THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY              READ ISAIAH 58:7‑10         FIRST READING

(“Then light shall rise for you in the darkness.”)

1. With whom do we share our bread, and how do we help the homeless?   Isaiah 58:7

 

2. Whom do we clothe when we see them and on whom are we not to turn our back?   Isaiah 58:7

 

 

Personal‑ In your enthusiasm to obey God and feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc., have you ever neglected those in your home, your spouse, your children, your relatives, your close friends, your neighbors or those with whom you work? Reread verse 7 again.

 

 

3. What shall happen to us if we do these things? Isaiah 58:8, Ezekiel 18:7, 9

 

4. What shall happen to our wound, and what shall go before us?      Isaiah 58:8

 

5. What shall be our rear guard and what will happen when we call the Lord?   Isaiah 58:8-9

 

6. When we cry for help, what will he say? Isaiah 58:9

 

7. What three things must we remove from our midst? Isaiah 58:9

 

8. What does God’s Word tell us about the following?

OPPRESSION               MALICIOUS SPEECH            ACCUSATIONS

Psalm 119:134             Proverbs 2:12             Prov. 10:18

Proverbs 21:7             Proverbs 4:24             Mark 15:3-5

Ecclesiastes 7:7           Sirach 27:6

Sirach 10:7              Matthew 22:15

Isaiah 33:15‑16           John 8:43‑44

Ezekiel 45:9

 

9. If we bestow our bread on the hungry and satisfy the afflicted, what will rise for us in the darkness, and what will happen to the gloom?   Isaiah 58:10

 

10. How do we satisfy the afflicted? Luke 9:1‑6

 

Personal‑ How have you removed oppression, false accusations, and malicious speech from your midst? In what way have you fed the hungry, given shelter to the homeless, or clothed the naked this past week? How have you been able to do this without neglecting your family?

 

 

THIRD DAY       READ 1 CORINTHIANS 2:1‑5           SECOND READING

(“Your faith rest not on the wisdom of men  but on the power of God.”)

1. Who was speaking and to whom was he speaking in 1 Cor. 2:1? 1 Corinthians 1:1

 

2. What did he come proclaiming? 1 Corinthians 2:1

 

3. What was God’s testimony? 1 Corinthians 2:2, 1 John 5:6‑12

 

4. Did Paul speak of anything else besides Jesus crucified? 1 Corinthians 2:2

 

5. How did Paul come among them? 1 Corinthians 2:3

 

6. Who helps us in our weakness? Romans 8:26

 

Personal‑ Have you ever experienced this weakness and fear that Paul did among people? Have you ever experienced this in your own home, around your relatives, friends, etc.? Spend an extra five minutes a day, this week, alone with the Lord dwelling on the presence of his Holy Spirit within you.

 

7. What did the Lord tell Paul about his weakness? 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

8. Compare weakness with the power of God using Paul’s statements in 2 Corinthians 13:3‑9.

 

9. What two things have none of the persuasive force of “wise” argumentation, but had the convincing power of the Spirit? 1 Corinthians 2:4

 

10. God sends messages to us in many ways. Read the following and see if you can pick out who was being used as a messenger.

Genesis 16:7‑12

Genesis 21:17

Malachi 2:7

Matthew 11:10, 11

Acts 10:3

 

Personal‑ Have you been able to recognize God’s messages to you? Meditate on the way God speaks to you directly and through others and whether or not you are really listening. Share with someone.

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 5:13‑16               GOSPEL

(“You are the light of the world.”)

1. Who is the salt of the earth? What do you do with salt if it goes flat, and can you restore its flavor?  Matt 5:13; Luke      14:34‑35

 

2. Read the following and tell how salt was used.

Leviticus 2:13

Mark 9:49‑50

Colossians 4:6

 

 

Personal‑ The partaking in common of salt by those seated together at table was an ancient symbol of friendship and alliance. When you are seated at your table and pass the salt, is it always in friendship or is your salt beginning to go flat in your home or at your table? Is the seasoning coming from you that of love and friendship? Reflect on this. Ask the Lord to season you with his love.

 

 

3. Who is the light of the world, and what cannot be hidden? Matthew 5:14

 

4. What do we NOT do with a lamp we light, and what do we DO with it?   Matthew 5:15

 

5. In what way must our light shine before men, and what will they see in us? Matthew 5:16

 

6. What did Jesus say about being good, and whom do we praise for his goodness?  Luke 18:19, Tobit 13:10

 

7. Who is good? Psalm 25:8

 

8. Where does a man produce good? Matt 12:34-35, Luke 6:45

 

9. With what are we to be filled? Romans 15:14

 

10. What will people do when they see goodness in the acts,we perform?   Matthew 5:16

 

11. What does God’s Word say about giving praise to our Father, and who were the people involved?

Exodus 15:1, 2            Mark 2:12

2 Samuel 22:50, 51          Luke 4:14‑15

Ezra 10:10, 11                               Acts 3:9

Daniel 2:19, 23           Acts 13:46‑48

Daniel 4:34              Hebrews 13:12‑15

Matthew 11:25             Rev 4:8‑11

 

Personal‑ How do you take the time each day to praise God for what he is doing in your life? Take time to praise him for giving you a new life in him, for his promises to you in his word, for your faith, for direction and guidance. Praise him for his goodness that is becoming visible to others in your actions as you yield to his Holy Spirit.

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 112:4‑9

(“The Lord dawns through the darkness, a light for the upright.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 112:4‑9.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 58:7‑10

Faith is a living response to the presence and power of God in our lives. Faith without good works is dead and useless (James 2:17). We are being told in today’s reading that we cannot be saved by works, no matter how good they may be, without faith in God. We are also told that fasting can be very benefi­cial, both physically and spiritually, but at best the only one who benefits is you. Our response to the presence of God in our lives is what produces really effective good works. Our response to the presence of God and his power affects others, and that is what God wants from us. He wants us to make a difference in the lives of the hungry, the oppressed, the homeless, and to protect the lives of the unborn.

We do not do good things to become good; we do good things because of the goodness that is within all men of faith. That goodness is the presence and power of God, whom we know as the Holy Spirit. Our response in faith unleashes the power of God to heal a sick and wounded world. Pleasing God is not done by what we eat or do not eat; rather it is by bringing charity, justice, and generosity to the downtrodden.

We glorify God most when we can help his broken, bruised, abandoned, hungry, homeless, and aborted children into healthy loved human beings. Faith is our response to God’s presence and power in our own life, and we find this revealed to us in his Holy Word and the teachings of his beloved church. He is the water that prevents men from dying of thirst.

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1‑5

It is very important that we realize that Paul, was a brilliant scholar. He once used his verbal skills very well in convicting many Christians of being heretics. Paul explains very clearly in today’s reading that he speaks only of the crucified Christ. We can do today what Paul was doing then, and that is keeping our Gospel message simple and basic. Our power is in the Holy Spirit, not in any gift of public speaking.

Paul is saying that while study and preparation for proclaiming God’s Word are necessary, prepara­tion must be tied into and be dependent on the Holy Spirit. Paul’s own background of scripture study and preparation for preaching allowed him to lean entirely on God and still be responsive to the needs of the believers. Paul goes to great lengths to tell us that his preaching is very plain, and that Jesus is much more comfortable in the house of a plain and simple person than living in luxury with one who is proclaiming God’s law and exact­ing its complete obedience from the people. We need to reflect on how we come across to other people when we are professing our faith. Do people see in us a weakness and trembling that is overcome because of our own personal love of Jesus? Jesus tells us that his grace is enough for us; we do not have to worry about our credentials.

God calls us to be faithful, not successful. People who are hurting will respond to a message of hope, love, and forgiveness that is immersed in the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. We are God’s messengers today, and we are called to respond to him. Today’s reading clearly tells us that we do not have to depend on our talents to proclaim the Gospel message. What we do need is to proclaim that Jesus is Lord and, like Paul, preach only the crucified Christ. Repentance is still man’s best bet to live an abundant life (John 10:10).

 

MATTHEW 5:13‑16

Matthew is so down to earth in this particular writing. Most of us have experienced, at one time or another, the addition of salt on a delicious salad or even on a sizzling piece of meat. Paul shows us that, like salt, Christians are called to be of a special flavor. Old salt that loses its flavor is thrown out. Salt is not called to blend in, but to be distinctive in flavor. As Christians, we are not called to blend into the rest of the world; we are called to be distinctively different.

We are worthless if people cannot see a difference in the way we live our lives. Seasoning is made to bring out the best in foods, and Christians are called to bring out the best in people. We need only to picture a great city on a hill where we can see the lights ahead for many miles. When we are living by faith and not by sight, our lives glow like tremendous lights to others. That light that is shining in a Christian is the light of Jesus Christ. That is the light that led men out of the darkness of sin.

We are the only ones who can dim that light, and many of us do it by being quiet when we should speak out, as in the abortion issue. Another way is going along with the crowd. Then there is sin that dims our light tremendously. Many of us let our light grow dim because we do not share our light with others. We are called by our very faith in God, to be a beacon of truth and to let our light shine forth in this darkened world of pain and sin.

Jesus tells us to be a favorable difference in our community and to let his Light shine in us. He is the light that guides the prostitute, the alcoholic, the drug addict, the adulterer, the thief, the liar, and all those who stagger around in the darkness of despair, out of the darkness. He welcomes and leads them back home to his church of love and forgiveness.

 

Application

In the first reading we see that faith is the living response to the power and presence of God in our lives. The second reading shows us that salvation is available to all, even the most ordinary of men. The Gospel calls us to be a light that leads people out of the darkness of sin.

This week, let us respond to God’s call and be a light to our family and friends by showing them the way to Jesus! Try to attend daily Mass and read scripture every day this week. Spend a certain amount of time each day in prayer. Spend some time with each family member and try to do something positive for him/her. You can be the flavor and light if you just respond to God’s power within you.

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ ISAIAH 60:1-6         FIRST READING

(“But upon you the Lord shines.”)

1. To what are the Israelites being called, whose light has come, and what shines upon the Israelites?   Isaiah 60:1

 

2. How did the glory of the Lord appear in the following scriptures?

Exodus 16:7, 10

Exodus 24:16, 17

Leviticus 9:6, 23, 24

Ezekiel 3:12-13

Luke 2:9

 

Personal – In your life, in what way has “the glory of the Lord” appeared to you?

 

 

3. What covers the earth and the unbelievers? Isaiah 60:2

 

4. Upon whom does the Lord shine, and what appears over them? Isaiah 60:2

 

5. Fill in the blank: Nations shall walk by your _____________ and kings by your shining radiance.   Isaiah 60:3

 

6. Who is the light? John 8:12

 

7. Why must we raise our eyes, and who comes to the light? Isaiah 60:4

 

8. Who shall be radiant, whose heart shall overflow, and what will happen to the sea and the nations? Isaiah 60:5

 

9. What will the camels do, and from where will they come? Isaiah 60:6

 

10. What shall they bear, and what will they be proclaiming? Isaiah 60:6

 

 

Personal – In what way is the light of Christ shining through you in your family, your work, and your environment? Are people drawn to you because they see that light within you?

 

 

THIRD DAY           READ EPHESIANS 3:2-3, 5-6      SECOND READING

(“In Christ Jesus the Gentiles are now co-heirs with the Jews.”)

1. Who heard of the ministry which God gave Paul, and for whose regard?  Ephesians 3:2, Ephesians 2:11

 

2. What was revealed? Ephesians 3:3

 

3. What was unknown to men in former ages? Ephesians 3:4-5

 

4. Who has revealed this mystery, and to whom was this mystery revealed?   Ephesians 3:5

 

5. Read the following scriptures: John 14:26, Acts 11:12, 1 Corinthians 2:13

 

Personal – Do you listen each day for the Holy Spirit’s instruc­tions for you? What has he taught you as you have been reading his word? Remember to pray before you read God’s word, asking the Holy Spirit to teach you and give you wisdom, knowledge, and obedience to follow his plan for your life.

 

6. Who were some of the holy apostles and prophets, and by whom were they sent?Isaiah 1:1, Jeremiah 1:1, John 1:35-50,      Romans 1:1

 

7. What is the mystery revealed? Ephesians 3:6-8

 

8. How do the Gentiles and the Jews become co-heirs? Ephesians 3:6

 

9. Whom has God commissioned to preach the Gospel? Ephesians      3:6 Matthew 28:18-20

 

Personal – In what way have you ever felt called to teach or share God’s Word with others? A good beginning is to share with your spouse, children or a close friend how the Lord has touched you in his Word or from the homily on Sunday.

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 2:1-12               GOSPEL

(“They prostrated themselves and did him homage.”)

1. Where was Jesus born, who was king at that time, and who arrived from the east?   Matthew 2:1

 

2. Read the following scriptures: Daniel 2:27 and Daniel 4:4. According to these verses, are those who read the stars able to know God’s plan for their lives?

 

3. Who is the only sign we follow? Isaiah 7:14 Luke 11:30

 

4. For whom were the astrologers searching, and what did they observe?   Matthew 2:2

 

5. How did King Herod react, and who reacted along with him?      Matthew 2:3

 

6. Whom did King Herod summon, and what did he inquire of them? Matthew 2:4

 

7. What did the chief priest and scribes tell Herod, and to what prophet were they referring?  Matthew 2:5, Micah 1:1   5:1

 

8. What is the ruler to do? Matthew 2:6

 

9. Read the following and write out your favorite verse: John 10:11, John 10:14, John 10:16, Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 2:25, 1 Peter 5:3-4, Revelation 7:17

______________________________________________________________­____________________________________________________________

 

Personal – Share the scripture you chose and tell how it has affected your life.

 

10. What did King Herod find out from the astrologers? Matthew 2:7

 

11. Where did he send them, and what were his instructions to them?   Matthew 2:8

 

12. What was the astrologer’s reaction to the star as they followed it?   Matthew 2:10

 

Personal – Have you had any insight to God’s light in his Word? What is your reaction to this?

 

13. When the astrologers found the child with his mother, Mary, what did they do? Is this in fulfillment of the Old    Testament prophesy?  Matthew 2:11, Isaiah 60:5-6

 

Personal – Have you bowed before the Lord? How have you prostrated yourself in homage before our Holy God? In his presence in the Eucharist, have you knelt to do him homage, or do you do it just out of habit? Reflect on this.

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 72:1-13

(“For he shall rescue the poor man when he cries out.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 72:1-13.

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

 

How can you apply this to your daily spiritual life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY            READ ALL THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 60:1-6

This week’s reading from Isaiah comes from a section sometimes called Third Isaiah (Chapters 55-66), and is generally considered to be written by an unknown poet. The time of this passage is about 535 B.C. and it prophesies the role of the temple and offers to open its doors to all other nations. The invitation was given to the whole world to join the ranks of Israel as the Lord’s chosen people.

Isaiah is calling on the people to rise up in the splendor and radiance of the Lord (verse 1). He tells them that the glory of the Lord shines in them and through them (verse 3). He urges them to be confident in that love and they will become leaders of all nations and many from all nations will be drawn to them (verses 4-5).

Today we are being called to rise up and become symbols of light and hope. We are called to be a light to a world that is covered with much darkness. We can be a light to the world only as long as we walk in the light of Christ. Each one of us is called by the Psalmist (Psalm 119:105) to be a light unto each other’s path. We are being called today, as in the time of Isaiah, to let the glory of God’s light shine through all of us.

 

EPHESIANS 3:2-3,5-6

Paul wrote this letter while in prison awaiting trial before Nero. He reflects on his mission to the Gentiles (those who do not believe in the Jewish faith), and he speaks about his own conver­sion as being a great mystery of Christ.

Paul was on a journey to Damascus to persecute disciples of the Lord when suddenly a light flashed around him that seemed to come from heaven. He was challenged by the Lord to stop persecut­ing him and to come follow him. Paul did and his whole life changed. He uses that conversion experience to bring others to the Lord (Acts 9:3-9). He claimed his place as an apostle because he was an eyewitness to the Lord during his “metanoia” or conversion experience.

Paul gained a deeper understanding of God’s plan of salva­tion through Christ. He reveals to us in this letter that into his life had come the great secret of God. That secret was that the love and mercy and grace of God were meant not for the Jews alone, but for all mankind. When Paul met Christ on the road to Damascus there was a sudden flash of revelation that affected his whole life. That “metanoia” is open to all of us, and we are being called to bring to the world that same message. It was to the Gentiles that God sent Paul, to open their eyes that they might turn from darkness to light. We hear Paul stating very boldly that God’s love and mercy are given to all, Jews and Gentiles alike.

 

MATTHEW 2:1-12

We celebrate the feast of Epiphany, which means the visita­tion of the seekers or as they are often called, the Magi, and Christ’s manifestation of his glory to them. It was in Bethlehem, a little town six miles south of Jerusalem, that Jesus was born.

The name Bethlehem means “house of bread,” and the manger in which Jesus slept was used to feed the animals. It is significant that Jesus was born in a place called “house of bread,” as he chose to feed us with his Word and in his presence in the Euchar­ist. He calls himself “Living Bread,” in John 6:35-66, and we share his living bread in our liturgies in accordance with scripture (Luke 22:14-20), in churches throughout the world.

Bethlehem was where Jacob buried Rachel (Genesis 48:7) and it was there that Ruth married Boaz (Ruth 4:13). This city was the home of David (1 Sam. 16:1, 17:12, 20:6) and it was in Bethlehem that the Jews expected God’s Anointed One to come into the world (Micah 5:1-2). When Jesus was born, there came to Beth­lehem seekers from the east to do him homage. The Magi were holy and wise men and were skilled in philosophy, medicine, natural sciences, soothsaying, and interpretation of dreams. Many later became members of a tribe of pagan priests in Persia and functioned much like the Levite priests in Israel.

About the same time that Jesus was born, the Roman poet, Virgil, was praising through his writings and poems the “savior of the world,” the emperor, Augustus Caesar of Rome. So it was to a waiting world that Jesus came and the astrologers from lands far away gathered at his cradle. It was the first sign and symbol of the world’s conquest by Jesus Christ.

Today many of the learned men and women are coming to praise the King of Kings, Jesus; but many are not. What about you? Is Jesus your King and are you bringing him your presence as a gift? We need to reflect on the gift given to all who believe in the Christ Child of Bethlehem. The gift is being co-heirs of his kingdom, members of the one body and sharers of the promise. Have we made someone feel like an unwanted stranger? Have we dared label anyone a foreigner, alien, outsider, or pagan? Have we welcomed all to our “manger scene?” Is the light in our hearts drawing others to him, as the star did in Bethlehem? The manifestation of the star’s brilliance spoke to the Magi of the entry of a King into the world. The glory of God’s love for all is called to be manifested in us through the power of the Holy Spirit and in the saving name of Jesus Christ.

 

Application

Isaiah urges us to look at the glory of God being unfolded before us, and calls upon the people to rise up from the shackles of captivity. In Ephesians Paul describes God’s secret plan, and in Matthew we see the wise men overjoyed at the results of following the star.

This week, like the wise men or Magi, let us bring Jesus our gift. Yours might be a gift of joy or love, peace or patience, etc. Then you need to share this gift with someone in your family or work place. The wise men came in humility and left encouraged and full of hope. We can expect no less, when we bring Jesus our gift.

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY            READ NUMBERS 6:22-27        FIRST READING

(“The Lord bless you and keep you!”)

1. To whom was the Lord speaking, and to whom did he tell him to speak?   Numbers 6:22-23

 

2. Who was Aaron, and what did the Lord say to Moses about him? Exodus 4:14-16

 

3. About what was Moses to speak to them? Numbers 6:23

 

4. What six things were included in the blessing? Numbers 6:24-26

 

5. Who will be blessed? Proverbs 28:20

 

6. What brings wealth? Proverbs 10:22

 

7. Who was blessed by the Lord, what did he do for her, and what was her response?   Luke 1:46-55

 

8. What has the Lord given us? Psalm 118:27

 

9. Who did Jesus say he was? John 8:12

 

10. What shall be invoked upon the Israelites, and what will the Lord do?   Numbers 6:27

 

Personal – In what way have you blessed a family member or a friend? What do others see shining forth from your face?

 

 

THIRD DAY             READ GALATIANS 4:4-7        SECOND READING

(“…God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, `Abba, Father!'”)

1. Under what was God’s Son born? Galatians 4:4

 

2. What did God’s Son do? Galatians 4:5

 

3. What happens to everyone who believes in Jesus? John 3:16

 

4. Who did the law come through, and what did Jesus bring? John 1:17

 

5. Who are the children of God, and who bears witness that we are?   Romans 8:14-16

 

6. What proof do we have that we are his children? Galatians 4:6

 

7. To whom did he give the power to become children of God? John 1:12-13

 

8. Why are the children of God not known to the world? 1 John 3:1

 

9. What are we no longer, and what has he made us? Galatians 4:7

 

10. With whom are the children of God joint heirs? Romans 8:17

 

Personal – In what way have you cried out to “Abba,” Daddy, this week? What have you inherited from God? What are your parents leaving you as an inheritance, or what are you leaving your children as an inheritance?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 2:16-21                GOSPEL

(“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.”)

1. When the shepherds went off in haste, who did they find? Luke 2:16
2. Why did Mary lay her firstborn Son in a manger? Luke 2:7

3. What did the shepherds do when they saw the child? Luke 2:17

 

4. What was the reaction of those who were told the message? Luke 2:18

 

5. What amazed or astonished the people listening to Jesus? Matthew 7:28-29

 

Personal – What have you seen and made known to others since you have been studying God’s Word?

 

6. What did Mary do? Luke 2:19

 

7. What did Mary do when Jesus became lost and then told her he was about his Father’s business?   Luke 2:49-51

 

Personal – What have you personally pondered in your heart that God revealed to you, and how have you followed Mary’s example?

 

 

8. How did the shepherds return? Luke 2:20

 

9. What was the reaction of the paralytic and the people upon the healing?   Luke 5:25-26

 

10. What happened on the eighth day, and to whom had the name been given?  Luke 2:21, Luke 1:31

 

11. What has his name done for us? Acts 4:12

 

12. To what is the name Jesus inherited far superior? Hebrews 1:3-4

 

Personal – What name has been given to you, and of what is it a reflection?

 

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 67:2-6, 8

(“…may he let his face shine upon us.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 67:2-6, 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

NUMBERS 6:22-27

When Mary said, “Generation after generation shall call me blessed of God,” she was recognizing and accepting the gift God had given her (Luke 1:48). If Mary had denied her incredible position, she would have been throwing God’s blessing back at him.

In today’s reading we are being shown that a blessing was one way of asking God’s divine favor to rest upon others. All of God’s blessings had their fulfillment in the coming of Christ on earth. Mary received the fullness of these promises and blessings when she said, “Be it done unto me according to thy Word.” At that very moment she conceived Jesus Christ in her womb. As proof of this blessing we have the angel Gabriel’s words as he salutes her as “full of grace.” She has the full friendship of God, and no man or woman had ever received the fullness of God’s blessing until then.

A blessing conveys that God will (1) bless and protect, (2) be pleased because of us, (3) be gracious, merciful, and compas­sionate to us, (4) show favor to us, and (5) give us peace. When we ask God to bless us and others, we are asking him to do these five things. We will have the full friendship of God as we ask him to bless others as well as ourselves.

Today, on this special feast, let us thank God for all the blessings that he has given Mary, the Mother of God. We have all profited through her blessings; and the title, Mother of God, that the church confirmed in her regard at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, demonstrates all this.

 

 

                        GALATIANS 4:4-7

In today’s reading Paul uses the example of slavery to show that before Christ came and died for our sins, people were in bondage to the law. By becoming enslaved to the law, people thought they could be saved. At just the right time, God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins, and we who were once slaves are now God’s very own children with an intimate relationship with him. For centuries the Jews were wondering when their Messiah would come, but God’s timing was perfect.

We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers, but we must never stop trusting or give up hope. At the right time, he will respond to us. Jesus was born of a woman and was subject to God’s law and fulfilled it. His death brought freedom for us who were enslaved to sin so we could be adopted into God’s family. Under the Roman law, an adopted child was guaranteed all legal rights to his father’s property. As adopted children of God, we share with Jesus all rights to God’s resour­ces.

As God’s heirs, we can claim what he has provided for us; which is our full identity as his children. The Old Testament was based on the law, but was only a shadow of things to come. Chris­tianity is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. Chris­tianity is the reality, and the reality is God has become man, and man is now free and has been adopted into God’s family as rightful heirs to the kingdom.

 

LUKE 2:16-21

What a tremendous sign of comfort and hope it is when we read that the first visitors to lay eyes on the long-awaited Messiah were simple, hard-working, uneducated, common folks called shepherds. Even in birth Jesus has shown us the ultimate in humility, and his choice of those who were part of his birth experience were of humble origins themselves.

Can you imagine the thoughts that flowed through Mary’s head as she observed the shepherds coming to pay homage to her Son? She certainly was aware of the power and beauty of the angels singing praises of glory to God to their new born king. The Jewish custom was when a new child was born the local musicians would come by and sing some congratulatory songs. Mary had, not earthly music­ians to sing to her son, but she had a choir of angels to fill the air with heavenly sounds.

 

On this very special day, we can honor Mary in her blessed role as Mother of God. God himself honored her by making her the mother of his Son. Jesus, in one of his last acts on this earth before dying on the cross, made his mother our mother. It was through no merit of her own that she earned this dignity. This honor was given as a sheer gift of God. When we honor her, we are in fact thanking God for his gift of her to us.

 

Application

The first reading explains that a blessing is God giving someone his protection and direction. The second reading tells how the Old Testament was a time of preparation, and the New Testament was a time of the reality of God entering into human history as a human being named Jesus. The Gospel reveals Jesus beginning his life on earth humbly, and in humility he went to his death on a cross for us.

This week, let the humility of the shepherds be your model of conduct during the Christmas holidays. Bring to your family, friends, and co-workers, the gift of listening, the gift of gentleness, and the gift of humility. Mary was a role model for the whole world, for both male and female.

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

CHRISTMAS DAY – CYCLE A-B-C

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Pray and ask God to speak to you through His Holy Spirit. “THE PARACLETE, THE HOLY SPIRIT WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL INSTRUCT YOU IN EVERYTHING, AND REMIND YOU OF ALL THAT I TOLD YOU.” (JOHN 14:26)

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ ISAIAH 52:7-10         FIRST READING

(“Your God is King”)

1. Whose feet are beautiful and what does he announce? Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15

 

2. What are we not to be afraid to cry out? Isaiah 40:9

 

3. Why do the watchmen shout for joy? Isaiah 52:8

 

4. What are the watchmen never to do? Isaiah 62:6

 

5. What are we to do together and for what reason? Isaiah 52:9

 

6. Why does God comfort and encourage us? 2 Cor 1:3-4

 

7. Whom does the Lord redeem? Psalm 34:23

 

8. What has the Lord done with his holy arm and in the sight of whom?   Isaiah 52:10

 

9. What will all the ends of the earth see? Isaiah 52:10

 

10. What is to be known upon the earth, among all nations? Psalm 67:3

 

Personal – To whom have you been announcing peace and good news? How do people see the joy and salvation of the Lord upon you?

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ HEBREWS 1:1-6        SECOND READING

(“Let all the angels of God worship him.”)

1. How did God speak in times past? Hebrews 1:1

 

2. How does God speak to us now, what did he make him, and what did he do through him?   Hebrews 1:2

 

3. What came to be through him (Jesus)? John 1:3-4

 

4. Of whom is Jesus the reflection and perfect copy, and by what are all things sustained?   Hebrews 1:3

 

5. When Jesus accomplished purifications from sins what did he do?   Hebrews 1:3

 

6. How did Jesus accomplish this purification? Col 1:15-20

 

7. What has Jesus inherited, and to what is he far superior? Hebrews 1:4

 

8. Because Jesus humbled himself becoming obedient to death, what did God do to him?   Philippians 2:8-9

 

9. What are the questions asked about angels, and what does he say about his first born?   Hebrews 1:5

 

10. Who is ruler of the kings of the earth and who loves us? Revelations 1:5

 

Personal – How have you been sustained by God’s Mighty Word and how have you worshipped his Son Jesus this past week?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 1:1-18                 GOSPEL

( “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,”)

1. Who was in the beginning? John 1:1,14

 

2. Who did Jesus say he was to the Father? John 10:30

 

3. Who was in the beginning with God and what was this life that came to be through him?   John 1:2-4

 

4. What has the darkness not overcome? John 1:5

 

5. Who came for testimony, to what did he testify, and what did he say about himself?   John 1:6-8

 

6. What does the true light do, how did the world come to be, and who did not accept him?   John 1:9-11

 

7. To those who did accept Jesus what did he give them power to become, in what did they believe, and how were they born?         John 1:12-13

 

8. Who can enter the kingdom of God? John 3:5

 

9. What has not been revealed and what will happen to us when it is revealed?   1 John 3:2

 

10. When the Word became flesh what was he full of? John 1:14

 

11. What did John say about Jesus, what came through Moses, and what came through Jesus?   John 1:15-17

 

12. Who has revealed the Father to us? John 1:18

 

Personal – What has Jesus revealed to you about the Father?

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 98:1-6

(” The Lord has made his salvation known.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:1-6

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 52:7-10

In today’s passage God urges his people to draw comfort from past history and to look forward to a greater exodus. He is telling them that it is time to shake off the grief and lethargy that has overtaken them. There is the sound of Good News that God is about to escort his people home, to Jerusalem, God’s holy city, the city with God’s temple. But the people experienced desolation instead of prosperity, and destruction instead of liberty. The people suffered terribly because of their sins, but God prom­ised to restore Jerusalem as a holy city.

God reigns, and today he still is very much in control. Today’s verse states how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation (v.7). How beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom. 10­:15). How welcome are those who bring the message of hope to a broken, hopeless, segment of our world.

God’s great message of salvation must be through us to others so they can have the chance to respond to the “Good News”. How will our loved ones hear it unless we take it to them. How will the nations hear it unless someone takes it to them? God is calling us to take a part in making his message known in our family and our community. Think of one person who needs to hear the good news, and think of some­thing you can do to help him or her hear it. Then you go out and do that act, in Jesus’ name, as soon as possible.

 

HEBREWS 1:1-6

The letter to the Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish Christians who appeared to be having second thoughts about Jesus Christ being their long-awaited Messiah. They should have been a community of mature Christians by this time; instead, they seemed to be sort of withdrawn and inward-looking in their spiritual walk. They needed a strong reminder that what they now possess in Christ is far better than what they had before they became Christians.

This passage begins with a tremendous affir­ma­tion of Jesus’ divinity. Through Jesus, God has made his supreme and final revelation of himself to man. Jesus is the living embodiment of the character and majesty of God. Jesus has dealt with the problem of human sin by sacrificing himself on the cross and paying the ransom for all mankind with his blood. He is now at God’s side in the position of supreme power. The angels, whom the Jews came very close to worshipping themselves, worship Jesus Christ. They are spiritual beings and they are to serve and glorify God himself.

The people were well versed in scrip­ture and whether through doubt, persecution, or false teaching, they seemed to be in danger of falling away from their Christian faith. This danger is very much present in today’s world. There is much false teaching today and many so-called “Shepherds” are just wolves in sheep’s clothing. We need to stay in fellowship, pray, and to study God’s Holy Word, and follow the teachings of our church. Take the time this Christmas season to thank the Lord for bringing his light into your heart and bringing about a better relationship with him. Remember, it is Jesus birthday, and the present he wants most is YOU!

 

 

JOHN 1:1-18

This passage clearly shows that what Jesus taught and what he did are tied inseparably to who he is. In today’s reading John shows Jesus as fully human and fully God. Although Jesus took upon himself full humanity and lived as a man experiencing all the emotions that all of us have, he never ceased to be God who has always existed. This is the truth about Jesus, and the foundation of all truth. If we cannot or do not believe this basic truth, we will not have enough faith to trust our eternal destiny to him. This is the reason John writes this Gospel, to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ, so that we may believe he truly was and is God in the flesh (John 20:30-31).

Jesus’ life brings light to mankind, in his light we see ourselves as we really are: sinners in need of a savior. We fall on our knees, and like the shepherds at the little cave in Bethlehem, we too give praise and glory to the light of the world, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The wise men followed the light of a star to see the light of the world. When we follow Jesus, the light of the world, we can avoid walking blindly and falling into sin. He lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live. He removes the darkness of sin from our lives, and if we have allowed the light of Christ to shine in our lives this Christmas season, then we will never stumble in the darkness.

As the world celebrates the birth of Christ, let yourself be reborn spiritually. Through faith in Christ this new birth changes us from the inside out – rearranging our attitudes, desires and motives. Have you asked Christ to make you a new person on Christmas day? This fresh start is available to all who believe in him. Merry Christmas.

 

Application

The first reading tells us how beautiful are the feet of those who go forth and proclaim God’s Word. The second reading shows that encouragement and discipline lead to a stron­ger commitment to God. The Gospel reveals Christmas as a time of new birth, a time of giving your life over to God.

This week, give those you love the greatest present you could give them for Christmas. How beautiful are your feet as you go forth and gift them with the gift of your pres­ence, of your love, of salvation by bring­ing them to Christ. Remember, it is Christ’s birthday, and the presents should all be for him, and he only wants you!

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

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 11:1‑10                           FIRST READING

(“The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him.”)

1. What shall sprout from the stump of Jesse and of whom is Jesse the father?  Isaiah 11:1, 1 Samuel 16:11‑13

 

2. Who is the sprout? Luke 3:23‑33

 

3. What shall rest upon him? Isaiah 11:2

 

4. Who baptized Jesus and what happened when he was baptized? Mark 1:9‑11

 

5. What seven things did the Spirit give Jesus? Isaiah 11:2-3

 

6. How does he not judge? Isaiah 11:3

 

7. Whom does he judge, whom does he strike and how? Isaiah 11:4

 

8. What is the band around his waist and the belt upon his hips?         Isaiah 11:5

 

9. What will then happen? Isaiah 11:6‑9

 

10. On that day, of what will the earth be full? Isaiah 11:9

 

11. What is the root of Jesse set up as, who shall seek him out and why?   Isaiah 11:10

 

Personal ‑ In what way did you have the power of God’s Spirit rush on you as Jesus did when John baptized him. How old were you? Jesus was about 30 years old. Luke 3:23

 

 

THIRD DAY                                     READ ROMANS 15:4‑9                     SECOND READING

(“Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.”)

1. Why was everything written before our time and what do we derive from this instruction?   Romans 15:4

 

2. What do the words from the scriptures give us? Romans 15:4

 

3. By whom is Scripture inspired and for what is it useful? 2 Timothy 3:16

 

4. Of what is God the source and what does he enable us to do?   Romans 15:5

 

5. What does this enable us to do with one heart and voice? Romans 15:6

 

Personal ‑ In what way are you learning patience from God’s Word?

 

6. What are we to do with one another; why and for what reason?      Romans 15:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you accepted those in your family, at work, etc. right where they are? In what way have you been encouraging them in their walk? How have you recognized God’s patience toward you?

 

7. Why did Christ become a minister of the circumcised? Romans 15:8

 

8. Why do the Gentiles glorify God? Romans 15:9

 

9. What two things does scripture say we shall do? Romans 15:9

 

 

FOURTH DAY                                READ MATTHEW 3:1‑12                                        GOSPEL

(“He it is who will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.”)

1. Who made his appearance in the desert of Judea, what was he doing and what was his theme?   Matthew 3:1-2

 

2. Who spoke the same message as John? Matthew 4:17

 

3. When Jesus sent the 12 apostles out for the lost sheep of Israel, what did he tell them to announce?   Matthew 10:7

 

4. How was John dressed and who was going out to him? Matthew 3:4‑5

 

5. What were they doing as they were being baptized by John and to what does repentance lead?  Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:4

 

6. What did John say to the Pharisees and Sadducees who were stepping forward for the baptism, what did he ask them to do,    and on what did he tell them not to pride themselves? Matthew 3:7-9

Personal ‑ What evidence can you produce that shows you have repented of the sin of unbelief?

 

7. What would be the reason for cutting down a tree? Matthew 3:10

 

Personal ‑ What kind of fruit are you producing? Ask family, friends or co‑workers to evaluate you and have them tell you what kind of fruit they see coming from you.

 

8. Why does John baptize in water and how does he see himself next to the one who will follow him?   Matthew 3:11

 

9. Who is the one to whom John is referring and how will he baptize us?  John 1:14‑17, Matthew 3:11

 

10. What is in his hand and what will he do with it? What will he gather and what will he burn?   Matthew 3:12

 

11. Who are the ones he will gather and who are the ones who will go into the unquenchable fire?  Matthew 12:31‑37, Jeremiah 15:7

 

Personal ‑ Evaluate yourself before you began reading God’s Word and now. What changes do you see in yourself?

 

 

FIFTH DAY                          READ PSALM 72:1‑2, 7‑8, 12‑13, 17

(“In him all the tribes of the earth shall be blessed.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 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 COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 11:1‑10

This passage tells us about a new shoot that would grow from the stump of the tree called the royal line of David. The new shoot would be called the Messiah and he would be greater than the original tree (David) and would bear much fruit. This coming Messiah, the perfect king, perfect priest and spiritual king would come from David’s line to reign over Israel. He was given the name of “The Lord of Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6).

All of us long for fair treatment from others but sadly all of us do not give that fair treatment to others. We hate those who base their judgments on the way people look, talk or even by the color of their skin. We see or read about people being judged on false evidence or hearsay and we hate it. Yet, many times, we ourselves are quick to judge others using those same standards. Christ is the only one who is clothed in truth. He is the only one who is not prejudiced. Jesus is the only one who can be a perfectly fair judge. We need to give our hearts to him completely. Only then can we learn to be as truthful and fair to others as we would want them to be to us.

Today the need to be truthful is needed more than at any other time in history because we are surrounded by so much distortion and outright lies. Satan is the father of lies and he lies to us in his presentation of pornography, drugs, homosexuality and abortion. Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only answer to deceit and conflict, whether it be in a family or a nation. The passage goes on to show wild animals living at peace with one another. Even more incredible is for hostile people to live at peace with one another.

Only in Jesus Christ can hostilities be laid to rest as true love prevails; this is the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). A golden age was predicted in this passage and it still is to come today and it will when Jesus Christ reigns over the entire earth. We can, until that time, carry out our commission and live to bring others to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior (Matthew 28:19).

 

ROMANS 15:4‑9

The deeper the hunger and thirst is to know God’s Word in scripture, the more our attitude towards the past, present and future will be affected. Scripture has shown over and over that God has continually kept his promise of salvation to those who believe in him. The more we know of scripture, the more we know about what God has done for us. This leads to a greater confidence in what he will do for us in the days ahead.

Our daily study of the holy scripture followed by prayerful reflection and action will increase our trust that God’s will is the best choice for us. We are being called to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and this means being in harmony with his teachings and sharing his values and perspectives. We cannot hope to live in harmony with others until we first learn patience, steadiness, and encouragement from Jesus.

We can be in harmony with others only when we have the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:2‑11). We need to develop an attitude of love toward other Christians as well. As we become more capable of maintaining this attitude of love for people of all cultures throughout each day, we will learn how to live in harmony with each other. To live in harmony means to love and respect each other regardless of creed, race or color and regardless of being rich or poor, young or old, sickly or well.

We are called to welcome each other warmly into the church. This means we are to love one another as he has loved us (John 15:12). We are called to affirm each other, and forgive one another. We are called to repent of our sinful actions towards God and man (Mark 1:15). Repentance means to change our lives completely. We are called to make our beloved church not only a haven for saints but a hospital for sinners. Jesus said to us on the cross, “I thirst” (John 19:28) and we are called to satisfy that thirst by loving one another and living in harmony with all of God’s creation.

 

 

MATTHEW 3:1‑12

John came onto the scene like the thundering voice of Almighty God. He courageously spoke out against wrongdoing wherever he saw it. He spoke out against the evil doings of King Herod, living with his brother’s wife and against the ritualistic formalism of the self‑righteous Sadducees and Pharisees. John spoke out against evil in the state, in the church and in the crowd on the streets. John not only denounced men for the evil they had done, but challenged them to be what could be in accordance with the moral standards of God. Many thought John the Baptist was in reality Elijah who had returned to herald the coming of the Messiah (King) (Malachi 4:5). John was preparing the way for the King. The preacher, the teacher with the booming prophetic voice, points not at himself, but at God.

John was recognized as a prophet, because he had in him that special authority which clings to the man who comes into the presence of men out of the presence of God. John strongly warns the people that being just the descendants of Abraham does not guarantee their entrance into heaven. To the Israelite, this was an incredible statement because Abraham was unique in his goodness and in his favor with God. John was warning the people that they could not live on the spiritual deeds of the past. He told them that a degenerate age cannot hope to claim salvation for the sake of a heroic past. An evil son cannot hope to plead on the merits of a righteous Father.

We need to reflect on John’s presence and his message of warning to our own society. Do we as a people live in obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ? Do we love one another as he loved us (John 15:12)? Do we practice in our daily living the message that we preach in our churches? Do we expect to be saved because we belong to a certain type of denomination? Do we really believe that Jesus Christ is the only bridge to salvation? The silence of God’s voice in today’s world of violence, pornography, abortion and drugs is deafening.

The message of John, calling out to the people to make way and prepare themselves for the coming of the Lord, is no less urgent today. John’s promise to the people that the baptism of the Holy Spirit would fill them with the fire of love and power was like a measure of cool water given to a man thirsting in the desert (Isaiah 44:3). The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Power. When the Spirit of God enters into a man, his weakness is clothed with the power of God. His tired, lack‑lustre, appearance of defeat of life is gone, and a new surge of life enters him. Do you really believe this?

 

Application

The first reading tells us only the truth can set us free and the truth is Jesus (John 8:32). The second reading reveals scripture has shown over and over that God has kept his promise of salvation to those who believe in him. The Gospel tells us to prepare ourselves, for the kingdom of God is at hand.

This week, let us practice what we preach by keeping a list of the things that we have done throughout the day. Then at evening time, reflect on how close your actions match your words. Try this for one week and get ready for a miracle.

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

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 2:1‑5                             FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

THIRD DAY                                   READ ROMANS 13:11‑14                   SECOND READING

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

4. What does it mean to “accept the faith? ” Write out the following verses John 3:16, John 14:6

 

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

 

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

Ephesians 6:10-17

Helmet ‑

Breastplate ‑

Belt ‑

Footgear ‑

Shield ‑

Sword ‑

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY                              READ MATTHEW 24:37‑44                                      GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                      READ PSALM 122:1‑9

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 122:1‑9.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                        READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 2:1‑5

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

ROMANS 13:11‑14

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

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

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

 

 

MATTHEW 24:37‑44

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

 

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ EXODUS 17:8-13 FIRST READING

(“As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight.”)

1. What did Amalek do at Rephidim? Exodus 17:8

 

2. Who was Joshua and what tribe was he from? Numbers 13:8,16

 

3. What did Moses tell Joshua to do the following day? Exodus 17:9

 

4. What did  Moses say he would be doing and what would he have in his hand? Exodus 17:9

 

5. What did  Joshua do and who climbed to the top of the hill with Moses? Exodus 17:10

 

6. What happened when  Moses had his hands raised up and what happened when he let his hands rest? Exodus 17:11

 

7. When Moses’ hands got tired, what two things did Hur and Aaron do for him? Exodus 17:12

 

8. How long did they do this? Exodus 17:12

 

9. What happened on another occasion when Moses extended his hands to the Lord? Exodus 9:29

 

10. What did Joshua do with Amalek? Exodus 17:13

 

Personal – In what way have you been fighting a spiritual battle and had a family member or a friend support you, or in what way have you supported or held their hands up to the Lord in their battle? Where have your hands been lifted during physical, spiritual, or emotional battles?

 

 

THIRD-DAY READ 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-4:2 SECOND READING

(“I charge you to preach the Word.”)

1. Who is speaking and to whom is he speaking in 2 Timothy 3:14? Timothy 1:1-2

 

2. What two things have we done that for our part we must remain faithful? 2 Timothy 3:14

 

3. Who is our teacher? Matthew 23:10

 

4. How does he teach us today? John 14:26

 

5. What  did Timothy know since infancy and how was it passed on  to him? 2 Timothy 3:15, 2 Timothy 1:5

 

6. Of what is the sacred Scripture the source, and what does it  lead to through faith in Jesus Christ? 2 Timothy 3:15

 

7. What is all Scripture, and for what is it useful? 2 Timothy 3:16

 

8. What makes the man of God fully competent and equipped for every good work? 2 Timothy 3:16-17

 

9. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to do what? What does he charge us to do? 2 Timothy 4:1-2

 

10. With what are we to stay whether convenient or inconvenient, what three things are we to do, and what are we to never lose? 2 Timothy 4:2

 

11. What are we to teach? Matthew 28:20

 

Personal – What have you been teaching your children, grandchildren, friends, co-workers, etc? Have you personally been called to teach? What do you see as the difference between worldly teaching and spiritual teaching? John 14:18-26

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 18:1-8 GOSPEL

(“Will not God then do justice to his chosen who call out to him day and night?”)

1. Of what did Jesus tell his disciples the necessity, how did he tell them, and what did he tell them not to lose? Luke 18:1

 

2. To what did his disciples, the women in their company, and Mary (the mother of Jesus) devote themselves? Acts 1:13-14

 

3. What did Jesus say about a judge? Luke 18:2

 

4. Who came to the judge, and what did she say? Luke 18:3

 

5. What was she doing to him, and why did he settle in her favor? Luke 18:5, Luke 11:8

 

6. What did the Lord say in Luke 18:6-7?

 

8. What did he say about justice and about delaying over them? Luke 18:7

 

9. What did Jesus say God would do? Luke 18:8

 

10. About what did Jesus ask his disciple when the Son of Man comes? Luke 18:8

 

11. When the Son of Man comes with what will he come, who will accompany him, and how will he repay each man? Matthew 16:27

 

Personal – How do you combat the evil that is around you? How is God speaking to you personally in this passage regarding your own prayer life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 121:1-8

(“He is beside you at your right hand.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 121:1-8

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         

EXODUS 17:8-13

This passage clearly shows how tenacity and steadfastness win the day for Israel. The Amalekites were descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. They were a fierce nomadic nation or tribe who lived and controlled the caravan routes between Egypt and Arabia in the southeast desert region of the Dead Sea. They conducted frequent raids on other settlements and many times they killed simply for pleasure. No insult to an Israelite could be greater than calling him “a friend of Amalek.”

The Amalekites saw Moses and his rag-tag band of followers and thought this would be a chance for some fun and profit. They did not know that these people were being led by God, and the wrath of God was about to be spent upon them. Moses commissions Joshua to make the battle preparations and tells him that he, Aaron, and Hur will be positioned on top of a nearby hill. Joshua was the great leader who brought God’s people into the promised land after Moses died. He gained tremendous experience for future battles, especially against the Canaanites.

The incredible stamina and persistence displayed by Moses in keeping his hands raised, with the support of Aaron and Hur, resulted in turning the tide of the battle. It is the courage and example of this one man that inspired a tired band of followers in the hot barren desert to turn a certain defeat into a stunning upset of a victory. We need to look at our spiritual leaders in our churches and help them by supporting them too. We can be like Aaron and Hur and hold them up as they lead us in battle. We can really be warriors of the Lord by taking on some of the responsibilities of the parish community.

We can become strong, committed prayer warriors; and finally, we can offer some life-giving words of encouragement when the battle seems to rage in full fury. Our spiritual leaders need us to be like Aaron and Hur and in faith, we need to call forth the spiritual giants like Moses from among our midst. The God of Moses is also our God, too. Let us persevere in battle and, like Moses, we too shall be lifted up in victory.

 

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-4:2

Timothy was faced with “watering” down his doctrine of faith. False teachers were trying to put pressure on him and the pressures of a growing ministry were heavy upon his spirit. Timothy’s hometown of Lystra was where Paul was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). Timothy was undergoing pressure, not only for being young and inexperienced but also because Paul was his principal teacher.

Paul exhorts him to hold on, look to his past and hold to the basic teaching about Jesus that are eternally true. Today we are caught up with many false teachers who are trying to “waterdown” the Gospel and many of us are so busy, we don’t even protest. We need to spend time every day thinking about the foundations of our faith and the great truths on which we build our lives.

Timothy was a second-generation Christian and it was not because an evangelist preached a great sermon; it was because he was taught the holy scriptures when he was a child. The parents’ work to teach the child should never be replaced by an evangelist or religious teacher. The teaching of the child by the parent is a sacred duty and we, as parents, should look to the church to help us fulfill this tremendous privilege.

We need to realize the Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or merely human ideas about God. It is not just a human book. God revealed his plan to godly men through the power of the Holy Spirit–men who then wrote down his message for his people (2 Peter 1:20,21). We believe that even though they used their own minds, talents, language, and style, they wrote what God inspired them to write.

Scripture is God’s inspired Word, and we should read it and apply it to our lives. We can clearly see God speaking to us through his church which speaks in accordance with his holy Scripture. Jesus told us when he was tempted in the desert that he began his defense with “Scripture.” God’s Word will set us free today as it did yesterday and will forever and ever.

 

LUKE 18:1-8

Jesus began this passage by telling his disciples a story to bring home the power of persevering in their prayer life. He really wanted them to realize that all prayer is answered and they must not get discouraged and quit. The judge in this story was not a Jewish judge. Most ordinary Jewish problems were taken before the elders, not into public courts unless a special situation arose. A Jewish court had three judges, one for the defendant, one for the court, and one that was neutral. The judge in this story was probably appointed by Herod or the Romans, and they were well known as the “Robber Judges.” He kept this woman coming back so many times because he expected her to pay a bribe. A widow symbolized the poor and defenseless, and the only weapon she had was persistence. In the end, fearing his loss of reputation, the judge was worn down; and the persistent widow won her case.

To be persistent in prayer does not mean endless repetition of long prayer sessions. Constant prayer means keeping our requests before him as we live for him day by day, always believing he will answer us. God may delay, but he always has a reason for his delay; we must not confuse delay with neglect. As we, like the widow, persist in our prayer we grow in faith and hope. Our character and our faith are direct indications of the intensity of our prayer life.

We need to reflect on today’s story and realize that if an evil judge can be worn down by the persistence of a defenseless widow, how much more will a person who persists in prayer be heard and rewarded by such a loving God as ours? We are told in scripture to call out to Jesus and he will never turn us away (John 6:37). The prayers of a righteous man have great power (James 5:16). Praying is talking to God, and meditating is listening to God, so be persistent in your praying and be persistent in your listening and you will grow tremendously in faith, hope, and love.

 

Application

In the first reading, we see the courage of Moses to change defeat into victory over the Amalekites. Then we hear Timothy being challenged to draw on his childhood family training and Scripture when a crisis threatens. In the Gospel, we see the widow persevere and finally wear the judge down and win.

This week, let us read God’s Word to someone who cannot read. This could be a small child, a handicapped person, or an elderly person in a rest home. Share with that person how God has protected you when you thought the battle was lost; and because of God, you also won.

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ 2 KINGS 5:14-17 FIRST READING

(“So Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God.”)

1. Who went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times, what made him do it and who was the man of God? 2 Kings 5:14, 2 Kings 5:8

 

2. Who was Naaman and what was wrong with him? 2 Kings 5:1

 

3. What happened to his flesh when he plunged into the Jordan seven times? 2 Kings 5:14

 

4. What does Jesus say will happen to us through his word? John 15:3

 

5. After being cleansed where did he go, and with whom did he go? 2 Kings 5:15

 

6. As he stood before Elisha, what did he say about God and what did he offer the prophet? 2 Kings 5:15

 

7. Where did he say that there is no God in all the world but there? 2 Kings 5:15

 

8. What did Elisha say about the gift? 2 Kings 5:16

 

9. For what did Naaman ask, and for what reason? 2 Kings 5:17

 

Personal – In what way have you been cleansed or healed through your obedience to the Word of God? Be specific.

 

 

THIRD-DAY READ 2 TIMOTHY 2:8-13 SECOND READING

(“There is no chaining the Word of God.”)

1. Of who is Jesus Christ a descendant and what was the gospel being preached? 2 Timothy 2:8

 

2. Who was preaching this gospel and in so doing, how does he suffer? 2 Timothy 1:1 and 2 Timothy 2:8-9

 

3. As he suffers, even to the point of being thrown into chains, of what does he say there is no chaining? 2 Timothy 2:9

 

4. Why does he bear all of this and for what reason? 2 Tim 2:10

 

5. On what can you depend? 2 Timothy 2:11

 

6. What does it mean to die with him? Romans 6:1-11

 

7. What will happen if we persevere to the end? 2 Timothy 2:12

 

8. What will happen if we deny him? 2 Timothy 2:12

 

9. If we are unfaithful, what will he do and for what reason? 2 Timothy 2:13

 

10. What does 1 Corinthians 1:9 say that God is?

 

Personal – In what way have you died with Jesus?  How have you faced a hardship among your family, work, or circle of friends because of your witness to the power of Christ in your life?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 17:11-19 GOSPEL

(“Stand up and go your way; your faith has been your salvation.”)

1. On Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem what borders did he pass along? See if you can find this on your bible map. Luke 17:11

 

2. As he was entering a village who met him and what did they keep? Luke 17:12

 

3. As they raised their voices, what did they say to him and how did they address him? Luke 17:13

 

4. When Jesus saw them, what was his response to them? Luke 17:14

 

5. What happened to them when they went on their way as he told them? Luke 17:14

 

6. What did one of them do realizing he had been cured? Luke 17:15

 

7. What did he do at the feet of Jesus and of what did he speak? Luke 17:16

 

8. What was the man and what did Jesus take the occasion to say? Luke 17:16-17

 

9. What did they not return to do and what did he call the one man who did? Luke 17:18

 

10. What did he tell the one man to do? Luke 17:19

 

11. What did Jesus say it was that saved the man? Luke 17:19

 

12. What did Jesus say to the woman who was bleeding? Matthew 9:22

 

Personal– In what way have you thanked God this week and for what have you thanked him? Have you received healing in any way? What do you believe healed you, or what may be blocking you from being healed?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 98:1-4

(“The Lord has made his salvation known”.)

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:1-4.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

2 KINGS 5:14-17

This is a great passage that deals with the sin of pride and the core of faith. Naaman was the commander-in-chief of the Syrian army and also a national hero. He was stricken with the dreaded disease of leprosy and would consider anything or anyone who could heal him. Leprosy, much like AIDS today, was one of the most feared diseases of that time. There was no cure and if it was determined to be bad enough, a person would be removed from the community and sent into exile.

Naaman’s disease was probably still in its early stages. Naaman’s wife was told by her servant that a prophet of God in Israel could cure him. He went to the prophet’s home and Elisha told him to go and bathe himself in the Jordan river and he would be cured. Naaman was insulted at being told to do such a trivial thing in such a common, dirty river like the Jordan. He was advised by his counselor to follow the prophet’s command and he was then healed of his leprosy.

Naaman was a great hero and was used to getting respect. He was outraged when Elisha treated him like an average person. We need to learn the same lesson that Naaman learned, that obedience to God begins with humility. We too must believe that his way is much better than our own. We must always remember that God’s ways are best and God can use anything to accomplish his purposes. Naaman then was so impressed with the Lord of Israel that he wanted to take two quantities of earth and make an earth altar and give worship to the God of Elisha, who is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Like Naaman, obedience to God will also bring us healing and blessings.

 

2 TIMOTHY 2:8-13

Paul is really exhorting us to be courageous in our Christian walk and not to be afraid of suffering. He tells Timothy that he must teach others so that they may pass on the Good News. We are called to do that today, and we also need to know that suffering, persecution, and, possibly, even death will be the hardship that goes with being an ambassador for Christ. False teachers were a problem in those days as they are in ours. The incarnation of Jesus Christ was the act of God voluntarily assuming a human body and soul, a human nature. He became a man without ceasing to be God, a human being, and his name was Jesus. He did not give up his divinity to become human. He became subject to place, time, and many other human limitations. He was, however, not subject to sin and he was able to show us everything about God’s character in human terms. Paul very clearly states that Jesus is fully God and fully man. Any other view than this is not biblical. The truth about Jesus then was no more popular than it is today in our time.

Today, Jesus is Lord only to a receptive heart, as it was in Paul’s time. Paul’s declaration to the Jews that Jesus was God was an insult, and they condemned him for blasphemy. The Romans were outraged because they worshipped the emperor as God (Philippians 4:22). The Greeks were disgusted because humanity soiled divine status (Acts 11:20-21). Many of these different cultures converted to Christianity only when, in faith, they believed in his being God and fully human.

Today we are free to choose to have a receptive heart. We see in scripture that God has chosen us first. It is in being obedient to his choice that we can really ever be totally free. This is a mystery that our humanity cannot fully understand, but we can be very grateful that he has chosen us. God is totally faithful to us; even in the middle of our present hardships he is with us, and he gives us the strength to persevere (1 Cor. 10:13). He tells us that someday we will live eternally with him and share in the administration of the kingdom (Matthew 16:24-27). We may be faithless in our times of trial and hardship but Jesus remains faithful to his promise to be with us, even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).

 

LUKE 17:11-19

We have learned that leprosy was a disease that was contagious and many times fatal, and the person was banned from his community. His life was one of suffering, horror, rejection, and finally death alone and unwanted. A leper had to announce his presence if he came into contact with a non-leper. If a leper thought he was cured, he had to present himself to the priest and be declared clean (Leviticus 14). Jesus sends the ten lepers to the priest before they were healed. Their obedience in faith resulted in their being healed.

We need to reflect on our own level of faith. Do we act upon our being told by Jesus that we, too, have been healed (Matthew 8:17)? We see only one healed leper return to give thanks and to realize that because he believed, his cure became possible. God does not demand that we thank him for healing us, but in our spirit of thankfulness our faith grows more and more to his delight. It is significant that Jesus mentioned that the only thankful leper was a Samaritan, who because of his race was despised by the Jews as idolatrous riff-raff. We see that the grace of God is for everyone and yet not everyone is grateful.

Jesus shows us in these verses that his healing power is just waiting to be released, that all we have to do is have faith, and step out and act upon that faith. Jesus changed a situation for those lepers that probably had been going on for several years. He was immediately responsive to the plea of these untouchables. They were not able to live a normal life and be with their families but Jesus changed that and restored them to good health. Jesus never gives up on us no matter how incurable, or untouchable, we may be. Sometimes we are tempted to give up on people or situations which have not changed for many years.

God can change the unchangeable and we need to let the change begin with ourselves. We need to believe that he can cure us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We then need to come and kneel before Jesus and say, “Thank you for dying for me even while I was still sinning” (Romans 5:8). Our faith will grow; and the “unclean” in our families, in our churches, in our country, and on our planet earth will see in us that healing light of Christ, the Morning Star (2 Peter 1:19). They too will become healed and run through the countryside joyfully singing out the praises of a loving God who will someday cleanse the earth from sin, and there will be no more sickness and death (Matthew 8:17).

 

Application

In the first reading, we saw pride prevent a cure; then we saw obedience bring the cure. In the second reading, we were encouraged to endure suffering for the sake of preaching the Good News. In the Gospel, we saw the joy of the Lord over the thankful, unclean one being cured.

This week, let us show our thanks to the Lord for healing us by doing something specific for the “unclean,” like a day of fasting or a week of daily prayer for a specific person at a specific time. Maybe spend some time at a soup kitchen or help with the homeless, etc. Let the unwanted see that they are wanted by Christ through you this week.