Blog #12 Question 3

The five different passages of the Bible that include Eucharistic celebrations or undertones describe meals which Jesus has with his disciples. In all five passages, the meals that take place are not ordinary everyday meals but ones that are shared with significant people at significant moments. The Last Supper passages take place at the Passover meals with Jesus and all his apostles. The Feeding of the Five Thousand takes place on a mountain with many people around and very little food to share with all of them. The meal at the end of the Appearance on the Road to Emmaus is shared between Jesus and two of his disciples right after Jesus has resurrected but before the men know exactly what has happened. The structure of these meals are similar throughout all five passages in that Jesus is the one who speaks to his companions and is the one who breaks the bread. In almost all of the passages, Jesus reveals his identity through the breaking of the bread saying that it is his body. Only in the Feeding of the Five Thousand does Jesus simply offer a prayer while breaking the bread instead of revealing his true identity and the significance of the moment. Bread is mentioned in all five of the passages, emphasizing Jesus as the Bread of Life. Only in the Last Supper passages is the cup mentioned. This is significant because it occurs right before Jesus gives up his life. The wine as the blood foreshadows his coming suffering and death. In each passage, the crowd or the companions react to Jesus in significant ways because they have witnessed Jesus’ true identity. The men on the walk to Emmaus recognize the resurrected Jesus, the crowd on the mountain are amazed at the miracle that has taken place, and at the Last Supper the disciples are given their final instructions as to how to continue living out the mission of Christ after His crucifixion. In each of these passages, Jesus’ identity is clearly revealed. The Gospel writers may have been trying to emphasize Jesus’ role as the Body of Christ by relaying these moments in such significant ways. The message is loud and clear in each of these passages so the reader fully understands their significance.

Blog #11 Question 2

Throughout the film “Of Gods and Men” the monks participate in chanting hymns. They do this in all sorts of situations, from times of joy to times of intense fear. The monks gather together to chant and the verses consist of prayers, intercessions, and thoughts that are directly related to the events unfolding in their lives. The chanting gives the men an opportunity to join one another in solidarity and pray for the safety of the people they care for in the village as well as their own safety. This act strengthens the bonds present among the men in the monastery because no matter how chaotic and terrifying the violence in their country becomes, they know that they are not going through it alone. They have each of their brothers in faith to depend on. Throughout the movie, when bad news comes upon the monk or when they are threatened by the terrorists, within the next scene or two, the chanting always appears. The men use the chanting as a way of reflecting on what they have just witnessed and they also use it to thoroughly prepare themselves for how to deal with it. The chanting comforts but also instills courage. This leads the men from one scene to the next; from experiencing tragedy to maintaining their resolve and focusing on the work they were called to do, furthering the plot of the film and providing smooth transitions from one event to the next.
This form of worship is especially important to the monks along with various types of prayer. City prayer and desert prayer appear throughout the movie. In the beginning, the whole village gathers together to pray. The prayer is led by one leader and consists mainly of intercessions to God. The chanting could also be considered a form of city prayer in that it is a time when the whole monastery comes together to praise and offer intercessions. Desert prayer dominates the film because the focus is primarily on the monks within the context of the monastery itself. The tone of the film is very reflective. The men speak only when necessary and are often shown going about their day alone, focusing inward on their role as a monk and how to balance their mission with finding safety.

blog #10 Question 1

Arius’s argument on the nature of the relationship between God and human was ultimately deemed heresy at the Council of Nicea because he taught that Jesus was created by God and there was once a time that Jesus did not exist, or was not begotten by God. Arius maintained that Jesus was created human to serve as a model for the human race on how to strive to reach a divine relationship with God. He believed that Jesus’ life, by the will of the Father, united two distinct concepts: divinity and humanity. While many scoffed Arius for teaching that Jesus and God are not inherently one, his argument makes some valid theological and philosophical points. Those who opposed Arius preached that Jesus was fully human and fully divine at the same time. They said Jesus was exactly like humans in all things except sin. Arius questioned this argument by highlighting the fact that if Jesus did not sin because He is God then He is unable to be tempted. This argument is disproven outright in Scripture when Jesus spent 40 days in the desert and was tempted by Satan. Arius thought that this strengthened his argument that Jesus is fully human, experiencing human emotions and struggles, and only by the will of His creator God does he become one with Him in divinity. Arius also argues that there was once a time when Jesus did not exist, but was made from nothing. Since God is eternal, God is that nothing that must have created the Son, strengthening the argument that Jesus and God were not always in union.

Blog #9 Question 1

The story of the Martyrdom of Polycarp imitates the Passion and death of Christ in many ways in both the small details and larger themes. Certain details, such as the police chief’s name being Herod and the image of Polycarp entering the city on a donkey are ones that undoubtedly connect Polycarp’s story to Jesus’. Connections can also be drawn from the larger themes. The beginning of Polycarp’s suffering and martyrdom started with the betrayal by Quintus much like Jesus’s betrayal by Judas. This is significant because neither Jesus nor Polycarp came forward voluntarily but openly accepted a fate that was brought upon them. Polycarp takes the time to step aside and pray to God, making sure to mention all the people he had come in contact with, showing his ultimate humility even in such a hard time. Polycarp’s courage, joy, and grace in the face of death inspires others who are facing similar situations to look beyond the pain and torture of the moment. He compares the fire that the leaders were going to burn him with to the fire of judgment day and that if he were turn on God, the latter fire would be immensely more painful and would last eternity. The miracle of this story is that Polycarp’s body was unable to be consumed by fire, but rather his body looked as if it was precious silver being refined or bread baking in an oven. When the executioners went to stab the body, his blood put out the flames and the crowd was amazed.

blog post 8 Question 3

Rausch describes the apostolic mark of the Church as being the origin and continuing source of Church teaching. The Church was founded foremost on Jesus’ life and teaching and has been carried out through the works of the apostles and prophets. The Church’s core truths lie in what the apostles spread throughout the world after Jesus’ death. The idea that the leadership of the church has been passed down through apostolic succession emphasizes the overall unity of the church, connecting the past and present. Without this origin, the church would not have grown to be as universal as it is today. There would be no traditions that form the basic characteristics of the church. The idea of apostolic succession is vital to present churches because it keeps individual parishes, local churches, and groups of believers united in Christ. Because we all stem from the same group of original teachers who all gave their lives up to live Christ’s mission, we are all brothers and sisters in God’s love. The difficulty that arises from the tradition of apostolic succession is the fact that it is just that: tradition. While it unifies people all over the world from past to present to future, it can also sometimes inhibit the church from being open to modern reform. Many share the belief that the Church and its every teaching must remain exactly the way the apostles and early leaders originally established it. The emphasis on origin and tradition can actually cause disunity among the faithful who advocate for reform and change in order to keep the church relevant to today’s societal issues. It is a controversial topic that has been debated for centuries, but is one that greatly involves the mark of apostolic succession and its role in the Church.

Blog Post #7 Question 2

While reading the end of Mark’s gospel that describes the Resurrection of Jesus on the third day, the reader recognizes many similar elements of the story shared in the other gospels; one person or a small group go to the tomb go to anoint the body of Christ, they see that the tomb is empty, a man in white cloth, possibly an angel, informs them that they will not find Jesus’ body there for he has risen. The story seems to proceed just fine, unless the reader stops at the point where most scholars believe the gospel originally ended. Cutting the story off at Mark 16:8, the reader is left with a colossal cliffhanger. The man in white has just told the women to go to the disciples and proclaim that Jesus is risen, but then that’s it. Unlike in Matthew, Luke, and John, Jesus does not appear to anyone. He does not speak with his disciples to show that he has in fact conquered death. He does not tell them to go out to the world and continue his ministry. No loose ends are tied and the reader is left with a feeling that the story is much unfinished. While many scholars believe this fact proves that the longer ending was originally part of the text, there may be a valid reason as to why the author of Mark wanted to stop at this abrupt point. Mark may have left the rest of the story up to the reader’s interpretation. It is the reader’s faith that must bring them to knowing whether or not Jesus actually rose from the dead. Mark may have also ended in this way to keep up the Messianic secret that is present throughout the gospel, not fully disclosing or proving if Jesus rose. The longer ending helps to tie up these loose ends and concludes the gospel in a full, complete, and smooth fashion. The longer ending includes Jesus revealing himself to his followers and ascending into heaven. It also sets up the apostles to continue his ministry throughout the world.

Blog #6 Question 4

The narrative of Jesus’ passion and death on the cross in the Gospel of Mark emphasizes Jesus’ role as a suffering servant. Throughout his journey to the cross, there are several moments when Jesus stops and experiences very human emotions that accompany any experience of pain, trauma, and suffering. Jesus prays at the Garden of Gethsemane, pleading to God that he may be spared. Another moment in which Jesus displays his agony is in his last words. Jesus utters “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These moments and many others throughout the Gospel reveal Jesus as a suffering Messiah, one who must carry the burden of the passion and death so that others may be saved. Salvation does come from Jesus’ death, as Christians fundamentally believe. Mark’s Gospel exemplifies this in its portrayal of Jesus as a human being that must suffer at the same time as being the Son of God. Mark was writing to persecuted Christians that were experiencing suffering throughout their everyday lives. Mark’s portrayal of Jesus allows this audience to relate to him on a deep level, connecting with his humanity and pain. Because the Gospel ultimately ends with the resurrection, the audience is given an overwhelming sense of hope. Because their Savior, a man that endured such pain and hardship, was raised from the dead and given eternal life, they too may experience similar salvation even in the midst of suffering. The message of Mark’s Gospel is that God is always present and always ready to bestow eternal life for those who believe and keep his commandments even in times of suffering.

Blog #5 Question 4

The parable of the wedding feast in Matthew and Luke’s gospels share many similarities in that both tell a story of a king who puts on a wedding feast for his son. The kind sends his servants to invite honored guests to the feast, but all decline the invitation. The king therefore extends the invitation to anyone the servants come upon. In both stories, the invited guests decline the opportunity to share in a great feast. From here, the stories begin to differ according to the audience to which each author was writing. In Matthew’s gospel, the invited guests who declined were punished harshly and the stranger who attended without proper wedding garments was killed. Matthew’s version of this parable is quite harsh and ends with the ominous line “many are invited, but few are chosen,” suggesting a very judgmental disposition coming from the kind. In fact, that is the purpose of this parable. Matthew was writing to Jewish Christians who were trying to integrate the teachings of Jesus into settled community life. This parable points out that God does in fact judge their actions. He invites all people to live in love with Him, but does not look with favor on those who turn away or are unprepared to fully give up their lives for Him. In contrast, Luke’s version of this story takes on a much more welcoming tone in which the poor and hungry are able to participate in this grand feast. This is because Luke’s gospel was written for Gentiles and the main message is that God’s love and mercy is all inclusive. Both messages emphasize that those who reject Jesus’ invitation to live in God’s Kingdom are unable to experience the great gifts that are available.
This parable functions primarily as Rausch’s specific definition of a parable in that the stories are to be read with a specific audience and context in mind. The differences are present because Luke and Matthew are speaking to different groups of people, sending them different messages. This story may also be interpreted as allegory, disregarding the audience for which it was written although its message is most strongly reinforced when viewed as a parable.

Blog 4 Question #2

The Gospel of Mark focuses on the numerous and awe-inspiring works Jesus performs throughout his ministry. This Gospel is broken up into short segments that describe Jesus teaching and healing anyone he meets on his journey from city to city. Throughout his ministry, Jesus heals cripples, cures leprosy and blindness, casts out demons, and so much more. The stories of these miracles share some important characteristics. First, the afflicted are commended by Jesus on their strong display of faith and devotion, allowing them to receive the necessary power from Jesus in order to be saved. Another similar element in many of the stories occurs after the healing has taken place, and the healed are bursting with gratitude and ready to share their good news with anyone they see. Jesus warns them to keep the information of his power a secret. After healing the leper in the beginning of the Gospel, Jesus warns him “see that you tell no one anything, but go show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed…” (1:44). Similar lines are present in the healing of the deaf man in chapter 7, and when Jesus asks his disciples who they say that he is in chapter 8. Jesus may have asked his followers to keep his identity secret for many reasons. He may not have wanted his miracles to become public and consequently receive the fame in order that he could travel freely without herds of people rushing toward him as he came near. Another reason may have been because he desired for his followers to strengthen and display their faith on their own, not because they thought their ailments might be cured or grand things would happen to them. He wants his people to have strong faith even when times are bad or when hope seems distant. A third possible explanation is that Jesus’ whole identity as the son of Man depended on his suffering, death, and resurrection. He may not have wanted his true identity to be revealed until his people were able to understand its true meaning in the context of the Passion of Christ.

Blog post #3 Question #2

The Book of Amos is a prophetic book of the Bible that announces God’s plans for the end of his people. The book begins with Amos telling of the destruction that is in store for the lands neighboring Israel, such as Damascus, Gaza, Tyre, etc. The true message of Amos, though, is that God’s destruction will not spare the Israelites. Because of their false faith, greed, and disrespect for the poor and vulnerable within their community, God’s harsh judgment falls especially hard upon the Israelites. In the beginning chapters, through Amos God emphasizes all that he has done for the Israelites, saying “it was I who destroyed the Amorites…I who brought you up from the land of Egypt…I who raised prophets among your children” in contrast to what God has received from the Israelites in turn: “they hand over the just for silver…the poor for a pair of sandals; they trample the heads of the destitute” (2:6-11). God has shown great love and mercy to the Israelites, always revealing his plans to save them from the oppression they faced. His disappointment stems from the fact that despite the great love He has shown, the Israelites still turn away and break His commandments. He uses imagery of fire and a roaring lion to describe His anger and destructive power. To describe the hard hearts of the Israelites, God uses the image of a land “fallen, to rise no more, virgin Israel; she lies abandoned on her land with no one to raise her up” (5:2). From this point, God announces his plans to punish the Israelites for their selfish actions, referring to this time of judgment as “the day of the Lord.” The end of the Book of Amos ultimately prophesizes God’s plans to restore Israel back into good relationship with God. His ultimate goal is for the salvation of the righteous. Amos’s message is that God shows mercy to those who follow his commandments to love one another, but will not tolerate those who consciously stray from his covenant and do not repent. God expects this of all nations, the whole world, hence the inclusion of the surrounding foreign lands and not just Israel. His love and power apply to all people of the world.