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Lectio Divina – 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Feb. 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 6:17, 20-26  Jesus came down with the twelve and stood on a stretch of level ground with a great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. And raising his eyes toward his disciples he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven. For their ancestors treated the prophets in the same way. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are filled now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will grieve and weep. Woe to you when all speak well of you, for their ancestors treated the false prophets in this way.”

 What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

   

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feb. 17th) – 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 JEREMIAH 17:5-8                                              FIRST READING

(“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.”)

  1. What does the Lord say about the man who trusts in human beings? Where does he seek his strength, and from whom does he turn his heart away? Jeremiah 17:5

 

  1. Why do you not put your trust in man? Psalm 146:3

 

  1. What is worthless? Psalm 108:13

 

  1. Who else do we not trust? 2 Corinthians 1:9

 

  1. What happens to the man who turns his heart away from the Lord? Jeremiah 17:5-6

 

  1. What is the person who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is in the Lord? Jeremiah 17:7

 

  1. What is Jeremiah telling Ebed-melech, the Cushite, will happen to him because he trusted the Lord? Jeremiah 39:18

 

  1. What does he that trusts the Lord not fear, and what does he bear? Jeremiah 17:7-8

 

  1. What makes you fruitful? Ezekiel 19:10

 

  1. What will happen to those who believe and trust in Jesus? John 7:38-39

 

Personal – In whom do you put your trust for your shelter, food clothing, protection, guidance, etc.?   How much control does your spouse, banker, or insurance agent have on your well-being or mood for the day?

 

 

THIRD DAY                                             READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:12, 16-20                              SECOND READING

(“But now Christ has been raised from the dead,”)

  1. As what was Christ being preached, and what were some saying? 1 Corinthians 15:12

 

  1. What was Paul preaching to the brothers? 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

 

  1. If the dead are not raised, what is that saying about Christ? What happens to your faith, and what are you still in?   1 Corinthians 15:16-17

 

  1. Why was Jesus raised from the dead? Romans 4:23-25

 

  1. If you do not believe Christ was raised, what happens to those who have fallen asleep in Christ? 1 Corinthians 15:18

 

  1. Who are the most unfortunate or pitiable people of all? 1 Corinthians 15:19

 

  1. Who is in you, and for what is this hope? Colossians 1:27

 

  1. What has Christ done, and what is he to those who have fallen asleep? 1 Corinthians 15:20

 

  1. Who is the One who raised Jesus from the dead, where is he now, and what will he give you?  Romans 8:11

 

  1. Of what is Jesus the head, the beginning, and the first born of the dead? What does this make him? Colossians 1:18

 

Personal – What are you hoping for when you pass from this life to the next in Christ?

 

 

FOURTH DAY                                                    READ LUKE 6:17, 20-26                                                                GOSPEL

(“Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!”)

  1. When Jesus came and stood on level ground, who came to hear Him? Luke 6:17-18

 

  1. Toward whom did Jesus raise his eyes, and to who did he say the kingdom of God belonged? Luke 6:20

 

  1. Who became poor for our sake? 2 Corinthians 8:9

 

  1. Who will be satisfied and laughing? Luke 6:21

 

  1. If we come to the Lord, what will he do? Isaiah 55:1-2

 

  1. When people hate you, exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil because of Whom, what will you be? Luke 6:22

 

  1. What did Jesus tell his disciples, and what will those who kill you think they are doing? John 16:1-2

 

  1. What are you to do, where is your reward, and what did your ancestors do? Luke 6:23

 

  1. Who has received his consolation, and what will happen to those who are full and happy now? Luke 6:24-25

 

  1. About whom did your ancestors speak well? Luke 6:26

 

Personal – What has been your reaction to your own poverty and mistreatment here and now?  Give an example of your rejoicing and leaping for joy on account of your love of Jesus and for being persecuted for that love.

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                                            READ PSALM 1:1-4, 6

(“For the Lord watches over the way of the just,”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 1:1-4, 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

JEREMIAH 17:5-8

Jeremiah is describing two kinds of people in today’s reading: the wicked and the righteous.  The wicked trust false gods and military alliances instead of God and thus are barren and unfruitful.  The people of Judah sought advice from everyone but God.

When we are driven by fear, we seem to look everywhere for advice and comfort, hoping to find an easy way out of our troubled situation. Instead, we should have gone to God first for direction. He will give us the help we need, but he prefers to be our source of everything throughout our lives. We can do this by reading his Word and actively seeking to do his will. We can maintain contact that gives us strength no matter what the problem.

In today’s reading, God was not happy with his people because they sought power and protection from other nations. He warned that these alliances may seem inviting, but in the long run, they will turn out to be harmful.

We are not to turn for direction from those who are of the world and not of God. Ask God to help you choose what the best and wisest action you should take is. Trusting in the Lord is the first step of obedience in following the Lord. We always make another marvelous discovery of the depth of God’s goodness and kindness when we step out and trust him.

Many people have grown up with a misunderstanding of God and right living. To live a lifestyle that is pleasing to God is found only by demonstrating a reverence for God and experiencing how good he actually is.  You show reverence to God by showing deep respect and honor to one another.  Jesus shows us how to reverence him when he tells us to love one another as he has loved us (John 15:12).

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 15:12, 16-20

For Paul, the death and resurrection of Christ is the core of all Christian teaching.  Paul states this very dramatically when he tells the Corinthian converts, “If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain.” The church at Corinth was in the heart of Greek culture and most Greeks did not believe that people’s bodies would be resurrected after death. They saw life after death as something that happened only to the soul. At that time Greek philosophy states that only the soul was the real person, and it was imprisoned in a physical body. At death, there was no immortality for the body, but the soul entered an eternal state. In contrast, Scripture stated that the body and soul will be united after resurrection. Paul did not want the Christian converts to fall back into pagan ideas about what really happens to a believer after death.

Today there are false teachers proclaiming that the resurrection of Christ was not really physical, but spiritual. We know that by his resurrection is revealed as “the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Paul is telling the people that if Christianity has no eternal value, then what was the reason for going through the persecution and, in many cases, death?

The resurrection is the center of our Christian faith. Because Christ rose from the dead, we know that what he said was true — he is God. Because he rose, his death for our sins was validated, and we can be forgiven. Because he rose, he lives and makes intercession for us. Because he rose and defeated death, we who believe in him will rise also. Without the bodily resurrection of Christ, perseverance in faith, including the sacrifices involved in suffering and persecutions, is pointless and at best foolish.

 

LUKE 6:17, 20-26

In today’s reading we see Luke giving an account on the beatitudes similar to Matthew’s sermon (Matt. 5:1-12).  Beatitude comes from a Latin word which means “blessing.”  The beatitudes describe what it means to be a real follower of Christ. They are also a standard of conduct, and a way in which we can live our lives in accordance with the teachings of Christ.  They are referred by many as the Christian attitudes of being well, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

There is tremendous conflict between the values of God’s kingdom and the values of the world. The beatitudes show what Christians can expect from the world, and what God will give them. Like a very sharp knife, the beatitudes cut away false piety from true humility. They also very clearly show how the Old Testament expectations will be fulfilled in God’s kingdom.

Jesus startled his listeners because each beatitude or blessing is in fact a challenge. The beatitudes are like flashes of lightning followed by a thunder of surprise and amazement. They take the accepted standards of the world and turn them upside down. The people whom Jesus called happy or blessed would be called wretches, misfits, or losers in today’s world. Jesus reaches into the core of what he is teaching when he stated that if we set our heart and bend our energies to obtain things which the world values, we will get them, but that is all we will get.

Jesus puts the challenge to us very clearly. Will we take the easy way which yields immediate pleasure and profit, or will we take the hard way which yields immediate toil and sometimes much suffering?  Will we concentrate on the world’s rewards which are temporary or on God’s blessings which will bring us eternal life?

 

Application

The first reading shows God, not man, as the source of all real power.  The second reading says that because Christ rose from the dead, as a believer of him, so will we. In the Gospel we see that God’s reward is forever, and the world’s reward is temporary.

This week let your attitude be an action of love, gentleness, and strength.  Show your humility by putting family needs before your own needs. You can only demonstrate this kind of power if you are strong in your private time alone in prayer with the Lord. Read Scripture daily, and he will give you direction in your daily actions.  Show the people at school or work that because you are loved, you are capable of loving others. Remember, blessed are they who love, for they are of God.

 

QUINTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (Feb. 10th) – 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 6:1-8                                       PRIMERA LECTURA

                                                                            (“Su gloria llena la tierra toda.”)

  1. ¿Qué fue visto en el año en que murió el rey Ozias? Isaías 6:1

 

  1. ¿Qué estaba arriba del Señor, que tenían cada uno de ellos, y para qué las usaban? Isaías 6:2

 

  1. ¿Qué gritaban los Serafines uno al otro? Isaías 6:3

 

  1. ¿Qué se decía acerca del Señor, de qué Es digno y qué fue lo que El creó?   Apocalipsis 4:8, 11

 

  1. ¿Cómo hemos visto la gloria de Dios? Juan 1:14 y 2:11

 

  1. ¿Qué pasaba a la puerta y a la casa al grito de los Serafines? Isaías 6:4

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el hombre de los labios impuros? Isaías 6:5

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo el Señor a Moisés cuando éste quiso ver Su gloria? Exodo 33:18-23

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el Serafin, qué hizo con el carbón y qué quedó borrado? Isaías 6:6-7

 

  1. ¿Cómo quedamos limpios de pecado?   1 Juan 1:7-10

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo la voz del Señor y cuál fue la respuesta? Isaías 6:8

 

Personal – ¿Has visto la gloria del Señor? ¿Cómo se te ha mostrado a tí? Si no puedes decir que has visto Su gloria, trata de identificar dónde está lo que te lo impide, pídele que te lo revele.

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                   1 CORINTIOS 15:1-11                       SEGUNDA LECTURA

                              (“Pero por la gracia de Dios, soy lo que soy y su bondad para conmigo no fue inútil.”)

  1. ¿Qué les estaba recordando Pablo a los hermanos? 1 Corintios 15:1

 

  1. ¿Qué pasará contigo si te aferras al Evangelio? 1 Corintios 15:2 y Romanos 1:16

 

  1. ¿Qué les transmitió Pablo, que él también había recibido? 1 Corintios 15:3-4

 

  1. ¿Cómo recibió el evangelio?   Gálatas 1:11-12

 

  1. ¿A quién se le apareció Jesús, quién era el último de ellos y por qué? 1 Corintios 15:5-9

 

  1. ¿Cómo llegó Pablo a conocer a Jesús personalmente? Hechos 9:3-7

 

  1. ¿Cómo llegó Pablo a ser lo que es y cómo respondió? 1 Corintios 15:10

 

  1. ¿Cómo viene Cristo Jesús a manifestarse como un ejemplo para aquellos que pueden llegar a creer en El? 1 Timoteo 1:16

 

  1. ¿Qué se ha hecho y qué es lo que tú harás? 1 Corintios 15:10-11

 

  1. ¿Qué se nos ha encargado hacer?   2 Timoteo 4:1-2

 

Personal – ¿Para qué te ha dado poder la gracia de Dios? ¿Cómo han sido afectados por tí, los que te rodean?

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                              LUCAS 5:1-11                                                        EVANGELIO

                                                                        (“No temas, de hoy en adelante serás pescador de hombres.”)

  1. ¿Qué hacía la multitud y dónde estaba parado Jesús? Lucas 5:1

 

  1. ¿Qué vió Jesús, a dónde fue, en dónde se sentó y qué hizo? Lucas 5:2-3

 

  1. ¿Cuando Jesús terminó de hablar, qué le dijo a Simón que hiciera y cuál fue su respuesta? Lucas 5:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cuál es el mandamiento que Jesús te dá?   Juan 15:12

 

Personal – ¿Eres rápido como Simón al mandamiento de Dios? ¿Cómo lo ven los que están a tu alrededor?

 

  1. ¿Que pasó cuando Simón hizo lo que Jesús le mandó? ¿Y después de hacer señas a sus compañeros en la otra barca para que vinieran ayudar, que les pasó a las barcas? Lucas 5:6-7

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo y dijo Simón Pedro?   Lucas 5:8

 

  1. ¿Cómo se vió Abraham a sí mismo?   Génesis 18:27

 

  1. ¿Cuál fue la reacción de Simón Pedro y de los otros por la pesca hecha? Lucas 5:9

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a Simón que no tuviera? ¿Y qué le dijo que iba a pescar de hoy en adelante?    Lucas 5:10

 

  1. ¿Cuando trajeron sus botes a la orilla qué hicieron? Lucas 5:11

 

  1. ¿Cómo son ustedes hechos pescadores de hombres? Mateo 4:19

 

Personal – ¿A quién estás tu siguiendo y cuáles han sido los resultados?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                                    LEE EL SALMO 138:1-8

                                                                       (“Es muy grande la gloria del Señor.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 138:1-8.

¿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 6:1-8

En esta lectura vemos a Isaías respondiendo a una visión de Dios. Isaías fue llamado para ser mensajero de Dios ante su gente y su mensaje iba a ser muy difícil. Tenía que decirle a la gente que creía ser la nación escogida y muy bendecida, que Dios iba a destruirlos debido a su constante desobediencia. Vemos que al percibir Isaías la visión hay un sentido de la grandeza, el misterio y el poder de Dios.

Isaías reconoció que era pecador y confesó sus pecados ante Dios. Su descripción del perdón nos recuerda que también nosotros somos perdonados y tenemos el sacramento de la reconciliación para que nos traiga de nuevo a una relación adecuada con Dios. Podemos ver hacía atras y notar cuantas naciones que escogieron ser desobedientes con Dios fueron destruidas. Cuando reconocemos que tan grande es realmente Dios, que pecadores somos y la inmensidad de Su naturaleza que perdona, caemos en nuestras rodillas y lo alabamos por Su increíble misericordia.

Isaías supo que no había esperanzas de medirse con las normas de santidad de Dios y sin embargo por medio del carbón ardiente El lo purificó. Isaías respondió sometiéndose totalmente al servicio de Dios. Supo que la vida para la cual había sido llamado era muy peligrosa y difícil y aún así, grita, “Aquí estoy Señor, yo iré, mándame.”

Isaías tuvo que pasar por el penoso proceso de purificación antes de que pudiera estar listo para servir al Señor. Quizá tú estás pasando por un período de dolorosa purificación. Como Isaías, deja que el poder y el amor de Dios te envuelvan y permitete a tí mismo ser purificado. Permite que la sangre de Cristo te lave y te libre y serás capaz de decir, “Aquí estoy Señor, iré Señor, llevaré a tu pueblo en mi corazón,” igual que Isaías hizo.

 

 

1 CORINTIOS 15:1-11

                 En el pasaje de hoy Pablo le recuerda a la gente sobre la enseñanza que habían recibido en lo referente a la resurrección de Cristo. Pablo dice que las buenas nuevas no han cambiado porque este es un mensaje de la verdad. Pablo estaba hablándoles a los que todavía no creían.

Todavía hoy en día tenemos iglesias donde la gente se está moviendo en dirección a creer y otros se incorporan a impostores. Pablo le dice a la gente de entonces y a la de hoy que las buenas nuevas son que Jesúcristo murió por nuestros pecados, resucitó de entre los muertos y está sentado en la gloria a la derecha de Su Pabre celestial. Y que cuando nosotros creamos y aceptemos a Cristo también moriremos con El y resucitaremos con El y pasaremos la eternidad con El. La verdadera Buena Nueva de este mensaje fue y es que la salvación está a la disposición de cualquiera, puesto que al morir Cristo en la cruz pagó por nuestros pecados, nos purificó y nos hizo aceptables ante Dios. Así que cualquiera que sea tu historia, donde quiera que se encuentren los que amas, solo necesitas caer de rodillas y rogar a la sangre de Cristo que te limpie tanto a tí como a los que amas.

Siempre habrá gente que diga que Jesús no resucitó de entre los muertos. Pablo pasó por esta oposición aún después de haber señalado que más de 500 personas vieron a Jesús después de la resurrección. Jesús mismo cocinó y comió con los discípulos a la orilla del lago de Galilea después de Su resurrección. (Juan 21:12). Hoy en día hay muchos que dudan y han recurrido a la ficción, obras teatrales, libros y hasta películas para desacreditar la resurrección física de Jesucristo, pero tú no debes desanimarte por esas personas que realmente no han llegado a creer en las buenas nuevas porque cuando realmente se creé hay un llamamiento para comprometer la vida y tú en nombre de Jesús te has comprometido ya.

 

LUCAS 5:1-11

                 Lucas nos dice que Jesús hizo más que el milagro de pescar los peces. Imaginate si quieres, a un grupo de pescadores sumamente cansados que han estado trabajando con sus redes sin éxito toda la noche hasta el rocio de la mañana. Cuando los pescadores estaban remendando sus redes, Jesús le dijo a Simón, pescador profesional, a dónde ir a pescar y aún más a dónde echar las redes. Un poquito por curiosidad y un poquito de respeto hace que Pedro le diga que ese lugar no se ve muy adecuado, pero que trataría una vez más. Pedro y el resto de los pescadores estaban atónitos al ver este milagro. Pedro inmediatamente reconoció su insignificancia comparada con la grandeza de Jesús. Pedro sabía de los poderes curativos de Jesús pero estaba sorprendido de que Jesús se preocupara de su rutina diaria y de que entendiera sus necesidades.

Dios está interesado, no solamente en salvarnos sino también en ayudarnos en nuestra vida diaria. Cuando decidimos seguir a Dios aparecen dos precondiciones primordiales. Primero debemos reconocer que nuestra naturaleza es buena pero ha sido herida por el pecado y luego debemos reconocer la inutilidad del esfuerzo humano para superar por sí mismo el pecado. Como estos hombres habían tratado de pescar toda la noche sin ningún éxito pero al recibir el poderoso mandato de Dios, llenaron sus redes. Jesús había establecido primero su autoridad en la sinagoga curando a los enfermos y sacando demonios. Ahora establece su autoridad en sus vidas y a su nivel y les ayuda en sus trabajos. Fue entonces cuando ellos dejaron sus redes y lo siguieron y se volvieron pescadores de hombres (Lucas 5:10-11).

Para nosotros seguir a Jesús hay algo más que reconocerlo como nuestro Salvador. Hay que renunciar a nuestro pasado completamente y en obediencia y humildad, dedicar nuestras vidas y nuestro futúro a El.

 

Aplicación

                La primera lectura nos dice que cada uno de nosotros es llamado a decir “Aquí estoy Señor, úsame.” La segunda lectura nos recuerda que el mensaje central de nuestra fe es que la muerte de Jesús y Su resurrección nos han dado la salvación. En el Evangelio vemos a Jesús que de pescadores comunes hace verdaderos pescadores de hombres.

Esta semana, permite que la llamada de servir a Cristo se refleje en tu diaria rutina. Toma tiempo para ver a dónde puedes ser profeta, si en tu familia, escuela o trabajo. Demuestra tus atenciones y preocupación de acuerdo a las necesidades de la persona a la que estés atendiendo. Recuerda, Jesús se los ganó con sus cuidados personales de acuerdo a sus necesidades de todos los días. Isaías dijo, “Aquí estoy Señor, úsame.” Prueba hacer esto diciéndoselo a algún miembro de tu familia o a alguien con quien tienes dificultades, Jesús tomará tu palabra y el milagro empezará contigo.

 

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feb. 10th) – 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 6:1-8          FIRST READING

            (“All the earth is filled with his glory.”) 

  1. In the year King Uzziah died, what was seen? Isaiah 6:1

  

  1. What was seen stationed above the Lord, what did each of them have, and for what were they used?   Isaiah 6:2

  

  1. What did the Seraphim cry to one another?   Isaiah 6:3

  

  1. What is said about the Lord, of what is he worthy, and what did he create?   Revelation 4:8, 11

  

  1. How have we seen God’s glory?   John 1:14 and John 2:11

  

  1. At the sound of the cry of the Seraphim, what happened to the door and the house?   Isaiah 6:4

 

  1. What did the man of unclean lips say?   Isaiah 6:5

 

  1. What did the Lord tell Moses when he asked to see his glory? Exodus 33:18-23

 

  1. What did the Seraphim do, what did he do with the ember, and what did it remove?   Isaiah 6:6-7

  

  1. How do we get cleansed from sin?   1 John 1:7-10

  

  1. What did the voice of the Lord say, and what was the reply?     Isaiah 6:8

  

Personal – Have you seen the glory of the Lord, and how has he shown himself to you?   If you cannot say you have seen his glory, try to identify where the blockage might be. Ask him to reveal this to you.

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-11     SECOND READING

             (“But by the grace of God, I am what I am and his grace to me has not been ineffective.”)  

  1. Of what was Paul reminding the brothers? 1 Corinthians 15:1

  

  1. What is happening to you if you hold fast to the Word preached?   1 Corinthians 15:2, also Romans 1:16

  

  1. What did Paul pass on that he had also received?     1 Corinthians 15:3-4

  

  1. How did the gospel come to him?   Galatians 1:11-12

  

  1. To whom did Jesus appear, who was the least of them, and why was he the least of them?   1 Corinthians 15:5-9

 

  1. How did Paul come to know Jesus personally? Acts 9:3-7

  

  1. How did Paul become who he is, and how did he respond?   1 Corinthians 15:10

  

  1. What does Christ Jesus come to give as an example for those who would come to believe in him? 1 Timothy 1:16

  

  1. What is done and what will you do?   1 Corinthians 15:11

  

  1. What are we being charged to do? 2 Timothy 4:1-2

  

Personal – What has the grace of God empowered you to do? How have those around you been affected by you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 5:1-11                 GOSPEL 

              (“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.”) 

  1. What was the crowd doing, and where was Jesus standing?     Luke 5:1

  

  1. What did Jesus see, where did he go, and what did he sit down and do?   Luke 5:2-3

  

  1. After Jesus got through speaking, what did he tell Simon to do, and what was Peter’s reply?   Luke 5:4-5

  

  1. What is Jesus’ command to you?   John 15:12

  

Personal   – Are you as quick as Simon was to God’s command to you?   How is that seen by those close to you?

     

  1. What happened when Simon did what Jesus commanded? And after signaling to their partners in the other boat to come help, what happened to the boats?   Luke 5:6-7

  

  1. What did Simon Peter do and say?   Luke 5:8

  

  1. How did Abraham see himself?   Genesis 18:27

  

  1. What was the reaction of Simon Peter and the others at the catch of fish?   Luke 5:9

  

  1. What did Jesus tell Simon not to be, and what did he tell him that he would be catching from now on?   Luke 5:10

  

  1. When the fishermen brought their boats to shore, what did they do? Luke 5:11

  

  1. How are you made fishers of men? Matthew 4:19

  

Personal – Who are you following, and what has been the result?

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 138:1-8

               (“Great is the glory of the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 138:1-8.

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 6:1-8

      In this reading we see Isaiah responding to a vision from God. Isaiah was called to be God’s messenger to his people, and his message was going to be very unwelcome. He had to tell people who believed that they were the chosen nation and very much blessed, that God was going to destroy them because of their on-going disobedience. We see as Isaiah experienced the vision, a sense of God’s greatness, mystery, and power.

      Isaiah recognizes that he is sinful and confesses his sins before God. His picture of forgiveness reminds us that we, too, are forgiven, and we have the sacrament of reconciliation to bring us back into a right relationship with God. Today we can look back and see how many nations chose to be disobedient toward God and were destroyed as a consequence. When we recognize how great God really is, how sinful we are, and the extent of his forgiving nature, we will fall on our knees and praise him for his wonderful mercy.

      Isaiah knew that there was no hope of measuring up to God’s standard of holiness and yet God, through the burning coal, cleansed him. Isaiah responded by submitting himself entirely to God’s service. He knew that the life he was being called to was very dangerous and difficult, and yet, he cries out, “Here I am Lord; I will go, send me.”

      Isaiah had to go through the painful process of cleansing before he could be ready to serve the Lord. You may be going through a time of painful cleansing right now. Like Isaiah, let the power and love of God completely engulf you, and let yourself be cleansed. Let the blood of Jesus Christ wash you free, and you will be able to say, “Here I am Lord, I will go Lord, I will hold your people in my heart,” just like Isaiah did.

 

 

                     1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-11

      In today’s passage Paul reminds the people about the instruction that they have already received on the resurrection of Christ. Paul is saying that the Good News has not changed because the message is the truth. Paul was talking to unbelievers.

      Today we still have churches where the people are moving in the direction of belief, and others filled with pretending impostors. Paul tells the people then and the people now that the Good News is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, he rose from the dead and sits in glory at the right hand of his heavenly Father.   And when we believe and accept Christ, we too will die with him and rise with him and spend eternity with him. The real good news of this message was and is, that salvation is available to everyone because Christ’s dying on the cross paid for our sins and makes us clean and acceptable to God. So, whatever your background has been, wherever a loved one of yours might be now, just fall on your knees and plead that the blood of Christ will wash you and your loved ones clean.

      There will always be people who say Jesus did not rise from the dead. Paul faced this opposition even after pointing out that over 500 people saw Jesus after the resurrection. Jesus himself cooked and ate with the disciples on the shore of Lake Galilee after his resurrection (John 21:12). Today there are many doubters who have resorted to fiction, plays, books, and even movies to discredit the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ, but we do not need to be discouraged by doubters who really have not believed in the Good News, because to really believe in Christ calls for a commitment of our life, and in Jesus’ name, we have made that commitment.

 

                          LUKE 5:1-11

      Luke tells us that Jesus provides more than just a miraculous catch of fish. Imagine if you will, a group of tired fishermen who have been tending their nets unsuccessfully all night and into the dampness of early morning. As the fishermen were mending their nets, Jesus tells Simon, a professional fisherman, where to fish, and even where to drop their nets. Out of sheer curiosity and a little tinge of respect, Peter tells him that area did not look too good, but he would try it once more. Peter and the rest of the fishermen were awestruck at this miracle. Peter immediately recognized his own insignificance in comparison to Jesus’ greatness. Peter knew about Jesus’ healing power, but he was amazed that Jesus cared about his day-to-day routine and understood his needs.

      God is interested, not only in saving us, but also in helping us in our daily lives. When we decide to follow God, two major preconditions appear. We must first recognize that our human nature is good but has been wounded by sin. Then we must recognize the futility of human effort by itself to overcome sin, just as these men had fished all night without success, but at the powerful command of Jesus, filled their nets. Jesus had established authority in the synagogue first by healing the sick and casting out demons. Now he established authority in their lives and on their level and helped them in their work. They then left their nets and followed him and became fishers of men (Luke 5:10-11).

     For us to follow Jesus is more than acknowledging him as Savior. It means renouncing our sinful past completely and, in obedience and humility, devoting our lives and future to him.

 

 

Application

      The first reading tells us that each one of us is called to say, “Here I am Lord, use me.” The second reading reminds us that the central message of our faith is that Jesus’ death and resurrection gave us salvation. In the Gospel we see Jesus make the fishermen real fishers-of-men.

      This week, let the call to serve Christ be reflected in your daily routine of living. Take time to see where you can be a prophet in your family, school, or work area. Show your care and concern on the level of the person with whom you are attending or working. Remember, Jesus won them over with his personal care of their everyday needs. Isaiah said, “Here I am Lord, use me.” Try saying this to a family member or someone with whom you have difficulty. Jesus will take you at your word, and the miracle will start with you.

 

Lectio Divina – 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Feb. 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 5:1-11 – While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Simon said in reply, “Master, we have worked hard all night and have caught nothing, but at your command I will lower the nets.” When they had done this, they caught a great number of fish and their nets were tearing. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They came and filled both boats so that the boats were in danger of sinking. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” For astonishment at the catch of fish they had made seized him and all those with him, and likewise James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners of Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

CUARTO DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (Feb. 3rd) – 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                                                  JEREMIAS 1:4-5, 17-19                             PRIMERA LECTURA

                                                           (“…yo estoy contigo para ampararte, dice el Señor”)

  1. ¿A quién le habló el Señor?   Jeremías 1:1, 2, 4

 

  1. ¿Cuándo dijo el Señor que lo había formado, qué hizo antes de que él naciera y por qué? Jeremias 1:5

 

  1. ¿Cuáles otros fueron llamados desde el seno de sus madres? Isaías 1:1 49:1; Lucas 1:13-15; Gálatas 1:1, 15; Salmo 139:13, 16

 

Personal – ¿Cuándo, piensas tú, que el Señor te llamó para estar a su servicio?

 

  1. ¿Para qué tenía que renovar su valor Jeremías, qué no debía temer y por qué razón? Jeremías 1:17

 

  1. ¿Qué dice el Señor que nunca hará? ¿Qué podemos decir con confianza? Hebreos 13:5-6

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo el Señor de Jeremías; para enfrentar a quién? Jeremías 1:18

 

  1. ¿De dónde sacamos nuestras fuerzas, qué nos debemos poner para resistir? Efesios 6:10-11

 

  1. ¿Qué harán los reyes de Judá, los príncipes, los sacerdotes y la gente y qué sucederá? Jeremías 1:19

 

  1. ¿Qué no debemos decir y qué debemos hacer? Proverbios 20:22

 

  1. ¿Qué le dijo Jesús a Pablo y por qué?   Hechos 26:17-18

 

Personal – ¿Por qué razón te ha librado el Señor de la obscuridad de tus pecados y traido a la luz de Cristo?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                  1 CORINTIOS 12:31-13:13                          SEGUNDA LECTURA

                                                                           (“El amor es paciente, servicial.”)

  1. ¿A qué debemos aspirar? ¿Qué va a ser mostrado? 1 Corintios 12:31

 

  1. ¿Si hablamos en lenguas humanas y angélicas pero nos falta el amor, cómo seremos?

1 Corintios 13:1

  1. ¿Qué podemos tener sin amor y para qué nos servirá eso? 1 Corintios 13:2-3

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que el amor es, cuáles cosas no es y qué es lo que siempre le agrada?     1 Corintios 13:4-6

 

  1. ¿Qué cumple el que ama?   Romanos 13:8

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que el amor cubre? 1 Pedro 4:8

 

  1. ¿Cuáles son las tres cosas que el amor hace?1 Corintios 13:7

 

  1. ¿Cuándo pasará el amor, qué será lo que termine? 1 Corintios 13:8-10

 

  1. ¿Qué pasó cuando era niño y al hacerme hombre? ¿Cómo vemos y sabemos las cosas en el presente y cómo será después? 1 Corintios 13:11-12

 

  1. ¿Qué es lo que tenemos ahora y de los tres cuál es el mayor? 1 Corintios 13:13

 

Personal – ¿Con qué frecuencia demuestras tu paciencia y servicio a tu familia y a los que están cerca de tí? Si te lamentas sobre tus heridas y te enojas con mucha facilidad necesitas arrepentirte. Pasa un tiempo a solas con el Señor para que El pueda curarte las heridas y puedas dar amor.

 

 

CUARTO DIA                                                             LUCAS 4:21-30                                                                EVANGELIO

                                                              (“Ningún profeta es bien recibido en su patria.”)

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús después de haber leído en la sinagoga el pasaje de Isaías?   Lucas 4:21

 

  1. ¿Cómo hablaban todos de Jesús y qué se preguntaban? Lucas 4:22

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús y dónde no es aceptado el profeta? Lucas 4:23-24

 

  1. ¿Cómo fue aceptado Jesús entre sus propios parientes? Marcos 3:21

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús acerca de las viudas en Israel, de la viuda en la tierra de Sidón, de los leprosos en Israel y de Naamán el Sirio?   Lucas 4:25-27

 

  1. ¿Cómo estaban los que oyeron a Jesús en la sinagoga? Lucas 4:28

 

  1. ¿De quién no debemos hacernos amigos? Proverbios 22:24

 

  1. ¿Qué hace el torpe? Proverbios 29:11

 

  1. ¿Qué le hizo la gente a Jesús cuando estaba en la sinagoga y qué hizo Jesús? Lucas 4:29-30

 

  1. ¿Qué trató la gente de hacerle a Jesús y qué hizo éste? Juan 8:59

 

Personal – ¿De alguna manera no has sido aceptado en tu familia, iglesia o en el lugar de donde eres originario debido a tus creencias y por hablar de Jesús? ¿De alguna manera tú no has aceptado a alguien de tu familia, iglesia o lugar de origen por sus creencias? ¿Qué necesitas hacer para unirte con los otros creyentes?

 

 

QUINTO DIA                                               LEE EL SALMO 71:1-6, 15-17

                                                                (“Desde el seno de mi madre me apoyé en ti.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 71:1-6, 15-17.

¿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

                                                                                  JEREMIAS 1:4-5, 17-19

                 En la lectura de hoy escuchamos a Jeremías que nos dice que Dios nos conocía mucho antes de que naciéramos y más aún antes de ser concebidos. Te conocía, pensó en tí y luego hizo planes para tí. Cuando sientas que tu contribución en la vida no vale mucho, recuerda que Dios siempre ha pensado en tí como una de sus más valiosas creaciones y ha tenido un propósito específico en mente para tí. Debemos recordar que no hay nadie como nosotros, ni ahora, ni antes, ni en el futúro. Tú eres especial por que eres “un original.”

Cada Cristiano tiene un propósito específico en la vida. Algunos son bendecidos por Dios o señalados por Dios para un trabajo especial. Cualquiera que sea el trabajo para el cual tu has sido llamado debes hacerlo por la gloria de Dios. Si Dios te ha dado un trabajo muy especial acéptalo con alegría y hazlo de modo excelente. Si Dios te ha dado un trabajo que no parece muy especial a los ojos del mundo, trata de cumplir la misión de todos los creyentes, o sea amar, obedecer y servir a Dios en todo lo que hagas o digas.

Hoy en día mucha gente lucha con los nuevos desafíos porque les falta confianza en sí mismos. Piensan que no tienen la habilidad adecuada, el entrenamiento o la experiencia necesaria. Jeremías pensó que él era demasiado jóven e inexperto para ser el portador de las nuevas del Señor en el mundo. Pero Dios le prometió estar con él y hoy El te hace a tí la misma promesa. El te amó tanto que dió a su hijo único para que muriera en la cruz por tí. Cuando Jesús se fué de este mundo nos dijo que nunca nos dejaría huérfanos. Dijo que nos dejaría su Espíritu. Recuerda, si Dios te dá un trabajo El te proveerá con lo que necesites.

 

1 CORINTIOS 12:31 – 13:13

                 Pablo describe, en ésta lectura, el poder que sobrepasa todos los obstáculos — el amor. Vivimos en una época en que los sentimientos y actitudes fingidas se hacen pasar por amor, pero debemos medir nuestro amor con las reglas que recibimos en el pasaje de hoy. Lo que el mundo necesita hoy es amor y Pablo le explica a la gente de su tiempo lo que el verdadero amor es y ese mensaje sigue vigente hoy en día.

Se nos dice que el amor es más importante que todos los dones espirituales que se ejercitan en la iglesia de hoy. No hay ninguna acción humana que sea buena si no tiene sus raíces en el amor. Una gran fé y el poder de hacer milagros producen muy poco si no se hacen con amor. El amor hace que lo que hacemos y lo que damos tenga valor. Muchas personas pueden tener diferentes dones pero el don del amor está a la mano para cualquiera y todos lo necesitamos. La sociedad de hoy tiene la tendencia de confundir el amor con la sensualidad. El amor es dar y la sensualidad es tomar. El amor de Dios se dirije hacia afuera, hacia otros. La sensualidad se dirije hacía adentro y es muy egoísta. Ser paciente y amable no es natural, más bien es una parte integral de la lucha humana. Solo es posible si Dios nos ayuda supernaturalmente y si hacemos a un lado nuestros deseos e instintos, de modo que demos amor sin esperar nada en recompensa.

Lo más cerca que estemos de Dios, lo más que podremos dar amor a otros. Dios nos ha dado estos dones espirituales para fortalecer a nuestros amigos Cristianos quienes forman el cuerpo de Cristo. Un día estaremos completos cuando veamos a Cristo cara a cara y ya no necesitemos más esos dones espirituales. Un día seremos capaces de amar a Dios totalmente por toda la eternidad y el mejor modo de prepararnos para esa clase de amor es amarnos unos a otros como El nos ha amado.

 

LUCAS 4:21-30

Experimentando el rechazo y el enojo de sus amigos y vecinos Jesús se encontró con la cruz al principio de su corto ministerio público. Se sentían insultados y furiosos y querían empujarlo hacía el barranco y silenciarlo por completo.

Las observaciones de Jesús le molestaron a los de Nazaret porque El les estaba diciendo que los incrédulos estaban más interesados en las buenas nuevas de Dios que éllos mismos. Jesús les dijo que necesitaban entrar en un profundo estado de arrepentimiento y más aún los acusó de ser tan incrédulos como la gente del reino del norte.

Hoy en día hay muchos que se llaman a sí mismos creyentes y que se enojan mucho y son hostiles cuando se les replica sobre el modo en que están practicando su fé. Casi en todos los paises vemos caer a la familia y los valores tradicionales. Oímos a muchos líderes religiosos en distintas naciones haciendo un llamado para una renovación espiritual. Pero antes de que podamos hablar de una renovación espiritual tenemos que llamar a todos los creyentes al arrepentimiento. No puede haber renovación si no hay primero arrepentimiento. Jesús les dijo que en El todo está completo y no le creyeron. Al alzarse por encima de lo que ellos esperaban empezó a revelar el misterio de la resurrección.

Conocer a Cristo es conocer la verdad y el conocimiento de ésta verdad es lo que el mundo necesita hoy desesperadamente. Hay gente en todo el mundo que está confusa y perdida. Si esperamos que la gente se vuelva hacía Dios tenemos que hacerles ver esta verdad a traves de nosotros mismos. La gente que está confusa necesita ver en nosotros el amor de Jesús. Este es un amor que se extiende hacía fuera, hacía aquel que es difícil de amar, difícil de acercársele, difícil de aceptar.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura muestra que el poner nuestra confianza en Dios nos dará la fuerza para sobreponernos a nuestros temores. La segunda lectura revela que el poder del amor sobrepasa todos los obstáculos. El Evangelio nos dice que éste es el amor que debe ser proclamado hacía fuera aún cuando no sea aceptado.

Esta semana vé a cada miembro de tu familia con los ojos de Dios y vé su hermosura y sus dones especiales que tengan en lo particular. Toma tiempo para decirle a cada miembro de la familia o a algun amigo “Lo que más me gusta de tí es…” Y luego observa el poder del amor cuando esa persona se ponga radiante con el brillo del amor de Dios que le llega a través de tu amor.

 

 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feb. 3rd) – 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 JEREMIAH 1:4-5, 17-19     FIRST READING

  (“…for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”)

  1. To whom did the Word of the Lord come? Jeremiah 1:1, 2, 4

 

  1. When did the Lord say he formed him, what did he do before he was born, and what did he appoint him? Jeremiah 1:5

 

  1. Who are others that were called from their mother’s womb?

Isaiah 1:1, 49:1;             Luke 1:13-15;

Galatians 1:1, 15;             Psalm 139: 13, 16

 

 Personal – When do you think God called you to be his servant?

 

  1. What was Jeremiah to stand up and tell the people, what was he not to be, and for what reason? Jeremiah 1:17

 

  1. What does the Lord say he will never do, and what can we say with confidence?   Hebrews 13:5-6

 

  1. What has the Lord made Jeremiah, and who is it against?     Jeremiah 1:18

 

  1. Where do we draw our strength, and what are we to put on to become fortified? Ephesians 6:10-11

 

  1. What will Judah’s kings, princes, priests and people do, and what will happen?   Jeremiah 1:19

 

  1. What are we not to say, and what are we to do?     Proverbs 20:22

 

  1. What did Jesus tell Paul, and for what reason?     Acts 26:17-18

 

Personal – For what reason has the Lord delivered you from the darkness of your sinful way to the light of Christ?

 

 

THIRD DAY        READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:31-13:13   SECOND READING

(“Love is patient, love is kind.”)

  1. For what are we to strive and what is to be shown?     1 Corinthians 12:31

 

  1. If we speak in human and angelic tongues, but do not have love, what are we? 1 Corinthians 13:1

 

  1. What can we have and gain without love, and what does that make us? 1 Corinthians 13:2-3

 

  1. What two things does it say love is, what does it say it is not, and in what does love rejoice?   1 Corinthians 13:4-6

 

  1. What does the one who loves fulfill?   Romans 13:8

 

  1. What does love cover?   1 Peter 4:8

 

  1. What three things does love do? 1 Corinthians 13:7

 

  1. What does love never do, what will end? 1 Cor. 13:8-10

 

  1. What happened when you were a child and became a man?     At present how do we see and know things, and how will it be then?   1 Corinthians 13:11-12

 

  1. What remains, and what is the greatest? 1 Cor. 13:13

 

Personal – Within your family or those to whom you are closest during the day, how often do you show kindness and patience to them? If you brood over injuries and are prone to anger, you need to come into repentance. Spend more time alone with the Lord, so he can heal the hurts within you so you can be loving.

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 4:21-30                GOSPEL

(“Amen I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.”)

  1. What did Jesus say after he read in the synagogue the passage from Isaiah?   Luke 4:21

 

  1. How did all speak of Jesus, and what did some ask?    Luke 4:22

 

  1. What did Jesus say, and where is no prophet accepted?     Luke 4:23-24

 

  1. How was Jesus accepted by his own relatives? Mark 3:21

 

  1. What did Jesus say about the widows in Israel, the one widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon, the lepers in     Israel, and Naaman the Syrian?   Luke 4:25-27

 

  1. With what were the people filled who heard Jesus in the synagogue?   Luke 4:28

 

  1. To whom are we not to be a companion? Proverbs 22:24

 

  1. What does a fool do? Proverbs 29:11

 

  1. What did the people in the synagogue do to Jesus, and what did Jesus do?   Luke 4:29-30

 

  1. What did the people try to do to Jesus and what prevented this from happening?   John 8:59

 

Personal – In what way have you not been accepted in your family, church or native place for your belief and for speaking about Jesus? In what way have you not accepted someone in your family, church or native place for their belief? What do you need to do to become one with other believers?

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 71:1-6, 15-17

(“…from my mother’s womb you are my strength.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 71:1-6, 15-17.

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 COMMENTAR

JEREMIAH 1:4-5, 17-19

In today’s reading we hear Jeremiah tell us that God knew us, long before we were born, or even conceived. He knew you, thought about you, and then planned for you. When you feel that your contribution in life is not worth very much, remember that God has always thought of you as being one of his most valuable creations and has had a specific purpose in mind for you. We need to always remember that there is no other like ourself, not now, not before or in the future. You are special because you are an original.

Each Christian has a specific purpose in life. Some are anointed by God or appointed by God for a special kind of work. Whatever work we are called to do should be done for the glory of God. If God has given you a special kind of job, accept it cheerfully and do it with excellence. If God has given you a job that is not very special in the eyes of the world, seek to fulfill the mission of all believers, which is to love, obey and serve God in all that you do or say.

Today many people struggle with new challenges because they lack self confidence. They feel they do not have the proper ability, training or experience. Jeremiah thought he was too young and inexperienced to be God’s spokesman to the world. But God promised to be with him and God has made that same promise to you. He loved you so much he gave his only begotten Son to die on the cross for you. When Jesus left this world he told us that he would never leave us orphans. He told us that he would leave us his Spirit. Remember, if God gives you a job to do, he will provide all you need to do it.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 12:31-13:13

Paul describes, in this reading, the power that overcomes all obstacles — love. We are in an age when phony feelings and attitudes masquerade as love, but we need to measure our love by the standards that we have received in today’s passage. What the world needs now is love, and Paul explains to the people of his time what real love is and the message is timeless.

We are told that love is more important than all the spiritual gifts exercised in the church today. There is no action of man that is good unless it is rooted in love. Great faith and miracle-working power produce very little without love. Love makes what we do and what we give have value. Many people may have different gifts, but the gift of love is available to everyone and is needed by everyone. Today’s society has a tendency to confuse love with lust. Love is giving and lust is taking. God’s love is directed outwardly toward others. Lust is directed inwardly and is utterly selfish. To be patient and kind is not natural, rather it is an integral part of the human struggle. It is only possible if God helps us supernaturally and we set aside our own desires and instincts, so we can give love while expecting nothing in return.

The closer we come to Jesus, the more love we will show others. We have been given these spiritual gifts by God to strengthen our fellow Christians who make up the body of Christ. One day we will be complete when we see Christ face to face, and we will no longer need the spiritual gifts. Someday we will be able to love God fully for all eternity and the best way to prepare for that kind of love is to love one another now, as he loves us.

 

LUKE 4:21-30

In experiencing the rejection and anger of his friends and neighbors, Jesus faced the cross at the beginning of his short public ministry. They were insulted and furious and they wanted to push him over a cliff and silence him completely.

The remarks by Jesus stung the people of Nazareth because Jesus was saying that non-believers were more interested in God’s good news than they were. Jesus told them that they needed to enter into a deep state of repentance and even accused them of being as unbelieving as the people of the northern kingdom.

Today there are many so-called believers who become very angry and hostile when they are challenged about the way they are practicing their faith. In almost every country we see a breakdown in the family and traditional values. We hear from many religious leaders in different nations calling for a spiritual renewal. Before we can call for any kind of renewal, we have to call all believers into repentance. There can be no renewal unless there is first repentance. Jesus told them that in him everything is complete, and they did not believe him. In rising above their expectations, he began to reveal the mystery of the resurrection.

To know Christ is to know the truth, and knowledge of this truth is what this world desperately needs today. People all over the world are confused and lost. If we expect people to turn to God, we will have to let them see this truth in us. People that are confused need to see in us the love of Jesus. This is a love that reaches outwardly to the unloved, the unwashed, and the unwanted.

 

Application

The first reading shows that putting our trust in God will give us the strength to overcome our fears. The second reading revealed that the power of love overcomes all obstacles. The Gospel tells us this is the love that must be proclaimed outwardly even when it is not accepted.

This week, look at each member of your family with God’s eyes and see their beauty and particular special gifts. With each family member or with a friend, take time to say, “What I like most about you is ….” Then watch the power of love as that person becomes radiant in the glow of God’s love through your love.

 

Lectio Divina – 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Feb. 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 4:21-30 – Jesus said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself, and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum,’” And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

TERCER DOMINGO DEL TIEMPO ORDINARIO (Jan. 27th) – 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.

 ¿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                                                  NEHEMIAS 8:2-6, 8-10                              PRIMERA LECTURA

                                                                  (“Esdras leyó en el libro de la ley de Dios.”)

  1. ¿Qué trajo Esdras, el maestro de la ley ante la asamblea y quién componía ésta?

Nehemías 8:2

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Esdras, cuándo lo hizo y qué hizo la gente? Nehemías 8:3

 

  1. ¿Cuando María se sentó a los pies de Jesús a escuchar Su palabra, que le dijo Este a su hermana Marta? Lucas 10:39, 41-42

 

Personal ¿Cuánto tiempo tomas para escuchar a Dios hablándote por medio de Su Palabra?

 

  1. ¿En dónde estaba parado Esdras, qué hizo con el libro y qué hizo el pueblo entero? Nehemías 8:4-5

 

  1. ¿A quién bendijo Esdras y qué hizo y dijo todo el pueblo? Nehemías 8:6

 

  1. ¿Cuál era el deseo de Pablo en su carta a Timoteo? 1 Timoteo 2:8

 

  1. ¿De qué manera leyó Esdras el libro y en qué era un maestro? Nehemías 8:8 y también ver Esdras 7:6

 

Personal – ¿Cuando se leén las lecturas de la Biblia en la misa dominical, quién te está hablando? ¿Qué tan atento estás?

 

  1. ¿Por qué queremos que se nos instruya en los estatutos del Señor?   Salmo 119:33-34

 

  1. ¿Quién estaba instruyendo al pueblo, qué les decían y qué hacía la gente?   Nehemías 8:9

 

  1. ¿Qué se le dijo a la gente que hiciera, cómo era para el Señor este día y cuál debía ser su amparo?   Nehemías 8:10

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera has encontrado fuerzas alegrándote de lo que el Señor ha hecho por tí?

 

 

TERCER DIA                                                  1 CORINTIOS 12:12-14, 27                      SEGUNDA LECTURA

                                               (“Ahora son el cuerpo de Cristo y miembros individuales de El.”)

  1. ¿A pesar de que tiene muchas partes, qué es un cuerpo? ¿Qué hacen estas partes? 1 Corintio 12:12

 

  1. ¿En quién somos un solo cuerpo? Romanos 12:5

 

  1. ¿Cómo fuimos bautizados en un solo cuerpo, y qué se nos dió a beber?   1 Corintios 12:13

 

  1. ¿Entre quiénes ya no hay diferencia? ¿Qué somos en Cristo Jesús?   Gálatas 3:28

 

  1. ¿Cómo nos hemos acercado a Dios en un cuerpo? Efesios 2:13, 16, 18

 

  1. ¿En dónde está Cristo y que ha hecho el pueblo? Colosenses 3:10-11

 

  1. ¿De que está compuesto el cuerpo y de qué no lo está? 1 Corintios 12:14

 

  1. ¿Quiénes son el cuerpo de Cristo?   1 Corintios 12:27

 

  1. ¿En un cuerpo hay muchas partes pero qué es lo que no todas tienen? ¿Siendo un solo cuerpo con Cristo de quién somos miembros individuales? Romanos 12:4-5

 

  1. ¿Cómo crece el cuerpo? ¿Cómo se construye a sí mismo? Efesios 4:15-16

 

Personal – ¿Cuál es tu función en la casa o en la iglesia? ¿Cómo te une esto al cuerpo de Cristo?

 

CUARTO DIA                                                       LUCAS 1:1-4, 4:14-21                                                 EVANGELIO

                                                       (“Hoy el pasaje de esta escritura se cumple en tu oido.”)

  1. ¿Qué querían hacer muchas personas? Algunas fueron testigos desde el principio y ahora se han hecho servidores de qué? Lucas 1:1-2

 

  1. ¿Cómo fueron dadas las instrucciones a los apóstoles? Hechos 1:2-3

 

  1. ¿Qué decidió hacer Lucas y por qué?   Lucas 1:3-4

 

  1. ¿Por qué fueron escritas estas cosas? Juan 20:31

 

  1. ¿Con qué regresó Jesús a Galilea, por dónde corrió su fama, qué hizo en las sinagogas? Lucas 4:14-15

 

  1. ¿Qué hizo Jesús en Nazareth según acostumbraba? ¿Y cuando le dieron el libro, de qué profeta leyó?      Lucas 4:16-17

 

  1. ¿Quién dijo que estaba sobre El? ¿Qué le había hecho Este y por qué razón? Lucas 4:18-19

 

  1. ¿Qué dijo el que fue mandado por Dios? ¿Qué le puso el Padre en sus manos? ¿Qué tendrá el que crea en El? Juan 3:34-36

 

  1. ¿Después que Jesús se sentó, qué hicieron todos los presentes en la sinagoga? ¿Qué les dijo Jesús? Lucas 4:20-21
  2. ¿Cómo puede uno cumplir con las escrituras o con la ley? Romanos 13:8, 10

 

Personal – ¿Qué se te ha dicho a tí personalmente por medio de las Escrituras y cómo has cumplido con lo que se te dijo? ¿Qué tan atento estás a escuchar y obedecer la Santa Palabra de Dios? ¿Hay lugar para mejorar? ¿Cómo puedes mejorar tus habilidades de escuchar?

 

QUINTO DIA                                                 LEE EL SALMO 19:8-10, 15

                                                       (“Las órdenes del Señor son rectas y todas ellas justas.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 19:8-10, 15.

¿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

                                                                                  NEHEMIAS 8:2-6, 8-10

El pasaje de hoy se refiere a reformar al pueblo de Dios. Vemos a Esdras como un poderoso líder religioso y a Nehemías como un laico con una alta posición en el gobierno, ambos trabajando para restaurar algo más que las murallas rotas de Jerusalén. Nehemías reune a la gente para que escuchen a Esdras leer la ley de Dios.

Esdras desenrolla los manuscritos de Moisés se pone de pie en una tarima de madera y leé desde la mañana temprano hasta el medio día. El había seleccionado gente que iba entre la concurrencia explicando el significado de los pasajes que se iban leyendo. La gente ponía mucha atención y a muchos se les salían las lágrimas y se arrepentían ahí mismo. Ellos se pusieron de pie al rayo del sol y continuaron levantando sus manos en alabanza.

Hoy, debido a que la Biblia está muy a la mano para la mayoría ni siquiera la tomamos en cuenta. Muchas veces nos desinteresamos de sus palabras y nos volvemos inmunes a sus enseñanzas. Pero en vez de eso debemos escuchar la Santa Palabra de Dios con mucho cuidado. Luego necesitamos estudiarla y pedirle al Espíritu Santo que nos ayude a contestar la pregunta ¿”Cómo se aplica esto a mi vida?”

Esdras le dijo a la gente que debían llenarse de alegría ya que tenían la oportunidad de escuchar y entender la Palabra de Dios. Les dijo que celebraran y que dieran regalos a los necesitados. Hoy en día cuando celebramos y les damos a otros nos fortalecemos espiritualmente y nos llenamos de alegría y la alegría es el signo infalible de la presencia de Dios.

 

1 CORINTIOS 12:12-14, 27 

En el pasaje de hoy vemos que no era de sorprenderse que la iglesia Cristiana de Corinto, a quien Dios le dió una variedad de dones por medio de su Espíritu Santo, necesitara que se le recordara que aquellos que buscan experiencias por sí mismos no estaban haciendo lo mejor para el crecimiento espiritual de la iglesia. La unidad Cristiana no quiere decir uniformidad.

Los dones vienen de una misma fuente y son dados para el bien de toda la iglesia. Cada individuo juega una parte importante en la vida del cuerpo único. Esto debe prevenir una pelea universal por los mismos dones. La cosa más importante no es cuáles dones son los más impresionantes sino cuál sirve mejor para edificar la iglesia.

Pablo hace una declaración sobresaliente cuando dice que por el mismo espíritu hemos sido bautizados de tal modo que nos volvemos un solo cuerpo seamos Judios o Gentiles. El establece que todos hemos sido bañados por el mismo Espíritu. El está diciendo “ustedes” sí, “ustedes son el cuerpo de Cristo.” Cristo ya no está físicamente en este mundo en forma corporal; así que si El quiere que se haga algo en el mundo El tiene que buscar a una persona para que lo haga. Nosotros estamos llamados a ser Sus manos para hacer Su trabajo, Sus pies para hacer Sus mandados y Su voz para hablar por El. La gloria suprema de un cristiano es ser parte del cuerpo de Cristo en la tierra y esa persona eres tú.

 

LUCAS 1:1-4 y 4:14-21

Lucas se daba muy bien cuenta de que había mucho interés en Jesús y mucha gente había escrito sus experiencias personales con El. Lucas se pone a recopilar todo esto en una forma histórica, completa usando todos los recursos que tenía a la mano. Como era muy importante para Lucas saber que era lo verdadero, confía mucho en lo que le dicen los que fueron testigos oculares.

Jesús llegó a Nazaret y fue a la sinagoga y predicó ante una audiencia sorprendida. La sinagoga fue el verdadero centro de la vida religiosa de Palestina. Había un solo templo y estaba en Jerusalén. Donde quiera que hubiera por lo menos diez familias Judías debía haber una sinagoga.

En cada pueblo y aldea la gente se reunía a la adoración en la sinagoga. El culto en la sinagoga consistía de tres partes, (1) la adoración, (2) la lectura de las escrituras y (3) la enseñanza.

El ejemplo de Jesús hace que suenen muy débiles y automáticas las excusas para no asistir a la iglesia. Todos necesitamos hacer de la adoración una parte integral de nuestras vidas. Jesús mismo no fue aceptado como profeta en Su pueblo. Nosotros tenemos una actitud similar – un experto es el que lleva un portafolio y viene de más de doscientas millas lejos de casa. No se sorprendan cuando su vida Cristiana y su fe no sea facilmente entendida o aceptada por aquellos que los conocen bien, recuerden que Jesús tampoco fue aceptado.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura de esta semana nos dice que la palabra de Dios fue proclamada claramente y explicada con detalle. La segunda lectura muestra que nosotros somos el cuerpo y Cristo es nuestra cabeza. El Evangelio revela que un profeta no es reconocido o aceptado en su propia tierra.

Esta semana pide al Espíritu Santo que te revele tus dones. Y luego compártelos con tu familia, amigos y comunidad. Recuerda que el Espíritu del Señor está sobre tí y El te ha ungido para enseñar a los tuyos acerca de El. Tu puedes alimentar a tu familia, amigos y comunidad con la Santa Palabra de Dios.

Permite que el don de aliviar salga de tí acercándote a aquel que sufre, que está enfermo o muy solo. No temas usar tus dones. Nada más recuerda que has sido ungido por el Espíritu Santo.

 

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Jan. 27th) – 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 NEHEMIAH 8:2-6, 8-10      FIRST READING

    (“Ezra read plainly from the book of the law of God…”)

  1. What did Ezra, the priest, bring before the assembly,  and who composed the assembly?   Nehemiah 8:2

 

  1. What did Ezra do? When did he do it, and what did the people do?   Nehemiah 8:3

 

  1. As Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to his words, what did Jesus tell her sister Martha? Luke      10:39, 41-42

 

Personal – How much time do you take to listen to God speaking to you through his Word?

 

  1. On what did Ezra stand? What did he do with the scroll,and what did the people do?   Nehemiah 8:4-5

 

  1. Whom did Ezra bless and what did all the people say and  do?      Nehemiah 8:6

 

  1. What was Paul’s wish in his letter to Timothy?      1 Timothy 2:8

 

  1. How did Ezra read from the book, and in what was he well versed? Nehemiah 8:8 and also see Ezra 7:6

 

Personal – When the readings are read from the Bible at mass on Sunday, who is speaking to you and how attentive are you?

 

  1. Why do we want to be instructed in the statutes of the Lord? Psalm 119:33-34

 

  1. Who was instructing the people, what did they say to them, and what were the people doing?  Nehemiah 8:9

 

  1. What were the people told to do, what did they say the day was to the Lord, and what must be their strength?     Nehemiah 8:10

 

Personal – In what way have you found strength by rejoicing in what the Lord has done for you?

 

 

THIRD DAY        READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-14, 27   SECOND READING

(“Now you are Christ’s body and, individually, members of it.”)

  1. Though it has many parts, what is a body? What do these parts make? 1 Corinthians 12:12

 

  1. In whom are we one body?   Romans 12:5

 

  1. How were we baptized into one body, and of what were we given to drink?   1 Corinthians 12:13

 

  1. Between what is there no difference? What are we in Christ Jesus?   Galatians 3:28

 

  1. How have we come near to God in one body?     Ephesians 2:13, 16, 18

 

  1. Where is Christ, and what have the people done?     Colossians 3:10-11

 

  1. What is the body, and what is it not? 1 Corinthians 12:14

 

  1. Who is the body of Christ?   1 Corinthians 12:27

 

  1. Even though we have many parts in one body, how do the parts differ? Being one body in Christ, of whom are we members individually? Romans 12:4-5

 

  1. How does the body grow, and in what does it build itself up?      Ephesians 4:15-16

 

Personal – What is your function at home or church?   How does it unite you into the one body of Christ?

 

  

FOURTH DAY          READ LUKE 1:1-4, 4:14-21             GOSPEL

               (“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”)

  1. What have many undertaken to do, some being eyewitnesses from the beginning? Of what were they ministers? Luke 1:1-2

 

  1. How were the instructions given to the apostles?    Acts 1:2-3

 

  1. What did Luke decide to do, and for what reason? Luke 1:3-4

 

  1. Why were these things written down? John 20:31

 

  1. How did Jesus return to Galilee? Where did news of him spread? What did he do in their synagogues?    Luke 4:14-15

 

  1. What did Jesus do in Nazareth according to his custom?     When handed the scroll to read, from what prophet did he read? Luke 4:16-17

 

  1. Who did he say was upon him? What has he done for him, and for what reason?   Luke 4:18-19

 

  1. What does the One whom God sent speak? What has the Father given over to him? What will the one who believes in him have? John 3:34-36

 

  1. After Jesus sat down, what were all those in the synagogue doing? What did Jesus say to them?   Luke 4:20-21

 

  1. How can one fulfill the scriptures or the law?     Romans 13:8, 10

 

Personal – What has been spoken to you personally through the scriptures, and how have you fulfilled what was said?   How attentive are you to hearing and obeying God’s Holy Word?   Is there room for improvement?   What can you do to improve your listening skills?

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 19:8-10, 15

             (“The ordinances of the Lord are true,  all of them just;…”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 19:8-10, 15.

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

                      NEHEMIAH 8:2-6, 8-10

     Today’s passage is about the reforming of God’s people. We see Ezra as a strong religious leader and Nehemiah as a layman in a high government position, both working to restore more than just broken walls in Jerusalem. Nehemiah gathers the people to hear Ezra read God’s law.

     Ezra rolled out the scroll of Moses’ law, stood on a wooden stage, and read from early morning until noon. He had selected people going among the crowd and explained the meaning of the passages that were being read. The people paid close attention and many were brought to tears and repented right there on the spot. They stood in the hot sun and continued to lift up their hands in praise.

     Today, because the Bible is constantly available for many, it is often taken for granted. Many times we can become dulled to its words and immune to its teachings. Instead, we need to listen to God’s Holy Word very carefully. Then we need to study the Word and ask the Holy Spirit to help us answer the question, “How does this apply to my life?”

     Ezra told the people they should be filled with joy because they had the opportunity to listen and understand God’s Word. He told them to celebrate and to give gifts to those in need. Today, when we celebrate and give to others, we are strengthened spiritually and filled with joy, and joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.

 

 

                   1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-14, 27

     In today’s passage we see that it is not surprising that the Christian church at Corinth, to whom God gave a variety of gifts by his Holy Spirit, needed to be reminded that those seeking experiences for themselves were not in the best interest for the spiritual growth of the church. Christian unity does not imply uniformity.

     The gifts come from a single source and are given for the good of the whole church. Every individual has a very important part to play in the life of the one body. This should prevent a universal scramble for the same gifts. The most important thing is not which gifts are most impressive, but which best serve to build up the church.

     Paul makes an astounding statement when he says that by the one spirit we have all been baptized in such a way as to become one body, whether we be Jew or Gentile. He states that we have all been watered by the one Spirit. He is saying “you,” yes, “you are the body of Christ.” Christ is no longer physically in this world in the body; so if he wants something done within the world, he has to find a person to do it. We are called to be his hands to do his work, his feet to run his errands, and a voice to speak for him. The supreme glory of Christians is that they are part of the body of Christ on earth and that person is you.

 

                    LUKE 1:1-4, and 4:14-21

     Luke was very much aware that there was a lot of interest in Jesus, and many people had written personal accounts of experiences with him. Luke set out to put these accounts into an historical, thorough, and complete form using all the available resources. Because it was important to Luke to know what was true, he relied heavily on eyewitness accounts.

     Jesus arrived in Nazareth where he went into the synagogue and preached before an amazed audience. The synagogue was the real center of religious life in Palestine. There was only one temple and that was in Jerusalem. Wherever there were at least ten Jewish families, there must be a synagogue.

     In every town and village it was in the synagogue that the people met to worship. There were three parts of a synagogue service. They were: (1) the worship part, (2) the reading of the scriptures, and (3) the teaching part.

     Jesus’ example makes most excuses for not attending church sound weak and self-serving. We all need to make regular worship a part of our lives. Even Jesus was not accepted as a prophet in his hometown. We have a similar attitude – an expert is anyone who carries a briefcase and comes from more than two hundred miles from home. Do not be surprised when your Christian life and faith are not easily understood or accepted by those who know you well, because Jesus was not accepted either.

 

Application

     This week’s first reading tells us that God’s Word was proclaimed clearly and explained completely. The second reading shows that we are the body and Christ is our head. The Gospel reveals that a prophet is not recognized or accepted in his home town.

     This week, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your gifts. Then share them with your family, friends, and community. Remember, the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and he has anointed you to teach your family about him. You can feed your family, friends, and community God’s Holy Word.

     Let the gift of healing be released in you by reaching out to someone who is hurting, sick or lonely. Do not be afraid to use your gifts. Just remember that you have been anointed by the Holy

Spirit.