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 HABAKKUK 1:2-3; 2:2-4 FIRST READING

(The just man, because of his faith, shall live.)

1. Who is crying out for help? Habakkuk 1:1

 

2. What is his complaint to God? Habakkuk 1:2

 

3. What comes through hearing? Romans 10:17

 

4. What did Habakkuk cry out to God and what does he say he does not do? Habakkuk 1:2

 

5. What is he saying is before him? Habakkuk 1:3

 

6. What was the Lord’s answer? Habakkuk 2:2

 

7. What does the vision (Habakkuk 1:2-3) still have and to what does it press? Habakkuk 2:3

 

8. What will the vision not do and what are we to do if it delays? Habakkuk 2:3

 

9. What does the rash man not have and what does the just man have and live by? Habakkuk 2:4

 

10. What is wealth and the proud? Habakkuk 2:4

 

Personal – What do you do when you do not hear the Lord and are called to wait for the answer?  What comes forth from your mouth?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 TIMOTHY 1:6-8, 13-14 SECOND READING

(“The spirit God has given us is no cowardly spirit.”)

1. What is the gift of God Paul reminds Timothy to stir into flame and when did he receive this gift? 2 Timothy 1:5-6

 

2. What is faith? Hebrews 11:1

 

3. The Spirit God has given us is not what, but it is one that makes us what three things? 2 Timothy 1:7

 

4. Because of this we are never to be ashamed of what to our Lord? 2 Timothy 1:8

 

5. Where does your strength come from and what are we to bear? 2 Timothy 1:8

 

6. What have you heard Paul say in faith and love in Christ Jesus? 2 Timothy 1:13

 

7. With whose help are you to guard this rich deposit of faith? 2 Timothy 1:14

 

8. How can you guard what has been committed to you? 1 Timothy 6:20

 

9. Where does the Holy Spirit dwell? 2 Timothy 1:14

 

10. How do we honor or glorify God? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 

11. Why should we take care of our body? Reread 2 Timothy 1:14 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

 

Personal – In what way have you testified to your faith in Jesus Christ to your family, friends, fellow workers, or those you come in contact with every day? In what way can they see his Holy Spirit present in your body?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 17:5-10 GOSPEL

(“Increase our faith.”)

1. What did the apostles say to the Lord? Luke 17:5

 

2. What did Jesus say would happen if you had faith the size of a mustard seed? Luke 17:6

 

3. What else will we do if we trust and do not falter, and what will we receive? Matthew 21:21-22

 

4. What did Peter and John do to the beggar and how did they do it? Acts 3:6-8, 16

 

Personal – How can you measure the amount of faith you have? How can you increase the faith you have?

 

5. Who plows or herds sheep? Luke 17:7

 

6. What would you say to him when he comes in from the fields? Luke 17:8

 

7. When are we not to expect gratitude for what we do? Luke 17:9

 

8. When we have done all that we have been commanded, what are we to say? Luke 17:10

 

9. In order to become great, what are we to do? Matthew 20:26-27

 

10. What did the Son of Man come to do? Matthew 20:28

 

11. What did Mary call herself when the angel came to her? Luke 1:38

 

Personal – In what way have you taken on the serving attitude of Jesus and Mary? In what way are you willing to serve those in your family, your friends, and strangers?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 95:1-2, 6-9  

(“Let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9.

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

HABAKKUK 1:2-3, 2:2-4

Habakkuk was extremely troubled with not only what was happening to his country, but why God seemed to show such indifference to the wickedness that was so common around him. He was a prophet during the reign of Jehoiakim (2 Kings 23:36-24:5). He was very active between the fall of Nineveh in 612 B.C. and the invasion of Judah in 589 B.C.

Babylon was becoming a world power and Judah was certain to be her next victim. This passage shows us a dialogue between a prophet and his God. The other prophetic books bring God’s word to men; but this book brings man’s questions to God. Habakkuk was crushed by all the corruption he saw around him and he poured out his heart telling God what he thought.

We can really empathize with Habakkuk when we look at the corruption going on around us.  We have abortion, pornography, prostitution, drugs, homosexuality, alcoholism, child abuse that matches anything Habakkuk saw. In short, today’s injustice is still overwhelming. We, like Habakkuk, say today, “Why does God seem to ignore the evil that is going around?” We may be asking, “Why are so many people doing evil things and not being punished for them?”

In the second part of the passage, we see God telling Habakkuk to write his response down and bring it to the people. God answers Habakkuk’s questions just like he will ours when like Habakkuk we pour out our hearts to him. God told Habakkuk that Judah would be punished by being destroyed by Babylon. God also tells Habakkuk, as well as us, that judgment, though slow to come, will certainly come.

Today, we hear that in regard to our civil courts of law. We are told justice may be slow, but it will be served. Many Christians, like Habakkuk, feel very angry as they see evil enjoying what seems to be the upper hand in the world. Habakkuk had a personal relationship with God and complained vigorously, and God responded to him personally. God’s message to us is the same as the one he gave to Habakkuk: Be patient, trust in God, keep God in your thoughts and actions, and stay close to his Holy Word. It isn’t easy to be patient, but it helps to remember that God hates sin even more than we do. God told Habakkuk, “Do not despair.”

Trusting God means trusting him even when we do not understand why things happen as they do. We need to remember, the just man shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)

 

2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

Paul is encouraging his young protege to be faithful in his role as a leader in the Christian community. Timothy was experiencing great opposition to his message and to himself as the leader of his community. Timothy’s youth was his biggest disadvantage and Paul was encouraging him to persevere. Timothy had received special gifts of the Holy Spirit at his ordination, and Paul was telling him to call upon the Spirit for these gifts and use them regularly.

Timothy didn’t need new gifts, he needed the courage and discipline to hang on to the truth and use the gifts he had already received (1:13-14). Paul is encouraging him to step out boldly in faith and proclaim God’s Holy Word, and the Holy Spirit would be with him and give him power. We suffer the same as Timothy when we let people intimidate us, and it neutralizes our effectiveness for God. The same Holy Spirit that empowered Paul, Timothy, and other heroes of the bible will empower us.

We can overcome our fear of what some might say or do to us and get on with doing God’s work. Timothy may have been afraid to preach as he began experiencing rejection in the community. Today, we need to accept the fact that we will be persecuted too when we proclaim and live God’s Holy Word. Like Timothy, we too will enjoy the power of the Holy Spirit and his gifts of boldness and courage, when we yield ourselves in faith to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Timothy was a leader in transition. He had moved from being Paul’s helper to Paul’s replacement. He called upon the Holy Spirit to give him the courage to make the transition. We too can follow Paul’s advice to Timothy when we are in our transitions. Like Paul who knew even while in prison, that God was still in control, we need to reflect and then act on this powerful fact. No matter where we are in life, no matter what is happening to us, God is still in control.

 

Luke 17:5-10

How many times do we say the same thing to our Lord? “I need more faith, tell me how to get it.” Jesus casts doubt on the possession of any faith of the apostles. Maybe because they were one of the selected few, they put too much emphasis on who they were. They may have been too self-assured because he was with them. (Jesus describes the power that comes through faith using the similarity between their faith and a tiny mustard seed.) The disciples’ question was a valid one because they wanted the faith necessary to do what Jesus had been telling them to do.

Jesus implied that  faith is not something you “get.” What is Faith? Faith is described best with two words: confidence and certainty (Hebrews 11:1). You have to reach out and take hold of faith. Picture someone tossing a book at you. If you respond properly, you will catch it. If you do nothing, the book will fall at your feet. Knowing how to catch it will be of no value if you do not reach out and respond.

Jesus wasn’t condemning the apostles for having substandard faith, he was trying to show them how important it would be in their ministry. We can only rise to the occasion if we know that within us is the solution (1 John 4:4). Our faith grows just like a mustard seed as we respond more and more to the power of the presence of God in our life. When we face a problem as big as a mountain, we need to take our eyes off that mountain and put them only on Christ. We need only remember Peter when in faith he stepped out of the boat to go to the Lord in the raging sea; but when he took his eyes off the Lord and placed it on the enormous waves, he began to sink (Matthew 14:28-30).

Today, we need to continuously keep in prayer and let our faith grow in Christian fellowship. We also need to partake in the sacraments of our church. We must remember that there is great power in even a little faith when God is with us. When we feel weak or powerless we need to re-examine our faith and make sure that we are responding to the presence of God’s power and not ours. In faith, we can all be like a mustard seed that begins very small and soon casts a shadow of comfort and healing over the entire world. In faith, we can see with the vision of God himself.

 

Application

In the first reading, we are told to persevere, be patient, and trust in God. In the second reading, we hear the call to courage and discipline. The Gospel calls us to step out boldly and live our lives in faith.

This week let us, in faith, step out in boldness, discipline, and practice being a Christian leader wherever we are. This will mean being a servant for the Lord by serving someone else in our family, job, community, etc.

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 AMOS 6:1, 4-7 FIRST READING

(“They are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph.”)

1. Woe to whom in Zion, and to whom on the mount in Samaria? Amos 6:1.

 

2. With whom do the people of Israel have recourse? Amos 6:1

 

3. What do you eat and on what do you lie? Amos 6:4

 

4. What does the Lord say about those who take care of themselves and feed off of choice lambs and fatted calves? Ezekiel 34:3, 10

 

5. On the day the Lord punishes Israel for her sins, what will he tear down? Amos 3:14-15

 

6. Like David, what do they do? Amos 6:5

 

7. What do they drink and what do they do with the best oils? Amos 6:6

 

8. By what are they not made ill? Amos 6:6

 

9. What did those in Sodom do? Ezekiel 16:49

 

10. What will they be the first to go into, and what will be done away with? Amos 6:7

 

Personal – In what way have you become complacent with what you eat and where you sleep? In what way do you have more than you need? In what way can you benefit others by your excess?

 

 

THIRD DAY  READ 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16 SECOND READING

(“He is the blessed and only ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.”)

1. Man of God that you are, from what are you to flee? 1 Timothy 6:10

 

2. What six things are you to seek? 1 Timothy 6:11

 

3. Of what are you to fight the good fight and take hold of? 1 Timothy 6:12

 

4. You were called to this when you did what, and in whose presence? 1 Timothy 6:12

 

5. What did Paul say awaited him for fighting the good fight of faith? 2 Timothy 4:7-8

 

6. What does God do for all and what did Jesus do? 1 Timothy 6:13

 

7. With what are we charged, how are we to do this, and until when? 1 Timothy 6:14

 

8. When will God bring this appearance to pass? 1 Timothy 6:15

 

9. Who is Jesus Christ? 1 Timothy 6:15

 

10. What does he alone have, and where does he dwell? 1 Timothy 6:16

 

11. What can no human being do and what two things must we show Jesus? 1 Timothy 6:16

 

Personal – This past week, what have you been seeking, and what has occupied your mind the most?  Who or what has been your ruler? If you can see the opposites of the six things you are to seek according to 1 Timothy 6:11, and if any of these have crept into your life, confess them; then come back to seeking what God’s Word tells you.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 16:19-31 GOSPEL

(“They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them.”)

1. As Jesus spoke to his disciples, what did he say there once was? How was he dressed, and how did he eat? Luke 16:19

 

2. Who was at his gate, what was he, and with what was he covered? Luke 16:20

 

3. What did Lazarus long to eat and what did the dogs do? Luke 16:21

 

4. What eventually happened to the beggar, and what happened to him after that? Luke 16:22

 

5. What happened to the rich man and what happened to him after that? Luke 16:22

 

6. Where was the rich man, what was happening to him, and what did he see? Luke 16:23

 

7. What did he call out and what was Abraham’s response? Luke 16:24-25

 

8. What was fixed between them and what happens to those who try to cross from either side? Luke 16:26

 

9. What did the rich man ask Father Abraham to do, for what reason, and what was his reply? Luke 16:27-29

 

10. What did the rich man say and what did he say they would do? Luke 16:30

 

11. Abraham said if they did not listen to whom, they would not be convinced even if one should what? Luke 16:31

 

Personal – In what way have you noticed a poor person and responded to his need this week? A poor person is one lacking in knowing God’s love through Jesus, a lonely person, a widow, an orphan, or someone lacking their daily bread and shelter.

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 146:7-10

(“The Lord sets captives free.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 146:7-10.

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

AMOS 6:1, 4-7

In Amos we find God calling a man when he was occupied in his daily work (1:1). God called him with his shepherd’s crook in his hand, and sent him forth to gather straying people instead of straying sheep. Amos was not the only prophet of his day. No doubt, as a boy, he had known Jonah, and possibly Elisha. Hosea was a co-worker of his. When Amos’ work was ending, the great Isaiah and Micah appeared.

These men, when they were boys, might have heard Amos proclaim the word of God on one of his tours. The two kingdoms of Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom) were entering tremendous prosperity. The idea of surrounding nations giving them any trouble was not even imagined. The nation was at peace and all that the people thought of was pleasure and having a good time. God tried to arouse his people to a sense of their danger by sending them Amos.

Amos told them about the great cities to the north, east, and west (including Gath, the hometown of Goliath) that once were greater than Israel and Judah but had been destroyed because of the pride of their people. He warned that this was going to happen to Israel also because of the arrogance and pride of her people. Amos leveled his attack at the people living a lifestyle that consisted of wealth and being very comfortable. He said this was a false security and that God was displeased with people who did not use their wealth to help the unfortunate.

Ivory symbolizes great wealth and extravagance. This gross waste of resources should have been used to help the poor. Amos told them that God wanted them to be concerned for others, especially those who could not help themselves. The kingdom of God has no place for selfishness or indifference.

We, in the United States, need to really reflect on this passage, because we too indulge in incredible extravagances with our desires and wishes. We spend billions of dollars on cosmetics, while millions of people are starving. We spend more on dog food in this country than many nations spend on their entire budget. We kill more unborn babies in one year than all of the military personnel who have died in battle since the country began. In less than fifty years, Israel was destroyed because she did not listen to God through his prophets. We need to pray that the United States will heed God’s powerful warning and repent and return to his Holy Word.

 

1 TIMOTHY 6:11-16

Paul is telling Timothy that when you are involved in a spiritual battle, it is as important to know when to run as it is to know when to fight. Timothy is warned to run from anything or anyone who produced evil thoughts. A wise person will realize that removing one’s self from the scene of temptation is many times safer than trying to fight off the temptation. It is in these battles of temptation that our faith is severely tested.

We are to treasure our faith in Christ and respond, not to the temptation, but to the power of the presence of God in our lives. God will speak to us through our conscience in times of temptation. When we are walking with God, he will let us know the difference between right and wrong. We need to follow our conscience and do what is right in faith. Pilate knew the truth about Jesus. He knew he was innocent but he chose to reject the truth. Pilate violated his own conscience.

It is a tragedy when we fail to recognize the truth; but like Pilate, it is a greater tragedy when we recognize the truth but refuse to act on it. We are being told to fight the good fight today, just as Timothy was told by Paul. The day will come when all the believers who have fought the good fight will be with Christ in his Kingdom.

Paul describes to Timothy the type of God who will be with us at the end of the good fight. We are told that he is ageless and that all who have gone before us and all who come after us, believing in him, will be alive with him forever. He is a God who will never die. He is a God infinitely powerful, having dominion over everything; yet he wants to share all with us. Paul’s message to Timothy is a message to you and me, and that is: Let us not put our trust in anything or anyone else but JESUS, because only he alone is permanent.

 

LUKE 16:19-31

Wealth was considered by the Pharisees to be a proof of righteousness. Today many people yield to the wealthy because they appear to be right on so many issues. Jesus tells us about a rich man who was punished and also about a poor man who was rewarded. We need to be very careful in the realization that the rich man was not punished because of his wealth; rather he was punished because of his selfishness.

He allowed Lazarus to eat the scraps at his table and take home whatever he wanted that was to be thrown away. The rich man was in hell, not for what he did, but rather for what he did not do. The rich man feasted in luxury every day in a country where the people were fortunate if they ate meat once a week. Lazarus was waiting for the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. We need to remember that in those days, there were no knives, forks or napkins. Food was eaten with the hands. The hands were cleansed by wiping them on chunks of bread, which were then thrown away. This is what Lazarus waited to eat.

We need also to remember that Lazarus was a beggar with terrible running sores all over his body and even the dogs feasted on him. Can you picture the incredible contrast between the two men? Judgment day brought justice to both men and the rich man suffers forever in eternity while Lazarus rests in the arms of Abraham (Hebrew concept of heaven).

The rich man never ordered Lazarus removed from his gate. He did not kick him in passing. He was not deliberately cruel to him. The great sin of the rich man was that HE NEVER EVEN NOTICED HIM. He thought it perfectly natural that the beggar be accepted as part of the landscape. He also thought it acceptable that Lazarus should lie in pain and hunger while he wallowed in luxury.

We need to reflect on our own status in today’s world. The hungry, the homeless, the aborted, the abandoned, the mentally sick, and the poor are all around us. Do we think ourselves generous if the unfortunate people eat what we throw away? We need to make sure that our sin today is not the horrible sin of omission. What we fail to do to the least among us, we fail to do to Christ (Matthew 25:31-46).

 

Application 

The first reading told us not to become insulated from the people’s needs. The second reading told us to listen to our conscience. The Gospel tells us not to ignore the suffering of others.

This week, as our conscience leads us, visit and comfort someone who is suffering, an old person, a relative, a friend, someone in a rest home, prison. Jesus tells us in scripture, “As often as you did it for one of my least brothers, you did it for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

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 AMOS 8:4-7 FIRST READING

(“Hear this, you who trample upon the needy.”)

1. Who is speaking and to whom is he speaking in Amos 8:4-7? Amos 8:1-2

 

2. On whom do you trample, and whom do you destroy? Amos 8:4

 

3. What do you ask about the new moon and what is the new moon? Amos 8:5 and Numbers 28:9-15

 

4. For what reason did they want to know if the new moon was over? Amos 8:5

 

5. What does the Lord tell his people in Leviticus 19:35- 36?

 

6. How can you have a long life on this earth? Deuteronomy 25:13-16

 

7. What will they buy for silver and for a pair of sandals? Amos 8:6

 

8. What will they sell? Amos 8:6

 

9. By what has the Lord sworn, and what will he never forget? Amos 8:7

 

10. What does the Lord say about the pride of Jacob? Amos 6:8

 

11. When does the Lord forget what we have done in the past? Ezekiel 18:21-22

 

Personal – In what way have you cheated a poor person by remaining silent or by giving from your surplus rather than from your needs, at home, or at the offering at church on Sunday?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8 SECOND READING

(“God is one. One also is the mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ.”)

1. Who is writing this letter and to whom is he writing? 1 Timothy 1:1-2

 

2. What four things is he urging be offered for all men? 1 Timothy 2:1

 

3. For whom is he especially urging this and for what reason? 1 Timothy 2:2

 

4. What does he say about prayer of this kind and how does God feel about it? 1 Timothy 2:3

 

5. What does God want and for whom does he want this? 1 Timothy 2:4

 

6. What does he want all men to come to know? 1 Timothy 2:4

 

7. What is the truth and who is the truth? 1 Tim. 2:5, John 14:6

 

8. As what did Jesus give himself and for whom? 1 Timothy 2:6

 

9. When was this truth attested to? 1 Timothy 2:6

 

10. What has Paul been made and what is his wish? 1 Timothy 2:7-8

 

11. What is his wish that every man be free from? 1 Timothy 2:8

 

Personal – In what way have you been set free from anger and dissension?  In what way are you following the example of Paul and teaching those around you what verse 5-6 of 1 Timothy 2 says?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 16:1-13 GOSPEL

(“You cannot give yourself to God and money.”)

1. As Jesus was speaking to his disciples what did he say the steward of a rich man was reported doing? Luke 16:1

 

2. What did the rich man say to his steward? Luke 16:2

 

3. What did the steward say to himself? Luke 16:3

 

4. As he thought of an idea, what would be the result of the people toward him? Luke 16:4

 

5. When the steward called in each of his master’s debtors what did he ask them, what was their answer, and what were the steward’s instructions? Luke 16:5-7

 

6. For what did the master give his devious employee credit, and for what reason? Luke 16:8

 

7. What are you to gain from this world’s goods? Luke 16:9

 

8. How are you to use this world’s goods? Matthew 25:35-36

 

9. When the goods of this world fail you, what will be yours? Luke 16:9, Matthew 25:34

 

10. Fill in the following blanks:  The person who is ____________ in very small matters is also ______________ in great ones; and the person who is ___________ in very small matters is also ___________ in great ones. Luke 16:10

 

11. In verses 10-12  of Luke 16, what is the key quality being brought out in regard to money?

 

12. What must you do first before providing for yourself and your family? Matthew 6:33

 

13. What can a servant not do? Luke 16:13

 

Personal – In what way have you shown responsibility in your use of your worldly goods? Examine the last twenty-four hours. How much of your time was spent earning and spending money for this world’s goods and how much time was spent loving and giving to your brother or sister in need? “You cannot give yourself to God and money.”

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 113:1-2, 4-8

(“High above all nations is the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8.

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

AMOS 8:4-7

This passage is spoken to us by a person who was a shepherd.  He was not a prophet or the son of a prophet.  He did not go to some prestigious school, but he was called by God to bring a message of obedience to the people without any special preparation, education, or upbringing.  Amos obeyed God’s call to go and prophesy to the people of Israel.

Obedience, then, as it is today, was the test of a faithful servant.  He spoke out to the people in a time of peace and affluence, and his message was not well received.  He told them, you do all the external things that are required of you very well, but in your hearts you are corrupt.  The merchants kept the religious holidays, but not in spirit.  Their primary goal was in making money, even if that meant not being really honest.  We see that today in our society on special days like Christmas and Easter.  The message on the surface is peace and goodwill but the bottom line to many is to make money.

The humanists call Christmas “Winter Vacation” and Easter “Spring Vacation,” and many Christians go right along with it, and their conduct is no different than the pagans in this passage or the ones that are right here in our present-day society.

They used phony weights and measures and cheated the poor. We do that today by electing corrupt politicians who make it legal to cheat the poor and make millions of dollars doing it.  We need to reflect on this passage during the time that we call our “day off” (Sunday).  Do we give that day to the Lord?  Is that a day that our family knows will consist of praising the Lord and visiting family?  Or is it a day when what we should get done during the week is being done because we are too busy making money on the other days?  We need to reflect in prayer that God will give us the strength to open our hearts and give to him the first fruits of our efforts.  We are these people in this passage, and we must respond in obedience to God’s call to feed his hungry, clothe his poor, and visit his sick because what we do to the least of our brother and sisters we do unto him (Matthew 25:31-46).

 

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-8

The church has a great calling.  We are not only called upon to plead with men to turn to God but to plead with God the cause of men. Our God is so fantastic, he has let us have the incredible privilege of helping him change the world through our prayers. Our understanding of this can never be fully grasped because it is a true mystery of faith. But it is a reality because Paul urges us to pray for one another and he even tells us to pray for our rulers.

We might well remember that Nero was the emperor at this time (A.D. 54-68). It was under this wicked emperor that Paul was imprisoned, and he knew that soon he was to be beheaded. This proves to us that we must pray for bad rulers as well as good rulers.

Paul wrote this during a great persecution of the believers. Paul tells us that God longs to save us just as Peter did in Scripture (2 Peter 3:9). This means that while God wanted all to be saved, all did not accept his invitation. Paul tells us that the power of prayer affects all men and that power is available to us through intercessory prayer.

When we pray for someone else we stand in God’s presence, pleading for that person. Our Lord Jesus binds and casts out the demon spirit and leaves the person the freedom to choose to return to God’s loving way. Some people refuse this incredible gift and fail to become healed. Paul makes it clear that when we pray for someone we can go straight to our Lord and stand in his Presence, pleading for that person.

There is an old story about a Roman warrior who returned home in victory to find his brother about to be put to death in the Roman court. He stood in the back of the courtroom and without a word he held up the bleeding stub of the arm which had been cut off in battle. As the judge looked upon the wound, he said “For the sake of this brave warrior, his brother is counted innocent and free.” We should be condemned for our sins, but we look and see Jesus holding up his nail-printed hands, presenting his pierced feet and wounded side, pleading for you and me.

That is what the power of prayer can do. It brings the healing power of Jesus to anyone who is truly sorry. We need to be people of prayer and people of pure conduct. We are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16) and the prayers of the righteous man are very powerful (James 5:16).

 

LUKE 16:1-13

Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd accountant in this passage. The story is about an accountant being confronted by his boss on charges of cheating the company. We will have to give an account of our actions to God someday just like the accountant had to do in this story (Romans 14:12). This man wasted the resources that he had through the use of his conniving and cheating with others in the business world. His love for money determined his course of conduct and he exercised corrupt authority and power with it. We need to reflect on these few verses about our involvement with money, trust, and integrity.

We are called by God to use our material goods in a way that will help us as we stand face to face with God on judgment day (Luke 12:33, 34). We notice the admiration coming from the boss toward the accountant for his shrewdness. We can easily be influenced by what the world calls admirable behavior, because worldly people are very clever, more so than Godly people. We are children of the light (John 12:36), and we are not called to be clever, we are called to be honest. We are not called to buy friendship through cheating or granting special favors.

Our entry into heaven is not based on how clever we are, or how many good deals we make in business, or how close we come to the line of integrity and still be legal. We are called to be righteous in all matters, small or large, profitable or otherwise. We can only be trustworthy in large matters by being trustworthy in small ones. We can only be trustworthy to others when we are always trustworthy to ourselves. Heaven’s riches are far more valuable than earthly wealth and power.

Many people have let money take the place of God in their life, and it has become their master. Make a few observations and see if you have become a slave to money. Do you worry about money frequently? Do you give up doing what you should in order to make more money? Do you spend a great deal of time caring for your possessions? Do you find it difficult to give away your money?

We can see that money is a hard and deceptive master. Money always promises power and control, but it often can not deliver on its promises. Money cannot buy health, joy, or eternal life. We are so much wiser, happier, and at peace when we let God be our master. Money is meant to be a servant of man and man is called to be a servant of God. God’s servants have peace of mind and security both now and forever.

 

Application

In the first reading, we saw the dangers of greed, and in the second reading, we saw the power of prayer. We are told in the gospel that we cannot serve two masters.

This week, look around in your family or parish and pick out someone with whom you can share your worldly goods. Do something for that person without their knowing that it was you–like paying a bill, having the lawn mowed, doing an errand, etc. In short, do something beautiful for God this week; and remember, before you do anything for that person, pray that the Lord fill his or her life as he has filled yours.

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 1 KINGS 19:16, 19-21 FIRST READING

    (Elisha gave up all that he had to follow the Lord’s call.)

1. In 1 Kings 19:16, 19-21 who is speaking and to whom is he speaking? 1 Kings 19:12-15

 

2. Who was Elijah to name king of Israel?  1 Kings 19:16

 

3. What was  Elijah called and who was to succeed him? 1 Kings 19:16

 

4. Which of the following show how this was to be done? a.  appoint, b.  assign, c.  anoint

 

Personal – What does to anoint mean to you personally?

 

5. As Elijah set out, who did he come upon and what was he doing? 1 Kings 19:19

 

6. What did Elijah do to him? 1 Kings 19:19

 

7. What did Elisha do with the oxen, who did he run after and what did he say to him? 1 Kings 19:20

 

8. What did Elijah say to him? 1 Kings 19:20

 

9. When Elisha left him, what did he do to the yoke of oxen and the plowing equipment? 1 Kings 19:21

 

10. What did he do with the flesh? 1 Kings 19:21

 

11. After he did all this what did he do and how did he follow Elijah? 1 Kings 19:21

 

Personal – To what extent have you been called to give up some earthly possessions to follow the Lord’s call?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ GALATIANS 5:1, 13-18 SECOND READING

(We are called to live in freedom.)

1. Who is writing this epistle? Galatians 1:1

 

2. Why did Christ free us? Galatians 5:1

 

3. How must you stand and what must you not do? Galatians 5:1

 

4. How were you freed the first time? Revelations 1:5

 

5. How have we been called to live and to what does this not give full reign? Galatians 5:13

 

6. How are we to place ourselves at one another’s service? Galatians 5:13

 

7. How has the law found its fulfillment? Galatians 5:14

 

8. What will happen to you if you go on biting and tearing at one another? Galatians 5:15

 

9. How should you live and what will not happen to you? Galatians 5:16

 

10. What do the flesh and the spirit do to one another and why do you not do what your will intends?  Gal. 5:17

 

11. If you are guided by the spirit, what are you not under? Galatians 5:18

 

Personal – In what way are you living in accordance with the Spirit, in your home, work, or at play?  In what way are you yielding to the cravings of the flesh?  How can you take this situation and live according to the spirit?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 9:51-62 GOSPEL

(“Come away and proclaim the kingdom of God.”)

1. As the time approached for Jesus to be taken from this world, where did he resolve to go and who did he send ahead of him? Luke 9:51

 

2. What kind of town did those he sent ahead come to and why were they there? Luke 9:52

 

Personal – In what way have you prepared the way for the Lord’s coming for yourself and for your family?

 

3. What was the Samaritan’s reaction to his coming and what was the reason they acted this way? Luke 9:53

 

4. What did Jesus’ disciples, James and John, say when they saw the Samaritans would not welcome him? Luke 9:54

 

5. How did  Jesus respond to this and where did he turn? Luke 9:55

 

6. Where did they go? Luke 9:56

 

Personal – When you find opposition in walking with the Lord, what is your reaction, especially in your family? Do you continue walking with him or do you persist in getting through to them?

 

7. As they were making their way along, what did someone say to  Jesus? Luke 9:57

 

8. What did Jesus say to him?  Luke 9:58

 

9. What did he say to another?  Luke 9:59

 

10. What did Jesus say to him?  Luke 9:60

 

11. Why did Jesus want him to come with him? Luke 9:60

 

12. What was the stipulation another gave him before he could be his follower?  Luke 9:61

 

13. What did Jesus say about a person who keeps looking back? Luke 9:62

 

Personal – What blockages or excuses have you had for not following Jesus?  He is saying to you “Come after me.”  In what way have you been going before him instead of after him as a follower?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 16:1-2, 5, 7-11

(“You will show me the path of life”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-11.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

1 KINGS 19:16, 19-21

One of the most important aspects of this passage, from the Old Testament, deals with the price of discipleship.  To follow the call of God means that we surrender our will to God so that we may fulfill the divine will.  We “tie” ourselves to the holy will of God.  This demands sacrifice, an important characteristic of religion.

Sacrifice means “to make holy.”  Religion means to bind oneself to almighty God and to promote the kingdom of God in this life.

We share in the mysteries of Christ; we all have the vocation to live out the mysteries of Christ.  And in the Old Testament we see the first manifestations of this truth since all mankind is founded on the mystery of the Incarnation (Colossians 1:15-20; Ephesians 1:4-14).

All of the above may be applied to the Jewish prophet, Elisha.  Elisha paid the price of discipleship.  Indeed, he gave up his worldly possessions to follow God’s call, made manifest through Elijah.  He was to succeed Elijah to the office of prophecy.

The Old Testament tells us that repeatedly the Jewish nation had fallen into spiritual adultery by following the gods of pagan nations.  The Book of Hosea is replete with this sad phenomenon.  To recall the Jews to the worship of the true God, God raised up men totally dedicated to this task of restoration.

This was no easy task; paganism offered an “easy” religion, a religion that made few demands on fallen human nature where the gods were made in the image of man and not man to the image of the true God.

The prophets, as we see in the case of Elisha, his predecessor, Elijah, Jeremiah and the other prophets, faced their gigantic task with fortitude – one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.  They were men of God, worthy of imitation.

GALATIANS 5:1, 13-18

Above, I mentioned that we should be “tied” and here we have Paul speaking of liberty.  Nonetheless, there is no contradiction.  To “tie” ourselves, is to bind ourselves, as the word religion suggests (from the Latin religare, to bind) therefore we are bound to the infinite God; there is no constraint whatsoever.

On the other hand, sin can become slavery; temptations are constant demands for self-satisfaction; fallen human nature has the tendency to seek not the kingdom of God but rather the kingdom of instant gratification.  To master ourselves calls for the grace of God; to master ourselves is to possess the liberty of Christ as Paul puts it so well:  “It was for liberty that Christ freed us.  Do not take on yourselves the yoke of slavery a second time!”

In the spirit of true liberty, we are able to give of ourselves to God who is not only within us but within our neighbor as well.  In that same liberty, we give ourselves to the service of our neighbor, to the sick neighbor, to the sick in spirit, and to see in all of these the Christ Jesus. (Matthew 25:31-46) When all this comes about, know that the kingdom of God is near at hand, despite appearances.

LUKE 9:51-62

Today’s gospel passage deals with the last stages of Christ’s public ministry: “As the time approached when Jesus was to be taken from this world.”

Jesus and his disciples were to return to Jerusalem by way of Samaria.  At that time bad feelings existed between the Jews and the Samaritans.  The Samaritans were a mixed race, descendants of Israelitic-Assyrian colonists, and much hated by the Jews at the time of Christ. For a Jew to go through Samaritan territory was rather a risky thing just as it was risky for a Samaritan to go through Jewish territory.

With this background, we can understand the Samaritan’s reluctance to allow Jesus and his followers to pass through their territory.  Unlike James and John, Jesus accepted the situation.  These two disciples were all for the destruction of the Samaritans: “Lord, would you not have us call down fire from heaven and destroy them?”  But this was not the doctrine of Christ. Instead, Jesus had taught:  “…love your enemies…If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that?”  (Matthew 5:44-46).  A true disciple “…must be made perfect as (our) heavenly Father is perfect.”  (Matthew 5:48)

We come now to the subject of vocations.  To follow Christ was never an easy task, and it will always be so.  Christ made that clear in today’s Gospel. “The foxes have lairs, the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

A second example is given:  “To another he said, “Come after me.”  The man replied, “Let me bury my father first.” Jesus’ answer seems strange.  “Let the dead bury their dead.”  Obviously, Christ did not mean that the dead can perform burials.  As commentators (e.g., Stuhlmueller in The Jerusalem Commentary, p.143,#97) point out:  “A play on words:  Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead, mine is a message of life.”  Jesus did not intend to be taken literally, but rather he wanted to stir thought.

Today’s gospel gives us a third example concerning the vocation to follow him.  Vocation entails a “totality.”  By this I mean that once we set out to follow Christ we do so wholeheartedly, no half-way measures.  We cannot chase after other pursuits; we should not be distracted so as other pursuits gradually become more and more important at the  expense  of  the vocation to follow Christ.  In brief, an avocation should never become a vocation; a vocation should never become an avocation.

In following Christ, it is of the greatest importance to pay heed to his words: “Whoever puts his hand to the plow but keeps looking back is unfit for the reign of God.”  This is a very real admonition. Throughout the course  of  Church  history, “looking back”  has sometimes led to disastrous consequences, especially among priests and religious. Witness the spectacle of the worldly priest, the worldly religious and the worldly Christian.  Surely, if there were a better way to follow Christ; to help bring about the kingdom of God more effectively, the merciful Christ would have pointed out the way.  So we believe that doing the will of God, and not our will, is the only true criterion for putting today’s readings into practice.

Application

The first reading shows us that the cost of discipleship is very high. The second reading teaches that mastering ourselves is to possess the liberty of Christ, and the Gospel explains that a true disciple must be made perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.

This week, let the power of the Holy Spirit come upon you and root out the bigotry that is within you. Examine your speech, thoughts and actions and see if these areas need to be improved. Following Jesus calls for obedience, and obedience is the core of being a disciple. To really be free is to be obedient to the law of Christ, and that is to love one another as he has loved us, without regard for race, creed or color.

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 42:1-4, 6-7 FIRST READING

(“Here is my servant whom I uphold.”)

l. Fill in the blanks in the following scripture: “Here is my ______ whom I uphold, my  ______ with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my ___________; he shall bring forth _____________ to the nations” Isaiah 42:1

 

2. To whom do the following scriptures refer? Luke 1:38, 48; John 12:26; Acts 3:13; Acts 4:29-30

 

Personal – Do you see yourself as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ in your home or at work? Share how you are a servant of Christ.

 

3. Who are the chosen ones? Read the following scriptures:

1 Chronicles 16:13 ________, Tobit 13:11 __________, Psalm 89:3-4 _______________, Psalm 106:23 _______________, Ephesians 1:3-5 __________________.

 

Personal – Do you feel you are among the chosen ones of God?

 

4. In the following scriptures, who are receiving the Spirit or have the Spirit of God working through them? 2 Samuel 23:1-2 ____________, Matthew 3:16 ______________, John 20:19-22 ______________, Acts 8:14-19_______________.

 

Personal – Do you have the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life?  If not, read Matthew 7:7-8 and see what you must do to receive this power.

 

5. In the following scriptures, who brings forth justice to the nations? Deuteronomy 10:17-18 ___________________, Psalm 9:8-9 _______________, Acts 17:31 ___________________.

 

6. In what way was this prophecy in Isaiah 42:1-4 fulfilled? Matthew 12:16-21

 

7. Whom has God grasped by the hand, formed, and set as a covenant of the people? Isaiah 42:6

 

8. Whom has he made a light to the nations, and what are we to do? Isaiah 42:6-7

 

Personal – Are you a light to others? Do those in your family, your work and your environment see the love of Christ shining out of you?  If you are yielding to the Spirit of God dwelling in you others will see the light.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ACTS 10:34-38 SECOND READING

(“I begin to see how true it is that God shows no partiality.”)

1. Who was addressing the people, and what did he say? Acts 10:34

 

2. In the following scriptures, what does God’s Word say about showing partiality?

Leviticus 19:15 _________________________________________,

2 Chronicles 19:7 _______________________________________,

Wisdom 6:7 ______________________________________________.

 

3. What must we do to become acceptable to God? Acts 10:35

 

4. What does it mean to fear God? Daniel 6:27, Isaiah 8:13, Malachi 2:5

 

5. Through whom is the good news proclaimed, and who is the Lord of all? Acts 10:36

 

6. What was reported all over Judea about Jesus, and where did it begin? Acts 10:37-38

 

7. What was the baptism John preached? Matthew 3:11 Acts 19:4

 

8. Who anointed Jesus, and with what? Acts 10:38

 

9. Did God intend for us to be anointed with the Holy Spirit? John 14:14-17

 

10. What is one of the functions of the Holy Spirit? John 14:25-26

 

11. What did Jesus go about doing, and who was with him? Acts 10:38

 

Personal – When you receive the Holy Spirit, do you also receive the power to go about doing good works and healing as Jesus did? Is this evident in your life?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22 GOSPEL

(“…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”)       

1. With what were the people filled, and what were they asking? Luke 3:15

 

2. What did John tell the people? Acts 13:25

 

3. With what did John say he was baptizing? With what two things did John say the One mightier than he would baptize? Luke 3:16

 

4. What happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost? Acts 2:3-4

 

5. What does fire do? 1 Corinthians 3:13-16

 

Personal  –  How have you been baptized by fire?

 

6. Who were baptized, and what were they doing? Luke 3:21

 

7. What opened up, Who descended upon Jesus, and how was it done? Luke 3:21-22

 

8. What did Jesus say we will receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon us? Acts 1:8

 

Personal – What is the evidence of the Holy Spirit in your life?

 

9. What did the voice from heaven say when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus? Luke 3:22

 

10. How is God pleased with us? Hebrews 13:16

 

Personal – What have you done that has pleased the Father this week?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 29:1-4, 9-11

(“The voice of the Lord is power;”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 29:1-4, 9-11.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 42:1-4, 6-7

This week’s reading from Isaiah comes from a section sometimes called Second Isaiah (Chapters 40-55) and is generally considered to have been written by an unknown poet who prophesied near the end of the Babylonian exile.  In 520 B.C. the city of Jerusalem fell, the walls and palaces were destroyed and the sacred temple burned. King Zedikiah and the rest of the population were marched to Babylon in chains.

From these chapters come the great messianic oracles known as the Song of the Servant. In each song a different viewpoint of the mysterious “servant” is given. The destiny of suffering and glorification is fulfilled in the passion and glorification of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah is calling upon a figure, who represents Israel, and yet still addressed as “her.”  The “servant” is both a single individual and a nation as a collective individual. He talks about the qualities of the past, and he makes his “servant” very much a key figure of the future.

Isaiah points out that the servant’s role is not limited to Israel, but would become universal. He saw his people in chains and exiled to Babylonia, which was one thousand miles away from Judah. The need for a messiah was of great importance, and the hope of being restored to their lost homeland was in great danger of being completely demolished. The “servant” is being described as different from other leaders, not relying on military might or upon treaties with other nations. He will not be a victorious warrior or king, nor like other prophets shouting out their warnings. What the servant is will speak much louder than his words. The servant will be empowered by the same “Spirit” that rushed upon David when he was anointed king by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). Isaiah exhorts the people to look to the servant as God’s chosen one.

 

ACTS 10:34-38

In this passage, Peter is preaching to the crowd that God shows absolutely no partiality.   We see this truth being reaffirmed constantly in the Old Testament.  The Lord shows no partiality, nor does he fear the famous or powerful (Lev. 19:15 and Wis. 6:7).  God will have no part of activity like that.  Peter challenges his listeners to fear the Lord and act upright, which means to be in reverence and awe of the Lord and to follow his commandments.  We are told that fear of the Lord is to hate evil (Proverb 8:13).

Peter tells the crowd that God has sent to all the people of Israel a Messiah, in Whom he baptizes people in the power of the Holy Spirit.  He preached that Jesus is Lord of all,  a message that still is being presented today to a waiting,  hungry world. The Good News began when John baptized people in the name of repentance.  Jesus was baptized by God in the power of the Holy Spirit.

We have been anointed with the same power and Spirit as Jesus.  Jesus went forth doing good works and healing the sick. Peter’s message is very much alive today as we see in our newspapers and television how bribes, fear of the powerful, and partiality to favored people can be very destructive to our society. We are called to go forth in the power of the same Spirit and do good works and heal the sick in the name of Jesus (Acts 1:8). Jesus wants us to carry on through word and sacrament (Baptism and Confirmation), and to be witnesses to the world that he is alive here and now.

 

LUKE 3:15-16, 21-22

In today’s Gospel we see a prophet bursting upon the scene, and the people becoming highly agitated.  It was well known that there had not been a prophet in Israel for many years, and it was widely believed that when the Messiah would come, prophecy would reappear (Joel 3:1-2).

John looked and spoke like the prophets of old. His message was direct and hard. He told the people to share what they had with those who needed it, and whatever your job is, do it the best way you can.  John had no time to comfort those who lived careless or selfish lives. He was calling the people to right living. He told them to turn from their sins to avoid punishment and then turn to God for his blessing. This is a message for all times and all places. John spoke with urgency because he was preparing the people for the coming Messiah.

John’s baptism with water symbolized the washing away of sins. Jesus’ baptism by fire (Holy Spirit) includes the power needed to do God’s will. The church received baptism of fire on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire came upon the believers.  They were then empowered to proclaim Jesus’ resurrection in many languages. The baptism of fire also symbolizes the power of the Holy Spirit in bringing God’s judgment on those who refuse to repent.

Jesus in the true sense of humility chose not to be baptized in a big service in Jerusalem. He chose to be with simple people who were repenting. As Jesus prayed, God spoke to him and confirmed his decision to go forth in his ministry. God was breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. Jesus’ mission on earth was to identify with our humanity and sin. He began his journey to Calvary for us on that very special day.

 

Application

The first reading reveals to us that the Messiah is to be a “servant.”  The second reading reveals that God has no favorites. In the Gospel, God speaks to us, even today, with his voice from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”

This week be a servant to your family, a friend, or to someone in the community who is sick.  Be available, be specific, be consistent, and be ready to see the joy of Christ in their eyes as you live what you believe. Let the joy of the Father be reflected in the way you love others.  “You are his beloved child, and he is well pleased with 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.”)

l. 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 SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14 FIRST READING

(“He who honors his father atones for sins.”)

l. Where does the Lord place a father over his children, and what does he confirm over sons?  Sirach 3:2

 

2. What happens to one who honors his father? Sirach 3:3

 

3. What do we store up when we revere our mother? Sirach 3:4

 

4. By what is the man gladdened who honors his father, and what happens when he prays?  Sirach 3:5

 

5. What will happen to him who reveres his father? Sirach 3:6, Exodus 20:12

 

6. What is he doing who brings comfort to his mother? Sirach 3:6

 

7. What are we to do, and what are we not to do when our father gets old? Sirach 3:12

 

8. To whom are we to listen, for what reason, and whom are we not to despise? Proverbs 23:22

 

9. How are we to treat our father, even if his mind fails? Sirach 3:13

 

10. What will not be forgotten, and as what will it serve? Sirach 3:14

 

Personal – In what ways do you listen to and honor both your earthly father and your heavenly Father?  In what ways has your earthly father become a burden to you in his old age?  Compare your relationship with your heavenly Father and your earthly father. Repent where it is necessary.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ COLOSSIANS 3:12-21 SECOND READING

(“You children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.”)

1. With what five things are we to clothe ourselves, and for what reason? Colossians 3:12-13

 

2. What are these five qualities called, according to Galatians 5:22?

 

3. What are we to do with one another, and what are we to do over any grievance we may have for another? Colossians 3:13

 

4. Why are we to forgive? Colossians 3:13

 

5. What did Jesus say as he was dying on the cross, and to whom was he speaking? Luke 23:34

 

6. In the Lord’s Prayer, what are we saying and what is the Father saying? Matthew 6:12-15

 

Personal – How have you sinned and received the forgiveness of God? In what way is that reflected by your forgiveness of others when they have hurt you?

 

7. What virtue do we put on over all the rest? Colossians 3:14

 

8. What must reign in our hearts, of what are we members, to what are we called, and to what must we dedicate ourselves? Colossians 3:15

 

9. What must dwell in us, how are we to treat one another, and how are we to sing gratefully to God? Colossians 3:16

 

10. Whatever we do, in speech or action, in whose name are we to do it, and to whom are we to give thanks? Colossians 3:17

 

11. How are husbands to act toward their wives, and how are wives to act toward their husbands? Colossians 3:18-19

 

12. How are children to act toward their parents, and how are fathers to act toward their children? Colossians 3:20-21

 

Personal – What do you think causes the most break-ups in the family today?  How do you think this can be remedied? In what ways are you obeying or disobeying what God says in Colossians 3:18-21. Reflect on this, and make changes where necessary. Remember, we receive grace from the sacrament of reconciliation.

 

 

FOURTH DAY LUKE 2:41-52 GOSPEL

(“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”)

1. Where did Mary and Joseph go each year, and what did they do when Jesus was 12 years old? Luke 2:41-42

 

2. When Mary and Joseph were returning home, what did they not know? Luke 2:43

 

3. Where did they think Jesus was, what did they do, and where did they go when they did not find him? Luke 2:44-45

 

4. What is not the will of your heavenly Father? Matthew 18:14

 

5. Where did they find Jesus, what was he doing, and what was the reaction of all who heard him? Luke 2:46-47

 

6. Who instructs us in everything? John 14:26

 

Personal  –  What have you learned the last time you sat and listened to your teacher?

 

7. What was the reaction of Jesus’ parents when they saw him, and what did his mother say to him? Luke 2:48

 

8. What did Jesus say to his parents, and what was their understanding of it? Luke 2:49-50

 

9. What did Jesus do, what was he to his parents, and what did his mother do? Luke 2:51

 

10. Who are we to obey, and who does this please? Colossians 3:20

 

Personal – How have you advanced in wisdom and knowledge of God’s will for you in your personal life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 128:1-5

(“Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 128:1-5.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

SIRACH 3:2-6, 12-14

Sirach was a pious and learned Jew who lived in the second century B.C.  He wrote a collection of sayings to help others live their lives in accordance with God’s Holy Word.  In today’s passage he speaks of family. He shows us that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race.

The foundation of the family was traditionally the father and he had the place of honor. The father was given the right to be respected and obeyed by his family.  We see the mother also shares the authority with the father in the home. The authority of both parents in accordance with God’s Word is to be respected by the children.

This passage really applies very strongly to today’s families because the family structure is under a severe attack by Satan. Children who respect their parents are not only doing God’s will, but also are storing up spiritual rewards for themselves. Over the centuries it has been shown that children who respect their parents generally have children who will respect their parents.

We see that prayer is very important for a family’s growth and that all prayer is answered. The call to love, honor, and respect your parents carries with it the reward of your children’s care for you in your old age with love and respect, a long life thus becomes a sign of God’s blessing for those who follow his commands.

Children are called to give their aging parents loving care. The child who has learned to respect his parents is respecting God. No matter how feeble, mentally or physically, one’s parents may become, it is the children’s responsibility to care for them. This is not some social health care program’s slogan; this is in accordance with God’s Holy Word. God wants love, kindness, respect, honor, sacrifice, comfort, safety, etc.

 

COLOSSIANS 3:12-21

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. He was told by a follower, named Epaphras, that recent converts to the Christian faith were being disturbed by false teachers. Paul’s letter spells out some very practical rules for the Christians; to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience. Paul is telling them that these virtues must be secure in their hearts in order for the community to live out the Christian vision.

Forgiveness is one of the main virtues of a Christian. This is what separates us from the non-believers. God wiped out all our sins in Baptism and is constantly waiting to wash away the sins of a repentant sinner in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We also must imitate God and be willing to forgive a repentant brother or sister. Paul again shows Christ as the head of the body and the source of unity, harmony and peace. We hear that it is not enough to know the doctrines of Christ, but we must live Christ’s life, and our lives must be witnesses of good and bearing fruit.

Today, as then, we are called to help each member of the family of God. Paul deals with the family by telling the husband to “love your wife,” and wives to be subject to the spiritual authority of the husband. Children are called to obey their parents. This may sound common today, but in Paul’s time, wives had few rights and were often considered to be the property of the husband. Paul’s call to “love your wife” brings her into equality and a full sharing in the authority of the family. Paul also tells fathers not to provoke their children. The authority of a father comes from God, and this authority is to lead, to love, and to serve his family. A loving father leads his children by serving them in the name of the Lord.  A loving father puts on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:2-5).

 

LUKE 2:41-52

According to God’s law, every male was required to go to Jerusalem three times a year for the great festivals of Unleavened Bread, Weeks, and Shelters (Deut. 16:16). In the spring the Passover was celebrated, followed immediately by the week-long feast of Unleavened Bread. Jesus has just reached the age of adulthood, so he did not spend a lot of time with his parents during the festival. The people traveled in caravans to the city and it was common for the women and children to travel at the front. A twelve year old boy could have been in either group, and probably Mary and Joseph assumed Jesus was with the other.

The caravan, however, left Jerusalem without Jesus, who was absorbed in his discussion with the religious leaders. He would have been eager to listen and ask probing questions. It was not his youth, but the depth of his thoughts that amazed the teachers. Mary searched frantically, and when she finally found him, she knew she had to let go of her child and let him become a man.

For parents, it is both sweet and painful to see our children as adults. But when the time comes to step back and let go, we must do so in spite of the hurt. Then our children can take flight and soar to the heights God intended for them.

This was the first hint that Jesus realized he was God’s Son. But even though he knew his real Father, he did not reject his earthly parents. God’s people do not reject family relationships or family responsibilities. If Jesus Christ obeyed his parents, how much more we should honor our parents.

 

Application

The first reading emphasizes that the family unit has been honored as the foundation of the human race. The second reading shows false teachers are destructive to families and society. The Gospel reveals Jesus’ responsibility of obedience to his parents.

Today, let your suffering be for the Lord and for someone else in your family. Maybe you can offer your pain for someone who is on drugs or alcohol. Pick a family member, friends, or a co-worker, and pray for that person all week. Let your soul be pierced so that the heart of others will be laid bare and they will turn to God.

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 52:7-10  FIRST READING

(“Your God is King”)

l. 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 Corinthians 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? Colossians 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 of what was he full? 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 (Romans 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 you to take a part in making his message known in your family and your 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 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

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 MICAH 5:1-4 FIRST READING

(“He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock by the strength of the Lord.”)

1. What is too small to be among the clans of Judah? Who is to come forth from there, and where is his origin? Micah 5:1

 

2. Who was a son of an Ephrathite named Jesse and where was he from? 1 Samuel 17:12

 

3. What will the Lord do until the time she is to give birth, and what shall happen to the rest of the brethren? Micah 5:2

 

4. What does scripture say about the Messiah? John 7:42

 

5. Where was Jesus born, and whom shall he shepherd? Matthew 2:1, 6

 

6. How shall he stand and shepherd his flock, with Whose power or strength, and by Whose majestic name will he do it? Micah 5:3

 

7. What will happen to his flock and for what reason? Micah 5:3

 

8. What shall he be? Micah 5:4

 

9. Because of the blood of Christ, what is he to us, and what did he break down? Ephesians 2:13-14

 

10. If Assyria invades their country, what will the people do? Micah 5:4-5

 

Personal – Who is ruler or has authority over you, and where do they get their strength?  Over whom do you rule, and where do you get your strength?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ HEBREWS 10:5-10 SECOND READING

(“Behold, I come to do your will, O God.”)

1. What was not desired, and what was prepared on his coming into the world? Hebrews 10:5

 

2. What was sought not, and what was given? Psalm 40:7

 

3. In what did the Lord take no delight? Hebrews 10:6

 

4. What is written of Jesus in the scroll? Hebrews 10:7

 

5. What was the prayer of Jesus at the Mount of Olives? Luke 22:42

 

6. What was Jesus’ food? John 4:34

 

7. With what are sacrifices and offerings in accord? Hebrews 10:8

 

8. What does Jesus say, and what has he done with the first to establish the second? Hebrews 10:9

 

9. What was the new Law he established over which he was sorrowful? Matthew 26:38-39

 

10. How have we been consecrated once and for all? Hebrews 10:10

 

11. From what does his death cleanse us? Hebrews 9:14

 

Personal – Whose “will” do you follow on a daily basis?  How often does it occur to you to ask for his will to be done?  How often do you die to yourself to do the will of the Father on a daily basis?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 1:39-45 GOSPEL

(“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”)

1. Who traveled to the hill country to a town of Judah? Whose house did she enter, and whom did she greet?  Luke 1:39-40

 

2. What was Zechariah, where was his wife from, and what kind of people were they? Luke 1:5-6

 

3. What was Zechariah told by the angel, and what did the child in her womb do when Mary greeted her? Luke 1:13, 41

 

4. With what was Elizabeth filled? Luke 1:41

 

5. With what was John filled, even from his mother’s womb? Luke 1:15

 

6. To whom does the Father give the Holy Spirit? Luke 11:13

 

7. What did Elizabeth cry out in a loud voice?  Luke 1:42-44

 

8. Who is the woman to be praised, and what will give her the praise? Proverbs 31:30-31

 

9. What did Mary do to become blessed? Luke 1:45

 

10. Who did Jesus say is blessed? John 20:29

 

11. What confined all things under the power of sin, how was the promise given, and to whom was it given? Galatians 3:22

 

Personal – When were you filled with the Holy Spirit or became aware of his presence within you?  Can those around you call you blessed, and if so, why?  What effect has Mary’s response had on your life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

(“Rouse your power, and come to save us.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.

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

MICAH 5:1-4

The prophet, Micah, assures a small, obscure town in Judea that it will be the birth place of the Messiah.  Jerusalem’s leaders were obsessed with wealth and position. Micah not only prophesied that Jerusalem with its wealth and power would be besieged and destroyed, but that its king could not save it. In startling contrast, Bethlehem, a tiny town, would be the birth place of the only king who could save all of his people.  The Messiah would be born as a baby in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-6) and eventually would reign as the eternal king.

The king that was defeated was Zedekiah, and he was the last of the kings in David’s line to sit on the throne in Jerusalem.   Micah prophesied that the next king in David’s line would be the Messiah, and his kingdom would never end.  The Messiah, although eternal, entered human history as the man, Jesus of Nazareth.

Today’s reading provides us with a very clear Old Testament prophecy of Christ’s coming.  Micah tells us that the Messiah will be our peace (5:4).  Jesus tells us that he is leaving us with a gift, a gift of peace of mind and heart, and the gift is not fragile like the peace of the world (John 14:27). So do not be afraid, fear is useless.  What is needed is trust (Mark 5:36). Christ’s peace gives us assurance even though wars continue.  We need to have no more fear of judgment, no more conflict and guilt. This is what the peace of Christ really means. You can dismiss anxiety, worry about nothing, pray about everything, and you will receive the peace (Phil. 4:6-7) of the “Messiah” which surpasses all understanding.

 

HEBREWS 10:5-10

Today’s reading shows us that our link with God is not animal sacrifice. We are bound to God through a person and that person is Jesus Christ. We have in him a Savior, who shows us what our love must be like through his example.  Animal blood could not take away sin; it could only take it out of sight until Jesus came to deal with it permanently.

The people in Old Testament times were forgiven of their sins, just as they are forgiven today, through God’s grace which they accepted through faith.  The costly sacrifice of a valued animal’s life impressed upon the sinner the seriousness of his sin before God.  Because Jesus shed his own blood for us, his sacrifice is far greater than an Old Testament offering.  Christ came to offer for us his body upon the cross as a sacrifice completely acceptable to God.

Looking at the incredible gift that he has given us, we should be overwhelmed with a joyful desire to obey him. Today we see so many people trying to fill emptiness in their lives with drugs, alcohol, and immorality and becoming more empty.  The only way one can become full and alive is to first become really clean and free.  If your life is empty and confused, then fall on your knees and accept the incredible gift of forgiveness and salvation that was won for you through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He tells us in verse 9 of today’s reading that he has come to do the will of his Father, and that is, that we all be united with him through Jesus.  He is the Way (John 14:6), and only he can set you free (John 8:32).

 

LUKE 1:39-45

The miracle of love is in its sense of expectancy.  Love is far more than a feeling, it is a decision that says “Yes.”  Mary has just received the incredible news that she has been chosen to be the Mother of God.  She tells the angel that she is the Lord’s servant, and she will do whatever is in accordance with his Word. She then waits, with the knowledge and expectation that she will bear the fruit the prophets had predicted.

Mary was to be the Mother of the God of her fathers, and all would call her blessed.  And yet, in her waiting, she attends to her surroundings.  Her cousin, Elizabeth, who was much older, was also expecting a child.  Mary goes out to attend to her, and in her love she gives a signal of the love she bears with her. Elizabeth recognizes Mary’s desire to serve her, and in that service is the core of love called humility.  Elizabeth tells Mary that blessed is her fruit, and Mary’s child became the instrument of salvation for the whole world.

This time of Advent, a time of waiting for the new coming of Christ in our own lives, is a time for us to be like Mary. We can share Mary’s blessing.  Through us Christ can become real for others. Out there, right where you are, there is an Elizabeth who needs your visit.  As you wait, like Mary waited, go out of yourself to others as she did.  Who is your Elizabeth?  Someone hungry, lonesome, angry or neglected?  That person awaits your visit. You may not have to go any further than across the street, or just across the kitchen table.  As we wait for the Christmas celebration, the promise of the prophets will once again be fulfilled.  What will it bring you?

 

Application

The first reading shows that God chose ordinary things and ordinary people to produce extraordinary results.  The second reading tells us that salvation is a person and his name is Jesus Christ.  The Gospel reveals that waiting is a decision to serve while waiting.

This week, let the humility of Mary be your model. You might look at the times you have to wait during the week, such as in traffic, in cafeteria lines at work, or waiting to see a teacher in school.  The example that you show by your actions can be very powerful.  Mary was very humble even though she knew that what had happened to her was very special. Give your family and friends a tremendous gift this Christmas time. Give them the gift of your humility, and Christ will come alive through you, and you will be blessed.