Catholic Doctrine Bible Study: Recent Episodes
Jim Hawk
All Christians should want a closer relationship with God. Toward that end, we should all read the Bible! But there are so many conflicting interpretations that Bible study can be confusing or disheartening. Which church, if any, has the God-given authority to interpret the Bible? LISTEN to Session 1 FIRST to see why there can only be one answer to that question. In this study, you will see the doctrines of the Catholic Church come alive as we go through each book of the entire Bible from a uniquely Catholic perspective.
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Session 243 - Start with Session 1
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Show REVERANCE to God! Give your best!
God hates divorce! (2:16)
Don’t rob God...bring God your time, talent, and treasure (tithe).
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Distinctive Features:
Prophecy: 9:9 “King shall come....meek, riding on an ass....” (See Mt. 21:4)
Prophecy: 11:12-13 Shepherd bought for “30 pieces of silver.” (See Mt.27:3-10.)
Prophecy: 12:10 “They shall look on Him whom they have pierced.....” (See John 19:37, Revelation 1:7.)
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Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are Postexilic prophets....they speak AFTER the people have been allowed to return from their Babylonian Exile.
Haggai: c.520BC - Though the people have returned, they have NOT rebuilt the Temple, partly due to outside influences, but also lack of proper priorities. See
Ezra 1-6 for background. Does God have priority in your life?
Zechariah: c.520BC (Same as Haggai above.) Chs1-4.... Return to God, there will be a New Jerusalem, we are the apple of God’s eye! We can have Hope!
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Nahum: 612BC, just before Ninevah, the Capitol of Assyria, was destroyed by Babylon that year.
-God is just, but also merciful
-Destruction predicted for Assyria, HOPE for Judah.
Habakkuk: 605-597BC. Worry about Babylon. Is basically a gripe session to God, yet see 3:17-19 “I will rejoice in the Lord, my strength!”
Zephaniah-640-609BC (Just before Jeremiah and Habakkuk.) (See 2 Kings 22 for background.)
“The Day of the Lord”= Doom, judgment. But, HOPE (for Judah, and US!) 3:16-20.
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Timeline: 750-710BC, contemporary of Isaiah (Isaiah 1-39), but Chapters 4-7 probably added after the return from exile, which began in 538BC.
Distinctive Feature: The ruler, the shepherd of his people, will come from BETHLEHEM. (5:1-4) (See Mt. 2:1-5)
7:7 “But as for me, I will look to the Lord.” (See Joshua 24:15)
Again, as with most of the Prophets, it offers hope for the future.
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Timeless truths in Jonah:
1) You can’t hide from God
2) We all have a job to do for the Kingdom-evangelize!
3) God wants ALL to convert...even Israel’s worst enemy!
4) WE should pray for the conversion of our enemies.
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Amos 4-9 4:1 , 5:11 and 12, 8:4-6, Don’t “oppress the weak and abuse the needy.”
Amos Distinctive Feature: “Plumb line” (7:7-8) to determine “straight” vs. “crooked” behavior and worship.
Amos-Salvation promised to the faithful in 9:11-15. (9:11 quoted by James in Acts 15:16-17 at the Council of Jerusalem.)
Obadiah- only 21 verses long! Against Edom, 5th Century BC.
Jonah- Were the events real, or was this a “fish story?” See CCC 107 (“truth...for the sake of our SALVATION...”) CCC 110.
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Hosea 11, God is a loving Father. Hosea 14, God shows mercy on all who repent.
Joel- Timeline unknown. (800’sBC? 400’sBC? -no mention of kings, or Assyria, or Babylon?)
Distinctive Feature: “Locusts” as punishment. “Apocalyptic” view, End Times, “the day of the Lord” mentioned 5X.
Joel 3:1 “Spirit” poured out, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17-21 at Pentecost.
Joel 3:5 “Everyone shall be rescued who calls on the name of the Lord.” (Again, realize the Catholic Church’s understanding of salvation, and what it entails to call on the name of the Lord!)
Amos-Timeline 760-750BC (Just before Hosea, and just before the Northern Kingdom fell in 722. Also same audience-the Northern Kingdom. Amos was a shepherd. Social justice theme.
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Hosea: Timeline is c. 750BC-715BC. (Just before and just after the Northern Kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722BC.)
Audience: The Northern Kingdom.
Distinctive Feature: Hosea’s wife, Gomer, (the Roamer!), a prostitute, is an allegory for how Israel had prostituted its faith, in bad political alliances and idol worship through temple pros
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“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution. Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13
Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.
Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52), places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!
Are these accounts “true?” See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.
Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.
(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution. Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13
Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.
Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52), places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!
Are these accounts “true?” See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.
Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.
(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution. Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13
Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.
Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52), places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!
Are these accounts “true?” See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.
Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.
(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
“Daniel” is an example of Apocalyptic literature, which was written to give people hope in times of persecution. Daniel is like “Revelation” in this regard, which even borrows images directly from “Daniel.” (See Daniel Ch. 7 and Revelation Ch.13
Both Daniel and Revelation look at Jewish tribulations at the time of their respective writings, look backward in time to past Jewish tribulations, and remind the reader that God delivered His people then, and will in the future, as long as the people keep their faith/return to the faith.
Daniel, thought to be written 167-164BC by most scholars during oppression by Antiochus Epiphanies, looks back at the Babylonian Captivity (c.605-536BC, see 2Kings 24+25, Jeremiah 52), places the characters in that former time, shows how perseverance in the faith saves the day, a message that is still true today!
Are these accounts “true?” See CCC paragraphs 105-119, especially 107,110.
Many today see a further fulfillment of Daniel Chapter 9 (“The 70 Weeks”) in the “End Times” appearance of the Antichrist. To try to understand Daniel 9, read also Jeremiah Ch.25 and 28. In Jeremiah, 70 years (“7” =“complete”) of captivity in Babylon, then happiness. In Daniel, he sees the return of troubles, so the number 70 is reinterpreted to include FUTURE persecution.
(Bible events/ prophecies can have not just one, but several future fulfillments.)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Ezekiel- 598BC-571BC, same time line as Lamentations, Baruch, only Ezekiel is writing IN EXILE, while in Babylon.
Chapters 1-3 Ezekiel called as a prophet.
Ch.4-24 What will happen to Jerusalem, causes leading up to destruction in 587BC.
(Ch. 18-Personal responsibility emphasised. See 18:24- No “Once Saved, Always Saved” here!)
Ch. 25-32- Prophecies against OTHER nations.
Ch. 33-39 Salvation for Israel
33:8 We must tell others of their sins.
34:11 New “SHEPHERD”
34:23 (from the line of )David.
34:25 (new) Covenant
36:8 “Bear fruit, grow branches”
37 Dry bones restored to life, one nation.
38-39 Hope in ultimate victory over the pagan world (see Rev. 20:8)
40-48 The New Israel
“Son of Man” used 93X, “Glory of the Lord” used 23X, influences seen in “Daniel” and “Revelation.”
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Baruch- was Jeremiah’s secretary. The HOPE of Chapter 5 is the hope that should be in all of us!
Ezekiel- 598BC-571BC, same time line as Lamentations, Baruch, only Ezekiel is writing IN EXILE, while in Babylon.
Chapters 1-3 Ezekiel called as a prophet.
Ch.4-24 What will happen to Jerusalem, causes leading up to destruction in 587BC.
(Ch. 18-Personal responsibility emphasised. See 18:24- No “Once Saved, Always Saved” here!)
Ch. 25-32- Prophecies against OTHER nations.
Ch. 33-39 Salvation for Israel
33:8 We must tell others of their sins.
34:11 New “SHEPHERD”
34:23 (from the line of )David.
34:25 (new) Covenant
36:8 “Bear fruit, grow branches”
37 Dry bones restored to life, one nation.
38-39 Hope in ultimate victory over the pagan world (see Rev. 20:8)
40-48 The New Israel
“Son of Man” used 93X, “Glory of the Lord” used 23X, influences seen in “Daniel” and “Revelation.”
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Jeremiah (prophet approximately between 626-586BC to Judah, leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon) preached repentance and obedience to God, but was unpopular, imprisoned for his messages (Ch. 37), thrown in a well (Ch. 38), taken to Egypt against his will (Ch. 43), thought by some Jewish tradition to have been assassinated there by his own people.
Though he complained to God about his rough life, he boldly spoke God’s truth to power throughout his ministry.
Jeremiah looked to a New Covenant (Ch. 31)
Some key verses:
1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..” (Good pro-life verse!)
23:4 “I will appoint Shepherds for them”
(Points toward Christ.)
23:5 “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” (Points toward Christ)
29:11 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you....” (Good life verse!)
31:3 “With age-old love have I loved you.”
31:31-34 (The New Covenant envisioned.)
Jeremiah has traditionally been thought of also as the author of Lamentations.
Jeremiah was a failure in the eyes of man, but a faithful follower (with all it’s rewards) in the eyes of God. Which is more important to YOU?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Jeremiah and Lamentations “Speaking God’s Truth To Power” and “Looking Forward To The New Covenant.”
Jeremiah (prophet approximately between 626-586BC to Judah, leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon) preached repentance and obedience to God, but was unpopular, imprisoned for his messages (Ch. 37), thrown in a well (Ch. 38), taken to Egypt against his will (Ch. 43), thought by some Jewish tradition to have been assassinated there by his own people.
Though he complained to God about his rough life, he boldly spoke God’s truth to power throughout his ministry.
Jeremiah looked to a New Covenant (Ch. 31)
Some key verses:
1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..” (Good pro-life verse!)
23:4 “I will appoint Shepherds for them”
(Points toward Christ.)
23:5 “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” (Points toward Christ)
29:11 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you....” (Good life verse!)
31:3 “With age-old love have I loved you.”
31:31-34 (The New Covenant envisioned.)
Jeremiah has traditionally been thought of also as the author of Lamentations.
Jeremiah was a failure in the eyes of man, but a faithful follower (with all it’s rewards) in the eyes of God. Which is more important to YOU?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Jeremiah and Lamentations: “Speaking God’s Truth To Power” and “Looking Forward To The New Covenant.”
Jeremiah (prophet approximately between 626-586BC to Judah, leading up to and including the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon) preached repentance and obedience to God, but was unpopular, imprisoned for his messages (Ch. 37), thrown in a well (Ch. 38), taken to Egypt against his will (Ch. 43), thought by some Jewish tradition to have been assassinated there by his own people.
Though he complained to God about his rough life, he boldly spoke God’s truth to power throughout his ministry.
Jeremiah looked to a New Covenant (Ch. 31)
Some key verses:
1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..” (Good pro-life verse!)
23:4 “I will appoint Shepherds for them”
(Points toward Christ.)
23:5 “I will raise up a righteous shoot to David.” (Points toward Christ)
29:11 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you....” (Good life verse!)
31:3 “With age-old love have I loved you.”
31:31-34 (The New Covenant envisioned.)
Jeremiah has traditionally been thought of also as the author of Lamentations.
Jeremiah was a failure in the eyes of man, but a faithful follower (with all it’s rewards) in the eyes of God. Which is more important to YOU?
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Sessions 222-224 Isaiah -“ Quoted Over 80 Times In The New Testament” and “11 Isaiah Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus” and “The Keys-A Forerunner to NT Apostolic Succession In The Church" Thought to be 3 different books spanning over 200 years of history: Book 1 (Chapters 1-39) comments on the events of 742-687BC, which saw Judah’s civil war with the alliance of Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (Ephraemites”) It discusses the lack of trust that the Judah leadership had in God, who chose two terrible military alliances (Assyria and later Egypt) instead of trusting God. These alliances , and their sins of pride, haughtiness, and corruption would cost Judah dearly. Yet, there was hope of a coming “Immanuel”......(Also note the “key of the House of David” in 22:20-22 in light of the Keys to the Kingdom of Mt16:17-19.) Book 2 (Chapters 40-55) comments on the events leading up to, and after, the Babylonian Exile (587-537BC). It also looks to the future Messiah. See 40:31 for an excellent life verse!!! References to Cyrus of Persia, specifically in 45:1 but indirectly (“The Lord’s friend”, etc) throughout Chapters 44-49. (Cyrus defeated the Babylonians in 539BC and allowed Jews to begin to return to their homeland. We see 4 references to the Suffering Servant Messiah in Chapter 53 alone which point ultimately to Jesus. Book 3 (Chapters 56-66) comments on the return of the first captives to Jerusalem (538- approx. 500BC), and also looks forward to the Messiah. See the over 80 quotations from Isaiah in the New Testament in the 2 pages below!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMvQSv49DL8DQFBHK4J0fLnsMUU298cM/view?usp=sharing
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Sessions 222-224 Isaiah -“ Quoted Over 80 Times In The New Testament” and “11 Isaiah Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus” and “The Keys-A Forerunner to NT Apostolic Succession In The Church"
Thought to be 3 different books spanning over 200 years of history:
Book 1 (Chapters 1-39) comments on the events of 742-687BC, which saw Judah’s civil war with the alliance of Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (Ephraemites”) It discusses the lack of trust that the Judah leadership had in God, who chose two terrible military alliances (Assyria and later Egypt) instead of trusting God. These alliances , and their sins of pride, haughtiness, and corruption would cost Judah dearly. Yet, there was hope of a coming “Immanuel”......(Also note the “key of the House of David” in 22:20-22 in light of the Keys to the Kingdom of Mt16:17-19.)
Book 2 (Chapters 40-55) comments on the events leading up to, and after, the Babylonian Exile (587-537BC). It also looks to the future Messiah. See 40:31 for an excellent life verse!!! References to Cyrus of Persia, specifically in 45:1 but indirectly (“The Lord’s friend”, etc) throughout Chapters 44-49. (Cyrus defeated the Babylonians in 539BC and allowed Jews to begin to return to their homeland. We see 4 references to the Suffering Servant Messiah in Chapter 53 alone which point ultimately to Jesus.
Book 3 (Chapters 56-66) comments on the return of the first captives to Jerusalem (538- approx. 500BC), and also looks forward to the Messiah. See the over 80 quotations from Isaiah in the New Testament in the 2 pages below!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMvQSv49DL8DQFBHK4J0fLnsMUU298cM/view?usp=sharing
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Sessions 222-224 Isaiah -“ Quoted Over 80 Times In The New Testament” and “11 Isaiah Prophecies Fulfilled By Jesus” and “The Keys-A Forerunner to NT Apostolic Succession In The Church"
Thought to be 3 different books spanning over 200 years of history:
Book 1 (Chapters 1-39) comments on the events of 742-687BC, which saw Judah’s civil war with the alliance of Syria and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. (Ephraemites”) It discusses the lack of trust that the Judah leadership had in God, who chose two terrible military alliances (Assyria and later Egypt) instead of trusting God. These alliances , and their sins of pride, haughtiness, and corruption would cost Judah dearly. Yet, there was hope of a coming “Immanuel”......(Also note the “key of the House of David” in 22:20-22 in light of the Keys to the Kingdom of Mt16:17-19.)
Book 2 (Chapters 40-55) comments on the events leading up to, and after, the Babylonian Exile (587-537BC). It also looks to the future Messiah. See 40:31 for an excellent life verse!!!
References to Cyrus of Persia, specifically in 45:1 but indirectly (“The Lord’s friend”, etc) throughout Chapters 44-49. (Cyrus defeated the Babylonians in 539BC and allowed Jews to begin to return to their homeland.
We see 4 references to the Suffering Servant Messiah in Chapter 53 alone which point ultimately to Jesus.
Book 3 (Chapters 56-66) comments on the return of the first captives to Jerusalem (538- approx. 500BC), and also looks forward to the Messiah.
See the over 80 quotations from Isaiah in the New Testament in the 2 pages below!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMvQSv49DL8DQFBHK4J0fLnsMUU298cM/view?usp=sharing
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Written in Hebrew 200-175 BC by “Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach” (51:27).
Translated into Greek after 132 BC by “Jesus’ Grandson”.
Written before “Wisdom”, did not envision afterlife as other than the “netherworld”.
Deuterocanonical, because it extolled temple worship and did not show belief in the Resurrection of the Body. (By 90 A.D., the temple had been destroyed and the pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, were in control).
It is a “Handbook of Practical Living”.
Duties toward God (Ch 2)
Duties toward Parents (Ch 3)
Humility (Ch 3)
Discipline (Mentioned 11 times)
Almsgiving
Choosing friendship (Ch 6, 11, 13)
Conduct in public life (Ch 7)
Dealing with economic circumstances
Self-Control
Speech (22, 23)
Chastity (26,23)
Forgiveness (28)
Training Children (30)
Table Etiquette (!!) (31)
Chapters 42- 43: Praise of God’s creation (sun, moon, stars etc.)
Chapters 44-50: Praise of Israel’s great ancestors (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, David, Samuel, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Simon – the high priest at the time Sirach was written)
Chapter 51 – A beautiful “Thank you” to God.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Written in Hebrew 200-175 BC by “Jesus, son of Eleazar, son of Sirach” (51:27).
Translated into Greek after 132 BC by “Jesus’ Grandson”.
Written before “Wisdom”, did not envision afterlife as other than the “netherworld”.
Deuterocanonical, because it extolled temple worship and did not show belief in the Resurrection of the Body. (By 90 A.D., the temple had been destroyed and the pharisees, who believed in the resurrection, were in control).
It is a “Handbook of Practical Living”.
Duties toward God (Ch 2)
Duties toward Parents (Ch 3)
Humility (Ch 3)
Discipline (Mentioned 11 times)
Almsgiving
Choosing friendship (Ch 6, 11, 13)
Conduct in public life (Ch 7)
Dealing with economic circumstances
Self-Control
Speech (22, 23)
Chastity (26,23)
Forgiveness (28)
Training Children (30)
Table Etiquette (!!) (31)
Chapters 42- 43: Praise of God’s creation (sun, moon, stars etc.)
Chapters 44-50: Praise of Israel’s great ancestors (Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, David, Samuel, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Simon – the high priest at the time Sirach was written)
Chapter 51 – A beautiful “Thank you” to God.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Written about 100 B.C in Greek by an Alexandrian (Egypt)
“Deuterocanonical” ... Attributed to Solomon (Pseudepigrapha)
Written to counteract the Hellenistic ideas (False Gods, etc) that were popular in Egypt at the time. Written to show that Jewish traditions had superior wisdom.
“New” idea for Jews – Divine Retribution is not always on THIS earth, suffering on this earth does not presuppose a sin. The soul lives on, though still uncertain as to how. Childlessness not a punishment (3:13)
Ch 2:12-20 Some see as a prophecy of Christ’s passion. (Mt 27:41-44)
Ch 5: Judgement, heaven, hell
Ch’s 10-19: The author shows the superiority of the Hebrew God over other gods by giving examples of how God delivered His people throughout history, especially the exodus experience, God has always stood by those who trust Him and they will be rewarded. (at least in the life to come!)
We receive wisdom by praying for it. (Ch 7:7)
Much is said about idolatry (Ch’s 13:10 – 15:17). The idols will pass, as will our own material possessions today. The wisdom of following God is all that will remain.
Developing a daily discipline is a gift of wisdom: to pray, study, perform acts of service.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Written about 100 B.C in Greek by an Alexandrian (Egypt)
“Deuterocanonical” ... Attributed to Solomon (Pseudepigrapha)
Written to counteract the Hellenistic ideas (False Gods, etc) that were popular in Egypt at the time. Written to show that Jewish traditions had superior wisdom.
“New” idea for Jews – Divine Retribution is not always on THIS earth, suffering on this earth does not presuppose a sin. The soul lives on, though still uncertain as to how. Childlessness not a punishment (3:13)
Ch 2:12-20 Some see as a prophecy of Christ’s passion. (Mt 27:41-44)
Ch 5: Judgement, heaven, hell
Ch’s 10-19: The author shows the superiority of the Hebrew God over other gods by giving examples of how God delivered His people throughout history, especially the exodus experience, God has always stood by those who trust Him and they will be rewarded. (at least in the life to come!)
We receive wisdom by praying for it. (Ch 7:7)
Much is said about idolatry (Ch’s 13:10 – 15:17). The idols will pass, as will our own material possessions today. The wisdom of following God is all that will remain.
Developing a daily discipline is a gift of wisdom: to pray, study, perform acts of service.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Key Points:
A song of PASSION, on many levels.
On the literal level, it is about passionate love between a man and a woman.
But on a much deeper level, it stands for:
The Passion of God for Israel
The Passion of Christ for His Church
The Passion of God for each individual
Note that the passion is two-way: Each seems consumed with desire for the other. (How passionate are you toward God? Is God constantly on your mind, as might be the case during courtship with someone you love?)
Though written hundreds of years before Christ, references to “myrrh. Frankincense” (3:6) remind us of Christ.
Some Marian references seen by the Church:
2:2 “beloved among women”
3:11 “King...in the crown which his mother has crowned him.” (Remember, in the southern kingdom, the queen was the King’s MOTHER, not his wife!)
6:10” “as beautiful as the moon, as resplendent as the sun.” (See Mary in Revelation 12:1)
6:12 “blessed one of my kinswomen” (See Luke 1:48 “All call me blessed.”)
5:6-8 Sometimes (as in “Job”) it seems that God is nowhere to be found, but continue to seek God, knowing his passion for us is eternal.
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Solomon had it all: wealth, power, knowledge, relationships, fun. Yet near the end of his life, reflecting back, he realized that none of those things, not even his life on this earth, will last. “All is vanity.”
He urges us to enjoy these things that God has provided (9:7-9), but to be aware that they, in and of themselves, are not what gives meaning to life.
All that lasts is God, and in some way not yet understood fully until Jesus’ Resurrection hundreds of years later, Man’s relationship with God.
His conclusion: “Fear (awe, reverence”) God and keep his commandments...”
(12:13-14)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Key Points:
Solomon had it all: wealth, power, knowledge, relationships, fun. Yet near the end of his life, reflecting back, he realized that none of those things, not even his life on this earth, will last. “All is vanity.”
He urges us to enjoy these things that God has provided (9:7-9), but to be aware that they, in and of themselves, are not what gives meaning to life.
All that lasts is God, and in some way not yet understood fully until Jesus’ Resurrection hundreds of years later, Man’s relationship with God.
His conclusion: “Fear (awe, reverence”) God and keep his commandments...”
(12:13-14)
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/catholicbiblestudy/support
Key Points:
1)3:5 “Trust in the Lord, and lean not...”
2)22:6 “Train up a child ...not depart..”
3)1:7 “Fear of the Lord is the ...”
4) 31:10 “A wife of noble character....”
5)14:12”...a way that seems right, but..”
6)4:23 “....guard your heart...”
7)30:5 ..every word of God is flawless..”
8)27:17 “As iron sharpens iron...”
9)29:18 “Blessed..those who heed instr
10)17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but...”
You will develop your OWN list of favorites as you read through the 31 chapters of proverbs.
Topics (among others):
Dealing with children
Dealing with and choosing spouses
Business dealings(fairness, success)
Anger
Pride
Priorities
Laziness
Many, many more.
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The writer of Hebrews used Psalms (and other Old Testament writings to show that Jesus is the FINAL fulfillment as the Son of God and Messiah. (Beyond David.) Some examples:
Ps. 2:7 - Hebrews 1:5 (“You are my son..”)
Ps. 8:4-6 - Hebrews 2:6-8(“You made him for a little while lower than the angels
Ps. 45:7-8 -Hebrews 1:8-9(“your kingdom...God anointed you...”)
Ps. 110:1- Hebrews 1:13 (“Sit at my right hand....”)
See the below link for further parallels between the Psalms and the New Testament.
http://www.jesuswalk.com/psalms/psalms-NT-quotations.htm
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Mt.27:26 (“My God..why have you forsaken me?) Jesus is reciting Psalm 22 on the Cross, which ends in triumph and assurance! In times of trouble, He (and we!) turn to scripture! No despair!
Luke 23:44-46 (“Into Your hands I commend my spirit.”) Jesus is reciting Psalm 31 from the Cross, which also ends in assurance. No despair!
Some other Psalms Jesus quoted in the Gospels and their parallels:
Ps 8:3-Mt 21:16
Ps 35:19-Jn 15:18-25
Ps 110:1-Mt 22:41-45
Ps 118:22-Mt-21:42
Jesus quoted from the Psalms more than any other book.
In Luke 24:44-45 it says Jesus explained the scriptures to them “that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and PSALMS must be fulfilled.”
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The Psalms are the writers sharing with God the whole gamut of human emotions, from fear, frustration, spiritual dryness, sorrow, joy, repentance, thankfulness, etc. As such, they are personal, and are to be EXPERIENCED, rather than TAUGHT. As you read through the 150 Psalms, you will find some that speak to you more than others at a point in time, depending on your experience AT THE TIME.
Of the 150 Psalms:
63 “Complaint” psalms vs. 32 “Praise” psalms. (Human nature!)
72 psalms attributed to David
-Ps 59-1Sam 19:11
-Ps142-1Sam 22
-Ps 63-1Sam 24
-Ps 51-2Sam 11+12
-Many, many others
“Hallel” Psalms 111-117 (Sung at Passover.)
“Ascent” Psalms 120-134 (“Travelling music” sung while travelling to Jerusalem for the 3 Annual Feasts.)
Approximately 130 quotes from Psalms in New Testament.
Jesus quoted more from Psalms and Isaiah than any other Old Testament books. (Some examples in Part 2.)
Consider writing your own thoughts to God, in a daily diary.
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Yes, it’s true that many times we bring on our own misery (5:7, etc), but many times our misery is brought about because we live in an imperfect world.
Whatever the cause, God can use our tragedy to bring us into a closer relationship with God. We learn that we are not in total control, and that God sometimes is ALL we can trust in, for our ETERNAL happiness.
We recognize that THIS world is not our ultimate home, but heaven is (as Job wished existed in 14:14), that THIS world is frequently “not fair”, (Chapter 21) but that God is always with us even when (especially when!) it seems God is not. (9:11,23:8)
We don’t need to know all God’s answers (42:1-6), we just need to trust God.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
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God pointed out Job to Satan, not the other way around. (1:8) God knew (foreknowledge) that whatever was thrown at Job, Job would not quit seeking Him. (Omniscience) This in no way conflicted with Job’s free will. Job could have chosen to reject God.
God LIMITED what Satan could do to Job. (1:12, 2:6) (Omnipotence)
Omnipresence (God sees everything and is everywhere at the same time.)
Satan is a pawn in God’s plan. Whatever Satan does, God can use it to bring people into a closer relationship with God.
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“Why Do Most Protestant Bibles Have 7 Fewer Books Than Catholic Bibles?” and “What Is The Lesson Here For Me Regarding Use Of Scripture?"
Martin Luther’s false idea of being saved by “faith alone”, at a moment in time, caused him to need to kick out books of the bible that disagreed with his beliefs. In addition to the 7 books of the Old Testament that he removed from his bible, (Tobit, Judith, 1and 2 Maccabees, Baruch, Wisdom, and Sirach) he also wanted to remove James, Hebrews, Jude, and Revelation from the New Testament! (But even his followers thought this was too radical.)
His rationale for removing the 7 Old Testament books was a JEWISH council of 90 AD that decided to eliminate all books not written originally in Hebrew or not written in the Jewish homeland, and other restrictions.
The Church was already formed long before 90AD, of course, and was already using the books of the Septuagint, the most popular Jewish canon, where 2/3 of New Testament quotes from the Old Testament came from. So, it is irrelevant what the Jews chose to edit out AFTER the Church was formed.
As we saw from Session 207, 2 Maccabees 12 talked about praying for the dead, which suggests Purgatory, and Chapter 15 suggests the Communion of the Saints, both of which Luther disagreed with. The 90AD Jewish council gave him a (weak) excuse to eliminate them from his bible.
The legitimacy of these books were not seriously questioned for over 1100 years until Luther.
For us: Do I choose to ignore the teachings of the bible that make me uncomfortable or that I disagree with?
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6:12-16 Purpose of Divine Judgement.
(It can be for our benefit, as any good parent would know.)
7 Great example of keeping the faith despite persecution unto death. Anticipated their resurrection!
10:5-6 Hanukkah!
12:39-46 Resurrection, and Praying for the dead. (v.42, would only do this if there was a way to expunge sin after death. (PURGATORY for those who die in God’s good graces but need a bit of “cleaning up” before going to Heaven.) No need to pray for the dead if heaven and hell were the only ends right after death, since both are eternal states and
the “decision” is irrevocable after death.
15:12-14 Communion of Saints, Intercession of Saints. (Jeremiah had been dead over 400 years when he prayed here!)
For reasons that will be explained in Session 208, (and should be obvious to the reader!) Luther kicked this (and 6 other) books out of HIS bible, and it is absent from most Protestant bibles today!
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Many Jews were gently persuaded (at first!) to drop their Jewish practices in favor of Greek ones, that seemed innocent enough at the time. (Sports, youth groups,etc.) They let the outside culture influence THEM, instead of the other way around.
Antiochus IV Epiphanies’ persecution of the Jews from 168-164BC was the cause for the writing of ‘Daniel’ during that same time frame, to comfort the Jews during that persecution. We also see veiled reference to Antiochus IV in Revelation (Rev. 11:2).
1,2 Maccabees are not in most Protestant bibles. (We will answer why they were taken out of the bible by Protestants when we finish 2Maccabees.)
There would be no references to Hanukkah in the OT without 1 and 2 Maccabees.
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Esther, a Jew in a society that was very anti-Jewish and persecutory, risked her life by revealing her ethnicity to the king and asking him to rescind a proclamation to exterminate all Jews, which he did. The celebration that followed is recognized annually today as the the Feast of Purim, still celebrated by Jews today.
Though very likely a fictional story (dates, names, even the historicity of the events don’t add up) all of Scripture is true “for the sake of our salvation.” (CCC 107-110.) A timeless truth of Esther is that we must speak out, even to government when our faith is under attack. Don’t hide your Catholicism!
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Key Points:
Though a fictional story, the author gives us several keys to our faith:
Don’t give ultimatums to God! (as in 7:30-31, rejected by Judith in 8:16) Things will be done in God’s time and in God’s way, not ours!
Use your gifts for God’s purposes.(10:23-13:8) If it’s physical beauty, use it chastely! (13:16) What gift do YOU have that you can use for the Lord?
Have courage and trust in God in times of fear. Speak out to power in defense of your faith!
Pray constantly. (Chapter 9.)
Fasting (8:6)
Give God praise and thanksgiving. (Chapter 16.)
A woman saves the people. Foreshadowing of Mary. (15:9 used in the liturgy of the Church regarding Mary)
“Judith” is one of the 7 books of our bible that is not in most Protestant bibles. The reasons for this error will be given when we study 2Maccabees 12.
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In this short, fictitious “religious novel”, set against the backdrop of the actual deportation of the 10 Northern Tribes (the nation of Israel) to Assyria in 722BC, the characters have much to tell us about the practice of our own faith:
God answers prayer, though not always in the way we expect!
We all have a guardian angel!
Suffering can be redemptive.
We are to:
Bury the dead (4:3-4)
Honor our mother (4:4)
Give alms (4:7-11) (special emphasis!)
Avoid sexual sin (4:12)
Marry within the faith (4:12+)
Pay just wages (4:14)
“Golden Rule (4:15)
Abstain from drunkenness (4:15)
Feed the hungry (4:16)
Clothe the naked (4:16)
Pursue wisdom (4:18)
Pray constantly (4:19 and 6:18)
Sanctity of marriage (8:5-7)
Take care of the aged (14:13)
This book is one of seven books in the Catholic bible that are not found typically in Protestant bibles. We will discuss the reasons why Martin Luther “kicked them out” (we didn’t add them, they subtracted them!) when we study 2 Maccabees 12.
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“Don’t Marry Outside The Faith” and “What’s Your ‘Mission From God?’” (The Rebuilding The Temple and Jerusalem’s Walls.)
Ezra and Nehemiah are thought to have been written by the same author/authors as 1,2 Chronicles. These 2 books are about the return to Jerusalem from Babylon by the exiled Jews. The return began in 538BC and continued in stages. The new Temple was rebuilt by Zerubbabel over 22 years, finished in 515BC. (Ezra 6:15.)The walls around the city were rebuilt under Nehemiah’s guidance in 432BC.
With each of these 2 projects, our heroes experienced opposition, but they knew they were on a mission from God. (Nehemiah 2:20) God has given each of us a specific mission. What is yours?? If you don’t know, spend some time in prayer. (Your basic mission is to “know, love, and serve God......” but the specifics will be revealed to you as you seek to deepen your relationship with God.)
Ezra 4 Zarubbabel refused help from the Samaritans, which not only caused a huge delay in the Temple construction, but he also missed out on an evangelism opportunity. Volunteer opportunities are a chance to make friends and plant a seed for Christ’s kingdom!
Once settled, one of Ezra’s primary messages was to not intermarry outside the Faith. (Nehemiah 13:26-27 and others.) We need partners that will help us get to heaven, and that we can help get to heaven. Married life is challenging enough without different faiths dividing partners.
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Key points:
The people were not practicing their faith. (23:22)
2Kings 25:8-26 The nation of Judah (the two southern tribes of David and Benjamin) fell to the Babylonians, exiles began in 597, the final exile and the Temple was destroyed in 586BC. The brightest people were exiled to serve in the Babylonian administration. Some managed to escape to Egypt.(v.26)
1and 2 Chronicles go over the same events we have seen in previous books, but sometimes with a different viewpoint, just as 2 newspapers can view the same event differently. For example, 1Chronicles 11-29 parallels 2Samuel 5-24 in describing David’s kingship, but completely avoids mentioning David’s sin with Bathsheba and the resultant murder of Uriah.
Both Chronicles books (originally one book) were written around 400BC (after the exile and return.) Written to answer “Why did this (loss of a nation) happen to us?”
handout - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HCRQFq9xTUW3j_TmAaHU09dKaZFSukVM/view?usp=sharing
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Elisha followed Elijah immediately. (Elisha undoubtedly knew of Elijah before-see chapter 18.) Jesus also spoke about leaving all behind to follow Jesus. For us, that means getting rid of whatever attachments or attractions in our lives that are preventing a closer walk with Jesus.
Elijah, Elisha foreshadowed John the Baptist and Jesus.
2Kings 5- Naaman would not have been healed if he merely “had faith.” He had to DO something to be healed, which DEMONSTRATED his faith. What is God asking YOU to do? (Clue: See Mt. 25 for SOME ideas.)
2Kings Chapter17 In 722BC Israel (Northern 10 tribes) falls to the Assyrians; most of the people deported, 5 other groups settled in the area, brought their false gods and intermarried. Mixed race became the Samaritans, despised by the South (Judah) as being “half-breeds.”
The nation fell “because they venerated other gods.” (17:7) Who do you/ we put before God? Consequences!
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All of the Northern Kings (Israel) and most of the Southern Kings (Judah) were bad, in that they permitted, if not promoted, idol worship. Religious syncretism is easy! But it’s not truth! Elijah spoke truth to power (Ahab and Jezebel) despite the consequences.
As a result, Elijah felt alone, outside of God. But he wasn’t! God made him aware (19:18) that there were at least 7000 other believers. You are not alone, either! Seek comfort, and give comfort to other believers!
Many similarities between Elijah and Moses (and Jesus.)
Moses, Elijah (representing the Prophets) and Moses (representing the Law) stood with Jesus at the Transfiguration (Mt.17:3). And Jesus “outshined” them both.
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2:19 Solomon’s mother, Bathsheba, was his Queen, not any of his wives! This was true for virtually all of the kings of Judah that followed Solomon. Hence, Mary as Queen of Heaven.
5:15-8:21 Our churches should be beautiful inside and out: people will be drawn to God by their beauty, and by the devotion and commitment of worshippers it takes to build them.
Solomon had it all: Money, wisdom, power-yet he planted the seeds of his nation’s demise, primarily by marrying foreign wives and placating them by building temples to their “gods.” He ultimately slipped into idolatry himself.
(11:4) (It’s tough enough to raise a faithful Catholic family when BOTH parents are Catholic. Why make it more difficult by marrying outside the faith?)
Solomon hit the “trifecta” of prohibitions for the King, spelled out in Deuteronomy 17:16-17 -too many “horses”, “wives”, and “silver and gold.”
They diverted his attention from God.
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73 of the 150 Psalms are attributed to David.
15:13-15 Read also Psalm 3 where David expresses his stress and fear to God, as he is being hunted by his son, Absalom. Read Psalm 22 (recited by Jesus on the Cross!) for how David expressed his seeming abandonment by God, but pay special attention to the faithful ending, verses 28-32.
22- Read also Psalm 18 (essentially quoted in this Chapter 22) as David expresses thanks and praise to God for David’s deliverance from his enemies.
In general, read Psalm 23 for the ultimate love letter from David to God.
David’s life story is also told in
1 Chronicles Chapters 11-29, another account by a different human author.
1 Chronicles emphasizes David’s piety and power, makes no mention of David’s adultery with Bathsheba or his trouble with his son Absalom.
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7:18-29 On the positive side, David prays quite often, this time not asking for anything or complaining, but praising God for what God has already done. Prayer is David’s greatest strength!
11-12 David also had deep flaws: He committed adultery and murder! Yet, he repented! (Read Psalm 51, attributed to David, regarding his sorrow and guilt regarding the Bathsheba affair.) No sin is beyond God’s forgiveness if confessed!
Though flawed, David’s devotion to the Lord is what sets him apart from Saul and many others. 12:21 David “went to the house of the Lord and worshipped” right after learning that his son had died!
13-15:12 David failed miserably in passing down faith and morals to his children. He played favorites and did not discipline his children.
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Exodus 40:34-35 cloud of glory covered the Tabernacle. (See Luke 1:35 “power of the Most High will overshadow you.” (Mary)
Numbers 4:15 Can’t “touch” Ark.
2Sam 6:6-7 Uzzah did and died.
Mary “untouched”- a perpetual virgin
6:9 “How can the ark come to me?” (See Luke 1:43)
6:11 Ark elsewhere for “3 months.” (See Luke 1:26,40- Mary with Elizabeth for “3 months.”)
6:14-16 David “leaped” when Ark arrived in Jerusalem. (See Luke 1:44- John the Baptist “leaped” in Elizabeth’s womb when Mary
Mary and the Ark in Revelation 11:19-12:18.
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21:7 “bread of the Presence!” (RSV-2CE) God is PRESENT in the bread.
21:3 David lied,
25:22 and 2Sam 1:1-15 David had a severe anger problem,but God can still use him and forgive him. (Even the best if us sins! Repent, ask for forgiveness, and move back to God.)
28:7-20 (NOT COVERED IN THE RECORDING) Saul consulted a witch, showing once again that he did not trust God. Modern-day Exorcists tell us that consulting mediums, ouija boards, horoscopes, etc opens the door toward demon possession.
When David was hunted by Saul and hiding in a cave, he prayed! Psalms 142 and 57 are attributed to David, describing this event. David prayed while a fugitive in the desert in Chapter 24 (see Psalm 63, also attributed to David.) Good advice for us today, in times of distress!
David respected Saul’s anointed POSITION as King, (could easily have killed Saul several times but showed forbearance) as we must show respect to our priests, bishops, and government leaders, even when we may disagree with them.
2Sam 1:26 David was not gay! This is an example of twisting scripture to fit your morals, instead of the other way around.
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15:11 (The Lord spoke...) “I REGRET having made Saul king....”
God is spirit, not human, and does not have human shortcomings. Yet, many times in the Old Testament, the human author is limited by language
God can use ANYTHING, good or bad, to advance the Kingdom. God is shown to have “regret” when he takes away the benefits to someone that he previously bestowed them to.
16:7 “Not as man sees .....but the Lord looks into the (person’s) HEART.” Regardless of anything else going on in your life, if you have a HEART for God, God can use you!
18-20 David was threatened by Saul for years, yet he continued to seek and praise God in the midst of his persecution. Psalm 59 (“your praise I will sing: you, God, are my fortress, my loving God.”) is attributed to David, who is thought to have written it during this period, when Saul tried to KILL him many times. Keep talking to God, every day!
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Intro: The 2 books of Samuel were originally one book, and together they cover the time period right after “Judges”, from about 1083BC-1000BC. (The end of David’s reign.) The 3 main characters are Samuel, Saul, and David
Chapter 2- Hannah’s speech when she dedicates Samuel to the Lord is very similar to Mary’s Magnificat. (Luke 1:46-56.) Salvation comes to the people through a woman.
2:12-17 and 8:1-5 We have strong-willed kids because they have weak-willed parents!!
8:5 The people wanted a(n earthly)King, because other countries had Kings! (God was their King before!) This will ultimately not end well, for them, or us!!
10:8 and 13:8-9 - Saul doesn’t get to be king for long because he does a priestly function, but is not a priest! (Our clergy is ordained and is a result of Apostolic Succession.) You don’t get to start your own church just because you “feel” like it. God’s Word has been entrusted to Christ’s Church in a special way!
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Judges 13-16 Samson ignores God’s prohibitions, is guided by lust, pleasure, and selfishness, and never prays until he loses his power (the first time.)He could have been so much more! He is a cautionary tale for us.
Judges 17-21 We see Israelite society unravelling completely, to an unthinkable level of savagery, which includes murder, rape, dismemberment, and slaughter amongst themselves. Why? See Judges 21:25.....”...everyone did what he thought best.” Moral relativism guided them, as is the case in our own society. Follow Christ’s teaching; that of the Church!
On a happier note, the Book of Ruth, described as taking place “in the time of the judges” (Ruth 1:1) tells the story of a non-Israelite who shows family loyalty, kindness, gentleness, and hard work, and how as a result she ends up being blessed with a good husband. She becomes an ancestor of Jesus! (See Mt. 1:5) Morals: 1) If you want a good spouse, BE a good person, and the spouse will find YOU!
2) Your bloodline doesn’t count with God. (Ruth was a Moabitess originally, an enemy of the Israelites, but converted to follow God. (1:16) God can use you, wherever you came from.
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“Who Gets To Go To The Promised Land?” , “Your Choice-Who Are You Going To Serve?” , “Our Relationship Cycle With God.”
Joshua 10:13 ( “the sun stood still...for a whole day. (!)) Hyperbole? Miracle? Either way, the point is that God provided the victory.
Joshua 14:6-14 Caleb was a Kennizite (a non-Jew!), and, because of his faith and ACTION (in Numbers 13:32) he got the “pick” of the Promised Land. Moral: It’s not your bloodline or what your background is; it’s God’s grace, your faith, and ACTING on that faith that gets you to the Promised Land. (If Caleb hadn’t ACTED on his faith, he would have died in the desert with all the others during the 40 Years of Wandering. How are you putting your faith into ACTION?
Joshua 24:15 “Decide today whom you will serve.....As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
(Great wall plaque!) Who will YOU serve? How? Pray, and make a plan!
Judges 1-12 , summed up in 2:6-23. The people would follow God for awhile, then fall into serious sin, then suffer the consequences, then God would send a Judge to get them back on track, then the cycle would repeat. Break that cycle! Stay the course! Use the tools of the Church: the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, Adoration, Prayer, Fasting, Scripture, etc. Break a bad habit by adding these to take it’s place.
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Chapter 2-Rahab, a prostitute, paved the way for the Israelite conquest of Jericho. She is also an ancestor of Jesus! (See Mt. 1:5) God can use anybody!
Chapters 3-6 God provided the victory, because the Israelites cooperated with God. They followed the Ark of the Covenant (prefiguring Mary in the New Testament), and in 6:20 the walls collapsed.
6:21 This was massacre! The Catholic Church forbids it, per a well-thought-out (and inspired by the Holy Spirit!) doctrine on war, spelled out in CCC paragraphs 2307-2317, especially paragraph 2309. (The “Just War Doctrine.”) The Church “loosed” Joshua 6:24, and other Old Testament passages like it, through the power given it in Mt. 16:17-20.
Chapter 7 Achan’s sin (keeping Jericho treasure, against the Lord’s command of 6:18) caused the Israelite defeat at Ai.
Our own “personal” sin affects the community of Christ as a whole; slowly, almost imperceptively, our standards as a community erode, as what once brought shame on the individual is now thought to be “not so bad”, and becomes accepted by the community at large. In that sense, there is no such thing as a purely “personal” sin. We are to be LIGHT to the world!
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27:7 “making merry before the Lord...”
Our Mass is a CELEBRATION! We have the Real Presence of Jesus!
27 and 28 Blessings and curses - what we do counts!....Not“Faith Alone” in the Protestant sense.
29:23-28 “Exile-Why us?” Because the people foresook the covenant! (Remember, this was written about 600 years AFTER the events described, but written as though it were DURING the events. The author was looking back to see the cause of the nation’s ruin.) So,
do your own daily Examination of Conscience!
32:The Rock is the Father, the Rock is the Son, who guides the people when they are willing to follow God. The visible representative of God on earth is the Catholic Church. Jesus conferred the name “Peter” (“Rock”) on his appointed leader. (Mt:16:18).
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Deuteronomy 10-26 - "How Will We Recognize The Messiah When He Comes Again?” “Another Anti-Abortion Verse”, “Why Don’t We Have To Follow All Of These Laws?”
13:2-9 On people who claim to be the 2nd Coming of Christ: When Jesus comes again, it will be as a JUDGE, not as a teacher or as a leader in this world- He will be “coming on a cloud” at the end of time. (See Mt. 24:30) All will know who Jesus is; there will be no doubt by anyone!
18:10 Another Anti-Abortion verse. (When there is an abortion, there is a sacrifice to the “God of Convenience.)
The laws in these chapters were written to a particular culture for a particular time, though some continue to be applicable today. The Catholic Church has abrogated some laws in these chapters, as it uses the Authority given it by Christ to bind-and loose. (Mt. 16:17-20)
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These chapters repeat much of the history and edicts of the book of Numbers, including the Ten Commandments (Chapter 5).
6:7 “Drill them (the points of our Faith) into your children.” ....The first Church is the home. Mass attendance should be mandatory for all in the house, including you!! DISCUSS the Faith with your children. Teach them that their successes come from God, and that their relationship with God is the Most Important Thing in their lives. Read bible stories to them. DRILL them daily on the Faith, as you do for teaching them multiplication tables. PRAY with them daily, at meal times and before bedtime.
7 Another chapter that says “Don’t do what the pagans do.” We are to influence the world, not the other way around!
9:5 God will deliver us (to heaven) not because we deserve it or are entitled to it, but because God keeps His promises, and bestows grace to us.
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“The Catholic Teaching On The Death Penalty.”
Numbers 35:17 (See CCC paragraph 2267.) Though the Church “does not exclude recourse to the death penalty”, it should be limited to cases where other people’s safety (guards, inmates, others) is at stake.
The death penalty is not one of the non-negotiables that the Church holds.
(Such as : Abortion, euthanasia, fetal stem cell research, human cloning, and homosexual marriage.) The Church Fathers were divided on this issue. (But Augustine and Aquinas approved of capital punishment.)
Deuteronomy (“2nd Law”) retells the history of Numbers to the next generation. (We must retell the Faith to OUR next generation!!)
Deuteronomy was written by yet another author, between 600-750BC, or at least 500 years after Moses died. It seeks to answer: “Why did all this bad stuff happen to us?” The answer: The people ignored God and His direction.
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“Laying On of Hands, (Ordination- Appointed, not Elected!), Israelites’ Genocide of Midianites vs. Our Just War Doctrine, Death Penalty.”
27:18-23 Joshua appointed, not elected, ordained by laying on of hands, just like our priests. (Apostolic Succession.)
31:16-18 These heinous acts by the Israelites show that the Bible tells the story, “warts and all.” God had told Moses to win the war, not to slaughter the women and children here. Compare this to Catholic Just War Doctrine, CCC 2309-2314, which clearly refutes those practices.
33:2 Consider keeping a “spiritual diary” to monitor and reflect on your walk with the Lord.
33:55 Keep away from those who can corrupt you!
35:17 See CCC paragraph 2267 about the Death Penalty.
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“The Bronze Serpent. May We Still Slaughter Our Enemies? (Just War Doctrine)Can Donkeys Talk? Sexual Immorality.”
21:4-9 As with the Israelites, we don’t worship objects! They may act as reminders to be faithful.
21:33 See CCC paragraph 2309 on our Just War Doctrine.
22-24 The talking donkey may have been a literary device to show that even a “dumb ass” could see what Balaam could not.
22-24 As with many people you may know, Balaam (eventually) acknowledged the EXISTENCE of God, but never committed to following God.
Commit!
25-Sexual immorality can get your mind off your own journey to the Promised Land. How are you doing in this area?
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The Red Heifer, Jesus, and Fundamentalist End-Times Prophecy. Also, Why Didn’t Moses Make It To The Promised Land? (Or, Did He?)
Chapter 19-Red heifer and Jesus “free from every blemish and defect”, “killed outside of camp”, given as a “sin offering”, used to cleanse oneself of impurities.
(Some ultra-fundamentalists seek, even this day, to produce a perfect red heifer that they can use to make a cleansing agent to prepare the grounds for a new Jewish Temple, which may lead to the final battle of Armageddon. Do an online search for “Red Heifer End-Times.” We Catholics see the real temple as Jesus Himself (John 2:21), so no need to rebuild the Jewish Temple and provoke war.)
20:2-12 Moses struck the rock vs speaking to it as he was told by God to do. It appears he was trying to take partial credit for the water that flowed, or perhaps because he showed anger toward the people. Though he was denied the earthly Promised Land in his earthly life, he eventually appeared there with Jesus at the Transfiguration.
(Mt. 17) Lesson for us? Your Eternal reward certainly more than makes up for any “failures” in achieving your earthly goals.
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Numbers 15-18 “Old Testament Mortal vs. Venial Sins, Excommunication, More Old Testament “Protestants” And Their Punishment, Tithing and the Catholic View Of Tithing.”
15:28-31 “Venial” vs “Mortal” sins.
15:32-36 A harsh punishment, but the people needed to start out and n the right foot. We can only speculate on what else the man may have done. Was he a “rabble-rouser” who could ruin discipline for others? Also, it doesn’t say that the man went to Hell. (Eternal Life more important!!!!)
15:37-41 “Tassels”- same purpose as our Crucifixes.
16 Korah, Dathan, Abiram - “Protestants”- rebelled against God’s appointed leader...it did not go well for them!!! (Be faithful to the Catholic Church, the only church appointed by Christ, (Mt 16:17-20) and her teaching!!
18:1-7 Again, only God’s appointed priest can offer the sacrifice. (See our Apostolic Succession.) You don’t get to start your own church!
18:21-32 The “tithe” (10%) is not found in the New Testament. Our view is that God owns it ALL; we are merely stewards- some can “give” far MORE than 10%, some can’t give much. Give out of LOVE FOR GOD!! We are not limited by a legalistic Old Testament percentage.
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Chapter 12-Miriam and Aaron, much like the original Protestants, thought their authority to speak for God was equal to Moses’. (Like Luther, Calvin, etc. vs the Catholic Church.) But God had appointed ONE spokesperson, Moses. In the New Testament, God (Jesus) has appointed ONE spokesperson; the Church.
Chapters 13 and 14-Ten of the twelve spies didn’t trust God’s promises to deliver the Promised Land to them; they only relied on their own human logic. Had they listened to God’s spokesman, instead of “Protesting” , they would not have suffered death in the desert.
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Chapter 6: Our priests make lifestyle sacrifices, as did Nazirites. (Such as Samson, Samuel, John the Baptist, Paul). They are “set apart” for the Lord. In a sense, we all should be.
The Israelites were enthusiastic as they left camp, but that enthusiasm only lasted 3 days! Make a COMMITMENT to God to trust him as He leads you, even when (ESPECIALLY when!) times are hard. Keep your “eyes on the prize” in your OWN journey across the “desert” of this world; ETERNAL LIFE!
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Chapter 1:46 For the bible skeptic, if the Hebrew word “elep” is translated “unit” and not “thousand”, a much more reasonable number of Israelites were on the Exodus journey.
See Chapter 2 for the organization of the tribes that corroborates the title of this Session. See especially v2(b).
Chapter 3:10 People couldn’t start their own church based on if they “felt called.” They had to be chosen and appointed by the current leaders. (Like the Catholic Church!)
Chapter 4:
We all have a job to do for the Lord. We are all to spread the Gospel, and in addition, to serve in some specific ministry. (Are you doing your part?)
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Leviticus 25-26 Even though the people didn’t trust God to provide for them by letting their land lay fallow each 7th year, (25:4, 25:20-21), and would suffer consequences for their lack of faith (26:33-35), God will keep his promises to them. (26:44-45)
Numbers represents the last approximately 39 years of the 40 years of the Israelites’ wanderings on their way to their Promised Land. They could have made the journey in 40 DAYS if they had trusted God. Let us learn from this, and trust God, instead of our own humanistic, worldly thinking, to guide us as we are on our OWN journey to the Promised Land.
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Chapters 13 and 14: If Israelites were “unclean”, they had to show themselves to the priest, and offer a sacrifice. If we are unclean spiritually through mortal sin, we must do the same, and offer our contrition and do penance.
Chapter 16 Their Day of Atonement is somewhat like our Ash Wednesday.
18:22 On homosexual practice. See Romans 1:26-27 and CCC 2357-2359.
19:18 “ Love your neighbor as yourself” quoted in Mt. 19:19.
20:2 Sacrificing children....abortion.
22:19-21 (animal) sacrifice to be “unblemished male” “without defect.” (Prefigures Christ.)
Chapter 23 Required feasts (Passover, Pentecost) mirror our own.
25:23 Everything is God’s; we are merely stewards.
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As with the Israelites, we also “offer up” to God our best, we admit our guilt for sins, and do something (penance) for cleansing and restitution.
10:1-2 Priests (of OT and now) Don’t mess with the rubrics! Worship needs to be respectful.
Christians of all denominations don’t need to keep the Israelite Dietary laws because the Catholic Church, the one Church founded by Christ, was uniquely given the power to “bind and loose” in Matthew 16:18-19, and the Church “loosed” this requirement. Leading up to this “loosening” is the voice from heaven to Peter in Acts 10:15 -“Kill and eat...What God has made clean, you are not to call profane.” This was ratified in Acts 15:28-29 by letter from the Apostles.
Mary, in Luke 2:24, obeyed the ritual spelled out in Leviticus 12:6, by offering up “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Mary respected the Law. ( The New Covenant was not yet in effect; Jesus had just been born.)
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The Israelites were to offer their best up to God, and so should we.
The central theme of Leviticus is Holiness, both in worship and in everyday activities. Worship and everyday life are to be interconnected.
The Levites sacrificed ANIMALS through death for sin; Christ offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice through death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
The 5 types of sacrifices are listed and explained in the chart below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11OWChEpP5dKhaA1nZHzXd1mgsvlCsYjJ/view?usp=sharing
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33:25-28 The Lord commanded that the 3000 instigators of the Golden Calf incident were to be killed. This seems too harsh! Two thoughts:
1) Those amongst the 3000 that repented could still have ETERNAL life.
2) God was starting something new with His people. The instigators needed to be dealt with severely, and made an example of, lest they corrupt the remainder.
33:35 The Lord “sent a plague” (illness) on the rest of the Israelites. Our sins affect the whole community! (Either directly, through consequences, or indirectly, through relaxed attitudes/ acceptance of sin.)
34:7 (Not covered in audio session) “punishing children and grandchildren to the 3rd and 4th generation for their fathers’ wickedness!”
2 thoughts:
1) A father’s sins can have DIRECT consequences on his family. EXAMPLE: A child of a father who spends all of the family’s money on alcohol/drugs might not get the basic things the child needs to progress in life.
2) The example that the father sets may cause the child to adapt the same self-destructive lifestyle.
Other key points from these chapters:
33:11, 33:20, 33:23.- Any times in the Old Testament where God is said to have human physical characteristics (a “face” etc) are not to be taken literally; God is SPIRIT. The author is using symbolism: You can’t see God’s “face” (know everything about God), but you can see God’s “back.” (Examples of God’s handiwork throughout all of God’s beautiful creations.)
Chapters 35-40- (See session on Chapters 25-27. (God is SERIOUS about the RELATIONSHIP we have with God, and it shows in the materials and items to be used in worship. )How serious are you in worship?
40:36-37 Move when God tells you to!
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The Israelites had ENTHUSIASM (before Moses went up the mountain), but lacked COMMITMENT and were easily swayed with the slightest setback. (Are you committed to your Faith? Are you even enthused about your Faith?)
Aaron yielded to peer pressure. He tried to syncretize God. But all worship is not the same. Stand up for the true God/ the true Faith with your peers!
Aaron made a god in an image they liked, instead of worshipping the true God the way He is. The calf represented Money, Power, and Sex. Do you place any of these things above God, as evidenced by your goals, activities, time spent?
V14 God is immutable. He doesn’t change his mind. (Though the text suggests he did.) God operates out of our time/space continuum. Though you have free will, he knows what you will do and can use that as a teaching moment.
(Master chess-player vs. novice analogy.)
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The Connection Between Israelite and Catholic Worship- Why do priests wear vestments, why do we perform some of the rituals at Mass?
Vestments are a continuation of Israelite priestly vestments. Also, each vestment has a spiritual significance related to the Passion of Christ. (See attachments)
The tabernacle design (see attachment) reminds us to be (spiritually) clean before worship, to recognize and be the Light of Christ, to acknowledge the Real Presence (of Christ in the Eucharist), and to offer up our prayers. We can enter the Most Holy Place (for us, heaven!) because the veil that separated us from God has been ripped apart by Jesus’ act of sacrifice. (Mt. 27:51) He is our true priest; ordained priests are acting “in persona Christi.”
- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M_2m4AS6S6pfq2UYhSHQukqS6TnKzQOT/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QN-vNJ6LCRnEzgGm1nFd0I9HGb9YmwIx/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1euWai8o2m2Fr-BofDb4Z60eQWmvVeB_K/view?usp=sharing
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“Connections between Israelite Items Used In Worship and Catholicism” and “Do Catholics make/worship Graven Images?”
25:2 We are to contribute towards the beauty of our churches. Churches should physically inspire people, drawing them toward God.
Similarities of Israelite worship items to Catholicism: Tabernacle, Ark (Mary!), gold and silver, altar, priests, vestments, anointing oil, ordination, incense.
25:18 The Lord told Moses to MAKE the images of the cherubim AFTER the prohibition against “carving images” in 20:4. Clearly, the meaning of the Commandment was to not WORSHIP images. We don’t! Statues, etc. remind us of inspirational figures/events, much as photos of loved ones remind us of them.
25:30 “showbread” is literally, “The Bread of the Presence” (RSV)= Eucharist....Christ is Present!!!
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The goal of these laws was to make the punishment equal to the crime, which was an enlightened view for it’s time.
The Church was given the power to “bind and loose” (Mt. 16:17-19), and has given us different directives in the New Covenant. (Mt. 5:38-42)
23:32 God told the people they should not follow the pagan world view; they ultimately did, so they never got ALL of the land they could have.
24 Like Mass!
Moses (priest) alone approaches the “altar”, relates words and ordinances of the Lord, people all “answer with one voice”, sacrifice, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made.....”
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20:1-17 Again, we must review the 10 Commandments in light of a frequent personal examination of conscience. (Example provided in Session 167.)
21:7 The slavery spoken of here is that of Indentured Servitude. It’s true that the Bible nowhere EXPLICITLY condemns slavery, yet the Church ( by its power to “bind and loose” in Mt 16:17-30) used its Christ-given authority to condemn the practice. This is an example of how the Protestant doctrine of “Sola Scriptura” (“The Bible Alone”) is misguided.
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19:6 We are all to be a “kingdom of priests” in that we are all to proclaim the Good News to those we come in contact with.
19:10 -14 We are to be clean before the Lord when we come to Him. (Confession if needed.) God deserves our respect, in attire, attention, and attitude.
20:1-17 Ten Commandments (not suggestions!) 2 groups: 1st 3 tell us how to treat God, the rest tell us how to treat others. We must do an Examination of Conscience (like the one attached, or others available online) periodically (ideally daily!). The Commandments are a mirror that we use to see what we need to clean up in our lives.
Handouts:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CMr3w437xxf7rWRmbS05j7iJVv_S5Zw4/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hbtfx-O3bG0SXwaGROFdYdeRMyBfonkU/view?usp=sharing
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16:16-26 The Israelites (and us!) are to trust the Lord DAILY to meet our needs.
“Give us this day our daily bread” from the Lord’s prayer.”
16:23-30 Sabbath rest. Do you set aside the day for the Lord? Mass attendance? What do you personally need to say “No” to on Sunday that you are doing.
16:33 Very Catholic! “Bread” in “tabernacle.” (See Hebrews 9:3-4)
17:6 Moses had to participate with his action for God’s will to be done. WE must also participate with God!
18 God’s leaders were APPOINTED, not ELECTED. (The Catholic Church is also not “Congregational.”)
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Exodus occurred sometime between 1250BC-1450BC. Skeptics say there are no Egyptian records of the Exodus, but the Egyptians recorded only positive (from their viewpoint!) events. Egyptians DID record large groups of nomadic workers (“Apiru”/Habiru” ...sounds like “Hebrew”) in Egypt.
13:21 The Lord guided the Israelites by appearing as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night as they travelled. (He visibly guides us today, appears to us in Eucharist.) We are all on a journey to eternity, and need the Lord to guide us. We all take unnecessary detours, but God can put us on the right path if we will follow Him.
14:14 Awesome verse to remember when you feel it’s you against the world!
14:16 God works through humans. (Moses, and you and me, if we will let him!)
16:3 The Israelites (and us!) quickly forget the Lord’s blessings when there are problems. Yet, God continually demonstrates He will save us if we will walk with him.
16:15 Manna prefigures Eucharist.
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12:3 Worship is not just an individual’s experience.....it is also to be celebrated as a “whole community.” (This is one reason why Sunday Mass is an obligation.) It’s not a “Jesus and me, and the heck with thee” worship.
12:5 “Lamb...without blemish.” (Prefigures Jesus, the Lamb of God, without sin.)
12:7 The Israelites will be saved through the blood of the lamb, but they must DO something . (Sprinkle the blood on the doorposts.) “Faith Alone” was not enough, it had to be accompanied by action that demonstrated faith.
12:8 -20 Israelites must EAT the lamb, (Eucharist for us.), and then only after getting rid of leaven. (Represents sin.) We must eat the Eucharist, but only after getting our own “house” clean. (Examination of Conscience, Contrition, Prayer, Confession if warranted, Penitential Rite at Mass.
12:14 “Memorial”- not just a memory, but the participants transcend time and space, and are actually present at the event ....Passover for today’s Jews, the Last Supper, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus for us.
12:26-27 We must pass on our faith to our children, grandchildren.
12:43 “No foreigner may partake of it.”
We Catholics also have closed Communion
(Only for Baptized Catholics), partly because others may not affirm Christ’s Real Presence in the host, but also because non-Catholics have not chosen, (at least, not yet!) to join our Catholic community.
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3:24 God is serious about the Sacraments!(Circumcision, which in OT prefigures baptism.) Ignore them at your peril! (Moses would have been killed!) Sacraments are not merely symbolic, they impart needed grace, and they “mark” us as being members of the family of God.
Moses had to realize that he couldn’t do ANYTHING without God.
The plagues correspond to the defeat of Egyptian “gods.” (See handout.) They show there is only one omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God.
God is in control of the natural and the supernatural, however the plagues came to be.
“The same sun that softens wax also hardens clay.” (The same thing can affect different material in different ways.) So it was with Pharaoh’s heart.
In several places, it says that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and in others it says Pharaoh hardened his own heart. There is not a contradiction here between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. Pharaoh was obstinate and rejected God, and God allowed that rejection, thus “hardening” Pharaoh’s heart. God even USES Pharaoh’s rejection to “soften” (for a while, at least!) the Israelites’ hearts.
Handout - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mnK9febKPuxIQwJDVvG0rlO0xk2q9tWl/view?usp=sharing
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3:5 -“holy ground.” Respect God!
(Mass attendance, punctuality, attire, attentiveness.) Respect God OUTSIDE of Mass! ALL of creation is holy ground-God created it!
3:8 -10 God didn’t NEED Moses or anyone else to save the Israelites, but he likes to work through people. (Like you!)
3:13 Catechise your children and grandchildren, or they won’t know who God is, which can have eternal consequences for them!
Though God guaranteed the victory in 3:19-20, Moses thought he was too limited in his abilities. God doesn’t always choose the most talented person for a project; he chooses the willing and the devoted.
4:13-17 God’s plan “A” was for Moses to be the spokesman. Moses was reluctant, so God went with plan “B.” (Aaron.) Of course, God makes all of his plans work out, but there was a disastrous side-track. (See Chapter 32!)
Don’t waste God’s plan “A” for your life!
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1:15-22 The practice of killing babies was LEGAL in Egypt, but certainly against a culture of life. We may have to be “Shiphrahs” and “Puahs” today...If we must choose between obeying the civil law or God’s law, we must choose God’s way.
2:23-25 God’s plan to save the Israelites was not because they were good or they deserved it, but because God keeps his promises...to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And, because he loves us. We can trust God for Eternity!
3:1-3 Moses had an encounter with God (“burning bush”). He wasn’t looking for God, but God appeared to him. And so it is with us! Allow God to appear to you. He does, every day! (Though, many times we’re too preoccupied to notice.) What is your latest “burning bush?
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Though Abraham was not perfect, (He lied to Pharaoh, Abimelech) he put his faith in action, cooperated with God’s grace through his actions. Not “faith alone”, at least not in the classical Protestant understanding of the phrase.
Jacob started his relationship with God poorly, was a terrible father, and was a work-in-progress throughout his life, as are we. (Never think you are beyond God’s forgiveness and redemption!)
Genesis 50:19-20 Joseph saw God working through the tragedies of his life, and would have agreed with Romans 8:28 that ALL things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to HIS purpose.
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Joseph is arguably the most Christ-like character of the Old Testament:
Faithful to his father
Exiled to Egypt
Rejected/ betrayed by his own people
Sold for silver
Stripped of his tunic
Sent into a pit
Faced with temptation but virtuous
Goes thru tribulations
Weeps
Punished along with 2 other convicts
Saves those who rejected him
Forgives those who rejected him
Becomes a blessing to all the nations
Is ultimately acknowledged as a savior
Speaks more of God than anyone in Genesis- sees the “big picture.”
Joseph is a great example to all of us; virtuous living, trusting God’s way vs. our own way, forgiving others, caring for others— even those who have persecuted us.
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Ch. 37 and 38-God is not mentioned in these chapters. The Bible tells the stories “warts and all.” These brothers of Joseph’s were awful....yet they were the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel!
God can work his plan even through bad people and bad circumstances. (As we shall see later in Joseph’s life, next session.)
38:10 “Onanism” = contraception. Fatal to Onan! (Serious matter!) See paragraph 2370 of CCC.
Read also “Humanae Vitae”.
Pope predicted contraception would lead to the breakdown of families. (Marital infidelity, selfishness ,loss of respect for women, divorce, promiscuity, and, ironically, an INCREASE in unwanted pregnancies.) He was right!! The Catholic Church stood virtually alone against contraception among Christian faith communities after 1930. (Before 1930, virtually all Christian faith communities condemned contraception as evil.)
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Jacob was too lax of a father:
34:13 The kids made the major family decisions, not Jacob.
34:15-26 Jacob taught them (by his previous example!) to be deceitful.
34:15-30 Jacob didn’t teach them right from wrong, didn’t even punish his sons for the murders they committed. He was only interested in their physical safety. (34:30)
35:2 Until this point, Jacob was aware of, and did nothing about, his sons possessing foreign idols and symbols of paganism. He wasn’t teaching them his faith.
35:10 One of only 3X in the Bible where God changes someone’s name. (The final time was with Peter in Mt:16.) Each time the person becomes the leader of God’s people!
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We needed the authority of the Catholic Church to pronounce on issues like polygamy (and slavery, abortion, the Trinity, etc.) since “Scripture Alone” is not EXPLICIT on these issues.
We are all a “work in progress!” Jacob did not start well morally or spiritually, but eventually realized he was blessed more than he deserved, evangelized (31:42), started trusting God and praying (32:10). Every day is a chance for us to trust God more than we have!
God doesn’t give up on us, even we give up on ourselves, or God!
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27:41-45 Though Jacob and Rebekah seemed at first to profit from their deceit, look what happened:
-The family broke up
-Jacob had to become a fugitive
-Rebekah never saw her favorite son again
-Jacob had to live in fear of his own brother for years.
-In an ironic twist of fate, Jacob is himself deceived.(Chapter 29) What you sew, you shall reap!!
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25:23(b) God’s plan is not always in line with man’s plan. (“The older shall serve the younger.”) We frequently see God choose a less likely leader...here, OT Joseph, David, etc.)
25:28 Parents, don’t favor one child over the other: it will cause problems for all involved, and the family as a whole
25:31-34 Don’t sacrifice long-term results (including your eternal life!) for immediate gratification! (Esau)
26 Your children are far more likely to follow your actions than your words!
(Isaac’s lie, learned from Abraham.)
26:34 Esau married outside the faith; this is a problem! (See v.46) Also, Esau didn’t care about his birthright (25:34) Perhaps these are reasons why God chose Jacob?
27 Jacob and Rebekah didn’t NEED to deceive Isaac; God had already decreed Jacob’s future in 25:23. None of the 4 characters prayed before the deception.
27:28 Jacob’s blessing had a Eucharistic parallel, as did Abraham’s before him 14:18. The OT frequently points to the Eucharist. (A point I failed to make on the recording!)
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Chapter 24 Lessons from this chapter to learn regarding choosing a mate:
Pray for guidance!
Look for someone who is:
willing to serve,
who follows through with tasks,
who is willing to make sacrifices.
Abraham’s servant evangelizes Rebekah’s family. (Make sure your potential spouse and their family understands that your Catholic faith is of greatest importance. Don’t be unequally yoked!)
25:12-18 God keeps his promises. (Fulfills 17:20.... Ishmael developed a dynasty of his own.)
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Abraham/Isaac relationship prefigures God the Father and Jesus: “your only one”, Mount Moriah, donkey, wood, sacrifice, willing son, lamb. The “lamb” would not be provided until Jesus. “Ram” acceptable but incomplete.
Mount Moriah: Same spot where Solomon built his temple, same ridge where Jesus was crucified, same place where Moslem Dome of the Rock mosque now sits!
Abraham trusted the promise God made him in 17:19. Abraham knew God would not ultimately require Isaac to be sacrificed. (See 17:19)
God still wants human sacrifice! But with our life, not our physical death. (We must “die” to ourselves (our desires) and desire what God wants.
Abraham’s ACTIONS demonstrated his FAITH. (As with many things in our Catholic faith, it’s not “either/or”, it’s “both/and.”
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19:31-38 Drunkenness, incest, illegitimacy, raising enemies of God’s people is a result of the daughters’ lack of Catechesis and moral guidance while growing up. (They grew up in Sodom,(!!!) and their father compromised his faith while there.) Lesson for us: Teach the faith, and the morals that come with it, to your children/grandchildren, formally, and even more importantly, THROUGH YOUR EXAMPLE!!!
21:4 Isaac circumcised when 8 days old, per God’s command. (Circumcision prefigures New Covenant baptism.)
21:9-21 God was with (v.20) Ishmael as he grew up, even though he was not the son of the covenant. God loves all people!!
22:1 God put Abraham to the test. (We are all tested, that’s how we learn to trust God!)
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19:7 Lot is surrounded by evil, and he tries to placate the evildoers without repudiating them. (He calls them “brothers.”) “(No half measures will do! No “hesitation “ (v.16). You must choose between good and evil!)
See CCC 2357-59, Leviticus 12:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1Cor 6:9 on homosexuality. We love the sinner, hate the sin. The PRACTICE is sinful, the ORIENTATION is not; it is a cross to bear just like any other.
A person is much more than their sexuality, so we can be friends with a person regardless of their sexual orientation. We can love them, (but we don’t have sex with everyone we love!!)
19:26 Don’t “look back” with any fondness at the sins you have been involved in!!
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Abram didn’t “get away with” his deceit in Egypt. It cost him 17 years of strife with his wife! (Sarai vs. Hagar, an Egyptian slave he was given.) (You don’t “get away with” anything!)
Abram and Sarai “put God in a box” in terms of how they thought God would bring about an heir. (God is omnipotent!)
17:4 God changes Abram’s name to Abraham: One of only 3 times God changes someone’s name. (Each time, the person is to become the leader of God’s people. The final time was Peter, who was to lead Christ’s (one!) Church.
Circumcision was a sign of being in God’s family. It was a requirement. Prefigures baptism.
18:1-8 Be kind to strangers: they are all a face of Christ! This story quoted in Hebrews 13:2.
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14:14-17 If Abram had followed God’s 12:1 instructions explicitly (leaving family behind), he wouldn’t have needed to go to war. (God’s full plan is always better than our “amendments” to it!)
Melchizedek a precursor of Christ: Priest, King, accepts a tithe, “bread and wine” prefigures Eucharist. See Psalm 110:4 and Hebrews 5:6,10 and 6:10-7:19.
15:6 Abram’s faith credited to him as righteousness. (Yes he had faith, but was also OBEDIENT, he ACTED on his faith. See James 2:21-2:24 which synthesizes the connection between Abram’s faith and “works.”
15:17 God’s covenant with Abram was unilateral. (Only God, in the form of a flaming torch, passed between the slaughtered animal-halves, not Abram.)
(Message to us:God loves us unconditionally, and keeps his promises.)
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12:1-4 Abram had great faith: trusting God to move 600 miles to a place he knew nothing about. (Trust God to direct your paths.)
12:7-8 He “evangelized”: He built 2 altars in a land of pagans. (Be proud of your faith!)
12:10-20 Yet, he was human, he sinned: Went to Egypt without praying, lied about his wife being his sister only, allowed his wife to be used by Pharaoh. (He didn’t need to do any of this; God had already promised him blessing.) In spite of this, God was willing to keep working with Abram. (And us!)
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8:6 “Raven”= death, prefers the dead things of this world.
8:8 “Dove” = Holy Spirit= reconciliation,
“olive branch.”
9:6 Capital punishment. See CCC paragraph 2267.
9:13 All covenants have signs, “rainbow.” (Christ’s sign =eucharist”
(Difference between covenant and contract.)
11:1-9 Man’s pride caused disharmony among peoples. (Opposite: Acts 2:1-13 Pentecost. Holy Spirit brings unity.)
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We are all family!
Noah followed God’s plan even though it made no sense to the rest of society.
God has standards; we suffer and risk eternal death when we don’t follow them.
Ark= The Church, needed for salvation.
Water prefigures baptism.
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Both Cain and Abel were religious! (Both brought offerings.) It’s not enough to be “religious.” We are to bring our BEST to God. (Time, talent, treasure) (Perhaps it was Cain’s ATTITUDE toward giving? What’s YOUR attitude towards giving?)
v.6 God did not punish Cain at all for his unacceptable offering....God merely encouraged Cain to do better next time.
(God loves us just the way we are, but he also loves us enough to not stay that way! We can all be more Christ-like than what we are today.
Cain showed ENVY (one of the 7 Deadly Sins) toward Abel. (Envy vs. jealousy: Envy resents another person having something...in this case, approval. Jealousy is wanting something another has....like approval. Jealousy can be good or bad; Envy is always bad.)
v.9 Yes, we ARE our brother’s keeper!!
(See also Luke Chapter 10: the parable of the Good Samaritan.)
Cain doesn’t repent, doesn’t even ask for forgiveness! (We must!)
v.10-15God punishes sin, but still shows mercy.
v.14 Cain blames GOD!
v.14 Cain says he “must avoid (God’s) presence.” God never said that!! God continually calls to all of us, but when we are in sin WE sometimes choose to separate ourselves from God.
Jesus is from the line of Seth (Luke 3:38)
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Neither Adam nor Eve confessed their sin; didn’t ask for forgiveness. (As we must!)
3:15 The “proto-Gospel.” God promises a savior for this now-fallen world. Mary’s “yes” to God overcame Eve’s “no.”
3:19 “ to dirt you shall return.” (This world is not our ultimate home!)
God still showed mercy to both; they each lived long lives, and also, scripture doesn’t say that Adam and Eve were ultimately banished to Hell; they may well have received eternal life with God.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i0Hw9PL2KJ8Ny6UAbK8_6CXyUSjRekcP/view?usp=sharing
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God did not CREATE evil. (Evil is the absence of good. Satan was once the brightest of angels, and CHOSE to rebel.) God PERMITS evil (free will), and can still use it for good.
v.1 Satan tries to blur the truth. (Only eating from one particular tree was forbidden.) Satan wants us to question what the truth is.
v.3 The woman (not yet given a name) ADDS a prohibition that God did not make! (“or even touch it”)
v.4and 5 The 1st example of the BIGGEST sin; the sin of PRIDE....wanting to be (our own) God.
v.6 Beware of things that are “pleasing to the eye” that may cause you to sin. (Greed, materialism, or sexual sin.)
v.7 Neither the man nor the woman asked God what to do....We must pray before we act!
v.7-9 You can’t hide from God! He’s Omniscient and Omnipresent. (And Omnipotent.)
v.12-13 Don’t blame others for your sins...God gave you a free will. In v. 12, the man even blames God for his sin!! (“the woman whom YOU put here”...)
Don’t blame God for your problems!
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Here we see the 2nd Creation Story.
(The editors didn’t choose between the 2; they put them side-by-side.) Both are true in that they reinforce ideas about God that complement each other.
In the 1st Creation Story, (“Priestly” source) God creates by speaking. There is a plan, there is order, but he is somewhat distant.
In the 2nd Creation Story, (“Yahwist, or “J” source), God is more intimate with Man. He talks with him, inaugurates work, teaches him, makes a mate for him.
(God can seem “distant” at times, in that we won’t totally understand him in this life, yet we know he has a plan for us. God also desires intimacy with us...a relationship based on love. So, both accounts work hand-in-hand.)
2:3 “You are free to.....” God gives us a free will. He WANTS us to love Him, but he lets us make that choice. (Otherwise, it wouldn’t be love!)
2:21-24 God inaugurates marriage. The couple are to become one body...which also prefigures the Church! Jesus quotes v24 in his teaching about the indissolubility of marriage. (Mt. 19:5)
(More on what we are to understand from Chapters 1-2 after we finish Chapter 3.)
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God created everything out of nothing...
“ex nihilo”....He didn’t need anything.
In this 1st Creation Account, God creates by SPEAKING...”Let there be ....”
“Wind” (v.2, “Ruah”) also means “Spirit” (ie. the Holy Spirit, present at the beginning.)
There was ORDER in how God made things appear: not chaos.
Everything God made was GOOD, (even mosquitos! ) especially Man. (There is some good in the worst of us, because God made us all.) We all have value BECAUSE God made us, so we must treat each other accordingly.
v.26 “Let US make...” suggests the Trinity. “man in our image.” (God is love, we have the ability to receive and give love, we have a soul, we have the ability (and the duty!) to take care of our environment.)
2:3 God “rested”on the 7th (Completion, perfection, covenant) Day. We are to be thankful EVERY day, and to corporately worship and rest at least on Sundays....this is a Precept of the Church!
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Who wrote the Pentateuch, and when?
Moses obviously provided much of the material.
He was not an eyewitness to anything in Genesis!
He could not have written about his death, or his humility, in Deuteronomy!
Moses lived sometime between 1600-1250BC.
Importance of oral tradition!
Final editing of the material was during the 500’s BC, during the Babylonian Captivity.
Editors would typically take 2 accounts and put them side-by- side, instead of choosing one or the other. (2 Creation Accounts, 2 Flood Stories, etc.
Historical-Critical Method of researching the Bible has identified at least 4 different contributing editors, each with their own viewpoint. Though they certainly have their differences, they have a remarkably similar view of God’s relationship with Man....their Timeless Truths are equivalent.
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The connections between the OT and the NT: Both show God’s love, desire for a relationship with, willingness to lead and forgive. The OT looks for a Messiah; the NT presents the Messiah. (“What is concealed in the OT is revealed in the NT.”)
Are the stories of the OT “true?” (See CCC paragraph 107, and Dei Verbum 11.) All true for the sake of our salvation. A given story may or may not be literally true (listen to senses of scripture) but is ALWAYS true as it describes the relationship between God and Mankind.
These books are not intended as science texts or history texts: again, they are intended to describe the relationship between God and Man.
2 errors in studying the OT:
“God COULDN’T have done it that way...science disproves it.” (God is God, he is Omnipotent.)
“God MUST have done it that way, because that’s what the Bible literally says.” (This ignores the way truths were communicated long ago. Remember the senses of scripture.)
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V. 1-5 The Payoff! (continued.)
v. 10 Share the Good News! (It’s what you’re here for!)
v.12 “I will give to each according to his....DEEDS.” (!!)
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21:3-7 THE PAYOFF!! We become not slaves, not employees, but the adopted Children of God. We’re family!
v.8 Again, there is a Hell.
V.9-21 John’s vision of Heaven borrows heavily from Old Testament prophet Ezekiel’s vision of Heaven, described in
Ezekiel Chapters 40-48. Ezekiel was writing during Judah’s captivity in Babylon to encourage the captives to persevere following God. Once again, in Revelation, John is saying “See? God has a great plan to save His people, always.”
v.22 Jesus is the new temple.
v. 27 “Nothing unclean will enter (Heaven)” That’s why God created Purgatory. (Few, if any of us are totally clean at the moment of death.)
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What is the “1000 years?”
Theories: Premillennial (Christ returns to reign on earth for 1000 years (literal or symbolic) BEFORE the final, final judgement....many with this view believe in a rapture of God’s
People before Christ returns (a 3rd time!) with them to rule on earth.
(Rejected by the Church for 2 reasons:
A) No pre-tribulation rapture...Christians don’t get to avoid suffering.
B)Christ will not rule visibly on earth again.....he next comes to judge, then it’s heaven or hell.
Postmillennial : Christ will reign on earth for 1000 years after the world is all Christianized and good. Was a popular idea in the 19th century, but the world got LESS Christian, less “good” (2 World Wars) in the 20th Century, so not as popular idea today. Also, rejected by Church, again because it says Christ will visibly reign on earth.
Amillennialism- The time between Christ’s 1st and 2nd coming, the Church Age, (now!) is the “millenium” (a long time), in which the Devil is subdued (somewhat!) by the Church, Her Teachings, her Sacraments. Christ reigns on earth through the Church; through the hearts of those on earth who love Him. Though not an official doctrine of the Church, this Church Age idea is the teaching of Augustin and a majority of Catholic fathers throughout history. (The Holy Spirit has not revealed definitively very much about the end times.....except a refutation of premillenianism and the idea of a visible earthly reign by Christ at His 2nd Coming (see CCC paragraph 676-677.
Read “The Rapture Trap” by Paul Thigpen, (Ascension Press) especially Chapter 8 for a more in-depth look at the theories
20:12 We will be judged according to our DEEDS!!
20:15 Again, there is a Hell!
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Much of Chapter 18 is borrowed from Jeremiah Ch. 51, which deals with the fall of actual Babylon (persecutors of God’s people) centuries before. John’s message? “We’ve seen this before, and God has saved and will save his people.”
(With eternal life.)
Chapter 19- “Alleluia” 4X in 1st 6 verses. (like Mass before consecration; the wedding feast of the lamb (v. 7and 9)
The big battle (Armageddon)lasted 2 verses...19:20-21. Not even close!!!
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The Whore of Babylon: Scholars and religious leaders are divided today as to who it represents. During John’s time, is it the City of Rome? (v.18) Is it Jerusalem? (Representing Israel, who had a history of making disastrous political alliances with nations that would ultimately persecute it, including the Roman Empire!) Is it the Catholic Church? (See Session 1.)
The message for us today and in the future about the Whore is clear.....Don’t give yourself (sell out, whore yourself out) to any political, organizational, or idealogical system that is against the Church. The consequences are that you will be used and ultimately betrayed (see v.16 !) It’s like making friends with a heroin dealer.
We know what side will ultimately win! (See v.14 !)
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14:18 -20 John again uses imagery (sickle, grapes, wine press)from the Old Testament prophets (Joel 4:13, Isaiah 63:3) to remind his readers that God never changes. Yes, he is Love and Forgiveness, but he is also Justice!
(These verses also form the basis for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”) His truth is marching on!
Chapter 16 The parallels of the “Seven Bowls of God’s fury are lifted from some of the plagues of Exodus. (“Sores”, water “turned to blood”, “darkness”, “hailstones.” .....John’s message, (once again!) is that God will deliver his people from their enemies in the future as in the past, in the sense of having Eternal Life for those who persevere in their relationship with God.
16:16 “Armageddon” ...a place of a number of historic battles between God’s people and her enemies. As in Judges 5:19, God will win again.
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13:10 No “rapture” escape here! You may have to die for your faith!! (But, you can have ETERNAL life with God!)
13:11-17 The 2nd Beast is a false and evil) prophet (see 16:10, 19:20, 20:10). He is the spokesperson for the first Beast(13:1). So, we have the Unholy Trinity: The Dragon (Satan), the First Beast (in John’s time, the Roman Empire, but there is a “beast” in every time), and the 2nd Beast (in John’s time, “Nero”, (“666” is his numeric equivalent), but there is a “2nd Beast” in every time.”
(Don’t be so concerned about the details of the end of the world; be more concerned about your relationship with God at the end of YOUR life!)
13:17 vs. 14:1 You have to decide: will you take the name of the beast or the name of God?? You must choose one or the other...there’s no in-between!
14:8 There are “Babylons” of every age. (In John’s time it was the Roman Empire.)
14:13 Another verse that refutes the “rapture” theory.
14:13(b) Your WORKS (actions, behaviors) demonstrate whether you are really a follower of Christ.
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11:19-12:7 To understand how the Ark of the Covenant (Old Testament) prefigures Mary (New Testament), and the significance of that, listen to Session 37 (Luke 1:36-66) and view the Key Notes of that Session. In the OT, (Ark) and the NT (Mary), the people of God need them to do battle with the enemy. “Don’t leave home without it/her!”
13 The “beast” in John’s time is the Roman Empire, with imagery John lifted from Daniel 7:3-6(Leopard, Lion, Bear).
(All of Daniel Chapter 7 refers to previous enemies of the Jews, leading up to Antiochus. Daniel’s point is that God watched over his people through their tribulations and the people of God eventually withstood their enemies. John makes the same point about the Romans. There will be future “beasts” that will oppress the people of God, but ultimately God will give the faithful the victory of eternal life.)
13:5 John draws a parallel between Antiochus (in Daniel-see last session) and the current beast (Rome under Domitian) with his reference to “42 months” (= 3 1/2 years) His point: “We’ve seen this before, and we will triumph for eternity by persevering in our relationship with God.”
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9:20-21 Despite the continued judgments of God, the people refuse to repent! ( What sin in your life are you refusing to repent from?)
10:9 The scroll is the word of God. It is sweet because it promises eternal life to those who will walk with God, but it can make you sick when you realize that you must change, and that others will be lost who refuse to walk with God.
11:1-2 references Daniel 9:27. (“Daniel” is another example of Apocalyptic Literature, like Revelation. Apocalyptic Literature basically says, “Bad stuff’s going to happen, as it has in the past, but persevere because God will save his people in the end.” Daniel, in earlier chapters of that book, reminds his readers that the Israelites have survived everybody from the Babylonians to the Seleucids. Here, in Revelation 11:2-3, the writer piggybacks on this theme with the “42 months”, (the length of time of the Seleucid King Antiochus’ reign of terror before he was overthrown by the Jews, to show that the People of God, who were undergoing Roman persecution at the time of its writing, will similarly triumph with eternal life.
11:7 You may have to be a martyr for your faith!
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The 7 Trumpets suggest the majestic proclamations of the King.
(The true followers of God, though they had suffered persecution and even death at the hands of evil men, had received the seal of eternal life in Chapter 7. But it gets worse for the non-followers of God from Chapter 8-on.)
Chapter 8 and 9- The bad things that happen (hail, water turning to blood, water turning deadly bitter, sky becoming dark, locusts, ....all correspond to the plagues on the Egyptians in the Book of Exodus Chapters 7-12. The point: In the future, as in the past and in the present, though God’s People will endure hardship, God will deliver those who persevere (to eternal life), and evil will be punished.
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6 The 4 horses represent man’s damage to man. (See attachment.) God PERMITS it, but LIMITS it. There have been and will be many martyrs for the faith. It will get worse before it gets better! But our reward will be Eternal Life in Heaven.
7:3We can choose to accept God’s Seal through persevering as servants of God.
(Still may suffer on earth, though.)
7:4 144,000 not literal! Symbolic of 12 tribes of Old Testament X 12 Apostles of New Testament X 1000 (“multitude”.) That is to say, the People of God.
7:9-17 More heavenly vision! (Mass!)No more pain! Rejoice!
Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jifHX94rWTpfXSOMu6vcv5Xlv5Gi2JAr/view?usp=sharing
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When reading this (and future chapters in Revelation!), remember the 4 Senses of Scripture. (Literal, Allegorical, Moral, Future)
These Chapters show a vision of worship in heaven-the Mass!
(“Holy, holy, holy”........(the Great) “Amen”)
5:1 Don’t worry....God holds the future (scroll) in his hand.
5:5-6 Jesus is both the Lion (king; powerful) and the Lamb (sacrifice)
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2:10- As a Christian, “....you are going to suffer” (No “prosperity Gospel!!)...but “remain faithful until death, and I will give you the Crown of (Eternal!) Life.
Repent!
2:23 “I will Give each of you what your WORKS(!!!) deserve.”
3:16 Don’t be “lukewarm” about your faith. (Nothing else has eternal consequences!!!)
3:20 Are you listening for God’s “knock” on your door? He’s seeking YOU! No matter who you are or what you’ve done or what your status is in this world.
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1:8 Christ was here before man (Alpha), and will survive man at the end (Omega); We can trust in Him.
1:12 “Lampstands” are to shine the light of Christ. (What are you doing to shine Christ’s light on others?)
2:4 Have you “lost your first love” (for Christ?) You can get back your initial zeal by prioritizing and scheduling time to spend with Christ; In prayer, adoration, through service to Him, reading, reception of the Sacraments, etc.
Map - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gR2FgujygQMu3e8eby5zDRYNxgoMl5M4/view?usp=sharing
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Jude: Not an Apostle but a “relative” of Jesus (Mt.13:55) and brother of James.
Like James, he didn’t believe his own relative (Jesus) was who He said He was until AFTER the Resurrection.
(We have an encounter with the resurrected Christ when we receive Him in the Eucharist.)
Jude urges us to avoid false teachers, that our godless DEEDS will be judged
(v.15), and to listen to the Holy Spirit (v.20).
Revelation is an example of Apocalyptic Literature (like “Daniel”). It is written to encourage God’s people to choose to follow God in times of unspeakable persecution, because God will triumph over evil and reward those who persevere. As with “Daniel”, we will see many figures and numbers that the author (John or a follower of John) will use SYMBOLICALLY to illustrate God’s total control. (More later!)
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1Jn4:6 “Anyone who knows God listens to US... “ ( Listens to APOSTOLIC teaching- listens to the Catholic Church!)
v. 10and 11God loved us first. That’s why we must love (reach out to) others first.
5:16 John differentiates between MORTAL and VENIAL sins, to use the Church’s language. (Mortal sins = serious matter, you’re aware it’s wrong, and you choose to do the act of your own free will.)
2Johnv6 Loving God is to “walk according to his commandments.”
(Not “faith alone”, in the Protestant sense.)
3John v. 5-8 Support the Church financially!
v.9, 10 Again watch out for false teachers, and follow the Church founded by Christ on the Apostles!
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“Remain” is used 14X in 1,2,3John combined. One way to “remain” with Christ is found in the GOSPEL of John 6:56 (“whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood REMAINS in me and I in him.”) That is, frequent reception of the Eucharist. Also, following the commandments (2:3), loving and taking care of others (2:10, 3:11-18),
1:8-9 All have sinned...acknowledge them (do an “Examination of Conscience”)
2:18-19 The Antichrist is anyone who denies Christ, and denies
Apostolic teaching!! That’s why we say the Creed each week at Mass!
3:24 Listen to the (Holy) Spirit within you to remain with Christ.
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1:15 Peter will pass on his authority.
1:20 ...”there is no prophecy of scripture that is a matter of personal interpretation.....” (We must read the bible through the eyes of the Church to avoid serious error!)
2:22 “The dog returns to his own vomit!” ( To change this, you must replace a bad habit with a good one, to replace the vacuum that is left. Train your eyes and heart on God, and you won’t be thinking about the evil thing.)
2:8 (against literalist fundamentalists)
“...with the Lord one day is like a thousand years.” (God’s “time” is not our time!)
3:15-16 ...”Paul.....in his letters.....there are some things hard to understand that the ignorant and unstable distort to their own destruction, just as they do the other scriptures. (Yet another example of why we must read the bible through the eyes of the Church!)
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3:1-7 Wives...”be subordinate to your husbands”.....husbands “understanding,
showing honor to” (wives). (See session on Ephesians 5.)
3:21 “baptism, which saves you now.”
Baptism is necessary for those who understand it, welcomes us into the Family of God, imparts grace. But it is not ALL that is needed for salvation. (Need faith, perseverance, bear fruit, Mt.25, etc.)
4:10 We all have been given individual gifts by God, to use to serve God. Discover (and use) yours! ( Do an online search for “Spiritual Gifts Test”, pray!
4:13 “Rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of the Christ....”
(See session on Colossians 1:24, also see Papal Encyclical “Salvifici Dolores.”)
Handout: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fvPOqk4VavigECwrOCU6a_iuuFgXjGpP/view?usp=sharing
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Peter shows through many Old Testament references, primarily the book of Isaiah, that Jesus is the fulfillment of those scriptures, that our relationship with Him is eternal, and that our suffering will be worth it.
1:3 and 1:23 “new birth”, “you have been “born anew.”” (Born Again!) (See Session on John 3 for further explanation.
1:17 “The Father (him who) judges impartially according to each one’s WORKS.
1:20 Jesus co-eternal with the Father.
1:24 Nothing lasts except the word of the Lord (and our relationship to the Lord!)
2:13 Be subject to leaders: (In Peter’s time, it was Nero!)
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2:16 “give them the necessities of the body....” Have a plan in advance for helping those in need, guided by the Holy Spirit.
4:2-3 “You do not possess because you do not ask.....you ask wrongly.....to spend it on YOUR passions.” (We should be asking God to help us mold our will to God’s.)
5:1-4 Pay a fair wage! Tip generously!!
5:14-15 Describes the sacrament “Anointing of the Sick.
5:16 “The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” Intercessory prayer!! (Including the saints!!!)
5:20 ”whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
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2:17,20, 26- Faith without works is dead!!!! (Read Romans 2-4 along with this Chapter to get a clearer picture of the correct relationship between faith and works.) Also see other handout!
19: “Believing in God” is not enough!!
24: The only place in all of the Bible where the words “Faith” and “Works” are together are in this verse, where it says “a man is justified by works and NOT BY FAITH ALONE” (!!!!!!)
3 Pray for grace to control your tongue; angry speech, profanity, and unkind comments.
Handout - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DADcWZx-dbTyaXmHA2j_h4dFLEksMXrQ/view?usp=sharing
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James was NOT one of the two Apostles named James; he was a relative of Jesus ( cousin? half brother?) who was a skeptic about Jesus until he encountered the Resurrected Jesus.
(1 Corinthians 15:7)
He changed; he became the leader of the church at Jerusalem, was the host of the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:13).
James and Paul have the same understanding of how we are saved (see Session on Romans 3 and the next Session on James 2), yet James is much more straightforward.
1:2 Trials should produce perseverance: are necessary to grow!
1:13 -15 God tempts no one!! (So don’t blame God!!) Temptation is from Satan,
and giving in to it (through a faulty exercise of our own free will (our “own desire”) produces sin.
1:17 ”All good....is ...from the Father...”
(Be thankful!)
1:22 “Be DOERS of the word and not HEARERS only.” (Faith must be LIVED OUT in a life of service to God and to our brothers and sisters. God desires our Time, Talent, and Treasure.)
1:27 “Religion ..is...to care for orphans and widows” (Knights of Columbus!!!)
(to care for those that need our help)
These last 2 points are more fully developed in Chapter 2.
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10:25 Go to Mass!!! In addition to being a precept of the Church and a gateway to receiving the grace of the Sacrament, you go there to be an encouragement to others!
11 Faith is always accompanied by works.
12:1 “we are surrounded by...a cloud of witnesses.” (Communion of saints!) They are rooting for us, as we are to pray for those on earth as well as the Church Suffering in Purgatory.
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Jesus was superior to Old Testament High Priests in several ways: He is the Son of God, not merely a servant. His sacrifice didn’t have to be repeated each year; once for all was enough. His sacrifice brought TRUE forgiveness, not just a “remembrance of sins.” (v. 10:3-4). He lives forever as High Priest, the others died.
Some Jews said Jesus could not be High Priest because He was not from the tribe of Levi, but neither was Melchizedek, who preceded ANY of the tribes. (Genesis 14)
6:18 God is immutable!
9-10:18 Jesus is not only the High Priest, but also the sacrifice. (And Prophet and King!)
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3:5-8Jesus ( “Son” ) is superior to Moses “(servant”)
3:13 Work on your relationship with Jesus “daily!” (Prayer, devotions, etc.)
3:14 Unlike most of the Israelites in the Exodus experience, we must be willing to follow (Christ) “until the end.” How you FINISH is essential.
God promises “rest” (eternal peace with God), which is better than the Israelite’s “Promised Land” on earth, to those who will persevere in following Christ.
4:13 You don’t “get away” with anything- if you don’t pay for your disobedience to God on this earth, you will answer for it, and be cleansed of it, (assuming you are seeking God’s graces while on earth!!) in Purgatory.
4:15-16 Yet, God is merciful...there is nothing He won’t forgive you if you ask God.
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Note how the author ties the New Covenant to the Old Covenant/Old Testament through many quotations.
1:11 When everything and everyone you know on earth is gone, God (and your relationship with Him!) will remain. (So, prioritize your life accordingly!!)
2:1 Pay attention to your faith (daily!!) so that you “may not be carried away.” (“Drift”)
2:11-13 We are “brothers”, “children” of Christ. We are FAMILY!! (And, we have responsibility to our family!)
2:18 Jesus can empathize with our sufferings because He himself suffered.
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Titus 1:9 Correct doctrine is essential!
1:16 “They claim to know God, but by their deeds they deny him.” (How are you denying God?)
2:3-5 We are to teach the faith to the next generation!
Philemon -Regardless of our work relationship (boss/worker), we are all to be brothers in Christ; to love each other, to pray for each other, and to treat each other with dignity, respect, and kindness. We all have the same job; to serve Christ by proclaiming the Gospel.
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Though Paul is imprisoned, awaiting imminent death, and has been abandoned by almost all of his friends, he is heartened to know eternal glory awaits him, because he has PERSEVERED, he has FINISHED the race.
3:17-17 All scripture IS inspired, useful....
We certainly agree! Nowhere, however, does this speak of the Protestant credo of the “Bible Alone.” (Remember 1 Tim. 3/15....the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth (and came BEFORE the New Testament was written!)
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3:2 (Side note) Nowhere in Scripture is polygamy prohibited, (except here for clergy), yet Christians agree that it is wrong. This shows the problem with Martin Luther’s “Bible Alone” theology.
4:8 “TRAIN yourself for devotion....”
(What gets scheduled is more likely to get accomplished!) Schedule time for prayer!
4:14 and 5:22 “imposition of hands” (for clergy) is essential in ordination....time-honored tradition since the beginning of the Church...Apostolic Succession! (You don’t get to start your own church just because you feel called...you must be approved by the Church!)
5:23 The Church has no prohibition against drinking alcohol. (Only against drunkenness!)
6:1-2 Slavery? (See Session on Ephesians 6:5-9)
6:10 Money itself is not evil, but putting it above your relationship with the Lord is! (“The LOVE of money....”)
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1:3-7 Correct doctrine, following the teaching of the Apostles, is essential! (Without it, to say you “love Jesus” means that you love someone you may have bent (in your own mind) to what YOU are, or what you want Him to be.)
1:15 The essence of the Christian message!
2:1 (Do you) Pray for your leaders, ESPECIALLY those whom you disagree with politically, those who are unkind, or those who are against your faith.
2:4 God WILLS everyone to be saved, but gives you a free will so you can choose to accept (or reject!!) his free gift. He doesn’t MAKE you choose Him.
2:5 There is ONE mediator, Christ, but , in a sense, we are all mediators (see the previous 4 verses!), especially Mary. (Think of the relationship between the pilot and the co-pilot on an airplane.)
2:12 Regarding women’s ordination, see the podcast on Romans 16:1, also look up “Ordinatio Sacerdotalis”.
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2:15 ....”stand firm and hold fast according to the TRADITIONS that you were taught, EITHER by an ORAL STATEMENT, or by a letter of OURS.”
(So, Paul is not teaching the “Bible Alone”, (Protestant doctrine) but Scripture, plus APOSTOLIC tradition.(some of which was written down as part of Scripture.) We distinguish between following human tradition and Apostolic tradition. Christ instituted One Church, gave that Church the power to bind-and-loose, (Mt. 16:17-19) and gave His Church the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth (on matters of faith and morals) (Jn. 16:13) So, we can trust official Church teaching, whether it is explicitly or implicitly in Scripture.
3:10(b) ...”if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat.”
We should be responsible citizens, and pull our weight (and others’!) to the extent that we are able. (By the way, a good verse for parents to share with their adult children living at home!)
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2:5 “not as trying to please human beings, but rather God...” (When there is a conflict between the two, whom do YOU choose?)
2:13 ...”you received the word of God from HEARING us.... (Oral tradition- not “Bible Alone”....Remember, Paul taught at this church ORALLY years before he wrote this letter...or any other New Testament letter.)
4:13-17 Paul is merely offering hope to the Thessalonians who were concerned that their friends who had died while awaiting Jesus’return would not be resurrected. He was NOT espousing the “Rapture Theory” or any of it’s sub-categories that were invented in the 1830’s by some fundamentalist Protestants. (Read “The Rapture Trap” by Paul Thigpen for greater depth into this selfish error. Also , read CCC 671-679.)
We should be far more concerned about our relationship to God at OUR “End Times” than when or how this world ends!!
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2:5 “not as trying to please human beings, but rather God...” (When there is a conflict between the two, whom do YOU choose?)
2:13 ...”you received the word of God from HEARING us.... (Oral tradition- not “Bible Alone”....Remember, Paul taught at this church ORALLY years before he wrote this letter...or any other New Testament letter.)
4:13-17 Paul is merely offering hope to the Thessalonians who were concerned that their friends who had died while awaiting Jesus’return would not be resurrected. He was NOT espousing the “Rapture Theory” or any of it’s sub-categories that were invented in the 1830’s by some fundamentalist Protestants. (Read “The Rapture Trap” by Paul Thigpen for greater depth into this selfish error. Also , read CCC 671-679.)
We should be far more concerned about our relationship to God at OUR “End Times” than when or how this world ends!!
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Though Paul repeats many of his themes from letters we’ve previously studied, note that 1:24 is perhaps his most clear exposition of the “Redemptive Value of Suffering” Church teaching. (Someone might ask “What could be lacking in Christ’s suffering and the benefits we received from it?” The answer: “Our participation in it.“)
We can “offer up” our suffering, to unite it with Christ’s suffering on the cross, for the benefit of others. Don’t waste your suffering!!!
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2:12 “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Works are important in our salvation process!!! “Fear and trembling” means with awe toward God and what he has done for us, and with seriousness, and making our eternal life our #1 priority.
3:8 Paul considers the things of this world to be “rubbish” (“skubala” in the original Greek. Look it up for it’s literal meaning!!) relative to our eternal life.
3:20 “Our citizenship is in heaven...”
4:11-13 Paul has learned to be content regardless of his circumstances (remember, he was in jail when he wrote this!) because he could look forward to heaven.
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Paul speaks of joy despite being in prison! He has his eyes on the prize!
The prize is not in this world, but ultimately in the next!
2:5-8 We should humble ourselves, as Christ did for us.
2:7 This verse spawned heresy (“Jesus was not really human”), a heresy that could not be refuted by “Sola Scriptura”
(the “Bible Alone”) . We need the Church to guide us in doctrinal matters, the Church founded by Christ, which was given the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth.
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5:21-32 We are to love our spouses with a sacrificial love, as Christ loved the Church. (Enough to die for it!) Our goal in heaven is to help each other to get to heaven. Not 50/50 but 100/100. Love is an act of the will...we love our spouse even when they’re not so lovable. Marriage is a covenant, not merely a contract.
6:1-4 Your MOST IMPORTANT JOB as a parent is to “bring them (your children) up with the training and instruction of the Lord”...more important than college, anything! Their Eternity is entrusted to you as they are growing up!
6:5-9 Why is their no prohibition of slavery in the bible? The writers, and especially Paul, were interested in changing hearts and bringing people to an eternal relationship with Christ.. they were not first-and-foremost social reformers.....though a relationship with Christ will, and in fact did, lead to social reforms. This question about slavery exposes the fallacy of the “sola scriptura” (“bible alone”) doctrine held by many non-Catholics. The Church, given the power by Christ to bind-and-loose” (Mt. 16:17-20) condemns slavery, though prohibition of slavery is not explicitly found in the bible.
6:10-17 “Put on the armor of God...”
We have so much at our disposal! Eucharist, rosary, adoration, confession, prayer....use them!
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2:14-18 The peace that Paul speaks of is INTERNAL PEACE; the peace of knowing that heaven awaits us if we walk with the Lord. It doesn’t mean there won’t be wars or problems on THIS earth.
2:19-21 Paul refers to the Church, the ONE Church, “built upon the foundation of the apostles...“
4:2 “Humility...Gentleness...Patience...
bearing with one another through love...
(How are you doing in these areas?)
4:3 -13 “Unity...”ONE body”...”ONE faith”.... (There was to be ONE CHURCH!)
4:24 “put on the new self” We are to conform our will to that of Christ.
4:26 “Be angry but do not sin..“ (Righteous indignation is sometimes needed when encountering evil. Remember Jesus in the Temple! ) Anger in and of itself is not a sin!
4:27 “Do not leave room for the Devil.”
(Avoid the near temptation of sin....the Devil is stronger than you, .....but not stronger than Christ!!!)
4:29-31 No foul language...bitterness, fury,... shouting...malice. (How are you doing ?Are you being a good example?)
4:32 “Forgiving one another AS GOD HAS FORGIVEN YOU in Christ.” (That’s WHY we forgive others!)
5:6 “The wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient.” (Hell really exists! And, our deeds do matter!!)
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1:7 God redeemed us by Christ’s BLOOD! (As God, he could have done it another way, but this sacrifice demonstrates God’s intense love for us.)
1:12 and 2:10 We are created “for the praise of (God’s) glory” and “for...good works that God has prepared...”
NOT for our own amusement while we are on earth.
1:22,23 The Church is the Body of Christ. (We are the hands and feet of Christ. Also, we worship communally, not just as individuals.)
2:5,8 These verses suggest that believers by grace (already)have “been saved”, and, in one sense, we have! Christ has finished his work, and those who have acknowledged that have (already) accepted that grace, and entered into a relationship with Christ, which SHOULD end in eternal life with Christ in heaven.
Yet, we must persevere in that relationship (Mt10:22, Mt24:13,Rom13:11), and demonstrate it by our actions (Rom2:5-8, 2Cor 5:10, 2Cor11:15, 1Pet1:17, Col 3:24-25, Rev20:12-13,Philippians2:12, among many, many others.
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1:18, 2:2 Paul stresses that he is legitimate because he spent 15 days with Peter, and checked with the Church leaders to make sure he is teaching correctly. (“In vain.”) ( He didn’t try to start his own church or introduce doctrine that conflicted with the One, Universal Church.)
2:11-14 Paul mentions he DID rebuke Peter for Peter’s BEHAVIOR. (Not eating with Gentiles when Jews were present.)
But this is NOT an indictment of Papal Infallibility!! It was Peter’s ACTIONS that were wrong, not Peter’s TEACHING!!
(See Peter’s TEACHING in Acts 10:34 and in Acts 15:7-11. ) Papal Infallibility applies only to the TEACHING of the Pope, and then only in matters of faith and morals, and then only when explicitly teaching to the entire Church, and then only when it doesn’t conflict with previous Popes’ infallible statements.
5:6 All that matters is “faith WORKING through love.” (Not “faith alone” in the understanding of many Protestants.)
We must demonstrate our relationship with Jesus through our LOVE and WORK for Him and our brothers and sisters.
6:9 “Let us not grow tired of DOING GOOD, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP.”
(WORKING and PERSEVERING!! What could be clearer?)
6:15 Are you a “new creation?” Christ seeks to change us!
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6:14 “Do not be yoked with unbelievers.” Surround yourself with people that will encourage your closer walk with Christ, and who are open to encouragement by you in their own walk with Christ. (If you want to change your life, change who your examples are: friends, what you watch, listen to, etc.)
8:9 Consider what Jesus gave us as we plan our own giving.
9:6:7 We are only stewards....God owns it all!! Be s cheerful giver, reflecting on 8:9
11:24 Paul’s hardships on his missionary journeys. We all must be willing to suffer for sharing the Gospel. (But the retirement plan is great! Out of this world!!)
12:7- 9 We all have our own “thorn in the flesh.” (What is yours?) Remember what Jesus tells Paul...”My grace is sufficient.” Give it to God! Offer it up!
“Build up” the Church, and each other, is a recurring theme in this letter. Reflect: What am I doing/what should I be doing, to build up the Church/others/myself?
In 96AD, Pope Clement in Rome wrote an authoritative letter to this distant church in Corinth, telling them that they must “follow the Bishop.” ( Another example of the authority of the Papacy in the early church, which remains today.)
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1:21-22 All three persons of Trinity mentioned here.
2:7-8 Possibly a reference to the man in 1 Cor. 5:2 and 5:13 that Paul urged then should be excommunicated. Here, Paul talks about forgiveness and encouragement of the man. (Excommunication is not to be punitive, but to encourage repentance.) No sin we’ve committed is beyond God’s forgiveness, if we will ask for it and turn back to God.
4:18 We must look to what is eternal; everything else passes away!
5:10 What you DO matters!!!
5:17 We can become a new creation in Christ; our priorities and activities should be Christ-centered.
6:14 “Do not be yoked with...unbelievers.” We should WITNESS to all, but marriage and business partnerships with unbelievers can compromise the effectiveness of our faith.
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Chapter 14:1-12 “Speaking in tongues”
(Glossolalia- a “spiritual” language-not the same as speaking in other human languages as in Acts 2) There must be an interpreter if in church.
Chapter 14 6x mentions we are to do things to “build up” the Church (and each other!) What are you doing to “build up” others? (Or “tear down” others, that you need to confess?)
14:34-37 (Regarding women speaking in church.) Meant for a specific culture, place, and time. But the timeless truth is found in v. 40....”but everything must be done properly and in order.” (Reverence in church.)
15:5-8 WHY I AM A CHRISTIAN!!!
(500 witnesses to the resurrected Jesus at the same time!) He did what HE said He would do!! We live by faith, but it is not a blind faith.
Chapter 15 When our resurrected body is reunited with our spirit in Heaven, we will have no pain, no imperfections. We will experience no boredom. (Because that would be pain!) We will be in God’s presence, and whatever that is like, it will eclipse anything we can imagine on earth.
16:1 Paul’s collecting for a distant location shows the Church Universal.
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11 Paul’s comments about hair length/covering were directed to a specific community at a specific time in history. Though the SPECIFICS change with the culture, the timeless principle remains: Your appearance should reflect your faith and is a reflection of your faith....don’t adapt your appearance to be that of a prostitute, a gang member, a pagan, etc.
11:24-25 The words of institution of the Eucharist are the same as in Mt., Mk., and Luke’s account. (See Session on Mt 26 and also John 6:66 for further development of Christ’s Real Presence, and what “remembrance” (“memorial”)
entails.
11:27 Partaking in communion “unworthily” means:
-Not recognizing Christ’s Real Presence
(This is a reason why we don’t have “open communion.”)
-Receiving communion while in a state of serious sin. Per verse 28, we must “examine ourselves” (Examination of Conscience) before receiving, and go to confession if we are in serious sin, before receiving, to avoid further judgement.
12 The Church is One body, with many parts. (Pray to discover your part/parts.)
13 (The “Love Chapter.”)
Faith without love is nothing. (Not “Faith Alone” as some understand it!) You can’t love God and not love God’s children!
Agape love- sacrificial, unconditional, as Christ loved us.
13:4-7 Check yourself on these love essentials. Where do you need improvement?
13:13 Faith, hope, love....the greatest of these is ...love!
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7:32-33 Paul makes a good argument for Priestly celibacy!
8 -Don’t become a stumbling block to others.
9:20-22 Find a common ground with those who you wish to tell about Christ.
9:27 Underline this verse!!! ( “I drive my body....for fear that.....I myself should be disqualified.” ) Evidently, Paul didn’t think that his own salvation was complete!! Salvation is a lifelong process. We can’t quit the “race” until the end!
10:12 More of the same!! “Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.”
10:13 Don’t blame God when you fail; God provides a way out (of temptation.)
10:17 We are to be ONE body, we eat of the ONE loaf. (ONE Church!)
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6:12 What (even an otherwise good activity) is getting in your way of having your best relationship with God?
(Paul was thinking that the Lord’s 2nd Coming was imminent, which explains his advice not to marry unless “on fire.”)
7 Marriage is about giving, not taking. You marry in order to help guide each other toward Heaven.
7:10 Marriage is to be permanent, on earth.
7:15 “Pauline Privilege”
7:23 “You have been purchased at a price.” “Christ’s death on the Cross.”
We work for Him! (We all serve somebody....God or Satan! Choose God!)
7:19 “what matters is keeping God’s commandments.” (Not just a prayer said one time!)
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4:4 Paul is not absolutely sure of his OWN salvation! (We must persevere to the end! (See Mt. 24:13, 1Cor 9:27, 1Cor 10:11-12.)
4:7 Every ability and every thing and every relationship and every happiness we have is a gift of God, so we cannot boast, except about God.
4:15 “I became your father in Christ Jesus....” vs Mt. 23:9 “Call no man Father.” How do we reconcile this apparent contradiction? We are not to revere anyone as though they have equal standing with the Lord. We honor priests, but we are not to put their word above the Lord.
5 This Chapter legitimizes the need for Excommunication at times. (If you play with dogs, you can get fleas!)
6:1-8 Against lawsuits; let the Church decide. Set aside your rights where possible to preserve relationships.
6:9-11 A specific list of grave sins. Yet, Confession gives us a fresh start!
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God’s wisdom is superior to the “wisdom” of this world. (Do you think you are too “wise” to follow God?) We need to follow the Spirit!
3:6 We are to be about planting and nurturing the word of God in others; God (specifically the Holy Spirit) is responsible for the growth.
3:10-15 An analogy of Purgatory! (....”saved, but only as through fire.”)
Our imperfections will be “burned” off...may or may not be a literal fire, but we will, if we die in friendship with God, be “purged” (cleansed) of our connections to past sins before entering Heaven. Purgatory mentioned in CCC 1031
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See Acts 18 for background on Paul in Corinth.
Ch. 1 v. 10 Paul warns against divisions in the Church. (Would Paul, or JESUS, have approved of the Protestant Revolt?)
v. 11-13 Paul warns against the cult of personality. (Following a specific preacher that we like vs. following the teachings of the Faith.) (As Catholics, we attend Mass to worship God, and to receive the grace of Eucharist to give us strength for our mission.)
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15:4 Another verse that refutes “Once Saved, Always Saved” error: It refers to the need for endurance, and that we might have HOPE (not absolute assurance.) (See, by the same author,
1 Cor. 10:12- a warning to those who think they are standing secure.)
16:1 Phoebe is referred to, in some translations, as a “deacon(ess)” who served the Church. We have no record of women being ordained, so she was most likely similar to a “nun.”
See the 1994 Papal Encyclical by John Paul II for a further explanation of the issue of women’s ordination. Women are essential in the life and leadership of the Church, but.....
16:17 Paul warns against “dissensions” and “opposition to the teaching that you learned.” (We believers are to be part of ONE Church!)
16:26 Paul mentions the “obedience of faith.” (So, it’s not one or the other that leads us to salvation, it is both!) (Christ can give us the grace to become obedient, through Word and Sacraments.)
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10:22 We must REMAIN in a good relationship with God. (Not just accept God at only a moment in time.)
12:20 Paul says we must DO good (to show we are truly the Lord’s.
13:9-10 We must love others, not just God. It’s not either/or, it’s both/and.
13:11 Another verse that shows salvation is a lifelong process.
14:13-23 Think of the weaker brother: Don’t take your alcoholic friend to a bar!
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We don’t get to Heaven based on our bloodlines or even merely through reception of the Sacraments. (Though the graces received through them will help us!)
10:9 and 10:13 -To put these verses that many Protestants use for their false understanding of “once saved, always saved” doctrine in proper perspective, “confessing Jesus” for the Jew in Paul’s day meant, at best, ostracism from one’s family, friends, synagogue, social and occupational networks, and possible DEATH at the hands of the Romans. It meant more than just words; it meant being totally committed to Jesus to the point of death.
When studying 10:13, we get the full meaning of “call(ing) on the Lord” by also looking at Mt. 7:21, which says “Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who DOES the will of my Father.
Again, a lifetime commitment, not the utterance of a phrase at one moment in your life.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kMseLbnxknkdgvKxm49N42u42XAS1I16/view?usp=sharing
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8:1 We stay “in Christ Jesus” through listening to and following the Holy Spirit vs the world’s views (flesh), as Paul mentions “spirit” 11 times in 10 verses. Also, we abide in Him through frequent reception of Eucharist (see John 6:56!) which gives us grace to continue the journey with Christ.
8:18 Being in Heaven is worth more than whatever we suffer here. (This earth is not our home!)
8:28 God can use all things that happen to us for the good (growth) of the Kingdom(even, from our perspective, bad things!)
And , if we’re “called according to God’s purpose”, the good of the Kingdom should be the goal. 8:28 doesn’t mean that everything will work out for us (in human terms) on THIS earth. (Don’t comfort a mourner with 8:28!
8:35-39 Yes, nothing else “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” ....we agree! This does not mean the Protestant “once saved, always saved” idea. God will always love us, but WE can CHOOSE to separate OURSELVES from God! We must persevere! (Mt.24:13)
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5:2 Paul speaks of HOPE of (seeing) the glory of God. Meaning: our journey to heaven is not complete yet, we must persevere in our following of Christ, through acceptance of His graces. (It’s not “Once saved, always saved”, as many Protestants would say......if that were the case, there would be no need for HOPE!)
5:3 No pain, no gain! Our troubles should strengthen our resolve to follow Christ.
5:8 God loves us just the way we are....but He loves us too much to want us to STAY that way.
6 Grace!...Baptism!
7 The law doesn’t save you, it only shows you what’s wrong with you, like looking into a mirror. Grace saves you!
As Catholics, we realize that grace BEGINS our process of salvation, is with us DURING our process ( Sacraments give grace!) as we grow in Christ, and is with us at the END of life if we accept and cooperate with the Grace given us.
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3:28 As a review, Martin Luther’s theology is that we are saved by Grace through “faith alone”, though this verse doesn’t say that. (He claimed it does!) Martin said there was no place for “works” in our salvation, though the only verse in the entire Bible where the words “faith” and “alone” are together is James 2:24, which says, “See how a person is justified by works and NOT BY FAITH ALONE!!!!
The Catholic Church (The only Church started by Christ, the Church given the keys to the kingdom and the power to bind and loose, the Church given the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth, and the Church that preceded Martin by 1500 years (Martin missed the 1st 3/4 of the history of Christianity!) has consistently taught that salvation is by grace as evidenced by works. (Read all of James Chapter 2 to see this relationship between “faith” and “works.” It’s not either/or, it’s both/and!!)
Another example of “works” playing a part in our salvation is in the PREVIOUS CHAPTER OF ROMANS!!! (Fortunately, Chapter 2 comes before Chapter 3!!!)
4:3 Read this verse) We will see when we study the book of Genesis that Abraham demonstrated his faith by a “work” in Gn. chapter 12, yet his “faith was credited to him as righteousness” later, in Gn. chapter 15, so his faith
and works went TOGETHER. Also, again, read James 2:21-23.
You may want to listen to Session 81 and 82 more than once.....lots to grasp!
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Paul is clear in Chapter 12 that our works are an essential part of our salvation.
V12-16 Even those that know nothing about God understand the Natural Law,
(actions that are intuitively bad) so they will still be judged by God according to their “works.” (What they DO.)
V17-24 Paul says that for the Jew, since he has knowledge of the law, will also be judged by their “works.”
2:25-29 To the Jew, Paul then talks about another type of “works”....keeping Jewish ceremonial law, in these verses, circumcision. Paul says these works will not save you.
3:9-20 We are all sinners, and none of us “deserves” salvation. We are saved by God’s grace! (V24) (But we must choose to cooperate with this gift of grace. ) God even gives us the grace to cooperate, but we have free will to accept grace or not.
This takes us to 3:28. Luther added to scripture by saying that we are justified by faith “alone.” It simply doesn’t say that!!! (See Chapters 1 and 2 for context.!!!!) To be sure, we must have faith, but that faith is not merely an intellectual assent; it is a faith lived out in our actions. (Remember the “wheelbarrow” story!) And, faith is never alone! (Remember the “hot dog” story!)
More on this issue of salvation and 3:28 next session.
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1:28 “God handed them over to.....do what is improper” does not mean that God gives up on those who sin. (Which is ALL of us!) It means that God gives us free will, and God won’t force you to have a relationship with Him. (He will welcome us back if we desire God and forgiveness, no matter what we’ve done.)
v29-31 Excellent verses to ponder as we do a frequent Examination of Conscience.
2:1-5 We are to judge actions, not another person’s salvation . Also, we frequently don’t know what is going on in another person’s life that may cause a certain behavior.
2:6-10 Paul mentions 4x in 5 verses the importance of doing good “works” and avoiding bad works in seeking eternal life. (Here, he is using the term “works” to refer to good or bad acts and thoughts, as is clear by his thoughts in vs. 1-5) This idea of “works” having something to do with our salvation is in contrast with Martin Luther’s and many other Protestant churches’ idea that we are saved by “faith alone.” (More on this when we cover Romans 3 in the context of Romans 2-4 and James 2:24)
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In Paul’s letters, he frequently uses each of the 3 words that Christians disagree on the meaning of: “Faith”, “Works“, and “Believe.” We must look at ALL of Paul’s writings to determine what he means by each of these terms. (We can’t pull out an isolated verse and build an entire theology on that verse!!)
We will see that Paul emphasizes salvation through Grace , through faith as demonstrated by our works. (To further confuse things, Paul sometimes refers to Works as what we would call “good deeds”, and other times he refers to Works as keeping Jewish Laws, such as circumcision for males, Jewish Dietary Laws, Jewish Cleanliness Laws, and Jewish Traditions.
It’s essential to know which of these 2 types of “Works” he’s talking about to avoid radically different theologies of salvation. (We’ll cover them as they come up.)
1:20 Perhaps the easiest points to make for the existence of God are observing what has been created, and the complexity, order and interdependence of creation. (To think that everything is merely random chance requires more “faith” than I have!!)
1:24-27 Paul comments about the sinful ACT of homosexuality. (Not to be confused with same-sex ATTRACTION, which in itself is not a sin.) See CCC paragraphs (all 3 of them) 2357, 2358, and 2359.
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Acts 20 - 28:
20:19-24 Paul committed himself to a cause that was greater than himself. Read these verses. Will you be able to say this about yourself at the end of your journey?
21:20-26 Paul agreed to go along with this Old Testament purification ritual because he was obedient to the Church....it probably wasn’t HIS preference, but the leaders thought it was best, at that time and place, to keep the Church together. We follow the Church!
Paul planned to visit Rome years before he ever set foot there. He endured imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks. He arrived in chains, not as a free man. (No Prosperity Gospel here!) The Christian walk is not easy, but Paul knew his purpose (and ours!) was to spread the Gospel, and eternity with Christ is worth the suffering we will endure.
Map: https://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CNM26-PaultoRome.gif
Timeline of St. Paul's Life and Missionary Journeys:
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/569543b4bfe87360795306d6/t/577d67356b8f5b54343a8d6e/1467836213293/st._paul_timeline.pdf
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Acts 20-28 Key Points:
20:19-24 Paul committed himself to a cause that was greater than himself. Read these verses. Will you be able to say this about yourself at the end of your journey?
21:20-26 Paul agreed to go along with this Old Testament purification ritual because he was obedient to the Church....it probably wasn’t HIS preference, but the leaders thought it was best, at that time and place, to keep the Church together. We follow the Church!
Paul planned to visit Rome years before he ever set foot there. He endured imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks. He arrived in chains, not as a free man. (No Prosperity Gospel here!) The Christian walk is not easy, but Paul knew his purpose (and ours!) was to spread the Gospel, and eternity with Christ is worth the suffering we will endure.
Map: https://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CNM26-PaultoRome.gif
Timeline of St. Paul's Life and Missionary Journeys: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/569543b4bfe87360795306d6/t/577d67356b8f5b54343a8d6e/1467836213293/st._paul_timeline.pdf
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v.18-20 The magicians burned their magic books worth over $2.5 million after becoming believers. (What do you need to get rid of in your life that is preventing you from a closer relationship with Christ?)
3rd Missionary Journey Map: https://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CNM21-Pauls3rdJourney.gif
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Paul experiences more rejection than acceptance, just as we will, as we share Christ with others. But, it’s our job to evangelize!! The Holy Spirit makes the converts. We plant and water the seeds. We are not ultimately responsible for the harvest.
17:11 (A verse used by many Protestants that they feel supports their (incorrect) doctrine of “Sola Scriptura.”) (The “Bible Alone.”) First, the scriptures the Beroeans referred to were Old Testament books (probably prophesies of the coming Messiah) which we would totally agree with. They certainly were not New Testament books, because none had been written yet! Secondly, if they insist that all doctrines must be explicit to be followed, you could ask them if they accept the doctrine of the Trinity! (They do, of course, but that doctrine is one of many that is implicit, but not explicit. We need the Church, the only Church started by Christ, to guide us in our understanding of Scripture and our relationship with God.)
17:22-31 Note Paul’s evangelism strategy here. His audience didn’t know the one true God, so the Bible would have had no meaning to them ....at that point. Instead, he finds things in common....general spirituality, Greek poet quotes. We must relate to people on their level when we begin talking to them about Christ.
18:1-26 With Aquilla and Priscilla, again we see that what looks like bad circumstances(being forced to leave Rome) works wonders for God’s Kingdom. God put you where you are for a reason!
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1) 15:5-25 The Church, with Peter as the head, made the Council decision that circumcision and most Jewish dietary requirements no longer needed to be observed. They didn’t go by “Sola Scriptura” (“The Bible Alone”). In fact, they went AGAINST Levitical law. They exercised the “binding-and-loosing” power given Peter in Mt. 16:17-20.
2)The disagreement, and separation, of Paul and Barnabas ultimately caused the Universal Church to grow! (God can use seemingly negative events to affect positive growth.)
3) Timothy set his rights (to not be circumcised!) aside to eliminate an obstacle toward sharing the Gospel with Jews. (What rights do we have that we can we set aside to spread the Word?)
4) 15:16-24 “No good deed goes unpunished”, or so it seems sometimes in the short run. Paul cast out a spirit from the slave girl, and was imprisoned for it! (The slave girl’s owners were more interested in the money she had been making for them than for her or their spiritual condition. Don’t fall into the same bad priorities!)
5) 15:25-35 Yet, because of what happened during Paul’s imprisonment, the jailer’s family came to faith in God.
(See #2 above in parentheses!)
6) Baptism! And perhaps for small children! (We don’t know how old the jailer’s children were, but the whole family was baptized at the same time.) They didn’t wait until they each could make a “decision.” The seed of the Holy Spirit should be planted ASAP.
Map - https://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CNM19-Pauls2ndJourney.gif
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Compare 14:12 with 14:19....notice how fickle humans can be, how human
approval is short-lived! Seek the eternal approval of God!
v22 “Persevere”, and, “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (No “Prosperity Gospel” here!! But, it is worth the hardships if you adopt an eternal perspective!
15:1-2 Paul recognized that there was ONE Church....he was 300 miles from Jerusalem at Antioch, but when a doctrinal issue came up, he didn’t make a unilateral determination; didn’t start another denomination. He went to the Council called by the One Church, where the decision on the matter was ratified by the Apostles, after Peter gave his answer.
Map - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FyYNoAr5Mtf92mEtSJrsLiX9h-vATy7O/view?usp=sharing
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9:26 Paul did not attempt to start a different church; he realized he needed the legitimacy and Authority that only the Apostolic Church could give, so he visited them in Jerusalem. (See also Galatians 1:18.)
10:9-11:18 The Holy Spirit taught Peter that the Church was for all who would believe (again, remember what “belief” entails!!) in Jesus. (The Holy Spirit continues today to guide the Church on matters of doctrine and morals, preventing it from teaching error in these two areas.)
11:27-30 The church at Antioch recognized that they were not independent; that they were a part of the Church Universal.....they provided relief to the church in Judea
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8:1 The scattering of believers actually benefitted the growth of the Church. (Again, we see how a seemingly bad event works for ultimate good, if we follow the Word of God.)
v.16 The need for a Trinitarian baptism.
v.18-25 It’s true that our Church has been guilty of “Simony” many times, because our Church (and all others!!) is made up of sinners. (All of us!) But the Doctrines of the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, are kept from error.
v31 As with the eunuch, we need the Church to guide us in the meaning if Scripture. (See also 2Peter 1:20.)
9:4 To persecute Christ’s Church is to persecute Christ Himself!
As with Philip and Ananias, God’s plan may be contrary to our plan for spreading the word, but we listen and obey the Spirit rather than our own plan, when there is a conflict.
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The punishment of Ananias and Sapphira was harsh, (Death!) but:
a)Scripture doesn’t say they went to Hell, so maybe their eternal destiny was positive.
b) The Church had just begun, and the discipline needed to be more firm at the beginning. (Think: Boot Camp in the military, or the 1st day of class in school.)
c) Their death was not because they didn’t give every penny to the Church, but because they LIED about it. The “cover-up” was worse!
5:29 “We must obey God rather than men.” We all have to make these choices daily!
5:41 “Rejoice” when you suffer for the sake of Jesus, as the Apostles did. (If you never suffer in some way for your Christian beliefs, you’re probably not doing much for the Kingdom!”)
6:5 The deacons were chosen because of something they had in common (nationality) with the people they were serving. (Who do you have something in common with that you can serve, especially in guiding them toward Christ?)
6:6 Another example of Apostolic Succession.
6:8 Stephen was “filled with grace”, but not in the same sense that Mary was...different Greek words used for Stephen ( “pleres charitos”) vs., for Mary, (“kecharitomene“ -has been, is now, and always will be graced.) Protestants overlook this distinction.
7:58 “Saul”, later named Paul, was responsible for the murder of Stephen and other Christians, yet God used him to author more books of the Bible than anybody. (So, if you think you are too “bad” for God to redeem you or use you, remember how He changed Paul’s life.)
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Peter (just as our priests in Reconciliation) heals not in his own name, but in the name of Jesus.
3v.19 “Repent” and “be converted” are two separate things. Both are necessary; otherwise the void will be filled with something else.
4:12 (See Session 61-Jn. 14:6)
4:19-20 We obey God rather than man’s rules where there is a conflict between the two. (What conflicts like this do you have in your life? What are you going to do about it?)
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Key Points:
The new Apostle had to be APPROVED by the other Apostles; someone couldn’t just claim Apostleship based on a perceived personal “call.” (Though a “call” was certainly necessary!) (Again we see Apostolic Succession!)
The Holy Spirit made Peter and the Other Apostles bold about sharing their faith; may the H.S make us bold as well!!
(Who will you share your faith with today?)
v.42-44 Not Communism! (The sharing was voluntary.) (With whom will you share your possessions?)
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Key Points:
Peter’s failures and recovery made him a better Pope. (Don’t despair over your sins; repent and learn from them!)
Acts attributed to Luke, a “sequel” to Luke’s Gospel, could perhaps be called “the Acts of the Holy Spirit.”
v.18 See Session 33 (Mt. 27) for an explanation that should help to solve the discrepancy of these two accounts of Judas’ death.
v.21-25 Peter called for the new Apostle, and the way Matthias was chosen (casting of lots!) was based not on Scripture, but based on the new Church’s authority alone, as the keeper of the keys of the kingdom. (Mt. 16:17-20.) This rather strange method of choice was because the Holy Spirit had not yet descended on the Church, as will happen in Acts Chapter 2.
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Key Points:
20:24-29 All of us, like Thomas, want “proof” that Jesus is who he says he is, though the proof is all around us each day. Also, all of us experience spiritual highs and lows, but don’t despair; Thomas( and Peter!) recovered to be a Church pillar, and you can recover, too, with prayer!
20v30-31 and 21v25 refutes the Protestant idea of “Sola Scriptura”, the idea that all we can know about our faith and life in Christ is found explicitly in the bible. There was also Oral Tradition passed down long before the books of the New Testament were written or agreed on. The Church existed for decades BEFORE ANY of the books of the New Testament were even written.
Jesus’ (“The Good Shepherd”) “Feed My Sheep” statement, specifically to Peter, shows that Jesus intended to start an actual, visible, organized Church, with Peter at the helm. Since His Church was meant not just for Jesus’ time on earth, but for all-time, Jesus provided a mechanism (Ordination by previous Apostles and their successors) by which the faith would be passed down.
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Key Points:
19v17 When Jesus died, the Holy Spirit could then come to the Church, to guide it into all truth.
19v33 Jesus’ legs were not broken; per Passover regulations (Exodus 12:46), Jesus was truly the unblemished lamb worthy of sacrifice for the people.
20v21-23 These verses are the basis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (and a basis of Apostolic Succession.) This is only the 2nd and last time that God “breathes” on anybody, so it’s important! (The 1st was in Genesis 2:7 where God “breathes” life into Adam; here God “breathes” the Holy Spirit into the Apostles, and gives them, and their successors, the authority to forgive or retain sins.) What sins are retained? The ones you refuse to confess!! (To the Protestant, verses 21-23, taken together, make no sense, (Confession to a representative of the Apostles, a priest) but there they are!
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Key Points:
(See attached for differences between John’s and the Synoptic Gospels’ accounts.)
These verses are rich in symbolism and Old Testament fulfillment. (“Four shares”, “seamless”, no tearing of garment, “cast lots”, “I thirst”, “hyssop”)
Mary is given as Mother of the Church, and, by extension, to us! (We all have 2 mothers.)
Jesus’ work on the cross is “finished”, but we must cooperate with this work. We must eat the Passover Lamb (Jesus), internalizing Him spiritually and physically. (Eucharist!!)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dRMp_4NOb7RA4tXHGZBMVnLQfDEK2RC1/view?usp=sharing
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John leaves out Jesus’ agony in the garden (“Let this cup pass....) This is not a contradiction with the other gospels; John chooses to report on events that emphasize that Jesus is in total control of the situation.
Other examples of this:
18v.4 Jesus “went out” and approached, proactively, the soldiers.
v.6 After another of Jesus’ “I AM” sayings, the soldiers fell to the ground, as if in fear.
v. 11 No hesitation to die.
19v. 11 (Pilate) would have NO POWER except what had been given him from above.
19:13 (Some translations) Jesus seated on the Judge’s bench.
—————————————————
(Unrelated to above) 18:38 Pilate’s question (“What is truth?”) is still asked today by skeptics (as Pilate was) and agnostics. There is absolute truth in Christ, not merely relative truth.
(See Mt. Chapters 26 and 27 session for different (but not conflicting!!) details of these events.)
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Emphasis on bearing fruit; only possible by remaining in/with Jesus.
v.6 There is a Hell! Also, salvation is not a “once saved, always saved” idea, as many Protestant faith-communities teach.
v18-25 The Christian walk is not easy, not an earthly prosperity gospel.
Chapter 16 v.7 Jesus had to leave the Apostles (in addition to offering salvation to all who would walk with Him!) so that:
A) They would finally understand Him better through witnessing the resurrected Christ.
B) The omnipresent Holy Spirit could guide them (and the Church!) into all truth. (Jesus, as a man, was not omnipresent.)
Chapter 17
v.16 The earth is not our home!
Jesus prayed to the Father 4x in Chapter 17 that the Apostles all be “as one.” (One Church!)
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Key Points:
v 1,2 When you as a follower are troubled....Heaven awaits!
v.6 The epitome of Christian arrogance? No!!! ....If God shows eternal mercy on you, whatever your religion, it’s still because of what Christ did on the cross for you, whether you realize it or not during this life.
(It’s also because of His (Catholic) Church, whether you know it or not!
MUST READ paragraphs 842-847 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church!)
v.25,26 The Holy Spirit will live with us and in us, and in a special way, within Christ’s Church, to guide us and to guide the Church into all truth, and to prevent the Church from teaching error on matters of faith and morals.
Per Augustine, the Holy Spirit is the bond of love that binds the Father and the Son together.
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Key Points:
(See attached handout for chronology controversy responses.)
John didn’t include the INSTITUTION of the Eucharist in his account, possibly because:
A) He covered the IMPORTANCE of the future Eucharist quite thoroughly in John 6.
B) As the last Gospel written, he knew you had access to the teaching through the first 3 Gospels.
C) See the attached handout for other possibilities. (Was this a different meal, sometime during Passover week?)
John emphasizes Jesus washing the feet of the Apostles. (Servanthood!)
Jesus washing Judas’ feet demonstrates His love for us, no matter WHAT we have done.
v.20 demonstrates the truth of Apostolic Authority, one of the pillars of the Catholic Church.
v.27 demonstrates the consequences of receiving the Eucharist unworthily; either without believing in it, or receiving it while conscious of serious sin. (Without first going to Confession.)
v.30 Don’t be Judas-like; don’t leave Mass early!
v.35 Loving one another (and the servanthood ACTIONS that prove our love) will demonstrate our love for Christ.
Attached - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rHJh-8gAhVmZrUmBMkRInwqT2p5VRV7c/view?usp=sharing
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Key Points:
v. 4-8 Giving to the Church and giving to the poor is not an either/or issue; it’s a both/and issue.
v. 24 We must “die” to our own desires and seek to conform our desires and our prayer life to God’s will , to “bear fruit“ for the Kingdom.
v.42-43 The Christian walk can be tough socially! To follow Christ, we must expect social consequences, but the glory of God must take precedence.
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Key Points:
v. 4,45 God uses even tragedy for good ultimate purposes.
v. 16 Don’t be too hard on yourself, or Thomas. The Christian walk, like Thomas’, is not a straight line. We have highs (v.16) and lows, as Thomas will discover later. Yet, we can be forgiven, and spend eternity with Christ, as with Thomas.
v. 21 God’s time is not our time!!
v.50-51 Note the irony of Caiaphus’ statement!
v.52 Note: “ ....gather into ONE” ( the ONE Church founded by Christ.)
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Key Points:
Jesus uses the “I am the Good Shepard“ analogy because sheep are not very bright and easily stray, like us.
We must listen for His voice. The “sheepfold” (v.1) is the Catholic Church.
(It is no coincidence that Jesus tells Peter in John 21:15-17 to “Feed My Sheep!)
There is to be ONE shepherd and ONE flock (v.16), not 35,000 different flocks.
(Denominations.)
v. 22 The Feast of the Dedication is Hanukkah, the reason for which, in the Bible, is only described in 1st and 2nd Maccabees, 2 books that are not even found in most protestant Bibles. (Luther didn’t like what 2 Maccabees 12 suggests about the existence of Purgatory, so he removed these books, and others, that had not been disputed for over 1100 years!)
V.28-29 These verses do NOT mean “Once saved, always saved”, in the protestant sense. True, no one can take you from God’s hand, not even Satan, but you can take YOURSELF from God’s hand; you must persevere. (See Mt. 24:13)
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Key Points:
We Catholics believe in the Redemptive Value of Suffering. (See John Paul II’s encyclical “Salvifici Dolores”
“Offer it up” for the benefit of others.
It has been said that suffering offered up is the 2nd highest form of prayer, behind the Mass.
Don’t waste your suffering!
See Colossians 1:24. What could be lacking in Jesus’ suffering? Your participation in it!
The man used his suffering to witness about Jesus. Doing the same could be the greatest, most impactful act you ever do!
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“Woman caught in Adultery” -The scribes and Pharisees didn’t want the Truth; they wanted to trap Jesus. (As with many we speak to today! ) He turned it around on them by appealing to THEIR experience.
He showed mercy, but still expected future obedience from the woman.
Jesus comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable!
“I am the Light of the World” statement coincides with the light show that was a central part of the Feast of Tabernacles.
John 8:31 We can “remain” in Jesus through receiving Eucharist. (See Jn. 6:56 !!)
Blood relationships aren’t as important to Jesus as the PERSONAL relationship he desires with each of us. How’s yours??
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7:5 “His brothers did not believe in him.” ( Listen to Session 31 about “brothers.”) These “brothers” (cousins or half-brothers), mentioned by name in Mt. 13:55, would eventually not just believe, but become leaders and martyrs for the Faith, AFTER they encountered the Resurrected Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:5-7) (These verses in 1 Cor. show why Jesus is trustworthy and why I believe in Him.) We, too, encounter the Resurrected Christ at Mass.
V37-39Jesus’ promise of Living Waters from him and the Holy Spirit coincided with the water-poured-over-the- altar part of the Feast of Tabernacles that he was at.
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Key Points:
Read Luke 24 “Walk to Emmaus”... Jesus was not recognized until the breaking of the bread.
Search “Eucharistic Miracles” online.
Search “Early Church Fathers-Eucharist” online.
Eucharist gives us the graces, the strength, the direction to complete the task He has for us.
The ultimate intimacy!
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Key Points:
v 61-62 Jesus equates believing in His Real Presence in the Eucharist with believing in the Resurrection. Both require faith. If you can’t trust Jesus with his statements about the first, you will have a tough time believing the 2nd, since both go against our human logic.
v 68 Peter didn’t grasp all of what Jesus was saying about Eucharist, or His Resurrection, but he trusted Jesus. That’s what He asks of us.
v 68 We can’t get the Real Presence outside of His Church!
v70-71 Apparently, Judas, first mentioned here in John’s gospel, was among those who didn’t believe that Jesus would be present in Eucharist. This may have led to his betrayal of Jesus.
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The only thing that lasts is our relationship with Christ.
Jesus states multiple times that we must eat (“gnaw”) his flesh to have eternal life; meant it literally.... further developed next 2 sessions.
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In Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, He did not water down his message-(v. 22 “Salvation Is from the Jews.” ) He didn’t say that the polytheistic beliefs of the Samaritans were good or equally valid. He practiced “charity with clarity.”
As we find opportunities to have religious discussions with others, we seek common ground, but we never compromise our proclamation of the Fullness of Truth that was entrusted to the only Church founded by Christ; the Catholic Church. (We pray for the time, the place, the person, the method, and the words to say to share His Truth.)
The Royal Official showed that he “believed” in Jesus through his ACTION. (He walked 40 miles round-trip to find Jesus.)
5:22 Jesus WILL ultimately judge our eternal destiny. (Don’t take 3:17 out of context....we as Catholics read scripture as a whole, and through the eyes of the Church. We don’t take one verse and build our whole theology on it.)
5:29 Once again, our actions will demonstrate our belief, and we’ll be judged accordingly. (But God is always willing to forgive us if we ask God.)
5:39 We have the possibility of eternal life through a Person, not a Book. (Though the bible certainly points us to that Person!)
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Key Points
Jesus broke down social and racial barriers by simply speaking with someone different than himself. (Who should you be speaking to?)
The things of this world don’t last; only our relationship with Christ can be eternal.
After she realized who Jesus was, she invited others to “come see!” Though she didn’t know theology, she shared HER EXPERIENCE with Jesus. People can argue with your theology, but no one can argue with YOUR EXPERIENCE with Jesus. ( Who will you invite to “Come see” Jesus?)
SHE didn’t convert people, but she planted the seeds. We’re responsible for that; the Spirit is ultimately responsible for the conversion.
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Key Points
3:14 John’s high Christology- Jesus will be “lifted up” vs “crucified”....Jesus is always in control, even when it seems that he is not.
John 3:16 “Believes” , once again, means much more than intellectual assent. (Compare this verse with (3:38.... “Belief “ involves OBEDIENCE.)
3:17 Jesus came the first time not to judge (an individual’s eternal state) ,but to proclaim the kingdom. But, make no mistake, he will ultimately preside over our judgment, and there WILL be judgment! (Again, see 3:38 !)
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Jesus’ turning water into wine is the first of 7 “signs the gospel writer uses to show Jesus’ divinity. (Jesus has he power to create.) He can create a new person in us, too, if we walk with him.
Jesus calling his mother “Woman” was not disrespectful:
Words and customs change meaning over time, (a term of respect(?)
Jesus (sinless)honored his mother and father , lived the Commandment.
In Garden of Eden, God said he would put emnity between Satan and the Woman. (Mary is the new Eve; her “Yes” to God contradicted Eve’s “No.”
In Revelation 12 we see the “Woman” (not named, but Mary) with a crown of 2 stars.
The temple (“sanctuary”) building will be destroyed, but Jesus is the NEW temple....HE is there as our Sanctuary.
“Born again” means a changed life once we walk with Christ. The seeds are sown at our Baptism. If we know we are to be Baptised and don’t do it, we are disobedient. Baptism imparts grace which gives us strength! ( There is a connection between the intellectual assent and the physical act!!!)
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Key Points:
1:21 (Asked of John the Baptist:) “Are you Elijah?” (Per Malachi 3:23, Elijah was to reappear before the coming of the Lord.)
1:23 John the Baptist is like Isaiah
(Quotes from Isaiah 40:3)
1:29 “Lamb of God” (At Passover, an unblemished LAMB is sacrificed in an ATTEMPT to pay the price for the people’s sins.
John the Baptist’s is the first of 7 testimonies as to who Jesus is.
2:1-5 We venerate Mary because:
She calls us to follow Christ
She intercedes for us
She shows us (Lk 1:38) by example HOW to follow God.
She inaugurates Jesus’ ministry at Cana
She has led countless millions to Christ
She was at the key moments of Jesus’ministry and the beginning of His Church.
She is ALL of our mothers! (So, if you feel “motherless” sometimes, remember that Mary is YOUR mother, too!)
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Key Points:
What does it mean to “believe” to the Catholic? Why do the heresies spawned by the phrase “Word became flesh” point to the need for the Catholic Church?”
“Belief” is much more than an intellectual assent. It is giving one’s self over in trust and action. (“Wheelbarrow” story.)
Three heresies were spawned by three consecutive words in John 1:14. We needed the Church (the only Church Christ started, gave the power to “bind and loose” to, gave the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth) to eliminate the confusion as to who Christ is....and the confusion that still exists today. (See 2Peter1:20 regarding personal interpretation of Scripture. We must read Scripture through the eyes of the Church.
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Key Points:
- John was youngest disciple, "the one that Jesus Loved" (20:26); Took care of Mary (20:27); Imprisoned on Patmos; Author of John, Revelation, 1,2,3 John
John Emphasizes Jesus' Divinity.
- 7 Signs of His Divinity (Water to wine, 2:1-11; Cure of Official's son 4:46-54 by His word; Paralytic cure at pool (Ch 5); Multiplication of Loaves and walking on water (Ch 6) Mirror Manna & crossing of red sea in OT; Cure of man born blind (ch 9); Raising of Lazarus (Ch 11)
- 7 Testimonies (John the Baptist, Samaritan woman, scripture, His works, The crowds, Holy Spirit, Disciples (testify 33x)
- Jesus is the Word, the Light, the Lamb. He is NOT portrayed as the "suffering servant" but as the Hero, Always in Control ("Lifted Up" vs "Crucified") (Glory 15x)
- Eternal Genealogy (1:1-2) ("Consubstantial" in the creed)
- "Light" vs Darkness ("Light" 11x)
- "Believe" 98x, "World" 78x, "Truth" (true) 20x.
- Virtually no social teaching, only one commandment, "Love one another", Prayer for Unity.
- Highly Symbolic (#7, #3, Jesus' Actions + words remind us of OT Events)
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Key Points:
21:1-4 (The Widow’s Offering) We should give out of our first earnings,(The IRS isn’t stupid!), not just out of our abundance. (That includes teaching your kids to give out of their allowance.)
22:35-38 The swords Jesus told the apostles to get were a metaphor: we are to “arm” ourselves for “battle.” (Knowing our faith, prayer, sacraments, etc.)
23:32-43 The one on the cross who “went to confession” was granted forgiveness and did his Purgatory on THIS earth. (On a cross!)God’s mercy is always available to us if we seek it, even at the end of our life.
24:13-35 (on the walk to Emmaus) The men didn’t recognize Jesus until Jesus
“took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them” (v30). We must recognize Jesus in the Eucharist!!
24:36-50 The Apostles didn’t understand Him until they had an encounter with the RESURRECTED Christ, which emboldened them. We encounter the resurrected Christ, just as the 2 followers on the walk to Emmaus and the Apostles, at Mass!
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Key Points:
16:1-9 The Master did not commend the steward for being dishonest; he FIRED him for that. He commended the steward for forgoing his short-term commission (which may have been a normal charge) in exchange for long-term security through better relations with the master’s clients. Moral: We must put our own long-term (eternal!!)
interests above our short-term earthly interests. We must put money in it’s proper perspective relative to eternal life.
17:7-10 We cannot pay back Christ for the gift He has given us: we are servants with a job to do. We owe Him, not the other way around!
19:1-10 (Zacchaeus) Emphasis: Treatment of the poor, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness.
(What is your plan to help the needy? We are not saved by faith alone, at least not in the way Luther meant it! Faith means a relationship, which necessitates service.)
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Key Points:
Luke 13:6-9 God has patience with us, but we must ultimately “bear fruit” by developing a relationship with God, and all that goes with that, including taking care of those who need help.
Luke 14:13, Luke 16:19-31 Take care of the poor, the outcasts!!
Luke 14:33 We must get rid of whatever is standing in our way to a walk with Jesus.
Luke 15:8-10 Does your relationship with Christ, the idea of eternal life with Him, give you joy?? (Nothing could/should possibly give you more joy!)
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Key Points:
Forgiveness mentioned 6x in 9verses
Lk. 7:42-50. YOU can be forgiven by God. Who do YOU need to forgive?
Lk. 9:51-56 and Lk10:25-37 (Good Samaritan) -Mercy towards enemies.
Lk10:38-42(Martha and Mary) Don’t let life’s busyness keep you from a closer encounter with the Lord!
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Key Points:
2:41-52 It’s important to be obedient to your parents, but God comes first!!
4:16-30 Jesus’ message of salvation is for all who will follow, even those that we don’t like!
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Key Points:
Ch.2 v. 1- Skeptics would say Caesar Augustus never ordered an empire-wide census.
(Cencuses were typically recorded for purposes of taxation.) This census may have been to, instead, register that subjects swore allegiance to the emperor.
v.2 Skeptics would say Quirinius was not the governor of Syria until years after Christ was thought to be born. Answer: perhaps he was like a “leutenant governor” at the time, so he was involved in “governing”, perhaps in charge of a smaller area.
“First-born” was a legal term, and did not mean that there was necessarily a “second-born.” (Regarding Mary’s perpetual virginity.)
The value of the poor in Luke’s birth-of-Jesus account:
Shepherds- the lowest of the low.
Manger (feeding trough for animals.)
Mary’s sacrifice at temple of 2 birds was that required of the poor, per Lev. 12:8.
Simeon proclaims Jesus will be “revelation to the GENTILES”, another of Luke’s themes.
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Key Points:
Ark contained Manna(bread), 10 Commandments (Word of God), and Aaron’s Staff (authority of God).
Mary’s womb contained Jesus, (the “Bread of Life”, The Word of God, and the authority of God.
Lk1:35 “overshadow”Mary, Exodus
40:35 God’s cloud overshadowed ark.
Lk1:41 John “leapt” in Elizabeth’s womb. 2Sam6:14-16 David “leapt” with joy upon recovering Ark.
Lk1:43 Elizabeth “Why is this granted to me?” 2Sam6:9 David asks same thing about privilege of recovering Ark.
Lk 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for “3 months.” 2Sam6:11 Ark stayed with a keeper for 3 months.
Mary not to be touched sexually. (Perpetual Virginity). Ark not to be touched, or death!! 2Sam6:7
Ark and Mary together!!! (End of Revelation 11, beginning of Chapter 13.
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Key Points:
Luke was a Gentile, his emphasis was that Jesus came for ALL regardless of ethnicity or status.
Women tended to be the heroes. Emphasis on the value of the poor and treatment of them.
- Emphasis of the Holy Spirit.
- The gospel of JOY!
- Emphasis on forgiveness.
- Emphasis on prayer.
Luke not an eyewitness to Christ’s ministry but a travelling companion of Paul. Also wrote Acts of the Apostles.
50+% of “Mark” (source document for Luke) material is in “Luke.”
Chapter 1 - Only gospel that talks about John the Baptist’s conception and birth. Elizabeth - a hero.
V26 - Mary a hero.
V35 - “Power of Most High will OVERSHADOW” Mary. (Important for Ark of Covenant analogy to come.)
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Key Points:
Mark travelled with Paul and was a disciple of Peter. Not one of The 12, but a young follower. His mother is thought to be the owner of the Upper Room where the Last Supper was held and also the first Novena at Pentecost.
Mark’s gospel thought to be:
A)First Gospel written (60-70AD?)
B)“Peter’s Gospel”
C)Source document for Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels. (80-90% of Mark is in Matthew, 50% of Mark is in Luke. All but 31 verses are part of “Matthew”or “Luke.” )
Mark’s is shortest of Gospels: No Genealogy of Jesus, very short Resurrection account.
Emphasizes Jesus’ ACTIONS instead of his WORDS. (Unlike Matthew’s.)
Written to gentile CHRISTIANS, probably in Rome. (As opposed to Matthew, which was written originally for primarily JEWISH converts.)
“Messianic Secret”
Jesus is also the Suffering Servant
The disciples don’t understand Jesus during his earthly ministry. They’re downright stupid, including Peter!
(Again, Peter is relaying incidents in retrospect to Mark. Peter didn’t understand Jesus well until AFTER the Resurrection.)
Despite it’s shortness, Mark gives details in stories that Matthew and Luke don’t include.
“Mark’s” writings end with Chapter 16:8.
The rest of 16 was added by another author by the end of the 1st Century, but still canonical per the Church.
Don’t try verse 18 at home!!! It should be understood as hyperbole!!
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Key Points:
Why believe in the Resurrection? See 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. Over 500 people witnessed the Resurrected Christ. So, our faith is not blind faith.
Christ’s resurrection gives us hope in our own resurrection and eternal life with Him.
Mt 28:19 The Apostles were not instructed to write a book, but to make disciples. Jesus said that he would be with them
(His One Church!!) until the end of the age. In spite of the errors and grievous sins of the leaders of his One Church, his Church is prevented from TEACHING error on matters of faith and morals.
How are you doing in your disciple-making efforts? Pray for God’s grace to recognize those that you can share the Gospel with, the method and time to approach them, and the Holy Spirit to open their hearts.
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Key Points:
Peter sinned grievously, despaired, but was forgiven, and went on to share the gospel with others: We, too, are sinners, we can similarly be forgiven, and we must share the gospel with others.
Judas only despaired; gave up on God by killing himself. Never give up on God!!
Don’t “wash your hands” of moral issues by taking the easy way out, as Pilate did.
Jesus was not despairing on the cross,
(“...why have you forsaken me?) but was reciting hopeful Scripture (Psalm 22) during his suffering. A great place for us to turn!!
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Key Points:
We ALL deny Jesus, just as Peter did, every time we sin. Yet, we too can seek and be given forgiveness.
We ALL have our own “Gethsemane Moments” in this life....we can choose to become BITTER or BETTER (our relationship to God) through them.
Jesus was no mere rabbi. (Teacher) Only three possibilities: He was the biggest liar ever, He was the craziest man ever, or He was the only begotten Son of God.
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Some connections between the Jewish Passover Meal and our Communion:
- Both a Memorial, not just a re-presentation. (We are actually AT the event.)
- 3 Matsahs vs. 3 members of Trinity
- Middle matsah broken, (Christ killed)
- Middle Matsah hidden, (Christ buried)
- Child who finds matsah gets reward,
(Those who find Christ get reward of eternal life.)
Sacrificial Lamb must be killed at 3PM - Jesus killed at 3PM (Mk 15:34)
Sacrifice of Unbroken lamb must be eaten—Jesus is The Lamb of God, no bones broken (Jn 19:32)
4 Cups of Wine at Passover:
1) “sanctification” (Lk22:17)
2)”plagues” -“deliverance” (not mentioned in Gospels)
3) “redemption” (Mt. 26:27-28)
4) “completion”, “restoration” (Mt. 26:29- Jesus will drink it with us when we are RESTORED to Him in Heaven.
——————————————————
“This IS my body”
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Key Points:
We give our best to Jesus’ Church because his gift to us of eternal life with Him is more valuable than anything.
The woman’s gift, and Judas’ price for betraying Jesus (only the price of a slave) showed how much each of them valued Jesus. Reflect: How much do I value Jesus? What you spend your money on will reflect this.
Beautiful church structures, paintings, statues, etc. draw people towards God, so they are not a “waste.”
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Key Points:
God has given ALL of us talents to be used for the benefit of the Kingdom. What we don’t use, we’ll lose. (Just as we do physically by not exercising.)
Check yourself with verse 40. What are you doing for/to others who need help?
Many of those are not easy to love. We love them not because they are “lovable”, but because Christ loves us so much, that he gave everything, (Our life, and His life!)for us.
We’re all brothers and sisters in God’s family. Nothing pleases a good father more than to see his children care for one another.
You can’t say you love God without showing love for all others. (You can’t say “It’s Jesus and me, and the hell with thee!)
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Key Points:
Don’t be a “show” Catholic. Check your inner thoughts.
Mt24:13- Once again, we don’t believe in the false doctrine “Once Saved, Always Saved”, at least not the way many non-Catholic Christians do. We must persevere to the end of our life in our walk with Christ. (Salvation is not at a moment in time early in our lives, though it can start there. Salvation is a lifelong journey-it’s important how we complete it.)
Everything you have, and everyone you know, on this earth will pass away. All that will remain is your eternal relationship with Christ and those who accept His grace.
Be ready! (It’s later than you think!)
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Key Points:
Though our invitation to eternal life is a free gift, and we are provided with the “garment” of grace to do good works, we must still prepare ourselves for heaven by cooperating with God’s grace, and doing what God wants.
Loving God, and loving your neighbor as yourself sums up the 10 Commandments. (If you love God and everyone, you won’t want to lie, cheat, steal, covet, murder, etc. That’s why Augustine said “Love, and then do as you will.”)
We’re not just a social service agency: We have a duty to love God.
We’re not just an adoration group: hence the teaching about loving our neighbor.
The two “loves” go together: You can’t love God properly WITHOUT loving your neighbor (everybody), since we are all a family and are all brothers and sisters.
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Key Points:
Jesus did not sin when he overturned tables and chairs and forced the money-changers to leave the temple, because it was His house! (An owner has the right to remove unwanted intruders!) He was exhibiting righteous indignation, which we as Christians should do when OUR Church and its doctrines are being abused.
Jesus caused the barren fig tree to wither, not because of a temper tantrum, but to illustrate that all Israel is to bear fruit , and will bear the punishment of it’s fruitlessness. (The fig tree had long been a symbol for Israel, as an eagle is a symbol of the U.S.)
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Key Points:
Although a sincere “deathbed conversion” is valid, don’t wait! Why miss out on the graces of the greatest relationship you can have, for ANY length of time?
We are to lead through service, as Jesus did for us. How/who are you serving?
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Key Points:
Marriage is a COVENANT, not merely a CONTRACT. Each partner’s goal should be to make sure the other goes to heaven. Daily prayer TOGETHER greatly increases the odds of a lasting, successful marriage.
For marriage in general, read CCC paragraphs 2360-2381.
Divorce:paragraphs 2382-2385
Annulment: paragraph 1629
The rich young ruler’s wealth was an impediment to a closer walk with Jesus.
What’s your impediment? Pray about your priorities and what to do about them.
You can’t earn your way to heaven! (Pelagianism heresy) It is a free gift from God, but we must cooperate.
Eternal life beats any life we could imagine on this earth!
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Key Points:
We must have the faith of little children, in the sense that little children instinctively know they must depend on others, just as we must depend on and trust God.
Do an examination of conscience-Who have I been a bad example to recently?
Go to Confession if necessary.
Jesus would have died for you if you were the only person on earth! He loves you that much!!
Mt 18:17-20 is another example of how Jesus intended that there be ONE authoritative Church.
We must forgive others principally because God has forgiven us. (We don’t DESERVE forgiveness, and sometimes the person that offends us doesn’t DESERVE our forgiveness either. But, we must!)
Homework: Think of someone that you hold a grudge against, pray for them each day for a week, and forgive them, at least in your own heart. Let it go!(Depending on circumstances, you may or may not decide to communicate with the person directly— if there has been physical abuse towards you in the past, as an example.)
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Key Points:
Matthew shows that Jesus is the “newer, better” Moses.
Moses makes it to the Promised Land after all! (But, as with us, Moses doesn’t reach the ultimate Promised Land until after his death- this world is not our home!)
With faith, we can “move mountains”, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD ( which is what we’re here for!) , but not necessarily for our own personal earthly benefit.
Jesus didn’t need to pay the temple tax. (As God, the Temple was his house!), but did so as an example for us.
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Key Points:
God only changes someone’s name on 3 occasions in the Bible. Each time, the change denotes the person is to become the leader of God’s people.
Peter, (“Rock”) is given the “keys”, the power to “bind and loose”, will represent the authority of God on earth.
The Church is to last until the end of the earth, so that authority (keys) is to be passed down. “Apostolic succession.”
See linked images for additional support
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1at58RsLF1j7OHu-2Xof5lWs9dYH3zoso/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cw6Z8gYqeDAnf7NVx_uLcPe_xhmrW3Vb/view?usp=sharing
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Key Points:
- 15:3-9 Don’t edit the word of God to suit your beliefs. (Follow the one Church that Jesus founded.)
- Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. At different moments in our lives, we can be both, and we need Jesus equally in both circumstances.
- Jesus helped the Canaanite (non-Jewish) woman because of her PERSISTENT FAITH.
- He indirectly referred to her as a “dog”, I believe, to show the Apostles the error of their ways in assuming that Jesus came only for the Jews, using an epithet that they, themselves, likely used to describe Gentiles. It was a “teaching moment” that Jesus used, for their benefit.
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Key Points:
There is a Hell. Jesus makes reference to it about 60 times in the Gospels. (Having said that, Jesus makes about 3 times more references to Heaven.)
The Feeding of the 5000 (men, plus additional women and children) was a real miracle of Jesus. To say otherwise is to deny the divinity of Christ.
When we keep our eyes on Christ, we can do more than we ever could without him, as Peter discovered. (14:39) When we doubt Him, we will “sink.” (14:30)
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“ How to get rid of a sinful habit.”
and “Is the doctrine held by many non-Catholic Christians of “Once Saved, Always Saved” true?
Key Points:
Jesus has given us enough signs to trust him. We don’t need more signs; we need more faith!
To rid ourselves of a sinful habit, we must replace the bad habit with a good one. The vacuum will be filled with something.
Jesus’ gift is to all who will follow him, which is more important than even family.
The seed sown on the rocky ground shows that salvation can “fall away.”
So, NOT “Once Saved, Always Saved.”
We must persevere! (With God’s grace!)
The Parable of the weeds and the wheat growing together describes the Church.
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Key Points:
What sin can’t be forgiven?
We must look beyond the LETTER of the law to follow the SPIRIT of the law. ( So, if helping an accident victim causes you to miss Mass, helping the wounded person takes priority.) The LAW is good and needed, but it’s ultimate purpose is to guide us as to how to love God and our fellow people better, not the other way around.
“Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.....” means to reject God’s mercy to the end of our life...either by saying that we don’t need God’s mercy (that we don’t need God at all), or by saying that our troubles are so great that God cannot help us. (See CCC paragraph 1864.)
We will answer for every thing we’ve said and done on the day of judgement.
(But, thank God for Purgatory!)
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Key Points:
(“Came not to bring peace, but the sword”)
Your eternal life is more important than your earthly life.
How am I acknowledging Christ to others?
Jesus causes division. (But in a good way!) We must choose between following what the world tells us, or following Christ.
To “take up one’s cross” is to risk even crucifixion to follow Jesus, as was understood in Jesus’
culture.
10:40 A prelude to Apostolic Succession.
Who do you know that needs “a cup of cold water” today?
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Key Points:
Jesus has power over sin and death.
The Church is a hospital for the sick (all of us!), not a country club for the (spiritually) well-off.
Who can you “take by the hand” or “touch” to help with their problems?
“Whoever endures to the end will be saved” flies in the face of the “once saved, always saved” theology espoused by many non- Catholic Christians.
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Key Points:
Jesus healed several people in this chapter, including total social outcasts (lepers) with a touch. Who needs our touch today, even if (ESPECIALLY IF!) they are outcasts by our society?
Leprosy analogous to mortal sin. Jesus told the lepers to “show yourself to the priest”, just as WE must show ourselves to a priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be declared clean of our “leprosy” of serious sin.
Jesus’ healing is available to ALL! ( The Centurion was a Gentile.)
Our relationship with Jesus needs to be our #1 priority. (2 examples where they were not.)
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Key Points
“Judge not, lest ye be judged!” means we are not to judge a person’s eternal destiny. We also don’t necessarily know what’s going on in that person’s life that may lessen their culpability. BUT, we ABSOLUTELY must judge whether an act is moral or not. There are moral absolutes!
We must be introspective about our own lives through frequent examination of conscience, asking friends, etc.
“Do not throw your pearls before swine.” While we are to witness to all, there’s a time, a place, and a way to share the Gospel. It is best sometimes to avoid a confrontation, pray for that person, pray for a better set of circumstances in which to share, and pray for other people to witness that the subject might listen to. “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still!”
Jesus is not preaching a “prosperity Gospel.” God WILL give us what we ask for, for the good of our relationship with him, for our eternal salvation, and the good of HIS kingdom, but this world can be tough!
Our deeds, our fruits, are an essential part of our relationship with God. (See verse 21.) We are not “saved by faith alone” in the sense that many understand the phrase. What are YOU doing for God’s Kingdom?
What foundation are YOU building your life on? (There’s only one that won’t crumble!)
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Key Points:
- Our attitudes are as important as our actions. (Do we do good things (prayer, fasting, good deeds) to promote OUR good name, or GOD’S?)
- Prayer: A conversation with God. It’s all about a growing RELATIONSHIP with God. (We can’t have a RELATIONSHIP without COMMUNICATION!)
- We pray for GOD’S will to be done. (And for our will to become one with GOD’S will.) We are merciful to others because of God’s mercy toward us.
- Our lasting treasure is eternal life with God. NOTHING else lasts!
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Key Points
- “Do not kill” means more than physical murder- do we kill other people’s spirit with harsh words?
- Examination of conscience (see attached example) is essential to our relationship with God.
- Marriage is a Sacrament, to be entered into only once during the life of a couple; annulment is NOT “Catholic divorce.”
- “Turn the other cheek” is another example of Jesus’ use of hyperbole. Though we are not to be doormats, we are not to escalate a bad situation. We don’t always have to have the last word!
- Do we pray for those that we don’t like?
- As part of being Salt and Light to the world, we are to speak out politically regarding Church teaching. (Even though neither party fully embraces Catholic teaching....see attached.)
https://bulldogcatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/a-detailed-catholic-examination-of-conscience-2nd-ed..pdf
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VOTGNDSFfdkKqCNnYQFScLH4y5jjgU2x/view?usp=sharing
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Key Points:
- “Poor in spirit” are those who realize they don’t have all the answers and they need God’s guidance.
- WE are to be “salt and light” to the world- - we should be influencing our culture instead of being influenced by the attitudes of the world.
- Jesus is calling us not merely to external observance of rules, but to an internal transformation of our hearts.
- Jesus frequently uses HYPERBOLE to get our attention. (5:22, 29, 30) (Don’t cut your hand off!)
- Jesus holds the moral bar quite high! None of us can reach it on our own! But, he provides us His death on the cross as payment for our sins, grace to change, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation when we fail.
- We must do a frequent examination of conscience. How am I treating my brother? Am I a bad example to others?
Am I shining the light of Christ?
See attached
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ndJ-GI0zG0F0Yj20NURihw5-LIHBh1nt/view?usp=sharing
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Key Points:
- When “tempted”, Jesus looks to Scripture for answers, as we should.
- When tempted, we know that Jesus can relate to us.
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Key Points:
John the Baptist is the New Testament fulfillment of Old Testament prophets Isaiah ( quotation), and Elijah
(attire). For Jews even today, Elijah is awaited to show them their Messiah.
There IS a Hell!
The Trinity is implicit in scripture, but not explicit. We needed the Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, to define the relationships in the Trinity. (See Session 1 about why the Catholic Church has that unique authority.)
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Key Points:
- Matthew seeks to show the connection between Jesus and Moses and David through 4 Old Testament quotations in this Chapter alone.
- The gifts of the Magi reflect Jesus’ Role as King (gold), Priest (frankincense), and Sacrifice (myrrh).
- Again, though Matthew’s and Luke’ account of Jesus’ birth and first visitors are quite different, they are not contradictory.
- The Magi travelled far and risked much to find Jesus. How passionate is your search to know Jesus?
- OT Joseph’s dreams , as with NT Joseph’s dreams, ultimately resulted in a trip to Egypt, where his people were ultimately saved.
- The Holy Family’s refugee status may cause us to contemplate and soften our hearts towards potential refugee immigrants in our own country.
- The horrible slaughter of the innocents in Mt. 2 reminds us of the slaughter of countless millions through the sin of abortion, and that we must work and pray to end this awful practice.
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Jesus’ birth story per Matthew....Was Mary really a Perpetual Virgin?”
Key Points:
- Joseph is the “hero” of Matthews account. (Vs Mary the “hero” in Luke’s account.) This is not a contradiction, just a difference of emphasis.
- Joseph a great example for us: He chose to forego his legal rights to follow God’s will and act for the benefit of others.
- The word “until” in verse 25 does not mean that Mary was not a perpetual virgin. (Two other examples of “until” in scripture.)
- The Magi were non-Jews; Jesus came for all of us!
- No Magi in Luke, no shepherds in Matthew; just different emphases.
- Luke emphasizes women, poor. Matthew emphasizes fulfillment of OT prophecy.
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Overview of Matthew: Jesus’ Genealogy; Why the difference between Matthew’s and Luke’s account, and why should we care?
Key Points:
- The Gospel of Matthew written between 50-90AD by a convert to Christianity from Judaism.
- Matthew’s emphasis- to show that Jesus is the promised Jewish Messiah, the ultimate King of the Jews, and to the world. Jewish prophesy fulfillment. Jesus is a 2nd, better Moses, and a 2nd, better David.
- Though from a royal dynasty, Jesus had many deeply sinful people in his ancestry-just like us!
- Differences in Matthew’s, Luke’s genealogy of Jesus: Matthew’s gospel records only back as far as Abraham, the founder of the Jews. Luke, a GENTILE, goes back further, to Adam, who predated Judaism, to emphasize Jesus came for ALL people.
- The difference between the 2 genealogies from David to Jesus may be because Mary’s genealogy was used for that time frame.
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Key Points:
Best English translation: Revised Standard Version- 2nd Catholic Edition.
Second best translation: New American Bible (Personal Study Edition)
Study tips:
1Write notes IN MARGINS, or on sticky notes you can attach to the bible pages.
2) Use different colors of CRAYONS to highlight key verses.
3) Buy a CATECHISM of the Catholic Church, refer to bible passage index in back of it.
4) Read the bible through the eyes of the Church. (See #4 above)
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Dealing With Discrepancies In The 4 Gospel Accounts, and Emphases of Each Gospel Account
Key Points:
- We would EXPECT discrepancies from 4 separate accounts of a person’s life. Yet the accounts, combined, paint an honest picture of the life and divinity of Christ.
- Matthew-written to a JEWISH (Jewish convert) audience, to show that Jesus is the promised Jewish messiah.
- Mark-written to Christians in Rome. “Peter’s Gospel.” Emphasises Jesus’ ACTIONS and his HUMANITY. “Suffering Servant.” Source document for Matthew and Luke.
- Luke-written for GENTILES. Emphasises:Kingdom is for ALL. Women in high esteem. Treatment of poor. Holy Spirit presence. Jesus’ prayer life.
- Matthew, Mark, Luke-“Synoptic.”
- John- Emphasises: Jesus’ DIVINITY.
(NOT “Suffering Servant”, He’s always in control.) Most symbolism, double meanings, numerology.
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Key Points:
- The bible is NOT a science book or history book. It is a LIBRARY, calling us to an eternal RELATIONSHIP with God.
- The bible is not DICTATED by God. God INSPIRED the human authors, but they used their own words, styles, emphasis.
- The bible is ALL TRUE, for the sake of our salvation. Not necessarily always LITERALLY true. (See 1st Session of Old Testament for more detail on “Truth in the bible.)
- The books of the bible were chosen among many others and ratified by the CATHOLIC church, guided by the Holy Spirit, in the late 300’s.
- ALL Christians agree on the Catholic choice of the 27 New Testament books. Martin Luther error on choice of books- no “keys”-1200 years late.
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Key Points
- THE UNIQUE AUTHORITY GIVEN TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
- Jesus started ONE Church (Mt16:16-19), prayed for UNITY in that Church (Jn .17), intended for that Church to remain until the end of human history (Mt 28:20), gave that Church the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth (Jn 16:13), and gave that Church the Unique Authority it would need (Mt16:16-19).
- That Church even preceded the bible.
- That Church (that Jesus started) is “The Pillar and Foundation of truth.” (1Tim 3:15) The Authority issue is essential in solving doctrinal differences between Christians.
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