Bible Study
Bible Study
Matt Zemanek
Fr. Geoffrey Plant
Fr. Bryan Kulawa
Word
Sunday
Word-Sunday
by Larry Broding
1st Reading: Respect for Parents
2nd Reading: What We Bring To the Lord’s Table
Gospel: The Jewish Christ of The Underclass
Jesus, son of Sirach wrote his wisdom treatise (also known as “Ecclesiasticus” or “Book of the Church”) as a text book to train young men entering the bureaucracy in Jerusalem. Authored prior to the Maccabean revolt against the Syrians in 180 B.C., the book contained praises for wisdom and advice for the moral life, especially interpersonal and family relationships. These verses addressed the duty a son owed his parents.
Notice the verses expound upon the Fourth Commandment. A brief reflection on the list of the commandments revealed the esteem placed upon the extended family as the pillar of society. Honoring one’s parents was the most important of the commandments that addressed human affairs (more important than murder, theft, adultery, and bearing false witness). Sirach seemed to state that honoring parents was a sign of righteousness. It forgave sin [3:3]. It was a means of divine blessing (children and prayers heard) [3:5]. It was the guarantee of a long life and temporal power [3:6-7]. Even the patience required for the care of elderly parents strengthen character. And God would also look upon the son offering such care with compassion [3:12-14].
Ancient cultures like that in Judea were family-oriented and elderly-centered. Our American culture is just the opposite. What was common necessity then is now considered optional. Yet, the advice given in Sirach is as meaningful today as it was over two millennia ago. Honoring parents creates strong families and strong societies.
The fourth commandment is based upon a deeper command from God: love others as self. Love assumes and builds up respect. How have you shown love and respect to your family members? How have you expected such treatment in return?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
The letter to the Colossians has some controversy. Who wrote the letter to this once glorious, but declining city? Some biblical scholars have argued against Paul’s authorship, based upon theological concepts, writing styles, and vocabulary that were different from main body of his letters. Nevertheless, people and events noted in the letter clearly placed authorship in the later part of Paul’s life or in the years after his death (65-70 AD).
Colossae and its outlying region had a sizable Jewish population. An unnamed cult within Judaism exerted some influence in the community. The author (whether Paul or a contemporary) urged the faithful at Colossae to resist the teachings of this cult. Three teachings stand out. First, the faithful should be circumcised (2:11). Second, they should observe Jewish holidays and dietary laws (2:16, 21). But, there was a third and strange teaching this cult promoted: the worship of “angels” (2:18). While Judaism recognized the power of spiritual beings (2:8, 20) as forces in the universe, it never insisted upon “self abasement or angel worship.” This evidence pointed to a group within Judaism that held a heavenly hierarchy not unlike the Gnostics, who claimed salvation based upon secret wisdom handed down through such a hierarchy. The author clearly stated that salvation came through Christ. His death and resurrection made practices of the Law and the worship heavenly powers irrelevant (2:14-15).
How should Christians respond to the gift God offered us in Christ Jesus? First, the author listed Christian virtues and lifestyle (in opposition to the vices listed in 3:5-9). But, note the author seemed to address the community as a whole. The compassion and forgiveness in 3:12-14 expressed how the church at Colossae should act. It should have the reputation as a community filled with love.
Next, the author seemed to address the community in worship. Christ called them into one body (assembly). So, the church should be a eucharistic (“thank-filled” in English) people [3:15]. 3:16a-b listed the proclamation of the word and homily. The community’s response was song [3:16c]. 3:17 summed up the worship attitude of the assembly: give thanks to God through Christ (“offer eucharist”) for everything said or done.
Have you ever questioned the reputation of the church where you worship? What do outsiders think of your community? Beyond the quality of church leadership lays a deeper question. What do we, the faithful, bring to the table of the Lord? The author of Colossians gave a clear outline how the community should answer the question: virtues and attitudes to be found in worship. How we measure up indicates how the church is seen by others.
What do you bring to Mass on Sunday? Baggage and a fighting spirit? Or a thankful heart? Honestly reflect on the quality of your worship. Ask God to heal the hurt. Place all burdens in his hands. And thank him for his grace.
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
Bible Study
Videos
Fr. Bryan Kujawa
Click on image to view Fr. Bryan’s playlist. Each week he posts three videos. You can switch between them by clicking on the upper right hand corner once video starts playing.
SOURCE: Fr. Bryan Kujawa’s Archives
Gospel
Key Points
Explanation
Illustration
Application
The Faithful Expectation of Simeon and Anna
Main Point 1: Simeon’s faithful expectation
Explanation: Simeon was a devout and righteous man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the promised Messiah. He lived with an eager and faithful expectation, constantly seeking and waiting for the one who would bring salvation to Israel.
Illustration: Imagine the anticipation and excitement Simeon must have felt every day as he looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise. His determination and faith never wavered, even in the face of long and tiring days.
Application: Like Simeon, we too are called to live with a faithful expectation of God’s promises. We may not know the exact timing or details, but we can trust that God is always faithful and will fulfill his promises in his perfect timing.
Main Point 2: Anna’s devoted service
Explanation: Anna, a prophetess, served faithfully in the temple, fasting and praying day and night. She dedicated her life to the service of God, constantly seeking his will and guidance.
Illustration: Anna’s dedication and devotion to God are evident in her constant service and prayer in the temple. She lived a life completely surrendered to God, never giving up on his promises.
Application: Anna’s example teaches us the importance of being devoted and committed to serving God. We are reminded to seek his will and guidance in all aspects of our lives and never give up on his promises, just as Anna did.
Main Point 3: The fulfillment of God’s promises
Explanation: Both Simeon and Anna’s faith and dedication were ultimately rewarded when they saw the promised Messiah in the temple. Their faithful expectation and devoted service were met with the fulfillment of God’s promises.
Illustration: Just as Simeon and Anna were able to witness the fulfillment of God’s promise in the form of baby Jesus, we too can experience the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives when we trust and faithfully serve him.
Application: The story of Simeon and Anna reminds us that God’s promises will always come to pass in his perfect timing. We are called to patiently wait and serve him, trusting that he will never let us down.
Reference: Luke 2:22-40 (NAB)
Bulletin
Study Guide
Questions for
Small Groups
Discussion Questions
Vince Contreras
In light of the 1st reading, in what condition is your relationship with your parents (regardless of how old
you are)? If you are married, keeping in mind the 2nd reading, how well do you respect your spouse?
Of all the virtues listed in the 2nd reading, which are most and least characteristic of you? (How readily
would your closest friend agree with your assessment?)
In the Gospel reading, what Mosaic laws are being fulfilled in the Presentation (Leviticus 12:1-8; Exodus 13:2, 12, 14)? How do these events foreshadow Jesus’ mission?
What impact would the startling predictions by Anna and Simeon have on all who were listening that day? On Mary and Joseph as they returned home (Lk 2:33-39)
Why do you think Luke included this episode in his Gospel? How did Luke know about this, and other details surrounding Jesus’ birth and childhood (Lk 2:51)
While it may be easy to see how Jesus might be “set for the rise of many” (Lk 2:34-35), how might he be destined for their fall? In what ways has Jesus and his message been a stumbling block for you? How have you surmounted the problems?
SOURCE: SundayScriptureStudy.com / used with permission
Fr. Frank Bird, SM
The Book of Ecclesiasticus gives us a reflection on the commandment to Honor one’s Parents. It implies a respectful relationship between Parents and children. The covenant relationship with God is mirrored in relationship to Parents. This relationship is lived through prayer, obedience, forgiveness and justice. Consider the ups and downs your parents have been through in raising your family. How do you currently show and practice ‘thankfulness’?
As Parents grow old, sometimes ‘the mind fails’ which can result in big challenges for adult children. How might reflecting on what your parents did for you as a young child help? What do you do that may ‘grieve’ your parents? How do you show ‘kindness’? If your family relationship was difficult what does God promise you when you honour your parents? We sometimes treat God like our parents. What impact might that be having on your image and relationship with God?
Paul writes to the Colossians who are struggling to welcome ‘Gentiles’ – (Greeks) into what had been a Jewish Christian community. He writes about the ‘Family Code’ also called the ‘Holiness Code’. We are all called to ‘put on’ the white garment of baptism and live in the new life of Christ. In the Church (or your Family), who gets included or excluded? What are the points of tension? What attitudes could you practice more in your ‘family’ to develop ‘peace’ as the controlling virtue of your life?
Christmas celebrates the fruit of Mary and Joseph’s trust in God. They sacrificed greatly to raise Jesus. As Pope Francis says, “Ambiguity, uncertainty, and brokenness touched the Holy Family. Their lives teach us that we cannot understand God’s designs. This wonderful lesson urges parents to put their families in God’s hands and trust that their efforts will bear fruit.” How did your family respond to struggles? How has that impacted your life? Faithful parents are examples for us, single or married. How can you put yourself more fully in God’s hands? Jesus and Mary offered the sacrifice of the poor; two doves. What simple sacrifices do you offer God? Are there older members of your community who contribute wisdom and spiritual support? How did Simeon and Anna live this out? How might you honour these elders?
Christians were keen to live by the ‘family code’ to show Roman authorities that they were not dangerous to government. How is order in family life healthy? How can married couples live in equality and unity with deep respect and honour for each other? How might that level of respect and practical love impact family life? How is ‘bitterness’ resolved? What arguments arise over children? What might ‘provoke’ or ‘discourage’ your children? What support do you think a family needs today? Does the Word of God dwell richly in your home? How do you build singing, joy and thanksgiving into the way you pray and show gratitude to God in daily life
SOURCE: Living the Word resources are created by Fr Frank Bird a Marist priest and Mrs Bev McDonald, ACSD, distributed by Marist Laity Auckland, NZ
Anne Osdieck
1. Why do you think Sirach says that good things happen to you when you honor your parents (prayers heard, sins atoned, long life, made happy by children)?
2. “Over all these put on love.” What is the only thing God asks of us? What happens to people when they are loved? What would the world be like if everyone really loved each other person? What kinds of things would disappear off the face of the earth? Hunger? Poverty? Injustice? Execution? Climate destruction?
3. Luke mentions the Spirit three times when speaking of Simeon. Through the Spirit Simeon recognized Jesus as the glory of Israel and the light to the rest of the world. Do you let the same Spirit who lives in you help you recognize Jesus in your daily life? How?
SOURCE: Sunday Web Site at Saint Louis University
Fr. Clement
Thibodeau
What are some of the issues that challenge family living today? Are you familiar with
what difficulties parents encounter today in raising children? What are some of the relationship problems that husbands and wives deal with in their marriage? What benefits can come to those challenged families from these passages of Scripture?
What does your parish have to offer that helps and supports families in their God-given tasks of living the Christian life? Do you have a sense that your parish truly cares about what happens to good families and about how faltering families can be helped effectively? Is there an environment that at least does no violence to family growth in spirituality and virtue? Are your worship services ‘child-friendly,’ welcoming to families with small children?
Reflect on your family of origin. What was helpful and what was not helpful in the development of a solid faith in Christ for your own adult living? Was it your experience within your family that authentic personal spirituality was encouraged and fostered? Or was it just a question of rigid external conformity with rules and regulations that seemed to predominate? How have you been able to grow spiritually beyond the limited experience of the family in which you were raised?
Christian Action
For good or for ill, our parents are for us images of God. They are truly icons of the living God! They not only show who God is. But they effectively communicate the presence and the power and the love of God to us their children. Meditate on this fact by yourself, then, communicate some of your insights to the members of your family.
SOURCE: Portland Diocese
Fr. Eamon Tobin
Not Available
DOWNLOAD PDF – Commentary Not Available
SOURCE: Ascension Catholic Parish, Melbourne, FL
Word of
The Week
Feast of the Holy Family B
SOURCE: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, Copyright © 2023 http://www.scu.edu/character
Kay
Murdy
Kay Murdy
Together with God’s Word
Feast of the Holy Family B
KEY VERSE:
TO KNOW:
TO LOVE:
TO SERVE:
SOURCE: Together With God’s Word: Commentaries on the Gospel by Kay Murray / Used with permission.