Fr. James Martin explains Sacred Reading (Lectio Divina)

In his Apostolic Exhortation The Joy of the Gospel Pope Francis tells us how the practice of lectio divina, a practice of prayerfully reading Scripture, can “enlighten and renew us."

In Verbum Domini (The Word of the Lord) Pope Benedict also encouraged all Christians to engage in sacred reading, saying that "Lectio Divina will bring to the church a new spiritual springtime."

Now, you don't have to be a biblical scholar to pray with Scripture using this powerful practice of prayer. NY Times bestselling author and humorist Fr. James Martin, SJ shows us the way--following his teacher and mine, Fr. Daniel Harrington (RIP)--in a 4 1/2 minute YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=17&v=i27FqIyk2qY.

Relax with your favorite gospel story while you enjoy or endure the heat of August, my friends.

Are you a CBS Alum?

If you are, did you receive our July mailing of all programs offered to all who have graduated from the Catholic Biblical School?

If you did NOT get this mailing (either by email or by snail mail, depending on what you've selected with Jill's assistance), please contact Jill Costa in the OREE at 860-242-5573 or jill.costa@aohct.org.

Mailings to current students will go out in mid-August.

Catholic Biblical School Lecture Series

Designed for CBS grads, but open to all:

Sunday, September 13, 2015, 1:00- 3:00 pm

Standing in the Threshold: Introducing God’s Word Using the Threshold Bible Series

·        Location: St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

·        Presenter: Stephen J. Binz, STL

Saturday, October 24, 2015, 9:00-Noon

Women Leaders in the Churches of St. Paul

·        Location: Caritas Christi Center, Hamden

·        Presenter: Paul Sansone, MA

Saturday, November 7, 2015, 8:00-3:30 (there is a registration fee for this program)

OREE Faith and Evangelization Congress

·        2-3 Scripture workshops

·        Location: St. Paul High School, Bristol, CT

·        Presenters: To be determined

Saturday, December 12, 2015, 9:00-Noon

Behold the Lamb: Jesus, Isaac, Temple, and Eucharist in the Gospel of John

·        Location: St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

·        Presenter: Kathleen Troost-Cramer, PhD Candidate

NEW: Saturday, February 13, 2016 (snow-date: Feb. 20), 9:00 am-3:00 pm (a lunch charge applies)

The Treatment of the Prophet of the Lord: A Matter of Life and Death 

·        Location: St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

·        Presenter: Br. Robert K. Moriarty, SM, PhD

Sunday, March 6, 2016, 12:30–4:30 p.m. (tentative)

A Celebration of Sacred Scripture (see January mailing for details)

·        Location: St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

·        To be determined

Saturday, April 30, 2016, 9:00-noon

From Creation to Cross:

Exploring Biblical Perspectives on the Mystery of Human Suffering

·        Location: St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield

·        Presenter: Amy Ekeh, MA

Please keep in mind:

• “Coffee And” is available 30 minutes in advance for most programs.
• Events are held at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary – unless otherwise indicated.
• Advanced registration required for ALL.
• Whenever possible, our lecture series presentations are offered free of charge. If there is an additional charge for a given program, it is indicated next to that title.
• Registration forms will be sent in OREE Connections, the newsletter of the Archdiocese of Hartford's Office of Religious Education and Evangelization, available 1-2 months in advance of each program.

Weekly Bible Study ▪ 2 Kings 4:42-44

26 July 2015
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

There are many parallels between today’s rather unfamiliar first reading and the well-known gospel story. We may find ourselves asking, who is this prophet Elisha and why is he important?

St. John Bible,* "Elisha and the Six Miracles"

As one who “assumed the mantle of the Prophet Elijah,” Elisha carried on the daunting task of his mentor: to stand up to kings who encouraged idol worship and tolerated social injustice. The “Elisha Cycle” in the Books of Kings include several stories of miraculous events at the hands of this man of God. Today’s miracle is an account of the multiplication of loaves.

Devout Israelites often shared their “first fruits” with the prophets in their midst. The man offering the bread intended for Elisha is more than a little skeptical when the prophet suggests it can be “set before a hundred people.” Perhaps he is even disappointed that his offering will be given away.

During the time of Elisha, a prophet proved his worth by performing wondrous acts. What is significant about the deeds of Elisha is not the wonder-working ability of the prophet. Rather, his action is a testimony to the power of God’s word speaking and acting through him. Elisha, whose name means “God is Salvation,” is God’s instrument. Firm in his faith, Elisha is certain that God will feed his hungry people. As in the Gospel story, the bread that God provides is not merely enough to assuage the people’s hunger, it is abundant. This bread of life is given from God’s generosity.

With firmness of faith, we too partake in the miraculous feeding of our hungry spirits. The power of God’s Word acts through others to nourish our souls. The power of the Eucharist provides spiritual life and sustenance. In Word and Sacrament, God’s gracious gifts, we find an abundance of God's generosity and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet awaiting us in eternity.

*The St. John's Bible, commissioned by St. John's Abbey in Minnesota, includes some of the most inspiring biblical artwork ever produced. Handwritten and illuminated by a team of professional scribes and artists under the direction of Donald Jackson, Senior Illuminator to the Queen of England's Crown Office, both the illuminated Bible and the artwork are available in reproduction at http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/promotions/store/?gclid=CP7086iSgccCFYKPHwod36gDeg .

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.