joseph, and what did he do? Luke 23:49-53

  

  1. What day was it, what was about to begin, what did the women do, and what was the commandment they observed?   Luke 23:54-56

  

Personal – Since last year what change has taken place in you life as a result of what Jesus has done for you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY        READ PSALM 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24 

           (“They have pierced my hands and my feet.”) 

Read and meditate on Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24. 

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 50:4-7

     The source of strength and courage for all suffering, trial, and tribulations is the suffering and death of our divine Lord Jesus Christ. We need to hold fast to Him when the world closes in with its assault, rejection, and abandonment. He not only has traveled this same road before the saints of old, but He travels it today constantly waiting to be with us in our suffering.  

     Jesus’ suffering and death opened the road to heaven for all, even though many refuse the gift. He gave up everything for us, and He bestowed us with love, trust, hope, respect, and eternal life. In return, He was spat upon, ridiculed, beaten, jeered, scourged and mocked. He finally was executed when He was nailed to a cross on Calvary between two criminals. 

     This is a day of reflection as we are about to enter Holy Week. Let us not forget the actions and the words of this suffering servant of Isaiah. We need to reflect on how quickly the crowd changed from adoring Him to jeering Him. He had taken up a cross for us, and we must remember that we too are called to carry a cross for someone else. Sometimes we think our cross is too heavy, or that it is unfair to bear such a heavy cross. Dying to self and putting the needs of others first is our daily cross. How heavy is your cross compared to Christ’s? How is your Calvary compared to Jesus’ Calvary?

 

                       PHILIPPIANS 2:6-11 

     Paul tells us that our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:5). He describes putting on the attitude of a servant rather than that of a king. Jesus, though being God, did not demand his rights and privileges of royalty. He deliberately set them all aside and had taken on the role of a servant. There lies the incredible formula of a successful leader. Jesus led by serving all of us. He showed us that by putting others first and by being humble are the only ways a person can become a real leader. The sheep followed the shepherd because they trusted him. People will follow a leader if they know that he has their welfare at heart.  

     Jesus showed us everything of God’s character in human terms. He was obedient even unto death, and the type of death he chose for Himself was extremely painful. Jesus is the perfect role model for us in the world today. How many times do you demand your rights when you are being treated less than fairly? The name of Jesus should bring to every Christian person the name of a person who willingly died so that all people could be free, and He died for us absolutely knowing that we are sinners (Romans 5:8).  

     Jesus voluntarily laid aside His divine rights, privileges, and position out of love for His Father. We, too, are called to lay aside our rights and privileges for our oppressed brothers and sisters in the holy name of Jesus.

 

                        LUKE 22:14-23:56 

     Today’s gospel is lengthy and very powerful. It reveals the emotions of the powerful and the lowly. We see Jesus at the Last Supper eagerly waiting for it to begin. He has mixed feelings of joy and sadness, because a betrayer was sitting among a group of very close friends. We see pride and greed being displayed in the question, “Who among them was the greatest?” And the Master knew He was to be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. 

     The betrayal of Christ by Judas happens and Jesus is arrested in the dark of night. He is ridiculed, humiliated, tortured, and was denied, rejected and abandoned by his closest followers. He faced the mockery of a trial and his friends and family became unfriendly towards Him. Nevertheless, He was not alone in that His Father was with Him and in Him. He was strengthened and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. 

     He was humiliated and whipped by the soldiers and dragged through the howling mob to a hill called Golgotha which means Skull. Jesus was flung and nailed onto a cross. The kingdom of God was now about to be inaugurated through His death and the places on his right and left were to be taken by two dying criminals.  

     Jesus told His two power-hungry disciples, James and John, (Mark 10:35-39) that a person who wishes to be close to Him must be prepared to suffer and die as He did. This message is meant for us even today. The way to the kingdom is the way of the cross. Jesus then manifested to the whole world by being on the cross the core to healing is through forgiveness. Jesus asked His Father to forgive all those who were putting Him to death. This included the corrupt leaders in the church, politicians, soldiers, and even the bystanders who laughed and ridiculed while He was on the cross. God answered that prayer by opening the way to salvation to all sinners including Jesus’ murderers. 

     Since we are all sinners (Romans 3:23) we have all played a part in putting Jesus to death. The Good News is that God forgives and He gives us a new life through His Son, Jesus. The thief on the right side of Jesus called out to him for forgiveness, and Jesus accepted him and granted the forgiveness to him. This shows that our faith in Jesus is a saving faith, and it is never to late to turn to God. Even in his misery Jesus had mercy on this criminal, and that same mercy is waiting to be granted to us. 

 

Application 

     The first reading tells us that we are to live in God’s light not our own light. The second reading tells us that Jesus was an obedient servant even unto death on the cross. The gospel reveals forgiveness is the core of healing. 

     This week, let yourself experience what it really means to forgive. Look around and see in your family, job, or school those whom you need to forgive. Jesus tells us that it is necessary to forgive others just as he has forgiven us. You have the power within yourself through the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4) to hold someone in bondage or you can forgive and give them freedom. The choice is yours, and remember, the truth will set you free (John 8:32).  

Lectio Divina – Palm Sunday (April 14th) – 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 19:28-40 – Jesus proceeded on His journey up to Jerusalem. As He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany at the place called the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples. He said, “Go into the village opposite you, and as you enter it you will find a colt tethered on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. And if anyone should ask you, ‘Why are you untying it? You will answer, ‘The Master has need of it.’” So those who had been sent went off and found everything just as He had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying this colt?” They answered, “The Master has need of it.” So they brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the colt, and helped Jesus to mount. As He rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as He was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of His disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He said in reply, “I tell you,      if they keep silent, the stones will cry out!”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT (April 7th) – 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?

  

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

 

 

SECOND DAY            READ ISAIAH 43:16-21         FIRST READING 

                 (“See, I am doing something new!”) 

  1. What has the Lord done? Isaiah 43:16 

 

  1. Why has he done this? Isaiah 51:10. 

    

  1. When was this done? Exodus 14:21. 

 

  1. Who lies prostrate never to rise again? Isaiah 43:17 

 

  1. What are we not to remember or even consider? Isaiah 43:18 

 

Personal – Memorize Isaiah 43:18. When your mind begins to dwell on the past, from this time forward, repeat this verse and keep your eyes on what Jesus has in store for you.

 

 

  1. What is the Lord doing in verse 19 of Isaiah 43? 

 

  1. Who honors the Lord? Isaiah 43:20 

 

  1. Where does the Lord put water and who drinks it?   Isaiah 43:20

 

  1. Who are his chosen in the following scriptures: 
  1. Luke 9:35   –
  2. Acts 1:2     –
  3. Deut. 7:6-11 –
  4. Romans 11:5 –

 

  1. For what reason did he form these people? Isaiah 43:21 

 

Personal – In what way do you see yourself as one of God’s chosen people? Meditate on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY            READ PHILIPPIANS 3:8-14      SECOND READING 

 (“I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”)                    

  1. To what has Paul considered all as loss, what has he accepted, and for what reason has he considered this? Philippians 3:8 

 

  1. What is the righteousness Paul possesses and where does it have its origin? Philippians 3:9 

 

  1. On what is this righteousness based? Philippians 3:9 

 

  1. What three things does Paul wish to know in verse 10 of Philippians 3? 

     1.

     2.

     3.

 

  1. What does Romans 6:3-4 say about baptism?

 

  1. What must we do in order to be glorified with him?  Romans 6:4 and John 3:16. 

 

  1. What does Paul hope to attain? Philippians 3:11

 

  1. What has Paul not yet reached, what is he pursuing, and who has taken possession of him? Philippians 3:12

 

  1. What do Philippians 3:13 and Isaiah 43:18 tell us to forget and what are we to do?  

  

  1. Toward what is Paul pursuing and what is the prize?    Philippians 3:14 

 

Personal – In which of the following ways are you going towards   the finish line: sitting, crawling, strolling, fast walking, or running? What is the goal you are pursuing?

 

    

FOURTH                  READ JOHN 8:1-11                 GOSPEL 

 (“Neither do I condemn you. Go, (and) from now on do not sin anymore.”) 

  1. Where was Jesus and what did he do when the people started   coming to him? John 8:1-2

  

  1. What two groups of men were there, who did they bring in, and what did they make her do? John 8:3 

 

  1. How did they address Jesus and what did they say to him?  John 8:4-5 

 

  1. According to the law if a woman is married and is caught in   adultery what will happen to both man and woman?      Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22-24 

 

  1. Why did they question Jesus about the adulterer and what did Jesus do when they questioned him about her? John 8:6 

 

  1. When they persisted in their questioning, what did he say to them? John 8:7 

 

  1. How can you avoid judgment, and what must you do to see clearly? Matthew 7:1-5 

 

  1. Who are the sinners among us? Romans 3:23 

 

  1. What did Jesus do a second time? What happened to the audience, and in what succession? John 8:8-9 

 

Personal – By whom are you being led? Are you obedient to what your leaders in government tell you? Are you obedient to what your church leaders tell you? Has there been a time when Jesus’ Word has been put in conflict to what government or church law has stated? How have you responded to that conflict? 

 

  1. What did Jesus say to the woman after they were alone, what   was her response, and then what did he say? John 8:10-11 

 

  1. In what does God take pleasure? Ezekiel 33:11  

 

Personal – How can you bring pleasure to the Lord today? Take time to examine your conscience and attend the sacrament of reconciliation this week.

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 126:1-6 

   (The Lord will lead his people from captivity to freedom) 

Read and meditate on Psalm 126:1-6. 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY 

                         ISAIAH 43:16-21 

     The prophet Isaiah continues to proclaim a favorite theme to the exiles in Babylon. It is called, “The New Exodus.” God is being shown as the one “creating Israel – opening a way – leading out chariots”. The words portray the exodus out of Egypt, ending in the final scene where the Egyptians are lying prostrate and never to be rising. Pharaoh’s troops were crushed and drowned as they rushed into the parted sea opened for the Israelites (Exodus 15:19). The Israelites are being warned not to continue glorifying in a past that has no time for application in the present.

      The old exodus was temporary; the new exodus is forever. The word Anamnesis is from this great act of exodus. (Exodus 15:19) Anamnesis means to bring back, to continue, to recreate, to live. This is the heart of the Eucharistic prayer that constitutes the new exodus at every celebration of the Catholic Mass. The people are being told to stop looking in the past and look to the future, toward the permanent, new exodus.

 

                       PHILIPPIANS 3:8-14

     Paul shows us that true freedom can be found only in Jesus Christ, not in observance of a law. He came to God in humble faith, as Jesus told him to do, and he found that fellowship he had sought for so long. Paul discovers that a right relationship with God is based not on law but on faith in Jesus Christ. Righteousness is not achieved by any man but given by God. Paul’s understanding of Christ changed his whole value system.

      Paul, being a Jew himself, was very much aware of how complete compliance with the law was stressed. He was an educated man, a Roman citizen, and one who hunted down people who did not comply fully with the Jewish belief.

      To Paul, salvation meant sharing in the power of Christ’s resurrection as well as sharing in the suffering and becoming like him in death. Like Paul, we too hope to share in the power of Christ’s resurrection, even as it means sharing in his sufferings and becoming like him in death. Our sharing in his suffering can be through rejection by loved ones, family or friends. Jesus experienced rejection by friends right in his own home town. It is this kind of imitation of Christ that gives us hope that will be completed by our resurrection from the dead, even as Christ also was raised.

      Paul tells us that he has not yet reached his goal, that he is not yet been raised and is not yet perfect. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, take firm hold on the everlasting life to which you were called, when, in the presence of many witnesses you made your noble profession of faith.” We continue to make our profession of faith every time we say the Nicene Creed at a Roman Catholic Mass until we reach the finish line which is life on high in Christ Jesus.

      Resurrection and perfection are goals which are pursued, not ones which we already have. The prize of which Paul speaks is “Life on high in Christ Jesus”, that is, knowing and experiencing Jesus. Our righteousness and goals come not because of our merit but because of grace which comes from God through Jesus Christ.

 

                         JOHN 8:1-11

      In the eyes of the Jewish law, adultery was a very serious crime and was punishable by death. The Scribes and the Pharisees were out to get something on Jesus and discredit him.

     A scribe was an educated man, an intellectual, maybe a lawyer or even a scholar. They were teachers of the Law. Many were chosen to be Rabbis. A Pharisee was a leader who practiced the observance of the law to its maximum degree. The Pharisees were more concerned with keeping the external tenets of the law than what was in your heart.

      The leaders insisted that Jesus give a decision on what to do with this adulteress. They were hoping to trap him. Jesus turned the tables on them by saying, “Let the man that is without sin cast the first stone.” The elders were the first to leave and the rest followed. Today, as in the days of Christ, people still follow the lead of influential people in the community, even if they are uninformed. Jesus asked her where did her tormentors go, and who is there to condemn her. Jesus told her that he does not condemn her either and to go and sin no more. In Jesus there is the gospel of the second chance. He didn’t say that what she had done did not matter; broken laws and broken hearts always matter; but he was interested in her future more than in her past.

     The Pharisees and scribes wished to condemn; Jesus wished to forgive. They knew the thrill of exercising power to condemn; Jesus knew the thrill of exercising the power to forgive. Jesus confronted the woman with a challenge to go out and reach for a life that does not involve sin. He called her to go out and fight, to change her life completely. Jesus showed his belief in her as a person. He did not say “Lady you are a loser.” He said, “Go and sin no more.” His method is not to blast people with the knowledge which they already knew, that they were miserable sinners, but to inspire them to become living saints.

     Jesus also gives a warning, unspoken but implied. She has a choice either to go back to her old life and end up in destruction or to reach out to the new way with him. Jesus tells the man who he had just healed in the pool to stop sinning or something worse may happen to him (John 5:14). He clearly warns all of us that sin leads only to destruction. He offers to all of us the second chance, the gift of forgiveness.              

 

Application

      The first reading shows us that to look “back” is not of the Lord. The second reading reveals that only in Christ can true freedom be experienced. The Gospel tells us that Jesus forgives us, he does not condemn us.

      This week, let your family and your community see and experience you as a person who seeks justice and extends mercy and forgiveness. A person who can forgive and forget is a person who is really free.

 

Lectio Divina – 5th Sunday of Lent (April 7th) – 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 ON THE GOSPEL OF THE DAY

John 8:1-11 – Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. But early in the morning he arrived again in the temple area, and all the people started coming to Him, and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and made her stand in the middle. They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” They said this to test Him, so that they could have some charge to bring against Him. Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with His finger. But when they continued asking Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again He bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So He was left alone with the woman before Him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?    

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday of Lent (March 31st) – 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 15:1-3, 11-32 – Tax Collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” So to them Jesus addressed this parable: “A man had two sons, and the younger son said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of your estate that should come to me.’ So the father divided the property between them. After a few days, the younger son collected all his belongings and set off to a distant country where he squandered his inheritance on a life of dissipation. When he had freely spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he found himself in dire need. So he hired himself out to one of the local citizens who sent him to his farm to tend the swine. And he longed to eat his fill of the pods on which the swine fed, but nobody gave him any. Coming to his senses he thought, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have more than enough food to eat, but here am I, dying from hunger. I shall get up and go to my father and I shall say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as you would treat one of your hired workers.”’ So he got up and went back to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But the father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. Now the older son had been out in the field and, on his way back, as he neared the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what this might mean. The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ He became angry, and when he refused to enter the house, his father came out and pleaded with him. He said to his father in reply, ‘Look, all these years I served you and not once did I disobey your orders, yet you never gave me even a young goat to feast on with my friends. But when your son returns who swallowed up your property with prostitutes, for him you slaughtered the fattened calf.’ He said to him, ‘My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours. But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’”

  1. What is the Lord personally saying to you?
  2. What does the Lord personally want you to do?

FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT (March 31st) – 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?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY                                                      READ JOSHUA 5:9-12                                                 FIRST READING

(“Today I have removed the reproach of Egypt from you.”)

  1. What did the Lord tell Joshua he had removed from them that day?   Joshua 5:9

 

  1. What has the Lord removed from those who fear him? Psalm 103:12

 

  1. Where were the Israelites encamped, and what did they celebrate on the evening of the fourteenth of the month? Joshua 5:10

 

  1. What was prescribed by the Lord on the fourteenth day of the month? Exodus 12:5-6, 11

 

  1. What did the Israelites eat the day after the Passover? Joshua 5:11

 

  1. For what are we to work, and who gives it to us? John 6:27

 

  1. What did Jesus say is true food and drink, and what happens to whoever eats and drinks it? John 6:55-56

 

  1. On that same day, after the Passover, what ceased? Joshua 5:12

 

  1. How long did they eat the manna?   Exodus 16:35
  2. How long will you live if you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood?   John 6:49-51

 

Personal – What has been removed from you that allows you to participate in communion on Sunday?   In your life, what shows that communion is more important than the food on your table?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                                                 READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21                                   SECOND READING

(“So, we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us.”)

  1. What is “whoever is in Christ,” and what has happened to the old things?   2 Corinthians 5:17

 

  1. To those who accepted Christ, what did he give them the power to become?   John 1:12-13

 

  1. How have we been reconciled to God, and what has he given us the ministry of?   2 Corinthians 5:18

 

  1. What were we when we were reconciled to God, and how were we saved? Romans 5:10-11

 

  1. What did God not count, and what did he entrust to us? 2 Corinthians 5:19

 

  1. What does David declare, and who is blessed? Romans 4:6-8

 

  1. What are we for Christ, and what is Paul imploring the people to be?   2 Corinthians 5:20

 

  1. How does Paul want to make known the mystery of the Gospel, and what does that make him in chains? Ephesians 6:19-20

 

  1. For whose sake did God make Jesus become sin even though he did not know sin, and what did that make us? 2 Cor. 5:21

 

  1. What is Jesus able to do and for what reason? Hebrews 4:15

 

Personal – If God has entrusted to you the message of reconciliation, how have you shared and acted upon that message to those around you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY                                                   READ LUKE 15:1-3,11-32                                                              GOSPEL

(“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again.”)

  1. Who was drawing near to listen to Jesus, and what were the Pharisees and scribes complaining about? How did he address them?   Luke 15:1-3

 

  1. In the parable Jesus told, what happened to the younger son? What did the man long to eat?  Luke 15:11-16

 

  1. Coming to his senses, what did he decide to do, and what was he going to say to his father? Luke 15:17-19

 

  1. With what was his father filled when he saw his son, and what did he do?   Luke 15:20

 

  1. On who does the Lord have compassion?   Psalm 103:13

 

  1. What did the son say to the father, and what did the father do and say about the son?   Luke 15:21-24

 

  1. What were we following that made us dead in our own transgressions, and how were we brought to life? Ephesians 2:1-5

 

  1. What was the older son’s reaction to all the dancing and festivities for the younger son?   Luke 15:25-28

 

  1. What did the father do at the older son’s reaction, and what did he say to his father? Luke 15:29-30

 

  1. What did the father say belonged to the older son, and why did he say it was time to celebrate?  Luke 15:31-32

 

  1. What is the will of our heavenly Father, and how should we not feel over one of his little ones? Matthew 18:10-14

 

Personal – With whom do you relate in this gospel, and why?

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                                             READ PSALM 34:2-7

(“Look to him that you may be radiant with joy.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 34:2-7.

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

JOSHUA 5:9-12

The Israelites were ready to soon enter into the promised land after spending 39 years in the wilderness unnecessarily because they were afraid and underestimated God’s ability. The Canaanites heard about Israel’s great victories through God (crossing the Red Sea) and were terrified of them. Do not underestimate God. If we are faithful to him, as Joshua and the Israelites were faithful, then God can cause great opposition to melt away. God can change the attitudes of those who oppose us.

The Lord spoke to Joshua and told him that he was to circumcise all the males in his camp because that was the sign of the covenant with him. Then the angel spoke to Joshua and told him to prepare for battle and to listen to God’s plan only. They celebrated the feast of Passover before they went on to the battle of Jericho. The celebration reminded them of who they were, and what happened to get them that far.

This was the first celebration of the Passover in the Promised Land. The Israelites remembered how God was with them in their times of danger and hunger. They were now in a land that was overflowing with fruit, vegetables, and water. They knew that God has miraculously provided this land for them. They knelt and in prayer they thanked God for keeping their faith strong enough to get through the wilderness.

They knew, and it is important for us to know too, that prayer is not an alternative to preparing for what needs to be done, and faith is not a substitute for hard, honest work. God can and does provide us with miracles, but he expects us to use our God-given talents and resources to provide for others and ourselves.

 

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17-21

Christians are brand-new people on the inside when they become baptized. The Holy Spirit dwells within them and gives them a new life, and they are no longer the same. When we become baptized and a new child of the Lord, we are not reformed, rehabilitated or reeducated: we are brand-new creations, living in complete union with Christ (Colossians 2:6,7). It does not mean we are turning over a new leaf when we are baptized. It means we are beginning a new life under a new Master. We are reconciled to God by his wiping out of our sins, or original sin if one is being baptized as a child. We are made righteous. We are no longer strangers or foreigners when we trust in God.

Because we have been reconciled to God, we now have been given the privilege of encouraging others to do the same. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, and this means we are to be his representatives. As ambassadors of Christ, we are sent with his message of reconciliation to the world. We need not take this responsibility lightly because a hungry, broken, poor, and oppressed world anxiously and hopefully awaits us. How do you see yourself in the role of Christ’s ambassador?

While you trust in Christ, you make a trade: your sins for his goodness. He took on unto himself all of our sins at Calvary, and we received his righteousness that he has poured out for us at our conversion. This is what Christians mean when they talk about Christ’s atonement for sin. Let us fall on our knees and give God our total gratitude for making this marvelous trade available for us.

 

LUKE 15:1-3, 11-32

Today’s Gospel shows us the conflict between the Pharisees’ way of treating a sinner and Jesus’ way. To people who did not keep the law, a label called “The people of the land” was given to them. These people were shunned by most Orthodox Jews. A Pharisee was forbidden to have anything to do with a known sinner. They were shocked at the easy way that Jesus got along with them. Their attitude was that to eat with a sinner, to talk to a sinner and to be with sinners must mean that you, too, were a sinner. Their philosophy was to destroy the sinner before God.

Jesus, of course, believed in saving the sinner and told them a story about a young man who was very rebellious to his family. Jewish law stated that the oldest son must get twice as much inheritance money as all the other sons combined. In this story the younger of two sons demanded his share of the money. He was bored and lazy and wanted to leave home to go and enjoy the outside world. He soon ran through the money, and he finished up feeding the pigs at a local farm. This was a job that was forbidden to a Jew because the law stated, “Cursed is he who feeds the swine.

The turning point in the story came when the young man came to his senses and said that he was a sinner. He came back home, not to ask if he could be a son again or even a slave, because there still was some kind of tie to the family being even a slave. But he asked to be a paid servant who had no status or security, only day-to-day existence. He knew that he was a sinner, so he confessed and was repentant.

The father saw the son coming and rushed out to meet his repentant son. His father put a robe of honor on his son, a ring that gave him unlimited buying power, and shoes (a slave or hired servant had no shoes). A feast was ordered so that all might rejoice in that a sinner was lost but now was found, or as the father put it, “My son was dead, but now he is alive.” We must never forget that the love of God can defeat even the deliberate rebellion of the heart.

 

Application

The first reading shows all men that we are not to under-estimate the ability of God. The second reading reveals that a Christian is not reformed or rehabilitated but is a brand-new creation of almighty God. The Gospel says the Pharisees believed in destroying the sinner, but Jesus believed in saving the sinner.

This week let people around you see Christ-like actions, not Pharisee-type actions. Show others by your mercy, by your ability to listen, by your not joining in the gossip, and by showing joy when someone apologizes for something they have done wrong. Jesus believed that love will conquer all forms of evil, and your actions will prove to the “people of the land” that he is right. Jesus loved and saved, and you are called to do no less.

 

Lectio Divina – 3rd Sunday in Lent (March 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 13:1-9, Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And He told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil? He said to him in reply, Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (March 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?

 

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY                                                 READ EXODUS 3:1-8, 13-15                                           FIRST READING

(“This is what you are to tell the Israelites: I Am sent me to you.”)

  1. What was Moses doing, where did he arrive, and what was it called?   Exodus 3:1

 

  1. How did an angel of the Lord appear to Moses, at what was he surprised, and what did he decide to do? Exodus 3:2-3

 

  1. Approximately how old was Moses when the angel appeared to him? Acts 7:23, 30

 

  1. What did God do and say when Moses came near the bush? Exodus 3:4-6

 

  1. What did Jacob say was a gateway to heaven? Genesis 28:17

 

  1. What was Moses afraid to do?   Exodus 3:6

 

  1. What did the Lord say he has witnessed, what does he know, and what has he come down to do? Exodus 3:7-8

 

  1. What are we to do to those who are being dragged to death?   Proverbs 24:11

 

Personal – As the Lord has rescued his people from slavery and death, how have you continued to be his hands and feet and rescued those who have been programmed for abortion? What can you do at the abortion mills to make his presence known?

 

  1. What did Moses say and ask God, and what did God say is his name? Exodus 3:13-14

 

  1. What did God tell Moses to say to the Israelites? Exodus 3:15

 

  1. How long does God’s name endure, and what is his title? Psalm 135:13

 

  1. Who will enter the kingdom of heaven?   Matthew 7:21

 

Personal – What do you call the One who has sent you, and what has he sent you to do?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                                            READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6, 10-12                              SECOND READING

(“Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure, should take care not to fall.”)

  1. Of what does Paul not want the brothers to be unaware? 1 Corinthians 10:1-2

 

  1. Into who and what have you been baptized? Romans 6:3

 

  1. From what did they all eat and drink, from what kind of a rock did they drink, and who was the rock?   1 Cor. 10:3-4

 

  1. What spiritual food did he give our ancestors, and what spiritual food does he give us? John 6:31, 6:35

 

  1. Why were our ancestors struck down? 1 Corinthians 10:5-6 and Hebrews 3:17

 

  1. What did the Lord do to those who did not believe? Jude 5

 

  1. What should we not do as some of our ancestors have done? 1 Corinthians 10:10

 

  1. Why have these things been written down, and of what should you be careful?   1 Cor. 10:11-12

 

  1. Why do you not become haughty, and how should you stand? Romans 11:20

 

Personal – What attitudes that are not pleasing to God have been passed on to you by your ancestors? How can you or how have you overcome them?

 

 

FOURTH DAY                                                        READ LUKE 13:1-9                                                                   GOSPEL

(“If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did.”)

  1. What did some people tell Jesus, and what was his reply? Luke 13:1-2

 

  1. What did Jesus say will happen if you do not repent? Luke 13:3

 

  1. What does Jesus say about the eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them, and what does he repeat?   Luke 13:4-5

 

  1. If you do not believe Jesus is what, what will happen to you? John 8:24

 

  1. Of what are you to repent, and what will you receive? Acts 2:38

 

  1. What did Jesus tell the people, and what was planted in the man’s orchard?   Luke 13:6

 

  1. What did the man say to the gardener? Luke 13:7

 

  1. What did Jesus do to the fig tree, and what did he tell his disciples? Matthew 21:19-21

 

  1. What will happen to every tree that does not bear good fruit?   Matthew 3:10

 

  1. What did the gardener tell the man he would do in hopes it would bear fruit in the future, and what did he say to do if it did not bear fruit?   Luke 13:8-9

 

Personal – Repent means to change. How has your life changed since you have been studied God’s Word, and what fruit is evident from this change?

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                                    READ PSALM 103:1-4, 6-8, 11

(“Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                                             READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EXODUS 3:1-8, 13-15

In today’s reading we are shown the startling contrast between Moses’ life as an Egyptian prince and his life as an obscure shepherd. As a prince, he had everything done for him, and as the son of an Egyptian princess, he became very famous and very popular. As a shepherd he experienced hard work, little recognition and much loneliness. He was now holding the very job he had been taught to despise. He lived in the hills unknown and as a foreigner. This must have been an incredibly humbling experience for Moses, but God in his infinite wisdom was preparing Moses for leadership. Moses could not see this yet, but God was getting him ready to free Israel.

God spoke to Moses from an unexpected source: a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he went to investigate. God often uses unexpected sources when working in our lives. You can be open to investigate as God speaks through his people. He might speak to your spouse, parents, friend, relative, or anyone. You need to investigate and be open as Moses was open to God’s use of people or experiences.

Be ready for God’s surprises. He may have guidance for you that can come when you are ready to listen to a “burning bush.” God told Moses to take off his shoes because he was standing on holy ground. Moses immediately obeyed and covered his face as well. Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence and conveying to God his own unworthiness. God is our friend, but he is first and foremost our sovereign Lord. When you worship God, do you approach him casually or as though you were an invited guest before a king.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-6, 10-12

Today’s reading is a powerful example of what happens to a person, a people, or a nation when over confidence and lack of discipline bring about a great spiritual immaturity. This reading encourages us to remember our own Baptism and how we have been blessed to have God within us. Like the people in today’s reading, we too have been guided through many raging storms and have been led through to safety by the love and power of God. They followed a cloud by day and fire by night.

We have Christ within us personally. We can have instant access to him if we so desire. The world today, as the Egyptians tried to do to the Israelites, is trying to drive us into the sea of despair and destruction. Because we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), we can call upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us (1 John 4:4) and calm the storms that rage in different times of our lives.

We need to remember, just as the Israelites needed to remember, that unless we continue to be people of prayer, worship, and doers of God’s Holy Word, we will be rebellious, and we will die in our wilderness too. The pressures of today’s world make it easy to forget the lessons of the past, but the daily reading of Scripture will be a powerful reminder of how God wants us to really live. We do not need to make the same mistakes as the people in today’s reading. We have been given the tremendous gift of free will. Our God is a God of love, and we have within us the power of the Holy Spirit to help us choose to love.

 

 

LUKE 13:1-9

Today’s Gospel is a call to repentance. Being killed or staying alive are not measures of righteousness in themselves. Everyone will die at some time; that is part of being human. But not everyone needs to stay dead. Jesus promises all of us that if we believe in him, we will not perish, but instead we will have eternal life (John 3:16).

There are many people in our communities, and even in our families, who are like the fig tree in today’s reading. They are being nurtured through life, and they are not producing any fruit. They refuse to listen on how to bear good fruit, and finally, many of them die or are cut down. We need to really hear what is being said in today’s Gospel because we are like that tree and we need to repent. We need to be watered and re-cultivated or we will be ripped out and thrown away. Jesus died for us; he has left his Spirit to help us grow.

Our church embraces us with the teachings of Christ, the sacraments, Holy Scripture, fellowship; all of this to help us bear the fruits of love. We are bearers of a wonderful kind of life-giving fruit. They will know who we are when they see and taste our fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This is the kind of fruit we were meant to bear.

Jesus is constantly pleading to save your tree of life within you. Listen to him today. Let him open your roots and root out all the rotten growth through the sacrament of reconciliation. Let Jesus love you through prayer and his Holy Word, and spend time just listening to him. Let him make you his delight once again.

 

Application

The first reading tells how Moses saw the burning bush and investigates just as we should investigate. In the second reading we see our baptism is constantly being experienced throughout our lives. The Gospel says a Christian is born to never die, but to live forever.

This week, like Moses, look and listen to God speak. He may be speaking through someone in your family. Moses heard him in a “burning bush.” Your baptism made you a temple of the Holy Spirit, and your language reflects your attitude of what you think is inside your temple. Let those around you hear only words that are honorable and acceptable in the presence of a king. What kind of fruit do you bear? Ask those closest to you what kind of fruit they see in you? This week spend time in pruning, nurturing, and watering your tree of life, and your fruit will feed your family.