A Summer of Hope
Pray
Look to St. Paul's Writings about diversity
During the 2019-20 Faith Formation year, we have been exploring the Bible. As this challenging year continues to unfold, we are reminded, again, that the Bible is a source of inspiration for negotiating tough times. In the June, 2020 issue of US Catholic, Fr. Ferdinand Okorie, CHM has written an excellent article about what St. Paul preached, taught, and wrote about all of us being siblings in God's family, regardless of difference. Take some time to read the article and look up some or all of the references to St. Paul's writings to help you sort through the difficult issues our country is facing.
Pray with the Psalms
In these times of restrictions and isolation, a line from Romans seems valuable: “…by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” Rom: 15:4
Hope and encouragement can be found in the psalms. Which ones? Personal life experiences determine. What may be significant to one may have no particular import to another.
Psalm 34 is called an acrostic: each of the verses can stand alone and does not need to appear with all of the others. In a time of stress, choose verse 5. In a time of thanksgiving, choose verse 2 or verse 9. Reflect on relating that verse to the situation that prompted its choice.
Psalm 34: 2-9
2I will bless you Lord at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth
3My soul will glory in you Lord
that the poor may hear and be glad.
4Magnify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
5I sought the Lord, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
6Look to God that you may be radiant with joy
and your faces may not blush for shame.
7In my misfortune I called,
the Lord heard and saved me from all distress.
8The angel of the Lord, who encamps with them,
delivers all who fear God.
9Learn to savor how good the Lord is;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Psalms are valuable tools for reflection because verses can serve as sources of comfort, peace, joy, grieving, thanksgiving, or glorifying God: all of these human emotions or needs.
Cicily Dennis
Hope and encouragement can be found in the psalms. Which ones? Personal life experiences determine. What may be significant to one may have no particular import to another.
Psalm 34 is called an acrostic: each of the verses can stand alone and does not need to appear with all of the others. In a time of stress, choose verse 5. In a time of thanksgiving, choose verse 2 or verse 9. Reflect on relating that verse to the situation that prompted its choice.
Psalm 34: 2-9
2I will bless you Lord at all times;
praise shall be always in my mouth
3My soul will glory in you Lord
that the poor may hear and be glad.
4Magnify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.
5I sought the Lord, who answered me,
delivered me from all my fears.
6Look to God that you may be radiant with joy
and your faces may not blush for shame.
7In my misfortune I called,
the Lord heard and saved me from all distress.
8The angel of the Lord, who encamps with them,
delivers all who fear God.
9Learn to savor how good the Lord is;
happy are those who take refuge in him.
Psalms are valuable tools for reflection because verses can serve as sources of comfort, peace, joy, grieving, thanksgiving, or glorifying God: all of these human emotions or needs.
Cicily Dennis
Learn
SMALL THINGS BRING COMFORT IN TIMES OF CRISIS
As summer moves swiftly by, the pandemic does not seem to move so quickly. For some, it seems as if life has almost returned to normal. For many, especially those at greater risk or living with someone at greater risk, things are far from normal. Many still stick close to home to avoid infection -- or infecting others. Read and reflect on this article about one person's experience of staying home -- and how she has found meaning and purpose in this difficult time. Perhaps it will help some of us to make sense of it all.
Be not afraid
Many of us have favorite hymns or spiritual songs that we turn to in times of sorrow or joy, or when we need to focus our prayer. One such song that speaks to times of transition for many people is “Be Not Afraid” by Bob Dufford, S.J. In fact, the inspiration for the song came to Fr. Bob at a time of transition in his own life.
Our world is in a time of transition. Many factors, including the pandemic, racism, the climate crisis, the upcoming election, etc. have reminded us that we are not in control, and that our world must change. As we face that uncertain future, several Christian musicians came together virtually to record this well-known song. It reminds us to “be not afraid,” because God goes before us.
This song gives us a great example of a composition with its roots in Scripture. Fr. Bob was inspired by numerous Scripture passages in the long process of composing this piece. Some examples include:
To learn more about the creative process that led to the composition of “Be Not Afraid,” read this article in America magazine.
Our world is in a time of transition. Many factors, including the pandemic, racism, the climate crisis, the upcoming election, etc. have reminded us that we are not in control, and that our world must change. As we face that uncertain future, several Christian musicians came together virtually to record this well-known song. It reminds us to “be not afraid,” because God goes before us.
This song gives us a great example of a composition with its roots in Scripture. Fr. Bob was inspired by numerous Scripture passages in the long process of composing this piece. Some examples include:
- The title, “Be Not Afraid,” is inspired by the story of the Annunciation when the angel tells Mary, “Do not be afraid.” (Luke 1:26-38)
- The second line, “I go before you always,” came from his pondering of the end of Matthew’s gospel, when Jesus tells his disciples, “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20)
- “Come, follow me,” is an echo of Jesus calling the apostles. (Matthew 4:19)
To learn more about the creative process that led to the composition of “Be Not Afraid,” read this article in America magazine.
How Do catholics read the bible?
Although Catholics and many other Christians approach the Bible in similar ways, the Catholic Church does provide a particular lens for us to look through as we view the Bible. This brief article from America Magazine helps to explain that Catholic view.
Do
Let the vibrant art of Laura james lead you through scripture
We continue to consider how the Bible has influenced art through the ages and how art helps us to understand the Bible texts. In this article, explore the work of contemporary artist, Laura James. Ms. James creates beautiful artwork for liturgical books and resources. Her style and use of color are stunning. Enjoy her works as they lead you to ponder the Bible more deeply!
