National Bible Week Quote of the Day

Today's biblical quote of the day comes from the American Bible Society's National Bible Week novena,* compiled from the work of Bishop Robert Barron of Los Angeles:

Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them: this is how you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace! (Nu 6:23-26)

I especially like how Bishop Barron connects this text to God's fierce desire for us. He writes, "Think of the experience of being gazed upon by someone who loves you and whom you love. In that gaze—penetrating, knowing, benign—you find, not oppression, but joy and peace. That's how God looks upon you."

*To see the rest of Bishop Barron's reflections and to pray the entire novena, click here: http://american-bible-society.journeymaker.org/mercy/days/2/96bc7a22e6819f6a27598843c74da16920f958bd.

Archaeology is a Big Hit! Next up...

Sixty folks from thirty-nine faith communities attended our most recent Biblical School Continuing Education program! As usual, Dr. Freund was informative and entertaining. His recent discoveries in Nazareth bring ancient Christian and Jewish worship sites to light.

Photo courtesy of the Times of IsraelDetail of ancient floor discovered this summer at Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

Our next offering will be Advent-themed. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Here are some details:

The Catholic Biblical School and Office for Catholic Social Justice Ministry present

Bringing Laudato Si to Life

During the Christmas Season and Beyond

•        Sunday, December 4, 2016, 1:30-4:00 pm
•        Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary
•        Fair Trade “Coffee And” (cocoa, biscotti, friendship) beginning at 1:00 pm

Drawing on a Bible-based spirituality and the Hebrew concept of Tikkun Olam (healing/repairing the world), Sr. Ruth Rosenbaum, Executive Director of CREA* will lead us in an afternoon of exploring how we can live up to the challenges presented by Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Si.

Register by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclfsRmUdhlg8C9liWGlcU3aqJ6yEGDQ4SnlspdRowAEAffxA/viewform?c=0&w=1

Join Us for Lunch During National Bible Week

When: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday November 14, 15, 17, 12:30-1 pm

Where: St. Thomas Seminary Conference Room 1C

What For?: Information about the Catholic Biblical School (bring a friend!)

And on Friday, November 18 at 12:15, Room 1C, we will have an informal round table discussion of the question:

Is the Old Testament a Book of Mercy Too?

Bring your lunch, your questions, your insights--as well as those Bible passages that comfort or trouble you--and join BJ and other biblically-minded folks for conversation about the meaning of the Old Testament in Christian faith.

*Bible Quote for the Day:

Ephesians 1:7-10 In him [Jesus] we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us the mystery of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

*Bible Quote for the Day provided by Jill Costa, CBS Class of 2010

National Bible Week Quote of the Day:

*Quote submitted by Jill Costa, CBS Class of 2010:

Wisdom 9:16-18

Artistic Depiction: Lady Wisdom

Scarcely can we guess the things on earth,
             and only with difficulty grasp what is at hand;

But things in heaven, who can search them out?
             Or who can know your counsel, unless you give wisdom
             and send your holy spirit from on high?

Thus were the paths of those on earth made straight,
             and people learned what pleases you,
             and were saved by Wisdom.

Of course, the author of the Book of Wisdom, writing in about 50 BCE (BC) had an unusual viewpoint, for an Old Testament author (e.g., being "saved by Wisdom"). This author incorporated many of the ideas of Greek philosophy into traditional Jewish faith, recognizing the inspiration of God was working among diverse peoples.

Still, the Book of Wisdom comes to the same conclusion as the more traditional writings: Wisdom is a gift from God that cannot be earned or purchased; but it is essential for living lives of holiness.

When we encounter people who are different from us, are we likely to look for God's presence in them too, and in those encounters?

*Please feel free to send me your own favorite Bible quotation for publication in this blog, this week. Please include a full citation and the translation quoted.