Pathways to Discipleship: Knowing Jesus

Session 3: The Word

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OPENING PRAYER (St. John Chrysostom)

O Lord, Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart

that I may hear Your Word, and understand and do Your will, for I am a sojourner upon the Earth. Hide not Your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of Your Law. Speak unto me the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom.

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On You do I set my hope, O my God, that You shall enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Your knowledge; not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them; for You are the enlightenment of those who lie in darkness, and from You comes every good deed and every gift.

Amen.

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SESSION 3 – THE WORD�

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The second habit of the 12 Habits of a Disciple:

Encounters Jesus through Scripture

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• Appreciate Scripture as the living Word of God
• Pray and reflect daily with Scriptures, allowing the Word to dwell in your heart and mind

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By reading scripture, we get to know Jesus!

*Art used with permission from the artists: Valerie Delgado (paxbeloved.com) and Randy Friemel (randyfriemel.com)

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SCRIPTURE TRANSFORMS US

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“One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Mt 4:4).

*Image from The Chosen TV series

THE FOUR SENSES OF SCRIPTURE

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Retelling events

or “exegesis”

Symbols or types

Right from wrong

Eternal significance

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• Take a moment to reflect on the video. What is your response to the testimony? Share your thoughts with the group.
• How have you gained a new insight from the same verse after reading or hearing it at a different time in your life?
• Share a time when a Bible teaching, story, or verse helped you with a challenging situation.
• How could reading Scripture with literal and spiritual senses provide new or deeper understanding?

CONTEMPLATING THE WORD

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Contemplation involves your imagination. Place yourself in the scene as a participant or an observer.

LECTIO DIVINA

Lectio Divina has four steps to it:

• Read the passage
• Meditate on whatever stands out
• Speak with the Lord about it
• Listen for the Lord

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READING THE BIBLE

• Translations
• Catholic vs Protestant
• Context is important
• Helps to understanding
• The Catholic Church Lectionary

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THE BIBLE IN DAILY LIFE

• Make note of verses that speak to you
• Post favorite verses in home or online
• Teach verses to children in your life
• Use the Bible in your prayer time

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MAKING THE BIBLE A HABIT

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“Continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tm 3:14-15)

SPOTLIGHT DISCIPLE: ST. JEROME (AD 342-420)

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• Lived a scholarly, monastic life
• Used his knowledge of Greek and Hebrew to more faithfully retranslate much of the Bible
• Known for the “Latin Vulgate”, used from 1549-1979 by the Church

“Ignorance of scripture is ignorance of God.”

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• What are the benefits of developing the habit of reading from the Bible on a regular or daily basis?
• What struggles might be encountered when reading the Bible?
• Do you have any favorite Bible verses? If yes, how have they shaped your outlook or actions?
• St. Jerome made Scripture more accessible. In what ways can we make Scripture more accessible to the people in our lives?

Use Lectio Divina to meditate on Luke 12:57-59. Read together and briefly reflect in silence (consider the literal and spiritual senses of the reading). Share with your group on how the passage speaks to you. What conversion of mind, heart, and life may the Lord be asking of you?

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PRACTICE TOGETHER

DISCIPLESHIP NEXT STEP

Choose a specific way to incorporate Scripture more fully into your daily life. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Read the daily Mass readings
• Read an entire Gospel book (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
• Pray with the Sunday Gospel readings before attending Mass
• Read a book or watch a video developed by a Catholic biblical scholar on one or more books of the Bible
• Display favorite Bible verses around the home
• Join or lead a Bible study
• Subscribe to a Bible in a Year podcast or reading list

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REMINDERS FOR NEXT SESSION

• Read or listen to the materials for Session 4: The Mass.
• Feel free to bring a snack next time if you like.
• Please leave your name tag with your small group facilitator before you leave tonight.

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Knowing Jesus: Prayer

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CLOSING PRAYER (Prayer for Christ’s Mercy by St. Jerome)

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O Lord, show Your mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho who was overtaken by robbers, wounded and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid. I am like the sheep that went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home in accord with Your will. Let me dwell in Your house all the days of my life and praise You forever and ever with those who are there. Amen. St. Jerome, pray for us.