THE BREAD OF LIFE

                     CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

             THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST – CYCLE C    

 BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

 

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY          READ GENESIS 14:18-20      FIRST READING

         (“Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”)

 

1. What two things was Melchizedek, what did he bring out,  and who did he bless?    Genesis 14:18

  

2. What does the name “King of Salem” mean? Hebrews 7:2

  

3. Where is God’s abode, and what is another name for this  place?   Psalm 76:3

  

4. Who is Abram, and what did God make him? Genesis 17:5

  

5. By whom is Abram blessed? Genesis 14:19

  

6. Why do you praise the name of the Lord? Psalm 148:5

  

7. Who is blessed by the Lord? Psalm 112:2

  

8. What did God Most High do? Genesis 14:20

  

9. What did Abram give, and from what did he give it?      Genesis 14:20

  

10. What is the vow Jacob made to the Lord, and what did he faithfully return to the Lord?   Genesis 28:20-22

 

Personal – In what way have you been blessed by the Lord, and what have you returned to the Lord?

  

THIRD DAY         READ 1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-26    SECOND READING

 

(“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you.”)

 

1. From whom did Paul receive what he handed on to you, and  how did he receive it?  1 Corinthians 11:23, Galatians 1:11-12

  

2. What was handed on to us? 1 Corinthians 11:23-25

  

3. What did Jesus do with the bread on the night he was handed over, and who did he say it was for?   1 Corinthians 11:23-24

  

4. Of what is Jesus mediator? Hebrews 8:6

 

5. What did Jesus say the cup of wine was? 1 Corinthians 11:25

  

6. What is the cup of blessing that is blessed and the bread  that we break?  1 Corinthians 10:16-17

  

7. For whom was his blood shed? Luke 22:20

  

8. What do we proclaim each time we eat the bread and drink  the cup?   1 Corinthians 11:26

  

9. For what are we to wait? 1 Corinthians 1:7

  

10. In what way are we to speak to one another? 1 Corinthians 14:6

  

Personal –  Each time you receive communion, what do you hand on or pass on to others?

 

FOURTH DAY             READ LUKE 9:11-17                GOSPEL

               (“Give them some food yourselves.”)

 

1. What did the crowds do when Jesus went to Bethsaida, and  what did Jesus do when he saw them?    Luke 9:11

 

 

2. As the day was nearing an end, who approached Jesus? For what reason did they ask him to dismiss the crowd? Luke 9:12

  

3. What did Jesus tell the apostles to give the people?     Luke 9:13

  

4. What did Jesus say was true food and true drink?      John 6:55

  

5. What did Jesus say his food was? John 4:34

  

6. What did the apostles tell Jesus was all they had?      Luke 9:13

  

7. How many men were there, what did Jesus tell his disciples,  and what did the people do?    Luke 9:14-15

  

8. What did Jesus do with the five loaves and two fish?      Luke 9:16

 

9. What happened to the people when they ate, and how much   was left over?  Luke 9:17

  

10. What does the Lord give, and who does he satisfy?      Psalm 145:15-16

  

Personal – How does the food you eat satisfy you?  In what way are you satisfied when you receive communion?

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 110:1-4

             (“Rule in the midst of your enemies.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 110:1-4.

 

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY         READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

 

                       GENESIS 14:18-20

 

     In today’s passage we see the powerful bond of family ties which inspired Abram to rescue his nephew Lot from being kidnapped by a powerful and ruthless king of a northern tribe. When Abram learned that his nephew was a prisoner, he immediately tried to help him.  Sometime, we must get involved in a very painful situation in order to help others. We should be willing to act right away when others need help (Proverbs 24:11).

 

     Melchizedek was a holy man whose name means “King of Justice” (Heb. 7:2). He was a priest of “the God of Highest Heaven.” He recognized that God was the creator of heaven and earth. Abram knew who he was and was paying respect to him. Abram gave Melchizedek one-tenth of the booty. We see that even in the land of pagan gods, tithing was a customary and acceptable action towards the “gods.” Abram followed and accepted ancient tradition, but he refused the “booty” won from the war. Abram chose to give his share away because he did not want others to think that he went into battle for greedy reasons.

     Abram wanted others to see that his actions were very just and that his life was centered around his God. Abram wanted people to say, “Look what his God has done for him.”  Abram did not want the attention of his “victory” to be centered on him. He wanted everyone to know that God had won him the victory. When people look at you, they need to see what God has accomplished in you, and what he is doing with you right now.

                     1 CORINTHIANS 11:23-26

      The Lord’s supper is a visible representation of the gospel, the death of Christ for our sins. It focuses on the remembrance of Christ’s death and the glorious hope of his return. In the Catholic Church we believe in the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This worship service is called “The Mass,” and it is a celebration of Word and Sacrament. It is also an act of fellowship among all Catholic believers. Our faith is strengthened through fellowship with Christ and with all other believers.

      What does the Lord’s Supper mean?  The early church told that Jesus taught us about the Lord’s supper on the night of the Passover (Luke 22:13-20). The Passover celebrated deliverance from slavery in Egypt, and the Lord’s supper celebrates deliverance from sin by Christ’s death on the cross. All Catholic Christians believe that when the words “This is my body,” and “Take this cup and drink” are spoken, the real presence of Christ appears in the bread and wine to become the body and blood of Christ. When we receive Christ in the Eucharist (which means thanksgiving) at a Catholic Mass, we respond by saying “Amen.” This means, “I believe it, yes, I am part of the body of Christ.”

      Through this new covenant that Christ has given us, we can now personally approach God and communicate with him. The old covenant was made on Mount Sinai between God and the Israelites (Exodus 19,20) and was designed to point to the day when Jesus would come. The new covenant completes, rather than replaces, the old covenant. We are recommitting ourselves to this new covenant every time we proclaim his Holy Word and partake of his body and blood at the Catholic Mass.

                          LUKE 9:11-17

      Jesus had tried to slip quietly away from the huge crowds and head for the town of Bethsaida, but they found out where he was going and followed him. He knew the people were hurting and had many needs, so instead of showing impatience at this interruption, he welcomed them and ministered to them. When people interrupt your schedule, do you see this as a nuisance or as a reason for your life and ministry?

      Jesus taught mainly about the kingdom of God, and he stressed that the kingdom was here and now, not some place and time in the future. There are many people today who do not believe that the kingdom of God is real and present in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus. It is as present with us today, as it was with the Judeans two thousand years ago.

      The disciples displayed a typical, logical, human reaction when told to feed the crowd. They took on the responsibility of having to perform the impossible. They felt that what they had to offer was far too little to get the job done. They were right, and Jesus knew that, but he was not depending on what the people brought. Jesus was giving, simply, because he knew their needs and he wanted to meet them. He does that today with all of us.

      Whatever we have, if we bring it to Jesus, he will give thanks, he will bless it, break it, and share it with others. That is the purpose of our life here on earth. Jesus did not have to feed those people. He could have said a prayer and then sent them away. But Jesus does not ignore needs. He is concerned with every part of our lives, physical, emotional and spiritual. Today we are called to continue the miracle of feeding others through him.

 Application

     The first reading shows Abram’s victory was not the battle, but God himself.  The second reading explains that “Amen” means “Yes, I believe I am part of the body of Christ.”  We see in the Gospel Jesus’ solution is the same today as it was yesterday – “Feed them.”

      This week, let the presence of Christ saturate your total being, and take the risk to feed your family and friends the food of eternal life.  Witness to them about what Christ is doing in your life.

     That is how you feed other people. You pray daily for them, and you encourage them to read and study his Holy Word. Then you show them the Word in action; you minister to their needs.  Begin feeding your own family; then feed others. You will be amazed when you discover you cannot run out of spiritual food. Let the “Amen” in you be heard throughout your family and friends.

 

 

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 8:22-31 FIRST READING

(“…and I found delight in the sons of men.”)

1. What is the firstborn of the Lord’s way, and what is the 

oldest of his words?    Proverbs 8:1, 22

2. Where does wisdom cry aloud and raise her voice?

Proverbs 1:20

3. When was wisdom poured forth, and what was not settled into

place?   Proverbs 8:23-26

4. What came with wisdom?  Sirach 1:4

5. Where does all wisdom come from?  Sirach 1:1

6. When will wisdom not cease?  Sirach 24:9

7. How did God establish man?   Wisdom 9:1-2

8. When was wisdom beside God?   Proverbs 8:27-30

9. How was wisdom beside God, and what was she doing?

Proverbs 8:30-31

10. In what did wisdom find delight?  Proverbs 8:31

11. Who is the wisdom of God?  1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Personal –  In what way can you take delight in those around you and show the wisdom of God?  How can you recognize the wisdom of God, and what do you need to do to see it clearly playing on the surface of the earth?

THIRD DAY READ ROMANS 5:1-5 SECOND READING

(“…the love of God has been poured out into our hearts

through the Holy Spirit that has been given us.”)

1. How have we been justified, and what do we have with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ?    Romans 5:1

2. How have we been justified?   Romans 4:24-25

3. How is the manifold wisdom of God made known and where and how do we get boldness and confidence to approach God?  

Ephesians 3:10-12

4. To what have we gained access, and in what do we boast?

Romans 5:2

5. Of what else do we boast, and what does it produce?

Romans 5:3

6. What does Christ do in our afflictions and what does this

enable us to do?   2 Corinthians 1:3-4

7. For what do we need endurance?  Hebrews 10:36

8. What does endurance produce?   Romans 5:4

9. Who will never mature in character?  Sirach 23:15

10. What does hope NOT do, what has been poured out in our

hearts, and how has it been done?    Romans 5:5

11. What was Paul’s hope?  Philippians 1:20

12. How did God save us, and how did he pour it out on us?

Titus 3:4-6

Personal – In what way has affliction produced endurance in your life?  What has kept you going on, and how has the peace of God been evident in you during affliction?

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 16:12-15 GOSPEL

(“He will guide you to all truth.”)

1. What was the reason Jesus did not tell his disciples any  more?  John 16:12

2. How did Jesus speak the parables to his disciples?  

Mark 4:33

3. Whom did Jesus say will guide us to all truth and what will he speak and declare to us?  John 16:13

4. In what does Jesus ask you to be consecrated, and what is

truth?  John 17:17 

5. Who will teach you and remind you of everything Jesus did?

John 14:26

6. Who testifies to Jesus, and what are you also to do?

John 15:26-27

7. What did Jesus say you would do if you love him, and for what would he ask the Father?  John 14:15-17

8. What will the Spirit of truth do, and what will he give

or tell you?  John 16:14

9. What belongs to Jesus, and what is he giving you?  

John 16:15

10. What did the father say to the son who was with him?

Luke 15:31

Personal – How has God’s Spirit guided you and taught you about Jesus and how to apply what he taught you to your life?  Give a specific example.

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 8:4-9

(“You have given him rule over the works of your hands.”)

 

Read and meditate on Psalm 8:4-9.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

PROVERBS 8:22-31

The Book of Proverbs gives us a person’s poetic demonstration of God’s wisdom.  Christian believers have always read this passage as a prophetic allusion to Jesus Christ, the second person of the Blessed Trinity.  This reading was about the word that would be made flesh in Jesus. Nothing is more immediate than the awesome spectacle of life, and nothing is more real than the wonder of creation.

Today’s reading shows us how to discern God’s hand at work in the world, and how to see the Father’s life-giving energy behind every created beauty.  The mystic in us “knows God” as we are struck with a sense of the sacred while gazing at a sunset. God is telling us that wisdom is the foundation on which all life is built.  Today’s reading shows wisdom as being the special attribute of God. Wisdom was present at the creation and works even today with the Creator as in the beauty of the sunset. Wisdom affects every aspect of our entire lives, from beginning to end.

You need to be sure that God’s wisdom flows through you and opens all corners of your life to God’s direction and guidance. Wisdom will be our main attribute when we put God first in our lives (Matthew 6:33). Look at your values and priorities. What is most important to you?  Where is God on that list?  Keep him first in everything you do. He will crown your efforts with his wisdom and his understanding.  You will see others with spiritual vision instead of plain human vision. Remember, the difference between wisdom and common sense is that common sense is the ability God gives to all people to think and make choices; he only gives wisdom  to those who follow him.

ROMANS 5:1-5

In this reading, St. Paul states that the core of our belief in the Trinity, is that we come to the Father through Jesus in the love which is the Holy Spirit.  Paul was writing to ordinary Christians, like us, about the experience of God’s love flooding the human heart. Nothing is more tangible than an intensely felt love or even our longing for it, and Paul boldly connects that experience with the Holy Spirit.

Paul is speaking about a peace that means being reconciled with God, knowing that he loves you not for what you do but simply because of who you are. Jesus paid the price for this special kind of relationship with his death on the cross. Because of Jesus, we have entry into the presence of the King of Kings and entry into the haven of God’s grace.

Our relationship with God has begun in faith which reveals to us that we are delivered from our past by Christ’s death. Hope grows as we learn all that God has in store for us, and God’s love supplies all our needs and enables us to reach out to others. In the future we will become, but now we must overcome. Scripture tells us that “eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor can man even comprehend what God has in mind for those who believe in him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9). 

We can put all of our trust in God because he is in control of our future.  We can look at our times of difficulties and know, even if we do not understand how, that we will grow emotionally as well as spiritually. Problems we run into will develop our patience, which in turn will strengthen our character and deepen our trust in God.  Thank God for these opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength.

JOHN 16:12-15

Jesus teaches the apostles about the availability of the Holy Spirit. He told them that the Holy Spirit would teach them about the nature of their ministry. He also told them that they would face very difficult opposition and that the outcome of their opposition would be revealed by the Holy Spirit. They did not understand any of this until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit then revealed truths to them, and they in turn formed the writing of the New Testament. It is very important for you to remember that the truth into which the Holy Spirit guides you is the truth about Christ. The name for his followers bringing the revealed truth about Christ to all men through generation after generation is Christian “Tradition.”

Understanding of this revelation is bound to be an ongoing process, because Jesus knew that the disciples were not capable of understanding at that point in time. He knew that his Spirit that followed him would enlighten, empower, and sanctify his followers. He knew that they would need time to fully understand their role in bringing Christianity to the waiting world.

He knows of our limitations today, and he has left the same Holy Spirit for us to receive and to empower us. The development of the apostles’ faith and the faith of the early church demonstrate to the whole world that the Holy Spirit is revealing the truth of Christ to all peoples. All truth is God’s truth, and the revelation of all truth is the work of the Holy Spirit. When you say “Yes, Lord,” the power of the Holy Spirit reveals to you that you are at last really set free; Jesus is the truth, and only through him can you really be free (John 8:32).

Application 

In the first reading the Word was made flesh and he dwelt in their midst (John 1:14).  The second reading shows the core of the Holy Trinity as we come to the Father through Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit. We see in the Gospel that behind all truth is the presence of God.

This week, let us celebrate the Blessed Trinity by being open to the power that the Holy Spirit has given us. We have seen that the real power is the power of truth. This week, speak to your family only in the Spirit of truth. Truth means being humble, gentle and obedient to God’s Holy Word.  Your words of truth, matched by your actions of service, will show those around you that the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit are alive within you and the name of Jesus will set you, as well as others, free.

 BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

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

SECOND DAY READ ACTS 2:1-11 FIRST READING

            (“All were filled with the Holy Spirit”)

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

2. What day was Pentecost celebrated after the Passover, 

what are other names for it?  Leviticus 23:15-16,

Deuteronomy 9:10, Exodus 23:16 and Numbers 28:26.

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

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

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

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

7. With what were all filled, and how did they express

themselves?  Acts 2:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. What is there different, but with the same Spirit? 

1 Corinthians 12:4

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

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

5. In what gifts should you try to be rich?  

1 Corinthians 14:12.

6. Fill in the following blanks:  The body is____ and has ______members, but all the members________ though they are, are___________ body; and so it is with Christ.  

1 Corinthians 12:12

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

8. What have all of us been given to drink?  

1 Corinthians 12:13

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

10. When were you chosen and sealed with the Holy Spirit?

Ephesians 1:13

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

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 20:19-23 GOSPEL

                  (“Receive the Holy Spirit.”)

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

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

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

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

John 20:20

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

5. What did Jesus say again and what is his gift to you?

John 20:21, John 14:27

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

7. What did Jesus do to the disciples, and what did they

receive?  John 20:22

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

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

10. What did Jesus say on the cross to the Father, and whom should we imitate?  Luke 23:34, 1 John 2:1, 6

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

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

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

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

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

How can you apply this to your life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

                           ACTS 2:1-11

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

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

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

The signs and wonders of that incredible day brought huge crowds of Jews in huge crowds to the place where the Apostles were staying.  This was the day chosen for the Apostles to go forward and make disciples of all nations.  We are called also to go forward and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).  Let us remember, the Jews celebrated the feast of the harvest on Pentecost.  Jesus’ Holy Spirit breathed life on the universal church on the Feast of Pentecost, or the Feast of Harvest.

We are called today to harvest the crop of souls for the Lord.  The Lord needs some good laborers to work in the vineyard.  Are you ready to join the workers?   

                   1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7, 12-13

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

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

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

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

                          JOHN 20:19-23

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

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

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

The power from the Holy Spirit helps all of us live a life of holiness and wholeness.  We need to always remember that God’s plan for each one of us is to live a life that is abundant and full (John 10:10).  The Holy Spirit gives us the power in the name of Jesus to bind Satan and his cohorts, and in his Name, to loosen the Spirit of Life which is the Lord Jesus himself… to heal, to restore and, to forgive.  We can release others from the bondage of sin by our compassion and forgiveness.  

We are more than conquerors; we are children of the Living God, we are called to set the captives free and give sight to the blind.  We do that by forgiving them, and loving them through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.  Pentecost – the harvest is now, the Kingdom of God is at hand, come and be fishers of men.  I pray that the Holy Spirit today will fill you with his love and power, and fill all of us with gratitude for all that God has done for us.

Application

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

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

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

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

SECOND DAY     READ ACTS 7:55-60  FIRST READING

(“Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”)

1. Who was filled with the Holy Spirit, and when he looked up to heaven, what did he see?  Acts 6:8, Acts 7:55

2. With what did Ananias tell Paul (Saul) to be filled, and who did he say sent him?     Acts 9:17

3. With what were the disciples filled?   Acts 13:52

4. What are you not to do, and with what are you to be filled?  Ephesians 5:18

Personal – How have you experienced the in-filling of the Holy Spirit?

5. What did Stephen say when he looked up and saw the heavens open?  Acts 7:56

6. What happened to Jesus after John baptized him and the

heavens opened?   Matthew 3:16-17

7. How did the people react to Stephen, and what did they do to him?   Acts 7:57-58

8. At whose feet did the witnesses lay their cloaks down,

and what did Stephen call out as they were stoning him? Acts 7:58-59

9. What did Jesus say as they were crucifying him, and what were his last words?   Luke 23:34, 46

10. What did Stephen say to the Lord just before he died?

Acts 7:60

11. How are we to treat our enemies?   Matthew 5:44

Personal – Are you holding anything against a family member, friend, or neighbor over a past hurt?   Pray about it and do what the Lord is telling you to do?

THIRD DAY READ REVELATION 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 SECOND READING

(“Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one

who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water.”)

1. When the Lord comes, what will he bring?    

Revelation 22:12

2. What did Jesus tell his disciples, with whom will he come,and how will he repay us?   Matthew 16:24-28

3. Who did the Lord say he was?   Revelation 1:8, 22:13 

4. Of what is there only one?   Isaiah 44:6

5. Who are blessed, what have they done, and to what do they have a right?   Revelation 22:14

6. Where is the tree of life, and to whom does the Spirit speak? Revelation 2:7, Genesis 2:9

7. Who does Jesus say he is, and whom did he send to give this testimony to the churches?    Revelation 22:16

8. What does the Spirit and the bride say, who is to come 

forward, and who is to receive the gift of life-giving

water?    Revelation 22:17

9. Who gives life-giving water?   John 4:10

10. What does the one who gives this testimony say?

Revelation 22:20

Personal – Do you thirst for the life-giving water that only Jesus can give you, or do you see someone, whom you know, who is thirsty?  How can you answer the invitation to “come,” or how can you be an instrument in satisfying someone else’s thirst?

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 17:20-26 GOSPEL

(“…because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”)

1. For whom did Jesus say he was praying?   

John 17:6-9, 20

2. Why does Jesus pray for them, and what does he say about the Father?   John 17:21, also see John 10:30 & 14:10

3. What did Jesus give to those who kept his Father’s word? John 17:22

4. How are we brought to perfection, and whom does the Father love?   John 17:23 and also John 16:27

5. Why did God send his Son into the world?  John 3:16-17

6. When did the Father love Jesus, and what are we to Jesus from the Father?    John 17:24

7. What has Jesus prepared for us, and how will we get there? John 14:2-3

8. Whom does the Father love and honor?   John 12:23, 26

9. Whom does Jesus and his disciples know and who does not know him?  What does Jesus call his Father?  John 17:25

10. Whom does the world love, and what will they do to you on account of Jesus?   John 15:19-21

11. What did Jesus make known, what is he making known, and for what reason?    John 17:26

12. What was kept by those to whom Jesus revealed the Father? John 17:6

Personal – What priority have keeping God’s Word and speaking God’s Word had in your life?   Evaluate last week and see what you spent most of your time doing and saying.  How do others see the love of Jesus in you?

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 97:1-2, 6-7, 9

(“The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all people see his glory.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 97:1-2, 6-7, 9.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 7:55-60

The Jewish leaders were enraged by Stephen’s accusation that they were murderers of the prophets and destroyers of God’s laws. He accused them of even murdering the Messiah.  Stephen’s words of seeing Jesus standing at God’s right hand supported Jesus’ claim and angered the Jewish leaders.  In their guilt and rage, they would not tolerate Stephen’s words, so they mobbed him and killed him.

Today people may not kill us for witnessing about Christ, but they will let us know they do not want to hear the truth and will often try to silence us.   In many lands, those who try to protect the rights of the unborn children against abortion are ridiculed, beaten, and sent to jail.  These Christians are responding by not standing by and doing nothing while innocents are being slaughtered (Proverbs 24:11).  Keep honoring God in your words, your worship and in your actions. You may experience the rejection of many people to your message, but some will turn to Christ and your effort will be noticed more than you realize. 

Paul is introduced into today’s reading (verse 58) as a murderer and then later we see him as a changed, repentant apostle of the Lord. This tells us that the power of God’s love can change anyone who is open to his call. Paul was tremendously qualified to preach to the Jews because he too had once opposed Jesus Christ and his Christian followers. He understood the opposition and was, therefore, able to be compassionate and forgiving, as well as encouraging them to become free in Christ. Paul never forgot that day when he watched in silence and let the evil actions of those men destroy the life of a very holy man. He knew that he could never be silent again, and he spent the rest of his life preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior of the whole world. We need to speak out in Jesus’ name and let people see in us the holiness of St. Stephen.

REVELATION 22:12-14, 16-17, 20

The Risen Christ is coming, and he makes two powerful claims, that there will be a final judgment and this will not be confined to non-believers. The eternal destiny of a true Christian believer is secure, but Jesus will look at how they handled gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities in their lifetime. He then tells us that he is complete. There is no beginning or end to his existence. Christ is telling us that he is the source and he needs nothing else. He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end.  The Jews said that since God was the beginning, he received his power from no one; since he was the middle, he shared his power with no one; and since he was the end, he never handed his power over to anyone.

Those who washed their robes in the blood of Christ were purified and have the right of entry into the “City of God” or the “New Jerusalem.”  Jesus, through his cross, has provided that grace by which man can be forgiven; but man has to hunger and thirst for that grace, and then he has to make use of that grace. Those who enter into the “Holy City” or heaven are the ones who have accepted Jesus as Lord. In the new and eternal life, people will eat from the tree of life because their sins have been removed by Christ’s death and resurrection and they will live forever. 

If we have confessed our sins, repented, and accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we will have the right to eat from this tree.  The church has been the faithful guardian that has protected us, taught us about Jesus Christ, and has presented him to us in sacrament and word.  The church, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit brings glory to God the Father by extending the invitation to the whole world to come to Jesus.

JOHN 17:20-26

Jesus completes his prayer to the Father. He began by asking his Father to glorify him so that he may glorify the Father. He told his Father that he did everything that was asked of him, and now the hour of glory had come. His glory would be the cross; it was not his will but he obeyed his Father’s will even unto death on a cross (Phil. 2:2-11). Then he prayed for his disciples and asked God to keep them strong in their faith.

In today’s passage Jesus is praying for us. In this prayer, we see his confidence both in his Father and for those who are going to be Christ-followers. He knew that in a very short time he was going to be betrayed, arrested and killed, and he still was confident that his disciples would carry on his name. He was praying for the new church to come. He prayed for a unity of heart, not administration, not a unity of ecclesiastical organization. He prayed for a unity of personal relationships. 

We have seen the unity between Jesus and his Father was love and obedience. Jesus prayed for a unity based on the relationships of heart to heart, not denomination to denomination. Jesus prayed that a unity would exist in which people loved each other because they loved him.  Christian unity overcomes all differences because it joins people together in love. It is more natural for people to be divided then united.  It is more natural for people to fly apart then to come together. But real unity between all Christians would require a “supernatural” solution, and that solution is loving one another as Jesus has loved us.

Application 

In the first reading we see that evil can only succeed when good men do nothing. In the second reading we see Jesus is the beginning, middle and the end. The Gospel shows unity does not have to mean uniformity.

This week, bring unity into your own heart by praying that God will change your attitude toward others who do not believe and practice their faith in God like you. Then look around you and see who is not of the same faith as you, and then let them experience your respect, your kindness, and your generosity.  Then love them just as Jesus loves you. You will be amazed at the power and result of your witness of Christ.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

FIRST DAY Reread last weeks readings.

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

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

SECOND DAY READ ACTS 1:1-11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. 10. How will the Lord come down from heaven and what will happen to the living, the believers in Him? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Personal – How are you preparing for Jesus’ return?

THIRD DAY READ EPHESIANS 1:17-23 SECOND READING

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

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

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

Ephesians 1:18-19

1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. 9. There is one what? Ephesians 4:4

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

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

FOURTH DAY READ LUKE 24:46-53 GOSPEL

(“…behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you;)

1. 1. What did Jesus say to His disciples? Luke 24:46

1. 2. What would be preached in His name and where would it begin?  Luke 24:47

1. 3. What does Psalm 32:5 say will happen if you acknowledge and confess your sins?

1. 4. What did Jesus tell His disciples they witnessed?  Luke 24:48

1. 5. What was Jesus sending His disciples and why were they to wait in the city?  Luke 24:49

1. 6. What did the Father promise and to whom was this promise made?  Acts 2:38-39

1. 7. What are we to cloth ourselves with?  Colossians 3:12

1. 8. Where did Jesus lead His disciples and what did He do?  Luke 24:50

1. 9. While Jesus was blessing His disciples what happened to Him?  Luke 24:51

1. 10. What did the disciples do? How did they return to Jerusalem and what did they continually stay at the temple doing?  Luke 24:52-53

Personal – When did you receive the promise of the Father and what has He commissioned you to do?  What things have you been a witness to and what have you been clothed with?

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

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

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

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

How can you apply this to your life?

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 1:1-11

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

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

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

EPHESIANS 1:17-23

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

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

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

LUKE 24:46-53

We celebrate on this special feast day of the Church the Ascension of the Lord.  This is the time when Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

Over the centuries many believers overcome by the awareness of their own sins have found the words of today’s passage a strong ray of hope.  Jesus opened up their minds to understand the scriptures.  The Holy Spirit does this in our lives today when we study God’s Holy Word (written testimony)and Sacred Tradition (oral testimony), especially as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  The message of good news for the whole world today is that Jesus died to ransom the soul of every living person. He thirsts for you. He is waiting for you to confess, to repent, and to receive His mercy and forgiveness.  To confess our sin is to agree with God that He is right to declare that what we have done is sinful and we are wrong. To abandon that sin is to repent or change, which  is to turn away from sin and turn back to God, through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Then we can trust in Him to forgive us and make us whole again.  He told His disciples that they were already witnesses to His mercy and forgiveness.  He promises to send them what His Father has promised, and that was the gift of the Holy Spirit.  His promise was revealed to the disciples in the upper room (Acts 1:8) and that Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that resides in your Temple.  Your body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and you are to witness to the ends of the earth with the same power as the disciples.

Jesus physical presence left the disciples when He lifted up His hands, blessed them and was taken up into Heaven ( Acts 1:9). You receive this blessing each time you attend Mass. They fell down to do him reverence, then returned to Jerusalem filled with joy. There they were to be found in the temple constantly speaking the praises of God.

Application

The first reading tells us as the Apostles were looking on, Jesus was lifted up and says, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you”. In the second reading God seated Jesus at His right hand in the heavens and gave Him as head over all things to the Church, and in the Gospel we are told that the Message of Good News is that Jesus died to ransom the souls of the whole world.

This week let us go to someone in our family, our community or our parish, to pray with them and to proclaim the Good News to them that Jesus is alive. Repent of any wrongdoing by stopping the sinful action and turning back to God.  Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist frequently and this will give you the grace needed in order for you to live your life for Christ.