NT Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Welcome Back.

Here’s what we did today

·      1. I distributed your textbooks and recorded the number of book. You are responsible for the well being of this textbook.

·      2. I distributed the NT Class information sheet. It is online also.

o   Refer to this document for year-long class information.

·      3. Remeber. ST__P __ D and Sh __ t   __P!

o   There are no “u’s” or “I’s” in these words.

·      You must bring your NAB Catholic Youth Bibles to class tomorrow and every day. 

·      You may borrow a CYB from Campus Ministry if necessary. There are copies of the CYB in the Padua Library.

·      Helpful hints:  Review your notes EVERDAY!

·      Get a binder with sheet protectors and dividers.  Look to NT Class Information Sheet for more information.

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Thursday, August 27, 2009.

Today we arranged the seating chart and assigned class numbers. If where you are sitting is not “good” for you, then please see me so we can make the necessary changes.

Our class discussion was rather free flowing.

·      We began by writing down reasons why NOT to study  the New Testament and reasons why we should study the New Testament.

o   It’s a good idea to recognize your own preconceptions and understandings when attempting to fulfill any task.

o   Remember, the Bible is the #1 book in the world. More people own bibles than any other book ever published.  In this country our moral codes and legal system can find their roots here. Yet, how many of us know what the Bible REALLY says.  Welcome to New Testament.

o   A bit of review. The individual books of the Bible are NOT in chronological order.  (We learned this in Old Testament: Gen I was written AFTER Gen II and the Psalms predate these!)

o   In the New Testament we commonly refer to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  This is how they appear in the Bible. However, Mark was written BEFORE Matthew.  Knowing this will help us understand the writings themselves.

o   I asked classes to tell me which stories they know from the New Testament. The Resurrection Story was the most common: Jesus rising from the dead.  However, we discovered that it was difficult to articulate what we meant by saying such things as “Rising from the Dead” and “Saving us from Sin.”  GOOD!  Now we begin! 

o    

·      The Point of the above was to help us figure out where we are in terms of our knowledge and feelings about Scripture.  This gives us a starting point from which to work.

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·      REMEMBER, YOU MUST BRING YOUR BIBLE TO CLASS EVERY DAY!

·      IF YOU LOST YOUR BIBLE, YOU MAY BORROW ONE FROM CAMPUS MINISTRY.  OR YOU MAY PURCHASE ONE.  IT MUST BE THE NAB, CYB!!!!!

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Friday, August 28, 2009

You received your first Homework Assignment today.  I gave you a handout with questions on it. The name of this assignment is HW 1.1. It is due Tuesday, September 1.

Our prayer today used the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord”  While it was playing you read the responses to the questions, “ Why not to study the NT, and why we should study the NT.

Focus on where you are in your thoughts, feelings and beliefs.  

NO ONE suggested we study the NT because we find out that God loves us and wants us to be HAPPY!   (This is the reason the Pope wants us to study the Bible!)

We then moved on to the Gospel reading for this coming Sunday. You may access the readings  for everyday of the week via www.usccb.org.

We quickly looked at the Gospel and began asking questions of it.  For example: Who is Jesus? What is a scribe? What is a Pharisee?  What does the text mean about hand washing and purification. Who are the disciples?  And so on. Asking questions is a major part of this course!!!! Go for it.

In the Gospel, Jesus is speaking with the Pharisees and Scribes about handwashing and following traditions.  He then calls them hypocrites!  OUCH….These are the religious leaders he is talking with!

Jesus was not the God that these people were looking for and hoping for. Jesus did not fit their understanding of God and they eventually killed him for it! OUCH!!!!

God is asking us to change our perspective – to see with the eyes of our hearts!  Try doing the pen exercise at home with your folks…. 

What’s the point of all this? Here are some questions to reflect on. 

·      If God is above us, looking DOWN on us, what implications does this have on your understanding of God and yourself.

·      If God became human, in the person of Jesus, what does this say about God? What does this imply for us?

·      Jesus eventually stooped down and washed his disciples feet!  Hence, humans then have God below them!  What is God trying to tell us?

·       

Get READY>>>>>>>.here we Go!!!!!

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Monday, August 31. 2009  NT

Today we continued our discussion about “perspective.” We used the Lectionary reading from Sunday, 8/30 (Mk 7)  and Matt 5:38-42 to help us to understand the importance of understanding how our world interacts with the biblical world.

In Mk 7 we see Mark using parenthesis to explain handwashing. 

·      Why would Mark do this?  It could be that Mark’s audience was not Jewish!  Probably so.

·      Also, the passage is NOT speaking of hand washing as we do today.

·      Jesus’ adversaries in this passage are not the “average Joe.”  The Pharisees and the Scribes were RELIGIOUS leaders. Hence Jesus is shaking up the RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES!  It would be inappropriate to think of hand washing in the 21^st is what Mark is referring to.

o   Jesus calls the RELIGIOUS LEADERS “hypocrites.”  Yikes!  Strong words.

o   The passage seems to be more about the temptation of those in power to stay aloof from the poor and the lowly.  Jesus informs that the religious leaders should STOP separating themselves from the poor.

o   We saw the above in our prayer today…..

o    

o   Lord,
let our hearts be close to you.

Let us reach out to our neighbor even when we are busy or tired.
Let us tear down walls when we would rather let them stand.
We want this, not because it is easy
but because it is hard.

Visiting a prisoner, offering a smile, feeding the hungry
Be within us so that whatever we do,
we do with your love.

The world will know we are your disciples
not because our hands are clean,
but because they are soiled
with the mark of your
people.

o   (This prayer was found on the website: www.liturgy.slu.edu.  Take a look at this website to help understand the readings and the Mass!)

o    

Our next example of why it is important to study the NT was done using Mt 5:38-42

·      Here we heard some familiar sayings: “eye for and eye” and “turn the other cheek.”

·      We discovered that eye for and eye is NOT an equation for revenge, but a measure to ensure that the punishment fits the crime.

·      We discovered that “turning the other cheek” is NOT about letting people hit us again and again.

o   NO! It is about standing up for yourself NONVIOLENTLY.

o   Those in power in the First Century would keep others down by using the back of the right hand to strike and knock down their wives, children and employees. This was done to show their power and might.

o   Jesus is telling  the ones hit to STAND UP for themselves and face their oppressors but do it without violence.

o   By “turning the other cheek” the one hit catches the oppressor “off guard” and stops the violence.

o   Christianity is NOT for wimps!  It would take guts for the one hit to stand up and face his oppressor!  Hence this is a “hard saying” of Jesus.  We might be tempted just to hit the guy back. But what good would that do. Violence breeds violence, right?

·      The other two examples of the reading are other methods of being non violent when someone wrongs you.

o   “If someone sues you for your tunic, give them your cloak” this would embarrass the one doing the suing.

o   “Walk another mile.”  This would embarrass the enemy and put him at risk of breaking the law. He would think twice about asking someone to carry his load!

Remember, HW 1.1 is due tomorrow.

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009 

Today I collected HW 1.1

·      We discussed various examples of how to answer questions in complete sentences and why this is important.

We then began to put the New Testament into perspective in terms of Salvation History. The following is a review from your OT class.

KNOW THIS FOR  A QUIZ on Thursday.

Ok. be sure to be able to whip up a quick timeline at any time. For example.

God Speaks         Exodus              Monarchy               Exile

2000 BC             1290 BC             1000 BC                    587 BC               0

Abraham            Moses              Saul, David, Solomon                       Jesus  

Here's and outline of what we need to know.

·      1. Founders and the Promise

o   God Speaks to Abraham a nomad

o   God makes a covenant with Abraham:  make descendents a blessing and give them a home (Canaan)

o   This promise is fulfilled in Christ.

o   Abraham’s descendants:  Isaac, Jacob, Joseph (Patriarchs)

·      2. Exodus of the Israelites and the Covenant.

o   Abraham’s descendents move to Egypt because of a famine

o   Eventually they are enslaved and call to God to get them out of Egypt.

o   Moses is selected to free the Israelites!

o   Moses receives 10 Commandments on Mount Sinai à The People of God.    

o   Wondered 40 years in the desert.

·      3. Taking Over the Promised Land

o   Joshua led battles to take over Canaan

o   Organized selves into 12 tribes (12 sons of Jacob)

o   Judges were their leaders.

o   Became settled and agricultural

·      4. Nation and the Temple.

o   David the most famous king, (But Saul was first)

o   Solomon (David’s son built the Temple)

o   Jerusalem = capital of Judah

·      5. Kings and Prophets

o   Solomon dies/ nation splits in two.  North = Israel   South = Judah.

o   Kings practiced Idolatry (ouch!) 

o   Prophets challenge kings and comfort people who were being oppressed

o   Assyrians conquer the Northern Kingdom (Israel)

o   Babylonians conquer Southern Kingdom (Judah, Jerusalem is capital)

o   Temple is destroyed by Babylonians.

·      6. Babylonian Exile and Jewish Dispersion

o   While in Exile prophets encourage people to be faithful to God

o   Second Isaiah = God was the only God = monotheism

o   Exile = 50 years

o   Persians (under King Cyrus) conquer Babylonians.

o   Persians allow Exiles to return to Judah (now called Jews)

o   Not all Jews went back, but settled elsewhere. They are called the Jews of the Dispersion or the Diaspora.  Jerusalem is their capital.

o   IMPORTANT: during the time of the Exile is when the Hebrew Scriptures began to be collected and recorded as we know them today!

·      7. More Oppressors

o   Greek (Alexander the Great) conquers Persians

§  Overlords of Jews for over 300 years

o   Romans defeated Greeks and captured Jerusalem in 63 BC.

§  Tolerant yet very oppressive.

o   Jews hope and pray for God to save them with a messiah. . . . 

o    

·      8. Jesus the Savior:

·                   Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise

·                   Story of Jesus and growth of early Church is found in the New Testament. 

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Wednesday, September 2, 2009 NT

I returned HW 1.1. They were really well done.

Today we almost got done with Salvation History

We will have a quiz covering up to the Exile period.

I put a copy of the slideshow we covered in class today on the website. It is in the download section under “Salvation History Q&A.”

I also put together a picture slide show for those of you who are more artistic and visual.  It is under “Salvation History Pics.” 

I may have told you to look over HW 1.1 for the quiz…..uh, what was I thinking?  That would be way too much. Hold off, we will do that one later.

The quiz tomorrow is simply on SALVATION HISTORY.

Good luck.

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Today we took Quiz 1.1.

Results are recorded.

Depending on the class period we got through salvation history. Check notes for the past two days and check download page of website where you will find the slideshows.

Check notes for yesterday for entire written notes for salvation history!

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Friday, September 4, 2009

Today you received LW 1.1.  You may access it via the website under “lectionary page.”

LW 1.1 is due on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Here’s what we covered in class.

1. Every Sunday in the Church calendar has a name. Sunday September 6 is the 23^rd Sunday of Ordinary Time.

2. At every Sunday Mass, Catholics will hear from four books of the bible.  The First Reading and the Responsorial Psalm are usually 99.9 % of the time taken from the Old Testament. The Second Reading and Gospel are taken from the New Testament.

3. The Second Reading is a letter. Another word for letter is “epistle.”

4. We learned how to use the Bible index to find books of the bible.

5. We learned the word “pericope.”  A pericope is the formal method of referring to a passage of the bible. It is usually “cut” from the bible and “pasted” elsewhere, usually for use in liturgies and prayers.  So, on any given Sunday, churchgoers will hear 4 pericopes at Mass.

6. Catholics do NOT read from the Bible at Mass. They read from the Lectionary.   The Lectionary contains biblical pericopes.  An example of a pericope would be Mk 7:31-37. 

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009  NT

I collected LW 1.1 today. 

I assigned LW  1.2 today. LW 1.2 is due on Friday.

We looked at the website, http://liturgy.slu.edu/, again to find out how to use the Gospel pericope as a prayer.

A student from each class came to the front and proclaimed the Gospel pericope from Sunday, September 6.   We all need to learn how to proclaim the Word of God.  The Word of God is proclaimed from an “ambo.”  This is the correct word to use, not a podium!

We took a closer look at the Gospel pericope for Sunday, September 6, and discovered a few things.

·      1. Jesus is the main character.

·      2. Jesus’ actions may have been peculiar to the people.

o   He took the blind/deaf man off by himself.

o   Jesus spit and touch the man

o   Jesus told the healed man NOT to tell anyone.

·      The above are all GOOD  observations. Now, what can we conclude from such things?

o   1. Jesus did not act like the people expected (they were exceedingly astonished)

o   2. Perhaps Jesus is asking the people to see and understand God in a new way.

·      3. The healed man just seems to be standing there.  He does not obey Jesus’ command NOT to tell anyone.

·      4. The crowd says the Jesus “does all things well.”

o   Se we ask, what does it mean to “do all things well.”

o   Look at what Jesus did to answer that question.

§  He did not make a big scene out of the healing

§  He did not want anyone to know about the healing.

o   Hence the work of God seems to be done in humility  and quietness. Hmmmm, how do we act when we do a great deed?

o   What is our response?

To understand this Gospel pericope more fully, it is important to have an understanding of the dynamics of writing.

Basically, there are three Worlds.

·      1. World Behind the Text (the author and his time period and culture0

·      2. World of the Text (The actual words themselves and how they arranged.  The plot, the characters and the setting.

·      3. World in Front of the Text. (This us, the readers of the text.  We need to be conscious of of what we bring to the text.)

·       

·       

We spoke a bit about “appropriate reactions” to situations.  The Oregon, Boise State Game a great example. The original “victim” has become the villain because of his INAPPROPRIATE response to violence.  He responded with violence and is now suffering the consequences.   If he would have ignore the guy who taunted him, he would have NOTHING to worry about!.  So who is the “bigger man” now?

More tomorrow.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009 NT

To understand the bible, or any book or text,  more fully, it is important to have an understanding of the dynamics of writing.

Basically, there are three Worlds of Interpretation.

1. World Behind the Text (the author and his time period and culture0

2. World of the Text (The actual words themselves and how they arranged.  The plot, the characters and the setting.

3. World in Front of the Text. (This us, the readers of the text.  We need to be conscious of  what we bring to the text.)

The goal of this is to help you approach any written work and attempt to actualize it in your life. That is, make it applicable to your life.  You have to make that decision.  The bible is meant to tell you that God loves you.  You can choose to accept the love or turn away.

I put our PowerPoint discussion on the website in pdf format.

So we read the text,  use it as a window to the ancient world, find out more about the writings then reflect on the text with this new understanding. That is, use the text as a mirror.

In 2^nd and 10^th period your received a purple sheet entitled, “Introduction to the Lectionary.”  We started a discussion on it.

Be sure to know the differences of the Bible, the Lectionary, the Sacramentary and the Missal.  This document is posted online under the lectionary page.

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 

LW 1.2 is due tomorrow.

We will have a quiz tomorrow on Liturgical Books and the Liturgical Year.

Today we basically covered the material on the “purple sheet.”  This sheet is entitled, “Introduction to the Lectionary.”  It may be downloaded from my website. It is in the Lectionary Page, NOT in the download page.

The PowerPoint presentation for today may be found in the NT and OT Lectionary Page of the Website section of the website.

Why Know the liturgical year?

The liturgical year is the guiding force of who we are as human beings.  The liturgical year keeps us in-sync with the entire universe. The liturgical year helps us to focus and live the mystery of Christ in our lives.

We learn the following from the Catechism of the Catholic Church

“1082 In the Church's liturgy the divine blessing is fully revealed and communicated. The Father is acknowledged and adored as the source and the end of all the blessings of creation and salvation. In his Word who became incarnate, died, and rose for us, he fills us with his blessings. Through his Word, he pours into our hearts the Gift that contains all gifts, the Holy Spirit.

1083 The dual dimension of the Christian liturgy as a response of faith and love to the spiritual blessings the Father bestows on us is thus evident. On the one hand, the Church, united with her Lord and "in the Holy Spirit,"⁵ blesses the Father "for his inexpressible gift⁶ in her adoration, praise, and thanksgiving. On the other hand, until the consummation of God's plan, the Church never ceases to present to the Father the offering of his own gifts and to beg him to send the Holy Spirit upon that offering, upon herself, upon the faithful, and upon the whole world, so that through communion in the death and resurrection of Christ the Priest, and by the power of the Spirit, these divine blessings will bring forth the fruits of life "to the praise of his glorious grace."⁷”

Plus, from a practical point of view, you have to decide who is going to celebrate Christmas, Easter, Lent and Advent with you?  Will it be the Church, or Macy’s, Dillard’s and Wal Mart?  

One last point.  The Gospel Pericope for any Sunday is chosen depending on what Liturgical Season we are in and which cycle of readings we are in.  There are 3 cycles of Sunday Readings:  “Year A,”  “Year B,”  and “Year C.”

Each year or cycle is assigned a particular Gospel.  Year A is the Gospel of Matthew. Year B is the Gospel of Mark and Year C is the Gospel of Luke. What Liturgical Cycle/Year are we celebrating now?

Notice the Gospel of John does not have an assigned year.  John’s Gospel is proclaimed throughout the church year, regardless of the cycle. 

For the quiz, know the following definitions.

1. Bible

2. Lectionary

3. Sacramentary

4. Book of Gospels.

5. Revised Common Lectionary

6. Advent (and how do we know the beginning  of Advent.)

7. Christmas

8. Ordinary Time I and II

9. Lent

10. Triduum

11. Holy Week

12. How to determine the date of Easter.

13. Year A

14. Year B.

15  Year C.

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Friday, September 11, 2009.

We remember in a special way those who died on this day, 8 years ago, and for their family and friends who mourn their deaths.   We pray for peace, understanding and hope for a better tomorrow.

Ok, Ok, I looked at the wrong lesson plan and did Monday’s lesson for today. OOOPS.  But my mistakes are your gain.

I did not collect LW 1.2, which was due today.  So, it is due on Monday.  If you did it, review it. If you didn’t, get it done. I will not accept ANY late LW 1.2’s.  Aslo, for #9, the verse I want you to comment on is Mk 8:33. Ok?

What we did do is take Q1.2. Grades should be posted by 6:00pm today, Friday -  Or, maybe not.

We continued our discussion about Liturgy and the Word of God.   We took a look at a Misslette.

We discovered that  in the Mass there is the Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist.

The Liturgy of the Word has the readings to be proclaimed.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is where we pray the Eucharistic Prayer, when the gifts become the Body and Blood of Christ, we prayer the Our Father, exchange a Sign of Peace and receive Communion.

Yes…all to Give thanks…yeh, like a TON of Thanks!

The Mass is not just for us, but we invite all the heavenly bodies to join us.  Pretty darn cool!  

Be ready to act out Sunday’s Gospel pericope.

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Monday, September 14, 2009 NT  

Test will be on Friday.

LW 1.2 was due today.

HW 1.2 (reflection on 9/11 is due tomorrow.)

We proclaimed Mk 8:27-38 today and discussed its possible meaning for us today.

I gave you a handout entitled “Jewish Groups During the Time of Jesus.” It is gray in color.  Yep, know these terms.

Today was also a “skill building” day.  Today you began to learn to read and interpret a biblical text.

Here’s the process we did.

1. We proclaimed the text (World of the Text)

·      We even acted it out so we could get a more visual perspective.

2. We went to the World Behind the Text to find out some information.

·      What is a disciple? Apostle?

·      What is a Scribe, chief priest, and elder?

·      What is the meaning of “Satan?”

3. Then we go back to the World of the Text with our new insights

4.  We then use the Biblical Text as a mirror to reflect back on our world (The World in Front of the Text.)

A few points to remember.

1. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus is usually on the move. He is usually going from one place to another.  (World of the Text)

2. The word “satan” means “obstacle.” (World of Text and World Behind the Text)

3. The definition of Chief Priests, Scribes and Elders (see gray sheet,  “Jewish Groups During the Time of Jesus”) (The World Behind the Text)

4.  The word “messiah” is Hebrew for “Anointed One.”  Jews would have understood their messiah to free them from the Romans. (World Behind the Text)

5. Jesus says that the religious leaders of the day will cause him suffering and death! (World of the Text)

6. Peter tries to stop Jesus from telling the Disciples about his suffering. (World of the Text) 

7.  Jesus tells Peter to get behind him. (World of Text)  Peter’s “correct” place as a disciple is to be  behind Jesus.  Peter stepped up into the teacher role! OOPS! (World of the Text)

8. Jesus informs his disciples that to follow him, one has to take up his cross. This cross is NOT sin and Suffering. But the cross is the suffering one must endure for doing the right thing and making good choices.  (World of and World Behind)

So how do we become disciples?  How do we endure suffering for doing the right thing?  Hmmmm…..I am sure you can come up with a few examples.

We also learned the difference between the words “Disciple” and “apostle”

Disciple is one who follows in order to learn.

Apostle is one who is sent. Hmmmmmm….

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September 16, 2009 NT

Test On FRIDAY, September 18, 2009.

Today we used the Mother Teresa Poem, (Paradoxical Commandments) as our prayer today.

Remember, Christianity is tough business. It takes guts and courage and faith to do the right thing! YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!! 

Sophomore year is tough, don’t make it worse, by not studying.  Stay on top of your work.

Today we Looked at the larger context of the New Testament.

1.We realized that the OT is almost three times the size of NT.

2. The OT was written over perhaps 1500 years.

3. NT was written over a period of 50-100 years (at the most!)

4. The OT is divided into four sections.

·      1. Pentateuch

·      2. Historical Books

·      3.  Wisdom/Poetry

·      4. Prophetic

5. Catholics have a total of 46 books in the OT.  (Protestants and Jews have 39 books).

6. The New Testament may be “divided” in the following fashion.

·      1. Gospels (4)

·      2. Acts of the Apostles. (1)

·      3. Letters  (21)  (The Letter to the Hebrews is an “odd duck.”)

·      4. Revelation (1)

7. Both the NT and OT are about God’s relationship with people!

8. If you start with the Pentateuch you can see how one can go through the bible and see Salvation History unfold.

·      The Origins of world/ Israel’s escape from slavery / moral social guidelines for living in the Promised Land.

·      Stories of Israel moving into the Promised Land. Their growth as a nation and eventual exile and return.

·      Ancient hymns of struggle and national pride.

·      God’s message to the poor.

·      Then in the New Testament, we have Jesus as the fulfillment of all that has gone before him.  Jesus’ message is that of Good News!!!!

·      We then see how the apostles took  that good news to the people.

·      We see how communities of people deal with the Christian lifestyle

·      And we realize the pain  and suffering our ancient brothers and sisters bore when trying to live the life of Christ.

·       

Here’s another way to look at how the New Testament fits into Salvation History.

God raised up Abraham to move to a new place

God raised up the Hebrews out of Egypt, from Slavery to new life

God raised up David to begin a royal line

God Raised up the Jews out of Exile to begin anew.

God Raised Jesus to save the world!

The New Testament is set in a time when the Jewish people were hoping for a messiah. They believed this messiah would free them from the Romans.

This belief was centered in their core belief system (page 5 of Text book)

1. There is one God.

2. God Created everything.

3. God CHOSE people with which to share It with.

4. God formed a covenant with these people promising them a future.

These core beliefs were basic to the Jewish Groups at the time of Jesus (As we begin to see how they interpret these beliefs leads to different factions.)   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Thursday, September 17, 2009.

Test is tomorrow.

Be sure to know salvation history

·      First Historical person/ who did God make a covenant with?/  How many years in desert? / What did God promise Abraham? / Who led Hebrews into the promised land?

·      What happened to the united kingdom?

·      Who challenged kings and comforted the poor?

·      Exile?

·      Formation of Hebrew Scriptures

·      Word for anointed.

·      Fulfillment of God’s promise?

·      Diaspora

·       

Lectionary:

·      What do “eye for and eye” and “turn the other cheek” mean?

·      3 Worlds of the Text and examples.

·      Window/Mirror

·      Bible vs Lectionary

 

Jewish groups during time of Jesus

Theme of OT and NT.

Core beliefs of Judaism

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++   Friday, September 18, 2009 NT
 
  We took test 1.1 today. If you were absent, you are to take the test on the day you return to school. I assigned LW 1.3. It is due on Tuesday, September 22, 2009.
Go Bruins.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Monday, September 21, 2009

Today you received LW 1.4. It is due on Friday. Check the website.

You also received the instructions for your Homily/Sermon Reflection paper due on October 12.  We began reading through the instructions today in class.

During the first few minutes of class we took time to write notes or cards to the family and friends of Dan Murphy.  Dan attended St. Ignatius High and was killed over the weekend.    We keep Dan in our prayers, as well as, the friends that were with him.  Dan Loyke apparently is still in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

Your tests are graded.  I’ll return them to you on Tuesday, after all have taken the exam.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

NT Tuesday, September 22, 2009

I returned HW 1.2 and Test 1.1 today. We reviewed the test for most of the period. 

Remember, “turn the other cheek” does not mean let the “evil one” hit you again. Rather, it is Jesus’ way of saying, “stand up, and stick up for yourself.  Catch the evil one off guard and end the violence.”

We then took some time to discuss Mk 9:30-37. Here we have Jesus teaching his disciples about his passion for the second time. They still don’t “get it.”  But this time they are fearful and thus do not ask Jesus any questions.  Next, in the pericope, Jesus catches the disciples arguing bout who is first!  Jesus then says his disciples need to be like children. 

Remember, disciples are people who learn. The fact that do not understand the Passion of Jesus after the second time of hearing it, would not be unlike any student.  However, the whole, “who’s is first” argument indicates that they are really missing the point.  Also, the fact that they are fearful of Jesus indicates that they are still living the “ways of the world.”  God does not want us to be afraid when we misunderstand something.  (Are you fearful when you do not understand?) Jesus, now gives them a visual of what he is trying to teach them.

In our world, “The World in Front of the Text,” children are considered gullible, easy to manipulate and not very smart.   To be like a child in our world is not a very positive statement to make.  What does this all mean in the First Century? Stay tuned for tomorrow.

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Today we finished our discussion on Mark 9:30-37.

We must look at the cultural context of our the pericope in order to actualize its meaning for us today.

Children in Jesus’ time represented the “anawim”, the poorest of the poor. We approach God in a spirit of simpleness and nothing.  God accepts all

We then finished our instructions regarding the Homily Reflection due on October 12.  Have fun.

Tomorrow we discuss the social and political scene during the time of Jesus.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Remember, LW 1.4 is due tomorrow.  Expect a quiz tomorrow on our class discussion and definition of terms.

Today we continued our discussion of the “World Behind the text.” That is, the historical context of the New Testament.

The writers of the the New Testament lived in First Century Palestine.

Palestine was part of the Roman Emipire

- good Roads, easy travel, common language = koine greek

- called the Pax Romana (Roman Peace)

- Roman empire with Greek Cultural Influence = hellenization.

- Most everyone spoke koine (common) Greek!  Very few people spoke Latin.  Latin was reserved for “official business” and rarely used as a conversational language during the first century.

We used  PowerPoint to help visualize the Roman Empire and the people living in it.  The PowerPoint is online in PDF format for you on my website.

 As of 3:30 pm Thursday, I was unable to download the PowerPoint that we viewed today. Sorry.

Be sure you know the definitions of the following terms. For a quiz tomorrow.

Roman Empire                       Unclean

Pax Romana                           Anawim

Hellenism                               Sick

Ruler                                       Sinner and Prostitute

Governor                                  Samaritan  and women

Herod the Great

Merchants

Peasants

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++     Friday, September 25, 2009.
 You took Q 1.3 today.  I collected LW 1.4
Mid term grades are due Mon
  I assigned BW 1.1, due on Wednesday 9/30  (We began working on this during class.)
I assigned HW 1.3 Due on Tuesday, 9/29
Don't forget to start on your Homily Reflection this Sunday!
 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 NT

- Remember BW 1.1 is due tomorrow.

- I collected HW 1.3

- I assigned LW 1.4, it is due on Monday, October 5, 2009.

_ Today we began a summary of the development of Scripture.

The PowerPoint is posted on the Web.

The discussion is a summary of page 23-28.

Be sure to know the meaning of the following:

Divine Inspiration

Divine Revelation

Tradition

Biblical exegesis

Canon.

Literary Forms of the New Testament.

Septuagint.

Deuterocanonical

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

I collected BW 1.1.

I distributed a handout on Divine Inspiration and Christology. The sheet is Golden Rod in Color. Study the Divine Inspiration side for now.  At the moment, this handout is NOT available on line, sorry.

Today I placed a green runner on the podium and placed the bible on top of that.  In this way, we recognized the importance of the book placed there as well as the words proclaimed from there.  In a way, the podium, becomes an “ambo.”   The green runner on the podium symbolizes that the what is on the podium is now simply more that some “ordinary” book.

What is “holy?”  “Holy” comes from the root of “separate.”  So, in ancient times and traditionally the “holy” was set apart from the rest and given a place of honor and prestige.  This honor and prestige got confused with material wealth and earthly power.  Hence the “holy” got confused with material wealth and blessing.

Jesus, on the other hand, redefines that “holy” and “sacred.”  He tells us that yes, the “holy” is separated from society, yet not by choice. The poor, disabled and the sinner are kept separate from society. Hence, Jesus views them as holy and reaches out to them!  The Pharisees saw their own “holiness” as a means to keep them separate and distance from the poor, the sick and lowly. Hmmmm.  Gosh, Jesus, really shook things up.

We proclaimed Mt 10: 1-16, the Gospel pericope for Sunday, 9/27.  The Pharisees try to trick Jesus into answering a question about divorce.  Jesus answers their question with a question concerning Moses.  This is fairly ingenious of Jesus, since the Pharisees are concerned with following the Law of Moses!   More later. If you want to find out more about divorce BEFORE you work on our Lectionary Work, LW 1.5, check out  http://liturgy.slu.edu/

  +   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Thursday, October 1, 2009 I returned BW 1.1.  If you had 3 blanks, you received a "9."  5 or more blanks, received less points. Today we covered pages 45-49 in your textbook. I distributed a green sheet "Development of the NT Canon."  This will help you summarize the material for the test on Wednesday of next week.  You may download this off the website.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Monday, October 5, 2009  NT

Today we continued our discussion on the Formation of the New Testament.

We reviewed the 3 stages of development. (10 stages on the Green sheet)

We discovered that for a piece of writing to be considered part of the New Testament canon, it must meet a set of 4 criteria.

1.     Apostolic Origin

2.     Universal Acceptance

3.     Liturgical Use

4.     Consistent Message.

YES! There are other Gospels!  Yet they did not meet the criteria listed above and hence are not in our current New Testament. This process of “canonization” started in the 4^th century AD.

Some classes got through this material  and got to the Roles of the Evangelists.

1.     Selectors

2.     Arrangers

3.     Shapers

4.     Proclaimers.

As for now plan on a test for Wednesday, but it may end up being on Thursday. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++    Test is Thursday, October 8!

We began today by looking at the Gospel pericope for Sunday, October 11. (NO LW this week! Sorry!)  This is the story about the rich man wanting to gain eternal life. 

Who was this guy?  What does he believe in? Who else believes in life after death in the first century? Who doesn’t?  Why does Jesus refer to the LAW?   Is this it? What is up with giving all one’s possessions to the poor? Why were the disciples amazed at this?

Yes, one again Jesus is challenging the political, cultural and religious institutions of his day.

People in the First century believed that riches were a blessing from the gods.   If one was poor, then oops, that person was being punished.  So, here is Jesus, the Son of God, telling rich people to give to the sinners, who in their mind were not accepted by the gods, or in the Jewish theology, God.  No wonder the rich guy went away sad!  More on this later.

Today we continued our discussion about the development of the New Testament.  

We reviewed the criteria for canonization. KNOW THESE!

We reviewed the “4 Fold Role of the Evangelists.”  KNOW THESE! 

                  What does it mean to say that Mark, for example, selected, arranged, shaped and proclaimed his Gospel?

I introduced the Synoptic Problem.

I suggest you read page 51 of your text book to assist you.

Note the diagram on the bottom of page two of your green sheet.

Ok, here’s a quick summary. A bunch of really smart German scholars noticed that the Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke were more than just “similar.” 

Get this, these guys actually figured out that nearly 80% of Matthew’s Gospel is what Mark wrote! And….hold on!  They discovered that nearly 60% of Luke’s Gospel is what Mark wrote.

A- ha!  So, they made a hypothesis that Matthew and Luke must have read Mark’s Gospel before they wrote their Gospels!  Yeh, no kiddling. Pretty cool, don’t you think.

Remember, the Gospels did not “fall out of the sky.” The Gospels are rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus.

So, it seems as though, the writer Mark, selected, arranged, shaped and proclaimed the various stories he heard about and read about in regards to Jesus.  All along, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit.   Mark was in Rome and was writing to Gentile Christians who were being persecuted for being Christian! (This means they were being beat up and killed for believing in, and practicing the teaching of Jesus!)   So, the image of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel is that of a “suffering servant.”  

Mark wrote his gospel sometime around the 60’s and 70’s.  Your bible sheet mentions the destruction of the Temple as an historical marker. This is certainly possible.

Ok, now back to the German Scripture Scholars.

When the German Scripture Schoalrs read the Gospel of Matthew, these “smart guys” discovered that there were stories and sayings recorded by Matthew that were not in the Gospels of Luke or Mark. These stories and sayings are labeled as “M.”  We think these “stories” or “sources” were not available to either Mark or Luke.  The same is true of Luke.  There are stories in Luke that are not contained in Mt or Mk!  Hence, the sources for theses stories are labeled “L.” 

Okay, we’re not finished yet.  Yes, believe it or not,  these German Scripture Scholars discovered that Matthew and Luke have some similar stories or sayings, of Jesus that are not found in Mark.  So the “source” for these stories or sayings is labeled, “Q.”  FYI:  “Q” is short for “Quelle,” the German word for source. (Really, ask Mrs. Kuvin!)  (Another side comment: Notice how the German scholars were not very creative in their labeling system! However, it is very practical!) 

All of this “theory” is called the “Synoptic Problem.” (I am not crazy about the title, but who am I to question really smart German Scripture Scholars?)

Synoptic means “seen together.” Hence we can look at Mt, Mk and Lk together since they are so similar.

Note, JOHN is not in the equation!   He is not a synoptic gospel writer.  More on him later.

Make a connection to the Lectionary!  Years A, B, and C are Mt, Mk and Lk! Who is NOT there?  JOHN!  Get it?

Okay, that is enough for now. Here’s what you should do.

Review the above

Read page 51 and get to know the information about Mark on page 55 of your text book.

Also review  the Bible Worksheet on Mark.  Here’s what I expect you know by now.

When was Mark writing his Gospel?

Who is this guy Mark? (Ques. 2)

How does Mark begin his Gospel?

Mark is the only one to call his work a “Gospel.”

Mark refers to Jesus as the Son of God, yet most of his Gospel is about people not “getting” it.  Even the disciples did not get that Jesus was the Son of God until his death.

Jesus is a suffering servant in Mark’s Gospel.

Mark’s Gospel is the shortest, Jesus is on the move in this Gospel and Jesus shows a lot of emotion in this Gospel.

Mark’s Gospel has two endings! Strange but true!!!

Ok, now what about the Green Sheet, “The New Testament Canon Overview?”

The 8 tips of about the canonical arrangement is good if you need it. We covered this material awhile ago.

What about the “10 Stages of NT Formation and Transmission?”  Relax, your text book reduced these to three:  Historical Jesus, Oral Tradition, Written Tradition.  Be sure to know the dates.  Note that numbers 3-10 are basically notes on what we discussed in class.

Know the 4 Criteria for Canonization

Know the Four-Fold role of the Evangelists.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Wednesday, October 7, 2009  NT

Today was a review day for the test.

Be sure to  know the Political/Social world of the First Century (world behind the text)

Be sure to know the literary dynamics of the New Testament (green sheet, Mark bible worksheet)

Be sure to know all the definitions we covered since that last class. (Don’t worry about slaves, women and Samaritans

Be sure to know who the synoptics are and understand how the Gospels came into play.

Know the “synoptic problem”

Know the particulars about Mark’s Gospel (page 55) and Bible Worksheet

 Also, add to your historical background the following:

            Rome was destroyed by a fire in 64 AD.  “The Burning of Rome.”  Nero was the Emperor at the time.  History has proven he was probably to blame for the blaze.  However, he blamed the Christians living in Rome!  Hence, this false accusation added was one more reason the Christians were persecuted.

            Also, in 70 AD, the Romans destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem!  Yikes! This was a tremendous blow to the Jewish faith!  On top of this many remembered Jesus saying that “he would destroy the Temple.”  Yikes, this did not help the Christian movement!

More World of the Text items. 

Mark’s Gospel is the shortest.  Mark’s Gospel is the only Gospel to call itself a “Gospel.”  Mark’s Gospel has two endings:  “A Short Ending” and “A Longer Ending.” Mark arranges his gospel both geographically and thematically around the theme of “mystery!”  (4-fold role). Mark begins his Gospel with the preaching of John the Baptist (JB) and the baptism of Jesus.

The IMAGE of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel is that of a “Suffering Servant.”

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  Thursday, October 8, 2009  NT
  Today we took Test 1.2 today.
Homily Reflection is due on Monday.   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Friday, October 9, 2009  NT

We went over Test 1.2 Today.

We learned the song “Bambelela.”  Bambelela is an African phrase meaning  “never give up.”   It is a good mantra to learn.

In the Catholic tradition, the Rosary is type of mantra.   We pray certain words, over and over.  The rosary is a circle, representing the circle of life, or the mystery of life and God’s love.  By praying the rosary we reconnect with God, so as to restore a sense of order in our lives.  Repetition is calming, and good for the mind, body, soul and spirit.

Hence the song “bambelela” is meant to help us gain a sense of order when we may have failed at something. The song reminds us to move ahead and don’t let the failure prevent us from living life to its fullest.

Another good mantra is to review and study your coursework EVERY evening!   Seriously! It may sound like a lot of work, but it really is not.  Try it!

Homily Reflections are due on Monday. Be sure you are honest in your writing.  Do not write what you think I want to hear!  Use the guidelines I gave you weeks ago! Have fun.   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monday, October 12, 2009  NT

I returned LW 1.5.   Continue to learn the difference between a feeling and a thought.  You may want to review the notes from your Christian Life Class last year.

When you determine the difference between a thought and a feeling your writing ability will become easier.

I assigned HW 1.4 and 1.5  and your project.

All three of these ar in the download page of the website.

One change on the project. Your image of Jesus dones not have to be limited to ½ page, it can be ¾ or 1 page.  Just remember we may cut it to add to our collage.

HW 1.4 is due on Thursday (typed)

HW 1.4 is due on Friday (does not have to be typed.)

We started a discussion on Christology:  The study of Christ.

We all start with our understanding of Jesus from the “Christ of faith” perspective.  We may learn of the Jesus of History.

Be sure to begin to review the difference between Christology from Above and Christology from Below.  More tomorrow.

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tuesday, October 13, 2009 NT

Today we covered “High” and “Low” Christological viewpoints.  (The golden rod sheet.)

The Synoptics are basically “Low Christology” and John’s Gospel is “High Christology”

We spent half of the class reading Mark’s Gospel and filling in a Bible worksheet.

I gave you BW 1.2 (Due on Thursday, Oct 15.

I gave you BW 1.4 (I only gave you 4 out of the 5 pages).  I will give you class time to work on this.

HW 1.4 is due on Thursday

HW 1.5 is due on Friday.

Prepare for test next week   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thursday, October 15, 2009  NT

I collected HW 1. 4  (Should have been typed)

I collected BW 1.2 (We went over part of this in class)

I distributed page 5 of 5 for BW 1.4 (Bible Worksheet).

I distributed BW 1.3:  Conflict Stories in the beginning of Mark’s Gospel.

  Image of Jesus Project is Due Tuesday, 10/20/09.

Class time was spent working on your Bible Worksheets.

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, October 16, 2009  NT

Today you worked further on BW 1.4.  Some got to BW 1.5. (10^th period did NOT receive this. However, you may access it online.)

You may still work on your bible worksheets at home, even if you forgot your bibles.

I collected HW 1.5 and returned BW 1.2 and HW 1.4.

Your “Images of Jesus” project is due on Tuesday, October 20.

Remember to weave High and Low Christology into your reflections.

We’ll have a test probably on Thursday or Friday on the Gospel of Mark.

Be sure to be studying your Homework assignments, the Goldenrod Christology Sheet and your Bible Worksheets this weekend. 

If you want to work on your Bible Worksheets and forgot your bibles, you may access the NAB online via this link:  http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/index.shtml

Unfortunately the online version does NOT contain the bold face headings as does your CYB.   However, you can figure out the Chapter and verse numbers well enough.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Monday, October 19, 2009  NT

The system was “down” over the weekend. I was unable to record grades.  Not all of you received HW 1.5 back.

You were given time to complete BW 1.5 in class.   All BW’s are due on Wednesday.

I assigned HW 1.6 it due on Wednesday.  See website.

Our test will probably be on Friday.  Be sure to be studying the worksheets.

Remember, if you are absent, you are required to be checking this website BEFORE you come to class.

Today we reviewed the Gospel Pericope for yesterday, the Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time B:  Mk 10: 35-45, and the Gospel pericope for next week, The Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time B, Mk 10: 46-52.

In Mk 10:35-45, James and John are vying for top spots with Jesus.  Jesus says they don’t understand what it is they are asking.

Jesus asks if they are willing to drink from the cup from which he drinks.

We need to go the World Behind the Text to get the full impact of this statement. 

First: Ask yourself a few questions. What is a cup used for? Do you have favorite cup?  Is one cup different from another?

Cups hold liquid, when holding a cup filled with liquid the assumption is that the holder will not SPILL. This is why we give todders a “sippycup.” 

You probably have special dinnerware at home that you only use on special occasions. The same is true during the time of Jesus.

When two men entered into an agreement, or contract they would share a cup with each other.

Ok, think about this.  Sharing the same cup with someone implies that you totally trust the person, for you run the risk of consuming some of their saliva. You have to trust that the person is healthy and not passing on germs. It is a huge leap of faith. Drinking from the same cup implies total commitment, no turning back, and accepting whatever the other person has!

Some of you made the connection between this understanding of cup and the cup at the “Last Supper.”  Yes! Even at Mass today, we “pass the cup” containing the Precious Blood.  By drinking from it, we totally commit to our lives as Christians.

  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 NT

I collected your Image of Jesus projects.

If you were absent, this project is due the DAY YOU RETURN.

For prayer today, we reviewed the pericope of Jesus asking his disciples, (Mk 8:27 ff) “Who do you say I am.”  This question applies to your projects very directly.

Be sure you are very familiar with the Lectionary pericopes and any pericope we discussed in class.   Why? Well, these pericopes will more than likely be part of your exam!

I handed back HW 1.5.  Be sure to get this in to me.

Our test will be on Friday.

If you are absent, you should be reviewing your homework assignments, bible worksheets, and any colored sheets you by now.

Today we began reviewing HW 1.4 and the bible worksheets. We will get through HW 1.5 and maybe HW 1.6 tomorrow.  Be sure to be looking these over on your own. This is where the test material will be coming from.

 If you were not in class today, then be sure to be reviewing his information on your own.

Here’s something to add to our discussion about Matthew and Mark’s Gospel.  It was not until recently that we understood that Mark’s Gospel was not simply a “shorter version” of Matthew’s Gospel.   This was reflected in our Eucharistic Celebrations (Mass). 

Up until Vatican II, in the early 1960’s, church goers only heard the Gospels of Matthew and John proclaimed on Sundays. 

Ok, so what is the implication of this? Well, the image of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel is that of a teacher.  John imaged Jesus as a Divine Savior.  So for hundreds of years, Catholics concentrated on only these two images of Jesus. Hence, for most of Catholicism we have been celebrating Jesus as a DIVINE TEACHER! (This is what you get when you combine Jn and Mt.!)

Now, however, we celebrate all four images of  Jesus: Teacher, Suffering Servant, Compassionate Savior and Divine Savior. 

You may want to reflect on your image of Jesus.  Even though since 1969ish we have the three cycles of readings at the Mass, I am willing to be that many Catholics view Jesus as a “Divine Teacher.”  Not right, not wrong. This is just the way it is!!!!!   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 NT

We moved the Test to Friday.  You should be ok if you have the Bible Worksheets and have done the homework faithfully.

I let you self-grade the Bible Worksheets.

I forgot to collect HW 1.6. Bring it in tomorrow.

Today we finished reviewing HW 1.4.

The only thing that needed clarification was the “framing technique” mentioned by your author.  It might be easier to think of it as a “sandwich technique.” 

Remember, Mark selected the material about Jesus he wanted to use in his Gospel. Then he made a decision on how to arrange the material in a way that made sense to him. He then SHAPED the material, that is, edited it in such a way as to make it understandable to his audience. Then he proclaimed this message.

Two techniques that Mark utilized was grouping things in “threes” and the sandwich, or framing technique.

Grouping of three is easy.  Three parables about sowing is a good example.

Now on to this sandwich technique.  A “real” sandwich, one that you eat, has two pieces of bread and then the middle filled with food that for the most part defines your sandwich.  For example, if you ask for a roast beef sandwich, this means that there will be two pieces of bread with some roast beef in between.

Hence it is with Mark’s technique of writing.  Let’s use the example of Mark 5:21-43.

Mark begins with Jairus coming forward from the crowd pleading with Jesus to safe his daughter from death.  Jesus, followed by a large crowd, is touched by a woman who suffered from bleeding for 12 years!  No doctor could help her.  She touches Jesus’ cloak and Jesus tells her faith has saved her.

Jesus continues on his way to “save” Jairus’ daughter.

So, in the above example, the “roast beef” would be the story of the bleeding woman. The two pieces of bread would be the story of Jairus and his daughter.   Mark could have just written this story as a whole. 

By writing the stories as he did, Mark get his reader actively involved. He draws us into the action. 

  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Thursday, October 22, 2009  NT

Today we finished HW 1.4 and got up to number 23 on HW 1.4.

You self graded HW 1.6.  We should cover it tomorrow.

Be sure to be reviewing you bible worksheet and you HW’ as often as you are able.  You should be doing this at least once a night. Once you get in the  habit of doing it, you’ll do just fine. 

Our quiz will be on the material of Mark, up to chapter 5ish and including HW 1.4 and HW 1.5.  If you are absent, you should be able to do just fine .

What does faith “do” for us?

What it the relationship between Matthew’s and Mark’s Gospels?

When did Mark “write” his Gospel?

What kind of story does Mark give his readers?

Titles  for Mark’s Gospel?

Image of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel.

What happened at the Baptism of Jesus?

Who are the first called by Jesus in Mark’s Gospel?

How is evil represented in Mark’s Gospel?

What are the titles for Jesus in Mark’s Gospel and what do they together, represent?

Who are the main characters of Mark’s Gospel and what role/ function do they play?

Be sure to know the sandwich technique and the Jairus’ daughter periocope.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Friday, October 23, 2009  NT

Today you took Quiz 1.4.

I gave you each a personal Progress Report.

Check over this report to see what it is you are missing, or if I made any mistakes.

Your GRADE is YOUR responsibility.

If you need any adjustment. Bring in your work, clearly labeled, with a note telling me what the situation is.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

If you are absent. You can get the same information from the grading system online at home.

After the test we continued covering Mark’s Gospel.  Be sure to be reviewing Mark’s Gospel. Use the worksheets I gave you.  We are up to BW 1.3   ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Monday, October 26, 2009  NT

Those of you who needed to take Quiz 1.4 did so. Others should take it tomorrow.  Be sure to be checking the website EVERY DAY!!!!!

Due last week were HW 1.6, BW 1.3, BW1.4 and BW 1.5, and your Image of Jesus project.  All except HW 1.6 were assigned the prior week.

I assigned HW 2.1 it is due on November 2, 2009.  It is a timeline of your life for one week.  Mark down what you do each half hour of the day.  Do ONE DAY at a time. Do not work ahead. The schedule should reflect what you DID, not what you expect to do!  This schedule is the basis for your Sophomore Retreat.  The more effort and thought and HONESTY you put into this schedule, the more meaningful your retreat will be.

I gave Progress Reports out to those who are missing major assignments. YOUR GRADE is YOUR REPSPONSIBILITY.  I am giving you every opportunity to assure that your grade is correct.

Today I returned you Homily Reflections. 

The next Homily Reflection is due on November 24.  You may go to any Sunday that is available including this past Sunday, October 25.  The instructions are the same as for the First Homily paper.

The Image of Jesus projects are graded.  We need to cut out the images and get them on a big poster.  The grades are posted on line.

WE REVIEWED the Gospel of Mark again.  Notice Jesus begins his ministry by HEALING! Not by killing people, like many thought the messiah would.

Notice Jesus heals sick people.  He does not run from them. Rather Jesus reaches out and TOUCHES sick people.  Once healed the people return to living their lives.

Once Jesus heals, he is confronted by those who question whether or not he comes from God!  Notice that the demons catch on really quickly!  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++   Tuesday, October 27, 2009  NT

Today we continued our discussion about Mark’s Gospel. You should be reviewing all the BW’s and HW 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 daily. And….I am expecting that by now, you have read through Mark’s gospel up to Mk 14 at least twice!

Today we got all the way up the Feeding of the Five Thousand Mk 6:34!

  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++  

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 NT

Today we continued our quest through Mark.

For the test tomorrow, you are responsible for all material we have covered on Mark up to Mark 12:18 (Questions about the Resurrection)

A few reminders

• Don’t forget to review your Homework assignments for the test.
• What is the symbol for Mark’s Gospel? (See page 55 of text book)
• Why do we have this symbol for Mark?
• World Behind the text information for Mark.
• Water is a symbol for both WATER and CHAOS.
• Jesus is baptized in water
• Jesus calms the raging sea!
• Both show his power.
• 7 is a symbolic number for complete or “enough”
• 12 is a symbolic number for “more than enough”
• There are two “feeding” stories in Mark.
• Feeding of the 5,000
• Only miracle story in all four gospels.
• 5 loaves and two fish.
• Jesus , blesses, breaks, gives
• 12 baskets left over.
• Feeding of the 4000
• 7 loaves of bread ( a few fish, not specified)
• Jesus blesses/ breaks/ gives again!
• 7 baskets left over. 
  

What can we say about the fact that the “Feeding of the 5,000” is in all four Gospels.

·      Each gospel writer had access to the story.

·      Each pericope fit in with the theme/ message of each Gospel.

·      This story must be fairly significant.

It may have been a very popular and meaningful story.