In this final episode of the Bible study on the Gospel of John led by Frances Hogan, the focus is on the post-resurrection encounter between Jesus and Peter at the Lake of Galilee. The discussion unfolds around Jesus' poignant questioning of Peter's love, challenging him three times. This serves as a transformative and rehabilitative moment for Peter, who had previously denied Jesus thrice. The dialogue symbolizes Peter's spiritual resurrection and complete dependence on God. The significance of Jesus reinstating Peter as the chief shepherd is emphasized, portraying divine delegation of authority and highlighting the compassion required for effective leadership in shepherding God's flock. The episode delves into the symbolic depth of the shepherd imagery, drawing connections to Old Testament references and illustrating Peter's journey from denial to repentance.

Additionally, Hogan touches on a prophecy regarding Peter's future martyrdom, reinforcing his commitment to suffering for the faith. The discussion extends to John, representing the broader church community and symbolizing its endurance until the second coming of Jesus. Peter is instructed to focus on his own vocation, while the mention of John signifies the church's ongoing mission and its ultimate perseverance through the ages. The episode concludes with reflections on the mysteries of Christ, the body of Christ, and the mission of the church, emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit to be poured into believers for the church to fulfill its divine purpose.

Bible References:

• Jn.21:15-17 - The dialogue between Jesus and Peter by the Sea of Galilee
• Jn.21:18 - Jesus provides a prophecy to Peter about his future
• Jn.21:20-23 - The conversation between Peter and Jesus regarding the fate of the disciple John

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

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In this Bible study episode, Frances Hogan focuses on the concluding chapter of the Gospel of John, considered an appendix aimed at clarifying the roles of Peter and John as the community transitions into the post-apostolic age. The narrative unfolds by the Lake of Galilee, referred to as the shore of Tiberias, where a group of disciples, led by Peter, encounters Jesus. Despite the disciples' initial lack of recognition, Jesus orchestrates a miraculous catch of fish, revealing his presence and authority. Frances Hogan explores the themes of discernment, obedience, and the symbolic significance of the catch, emphasizing the disciples' dependence on Jesus for spiritual success and the unity of the Church in its mission to the world.

The study delves into the disciples' reactions, highlighting John's discernment preceding Peter's, underscoring the importance of recognizing and following the guidance of those with deeper insight. The narrative also emphasizes the disciples' trust and obedience to Jesus, even when faced with a stranger on the shore. Symbolism plays a crucial role, with the 153 fish representing a universal harvest, and the unbroken net symbolizing the unity of the Church. The episode concludes by drawing parallels between this event and the broader mission of the Church, emphasizing the need for faithful labor in the vineyard and the assurance that Jesus is waiting for believers at the culmination of the Church's mission.

Bible References:

• Jn.21:1-3 - The disciples, including Peter, fishing on the Sea of Galilee but catching nothing during the night
• Jn.21:4-6: Jesus appears on the shore but is initially unrecognized by the disciples
• Jn.21:7 - The disciples begin to recognize Jesus
• Jn.21:8-14 - The disciples' interactions with Jesus, the preparation of breakfast, and the significance of the catch of 153 fish
• Jn.21:15-19 - Jesus engages in a conversation with Peter, asking him three times if he loves Him
• Jn.21:20-23 - The chapter concludes with a reference to the disciple whom Jesus loved (often identified with John) and a discussion about the longevity of the beloved disciple's life

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

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In this Bible study session led by Frances Hogan, the discussion delves into the profound encounter between Jesus and Thomas, emphasizing the humility with which Jesus approached Thomas's demand for scientific evidence. Despite Thomas's initial skepticism, he eventually acknowledges Jesus as "My Lord and My God," marking a pivotal moment in the Gospel narrative. The session explores the broader theme of honoring the Son as the Father, referencing Jesus's earlier statement and highlighting the significance of Thomas's adoration as the beginning of fulfilling this prophecy. The study also touches on the diverse titles given to Jesus in the Gospel, emphasizing the central purpose of John's Gospel—to declare Jesus as the incarnation of God.

Frances Hogan further reflects on the nature of faith, drawing attention to Jesus's surprising response to Thomas. Rather than expressing satisfaction at Thomas's acknowledgment, Jesus intimates a sadness, indicating that the future of the Church's faith should not be solely dependent on tangible evidence. The episode underscores the importance of a mature faith built on the apostolic witness, challenging believers to transcend the need for signs and wonders. The study concludes by delving into the motivation behind John's Gospel, stressing that it aims not for scholarly pursuits but for a transformative belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, leading to life through His name.

Bible References:

• Jn.20:27 - Jesus speaks directly to Thomas, inviting him to touch the wounds on His hands and side
• Jn.5:23 - The Son would be honored in the same way as the Father
• Jn.10:29 - The Father is in Jesus and Jesus is in the Father
• 1 Pt.1:8 - Faith can surpass the need for seeing and touching, and believers can experience joy in their faith without direct physical evidence
• 2 Cor.5:16 - Knowing Jesus not in the flesh but in the spirit
• Jn.1:1, 14 - The beginning and end of the Gospel
• Jn.20:30-31 - "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that by believing you may have life in his name."

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

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This Bible study session led by Frances Hogan continues to focus on the pivotal events following Jesus' resurrection. The discussion centers on Jesus appearing to the 10 apostles in the upper room, emphasizing the realness of his presence as he participates in a shared meal. Hogan draws attention to the challenges faced by the apostles in adapting to a rapidly changing reality just three days after Jesus' resurrection, urging them to embrace a new normal and understand the transition from the old to the new temple of God. The teaching underscores the universal nature of the lessons, referring to the apostles as disciples to emphasize that the message extends to all followers of Jesus across time, offering the enduring gifts of peace and joy to the entire Church.

Hogan delves into the commissioning of the apostles, highlighting their global mission mirroring Jesus' own. The crucial role of the Holy Spirit is emphasized in making the teachings resonate and empowering the Church with the same authority, love, and eternal mission as Jesus had during his time on earth. The transformative aspect of receiving the Holy Spirit is explored, depicting the apostles as the new people of God, part of the new covenant ratified in Jesus' blood. Hogan concludes by stressing the profound reality of believers being born of God, becoming part of the family of God, and collectively contributing to the Church's mission of bringing spiritual life to the world.

Bible References:

• Jn.20:19-23 - Jesus' appearance to the 10 apostles in the upper room
• Jn.20:24-29 - The skepticism of Thomas
• Jn.14:7 - The unity between Jesus and his followers in their mission
• Jn.17:7 - Jesus praying for the consecration of the disciples to the truth
• Matt.28:20 - The promise of Jesus to be with his disciples always, even to the end of the age
• Col.3:1-4 - The need to focus on heavenly things and the hidden life in Christ
• Ezk.37 - Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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In this episode, Frances Hogan focuses on Mary of Magdala as a symbolic representation of the Church rising from the dead. Drawing inspiration from the Song of Songs, Mary is likened to the bride seeking her lost bridegroom, paralleling the Church's journey to find Jesus. Hogan underscores the importance of the Church's adoration of the Lamb, shedding distress and unbelief to stand boldly in proclaiming the resurrection. She also emphasizes the missionary call of the Church, drawing parallels with Ruth 1:16, urging the Church to go beyond specific places and embrace a missionary trust that reaches the whole world, especially the marginalized.

The second part of the episode delves into Jesus' appearance to the apostles in the Gospel of John Chapter 20. The apostles, initially locked in fear, needed tangible evidence, such as seeing Jesus' wounds, to believe in his resurrection. This physical manifestation is explored in connection with the broader theme of the Church's transformation, linking the promise of the Holy Spirit to the apostles with the Church's shift from sadness to joy and from unbelief to faith. The episode concludes by highlighting the significance of Pentecost and the pouring in of the Holy Spirit, marking a crucial moment in the Church's ability to fulfill its mission and become a living, dynamic entity.

Bible References:

• Song of Sg.3:1-4 - Mary of Magdala is compared to the bride in the Song of Songs
• Ru.1:16 - The missionary call of the Church
• Jn.20:19-23 - Jesus' appearance to the apostles in the upper room after his resurrection

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

In this Bible study episode, the focus is on the profound encounter between Mary of Magdala and Jesus on Easter day as recounted in the Gospel of John, Chapter 20. Frances Hogan delves into Mary's initial encounter with angels at the empty tomb, her numbness with grief, and the symbolic significance of Jesus approaching her from behind—a representation of turning away from death to find life and joy. Mary becomes the first disciple to recognize and adore the risen Lord at his feet. The narrative unfolds with Jesus instructing Mary not to cling to the past but to share the transformative message of the resurrection with the disciples. Hogan emphasizes themes of love, transformation, and obedience, highlighting Mary's role as a representative of the redeemed and the unexpected ways in which God works in the lives of believers.

Frances Hogan underscores the transformative nature of faith, urging believers to move beyond clinging to past experiences or forms of worship. Mary's journey from grief to adoration symbolizes a broader call for disciples to undergo personal transformation and embrace a new era of Christianity. The message encourages a balance between moments of adoration and active obedience to God's will in daily life, emphasizing that true love for God is expressed through actions rather than mere emotions. The celebration of Mary of Magdala as the "apostle to the apostles" serves as a powerful reminder of God's divine and unconventional choices in spreading the message of faith, reinforcing the unexpected and transformative nature of the Christian journey.

Bible References:

• Jn.20:1-2 - Mary at the empty tomb 
• Jn.20:14-17 - Jesus' approach to Mary 
• Jn.20:18 - Mary's recognition of Jesus and adoration 
• Jn.20:17 - Jesus' instruction to Mary 

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

In this episode, the focus is on exploring the encounter between Jesus and Mary of Magdala. The narrative unfolds as Mary, initially weeping by the tomb, encounters two angels who inquire about her sorrow. Her response reveals a deep emotional connection, referring to Jesus as her Lord rather than focusing on the missing body. Frances Hogan emphasizes the profound difficulty Mary, and by extension, the disciples, face in recognizing the resurrected Jesus. The symbolic significance of Mary's love and commitment to Jesus, spanning his crucifixion, burial, and now the resurrection, is highlighted. Hogan also introduces the theological perspective that the resurrection is not only about Christ rising but also the intricate process of raising the entire Church from spiritual death.

She further delves into Mary of Magdala's dual role — as an individual disciple deeply connected to Jesus and as a symbol representing the larger Church. The resurrection is presented as a multifaceted event, requiring a nuanced understanding of the transformed nature of Jesus' body and the supernatural aspects of his appearance. The disciples' struggle to comprehend this transformative revelation, touching on the living God, is explored, emphasizing the challenging journey from sorrow to joy. The theological and symbolic layers add depth to the exploration of Mary's recognition of the risen Christ and set the stage for a broader understanding of the resurrection's impact on the disciples and the Church.

Bible References:

• Jn.20:11-18 -  Mary of Magdala's encounter with Jesus at the tomb
• Jn.20:3-10 - Peter and John run to the tomb after Mary informs them that it's empty
• Jn.20:19-23 - Jesus' appearance to the disciples in a locked room, breathing the Holy Spirit upon them and commissioning them to forgive sins

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

In this Bible study episode, Frances Hogan delves into the profound significance of the resurrection narrative in the Gospel of John. The episode centers on the dawn of a new eternal day symbolized by Easter, where Jesus's victory over darkness, death, and evil is celebrated. Hogan emphasizes the gradual process of moving from recognition to acceptance and, ultimately, to active participation in the joy of the new life that Jesus has ushered in. Chapters 20 and 21 are presented as a revelation of the final discourse, with St. John skillfully connecting events to fulfill Jesus's earlier teachings, illustrating the meticulous narrative strategy employed in the Gospel.

The episode also explores the transformative power of resurrection through the changed lives of key disciples. Notable examples include Mary of Magdala, who evolves from a contemplative always at Jesus's feet to the apostle to the apostles, and Peter, who transforms from an impulsive and puzzled disciple into a humble and faithful shepherd willing to sacrifice for Christ. Hogan intricately weaves together the details of Easter day events, highlighting Mother Mary's initial shock at the empty tomb and the disciples' gradual understanding of the resurrection through the evidence left behind.

Bible References:

• Jn.14:18 - Jesus's promise to come back to his own
• Jn.14:27, Jn.16:22 - Jesus's promise to bring peace and joy that lasts forever. 
• Jn.7:37, Jn.17:17-18 - Jesus's promise to give the Holy Spirit as his gift, allowing disciples to continue his mission

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

In this episode, Frances Hogan dives into the profound events surrounding Jesus's death and burial. She delves into the symbolism of blood and water flowing from Jesus's side, interpreting it as the completion of the sacrificial act and a representation of key Christian sacraments. Drawing connections to Old Testament prophecies, Hogan highlights Jesus as the new temple, fulfilling scriptures about living waters and the pierced one from Zechariah 12:10.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both members of the Sanhedrin, come forward to request permission to bury Jesus with royal reverence. This signifies a transformation in their fearlessness and recognition of Jesus's significance, challenging the assumption that all Sanhedrin members were against him. The burial is portrayed as a pivotal moment, marking the end of the old covenant and the beginning of a new era, while also emphasizing the mysterious three days in the tomb and the silent yet profound events unfolding in the spiritual realm.

Bible References:

• Zech.12:10 - The prophecy about looking upon the one they have pierced 
• Ezk.47 - The flow of living waters from the right-hand side of the temple
• Jn.2 - Jesus being the new temple, where the right-hand side has been struck, and living waters of grace are flowing
• Rev.22 - The river of life flowing from Christ in the new Jerusalem, connecting it to the living waters and the growth of the Church

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/

In this Bible study episode, Frances Hogan focuses on the profound events surrounding the death of Jesus Christ. The session begins by examining Jesus's cry from the cross, "I am thirsty," delving into its symbolic depth beyond physical need. Frances Hogan emphasizes the connection to Psalm 22:15, portraying Jesus's excruciating thirst as a representation of his profound sacrifice for redemption. The study highlights the unique use of a hyssop stick during the crucifixion, linking it to the Passover lamb and emphasizing Jesus's role as the Lamb of God whose blood brings salvation. The session underscores the triumph of Jesus's death as a victory over hate, darkness, and death, with a poignant exploration of the soldiers' response to Jesus's cry, revealing unexpected compassion.

The narrative further explores the aftermath of Jesus's death, including the soldiers' decision not to break his legs, drawing parallels to the unbroken bones of the Passover lamb as prophesied in Exodus 12:46. The significance of the Sabbath rest after Jesus's passion is highlighted, symbolizing a sacred stillness and mirroring God's rest in Genesis. The study concludes with the piercing of Jesus's side, providing trustworthy evidence of his death and emphasizing the call to belief. 

Bible References:

• Ps.22:15 - Jesus's cry from the cross, "I am thirsty." 
• Ex.12:46 - The soldiers' decision not to break Jesus's legs after his death on the cross
• Zech.12:10 - The piercing of Jesus's side by a soldier
• 1 Cor.10:4 - The spiritual significance of Jesus's death, this verse describes the Israelites drinking from the spiritual rock that followed them

Irish Scripture Scholar Frances Hogan invites you to embark on a transformative journey, allowing the Gospel of John to challenge and inspire you. Unlike the other synoptic gospels, John's narrative offers a unique perspective on the life, passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Through engaging discussions, historical and Scriptural references, and insightful analysis, explore the uncommon view presented by Saint John the Evangelist.

Shalom World: https://www.shalomworld.org

Support us: https://shalomworld.org/donate

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Frances Hogan: https://www.franceshogan.com/