Life Giving Bread

It always amazes me how many people choose not to baptize their children, especially when they themselves were baptized.  All I can figure is that they do not fully understand the importance of baptism.   What a shame.

How important is Baptism?  Those of us who are cradle Catholic or who have been baptized as a child may take for granted its importance.  “Only the Sacrament of Baptism infuses the Holy Spirit and marks one’s adoption into God’s family” (ICSB).   It is the Holy Spirit that guides us along our path in life.   With the world’s temptations, pain, and sorrow, how more difficult would it be without the Holy Spirit?

For Week 2 of our Gospel of Matthew Study, please read Matthew 3:1-4:25.   Then, please ponder the study questions in your study guide, as well as those shown below (which will also be on the Week 2 page and on the LGB Facebook page).  Share your thoughts with the group!

• What verse(s) stood out to you and why?
• What would you say to someone who is pondering whether or not be baptized?
• We all face temptations.  How do you handle them?  Does Jesus’ reactions to his tempter help you in any way?
• Would you leave everything to follow Jesus if he called you? What, if anything, would hold you back?

It is now the final week of our Acts of the Apostles study.  For this week, read Acts 27:1-28:31 and feel free to place any comments on the Week 15 page or our group’s Facebook page.

Through this study, I have come to really admire Paul.  I look forward to reading his “Captivity Epistles” more in the future.   What are your thoughts?

After much deliberation, it has been decided to begin our next study, the Gospel of Matthew, on May 4th.   This will allow time for us to order books and to advertise during the Easter season.

In the meantime, if you have completed Acts, may I suggest reading a religious book or two before our next study begins?  Some suggestions:

• “Against the Tide: The Radical Leadership of Pope Francis” by John L. Allen, Jr.
• “Rome Sweet Home” by Scott & Kimberly Hahn
• “Walking With Purpose: Seven Priorities That Make Life Work” by Lisa Brenninkmeyer
• “Rediscover Catholicism” by Matthew Kelly
• “Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic” by Matthew Kelly

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact me.

Your friend in Christ,

Angie

When you are put on the spot to defend your religion, please ask the Holy Spirit to be with you and to guide you.  Let the Holy Spirit work through you and provide you with the best words and actions.  Remember: God is always with you.   You are never alone.

We are now to Week 14 of our Acts of the Apostles study.  For this week, we are to read Acts 25:1-26:32.   Please review the questions for Chapters 25 and 26 in your study guide.  Any comments, questions, thoughts?  If so, post them on the Week 14 page or on the LGB Facebook page.

Additional questions to ponder and comment on:

• Are you ever put on the spot to defend your religion?   If so, how do you handle it?  If not, are you prepared to defend your beliefs?
• What can you do to be prepared, so that you are equipped with the words to say when your beliefs are questioned?

Your friend in Christ,

Angie

Hello to all my brothers and sisters in Christ,

As I write today’s study reminder, it has not yet begun to ice or snow here.  However, there are strong predictions that the ice and snow are coming.  Yesterday, I noticed a larger-than-normal amount of people out and about getting their shopping done.  Plus, one of the main topics of discussion on the news and on Facebook is the weather.   Today, the grocery stores are still hopping.  I have to admit that I too was out getting a gallon of milk in case my family becomes homebound for a few days, and I noticed that there wasn’t many gallons left.  It makes me wonder, though, out of ALL those people I saw who appear to be concerned about the approaching weather system, how many of those people are concerned about God’s inevitable judgment?  Are they prepared for that as well?  Am I?

This week, please read more about Paul the Prisoner, Acts 23:1-24:27.

“And as he (Paul) argued about justice and self-control and future judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present; when I have an opportunity I will summon you.'” (Acts 24:25)

Have you ever had this happen to you, where you were talking about the kingdom of God, God’s judgment, and/or morality and those with whom you were speaking could not listen any longer?  Or, on the other hand, were you ever the one who had to stop listening?  When have you noticed people or yourself being uncomfortable when listening to or learning about God?  What makes them uncomfortable?

Please share your thoughts on the Week 13 page or on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/lifegivingbread).

Have a safe, warm, and spiritual week and Ash Wednesday!

Angie