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Posts Tagged ‘Old Testament’

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Daughter of Zion

In 14 Book Corner on 2011/12/23 at 9:11 AM

Some gleanings from Cardinal Ratzinger’s book: Daughter of Zion.  (Ignatius Press)

The portrait of Mary includes the likeness of the great mothers of the Old Testament like Sarah, Hannah.  Into that portrait is woven the whole theology of daughter of Zion, in which the prophets announced the mystery of God’s love for Israel.

 In the Gospel of John: the figure of Eve, the “woman” par excellence is borrowed to interprets Mary.

The figure of Eve as necessarily the opposite pole of man, Adam.  In the Old Testaments’s history of promises: Sarah-Hagar; Rachel-Leah; Hannah-Penina: fertile and infertile stand opposite each other and in the process a remarkable reversal in values is achieved.

St. Paul developed his theology of spiritual birth from this: the true son of Abraham is not the one who traces his physical origin to him, but the one who in a new way beyond mere physical birth, has been conceived through the creative power of God’s word of promise.

Near the end of the Old Testament canon, a new entirely original type of theology of woman is developed. The great salvific figures of Esther and Judith, judge Deborah – both oppressed (embody defeated Israel)- the woman as savior the embodiment of Israel’s hope, thereby takes her place among the unblessed-blessed mothers; not as a priestess, but as a prophetess and judge-savior.

In the theological short-story type of the woman-savior, the covenant relation of Yahweh to Israel is a covenant of marital love.  Israel as a woman, who is in this relationship with God is, at once virgin and mother.  The existence of each individual as Israelite is expressed interpersonally in the fidelity of the marriage covenant.

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Fr. Kenneth Baker – Inside the Bible

In 15 Audio on 2011/11/02 at 11:11 PM

Inside the Bible

Host – Fr. Kenneth Baker

Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J. presents all 72 books of the Bible in a seamless and magisterial narrative. Outlining each book, he shows how Sacred Scripture reveals God’s Mind to us: who we are; why the world is here; and what God wants us to do to reach the fullness of our humanity. He reveals how the story of Israel is also our story as individuals.

Please click on this link to access these programs:  http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/seriessearchprog.asp?seriesID=6029&T1=Baker

1.The Pentateuch: Introduction to the series. The Bible is a difficult book to read; one book with 73 chapters.  Letters all from one author. Faith of Abraham.

In Leviticus there is that sense of “holiness”. Holiness of being separate and apart. A sort of holiness code is presented.

2.Deuteronomy-Faithfulness to the Creator. Joshua-If one is faithful one will be rewarded if not, punishment.

Judges–Problem of falling into idolatry.

Ruth- is a morality play. Universality of Godʼs love.

3.Second Samuel/Historical books. Throne of David. Jesus is a Son of David. Kings- Solomon asked for wisdom not wealth or power.

Elisha and Elijah, idea of the remnant.

Chronicles-concerned about worship in the Temple. God uses secondary causes to show his will. God is the master of history, he permits things for his own mysterious purposes.

4.The Book of Tobit…More historical books of the Bible.

Tobit- a good man is persecuted for keeping his faith in a foreign land.

Judith-a story of Divine Providence. Courage and virtue, God using someone faithful to the Covenant.

Maccabees- Theocracy established, rule by Priests. Persecution of the people. Encouragement to resist paganism.

Job- problem of evil in the world. Suffering by those who are just.

5. The Wisdom Books and the Psalms

Psalms-Poetry written to be sung. Some are messianic, some wisdom and some historical.

Proverbs-fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Filial fear.

Ecclesiastes fragility of human existence.

Songs-a celebration of love and mutual love that leads to marriage. Spousal love.

Wisdom-wise person follows the laws of the Lord. Recounts wonders God has done for Israel. Essay against idolatry.

Sirach-practical, moral wisdom. Christ is the wisdom of God.

6.The Prophets: Prophets are the conscience of Israel.

Isaiah-the faithful remnant.

Jeremiah- aware of personal responsibility.

Baruch-denounces idol worship.

Ezekiel-description of the new law/New Testament.

7.The Minor Prophets

Daniel-a book of resistance.

Hosea-steadfast love, relationship, separation, rejoining, a symbol of God and Israel. Joel-coming of the Lord. Amos-very somber and serious, denouncing sin.

Obadiah-depicts destruction.

Jonah-Godʼs love of mankind extends to all people.

Micah-predicts destruction, but a remnant will survive.

8.The Minor Prophets Part 2

Nahum-fall of Nineveh and Assyrian Empire.

Habakkuk-problem of evil. How God permits his ends to be accomplished through unbelievers. Rebellion against Godʼs law.

Zechariah- universalism, Godʼs love extends to all. Mal.-proclaims Godsʼ word to people who are self-centered.

9.Matthew, Mark, Luke, John… The Gospels are good news, different angles of the same subject.

Matthew-written for Jews,notion of promise and fulfillment.

Mark-suffering Messiah. Luke-presence of God with his people.

John-transcendence of Jesus Christ.

10.Acts, Romans, Corinthians, Galatians

Acts-account of the Church after the Resurrection.

Romans-justification which makes one pleasing to God is available to everyone.

Corinthians-urges unity in Church, love of God urges Paul on. Galatians-one does not have to be Jewish to be Christian.

11.Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Thessalonians

Ephesians-a mystery has been revealed to us. Jesus Christ. possesses fullness of all reality.

Philippians-urges us to imitate Jesus Christ. Colossians- image of the invisible God.

Thessalonians-Primacy of Christ as Redeemer

12.Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, Peter:

Timothy-all scripture is inspired by God.

Titus-advice about false teachers.

Hebrews theological interpretation of Old Testament. Jesus as Son of God, Savior and eternal high priest.

James-practical letter.

13.John, Jude, Revelation:

John- truth of the Gospels. Jude-hints at doctrine of Trinity. Strong doctrinal and moral sense.

Revelation.-God, absolute Lord of History. Ends on a joyous note.

Please click on this link to access these programs:http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/seriessearchprog.asp?seriesID=6029&T1=Baker