Preaching, Reading, Studying the Word

Preaching the Word
I'll begin working on my homily over the next couple of days. Here are this coming Sunday's scriptures. This is one of those weeks when priests call each other and say, "Hey! Tough readings this week- what are you doing with them?"

Most preachers know ways to "get around" such "tough readings" but the strong challenge to preachers found in 2 Timothy 4:1-5 cannot be ignored:

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth and will be diverted to myths. But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances; put up with hardship; perform the work of an evangelist; fulfill your ministry.

Reading the Word:
You can find the whole bible on line here. A link for the bible has also been added to the sidebar to the right. The translation you will find here is the New American Bible, the translation used at daily and Sunday Mass in the U.S.

Studying the Word:
Holy Family Parish is offering a bible study. Based on the book of the prophet Isaiah the study is titled Faith in Times of Crisis and will be facilitated by Mary Taylor. The study will include a review of Israel's history in the scriptures, the story of Isaiah and the beautiful passages from this prophet familiar to us in the Advent liturgy. The bible study is open to all, from any faith community or parish. A $10 fee will help defray supply and xeroxing costs. This course does not require any previous scripture study. The bible study will be offered in a morning and an evening session:

Morning Session: Tuesday mornings, beginning September 11, after the 9:00 a.m. Mass, in Monument Hall.

Evening Session: Wednesdays, September 19, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 7:30-9:00 p.m., in the Parish Center, West Concord.