Bread of Life Catholic Bible Study

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY           READ JEREMIAH 20:10-13       FIRST READING

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

         

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 5:12-15         SECOND READING

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

Personal – How has sin and death affected your life?

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

FOURTH DAY            READ MATTHEW 10:26-33              GOSPEL

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

(“For the Lord hears the poor,”)

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

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

JEREMIAH 20:10-13

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

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

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

 

ROMANS 5:12-15

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

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

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

 

MATTHEW 10:26-33

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

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

THE BREAD OF LIFE

CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY             READ EXODUS 19:2-6         FIRST READING

(“You shall be to me a kingdom of priests, a holy nation.”)

1. Where did the Israelites camp, who went up the mountain to God, and who spoke to him?   Exodus 19:2-3

 

2. Where did Jesus go to pray? Matthew 14:23

 

3. What did the people do while Moses approached the cloud where God was?   Exodus 20:21

 

4. What did God tell Moses to tell the Israelites? Ex 19:4

 

5. What does an eagle do to its young, and what has the Lord done for his people?   Deuteronomy 32:11

 

6. What does the Lord say you must do if you want to be his special possession, dearer to him than all other people? Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 26:18

 

7. What belongs to the Lord? Exodus 19:5, 1 Corinthians 10:26

 

8. What was Moses to tell the Israelites? Exodus 19:6

 

9. Why are we “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own?   ” 1 Peter 2:9

 

10. To what did Jesus choose us before the foundation of the world?   Ephesians 1:4

 

 

Personal – In what way do you feel you are a special possession of God? What makes you holy in his sight and the sight of your family and friends?

 

 

THIRD DAY              READ ROMANS 5:6-11        SECOND READING

(“But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”)

 

1. When did Christ die for the ungodly? Romans 5:6, Galatians 4:4

 

2. What is difficult to do and how does God prove his love for us?   Romans 5:7-8

 

3. What did God do for us and for what reason? John 3:16

 

4. What did Jesus do for us, and what does this say about love? 1 John 4:10, 19

 

5. From what sins were we set free? Romans 3:25

 

6. How have we been justified, and from what are we saved? Romans 5:9

 

7. Against what is the wrath of God being revealed from heaven?      Romans 1:18

 

8. How were we reconciled to God while we were enemies, and once reconciled how will we be saved?   Romans 5:10

 

9. Of what has God given us the ministry? 2 Cor 5:18

 

10. Of what do we boast, and what do we have through him? Romans 5:11

 

Personal – How have you experienced God’s love and forgiveness in your life? How have you died to yourself, your way of doing things, in order to be reconciled with someone who may have hurt you?

 

 

FOURTH DAY           READ MATTHEW 9:36-10:8               GOSPEL

(“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few.”)

1. Why was Jesus’ heart moved with pity? Matthew 9:36

 

2. What did Jesus say to his disciples about the harvest, and what were they to ask the master of the harvest? Matthew 9:37

 

3. What did Jesus say for us to look up and see? John 4:35

 

 

Personal – In what way have you gone out and tried to bring someone back to church?

 

4. Over what did Jesus give his disciples authority, and what would they be able to do with diseases and illness? Matthew 10:1

 

5. What were the names of the twelve apostles? Matthew 10:2-4

 

6. Who was Judas, and what had to be fulfilled? Acts 1:16

 

7. Who did Jesus send out, and where did he instruct them not to go?   Matthew 10:5

 

8. Where did Jesus tell the twelve to go? Matthew 10:6

 

9. What proclamation were the disciples to make? Matthew 10:7

 

10. What did John the Baptist and Jesus both preach? Matthew 3:2 , Matthew 4:17

 

11. What were the disciples to do, how did they receive, and how were they to give?   Matthew 10:8

 

Personal – What have you received without cost in your life and what have you given away without charging for it?

 

FIFTH DAY             READ PSALM 100:1-3, 5

(“…He made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 100:1-3, 5.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EXODUS 19:2-6

Mount Sinai is one of the most sacred locations in the history of Israel. On this mountain Moses met God as a burning bush, God made his covenant with Israel, and Elijah heard God in “the sound of a gentle whisper.” This is where God’s people learned the potential blessings of obedience and the tragic consequences of disobedience. God was ready to tell the Israel­ites why he had rescued them from slavery. He tells them of how he wanted Israel to become a holy people, a nation of priests in which anyone could approach God freely. These priests were to represent what the entire nation should be like. Though all of the men from the Tribe of Levi were dedicated to the service of God, only Aaron’s descen­dants were allowed to be priests. This distinction allowed them to perform sacrifices at their worship services. The priests had to make sure they were cleansed and rededicated to God before they could help the people follow the path of righteousness. As part of their dedication rite, blood was placed on the priests to let them know that the entire person was set apart for service to God. This ritual was to show that holiness came from God and not from the role of being a priest.

God’s plan was soon corrupted. God then established the Levites as priests. All the people were not chosen or select­ed to be priests, but all the people were to hold the priestly vision in their hearts and actions. However, with the coming of Christ, God extended his plan to all believers. We are to become holy, a priestly people, a changed people filled with God.

Today, there is a strong and urgent need for a holy and changed people. God wanted to have a special nation on earth, to represent his ways and to be a saving presence in the world. Pray that your nation, your community, your family and you will be “filled with God.” Pray, especially, that your spiritual leaders will remember that their holiness comes from God and not their social standing.

 

ROMANS 5:6-11

In today’s reading, we discover that we are helpless because we cannot do anything on our own to save ourselves. Someone had to come and rescue us. God controls all history in his time and in accordance with his will, and we were rescued through the death on the cross by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Now, we are at peace with God, which differs from mere peaceful feelings of security and confidence. Peace with God means being one with him, being reconciled with him. Peace with God is possible only because Jesus paid the price for our sins with his death on that cross at Calvary. He died for us while we were still sinners. God sent Jesus to die for us, not because we were deserving, but because he loved us. He loved the lovable; he loved the unlovable. He would have died on that cross if you were the only person in the world, because he loved you before you ever converted to him.

His love is that same love that gives us the power to resist Satan every day. The power that saved Christ from the dead is the power that lives in us at the present time. The Father’s love that allowed his Son to die for our sins is the same love that sends the Holy Spirit to live in us. Be assured, you have a reserve of power and love to call on each day to help you meet every challenge or trial. As surely as you can pray for forgiveness, so also, you can pray expectantly for God’s power and love as necessary.

 

MATTHEW 9:36-10:8

Jesus requires workers who know how to deal with the problems of people. We can comfort others and guide them on how to live, because we have been helped in our problems, because we know that he is the source and supplier of all our needs (Phil. 4-19). In today’s Gospel we see the tremen­dous need for laborers to be in God’s field to harvest his crop. The harvest is for men and women’s souls and we are the laborers. Jesus looked at the crowds following him and referred to them as a field ripe for harvest.

Today, there are many people who will give their lives to Christ if someone will show them the way. That someone can be you, so be prepared for God to use you. Jesus called his disciples and, as of now, he is calling you. He didn’t force them into his group but he did ask for volun­teers. Being called by Christ means to be chosen to serve Christ in a special way.

Jesus asked his disciples to go only to the Jews, because they were chosen to tell those remaining in the world about God’s saving power. Jewish disciples preached the “Good News” all over the Roman Empire and soon Gentiles poured into the church. Today, the Good News is that the kingdom is still near. Jesus, the Messiah, has already begun his kingdom on earth in the hearts of his followers.

Jesus called people from all walks of life – fishermen, political activists, tax collectors, rich, poor, and educated. Today many people discriminate as to who qualifies to follow Christ. God can use anyone, regardless of how insignificant he feels. He uses ordinary people to do his extraordinary work.

 

Application

The first reading tells us that obedience leads to blessings and disobedi­ence leads to loneliness and frustration. The second reading tells us that Jesus loves us so much, he died for all, even the ones who could care less about him. The Gospel reveals to us that people are ripe for the harvest, but more laborers are necessary to lead and to show them the way.

This week, let your actions reveal to your family that you are a person who wants the very best for them. Let them know what is obedience and humility by your actions. Give your family the gift of your service.

Since you have received the gift of joy and other gifts, give them away freely. Give them a gift of your joy. Make an attempt to read to a small child. Take an elderly person to lunch, and share your faith and your love for the Lord with someone. Your ability to freely give will inspire someone to freely follow Christ.

 

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY       READ DEUTERONOMY 8:2‑3, 14‑16    FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

What Kind of Physical Food

4 Basics                         Junk Food

 

How Often

Attitude

 

Listening and Obeying the Word

God’s Word                       Man’s Word

 

How Often

Attitude

 

When Receiving Eucharist

Repentant Heart                  Hard Heart

 

How Often

Attitude

 

 

 

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

(“We all partake of the one loaf.”)

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

FOURTH DAY               READ JOHN 6:51‑58                GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

(“…swiftly runs his Word.”)

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

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

DEUTERONOMY 8:2‑3, 14‑16

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

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

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

 

1 CORINTHIANS 10:16‑17

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

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

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

 

JOHN 6:51‑58

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

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

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

8. What did Moses do? Exodus 34:8

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 3:16-18                GOSPEL

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

1. Acts 2:21 –
2. Acts 4:12 –
3. Acts 15:11 –
4. Romans 10:9 –
5. Titus 3:4-5 –

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

9. Who has no condemnation? Romans 8:1

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

FIFTH DAY              READ DANIEL 3:52-56

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

Read and meditate on Daniel 3:52-56.

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

EXODUS 24:4-6, 8-9

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

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

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

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

 

2 CORINTHIANS 13:11-13

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

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

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

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

JOHN 3:16-18

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

SECOND DAY               READ ACTS 2:1-11          FIRST READING

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 20:19-23                GOSPEL

(“Receive the Holy Spirit.”)

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 2:1-11

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

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

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

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

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

 

1 CORINTHIANS 12:3-7, 12-13

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

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

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

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

 

JOHN 20:19-23

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

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

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

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

 

Application

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

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

 

BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

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

 

 

SECOND DAY              READ ACTS 1:12‑14          FIRST READING

(“Together they devoted themselves to constant prayer.”)

1. Where is the mount called Olivet and what had previously occurred there?   Acts 1:1‑2, 12

 

2. Entering the city, who went to the upstairs room where they were staying?   Acts 1:13

 

3. To what did they devote themselves? Acts 1:14

 

4. What do the following scriptures say about prayer?

Mark 11:24

Philippians 4:6‑7

Colossians 4:2

1 Timothy 2:8

1 Timothy 4:4‑5

 

Personal ‑ In what ways do you come together to pray with others, how do you pray, and for what do you pray?

 

 

5. Who were in the company of the disciples? Acts 1:14

 

6. When was there another occasion that women were present? Luke 8:1‑3

 

7. What did Jesus say about his mother and brothers in Luke 8:19‑21?

 

 

8. What does not exist among us and for what reason? Galatians 3:24‑28

 

 

Personal ‑ In what ways have you prayed with Mary, the mother of God, this week? How often do you pray with the men, women and children who are closest to you?

 

THIRD DAY             READ 1 PETER 4:13‑16       SECOND READING

(“When his glory is revealed, you will rejoice exultantly.”)

1. In what are you to rejoice? 1 Peter 4:13

 

2. How can you share in Christ’s sufferings? 2 Timothy 2:11

 

3. To what do our sufferings or afflictions lead? Romans 5:3‑5

 

4. How do we become glorified with Jesus? Romans 8:17, John 12:23‑24

 

5. What will you do when his glory is revealed? 1 Peter 4:13

 

6. What are we when we are insulted for Christ’s sake and who in his glory has come to rest on us? 1 Peter 4:14

 

7. What will be present in us when the Spirit rests on us? Isaiah 11:2

 

8. What reasons must we see to that none of us suffer? 1 Peter 4:15

 

9. If anyone suffers for being a Christian, what must he not be, rather, what should he do?   1 Peter 4:16

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you died to your way of doing things in order to bear the name Christian? What does that name mean to you? How have you suffered because of the name, and what has been your attitude?

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 17:1‑11                GOSPEL

(“I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world.”)

1. What reassuring words had Jesus spoken? John 16:33

 

2. Where did Jesus look and what did he say? John 17:1

 

3. What has been given Jesus over all mankind, and what may he do?   John 17:2

 

4. What is eternal life? John 17:3, 1 John 5:20

 

5. What did Jesus do on earth and how did he do it? John 17:4

 

6. Where does the Father give Jesus glory and when did he have this glory?   John 17:5

 

7. What did he make known and what did those given him keep? John 17:6

 

8. What do they realize, what was entrusted to them, and what did they have to do?   John 17:7-8

 

9. How is it known to them that Jesus came from the Father and what did they have to do?   John 17:8

 

10. For whom does he pray? John 17:9

 

11. How has he been glorified? John 17:10

 

12. Where does he say he will no longer be, what does he ask the Father to do, and how is he to do it so that they may be one      even as the Father and Son are one?   John 17:11

 

Personal ‑ In what way have you made Jesus’ name known to those he has given to you? List the ways you have come to know Jesus. How has he revealed the way, the truth and the life to you? Meditate on this and share with someone.

 

FIFTH DAY            READ PSALM 27:1, 4, 7‑8

(“…your presence, O Lord, I seek.”)

Read and meditate on Psalm 27:1, 4, 7‑8.

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

ACTS 1:12‑14

The central theme from today’s passage is the absolute need for prayer. In today’s world, the strongest area in our lives must be our prayer time with Jesus Christ. We have seen all through the New Testament that Jesus went off and prayed alone to his Father before he did anything. We are called to do no less than he. Jesus told them not to leave the upper room until his Spirit returned to them. They prepared for the coming event that would change the face of the entire known world in about 25 years by spending the next ten days in solemn prayer.

This time of preparation which we would call a retreat is a time of waiting, praying, and expecting the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance. A difficult decision, or a very hard task should never be attempted without praying first to the Holy Spirit. We need to take the apostles’ example and not rush in and hope everything turns out all right. We need to ask ourselves, how often do we stop and pray before we do anything or even say anything.

These apostles had been with Jesus for three years and had seen many miracles, and yet, they knew that they lacked something. Jesus did not want them to go into the world unprepared. He does not want us to go unprepared either. He has given us his Holy Spirit who will never leave us. His power will be what we will use to resist Satan and make Satan flee (James 4:7).

 

1 PETER 4:13‑16

There is much talk in the Christian world today that if you follow Christ, you will be happy and live a prosperous life. Some people are drawn to the Christian faith thinking it is like an insurance policy. Many people think if they attend services every week, receive all the sacraments and are obedient to the church, they will make it to heaven without too much pain.

Jesus tells us that he does not have a place to lay his head, never mind being successful in the world. In today’s message, Peter is telling the new converts that we will be with Christ in heaven, if we carry the crosses he sends us. This is not a theology of works, this is a covenant of love. Our love for him will be what holds us up when we are persecuted for being a Christian.

Living the Christian life is not the product of mere men, it is the product of human nature raised to a higher plane by Divine Grace. The channels by which we receive his Divine Grace are sacraments, prayer and sacred scripture. We really can not say that being a Christian is too severe, because when we see how our baptism has made us brothers and sisters of Christ and has prepared us for the other sacraments, then we know that nothing can separate us from the love of God. No persecution, no trial and conviction, not even death itself will separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:31‑39).

To experience suffering because we are Christian is a cause for tremendous joy. It means that we belong to Christ, not the world. I must say that we have to pray and discern that the suffering that we are going through is because we are doing God’s will and not our will. We must all remember our time here on earth is but a moment in eternity, but the time that we will spend with Christ in heaven will be eternal, and that is “Good News.”

 

JOHN 17:1‑11

This passage from the Gospel of John is a prayer of Jesus. We can see that the world is a battle ground and the forces under Satan’s power are driven by bitterness and hatred for Jesus and all of his followers. We must never forget that we are locked in spiritual warfare and that we, by ourselves, are no match for Satan. We are called to put on our spiritual armor (Eph. 6:10‑18) and be ready.

Again we see Jesus going to his Father in prayer. He prayed to the Father to protect his followers and that protection extends today to you and me. We respond to that protection through our prayer life, our scripture study, and our receiving of the sacraments. He will make us holy and unite us in his truth if we abide in him and keep his commandments (John 15:7).

Jesus is telling us that eternal life is entering into a personal relationship with God in Jesus Christ. We see Jesus asking the Father to restore him to his original place now that his time on earth is coming very quickly to an end. We need to realize that Jesus’ resurrection and ascension were proof that this prayer was indeed answered in full. Jesus said that his disciples are his glory and that, of course, means us who have decided to follow Jesus.

What a tremendous blessing that Jesus can find glory in our lives. It is a tremendous sign of encouragement to all of us. If you have slipped or even walked away from Christ, now is the time to come back to him. His prayer to the Father was for all of his brothers and sisters. He wants all of us to have eternal life. His real and full glory is sharing with all of us who believe in him, the reality of seeing and giving praise and glory to his heavenly Father. We must remember, Jesus said, “I have not lost any whom you have given me.” So come on back; “Abba” is waiting.

 

Application

The first reading tells us the first Christian community devoted themselves to prayer. The second reading tells us that those who suffer because of righteousness are very much blessed.

The Gospel reveals that everything that was of the Father was also of Jesus at his hour of glory.

This week, let the presence of God fill you in your home, work, and school area. Let the power of prayer transform your attitude and your conduct this week. Make a commitment to yourself to begin each morning in a quiet time alone with the Lord. In the middle of your day take a few minutes again to spend a quiet time with the Lord in prayer. Before you go to sleep review your day with the Lord, and go to sleep with him on your mind.

 

 

BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

 

FIRST DAY                                                      Reread last weeks readings.

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

 

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

 

SECOND DAY                                   READ ACTS 1:1-11

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Personal – How are you preparing for Jesus’ return?

 

 

 

THIRD DAY                               READ EPHESIANS 1:17-23                SECOND READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

9. There is one what? Ephesians 4:4

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY                           READ MATTHEW 28:16-20                                     GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY                      READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 1:1-11

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

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

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

 

EPHESIANS 1:17-23

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

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

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

 

 

MATTHEW 28:16-20

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

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

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

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

 

 

Application

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

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

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

 

 

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

 

 

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

 

 

 

SECOND DAY           READ ACTS 8:5‑8, 14‑17       FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY             READ JOHN 14:15‑21                GOSPEL

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FIFTH DAY           READ PSALM 66:1‑7, 16, 20

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

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

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 8:5‑8, 14‑17

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

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

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

 

1 PETER 3:15‑18

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

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

 

JOHN 14:15‑21

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

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

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

 

Application

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

 

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

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

SECOND DAY              READ ACTS 6:1‑7           FIRST READING

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 14:1‑12                GOSPEL

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 33:1‑2, 4‑5, 18‑19.

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

How can you apply this to your life?

 

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 6:1‑7

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 PETER 2:4‑9

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

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

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

JOHN 14:1‑12

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

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

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

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

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

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

Application

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

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

THE BREAD OF LIFE CATHOLIC BIBLE STUDY

By Deacon Ken and Marie Finn

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

FIRST DAY Reread last week’s readings.

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

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

SECOND DAY            READ ACTS 2:14, 36‑41        FIRST READING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. What do the following Scriptures say about suffering:

Isaiah 53:11? –

Philippians 1:29 –

1 Peter 4:16 –

Mark 8:31 –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

FOURTH DAY              READ JOHN 10:1‑10                GOSPEL

(“I came that they might have life.”)

1. Who is speaking, and to whom is he speaking? John 10:6, John l0:19

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

8. What does the thief do, and why did Jesus come? John 10:10, John 1:4
9. How are we to live our life and what are we to receive?   John 10:10, Romans 5:17

 

 

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

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

 

FIFTH DAY               READ PSALM 23:1‑6

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

Read and meditate on Psalm 23:1‑6.

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

 

How can you apply this to your life?

 

SIXTH DAY          READ ALL OF THE COMMENTARY

ACTS 2:14, 36‑41

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

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

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

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

1 PETER 2:20‑25

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

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

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

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

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

JOHN 10:1‑10

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

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

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

First Reading – Acts 2: 14, 36-41 – This is Peter’s speech at Pentecost, listen to my words – The people wanted to know what they were to do now that they realized through Peter’s speech that they killed Jesus, but God raised Him up and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Peter told them they would have to repent and be baptized, every one of them, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and then they would receive the Holy Spirit. What did they have to repent of? Their unbelief. By Peter exhorting them they were cut to the heart in condemning Jesus.

Admitted they were wrong by wanting to know what to do.

Peter told them.

Application

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

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