THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

 

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 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16     FIRST READING

 

(“I have been with you wherever you went, and

I have destroyed all your enemies before you.”)

 

1. Who is King David, and from what did the Lord give him rest?

2 Samuel 7:1,  1 Sam. 16:11-13, and 1 Sam. 17:12-15

 

 

2. What did King David say to Nathan, the prophet? 2 Samuel 7:2

 

 

3. Where does the Spirit of God dwell? 1 Corinthians 3:16

 

 

4. What did Nathan say to King David, and who did he say was

with him?   2 Samuel 7:3

 

 

5. When did the Lord speak to Nathan, and where did the Lord

tell him to go and what to say?  2 Samuel 7:4-5

 

6. When did the angel of the Lord appear to the shepherds, and

when did Jesus pray?  Luke 2:8-9 and Luke 6:12

 

 

Personal – Do you ever hear the Lord speak to you in the night? What does he say, and what is your response?

 

7. What does the Lord of hosts say he has taken from David,

and what has he made him for Israel?   2 Samuel 7:8

 

 

8. What does the Lord say he has done for David, and what does

he say he will make him?   2 Samuel 7:9

 

 

9. What does the Lord say he will do for his people Israel,

and for what reason?   2 Samuel 7:10

 

 

10. From what will the Lord give them rest, and what does he

reveal to them?    2 Samuel 7:11

 

 

11. Who did Jesus say will be our enemies? Matthew 10:35-36

 

 

12. What will happen to his house, kingdom, and throne?

2 Samuel 7:16

 

 

Personal – In what way has God given you rest from your enemies, or are you undergoing attacks from your enemies?  How do you deal with the attacks?

 

 

THIRD DAY             READ ROMANS 16:25-27        SECOND READING

 

(“…made known to all nations to bring about

the obedience of faith.”)

 

1. What can God do for us, according to the Gospel and

proclamations of Jesus Christ?   Romans 16:25

 

 

2. What is God able to accomplish in us? Ephesians 3:20

 

3. What is Paul’s Gospel? 2 Timothy 2:8

 

 

4. How did Paul receive the Gospel preached by him?

Galatians 1:11-12

 

 

5. How has the Gospel been manifested? Romans 16:26

 

 

6. By whose command has the Gospel been made known to all the

nations, and what is this to bring about?    Romans 16:26

 

 

7. What have we received to bring about the obedience of faith?

See Romans 1:4-5

 

 

8. What is evidence of our faith? 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

 

 

9. Through whom is glory given forever and ever? Romans 16:27

 

 

10. How are all things in Jesus? Romans 11:36

 

 

11. How do we see the glory of God? John 11:40

 

 

Personal – How have you been strengthened by the gospel proclaim­ed this week, or by prophetic writings in the bible?  What has been the evidence of this strengthening?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 1:26-38                GOSPEL

 

(“You have found favor with God.”)

 

1. Who was sent from God, what month was it, and where did he

go?   Luke 1:26-27

 

 

2. Who was betrothed to a man named Joseph, and of what house?

Luke 1:27

 

3. What happens when evidence of a girl’s virginity is not

found?   Deuteronomy 22:20-21

 

 

4. According to the angel, who was with Mary, and what is she

among women?   Luke 1:28

 

 

5. Who are the blessed, and how have they been blessed?

Galatians 3:8

 

 

6. How did Mary feel at the words of the angel, and what did

she wonder?    Luke 1:29

 

 

7. What did the angel tell Mary not to do, what has she found

with God, and what would she conceive?   Luke 1:30-31

 

 

8. What name would she give him, who would be great, and

what would he be called?   Luke 1:31-32

 

 

9. Where would be his reign, and what was Mary’s response?

Luke 1:33-34

 

 

10. Who did the angel say would come upon Mary, what would the

power of the Most High do to her, and what would the holy

offspring be called?    Luke 1:35

 

 

11. What did the angel say about her kinswoman, Elizabeth, and what is possible with God? Luke 1:36-37

 

 

12. What things are possible for God? Luke 18:27

 

 

13. What makes nothing impossible for us? Matthew 17:20

 

 

14. What did Mary say she was, and what did she say be done?

Luke 1:38

 

Personal – In what way have you experienced the empowering of the Holy Spirit within your being?  How have you yielded in faith as Mary did to a messenger of the Lord?

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 89:2-5, 27, 29

 

(“You are my father, my God; the rock, my savior.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 89:2-5, 27, 29.

 

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 SAMUEL 7:1-5, 8-11, 16

 

God had made a covenant with David and promised him that his family line would go on forever. This promise would be fully realized when Jesus was born. God made certain that a prophet was living during the reign of each of the kings of Israel. This was the first time that Nathan, the Prophet, was mentioned, and like all prophets, he urged the people to follow God and to communi­cate God’s laws and plans to the king.

 

God told David that he was called from being a simple peasant who tended sheep to become a great warrior-king. He would be used to unify and lead Israel and to destroy its enemies. God did not want a warrior with blood on his hands to build his sacred temple. David being obedient, made the plans and collected the materials so that the temple would be built by the next king, who would be David’s son, Solomon.

 

It is very important that we, too, should be like David and recognize and be satisfied with the roles which God gives all of us. God rejected David’s request, but this does not mean God rejected David. David’s request was also good, but God said no. God was planning something in David’s life that was much bigger than allowing him the prestige of building a temple.

 

God is waiting to do the same thing with you and me. He wants you to say “Yes” to him, just like David did. God promised David that his line would live forever. David’s earthly dynasty ended four centuries later. But Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of David, was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.

Have you prayed with very good intentions only to hear God say no? This is not rejection, but God’s way of fulfilling a greater purpose in your life. Remember always to let go and let God!

 

ROMANS 16:25-27

 

Paul is sharing with the people of his time and also of our time that it is wonderful to be alive and to be part of God’s mystery of saving the Gentiles. Paul was rejoicing in his role as an instru­ment in the unfolding plan of salvation. All the Old Testament prophecies were coming true and, through Jesus Christ, God’s mystery was fully revealed. Paul had not been to Rome, but he knew that the city was the center of great political and religi­ous influence. He was getting ready to leave Jerusalem, which was the center of Jewish life, and his message was a message of hope.

 

Today we live in a world that has been vastly reduced by television. We can view all the major events that happened on that very day. We have the potential for widespread influence or wrenching conflict. We are called to be part of that revelation of God’s mystery. Our part is to live our lives in such a manner that brings a response that most times is very dramatic. Conflict is always potentially an obstacle in the path of the one who brings light into the darkness.

 

The “mystery” of Christ exploded across the entire known world. No longer was man subjected to heritage being the only way to heaven. Paul brought the “Good News” and that was that God loved the world (you) so much that he gave up his Son on the cross, so that all who believed in his Son would have eternal life. This mystery was revealed in Christ’s death and resur­rection. You are that ambassador of Christ and you will go from place to place and bring his “message” of hope to all who are hurting.  We need to reflect on how much of our own life reflects unity, service and love of Jesus Christ.

 

 

LUKE 1:26-38

Today’s gospel is a story of surrender and empowerment. The angel Gabriel who promises the birth of Jesus to Mary is the same angel who appeared to the prophet David more than 500 years earlier. Joseph and Mary lived in a small town named Nazareth. The area had a bad name because the Roman army barracks were located there, and the people were forced to work as ser­vants to the soldiers. The people of Nazareth were very distrust­ful of most, and women were under the domination of the men at that time. Women were little more than possessions like the goats and sheep, etc. A woman’s main contribution was to have children and take care of the home. It seemed highly unlikely that God would use two women for a major task. But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience ever demanded of anyone.

 

You may feel that you are in a place in your life where God could not possibly use you for service. Do not limit God’s choices; he can and will use you if you will only let him. God’s blessings or choosing does not automatically bring instant fame or favor. His choosing of Mary for the honor of being the mother of the Messiah would lead to much pain. Her peers would ridicule her, and her fiance’ would come close to leaving her. Her son would be rejected and finally murdered.  But through her Son, Jesus Christ, would come the world’s only hope. This is why Mary has been called “Blessed among women.” Her surrender led to our victorious salvation. Her “Yes Lord” opened the doors to heaven for all who would believe in her Son.

 

A young woman answered God’s call by saying, “Do unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38).  We can learn from Mary that love is obedience to God’s call. If our blessings lead to sorrows, think of Mary and wait patiently for God to finish working out his plan. Mary let the Holy Spirit come upon her, and she was empowered to have a child. Mary was a young unmarried girl who risked disaster. Her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit had the risk of her being considered crazy as well.  Do not wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God.  Offer yourself willingly, like Mary did, even when the results look disastrous.

 

 

 

Application

 

The first reading revealed God as a God who keeps his promises.  The second reading showed that we are instruments in the revelation of Jesus Christ. The Gospel tells us to offer our­selves completely to God, to be radical.

 

This week, share with your family and friends the power of God’s love by visiting a shelter for unmarried pregnant women. Then take a risk and offer your support to her and her soon-to-be-born child.

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

 

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)

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading tells us that our God is a God who comforts.  The second reading reveals that God deals with each one of us mercifully. The Gospel shows that the response to repen­tance leads to the power of forgiveness.

 

This week, let us acknowledge to those around us some of our very obvious flaws. Take a specific fault, like making judgments, and tell them that you are going to change, and if your friends see you being judgmental, to point it out to you in love. This will make a dramatic improvement with your loved ones, those in your work area or school. Be specific and pick the small flaws first, then pray and change (repent). Your change, not your words or tears, will bring forgiveness. Try this with smoking, drinking, lying, swearing, etc. Do something beautiful for God – change (repent).

 

 

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

2. From what you learned, what personal application did you

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ ISAIAH 61:1-2, 10-11      FIRST READING

 

(“I rejoice heartily in the Lord.”)

 

1. Where is the spirit of the Lord God, and what has the Lord done? Isaiah 61:1

 

 

2. What has the Lord God sent me to do for the lowly and to

the broken hearted?   Isaiah 61:1

 

 

3. What do we proclaim to the captives and the prisoners?

Isaiah 61:1

 

 

4. What was the passage read by Jesus in the synagogue, and

what did he say about it?   Luke 4:18-19, 21.

 

 

5. What did God do with Jesus? Acts 10:38

 

 

6. What does the anointing we received from him do for us?

 

1 John 2:27-28

 

 

7. What has he sent me to announce, and what are we to do to

all who mourn?  Isaiah 61:2

 

 

8. What do we do in our God who is the joy of our soul, and what has he done for us?  Isaiah 61:10

 

 

9. What will the Lord God make spring up before all the

nations?   Isaiah 61:11

 

 

10. What does the practice of justice do for the just?

Proverbs 21:15

 

 

11. For what does the just man concern himself? Proverbs 29:7

 

 

Personal – How can you set free the captives within your environ­ment and those who are locked into self-pity? How has the Lord sprung up justice and praise within you?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY         READ 1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24    SECOND READING

 

(“Rejoice always.”)

 

1. What are we to do always? 1 Thessalonians 5:16

 

 

2. What are we to do without ceasing? 1 Thessalonians 5:17

 

 

3. To what did the apostles devote themselves, and who was

with them?   Acts 1:14

 

4. What does the Spirit do for us in our weakness?

Romans 8:26

 

 

5. What do we do in all circumstances, whose will is it, and

in whom?  1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

 

6. Whom do we not quench? 1 Thessalonians 5:19

 

 

7. How do we grieve the Holy Spirit? Isaiah 63:10

 

 

8. What are we not to despise, what are we to test, and

what are we to retain?   1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

 

 

9. From what are we to refrain? 1 Thessalonians 5:22

 

 

10. What do those who do evil see not fit to do, with what are they filled, and whom do they hate?   Romans 1:28-31

 

 

11. What may the God of peace make us, and how may we be

preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus

Christ?  1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

 

12. What is the One who calls us, and what will he do?

1 Thessalonians 5:24

 

 

Personal – For what did you give thanks today, and from what evil did you refrain this week?

 

 

FOURTH DAY           READ JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28              GOSPEL

 

(“Make straight the way of the Lord.”)

 

1. Who sent the man named John, and to what was he to testify? John 1:6-7

 

 

2. What had John seen, and to what did he testify?

John 1:34

 

3. What was John not, but what was he to do? John 1:8

 

 

4. Who is the light, and what will he who follows him

have?   John 8:12

 

 

5. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask John who he was, what did he say? John 1:19-20

 

 

6. What did the priests and Levites ask John, and what was his answer?   John 1:21

 

 

7. What was John’s response to the priests and Levites, and what did the Prophet Isaiah say?   John 1:23,    Isaiah 40:3

 

 

8. For what are we to make straight paths, and why?

Hebrews 12:13

 

 

9. In response to the Pharisee’s question, with what did John say he baptizes, and whom did he say they do not recognize? John 1:26

 

 

10. What does John say he is not worthy to do to the One coming after him, and where did this take place?  John    1:27

 

 

11. Who is not worthy of Jesus? Matthew 10:37-38

 

 

Personal – In what way have you prepared the way of the Lord to those around you?  Has your personal testimony been about Jesus in your life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ LUKE 1:46-50, 53-54

 

(“…my spirit rejoices in God my savior.”)

 

Read and meditate on Luke 1:46-50, 53-54.

 

What is the Lord saying to you personally through this reading?

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

ISAIAH 61:1-2, 10-11

 

This passage of Isaiah was read by Jesus in Luke 4:18. He stopped his reading to the people in the synagogue in the middle of Chapter 61:2, after the words, “The time of God’s favor has come.” Jesus closed the book and said, “These scriptures came true today.” (Luke 4:21). The rest of Isaiah 61:2, “and the day of his wrath to his enemies,” will come true when Jesus returns to earth again. It is important for us to realize that we are now under God’s favor and his wrath is yet to come.

 

Today’s reading is good news for those who suffer because the Spirit of God is upon those who will go forth and help all those who are suffering. Read Verses 1 and 2 and put your name in place of “me.” “The Spirit of God is upon you and he has anointed you to bring the good news to the suffering and afflicted, he has anointed you to comfort the brokenhearted.” Maybe someone right in your own family is suffering, and you will be the one to bring the  “Good News” of hope to them. All you need to do is say, “Yes, Lord, come into my heart, take up residence in me.”

 

Take the time right now, wherever you are, and confess your sins and repent, and let the grace of God fill you with his Holy Spirit. Are you aware that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you (1 Cor. 3:16) because of your baptism? Now God is filling you up with his Spirit so that his love can overflow through you and spill on to his hurt and broken people. You will open the eyes of the blind because you are carrying the light of the world within you. Remember, my beloved brothers and sisters, the Spirit of God is upon us and he has anointed us. He has clothed us with his garment of salvation and has draped his robe of righteousness about us.

 

1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24

 

In today’s reading we see that in all of our circumstances, joy, prayer, and thanksgiving should not go up or down because of feelings. These three commands to “be joyful, keep on praying, and continue to be thankful” often go against our natural inclin­ations. We can expect to be joyful and thankful when we are following God’s will because it is his power that flows through us and it is in his hands that we place our cares (1 Peter 5:7). We will always find it much easier to be joyful, thankful, and full of prayer when we really put our trust in the Lord.

 

We know that we cannot spend all of our time on our knees in prayer, but it is possible to have a prayerful attitude all of the time. We build this attitude on admitting our dependence on God, realizing that his presence is right there in front of us, behind us, above us, below us and within us.  We must choose to obey him fully. It is not enough to talk about Christ, we must also walk with Christ. We will then find it natural to pray frequent, spontaneous short, and very meaningful prayers. Remem­ber that an attitude of prayer is not a substitute for our alone, “quiet” time of prayer with Jesus. A prayerful attitude should be an extension of those times.

 

Paul was teaching us that we should be thankful in every­thing that happens to us. We are thankful always because God IS and for the good he can bring out through the time of distress. We are told not to “smother the Holy Spirit” or not to ignore or toss aside the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to us. Some­times spiritual gifts are controversial and cause division in a church. Paul mentions the gift of prophecy, and he encourages all to use the full expression of these gifts in the body of Christ.

 

Let us never make fun of those who do not agree with what we profess to believe. Let us also check their works against sacred scripture and sacred tradition. We do not allow Christ to control us only on a religious level. We are called to let Christ control all of us at all times, under all circumstances.

 

 

JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28

 

This Gospel message is really a message of “Good News.” It is a message of a light that has come to penetrate the darkness of the world, and especially the darkness of people’s hearts. The light is Jesus, and John the Baptist gave witness to the light. We are called to carry out our role, today, as reflectors of Christ’s light. We are never to present ourselves as the light to others, but always as John the Baptist did, point them to Christ the Light.

We need to remember always that Jesus was the creator of life, and his life brings light to a fallen mankind. In his light you and I see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a savior). We may say to ourselves that we do not do all those terrible things that bad people do, but we must never forget that scrip­ture tells us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Some sins seem bigger than others, and all sins make us sinners, and all sins cut us off from our Holy God. Do not minimize “little” sins. They all separate us from God, but they all can be forgiven. When we follow Jesus Christ, the Light, we can avoid walking and falling blindly into sin. His life and deeds have lit the path of life for all of us. He, in mercy and righteousness, removes the darkness of sin from our lives.

 

Have you allowed the light of Christ to shine in your life? Today, I challenge you to let Jesus Christ bring light into your life and you will never need to stumble in darkness again.

 

Application

 

The first reading reveals that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us.  In the second reading, we are called to be joyful, prayerful, and thankful in all circumstances. In the Gospel, Jesus is the Light, and we are called to reflect that light.

 

Look around you at your family, relatives, friends, or community and pick out someone who is hurting, alone or im­prisoned. Write or visit that person and tell him that you will continue to pray for him and, if possible, with him. You may be able to take someone to Mass or bring Eucharist to someone. You may be able to read this week’s lesson to someone who cannot see or read. Remember, you are called to reflect the Light of Jesus, and his Holy Spirit has anointed you. Go forth and make dis­ciples of all nations, (Math. 28:19), especially those in your own family.

 

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ ISAIAH 40:1-5, 9-11      FIRST READING

 

(“Cry out at the top of your voice.”)

 

1. What does the Lord say to give to his people?

Isaiah 40:1

 

 

2. What does God give us in our afflictions, thus enabling us to give others in their troubles?

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

 

3. What two things are we to do to Jerusalem, and what has Jerusalem received from the hand of the Lord?     Isaiah 40:2

 

 

4. Who speaks for us, and what do we proclaim?

Matthew 10:20 and 10:27

 

 

5. What does a voice crying out in the desert say? Isaiah 40:3

 

 

6. What shall happen to every valley, mountain and hill, the rugged land and the rough country? Isaiah 40:4

 

7. Then what shall be revealed, who shall see it,

and who has spoken?   Isaiah 40:5

 

 

8. What does the Father give the Son, and what does the Son give the Father?  How did the Son give this to the    Father? John 17:1 and John 17:4

 

 

9. What are we to do at the top of our voice, what are we

not to do, and what are we to say?   Isaiah 40:9

 

10. Who comes with power ruling by his strong arm, and what is with him and before him?   Isaiah 40:10

 

 

11. What does a shepherd do to his flock and lambs, where does he carry them, and what does he lead with care?      Isaiah 40:11

 

 

12. What is the eye in Matthew 6:22?

 

 

Personal – What have your actions been crying out about our Lord to others?  How have you experienced the Lord carrying you in his bosom and leading the ewes with care?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ 2 PETER 3:8-14        SECOND READING

 

(“The Lord does not delay in keeping his promise.”)

 

1. In the Lord’s eyes, what is one day? 2 Peter 3:8

 

 

2. What does the Lord not delay in keeping? 2 Peter 3:9

 

 

3. What promise was made to us and to our children?

Acts 2:38-39

 

 

4. What does the Lord show us, and what does he want?

2 Peter 3:9

 

5. How does Jesus Christ display all his patience?

1 Timothy 1:15-16

 

 

6. How will the day of the Lord come, and what will happen on that day? 2 Peter 3:10

 

 

7. What will happen to everything, and what are people to do? 2 Peter 3:11 and Acts 3:19

 

 

8. How are we to be in our conduct and devotion while looking for the coming of the day of the Lord? 2 Peter   3:11-12

 

 

9. How do we become the very holiness of God? 2 Cor. 5:21

 

 

10. What does scripture say about being holy? Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16.

 

 

11. What do we await, and what will reside? 2 Peter 3:13

 

 

Personal – How have you experienced God’s patience with you? How have you shown patience to your parents, children, friends, schoolmates or co-workers in revealing God’s truth to them and their choice to accept or reject it?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ MARK 1:1-8                 GOSPEL

 

(“…He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”)

 

1. What begins here, and what is written in Isaiah as to who is being sent and for what reason? Mark 1:1-2

 

 

2. What was the herald’s voice in the desert crying?     Mark 1:3

 

 

3. What message has God entrusted to us? 2 Corinthians   5:19

 

4. What does Jesus say the Father has done to him, and in turn, does to us?   John 17:18

 

 

5. Who appeared in the desert, what was he proclaiming,

and to what did it lead?   Mark 1:4

 

 

6. What is to be preached to all the nations? Luke 24:47

 

 

7. Who went out to John, what was happening to them as they confessed their sins?   Mark 1:5

 

 

8. To whom are we to confess our sins? James 5:16

 

 

9. With what was John clothed, what did he wear around his waist, and what was his food?   Mark 1:6

 

 

10. With what are we to cloth ourselves, and what is our food? Ephesians 6:13-17, John 4:32-34

 

 

11. What was the theme of John’s preaching, and in what has he baptized us?  Mark 1:8, John 1:29-33

 

 

Personal – Examine your conscience. Write out what way you have seen yourself sin, and how you have experienced being baptized in water and the Holy Spirit?

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 85:9-14

 

(“I will hear what God proclaims.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 85:9-14.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

ISAIAH 40:1-5, 9-11

 

This week’s reading from Isaiah comes from a section sometimes called Second Isaiah (Chapters 40-55) and is generally considered to have been written by an unknown poet who prophesied near the end of the Babylonian exile.  In 586 B.C. the city of Jerusalem fell, the walls and palaces were destroyed and the sacred temple burned.  King Zedikiah and the rest of the population were marched to Babylon in chains.  God has called his prophet to speak tenderly and to comfort his chosen people.

 

The seeds of comfort can take root in the soil of adver­sity. When it seems as if your life is falling apart, ask God to hold you and comfort you. You may still experience the trials and tribula­tions of adversity, but you may find God’s comfort right in the midst of it. To some, the only comfort people have is the knowledge that someday they will be with God. I speak now to those who seem to be experiencing very little signs of hope concerning their physical health, in their imprisonment or in their marriage. Hold on. Appreciate the comfort and encouragement found in his word, his presence, his Eucharist and his people.

 

The voice of hope calls out to us, as well as to the people in this reading, to prepare a straight and smooth way. This means removing obstacles in our life that prevent us from receiving Jesus into our heart. The desert in our life today can be a picture of life’s trials and suffering. We are not immune to them, but because of our faith and because of God’s promise (John 3:16), we need not be hindered by life’s obstacles.

 

John the Baptist told the people to prepare to see God work, even in our lives now (Matt. 3:3). He challenged the people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah, and that is what Advent is about for us today. We are called to prepare for the coming of the Christ into our hearts. We are to prepare for the Incar­nation of God. We need to smooth our crooked ways, and we do that by asking God to forgive us for our crooked ways and attitudes. In today’s reading, people are compared to grass and flowers that fade away (Is. 40:6-8).  Our lives are mortal, but God’s word is eternal and unfailing.

2 PETER 3:8-14

This reading is a message of hope. The people of Peter’s time faced persecution and longed every day to be delivered. Peter tells them that a thousand years is like a day to the Lord. He was telling them that God is not slow and that he just is not on our time table. Jesus is waiting so that more sinners will repent and turn to him. He displays his incredible patience by dealing with us so mercifully. We are not called just to sit around and wait for him. Rather, we are called to go forth and make dis­ciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19). The disciples realized that the time was short, and there was a lot of important work to do.

 

Today that message is being put forth in a sense of urgency. Here on earth we must plan our life as if we will live forever, and live it as if today was our last day. We are told that Christ’s return will be sudden and terrible for those who do not believe in him and obey his commandments. Do you spend more of your time piling up earthly possessions, or are you striving to bring to others a message of hope?

 

We are called to bring our brothers and sisters back into repentance. Then they too will experience the incredible forgive­ness of the Lord. God’s purpose for mankind is not destruction, but creation. He will burn the heavens and earth with fire, and he will create them anew. We cannot hurry God’s return, even if we are suffering now. He is waiting patiently for more of his rebellious children to repent. We can bring more people to faith in him by the way we live our lives, especially if we are suffer­ing. He wants us to be holy simply because he is holy, and he wants only the best for us.

 

MARK 1:1-8

 

Mark was not one of the twelve apostles, but he probably knew Jesus personally. This gospel is written in the form of a fast-paced story to Christians in Rome where there were many gods. Mark wanted the Romans to know that Jesus is the one, true Son of God.

We see John the Baptist announce Jesus’ coming and call for the people to straighten out their lives and give up their selfish ways of living. The people were called to renounce their sins, seek God’s forgiveness, and establish a personal relationship with God by believing and obeying his holy word. Today we are called to do the same, acknowledge that we are sinful, and renounce our sins. We can experience God’s forgiveness only when we admit we were wrong. John the Baptist was very popular, and his message of repentance was heard and accepted by many. Repentance does not mean “I am sorry;” it means “a change of attitude.”

 

John was telling everyone to prepare for someone who was coming who would be far more effective than he. John told the people that he was not fit even to tie the straps of this man’s sandals. He told the people that the Messiah would baptize them with water and the Spirit. The purpose of John’s preaching was to prepare people to accept Jesus as God’s Son. John challenged the people into a new personal relationship with God when he called the people to confess individually.

 

Where are you right now? Is change needed in your life before you can hear and understand Jesus’ message? You have to admit that you are sinful in order to receive forgiveness. You must have true repentance to have true faith.

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading tells us that our God is a God who comforts.  The second reading reveals that God deals with each one of us mercifully. The Gospel shows that the response to repen­tance leads to the power of forgiveness.

 

This week, let us acknowledge to those around us some of our very obvious flaws. Take a specific fault, like making judgments, and tell them that you are going to change, and if your friends see you being judgmental, to point it out to you in love. This will make a dramatic improvement with your loved ones, those in your work area or school. Be specific and pick the small flaws first, then pray and change (repent). Your change, not your words or tears, will bring forgiveness. Try this with smoking, drinking, lying, swearing, etc. Do something beautiful for God – change (repent).

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT – CYCLE B

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

2. From what you learned, what personal application did you

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

 

SECOND DAY      READ ISAIAH 63:16, 17, 19; 64:2-7  FIRST READING

 

(“…we are the work of your hands.”)

 

1. What is the Lord to us, and what is he named forever?

Isaiah 63:16

 

 

2. How has God redeemed us? 1 Peter 1:18-21

 

 

3. What happens to our hearts when we wander from the Lord’s

ways?  Isaiah 63:17

 

 

4. What has to be broken, and for what reason?

Ezekial 6:8-10

 

 

5. What hardens our hearts and keeps us from his rest?

See Hebrews 3:15-19, concentrating on verse 19

 

 

6. Whom have they been like for too long? Isaiah 63:19

 

 

 

7. For what was it they thought they could not hope?

Isaiah 64:2-3

 

 

 

8. What has no ear heard nor eye seen, and what is God

doing?  Is. 64:3 and also 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

 

9. With what were the Israelites concerned that the Lord might eet them doing, and of what might they be mindful?

What is the Lord, and what are we?   Isaiah 64:4

 

 

10. Like what had all of them become, and what carries them

away like the wind?   Isaiah 64:5

 

 

11. Who calls upon your name and rouses himself to cling to you, and for what reason?   Isaiah 64:6

 

 

12. We are the work of whose hands? Isaiah 64:7

 

 

Personal – In what way have you hardened your heart to the way of the Lord, and is guilt a part of your life?  How has God been trying to break through the heart of stone and make it a heart of flesh?

 

 

THIRD DAY           READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9      SECOND READING

 

(“God is faithful,”)

 

1. What two things come from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ? 1 Corinthians 1:3

 

 

2. What has surpassed the increase of sin, and how does it

reign, and through whom does it reign?  Romans 5:20-21

 

 

3. What is Jesus’ gift to us? John 14:27

 

 

4. Why does Paul continually thank God, and in what is it that the people have been richly blessed?

1 Corinthians 1:4-5

 

 

5. Who has the king for his friend? Proverbs 22:11

 

 

6. Who gains and seeks knowledge? Proverbs 18:15

 

 

 

7. What has been confirmed among those of Corinth, and what is it the people do not lack?  1 Corinthians 1:6-7

 

 

8. What has appeared offering salvation to all people,

and what does it train us to do?  Titus 2:11-14

 

 

9. What will God do for us so that we will be blameless on

the day of our Lord Jesus Christ?   1 Corinthians 1:8

 

 

10. What does God say he will do for us? Isaiah 41:10

 

 

11. What is God, and to what has he called us? 1 Cor. 1:9

 

 

Personal – How has your speech to your family, friends, school mates and co-workers been a reflection of the spiritual gifts God has given you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MARK 13:33-37                GOSPEL

 

(“Be constantly on the watch!”)

 

1. What are we to do, and what do we not know? Mark 13:33,    also Matthew 24:42

 

 

2. What are we to attend, and what two things are we to

watch?   1 Timothy 4:15-16

 

 

 

3. Whom does a man who leaves home to travel abroad leave in

charge, and how does he leave them?  What does the man      order the gatekeeper to do?  Mark 13:34

 

 

4. What did Mary call herself? Luke 1:38

 

 

5. What did Jesus say that anyone who serves him would do, where will he be, and what will the Father do?

John 12:26

 

 

6. What do we not know, and what must we not let him do?

Mark 13:35-36

 

 

7. What does he say to us and to all? Mark 13:37

 

 

8. Against what did Jesus tell his disciples to be on guard?

Luke 12:1

 

 

9. Against what did Paul warn us to be on guard?

Acts 20:30-31

 

 

10. For what other reason do we stay sober and alert?

1 Peter 5:8

 

 

11. What will stand guard over our hearts and minds?

Philippians 4:7

 

Personal – How alert have you been to the hypocrisy and lies of those who are not following God’s Word?  This week, in what way have you been able to use his Word to fight against this?

 

 

 

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

 

(“Give us new life, and we will call upon your name,”)

 

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

 

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

ISAIAH 63: 16-17, 19; 64:2-7

The faithful remnant (those who survived the Babylonian captivity) asked God for several favors. One was to show compas­sion to them and also to punish their enemies. This reading describes God’s glory as like an intense consuming fire that burns everything in its path. His power is described in awe, and no one has ever heard or seen a God like him. The people realized that being so impure themselves, there was no way that they could be saved on their own merits. God’s mercy was the only hope that they had, and they grasped eagerly for it. When God met with Moses there was a thunderstorm, smoke, and an earthquake.

 

If God were to meet us today, his glory would overwhelm us, especially when we look at our so-called good works or filthy rags. Sin makes us unclean, it produces a hardened heart, and it ultimately leads to spiritual and sometimes physical death. Because of our sins, we are dressed in rotten rags and could not dine at the king’s table. Our best efforts still fall short. God steps forth like the potter and remakes the clay. He takes our old hardened heart and he lets it be broken through sickness, humiliation, pain, suffering and defeat. God spared his remnant of people then and he will do the same now. But we must be open to true repentance. The people in today’s message would not change until they had learned some hard lessons. You need to reflect today and ask yourself, does your heart long for God enough to change those areas within you that displease and hurt him? Will God have to “break” your heart in order to bring you to true repentance?

 

1 CORINTHIANS 1:3-9

Today’s reading clearly reveals that in a world of noise, confusion and incredible pressures, people long for peace. In today’s world that hunger and thirst for peace still resides in the hearts of most people. Yet, many give up the search, thinking it impossible to find, but the peace of mind and heart is avail­able through faith in Jesus Christ.

 

 

For a moment, let us review our description of faith. Faith is the living response to the power and presence of God in our life. In other words, we have to respond to the presence of God to utilize fully the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

Paul had some strong words for the Corinthian people, but he began this letter on a very positive note. He affirms their being in the family of God and having the power of the Spirit in their lives.  The Corin­thian church members had all the spiritual gifts they needed to live the Christian life, to witness for Christ, and to stand up against the paganism of Corinth.

 

We too have those very same gifts and the same power because we have the very same Holy Spirit. We are called by Christ to come follow him and he promised us salvation. This salvation was not because of any great accomplishment on our part. His action of dying on the cross and rising from the dead is where our guaran­tee has its source.

 

Later on in this same letter to the Corinthians, Paul admonishes the people because they began to argue over which of the gifts was more important (1 Cor. Chapters 12-14). Hold on to what has been promised to you, and if you believe and have faith in Christ, you will experience the reality and honor of God’s covenant. God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, so that anyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

 

MARK 13:33-37

Jesus shows us his complete trust and obedience to his heavenly Father when he tells us that he did not know even the time of the end. He was affirming his humanity when he volun­tarily gave up the unlimited use of his divine attributes. The emphasis on Jesus’ statement is that only the Father knows, and the secret is God the Father’s to be revealed when he wills. Jesus is really telling us that no interpretation of scripture or science can predict the exact day which only his heavenly Father knows. Jesus is teaching that preparation, and not calculation, is needed.

 

Look around and see how much planning goes into a wedding, the birth of a child, a career change, or the purchase or rental of a home. Jesus’ return is the most important event in our lives and we need to ask ourselves whether we place the same impor­tance on preparing for his return. We can prepare for his return through study of his Holy Word, following the teachings of the church, and receiving the sacraments. We are being told how to prepare by scripture and sacred tradition. We are not to be misled by confusing claims or idle interpretations of what will happen at the end of time. We are called to witness to Christ in season and out of season, and to be prepared for persecution (Mark 13:13).

 

We especially need to be morally alert and obedient to God’s commandments. Scripture tells us to stay sober and alert. Our opponent, the devil, is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Lions choose victims who are alone, sick, or not alert. Being in the company of supportive Christians is a good way of being prepared. This passage really brings home the power of right living. That is living for God in a world where God is largely ignored.

 

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading tells us that God’s grace changes us from sinners to saints.  In the second reading we see that peace is attainable only through Jesus Christ.  The Gospel warns us to prepare, and not calculate for Christ’s return.

 

This week, be alert and be aware of hypocrisy in your speech and in the speech of the members of your family, your co-workers, and school associates. First affirm this person by telling him\her how much God has blessed him\her and then witness to him\her that hypo­crisy is a tool of Satan who is waiting to devour people who are not alert.  Your speech and actions are signs to others that you will be prepared when Christ returns.

 

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRTY-FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

CHRIST THE KING

 

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)

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading reveals that real beauty is in the character. The second reading shows that we must live a life of preparedness. The Gospel tells us that God rewards faithfulness.

 

This week, point out and praise the character of your “ideal” wife or mother. Be specific and let her know how you feel about her internal beauty. Take time out to talk with your wife, take her out of the house. Bring her a special gift (flowers, candy, etc.). Let her experience your love for her by being there for her. Don’t make jokes about her (age, weight, etc.) and don’t criticize her in public. God will reward your loyalty, your courtesy, and your loving your very special “ideal” wife. Visit your mother as she grows older, whether she is in her own home or in a convalescent home. She will experience being loved more by your presence than by your presents.

 

I don’t have a wife and my mother is in heaven so I try to be there for the women I know. I couldn’t get a date where all the widows in our widows group could get together and be present to all of them so I am having a get together at my house two weeks in a row so I can be present to all the women. All of them are wives and mothers.

 

 

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?

 

Husband entrust his heart to wife. She uses her talents to fill his needs. He praises her at the city gates.

 

We are to stay sober and alert because the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night

 

A man entrusted his possessions to his servants according to his ability. Two doubled what was entrusted to them and one buried it. Two shared in their masters joy and the one was thrown into the darkness outside.

 

2. From what you learned, what personal application did you

choose to apply to your life this week?

 

Use the talents the Lord has given me to bring others to Christ

When the stranger came knocking on my window I ministered to her by showing kindness and it spread to the grumpy waiter

 

SECOND DAY        READ EZEKIEL 34:11-12, 15-17    FIRST READING

 

(“I myself will give them rest, says the Lord God.”)

 

1. What does the Lord God say he will do when he finds himself

among his scattered sheep?   Ezekiel 34:11-12

 

2. What will he do to those who were scattered when it was

cloudy and dark?   Ezekiel 34:12

 

3. What did God do when we were in the power of darkness?

Colossians 1:13

 

4. Who does the Lord say will pasture his sheep and give them

rest?   Ezekiel 34:15

 

5. Who does Jesus say he is? John 10:11, 14

 

6. Whom will the Lord seek out, whom will he bring back,

whom will he bind up, and whom will he heal?  Ezekiel 34:16

 

7. What did the Son of Man (Jesus) come to do? Luke 19:10

 

8. Whom does the Lord heal? Isaiah 61:1

 

9. What does the Lord do to the sleek and the strong, thus

shepherding them rightly?   Ezekiel 34:16

 

10. Who is singled out in this world to shame the strong?

1 Corinthians 1:27-28

 

11. Between what does the Lord God judge? Ez 34:17

 

 

Personal – How have you been healed by the Lord, and in what way has he brought you back when you went astray? What wounds has he bound up in you? Spend a few minutes in thanksgiving to the Lord.

 

THIRD DAY        READ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-26, 28  SECOND READING

 

(“Just as in Adam all die,

so in Christ all will come to life again.”)

 

1. From what has Christ been raised, and of whom is he the

first fruits?   1 Corinthians 15:20

 

2. To what will he who raised Christ bring your mortal bodies,

and how will he do it?   Romans 8:11

 

3. Whom will God bring forth with Jesus from the dead?

1 Thessalonians 4:14

 

4. How did death come, how did the resurrection of the dead

come, and what is the proper order?  1 Corinthians 15:21-23

 

5. To whom did Adam listen, and what did God forbid him to do?

Genesis 3:17

 

6. To whom did this single offense bring condemnation, and

what did a single righteous act do?   Romans 5:18

 

7. Who will come down from heaven at the word of command,

what will happen to those who have died in Christ, and

what will happen to the living?   1 Thesselonians 4:16-17

 

8. When the end comes what will be destroyed, and what will

be handed over to God the Father?   1 Corinthians 15:24

 

9. How long must Christ reign, and what is the last enemy?

1 Corinthians 15:25-26

 

10. Where is Christ seated, and of what is he the head?

Ephesians 1:20-23

 

11. Through what has Christ robbed death of its power and

brought life and immortality into clear light?

2 Timothy 1:10

 

12. When all has been subjected to the Son, to whom will he

then subject himself, and why?   1 Corinthians 15:28

 

 

 

Personal – In what way has fear of death been destroyed in you? Check off on the list below those to whom you have been listening when making decisions: mother, father, wife, husband, daughte­r, son, friend, pastor, God’s Word.

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 25:31-46              GOSPEL

 

(“I assure you, as often as you did it for one

of my least brothers, you did it for me.”)

 

1. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, who will escort him;

where will he sit, and who will be assembled before him?

Matthew 25:31-32

 

2. How will those assembled be separated? Matthew 25:32-33

 

3. How does one receive his recompense, good or bad?

2 Corinthians 5:10

 

4. What will the king say to those on his right and for what

reason?   Matthew 25:34-36

 

5. What kind of fasting does the Lord desire? Isaiah 58:6-7

 

6. Who is the virtuous and the one who shall live?

Ezekiel 18:7-9

 

7. What did the just man ask the Lord, and of what did the

king assure him?   Matthew 25:37-40

 

8. How does Jesus say we discover who we are, and when we

welcome others, whom do we also welcome?   Matthew 10:39-40

 

9. What will the king say to those on the left, for whom is

the everlasting fire prepared, and what did they neglect

to do?   Matthew 25:41-43

 

10. What does God’s Word say about faith? James 2:14-17

 

11. What will those on the left ask, and what will he answer?      Matthew 25:44-45

 

12. What will happen to those who neglected one of the least

ones, and what will happen to the just?   Matthew 25:46

 

 

Personal – In what ways have you given food to the hungry and drink to the thirsty? This week, have you welcomed a stranger, clothed the naked, comforted the sick, and visited those in prison? Pray and ask the Lord to reveal to you those in your everyday life who fit into these categories. Ask him how you might respond to them.

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 23:1-3, 5-6

 

(“Beside restful waters he leads me;”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 23:1-3, 5-6.

 

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

 

EZEKIEL 34:11-12, 15-17

 

Today’s reading is a powerful prophecy given by God to Ezekiel over 500 years before Christ came on earth. This prophecy was fulfilled to the letter in Christ. Jesus founded the new sheepfold, the new chosen people, and the kingdom on earth. We see in this passage that God himself would be their shepherd. He would replace the earthly shepherds that had failed in their duty. He described the relationship between his people and himself under the image of sheep and shepherd.

 

This reading is a tremendous comfort. We can be assured that God will sovereignly take over as pastor of the scat­tered flock. When our leaders fail us, we must not despair, but turn to God for help. We must never forget that he is still in control and can turn even this tragic situation over to produce g­ood for the kingdom. (Rom. 8:28)

 

Jesus tells us that he is the Good Shepherd and that he knows his sheep and they know him. He constantly seeks out the lost and brings back the strayed and disillusioned. We need only to listen to his call in the darkness of our soul. The sheep know the shepherd’s voice very well. We need to know our shepherd’s voice also. We can do this by spending quiet time alone with him each day and listening to him speak to us. We need to be still and realize that he is our God, our shepherd, our savior, our refuge, our rock, and our strength (Psalm 46:10 and Psalm 91).

 

A good shepherd always takes care of his flock and he feeds them before he eats. He notices each one and immediately binds up any wounds. He heals the sick by giving them his love, skills and attention. We need to take all this into our heart. Today, in many places, there are shepherds who have abandoned their flock, while others are abusing and even killing their flock. We can pray for our brothers and sisters who are going through this time of terror. We know that one day the Good Shepherd, Our Lord Jesus, will return and he will heal the wounded, raise the dead, and will destroy the arrogant, fat, sleek, false shepherds (Ezekiel 34:16).

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-26, 28

 

Today’s passage from 1 Corinthians tells us that death came into the world as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve. Today many people say, “How can we be declared guilty of something Adam did so many centuries ago?” So many people today think it is not right for God to judge us because of Adam’s sin, yet each of us confirms our solidarity with Adam by our own sins. We seem to be made of the same stuff, prone to rebel, and we are judged for the sins we commit.

 

Because we are all sinners, what we need today is not fairness; no, what we need is mercy. Paul tells us that Christ, through his dying and rising, paid the ransom for what Adam did. We who believe have become Christ’s brothers and sisters and share in his resurrection. Because Christ did rise from the dead, you and all who believe in him can face tomorrow without fear. We all can face eternity because Christ will conquer the ultimate enemy and that is death. Christ’s role is to defeat all evil on earth. He defeated sin for us with his death on the cross. In the final days he will defeat Satan and all evil. World events may seem totally out of control, and justice may be very hard to find, but God is in control. God has allowed evil to remain for a time until he sends Jesus back to earth again. Jesus will present to the Father a new and perfect world. Death need have no claim on us.

 

Jesus tells us in 1 John 4:4 that the Spirit in us is greater than he that is in the world. We have the church, sacred Scripture, and the sacraments. The source of truth is Jesus Christ, and he is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb­rews 13:8).

 

MATTHEW 25:31-46

 

Today’s Gospel strikes at the very core of what we say we believe. To say that we believe is proved by how we act. To talk with the Lord does not mean to walk with the Lord. When we walk with the Lord we walk in the dark, dangerous, lonely corners of oppressed and beaten people’s hearts.

 

One day God will separate his obedient followers from the pretenders and unbelievers. We are called to treat all persons whom we encounter as if they are Jesus, and this is no easy task. What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus’ words to us – feed the hungry, give the homeless shelter, visit the sick and imprisoned. You will be observed by others, and will your actions separate you from the pretenders and unbe­lievers? Jesus used sheep and goats to show the division between believers and unbelievers. Sheep and goats often grazed together but were separated when it came shearing time.

 

 

Today’s Gospel describes acts of mercy that we all can do every day. They are simple acts freely given and freely received. We have no excuse to neglect those in deep need, and we can not hand over this responsibility to some agency. Jesus demands personal involvement in caring for the needs of others. Many people might say that they do not have the opportunity to visit a prison or hospital, work in a soup kitchen, or even a shelter for the homeless. Some even say that they do not have the special talents needed for this, but Jesus really lays it on the line when he says, “What you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do unto me.”

 

We get the power to do this through the Holy Spirit who anoints us to feed the hungry, set the captives free, and give sight to the blind (Luke 4:18). This could be right in your own family and the hunger might be for Christ; the prison might be their humanistic minds. The blindness may be their inability to see

the truth which comes from God’s Holy Word (John 8:32). We can and we must, through the Holy Spirit, set our children free.

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading reveals the Good Shepherd is Christ. The second reading assures us that even in turmoil God is still in control. The Gospel shows us that all of us can do God’s holy works of mercy.

 

This week pick out a particular work of mercy and give of yourself to another person. Maybe write to a prisoner or a person in a hospital. Visit a shut-in or someone who lives alone. Bring a meal to an elderly person or a sick friend. Spend a few hours at a soup kitchen. Volunteer some time in a thrift shop that uses its

donations and sales to help others in need. If you look real closely, you might just see Jesus smiling at you and saying, “Thank you, my faithful servant.”

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

 

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 PROVERBS 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31 FIRST READIN­G

 

(“The woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”)

 

 

1. When one finds a worthy wife, what is her value far beyond? Proverbs 31:10

 

2. What does a worthy wife’s husband entrust to her, and what kind of a prize does he have? Proverbs 31:11

 

3. What is the married man busy doing, and what does this

mean?   1 Corinthians 7:33

 

4. How should the wives be toward their husbands, and who is the head of the wife?   Ephesians 5:23-24

 

5. How should a husband love his wife? Ephesians 5:33

 

6. What does a worthy wife bring her husband?

Proverbs 31:12

 

7. What does she obtain, make, and do with her hands?

Proverbs 31:13 31:19

 

8. To whom does she reach out her hands and extend her arms? Proverbs 31:20

 

9. What is deceptive and fleeting, and who is to be praised? Proverbs 31:30

 

10. Of what is the fear of the Lord the beginning, and who

greatly delights in his commands?  Psalm 111:10, Psalm      112:1

 

11. What is she given, and what praises her at the

city gates?   Proverbs 31:31

 

 

Personal – If you are a wife, what gives you value in your relationship with your husband? If you are a husband, how do you show love to your wife? To all children, young and old, how can you help a husband and wife by sharing what you have learned in this lesson?

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-6     SECOND READING

 

(“…let us not be asleep like the rest, but awake and sober.”)

 

1. What do we not need to write you, and how is the day of the Lord coming?   1 Thessalonians 5:1-2

 

2. Who knows the day or hour of the Lord’s coming? Matthew 24:36

 

3. Just when people are saying “Peace and security,” what will fall on them? What will it be like, and will      there be any escape?   1 Thessalonians 5:3

 

4. What will the coming of the Son of Man repeat?

Matthew 24:37-42

 

5. What are we not in, that the day should find us off

guard and like a thief?   1 Thessalonians 5:4

 

6. In whom is there no darkness? 1 John 1:5

 

7. Who is the man who claims to be in the light but is still in the dark?   1 John 2:9

 

8. Of what are all of us children? 1 Thessalonians 5:5

 

9. What should we not be, but what two things should we be? 1 Thessalonians 5:6

 

10. What is another reason for staying sober and alert?

1 Peter 5:8

 

 

Personal – If the Lord Jesus were to come right at this moment, what would you change in yourself if you had the time?

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 25:14-30              GOSPEL

 

(“Come, share your master’s joy.”)

 

1. What did the man going on a journey hand over to his

servants, and to what was it in accordance?

Matthew 25:14-15

 

2. What did the disciples do, and to what was it in accordance? Acts 11:29

 

3. What did the man disburse to the three servants before

going away?   Matthew 25:15

 

4. What did the two men do who received the larger amounts, and what did the one who received the smaller    amount do? Matthew 25:16-18

 

5. After a long absence, the master came home. What did he do, and what did the servants who have received the five thousand and the two thousand say and do?   Matt   25:20-23

 

6. What was their master’s response, what three things did he say about his servants, and of what did he put   them in charge?   Matthew 25:21-23

 

7. To what kind of people must we hand on what we have

heard?   2 Timothy 2:2

 

8. What is it like to depend on a faithless man?

Proverbs 25:19

 

9. In what do the first two servants share? Matthew      25:21, 23

 

10. How may we have Jesus’ joy? John 15:9-11

 

11. What did the man who received the thousand say about his master, and what did he do out of fear?  Matthew     25:24-25

 

12. What did his master say to him, and what did he have done with him?   Matthew 25:26-30

 

13. What casts out fear, and with what does fear have to do? 1 John 4:18

 

14. In what should we not grow, and whom should we imitate? Hebrews 6:12

 

 

Personal – In the measure of faith that God has granted you, share how it has grown in the past six months. Have you been sharing it with those around you? Which of the servants do you see as similar to you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 128:1-5

 

(“Happy are you who fear the Lord.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 128:1-5.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

PROVERBS 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

 

Today’s reading is a somewhat unusual reading in the sense that it is a testimony of praise to the ideal wife. This is rather rare in the Old Testament because in the culture of that time women played a minor role in public, civil or religious life. The real power in today’s message is in the power and praise of a wise and faithful wife.

 

We see in this reading a woman who is faithful first to God, then to her husband, and finally to her children. She is in perfect order as we are told in Scripture (1 Cor. 11:3). Today’s reading gives tremendous encouragement to the Christian mothers of all ages. The ideal woman of today’s Scripture is still the ideal wife and mother of today’s real-life world. Much of our society has rejected the sacred role of wife and mother, and as a result, we have tremendous destruction in the role and place of the family.

 

An ideal wife is a woman of strong faith, character, and great compas­sion. Many people think that the ideal woman in the Bible was shy, servile, and completely domestic. This is not so. The ideal woman is one who puts God first in her life and has been blessed with many gifts and talents. Her abilities, intelligence, strength, and integrity do not come from her amazing achievements, but as a result of her reverence of God.

 

In our society, where physical appearances count for so much, it may surprise us to realize that a woman’s appearance is never men­tioned. Her beauty comes entirely from her character. We are assaulted by television, movies, magazines, and books that a woman has to look like a beauty queen in order to be accepted. Today’s reading encourages a woman to be all that she can be. These qualities when coupled with fear of the Lord, lead to enjoyment, success, honor, and worth.

 

1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-6

 

Efforts to determine the date of Christ’s return were foolish then and they are foolish today. We hear different people claiming to know when the Lord will be coming back, and some even describe the time, place, and the action that will accompany the return. Do not be mislead by anyone who claims to know.

 

We have been told in today’s reading that no one knows, and that even the believers will be surprised when it happens. Paul tells us that the Lord will return suddenly and unexpectedly. We are told by Paul to be ready. We should plan our lives as if we were going to live on earth forever and live our lives as if this were the last day.

 

Suppose Jesus were to return today. How would he find you living your life? Are you ready to meet him and say, “Lord, I have decided to follow you and I am ready to go with you?” The day of the Lord is a future time when God intervenes directly in world affairs. The day of the Lord will include both punishment and blessing. Christ will judge sin and set up his eternal kingdom. We who believe in God are children of the light and we do not have to be afraid of that moment of judgment. We have the light of the Gospel – the illumination of the true faith.

 

If we continue to live and practice our faith in that light, the coming of death will not be in the darkness. We shall spirit­ually be prepared for it. We are called to keep awake and be sober. This means being prepared by living our Christian faith every day. You still have time to choose Christ, or the world, to be the center of your life. If Jesus came today, what would you wish you had changed? Then change it now!

 

MATTHEW 25:14-30

 

In today’s Gospel we see that the master divided the money among his servants according to their abilities. No one received more or less than he could handle. If he failed, it could not be because he was overwhelmed. Failure could come only from laziness or hatred toward the master. God gives us time, abilities, and other resources, and he expects us to invest wisely until he returns. We are responsible for using well what God has given us, and we will be held accountable.

 

The real issue is not how much we have, but what we do with what we have. Jesus is going to return, and for us to serve God does not mean that we have to quit our jobs. It does mean that we have to diligently use our time, talents, and treasure to serve God completely in whatever we do. For some people, it may mean changing professions. An example would be someone who is in a career that participates in abortion. Another is someone who works in the media where pornography is a common product. For most, it means doing our daily work in a manner that gives reverence to God.

 

The last man in today’s story was thinking of himself only, by playing it safe and protecting himself from his hard task master. In the end he was judged for his self-centeredness. We need to really heed the message of this last part of today’s Gospel. We must not make excuses to avoid what God has called us to do. We are caretakers, not owners. When we ignore or abuse what we are given, then we are rebellious and sinful. We might do well to remember that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23).

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading reveals that real beauty is in the character. The second reading shows that we must live a life of preparedness. The Gospel tells us that God rewards faithfulness.

 

This week, point out and praise the character of your “ideal” wife or mother. Be specific and let her know how you feel about her internal beauty. Take time out to talk with your wife, take her out of the house. Bring her a special gift (flowers, candy, etc.). Let her experience your love for her by being there for her. Don’t make jokes about her (age, weight, etc.) and don’t criticize her in public. God will reward your loyalty, your courtesy, and your loving your very special “ideal” wife. Visit your mother as she grows older, whether she is in her own home or in a convalescent home. She will experience being loved more by your presence than by your presents.

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

 

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 WISDOM 6:12-16         FIRST READING

 

(“He who watches for her at dawn

shall not be disappointed.”)

 

1. What is resplendent and unfading, readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her?

Wisdom 6:12

 

2. In what did Jesus advance? Luke 2:52

 

3. With what two things are reputable men filled?

Acts 6:3

 

4. In anticipation of men’s desire, what does wisdom do?

Wisdom 6:13

 

5. Whose name has Jesus made known, and what will Jesus make known?   John 17:25-26

 

6. What will happen to those who watch for wisdom at dawn? Wisdom 6:14

 

7. What should we not reject, and what makes a man happy?

Proverbs 8:32-34

 

8. What is the perfection of prudence, and how can we be free from care? Wisdom 6:15

 

9. Who is wisdom seeking? Wisdom 6:16

 

10. Who is most worthy of honor? Hebrews 3:3

 

11. In what way can we live a life worthy of the calling we have received?   Ephesians 4:1-3

 

 

Personal – Look back to when you made your First Holy Communion and write down on a piece of paper the ways you have grown in wisdom since then. When you awake in the morning, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom. Make a conscious effort to seek after her this week.

 

 

THIRD DAY         READ 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18   SECOND READING

 

(“Thenceforth, we shall be with the Lord unceasingly.”)

 

1. Who would have you be clear about those who sleep in death? To whom are they speaking, and for what reason?

1 Thessalonians 1:1 4:13

 

2. From where do we derive our hope? Romans 15:4

 

3. What do we not have when we are without God in the world? Ephesians 2:12

 

4. If we believe that Jesus died and rose, what will

God do?   1 Thessalonians 4:14

 

5. What helps us believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and what gives us life?   John 20:30-31

 

6. What will those who live, who survive until his coming, be without?   1 Thessalonians 4:15

 

7. What will the Lord do at the word of command and with what sound? What will happen to those who have died in Christ? 1 Thessalonians 4:16

 

8. If we obey the commands of Jesus, what will he do?

John 14:15-16

 

9. After those who have died in Christ rise, what will happen to the living, the survivors?

1 Thessalonians 4:17

 

10. With what are we to console one another?

1 Thessalonians 4:17

 

 

Personal – What do you know about the personality of God that makes you look forward to being with him unceasingly?

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 25:1-13               GOSPEL

 

(“Keep your eyes open,

for you know not the day or the hour.”)

 

1. To what can the reign of God be compared?

Matthew 25:1

 

2. What were they like? Matthew 25:2

 

3. How are we not to act, and what are we to try to discern? Ephesians 5:15-17

 

4. What did the foolish bridesmaids, in taking their torches, not bring, and what did the sensible ones   bring? Matthew 25:3-4

 

5. What happened to the bridesmaids when the groom delayed his coming, and what happened at midnight?     Matthew 25:5-6

 

6. What did the foolish bridesmaids say to the sensible ones, and what was their reply?   Matthew 25:7-9

 

7. What happened when the foolish bridesmaids went off to buy some oil, what happened to the sensible ones, and      what was barred behind them?   Matthew 25:10

 

8. What happened when the other bridesmaids came back, and what did the master say?   Matthew 25:11-12

 

9. What is the moral to the story? Matthew 25:13

 

10. What will every eye see, even those who pierced him?

Revelation 1:7

 

 

Personal – In what way have you been preparing for the coming of the Lord? Do you have a reserve of oil so that the light you are carrying stays lit day and night?

 

FIFTH DAY               READ PSALM 63:2-8

 

(“O God, you are my God whom I seek,”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 63:2-8.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

WISDOM 6:12-16

 

The book of Wisdom was written about 150 B.C. It was written in Greek, and was, therefore, excluded from the Jewish canon. We have been told in this reading that wisdom is recog­nized by those who love the truth and seek true knowledge. The man who searches for true wisdom and really hungers and thirsts for it will not have far to seek. Today wisdom is ever present to the man or woman who seri­ously and prayerfully thinks on life and its value.

 

Today’s reading really brings us to that age-old question, “What is truth?” Jesus tells us that he is the way, the truth, and the life. Today some people are like a hitchhiker hoping someone will give him a ride. When asked where he was go­ing, he said, “I don’t know.” When questioned where had he been? He again answered, “I don’t know.” People like this are on a journey that goes only from the cradle to the grave. Their main purpose in life is to fit into these short years all the pleasur­es that this world has to offer. The rise of secularism in our countries has brought about a tremendous decline in the moral and spiritual life of millions of people. Today many people want to fit as much fun and leisure as possible into their life.

 

There still is a high degree of apathy, apostasy, and anarchy in our struggling group of nations. Much of this human­ism, self-gratification, and my-way theology has had an enormous impact on the concept and lifestyle of the Christian family.

 

We have had 21 centuries of Christianity from which to learn the clear meaning of life which Christ’s life, death, and resurrection brought into the world. This true knowl­edge, this true wisdom is within the reach of all peoples. We need to use our gifts, which have come from God, and reach out to those around us. Let us respond to his call with prayer, study, and action (liturgy, penance and Holy Eucharist). They will know we are Christians by the way we share our life and time and give spiritu­al support.

 

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18

 

In this reading, Paul wants the Thessalonians to know that death is not the end of the story for Christians. They were very much concerned about what would happen to their fellow believers who had died before Christ returned. Paul states to them that when Christ returns all believers, both dead and alive, will be reunited, never to suffer or die again. Paul also reveals to us a teaching that was given to him by Christ or passed along by word of mouth by the apostles to other Christians.

 

These words of Paul were a tremendous help to the Thes­salonian people, and they challenge us today to comfort and encourage one another when one of our loved ones has died. The same love that unites believers in this life will unite others when Christ returns and reigns forever. We must always remember what we are told in Scripture, “For God so loved the world, he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).

 

Because Jesus came back to life, so will all those who believed in him. Every faithful Christian, both living and dead, will enjoy the reward of being in the full presence of the living God for all of eternity. Think about what will happen on that tremendous day of judgment. All believers in Christ who are dead will rise from their graves. All believers who are alive will be lifted into the clouds and meet Christ. We do not need to despair when a loved one dies or even when world events take a dark turn for the worse. God will turn our sorrows into triumphs, our poverty to riches, our sickness into health, our pain to glory, and our defeat into victory.

 

All of God’s children will stand once again united in the in­credible presence of God. We will be safe and secure for all eternity. Paul gave great hope and comfort to the people with the promises of the resurrec­tion. Today you and I are called to comfort and reassure one another with this great hope. Let us always remember the “Good News” is a message of hope and the message of “Jesus.”

 

MATTHEW 25:1-13

 

Jesus tells us in today’s reading that it is very important to be prepared for his return and to live in his commandments until he comes. We are taught through the story of the ten bridesmaids that accountability will be expected of all believers with no excep­tions. We are taught that every person is respon­sible for his or her own spiritual condition. Jesus is telling what will happen on that day of his return to some of those whom he has chosen and to whom he had given every opportunity to reach their one and only goal.

 

The bridesmaids in the story were chosen for a great honor, and they were expected to be ready when the celebration began. The bridesmaids were generally intimate friends of the bride who went through a lot of trouble to prepare for the occasion, and yet, through carelessness, were found unworthy to share in the festivi­ties.

 

Jesus describes this incident to bring home to his listeners the need to be constantly prepared for his return. The invitation that Christians receive is the Sacrament of Baptism. The Chris­tian starts on the road to heaven and he gets his invitation to the heavenly nuptials, but this is only the beginning. He is expected from the time of reason to prepare himself by living in accordance with God’s law. “Abide in me and keep my commandments and I will abide in you.” (John 15:7)

 

To abide means to take up residence or to live with or in another. We are to live in Christ by keeping his commandments and that means to love him with all our heart and soul, mind, and strength. We are also to love our neighbors as ourselves.

 

The call will come for each one of us, and we will be held accountable for our lives and our preparedness. Do not be like the foolish bridesmaids who did not plan and then through care­lessness missed the great event. Today, fall on your knees and pray for the Holy Spirit to let his fire fall upon you. Let the Lord have your offering of a contrite spirit, a heart that is humble and contrite (Psalm 51:13). It is up to you, filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, to decide where you will be found on the last day. Will you be with the wise bridesmaids or with the foolish ones?

 

 

Application

 

The first reading revealed that truth is the core of wisdom and knowledge. The second reading showed the strength of being able to hope. The Gospel shows us that we are to prepare and act on our preparations.

 

This week, at the end of every day, evaluate your actions and their results. Be accountable and honest with yourself. See how you are walking with the Lord. Write down what the Lord is saying to you regarding your accountability to him. He will help you to take action to be prepared for anything.

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

 

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 MALACHI 1:14-2:2, 8-10     FIRST READING

 

(“For a great king am I, says the Lord of hosts.”)

 

1. Who is cursed? Malachi 1:14

 

2. Who have gone out into the world and have not acknowledged Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh?

2 John 7

 

3. What will be feared among the nations? Malachi 1:14

 

4. What does it mean to fear the Lord? Proverbs 8:13,

2 Corinthians 5:9-11, Revelation 14:7

 

5. For whom is this commandment? Malachi 2:1

 

6. What two things will cause the Lord to send a curse upon us?   Malachi 2:1-2

 

7. What three things will give us life? Deut 30:19-20

 

8. From what have we turned aside, what have our instructions      caused, and what have we made void?     Malachi 2:8

 

9. What has the Lord made us and for what reason? What do we show in our decisions?   Malachi 2:9

 

10. What are we now to do, and who shows no partiality?

2 Chronicles 19:7

 

11. What are the three questions asked in Malachi 2:10?

 

Personal – How do you show your fear of the Lord to those around you? Do you show partiality to just those who are nice to you? Reflect on this and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can restore any broken relationships. This week attend the Sacrament of Recon­ciliation for the grace needed to do this.

 

THIRD DAY        READ 1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-9, 13  SECOND READING

 

(“…, we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God.”)

 

1. Who is speaking, to whom are they speaking, and what were they able to impose on them?

1 Thess 1:1, 1 Thess 2:7

 

2. How were they among the Thessalonians? 1 Thess 2:7

 

3. Paul asks the Corinthians, what kind of spirit do they

prefer?   1 Corinthians 4:21

 

4. What did Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy have for the      Thessalonians, and what were they willing to share     with them? 1 Thessalonians 2:8

 

Personal – How do you share the Gospel of God with your family and friends? Do you share yourself and how the Gospel has af­fected your life?

 

5. What do Paul, Silvanus and Timothy recall to the brothers, and what did they proclaim?

1 Thessalonians 2:9

 

6. For what are we to work, and what is the work of God?

John 6:26-29

 

7. What do we give God unceasingly? 1 Thessalonians 2:13

 

8. What is the will of God in all circumstances?

1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

9. What did the Thessalonians receive from hearing Paul,

Silvanus, and Timothy? From whom did they not receive it? 1 Thessalonians 2:13

 

10. The Word of God is at work in those who do what?

1 Thessalonians 2:13

 

11. Who are those who believe? 1 John 5:1-5

 

Personal – How is God working in you, and how are you working in the world?

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 23:1-12               GOSPEL

 

(“…and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”)

 

1. To whom did Jesus speak? Matthew 23:1

 

2. Who have taken their seat on the chair of Moses?      Matthew 23:2

 

3. Where must we all appear? 2 Corinthians 5:10

 

4. What are we to do and observe, what are we not to follow, and for what reason?   Matthew 23:3-4

 

5. What did the Lord order those who preach the Gospel to do? 1 Corinthians 9:14

 

6. What do the Scribes and Pharisees do to people, and what do they not do?   Matthew 23:4

 

7. For what are their works performed, and what do they love? Matthew 23:5-7

 

8. What do they like to be called, what are we not to be

called, and for what reason?   Matthew 23:7-8

 

9. Who is our teacher? John 14:26

 

10. Who do we have only one, what are we not to be called,

and what must the greatest among us be?   Matthew      23:9-11

 

11. What will happen to him who exalts himself, and what will happen to him who humbles himself?  Matthew 23:12

 

12. Jesus tells us to come to him. What does he say to do, and what does he say he is?   Matthew 11:28-30

 

 

Personal – In what ways, in your family and with friends, are you practicing what you preach? What has the Holy Spirit taught you this week, and how have you shared this by word and deed?

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 131:1-3

 

(“…, I have stilled and quieted my soul

like a weaned child.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 131:1-3.

 

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

 

MALACHI 1:14-2:2, 8-10

 

Malachi gives a clear, strong rebuke to the people and the priests for neglecting their part in the covenant with God. He is really strong about the person being cursed who lives a life of deceit. Malachi was the last Old Testament prophet and he preach­ed about 430 B.C. Isaiah and Jeremiah had left exciting propheci­es for Israel and they had not come true as of yet, so apathy had set in and the nation did not feel good about itself.

 

Malachi saw many of the sins still being committed that caused the downfall of Israel. Malachi never wavered from his position of truth, and God’s first message to Malachi was, “I have loved you very deeply.” It is a message of hope to all people in stressful times of their lives.

 

Because the government was corrupt and the economy was poor, many people probably assumed that God just did not like them. God loves all people because he made them. God warned his priests about not leading the people into sin because of the example of their own lives. The worship of God had lost its vitality and had become more of a business for the religious than a heart-felt vocation.

 

Some people find it very hard to just confess what is wrong in their life and try to justify why they are doing the things that they do. This deceit spreads throughout their fam­ilies and into the communities. We must remember that we can not lead others if we ourselves are stumbling blocks in the way of people searching for God. Jesus certainly was strong against community leaders who were not living the Gospel as well as they preached it. We need only to look at some of the spiritual and political leaders and see how much damage has already been done by not practicing what they preach.

 

Today that danger is even more present because of the humanistic attacks on lives of those who believe in Jesus. We who are called into spiritual leadership must remember that we are not fighting our neighbors, families, or congregations. No, we are fighting against the dark forces of Satan himself. The weapons against Satan are the sword of the Spirit (Word of God, teachings of the church, sacraments, and prayer). It is very important that you always have your own personal armor. We all need to be people of prayer and as we enter into battle, let our battle cry be “Pray, Pray, Pray, Pray.”

 

1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-9, 13

 

We are told that love is kind and gentle (1 Cor. 4:7) and in today’s reading we see that being expressed in the way Paul practiced his ministry to the Thessalonians. Life was very hard in those days and gentleness was not often a respected quality.

 

In many places in today’s world, we see power and assertive­ness getting more respect than gentleness and kindness, even though none of us like to be bullied. Gentleness is love in action; it is being considerate, and meeting the needs of others. It is being humble, listening to others talk, and being able to learn from them. Gentleness, in many prisons or in some mili­tary camps, is taken as a sign of weakness.

 

Paul is telling them that only through gentleness can we really imitate Christ. He also shows that gentleness is an essential trait for both men and women. We all need to have a gentle attitude in our relationship with others. Paul shows the value of honest hard work by his trade as a tent maker (Acts 18:3). He certainly deserved to be financially supported by the people, and, yet, he taught and did not want to be a burden to the new believers. He shows us how loving parents would treat their children, and that is how he felt toward them.

 

 

We are to help and encourage new believers in the journey of faith. They need to see in us that gentleness that was in Paul. By his words and example, Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to live in ways that would bring joy to God. We need to look at our own life style and see if there is anything going on that would embarrass God. What do people think of God, when they see the way you live your life?

 

MATTHEW 23:1-12

 

Matthew proclaims very strongly Jesus’ description of hypocrites. Jesus tells about religious leaders who told the people how to obey rules that they themselves did not obey. Jesus did not condemn what they taught but what they were, and they were hypocrites. They did all the right things at the right time and at the right place. They carried around a little prayer box so that people would see it and be impressed with their holiness. Jesus was exposing the hypocritical attitude of the religious leaders because they knew Scripture but they did not live it. Many of the Pharisees were more concerned about looking holy than being holy.

 

We have that today with many people giving external signs of a belief that is very shallow. We are all called to be holy and a holy man is not recognized because of a title. A holy man is one who possesses the fruits of the Spirit. If our desires are leading us to possess the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle­ness, and self-control, then we know the Holy Spirit is leading us. Today, many people, like the Pharisees, know God’s Holy Word and attend church services regularly, but they do not let it change their lives. We hear people in many lands say that they follow Jesus, but do not live by his standard of love. We are called, today more than ever, to make sure our actions match our beliefs.

 

The Pharisees desired very strong places of leader­ship in the church as well as leadership in the community. The danger is when the desire for the position grows stronger than the submis­sion to God’s will. Jesus was not against leadership, but against leader­ship that serves itself, rather than others. Jesus chal­lenged society’s norms then, and he continues to challenge them today. To our Lord Jesus Christ, real greatness comes from serving others in the giving of self. We need to remember that service keeps us aware of other’s needs, and Jesus came as a servant.

 

Application

 

The first reading shows us that truth is the only way to become free. The second reading reveals the importance of gentle­ness. The Gospel shows us the power of being a ser­vant.

 

This week, let the fruits of the Spirit be evident in you. Each morning pray that the Holy Spirit will lead you in each one. At night, check how well you are using your fruits. Be generous giving them all away and God will replenish you. Ask someone to evaluate you.

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

 

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 22:20-26        FIRST READING

 

(“If he cries out to me, I will hear him;

for I am compassionate.”)

 

1. Who shall we not molest or oppress, for what reason, and

who is saying this?  Exodus 22:20, Exodus 20:22

 

2. Whom shall we not wrong? Exodus 22:21

 

3. Who executes justice for the orphan and the widow?

Deuteronomy 10:17-18

 

4. What will the Lord do if ever we wrong the widow or

orphan?   Exodus 22:22-23

 

5. Who was oppressed, how were they oppressed, and what

happened to them even though they were oppressed?

Exodus 1:11-14

 

Personal – In what way have you experienced oppression in your life, and in what way have you oppressed others?

 

6. If we lend money to one of our poor neighbors, how shall

we not act towards them?  Exodus 22:24, Leviticus 25:35-37

 

7. If we take our neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, when shall

we return it to him, and for what reason?   Exodus 22:25-26

 

8. If he cries out to God, what will God do, and for what

reason?   Exodus 22:26

 

 

9. How does the Lord act if we return to him?

2 Chronicles 30:9

 

10. How are we to act toward one another, and for what reason?

Ephesians 4:32

 

 

Personal – Look up in the dictionary the meaning of compassion. In what way can you show mercy and compassion to someone close to you? Follow through and do it; then share with someone.

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 THESSALONIANS 1:5-10    SECOND READING

 

(“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord.”)

 

1. The Gospel did not come to us in word alone, but also in

what with much conviction?   1 Thessalonians 1:5

 

2. In what may we abound by the power of the Holy Spirit?

Romans 15:13

 

3. Whom did the Church of Thessalonica imitate, and how did they receive the word?   1 Thessalonians 1:6

 

4. “So be imitators of God, as beloved children.” How are we to live, and whose example do we follow?   Ephesians 5:1, 2

 

5. As the Thessalonians imitate God, Paul, Silvanus, and

Timothy, what do they become? Why did they do this?

1 Thessalonians 1:7

 

6. What has sounded forth from the church of Thessalonica,

not only in Macedonia and in Archaia, and where else, so

that Paul has no need to say anything?  1 Thessalonians 1:8

 

7. From what did they turn in order to serve the living and

true God?   1 Thessalonians 1:9

 

8. Whom are they awaiting from heaven, and from what does he

deliver us?   1 Thessalonians 1:10

 

9. For what did God not destine us, but for what did he destine us to gain?   1 Thessalonians 5:9

 

10. How can we store up wrath for our self, and how does God

repay everyone?   Romans 2:5-8

 

 

Personal – Are people imitating you in your walk with the Lord? How are you bringing the power of the Holy Spirit to others? List the people you have tried to imitate.

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 22:34-40              GOSPEL

 

(“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart

with all your soul, and with all your mind.”)

 

1. When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the

Sadducees, what did they do?   Matthew 22:34

 

2. How may we silence the ignorance of foolish people?

1 Peter 2:15

 

3. What did one of them, a scholar of the law, do to test

Jesus?   Matthew 22:36

 

4. What did Jesus say was the greatest and first commandment?

Matthew 22:37-38

 

5. What is the second commandment? Matthew 22:39

 

6. What was the first commandment given to Moses by the Lord?

Deuteronomy 6:4-5

 

7. What will we do if we love Jesus (God)? John 14:15

 

8. How does God demonstrate or prove his love for us?

Romans 5:8

 

9. What is a new commandment that Jesus has given, and how do

we demonstrate our love for God?   John 13:34

 

10. What depends on these two commandments? Matthew 22:40

 

 

Personal – How can you demonstrate your love for God with someone in your family, friends, school or business who appears to be steeped in sin?

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 18:2-4, 47, 51

 

(“Extolled be God my Savior.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 18: 2-4, 47, 51.

 

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 22:20-26

 

God’s warning to the Israelites not to treat strangers unfairly comes through loud and clear. They well remember that they themselves were once strangers in Egypt. It is not easy coming to a new environment where you feel alone and out of place. Today’s reading shows how the Hebrew law protected the poor and less fortunate. God tells us that the poor, the power­less, and the aliens are very special to him, and they are not to be mistreated. In today’s reading we see a cloak being used as collateral for a loan. In Hebrew law cloaks were one of an Israelite’s most valued possessions. Most people owned only one and it was used as a blanket, a sack to carry things, a place to sit, and a pledge for a debt, as well as for clothing.

 

We need to take a long look at the way we treat refugees and immigrants who come into our country. Our sensitivity to their struggles and our expression of God’s love to them are clearly stated by our actions. We see that God is very clear on what happens to those who mistreat the poor, the widows, and the orphans. The challenge upon us today is to turn our concern and resources to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

 

Much of the tragedy in our society today is the exploitation of the poor. We need only look around and we can see widows, orphans and elderly trying desperately to survive. Instead of being helped, many are forced into home­less­ness or into homes they cannot afford. They receive little or no health care, and many have little food available to them and their families. God warns us very clearly what he will do to those who abuse and oppress them.

 

A call to repentance needs to come into the hearts of the people, and a renewal of our covenant with God has to take place. We need to look at the poor and oppressed with the eyes of Jesus Christ. If we turn to the Lord and seek his will, he will bless us and our families. He will bless and honor us for loving his poor. Remember, what we do to the least of our people, we do unto him (Matthew 25:31-46).

 

1 THESSALONIANS 1:5-10

 

St. Paul continues to praise the Thessalonians, not only for their faith and courage, but for their Christian lifestyle. Suffering for his faith was not new to St. Paul, and the Thes­salonians gladly accepted their sufferings in imita­tion of Paul and Christ, who had died for them. The spirit with which they accepted and lived the faith was an example to other young Christian communities in Greece.

 

Today’s reading was about people who turned from believing in idols to belief in the living God. Today much of religion is rhetoric and young people see right through it. Idolatry is out of control in many nations, and the gods of money, power, and pleasure have many people struggling in bondage.

 

There are some Christians who still live by and stand up for their Christian principles, thank God; but they are too few and far between. We need millions of sincere, active, spirit-filled Christians to stem the flood of materialism and worldliness which is upon us. The failure of Christians to live out their beliefs is what gives the anti-God movement its fuel.

 

We need to look at ourselves and ask what kind of Christian role model we are in our community. Am I imitating Christ and bringing others to him? Do I spend time alone with him in prayer and reading his Word? In order to be an imitator of him, I must do these things daily. There are those around us who are looking for the light and the truth. We have that light and truth. We are called to give that light to the world of darkness. Do we dare refuse to help our brothers and sisters who are in darkness and risk losing our own eternal salvation?

 

MATTHEW 22:34-40

 

This Gospel reading seems to reveal the intentions of the Pharisees trying to catch Jesus in some legalistic or political error. The Pharisees and Sadducees had many disputes among them­selves about this question. There were over 600 laws and they often tried to ascertain which were the more important ones.

 

Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment in the law of Moses. Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. By keeping these two commandments a person keeps all of the Law. They summarized the ten commandments. Yet, we see Jesus telling them and us that if we really love God and our neighbor, we will keep the commandments without any great problem. Jesus tells us what we can do, rather than to worry about what we can not do. We show how much we love God by keeping his commandments. We love God with our mind and heart, soul and body.

 

Today the world is trying to keep up with being it’s own conscience and it’s own code of conduct. We are told in Scrip­ture that filling our minds with thoughts that are of the Lord is how we love the Lord with our minds (Phil. 4:8). We know that the Spirit of the Lord within us is greater than the spirit that is in the world (1 John 4:4). This is loving God and our neighbor with all of our strength, and that strength is the Holy Spirit.

 

We are called to love God with all of our heart, and it is with the heart of Jesus that we love others as he has loved us (John 13:34). We can not say we love God and hate our neighbor; if we do then we are liars (1 John 3:20). Jesus sums it all up on how to love others the way he loves us when he says, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you do unto me” (Matthew 25:31-46).

 

 

 

Application

 

The first reading shows God’s intense love for orphans, widows, and the oppressed. The second reading reveals that the core of Christianity is in the witness of its believers. The Gospel brings home the power of loving God and neighbor com­pletely.

 

This week, before you speak, ask yourself what would Jesus say in this situation. Before you do anything, ask yourself what would Jesus do in this situation. God is love and we should try imitating him in what we say and do. Then we will be not only loving and obedient to his command­ments but also capable of loving others as he has loved us.

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

 

TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – CYCLE A

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

 

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

 

SECOND DAY            READ ISAIAH 45:1, 4-6        FIRST READING

 

(“I have called you by your name.”)

 

1. What does the Lord say to Cyrus, and what does he grasp? Isaiah 45:1

 

2. What does the Lord say he has done for Cyrus, and what has Cyrus done for the Lord?  Isaiah 45:1,

Isaiah 44:28

 

Personal – What have you done for the Lord, and what has he done for you?

 

 

3. Who are God’s chosen ones, and how have they been called? Isaiah 45:4

 

4. What does God give Cyrus even though Cyrus did not know him? Isaiah 45:4

 

5. What are we not to do and for what reason? Isaiah 43:1

 

6. Where is our name written? Isaiah 49:16

 

7. Who does the Lord say there is none other besides him?

Isaiah 45:5

 

8. Even though we do not know him, what does he do for us? Isaiah 45:5

 

9. Why does the Lord arm those who do not know him? Isaiah 45:6,14

 

10. What does the Lord use to bring his message to Balaam? Numbers 22:28-35

 

Personal – What and how have you been anointed? What is the message you are to bring to your family, friends, schoolmates, and work acquaintances?

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5    SECOND READING

 

(“For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone,”)

 

1. With what and in whose names are Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greeting the Church of Thessalonica?

1 Thessalonians 1:1

 

2. How do we receive grace? John 1:16-17

 

3. What did Jesus tell his disciples he would be leaving them? John 14:27

 

4. How is Paul remembering the Church of the Thessalonians, and how often does he give thanks for      them?  1 Thessalonians 1:2

 

Personal – This past week, how often did you thank God and pray for the specific church in your area, your parish, and your diocese?

 

 

5. What work of ______________, labor of _________________, and endurance in ______________ were they calling to mind, and before whom is it done?

1 Thessalonians 1:3

 

6. How does God feel about the Church of Thessalonica, and what has he done for them?   1 Thessalonians 1:4

 

7. What four ways did the Gospel come to them?

1 Thess. 1:5

 

8. The Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who does what?   Romans 1:16

 

9. What was further proof to the Church of Thessalonica of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s message?

1 Thessalonians 1:6

 

10. What did Christ Jesus display in Paul, and for what reason? 1 Timothy 1:16

 

Personal – In what way have you spread the Gospel message in word, power, the Holy Spirit, and with conviction to those around you? Be specific, and share with someone.

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 22:15-21              GOSPEL

(“Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar,

and to God, what belongs to God.”)

 

1. What did the Pharisees go off and plot? Matthew 22:15

 

2. Who was a Pharisee, and how is he described? Acts 5:34

 

3. Whom did the Pharisees send to Jesus with the Herodians? How did they address him, what did they    call him, and how did they say he taught?

Matthew 22:16

 

4. What does Jesus say about himself? John 14:6

 

5. With what is Jesus not concerned, and what does he not

regard?   Matthew 22:16

 

6. What does God not have and accept? Deuteronomy 10:17

 

7. What was Jesus’ answer to the question, “Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?

Matthew 22:17-19

 

8. What did Jesus call the Pharisee’s that were questioning him?       Matthew 22:18

 

9. When we walk in the truth, with whom do we not stay?

With whom do we not consort?   Psalm 26:3-4

 

Personal – How do you know who the hypocrites are in your life? Read 1 Timothy 4:1-3 and see one of the traits of a hypocrite in Verse 2.

 

10. What did Jesus say to them, and what did they reply?

Matthew 22:20-21

 

11. What did Jesus say to repay to Caesar, and what did he

say to repay to God?   Matthew 22:21

 

 

Personal – How have you been able to discern what you are to give to Caesar (your government)? What are you to give to God?

 

 

FIFTH DAY          READ PSALM 96:1, 3-5, 7-10

 

(“Tell his glory among the nations,”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 96: 1, 3-5, 7-10.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

ISAIAH 45: 1, 4-6

 

This is the only place in the bible where a pagan ruler is called “anointed.” God is the power over all powers, and he anoints whom he chooses for his special assignments. Cyrus’ kingdom was the largest of the then-known world. God chose Cyrus to be the instrument in his plan. Cyrus would allow God’s city of Jerusalem to be rebuilt, and he would set the exiles free without expecting anything in return. There were very few kings of Israel or Judah that had done as much for God’s people as Cyrus.

 

This is a tremendous show of God’s sovereignty over all people. He had chosen this pagan king to be instrumental in restoring God’s chosen people to their homeland. Cyrus was a disciple of the pagan god called Bel-Marduk. This religion was very active in prostitu­tion and child sacrifice. Its adherents worshiped in Babylon, and the god’s name stood for weather, war, and sun god.

 

The title “anointed one” was used for priests, prophets, and kings in the Old Testament. Every Christian is anointed priest, prophet, and king through the sacrament of Baptism. We need to ask ourselves what we have done with our gift of anoint­ing. Do other people see us as one who sacrifices our wants to help others? Do we attend church regularly and receive the Holy Eucharist on a regular basis? Are we proclaim­ing God’s Holy Word like a prophet in our families, at school or work? Do we rule in our home, school, or job, like a king who is compas­sionate, just and very merciful?

 

We come back to the question of why would God anoint someone like Cyrus? He was a pagan, and the Lord not only anointed him, he also armed him. The Lord subdued nations before him. He opened many doors for Cyrus and, as a result, Cyrus became very popular. Through Cyrus, the Lord has shown that nothing is outside of the scope of his power.

 

The power of the Lord is not to be denied to anyone. Your name is engraved in the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49:15), and he will work through you if you will let him. Cyrus did not even know who God was. Balaam’s donkey knew who he was, and finally, even Balaam understood the message that “there is no one else beside me,” said the Lord (Numbers 22:28-35).

 

Do people see the power of God working in you? Do you see the power of God working in your life? Stop now and ask him to allow you to experience his love and gentleness. God is our fortress, refuge, and rock (Psalm 91).

 

1 THESSALONIANS 1:1-5

 

Thessalonica was the place of the first Christian church in Greece founded by Paul in about 50 A.D. However, Paul had to leave in a great hurry because his life and the lives of his companions were threatened (Acts 17:1-10). Paul made a brief visit there later, and the new believers were growing fast and firm in their new faith. Paul wrote this letter to answer some of their questions, and he commended them on their faithfulness to the Good News. Timothy and Silvanus were of great help to Paul in getting the new church on its feet.

 

Thessalonica was the capitol of Macedonia and was one of the wealthiest cities in the region. The city was allowed self-rule and with that came many pagan religions and cultural influences that seriously challenged the faith of the young Christians there. Persecution only made the believers stand even more committed to their faith.

 

The power of the Holy Spirit changes people when they believe in God’s Holy Word. When we tell others about Jesus, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to open their eyes and convince them that they need salvation. This is what happened in Thes­salonica. We must remember, his power changes people, not our cleverness or persua­sion. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, our words are meaning­less.

 

The Good News produced a powerful effect upon the Thessa­lonians. Whenever and wherever the Word of God is heard and obeyed, lives are changed. We must always remember that Chris­tianity is more than just a collection of interesting facts; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Paul told them our very lives were further proof (Vs. 5). They could see that what Paul, Timothy, and Silvanus were preaching was true, because they lived it. Does your life confirm or contradict what you say you believe?

 

MATTHEW 22:15-21

 

The Pharisees were a religious sect of Jews who aimed to keep the Mosaic law in all of its strict interpretations. They had many followers among the elite, and they kept strictly aloof from the ordinary people. They were opposed to Christ from the beginning of his public preaching because he came to “call sinners” and he associated freely with them.

 

Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites because, while they pretended outwardly to be strictly religious, they were lacking true religion in their hearts, love of God and neighbor, and humil­ity. Jesus clearly tells them and us with his answer to “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s,” that the government has a right to expect obedience and coopera­tion in all things that tend to the material welfare of the state, provided the spiritual welfare of the members is not impeded by the govern­ment. This is where the hypocrisy that Jesus speaks about is so common. Many people try to figure out ways to cheat the government out of the tax money that is due. People will justify their actions by making all kinds of excuses about why the government does not need the money.

 

Jesus tells us that we have to be truthful in all matters of our lives. We are called to be truthful in our relationships with our families, in our jobs and with our government. Cheating on income tax is a very common form of acceptable hypocrisy. Jesus also tells the Pharisees that putting the law above the common good of the people is also hypocritical. Jesus knew very well that they were trying to trap him, but he still did not shy away from his conviction of being truthful. A hypocrite is a person who is deceitful and who depends on lying. He appears to be a so-called “good person,” but is loaded with sinful intentions. Jesus really spoke out strongly against hypocrites.

 

You and I have to choose between God’s laws or man’s laws (Acts 5:29). We need to show that the way we live is the way we believe. Our example of loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves will be the strength of all nations.

 

Application

 

This week’s first reading shows that God will use anyone to fulfill his plan for his people. The second reading shows that a strong faith is needed to endure persecution and death. The Gospel reveals that Jesus came for the sick, lonely, and op­pressed, and he deflated the hypocrites with their trickery.

 

This week get involved with a project, such as the pro-life cause, that affects your community. Invite someone from your school or work to go with you. Share your feelings with someone close to you about your discoveries working on that project.