Beautiful verses

[Huiou_Theou]

Huiou Theou

I think the bottom line is that I’m getting myself confused. What I need is the Dummies Guide to the Catholic interpretation of the Bible.

Any suggestions?

Hi Max,

In general reading, resources like Maria is pointing out might be useful. Romans is just a particularly difficult book; and it is generally easier to begin with other texts – St. Paul is no dummy !!! Much of the splitting of opinions in Christianity are really based on shallow readings of his work.

The Acts of the apostles, with Stephen, for example – is a much more clearly written text without nearly so much knowledge and familiarity with the old testament required. Many of the most beautiful statements are found in St. Paul and St. John’s works, though, so if you are really attracted to reading those – be prepared to study much of the old testament in order to not be confused.

I would humbly suggest reading the books of Matthew or Luke first, depending on which is easier for you – and for reading the book of Acts with Luke. Luke isn’t writing to a Jewish audience with full knowledge of the old testament, and tends to write more simply. He was an associate of St. Paul – and gives simpler background to much of what Paul discusses. Matthew is very Jewish in thought, but thankfully isn’t a heavy technical writer, which depending on you background might be more enjoyable.

Scott Hahn is a very popular author in Catholic Circles today regarding some of the more difficult writings in scripture; but he is also a fairly deep thinker – similar to me – and may not be your style; I really wish I knew someone who would be a better and simpler guide to Paul’s writings, but I haven’t stumbled across anything yet.

I think you may get more replies from Maria and others, if you continue to ask along the lines of the Acts of the apostles. There are many helpful people on CAF that I see discussing the Acts, Luke, and Matthew and sometimes it’s just a matter of persistence, for they aren’t always online; sometimes asking a similar question a couple of weeks apart will get someone new. It’s just a matter of fishing for someone with similar interests.

Peace to you,
–Andrew.

 

[Link0126]

My favorite verse is Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 

[MorningSong51]

Huiou Theou

I think the bottom line is that I’m getting myself confused. What I need is the Dummies Guide to the Catholic interpretation of the Bible.

Any suggestions?

Hi Max - Sorry about misaddressing you in my greeting. uch:
Also, If you know the location of a Catholic book store around your area, I would diffidently stop and ask someone about all the information that was provided. Also, you might let them know where you need to start and also if they have any other reference books that you can start out with that might help. That way at least you have some optional books to read thru in order to make that determination on buying. The books you pick out, will be very special to you because the author will start to shape your thoughts and so are very important in the years to come.

I wish you the very best and hope that the direction that we all lead you will be a good path to start.

Blessings
Mary

 

[MorningSong51]

My favorite verse is Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 8:31-38 “Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

 

[MaxRosen]

I think more than anything this moved me:

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”
35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Mk 14:32-42

 

[Huiou_Theou]

Yes, I can see that one.
And, Jesus did say in the upper room to Judas, “What you are going to do, do quickly.”; but it was anything but quick; Do you think he was praying for Judas?

 

[MorningSong51]

I think more than anything this moved me:

Mk 14:32-42

Mark captures the failure of the disciples to hear and obey Jesus’ teaching to stay awake. Of course, Jesus was talking about more than just avoiding falling asleep while we pray. He was giving instruction about our spiritual awareness.

Stay Awake - Jesus was giving instruction about our spiritual awareness.

Which leads us to another verse prior to verse 35…Mark 13:25 “But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.”
while the righteous were asleep his enemy came and sowed. - Matthew Henry tells us They are tares in the field of this world; they do no good, they do hurt; unprofitable in themselves, and hurtful to the good seed, both by temptation and persecution: they are weeds in the garden, have the same rain, and sunshine, and soil, with the good plants, but are good for nothing: the tares are among the wheat. Note, God has so ordered it, that good and bad should be mixed together in this world, that the good may be exercised, the bad left inexcusable, and a difference made between earth and heaven." So as scripture tells us - Encouragement to be sober and vigilant in your Christian walk

To explain: see article “Stay Awake”

" I think for us it can become easy to lose our spiritual edge and focus. It doesn’t take much of a lapse in alertness to become desensitized to the spiritual reality upon us by the pseudo-comforting distractions around us. Staying awake spiritually involves looking past the clamor of worldly attractions. It’s about perceiving the presence of the kingdom of heaven growing up like wheat among the tares of modern society. Are you remaining aware, staying awake to the ongoing revealing of the Kingdom and the immanent coming of our Lord?

The question left to consider is how: how can we stay awake? Jesus’ activity shows us the key. First, while he issued the command to stay awake, he was teaching, but his disciples weren’t listening well. We know they didn’t hear this teaching or take it to heart enough by their quick failure in the garden the next chapter. Earlier when Jesus prophesied about his death for the third time, the first response of the disciples in James and John’s petition to sit at the right and left hand of Jesus in his glory (10:33-37). They just weren’t listening! If we are to stay awake spiritually we need to listen closely to what Jesus is saying. We need to read Scripture with our minds and hearts, with our eyes and ears. Jesus said it so often: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Blessings,
Mary

"for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14