The Bible in Time...

What am I reading these days … I will be posting some books from time to time that I am reading to deepen my faith and inspire me to think about new things. Matthew Kelly, of Dynamic Catholic, is one of the most prolific Christian writers of our era. Matthew has a great way to tell the Christian story and encourage daily practices to deepen faith and ministry.  I have been with him on his journey for over 5 years. His organization also does good work in the video devotional arena. His writings are always thought-provoking, and interesting, and get to the basics of the faith. Matthew sent me his 2018 work entitled, “The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity” and he continues to be thought-provoking, and interesting, and gets to the basics of the faith. The big lie is that we as Christians can not achieve holiness but we can by shutting off the negativity of our culture and seek God… the open, loving, and forgiving One. Like all of Matthew’s works … it is a quick read but I enco...

The Parable of Yeast Dear Siblings in God, Grace and peace from our loving God. Let us pray … Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, Collects I would ask you to read the Yeast (Leaven) parables from Matthew 13:33 | Luke 13:20-21 (Snodgrass).  Jesus in this yeasty parable again is trying to explain what the Kingdom of God is like. One of my most favorite times in my life was Steve and Paula’s New Year’s Eve Bread Party. Both of them were great bakers and great hosts at a party. We would be almost knocked down by the flavors and aromas as we entered the door. Taking off o...

Parables -  The Parable of the Mustard Seed Dear Siblings in God, Grace and peace from our loving God. I would ask you to read the Mustard Seed parables from Matthew 13:31-23 | Mark 4:30-32 | Luke 13:18-19 (Snodgrass). Luke 17:4-6 (Kendall) Kendall points out that the Mustard Seed parables attempt to have Jesus answer the question, “What shall we say the Kingdom of God is like or how shall we describe it? (Mark 4:30) This story tells us four things - Great things can come from tiny starts. God can take the most unlikely person and turn them into a holy vessel (to build the Kingdom.) God can take the most unpromising situation and turn it into triumph and glory. God can take the simplest insight and make it profound (Kendall, pp. 32 - 33) God’s rule is not like an earthly ruler but based on love as a servant. God will do things (ministry) for people in God’s own way. God will always break what we think is the norm of religion and transform it as an act of love no matter the size of ...

Parables - Jesus as Storyteller | 2nd Edition - The Parable of the Sower Dear Siblings in God, Grace and peace from our loving God. I would ask you to read the Sower parable from Matthew 13:1 - 9 and Jesus’ explanation from Matthew 13:18 - 23. Snodgrass suggests Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:3- 20; Luke 8:5-15 Jesus teaches us the acceptance of the Word of God by a variety of people.  Seeds on Path - bird eat them up - hears the Word but does not understand. (Kendall - The Supplanted Reaction - keeping blind.) Seeds on Rocky Ground - grew quickly but no roots and died - when persecution comes they fall away. (Kendall - The Superficial Profession - short time.) Seeds on Thorns - grew and were choked - hears the Word but cares of the world and lure of wealth chokes the word and the person. (Kendall - The Stifled Profession by the cares and worries of the world.) Seeds on Good Soil - grew and created much yield beyond imagination - the Word produces great fruit (Kendall - The Solid...

Parables - Jesus as Storyteller 1st Edition - The Parable of the Sower Dear Siblings in God, Grace and peace from our loving God. I would ask you to read the Sower parable from Matthew 13:1 - 9 and Jesus’ explanation from Matthew 13:18 - 23. Jesus teaches us the acceptance of the Word of God by a variety of people.  Seeds on Path - bird eat them up - hears the Word but does not understand. Seeds on Rocky Ground - grew quickly but no roots and died - when persecution comes they fall away. Seeds on Thorns - grew and were choked - hears the Word but cares of the world and lure of wealth chokes the word and the person. Seeds on Good Soil - grew and created much yield beyond imagination - the Word produces great fruit. In this parable, we are fortunate that Jesus takes the time to explain it to the disciples. The disciples are special to receive the teaching for there are many who don’t understand and ultimately have no faith.  The journey of the mature Christian will face ...

New Year's Eve 2021 Parables - Jesus as Storyteller This is an overview of 2022 The Bible in Time Bible Study will be a focus on Jesus as a storyteller and a teacher of parables.  A parable gives insights into the spiritual life of someone or a teaching for right living. Parables are meant to be viewed with the eyes of faith and teaching of the soul by the Holy Spirit. I will be displaying Bible verses that tell the story and then do some personal reflections. Each time I post I will just cover one parable.  If the parable is not in the current canon of the Bible, I will quote the source and reflect.  I can’t imagine what stories and parables we missed because of the lack of technology to capture them all. On the other hand, we are blessed by having a Church (universal - not one particular denomination) and community of faithful that have captured some prime pieces of teaching. I am retired so that there might not be a daily post but I will post at least once per week. I ...

Prayer O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Read more +++ The Bible in Time | Tuesday | Proper 27, Year B | Week of the 24th Sunday after Pentecost New Testament Study | Today - Day 68 | Reflections on 1 Corinthians 12 : Next - Day 69 | Reflections on 1 Corinthians 13 : +++ Reflection Today’s Reading -    Dear Friends in Christ,  After hats and behavior/institution of the Lord’s Supper, Paul describes in our reading today the structure of the Church/the Body of Christ/the Communion of Saints. All spiritual gifts come from God through the Holy Spirit. Key point is vs 12:4-7.  There are a v...