THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ 2 KINGS 4:8-11, 14-16 FIRST READING

(“I know that he is a holy man of God.”)

l. Who came to Shunem, and who urged him to dine with her? 2 Kings 4:8

 

2. How often did he dine with the woman?   2 Kings 4:8

 

3. Whom did Elisha succeed, and what was to rest on him? 2 Kings 2:9-15

 

4. What did the Shunammite woman call Elisha?   2 Kings 4:9

 

5. What does he who welcomes a prophet or a holy man receive? Matthew 10:41-42

 

6. In what should we be generous?   Romans 12:13

 

7. What did the woman arrange for Elisha?   2 Kings 4:10

 

8. What did Elisha do sometime later?   2 Kings 4:11

 

9. What did Elisha ask his servant Gehazi, and what did he say? 2 Kings 4:14

 

10. Elisha told his servant to call the woman, and as she stood at the door, what did he promise her?   2 Kings 4:15-16

 

11. What did she say, and what did she call Elisha? 2 Kings 4:16

 

Personal – What is your attitude when a priest comes to your home? What is your attitude toward what he says to you? In what way do you show hospitality to God’s chosen ones?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 6:3-4, 8-11 SECOND READING

(“His death was death to sin, once for all;”)

1. We who have been baptized into Jesus Christ, into what have we also been baptized?   Romans 6:3

 

2. With whom have all who have been baptized into Christ clothed themselves?   Gal 3:27

 

3. In baptism we were not only buried with him but also raised to life with Him because of what? Col 2:12

 

4. Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, what might we live? Romans 6:4

 

5. What do we believe if we have died with Christ?  Romans 6:8

 

6. What will Christ, once raised from the dead, never do again? Romans 6:9

 

7. What was the last enemy to be destroyed? 1 Corinthians 15:26

 

8. For what was Christ’s death and for whom is his life? Romans 6:10

 

9. For whom did he die?   Romans 6:10

 

10. In the same way, to what must we consider ourselves dead? Romans 6:11

 

11. For whom and in whom are we alive?   Romans 6:11

 

Personal – In what way have you died to sin in your life? In what way are you living a life for God?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 10:37-42 GOSPEL

(“He who welcomes me, welcomes him who sent me.”)

1. Who is speaking in verses 37-42 of Matthew, and to whom is he speaking?  Matthew 10:5 , Matthew 11:1

 

2. What did Jesus say about those who love father or mother, son or daughter more than him?   Matthew 10:37

 

3. If a man wishes to come after Jesus, what three things must He do?   Matthew 16:24

 

4. He who will not take up what and come after him is not worthy of whom?   Matthew 10:38

 

5. To what does he who seeks only himself bring himself, and how does a person discover who he is?  Matthew 10:39,

Mark 8:35

 

6. Whom does he welcome who welcomes us, and he who welcomes him also welcomes whom? Matthew 10:40

 

7. What does he receive who welcomes a prophet because he bears the name of prophet?   Matthew 10:41

 

8. What does he receive who welcomes a holy man because he is known as a holy man?   Matthew 10:41

 

9. What does Jesus promise us, and what does he call a disciple?   Matthew 10:42

 

10. What will happen to any man who gives a drink of water to you because you belong to Christ?   Mark 9:41

 

Personal – What is the cross that you have taken up in order to follow Christ? In what ways do you die to yourself on a daily basis in your home, at work, or at school? In what way are you supportive to your brothers and sisters in the Lord who are following Jesus?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 89:2-3, 16-19

(“The favors of the Lord I will sing forever.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 89:2-3, 16-19.

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

2 KINGS 4:8-11, 14-16

This passage reveals to us the need to show hospitality and respect to God’s chosen ones, his clergy. When a priest or deacon comes into your home, is your attitude loving, caring, and reverent? The Scriptures tell us that he who received the king’s messenger will, in reality, be receiving the king himself (Matt. 10:40-42). The Jews always felt that to receive a person’s messenger was the same as to receive the person himself. To welcome with love the messenger of our Lord Jesus was the same as to welcome Jesus himself.

The Shunemite woman knew that Elisha was a prophet and a special messenger of God and she trusted him with great respect. He promised her a gift of a son and she received this miracle of God from the prophet she respected so much.

Today there is a great amount of disrespect shown toward the clergy of Christian denominations. Many people fail to look at whom these people represent. There are failures among the clergy who fall into sin, but they still have been called to represent the Lord. David was terribly mistreated by Saul the King, but David never harmed a hair on Saul’s head. David respected the office of what Saul represented. God rewarded David for this compassion, respect, and obedience. God called David a “man after my own heart.”

Look at the clergy in your parish and see where you can help them, encourage them, but most of all, love them. You can love your clergy by praying for them daily and by inviting them to your home to share your lifestyle and hospitality. Elisha was amazed at the Shunemite woman’s hospitality, and today, our clergy need that hospitality and acceptance very much. Jesus said, “What you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me.” (Matt 25:31-46). This verse also applied to those who had given up the comfort of a loving family and the security of a permanent home and community and have gone out to serve a hostile world. How we treat our clergy is very well indeed how we treat Our Lord, Jesus. Remember, they are messengers of the King.

 

ROMANS 6:3-4, 8-11

The power of sin is broken through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His death shattered the power of our sinful nature. Our old sin-loving nature was buried with Jesus by baptism when he died for our sins. Through baptism, we share his new life, and we shall rise as he did. Baptism means to sink, submerge, and to drown. We die to our old sinful nature and we emerge or rise in baptism with the Risen Christ. We have invited Christ to take up residence in us. He, in turn, welcomes us into his Holy Family of Christianity. He is present in his Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. Through baptism we become sons and daughters of God the Father and enjoy the power of the Holy Spirit and live and love others in the name of Jesus Christ.

In the church of Paul’s time, immersion was the usual form of baptism. This means that new Christians were completely buried in water. This symbolized the death and burial of the old way of life, followed by resurrection to life with Christ. It is very important to realize why baptism is so important to being a Christian. We are cleansed of sin and clothed in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is the power that we use to resist the devil and make him flee from us (James 4:7). We now have the incredible power to choose life over death because we have the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. We know that the Spirit within us is far more powerful than he that is in the world (l John 4:4). Because of our baptism we have become adopted sons and daughters of the King. Jesus tells us that he has prepared a place in his Father’s house for each one of us (John 14:1-6). This passage gives us tremendous comfort and assurances as believers in Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, we never need to fear death or wonder where we will go when we die (John 3:16).

 

MATTHEW 10:37-42

Today’s Gospel message tells us that a Christian commitment may separate friends and loved ones. Jesus showed that his presence demands a decision. This was true in Jesus’ time, and it is especially true in today’s world. Two things are happening today. Either the world is changing you or you are changing the world. A decision for Christ is a decision to make the world a better place to live.

As we take up our cross and follow Jesus, an inevitable conflict will follow. Our different values, morals, goals, and purposes will set us apart from others. Today’s message is that God should be our first priority, not friends or even family. God has called all of us to a higher mission than to find comfort in this life. To take up our cross and follow Jesus we must lay down other cares and priorities. We need to be totally committed to God (Matt. 10:39) and willing to face anything, even suffering and death, for the sake of Christ. We can see around us that the more people love this life’s rewards (leisure, power, popularity), the more they discover how empty they are.

Mother Teresa has a saying, “Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.” We can tell how much we love God by how well we treat others. God notices every good deed we do or don’t do, as if he were the one receiving it. We cannot all be prophets and proclaim the Word of God, but he who gives God’s messenger the simple gift of hospitality will receive no less a reward than the prophet himself. We must remember that even the prophet must get his breakfast and attend to his clothes. We must never forget to love, honor, and thank those who have the often thankless task of making a home, cooking meals, washing clothes, shopping for household items, and caring for children. It is God’s greatest task, and they will be far more likely to receive the prophet’s rewards than those whose days are filled with committees and comfortable homes.

 

Application

The first reading teaches us to honor and respect the clergy. The second reading shows us that the power of sin is broken through baptism. The Gospel tells us that our first priority is loving God.

Let this week be a week of loving God by loving others. Husbands, take your wife out to dinner or some where to relax and enjoy. Husbands, watch the children so Mom can take a few hours to relax and pamper herself. Wives, take time to be present to your husband alone. Children, help your parents by cleaning up after yourself and do some errands for Mom. Parents, take time to play with your children and each other. Families, pray every day to God in thanksgiving and invite your priests or deacon to your home to pray and relax 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 JEREMIAH 20:10-13 FIRST READING

(“For he has rescued the life of the poor from the power of the wicked.”)

l. What does Jeremiah hear, and for what are those who were his  friends on the watch?   Jeremiah 20:10

 

2. What will a false friend do?   Sirach 37:4

 

3. What will a friend do who is a friend when it suits him, and with whom are we to be on guard?   Sirach 6:8-13

 

4. Who is with Jeremiah, and what will happen to his persecutors?  Jeremiah 20:11

 

5. What did the Lord say to Jeremiah?  Jeremiah 1:8, Jeremiah 15:20

 

6. From what are malicious persecutors far?   Psalm 119:150

 

7. What does the Lord test and probe, and what does Jeremiah ask to witness?   Jeremiah 20:12

 

8. Why does the Lord probe the mind and test the heart? Jeremiah 17:10

 

9. To whom should we sing and praise, and whom has he rescued?   Jeremiah 20:13

 

10. Why do we thank and praise the Lord?   Psalm 109:30-31

 

Personal – How has the Lord rescued you from someone you thought was a friend? In what way do you sing his praises for what he has done for you?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 5:12-15 SECOND READING

(“But the gift is not like the transgression.”)

1. What entered the world through one man, what came to all, and what have all done?   Romans 5:12

 

2. Through what did death enter the world, and who experiences it?   Wisdom 2:24

 

3. What does envy and anger do?   Sirach 30:24

 

4. Where was sin up to the time of the law, and when is sin not accounted?   Romans 5:13

 

5. What does the law produce, and where is there no violation? Romans 4:15

 

6. What reigned from Adam to Moses, who dies even though they did not sin, and what was Adam?   Romans 5:14

 

7. What happened in Adam, and what happened in Christ? 1 Corinthians 15:22

 

Personal – How has sin and death affected your life?

 

8. What is the gift not like?   Romans 5:15

 

9. What overflowed for the many?   Romans 5:15

 

10. How do we believe we have been saved?   Acts 15:11

 

Personal – How has the grace of God affected your life? What does grace mean to you? From you, what is the result it has on others?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 10:26-33 GOSPEL

(“And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.”)

1. What are we not to be, and what is concealed that will be revealed?   Matthew 10:26

 

2. What Jesus speaks to us in the darkness, where are we to speak it? What we hear whispered, where are we to proclaim it?   Matthew 10:27

 

Personal – When the Lord speaks to you in your quiet prayer time, how do you make it known to others?

 

3. What will happen to the person who does not speak? Psalm 32:3

 

4. Of whom are we not to be afraid, and who are we to fear? Matthew 10:28

 

5. With what are we not to make alliance, with whom are we to make alliance, and who are we to fear and be in awe? Isaiah 8:12-13

 

6. What does not fall to the ground without the Father’s knowledge?   Matthew 10:29

 

7. What is even counted, and why should we not be afraid? Matthew 10:30-31

 

8. What will happen to us because of Jesus, what will not be destroyed, and what will secure our life?   Luke 21:17-19

 

9. What are we not to fear?   Isaiah 51:7

 

10. Who will be acknowledged before our heavenly Father, and who will be denied before him?   Matthew 10:32-33

 

11. What will happen to whomever is ashamed of Jesus and his words, in this faithless and sinful generation?   Mark 8:38

 

Personal – In what ways have you acknowledged Jesus and his words to your family, friends, school friends and co-workers?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35

(“For the Lord hears the poor,”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 69:8-10, 14, 17, 33-35.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

JEREMIAH 20:10-13

Jeremiah goes straight from the Hinnom Valley to the temple, and with his message challenged the people’s social and moral behavior. He was not afraid to give unpopular criticism. The people could either obey or silence him, and they chose the latter. Their false prophets told them what they wanted to hear. The priest in charge called Pashur, heard Jeremiah’s words and because of his guilt forced him into the wooden stocks. With his hands and feet made fast in the wooden stocks, and being ridiculed in front of the entire community, Jeremiah pours out his heart to God. Yet, even this did not stop him from making God’s Word known.

Jeremiah’s role as a prophet put him under terrific pressure. He has faithfully proclaimed God’s Word and has received nothing in return, only persecution and sorrow. He tried to withhold God’s word, but it became like a fire in his bones.

Today, there are many places where people need to be challenged about their moral behavior. The Jeremiahs of today are being ridiculed and silenced, and the false prophets “tickle their ears” with stories of how wonderful they are. When you feel like you are at the end of your rope, remember, there is never an end to hope. You will feel “the fire in your bones,” and you will feel compelled to share it with others, whatever the situation.

 

ROMANS 5:12-15

The question, “How can we be declared guilty for something Adam did thousands of years ago?” rages on. There are many who feel it is not right for God to judge us for Adam’s sin. Yet, each one of us identifies with Adam by our own sins. We are made of the same “high-fluting,” rebellious, exaggerating attitude and prejudices. We are judged for the sins we commit, because we are sinners. It is not fairness that we need, it is mercy.

Paul tells us once again that keeping the law does not bring salvation. Death is the result of Adam’s sin and for the sins we all commit. The Law was added to help people see their sinfulness and to show them the seriousness of their offense and to drive them to God for mercy and pardon. This was true in Moses’ day, and it is still true today. Sin is a profound rupture between who we are and who we were created to be. The Law points out our sin and places the responsibility on our shoulders, but the Law offers no remedy for it.

In many nations, prisons are overflowing because accountability calls for discipline, and discipline calls for a commitment to an idea. When we are convicted of sin, the only way to heal is through Jesus Christ. Remember, only the truth can really set us free (John 8:32) and the truth is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

MATTHEW 10:26-33

Today’s Gospel reveals to us the cost of following Jesus Christ. Jesus helped his disciples prepare for the rejection many of them would experience by being Christian. Being God’s person will usually create reactions from others who are resisting him. The disciples experienced hardships not only from without (government, courts, etc.), but also from friends and family.

Living for God often brings on trials and tribulations, but with it comes the opportunity to tell the Good News of Salvation. We can always be confident because Jesus has “overcome the world” (John 16:33), and it is very crucial for us to remember that those who “endure to the end” will be saved (10:22).

You are of incredible worth to God, and you are never lost from his sight or touch. You never are to fear personal threats or difficult trials because they can not shake God’s love and Spirit from you. God placed a tremendous value on each one of us, and he lets us have the choice and the chance to say “No, Lord.” The closer you get to God, the more the world will reject and abuse us. They hated Christ and rejected Him; would we expect anything less? Those who stand up for Christ in spite of their troubles truly will have lasting value and will receive the acknowledgement of God and God’s love will sustain them through any kind of trial.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God’s Word is like a hammer that smashes away at the rocks of obstacles. The second reading tells us that death is the result of Adam’s sin, and life is the result of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. The Gospel reveals fear as useless, and we must trust in God.

This week, ask yourself what you are doing to be a witness to your faith. How have you responded to the scourge of abortion in your community? See if you can help with letter writing, picketing, protesting, praying and voting on moral issues concerning abortion. You will be ridiculed and attacked, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and maybe even physically for your loyalty and belief.

This week, become a disciple of Christ and let the Spirit within you be a reminder that the spirit of the world has been defeated.

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 DEUTERONOMY 8:2‑3, 14‑16 FIRST READING

(“Not by bread alone does man live, but by every Word that comes forth from the mouth of the Lord.”)

1. Who is speaking, and whose words is he announcing? Deuteronomy 5:1‑5

 

2. What is he asking the Israelites to remember?  Deuteronomy 8:2

 

3. What two things does the Holy One of Israel, the Lord, our God, do for us?   Isaiah 48:17

 

4. Why did affliction come upon the Israelites?  Deuteronomy 8:2

 

5. With what did the Lord let them be afflicted? With what did he feed them, and for what reason? Deuteronomy 8:3

 

6. How many days was Jesus tempted in the desert by Satan? What was one of the temptations, and what was Jesus’ answer? Luke 4:2‑4

 

7. Of what is he telling them to be careful after they have their fill?   Deuteronomy 8:14

 

8. What did the Lord do for the Israelites?  Deuteronomy 8:15-16

 

9. What do affliction and testing make us in the end? Deuteronomy 8:16

 

10. When under trial or affliction, what are we to do? Romans 12:12

 

Personal ‑ In what way is there a balance in your life between the food you eat and obedience to the Word of God? In what way are you taking in the Word? Are you eating what is good for you in bread and Word? Is Eucharist part of your daily nourishment?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:16‑17 SECOND READING

(“We all partake of the one loaf.”)

1. Who wrote this letter and to whom was he writing? 1 Corinthians 1:1‑2

 

2. What are the two questions he asks them in 1 Cor. 10:16?

 

3. What did Jesus do with the bread and what did he say it was? Matthew 26:26

 

4. What did he do with the cup, and what did he say it was? Matthew 26:27‑28

 

5. In what do we share or participate?   1 Corinthians 10:16

 

6. Because the loaf of bread is one, we, many though we are, are what, and for what reason? 1 Corinthians 10:17

 

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

 

8. Just as there is one body, there is also one what, and what is given you by your call?   Ephesians 4:4

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you share in the body and blood of Jesus with your family and friends? Is there a oneness and unity among those with whom you associate? Read the rest of 1 Corinthians 10. Examine your conscience to see whether you have been worshiping the One, True God.

 

 

FOURTH DAY   READ JOHN 6:51‑58 GOSPEL

(“If anyone eats this bread, he shall live forever.”)

1. Who is speaking? Who did he say he was, and from where has he come down?   John 6:43, 51

 

2. What did he say would happen to those who eat this bread? John 6:51

 

3. What did he say the bread he will give is, and for the life of whom?   John 6:51

 

4. How did the Jews react to this, and what did they ask? John 6:52

 

5. Jesus assured them that if they did not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, they would have no what? John 6:53

 

6. What happens to him who feeds on his flesh and drinks his blood?   John 6:54

 

7. What does Jesus say his flesh and blood are?   John 6:55

 

8. The man who remains in Jesus, and Jesus in him, does what? John 6:56

 

9. What does the Father have? Whom did he send, and what does he who was sent have because of him?   John 6:57

 

10. What will the man who feeds on Jesus have because of him? John 6:57

 

11. Where did this bread come from, and what is it unlike? John 6:58

 

12. How long will the man live who lives on this bread? John 6:58

 

Personal ‑ How has the eating of Jesus’ flesh, and drinking of his blood, which is the Eucharist, shown others that he is truly present in you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY  READ PSALM 147:12‑15, 19‑20

(“…swiftly runs his Word.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20.

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

DEUTERONOMY 8:2‑3, 14‑16

Today’s passage reveals what it really means to live the “real life.” You have to ask yourself a very difficult question: “How do you find “real life?” Today, many people think it comes when you eat the right foods, or drink the light and tasty drinks. Some go to extreme measures to make sure they dress well so that they may look good. Others spend enormous amounts of time trying to build up their bodies in order to look more attractive, younger or stronger. An incredible number of people think the “real life” is to obtain an education so they can earn a fortune and live wherever they choose and do whatever they decide. Today, we call this “living the good life,” and for many, the way others must live does not enter into their concern. But these desires leave us empty because they satisfy only our appetites, not our deepest longings.

Moses tells us that real life comes from total commitment to God. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and plain hard work. Many people today are looking for the quick fix whether it be for a diet, an education, marriage, or work. Only as our relationship with God deepens will our character and strength develop. The long‑term rewards for obeying God are greater than anything the world has to offer. The bread God gave Moses was a special kind of Bread, and it came from heaven.

God showed what was coming in the form of another special kind of bread at the Last Supper. Jesus gave us himself in the taking and eating of his Body and Blood. He said, “This is my Body, take and eat. This is my Blood, take it and drink.” We call this “Eucharist,” which we receive at Mass. We become “Eucharisted” when we eat his body and drink his blood. We might ask, “How do we Eucharist others?” You can Eucharist others by giving of yourself in many ways. You Eucharist others when you give them a smile, a hug, a kiss, a loving pat on the shoulder when they are emotionally in pain, a cup of coffee, a glass of cold water, and a few moments of your time to listen. There are many ways to give yourself away to others, and be Eucharisting every one you meet. “Eucharist” is at its best when we joyfully give it away. When we say “amen” at communion time, we are saying “Yes, I am the body of Christ.” That is why we are called to go out and Eucharist his people.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:16‑17

Paul tells us that we have unity with God when we ask God to bless the wine and bread that is offered, he accepts it, and blesses it through the presence of his Son, Jesus. The ideal of experiencing unity with God through eating a sacrifice was strong in the old days of Judaism, and in the early days of Christianity.

In the Old Testament days, when a Jew offered a sacrifice, he ate part of that sacrifice (Deut. 12:17, 18). Christians then, and today, participate in Christ’s once-and-for-all sacrifice when they eat the bread and drink the wine that is changed into his body and blood. This unity that we call the body of Christ is shared by all who eat and drink of the body and blood of Christ. We call this Communion, which means the believers share in the benefits of the same source (body and blood of Christ). When we all eat from the same loaf, then we are blessed with the gift of unity.

We may ask, “What does it mean to eat the body of Christ, and to share in his glory?” We are asked to reflect to the age‑old question, “Is this an act of faith that we believe in, or is it some great story that we are expected to believe?” Communion is com‑union which means with or union with Christ. Are you in communion with Christ and his family? When we say we share the blessings of Christ’s blood, are we saying that his blessings are only for the spiritually clean, and that his blood covers only the righteous with glory? We need to reflect on our attitude as we come to the table of the Lord. Do we really believe that the bread and wine of our sacrifice has been transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The way we live out our lives will be our greatest testimony to what we say we profess and believe. His “Yes” is our whole healing presence of himself in the Holy Eucharist.

 

JOHN 6:51‑58

This passage challenges us to reflect on Jesus being the “bread of life.” Many people today ask, “How can Jesus give us his flesh as bread to eat?” To eat his living bread means to unite ourselves with Jesus Christ. Jesus tells the people that their fathers in the wilderness ate the bread that came from the skies, and gave them life for a time, but they eventually died. The bread that Jesus gives is eternal life to anyone who partakes of it.

We are united with Christ when we believe in his death and resurrection, and depend on his teaching for guidance, and trust in the Holy Spirit for power. The people of Jesus’ day were shocked just to imagine drinking his blood and eating his flesh. They probably thought this was very cannibalistic. The Jewish law forbade drinking blood (Lev. 17:10‑11), and they could not tolerate such a statement. Jesus was saying that his life had to become their life.

Today, the celebration is called the Eucharist which means thanksgiving or giving thanks in unity that Christ died for all mankind. Paul calls it the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23), and he tells us that Jesus taught us about his Last Supper on the night of the Passover (Luke 22:13‑20). We need to remember that just as Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, so the Lord’s supper or communion as most of us know it, celebrates deliverance from sin by Christ’s death. We need to really remember that Jesus is present to us in the bread and wine, and when we eat his body and drink his blood, we are proclaiming to the world that he will be within us, and bless us until he comes again. This is the tremendous benefit of the new covenant that allows us personally to approach God and communicate with him.

Eating the Sacred Body and drinking the Sacred Blood makes us “Amen” people. That is, we are saying “Amen or yes, I believe it, and I will live it out” when the celebrant hands the consecrated bread and wine to us and says “Body of Christ, Blood of Christ.” Our “Amen” is a yes, not only present in bread and wine, but also to his total presence in ourselves and others as we consume it. We are then called in unity to go forth and present the power and presence of that Eucharist to others by giving it away through our love and service. “They will know we are Christians by our love” is more than just a saying.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that real life comes from total commitment to God. The second reading shows us that “communion” is com-union which means with or in union with Christ. The Gospel tells us that “communion,” or Eucharist, means giving thanks, in unity that Christ died for all mankind.

The body and blood of Christ is given to us in Holy Communion. Let us, this week, show others that he lives within us by the way we act in love, kindness and gentleness. Let others see that this bread of life is a food that nurtures the heart, the mind, the body and the spirit. Your taking time to be compassionate, caring, and loving will be a sign to others that this is much more than a symbol.

Show those around you how you bring Eucharist to them. You can Eucharist people with a caring touch, a little note of affirmation, a cup of tea, a shoulder to cry on, a back that needs rubbing. Eucharist is what we call the Body and Blood of Christ. We can receive Eucharist in church and then go out and Eucharist every person with whom we come in contract.

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ EXODUS 34:4-6, 8-9 FIRST READING

(“The Lord, the Lord, a merciful and gracious God…”)

1. What did the Lord say to Moses and who inscribed the tablets? Exodus 24:12, Exodus 31:18

 

2. Why did Moses go to Mount Sinai?   Exodus 34:4

 

3. What happened to the stone tablets?   Exodus 32:19

 

4. What did Moses cut, where did he go, and who commanded it?   Exodus 34:4

 

5. Having come down in a cloud, who stood with Moses, and what did he proclaim?   Exodus 34:5

 

6. What did the Lord do, and what did he cry out?   Ex 34:6

 

7. In what is the Lord slow, and in what is he rich? Exodus 34:6

 

8. What did Moses do?   Exodus 34:8

 

9. What does Psalm 95:6 say we should do, and what has the Lord done?

 

10. What did Moses ask the Lord to do, and what did he say about the people?   Exodus 34:9

 

11. What did Moses ask the Lord to pardon and receive?  Ex. 34:9

 

Personal – In what way have you revealed your slowness to anger to those around you? How can you improve in this area?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11-13 SECOND READING

(“Mend your ways. Encourage one another.”)

1. Who is writing and to whom is he writing?  2 Corinthians 1:1

 

2. As he says good-bye, what two things does he tell them to do and how are they to live?   2 Corinthians 13:11

 

3. Where will be the God of love and peace?  2 Corinthians 13:11

 

4. How are we to greet one another and what do all the holy ones do?   2 Corinthians 13:12

 

5. What is of the Lord Jesus Christ?   2 Corinthians 13:13

 

6. As a child, what was upon Jesus as he grew in size and stature?   Luke 2:40

 

7. What is of God?   2 Corinthians 13:13

 

8. What is God and how do we abide in God?   1 John 4:16

 

9. What is of the Holy Spirit?   2 Corinthians 13:13

 

10. To what have we been called with the Son?  1 Corinthians 1:9

 

Personal – In what way do you have fellowship with the Holy Spirit? How do you see the grace of Jesus Christ and the love of God within you? How do you see Jesus in those around you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 3:16-18 GOSPEL

(“…whoever believes in him may not die.”)

1. Whom did God love, and whom did he give?   John 3:16

 

2. What happens to those who believe in him, and what will they have?   John 3:16

 

3. How is God’s love revealed to us?   1 John 4:9

 

4. What did God send the Son into the world not to do? John 3:17

 

5. Through him (the Son) what would happen to the world? John 3:17

 

6. Read the following Scriptures and write next to each one what it says about being saved.

a. Acts 2:21 –

b. Acts 4:12 –

c. Acts 15:11 –

d. Romans 10:9 –

e. Titus 3:4-5 –

 

7. What happens to whomever believes in Jesus?   John 3:18

 

8. What happens to those who do not believe in him? John 3:18

 

9. Who has no condemnation?   Romans 8:1

 

10. What did Jesus come to do and what condemns a person? John 12:47-48

 

Personal – In what way have you experienced the love of the Father through Jesus’ death on the cross? In what way do you share this love the Father has for you with your family, friends, business acquaintances, school friends, etc. on a daily basis? Is there a balance with word and deed?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ DANIEL 3:52-56

(“and blessed is your holy and glorious name.”)

Read and meditate on Daniel 3:52-56.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EXODUS 24:4-6, 8-9

Today, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity, and in this passage we see God making a covenant with the Israelites. He declared them as his chosen people through whom he would eventually send his Divine Son and to whom he would give his Holy Spirit. In this way all mankind had the possibility and the means of reaching their permanent home with him. His plan for them would be complete for all eternity.

To explain this mystery is impossible, and, yet, it is very simple. God loved us so much that he sent his only begotten Son to die for us, and he left his Holy Spirit to empower our lives. In stages, a woman marries and becomes a wife, then a mother, and later, a grandmother. While God does not go through stages, the woman who is wife, mother, and grandmother in some ways reflects the Trinity. She never stops being a woman through these different phases of her life. We might ask what part becomes a wife? What part becomes a mother? She is totally woman in all three ways, while she is several persons in the one person of being a woman.

God is God, and he told Moses, “I am who am.” The covenant made on Mount Sinai by God with Moses was the preparation for God to become Incarnate (God became man) and then to forever reside by his Holy Spirit with us. This has been a mystery that one day God will reveal to us in Heaven where we will see him face to face. The Israelites were stubborn, sinful people and did not deserve another chance, but Moses pleaded for them and God forgave and promised them that a Messiah would emerge from them and bring salvation to the whole world.

Today there are many stubborn, cruel and violent people who walk in darkness. The Messiah has come, and he died and rose from the dead for all who believe in him. We have within us a Holy Spirit that is far greater than the one who leads the world (1 John 4:4). We must never forget that we are the chosen children of God in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 13:11-13

Paul’s last words in this passage apply to us in today’s world. He tells us to be happy by growing in Christ. We are called to mend our ways; in other words, to repent and to change. We can live in peace with one another when we follow the teachings of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. We are called to greet each other with a holy sign of Christ’s blessings. We only have to look around to see the discord in our families, communities, and countries throughout the world. We may ask, “Where is the strife and jealousy originating?”

Paul is telling us that all discord comes when we try to be in control of others and play God with other people’s lives and their nations. In order to live in peace with one another, we must be at peace with ourselves. Jesus told us that he would leave his Holy Spirit and he would never leave us.

Paul closes this passage with words of encouragement and cheer for all. He tells us how the Blessed Trinity is always active and present in our lives. He says, “May God’s love and the Holy Spirit’s friendship be yours.” He also calls upon the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and says that Jesus’ grace will always be available to us.

Paul is once again calling upon God to bless, direct, and protect his people through the power of the Holy Spirit in the name above all names, Jesus Christ. You are called to bring God’s blessing upon yourself and your family. This will help you live in peace and harmony with all people.

 

JOHN 3:16-18

If we had only one passage in the Bible to read, I believe this would be the choice of many people: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Do you really believe this? God is saying that he loves us so much that he let his only begotten Son Jesus die for us, so that we could live forever with him in heaven. God did this for us knowing well that we would be sinners, and yet, he is still loving us very much.

Scripture tells us that, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on men, what God has prepared for those who love him.”(1 Cor. 2:9) We cannot even imagine that kind of love, nevertheless, it is true. We only have to believe in Jesus Christ. When we believe, our lives change and this change is noticed by others. We become vulnerable, lovable, gentle, kind and trustworthy.

God knows where we have been and what we have done and he still offers us the incredible gift of eternal life and a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). Memorize this verse (John 3:16) and put your name in place of the word “world” and “whoever” and see how personal is this promise.

We have to remember that true love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws in others. God has set the pattern of true love in this passage, the basis of all love relationships. If we love someone considerably, we are willing to pay dearly for that person’s responsive love. Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for love with his life. God paid for our love with his Son’s life. Jesus accepted the punishment, paid for our sins, and then offered us the new and eternal life he bought for us with his blood. When you and I share the Gospel message, our love must be like his. We must be willing to give up our comfort, and maybe our lives, so that others might join us in receiving this incredible gift of God’s love.

 

Application

The first reading reveals that God is present to us in himself, his Son, and his Holy Spirit – a true Blessed Trinity. The second reading tells us that to grow in Christ will bring a happy, positive response, and that is what we really need in today’s world. The Gospel tells us that God loved us so greatly that he gave us his begotten Son, so that we could live forever.

This week, let us call on the power of the Holy Spirit and be positive in our words and actions to the members of our family and those whom we meet at work and at school. Let us try to give up our comfort to bring someone to Christ this week, or to read Scripture to someone or encourage someone to read a bible. Remember – make a friend, be a friend, and bring that friend to Christ.

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 ACTS 2:1-11  FIRST READING

(“All were filled with the Holy Spirit.”)

1. What day had come, and where were the disciples gathered? Acts 2:1

 

2. How many days after the Passover was Pentecost celebrated, and what are other names for it?  Leviticus 23:15-16, Exodus 23:16, Numbers 28:26

 

3. What suddenly happened from up in the sky, and where was it heard?   Acts 2:2

 

4. Read the following scripture, and tell what the Spirit gives to a person?   Ezekiel 37:9, 14

 

5. What appeared, and what did it do?   Acts 2:3

 

6. What was Jesus’ promise just before he ascended to heaven? Acts 1:5, 8

 

7. With what were all filled, and how did they express themselves?   Acts 2:4

 

8. What did the Spirit prompt them to do?  Acts 2:4, Acts 4:31

 

9. Who was staying in Jerusalem at the time, and what did they hear?   Acts 2:5-6

 

10. About what were they confused?   Acts 2:6

 

11. What was their reaction? What did they ask, and about what were they so amazed? Acts 2:7-11

 

Personal – How can your family or friends identify the Spirit of God’s presence in you? What comes forth from your mouth, and what do you need to do so people will be astonished by your words?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7, 12-13 SECOND READING

(“No one can say “Jesus is Lord,” except in the Holy Spirit.”)

1. What is Paul telling the brothers that you cannot do in the Spirit of God, and what can be said only in the Holy Spirit? 1 Corinthians 12:3

 

2. What is there different, but with the same Spirit? 1 Corinthians 12:4

 

3. There are different ministries and works but the same God who accomplishes what?   1 Corinthians 12:5-6

 

4. To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for what reason?   1 Corinthians 12:7

 

5. In what gifts should you try to be rich?   1 Corinthians 14:12

 

6. Fill in the following blanks: The body is ______ and has ______ members, but all the members, ______ though they are, are ______ body; and so it is with Christ.  1 Corinthians 12:12

 

7. In the one Spirit, who were baptized into the one body? 1 Corinthians 12:13

 

8. What have all of us been given to drink?   1 Cor. 12:13

 

9. Into whom have we been baptized?   Galatians 3:27

 

10. When were we chosen and sealed with the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 1:13

 

Personal – From the above scriptures, how can you identify the manifestation of the Spirit in your life, and in those you come in contact with? Reread 1 Corinthians 12:3, and take note of what comes forth from your mouth this week.

 

 

FOURTH DAY   READ JOHN 20:19-23  GOSPEL

(“Receive the Holy Spirit.”)

1. Why did the disciples lock the doors of the place where they were?   John 20:19

 

2. Who came and stood before them, and what did he say to them? John 20:19

 

3. When he had said this, what did he show them? John 20:20

 

4. What did the disciples do at the sight of the Lord? John 20:20

 

Personal – In what way has our Lord appeared to you when you have been gathered with others praying, and what has been your response?

 

5. What did Jesus say again, and what is his gift to you? John 20:21, John 14:27

 

6. Whom has the Father sent, and who sends us?   John 20:21

 

7. What did Jesus do to the disciples, and what did they receive?   John 20:22

 

8. How did the Lord God form man, and how did he give him life? Genesis 2:7

 

9. If we forgive other’s sin, what happens to them, and if we hold them bound, what happens?   John 20:23

 

10. What did Jesus say to the Father while on the cross, and whom should we imitate?   Luke 23:34, Ephesians 5:1-2

 

Personal – How do others see in you, spiritually and physically, the breath of his life? How do others see you living out your sign of baptism through repentance, which means change? How do others see you as you practice forgiveness of others, and ask others to forgive you? How often do you feel the need for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and why?

 

 

FIFTH DAY  READ PSALM 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34

(“When you send forth your Spirit, they are created.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-31, 34

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

ACTS 2:1-11

In today’s readings we celebrate the Feast of “Pentecost,” which means fifty (50). This was a feast that was celebrated about fifty days after Passover and was a feast of thanksgiving for the harvest. The first fruits of the crop were offered to God that day. All Jewish men were expected to come to the temple for the feast. The city was usually full to overflowing, and it was fitting that this day was chosen as the day the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles.

Today is, in reality, the birthday of the church, and the Christian religion was to be a church for the whole world. The old law was given by God to Moses for the Jews only. The new law, given by Christ and confirmed by the power of the Holy Spirit, was for all peoples. That means you, and that means today, right where you are. The very fact that you are reading this Bible Study is proof that the power of the Holy Spirit is drawing you near to him.

Let today be the day that you fall upon your knees and invite Jesus Christ to come into your heart and become the Lord of your life. Take a few moments and confess to the Lord all that is twisted within you, and then ask him to let his Holy Spirit fill you with the power and peace that surpasses all understanding. The celebration of Pentecost is for us as well as it was for the Jews in today’s passage. Let the power of the Holy Spirit flow through you, and you will enjoy that same gift that the Apostles had, the gift of speaking in tongues.

The signs and wonders of that incredible day brought huge crowds of Jews to the place where the Apostles were staying. This was the day chosen for the Apostles to go forward and make disciples of all nations. We are called also to go forward and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Let us remember, after the Jews celebrated the Feast of the Passover (Moses leading his people to freedom), they celebrated the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Harvests which were celebrated on the same day and were later called Pentecost. It was one of three major feasts of the year (Leviticus 23:16), a feast of thanksgiving for the harvested crops. The Holy Spirit came fifty days after the resurrection and Peter’s speech resulted in a harvest of new believers.

The Lord needs some good laborers to work in the vineyard. Are you ready to join the workers?

 

1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7, 12-13

In this passage, we see that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were given for the good of the whole community to help build up the body of Christ. We should not refuse to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit nor claim them as our own. Paul clearly warns against listening to false teachers, and he shows us how to check out their credentials. We are to find out what they teach about Christ.

We see people today who mock Jesus Christ, not only with their words, but in the way they live. We see people using their gifts to split communities apart, and then trying to tell us that they are only doing God’s will. Anyone can claim to speak for God, and we need only to look at some of the leaders in some countries, and we can see a lot of false messiahs running around. God has given us many different gifts, but we must remember, they all come from the same Spirit, and they are to be used to help the community or church. They will know we are Christians by the way we love and help one another.

Paul compares the body of Christ to a human body. Each part is an individual, and has a specific job to do. In their differences, all of the parts must work together for the good of the whole body. Jesus Christ is the head, and the rest of us make up the body of Christ. It is very important that we are not too proud of our abilities, and we must not compare ourselves with one another. We are called to use our different gifts together, to spread the “Good News” to a world that is filled with “bad news.” The church, which is the people who believe that “Jesus is Lord,” must be united in its belief in Christ. It must not let its leaders or members use any gifts to cause divisions or strife.

Faith in Christ is the core of Christian unity. We are one body, with one spirit, united in Christ with the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we were baptized into the Christian Faith, the Holy Spirit took up residence in us and we became the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). You, by your baptism, have been born into God’s family, and our common goal is faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

JOHN 20:19-23

Today’s Gospel passage reveals to us the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit being given publicly to the disciples of Jesus by Jesus himself. This is a tremendous feast day in the church. We look back, and we see that Advent was a time to prepare for the Incarnation of God (God becoming man). Christmas was the happening of this great Incarnation act. We then moved into Lent and began to prepare ourselves for the sufferings endured by Christ on our behalf during his holy week. We celebrated victory in Jesus’ triumph over death which guaranteed our union with him in heaven.

Today, we celebrate in Pentecost the Holy Spirit coming to abide within his church. This means abiding in you, me, and all believers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit gives the power to preserve, to teach, to explain, and to spread the Gospel of “Good News,” which is a message of hope and love for everyone in the world.

This Holy Spirit who came upon the disciples and all of the people in the upper room is the same Spirit who wants to abide in us. We can let him come into our heart right now by getting down on our knees and confessing our sins to the Lord. Invite him to come and take up residence in your temple, and let him take control of your life. His power will flow through you, and your life will never be the same again. His peace will be your peace, and it will be a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The power from the Holy Spirit helps all of us live a life of holiness and wholeness. We need to always remember that God’s plan for each one of us is to live a life that is abundant and full (John 10:10). The Holy Spirit gives us the power, in the name of Jesus, to bind Satan and his cohorts, and in his name, to loosen the Spirit of the Lord Jesus to heal, to restore and, to forgive. We can release others from the bondage of sin by our compassion and forgiveness. We are more than conquerors; we are children of the Living God and we are called to set the captives free and give sight to the blind. We do that by forgiving them, and loving them through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Pentecost – the harvest is now, the Kingdom of God is at hand, come and be fishers of men. I pray that the Holy Spirit today will fill you with his love and power, and fill all of us with gratitude for all that God has done for us.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that we celebrate the birthday of the church when we celebrate “Pentecost.” The second reading reveals that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be used to uplift the community. The Gospel reveals to us that the Holy Spirit gives us power in the name of Jesus. This power is a healing power.

Let us take a long look at our gifts, and then share them with others this week. You might visit someone who is sick, or visit someone in jail. You might write a letter to someone who is lonely, or cook someone a special meal. Do something beautiful for God this week, and keep on giving your gift away. God will never let you be without a gift – try it, you’ll like it.

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 weeks 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 ACTS 1:1-11    FIRST READING

(“He presented Himself alive to them….”)

1. What was dealt with before Jesus was taken up to heaven? Acts 1:1

 

2. How did Jesus instruct the Apostles He had chosen? Acts 1:2

 

3. After Jesus had suffered what did He show His Apostles and how did He show them? Acts 1:3

 

Personal -How have you been convinced that Jesus is alive today?

 

4. Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to leave Jerusalem? Acts 1:4

 

5. What did John baptize with and what would happen in a few days? Acts 1:5

 

6. What did the Apostles ask Jesus and what did He tell them? Acts 1:6-7

 

7. What did Jesus tell them they would receive when the Holy Spirit came down on them and what would that make them? Acts 1:8

 

8. As the Apostles were looking on what happened to Jesus and how did it happen? Acts 1:9

 

9. As they were looking up who appeared to them and what did they say? Acts 1:10-11

 

10. How will the Lord come down from heaven and what will happen to the living, the believers in Him?

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

 

Personal – How are you preparing for Jesus’ return?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ EPHESIANS 1:17-23 SECOND READING

(“What is the surpassing greatness of His power for us who believe?”)

1. What is Paul asking our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, to give you? Ephesians 1:17

 

2. What three things does he want your innermost vision, the eyes of your hearts, to know? Ephesians 1:18-19

 

3. What do your eyes represent, and if your eyes are good what will your body be? Matthew 6:22

 

4. What is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path? Psalm 119:105

 

5. What is it like, this immeasurable scope of His power in us who believe? Ephesians 1:19-20

 

6. Where is Christ seated? Ephesians 1:20-21

 

7. What has God put beneath Jesus’ feet and what has He made Him over the Church, His body? Ephesians 1:22

 

8. Who is the head of every man; who is the head of the woman and who is head of Christ? 1 Corinthians 11:3

 

9. There is one what? Ephesians 4:4

 

10. How is the body of Christ built up? Ephesians 4:11-12

 

Personal – How have the eyes of your heart been enlightened to the surpassing greatness of His power in you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MATTHEW 28:16-20 GOSPEL

(“Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.”)

1. Who went to Galilee and for what reason did they go there? Matthew 28:16

 

2. Who told the disciples where to find Jesus? Matthew 28:1, 7 & 10

 

Personal – How do you see women’s role in God’s plan of salvation according to the above question?

 

3. When the disciples saw Jesus what did those who had entertained doubts do?  Matthew 28:17

 

4. What did Jesus tell Thomas? John 20:29

 

5. What did Jesus tell His disciples has been given to Him both in heaven and on earth? Matthew 28:18

 

6. What did Jesus tell His disciples to make? Matthew 28:19

 

7. Who did Jesus say are His disciples? John 8:31

 

8. In whose name were the disciples to baptize? Matthew 28:19

 

9. What were the disciples to teach? Matthew 28:20

 

10. Which disciple did Jesus say He would build His Church and entrust to him the keys to the kingdom of heaven? Matthew 16:16-19

 

11. What did Jesus say He would do and for how long?  Matthew 28:20

 

Personal – To whom have you been called to teach what you have learned from God’s Word? Under whose authority have you been in doing this?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 47:2-3, 6-9

(“God mounts His throne amid shouts of joy;”)

Read and mediate on Psalm 47:2-3, 6-9.

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

 

2. How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 1:1-11

This passage begins with Luke addressing the Roman official called Theophilus. Luke was implying that Jesus’ work continues in Acts through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Acts is called by many the fifth Gospel in that it tells about the lives and events of the new Church. Jesus showed the Apostles after His suffering and death His many wounds. He gave them many convincing proofs that He was alive. He told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the gift that His Father had promised them.  He told them that they would then receive the Holy Spirit and they would receive power and become His witnesses to the ends of the earth.  He then was taken up before their very eyes and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

Today, He is still among us in the Power that lives within His Church and within you as a member of the community of His disciples.  You have become a Temple of that Power by your Baptism and Confirmation. The Power that split the Red Sea for Moses lives within you. The Power that impregnated Mary with Jesus lives within you.  The Power that baptized Jesus in the Jordan River lives within you.  The Power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within you.  He is alive and He lives in you waiting to be given freely to the hurt, the lost, the sick, the lonely, the captive throughout the ends of the earth.

 

EPHESIANS 1:17-23

In this passage St. Paul is praying and giving thanks for the gifts that have been given to the believers.  We today are reminded to thank God for the gifts of wisdom and knowledge that are available to us today.   We grow in wisdom and knowledge through prayer, scripture, sacraments and Catholic Church teaching. This follows an order of discipline and humility.

Our hope for the future is not an ambiguous feeling, on the contrary, it is a complete assurance of victory through the power of the Holy Spirit and in the name of Jesus Christ. We see many on all sides fearing nuclear disaster  and the collapse of morals. We must always remember we belong to the God of the Universe, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. God’s great power is available to help us today through the Holy Spirit in the community of faith.  Scripture tells us that with God nothing is impossible (Philippians 4:13). Paul tells us in scripture that we do not have to fear anything or anyone because nothing can separate us from God and His love (Romans 8:31-39).

When we talk about the fullness of the Catholic Church, we are talking about Christ filling the Church with gifts and blessings. The Church itself, with Christ at its head, is the full expression of Christ who Himself is the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19). The image of the body shows the Church’s unity.  We should not attempt to work, serve or worship on our own.  There are no Lone Rangers in the Body of Christ.  Each one of us is involved with all the others as we go about doing God’s work on earth.

 

MATTHEW 28:16-20

This feast is a time of joy, a time of consolation, and of course, a time of hope for anyone who is a true believer.

We celebrate the feast day on the strength of His promise to always be with us and the power of His commission to evangelize. We know that earthly death awaits everyone of us, but because of His promise, we also know that it is not the end of us, but rather the beginning. Today’s feast is the reminder of this consoling fact..

I invite you to picture the eleven disciples going to the mountain in Galilee as Jesus had directed them through the women at the tomb (Matthew 28:10). When they saw Him many fell on their knees and worshiped Him, even those who had some doubts. His last words and appearance on earth still ring out with authority and power. He told them that all authority on heaven and earth had been given to Him. He  gave them access to that power when He entrusted to Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven and the leadership of His Church on earth (Matthew 16:16-19). This authority has been passed down from Peter to the succession of Popes in the Church.

Today, the Church teaches us with that same authority and power to go forth and make disciples of all nations. Jesus told them to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. He closes by telling His disciples that He would be with them always. He is telling us that same message today, we are to go out and make disciples of all nations and that He would be with us for all ages. Go forth now and do the right thing.

 

Application

The first reading tells us as the Apostles were looking on, Jesus was lifted up and you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. In the second reading God seated Jesus at His right hand in the heavens and gave Him as head over all things to the Church, and in the Gospel we are all commissioned to make disciples of everyone starting with our own families.

This week let us go to someone in our family, our community or our parish, to pray with them and  proclaim the Good News to them. You might want to ask your pastor how you can help him fulfill the great commission and make disciples of all his parishioners.

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 ACTS 8:5‑8, 14‑17    FIRST READING

(“Samaria had accepted the Word of God.”)

1. Where did Philip go, and what did he proclaim? Acts 8:5

 

2. Who was Philip? Acts 6:5, Acts 21:8

 

3. What did the crowds do who heard Philip, and what did they see?   Acts 8:6

 

4. What happened to the unclean spirits, and what happened to the paralytic or cripples?   Acts 8:7

 

5. What rose to fever pitch in that town? Acts 8:8

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you see family or friends being healed by your words or touch?

 

6. What had Samaria accepted, and what two men did the apostles send to them?   Acts 8:14

 

7. What does the Word of God judge? Hebrews 4:12

 

8. What did Peter and John do, and what did they pray that they might receive?   Acts 8:15

 

9. Why had the Holy Spirit not yet come down on them? Acts 8:16

 

10. What happened when the pair laid hands on them? Acts 8:17

 

11. How did the apostles receive the Holy Spirit? John 20:22

 

Personal ‑ What signs do your family, friends and work acquaintances see performed by you through the power of the Holy Spirit that you have received by way of your baptism and confirmation and belief through the Word of God?

 

 

THIRD DAY     READ 1 PETER 3:15‑18    SECOND READING

(“The reason why Christ died for sins,…was that he might lead you to God.”)

1. Where are we to venerate the Lord? 1 Peter 3:15

 

2. Upon what does God look, and of what is he the tester? Luke 16:15, 1 Thess. 2:4

 

3. If anyone asks us the reason for this hope, what should we be ready to do, and how are we to do it? 1 Peter 3:15‑16

 

4. Whenever we are defamed by those who libel our way of life in Christ, what are we to do, and what will happen to them? 1 Peter 3:16

 

5. If it is God’s will that we suffer, for what is it better to suffer?   1 Peter 3:17

 

6. Whose footsteps do we follow in suffering? 1 Peter 2:21

 

7. How many times did Christ die for sins and for whom, also the just man?   1 Peter 3:18

 

8. For what reason did Christ die? 1 Peter 3:18

 

9. In what existence was Christ put to death, and in what realm was he given life?   1 Peter 3:18

 

10. What came before life in the Spirit? 1 Peter 3:18

 

11. How did God prove his love for us? Romans 5:8

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you responded to others when they ask you why you are so hopeful? Do others see you as a hope‑filled person? Ask those closest to you if they see this hope in you and, if not, reread and pray over 1 Peter 3:18 and Romans 5:8‑9.

 

 

FOURTH DAY     READ JOHN 14:15‑21     GOSPEL

(“He who loves me will be loved by my Father.”)

1. Who is speaking in John 14:15‑21? John 14:9

 

2. What two things must we do in order to receive the Paraclete (the Holy Spirit)? John 14:14-16

 

3. For whom will Jesus ask the Father, will he always be with us, what is another name for the Paraclete, and how does the world see him?   John 14:15-17

 

4. How do we recognize him, and to what will he guide? John 14:17, John 16:13

 

5. What does the truth do to us? John 8:31‑32

 

6. What does Jesus tell his disciples he will not do, and what does he say he will do?   John 14:18

 

7. Who will see him no more, and who will see him as one who has what?   John 14:19

 

8. Where is Jesus, and where are we? John 14:20

 

9. Who is the man who loves Jesus, and how does he conduct himself?  John 14:21, 1 John 2:5‑6

 

10. Who will love him who loves Jesus? John 14:21, John 16:27

 

11. What will Jesus reveal to him? John 14:21

 

Personal ‑ What are the ways that Jesus has revealed himself to you at home, at school, at work, or at church?

 

 

FIFTH DAY   READ PSALM 66:1‑7, 16, 20

(“…sing praise to the glory of his name;”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 66:1‑7, 16, 20.

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

 

2. How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY   READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 8:5‑8, 14‑17

Philip went to Samaria, a country of people who were regarded with condescension by the Israelite’s because they did not follow the law of Moses. It is incredible that he had chosen to go to an unwelcome city to bring the healing power of the Lord. The healing’s were many, and a sense of joy spread throughout the city. When the apostles heard of what happened, they followed and baptized many in the name of the Lord and consequently many received the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told his apostles to go forth and be witnesses in all areas even to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The new faith was officially formed when Stephen was killed and this began the rejection of the new faith (Acts 8;1). We ask, what does baptism bring to us today? Baptism brings us into a new beginning, a new family (God’s family). It is a cleansing of old ways and the beginning of a new way (Jesus’ way). The Holy Spirit releases his full range of power through you in Confirmation (Acts l:8). The great tragedy of our times is that so many Christians today do not even know that within them they have the greatest power in all the world (1 John 4:4).

Do we really believe that the Holy Spirit dwells within each one of us who believes that Jesus Christ is Lord? The way we live our life is a visible proof of what we really believe. If the Holy Spirit does not seem to be present in your life, seek him out through Scripture and prayer. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to resist the devil and causes him to flee (James 4:7). Much of the world today is hostile to Jesus Christ, but because of his Holy Spirit, we are called to be victorious disciples and baptize all the nations of the earth (Matt 28:19). With God’s help, we will.

 

1 PETER 3:15‑18

Faith, to many people, is a personal and private matter that we try to keep to ourselves. Yet, probably the best kept secret is the revelation that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the whole world. We do not have to be boisterous or objectionable in sharing our faith, but we should not hide it under a bushel basket (Matthew 5:15) or keep it from being seen like a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14).

When asked about our lifestyle, we should always try to answer gently and respectfully in compliance to our faith. Is your faith in Christ readily observable by others? I don’t mean, by what you do, I mean by who you are. Are you prepared to tell others what Jesus Christ has done in your life? Are you prepared to suffer for Christ, such as losing your job, going to prison, opposing abortion or even being assassinated because you have convinced others that you are a Christian? If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Let your lifestyle be so much in accord with what Jesus teaches that their accusations will be empty and only embarrass them. Your conduct as a follower of Christ must be above criticism. We are called to be his messengers and, like Jesus, we can expect suffering along the way.

 

JOHN 14:15‑21

Jesus had promised to leave his Holy Spirit with his followers and they were somewhat confused, and wondered how he could leave them and still be with them. In the form of human flesh, Jesus was available only to those who were where he was, but now he is available wherever we are through his Holy Spirit. his Spirit resides in our temple (body ‑ 1 Cor. 3:16) and he is always prepared to use his presence to help his people. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God within us and all believers.

He promised that his Father would give us another comforter and that he would never leave us. Do you really believe the presence of God exists within you? Jesus stated that he does live within us and that he will never leave the heart of one who believes in Him. The comforter is a combination of comfort and counsel. The Holy Spirit is a powerful person who is working for us and with us. We have to know that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (14:17), and is our teacher. We must remember that he will show us what to do and what to say when we are in a crisis. All of our intelligence and human wisdom are weak and insignificant compared to his wisdom. We must never seduce ourselves or others into thinking that the Holy Spirit is not our teacher or that he will ever leave us.

He is our Spirit of truth. He will give us the courage to speak when it is easier to be silent. He will be within us and comfort us when all others will mock us, abandon us, or even kill us. But, we are not to be pitied; rather, we are to be ecstatic with joy because Jesus has chosen us to be his ambassadors. This means we have the incredible privilege of being messengers of the Good News and, with the Holy Spirit who resides within us, we are far more than conquerors.

 

Application

The first reading reveals to us that the gift of healing can be present through just an ordinary touch of the hand on someone who is suffering. The second reading reveals the depth of our faith by our response. The Gospel tells us of the promise of Jesus to leave his Holy Spirit with us and empower us with his love.

This week, look at the members in your family and respond to their needs and hurts by affirming them with a helping hand, possibly with the chores, or with the washing of a car, or simply sitting and listening to a loved one share his needs. Take a leap in faith and allow the Holy Spirit to give you boldness this week and be a loving servant to your family, friends and community.

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 ACTS 6:1‑7 FIRST READING

(“The Word of God continued to spread.”)

1. About what were those who spoke Greek complaining? Acts 6:1

 

2. What makes for pure worship? James 1:27

 

3. Whom did the twelve assemble, and what did they tell them it was not right for them to neglect? Acts 6:2

 

4. For what did the disciples tell them to look, and what are these men to be like? Acts 6:3

 

5. By words being taught by the Spirit, what does this enable us to do? 1Cor 2:13

 

6. On what two things would this permit the disciples to concentrate?   Acts 6:4

 

7. By this proposal being unanimously accepted by the community, whom did they select? Acts 6:5

 

8. With what was Stephen filled?   Acts 6:5

 

9. What two things did the disciples do to them when they were presented?   Acts 6:6

 

10. What happened at the same time the word of God spread? Acts 6:7

 

11. Who were among those who embraced the faith?   Acts 6:7

 

Personal ‑ How have you responded in your role of leadership as clergyman, parent, teacher, etc.? How have you shown that you are deeply spiritual and prudent in your home and work or community

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 PETER 2:4‑9 SECOND READING

(“Those who stumble and fall are the disbelievers in God’s word;”)

1. To whom are you to come, what kind of a stone is he, by whom was he rejected, and by whom is he approved and precious?  Peter 2:4, Acts 4:11

 

2. What are we, how have we been built, and into what have we been built? 1 Peter 2:5

 

3. What are we offering, to whom have they been acceptable, and whom is it through? 1 Peter 2:5

 

4. What does Scripture say is being laid in Zion, and what kind of stone?  1 Peter 2:6, Isaiah 28:16, Romans 9:33

 

5. What will happen to him who puts his faith in the corner‑ stone (Jesus)? 1 Peter 2:6

 

6. To whom is the stone of value?   1 Peter 2:7

 

7. What is the stone for those who have no faith? 1 Peter 2:7‑8

 

8. Who are those who stumble and fall?   1 Peter 2:8

 

9. Who are we, and what does he claim for his own? 1 Peter 2:9

 

10. From what did the one call you?   1 Peter

 

Personal ‑ In what way do those around you see in whom you put your faith? In what way do your actions reflect what you believe to your spouse, children, family, friends, co‑workers, etc.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 14:1‑12 GOSPEL

(“I am the way, the truth, and the life.”)

1. What are we not to do, and in whom are we to have our faith? John 14:1

 

2. Where are there many dwelling places, and what did Jesus say he was going to do? John 14:2

 

Personal ‑ How do you picture heaven, and what will it be like? Whom do you think you will see there?

 

3. What does Jesus repeat in verse 3 of John 14, what does he say he will come back to do, and for what reason, and what does he say you know?   John 14:3-4

 

4. What did Thomas say to Jesus, and what are the three things that Jesus says he is, and how do you come to the Father?    John 14:5-6

 

5. From where does salvation come, and what assures us entrance into the sanctuary?  Acts 4:11-12, Hebrews 10:19‑20

 

6. Who does Jesus say he is?  John 6:35, John 10:9

 

7. To whom do we have access through Jesus?   Eph 2:13, 18

 

8. If we really knew Jesus, who else would you know, and what does Jesus say from this point on?   John 14:7

 

9. What does Philip say to Jesus and what was his response? John 14:8‑9

 

10. What question does Jesus ask them, what does he say about the words he speaks, where does the Father live, and for what reason? John 14:10

 

11. What is Jesus asking us to believe, and what does he do to help us believe? John 14:11

 

12. What will the person who has faith do and why? John 14:12

 

13. What is the work of God?   John 6:29

 

Personal ‑ How has Jesus been the way, the truth, and the life in your life? How have others seen the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus in you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 33:1‑2, 4‑5, 18‑19

(“Prepare your words and you will be listened to.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 33:1‑2, 4‑5, 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

ACTS 6:1‑7

The Greek‑speaking Jews were probably from other lands and they complained that their widows were being treated unfairly. This discrimination was probably compounded by a language barrier. The apostles put seven Greek‑speaking, respectable men in charge of the food and shelter program. This allowed the apostles to keep the focus of their ministry on teaching and preaching the Good News about Jesus.

We may wish that we could belong to a church like the early church with all its miracles, sharing, and joy of being part of a community, but they had just as many problems as we do today. No church will ever be perfect until Christ and his church are united at his second coming. All churches are struggling in their growth and if your church’s shortcomings distress you, ask yourself; would a perfect church let me be a member?

We need to remember that we are all called to be faithful, not successful. We can all pitch in to make our own particular church a vibrant, living, healthy community of God by focusing on the teaching and the preaching of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We might ask, “What is the Good News?” The Good News is a message of hope ‑ a hope that the oppressed will be free, the sick will be healed, the lame will walk, the blind will see, the naked will be clothed and the homeless will be sheltered.

We can bring this Good News to everyone we meet because within us is the power of the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:4), and it is important for us to realize that we are called to live our lives for others, not for ourselves. We are called to die to ourselves and love others just as Jesus has done.

The early church is still here today and it is being guided by the same Holy Spirit. You need to pray, and let your God‑given abilities become revealed to you, and then seek others in your community to help.

 

1 PETER 2:4‑9

Peter is giving the new Christians a reminder that they are called to be holy, and this will be revealed by the way they witness to others. Christians must be the living material from which the new temple of God is formed. The temple of Jerusalem was built out of ordinary dead stones, but we, because of Jesus Christ, have become living temples of God (l Cor. 3:16).

John tells us in Scripture that he is our vine and we are his branches and, without the vine, the branches cannot bear any fruit (John 15:5). In the temple of Jerusalem they sacrificed animals and offered fruits of the field to God.

Now, you and I, because of Christ, through Christ, and in Christ, will offer ourselves and our sacrifice of praise to Christ. As temples of God we will perform good works, and the Eucharist will be a daily way of life for us. Jesus is our cornerstone, and upon that stone he has built a human temple of living saints. We do good things, not to become good or to earn a reward. We do good things because of the goodness that is within us. That goodness is the presence of the Holy Spirit which empowers us to reach out and bring our brothers and sisters out of the darkness and into the light. Much of the world today is in darkness because people have not experienced being personally loved by Christ. You are called to bring that light to them. I pray that you will start within your own family, your priestly family.

 

JOHN 14:1‑12

Jesus tells us that if we really believe in him, there is no uncertainty about death and to what it leads. He tells us that heaven is as positive as our trust and faith in him. He has prepared the way; that is certain.

The only uncertainty is our willingness to believe that he has prepared eternal life for us. We do not have to fear death for ourselves or our loved ones. We know that he has prepared a place for us and when it is ready he will come and take us home to our Father’s mansion. This is the incredible promise that Jesus has made to all who believe in him.

We see Jesus describing the way to find God, and it is only through him that we can reach the Father. He states, I am THE way because he is both God and man. By uniting our lives with his, we become united with God. Trust in Jesus and he will personally take us to the Father. Some people think that saying Jesus is the only way to the Father is too narrow. His way is wide enough for the whole world, if the world chooses to accept it. Have you really chosen to accept him as the way, the truth and the life?

We must remember that Jesus was the visible image of the invisible God. As the way, he leads us to the Father. As the truth, he is the reality of all God’s promises. As the life, he joins his divine life to ours, both now and eternally.

Jesus Christ, being divine, was the only person who was ever born to die for us. Because of him, you and I will never die; believing in him, we will live forever with him in his Father’s mansion (John 3:16). The question that Philip asked, “Who is the Father; show us,” is answered by Jesus at that time and is being answered by him today.

Be still and listen to God speaking to you (Psalm 46:10) and you will hear him say, I love you, even when you were a sinner, I still decided to die for you (Rom. 5:8) because I simply love you. He is the way, the truth and the life. Let your life show others that this is true.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that we are to be servants of the Lord. The second reading calls us to be holy people, a people who care about others. In our Gospel, we are shown that only through Jesus can we be with the Father.

Let us, this week, practice this by being a servant to someone who is causing us some difficulty. Do not let the person know that you are making a special effort to serve him. Let your holiness be grounded in service and prayer this week. A suggested way might be to offer to help a family member with household chores or to help a co‑worker with some of his work.

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 ACTS 2:14, 36‑41 FIRST READING

(“It was to you and your children that the promise was made.”)

1. Who was Peter addressing, who stood up with him, and what was he telling them to do?   Acts 2:14

 

2. What did he want them to know beyond a doubt?   Acts 2:36

 

3. What does Scripture say will happen to us if we believe that God made Jesus both Lord and Messiah?   Romans 10:9

 

4. What happened when they heard this, and what did they ask Peter and the other disciples?   Acts 2:37

 

5. What did Peter say we must do in order to receive the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:38 Acts 16:31

 

6. Who first received the promised Holy Spirit? Acts 2:32‑33

 

7. To whom was this promise made?   Acts 2:39

 

8. From what did Peter keep urging them to save themselves? Acts 2:40

 

9. What happened to those who accepted his message and how many were added that day?   Acts 2:41

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you accepted the message that it was to you and your children that the promise was made? In what way has this sign of hope for your family been reflected in your attitude?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 PETER 2:20‑25 SECOND READING

(“He did no wrong; no deceit was found in his mouth.”)

1. If you put up with suffering for doing what is right, what is this in God’s eyes?   1 Peter 2:20

 

2. What do the following Scriptures say about suffering:

Isaiah 53:11? –

Philippians 1:29 –

1 Peter 4:16 –

Mark 8:31 –

 

3. To what is it we are called, and whose footsteps do we follow as our example?   1 Peter 2:20‑21

 

4. What did Christ not do, and what was not found in his mouth? 1 Peter 2:22

 

5. When he was insulted, what did he not do, and when he was made to suffer, with what did he not return? 1 Pet 2:23, Isaiah 53:7

 

6. Instead, to whom was he delivered, and how does he judge? 1 Peter 2:23

7. When did Jesus deliver himself up?   Luke 23:44‑46

 

8. How did he bring our sins to the cross, and for what reason? 1 Peter 2:24

 

9. How have we been healed?   1 Peter 2:24

 

10. What were we doing at one time, and now to whom have we returned?   l Peter 2:25

 

11. Who is our shepherd, and what does he do for us?  Read and meditate on Psalm 23

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you brought your sins to the cross and let go of them? How have you been healed? Jesus brought us freedom. Are you still holding on to old sins, or have you allowed him to set you free? Meditate on this passage of Scripture (1 Peter 2:20‑25).

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 10:1‑10 GOSPEL

(“I came that they might have life.”)

1. Who is speaking, and to whom is he speaking?   John 10:6, John 10:19

 

2. What is a man who does not enter the sheepfold through the gate but climbs in some other way, and what is the one who enters through the gate?   John 10:1-2

 

3. What does the keeper do, what do the sheep hear, how does he call his own, and what does he do with them? John 10:3

4. Where does he walk when he has brought out all that are his, what do the sheep do, and for what reason? John 10:4

 

5. Who will they not follow and for what reason?   John 10:5

 

6. Did the listeners grasp what Jesus was trying to tell them, who did Jesus say he was, and what were all who came before him?   John 10:6-8

 

7. What did Jesus say he was again, what will happen to those who enter through him, and what will they find? John 10:9

 

8. What does the thief do, and why did Jesus come? John 10:10, John 1:4

 

9. How are we to live our life and what are we to receive?   John 10:10, Romans 5:17

 

10. What must we do to have eternal life?   John 3:16

 

Personal ‑ When you lose the peace of Jesus and feel as though you are being destroyed by things going on around you, how do you handle it? Where do you go to receive the fullness of life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 23:1‑6

(“He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 23:1‑6.

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

ACTS 2:14, 36‑41

In this passage we hear Peter boldly tell the crowd that they should listen to him because the Old Testament prophecies had been entirely fulfilled in Jesus. He told them that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 2:25‑36) and the risen Christ could dramatically change their lives. This is a new Peter, humble but bold and the power of the Holy Spirit flowed through him like a mighty river.

This was the same Peter who had denied he had ever known Jesus, regardless of being one of the disciples. But the Lord forgave and restored him after his denial. We see the transformation take place as Peter becomes a powerful and dynamic speaker. What an incredible sense of mercy God has. He watched as Peter denied him and then listened as he confessed and repented with great passion.

Where are you at the present time in your life? Have you ever felt as if you have made such bad mistakes that God could never forgive you and use you? That is what Satan wants you to believe, but don’t buy it. It is a lie, and Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). God will forgive us of anything if we turn to him with a sincere and contrite heart (Psalm 51). His love is a love that has no limit. Tell him your terrible mistake and repent, and let him take care of your fears.

Remember, true love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment (l John 4:18), while a relationship of love denotes a right relationship with God, therefore, there is no reason for punishment. God promises to forgive and he never falls back on his word. Allow him to forgive and use you effectively to serve him by bringing others into his healing light. Try to be quiet and listen to him telling you how much he loves you (Psalm 46:10).

 

1 PETER 2:20‑25

Peter really brings home a painful truth in many of our lives and that is to endure unjust suffering. We only need to look around our world and see millions of people starving and struggling just to survive. We see tyrants tearing their nations apart and putting people through all kinds of unjust suffering.

Today’s message is a call to patience, loyalty and forgiveness. Just look and see the suffering that is experienced by the spouse of an unfaithful partner. Many people live in a marriage where the spouse is oppressive, and verbally, physically, and sexually abusive. Much suffering is endured because of the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

Many adults have been physically or sexually abused as children, and the long‑term suffering is still going on internally. Only the healing love of Jesus Christ who was the victim of unjust suffering can bring patience, forgiveness or love to someone who has suffered unjustly. Because we know that Christ did not do any wrong and suffered through his torture and death on the cross, we too, can try to follow his example.

Parents have been known to be ridiculed, mocked and disgraced by their children and are, therefore, called as Christians to be Christ‑like examples of patience, forgiveness and love to them. You and I are not capable of this type of power. We can forgive others only when we realize that we ourselves are forgiven and loved completely by Jesus Christ. Suffering becomes bearable only when Christ is the bearer of the pain.

We call on him and he hears us and he responds to us. He never abandons us or leaves us alone. We must be ready to follow Jesus, regardless of where the road may lead. Suffering will be thrust upon many of us, but we must respond only to Jesus’ call.

 

JOHN 10:1‑10

John tells us of the love and dedication of a good and faithful shepherd. We clearly see that this is a story about someone protecting his flock even at the risk of losing his life. No hired hand would do this, only a total commitment of love is enough to fend off the wolves and other dangers to the flock. The sheep know their shepherd by the sound of his voice. They follow him wherever he goes. They eat wherever they are directed, and drink at the spot that is prepared for them. They safely rest at night in their sheepfold, and feel secure at the sound of his voice.

We are told in Scripture, “The Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want.” The Lord Jesus knows each and everyone of us by name and he provides us with food for our bodies and food for our spirit (Eucharist and his Holy Word). He tells us to be aware of those who want to steal our hearts and destroy our lives through sin. He tells us that he is “the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Look at that Scripture closely and see how it states that he is THE way, not a way, but THE way.

John ends this passage by giving us the answer to God’s plan for all of us. We know that millions of people know about Jesus Christ and that he has a plan for us, and that is to live a life in all its fullness. Really, to be holy, one has to be WHOLE. We need to be physically and spiritually in tune with Christ. Our bodies are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). We are called to put on the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:1‑4) and be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). When we do this we can personally say with the Psalmist, “The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not want.”

 

Application

The first reading deals with the virtue of hope. There is hope that we can all change for the better. The second reading helps us to see the power in redemptive suffering. It is a visual sign of Jesus Christ as he, too, once suffered for us. The Gospel brings home the message that he knows us personally, and he can identify us even by our own names.

Let us, this week, look at the suffering that is going on in our own families. We know who needs to be consoled. We know who is in danger of physical harm. We need to protect others from being exposed to unjust suffering. If you know someone who is being abused, report it at once to the proper authorities. The Lord wants us to be whole and healed. He wants us to draw upon Him for strength to endure the unjust suffering.

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 ACTS 2:14, 22‑28 FIRST READING

(“It was impossible for him to be held by the power of Hades.”)

1. What did Peter do with the Eleven?   Acts 2:14

 

2. Whom did he address, and what did he tell them to do? Acts 2:11, 14

 

3. What did Jesus tell the disciples to do if the people would not listen to them?   Matthew 10:14

 

4. Who sent Jesus, what were Jesus’ credentials, and what did God do with these credentials?   Acts 2:22

 

5. Why was he delivered up, and whom did they make use of to crucify and kill Jesus?   Acts 2:23

 

6. Of what did God free him, what did he do with him, and what was impossible?   Acts 2:24

 

7. What did Jesus say of God about all things that are impossible?   Matthew 19:26

 

8. What did David say?   Acts 2:25

 

9. What will his heart be, and what will his tongue and body do?  Acts 2:26

 

10. In verse 27 of Acts 2, of what is David assured?

 

11. What has the Lord shown us, and with what will he fill us in his presence?   Acts 2:28

 

Personal ‑ God’s set purpose was for Jesus to die so you could have life. Do you know what God’s plan is for your life? In John 10:10, it says God’s plan for you is that you may have life and have it to its fullness. In what way are you living the full life?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 PETER 1:17‑21 SECOND READING

(“The ransom that was paid to free you was the blood of the lamb Jesus Christ.”)

1. In what way do you call upon the Father, and how does he judge each one?   1 Peter 1:17

 

2. If this is so, how should we conduct ourselves? 1 Peter 1:17

 

3. How must we worship God?   Hebrews 12:28

 

4. In what way must we obey our human masters? Ephesians 6:5

 

5. What are we to realize concerning from what we were delivered? Who ransomed this futile way of life for us and our fathers? How is it not handed on to us?   1 Peter 1:18

 

6. What is Christ’s blood beyond?   1 Peter 1:19

 

7. By what have we been delivered and purified?  1 Peter 1:18‑19

 

8. When was the blood of the spotless lamb chosen, and when is it revealed?   1 Peter 1:20

 

9. It is through whom that we are believers in God? 1 Peter 1:19, 21

 

10. What did God do for Jesus? In what is our faith and hope centered?   1 Peter 1:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you allowed what your parents may have said or done, to control your life? Are you carrying around any old garbage? Through the blood of Jesus we have been delivered from the power of sin. We recognize him in the breaking of the bread, him whom God raised from the dead and who now sits at the right hand of God forever. Think about this and confess any unforgiveness toward anyone in your past, and let the blood of Jesus wash you clean and deliver you from any futile way of thinking. Be washed by the blood of the lamb. You have been delivered.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 24:13‑35 GOSPEL

(“They had recognized him in the breaking of the bread.”)

1. What day were two of them making their way to a village named Emmaus, and how far was this village from Jerusalem? Luke 24:1, 13

 

2. What were they doing? Who approached them and started to walk with them? Did they recognize him?   Luke 24:14‑16

 

3. What did Jesus say to them? How did they react to this question? What did Cleopas ask Jesus?   Luke 24:17‑18

 

4. Jesus asked them, “What things?” and they proceeded to explain to him the events of the past few days. They called Jesus a prophet who was powerful in what two things and in whose eyes?   Luke 24:19

 

5. Who delivered him up to be condemned to death and crucified? Luke 24:20

 

6. For what were they hoping?   Luke 24:21

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you been personally set free by the coming of the Messiah? How do others see you? Do they look at you as a slave to bad habits or someone set free by the death and resurrection of Jesus?

 

7. What was the astonishing news brought to them by some women? Luke 24:22‑24

 

8. What did Jesus say to them?   And beginning with whom, what did Jesus interpret in regard to himself Luke 24:25-27

 

9. By now, where were they located, and how did Jesus act? Luke 24:28

 

10. What did they say to him, and what did Jesus do? Luke 24:29

 

11. When Jesus sat with them to eat, what four things did he do with the bread? With that, what was their reaction, and what happened to Jesus?   Luke 24:30-31

 

12. What did they say happened to them as Jesus talked to them on the road and explained the Scriptures?   Luke 24:32

 

13. Who does it say explains scripture to us?   Luke 24:27, 32

 

14. Where did they go immediately, and whom did they find there? With what were they greeted, and what did they recount? Luke 24:33‑35

 

Personal ‑ How do you feel when you read scripture? Who explains it to you, and what is your reaction? Read Luke 2:26 and Luke 12:12.

 

 

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

ACTS 2:14, 22‑28

This passage tells us that God has called each one of us by name. God has a plan for each one of us, and we are called to respond to his plan to save his people which was fulfilled in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God has called you and told you that if you believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, you will have eternal life (John 3:16). God’s plan is that not only do we have life, but that we have life to its fullest. God’s plan is not to make us rich, but to make us whole. He wants us to be healthy, physically, emotionally, and spiritually (John 10:10). The one provision that brings people out of the darkness of bondage and back into the light of freedom is Jesus Christ.

Peter was telling the crowd that the death of Jesus was part of God’s plan. He tells them that even David knew that the Lord would deliver him up to the Heavenly Kingdom of God. You need to know God’s plan for your life, and you need to respond to his call. God has disclosed that he loved you so much that he sent his only Begotten Son Jesus to die for you. If you believe that Jesus paid the ransom in blood, then you will live forever with God. Today you must decide whether God is telling the truth or whether this is just some story to make you feel good.

Your response to his call will dramatically change your life. You will begin to follow his plan for you, and forever your life will continue on in glory within his presence. Your response to his call will be how you live and how much you love yourself and others. God loves you to the extent that he died for you, so that you could forever live with him.

 

1 PETER 1:17‑21

In this passage the people were called to revere a loving God and were reminded that they were not to be treated like slaves of a ruthless master. They are, in fact, the adopted children of the most High God. We do not need to assume that being special, such as being the children of God, takes away the freedom to do whatever we desire. We really need to become, not spoiled children, but grateful children of a heavenly Father who loves and forgives us. A terrible crime was committed against God, and only God’s Son could free us from the heavy bondage that was left upon us. God paid a heavy ransom for our sins and it was paid with the precious blood of his Son Jesus, so that we could become his adopted children.

This passage reveals that both the law and the coming of Christ were part of God’s eternal ongoing plan (Rom. 8:29). We see in God’s action a love that is real. A real love is sacrifice, forgiveness, patience, and kindness. Giving up of one’s own self means to put the needs of another first. Jesus manifested what is real in life, and because of this, he showed us how to love, so we can love others as he has loved us (John 15:12). You need to remember that everything in this life, possessions, accomplishments, and people, will some day be all gone. The only thing in life that is permanent is God’s will, his word, and his works. We can only put our faith and hope in God because it is he who has raised Christ from the dead. In Christ’s name everything we do, everything we say, and everything we hope to become really is what we could call a life of freedom.

 

LUKE 24:13‑35

The two disciples in today’s story missed the significance of what happened at the empty tomb, because they were too wrapped up in their own hurt and disappointment. They didn’t even recognize Jesus when he walked beside them and joined them in their conversation. To make matters worse, they actually walked the wrong way, away from the fellowship of their fellow believers in Jerusalem.

Many times people in their hurt or grief turn away from the support of loved ones and withdraw into a corner of silence by themselves. We need to realize that it is only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst that we will experience the power and help he can bring us.

The disciples could not understand how Jesus could be so uninformed about what had happened. They saw that Jesus was very much aware of what was going on as he explained the role of God among his people. The disciples were looking for a triumphant Messiah who would break the rule of Rome. Jesus tells them about a Savior who changes the hearts of people, not their hold on power. The disciples began to see that this was no ordinary man who they met “by accident.” Their hearts began to burn like fire, and they could not get enough of his teaching.

Do our hearts burn like fire over him? Do we hunger and thirst to know him more intimately than we do? Do we really understand that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is our only hope of Salvation? These disciples did not understand this at first despite the witness of the women and the biblical prophecies of that incredible event.

Today, after 2000 years, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is still a surprise to many people. Today, many people still refuse to believe that it took the living, breathing Jesus to come in to their midst and to break bread with them before they believed. Today for many people, it takes the fellowship and presence of living, breathing Christians to show these same people that Jesus is alive and in our midst.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God knows each one of us by name. In the second reading, we are being called to show reverence to our God. The Gospel tells us not to get wrapped up in our own problems, but to be open and seek others and their problems so that they, too, can see and hear God all around them.

This week, let us reach out to someone who is hurting in our family, school, work or community. Let us call on that person and show our concern by our presence. It may be nothing more than a telephone call or a short visit to just say “Hello.” Remember, the greatest gift we give to others is our presence. It is in our presence that they will see God in their midst.