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Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 11th) – Cycle B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ AMOS 7:12-15 FIRST READING

(“The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel’.”)

l. Who was Amos, and who was Amaziah? Amos 1:1,  7:10

 

2. What did Amaziah call Amos, and what did he tell him to do? Amos 7:12

 

3. What did Saul say to his servant about the man of God? 1 Samuel 9:7

 

4. Why did Amaziah tell Amos not to prophesy in Bethel? Amos 7:13

 

5. Where did Jacob set up a memorial stone, and what is it called? Genesis 28:18-22

 

6. What was Amos’ reply to Amaziah? Amos 7:14

 

7. Who took Amos from the flock, and what did he say to him? Amos 7:15

 

8. What did God do to Amos and David that was similar? 2 Samuel 7:8

 

9. Who are others whom God called to prophesy?  Exodus 7:1 and Jeremiah 26:12

 

Personal  –  Just as Amos was called by God from being a shepherd to being a prophet, how has God taken you from one place to another?  Have you ever wanted to say something to a family member or a friend, but hesitated because you knew it was something they did not want to hear?  What can you do about it?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ EPHESIANS 1:3-14 SECOND READING

(“In him we were also chosen.”)

1. With what has God blessed us?  Ephesians 1:3

 

2. When did God choose us, and what did he choose us to be? Ephesians 1:4

 

3. What did he destine us to become through Jesus Christ, and what has he granted us?   Ephesians 1:5-6

 

4. How have we been redeemed and forgiven of our sins? Ephesians 1:7, also 1 Peter 1:18-19

 

5. What has God made known to us?  Ephesians 1:8-10

 

Personal  –  What is the mystery God has revealed to you, and how have you made it known to those around you?

 

6. Of what is this the time, and what are we to do? Mark 1:15

 

7. How were we chosen, and according to whose will? Ephesians 1:11

 

8. Why do we exist?  Ephesians 1:12

 

9. What have we heard and believed, and with what have we been sealed? Ephesians 1:13

 

10. Whom does the world not accept?  John 14:17

 

11. What is the Holy Spirit to us?   Ephesians 1:14

 

Personal  –  What is the inheritance you have received from God? List the ways God has been a good Father to you.

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 6:7-13 GOSPEL

(“So they went off and preached repentance.”)

1. How did Jesus send out the twelve, and over what did he give them authority?  Mark 6:7

 

2. How and where did Jesus send the seventy-two? Luke 10:1

 

3. What was Jesus’ instructions to the twelve? Mark 6:8

 

4. How are we instructed?  Romans 15:4

 

5. What did Jesus tell his disciples they could wear, and what were they instructed not to take?   Mark 6:9

 

6. For what are your feet prepared with shoes?  Eph. 6:15

 

7. What did Jesus tell the twelve to do when they entered a house, and what if they were not listened to or welcomed by the host? Mark 6:10-11

 

Personal  –  Share with someone a time when your message of the Good News was accepted and a time when you had to shake the dust from your feet.

 

8. What did the twelve go off and preach?  Mark 6:12

 

9. What was granted us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?  Acts 5:30-31

 

10. What did the twelve drive out of people, and for what did they use the oil?  Mark 6:13

 

11. What did the Good Samaritan pour over the beaten man’s wounds?  Luke 10:34

 

Personal  –  In what way have you brought the message of repentance to those around you?  Who gives you the authority to do this, and how did you receive it?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 85:9-14

(“I will hear what God proclaims.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 85:9-14.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

AMOS 7:12-15

Many times prophets like Amos were seen as traitors because they spoke out against a corrupt ruling authority. They saw the prophet as an enemy rather than one who exposed sin and tried to help save the people of that nation.  In today’s reading we see Amaziah, the chief priest in Israel, becoming very defensive about maintaining his position, which he felt was more important than listening to the truth. Amos, on the other hand, said, “Yes, Lord” to being a prophet without any special preparation, education or upbringing.  Amos humbly obeyed God’s call to “go and prophesy to my people Israel.” Amos responded well to the test that all of God’s faithful servants have to experience.

The test that faced Amos and all other martyrs and saints in our time of salvation history is obedience. Today the core of love is obedience, and to be obedient is to be a holy person. Jesus was obedient, even unto death on a Cross (Philippians 2:5-11) for us. Amos shows us the incredible power that comes from being obedient to God’s will.

Amos had just been expelled from the church by the high priest, Amaziah. The high priest told him to go earn his bread some place else. He implied very strongly that Amos was a prophet for hire, because he did not want to hear Amos reveal the truth. Amos tells him in no uncertain terms that he is not an opportunist, nor does he keep company with evil people. Amos goes on to tell the high priest that he is just an ordinary man who makes a living as a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees. He tells him that the Lord took him from his everyday life and told him to go and prophesy to the people of Israel. Amos knew the dangers of this type of vocation, and yet in obedience he said, “Yes, Lord.”

We too have been called simply because God has chosen each one of us, and he knows each one of us by name. Like Amos, we, too, are called to a vocation, and we are being called to go forth and make disciples of all nations (Math. 28:19). We are strongest when in obedience we say, “Yes, Lord.”

 

EPHESIANS 1:3-14

Paul wrote this passage from inside the walls of a Roman prison to the church at Ephesus. He wanted them to nurture and maintain the unity within the new and growing church. Ephesus was a commercial, political, and religious center for all of Asia Minor.

We see the beginning of heaven as being wherever God is, and, therefore, every blessing in heaven had tremendous meaning. We can be very grateful for all the good things that God gives us – salvation, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, power to do God’s will. We can live with the hope of eternity with Christ. We do not have to wait until we die to enjoy these blessings, as they are ours to enjoy now. We are told that “God chose us” to emphasize that the offer of salvation depends totally on God. We are not saved because we deserve to be saved, but because God is so gracious and freely gives salvation to us.

There is no way to take credit for God’s forgiveness or to find room for pride. God chose us and that makes us separate from the world.  We have been chosen, and the choice to respond to his incredible gift is left up to each one of us. God chose us and when we belong to him through Jesus Christ, we are transformed into a new creation.  God has adopted us through the death and resurrection of Jesus to be his very own children. He has brought us into his family and made us heirs along with Jesus (Rom. 8:17). It was the blood of Jesus that gave us redemption and forgiveness. Redemption is the price paid to gain freedom for a slave (Lev. 25:47-54). Jesus, through his death, paid the price to release us from our slavery to sin.  We see that forgiveness was granted in the Old Testament on the basis of the shedding of the animal’s blood (Lev.17:11).

You and I are now forgiven on the basis of the shedding of Jesus’ blood. We cannot be saved without the incredible, voluntary, and loving gift of God’s holy grace.  When you feel that your life is not very important to anyone, it is very important to remember that you have been chosen, that he has paid the price for you, and that you are a special gift in God’s eye. You are a precious present that brings him much joy. After all, you are family.

 

MARK 6:7-13

Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs so that as they evangelized, they could strengthen and encourage each other. He knew that many times they would face rejection and needed the support of a fellow believer. Our strength comes from God, but he meets many of our needs through teamwork with others.  Jesus told the disciples to take nothing with them except the bare necessities. He wanted them to rely completely on his power. He told them not to move around from house to house but to be steady and clear with their message.

The custom for pious Jews at that time was to shake the dust from their feet after going through Gentile cities or towns. This was to show their separation from Gentile influences and practices. The disciples showed by dusting their feet after leaving a Jewish town that the people had rejected Jesus and his message.

Jesus made it clear that the people themselves were responsible for their response to his message. The disciples were not to blame if the message was not accepted by the people. They were responsible for how faithfully and carefully they presented the message.

Today we are not responsible when others reject the teachings of Jesus Christ and even reject Christ personally. But we do have the responsibility to share the message of hope, the Good News, with others. We have been called by Christ to go forth and make disciples of all people. We, too, are called today to go forth and cast out demons and heal sick people. The challenge you and I must face is – do we really believe in the message of the Good News? We need to shake off the dust and move away from that place that does not know or agree that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. The unbelievers need to see that we are willing to lose friends, money, family, and even personal health before we would deny our Lord and Savior. The message is loud and clear, “I have given you every blessing under the heavens (Eph. 1:3).

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary service. The second reading shows that God wants everyone under the heavens to enjoy his holy grace. The Gospel reveals that all Christians will be held accountable to Jesus Christ.

This week, be accountable to everyone in your family. Let your family be blessed by your presence and actions. Let your everyday events be filled with your joy and humility.

Lectio Divina – Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 4th) – Cycle B

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer.
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Mark 6:1-6 – Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Decimocuarto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (4 de Julio) – Ciclo B

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pidele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.”  (JUAN 14:26)

PRIMER DIA  Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

2. ¿De lo que aprendiste, qué escogiste para aplicar a tu vida esta semana?

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE EZEQUIEL 2:2-5 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Al decirme esto, un espíritu entró en mi, me hizo tenerme en pie.”)

1. ¿En quién entró el Espíritu y qué le hizo éste? Ezequiel 1:3 y Ezequiel 2:2

 

2. ¿Cómo lo llamó el que le hablaba, a donde lo envió y que dijo acerca de los Israelitas? Ezequiel 2:3

 

3. ¿Contra quién habian pecado los Israelites y qué fue lo que no hicieron? Jeremias 3:25

 

4. ¿Contra quién se habian revelado todos los de la casa de Israel? Ezequiel 5:6

 

5. ¿A qué se oponen aquellos que resisten a la autoridad y sobre  quiénes van a traer el juicio? Romanos 13:2

 

Personal – ¿Ves en ti mismo algunos signos de rebelión contra Dios o contra las autoridades que están sobre ti? ¿Qué debes hacer para cambiarlos?

 

6. ¿A donde mandó El que hablaba al hijo del hombre y qué dijo acerca de ellos? Ezequiel 2:3‑4

 

7. ¿Qué debia decir Ezequiel a los Israelitas y qué sabrian ya fuera que se resistieran o que hicieran caso? Ezequiel 2:4‑5

 

8. ¿Por qué no se puede disculpar su pecado? Juan 15:22

 

9. ¿Cuáles son las dos cosas que Ezequiel no teme? Ezequiel 2:6

 

10. ¿Por qué no debemos temer a los rebeldes cuando les hablamos de la palabra de Dios? Deuteronomio 31:6

 

Personal ‑ ¿Cómo respondes a aquel que se resiste a tu llamada de atención cuando lo has hecho habiendo orado y siguiendo la guia de Dios?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE 2 CORINTIOS 12: 7‑10 SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Te baste mi gracia; mi mayor fuerza se manifesta en la debilidad.”)

1. ¿Qué habia recibido Pablo, cómo lo llamaba y por qué se lo habian dado? 2 Corintios 12:7

 

2. ¿Qué hace Dios al orgulloso?  Santiago 4:6

 

3. ¿Cuántas veces imploró Pablo a Dios para que le quitara ese aguijon de la carne? 2 Corintios 12:8

 

4. ¿Qué rogó Jesús al Padre tres veces consecutivas? Mateo 26:39, 44

 

5. ¿Qué dijo el Señor que seria suficiente para Pablo y qué se perfecciona en la debilidad? 2 Corintios 12:9

 

6. ¿Quién viene en nuestra ayuda en nuestros momentos de debilidad?  Romanos 8:26

 

7. ¿De qué se alababa con gusto Pablo para que el poder de Cristo estuviera con él? 2 Corintios 12:9

 

8. ¿Para qué tienes fuerzas y quién te las dá? Filipenses 4:13

 

9. ¿De qué se alegra Pablo por el bien de Cristo? Y cuando él es débil como se encuentra?  2 Corintios 12:10

 

10. ¿Qué tenemos que soportar por el Evangelio y dé donde te viene la fuerza?  2 Timoteo 1:8

 

Personal ‑ ¿Hay algo en tu vida que te detiene de ponerte orgulloso? ¿De qué modo lo agradeces?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 6:1‑6 EVANGELIO

(“…se puso a enseñar en la sinagoga y mucha gente lo escuchó con asombro.”)

1. ¿A dónde volvió Jesús y quién estaba con El? Marcos 6:1, Mateo 2:23

 

2. ¿Cuando llegó el sábado que hizo Jesus y cual fue la reaccion de los que lo escuchaban? Marcos 6:2

 

3. ¿Cómo enseñaba Jesús? Marcos 1:21‑22

 

4. ¿Qué preguntas hacia la gente sobre Jesús y cuál era su actitud hacia El? Marcos 6:2‑3

 

5. ¿Quién dijo Jesús que nos enseñaria, cómo seremos atraidos hacia El y qué murmuraban los Judios? Juan 6:41‑45

 

6. ¿En donde y entre quiénes es despreciado el profeta? Marcos 6:4

 

7. ¿Qué fue lo que Jesús no pudo hacer en su propia tierra? Marcos 6:5

 

8. ¿Cómo sanó Jesús a algunos?  Marcos 6:5

 

Personal ‑ ¿Cómo te ha sanado Jesús con solo tocarte y cómo han sido sanados otros por El a traves de ti?

 

9. ¿Dé qué estaba admirado Jesús?  Marcos 6:6

 

10. ¿A dónde se reveló la justicia de Dios y quien es el que vivirá? Romanos 1:16‑17

 

11. ¿Cómo llegaron muchos a creer en Jesús?  Juan 4:41

 

Personal ‑ ¿Cómo ha crecido tu fé desde que estas estudiando la Palabra de Dios?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 123:1‑4

(“Hacia ti he dirigido la mirada, tú que tienes en el cielo la morada,”)

Leé and meditate el Salmo 123:1-4.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

EZEQUIEL 2:2‑5

Que contrastes tenemos en este pasaje. Tenemos al Dios inmortal que le habla al hombre mortal llamándolo, “hijo del hombre,” enfatizando la distancia entre ellos. Es aun mas increible que Dios escogiera para trabajar Su divina voluntad en la tierra a seres tan imperfectos. Estamos hechos de polvo y sin embargo Dios nos escogió para poner dentro de cada uno de nosotros Su vida y aliento.

Ezequiel fue bendecido enormemente al haber sido capaz de percibir esta visión. El supo que como venia de Dios no importaba si el no entendia por completo el sentido de la visión. Dios vió en Ezequiel hambre y sed de saber mas a cerca de el. Ezequiel tenia una actitud abierta y obediente y estaba lleno con el poder del Espíritu Santo. Dios le dió el poder para el trabajo que tenia por delante.

Dios no espera que nosotros entendamos todo acerca de El, pero si espera que seamos obedientes, fieles y que tengamos voluntad de servirle en lo que sabemos es verdadero y correcto. Hoy dia medimos el éxito por la demanda del consumidor. La medida del éxito de Ezequiel no dependió de que la gente lo escuchara o no lo escuchara. La medida del éxito era qué tan bien habia obedecido la voluntad de Dios y cumplido con los própositos que Dios tenía para él.

Recordemos siempre que la verdad de Dios no depende de la respuesta humana. La voluntad de Dios no nos juzga por lo bien que otros respondan a nuestra fé, sino por qué tan fieles hemos sido nosotros mismos. Lo que Dios consigue a traves de nosotros es muy importante, pero lo principal es lo que Dios consigue de nosotros. Dios habia sido muy recto y directo cuando llama la gente “de corazón duro y cuello tieso.” Los llama asi por que rehusaron admitir su pecado de rebeldía. Está Dios hoy señalándote el pecado en tu vida? No seas terco, confiesa tu pecado y empieza a vivir por Dios. Estarás listo para presentarte ante Dios si lo obedeces hoy.

 

2 CORINTIOS 12:7‑10

El origen del aguijón en la carne de Pablo nunca ha sido revelado. No sabemos si fue algun problema de tipo físico crónico y debilitante el que a veces le impedia trabajar. Este aguijón fue un obstáculo a su ministerio y él oraba para que Dios se lo quitara, pero Dios rehusó. La enfermedad de Pablo lo mantenia humilde y le recordaba constantemente la necesidad de estar en contacto con Dios. Los que rodeaban a Pablo se beneficiaron al ver el trabajo de Dios en su vida.

¿Se beneficia la gente con tu presencia? ¿Vé la gente a Dios vivo y activo en tu vida?

Dios no le quitó a Pablo su aflicción física, pero si demostró Su poder muy claramente en la debilidad de Pablo. El hecho increíble es que Dios es poder, y que siempre se presentará en la gente que es débil y que lo llama. Este poder divino debe darnos inmensa valentía y esperanza a todos aquellos que estamos en desventaja física o emocional. Debemos darnos cuenta de nuestras limitaciones y buscar a Dios para encontrar Sus caminos para ser mas efectivos. La gran fuerza de Pablo estaba en que él supo que el era nada y que nada podia hacer sin Cristo (Juan 15:5). Hoy mas que nunca debemos no dejarnos seducir por la tecnologia moderna, sino confiar en Dios para ser efectivos en vez de confiar en la simple energia, esfuerzo o talento.

No olvides nunca que tu debilidad puede ayudarte a desarrollar tu carácter Cristiano. Es admitiendo nuestra debilidad que afirmamos la fuerza de Dios y profundizamos nuestro sentido de adorarlo. Cuando nos sentimos fuertes en talento, tiempo o salud queremos hacer el trabajo de Dios nosotros mismos. Esto siempre conduce al orgullo y luego nos vamos para abajo. Cuando somos débiles y cuando permitimos a Dios llenarnos con Su poder, entonces nos volvemos fuertes, mas de lo que podriamos ser por nosotros mismos. Nuestra fuerza descansa en el hecho de que es El, la fuente de todos los dones (Filipenses 4:19).

 

MARCOS 6:16

Jesús estaba enseñando y curando por todo el país, pero la gente de su pueblo lo veia como un simple carpintero. Veian a Jesús y perguntaban, “¿Donde están Sus diplomas, a que escuela asistió? El no es mejor que nosotros; Es un trabajador común.” La gente del pueblo se sentía insultada por que habia quien se sentia impresionado por El y mas aún, lo seguian. Rechazaron su autoridad por completo pues El era uno de los suyos. Se perdieron Su mensaje pues creyeron que sabian todo lo que necesitaban saber a cerca de El. Ellos permitieron que el prejuicio y la ceguera espiritual les cegara a la verdad.

Todavia hoy hay mucha gente que rechaza Su mensaje, pues es muy simple, muy comun y demanda demasiado. Hay mucha gente que rehusa el mensaje pues son demasiado pobres, demasiado ricos, con demasiada instrucción o fama para comprometerse con un servidor como Jesús.

Los Judios buscaban a un Mesías poderoso, fuerte, instruido, de un tipo guerrero. No querian escuchar a un predicador ambulante que hablaba de amar a sus enemigos, dar de comer al hambriento, dar morada al desamparado, visitar al enfermo y al que está en prisión. Se levantaron indignados y demandaban ver sus diplomas y luego trataron de sacarlo de esa parte del pais.

Jesús nos muestra en este Evangelio que si la gente no te presta atencion o te respeta por el trabajo que haces en Su nombre no debes preocuparte, pues no es por eso menos importante. Jesús nos muestra a cada uno que no necesitamos que otros nos respeten o nos den honores para considerar que somos útiles a Dios. Si tus amigos, vecinos o familiares no respetan tu estilo de vida Cristiana y tu ministerio, no permitas que su rechazo te aleje de servir a Dios. Hoy mismo Jesus está buscando a aquellos que le respondan a Sus milagros y Su mensaje. ¿Cual será tu respuesta?

 

Applicación

La primera lectura nos dice que le obediencia es el corazón de la santidad. La segunda lectura revela que en nuestra debilidad esta Su fuerza. El Evangelio nos muestra que no es el tener honores lo que hace importante lo que hacemos.

Esta semana demuestra tu amor siendo un servidor para alguien que sea física o emocionalmente débil, dejando que su debilidad se convierta en su fuerza en Cristo a traves de tí. Puedes hacer esto visitando a alguien que esté encerrado o en prisión . Puedes quizá leer las escrituras a alguien que esté ciego. Puedes preparar una comida para algun anciano de tu casa, de tu familia o de la iglesia. Puedes llevar al cine a alguien que esté solo o deprimido. Puedes hablar por télefono a alguien y orar juntos. Puedes ser el embajador de Dios y dejar que Su fuerza brille a traves de tí.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (July 4th) – Cycle B

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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 a new thought from the readings or from the homily you heard on Sunday?

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ EZEKIEL 2:2-5 FIRST READING
(“As he spoke to me, spirit entered into me and set me on my feet.”)

l. Whom did the Spirit enter, and what did the Spirit do to him? Ezekiel 1:3 and Ezekiel 2:2

 

2. How did the one who was speaking address him, where did he send him, and what did he say about the Israelites? Ezekiel 2:3

 

3. Against whom had the Israelites sinned, and what did they not do? Jeremiah 3:25

 

4. Against what did the whole house of Israel rebel? Ezekiel 5:6

 

5. What do those who resist authority oppose, and upon whom will they bring judgment? Romans 13:2

 

Personal – In what way do you see any signs of rebellion in yourself toward God or those in authority over you? What do you need to do to change it?

 

6. Where did the one who was speaking send the son of man, and what did he say about the people? Ezekiel 2:3-4

 

7. What was Ezekiel to say to the Israelites, and what will they know whether they heed or resist? Ezekiel 2:4-5

 

8. What gives no excuse for their sin? John 15:22

 

9. What two things is Ezekiel not to fear? Ezekiel 2:6

 

10. Why are we not to fear the rebellious when we speak God’s word to them? Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Personal – How do you respond to someone who resists your warning when you have prayed and followed God’s lead in speaking to them?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 SECOND READING
(“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”)

1. What was given to Paul, what did Paul call it, and why did he say it was given to him? 2 Corinthians 12:7

 

2. What does God do to the proud? James 4:6

 

3. How many times did Paul beg God to take this thorn in the flesh from him? 2 Corinthians 12:8

 

4. What did Jesus pray three consecutive times to the Father? Matthew 26:39, 44

 

5. What did the Lord say was sufficient for Paul, and what is made perfect in weakness? 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

6. Who comes to our aid in our weakness? Romans 8:26

 

7. What does Paul boast of most gladly, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in him? 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

8. For what do we have the strength, and who gives it to us? Philippians 4:13

 

9. With what is Paul content for the sake of Christ, and when he is weak, then what is he? 2 Corinthians 12:10

 

10. What are we to bear for the Gospel, and from where do we get our strength? 2 Timothy 1:8

 

Personal – What is in your life that keeps you from becoming proud? In what way have you been thankful for it?  

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 6:1-6 GOSPEL
(“…He began to teach in the Synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished.”)

1. To where did Jesus return, and who was with him? Mark 6:1, Matthew 2:23

 

2. When the Sabbath came, what did Jesus do, and what was the reaction of many who heard him? Mark 6:2

 

3. How did Jesus teach? Mark 1:21-22

 

4. What were the questions the people were asking about Jesus, and what was their attitude toward him? Mark 6:2-3

 

5. By whom did Jesus say we will be taught? How will we be drawn to him, and about what were the Jews murmuring? John 6:41-45

 

6. Where did Jesus say a prophet is without honor, among whom, and where? Mark 6:4

 

7. What was Jesus not able to do in his own native place apart from curing a few sick people? Mark 6:5

 

8. How were some healed by Jesus? Mark 6:5

 

Personal How has Jesus healed you by his touch, and how have others been healed by his touch through you?

 

9. At what was Jesus amazed? Mark 6:6

 

10. Where is the righteousness of God revealed, and who is the one who will live? Romans 1:16-17

 

11. How did many come to believe in Jesus? John 4:41

 

Personal – How has your faith grown since you have been studying God’s Word?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 123:1-4
(“To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven?”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 123:1-4.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EZEKIEL 2:2-5

What a contrast we have in this passage. We have the immortal God address the mortal man by calling him “son of man,” emphasizing the distance between them. It is incredible that God even chooses to work his divine will on earth through imperfect beings. We are made from dust; yet God chooses to place within each one of us his life and breath.

Ezekiel was enormously blessed to have been able to experience this vision. He knew that because it came from God it did not matter whether he did not understand the full meaning of the vision. God saw in Ezekiel a hunger and thirst to know more about him. Ezekiel had an open and obedient attitude, and he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. God gave Ezekiel the power for the job ahead.

God does not expect us to understand everything about him, but he does expect us to be willing, obedient, and faithful servants to what we know is true and right. Today we measure success by consumer demand. Ezekiel’s measure of success did not depend on whether the people listened to him or not. The measure of success would be how well he obeyed God’s will and fulfilled God’s purpose for him.

We must always remember that God’s truth is not dependent on human response. God will not judge us on how well others respond to our faith, but on how faithful we ourselves have been. What God accomplished through us is very important, but the bottom line is what God accomplished in us. God was being very straight and direct when he called the people hard-hearted and stiff-necked. He called them that because they refused to admit their sin of rebellion. Is God today pointing at sin in your life? Do not be stubborn, confess your sin, and begin to live for God. You will be ready to stand before God tomorrow if you obey him today.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10

The source of Paul’s thorn in the flesh has never been revealed. We do know that it was a very chronic and debilitating type of physical problem which at many times kept him from working. This thorn was a hindrance to his ministry, and he prayed for its removal, but God refused. Paul’s illness kept him humble and reminded him of his constant need to keep in touch with God. Those around Paul benefitted as they saw God work in his life.

Are people helped by being in your presence? Do people see God alive and active in your life?

God did not remove Paul’s physical affliction, but he demonstrated his power very clearly in Paul’s weakness. The marvelous fact is that God is power, and he will always show up in people who are weak and who call out to him. This divine power should give tremendous courage and hope for all of us who may be physically and emotionally handicapped. We need to realize our limitations and turn to God to seek his pathways for effectiveness. Paul’s great strength was that he knew that he was nothing, nor could he do anything without Christ (John 15:5). Today, more than ever, we must not be seduced by modern technology, but rely on God for our effectiveness rather than on simple energy, effort, or talent.

We must never forget that our weakness can help us develop our Christian character. In admitting our weakness, we affirm God’s strength and even deepen our sense of worship. We are tempted to do God’s work on our own when we are strong in talent, time, or health. This always leads to pride, and then the long slide down. When we are weak, and when we allow God to fill us with his power, then we become stronger than we ever could be on our own. Our strength lies in realizing that he is the source of all gifts (Philippians 4:19).

 

MARK 6:1-6

Jesus was teaching and healing around the country, but the people of his hometown saw him only as a carpenter. They looked at Jesus and asked, “What are his credentials? Where did he go to school? He is no better than we are; he is just a common laborer.” The towns people were insulted that others could be impressed by him and even follow him. They completely rejected his authority because he was one of their peers. These people missed his message because they thought that they knew all that was needed to know about him. Prejudice and spiritual blindness kept them from the truth.

Today there are many people who still reject his message because it is too simple, too common, and too demanding. Today we have many people who refuse the message because they have too much power, wealth, education, or fame to be committed to such a servant like Jesus.

The Jews were looking for a mighty, powerful, educated warrior-type Messiah. They were not about to listen to some itinerant preacher talk about loving your enemy, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and the imprisoned. They rose up in outrage and demanded to see his credentials, and then they tried to get him out of their part of the country.

Jesus has shown us in this Gospel message that if people do not give you any attention or respect for the work you do in God’s name, that does not make your work any less important. Jesus shows each one of us that we do not need to be respected or honored to be useful to God. If your friends, neighbors, or family do not respect your Christian lifestyle and ministry, do not let their rejection keep you from serving God. Today Jesus is seeking those who would respond to his miracles and message. What will be your response?

 

Application

The first reading tells us that obedience is the core of holiness. The second reading reveals that in our weakness is his strength. The Gospel shows us that being honored does not make what we do important.

This week show your love by being a servant for someone who is physically or emotionally weak. Let their weakness become strength in Christ through you. You can do this by visiting someone who is shut-in or imprisoned. You can read the weekly scriptures to a blind person. You can fix a meal for an elderly person in your home, family, or church. You can take someone who is lonely or depressed to a movie. You can telephone someone and pray with them. You can be God’s ambassador, and let his strength shine through you.

Lectio Divina – Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 27th) – Cycle B

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer.
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so Your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Mark 5:21-24, 35b-43 – When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One of the synagogue officials, named Jairus, came forward. Seeing him he fell at his feet and pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “My daughter is at the point of death. Please, come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live.” He went off with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed upon him.

While he was still speaking, people from the synagogue official’s house arrived and said, “Your daughter has died; why trouble the teacher any longer?” Disregarding the message that was reported, Jesus said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid; just have faith.” He did not allow anyone to accompany him inside except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they arrived at the house of the synagogue official, he caught sight of a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. So he went in and said to them, “Why this commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but asleep.” And they ridiculed him. Then he put them all out. He took along the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and entered the room where the child was. He took the child by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise!” The girl, a child of twelve, arose immediately and walked around. At that they were utterly astounded. He gave strict orders that no one should know this and said that she should be given something to eat.

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Decimotercer Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (27 de Junio) – Ciclo B

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pidele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.”  (JUAN 14:26)

PRIMER DIA  Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

2. ¿De lo que aprendiste, qué escogiste para aplicar a tu vida esta semana?

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE SABIDURIA 1:13-15; 2:23-24 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“…lo hizo inmortal igual que él;”)

1. ¿Qué es lo que Dios no hizo y en lo que El no se regocija? Sabiduria 1:13

 

2. ¿Cómo destruyó Jesús al que tiene poder sobre la muerte? Hebreos 2:14

 

3. ¿Cuando el pecado llega a ser consumado, qué es lo que engendra? Santiago 1:15

 

4. ¿En qué Dios no se demora, qué es El contigo y por qué razon? 2 Pedro 3:9

 

5. ¿Porqué creó Dios todas las cosas, qué son las criaturas del mundo y qué es lo que no existe entre ellos? Sabiduria 1:14

 

6. ¿Qué es imperecedero?  Sabiduria 1:15

 

7. ¿A qué conduce el sendero de justicia y a qué conduce el camino perverso? Proverbios 12:28

 

8. ¿Para qué creó Dios al hombre e igual a quién lo hizo? Sabiduria 2:23 y Génesis 1:27

 

9. ¿Cómo entró la muerte en el mundo y quiénes la padecen? Sabiduria 2:24

 

10. ¿Cómo entró el pecado en el mundo? ¿Qué vino a traves del pecado y quiénes han pecado? Romanos 5:12

 

11. ¿Qué hacen la envidia y la ira? Eclesiástico 30:24

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera, en tu vida diaria, eres el reflejo de la imagen de Dios? Da ejemplos específicos. ¿La imagen de quien domina tu dia? Reflexiona en esto.

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE 2 CORINTIOS 8:7, 9, 13-15  SEGUNDA LECTURA

(“Por ustedes se hizo pobre…para hacerlos ricos con su pobreza.”)

1. ¿Que haces en todo, en fé, de palabra, de conocimiento y en entusiasmo y amor? 2 Corintios 8:7

 

2. ¿Cómo fueron colmados de las riquezas de la palabra y del conocimiento?  1 Corintios 1:4-5

 

3. ¿Qué se hizo Jesucristo por nosotros, aun siendo rico, y porque razon?  2 Corintios 8:9

 

4. ¿De qué, Jesús, aun siendo de condición divina, no se reinvindicó? Filip 2:6-8

 

5. ¿Qué vino Jesús a hacer?   Mateo 20:28

 

Personal – ¿De qué manera te ves como pobre?

 

6. ¿Cuál es el deseo de Pablo para sus hermanos? 2 Corintios 8:13-15

 

7. ¿Qué tenia la comunidad de los fieles y qué era lo que no se consideraba entre ellos?  Hechos 4:32-34

 

8. ¿Qué razon hay para trabajar?  Efesios 4:28

 

9. ¿Qué es lo que está escrito?  2 Corintios 8:15

 

10. ¿Qué ocurrió cuando los israelitas recogian el maná? Exodo 16:16-18

 

Personal – ¿Como has repartido lo tuyo con los necesitados? ¿Ves que se cuida por igual a todos los creyentes de la comunidad y si no, ¿que puedes hacer para cambiar esa situación?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 5:21-43 EVANGELIO

(“Hija, tu fé te ha salvado, vete en paz y queda sana de tu enfermedad.”)

1. ¿Al juntarse una gran muchedumbre en torno a Jesús, quién  se adelanta? ¿Qué hizo al ver a Jesus? Marcos 5:21-23

 

2. ¿Qué dijo él que sucedería si Jesús ponia sus manos sobre su hija? ¿Y cuando Jesús fue con él, quiénes les siguieron? Marcos 5:23-24

 

3. ¿Qué le pasaba a la mujer enferma? ¿Cómo sufria, y cómo le ayudaron los doctores?  Marcos 5:25-26

 

4. ¿Cuáles son las tres cosas que haces antes de darle su lugar al médico?  Eclesiástico 38:9-12

 

5. ¿Cuando la mujer con la hemorragia oyó acerca de Jesús, qué hizo y qué dijo?  Marcos 5:27-28

 

6. ¿Qué pasó inmediatamente despues que la mujer tocó a Jesús? ¿Qué preguntó Jesús cuando se dió cuenta del poder que habia salido de El?  Marcos 5:29-30

 

7. ¿Cómo se aproximó la mujer a Jesús y qué dijo El que la habia salvado?  Marcos 5:31-34

 

Personal – ¿Cómo te ha salvado tu fé?

 

8. ¿Qué sucedió mientras Jesús estaba todavia hablando? ¿Sin dar atencion al mensaje, qué dijo Jesús al oficial de la sinagoga?  Marcos 5:35-36

 

9. ¿A quiénes permitió Jesús que lo acompañaran adentro? ¿Cómo actuaba la gente y qué les dijo Jesús? Marcos 5:37-39

 

10. ¿Cómo reaccionó la gente hacia Jesús? ¿Al hacerlos salir todos afuera, a quienes llevó adentro

con él? Marcos 5:40

 

11. ¿Qué hizo y qué dijo Jesús a la niña y cuál fue la respuesta de la niña? ¿Acerca de qué dió Jesús órdenes estrictas y qué dijo El que hicieran por la niña?  Marcos 5:41-43

 

Personal – ¿Cómo ves el acto de tocar como algo que tiene un efecto curativo en aquellos a tu alrededor?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 30:2, 4-6, 11-13

(“Convertiste mi duelo en alegre danza.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 30:2, 4-6, 11-13.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

SABIDURIA 1:13-15, 2:23-24

Este pasaje claramente nos revela que la muerte y las enfermedades no son hechos de Dios. En efecto, son justamente lo opuesto de lo que Dios es. El sufrimiento, sea físico, emocional o espiritual, trae algunas preguntas díficiles. ¿Porqué permite Dios que haya tanto sufrimiento en el mundo? Esta es una pregunta que parese se ha hecho siempre a traves de todas las edades.

Dios permite que el sufrimiento exista porque El ha dado a toda la humanidad la libertad de aceptarlo o rechazarlo tanto a El como a Sus enseñanzas. El ha creado a cada uno de nosotros a su propia imágen, y como se nos dice en Génesis, todo lo que Dios hizo es bueno. Podemos decir esto mismo de otra manera – Dios no hace porqueria. Pero a traves de un hombre, el pecado entró en el mundo, y el pago del pecado es la muerte (Rom. 6:23). El pecado dió nacimiento a la muerte y al sufrimiento. Necesitamos solamente mirar alrededor nuestro y podemos ver cuanta muerte y destrucción se inflije a la gente del mundo a causa de la polución, químicos tóxicos, abuso de drogas, alcoholismo, abortos y la increible plaga de la guerra.

El hombre ha hecho de la imágen de Dios en muchos casos un reflejo de la imágen del hombre. Aquellos que están en posesión de esta falsa, destructiva imágen de Satanás experimentan todo lo que es muerte y destrucción. Esta muerte y destrucción alcanza a tocar tambien a una tremenda cantidad de gente inocente y se podrá detener solo cuando la gente retorne al curativo poder de Dios. Las naciones deberan cesar el pillaje y destruccion entre ellas.

Somos llamados a la única paz real, que es la paz de Cristo. Jesucristo murió para que todos los hombres pudieran tener vida eterna (Juan 3:16). Su muerte ganó para nosotros libertarnos de Satanás (muerte) aun cuando eramos todavia pecadores (Romanos 5:8). Nuestro Dios es un Dios amoroso y justo y todos los que sufren y se arrepienten son perdonados. Y todos los que sufren y son inocentes, El les glorifica en el cielo, donde ellos estan con El por siempre jamas.

 

2 CORINTIOS 8:7, 9, 13-15

La lectura de hoy es un clásico ejemplo de un viejo dicho americano que dice: “It is not enough to talk the talk, you must also walk the walk.” Queriendo asi decir, que no es suficiente hablar de Dios sino tambien nuestras acciones deben ser testimonio de lo que decimos creer. Damos a otros un mensaje claro de lo que creemos realmente por la forma como vivimos nuestras propias vidas. La lectura de hoy no es solo una apelacion a ser dadivoso, es un llamado a ser dadivoso gozoso. Dar es al respuesta natural del amor y Pablo, no estaba ordenando a los cristianos a dar, el les decia que las acciones hablan mucho mas fuerte que las palabras.

Cuando amas a alguien, deseas proveerlo en sus necesidades. Si nos negamos a ayudar, nuestro amor puede que no sea tan genuino como decimos. Jesús renunció a sus derechos como Dios para hacerse hombre. La encarnación quiere decir que Dios voluntariamente se hizo hombre. Jesús dio Su vida por toda la humanidad, y se dejó a si mismo tomar la forma de un mero esclavo. El fue obediente aun hasta Su muerte en la cruz.

La iglesia de Corintio tenia dinero y Pablo les retaba a dar de su tiempo, talentos y dinero para los necesitados y para los pobres. Pablo comparte con nosotros varios principios para dar. Su deseo de dar es mas importante que la cantidad que da. El declara que si das a los que necesitan, entonces tambien seras asistido en tus necesidades. Estás llamado a dar en respuesta a Cristo, no por algo que puedas sacar de esto. Dar o diezmar implica una absoluta confianza en la providencia de Dios por nuestras vidas. (Filip. 4:19)

Jesús escogió el darnos vida eterna y su sentido de dar continúa al darnos gracia y poder. Jesús nos dice en las Escrituras que cualquier cosa hagamos por el mas pequeño de sus hermanos, lo haremos por El (Mateo 25:31-35). Los cristianos son llamados a repartir limosnas con los pobres y aquellos en necesidad (Lucas 11:41).

 

MARCOS 5:21-43

En el Evangelio de hoy se encuentran todos los elementos de tragedia y esperanza. El pasaje comienza con Jesús siendo confrontado por un jefe de una sinagoga local, de nombre Jairo. Muchos jefes de las sinagogas tenian estrechas relaciones con los fariseos. Es muy posible que el pedir ayuda a Jesús no fue muy bien aprobado por los compañeros de Jairo. El postrarse reverentemente frente a Jesús enfrente de toda aquella gente judia fue un acto osado de respetuosa reverencia de parte de Jairo. Cuando su hija se enfermó, algo le sucedió a él y pensó en Jesús. Sus prejuicios fueron olvidados; el debe haber considerado a Jesus como a un extraño, asi como aquellos para quienes las puertas de la sinagoga estaban cerradas. Olvidó su dignidad. El, el dirigente de la sinagoga vino y se arrojó a los pies de Jesús. Su orgullo fue olvidado. Este fue un hombre que olvido todo con excepción de que queria la ayuda de Jesús.

Vemos a una mujer con una condición incurable tratando de alcanzar y tocar a Jesús. Su desorden le causaba sangrar constantemente, lo cual la habria hecho ritualisticamente impura (Lev. 15:25-27). Ella sabia que su sanguinolencia causaria a Jesús el ser impuro, de acuerdo a la ley judia, si élla lo tocaba. Aún asi, con fé lo alcanzó y se curó.

Muchas veces sentimos que nuestros problemas nos mantienen fuera de la cercania de Dios. Pero El está siempre presente y pronto para ayudarnos. No deberiamos nunca dejar que nuestro temor nos impida aproximarnos hacia El. Jesús le dijo que su fé la habia curado. La fé de Jairo lo impulsó a buscar a Jesús por su hija. Su fé trajo la cura de su hija. La fé genuina implica acción. La fé que no se pone en acción no es fé de ninguna manera.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que Dios no hace chatarra. La segunda lectura muestra que nuestras acciones hablan mas fuertes que las palabras. El Evangelio revela a Dios presente en todas las situaciones.

Esta semana, muestra por tus acciones, que es lo que realmente crees. Busca especificamente maneras de ser humilde con tu familia, como el jefe de la sinagoga. Toma la decisión de poner los intereses de tu famila antes de los tuyos. Comparte las Buenas Nuevas del Evangelio con cada miembro de tu familia. Amense unos a los otros asi como El les ama.

Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 27th) – Cycle B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ WISDOM 1:13-15; 2:23-24 FIRST READING

(“…the image of his own nature he made him.”)

l. What did God not make, and in what does he not rejoice? Wisdom 1:13

 

2. How did Jesus destroy the one who has the power of death? Hebrews 2:14

 

3. When sin reaches maturity, to what does it give birth? James 1:15

 

4. In what does God not delay?  What is he with us, and for what reason? 2 Peter 3:9

 

5. Why did God fashion all things, what are the creatures of the world, and what is there not among them?  Wisdom 1:14

 

6. What is undying? Wisdom 1:15

 

7. To what does the path of justice lead, and to what does the abominable way lead?   Proverbs 12:28

 

8. What did God form man to be, and in whose image did he form him?  Wisdom 2:23, Genesis 1:27

 

9. How did death enter the world, and who experienced it? Wisdom 2:24

 

10. How did sin enter the world?  What came through sin, and who has sinned? Romans 5:12

 

11. What do envy and anger do? Sirach 30:24

 

Personal   In what way in your everyday life are you a reflection of the image of God?   Give specific examples.  Whose image dominates your day? Reflect on this.

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15 SECOND READING

(“…by his poverty you might become rich.”)

1. What do you do in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in love?  2 Corinthians 8:7

 

2. How were you enriched in every way, with all discourse and all knowledge? 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

 

3. What did Jesus Christ become for our sake, although he was rich, and for what reason? 2 Corinthians 8:9

 

4. What did Jesus, though he was in the form of God, not regard himself as? Philippians 2:6-8

 

5. What did Jesus come to do? Matthew 20:28

 

Personal –  In what way do you see yourself as poor?

 

6. What is Paul’s desire for the brothers?  2 Corinthians 8:13-15

 

7. Of what was the community of believers, and what was there not among them? Acts 4:32-34

 

8. What is a reason for working? Ephesians 4:28

 

9. What is it that is written? 2 Corinthians 8:15

 

10. What occurred when the Israelites gathered the manna? Exodus 16:16-18

 

Personal  –  How have you been sharing what you have with the needy?  Do you see the community of believers (those in your parish) being cared for equally, and if not, what can you do to change it?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 5:21-43 GOSPEL

(“Daughter, your faith has saved you. Go in peace and be cured.”)

1. As a large crowd gathered around Jesus, who came forward? What did he do upon seeing Jesus? Mark 5:21-23

 

2. What did he say would happen to his daughter if Jesus laid hands on her, and when Jesus went off with him, who followed them? Mark 5:23-24

 

3. What happened to the woman afflicted, how did she suffer, and was she helped by the doctors? Mark 5:25-26

 

4. After doing what three things do you give the doctor his place? Sirach 38:9-12

 

5. When the woman with the hemorrhage heard about Jesus, what did she do and what did she say? Mark 5:27-28

 

6. What immediately happened to the woman when she touched Jesus?  What did Jesus ask when he was aware that power had gone out of him? Mark 5:29-30

 

7. How did the woman approach Jesus, and what did he say saved her? Mark 5:31-34

 

Personal  –  How has your faith saved you?

 

8. What happened while Jesus was still speaking? Disregarding the message, what did Jesus tell the synagogue official? Mark 5:35-36

 

9. Whom did Jesus allow to accompany him inside, how were the people acting, and what did Jesus say to them?  Mark 5:37-39

 

10. How did the people react to Jesus; and, putting them out, whom did he take in with him? Mark 5:40

 

11. What did Jesus do and say to the child, and what was the girl’s response?  About what did Jesus give strict orders, and what did he tell them to do for the girl?  Mark 5:41-43

 

Personal  How do you see touching as having a healing effect on those around you?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13

(“You changed my mourning into dancing.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13.

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

WISDOM 1:13-15, 2:23-24

This passage clearly reveals to us that death and sickness are not of God’s making.  They are, in fact, just the opposite of what God is.  Suffering, whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual, raises some very hard questions.  Why does God allow so much suffering to take place in the world?  This is a question that seems to be asked all through the ages.

God allows suffering to exist because he has given all mankind the freedom to accept or reject him and his teachings. He created each one of us in his image, and as we are told in Genesis, everything that God made was good. We can say this in another way: God does not make junk, but through one man, sin entered into the world, and the wages of sin are death (Rom. 6:23). Sin gave birth to death and suffering. We need only look around and we can see how much death and destruction are put upon the people of the world through pollution, toxic chemicals, drug abuse, alcoholism, abortion, and the incredible plague of war. Man has, in many cases, made God’s image a reflection of man’s image. Those who are in possession of this false destructive image induced by Satan experience all of death and destruction. This death and destruction also touches many innocent people, and it will be stopped only when people turn to the healing power of God. Nations have to stop plundering and destroying each other.

We are being called to the only real peace, and that is the peace of Christ. Jesus Christ died so that all men might have eternal life (John 3:16).  His death won for us freedom from Satan (death) even while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8). Our God is a loving and just God. All who suffer and repent are forgiven and all who suffer and are innocent, he glorifies in heaven, and they are with him forever.

 

2 CORINTHIANS 8:7, 9, 13-15

Today’s reading is a classic example of an old saying that goes like this: “It is not enough to talk the talk, you must also walk the walk.” We give others a clear message of what we really believe by the way we live our lives.  Today’s reading is not just an appeal to be a giver, it is a call to be a joyful giver. Giving is the natural response of love, and Paul was not ordering the Christians to give. He told them that actions speak much louder than words.

When you love someone, you want to provide for his needs. If we refuse to help, our love may not be as genuine as we say. Jesus gave up his rights as God to become man. Incarnation means God voluntarily became man. Jesus gave up his life for all, and he let himself take on the form of a mere slave. He was obedient even up to his death on the cross.

The Corinthian church had money and Paul challenged them to give of their time, talent, and money for the needy and the poor. Paul shares with us several principles of giving. Your willingness to give is more important than the amount you give. He states that if you give to others in need then you too will be helped in your need. You are called to give as your response to Christ, not for what you may get out of it.  Giving or tithing expresses a fundamental trust in God’s provision for our lives (Phil 4:19).

  Jesus chose to give us eternal life, and his giving continues as he gives us grace and power. Jesus tells us in scripture that whatever we do to the least of his brethren, we do unto him (Matt. 25:31-45).   Christians are called to share alms with the poor and those in need  (Luke 11:41).

 

MARK 5:21-43

In today’s Gospel there are all the elements of tragedy and hope. The passage begins with Jesus being confronted by a ruler of the local synagogue named Jarius. Many synagogue rulers had close ties with the Pharisees.  It was very likely that calling on Jesus’ help was not supported very much by Jarius’ peers. To bow before Jesus in front of all those Jewish people was a daring act of respect and worship on Jarius’ part. When his daughter fell ill, something happened to him, and he thought of Jesus. His prejudices were forgotten.  He must have regarded Jesus as an outsider, as one to whom the synagogue doors were closed. His dignity was forgotten. He, the ruler of the synagogue, came and threw himself at the feet of Jesus. His pride was forgotten. This was a man who forgot everything except that he wanted the help of Jesus.

We see a woman with an incurable condition desperately reach out and touching Jesus. Her disorder caused her to bleed constantly which would have made her ritually unclean (Lev. 15:25-27). She knew her bleeding would cause Jesus to be unclean, according to Jewish law, if she touched him. Still she reached out by faith and was healed.

Many times we feel our problems keep us from being close to God, but he is always present and ready to help us. We should never let our fear keep us from reaching out to him. Jesus said her faith caused the cure. Jarius’ faith caused him to seek out Jesus for his daughter. His faith caused his daughter’s cure. Genuine faith involves action. Faith that is not put into action is no faith at all.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that God does not make junk.  The second reading shows us that our actions speak louder than words.  The Gospel reveals God’s presence in all situations.

This week, by your actions, show what it is that you really believe.  Look for specific ways to be humble to your family, like the ruler in the synagogue.  Make a decision to put your family members’ interests before your own. Share the Good News of the Gospel with each member of your family. Love one another as he loves you.

Lectio Divina – Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 20th) – Cycle B

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PURPOSE OF THIS SCRIPTURE READING – Develop a personal relationship with Jesus through the Word of God with the understanding that the Holy Spirit will teach and remind us of all Jesus said and did. Psalm 32:8 tells us, “I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk, give you counsel and watch over you.”

  1. Say the opening prayer.
  2. Read the passage slowly three times as though Jesus were talking to you.
  3. Converse with Jesus, asking questions and listening to Him.

OPEN WITH THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

Father, I can’t understand Your Word without Your grace, I acknowledge my weakness so Your power can reach perfection in me. Send Your Holy Spirit to remind, teach, and guide me to the Truth. May I share as soon as possible whatever You teach me. AMEN

READ, REFLECT AND WRITE

Mark 4:35-41 – On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to His disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as He was. And other boats were with Him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then He asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

What is the Lord personally saying to you?

 

 

 

What does the Lord personally want you to do?

 

 

Duodecimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario (20 de Junio) – Ciclo B

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El Pan de Vida Estudio de Biblia Católico

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

ANTES DE COMENZAR:

Ora y pidele a Dios que te hable a través de Su Espíritu Santo. “EL ESPIRITU SANTO INTERPRETE, QUE EL PADRE LES ENVIARA EN MI NOMBRE, LES VA A ENSEÑAR TODAS LAS COSAS Y LES RECORDARA TODAS MIS PALABRAS.” (JUAN 14:26)

PRIMER DIA Vuelve a leer las lecturas de la semana pasada.

1. ¿Cuál fue el mensaje qué recibiste de la homilia o de las lecturas que oiste en misa el domingo?

 

2. ¿De lo que aprendiste, qué escogiste para aplicar a tu vida esta semana?

 

 

SEGUNDO DIA LEE JOB 38:1, 8-11 PRIMERA LECTURA

(“Entonces el Señor respondió a Job en medio de la tempestad,…”)

1. ¿Quién se dirijió a Job y en donde estaba El cuando le habló? Job 38:1

 

2. ¿Cuando en nuestra angustia clamamos al Señor qué hace éste a la tempestad que nos rodea? Salmo 107:28-29

 

3. ¿Cuando Moisés extendió su mano sobre el mar que hizo el Señor? Exodo 14:21

 

4. ¿Cuando el mar brotó fuera del seno materno, qué hizo el Señor? Job 38:8 y Génesis 1:9-10

 

5. Qué fijó el Señor para el mar y por qué razón? Proverbios 8:29

 

6. ¿Cuando el Señor fijó los limites para el mar, que pasó con el orgullo de las olas? Job 38:9-11

 

7. ¿Qué es lo que no tiene límites? Salmo 147:5

 

8. ¿Qué pasa a las aguas cuando El dá la orden? ¿Qué hay que no tiene límites? Eclesiástico 39:17-18

 

9. ¿Qué calma en los pueblos el Señor? Salmo 65:8

 

10. ¿A quién ve el Señor y a quién distingue desde lejos? Salmo 138:6

 

Personal – ¿Qué puedes hacer para permitir que sea Dios quien tenga el control en tu vida, cómo lo hizo Job?

 

 

TERCER DIA LEE 2 CORINTIOS 5:14-17

(“El que está en Cristo es una creatura nueva.”)

1. ¿Qué nos impulsa y a qué convicción llegamos? 2 Corintios 5:14

 

2. ¿Qué pasó con nuestro “yo” viejo? ¿De qué es liberada la persona muerta? Romanos 6:6-7

 

3. ¿Y ahora Quien vive en mi? Galatas 2:20

 

4. ¿Por quién murió Jesús y por qué razon? 2 Corintios 5:15

 

5. ¿Ya sea que vivamos o muramos, a quién le pertenecemos? ¿Por qué razón murió y vivió Cristo? Romanos 14:8-9

 

6. ¿De qué manera ya no debemos ver a Cristo? 2 Cor 5:16

 

7. ¿Aunque somos humanos, con que ya no batallamos? 2 Corintios 10:3-4

 

8. ¿Qué es el que está en Cristo, que ha pasado y que ha llegado? 2 Corintios 5:17

 

9. ¿Si somos obra de las manos de Dios, en quién hemos sido creados y por qué razón? Efesios 2:10

 

10. ¿Cómo fuimos sepultados con Cristo y como hemos de vivir? Romanos 6:4

 

Personal – ¿Qué significa para ti ser una nueva creación? ¿Todavia te aferras a algo de la vieja creacion? ¿Serás capaz de dejar ir lo viejo? ¿Como lo harás?

 

 

CUARTO DIA LEE MARCOS 4:35-41 EVANGELIO

(“¿Todavía no tienen fé?”)

1. ¿Qué dijo Jesús al atardecer, cómo se fueron y quiénes mas iban con ellos? Marcos 4:35-36

 

2. ¿Por qué les dijo Jesús a Sus discípulos que tuvieran una barca lista para El, adonde iba a ir? Marcos 3:9 y Marcos 5:1

 

3. ¿Qué se presentó y qué se rompia contra la barca? Marcos 4:37

 

4. ¿Dónde estaba Jesús, qué estaba haciendo, qué hicieron y qué le dijeron Sus discípulos? Marcos 4:38

 

5. ¿Qué dice Jesús acerca de los que oyen Su voz y lo siguen? Juan 10:28

 

6. ¿Cuando Jesús despertó, qué le hizo al viento? ¿Qué le dijo al mar y cuál fue el resultado? Marcos 4:39

 

7. ¿Cuáles son las dos preguntas que Jesús les hizo a Sus discípulos? Marcos 4:40

 

8. ¿Qué le hizo y qué le dijo Jesús a Pedro? Mateo 14:31

 

9. ¿Qué hizo Jesús con los Once y por qué razón? Marcos 16:14

 

10. ¿Qué sentían los que estaban en la barca y qué se decian unos a otros? Marcos 4:41

 

11. ¿Qué es lo que Jesús manda y ellos le obedecen? Marcos 1:27

 

Personal – ¿Qué clase de tormenta te rodea? ¿A quién llamas para que te ayude y como lo llamas? ¿Cuál ha sido la respuesta de Jesús en el pasado cuando lo has llamado en tiempos de tormenta en tu vida?

 

 

QUINTO DIA LEE SALMO 107:23-26, 28-31

(“Dió la orden y sopló un viento huracanado que levantaba las olas.”)

Leé y medita el Salmo 107:23-26, 28-31.

¿Qué te dice personalmente el Señor a través de este Salmo?

 

¿Cómo puedes aplicar esto a tu vida diaria?

 

 

SEXTO DIA LEE TODO EL COMENTARIO

JOB 38:1, 8-11

La lectura de hoy es un ejemplo importante de nuestro Dios como un Dios del órden. Dios se valió de la falta de conocimientos que Job tenia, acerca de como fue hecha la tierra para que funcionara en un orden natural, para revelarle que poquito sabia Job del orden moral de Dios. Si Job no entendia como trabajaba la creacion física de Dios, cómo podria entender la mente y el carácter de El?

Se nos dice en la Escritura que nos estemos quietos y que entendamos que El es Dios (Salmo 46:11). El es nuestro Dios, nuestro refugio, nuestra fuerza, nuestra fortaleza (Salmo 91) y es El nuestro modelo fundamental. Dios es el único que es el juez. No hay un modelo o criterio mayor que Dios mismo. Vemos gente en nuestra sociedad que se ríe y rechaza la autoridad de Dios y para algunos parece que ellos tienen el control absoluto de sus vidas y destinos. La Escritura nos dice que a Dios no le gusta que las cosas estén en desorden y desquiciadas (1 Corintios 14:33). Nuestro Dios es un Dios amoroso y justo y El no se volteará ni parpadeará mientras alguien esté perturbando Su orden moral. La Escritura nos dice que Dios dijo “La venganza es mia,” (Deuteronomio 32:35) y nos dice que Dios castigará a los malvados por todos sus pecados.

Estamos llamados asi como Job, a dejar a Dios tener el control de nuestras vidas. Esto no significa que nos volvamos robots. Al contrario, esto nos dá un enorme nivel de libertad. Sabremos con certeza que Dios nunca nos dejará. Nunca caminaremos por los valles de las sombras de la muerte sin su compañia. La sabiduria de Dios sera nuestra fuerza. Dios nunca nos abandonará. Nada podrá separarnos del amor de Dios, ni la enfermedad, ni la persecución, ni las pruebas, ni el divorcio ni siquiera la muerte. Nuestro Dios tiene el control de todo el universo y El nos ha escogido para ser sus hijos muy especiales. El es un Dios de órden y quiere que nosotros vivamos en armonia unos con otros y que nos amemos unos a otros asi como El nos ha amado (Juan 13:34).

 

2 CORINTIOS 5:14-17

Pablo escribe con audacia en contra de las filosofias de la vida basadas únicamente en ideas y experiencias humanas. Nos dice que los Cristianos somos personas nuevas por adentro. El Espíritu Santo da nueva vida y ya no somos los mismos. Cuando aceptamos a Cristo como Señor de nuestras vidas, la vida comienza de nuevo con un inicio de frescura. No es que seamos rehabilitados, reformados o reeducados, somos una creación nueva, viviendo en una vital union con Cristo (Colosenses 2:6, 7).

Es muy importante recordar que cuando aceptamos a Cristo como nuestro Señor y Salvador, le estamos dando permiso de residir en nosotros. Le hemos dicho que queremos habitar en El y que El habite en nosotros (Juan 15:7). No estamos nada mas dandole vuelta a una nueva hoja, estamos empezando una nueva vida bajo un nuevo patrón. Esto quiere decir que debemos obedecer Su mandato diariamente.

Podrás vivir por Cristo comprometiendo tu vida y sometiendo tu voluntad a la Suya. (Romanos 12:1,2). Podrás continuar buscando y aprendiendo de El, de Su vida y de Sus enseñanzas (Col. 3:16). Podrás reconocer el poder del Espíritu Santo dentro de ti (Hechos 1:8).

Pablo usa el ejemplo de ser enraizados o conectados con Cristo. Como las plantas obtienen su alimento de la tierra, asi nosotros sacamos nuestra fuerza, alimento y la vida misma de Cristo. Lo mas que habitemos (residimos) en Cristo, lo menos que seremos engañados por aquellos que falsamente aclaman tener las respuestas de la vida. Pablo realmente nos muestra que ser una creación nueva significa que a la vista de Dios, nuestros motivos son puros y nuestras manos estan limpias. Aun cuando continuen sospechando de nosotros aquellos que nos conocieron antes de haber comprometido nuestra vida a Cristo.

Recordemos siempre que el mensaje del hombre siempre es escuchado de acuerdo al contexto de su carácter. Pablo dice a la gente que su conducta ha sido el resultado de querer únicamente servir a Dios. Nuestra conducta no debe ser menos que la de Pablo. Mucha gente pensaba que Pablo era un lunático y lo rechazaban, le pegaban y lo encarcelaban por su conducta. A Pablo no le importaba que la gente pensara que era un tonto, pues el era un tonto por Cristo. Piensa el mundo que tu eres un tonto por Cristo debido a tu conducta?

 

MARCOS 4:35-41

El Mar de Galilea era notable por sus tormentas debido a que está a 680 pies bajo el nivel del mar y rodeado de colinas. Algunos de los discípulos eran pescadores con mucha experiencia que habian pasado sus vidas pescando en ese lago, pero en esa tormenta les dió pánico y creyeron que los iba a destruir. Jesús estaba durmiendo en la parte trasera de la barca, ahi donde se sentaban a los visitantes distinguidos, en un pequeño asiento sobre un tapete. Parecia como que si El no se daba cuenta y no se preocupaba de la tormenta.

Hacemos injusticia a este relato si lo tomamos únicamente en un sentido literal. Esta fue una tormenta física, pero las tormentas se dan tambien en otras formas. Cuando los discípulos se dieron cuenta que la presencia de Jesús estaba con ellos, la tormenta se calmó. O sea, una vez que supieron que El estaba ahi, la paz entró a sus corazones.

Piensa por un momento en las tormentas que ha habido en tu vida y en las situaciones que te causan mucha ansiedad. Nosotros tambien podemos sentir lo que los discípulos sintieron en la barca. El viaje con Jesús fue un viaje en paz aun dentro de la tormenta. Permitanme decirlo otra vez: Con la presencia de Jesus podemos tener paz aun en las mas fieras tormentas de la vida. Cualquiera que sea nuestra dificultad, tenemos dos opciones. Podemos estar afligidos y pensar que Jesús no se preocupa ya de nosotros o podemos resistir el miedo poniendo nuestra confianza en El. Cuando sintamos pánico, confesemos nuestra necesidad de Dios y recordemos que El nos dará paz en la tormenta de afliccion. El cambia la obscuridad de la muerte en el brillo del pensamiento de la vida eterna. El nos dará paz en la tempestad de la duda, de las tensiones y de la incertidumbre.

Preguntale cual es Su voluntad y ponte sumiso a élla y el camino hacia la paz aparecerá en ese momento. El nos da la paz en la tormenta de la ansiedad. El mayor enemigo de la paz es la aflicción y Jesús nos trae Su paz o sea el amor incondicional de Dios. Invita a Jesus a calmar las tormentas de tu vida y El te dejara maravillado asi como dejó maravillados a los discípulos en la barca en el Mar de Galilea.

 

Aplicación

La primera lectura nos dice que nuestro Dios es un Dios de orden. La segunda nos muestra que no somos rehabilitados, somos creaciones nuevas. El Evangelio nos revela que Jesús puede calmar cualquier tormenta en nuestras vidas.

Esta semana pídele al Señor que te revele lo que quiere que tu hagas. Sé preciso. Pídele que te guie en tu papel de hijo, esposo, padre de familia o líder. Ve a tu alrededor en tu familia, escuela o trabajo y fíjate si eres una parte de la tormenta en sus vidas. Sometete a ser guiado por Jesús y El aliviará la tormenta de tu vida.

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 20th) – Cycle B

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THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

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

FIRST DAY  Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY READ JOB 38:1, 8-11 FIRST READING

(“Then the Lord addressed Job out of the storm,…”)

l. Who addressed Job, and where was he when he addressed him? Job 38:1

 

2. When we cry in distress to the Lord, what will he do to the storm around us? Psalm 107:28-29

 

3. When Moses stretched his hand over the sea, what did the Lord do? Exodus 14:21

 

 

4. When the sea burst forth from the womb, what did the Lord do?  Job 38:8, Genesis 1:9-10

 

5. What does the Lord set for the sea, and for what reason? Proverbs 8:29

 

6. When God set limits for the sea, what happened to the proud waves? Job 38:9-11

 

7. To what is there no limit?  Psalm 147:5

 

8. What happens to the waters at his command, and to what is there no limit? Sirach 39:17-18

 

9. What does the Lord still in the people? Psalm 65:8

 

10. Whom does the Lord see and know from afar? Psalm 138:6

 

Personal – How can you yield, like Job did, and let God be the one in control of your life?

 

 

THIRD DAY READ 2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17 SECOND READING

(“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation.”)

1. What impels us, and to what conviction do we come? 2 Corinthians 5:14

 

2. What happened to our old self, and from what is a dead person absolved? Romans 6:6-7

 

3. By what do we now live? Galatians 2:20

 

4. For whom did Jesus die, and for what reason? 2 Corinthians 5:15

 

5. Whether we live or die, to whom do we belong? For what reason did Christ die and come to life? Romans 14:8-9

 

6. How do we no longer know Christ? 2 Corinthians 5:16

 

7. Although we are in the flesh, with what do we not battle? 2 Corinthians 10:3-4

 

8. What is meant by, whoever is reconciled in Christ; what has passed away, and what has come? 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

9. For if we are God’s handiwork, in whom have we been created, and for what reason? Ephesians 2:10

 

10. How were we buried with Christ, and how might we live? Romans 6:4

 

Personal –  What does being a new creation mean to you?  Are you still trying to hang onto something in the old creation?  How are you able to let go of the old?

 

 

FOURTH DAY READ MARK 4:35-41 GOSPEL

(“Why are you lacking in faith?”)

1. What did Jesus say as evening drew on, how did they go, and were others with them? Mark 4:35-36

 

2. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to have a boat ready for him, and where was he going? Mark 3:9, Mark 5:1

 

3. What came up, and what was breaking over the boat? Mark 4:37

 

4. Where was Jesus, what was he doing, and what did his disciples do and say to him? Mark 4:38

 

5. What does Jesus say about those who hear his voice and follow him? John 10:28

 

6. When Jesus woke up, what did he do to the wind?  What did He say to the sea, and what was the result?  Mark 4:39

 

7. What two questions did Jesus ask his disciples? Mark 4:40

 

8. What did Jesus do and say to Peter? Matthew 14:31

 

9. What did Jesus do to the eleven, and for what reason? Mark 16:14

 

10. With what were those in the boat filled, and what did they say to one another? Mark 4:41

 

11. What does Jesus command and they obey him? Mark 1:27

 

Personal –  What kind of storm is going on around you?  Who are you calling on to help you and how are you calling him?  What has Jesus’ response been to you in the past when you called out to him in a stormy time in your life?

 

 

FIFTH DAY READ PSALM 107:23-26, 28-31

(“His command raised up a storm wind which tossed its waves on high.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 107:23-26, 28-31.

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

JOB 38:1, 8-11

Today’s reading is a powerful example of our God being a God of order. God used Job’s lack of knowledge about how the earth was made to function in a natural order to reveal to him how little Job knew of God’s moral order.  If Job did not understand the workings of God’s physical creation, how could he understand God’s mind and character?

We are told in Scripture to be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:11). He is our God, our refuge, our strength, our fortress (Psalm 91), and he is our ultimate standard.  God is the only one who is to be the judge. There is no standard or criterion higher than God.  We see people in our society laugh and reject God’s authority, and for some, it seems like they are in complete control of their lives and destiny.  Scripture tells us that God is not one who likes things to be disorderly and upset (1 Cor. 14:33). Our God is a loving God, and a just God, and he will not turn his head or blink his eye while someone is disturbing his moral order. Scripture tells us that God says, “Vengeance is mine,” (Deut. 32:35) and it tells us that God will punish the evildoers in full for all their sins.

We are called, just like Job, to let God be the one in control of our lives. This does not mean that we become a robot. Rather, it gives us a tremendous level of freedom. We will know with certainty that God will never leave us. We will never walk alone anymore through the valley of the shadow of death.  God’s wisdom will become our strength. We will never be abandoned by God. Nothing can separate us from God’s love, not sickness, persecution, trials, divorce, or even death itself.  Our God is in control of the whole universe, and he has chosen us to be his very special children.  He is a God of order, and he wants us to live in harmony with each other and to love one another as he has loved us (John 13:34).

 

2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-17

Paul boldly writes against any philosophy of life based only on human ideas and experiences. He tells us that Christians are brand new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same anymore.  When we accept Christ as Lord of our life, life begins again with a fresh, new start. We are not reformed, rehabilitated or reeducated;  we are a new creation, living in vital union with Christ (Col. 2:6,7).

It is very important to remember that when we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are giving him permission to take up residence in us.  We have told him that we want to abide in him and he to abide in us (John 15:7).  We are not merely turning over a new leaf, we are beginning a new life under a new Master. This means we must follow his leadership on a daily basis.

You can live for Christ by committing your life and submitting your will to him (Romans 12:1,2). You can continue to seek to learn from him, his life and his teachings (Col. 3:16). You can recognize the Holy Spirit’s power within you (Acts 1:8).

Paul used the illustration of our being rooted or connected to Christ. As plants get their nourishment from the soil, so we draw our strength, nourishment, and life itself from Christ. The more we abide (reside) in Christ, the less we will be fooled by those who make false claims to life’s answers. Paul really shows us that being a new creation means that in the sight of God, our motives are pure and our hands are clean. But suspicion will still be cast on us by people who knew us before we committed our lives to Christ.

We must always remember that a man’s message will always be heard in the context of his character. Paul tells the people that his conduct has been the result of wanting only to serve God. Our conduct should not have anything less than the motive of Paul. Many people thought Paul was a lunatic and they rejected him, beat him and jailed him for his conduct. Paul was not bothered that people thought he was a fool because he was a fool for Christ. Today, does the world think of you as a fool for Christ because of your conduct?

 

MARK 4:35-41

The Sea of Galilee was notorious for its storms because it is 680 feet below sea level and surrounded by hills. Some of the disciples were veteran fishermen who had spent their lives fishing on this lake, but in this storm they panicked and the storm threatened to destroy them all.  Jesus was sleeping in the back of the boat where distinguished visitors would have been seated on a small seat placed on a carpet.  He seemed to be completely unaware and unconcerned with the storm.

We do this story a great injustice if we merely take it in a literalistic sense.  This was a physical storm, but storms come in other forms too.  When the disciples realized the presence of Jesus was with them, the storm became calm.  Once they knew he was there, fearless peace entered their hearts.

Think for a moment about the storms in your life and the situations that cause you great anxiety.  We can experience what Jesus’ disciples experienced in that boat. That voyage with Jesus was a voyage in peace even in a storm.  Let me repeat that again for you: In the presence of Jesus, we can have peace even in the wildest storms of life. Whatever our difficulties, we have two options, we can worry and think that Jesus is no longer concerned about us, or we can resist fear by putting our trust in him. When we feel like panicking, we need to confess our need for God, and then remember that he will give us peace in the storm of sorrow.  He changes the darkness of death into the sunshine of the thought of eternal life. He will give us peace in the tempest of doubt, tension, and uncertainty.

Ask his will, submit to it and the way to peace comes at such a time. He gives us peace in the storm of anxiety.  The chief enemy of peace is worry, and Jesus brings us his peace which is the unconditional love of God. Invite Jesus to calm the storms in your life and he will fill you with awe just as he filled the disciples with awe in that boat on the Sea of Galilee.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that our God is a God of order.  The second reading shows that we are not rehabilitated;  we are new creations.  The Gospel reveals that Jesus can calm any storm in our lives.

This week, ask the Lord to reveal to you what he wants you to do.  Be specific.  Ask his guidance about your role as a child, spouse, parent, or leader.  Look at the people in your family, school, or work and see whether you are part of a storm in their lives.  Submit to Jesus’ guidance, and he will heal the storm in your life.