Weekly Bible Study - Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47

27 April 2014

Divine Mercy Sunday

Is Luke (the author of Acts) painting a picture of an idyllic early Christian community that is, for us today, beyond our reach?

Two very important events put today’s passage in its proper context. The great Pentecost experience has energized the nucleus of the early church, and Peter has emerged as its leader and spokesman delivering a passionate speech to the masses. As evidenced by today’s reading, the new “spirited” community immediately puts into practice what it hears.

1. They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles. The community continued the teaching tradition of those directly linked to Jesus. Over time dogmas and doctrines would develop as the church addressed various needs and issues. But its foundation was, and always will be, the message of Jesus and the teaching authority of his apostles, which we ourselves can access faithfully in Sacred Scripture. 

2. All who believed were together and had all things in common. This early community provided its people with a true home. The needs of its members were met and Jesus' commandment of love was put into practice. Gathering as community did not mean only celebrating prayerful religious observances.  They knew that the Gospel message must be translated into direct, loving acts. 

3. Every day they devoted themselves to breaking bread in their homes.  Eucharist was at the heart of their daily lives. In their simple, secular act of breaking bread they now memorialized a sacred event, the Paschal mystery. Ordinary life was now touched with sacredness, with extraordinary grace and meaning.

Scriptural belief, service, and Eucharist came together in that early church, and became, through their fidelity and those of subsequent generations, the foundation of our Christian life and faith. These things are well within our reach.

Bohdan Piasecki, 1998

 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.

In Christ: A New Family and a New Home

CBS Third Year Student on "What It Means to Be a Christian Disciple"

Perhaps it is because Matthew’s gospel is the last one we study in the Biblical School; wisely placed, no doubt, so that students would have the biblical background to better understand Matthew and the cost of discipleship.


This year, I have come to understand better what it means to be a “disciple”, to “deny” oneself, to “carry the cross.”

To be a “disciple” is so much more than regularly attending Mass, although this is an expectation. It is so much more than being the recipient of the gift of the Eucharist. Discipleship requires an openness to forgiving others, and a seeking of the forgiveness of others.  It requires us to deny the security of our own families and open ourselves to the initial “insecurity” of a new family, the church. It requires us to “carry the cross” of possible rejection by family and friends, neighbors or co-workers as we face the challenges of preaching the kingdom of heaven through our behaviors and attitudes.

It requires, most importantly for me in striving to accomplish this discipleship, a meekness that knows only to trust unconditionally in the Lord. Impossible? Knowing Jesus as Emmanuel, “with us” as companion, is empowering, making  “… all things… possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Author Patti Cacciabaudo, Class of 2015, belongs to St. Mary Parish in Milford and studies in the Catholic Biblical School at Christ the Redeemer in Milford.

St. Thomas Seminary Main Entrance Closed

Starting on Monday, April 21st, there will be some rehabilitation work being done on the Tower at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. Because of the nature of this work, the front entrance will  need to be closed. You will therefore not be able to enter or exit the main entrance on the south side of the building (facing Bloomfield Avenue).

This work will continue until approximately the end of October, 2014, so it will affect not only our Bloomfield classes, but also Mt. Nebo Day, graduation, and our Scripture Days in the fall.

The two front side entrances on both ends of the building will be opened each day to allow access to and from the building. Signage will be in place to direct you accordingly.

CBS Grads Living and Leading in God's Word

Humanity does not live by bread alone, and about 70 folks got together in the inner city every Tuesday during Lent for "Lenten Nourishment" at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish. Starting with liturgy at noon, lunch is served while speakers provide spiritual insight.

Guided by Pastoral Associate Pat Curtis, the adult education committee of the parish  puts together this "smash hit" every Tuesday in Lent. Topics and speakers this year included: The Call of Abram, Exodus (Sr. Jewel, CBS co-founder), David (Sr. Barbara Bozak, CBS Speaker), Ezekiel (Pat Curtis), Jesus' Entry Into Jerusalem (Dr. Wayne Rollins and Fr. John Leonard).

Members of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Adult Education Committee:

Mr. Bill Baker, CBS Class of 2014
Ms. Marion Kingsbury, CBS Class of 2010
Nancy Lemega Watt, CBS Class of 2007
Susanne Nolan
Steve Starski