In this Issue
Bible Basics
Romancing the Word
Scripture Study Essential to Vibrant Parish Life
Our Shared Journey Toward Holiness
Susan McCarthy, RDC, On the Road with the Good News
Recommended Reading
From the Director
Good News Briefs
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GOOD NEWS BRIEFS
LRSS is proud to offer a brand new study edition of the Bible. Those of you who have been using The Four Gospels will have a sense of the rich treasury of resources now available with the entire Little Rock Catholic Study Bible. We offer this as a personal tool for study and prayer, to assist you in any group Bible study, and as a handy reference to use for many years to come. We hope you’ll buy one for yourself and encourage others to do the same. Publication date: June 12, 2011. Watch our website and facebook fan page for more information in the coming weeks and months.
This year’s LRSS Bible Institute will be presented by Fr. Patrick Mullen, a priest of the Diocese of Los Angeles, who will address the topic: And God Said WHAT? Dealing with Difficult Scripture Passages. Father Pat presented a previous Bible Institute in 2006 and is a regular presenter at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, as well as many diocesan conferences. The dates for the Institute will be July 8-10, 2011. We hope you’ll join us in Little Rock and bring a friend or two. Consult our website or phone our office (501-664-6102) for more information.
The new edition of Galatians and Romans was released in January. This is a thirteen-week study of both of Paul’s letters to young communities. In these letters Paul offers reasons for hope and joy. Make plans to use this study with your small group.
The revised translation of the Old Testament of the New American Bible is now available. This means that we will now begin to revise our existing Old Testament studies in English. So prepare your groups for several years of newly revised studies!
Two more articles in the Hearing the Good News series are now available through the Arkansas Catholic website. These articles explore various aspects of reading and understanding the Gospels. They are accompanied by reflection questions and are accessible free for your use with small groups or for parish-wide distribution.
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The Scenic Route
Informational and Enrichment Workshops offer clear information, hands-on experience, and practical tips for establishing and growing Bible study using LRSS materials and methods. For very little expense, a diocese can arrange to host a workshop that will benefit parishes throughout the diocese. For more information, contact: Susan McCarthy, RDC, P.O. Box 7565, Little Rock, AR 72217; (501) 664-6102 or (501) 366-5691; or by email at smccarthy@dolr.org.
Workshops:
April 30, 2011
Informational Workshop
Hartford, CT
Exhibits:
March 18-20, 2011
Los Angeles Religious Education Congress
Anaheim, CA
April 26-28, 2011
NCEA (National Catholic Education Association)
New Orleans, LA
May 22-25, 2010
National Conference for Catechetical Leadership
Atlanta, GA
June 1-4, 2011
National Association of Lay Ministry
Indianapolis, IN
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Little Rock
Scripture Study
A ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock in partnership with Liturgical Press
Direct editorial questions or ideas to:
Susan McCarthy, RDC
LRSS Office
P.O. Box 7565
Little Rock, AR 72217
www.littlerockscripture.org
Editor: Susan McCarthy, RDC
Managing Editors: Brian Eisenschenk, Deb Lampert-Pflueger
Contributors: Susan McCarthy, RDC, Cackie Upchurch, Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, Clifford M. Yeary
Translators: Maria Teresa de Bourbon, RDC, Rosa Maria Icaza, CCVI
The material in this newsletter may be reproduced only with the consent of Little Rock Scripture Study. |
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Bible Basics
The New Testament Needs the Old Testament
Clifford M. Yeary
At one time or another there have been voices that question our need for the Old Testament, as if the New, in isolation from the Old, is enough for our faith. Pull on any pearl in the New Testament, however, and you will discover that it is part of a pearl necklace, linked deep into the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures that come to us from before the time of Christ.
There are several key categories of literature in the Old Testament, each of which brings a special contribution to our Catholic understanding of what it means to worship God.
- The creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2 are central to our Christian understanding of the goodness of creation, our place in the universe as special objects of God’s love, and of our divinely appointed responsibilities to care for God’s creation.
- At the core of the Law of Moses is the awareness of the holiness of God. It is against the backdrop of the holiness of God that Jesus’ teachings concerning God’s loving care for us and presence with us take their place. God has not become less holy in the New Testament; rather, in Christ, we have become a holy people who are called to live in God’s holy presence!
- The many Old Testament accounts of Israel’s history clearly record that faithfulness does not come easily. Corruption, idolatry, violence and oppression are all too common. When we compare the histories of Christian civilizations with that of Israel, we are humbly reminded of our own historical corruption, idolatry, violence and oppression of others.
- The Prophets planted the seeds of expectation that grew into a longing for a Messiah and an outpouring of God’s spirit. The apostles were Jews who read the Old Testament and saw in every book affirmation of their faith in Jesus. The messages of the prophets continue to speak for God in fresh ways even as we explore their historical and cultural contexts. God never accepts injustice, never allows us to be comfortable when others suffer.
- The Psalms continue to call us to prayer and praise and remain a rich treasure from which even new songs of Christian worship draw their inspiration.
- Wisdom literature invites Christians to a profound meditation on the presence of God within the blessing of creation, and calls us to ponder a feminine mystery of God in the person of Wisdom Woman (e.g. Prov 8:22-36; Wis 7:24-30). Indeed, many see in Wisdom Woman an Old Testament heritage for that rich theology we read in John concerning the “Word” that from the beginning was with God and was God, the very Word that became flesh in Jesus Christ (1:1, 4).
Our respect for the profound revelation of God in the Old Testament can only grow as we carefully study the New Testament, especially the Gospels. Interest in the historical nature of the Gospels has led many scholars to appreciate the intimate connection between Jesus and his Jewish culture. Nothing that Jesus did or taught can be fully appreciated if we ignore the Jewish context of his deeds and words. If we want to know Jesus better, we need to know both the Old Testament and Judaism better.
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 Romancing The Word
The days are coming...
A reflection on Jeremiah 31:31-40
Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB
"The days are coming..." sounds as though something is afoot. Some new event is stirring in the air. Whether this is an ominous or promising announcement may depend on us.
Before considering the new event about to emerge, let’s take a reverential glance into the past as we reflect on the “old thing” that happened in the pages of biblical history.
The Former Covenant
You already know the story. You have reflected on the agonizing cry of a people exiled in the land of Egypt. Our biblical history depicts the scene well. The Hebrew people, struggling from the tyranny of slavery, are longing to be set free from their bondage. The most Ancient One hears their cry, ‘takes them by the hand’ and leads them through the wilderness. Moses, a reluctant prophet, becomes God’s voice for those who are enslaved.
Time and time again we have prayed about that journey through the desert. The Exodus of the Hebrew people! As we read these words today let’s climb into history’s pages and make that journey through the wilderness our very own. We do not pass through the wilderness without an honest encounter with the self. The God who leads us wants us to be free for a new way of living.
The colossal challenge Moses faced was that of forming the people of Israel into a community. Creating a communal heart in a group of individuals is little less than miraculous. The dream of community may be appealing; however, the reality of bringing the idea to fruition is an arduous task. Many lose heart along the way. To make a commitment that remains alive and healthy, we need persistent discipline and a steadfast heart. In his brilliant book, Community: The Structure of Belonging, Peter Block suggests, “The enemy of commitment is lip service, not opposition.” The author’s reference to “lip service” resonates with a text from Isaiah 29:13, also quoted in Matthew 15:8, in which God declares, “…this people draws near with words only and honors me with their lips alone, though their hearts are far from me.” It requires more than lip service to become a community of faith.
The New Covenant
The prophet, Jeremiah, indicates that something new is about to happen. “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” (Jer 31:31) This ‘something new’ will summon forth the deep heart.
The new covenant, as explained in this Scripture passage, mystifies me. There is a strong intimation that what is unique about this brand-new bond between God and human beings is that it will last forever. It cannot be broken unless the laws of nature are broken. If the stars in the heavens stop shining and the moon refuses to give light—perhaps then, the new covenant can be destroyed.
Has this ever come to pass? Does faithfulness to the Word of God really endure forever? Aren’t most of us on again—off again? Surely we are aware that unfaithfulness in the lives of God’s people has continued even to this day. Thus, a reference to the permanent nature of this relationship is, most likely, pointing to Jesus. It is in Jesus that the new covenant will truly be fulfilled.
Let us imagine, then, as Yahweh contemplates the sins of Israel and our own betrayal, the Divine Voice speaking to us in this way: I am going to step even deeper into your lives. The commandments, once carved on stone, will be carved upon your heart. In my old covenant with you I was living on your front porch but now I am opening the door of your house. I am coming all the way in. I am becoming one of you.
This description of the New Covenant holds such beauty and hope for those of us struggling to live faith-filled lives in a world of violence. It is wise to put ourselves into the pages of Scripture and reflect on all the ways we, too, are in exile and need to be set free. Each of us, in our own way, has broken the bond God desires to establish with us. In the book on community, previously referred to, Block asks this question, “What is the gift you still hold in exile?” I find that question poignant and provocative. I had not actually considered the possibility that my gifts could be held in exile. The notion that I could be holding my faith community in bondage simply because I am not being responsible with my gifts is a bit overwhelming.
In the following weeks take inventory of the gifts you are holding in exile. Be deliberate about making your list. Use it for your prayer and then allow God to do something new in your life.
Your next word to romance is: Romans 8:14-27
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SCRIPTURE STUDY ESSENTIAL TO VIBRANT PARISH LIFE
St. Bartholomew’s
Columbus, IN
Ron Hoeing and Annette Barnes take part in a small group.
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There’s a lot to be learned about parishes from their weekly bulletins. The front page of the weekly bulletin for St. Bartholomew’s Church in Columbus, IN states: “We are called to be good stewards of our personal vocations. St. Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians is therefore ours, too –“that our God may make you worthy of his calling and powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith.”
I’ve heard enough of this parish’s efforts throughout the years to make me believe that many, if not most, of the parishioners of this very active parish try to put their mission statement into practice. And the best part about this Catholic community (for us) is that they are long time users of Little Rock Scripture Study.
LRSS was started at St. Bartholomew’s in 1993. Parishioner Mark Nabors had been part of a group in an Arkansas parish and wanted to share his experience with his new parish community. The first group of adults was trained as facilitators for the small groups which began the study of Acts of the Apostles. Since that time the participants in this program have used twenty-six of LRSS’ thirty studies, some more than once. Two studies have been used on three occasions with a recognition that new understandings emerged each time.
Kathy Davis-Shanks presents a wrap-up lecture to the large group.
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One other positive result of regular Bible study at St. Bartholomew’s was Mark’s decision to introduce LRSS into Bartholomew County prison. For the past six months, he and fellow parishioners, Scott Hibbs and Gary Ziegler have used the LRSS materials with incarcerated men (and more recently, a women’s group). The written evaluations of the participants in this (the men's) study speak to the great success of the program for those who are involved.
First of all, the men in the group speak warmly of their leaders. They appreciate the time that Mark, Scott and Gary give to them each week. They also seem to truly treasure what they have been learning and the opportunity to discuss it with each other. Mark believes that LRSS is perfect for jail ministry because it motivates a healthy examination of conscience. He says, “I seldom have to point out errors in a person's life. The Word usually does it for me making my job easier.”
Their comments and their ability to reflect on their lives indicate that the participants have already made some serious changes in their lives. One of the men wrote: “Without a doubt coming in contact with Mark, Scott and Gary has been one of the life changing moments of my life that will stay with me….I cannot thank them enough. The best way I figure to show them is through the way I live the rest of my life for Christ.”
This drawing by former inmate, Damein Mitchell, depicts change in his life brought about by Scripture study. |
The St. Bartholomew’s jail ministry is now involved in helping a recently released inmate to transition back into a “Christ-centered life.” The ministry team is working with their local Ecumenical Assembly (a group of 24 Churches) to help this man find employment, housing and a connection into a Church community.
This year St. Bartholomew’s has four small groups meeting on Wednesday evenings during the fall and spring. There is also a group meeting on Thursday mornings. LRSS Co-coordinator, Marilyn Clerc explains that “this (group) evolved as individuals who started in the evening group retired and had available daytime hours and wanted to limit evening driving responsibilities.” Judy Richardson is the other Co-Coordinator and Pastoral Associate Kathy Davis-Shanks serves as Administrator of the program. These folks truly are the good stewards St. Paul invited us all to be!
Prison ministry programs receive 50% off the study set price. On occasion, previous versions of study sets that are still available can be sent at no charge. Contact the Little Rock Scripture Study office at 501-664-6102.
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 Our Shared Journey Toward Holiness
Barbara Fleischer
What is the purpose of Scripture study? Is it to be able to enter into dialogue intelligently with other Christians who know the Bible well? Is it to learn about the origins of our faith? Is it to be able to experience the joys of a Christian community? All of these are admirable reasons but perhaps they do not lie at the heart of what Scripture study is about. I want to suggest that the purpose of Scripture study is more ultimate – to grow in union with Jesus and to be filled with His Spirit so that we may be transformed into persons for others.
It seems that Scripture study can have many purposes, but its deepest purpose centers on developing an inner life of holiness that blossoms forth into spiritual and corporal works of mercy and justice in the world. And that growth involves many things – prayer, attentiveness to God’s Word and to the movement of the Spirit in our lives, responsiveness, and integrity or wholeheartedness.
In the book of Ezekiel, God gives Ezekiel the “scroll” to eat so that he might be able to speak God’s word to the house of Israel (Ez. 3:1-3). Ezekiel must ingest God’s word into himself until he is so thoroughly at one with it that he can take his prophetic stance among others. We, too, must eat the scroll of God’s word in order to be transformed for service. Scripture study provides for us the holy meal of the scroll, God’s Word, and we may find, as Ezekiel did, that it is as “sweet as honey” (3:3).
But our Scripture study group also helps us on the journey to holiness in other ways. It forms a crucible where we may enter deeply into prayer with others, where we learn how to become attentive, not only to Scripture but to one another, and responsive to the concerns and questions that we hear. In our groups, we practice truly seeing one another and listening to each other with compassionate hearts. We learn to respond, not with quick advice, but with wholehearted presence. And we open ourselves to transformation by allowing the Word of Scripture to question us and reveal the areas in our lives that need to be addressed and changed.
The journey toward holiness is not just for individuals. Communities may grow together in holiness and significantly support one another in that journey. So, it may be good from time to time to reflect on the journey that we share together.
- What is the quality of our prayer life? Is it a quick prayer at the beginning and end of our lesson, perhaps at times rushed, or do we help one another become mindful of God’s presence and responsive to the call to worship?
- Are we becoming more trustworthy as a group, so that members may bring forth their deep questions to the communal reflection of the group, or are we ignoring tensions that need to be addressed?
- Are we searching the Scriptures and commentaries in a way that they question us, or are we simply answering questions about the text without going deeper into their implication for our lives?
- And how are we responding to one another? Are we truly listening in ways that help one another grow in awareness and knowledge of God’s love?
As we share Scripture study together in our groups, let us help one another “eat the scroll” of God’s Word so that we may truly become transformed into the holy People of God.
Barbara Fleischer is the author of Facilitating for Growth, which offers practical helps and guidelines to facilitators and other members of small groups for developing healthy group dynamics and clear communications.
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Susan McCarthy, RDC, On the Road with the Good News
Cackie Upchurch
This is the final article in a series on the lives and work of those on the LRSS staff.
Recently, while visiting Nevada to exhibit LRSS materials, Susan McCarthy, RDC planned to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing the Grand Canyon. She built in extra time and money, boarded a tour bus, and headed out. When they arrived, the canyon was blanketed in thick fog and snow that only lifted in one corner for a peek at the marvels below.
That event provides an image for how Susan (she prefers her baptismal name to a title) sees her continual growth as a person of faith and a student of Scripture. She is aware that as much as she has experienced and learned in her many years of religious life and ministry, mainly in the New York area, there is always more that can be uncovered.
Ten years ago, Susan applied for the position of Workshop and Promotions Coordinator for LRSS because she was intrigued by this invitation: “opportunity to travel and promote Scripture study.” And that she has done. In this decade, she has made well over two hundred trips to all parts of North America – all to introduce hungry Catholics to a simple but effective way to study and pray with the Bible.
In her work, Susan is in contact with diocesan directors of religious education, adult faith formation ministry, and Hispanic ministry. She works with these offices to plan hands-on events in a given diocese, in either English or Spanish, and in the process she forms bonds with these dedicated leaders around the country. She also coordinates the various venues where LRSS materials may be exhibited at regional or national conferences. In both of these areas, she works closely with Nancy Lee Walters in Little Rock and Caroline Linz at Liturgical Press to assure that materials reach their destination.
Many of you know Susan through her work with the newsletter, either because you’ve read articles she has written, or have spoken with her directly when you’ve contributed to Stepping Stones. She is passionate about getting out the word that Bible study changes lives and that we never stop learning.
Susan herself is committed to constantly improving her Spanish language skills. Cliff Yeary speaks for our staff when he says, “We have all admired her dedication to learning Spanish, through college courses, teach-yourself programs and actively engaging in conversation with native speakers whenever possible.”
Susan worked here in Little Rock for eight years, but returned to New York two years ago, still full time with LRSS through the magic of technology. Lilly Hess, a long time member of the LRSS staff, and a native of Arkansas says “She came to us from New York and I learned about life in the North. We taught her about the South and our love for all things southern.”
Well, we’ve tried! We still hear more Bronx than drawl when she says “y’all.”
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Recommended Reading
Serious Scholarship for Non-Scholars
Cackie Upchurch
Most of my favorite scholars are those who can make sound biblical scholarship understandable to a diverse and hungry audience, most of whom are not engaged in fulltime academics. In their spoken and written words, these scholars serve the body of believers as reliable guides for adult spiritual formation.
 One such scholar is John F. Craghan. His newest book, The Gospels of the Weekday Lectionary (Liturgical Press), is a handy companion for those who have the opportunity to participate in daily liturgies, or even for those who wish they could. For each day of each week of the liturgical year, he provides the appropriate gospel reference, a concise commentary in one or two paragraphs, and a closing paragraph entitled “Reflection.” This book especially shines in that final reflection piece each day. It is here that Craghan zeroes in on the challenge that Jesus offers to today’s believers – not simply in generalities but in practical, small but significant, connections.
Another scholar who brings the message to the pews is Irene Nowell, OSB. Over the years, Sr. Irene penned many issues of God’s Word Today, a monthly periodical that offered daily commentary as readers made their way through various biblical books or themes. I recently became aware that while the periodical is no longer being published, Sr. Irene’s issues are available at a website operated by her religious community: http://www.mountosb.org/publications/irene/ireneindex.html. Topics range from various ways to appreciate proverbs, to themes examining the passion of God, covenant, genealogy, divine love, and many others.
One other biblical scholar to mention is N.T. Wright, the recently retired Anglican Bishop of Durham, England. While Bishop Wright has produced many scholarly tomes, a small series of commentaries that is quite accessible is simply known as the For Everyone series (Westminster John Knox Press). Almost any New Testament book can be found among these titles, but I recommend those that focus on the four Gospels (Matthew for Everyone, Mark for Everyone, Luke for Everyone, and John for Everyone). These small volumes feature his own translation of the biblical text, along with a brief discussion of how the gospel stories are still relevant for our lives.
Enlightened writing can produce enjoyable and beneficial reading. These and many other Scripture scholars may soon become your favorites.
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From The Director
Cackie Upchurch
Years ago, when I was teaching high school and working with campus ministry, we made simple bookmarks for the Lenten season. We distributed these cards at the end of Ash Wednesday Mass, to remind us all of what we had just experienced and why. A small piece of lilac paper was smeared with what looked like ashes in the sign of a cross, and bore these simple words: “I remember who I am and whose I am.”
Lent does provide us with the opportunity to grow into a deeper awareness of ourselves as daughters and sons of God. But it doesn’t happen magically as if the ashes themselves possess some kind of paranormal power.
It happens as we grow more deeply aware of our baptismal identity. It happens as we embrace both the promises of God’s covenant and the responsibilities. It happens when we see in ourselves the image of God, and then see in others that God’s image dwells there also.
Along with so many avenues of grace in our church, studying and praying God’s Word in the Scriptures is a Lenten practice that never goes out of style. Through moments of dwelling with God’s Word in Scripture, digging into its meaning and power, we remember more clearly who and whose we are.
We hope this Lent that your parish or small faith community will turn to the Scriptures as a source of memory and mission.
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