This meeting is a lecture/Q&A format. It is free.
House rules/notes…
1. Our meeting/classes are In-Person at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, VA 20191 https://saintjn.org/ (usually held downstairs in Room 5), or ONLINE via Zoom (see #2).
2. To sign up for Zoom notifications and to receive the Meeting Recaps, go to www.meetup.com/catholicbiblestudy and join us! The Zoom Logon is the same every week: Zoom ID: 861 1782 2081 Password: 406952.
3. After each meeting, I send out Meeting Recaps of what we discussed. Please remember these recaps are unedited and without the pictures. The edited version with pictures will be posted before the next class on the Website – www.CatholicCatacombs.org. Taylor will notify everyone at that time and provide a link.
4. Questions encouraged. If you have questions, we ask that you keep them on topic and brief. You can ask in the chat box during the class, or email through Meetup.com, or email me at ron@hallagan.net afterwards.
5. Respectfulness. We will be discussing differences between religions and between Christian denominations, and we agree to be respectful at all times. Protestants especially are our friends and brothers-in-Christ; in fact, I personally owe part of my return to the faith to them!
6. No politics. It would be easy for us to self-destruct, but that’s not our goal. Our goal is to learn/understand/apply the Bible and our Catholic faith.
7. Catholic Prayer & Fellowship. Are you interested in praying the rosary, etc. with other Catholics during the week? Follow fellow member Jason Goldberg at https://www.meetup.com/online-catholic-prayer-fellowship-and-spirituality/. Daily/weekly prayer is saintly!
8. “The Chosen” TV series. All of us seek a relationship with Jesus Christ, which is not always easy. It can help if we have seen and heard Him. The Chosen captures Jesus better than any show I have ever seen. Highly recommended.
9. RSVP Reminder: Please RSVP whether you are attending the meeting or just reading the Recaps afterwards. The more RSVPs, the more Meetup will give exposure to “Catholic Bible Study” – a good thing!
Catholic Catacombs Website: www.CatholicCatacomb.org
Bible Study Format: Each week of the month has a repeating topic, as noted below.
Each meeting: 5 min greet, prayer, 10-15 min Catholic topic, 40-45 min main topic.
Week 1: Gospel Week
Week 2: Bible Week (Gen to Rev): We are in The Book of JUDGES.
Week 3: Survey Topics Voted on by Members:
x 1) Jesus’ Greatest Parables x 2) Hell, Purgatory, Heaven x 3) Comparative Religions
4) Great Women in the Bible 5) Book of Revelation 6) Fathers, Heresies, and Church Councils
Week 4: Member Questions:
1. What is “conscience?”
2. How do I live my Christian faith at work when my faith is not accepted there?
3. What should our response be to those who ask us about priestly sex abuse?
4. What about the atheist who leads a good life? Can I be a person be good apart from God?
5. Miracles since the NT
6. What’s the difference between Charity and Love? What are the highest forms of charity?
7. Was King David good or bad? Was Emperor Constantine good or bad? Was he a Christian? What is a prophet?
8. Why does God allow suffering?
9. What do you think a day in the life of God is like to Him?
10. What is Tradition? Is Tradition equal to Scripture in importance? (2Thes2:15)
Upcoming major holy days in the Church
Lent – Wed, Feb 14–Thurs, Mar 28 Triduum – Thurs, Mar 28–Sun Mar 31 Easter – Sun, Mar 31
Opening Prayer
As you taught us to pray…
Our Father
Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily Bread
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us all. Amen.
Today
1. Lent reflection
2. Gospel Reading for the 5th Sunday in Lent: John 12:20-33
3. Bible Timeline: Judges (Gideon, Samson); intro 1 Samuel and The Monarchy
4. Survey time – topics and format. I.e., see topics. Also, we have discussed a few times leaving time at the end, such as the last 15 min, for questions. I will try that tonight to see what you think. To do that, I have to make room. For example, I was planning to spend the first 10-15 min on this question: Where does it talk about Jesus’ Real Presence in the Bread & Wine (Eucharist) outside the Gospel of John. I will skip that so we can stop at 7:45.
Quote of the Week:
Ninety percent of anxiety is over-reactionary and misplaced. Over ninety percent of worry never comes true. Live in the 10% with the Lord. Even if you are wrong, you win.
Apologetics and Exegesis Terms
Apologetics – to defend a belief.
Catholic Apologetics– to defend the Catholic faith using reason, tradition, & scripture.
Exegesis – the study and interpretation of Scripture (it’s what we do here every week; you are all exegetes).
Eschatology (Greek, eschaton=last/end): the study of the End Times: the Second Coming of Christ (called Advent in
Latin, Parousia in Greek), Judgement Day, Heaven & Hell. In exegesis, you will hear Parousia more than Advent.
Typology – The study of Old Testament events that are completed or fulfilled in the New Testament.
“The Old Testament is revealed in the New; the New Testament is hidden in the Old.” – St. Augustine
Bible = The OT (46 books) The Torah (Pentateuch, Books of Moses), the Prophets, the Writings (Wisdom, Novellas).
The NT (27 books) The Gospels and the Epistles (Epistles: New Test Letters (Paul), Catholic Letters, and Revelation).
Best Bibles – The Didache Bible, Ignatius Study Edition; Ignatius RSV 2nd Catholic edition; Augustine Bible.
Breaking of the Bread – what the Lord’s Supper was referred to in the first century. The bread & wine become Jesus’ body/blood after he broke the bread and gave thanks, giving rise to the “Eucharist,” from eucharistia = thanksgiving.
Christianity – was called The Way until about 50AD, after Jesus' statement that he was "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6). Then the name 'Christians' was given to them to differentiate them from Jews.
Church – The whole body of Christian believers, with Christ at the head. Also, Greek kyriakon - building for Christian worship.
Ark of the Covenant: a) The golden chest holding the 10 Commandments; b) Mary’s womb holding the Word of God
Tabernacle - the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites in the wilderness during Exodus the from Egypt and then in the Temple in Jerusalem by Solomon (and again later by Herod). Latin tabernaculum – tent; temporary dwelling place.
Temple – Latin templum - space set aside for sacrifice/worship; replaced the Tabernacle; the Temple in Jerusalem.
Synagogue – Jewish house of worship often w/facilities for religious instruction. Greek synagogue: assembly/gathering.
Church Authority – The Church is the only authority given by Jesus Christ to interpret the Word of God: "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven" (Mt 18:18-20). Otherwise, there could be a different interpretation for every Scriptural passage for every person who ever read them, resulting in division vs unity (which is why there are 17+ Eastern Orthodox churches and 10,000 Protestant churches). Catholic Church teachings are nothing more than the Church’s interpretation of that which has already been revealed by God, either through Scripture or what has been handed on from Apostolic Tradition. This body of the Church’s interpretation is called the “Magisterium” and it is not superior to the Word of God, but its servant. The Church cannot make up anything outside what has been handed to it, but rather guards and teaches it (CCC#86, 890). In fact, the Church believes that Divine Revelation ended with the Apostles.
Church Doctrine refers to all of the official teachings of the Church. There are several levels of teachings:
a. “Theological Opinions” are teachings that express a pope’s views in a subject but are not doctrine/not binding.
b. Doctrine: Those that the Church teaches authoritatively but not infallibly. Elements within these can change.
c. “Ex cathedra” means when the pope “speaks from the chair of Peter.” Infallible doctrine, indirect revelation.
d. Dogma: Those teachings which the Church has infallibly taught to be divinely revealed.
e.
Heresy – the rejection of dogma (category d only).
Epiphany – Epiphany means a sudden appearance, revelation, or manifestation from above. In Christianity, it refers to the revelation of Jesus Christ as Savior of the World to the gentiles (Magi) 12 days after Christmas.
Theophany means the appearance of God, such as Yahweh to Moses on Mt. Sinai, or at the Transfiguration. Note “phany” in both words, from the Greek phainein = to appear. [Theo=God + phany=appear]
Mass – the celebration of the Last Supper/Eucharist. “Mass” is from the Latin missa meaning “to send (out).”
Evangelize – to make the Kingdom of God present in our world.
Humility – the development of this virtue is fundamental to Christianity and a relationship with God, and He set the example. It is the quality of being continually open to God and others, a requirement for gaining forgiveness and wisdom; it is the opposite of arrogance. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” Mt 11:28-29. As C.S. Lewis said, “Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less often.”
Forgiveness – letting go of past harm to God or others. When we forgive, we mainly forgive the person because “judgment” belongs to God. The other person’s bad behavior is another matter. When Jesus forgives, there is both a presumption of repentance and intention to change behavior – i.e., when he forgives the prostitute, he says, “Go and sin no more.” Our confessional penance likewise is a down-payment on our new behavior.
Repentance – to turn away from a Self-centered life and towards a God-centered life; each time we sin and turn to God for forgiveness; repentance presumes heartfelt regret for sin and heartfelt desire to do better with God’s help.
Mercy – withholding harsh treatment or judgment that is justified.
God as Father/He/Him – scriptural tradition (God is not a gender); God does set the gold standard for fatherhood.
Man – generic for mankind, humanity.
Deism – belief in a supreme being/creator who does not intervene in the universe, or who is indifferent to it.
Theism – belief in the existence of God or gods, especially the believe in one God who is creator of the universe and is actively engaged in some way, intervening in it and sustaining a personal relationship with his creatures.
Atheism – the belief that gods or spirituality of any kind do not exist.
Agnosticism – the belief that God may, or may not, exist – we don’t know, we can’t know.
Preternatural – means “outside the natural”; refers to a unique state of grace Adam & Eve were in before the Fall.
The “World” – as used in the Bible, this term pertains to the nonreligious/secular world, or our temporary, material lives. In fact, the word “secular” (Latin seaecularis) = worldly/temporal. Biblically, “this world" often has a negative meaning, i.e., “The fall of man resulted from our choosing this world over God.” This physical world is not bad as God made all things good. Figuratively speaking, it refers to materialism, selfishness, and greed, i.e., “worldly temptations.” World–Olam–God centered!
Worship – whatever your highest priorities in life are – that which you spend the majority of your time and attention on. Applied to today’s secular culture, this could mean money, power, fitness, nature, etc. None of these are evil in themselves; in fact, they could all be put to “good” use. But once they are held above God, then they replace Him. The devil is still in business, and business is booming!
“A lie travels all the way around the globe while the truth is still putting on its shoes.” – Mark Twain
Patristics, Tradition, Revelation, Concupiscence, Octave, Love, Justice, Righteous, Patience, Righteous, Hyperbole, Soteriology, Apostolic Succession, Polytheism, Pantheism, Eucharistia: Thank you, Lord, I am grateful for your saving presence in my life. Kenosis: Lord, I will try to empty myself as you did, to be present to others. Metanoia: Today, Lord, I will yoke my mind, heart, and soul to You. Maranatha: Come, Lord, enter, and make your home with me/us! Mysticism simply means experiential knowledge of spiritual things, in contrast to book knowledge, secondhand knowledge, or even church knowledge. Whereas most Christian teachings and faith practices are external in some way, the inner experience of faith and the Lord is available and recommended to all. Most of the saints entered into this and it is not difficult, if you can withstand some silence in your life for say, 15 minutes at a time.
Lenten Reflection: What’s the most amazing and efficacious date throughout the history of our faith?
March 25! Check these out:
1) Jewish tradition holds that March 25 was Adam’s first day of creation.
2) Jewish tradition also holds that March 25 was the day that Adam and Eve fell.
3) “ “ also says that March 25 was the day Cain slew his brother, Abel
4) “ “ holds that March 25 was the day that Melchisedek made an offering of bread and wine in the presence of Abraham.
5) Christian & Jewish tradition hold that Mar 25 was the day Abraham offered up his son, Isaac, on Mt. Moriah.
6) Christian tradition says that March 25 is the day the angel Gabriel announced to Mary she would bear a son.
7) The most important one of all is, of course, #7. Christian tradition holds that March 25 was the day Jesus died on the cross and saved mankind.
8) And, finally, I will only mention this because JRR Tolkien was a deeply believing Catholic: in the Lord of the Rings, not accidentally, March 25 was the day Frodo destroyed Sauron’s ring of power in the fires of Mordor.
Reminder: If you are looking to read a reflection by yourself every day of Lent or pray it with others: www.hallow.com/pray
5th Sunday in Lent: John 12:20-33
Context: The passage before today’s reading is Jesus’ triumphant arrival in Jerusalem (Palm Sunday). It is Holy Week. According to St. Luke, Jesus taught in the Temple every day until Thursday evening, the Last Supper. Luke also relates that the chief priests and the scribes wanted to do away with Jesus, but they could not find a way to carry it out because “all the people hung on his every word.” (Luke 19:48)
Now there were some Greeks among those who had come to worship at the Passover Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”
Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.
“I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”
The crowd there heard it and said it was thunder; but others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come for my sake but for yours. Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” He said this indicating the kind of death he would die.
There’s a lot going on here, so let’s break this story down.
Now there were some Greeks among those who had come to worship at the Passover Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.”
Q: Why did the Greeks go to Philip and what is the significance of the “Greek Gentiles” coming to see Jesus?
Philip is a Greek name, likely knew Greek, and they probably saw him as their interpreter if one was needed.
As for the significance of this request, Gentiles coming to Jesus at this critical juncture shows that God’s gospel of the kingdom/salvation has spread beyond the Jews. One of the major indicators of coming Messiah was the arrival of the Gentiles.
Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.
Q: Why is Jesus giving this mini parable?
Because Jesus is the grain! He has to die and be buried for the fruit of salvation to be opened to Man.
Perhaps this response makes sense now:
Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.
Jesus uses this opportunity to announce a shift in his ministry. The hour has now come for his whole purpose of his coming. There is no time left for the development of his disciples. No time left for miracles to convince people. No time left for debates with religious leaders. Like an hourglass with a certain number of grains of sand in it, Jesus’ hourglass is at the end. The grain of wheat has left the stalk and is about to make its descent to the soil below. Its death is a certainty, and only then its rebirth!
Jesus and the Church tell us that our lives are also like the hourglass. With a certain number of grains of sand within it, God has appointed our life to last only a certain number of days, and we have absolutely no idea how many there are. In God’s presence, we would do good to reflect or discuss: I have no idea when my life will end. All I know is that death will come for me eventually. Am I doing anything to prepare for the real possibility that God may call me sooner rather than later? If he called me into eternity tomorrow, would I be ready? This is the purpose of Lent.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.
Q: What does Jesus mean by “whoever hate his life will preserve it for eternal life”?
The Greek word used here for hate – misei – also means to love less than or to detach oneself from. Jesus uses the same word in Luke 14:26 when he says we must hate our parents and families if we want to follow him. What he means is that we must be willing to detach from them, if necessary; to put God above everything, including family, if they get in the way of salvation. In the passage tonight, he means we need to put eternal life and Heaven ahead of the things of this world – ahead of this material life.
I am troubled now. Yet what should I say? “Father, save me from this hour’? But it was for this purpose that I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”
Q: What does Jesus mean by this?
He knows now the time has come and his human emotions are coming out. Should he say, “Father, stop this from happening?” He answers his own question, No, for it was for this purpose that he came! His going forward to the cross will glorify his Father because of his Father’s desire is to save humankind.
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”
Q: What on earth (no pun intended) does God mean by saying this?
God was glorified when he came to this earth (the Incarnation), and now he will glorify it again at Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Now is the time of judgment on this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.
Q: What does Jesus mean by time of judgment and “the ruler of this world will be driven out”?
Satan was already victorious in helping bring about the Fall of Man. Could you not say this victory remained in effect as long as the gates of Heaven remained closed to humans? Jesus has now come to remove that victory, that obstacle, and offer man a way out.
We saw Jesus do exorcisms throughout his ministry. You could say this was his final exorcism for the sake of all humanity.
And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”
Q: What does Jesus mean by this?
Not only does it mean he will be lifted up on the cross, but also the GOAL: He will be the first “human” to conquer death and be lifted up to Heaven. Only then can we follow him. This is what he means by… He will draw everyone to himself!
Bible Timeline 7:25
Where are we so far in our Biblical Timeline?
Bible Timeline
Genesis – Ch 1-11: (15,000?-2100 BC) Adam to Noah to Nimrod and the Tower of Babel (called pre-“history”)
Ch 11-50: (2,100-1,800 BC) Abraham, Issac, and Jacob, 12 sons/tribes, Joseph into Egypt à slavery
Exodus – (1,450-1350 BC) Moses – out of Egypt/slavery to Mt. Sinai to the promised land/40 years in the wilderness.
(Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy - all take place during the 40 years in the wilderness.)
Joshua – (1350-1250 BC) Conquest of Israel and the division of land among Israel’s twelve tribes.
Judges – (1250-1050 BC) “Israel” ruled by 12 Judges from Joshua to King Saul
1 & 2 Samuel (1050BC- 980 BC) King Saul and King David
Conclusion of the Book of Judges: Gideon and Samson
Gideon was a special leader to the Israelites in the midst of a unique time in Israelite history. It was after the arrival in the Promised Land but before the monarchy was established. It was a biblical era when certain people were chosen by God to take charge during distressful situations. These individuals became known as “judges.”
The call of Gideon is the most prominent calling of a judge in the whole book of Judges. Gideon is called to judge Israel because, once again, the people did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, which resulted in their being delivered into the hands of the Midianites. The Midianites ruthlessly oppressed Israel for seven years (Judges 6:1).
Gideon was an unlikely but ultimately prominent judge whose story began when the Midianites had been terrorizing his countrymen. Just as the Israelites would complete their time of planting, hordes of Midianites would come upon their farmland and steal decimate their crops and livestock and decimate anything they left behind. The Hebrew people became overwhelmed and distraught, feeling unable to rally against such a large and aggressive group of people. Within this time of overpowering strife, God sent an angel to Gideon, declaring that it would be Gideon who was to lead the nation out of their trouble.
In Gideon, God chose the unexpected, a weak man. He was characterized by fear and inadequacy, with little or no self- confidence. God came to him as he was beating out wheat in a wine press. Scripture indicates he was hiding because he was afraid.
Gideon expressed his disbelief that God would use someone like him to bring about the deliverance of Israel. So, the angel provided a few extraordinary signs to give confidence and trust to the new judge: e.g., a spontaneous fire, wet fleece found upon dry ground, and dry fleece found upon wet ground – which convinced Gideon that God would guide him through the daunting mission.
People had become so desperate that many turned out to join Gideon’s ranks – 32,000! However, God told Gideon it was too many and to get the number down to 300. God wanted the Israelites to understand that it was Him that was going to bring triumph over the Midianites, not them.
The weak and fearful Gideon was being used by God to make his puny army a source of terror for the enemy.
When they were ready, their tiny army approached the drowsy Midianite camp at night. They used sound effects (blown trumpets, smashed clay jars, human voices) and visible objects (blazing torches) to make the vast enemy—as “thick as locusts” (v. 12)—believe they were facing a colossal foe. Israel defeated their enemy that night with an army whittled down from 32,000 men to just 300 by God’s command (v. 2–8). Why? Because that made it clear who truly won the battle. As God told Gideon, “I have given you victory over them!” (v. 9)
The experience made the Israelites feel great loyalty to Gideon, and they wanted him as their official ruler; however, Gideon insisted they rely on God for leadership instead.
Judges 8 – Tragic ending to the Story of Gideon
Gideon was the ideal judge of Israel. The angel of the Lord called him to attack the vast armies of Midian with a mere 300 men and Gideon prevails. Unfortunately, Gideon falls into idolatrous worship in his old age (8:27).
What can we learn from Gideon in the Bible?
How strong we are by this world’s standards is not a standard that means anything to God. Like Gideon and his puny army, God often uses the weak and powerless to shame the mighty.
Do not let this world determine who you are or what your priorities are. Every trial in the lives of God's people is tailored to draw us closer to God. When tough times come, instead of looking at them as if God is punishing you, try to see them as God's gift of grace. Don’t be fearful like Gideon was in the beginning, ask God what you can learn from every bad situation, no matter how large or small, no matter whose fault it was.
History?
Following is an interesting snippet of history. I will leave it to member, John Masterson, to find out the truth of it and get back to us, since John is a retired Lt. General from the Army.
Taking a page from Gideon, in March 1945, the “Ghost Army” helped US forces achieve the Rhine River crossing—giving the allies a vital base to operate from on World War II’s Western Front. The soldiers were most definitely human, not apparitions, all part of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops. On this occasion, the 1,100-man team imitated 30,000 men by using inflatable decoy tanks, blasting troop and vehicle sound effects over speakers, and more. The relatively small number of Ghost Army members led the enemy to fear what appeared to be a far greater force, enabling them to strategically advance.
SAMSON 7:35
What is Samson known for in the Bible?
Samson is dedicated to the Lord from birth to be a Nazirite (Num 6).
Q: What is a Nazarite?
Nazarite, from nazir, simply means “to be separated, or consecrated.” The Nazirite vow (Num 6:1-21) has five features: 1) it is voluntary, 2) it can be done by either men or women, 3) it has a specific time frame, 4) it has specific requirements and restrictions (i.e., no wine or fermented drink and no cutting of hair), and 5) at its conclusion a sacrifice is offered.
Although it says voluntary and only for a specific time frame, this could be overruled if the child was dedicated to God as a Nazirite from birth. This only happened three times in the Bible: the judge Samson, the prophet Samuel, and John the Baptist.
Samson’s life
· Samson was a legendary Israelite warrior and judge, a member of the tribe of Dan, and a Nazirite. His immense physical strength, which he used for 20 years against the Philistines, derived from his uncut hair.
· Although Samson is dedicated to the Lord at birth, an unholy rage accompanies his legendary strength and brings him to do some cruel deeds.
· The biblical account states that Samson was given immense strength to aid him against his enemies and allow him to perform superhuman feats, including slaying a lion with his bare hands and massacring an entire army of Philistines using only the jawbone of a donkey.
· Eventually Delilah deceives him and gives him up to the Philistines.
· Samson is the tragic hero of the book of Judges. Though he has God-given strength, he yields to his weaknesses.
· Samson's weakness was that of lust and passion. Remember, LUST says, "I must have what I want (regardless of what God says or what God wants), and I must have it now!"
· The first was woman Samson married was from Timnah, the second was a whore from Gaza, and the third was the only woman mentioned by name, Delilah, with whom Samson “fell in love.” According to the biblical account, Samson's relations with these women were a means to be revenged upon the Philistines.
· At long last, Delilah demanded that he reveal the secret. Samson confessed that he would lose his strength “if my head were shaved” (Judges 16:15- 17). While he slept, the faithless Delilah brought in a Philistine who cut Samson's hair, draining his strength. The Philistines were able to apprehend him and promptly cut out both is eyes.
Q: Was Samson's true weakness his hair or Delilah?
You could say the reason for his fall was tied to both. As for Delilah, the two were not said to be married and the idea that they had a sexual relationship is, in the words of most theologians, “implicit in the biblical text."
Q: How did Samson get his strength back?
The Philistines celebrated their capture of Samson and made great sport of him. Once, the Philistines had him on display in their large Temple of Dragon (3000 people). For the first time in any story about Samson, he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and allow me to be avenged for my two eyes.” Then Samson reached for the two central pillars on which the temple stood, Bracing himself against them and pushing with his both hands, he said, “Lord, let me die with the Philistines!” and brought town the temple. It was said that he killed many more in his death than he did than while he lived (Judges 16:28-30).
The chapter on Samson (16) closes with the words, “He had judged Israel twenty years.” (Judges 16:31)
4900
QUESTIONS 7:45
Q: Could the Creation Story be considered an Incarnation?
Anything that travels from God into the material domain - such as Creation or the Sacraments or our own spiritual decisions put into action - could be considered a "type" of Incarnation, in a general sense. However, the "official" Act of Incarnation is when God became the man Jesus, through the Holy Spirit and Mary.
Q: Were the Nazirites and Essenes the same thing?
Great question, since both involved asceticism (strict behavior, abstinence, self-denial, etc.). However, a Nazirites was typically someone who made a temporary pledge to perform these rituals and could be made by anyone. The Essenes were one of the four main sects of Judaism at the time of Jesus (Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots). The Essenes were like the monks of our day.
Closing Prayer
Prayer of Samson:
O Sovereign LORD, remember me and strengthen me.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
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