THE CATHOLIC BIBLICAL Institute in the Diocese of Orange will offer two new courses beginning in November and December. These courses are open to all Catholics and even to non-Catholics who may be inquiring about the faith or simply want to study the Bible from a Catholic perspective. The goal of the Biblical Institute is to motivate Catholics to study Sacred Scripture and to share their faith with others. Students can take the courses for credit or non-credit. They are encouraged to enroll through Lumen Christi, see the link below:
https://www.rcbo.org/ministry/lumen-christi/bible/
Students can also show up to the class on the first day and enroll as they attend the course.
FR. TIM PETERS LEADS A FOUR-DAY RETREAT ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH IN DECEMBER 2023 AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH IN SAN CLEMENTE. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES AND THE LETTERS OF SAINT PAUL
This course begins Nov. 16 and will cover the Acts of the Apostles and the Letters of Saint Paul. The Acts of the Apostles recount the events which occurred beginning with Jesus’ Ascension and followed by the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the Church which was gathered in prayer in Jerusalem. After these events the Church began to fulfill the Great Commission of bringing the Gospel to the nations and forming disciples in Christ (Matt 28:16‒20). The work and preaching of St. Peter are emphasized in the first 10 chapters in Acts and one of the highlights are the visions that Peter received at Joppa which led to the conversion of Cornelius and his companions.
However, after the Council at Jerusalem in 50AD (Acts 15) the emphasis is placed on Paul’s missionary journeys and his impending trial in Rome. It’s important to study the Acts of the Apostles together with the Letters of Saint Paul because our study of the Acts of the Apostles will provide valuable context for the subjects that Paul treats in his letters. Paul’s letters provide a foundation for Christian theology and practice.
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AND THE BOOK OF REVELATION
A second course will begin on Dec. 6 which covers the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation. This course will be offered at St. Bonaventure Church in Huntington Beach.
The Gospel of John provides a different perspective from the three Synoptic Gospels and it places great emphasis on Jesus’ divinity and uses language and concepts which will help us understand the sacraments. For this very reason the Gospel of John has a special place in our liturgical celebrations during Lent and Easter. John’s Gospel is packed with very profound theology, and it continually draws from the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) helping the reader to understand how the Lord’s work reaches fulfillment in Christ.
The Book of Revelation is also known as the Apocalypse, a word which has the sense of ‘removing the veil’. Apocalyptic literature was very popular between the period of 200BC and 200AD, and scholars note that understanding this specific literary style of writing (literary genre) and its historical context is key to understanding the Book of Revelation. In addition, the Book of Revelation recounts many events from a heavenly perspective and provides insights into the eternal act of worship which takes place before the Lord’s heavenly throne.
Hence, most people would be surprised to see how the Book of Revelation helps us to understand the Liturgy, the celebration of Mass when we worship together with the Church victorious in heaven. Indeed, some of the high points are the vision of the Lords’ eternal throne in Revelation chapters 4-5, the woman clothed with the sun standing on the moon with a crown of 12 stars in Revelation 12 and the marriage Supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19. This class will unpack much of the theological symbolism and help the average reader appreciate the message of hope. For more information, please call (714) 282-3078 or see the link below for the Biblical Institute and for the flyer:
https://www.rcbo.org/ministry/lumen-christi/bible/