Category Archives: Bible Study Lessons

SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feb. 19th) ‑ CYCLE A

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY        READ LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18    FIRST READING

(“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.”)

  1. To whom was the Lord speaking? Leviticus 19:1

 

  1. To whom did the Lord tell him to speak, and what did he tell him to say?   Leviticus 19:2

 

  1. Who makes us holy and how do we become holy? Exodus 31:13, Ephesians 5:25‑26, 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. What must we do to become holy? Leviticus 20:7

 

  1. What is with his holy ones? Wisdom 3:9

 

  1. Who are the holy people? Isaiah 62:12

 

  1. What shall you not do, and what may you have to do?      Leviticus 19:17

 

  1. What does Prov. 9:8 say will happen to us when we reprove an arrogant man and a wise man?

 

  1. What must we not incur because of our brother? Leviticus 19:17

 

  1. What must we not do against our fellow countrymen, and what command is given in Leviticus 19:18?

 

Personal ‑ Are you loving your spouse, children, relatives, friends, and neighbor as yourself? In what way is the love of your neighbor evident? Share with someone if you wish.

 

  1. Who does God say he is? Leviticus 19:18

 

Personal ‑ Who do you say God is? In what way is he your Lord? Your friend? Your ruler? Your Lord of all? Meditate on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23     SECOND READING

(“You are the temple of God.”)

  1. What is it of which you may not be aware? 1 Cor. 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19

 

  1. How do we know this? 2 Corinthians 6:16

 

  1. What will happen to anyone who destroys God’s temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. What is the temple of God and who is that temple? 1 Corinthians 3:17

 

  1. How can we delude ourselves? 1 Corinthians 3:18

 

  1. What should you become if you think you are wise in a worldly way?   1 Corinthians 3:18

 

  1. What is absurdity with God? 1 Corinthians 3:19

 

  1. What does scripture say about the worldly wise? 1 Corinthians 3:19‑20, Job 5:13

 

  1. What must we not let happen and what is ours? 1 Corinthians 3:21‑22

 

  1. To whom do you belong? 1 Corinthians 3:23

 

  1. How do we know this? 1 Corinthians 6:20

 

  1. To whom does Christ belong? 1 Corinthians 3:23

 

Personal ‑ If you have been purchased by the Blood of Christ and you belong to him, in what way does your life reflect him in his Spirit dwelling within you to everyone you meet? This will be evident by the love they see in you. Reflect on this.

 

 

FOURTH DAY       READ MATTHEW 5:38‑48  GOSPEL

(“Offer no resistance to injury.”)

  1. In Verse 38 of Matthew 5, who was speaking and what did he say that they had heard?  Matthew 4:17 5:38

 

  1. What does he say to us, and when a person strikes us on the right cheek, what should we do?   Matthew 5:39

 

  1. What should we do if someone wants to go to the law over our shirt, and should anyone press us into service for one mile,      what should we do?   Matthew 5:40-41

 

  1. What should we do with the man who begs from us, and what does Jesus tell us not to do?   Matthew 5:42

 

  1. What has God given us?

Mark 3:28

John 5:21

John 13:34

 

  1. What is the other commandment that he said we have heard and what is his commandment to us?   Matthew 5:43-44

 

  1. What will this prove, on whom does he make the sun to rise, and on whom does he cause the rain to fall? Matthew 5:45

 

  1. If we love those who love us, is there any merit in that, and who does even that much?   Matthew 5:46

 

  1. If we greet our brothers only, what is praiseworthy about that, and who does as much?   Matthew 5:47

 

  1. In a word, what must we be made, just as your heavenly Father is?   Matthew 5:48

 

Personal ‑ In your life, how are you being made perfect, like your Heavenly Father, as you obey his command to love since you have been studying and have been obedient to his Word? Read John 14:21 to see the corre­lation between love, commandments, and obedience. Share with someone on how this has affected your life.

 

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 103:1‑13

(“He redeems your life from destruction.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 103:1-13.

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

LEVITICUS 19:1‑2, 17‑18

This book, “Leviticus,” acquires its name from dealing with mat­ters concerned with laws centered around the worship of God. The worship of God was conducted by the tribe of Levi, and the end result was this book. Today’s reading is taken from a body of laws commonly called the Laws of Holiness. Holiness is the key theme of Leviti­cus, and the word “holy” appears more often in Leviticus than in any other book of the Bible. Israel was called to be totally consecrated to God. God reminded the people of Israel that he was “holy” and wanted them to be “holy” also, just like he was.

The same call is being made to us today, and that is to be holy like our God is holy. The holiness that is being called for must be expressed in every aspect of our lives. The holiness that our loving God is calling for must be visible in the way we treat our neigh­bors and, of course, the question always is, “Who is my neighbor?” Our neighbor is anyone who is in distress anywhere and needs our help.

Today’s reading calls for all of us to put aside our grudges and become people who forgive and forget. We are called to reason with our offending neighbor and try to bring him back to true brotherly fellowship in the Lord. The natural man wants to repay the offender back in full. The spiritual man who knows and loves God, must also be holy himself.

God’s call for us to be holy and to imitate HIM is not really a command; it is more like advice given by a very loving Father.

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 3:16‑23

Paul is telling the people of Corinth, and the people living at the present time, that their bodies are tem­ples of the Holy Spirit, and our church is the house of God. He goes on to say that our temples are not to be defiled. Satan has taken direct aim at the bodies of many Christians, and their temples have become defiled with alcohol, drugs, cigarette smoking, and sexual immorality. Our church is not to be spoiled by divisions within it through bickering, pettiness, jealousy, slandering, and false teachings, as its members come together to worship God.

Paul is telling the people that they have to choose between worldly wisdom or heavenly wisdom. Worldly wisdom that holds us back from God is no wisdom at all. Paul is telling us that some of the leaders of the community were caught up in pride and worldly wisdom, and the result was they valued their message more than its content.

Today, we can see a great deal of worldly wisdom being exercised in our nations and even in some areas of our church. Scripture tells us that God knows beyond any question how the human mind reasons and how foolish and desperate it is (1 Cor. 20). Paul closed by telling us that, as believers, all is for us and we belong to Christ.

To a believer in Christ, life and death become our servants. We know life’s true purpose; but to the non‑believe­rs, only the latest trend in behavior is all they have. Non‑believers are like victims of life who are swept along by its current and wonder if there is a meaning to it. For Chris­tians, death holds no terrors because Christ conquered them all. Because of Jesus, you and I will live forever.

 

 

MATTHEW 5:38‑48

Today’s Gospel reveals the core of the Christian life and the conduct which should separate Christians from all others. Jesus begins by citing the oldest law in the world ‑ an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. That was known as the “Lex Talionis” law and it came out of the Code of Hammorabi, who reigned in Babylon about 1700 years before Christ.

The law clearly stated that the injury a victim suffers shall be dupli­cated and suffered by the person who committed the crime. We find in today’s reading the Mosaic law “an eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24) a subtle change.

This law was the beginning of mercy because it deliberately limited vengeance. Jesus completely moved away from that law because retaliation or “getting even,” no matter how controlled or restricted, has no place in the life of his followers.

Jesus establishes a spirit of non‑resentment and abolishes the concept of even limited vengeance. Today, Jesus is calling us to hear his message that in order to be one of his followers, we have to learn to resent no insult and to seek no vengeance. We are to be like Jesus, and forget what it is to be insulted, and not to respond with vengeance but with love. Jesus never insisted to stand on his rights. In fact, he did not consider himself as having any legal rights at all (Philippians 2:3‑4). The Christian who really follows Christ does not think of his rights, but of his duties. He does not think of his privileges; instead, he thinks of his responsibili­ties. Jesus strikes at the core of our belief by showing that our actions really demonstrate what we believe. Do you show disgust when someone requests that you do a menial task? Do you feel insulted when you do a good job and no one recognizes what you did? Do you work with some inefficient workers? Do you work with an ungracious helper?

Jesus calls us to respond only with love and he tells us that he will give us all that we need when we are tempted to respond otherwise (1 Cor. 10:13). Jesus’ response, in today’s reading, is that whatever we do to the least of his brothers and sisters, we do unto him (Matthew 25:31‑46).

 

Application

The first reading is a call to holiness, and the second reading calls us to remember that we are temples of the Holy Spirit.  The Gospel reveals that Christians do not have to “get even.”  Let us, this week, show that our call to holiness is being answered with a “yes” by attending Mass as often as we can and to be modest in the way we dress and in the way we talk.

We can respond to the person who irritates us with Christian love instead of pagan retaliation.  Let us be kind and gentle to everyone we meet and, individually, be prepared for some “neat” miracles to happen!

SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feb. 12th) – CYCLE A

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ SIRACH 15:15-20        FIRST READING

(“To whatever you choose stretch forth your hand.”)

  1. Fill in the following blanks: _____you_________you can keep the commandments; it     is________to do_____ ______.   Sirach 15:15

 

  1. What is set before you __________, and what must you stretch forth?   Sirach 15:16

 

  1. What is before man, and what will be given him? Sirach 15:17

 

  1. What three things must we do to choose life? Deuteronomy 30:20

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

  1. What happens to those who choose life? Deuteronomy 30:19-20

 

  1. Who shows us the way we must choose? Psalm 25:12

 

  1. What is immense, and in what is the Lord mighty? Sirach 15:18

 

  1. What do the eyes of God see and what does he understand?      Sirach 15:19

 

  1. What does God command man NOT to do, and what specific sin does Sirach 15:20 tell you, for which God does not give you strength?

 

Personal – Do you ever feel you do not have a choice in certain matters? Read Sirach 15:14-15. Have you ever lied and blamed it on your background or someone else or even said, “The devil made me do it?” Meditate on this passage of scripture and confess any past sins of lying.

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-10     SECOND READING

(“Yet God has revealed this Wisdom to us through the Spirit.”)

  1. What is it that is expressed among the spiritually mature? 1 Corinthians 2:6

 

  1. Is it a wisdom of this age? 1 Corinthians 2:6

 

  1. Who are passing away? 1 Corinthians 2:6

 

  1. What is it we utter? 1 Corinthians 2:7

 

  1. To whom has he revealed this wisdom?

Psalm 19:8

Luke 7:35

James 1:5

 

  1. Why did God plan his wisdom before all ages? 1 Cor. 2:7

 

  1. Did the rulers of this age know the mystery? 1 Cor. 2:8

 

  1. What would they not have done if they had known God’s wisdom?   1 Corinthians 2:8

 

  1. What is written of this wisdom? 1 Corinthians 2:9

 

  1. Through whom has God revealed this wisdom? 1 Cor. 2:10

 

  1. What does the Spirit do? 1 Corinthians 2:10

 

Personal – How do you anticipate the exciting things God has planned for you each day? How do you show your love for God, other than sitting alone with him and talking to him?

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 5:17-37               GOSPEL

(“Whoever fulfills and teaches these commands  shall be great in the kingdom of God.”)

  1. What did Jesus say he did not come to do, and what did he say he came to do?   Matthew 5:17

 

  1. How did he fulfill the law, and of what did he assure them?      Romans 3:21-31, Matthew 5:18

 

  1. What will the person who breaks these commands, and teaches others to do so, be called in the kingdom of God? What will the person who fulfills these commands and teaches these commands be in the kingdom of God?   Matthew 5:19

 

Personal– What makes you to be considered great in the kingdom of God? In what way do others see you walking by faith? How are you teaching your spouse, children, friends, and family, etc., to walk by faith?

 

  1. What must surpass the scribes and Pharisees, and what will happen to those whose holiness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees?   Matthew 5:20

 

  1. What was the commandment imposed on our forefathers? Matthew 5:21

 

  1. What three things does Jesus say to us in Matthew 5:22; and by becoming angry, by using abusive language, and by being contemptuous toward our brother, what do we risk? Matthew 5:22

 

  1. If you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother has something against you, what must you do? Matthew 5:24

 

  1. What does Jesus say about time, what will your opponent do if you lose time in going to him, and what is Jesus’ warning?      Matthew 5:25-26

 

Personal– Have you ever been angry, used abusive language, and been contemptuous to those in your family? Did you settle the matter right away or did you let it continue for days? You have the choice; think about it.

 

  1. What commandment is he talking about in Matthew 5:27, and what does Jesus say about it?   Matthew 5:28

 

  1. What must we throw away in order not to destroy the whole body?   Matthew 5:29-30

 

  1. What does Jesus say about divorce, and what was the commandment imposed on our forefathers?   Matthew 5:31-33

 

  1. What did Jesus say about this, and what are heaven, earth, and Jerusalem?   Matthew 5:34-35

 

  1. By what else must we not swear? Matthew 5:36

 

  1. What should we say when we mean yes and what should we say when we mean no. Whom does it come from when we say anything beyond that?   Matthew 5:37

 

Personal– We know when we should say yes and when we should say no by God’s Holy Word. The answers on how to live your life are all written in his Word, the Bible. How much time do you spend each day praying and reading God’s Word? Pray and ask God to reveal his truth to you through the Bible.

 

 

FIFTH DAY      READ PSALM 119:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34

(“Give me discernment that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34.

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

SIRACH 15:15-20

Sirach is one of the Wisdom books of the Old Testament. It is a very earthy and plain book that deals with morality and the true religious philosophy of life. The practical­ity of this book has much wisdom even for the people of today. The gift of free will comes from God and it is a precious gift. We know that we can serve God by keeping his commandments, or to reject his authority and, in turn, reject him.

God loves us so much that he will not take away that gift of free will from us; because, if he did, we would be like the dumb beasts in the jungle. Today’s message is telling us that we can keep God’s commandments, and we know that because he tells us he will always be there (John 15:7). We can choose evil but we cannot say we could not help ourselves because we would be trying to say that we did not have a choice. We may fool our friends, family, or even society with this false line of defense; but our all-wise, all-loving, and all-knowing God cannot be deceived.

We are compelled to always remember that our God is a God of love, and our religion is a religion of love, not fear. We do good things because we choose not to offend our beloved God who loves us even when we make bad choices. Love is a decision and when we do not have a choice to decide, it is no longer love that motivates us.

Christians are motivated by the knowledge that God has chosen to love us first, and that he never stops loving us. We may favorably reflect on this incredible kind of benevolent love that he has for us and choose to respond to his love with our “yes” to his Holy Word. You may have some terrible pages in your book of life, but you have the option to choose and to tear these pages out by coming back to God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We choose to come back into the safe and loving arms of a forgiving Father, called “Abba,” when we turn to him and ask for his pardon.

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 2:6-10

Paul was very emphatic that the Christian faith that the converted Corinthians had received was a gift from God. He stressed that they were converted from paganism not by any great skill of preaching or earthy philosophy, but by God. The mental outlook of the majority of today’s society is very similar to that of St. Paul’s time. Today, much is made of the earthly wisdom of our secular and religious leaders.

The philosophy of today is not centered on the cross of Calvary; on the contrary, it is concen­trated on the centers of learning and trade. The big business tycoons of today are modern counterparts of the Roman slave-drivers. Today, in many parts of the world, the destiny of the poor is in the hands of those who are very wealthy. The things of God are openly denied and ridiculed. The power of money and guns seems to drown out the cry of the poor. Jesus called out to us and said, “What you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me.” (Matthew 25:31-46)

We see the desire of choice becoming a choice of death for the unwanted unborn of our land. We have become so advanced in our technology that segregation and suppression of our weaker brothers and sisters are lost in the frenzy to have more of everything. This is a direct result of our ignoring the only true wisdom of life. God’s wisdom has been revealed in his incarnation; the modern man still thinks that his true happiness is centered here on earth. Man thinks that because he only has a few years here on earth, he has to go for the “gusto.” We can only be brought back to reality by a return to recognizing God’s plan for us.

The time we have here on earth is our journey to heaven. The more we reach out and help our fellow-travelers on this journey, the smoother will be our own trip. We must keep our path marked out by our heavenly Father, and we must practice broth­erly love along the way. The majesty of what God has in store for those who love him is beyond our wildest dreams.

 

 

MATTHEW 5:17-37

Christ is not calling for the removal of the Ten Commandments. He is telling his followers that their attitude must be righteous and more spiritual than that of the scribes and Pharisees. The moral value of any legal observance comes from the inferiority of the attitudes of those who observe and keep the law. Our compli­ance with the law does not honor God alone. Our attitude of love, reverence, and obedience to do his will is what honors God. This is the core of the law of Christianity. The old law of Moses is not abolished; it is deepened and given new meaning. To avoid murdering someone, or even injuring someone, is not enough; rather, we are called to help and prevent injury to anyone who is in distress wherever and whenever we can. To be someone who doesn’t commit adultery is not enough; we are called as Christians to respect and esteem purity. This includes not only purity in actions but also purity in thoughts.

Today, we hear a variety of ways to prevent infectious diseases, such as gonor­rhea, syphilis, or AIDS. Why do we hear so little of purity, chastity, and Christian morality? We must be truthful people, not only to ourselves, but first to God (John 8:32). God’s laws were given to help people love God with all their hearts and minds (Deuteronomy 6:5). God’s law is a law of love, and love is a decision that begins with the mind. By Jesus’ time the religious leaders turned the law into a confusing mass of rules. Jesus spoke out against the abuses and excesses to which the law had been subjected. The Pharisees were content to obey the law outwardly and would not allow it to change their hearts. Jesus was saying that the quality of our hearts had to be greater than that of the Pharisees.

Today, we only have to look around to see the outward forms of piety being practiced, such as going to Mass, reciting the daily devotions, and seeing clergy praying the Office. This kind of obedience, while it is good, is not enough if there is no “metonoia” (a change of heart). Do people see us as the fruit of the Spirit because we keep the laws of God? If not, why not? We need to really listen as Jesus talks to us in this passage. He says that we will be held accountable for everything we do, everything we do not do, and every one of our thoughts.

Jesus is our source and our supply when we are being attacked by wrongful thoughts (Philippians 4:19). We can strike back against Satan by filling our minds with thoughts that are pure, good, and honorable (Philippians 4:8). Jesus tells us to be truthful and speak with veracity, and our need for promises and oaths will be reduced tremendously.

 

 

Application

The first reading tells us that we have a “free will” and that we can make a choice. The second reading tells us that this gift of a “free will” is available to everyone. The gift of faith is open to all men, rich or poor, schooled or unschooled, sick or healthy. The Gospel tells us that the spirit or the intent of the law is what gives it power and success. A change of heart is what makes a law a proven value.

This week, let us show by our actions that a change of heart is taking place inside of us! Parents, this week, do not allow in your home any diversion, such as TV or video, that Jesus could not sit and watch, too. Children, do not talk or listen to any conversations in school or at work that Jesus could not listen to or talk about. All Adults – let whatever comes out of your mouth be words that will change other people’s thoughts to thinking about Jesus Christ.

 

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Feb 5th) ‑ CYCLE A

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY              READ ISAIAH 58:7‑10         FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

OPPRESSION               MALICIOUS SPEECH            ACCUSATIONS

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

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

Ecclesiastes 7:7           Sirach 27:6

Sirach 10:7              Matthew 22:15

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

Ezekiel 45:9

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Genesis 16:7‑12

Genesis 21:17

Malachi 2:7

Matthew 11:10, 11

Acts 10:3

 

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

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 5:13‑16               GOSPEL

(“You are the light of the world.”)

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

 

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

Leviticus 2:13

Mark 9:49‑50

Colossians 4:6

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. Who is good? Psalm 25:8

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Exodus 15:1, 2            Mark 2:12

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

Ezra 10:10, 11                               Acts 3:9

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

Daniel 4:34              Hebrews 13:12‑15

Matthew 11:25             Rev 4:8‑11

 

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

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 112:4‑9

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 112:4‑9.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 58:7‑10

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

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

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

 

 

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1‑5

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

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

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

 

MATTHEW 5:13‑16

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Jan. 29th) – CYCLE A

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY         READ ZEPHANIAH 2:3, 3:12-13     FIRST READING

(“Seek the Lord all you humble of the Lord.”)

  1. Who must seek the Lord? Zephaniah 2:3

 

  1. What happens to those who humble themselves?

2 Chronicles 7:14

Job 22:29

Psalm 25:9

Proverbs 3:34

Proverbs 11:2

Sirach 3:18

1 Peter 5:5

 

  1. What happens to those who do not humble themselves?

2 Chronicles 33:23, 24

Sirach 10:15

Isaiah 13:11

Daniel 4:34

 

  1. What does it mean to humble yourself?

Ezra 8:21

Sirach 2:17

Sirach 18:20

Philippians 2:3-5

 

  1. What happens to God through those that are humble? Sirach 3:19

 

  1. From whom do we learn to become humble? Matthew 11:25, 29

 

  1. How should Christians act toward one another? 1 Peter 3:8

 

Personal – Read Philippians 2:3, 4. Put your name in the following first and third blank spaces, and insert the name of a person you have the most trouble getting along with, in the second and fourth blank spaces:

 

(1)_________, never act out of rivalry or conceit; rather think humbly of (2)__________as superior to (3)_________, looking to (4)__________interest rather than to my own.

 

  1. What three things must they seek? Zephaniah 2:3

 

  1. What may happen to these people on the day of the Lord’s anger?  Zep 2:3. Also see Psalm 2:11, on how not to be      affected by God’s anger

 

  1. What will he leave in your midst and in what shall they take refuge?   Zephaniah 3:12

 

  1. What three things shall they not do, and what shall they do?      Zephaniah 3:13

 

Personal – Are you one of God’s remnants? Do others see you as one of his remnants? What can you do to better glorify God? Meditate on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY          READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31    SECOND READING

(“If anyone wants to boast, let him boast about the Lord.”)

  1. Who are among those called, and what are they to consider?     1 Corinthians 1:26

 

  1. What are these brothers not considered? 1 Corinthians 1:26

 

Personal – Who do you consider the well-born today? Who are the influential?

 

  1. Who did God choose to shame the wise, and who did God single out of this world to do what? 1 Corinthians 1:27

 

  1. How does the world see these people, and what was God’s reason for choosing the low born?   1 Corinthians 1:27-29

 

  1. Who has God chosen according to James 2:5?

 

  1. Who has given us life in Christ Jesus? 1 Corinthians 1:30

 

  1. Was this new life in Christ Jesus accomplished by anything we have done? Ephesians 2:8-9

 

  1. Fill in the following blanks: He has made him our ________ and also our _________, our _________________and our

_____________ (1 Corinthians 1:30)

 

  1. Who gives wisdom, what is wisdom, and to whom does God give wisdom?   1 Kings 5:9, Ephesians 1:9, Job 28:28, Psalm 19:8

 

  1. As Jesus grew in size and strength with what was he filled?      Luke 2:40

 

  1. With what does righteousness begin and end, and how will we receive justice?  Romans 1:17, Luke 18:7

 

  1. What leads us to righteousness, and what must we do with our      bodies to sanctify them?   Romans 6:16-19

 

  1. How have we been sanctified? Hebrews 10:10

 

  1. How have we been redeemed? Ephesians 1:7

 

  1. How did we deserve to be justified by the gift of God through the redemption of Christ? Romans 3:24

 

Personal – At times, how do you find yourself boasting about your accomplishments? Think about this today, and when you begin to do this, discipline your mind to think on what Jesus has done for you in that situation.

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 5:1-12               GOSPEL

(“Happy are the poor in spirit.”)

  1. When Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down, who gathered around him?  Matthew 5:1

 

  1. What did Jesus begin to do, and where did Jesus do his teaching?

Matthew 5:1-2

Mark 1:21

Mark 4:1

Luke 5:3

 

Personal – How and where do you teach about God’s ways? How can you follow Jesus’ example to teach whenever a need arises? In what way have you learned about how Jesus acted in certain situations to be able to share that with your spouse, your children, your friends, and those with whom you work?

 

  1. Who did Jesus tell his disciples would teach them when he was not there?   Luke 12:12

 

  1. Whose is the kingdom of God? Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20

 

  1. Who shall be consoled? Matt 5:4; Luke 6:21; Psalm 126:5

 

  1. Who shall inherit the land? Matt 5:5; Psalm 37:11; Proverbs 2:21

 

  1. What will happen to those who hunger and thirst for holiness? Matt 5:6, Luke 6:21, Proverbs 21:21

 

  1. Mercy shall be whose, and who shall see God? Matt 5:7-8

 

  1. Who shall be called sons of God, and to whom does the reign of God belong?  Matthew 5:9-10, 1 Peter 2:20

 

  1. Whose reward is great in heaven? Matthew 5:12

 

  1. When being persecuted, how should we act? Whom did they persecute before us and in what way?  Matt 5:12, James 1:2, 2 Chronicles 36:16

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 146:6-10

(“The Lord sets captives free.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 146:6-10.

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

ZEPHANIAH 2:3, 3:12-13

The “day of Yahweh” was coming, the day when God would punish all disobedient nations. Judah, because of her pride and rebelliousness, was very much included. A small remnant of God’s people would survive the day of wrath if they became obedient to God’s commands. This same warning is issued for our benefit today. The chosen people (the Israelites) did not really believe this prophecy and their nation was subjected to incredible violence. We are that remnant today and we are called more than ever to bring his Word to those around us. Many people today are still waiting for a Messiah who will bring them recognition, wealth and power.

When Jesus finally came they were not ready for him and resented him. They condemned him to death on the cross. That cross became the banner around which the few faithful Jews and Gentiles (remnant) rallied. His kingdom on earth spread and in just 30 years after his death, Christianity was known and practiced in the entire civilized world.

Today the world is turning more and more into a pagan world, and the warnings of Zephaniah are ringing in our ears. God is opposed to the proud and arrogant of every generation. He will always bless and protect the poor and the humble because they believe in him. Self-reliance and arrogance found no place in God’s kingdom then and neither will it find any place in God’s kingdom today. Zephaniah shows us that only when we faithfully follow and obey God’s Word can we really ever be truly happy.

The Good Shepherd looks over his flock and provides them with the protection that they need. They know they can lie down in safety and rest in peace because he is always present among them. We need not fear any man or nation because Jesus tells us that through him, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).

 

1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31

Paul tells us how fortunate we are to have a God who loves us so much that he chose to become just like us in every way but sin. He tells us that God calls us to be one of his children, not because of what we have done or what we may own or even how smart we may be. In fact, God has made salvation available to all, especially the lowly and humble. All anyone needs is faith in order to be saved. Salvation comes from believing that Jesus Christ died so that all of our sins would be washed away by his blood. Jesus’ death allowed us to become holy and spotless before God. We are justified in faith by what Jesus did on that cross, not by anything we ever did. This is tremendously Good News for us, especially those of us who are struggling in our own lives through sickness, poverty, tyranny or being from the wrong side of town. It’s incredible to realize that Jesus came to earth to die for all men and women, rich or poor, weak or strong, young or old.

Not everyone accepted Jesus and the result is that many are searching in the wrong direction for the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Faith is a response to the power and presence of the living God in our lives. Salvation is free, but it is not inherited. Each one of us has to personally accept the invitation from Christ. Paul’s words are great comfort and hope to the people in our world today. Much of the world is suffering through famine, tyranny, and lack of respect for human dignity. Jesus is present among all of us and he seeks out the oppressed and offers them full partnership in his kingdom in heaven and encourag­es all of us to bring that kingdom into reality here on earth now.

 

MATTHEW 5:1-12

Jesus gave this sermon on a hillside near Capernaum, and it is believed that this “Sermon on the Mount” probably lasted several days. Jesus broke through the traditional view of the law and talked about the attitudes of men. He stressed that it is as important to be, as to do. We might even call them “The Be-Attitudes” of Christianity. Tremendous crowds were following Jesus, he was the talk of everyone. He preached with such simpleness and yet with much authority.

The disciples were Jesus’ closest companions, and all of this attention certainly must have made them feel important, popular and maybe even prideful. Being with Jesus gave them plenty of notoriety, as well as being faith healers of a sort. Jesus warned them about the temptations they would face as his associates, and some think his sermon on the mount may have been directed to his disciples, as well as everyone else in the crowd.

We hear a lot of comments today that if you follow Jesus’ teaching, you will be successful, healthy, wealthy and wise. Jesus really tells us to expect not fame or fortune; but to expect mourning, hunger, and persecution. Jesus tells us not to look for our reward in this life. We will be rewarded but not necessarily here on earth. The beatitudes are a standard of conduct for all Christian believers. There is a strong contrast in values. The kingdom values deal with eternal life and worldly values deal with what is temporary. They contrast the superficial faith of the Pharisees with the real faith Jesus wants.

Today we are faced with the same challenge. We need to really take a look at our values and see if they are worldly values or kingdom values. The beatitudes cannot be a multiple choice, pick what you want and leave the rest. To be a real follower of Christ these have to be your be-attitudes.

 

Applications

The first reading talks about a day of warm healing for the humble and a day of wrath for the proud. The second reading shows us how God has chosen ordinary people to be eligible for salvation. In the Gospel, we hear the attitudes of Christ are to be our attitudes.

This week, let us reach out and give comfort to someone in our family. It might be nothing more than a letter of sympathy or a get well card. It could also be visiting someone who has lost a loved one and who is lonely.

 

THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Jan. 22nd) ‑ CYCLE A

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ ISAIAH 8:23‑9:3        FIRST READING

(“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”)

  1. What lands has he degraded? See if you can locate this on      your bible map Isaiah 8:23

 

  1. What happened in the end, what land has he glorified, and what shall be taken away?   Isaiah 8:23

 

  1. What happened to the people who walked in darkness? Isaiah 9:1

 

  1. Who brightens the darkness about us? 2 Samuel 22:29

 

  1. What must we do to come out of the darkness and into the light, according to the following scriptures:

Isaiah 58:10

John 8:12

Acts 26:18

Romans 13:12‑14.

Personal ‑ How have you come out of the darkness into the light? 1 Peter 2:9 states, “You, however, are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people he claims for his own to proclaim the glorious works of the one who called you from dark­ness into his marvelous light.” Meditate on this.

 

  1. What has he brought them or what is the result of walking in the light?   Isaiah 9:2

 

  1. How did the following experience this abundant joy and in whom did they find this joy?

 

David (Psalm 16:7‑11)

Mary (Luke 1:46-47)

John the Baptist (John 3:29‑30)

Paul (Philippians 1:18)

 

  1. What had burdened them? Isaiah 9:3

 

  1. What does Jesus tell us about his yoke? Matt 11:28‑30

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you found life become heavy and burden­some? Write out the above verse and meditate on it.

 

  1. What got smashed and what comparison is made here? Isaiah      9:3, Exodus 18:1

 

 

THIRD DAY        READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10‑13, 17   SECOND READING

(In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ agree in what you say.”)

  1. Who is being appealed to, by whom, and in whose name? 1 Corinthians 1:1, 10

 

  1. What is Paul begging them to do? 1 Corinthians 1:10

 

  1. How are we united with Christ? Romans 6:1‑5

 

  1. What unites us in mind in the following scriptures?

1 Corinthians 5:4

Philippians 2:2‑4

Colossians 2:2

 

  1. What was Paul informed about and by whom? 1 Cor 1:11

 

  1. List the four men the people were quarreling over, and tell who they were. 1 Corinthians 1:12

 

  1. __________________________ John 1:36, 41

 

  1. __________________________ John 1:42

 

  1. __________________________ Acts 18:24‑25

 

  1. __________________________ 1 Corinthians 1:1

 

  1. What was Paul’s response to what they were quarreling about?   1 Corinthians 1:13

 

  1. What does God’s Word tell us about quarreling? Romans 13:12‑13

 

Personal ‑ How do you prevent yourself from quarreling with others over God’s Word? By studying his Word, you will find yourself quarreling less and standing more on the truths of his Word.

 

  1. Who sent Paul and what did he send him to do? 1 Corinthians 1:17

 

  1. How is he not to preach the Gospel? 1 Cor 1:17, 1 Corinthians 2:4

 

  1. What would happen to the cross if Paul spoke with “worldly wisdom? ” 1 Corinthians 1:17

 

Personal ‑ When you speak about God to your family, friends, work acquaintances, what do you talk about? Does it end up in quarreling and arguing or do you do as Paul did in 1 Cor. 2:1‑5? Re­flect on this.

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 4:12‑23               GOSPEL

(“Repent, the kingdom of God is close at hand.”)

  1. What did Jesus hear and what did he do? Matthew 4:12

 

  1. Where did he go when he heard the news about John? Matthew 4:13

 

  1. What was his reason for going there? Matthew 4:14

 

  1. What did Jesus begin to proclaim from that time on? Matthew 4:17

 

  1. What was John’s message in preparing for Jesus’ coming? Matthew 3:2

 

  1. What did Jesus say is at hand? Matthew 4:17, Luke 17:20‑21

 

Personal ‑ What does it mean to you to reform your life? What do you think “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” means? Do you have areas in your life that need changing? Sit before your heavenly Father and talk to him about this.

 

  1. Where was Jesus walking and what was he watching? Matthew 4:18

 

  1. What did he say to the two brothers? Matthew 4:19

 

  1. What did God say through the prophet Jeremiah? Jeremiah 16:16

 

Personal ‑ What must we do to become fishers of men? Fill in the blanks: __________ __________ ____________ and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

 

  1. What was Peter and Andrew’s response to Jesus’ invitation and did they stop to think about it?   Matthew 4:20

 

  1. As Jesus walked along, what did he notice? Matthew 4:21

 

  1. What were the two brothers doing and who was with them?

 

  1. Fill in the blanks. Matthew 4:21-22.

He _________________them, and ______________ they abandoned

their boat and _______________to_________________him.

 

  1. Where did Jesus tour and what did he do in their synagogues? Matthew 4:23

 

  1. There were three things that Jesus did according to Matthew 4:23. What were they?

Personal ‑ In your prayer time alone with Jesus, ask him to teach you his truths through his Word. Ask him to help you understand the good news of the kingdom and ask him for the gift of healing so that those in your family, your friends and your work ac­quaintances may come to better know him. Share this with some­one.

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 27:1, 4, 13‑14

(“The Lord is my light and my salvation.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14.

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 8:23‑9:3

This passage begins with the results of Israel being invaded by Assyria and ends with Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming Messiah. Isaiah was given a prophecy by the Lord that Israel and Syria, both very strong enemies of Judah, would fall to the Assyrians. Judah rejected this warning and experienced God’s wrath and punishment. Isaiah was even considered a traitor because he told the people to trust only in God, not some power­ful conquering nation to the north. He even predicted the fall of Judah and watched the nation plunge into darkness and fear.

The people refused to consult God about their future and even began to blame God for their trials. Today many people still blame God for their problems of health, marriage, work, etc. We need to ask ourselves why do some act like the people in scripture (Is. 8:16‑21) and try to pass the blame off onto others. The darkness that the people were thrust into does not mean death necessarily, it may mean despair, trouble, anguish, defeat, rejection. Isaiah tells us in his prophecy (9:1‑6) that a Messiah is coming and despair, sorrow and trouble will come to an end.

The people in those times probably felt very much as most of us do when we are going through trials, and that is, will it ever end? We can say just what it says in Psalm 23, “Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.” The Lord never promised us there would be no troubles, but he did promise that he would be right there to go through them with us, and lead us to safety.

We need to be like that today and we must follow him if we are to be led safely through the times of tribulation and trial. God promises a light to all those who live in the valley of the shadow of death and the light’s name is Jesus.

 

                   I CORINTHIANS 1:10‑13, 17

We see in today’s passage that Paul is not only an evangel­ist who preached God’s Word and helped form Christian community, but he also kept a life-time interest in their spiritual welfare. He begins by appealing to them as brothers in the Lord. We need to ask ourselves when we come up against quarreling or bickering, do we appeal to the one who has hurt us in the name of the Lord? We are to love our neighbor as ourself (Mt. 22:37) and that means to care about one another and to be ready to forgive one another in the name of the Lord.

Human nature is still the same today in that people are still fighting over who is the most important, or who deserves the most recognition. It had only been a few years since Jesus’ crucifix­ion, and factions and divisions were already forming in the new expanding church leaders. Personal pride was entering into their desire to follow Christ on the road to heav­en. The pride and ambition shown in today’s message not only inflicts damage on that community but it has given ground to long-standing division in the Christian church even today.

The divi­sions in the church are a scandal to the followers of Christ and a tremendous obstacle to the conversion of unbelievers, which is the result of the actions of proud and arro­gant men. We cannot call ourselves humble when we forget, by our actions, that Christ died for us all and that Christ is not and will not be divided. We are all being called to live out the life of Christ who, because of our baptism, now lives within us. In our prayers, we can ask God to give us the grace to come together in his saving name and bring his love to our neighbor which can result in the work of reunion between God and all of his children. God will surely hear and respond to the call that comes from his humble children.

 

MATTHEW 4:12‑23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judah and returned home to Nazareth, his hometown. He didn’t stay long because of opposition and apathy of the local hometown people. He began his preaching ministry by going from one small town to another. He left Nazareth and headed for Capernaum which was to become his home base during his ministry in Galilee. Capernaum was a very busy city and Jesus’ message would be heard by many people. He also would be able to have more resources and support for his ministry. Isaiah’s prophecy (9:1‑2) was fulfilled in that Jesus was the light to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali, the region of Galilee in which Capernaum was located.

Matthew uses the phrase “kingdom of heaven” out of respect to the Jews because in reverence they did not pronounce God’s name. Jesus probably meant the kingdom of heaven is near because when Jesus is in a man’s heart, the kingdom of God is definitely near. We need to know that we do not have to go out and search the wide world over to find God. He is right here within, and all we need to do is call out his name, confess with our lips and believe in our heart (Romans 10:10‑17). Jesus began his ministry where John the Baptist left off, and the message is the same today, “Turn from sin and turn to God.” When we become followers of Christ, we turn away from our self‑centeredness and self‑control.

Jesus called the brothers to come follow him and become fishers of men. He is calling us to do the same things. Are you going to fish or cut bait? These men probably had already heard about Jesus through his preaching in the area but after personally experienc­ing his love, and hearing his call, they immediately responded to the invitation.

Jesus is teaching, preaching, and healing today as much as he was in today’s Gospel. He is teaching us how to bring others to him and be saved. He is preaching the Good News through his people today, like you and me. He certainly is heal­ing people today, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Jesus preached the Good News to everyone who wanted to hear it. The Good News is that God became man, that God is with us in the Holy Spirit, and that he cares very much for us. Rejoice and be glad that there is no sin or problem too great or too small for him to handle. Today, as in the days of Isaiah, Jesus the Messi­ah is a “Light to the Land.”

 

 

Application

The first reading calls the Messiah to be “A light to the Land” to bring his people out of darkness. Paul tells us in the second reading that pride and ambition have caused great obstacles in the church. In the Gospel, we hear the kingdom of heaven is near because Jesus becomes present in our hearts when he died on the cross so that we might have eternal life.

This week, be a light to your family by being extra caring and compassion­ate. It could be volunteering to baby sit, wash the family car, do laundry, visit a sick relative or someone else you know that has no one else to care for them.

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (Jan. 15th) ‑ CYCLE A

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ ISAIAH 49:3, 5‑6                                FIRST READING

(“My God is now my strength.”)

  1. Who is the Lord’s servant? To whom is the Lord speaking and what does he show through them? Isaiah 49:3

 

  1. Who is being referred to as “Israel” in the following scriptures?

Genesis 35:9‑11

Exodus 4:21‑22

Exodus 5:1

 

Personal ‑ Do you see yourself with the name “Israel?” Reread Isaiah 49:3 and put Jesus’ name in place of Israel and then put your name in that place. Meditate on this.

 

  1. Who has spoken? Isaiah 49:5

 

  1. Where did he form Jesus and as what did he form him? Isaiah      49:5, Psalm 139:13

 

  1. Who would be brought back to the Lord and who would be gathered to him? Isaiah 49:5

 

  1. What is Jesus made in the sight of the Lord? Isaiah 49:5

 

  1. Who is Jesus’ strength? Isaiah 49:5

 

  1. What did God make Jesus to the nations and where will his salvation reach? Isaiah 49:6

 

  1. What did Jesus say and what will happen to those who follow him? John 8:12

 

Personal ‑ In question 4, 6, and 7 above, put your name along the side of Jesus’ name and reread the question and answer.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 1 CORINTHIANS 1:1‑3                              SECOND READING

(“To you who have been consecrated in Christ Jesus and called to be a holy people.”)

  1. By whom was Paul called and what was he called to be? 1 Corinthians 1:1

 

  1. To whom did Paul and Sosthenes send greetings? 1 Corinthians 1:2

 

Personal ‑ Do you see “the church of God” as a building in which you worship God, or do you see “the church of God” made up of yourself and others who believe in God?

 

  1. Read the following and tell to whom it refers as the Church: Acts 9:31 Acts 20:28 Ephesians 5:23

 

  1. Where was “the church of God” located in this particular greeting by Paul and Sosthenes? 1 Corinthians 1:2 See whether you can locate this on your bible map

 

  1. How do we become consecrated in Christ Jesus? John 17:17‑19

 

  1. What kind of people are we called to be? 1 Cor 1:2

 

  1. What happens when we call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? Romans 10:13

 

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

 

  1. How do you receive grace? 2 Peter 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:9

 

Personal ‑ How do you see yourself as one called by God to be holy, and consecrated by him daily? How do you spend time alone with the Lord, talking with him, sharing your fears and anxieties as well as your joys and peaceful times? Take at least ten minutes each day this week without any distractions and talk to him, your Lord.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ JOHN 1:29‑34    GOSPEL

(“It is he who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit.”)

  1. When John caught sight of Jesus coming toward him, what did he exclaim?   John 1:29

 

  1. Read Exodus 12:1‑13 concentrating on verses 3, 6, 12 and 13. What was done to atone for the sin of idolatry (Exodus 12:12), or worshipping false gods?

 

  1. Why is Jesus referred to as “the Lamb of God?” Isaiah 53:7, 8 and 12

 

  1. What is the sin of the world? Exodus 12:12

 

  1. What did John say and into what position did he put Jesus? John 1:30

 

  1. In John’s statement, “After me is to come a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me;” would this indicate that Jesus was born before him? Luke 1:34‑36

 

Personal ‑ In your own words, write out what this passage means to you.  John 1:30

 

  1. What was John’s reason for baptizing? John 1:31

 

  1. What was John’s testimony? John 1:32, Isaiah 11:2, Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10 and Luke 3:21‑22

 

  1. When we receive the Spirit of God, what else do we receive? Isaiah 11:2

 

  1. John says he did not recognize Jesus. Who told him who Jesus was? John 1:33

 

  1. When did God reveal to him what he was to do and where did he reveal this to him? Luke 3:2

 

  1. What did God reveal to John? What did John see for himself and to what did he testify? John 1:33-34

 

Personal ‑ How has God revealed to you that Jesus is the Chosen One? Do you feel you are one of God’s chosen ones? Take time this week to reflect on the way God has chosen you and for what purpose.

 

 

FIFTH DAY                       READ PSALM 40:2, 4, 7‑10

(“To do your will, O my God, is my delight.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 40:2, 4, 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 49:3, 5‑6

The prophet speaks of a mysterious figure known as the servant of the Lord. Christians have recognized Jesus in this description. Today the servant speaks of his mission. The servant reveals his mission as a mission of comfort, compassion, and restoration. He is to make Israel a light to all the nations and that light shall be seen unto the ends of the earth. This was a time of joy because the captives were being brought back to Israel and the hand of the Lord, the Holy One of Israel had created it (Isaiah 41:20).

The communities were still very poor and labored under many difficulties and affliction; so this message of comfort was well received. Isaiah tells us in these verses that the servant is clearly identified with the entire nation. Isaiah shows us how the servant, by suffering through the miseries of being exiled from their homeland and still being faithful to God, is identified with the people of Israel as their ideal representative (verse 3). Upon returning to their homeland the exiles find that rebuilding the temple was not enough. Instead, a call to holiness and worship of the one true God was needed to bring a sense of fullness to the people. The servant will be a healing visible light to all of Israel and all the other nations, Jew or Gentile.

 

1 CORINTHIANS 1:1‑3

Paul begins his letter in the ordinary style of the day, the first century equivalent of “Dear Corinthians.” However, his conventional greeting includes a reminder that they are part of the Lord’s plan for the world.

In the first three verses of this letter the name of Jesus Christ appears no fewer than four times. This was going to be a difficult letter, because it was going to deal with a difficult situation. Paul’s first and only thought was that of Jesus Christ.

Sometimes the church, or even ourselves, try to deal with a difficult situation by means of a book of laws and in the spirit of human justice. Often we try to call on our own mental powers. Paul did none of these things. To his trying situation he brought in Jesus Christ, and it was in the light of the cross and the love of Christ that he dealt with it.

Paul speaks of the church of God at Corinth. It was not the church of Corinth; it was the church of God. We might do well to imitate Paul in this respect and become more aware of the reality which unites us, and become less aware of the local differences which divide us.

Paul tells us something about the individual Christian. 1. He is consecrated in Christ. To be consecrated to Christ is to be one for whom Jesus died, and to know and to live out that reality. 2. We are called to be God’s dedicated people. The word “Hagios” means to be holy or saintly. If a person has been “called” by God, he must show that he is fit in life and in character for that holy service. The Christian is called into a community whose boundaries include heaven and earth. We are all called to be “Hagios” (saints).

 

JOHN 1:29‑34

Once again the fourth Gospel tells us that John is paying homage to Jesus. He calls him the title which has become an integral part of our liturgy, “The Lamb of God.”

John may have been thinking of the Passover lamb because he was the son of a priest and he would know all the rituals of the temple and its sacrifices. The Passover feast was not very far away (John 2:13). The blood of the slain lamb protected the people in the homes of the Israelites on the night they left Egypt (Exodus 12:1‑13). The blood of the Passover lamb delivered the Israelites in Egypt from death. Jesus was considered to be the one true sacrifice who can deliver us from death. Paul, too, thought of Jesus as the Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7) in that there is a deliverance only Jesus Christ can win for us.

Two great pictures of the lamb are presented in the Prophets. Isaiah has the great picture of the one who was brought “like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7). Jeremiah writes, “But I was like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter” (Jeremiah 11:19). Isaiah 53 later became to the church one of the most precious forecasters in all the Old Testament. There is sheer wonder in the phrase “The Lamb of God.” John used this phrase twenty-nine times in Revelation, and it has become one of the most precious titles of Christ. This title sums up the love, sacrifice, suffering, and triumph of Jesus Christ.

Something happened at Jesus’ baptism that convinced John that Jesus was indeed the Son of God. In Palestine, the dove was a sacred bird and it was not hunted or eaten. The dove also symbolizes Israel, God’s people formed by the Holy Spirit. The creative Spirit of God was moving across the face of the waters (Genesis 1:2)). The rabbis said that the Spirit of God moved and fluttered like a dove. The picture of the dove was one that Jesus knew and loved. The Spirit was power, power like a mighty rushing wind. The Spirit was God; the coming of the Spirit into a man’s life was the coming of God.

Baptism means to dip or to submerge. It can be used for clothes being dipped into dye. John’s baptism meant cleansing. It meant a man was being washed from impurities that clung to him. Jesus’ Baptism was a Baptism of the Spirit, and it meant his life was strengthened with power. The church has included the same Baptism that Jesus experienced in the practice of our faith. We, too, are the beloved of our heavenly Father and his favor rests on us.

 

 

 

Application

The first reading tells us about a servant whose mission is to make Israel a light to all the nations. The second reading shows us that Paul responded to his trying situation in the light of the cross, and with the love of Christ. The Gospel reveals to us that Jesus is the true “Lamb of God.”

John the Baptist’s job was to point people to Jesus. Our job is to point them to Christ and show that it is he whom they seek. This week, lead someone to Christ by intercessory prayer, introduce them to this bible study or bring someone to your church. Try to be specific and gentle.

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD (Jan. 8th) – CYCLE A, B, C

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ ISAIAH 60:1-6         FIRST READING

(“But upon you the Lord shines.”)

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

 

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

Exodus 16:7, 10

Exodus 24:16, 17

Leviticus 9:6, 23, 24

Ezekiel 3:12-13

Luke 2:9

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. Who is the light? John 8:12

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

  1. What was revealed? Ephesians 3:3

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ MATTHEW 2:1-12               GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

______________________________________________________________­____________________________________________________________

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 72:1-13

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 72:1-13.

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

 

How can you apply this to your daily spiritual life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY            READ ALL THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 60:1-6

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

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

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

 

EPHESIANS 3:2-3,5-6

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

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

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

 

MATTHEW 2:1-12

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

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD (Jan. 1st) – CYCLE A-B-C

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY            READ NUMBERS 6:22-27        FIRST READING

(“The Lord bless you and keep you!”)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. Who will be blessed? Proverbs 28:20

 

  1. What brings wealth? Proverbs 10:22

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THIRD DAY             READ GALATIANS 4:4-7        SECOND READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ LUKE 2:16-21                GOSPEL

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

  1. When the shepherds went off in haste, who did they find? Luke 2:16
  2. Why did Mary lay her firstborn Son in a manger? Luke 2:7
  1. What did the shepherds do when they saw the child? Luke 2:17

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  1. What did Mary do? Luke 2:19

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 67:2-6, 8

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 67:2-6, 8.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

NUMBERS 6:22-27

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

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

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

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

 

 

                        GALATIANS 4:4-7

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

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

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

 

LUKE 2:16-21

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

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

 

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

 

Application

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

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

Christmas (Dec. 25th) – Cycle A, B, C

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

by Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

CHRISTMAS DAY – CYCLE A-B-C

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ ISAIAH 52:7-10         FIRST READING

(“Your God is King”)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ HEBREWS 1:1-6        SECOND READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 1:1-18                 GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

FIFTH DAY              READ PSALM 98:1-6

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 98:1-6

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 52:7-10

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

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

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

 

HEBREWS 1:1-6

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

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

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

 

 

JOHN 1:1-18

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

Fourth Sunday of Advent (Dec. 18th) – Cycle A

Posted on by

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

BEFORE, YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

 

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY                                 READ ISAIAH 7:10‑14                            FIRST READING

(“Therefore, the Lord himself will give you this sign.”)

  1. To whom did the Lord speak and through whom did he speak?       Isaiah 7:10 & Isaiah 7:3

 

  1. Who is Ahaz? Isaiah 7:1

 

  1. For what was Ahaz to ask God? Isaiah 7:11

 

  1. What was Ahaz’s answer to this question? Isaiah 7:12

 

  1. What did Isaiah say to Ahaz? Isaiah 7:13

 

  1. What did the Lord give Ahaz? Isaiah 7:14

 

  1. What was the sign he gave him? Isaiah 7:14

 

  1. What did the Pharisees and teachers of the law say to Jesus, and what was his answer?   Matthew 12:38‑40

 

  1. What was the sign given to the shepherds? Luke 2:12, 16‑17

 

Personal – In what way have you wearied God by constantly looking for signs other than the virgin birth? How is Jesus your sign?

 

 

THIRD DAY                                     READ ROMANS 1:1‑7                       SECOND READING

(“Through him we have been favored with apostleship.”)

  1. Who was sending greetings and how does he refer to himself?       Romans 1:1

 

  1. What is he called to be and for what is he set apart?           Romans 1:1

 

  1. Where is recorded what he promised long ago through his prophets?   Romans 1:2

 

  1. Whom is the Gospel concerning, from whom did he descend and how did he descend from him?   Romans 1:3

 

  1. How was he made Son of God? Romans 1:4

 

  1. For what two reasons have you been called? Romans 1:5

 

  1. What are we to spread concerning his name? Acts 4:12

 

  1. To whom have we been called to belong? Romans 1:6

 

  1. To whom was Paul speaking? Romans 1:7

 

  1. To what did he say they had been called and what does he greet them with from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?            Romans 1:7

 

Personal ‑ In what way do you see yourself called to spread the name of Jesus just as Paul was? How can you become an apostle for Jesus to your family and friends?

 

 

FOURTH DAY                              READ MATTHEW 1:18‑24                                        GOSPEL

(“She is to have a son and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”)

  1. How did the birth of Jesus Christ come about? Matthew 1:18

 

  1. Through the power of whom was Mary found to be with child?     Matthew 1:18

 

  1. Who was Joseph and what kind of a man was he? Matthew 1:19

 

  1. What was Joseph’s intention, how did the angel of the Lord appear to him, and what did he say to him? Matthew 1:19-20

 

  1. When was another time an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, what did he tell him to do, and what was his response?       Matthew 2:13‑14

 

  1. What did the angel say Mary would have, what was she to name him, and for what reason?   Matthew 1:21

 

  1. Why did all this happen, who was the prophet, and what did he say?  Matthew 1:22, Isaiah 7:14

 

  1. What does his name mean and what did Joseph do when he awoke?           Matthew 1:23-24, Isaiah 8:8, 10

 

  1. As Joseph recognized God speaking to him through an angel, what did his obedience show?   John 14:21

 

  1. What did he not do before Mary bore a son, and what did Joseph name the child?   Matthew 1:25

 

  1. What do the following scriptures say about the name of Jesus?

John 14:13

Acts 2:21 and 4:12

Philippians 2:9‑10

 

Personal ‑ When and where do you experience the presence of God the most in your life? What do you need to do to experience “Immanuel, God is with you” more completely in your life? How often do you think, feel, experience and call upon the name of Jesus in your everyday life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY                                       READ PSALM 24:1‑6

(“He shall receive a blessing from the Lord.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 24:1‑6.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                        READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ISAIAH 7:10-14

This passage shows us the incredible generosity of God in his urging Ahaz to ask him for a sign. This sign would show Ahaz that God wanted to protect him and crush his enemies. The King refused and appeared almost righteous by stating that he would not test God with a sign. The truth of the matter was that God had told him to ask but Ahaz was not really sure what God would say. Many of us use the same excuse, saying that we do not want to bother God with our puny problems. This keeps us from being realistic and communicating honestly with him.

We need to seriously remember and hold fast to the scripture in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love him.” God loves us so much that he is constantly giving us signs of his presence and love. We need to reflect for a moment on how many times he has been present to us in the form of other people who are in our lives. God gave Ahaz and all of us the greatest sign of all time. He stated that a child shall be born to a virgin and she shall call him “Immanuel.” This means “God is with us” and he will always be with us even to the end of time (Matt. 28:20). This was a great prophecy of the Messiah.

Jewish people waited for over seven hundred years and when Christ was born in a lowly cave and took on the role of a helpless infant, the sign of all signs was ignored and missed by the non‑ believers. There are many people in the world today who are non‑ believers and who are looking for a sign. You are that sign, you are called to be that light. You are called to be an ambassador for God. They will know God is present by the sign of the way we love one another.

 

 

ROMANS 1:1‑7

This passage was written by Paul who had not yet been to Rome. It was unthinkable to hear a Roman citizen call himself a slave; and yet, that is what Paul called himself, a slave to Jesus Christ. Paul chose to be completely obedient and dependent on his beloved Jesus. We need to reflect on our own attitude toward Christ. Is Christ your Master? Are you dependent on and obedient to Jesus Christ? Paul tells about Jesus being part of the Jewish royal line and being born and then dying and rising from the dead. Paul believed totally that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and the resurrected Lord. Paul tells the Romans of his agreement with the teaching of all scripture and of the traditional oral teaching of the apostles. Paul really emphasizes that God’s grace is an undeserved privilege and that it is also accompanied by a responsibility to share God’s forgiveness with others. This is our responsibility, to witness to the world. God may never call you to witness overseas, but he is calling you to witness where you are now. Rome was the capital of the world. The city was wealthy, literary, and artistic. It was a cultural center but in terms of morality, it was dying. Many great cities in the world are facing that same fate today. Christianity was at odds with many elements in the Roman culture.

The Romans trusted in their military power to protect them against their enemies. Does this type of thinking sound familiar? Christians were being exhorted to hold fast to their views on morality. We might well look around our own society and see whether the traditional family values such as sanctity of life, marriage, and chastity are being threatened by a godless way of life. Paul showed his love toward the Roman church by expressing God’s love for them, and we need to do just that too. We need to reach out and affirm our church leaders and tell them that we love them and support them in this ministry. We need to witness to Jesus’ commandment to “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).

 

MATTHEW 1:18‑24

This passage addresses why a virgin birth is so important to the people of the Christian faith. Because Jesus was born of a woman, he was fully human. Also being the Son of God, he was both fully human and divine. We can relate totally with Jesus because he was human and he was like us and because he experienced every kind of temptation we experience today. In his whole life, Jesus never committed a sin. Because of this he understands our weakness and he offers us his forgiveness.

We can approach God with a reverence and yet boldness when we pray because we know that he truly understands our complete needs. We do not need to feel uncomfortable when we go before the Lord in prayer, as he loves us so much and he has been where we are now, and has the ability to help us. We need to understand the importance of the virgin birth in order to accept the situation that surrounded the birth of Jesus Christ. Mary was betrothed to Joseph when she became pregnant, and Joseph was confronted with only a few options to resolve the issue of his bride‑to‑be being pregnant, but not by him.

The Jewish marriage was the culmination of three stages. The first was when the couple became engaged, generally after their families agreed to their union. Later on, when a public announcement was made, the couple became “betrothed.” This was considered binding and broken only by divorce or death. There was no sexual relationship allowed however, until after the couple was married. The “betrothal” time was planning where to live, stocking the place with furniture, etc. Mary’s pregnancy displayed an apparent unfaithfulness that carried a severe social stigma. Joseph had a right according to Jewish law either to divorce her or to have her stoned in front of her father’s house (Deut. 22:23, 24). Joseph was told in a dream to follow God’s will and to take Mary for his wife. He was told by the Lord that Mary had conceived this child by the power of the Holy Spirit. Reflect for a moment how you would react to this type of a situation. Joseph chose to obey God’s command to marry her in spite of the obvious humiliation that they both experienced through the towns people. Joseph’s actions revealed several admirable qualities that the young men of today would do well to emulate. He displayed a stern principle, discretion and sensitivity. He was very responsive to God and displayed tremendous self‑discipline.

Joseph took God’s option and that was to marry Mary. God shows us that if we obey him, he will show us more options on how to live according to his will than we think possible. We must never forget that God took on the limitations of humanity so he could live and die for the salvation of all who believe in him.

 

Application

The first reading shows us that God wants us to communicate (prayer) with him so that he can shower us with his incredible generosity. The second reading tells us that obedience and dependency on Jesus Christ is the only way to freedom. The Gospel reveals that boldness and reverence are what he wants from us in prayer.

Get down on your knees and thank Christ for coming to earth so that he could die on the cross for your sins. Then ask him to take control of your life and ask the members of your family to join you as you fall on your knees and give him praise and adoration for coming to be with you. That is why they called him “Immanuel.”