Thursday, July 16

‡Turned in our packets from yesterday. Received the 10 Blocks of the Church packet. Went over the Gospel of Luke's "three lost things": coin, sheep, son. It was determined that they are largely conveying knowledge of God. Discussed the four levels of belief about God: Yes (theism), No (atheism), Cannot Know (agnostic), and Not Caring (indifference).
Went over key teachings of Jesus: Beatitudes, MT 25 (Judgment of Nations), Greatest Commandment, Rich Young Man, Major ideas of the Sermon on the Mount, significance of the words 'Christ' and 'Son of Man'.
‡We broke into small groups and worked on bracketology to determine the major concepts of the New Testament, such as terms, characters, images, passages, etc. This was good review for me!
For the last part of class we worked on and completed our course evaluation forms.
‡Tonight's homework: Study for the final EXAM tomorrow! Look at old tests and the If you haven't already, turn in your Portrait of Jesus assignment in class tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 15

Today we began class with each of us saying something we were thankful for from freshman year. I am surely very thankful for SLUH's amazing cross-country program. I made many new friends and found something I really enjoyed!
‡We briefly went over the Catholic Source Book (p.242) in the textbook.
Received a crossword puzzle handout for exam review. Discussed a little bit about the exam- not scantron. Witness to Faith presentations today included Maximilian Kolbe and Tom Dooley, a SLUH graduate who was born here in St. Louis! Out of the presentations today, his life story inspired me the most probably because I can connect, him going to SLUH also. He set up hospitals in Laos and saw mass suffering. He even continued to carry out his service to humanity through his deadly illness. He is an excellent role model!
‡For the majority of class, we worked in our 'pods' on a Catholic Social Teaching project. It really got me thinking about WHY I believe what I believe now about current issues of the world today. I learned how to find out about teachings of the Church as well as those of Jesus by using various sources. I discovered that Jesus' teachings and those of the Church are not always EXACTLY the same! I personally think this project was one of the tougher ones but it really got me thinking.
‡Homework: Continue to study for the exam (largely our old tests!); Finish up Portrait of Jesus assignment; Complete page 5 on the Catholic Social Teaching assignment.

Tuesday, July 14

‡Class today began with prayer on p. 239. Took Chapter 8 test.
Witness to Faith presentations included Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, both of whom actively fought for civil rights in South Africa.
‡I chose my favorite passage [1 Corinthians 13:4-13] written by Paul, regarding Love. We did three level interpretations on them. From my passage, I believe that God is calling me to be open to new friendships and to be patient with my family.
Something important that I remember from class today is when we were talking about the Four Marks of the Church. I was surprised to find out what HOLY truly meant- not strictly religious, but anything that is personally special to us and therefore set aside.
‡Homework: Review all notes for exam Friday! Check out Mr. Sciuto's textbook vocab directory to help in studying! On our own, tonight we should research Sr. Maria Skobtsova and Oscar Romero. All extra-credit is due tomorrow at the latest!
ALSO: CHECK OUT THE WATER PROJECT!

Monday, July 13

As we began our final week of class, we discussed our final HW assignment in detail.
Witness to faith presentations today included Fern Holland, a incredible woman who left the safety of the US to legally defend the rights of women in Iraq. She is a role model because she did not let threats stop her and stood up to men. Miguel Pro was yet another martyr for his faith and prayed for executors and proclaimed, "Viva Cristo Rey", which translates to "Long live, Christ the King." Cristo Rey is now a unique movement of Catholic schools across America.
‡Class discussed more of Stephen's discourse, yesterday's readings at Mass, and James' role in the Council of Jerusalem. I realized that the disciples on the road to Eumaeus were going away from Jerusalem to escape persecution!
‡We watched the movie, The Story of Paul the Apostle (History Channel). For me personally, it was mostly review but it helped solidify information about the Council of Jerusalem and put into perspective WHEN Paul wrote each of letters and to whom. It seemed to go along with the textbook.
After the movie, the class briefly talked about important papal encyclicals of Pope John Paul II as well as Pope Benedict XVI.
‡Tonight's homework: Finish up Ch. 8; Test tomorrow! Continue working on Portrait of Jesus [Final] HW assignment; bring in our favorite reading from Paul's letters. If not completed, the course evaluation form is due tomorrow also.

Friday, July 10

Class today began with the Prayer for Generosity; then took chapter 7 test. It included the entire quiz (Jesuit terms) from yesterday! The snail in a well question got me. I didn't count the steps right! Anyways, I'll know for next time.
We finished up the rest of the Portrait of a Radical movie, I enjoyed it because well-educated men stepped back and looked at Jesus' life practically, and how he was so revolutionary for his time.
The witness to faith presentation today was on Lacey Mosley, of the band Fly Leaf. She experienced a major conversion by going to church! On our own, we should learn about Alfred Delp, S.J.
We went over evidence of the Resurrection. Apart from the consistent records of visits from women and hundreds of witnesses, Simple: It is the only reason why the frightened disciples would just suddenly come out of hiding to spread the Good News of Jesus. Reviewed ch 7 and compared all of the prominent religions of the world today- they all have similar meanings!
‡Homework: Begin Ch. 8 in text, test next Tuesday; Complete 4 question worksheet, [unofficial] course evaluation form, and look over the Jews' News handout we received today. *Continue working on Final HW assignment.

Thursday, July 9

Got our ch. 6 tests back, corrected; Class took a quiz on the key Jesuit terms/ideals. [back of quiz -->]I'd say that the most significant tests in 'this' have been the beginning of the course. The Introduction & Chapter 1 test was quite difficult because of the many new terms. I'm going to study the key Jesuit terms for the test tomorrow, since there won't be a chart on the back.
Witness to Faith presentations today included Sophie Scholl, a German girl who participated in the White Rose, an anti-Hitler group. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was also a true model of faith because he had everything going for him in America but chose to return to Germany to speak out against German churches and to aid Jews. From what I understand, he was totally selfless and put others first.
Class received a reflection handout today that will be due Monday, it has several questions on the course so far.
In class, we were discussing assorted concepts about Jesus when Jesus' questioning of Peter three times came up. Something that hit me today was the fact that Jesus asked Peter THREE times if he loved Jesus. It's ironic because Peter DENIED Jesus THREE times.
Towards the end of class, we watched a movie called Portrait of a Radical. It uncovered just HOW revolutionary Jesus was and how He has been misunderstood by many. His social actions were very unlike those of other men during the time period.
Today's homework: Finish up Ch. 7 (Acts), Test tomorrow!

Wednesday, July 8

Morning prayer was a musical version of the Suscipe, which I learned is the song we always heard before prayer services Freshman year.
Witness to faith presentations today included Albert Pujols and the Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador. I had known about Pujols' service work and "family first" attitude, but I had never even heard of the Martyrs of El Salvador! From my understanding, they were dedicated to justice and attempted to pick a side in a messy situation.
Jesuit contemplation involves a person reading the passage as if they were there, putting themselves in the action. What would we have done in this situation??
What stuck out from class today was our conversation about why are there are often John 3:16 signs at sporting events! This would be interesting to find out why.
Also, I was surprised to find out how many popular movies/books have recurring light vs. dark (good vs. evil) themes! We should all have this struggle going on inside us if we are pursuing good.
‡Homework tonight: I need to continue working on my final HW assignment. Study Jesuit Preamble & Ideals for quiz tomorrow. Start chapter 7 (Acts); test Friday!
FOUND A GOOD CHRISTIAN BAND: "RELIENT K"

Tuesday, July 7

In class today, we got our Ch. 5 tests back. Class prayed prayer from text. (p.175)
Compared light and dark, and why do we sin / Why do good people do evil things?? Well, sometimes we indeed think we are doing the right thing but truly we are not. We sin because, at times, the wrong path is more easy or more fun.
Presented Pedro Arrupe, Jack M presented John Brown. The class had a discussion of key Jesuit terms (such as: magis, double standards, AMDG, Spiritual Exercises, etc.) I wish I can have the JGTBH (Just Glad To Be Here) attitude in all the things I do.
We discussed the events of Ignatius' life; because he was a soldier, the Jesuit order was set up like a military structure! I think that's really neat and finally makes sense after researching Arrupe. Class received a course evaluation form with a 3 Level Interpretation to do on the back.
How many sacraments are there? I learned that nuns/religious sisters do NOT take Holy Orders; therefore, women can only receive SIX sacraments!
The idea that really stood out to me today was the realization that the Gospels present Jesus having DIFFERENT last words. This is because they have different audiences and were written for different purposes. I also learned that when Mark and Matthew present Jesus saying, "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?", it can be interpreted that it is NOT a humanly cry of despair and submission but a reference to the Old Testament (Psalm 22), a psalm of praise and glorification to God!
Homework: Work on final homework project, study for Ch. 6 (John) test tomorrow!

WEEK FOUR - Monday, July 6

In class today, we began by reading a prayer on p.147. I learned what Deuteronomic Dualism was; that belief that we will be rewarded here and now. For me, this shed some light on why the Jews at the time of Jesus did not wish to interact with the poor and sick, for fear they would become "impure". Since there wasn't really any belief in an afterlife with God, they wished to remain [ritually] clean/pure during their worldly life. They thought that the sick and poor of society were the sinners, those unfavored by God. Jesus seemed to preach the opposite of this belief when he came.
We got our chapter 4 tests back and corrected them. Remember to PAY ATTENTION in class before tests for material that could be tested on!! Took Ch 5 Test, turned in Witness to Faith hard copies. I will present my Pedro Arrupe report in class tomorrow.
The class watched a movie called How Jesus Died: The Final 18 Hours. It made me cringe at times as experts explained medically the extreme anguish and pain Jesus suffered in the final hours of his life. Visually watching the driving of the nails during the Crucifixion shocked me the most. The class briefly described funeral settings; then settings in general - where we are when we best encounter God. (Compared Mark 1 with Isaiah 43, which differ only in punctuation..) I best encounter God in nature while I'm out running by myself. It's an awesome experience.
Homework: Get started on the "Final NT Assignment" (yellow handout). Begin Chapter 6 in text (John), Test Wednesday!

Wednesday, July 1

At the beginning of class, we read a prayer from p. 119. Jesus suffered in SILENCE to save all of our sins. After the prayer, class took the Chapter 4 test. We picked up an Extra-Credit sheet for the class and discussed it. I think it's really cool how the possible projects can be small and simple, yet meaningful to the person who does them in a close way. We talked about the right way we should act if we want to be Jesus' disciples. In this, we compared the publics' reactions to Jesus' death vs. Michael Jackson's death. Quite unlike the death of Michael Jackson, Jesus' followers hid themselves and denied knowing Jesus in the time he needed it most! (quiet vs. blownout)
For the remainder of class, we worked on our Witness to Faith projects. I helped some people and am now working on making a quoted memorial picture of Jake Ritz. After finishing up my homework, I was able to find a web server (000 WebHost) to host my webpage. [Now linked from this blog] After the last day of the third week, I actually think the class is pretty challenging but most students can do well if they STAY ORGANIZED. I have found that is key. I enjoy this class because we all equally have a chance to participate, especially through unique extra-credit projects such as this blog. It helps me to stay organized and remember what happens in class each day.
There will be no class tomorrow (Thursday) and we are also off this Friday the 3rd.
For homework: Read, take notes, and study for Chapter 5 (Gospel of Luke) Test on Monday!

Tuesday, June 30

Class today ran from 8:00-9:30. Much discussion on death. If you love, then part of that love will be suffering.
Disciple metaphors --> "salt of the earth", "light of the world". Jesus came to fulfill old laws. The Spirit of the Law is more important than the Letter of the Law. After the Sermon on the Mount, people were SHOCKED because, unlike the scribes and Pharisees, He spoke with authority.
The most popular non-canonical Gospel is the Gospel of Thomas.
We discussed the Holy Days of Obligation and the etymology of "Son of Man".
Class touched on Divine Economy, and how God gives mankind free will. We are all free within our certain limits. Received updated Ch. 4 review sheet. At 9:30, we all drove to Xavier (College Church) for Jake Ritz's funeral.
‡Homework: Finish up chapter 4, test tomorrow! Material in addition to text includes Ruby Bridges, Gospel of MT (esp. Sermon on Mount), and Jesus Christ Superstar.

WEEK THREE - Monday, June 29

In class today, we handed in the hard copies of our Bible Illuminated homework projects. Discussed Friday's tragedy and our reactions to why death happens if God really loves us; how can we deal with death? Talked about Sunday's readings; USCCB stands for United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Contemplation is a way of putting ourselves into the Scripture to pray. The class compared the Christian Eucharist with the Jewish Passover, there are so many similarities! Discussed the Paschal Mystery; Passover recounts how God delivered the ancient Hebrews from slavery and death in Egypt. Eucharist recounts the Last Supper, how Jesus is the "Passover lamb", who saves us from the power of sin and eternal death.
We received three handouts: "Praying With Scripture", Sunday's readings from USCCB, and a Three Level Interpretation of Sunday's readings from Catholic Matters.
Also in class, we determined our schedule for this week: tomorrow (Tuesday) we will arrive at school early and attend class from 8:00-9:30, then proceed to Jake Ritz's funeral. Wednesday we will have normal class, Chapter 4 test that day, including questions about Gospel of Matthew & Jesus Christ Superstar movie. Thursday there will be no class due to the funeral mass for Brendan Langford and his father at Ascension Church in Chesterfield.
Towards the end of class, we began chapter 4, read through the first section of the text & took notes.
‡Homework: Study for Chapter 4 test Wednesday; Chapter 5 test and Witness to Faith homework assignment due Monday.

Friday, June 26

In class today, we had a substitute teacher, Ms. Rush. We handed in our one-page Gospel of Matthew notes. For the majority of class, we watched Jesus Christ Superstar. As the movie played, we took notes on a worksheet. After a short break and once the movie was finished, the class had a discussion on the film. The class analyzed the movie's different portrayals of the main participants in the events of Jesus' life. In looking at Judas, we can see that forgiving others may not always be difficult, but forgiving YOURSELF is the hardest thing. We handed in our worksheets at the end. Although it was a musical, I thought the movie was pretty good as it was my first time seeing it. For the weekend, I believe there is a Ch. 4/Gospel of Matthew test next Tuesday.
ALSO: After class, the SLUH community found out that two members of the Class of 2012 were killed in a plane crash earlier today, [names not listed here-see website] and one other classmate was seriously injured and is currently in critical condition. A Mass was held this evening from 7:00-9:00 for them. Please keep them in your prayers!

Thursday, June 25

When we got into class today, we received back our graded Ch. 3 tests & made corrections to mistakes. At the 1st Council of Jerusalem, Paul says that Gentiles want to be Christians without becoming Jewish first. James proposes a compromise. The question was: Do you need to be a Jew to follow Jesus (be a Christian)?
We read a storybook on Ruby Bridges and how she attended a white school in an empty building. She was a very patient learner and prayed intently for her protesters on her way to school each morning, escorted by US Marshalls.
Fr. Joe Tetlowst said (essentially) that we are encountering God when we read Scripture. Reading the Bible is an excellent method of prayer - getting to know Jesus.
‡Some questions that came up while reading the Gospel of Matthew:
Why weren't women and children counted in Jesus' Feeding of the Five Thousand?
In the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, is Jesus justifying socialism?
Does Jesus have brothers? Why did Jesus angrily call Peter "Satan"? (Matthew 16:23)
We are constantly changing-living in mystery. The Catholic Church does not permit divorce. Also, Jews of the time expected a divine, military king; not someone such as Jesus.
‡Class handouts: Sermon on the Mount worksheet and commentary packet; Jesus Christ Superstar movie worksheet. Matthew notes sheet due tomorrow.

Wednesday, June 24

At the beginning of class, we received our tentative schedule for the next three class days. After taking the Chapter 3 test, the class took a short break and began reading the Gospel of Matthew and working on (a one-sided page of) notes. Learned that Christology is the study of Jesus Christ. In analyzing the Infancy Narrative in Matthew, the three magi gave gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold symbolized that the infant Jesus was a king; Frankincense (used for worship) emphasized that he was priestly; and myrrh (normally used for burials) foreshadowed Jesus' death- a testimony to his humanity. I think this is very interesting, and have never thought of the symbolism this way before.
‡Why the Incarnation?
      1.) To save us; reconciling us with God.
      2.) So that we might know God's love for us.
      3.) To be our model of holiness.
      4.) To make us partakers of the divine nature.
For tonight's homework: we should finish reading up to Ch. 17:27 in the Gospel of Matthew (parables on the kingdom of Heaven, the disciples' acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah).

Tuesday, June 23

Class: Got back our tests, discussed, and made corrections. PAY ATTENTION on test questions! The answer may already be there for you! As a class, we prepared a skeletal outline of chapter 3 and talked about study methods. Compared differences in the Gospels of Luke & Matthew.
Matthew used the Sermon on the Mount (Ch.5-7) because he mainly wrote to a Jewish-Christian audience, who would be familiar with Moses and the 10 Commandments. Jesus was the New Moses.
Luke wrote for Gentiles. He presented his Sermon on the Plain (Ch.6) because being on a mount would have no significant meaning to them. Matthew's genealogy of Jesus being linked to Abraham and David (over 2000 years) illustrates Jesus as the Messiah.
Who is Theophilius? A friend or lover of God.
The Greek word for 'word' is "Logos".
The Kingdom of Heaven/God is the gift of salvation, eternal life, and love HERE & NOW; God's rule of justice, peace, and love.
Christian eschatology - "4 Last Things" are: 1) Death 2) Judgment 3) Heaven or 4) Hell.
See Gospel Comparison Chart so far here.
Homework: Finish studying for Ch. 3 Test tomorrow!

WEEK TWO - Monday, June 22

In class today, we first discussed yesterday's Gospel reading, Mark 4:35-41 and interpreted it on three levels. Then we watched a short Deion Sander's video - an example of metanoia in the world today. After taking the Chapter Two test, the class prayed a prayer on p. 29 in the text. We reviewed the chapter goals and learned about the different things we can do when we don't understand a passage in Scripture, such as: looking in a biblical commentary (Collegeville), cross-references in the Bible itself, internet encyclopedias (NewAdvent & Jewish), and concordances. I learned that apocrypha are various types of literature which imitate style and content of Old & New Testament books. We used many different forms of information to research the meaning of 'Son of Man', which is found on Daniel 7:13. Class was concluded by suggesting new ways to make course information/updates available online.
Finished Bible Illuminated Project found here.

Week One Overview (June 15-19)

Introduction & Welcome Into Class
+Took pretest to determine prior NT knowledge. Tests/Quizzes are FOR LEARNING. Quizzes set up tests and tests set up the exam.
+Explored the Course Website.
+Why would it be important for anyone, even an atheist to read, know, and study the Old Testament? How about a Christian? A Catholic?
+What do we need to bring to follow Jesus?
     -Knowledge of God, Scripture, Sacraments, saving works of Jesus, morality, etc. It is a journey! Ignatius called himself the "pilgrim".
+What does it mean to be Christian?
     -One who follows Jesus Christ and truly believes he is the Truth, Light, Messiah, etc.
+What does it mean to be Catholic?
     -One who chooses to belong to this community because we believe this will help us connect with God/Jesus best. "this" being Tradition, Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer & Spirituality, Liturgical Year, Jesus & the Paschal Mystery.
+One unforgivable sin: blasphemy or putting yourself above God.
+Jesus tells the rich young man to FOLLOW THE 10 COMMANDMENTS.
+Most common New Testament (1st person) title for Jesus is "Son of Man".
+Matthew 25 is the Judgment of Nations, Matthew 22 is the Greatest Commandment.
†Misc. Vocabulary†
Dei Verbum: the Word of God
Metanoia: a radical change of mind (think) and heart (feel) away from sin (evil, false values, selfishness) and towards Jesus (love, grace, goodness).
Shema: (Jewish) the first Greatest Commandment; to love God with all your mind, heart, and soul.
Agape: Selfless love. (See link)
‡5 Step Method for truly learning material: Skim, Read, Mark, Notes, & Study!
‡Handouts: "Hearts Large Enough To Hold the World" Prayer booklet, "Jewish Roots of the Eucharist", "Seven Most-Asked Questions about the Bible", "How the Bible Came to Be", & main course packet.
‡Covered intro/chapter one; main ideas: Jesus' Mission, ways to study/interpret Scripture(literary forms), theme of "Journey", and core beliefs/culture of Judaism.