Faith cannot simply be belief – in God, or in a set of teachings – for “even the demons believe and tremble” (James 2:19). In this show, we discern what faith is, by looking at what it isn’t.

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week’s LOVE the Word™ exercise is according to a Augustinian* personality approach.

Listen (Receive the Word)

Hebrews 11:6,  “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Do you really believe God wants to reward you? What do you think He might want to reward you with?

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Talk to God about the longings of your heart, how you feel about them, and however you feel about Him in relation to those desires.

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Jesus, I believe; help my unbelief!

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*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.

Scripture References

Hebrews 11:1, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. But faith is not the absence of logic or reason. Faith lays hold of what the senses and reason cannot. Faith in God is necessary, according to Karol Wojtyła’s (John Paul II) doctoral thesis “Faith in John of the Cross,” because God is pure spirit. There is nothing to see, hear, or sense of God at all unless He makes Himself felt, seen, or heard. Humans receive information through their senses. Since He is pure spirit and therefore beyond sense, He must be received and “reached” through faith. Faith is the ONLY way to lay hold of God.

James 2:19, Faith is not simple belief in the existence of God or even in a body of teachings, for even the demons “believe” and tremble.

James 1:6-7, Although we are instructed to “ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord,” faith is not having faith in the amount or quality of our faith. 

Hebrews 11:6,  “And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” God rewards faith with Himself and not necessarily with what we want. The Hall of Fame chapter in Hebrews 11 teaches us that things didn’t always work out the way God’s people wanted, and they don’t always work out the way we want, so faith is not trusting in what we want to happen.

Daniel 3:17-18, “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” Daniel’s friends show us that faith is not trust in our ability to know God’s will. 

Faith is not faith in the quality or quantity of our faith or trust in our beliefs. It is not believing what we want to happen will happen. Nor is it trust in our ability to read God’s secret will. Faith, quite simply, is trust in God alone: His timing, His provision, His goodness, His answers to our prayers.

Psalm 72:18 “Blessed by the LORD, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things.”

Episode Resources

While Mary gives us the  model to strive for as we LOVE the Word™, Jonah is likely a more realistic example for us to study as we are practicing, because when Jonah hears the word of God, he does the exact opposite! How does God work when we are not obedient to what we've heard, whether it's because we are inexperienced, timid, suspicious, or flat-out rebellious?

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice. This week’s LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Ignatian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting, because the cloud abode upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would go onward; but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not go onward till the day that it was taken up. For throughout all their journeys the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel” (Ex 40:34-38).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Imagine the celebration as the tabernacle you helped construct with your own offerings is finally finished. Are there tambourines? Dancing? Are the children frolicking, as wild with excitement as their parents? What did you offer? Gold, linen, balsams for the anointing oil or incense, your services as craftsman, embroiderer, or goldsmith? Are the people all gathered around, or are you gazing at the incredible sight from the flap of your own tent?

Does the sky grow dark when the unworldly cloud descends and engulfs the tabernacle? Is the air charged with shock or fear or thrill? What does it sound like as it falls, or maybe it simply appears? Are you afraid? Excited? Awed? Are you surprised as darkness approaches that the cloud changes to fire? That you can see it no matter where you are in the whole camp, even from the back side of Sinai?

Does the presence of that cloud comfort you when you look at it in the days to come, knowing He’s there somehow, leading you through this barren desert, day and night, every second?

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions).

What an incredible, glorious thought: that You are with me, Lord, leading me and guiding me every moment, and that You are building a sanctuary in me with my very own offerings. I want to offer everything! But I confess a tremor of fear when I think of your presence in the tabernacle of my body, because I have not made it as hospitable as it could be for You, and my offerings have not been generous. I need to know that You love me unconditionally, even though the tabernacle of my body and heart is not always pure enough to welcome You. What can I offer You, today, as a welcome present?

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Perhaps you’d like to wonder at and cherish, now, your Promise of His unfailing presence with You.

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*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.

Episode Resources

This week's LOVE the Word™ exercise is from chapter six of my newest book with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers: Ignite, Read the Bible Like Never Before, available for pre-order with a 30% discount using code SPARK here.

Ignite will be out August 17.  Get a preview of the introduction and first chapter here. 

Read the Transcript

You can download a complete,

How do I listen with small children? Is listening simply reading the scriptures? If I read passage after passage, book after book of the Bible, have I really prayed if I have not discerned God as a Person there, and adjusted my life to what I have heard? Mary goes further than simply hearing or reading the word in a cerebral way that does not penetrate or move her. She knows how to listen unto contemplation and union.

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice. This week’s LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Ignatian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Mid'ian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.

And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.

And Moses said, "I will turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."

When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here am I."

Then he said, "Do not come near; put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."

And he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God” (Ex 3:1-6).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Late morning on the shadow side of the distant mountain, the air is already so hot the horizon undulates for miles, when just hours ago the barrenness was so frigid he’d shared breath with huddled animals. He can smell burnt dirt and grass under the harsh odor of either himself or the pissing goats.

Pathetic animals are goats and sheep. Always falling into a crevice or ravine; always running away when you call them; always hungry and thirsty; always head-butting and locking horns; always wandering around in every direction at once; never know where the hell they’re supposed to go; always bleating for something.

The wide-open silence is so penetrating he hears his fingernails scratching against the woolen-felted skull of an ewe that nuzzles and nibbles against his fingers. He strokes her upturned face.

His stomach growls as the wind blows hot air and sand from a long distance up his flapping tunic and rattles the few dried weeds, but all he feels as he leans against his gnarly staff, looking out over the remote wilderness, is useless. Stupid.

Once the educated, accomplished, prodigious Prince of Egypt, but now exiled. A stinking fugitive goat herder. Named to be a deliverer of his Hebrew people, but washed up now. Finished. Abandoned. Punished. If anyone knows he deserves this grit rather than a silver spoon in his mouth, it’s him.

He’s been out here in the “desolate places” of Mt. Horeb, on the run, for forty years, the coulda-beens replaying over and over in his mind. People used to bow to him. But now, not even the sheep hear his voice. There’s nothing left of that life. It’s all been completely stripped down, cut off, and excised out here in the desolation.

Ah, well, the same acute sense of righteousness that once provoked him to murder assures him he deserves this life-sentence. If you can’t run with pharoah’s chariots, then get thyself to the desert, is his attitude as he catches sight of a flame leaping up out of the distant heatwaves.

Is the sand on fire? he thinks, and then feels stupid again. There’s not enough vegetation to burn. But it’s definitely fire. Must be a dittany shrub. Those scraggly bushes burn themselves out in a minute’s puff, so his attention wanders. He watches without seeing it,

Lectio divina is Latin for divine reading. In the 12th century, a Carthusian monk named Guigo formally described and recorded the stages traditionally considered essential to practicing lectio divina: lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio.

The LOVE the Word™ method retains the fundamental monastic practice and discipleship in scripture reading, meditation, and prayer that constitutes traditional lectio practice, but without the confusing Latin terms. Learn the history of lectio, and how, instead, to simply LOVE like Mary!

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary’s own practice. This week’s LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Augustinian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:1-10

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Jericho, an enormous city rich on trade to the East, is surrounded by date palms and scented with almond flowers. Cumin, cassia, myrrh, and essential oils feed a continuous caravan of exports streaming away from the city like ant trails. For the Roman government, the city is an engorged center of taxation. Plump. Ripe. Spilling over with revenue. Knee-deep in the harvest are the tax collectors, making sure what is Caesar’s is rendered unto Caesar, and in the process, a denarius or ten rendered unto themselves.

It’s early spring and Jesus is passing through Jericho; if He is not stopped, He will keep going. Where will He pass me by today if I do not stop Him?

The crowd swells as the curious vie for position. But for one man, curiosity isn’t enough. He is Zacchaeus, a small man.

Zacchaeus must have learned early how to survive in a big world, as one who probably got pushed around and bullied and teased for his size. Maybe he learned to compensate, to laugh at the jokes, to stay invisible, and to bide his time until he was standing tall at the top where payback is hell.

In the difficult process of growing up, maybe a tender part of his childhood was trampled underfoot and crushed, squashed under the clumsy and often cruel feet of the big and tall. As he climbed the professional ladder, he must have carried that crushed bit of himself everywhere he went. Don’t you?

Did he also step on anyone who stood in his way, anyone on the next rung up, until he arrived at the top where people finally fear him? Not just tax collector, chief tax collector. That the scriptures say he is rich is redundant. The modern equivalent is something like the drug boss with the gold grille, both in his mouth and on his car, filthy and rich on all that ruins lives. Zacchaeus has power; he has wealth. But he’s despised and corrupt and alone; and now he’s up a tree looking for Jesus.

What he sees up there, draped over the limb like drying laundry, is the total lack of a great Messiah-king’s pomp or ceremony, and yet,

Pope Francis called Mary the “mother of listening,” because she didn’t just hear the word (in our case read, also), she understood how to interpret it in light of her own relationships, circumstances, and habits.

Modeled on the Annunciation, LOVE the Word is a new lectio method that invites our Blessed Mother to guide us in her own personal “listening” practice: L – listen, O – observe, V – verbalize, E – entrust. We learn how to LOVE the Word like Mary, from Mary. She teaches us to interpret the word we hear and read through the landscape of our lives.

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week's LOVE the Word™ exercise uses Mary's practice as an example.

Listen (Receive the Word)

And the angel came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

We'll have to speculate here...How would you connect the angel's visit to the word you received, and to Elizabeth's pregnancy?

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.

“How can this be, since I have no husband?” "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..."

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

"May it be done to me according to you word."

.

*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.

Scripture References for the Show

Luke 1:28-36

28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High;

and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever;

and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no husband?” 35 And the angel said to her,

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;

therefore the child to be born will be called holy,

the Son of God.

36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Episode Resources

"In an address in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis once compared our ability to hear the voice of God with that of the Blessed Mother and her kinswoman Elizabeth.

'What gave rise to Mary’s act of going to visit her relative Elizabeth? A word of God’s angel. “Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son . . .” (Lk 1:36). Mary knew how to listen to God. Be careful: it was not merely “hearing” a superficial word, but it was “listening,” that consists of attention,

In preparation for our new series LOVE the Word beginning next week, take a listen to this important exploration of why Mary is understood by the Church Fathers to be the Ark of the New Covenant. Don't forget to get your Mary journal or print your pages (to the right), if you haven't already. We're going to use them a lot throughout the series!

 

Scripture References for The Show

Exodus 25:10-22, the exquisite description of the mysterious contents of the Holy of Holies

Exodus 20:4-5, “You shall not make for yourself a graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth..."

Numbers 3:29-31, The Levite tribe of Kohath was responsible for carrying the ark on the wilderness journey.

2 Samuel 6-8, David mistakenly allowed moving the ark by ox cart, resulting in its instability. Uzzah reached out to steady it and died as a result of touching it.

Exodus 25:10-22, The seat of the ark is called the mercy seat and was both a throne and oracle for God.

Leviticus 16, Description of the Day of Atonement, the highest holy day of the Israelite year. It was the only day anyone was allowed inside the Holy of Holies, and then it could only be the high priest (vs 2). The high priest sprinkled the blood of atonement on the mercy seat 7 times on this day.

Hebrews 9:3-5, The contents of the ark were a pot of manna, the rod of Aaron, and the Ten Commandments.

Deuteronomy 9:10, The two tables of stone were written with the finger of God, and on them were all the Ten Words which the Lord had spoke to Moses on the mountain out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly at Sinai.

Josh.4:4, ff and Judg. 20:27, The ark accompanied Israelite armies in battle and its presence is attested at the siege of Jericho and in the War of Benjamin.

Full notes of Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant are here.

Episode Resources

Article on Mary as the Biblical "Portent" or "Sign" of the Church, here.

“Mary is a special young lady, but she is human and depraved, just as you and I are,” was the non-denominational pastor’s Christmas post this week. As I read the word "depraved," I shuddered.

Ironic, since—as a non-Catholic researching my way into the Catholic Church—my complete incredulity regarding the Church’s teachings on Mary cannot be overstated. I shared this Protestant pastor’s sentiment up to my full communion, and continued to harbor the suspicion for years afterward.

Honestly? I was scandalized by the Church’s assertions that God predestined...

A list of quotes from Church History regarding Mary as the Ark of the New Covenant, along with the year of the writing.

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The ark of the covenant was the throne from which God ruled. The Old Testament ark of the covenant, Mary, Jesus, the Church collectively, and you and I individually all express this idea. Jesus said “the Kingdom of God is within you,” meaning, your soul should be the throne of God.

Is Jesus the ruler of your heart and life, completely? What are you holding back?

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"For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming" (2 Thess 2:7-8). Amen, and hallelujah!

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week's LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Augustinian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

"But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word" (2 Thess 2:13-17).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Because this is scripture, the Holy Spirit is saying it directly to you, personally. Which part of this passage strikes you most? To which sentence, phrase, or word is your attention drawn?

What is the Lord saying to you through that? Sit with Him a moment and let your mind wander freely as you think on this word, phrase, or sentence.

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Talk to Him about what you believe He is saying to you about this scripture. What are you thinking and feeling as you re-read St. Paul's words, above? What do you want to say to Him about that?

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

"Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." (The Jesus Prayer)

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*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.

Eschatological Qualification

Catholic eschatology is what's called "speculative theology." This designation means little has been defined by the Magisterium concerning the end times, so the subject is open for speculation and development by Catholics seeking truth via Sacred Tradition (history) and Sacred Scripture. I attempt throughout the series to make clear what is public revelation and therefore part of the Deposit of Faith, and what is private revelation and not a matter of adherence. I do not present unapproved private revelation in this series.

Scripture References for the Show

2 Peter 1:20, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation."

1 Thessalonians 3:15, "That you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

Episode Resources

"In things of faith and morals, the true sense of Holy Scripture is held by the Church, whose place it is to judge the interpretation of the Scriptures (1 Tim 3:15); and it is permitted to no one to interpret Holy Scripture against such sense or against the unanimous agreement of the Fathers'( 34). What can be a greater sign of pride than to refuse to study the Books of the divine mysteries by the help of those who have interpreted them?

"But it is most unbecoming to pass by, in ignorance or contempt, the excellent work which Catholics have left in abundance,

"For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming" (2 Thess 2:7-8). Amen, and hallelujah!

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week's LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Augustinian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

"But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word" (2 Thess 2:13-17).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Because this is scripture, the Holy Spirit is saying it directly to you, personally. Which part of this passage strikes you most? To which sentence, phrase, or word is your attention drawn?

What is the Lord saying to you through that? Sit with Him a moment and let your mind wander freely as you think on this word, phrase, or sentence.

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Talk to Him about what you believe He is saying to you about this scripture. What are you thinking and feeling as you re-read St. Paul's words, above? What do you want to say to Him about that?

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

"Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." (The Jesus Prayer)

.

*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.

Eschatological Qualification

Catholic eschatology is what's called "speculative theology." This designation means little has been defined by the Magisterium concerning the end times, so the subject is open for speculation and development by Catholics seeking truth via Sacred Tradition (history) and Sacred Scripture. I attempt throughout the series to make clear what is public revelation and therefore part of the Deposit of Faith, and what is private revelation and not a matter of adherence. I do not present unapproved private revelation in this series.

Scripture References for the Show

2 Peter 1:20, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation."

1 Thessalonians 3:15, "That you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

Episode Resources

"In things of faith and morals, the true sense of Holy Scripture is held by the Church, whose place it is to judge the interpretation of the Scriptures (1 Tim 3:15); and it is permitted to no one to interpret Holy Scripture against such sense or against the unanimous agreement of the Fathers'( 34). What can be a greater sign of pride than to refuse to study the Books of the divine mysteries by the help of those who have interpreted them?

"But it is most unbecoming to pass by, in ignorance or contempt, the excellent work which Catholics have left in abundance,

"For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming" (2 Thess 2:7-8). Amen, and hallelujah!

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week's LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Augustinian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

"But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word" (2 Thess 2:13-17).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Because this is scripture, the Holy Spirit is saying it directly to you, personally. Which part of this passage strikes you most? To which sentence, phrase, or word is your attention drawn?

What is the Lord saying to you through that? Sit with Him a moment and let your mind wander freely as you think on this word, phrase, or sentence.

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Talk to Him about what you believe He is saying to you about this scripture. What are you thinking and feeling as you re-read St. Paul's words, above? What do you want to say to Him about that?

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

"Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." (The Jesus Prayer)

.

*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.

Eschatological Qualification

Catholic eschatology is what's called "speculative theology." This designation means little has been defined by the Magisterium concerning the end times, so the subject is open for speculation and development by Catholics seeking truth via Sacred Tradition (history) and Sacred Scripture. I attempt throughout the series to make clear what is public revelation and therefore part of the Deposit of Faith, and what is private revelation and not a matter of adherence. I do not present unapproved private revelation in this series.

Scripture References for the Show

2 Peter 1:20, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation."

1 Thessalonians 3:15, "That you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

Episode Resources

"In things of faith and morals, the true sense of Holy Scripture is held by the Church, whose place it is to judge the interpretation of the Scriptures (1 Tim 3:15); and it is permitted to no one to interpret Holy Scripture against such sense or against the unanimous agreement of the Fathers'( 34). What can be a greater sign of pride than to refuse to study the Books of the divine mysteries by the help of those who have interpreted them?

"But it is most unbecoming to pass by, in ignorance or contempt, the excellent work which Catholics have left in abundance,

"For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains it will do so until He is out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming" (2 Thess 2:7-8). Amen, and hallelujah!

Study Audio

LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin. This week's LOVE the Word™ exercise is based on a Augustinian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

"But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word" (2 Thess 2:13-17).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

Because this is scripture, the Holy Spirit is saying it directly to you, personally. Which part of this passage strikes you most? To which sentence, phrase, or word is your attention drawn?

What is the Lord saying to you through that? Sit with Him a moment and let your mind wander freely as you think on this word, phrase, or sentence.

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

Talk to Him about what you believe He is saying to you about this scripture. What are you thinking and feeling as you re-read St. Paul's words, above? What do you want to say to Him about that?

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

"Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." (The Jesus Prayer)

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*LOVE the Word™ exercises vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic. These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.

Eschatological Qualification

Catholic eschatology is what's called "speculative theology." This designation means little has been defined by the Magisterium concerning the end times, so the subject is open for speculation and development by Catholics seeking truth via Sacred Tradition (history) and Sacred Scripture. I attempt throughout the series to make clear what is public revelation and therefore part of the Deposit of Faith, and what is private revelation and not a matter of adherence. I do not present unapproved private revelation in this series.

Scripture References for the Show

2 Peter 1:20, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of private interpretation."

1 Thessalonians 3:15, "That you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

Episode Resources

"In things of faith and morals, the true sense of Holy Scripture is held by the Church, whose place it is to judge the interpretation of the Scriptures (1 Tim 3:15); and it is permitted to no one to interpret Holy Scripture against such sense or against the unanimous agreement of the Fathers'( 34). What can be a greater sign of pride than to refuse to study the Books of the divine mysteries by the help of those who have interpreted them?

"But it is most unbecoming to pass by, in ignorance or contempt, the excellent work which Catholics have left in abundance,