Weekly Bible Study - Luke 2:22-40

28 December 2014

Feast of the Holy Family 

Parents and grandparents often gaze into the fresh face of their newborn and imagine the greatness to which the child will aspire. Welcoming a new child is not only a time of great joy, but one of hope and expectation.

In today’s Gospel we encounter an elderly pair that espouses the hopes and expectations of Israel.  Described as righteous and devout, Simeon and Anna have spent their lifetimes “awaiting the consolation of Israel.” They are now assured of their hopes’ fulfillment as they behold the child Jesus presented this day in the temple. Why are they so sure that they are in the presence of the Messiah, the long-awaited Savior?

Scripture tells us that Simeon and Anna are led by God’s Spirit in whose Word is assurance of the revelation they are awaiting. Devout in their faith they have recognized repeatedly God’s intervention throughout their spiritual history and once again anticipate a profound revelation.

 It is more than just their advanced years and patient waiting that enable Simeon and Anna to recognize the Messiah. It is their contemplative listening, their living and praying in the Spirit, and their fidelity to God that lead them to see in this child the fulfillment of God’s promise to Israel. These faith-filled individuals are not simply in the right place at the right time, welcoming the Holy Family into the temple. Their hearts are in the right place spiritually to recognize the presence of God.

As we join with Simeon in his twilight canticle, the evening prayer of the Church, can we acknowledge that we have today witnessed salvation? Are we in that right place spiritually to recognize God’s presence within us and around us? As we gather to celebrate the Paschal Mystery in God’s holy temple, our Church, have we beheld this day, in the face of the Holy Child, the hope and expectation of our God’s gift of eternal salvation.

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, Class of 2001, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

Jesus' Birth

Many of us get our impressions of the birth of Jesus from Christmas card art or (if we're lucky) from the paintings of master Christian artists, like Giotto (see below).

But I encourage you, on this, the Feast of the Holy Family, to read about Jesus' birth in the two gospels where we find nativity stories: Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-4. What details do the two gospel accounts of Jesus' birth hold in common? What differences can be found between the two accounts? How do we account for these differences?

The answer to these questions can be complex. (The classic work, Birth of the Messiah by Fr. Raymond Brown is about three inches thick, with tiny print. Just sayin'.) Enrolling in a parish Advent Bible study or the Catholic Biblical School can help you unpack the answers!

Giotto, Adoration of the Magi

In a Biblical Archaeology Review  online article, we learn that "This scene from the Arena (Scrovegni) Chapel in Padua by the Italian artist Giotto shows Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the Bethlehem stable. The three wise men, along with their caravan, and angels gather around the child. Above the stable, Haley’s comet streaks across the sky. Haley’s comet was sighted in 1301, three years before Giotto painted this scene." BAR author, Megan Sauter. To read more, click here.

Entering into the CHRISTMAS SEASON

Some Insights from the University of Creighton's Online Ministries:

Christmas is not the last day of Advent. It is a real season of the Church year. We usually miss it because the consumer society that some of us live in has nothing to offer us, except for days to return gifts. Too often, within days after Christmas day, the decorations are down and it is over.

This year, let's try to really celebrate Christmas and the days that follow. Let's enter a new Season, which has its own spirit and desires and graces.

Special Feasts begin the season and we continue the story, so that we enter more deeply into the story of Jesus' coming to be one with our life, but also that we might enter more deeply into how Jesus comes this year to bless each of us.

To read more, go to: http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/christmas.html

The Word Made Flesh

At Christmas, we celebrate our lives "in Christ"--our participation in the Reign of God that Jesus made manifest in our world. This is not only a one-time event in the past (the birth of Jesus and his kingdom 2000 years ago). This is something that began in the past, but that continues in the present (the birth of Jesus and his kingdom in our world today) and into the future (the birthing of God's kingdom at the end of time).

We hear from the pulpit and remind our children about these truths year by year. We call these teachings to mind every Advent season through our sacramental life, homilies and other spiritual preparation.

The birthing of Christ in past, present and future is how God's Word "makes its dwelling," its home, among us. The gospel of John begins with this very mystery:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,

and the Word was God....

...

"And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,

and we saw his glory,  the glory as of the Father's only Son

full of grace and truth." (John 1:1-5, 14 NABRE)

We can see, then, that another way to speak about Jesus is to call him the "Word of God."

But we also call the Bible the "Word of God"! So what's the connection?

Jesus is the Scripture made human, incarnate (literally, enfleshed). We use the same words "Word of God" to refer to both the Bible and to Jesus because we believe that everything God promised, everything the People of God hoped for in Old Testament times, is brought to completion in the person of Jesus of Nazareth--the Word made flesh.

This explains why the Church teaches that to understand Jesus, God's Word, we must come to know the Bible in its entirety--both Old and New Testament.

So I invite you this Christmas season to listen carefully to the Bible proclaimed at liturgy. Read and pray with the Scriptures daily. If this is a difficult practice for you, I hope you will look to your faith community to provide guidance. If your parish doesn't have a Bible Study, contact our archdiocesan Catholic Biblical School to direct you to a place where you can get a parish Bible Study. Or, consider becoming part of the Archdiocesan Catholic Biblical School. Look at how we operate by clicking here.

For, as Janine Baryza-Ly, CBS Class of 2014, puts it: "When we connect what is said within the Bible to our daily lives, the fullness of the Word comes into being" in us.

Merry, Merry Christmas. May your joy inspire you through all the feasts of the Twelve Days of Christmas: The Solemnity of the Nativity of Jesus; the Feasts of St. Stephen (12/26), the Holy Innocents and the Holy Family (12/28); and the Solemnities of The Mother of God (1/1/15) and Epiphany (1/4/15).

Weekly Bible Study - 2 Samuel 7:1-16

21 December 2014

Fourth Sunday of Advent

We can imagine King David echoing (ahead of time) the words of Mary in today’s first reading: “The Lord has done great things for me. I will honor him by building a suitable dwelling.” "God cannot continue to dwell in a tent while I enjoy my house of cedar," muses the king.

David doesn’t seem to have selfish motives or misguided intentions. God, however, rejects his plan, reminding David that it was divine favor alone that turned a shepherd boy into a mighty ruler. And it is God, not David, who will prepare a suitable place, a Temple, where God will allow his Holy  Presence to dwell. 

While God's first Temple (built by David's son, Solomon) was fashioned of opulent materials, this didn't last forever. God is not ultimately content in a house furnished with finely polished wood, gold vessels and rich tapestries. Rather, God will find his dwelling place will be in the heart and womb of a humble virgin who will bear him for the world to behold.

At Christmas, we celebrate God's Incarnation: God's choosing to become one of us in Christ Jesus. In human likeness God makes his dwelling in the flesh and blood of a woman, embracing all the flesh and blood struggles of humanity.

It is within the womb of one like us that God fashions a most fitting dwelling. Residing in the flesh and blood of his people, God awaits our bringing to birth each day his life within us. 


Have we prepared a suitable "flesh and blood" dwelling place for the Lord this Advent?

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

Root of Jesse, Do Not Tarry!

O Antiphons: 19 December - O Jesse Radix 

O Root of Jesse, that stands as a sign to the people, before whom the kings keep silence and to whom the Gentiles will make supplication: Come, to deliver us, and hurry!

"What urgency there is this antiphon. Something that lies below the earth (a root) stands high unto the heavens like a banner! Vexilia Regis Prodeunt we sing in Lent... what is a little root during Advent becomes by Lent the Tree of our salvation.

"Isaiah 11:10 gives us imagery for our reflection today. The great prophet of Advent tells us that the kingdom of David would be destroyed, but not entirely destroyed. A root would remain.

Jesse is David's father. David is Jesse's root. David leads to Christ. After the destruction there remains a root.  No matter what the exigencies of life present to us or how turbulent the vicissitudes of the passing world may be, when we cling to the root we are sure to be victorious in the end."

 For further contemplation, I recommend reading the whole of Isaiah 11, and perhaps take a look at Romans 15:12.

O come, O Root of Jesse free,
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.

 (*Reflection and image taken from Catholic Online: http://www.catholic.org/clife/advent/antiphons.php?id=3)

Joy of the Gospel #7

THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
ON THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
IN TODAY’S WORLD

33. I encourage everyone to apply the guidelines found in this document generously and courageously, without inhibitions or fear. The important thing is to not walk alone, but to rely on each other as brothers and sisters, and especially under the leadership of the bishops, in a wise and realistic pastoral discernment.

Paragraph numbers are provided to help you find the quotes for further study and to place these ideas in their original context, should you wish to do so. To read the text in full, click here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html#II.%E2%80%82Mary,_mother_of_evangelization

Save the Dates - Evangelization and Education Events - Spring 2015

In chronological order:

March 8, 2015 - Celebration of Sacred Scripture

"Connecting Our Lives to the Bible to Our Lives," 12:00 (sign-in and coffee-and) to 4:00 pm, with Dr. Thomas H. Groome, Professor of Theology and Religious Education at Boston College.

March 28, 2015 - The Biblical Roots of Our Creed

10:00am to Noon, with Dr. Joan Kelly, CBS Faculty and seasoned adult religious education professional.

May 1, 2015 - Catholic Biblical School Twentieth Anniversary and Reunion

Prayer Service, Reception and Dinner (times to be announced), with Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D., our own beloved Archbishop of Hartford. Tickets will be required for this event, because seating is limited to 250.

Prayers for Healing Requested

Two of our Catholic Biblical School family are in particular need of our prayers this month.

Just before Thanksgiving, Margaret Dawson, Class of 2012, fell down some stairs and broke her neck, back and some ribs. According to her sister, who flew out from New Mexico to be with Margaret, she will recover, but expects to be in Yale-New Haven Hospital for many weeks to come. We await more news.

Stephen Ward, Class of 2015, has twice been in Yale-New Haven hospital this fall. His wife, Linda (Class of 2015) tells us Steve continues to progress toward full recovery from three heart surgeries (with a fourth to come, when he is stronger).

Please keep one another in prayer, as we rely on each other for kindness and encouragement during good times and bad.

May She Rest In Peace

On Monday, December 15, Nancy Valente, Class of 2008, died of an apparent heart attack. This was a very unexpected death, according to Jean Moriarty (Class of 2004), and we are dismayed at our loss.

So we call for your prayers: for Nancy, that her journey to Christ be short and swift, and for her family, for courage in the midst of great sorrow.

Her husband, Charles found her in their home when he returned from work on Monday. They have one son, Daniel, who teaches at St Christopher's School in East Hartford. The funeral is Saturday, Dec. 20th at 11:00 a.m. Calling hours prior to the funeral begin at 9:00 a.m. at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N Main St, Southington.

May Nancy's soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

O Come O Come - The O Antiphons for Advent

When we sing "O Come, Emmanuel," we are singing the ancient Christian prayer known as the O Antiphons.

Each of the "O Antiphons" highlights an Old Testament title that Christians apply to Jesus. We pray, on consecutive nights leading up to Christmas Eve: "O Come...

...O Wisdom

...O Lord

 ...O Root of Jesse

   ...O Key of David

 ...O Rising Sun

                            ...O King of the Nations

                                ...O Emmanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us")

The Catholic Education Resource Center teaches us that "the exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known. Boethius (c. 480-524) made a slight reference to them, thereby suggesting their presence at that time. At the Benedictine abbey of Fleury (now Saint-Benoit-sur-Loire), these antiphons were recited by the abbot and other abbey leaders in descending rank, and then a gift was given to each member of the community. By the eighth century, they were in use in the liturgical celebrations in Rome. The usage of the O Antiphons was so prevalent in monasteries that the phrases, Keep your O and The Great O Antiphons were common parlance. One may thereby conclude that in some fashion the O Antiphons have been part of our liturgical tradition since the very early Church."

To read more about the O Antiphons, click here: http://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/what-are-the.html

To pray the O Antiphons, day by day between today and Christmas Day, click here:  http://www.catholic.org/clife/advent/antiphons.php?id=1.

May the days that lead up to our celebration of the Nativity be filled with prayer and sincere resolve to conform our lives to Christ Jesus.

Handing On Our Faith - Two Hopeful Notes

Do We Believe in God's Grace, Or What?

Do we sometimes despair that God's grace has not the power to draw our children to his light, in spite of our mistakes? I sometimes fail in my trust in God. And we definitely should give our whole selves to the effort to hand on the message of our Lord and Savior! But Gaudete Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent) reminds us that we are, essentially, a people of joyful hope. When we pray for our children's faith, let us also pray for our own confidence in our Lord!

And Here's a Story of Hope:

A few years ago, I began to write a blog for my parish. As a Catholic Biblical School student, I find my studies really help with that. One week, I asked my son to help me print out some blog entries and organize them in a binder. As he scrolled down the pages, he said, "YOU know all that?!"

Ever since then, I find him most nights before bedtime, reading his children's Bible. I think he takes this seriously, because I do. If he sometimes balks at going to church, or displays a teen attitude, I tell him that it is between him and God. He usually goes off to think about it, then makes the right choice.

I never thought I was so "visible" in my faith! But for my son, the power of example is working.

Keep sending your thoughts, all month long at: barbara.jean.horell@aohct.org. I'll post them, for the sake of our faith community.

Weekly Bible Study - John 1:6-8, 19-28

14 December 2014

Third Sunday of Advent

“There is one among you whom you do not recognize.”

The Evangelist John was believed to have penned his Gospel at least fifty years following the death and resurrection of Christ. Just when one might expect that the fledgling church was well on its way, there still existed bitter tensions between a) Jews and their leaders who did not believe in Jesus as the Messiah and b) the followers of Jesus (some of whom probably still considered themselves Jewish!). These tensions are clearly reflected in today’s passage.

John the Baptist, central figure of today’s Gospel, is something of an enigma to the Jewish religious leaders of his day. They interrogate him, seeking to understand his person, his role, his identity.  He is even mistaken by some for the Messiah. John simply identifies himself as “a voice crying in the desert to make straight the way of the Lord.”

As the frustrated Jewish authorities press on with their questions, we ourselves stand before John hearing a voice that demands of us: Who are we as followers of Christ? What messages do our voices cry out to others? How do we make straight the ways of our lives to welcome him anew in our hearts, this Advent season and each day? How do we enable others to recognize Jesus in us? Do we see Jesus in others? Are we, like John the Baptist, a herald of the Good News?

The voice we hear from John the Baptist bids us to divest the trappings and fineries of this world, as he did, to make straight our lives. His message this Advent day is to consider not so much the glittery rituals of the holiday season, but the call to renew our hearts and minds as we welcome the Incarnate Word. John’s cry is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. 

Let us join our own voices with that of John that his may not be the lone voice crying in the wilderness. Let our voices herald the Good News, recognizing and bringing to others the God who is in our midst.


The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

Handing On Our Faith - Your Responses

A Reader Gets Real About the Challenge:

I don't think I'm doing very well myself. I can't get this image out of my head -- about a week ago my teenage daughter was holding a bottle of ketchup right before dinner. I said we needed to say a blessing, and she made the sign of the cross with the bottle of ketchup. That really spoke to me about my current situation.....

We want our kids to have meaning in their lives. That's it.  Salvation?  Of course, but I'm not worried about that. There I have no problem trusting God. It's meaning that I'm worried about, a foundation for their lives that's more than what this world has to offer. I know I can't force it, but am I doing what I can to communicate it, to show them? I know I shouldn't make myself miserable over it and I feel I am letting them down -- but I'm not sure what to do.

Some Good Advice from Another Reader:

For college students or teenagers, tell them in person or via text that you are praying for them for big tests or exams. Say "God Bless you" when ending  telephone conversation or text.  Continue in little way to bring God into the message. They will know how God is a part of your life and remember that in later years.

Another Reader Suggests:

When my grown children are at home, I remember to let them know when we're planning to go to mass, and I invite them to come along. Sometimes they surprise me!

Keep sending more ideas to me at: barbara.jean.horell@aohct.org! I'll post them, for the sake of our children (and us!).

Handing On Our Biblical Faith

The Holy Father's December intention for evangelization is:

“That parents may be true evangelizers, passing on to their children the precious gift of faith.”

This is a DIFFICULT task, and now that I have grown children, I know I could have done better. BUT, we trust that God will continue to find ways to be present in our grown childrens' lives, through those who are their new "lights." And perhaps through our continued faithfulness (when we are).

But nagging is a disaster for spiritual growth. So says Jerome Murphy O'Connor, at least, and I agree with him. How, then, can parents (with children of all ages) evangelize their children?

That's your challenge today! Send ideas to barbara.jean.horell@aohct.org. I will post your ideas. (If yours doesn't make it into the blog, or if I edit it a little bit, it may be because it's similar to another post that I did publish.)

And don't forget that on March 8, our Celebration of Sacred Scripture will be all about "how to" bring faith to life and life to faith, with top religious educator and dad of a teenage boy, Thomas H. Groome.

Advent Blessings! BJ

CBS Alums: Living and Leading in God's Word

Quilts2Heal, Inc., was founded by Dr. Paula de Silva, CBS Class of 2013, in response to the Sandy Hook Massacre two years ago this week. They create their unique quilts for many folks who are experiencing crisis, especially veterans and those affected by natural disasters. (See posts dated March 21 and May 22, 2013.)

In 2013, Quilts2Heal, Inc. became a tax exempt non profit organization. "We are thrilled to now have this status," exudes Paula, "to hopefully do more for so many who need the comfort of being wrapped in a quilt made with much love!"

Recently, Quilts2Heal has been asked to create a quilt for Morgan. Six-year old Morgan and her twin sister Emma are pictured here. Morgan is being treated in NYU hospital for brain cancer. Her surgery in August went well. 90% of the tumor was removed, but her treatment continues. She is a very sick little girl.

As always, Quilts2Heal is creating personalized quilts for Morgan and for her sister Emma, who is well. Morgan's grandmother provided a list of Morgan's and Emma's favorite colors, interests and activities, including the characters from Frozen, swimming, dancing, the beach, and snow.

Please keep Morgan and her family in your prayers.

Weekly Bible Study - 2 Peter 3:8-13

Sunday, December 7, 2014

2nd Sunday of Advent   

First century Christians received the promise of Christ’s second coming and expected it to happen in their lifetimes. In Peter’s letter to these Christians he offers an apocalyptic vision of this “Day of the Lord.” But we must not get swept up in the cataclysmic imagery while missing the point of today’s second reading. Peter’s message is best reflected in verse 9: “The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard ‘delay,’ but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” In a nutshell, Peter reminds us that we still have time and that God patiently waits for our return to him!
The call to repentance is one that comes right at the beginning of each gospel. Today’s very familiar reading reminds us of this. While we often leave repentance to the Lenten season, it is an ongoing process, a constant returning to the Lord. More than a series of external practices, repentance is an attitude, a change of direction, a reorganizing of priorities. Repentance is a transformation of the heart.

In verse 8 Peter reminds us that God’s plan will unfold according to his timing and not ours. But there is still time for us to embrace “lives of holiness and godliness.” Imagine: God may be delaying the destruction of the world on account of Christians! God desires that all should repent. And in his great mercy and love for humankind, God patiently gives us time to do that. So what are we waiting for?

The day of the Lord will come “life a thief in the night,” unexpectedly and without warning. Will we be ready?

What are we doing to prepare ourselves for the Day of the Lord?

 

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

Joy of the Gospel #6

THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS
ON THE PROCLAMATION OF THE GOSPEL
IN TODAY’S WORLD

20. Each Christian and every community must discern the path that the Lord points out, but all of us are asked to obey his call to go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the “peripheries” in need of the light of the Gospel. 

30. Each particular Church…is the Church incarnate in a certain place, equipped with all the means of salvation bestowed by Christ, but with local features. …To make this missionary impulse ever more focused, generous and fruitful, I encourage each particular Church to undertake a resolute process of discernment, purification and reform.

Afterword: The Hartford Catholic Biblical School is commissioned to help individuals and faith communities to listen to the Gospel authentically, coming to know both the original meaning of the Word of God and the fuller meaning for today, that they might be better equipped to "discern the path" and "undertake a resolute process of discernment, purification and reform."

Paragraph numbers are provided to help you find the quotes for further study and to place these ideas in their original context, should you wish to do so. To read the text in full, click here: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/apost_exhortations/documents/papa-francesco_esortazione-ap_20131124_evangelii-gaudium.html#II.%E2%80%82Mary,_mother_of_evangelization

Weekly Bible Study - Isaiah 63:16-19; 64:2-7

30 November 2014

1st  Sunday of Advent  

Isaiah was an 8th century BC prophet who seems to have received his call in a dramatic vision of God in the Jerusalem Temple. Perhaps this is why his writings express a sense of being overwhelmed by the majesty and glory of God. Isaiah seems to have felt deeply the enormous abyss between God’s sovereign holiness and human sinfulness. The message is a passionate plea for the reliance on the promises of God. 

Today’s selection from Third Isaiah (presumably a 6th century disciple of the original prophet) portrays a people who wrestle with the very questions we often raise in our hearts: “Why [God] do you let us wander from our ways? Why do you harden our hearts?” Are they, and we, passing the buck? Who’s really doing the wandering here, God or the people?

Reading further into this passage we find a people who do seem to realize who is in charge. We see a people aware of their sinfulness, shortcomings, and the “pollution” of their deeds. We witness a people who admit their guilt, ready to return to the Lord.  Even though they grapple with their uncertainties, they know where the fault really lies. We also see a people who acknowledge the awesomeness and power of their creator and redeemer. We see in this passage the first steps we must take in our Advent journey.

Like Isaiah, we can be overwhelmed by the majesty and glory of God at Christmas. But we can ready our hearts for that awe-inspiring gift of God’s very self to us, in Jesus. While we, and Isaiah’s people, wrestle with our unclean hearts and divided spirits, we take comfort in the promise this prophet makes in today’s opening and closing verses:

You, Lord, are our Father. Our Redeemer, you are named forever. We are the work of your hands.

It is God who shapes our hearts and wills, gently smoothing out our rough edges. In the depths of our restless hearts, we still know Who is in charge and to Whom we belong.

Advent Blessings to Everyone!

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.