Life Giving Bread

Blessings everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Oaks and Derby Day!

Can you believe we are already to Week 4 of our Gospel of Luke study?   For this week, I have included a few notes along with some questions.  You are more than welcome to add your own comments and/or questions too on the Week 4 page.  Please also look at the questions in your Ignatius Catholic Study Bible for this week’s verse readings.

Remember: SHARE, SHARE, SHARE on the Week 4 page.

Read Luke 4:14-5:39 (The Ministry in Galilee – Part One)

In this week’s readings:

• We are told some reasons why Jesus was sent by the Father.  In verse 4:18, once again we are seeing an example of the “reversal of things” theme.  Here we read that Jesus has been sent to proclaim release to the captives, sight to the blind, and liberty to the oppressed.
• Jesus’ word is spreading (4:27; 5:1-3).
• Examples are given of how we should behave upon receiving God’s grace and truth.  As exemplified in  verse 4:39, we should serve the Lord, even more so when in thanksgiving for his blessings . . . for all that He does for us.  In addition, verses 5:12-15 is an example of how our actions speak louder than our words.  If God has touched you, your actions should show this.
• We see the theme that not everyone will listen to Jesus Christ; some follow, while others do not.  In verse 5:26, the witnesses glorify God.  On the other hand, in verse 5:29, Jesus was forced out of Nazareth.  They resented Jesus, someone whom they knew, preaching to them.
• Verse 5:34 is reminiscent of the Wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11).  Jesus is referred to as the bridegroom. Jesus is the bridegroom and the church is the bride.
• We read that people are reluctant to change.  However, we may have to change to be able to accept God’s grace and truth (5:39).

Questions: 

1. In verses 4:22-4:30, Jesus points out that it is harder to be accepted by those in your own hometown than from those outside of it.  Those who know you may have a harder time accepting your words and actions as they relate to God.  Jesus gives examples of this happening to some Old Testament prophets.  Do you find it harder to be accepted by your own family and friends more than by other people?  Has your faith caused rifts with those close to you?  Is it harder to profess your faith to them than to those outside your hometown/family?
2. In verse 5:8, after filling his boat with fish, Simon Peter said to Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”  Do you feel unworthy of God?
3. Our actions speak louder than our words. Are your actions an example of someone touched by God? (v. 5:12-15)
4. Our sins weigh us down.  They keep us from truly realizing God’s peace and grace.  Illness was associated with sins. Jesus shows that he has the power to forgive sins by healing the paralytic.  Are your sins paralyzing you?  (v. 5:17-26)
5. Does our society despise people in certain occupations or look “down” on them?  Who does the tax collector represent today? (v. 5:30-32)
6. People are reluctant to change.  However, change is sometimes necessary to fully receive God’s grace and truth (v. 5:39).  It can be hard to try new things; start new habits.   Are you willing to give up your old ways so that you can live a new life with God?

Hello my friends-in-Christ,

This past Tuesday, I just completed an 8-week study of the Theology of the Body.  It was coordinated by Emily McCarty at St. Athanasius.   Each week, we would watch a 30-minute video of the presenter, Christopher West, explaining different aspects of this theology, written by Pope John Paul II, and discuss the material presented that day.  It is my first experience with this subject, so I still have more studying to do.  However, just from these 8 sessions, I cannot express enough how important it is for EVERY CHRISTIAN to become familiar with this theology.  I strongly believe that this new information can REVOLUTIONIZE our world, making it a much better place for everyone.

Theology of the Body explains why sex is not a bad thing, instead, it is a blessing.  The theology delves into why we were made Female and Male, how sex is a renewal of our wedding vows, how marriage is a sign that points to our eventual union with God, why priests are celibate, and more.  It is important information that will help bring you so much closer to God, help you to know how to handle the societal issues today, and give you insight into how to address these issues with your children, spouse, etc.

If you ever get the chance, I suggest you take part in a Theology of the Body educational series or read a book about it. Christopher West has written books relating to this topic, like “Theology of the Body for Beginners” and “Good News about Sex and Marriage.”  Plus, there are other books out there.  I promise, you will say “Why wasn’t I taught this years ago and why am I just now hearing about this?  This is great!”   It is so important for us Christians to understand the reasoning behind our beliefs so that we can articulate it to others and to live our own lives according to God’s will.

In all, Theology of the Body is not an anatomical discussion or the “birds and the bees” talk.  Instead, it is theological.  It is backed by the bible and our own deep knowledge about what we are all searching for and needing in our lives . . . LOVE.  It is a wealth of information explaining who we are and why we were created male and female.  Please, at least, learn a little about the Theology of the Body so that you can make an informed decision about this teaching.   It will not only benefit you personally, but your family as well.

Now that I’ve given my two cents about the Theology of the Body (but probably not the last you will hear me talk about it), let’s delve into this week’s Gospel of Luke study.

This week:

Read Luke 3:1-4:13 (Preparation for the Public Ministry)

This week’s reading starts off with text that exemplifies Luke’s tendency for including historical information.

John the Baptist tells of how things will change upon the Lord’s arrival in 3:5.  His message is indicative of a recurring theme in Luke’s Gospel, a reversal of things (i.e. rich become poor; hungry will be full; the lowly will be exalted).

You probably have heard the saying, “Don’t judge a person until you have walked a mile in his shoes.”  How better to be able to help others than to be placed into their spot?  Jesus has been tempted.  Therefore, just like us he knows what it is like to be tempted.   He has also felt hunger and the prospect of power.  He is human and has human needs.   However, through him, we are able to see how we should live our lives.

Questions: 

1. Why does John the Baptist call the crowds a “brood of vipers” (v. 3:7)?  Are you included in this crowd?
2. What do you envision while reading verses 3:9 and 3:17?  John the Baptist refers to the coming of the Lord.  Does his analogy frighten you?  Are you producing good fruit?  If so, how?  If not, what changes do you need to make in your life?
3. Jesus receives the Holy Spirit prior to going to the desert and being tempted by Satan.  Do you find comfort in your baptism, knowing the Holy Spirit is with you as well?  (v. 3:21-22)
4. What do the three temptations of Jesus represent (v. 4:1-4:13)?

Please SHARE your responses to these questions on the Week 3 page.

Thank you and God bless you all,

Angie

Blessings to you all!

We are now starting Week 2 of our Gospel of Luke study.  We will be reading about the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist and of Jesus.  We will also read the slightly different responses Zechariah and Mary had to the news of their sons’ births.   From there, the wondrous news of the birth of Jesus and a few stories from his youth.

Please ponder the following questions (also shown under Week 2) and share with the group your thoughts.  Plus, if anyone else comes up with questions of their own, feel free to pose them to the group as well.  You may input your thoughts or questions on the Week 2 page.

Read Luke 1:5-2:52 (Infancy Narrative) 

Questions: 

1. In verse 1:44, Elizabeth says to Mary “when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the child in my womb leaped for you.”  What’s your reaction to being in the presence of the Lord?  Do you recognize His presence?  If so, how does it make you feel?  If you do not recognize His presence, how can you make yourself better prepared to notice it?
2. Zechariah and Mary had different responses to the angel’s news to them.  Do you welcome God’s grace into your life?  Do you deny or question it?  How can you better open your heart to it?
3. In verse 2:19, Luke writes that “Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.”  How does Luke know this?  Did he talk to Mary?  What do you think Mary pondered?  Does this help you view Mary as a mother and Jesus as a boy (later, a man)?

There are also questions in the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – Gospel of Luke for this week’s readings.  These are listed in the back of the book.  Feel free to share your responses to these questions on the Week 2’s page.

Our study group continues to grow.  We have at least 14 members right now!  Please continue to invite others to join our group.   I have ICSB books remaining and can arrange to get them to whomever needs one (Free to St. A members.  $8 for all others, or what they can afford).

Please do not forget to click the “Follow” button on the Life Giving Bread website. You will then be notified via email whenever I make a post, allowing me to keep the group informed.

May the Spirit be with you during your study and help guide you.

Your friend in Christ,

Angie

Welcome aboard everyone!

This is it . . . the beginning of a new chapter for Life Giving Bread.  As of today, we are now beginning our study of the Gospel of Luke.

This week’s to-do list (See the information under Gospel of Luke/Schedule/Week 1.):

1. Familiarize yourself with the information regarding the Gospel of Luke.
2. Read Luke 1:1-4 (Prologue).
3. Answer the questions on Week 1’s page.

Due to the material this week, there may not be much to share or discuss.   Please hang in there.  I promise that next week will provide you will much more life-relevant material.  However, for this week, I have come up with a couple questions.  Please check this out on the Week 1 page and SHARE your thoughts in the Share Your Thoughts section on the bottom of that page.

I purposefully choose this week to be light on bible study material to give everyone time to get there hands on a study book and to familiarize themselves with their book.  I still have several copies of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – Gospel of Luke.   If anyone would like a copy, please let me know.  They are free to St. Athanasius parishioners.  All others can purchase one from me for $8, or for what they can afford.

May God bless you all,

Angie