ACE for 2 September
1. What did Jesus say about inviting folks to dinner?
A. Invite those less fortunate
B. Invite only those who are hungry
C. Only invite the most powerful people
D. Only invite those who agree with you
ANSWER: A
2. What advice did Jesus offer to guests invited to a meal
A. Check the master seating chart to find your place at the table
B. Sit at the place of the lowest honor
C. Allow the host to tell you where you are to sit
D. Rush to get the best seat at the table
ANSWER: B C
ACE for 9 September
1. According to this week's Gospel reading, what do you have to give up to become a disciple of Jesus?
A. Your cat fluffy
B. 20 dollars per week in pledge to the church
C. All your possessions
D. The idea that you own things
ANSWER: C and D
2. In telling people to plan ahead Jesus talked about going to war or building a tower. What would you use today as an example of planning ahead?
3. Do you have a favorite adage that expresses the view that one should always "count the cost" before one begins?
My personal favorite is "Plan ahead, it wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark."
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
August 26th
Read this week's Gospel story printed below.
Luke 13:10-17
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment."
When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day."
But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?"
When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
SABBATH TIME
1. Make a list of activities that you do on the Sabbath. Your Sabbath may be Saturday, Sunday, or both days. Or, Sabbath may be any days during the week that are your days off from work.
2. Next to each of these activities, place a letter indicating how these activities recharge you physically (P), spiritually(S), and emotionally (E)?
3. When Jesus heals the woman, what does she do?
4. Can you finish the following passage: "Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will ____________ _____ _______." Matthew 11:28 (Found on page 332 in The Book of Common Prayer)
5. Are these words of comfort to you?
SHAME
Have you ever experienced the shame of those who challenged Jesus' healing on the Sabbath? What caused you to feel shame?
SYMPATHETIC?
With whom are you most sympathetic?
Most Sympathetic = 1 Neutral = 0 Least Sympathetic =6
Jesus ____ Opponents _____ Woman ____
Satan _____ Entire Crowd _____
How does the division between Jesus' opponents and the crowd demonstrate the division and the fire that Jesus brings to the earth?
What makes change happen in our world?
Luke 13:10-17
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment."
When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God.
But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day."
But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?"
When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
SABBATH TIME
1. Make a list of activities that you do on the Sabbath. Your Sabbath may be Saturday, Sunday, or both days. Or, Sabbath may be any days during the week that are your days off from work.
2. Next to each of these activities, place a letter indicating how these activities recharge you physically (P), spiritually(S), and emotionally (E)?
3. When Jesus heals the woman, what does she do?
4. Can you finish the following passage: "Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will ____________ _____ _______." Matthew 11:28 (Found on page 332 in The Book of Common Prayer)
5. Are these words of comfort to you?
SHAME
Have you ever experienced the shame of those who challenged Jesus' healing on the Sabbath? What caused you to feel shame?
SYMPATHETIC?
With whom are you most sympathetic?
Most Sympathetic = 1 Neutral = 0 Least Sympathetic =6
Jesus ____ Opponents _____ Woman ____
Satan _____ Entire Crowd _____
How does the division between Jesus' opponents and the crowd demonstrate the division and the fire that Jesus brings to the earth?
What makes change happen in our world?
Saturday, August 4, 2007
AUGUST ACE of HEARTS
ACE of HEARTS
August 12, 2007
Here is the Gospel for this Sunday. Please read it carefully and then consider the questions that follow.
Luke 12:32-40
Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
TREASURE CHEST OF LIFE
Below you will find a treasure chest that is closed.
1. You are invited to make a list of treasures that are closest to your heart. Place these descriptions below the treasure chest as if you had just unpacked it. Feel free to decorate the treasure chest anyway that you would like.
2. When you complete this exercise, consider which of these things cannot be stolen or subject to destruction.
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME
Here is a tune from my parent's generation that sings of things that cannot be taken away.
There are many many crazy things
That will keep me loving you
And with your permission
May I list a few
The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
No they can't take that away from me
The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No they can't take that away from me
We may never never meet again, on that bumpy road to love
But I'll always, always keep the memory of
The way you hold your knife
The way we danced till three
The way you changed my life
No they can't take that away from me
3. Do you have people and memories that God has given to you "on that bumpy road to love?" Here is some space to write about them.
ACE of HEARTS
August 19, 2007
Here is the Gospel for this week. Please read it carefully and consider what in it is GOOD NEWS.
Luke 12:49-56
Jesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, `It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"
Interpreting the Present Time
1. Have you ever been the scapegoat in your family or avoided being the scapegoat? See if you can remember one time in particular and write it down in the space below.
2. How do Jesus' words about division in the family represent a change in the way peace and unity are normally held together in our world?
3. What is the difference in a family dispute between 5 against 1 versus 3 against 2 and 2 against 3?
4. What happens when there is no clear majority for or against someone?
5. What does it mean "to interpret the present times?" Is Jesus the new thing in our times that needs to be understood and factored into our view of reality?
6. Bob Dylan sang a song back in the 1960's with the recurring phrase, "The times they are a-changin." Here are the lyrics to this song. See if you hear anything like what Jesus is saying in our reading today. Here is a link to Dylan performing this piece on YOUTUBE. http://youtube.com/watch?v=z8rD1GpIgpo
Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.
5. What is the Gospel message for this generation, this present time? What are the signs that we should be using to understand our present time?
6. Do we hear it in the music of our young?
7. Who are the prophets today?
ACE of HEARTS
August 26, 2007
Read this week's Gospel story printed below.
SABBATH TIME
1. Make a list of activities that you do on the Sabbath. Your Sabbath may be Saturday, Sunday, or both days. Or, Sabbath may be any days during the week that are your days off from work.
2. Next to each of these activities, place a letter indicating how these activities recharge you physically (P), spiritually(S), and emotionally (E)?
3. When Jesus heals the woman, what does she do?
4. Can you finish the following passage: "Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will ____________ _____ _______." Matthew 11:28 (Found on page 332 in The Book of Common Prayer)
5. Are these words of comfort to you?
Luke 13:10-17
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment."
When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
SHAME
Have you ever experienced the shame of those who challenged Jesus' healing on the Sabbath? What caused you to feel shame?
SYMPATHETIC?
With whom are you most sympathetic?
Most Sympathetic = 1 Neutral = 0 Least Sympathetic =6
Jesus ____ Opponents _____ Woman ____
Satan _____ Entire Crowd _____
How does the division between Jesus' opponents and the crowd demonstrate the division and the fire that Jesus brings to the earth?
What makes change happen in our world?
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT?
I would really appreciate your input for future ACE of HEARTS. You can tear off this page and give it to me on Sundays or use the ACE online to copy and paste your input and then send it to me by email at rwcornner@aol.com. Your input is most welcomed and valued.
1. What sorts of learning experiences would like us to offer at the church that would meet your need as an adult Christian?
2. What questions would you like to see in future ACE offerings?
3. What is the hardest part about learning more about your Christian faith?
August 12, 2007
Here is the Gospel for this Sunday. Please read it carefully and then consider the questions that follow.
Luke 12:32-40
Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
"Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves.
"But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour."
TREASURE CHEST OF LIFE
Below you will find a treasure chest that is closed.
1. You are invited to make a list of treasures that are closest to your heart. Place these descriptions below the treasure chest as if you had just unpacked it. Feel free to decorate the treasure chest anyway that you would like.
2. When you complete this exercise, consider which of these things cannot be stolen or subject to destruction.
THEY CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME
Here is a tune from my parent's generation that sings of things that cannot be taken away.
There are many many crazy things
That will keep me loving you
And with your permission
May I list a few
The way you wear your hat
The way you sip your tea
The memory of all that
No they can't take that away from me
The way your smile just beams
The way you sing off key
The way you haunt my dreams
No they can't take that away from me
We may never never meet again, on that bumpy road to love
But I'll always, always keep the memory of
The way you hold your knife
The way we danced till three
The way you changed my life
No they can't take that away from me
3. Do you have people and memories that God has given to you "on that bumpy road to love?" Here is some space to write about them.
ACE of HEARTS
August 19, 2007
Here is the Gospel for this week. Please read it carefully and consider what in it is GOOD NEWS.
Luke 12:49-56
Jesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided:
father against son
and son against father,
mother against daughter
and daughter against mother,
mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
He also said to the crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, `It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"
Interpreting the Present Time
1. Have you ever been the scapegoat in your family or avoided being the scapegoat? See if you can remember one time in particular and write it down in the space below.
2. How do Jesus' words about division in the family represent a change in the way peace and unity are normally held together in our world?
3. What is the difference in a family dispute between 5 against 1 versus 3 against 2 and 2 against 3?
4. What happens when there is no clear majority for or against someone?
5. What does it mean "to interpret the present times?" Is Jesus the new thing in our times that needs to be understood and factored into our view of reality?
6. Bob Dylan sang a song back in the 1960's with the recurring phrase, "The times they are a-changin." Here are the lyrics to this song. See if you hear anything like what Jesus is saying in our reading today. Here is a link to Dylan performing this piece on YOUTUBE. http://youtube.com/watch?v=z8rD1GpIgpo
Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who
That it's namin'.
For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.
Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'.
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin'.
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin'.
5. What is the Gospel message for this generation, this present time? What are the signs that we should be using to understand our present time?
6. Do we hear it in the music of our young?
7. Who are the prophets today?
ACE of HEARTS
August 26, 2007
Read this week's Gospel story printed below.
SABBATH TIME
1. Make a list of activities that you do on the Sabbath. Your Sabbath may be Saturday, Sunday, or both days. Or, Sabbath may be any days during the week that are your days off from work.
2. Next to each of these activities, place a letter indicating how these activities recharge you physically (P), spiritually(S), and emotionally (E)?
3. When Jesus heals the woman, what does she do?
4. Can you finish the following passage: "Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will ____________ _____ _______." Matthew 11:28 (Found on page 332 in The Book of Common Prayer)
5. Are these words of comfort to you?
Luke 13:10-17
Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. And just then there appeared a woman with a spirit that had crippled her for eighteen years. She was bent over and was quite unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, "Woman, you are set free from your ailment."
When he laid his hands on her, immediately she stood up straight and began praising God. But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had cured on the sabbath, kept saying to the crowd, "There are six days on which work ought to be done; come on those days and be cured, and not on the sabbath day." But the Lord answered him and said, "You hypocrites! Does not each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his donkey from the manger, and lead it away to give it water? And ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen long years, be set free from this bondage on the sabbath day?" When he said this, all his opponents were put to shame; and the entire crowd was rejoicing at all the wonderful things that he was doing.
SHAME
Have you ever experienced the shame of those who challenged Jesus' healing on the Sabbath? What caused you to feel shame?
SYMPATHETIC?
With whom are you most sympathetic?
Most Sympathetic = 1 Neutral = 0 Least Sympathetic =6
Jesus ____ Opponents _____ Woman ____
Satan _____ Entire Crowd _____
How does the division between Jesus' opponents and the crowd demonstrate the division and the fire that Jesus brings to the earth?
What makes change happen in our world?
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT?
I would really appreciate your input for future ACE of HEARTS. You can tear off this page and give it to me on Sundays or use the ACE online to copy and paste your input and then send it to me by email at rwcornner@aol.com. Your input is most welcomed and valued.
1. What sorts of learning experiences would like us to offer at the church that would meet your need as an adult Christian?
2. What questions would you like to see in future ACE offerings?
3. What is the hardest part about learning more about your Christian faith?
Saturday, July 14, 2007
ACE of Hearts in July 2007
ACE OF HEARTS
in July 2007
An Experiment: During the month of July, I would like to experiment with a different format for our ACE of Hearts. You will find the next two weeks of Gospel readings below.
I need your help in deciding if this format is helpful to you in preparing for each week's worship experience. Please let me know if you find this format helpful or not by either calling me at 310 613-5146 or writing me an email at rwcornner@aol.com or just handing me a note on Sunday.
I greatly appreciate your input. I want to make sure that the time I spend preparing such things is helpful to you in your Christian formation and understanding.
God's Peace in Open Hearts and Minds,
Bob+
Instead of our usual multiple choice format, you will have an opportunity to explore some of your own attitudes in relation to people in the Gospel stories and in response to some of the things that Jesus taught.
JESUS, MARTHA AND MARY
For SUNDAY JULY 22, 2007
(Luke 10:38-42)
As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Invitation: Having read the Gospel above, rank the following characters in the story according to your sense of who seems most sympathetic to you. Go with your first impressions and then see if you can explain what led you to your decisions about the interaction of the characters.
Use the following 6 point scale to rate each character:
1= Most Sympathetic
3= Neutral
6= Least Sympathetic
In order of appearance:
Jesus _____ Martha ______ Mary ______
FOR SUNDAY JULY 29, 2007
Jesus on Prayer: Persistence and Patience
Luke 11:1-13
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them,
"When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial."
And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Jesus responds to his disciples' request to learn his way of praying. From that we get the Lord's Prayer. It is not exactly like the one we use on Sundays. Can you identify how it is different from what we use?
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial."
Having read the Gospel above, rank the following characters in the story according to your sense of who seems most sympathetic to you.
Go with your first impressions and then see if you can explain what led you to your decisions about the interaction of the characters.
Use the following 6 point scale to rate each character:
1= Most Sympathetic
3= Neutral
6= Least Sympathetic
In order of appearance:
One of you who has a friend _____
Friend to whom you go at midnight ______
The Visitors from out of town
The Children of the Friend ______
Invitation: In the final section of this Gospel reading, Jesus connects the persistent person who goes to his neighbor at midnight to prayer. Respond to each of the statements below according to the following scale.
1= Strongly agree
3= Not sure
6 = Strongly disagree
1.I believe persistence in prayer always results in an answer to my prayer. _____
2. I believe that how I pray reveals what I believe about God and other people in the world. _____
3. I believe that prayer changes the person who is praying. _____
4. I believe that you have to be careful what you pray for because
you might get it. _____
5. I believe that I know what's best for those for whom I pray. _____
6. I believe that prayer makes me a more humble. ____
7. I believe that prayer allows me to surrender my sense of being in charge and responsible for everything. _____
8. I believe that prayer changes the people for whom we pray. _____
9. I believe that Jesus frequently prayed. _____
10. I believe that prayer makes my life better. _____
11. I believe that we should pray and work for bringing the compassionate of God into our world. _____
We have all prayed at some time during our lives. Here is some space to write down some of your experiences with prayer. Perhaps focus on both positive and negative experiences and offer some thoughts as to why you pray or don't pray today. The questions to which you responded above may help you in this last reflection on prayer.
FEEDBACK ON THE ACE EXPERIMENT
1= Agree 3= Neutral 6= Disagree
1. I like the old ACE format better. _____
2. I don't like the new or the old ACE format. _____
3. I like the Sympathy exercise. _____
4. I like the agree/disagree exercise. _____
5. I like being asked to compare the two versions of the Lord's Prayer (Luke to the one we say) _____
6. I like having input on the ACE. _____
7. I don't feel qualified to give input on the ACE. _____
8. I would rather not give input on the ACE. _____
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT?
1. What sorts of learning experiences would like us to offer at the church that would meet your need as an adult Christian?
2. What questions would you like to see in future ACE offerings?
3. What is the hardest part about learning more about your Christian faith?
in July 2007
An Experiment: During the month of July, I would like to experiment with a different format for our ACE of Hearts. You will find the next two weeks of Gospel readings below.
I need your help in deciding if this format is helpful to you in preparing for each week's worship experience. Please let me know if you find this format helpful or not by either calling me at 310 613-5146 or writing me an email at rwcornner@aol.com or just handing me a note on Sunday.
I greatly appreciate your input. I want to make sure that the time I spend preparing such things is helpful to you in your Christian formation and understanding.
God's Peace in Open Hearts and Minds,
Bob+
Instead of our usual multiple choice format, you will have an opportunity to explore some of your own attitudes in relation to people in the Gospel stories and in response to some of the things that Jesus taught.
JESUS, MARTHA AND MARY
For SUNDAY JULY 22, 2007
(Luke 10:38-42)
As Jesus and his disciples went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying.
But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Invitation: Having read the Gospel above, rank the following characters in the story according to your sense of who seems most sympathetic to you. Go with your first impressions and then see if you can explain what led you to your decisions about the interaction of the characters.
Use the following 6 point scale to rate each character:
1= Most Sympathetic
3= Neutral
6= Least Sympathetic
In order of appearance:
Jesus _____ Martha ______ Mary ______
FOR SUNDAY JULY 29, 2007
Jesus on Prayer: Persistence and Patience
Luke 11:1-13
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." He said to them,
"When you pray, say:
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial."
And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.' And he answers from within, `Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Jesus responds to his disciples' request to learn his way of praying. From that we get the Lord's Prayer. It is not exactly like the one we use on Sundays. Can you identify how it is different from what we use?
Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial."
Having read the Gospel above, rank the following characters in the story according to your sense of who seems most sympathetic to you.
Go with your first impressions and then see if you can explain what led you to your decisions about the interaction of the characters.
Use the following 6 point scale to rate each character:
1= Most Sympathetic
3= Neutral
6= Least Sympathetic
In order of appearance:
One of you who has a friend _____
Friend to whom you go at midnight ______
The Visitors from out of town
The Children of the Friend ______
Invitation: In the final section of this Gospel reading, Jesus connects the persistent person who goes to his neighbor at midnight to prayer. Respond to each of the statements below according to the following scale.
1= Strongly agree
3= Not sure
6 = Strongly disagree
1.I believe persistence in prayer always results in an answer to my prayer. _____
2. I believe that how I pray reveals what I believe about God and other people in the world. _____
3. I believe that prayer changes the person who is praying. _____
4. I believe that you have to be careful what you pray for because
you might get it. _____
5. I believe that I know what's best for those for whom I pray. _____
6. I believe that prayer makes me a more humble. ____
7. I believe that prayer allows me to surrender my sense of being in charge and responsible for everything. _____
8. I believe that prayer changes the people for whom we pray. _____
9. I believe that Jesus frequently prayed. _____
10. I believe that prayer makes my life better. _____
11. I believe that we should pray and work for bringing the compassionate of God into our world. _____
We have all prayed at some time during our lives. Here is some space to write down some of your experiences with prayer. Perhaps focus on both positive and negative experiences and offer some thoughts as to why you pray or don't pray today. The questions to which you responded above may help you in this last reflection on prayer.
FEEDBACK ON THE ACE EXPERIMENT
1= Agree 3= Neutral 6= Disagree
1. I like the old ACE format better. _____
2. I don't like the new or the old ACE format. _____
3. I like the Sympathy exercise. _____
4. I like the agree/disagree exercise. _____
5. I like being asked to compare the two versions of the Lord's Prayer (Luke to the one we say) _____
6. I like having input on the ACE. _____
7. I don't feel qualified to give input on the ACE. _____
8. I would rather not give input on the ACE. _____
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT?
1. What sorts of learning experiences would like us to offer at the church that would meet your need as an adult Christian?
2. What questions would you like to see in future ACE offerings?
3. What is the hardest part about learning more about your Christian faith?
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The Parable of the Samaritan: Sympathetic or Not Sympathetic
Here are the results of the surveys you completed about the characters in the Parable of the Samaritan.
1= Most Sympathetic
3= Neutral
6= Least Sympathetic
In order of appearance:
Man beaten and robbed 1.14
The Robbers 5.86
The Priest 4.71
The Lawyer 4.14
The Samaritan 1.29
The Innkeeper 2.14
1= Most Sympathetic
3= Neutral
6= Least Sympathetic
In order of appearance:
Man beaten and robbed 1.14
The Robbers 5.86
The Priest 4.71
The Lawyer 4.14
The Samaritan 1.29
The Innkeeper 2.14
Monday, July 2, 2007
ACE FOR JULY 8, 2007
What do the two candles on the altar represent?
A. Stage left and Stage right.
B. The Gospel and the Epistles
C. They are the lights used to read the service book.
D. They represent the need to save electricity.
The most correct answer is B. Acolytes learn to never allow the Gospel candle to burn alone. So, we light the Epistle candle (on your right as you face the altar)and then we light the Gospel candle (on your left as you face the altar). The Gospel candle is then extinquished first at the end of the service. We describe the church as having a Gospel and an Epistle side.
If you would like to submit a question for ACE, please drop me an e-mail at rwcornner@aol.com or fill out one of the forms at church found at the back of the church and in the parish hall on the kiosk.
A. Stage left and Stage right.
B. The Gospel and the Epistles
C. They are the lights used to read the service book.
D. They represent the need to save electricity.
The most correct answer is B. Acolytes learn to never allow the Gospel candle to burn alone. So, we light the Epistle candle (on your right as you face the altar)and then we light the Gospel candle (on your left as you face the altar). The Gospel candle is then extinquished first at the end of the service. We describe the church as having a Gospel and an Epistle side.
If you would like to submit a question for ACE, please drop me an e-mail at rwcornner@aol.com or fill out one of the forms at church found at the back of the church and in the parish hall on the kiosk.
Monday, June 25, 2007
ACE for JULY 1, 2007
The following question is based upon the Gospel reading for this coming Sunday, July 1.
What was the disciples' response to Jesus' decision to by-pass a Samaritan village?
A. They understood that Jesus was on a mission to Jerusalem and simply followed him.
B. Because of the animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans, they threw rocks towards the village.
C. They asked Jesus if he wanted them to call down fire upon the village to destroy the people who lived there.
D. They were happy that they did not have to go into the evil Samaritan village.
The answer is C. There is a bit of truth in each of the answers. A. Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem as part of his mission to declare the message of the Kingdom of God there. B. There was an historical hostility between Jews and Samaritans. D. Since there was no love lost between Jews and Samaritans, most Jews would have been much happier to simply avoid Samaritan villages altogether.
THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION: Why do you think the disciples suggested calling fire down on the Samaritans as a proper way to deal with them? What was the basis for Jesus' rebuke of his disciples?
What was the disciples' response to Jesus' decision to by-pass a Samaritan village?
A. They understood that Jesus was on a mission to Jerusalem and simply followed him.
B. Because of the animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans, they threw rocks towards the village.
C. They asked Jesus if he wanted them to call down fire upon the village to destroy the people who lived there.
D. They were happy that they did not have to go into the evil Samaritan village.
The answer is C. There is a bit of truth in each of the answers. A. Jesus was determined to go to Jerusalem as part of his mission to declare the message of the Kingdom of God there. B. There was an historical hostility between Jews and Samaritans. D. Since there was no love lost between Jews and Samaritans, most Jews would have been much happier to simply avoid Samaritan villages altogether.
THOUGHTFUL REFLECTION: Why do you think the disciples suggested calling fire down on the Samaritans as a proper way to deal with them? What was the basis for Jesus' rebuke of his disciples?
Monday, June 18, 2007
ACE FOR JUNE 24, 2007
Where did Jesus send the Demons who possessed the man from the country of the Gerasenes:
A. Into the graves of the grave yard in which he lived.
B. Into the citizens of the local village.
C. Into a herd of pigs belonging to a local citizen.
D. Into a legion of Roman soldiers.
The answer is C. By sending the demons into the pigs, Jesus put an end to the demonization process in this Gentile city. Some believe that the usual exocism was simply turning the mob against a new victim. By sending the demons into the pigs, the city was temporarily denied a scapegoat for carrying their own demons or sins. Pigs were seen as unclean by Jews, but were a source of income for this Gentile town.
Here is a bonus question submitted by one of our Christ Church members:
What is the name of the person the Bible calls the first murderer?
A. Abel
B. Adam
C. Eve
D. Cain
The answer is D, Cain. Cain was the son of Adam and Eve and the brother of Abel. As it turns out, Abel was the first murder victim according to the Bible. The Bible tells this story of the first husband and wife and their sons as a way of explaining the source of violence and deceit in the world.
BONUS QUESTION: What is the name of the third son born to Adam and Eve after Abel was killed?
A. Cain II
B. Abel II
C. Adam Jr.
D. Seth
The answer to this question will appear in next week's ACE of Hearts.
If you would like to submit a question for ACE, please drop me an e-mail at rwcornner@aol.com or fill out one of the forms at church found at the back of the church and in the parish hall on the kiosk.
Where did Jesus send the Demons who possessed the man from the country of the Gerasenes:
A. Into the graves of the grave yard in which he lived.
B. Into the citizens of the local village.
C. Into a herd of pigs belonging to a local citizen.
D. Into a legion of Roman soldiers.
The answer is C. By sending the demons into the pigs, Jesus put an end to the demonization process in this Gentile city. Some believe that the usual exocism was simply turning the mob against a new victim. By sending the demons into the pigs, the city was temporarily denied a scapegoat for carrying their own demons or sins. Pigs were seen as unclean by Jews, but were a source of income for this Gentile town.
Here is a bonus question submitted by one of our Christ Church members:
What is the name of the person the Bible calls the first murderer?
A. Abel
B. Adam
C. Eve
D. Cain
The answer is D, Cain. Cain was the son of Adam and Eve and the brother of Abel. As it turns out, Abel was the first murder victim according to the Bible. The Bible tells this story of the first husband and wife and their sons as a way of explaining the source of violence and deceit in the world.
BONUS QUESTION: What is the name of the third son born to Adam and Eve after Abel was killed?
A. Cain II
B. Abel II
C. Adam Jr.
D. Seth
The answer to this question will appear in next week's ACE of Hearts.
If you would like to submit a question for ACE, please drop me an e-mail at rwcornner@aol.com or fill out one of the forms at church found at the back of the church and in the parish hall on the kiosk.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
ACE OF HEARTS
Most of the people who sought out Jesus were:
A. Very well to do.
B. Mostly land owners.
C. Poor people who feared being in debt.
D. Roman statesmen who found Jesus' message very interesting.
The answer to this week's ACE of Hearts is C. Jesus attracted many poor people to himself because he had real understanding and compassion for those who had lost their land and were in debt. The majority of people in this region of the world during the life of Jesus and afterwards were very poor having lost thier land to those who had political and economic power. Consider Jesus's prayer that he taught his disciples: "Give us this day our daily bread..." and "forgive us our debts as we forgive those who are indebted to others.
A. Very well to do.
B. Mostly land owners.
C. Poor people who feared being in debt.
D. Roman statesmen who found Jesus' message very interesting.
The answer to this week's ACE of Hearts is C. Jesus attracted many poor people to himself because he had real understanding and compassion for those who had lost their land and were in debt. The majority of people in this region of the world during the life of Jesus and afterwards were very poor having lost thier land to those who had political and economic power. Consider Jesus's prayer that he taught his disciples: "Give us this day our daily bread..." and "forgive us our debts as we forgive those who are indebted to others.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
PAUL'S PREVIOUS LIFE
ACE FOR JUNE 10, 2007
St. Paul speaks of his former life in Judaism in our reading from the letter to the Galatians. What was the nature of this former life:
A. Paul was called Saul and he was very interested in following Jesus.
B. Paul was a Roman General in charge of troops in Jerusalem.
C. Paul was a member of the high priesthood in Jerusalem.
D. Paul violently persecuted members of the Church.
Galatians 1:11-24
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.
This is Paul’s spiritual autobiography. He heard the call of God early and using the norms of his people followed energetically. God got him by the collar on the road to Damascus in order to redirect all that energy. As Gentile Christians we can give thanks for his energy and faithfulness. From the book of Acts we know that many people were involved in Paul’s life as a follower of the way.
Only two other people are named here. James the brother of the Lord was a voice of authority in Jerusalem. But who is this Cephas character? I encountered the name elsewhere when Paul, in a snit, demanded to know why he couldn’t take along a wife as Cephas did. Interest piqued and whiskers a twitch I went searching for the answer. It is terribly prosaic. Cephas is just another translation of the word rock, petra, Peter. Yes, that Peter, the one with the mother-in-law in the gospel of Mark. Of course he had a wife, one does not acquire a mother-in-law without a spouse. Mark makes no mention of her, neither does anyone else until Paul carries on in 1 Corinthians 9:5. But it is all a hint, if not an outright declaration, that a whole lot went on in the earliest days that we do not know about. People carried the good news. People with all their idiosyncrasies, needs and warts were and are God’s chosen instruments to the world.
St. Paul speaks of his former life in Judaism in our reading from the letter to the Galatians. What was the nature of this former life:
A. Paul was called Saul and he was very interested in following Jesus.
B. Paul was a Roman General in charge of troops in Jerusalem.
C. Paul was a member of the high priesthood in Jerusalem.
D. Paul violently persecuted members of the Church.
Galatians 1:11-24
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus.
Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me.
This is Paul’s spiritual autobiography. He heard the call of God early and using the norms of his people followed energetically. God got him by the collar on the road to Damascus in order to redirect all that energy. As Gentile Christians we can give thanks for his energy and faithfulness. From the book of Acts we know that many people were involved in Paul’s life as a follower of the way.
Only two other people are named here. James the brother of the Lord was a voice of authority in Jerusalem. But who is this Cephas character? I encountered the name elsewhere when Paul, in a snit, demanded to know why he couldn’t take along a wife as Cephas did. Interest piqued and whiskers a twitch I went searching for the answer. It is terribly prosaic. Cephas is just another translation of the word rock, petra, Peter. Yes, that Peter, the one with the mother-in-law in the gospel of Mark. Of course he had a wife, one does not acquire a mother-in-law without a spouse. Mark makes no mention of her, neither does anyone else until Paul carries on in 1 Corinthians 9:5. But it is all a hint, if not an outright declaration, that a whole lot went on in the earliest days that we do not know about. People carried the good news. People with all their idiosyncrasies, needs and warts were and are God’s chosen instruments to the world.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
ACE FOR JUNE 3, 2007
The first Sunday of Pentecost is called
A. Trinity Sunday
B. Holy Spirit Sunday
C. The first Sunday of Pentecost
D. Nicene Creed Sunday
The answer is A. I have provided you with some observations by some of the leading theologians of the Christian faith who have offered their thoughts on the Trinity. Perhaps one of these writers will strike a responsive chord in your heart. Bob+
The Christian response is contained in these two fundamental dogmas: that of the Trinity and that of the Incarnation. In the trinitarian dogma God is one, good, true, and beautiful because he is essentially Love, and Love supposes the one, the other, and their unity.
Hans Urs von Balthasar
The Doctrine of the Trinity teaches that within the unity of the one Godhead there are three separate persons who are coequal in power, nature, and eternity.
Walter Martin
"O Lord God almighty...I bless you and glorify you through the eternal and heavenly high priest Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom be glory to you, with Him and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever" (n. 14, ed. Funk; PG 5.1040).
Polycarp (70-155/160). Bishop of Smyrna. Disciple of John the Apostle.
"For, in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water" (First Apol., LXI).
Justin Martyr (100?-165?). He was a Christian apologist and martyr.
"The Church, though dispersed throughout the whole world, even to the ends of the earth, has received from the apostles and their disciples this faith: ...one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them; and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who became incarnate for our salvation; and in the Holy Spirit, who proclaimed through the prophets the dispensations of God, and the advents, and the birth from a virgin, and the passion, and the resurrection from the dead, and the ascension into heaven in the flesh of the beloved Christ Jesus, our Lord, and His manifestation from heaven in the glory of the Father ‘to gather all things in one,' and to raise up anew all flesh of the whole human race, in order that to Christ Jesus, our Lord, and God, and Savior, and King, according to the will of the invisible Father, ‘every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess; to him, and that He should execute just judgment towards all...'" (Against Heresies X.l)
Irenaeus (115-190). As a boy he listened to Polycarp, the disciple of John. He became Bishop of Lyons.
"We define that there are two, the Father and the Son, and three with the Holy Spirit, and this number is made by the pattern of salvation...[which] brings about unity in trinity, interrelating the three, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are three, not in dignity, but in degree, not in substance but in form, not in power but in kind. They are of one substance and power, because there is one God from whom these degrees, forms and kinds devolve in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit." (Adv. Prax. 23; PL 2.156-7).
Tertullian (160-215). African apologist and theologian. He wrote much in defense of Christianity.
"If anyone would say that the Word of God or the Wisdom of God had a beginning, let him beware lest he direct his impiety rather against the unbegotten Father, since he denies that he was always Father, and that he has always begotten the Word, and that he always had wisdom in all previous times or ages or whatever can be imagined in priority...There can be no more ancient title of almighty God than that of Father, and it is through the Son that he is Father" (De Princ. 1.2.; PG 11.132).
Origen (185-254). Alexandrian theologian. Defended Christianity and wrote much about Christianity.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Pentecost Sunday Celebrates_____________?
ACE FOR MAY 27, 2007
Pentecost is a celebration of
A. Jesus' 50th birthday.
B. The coming of the Advocate (AKA The Holy Spirit)
C. Jesus' 50 days of temptation in the wilderness.
D. The second coming of Jesus.
The answer to this week's ACE is B. The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Advocate or legal defense for those who are accused. The Holy Spirit is the attorney you want on your side. Jesus revealed a world whose way of maintaining peace and unity depended upon accusing someone or a group of someones of a crime or an act of aggression and then rallying those not accused into a new unified body to take action against the accused. Once the accused were eliminated, the newly formed majority experienced a momentary peace that could only be renewed by yet another accusation.
In John's Gospel, Jesus says he will send another advocate into the world. In other words, Jesus was the first advocate who speaks on behalf of the accused, but then he seems to see himself as being in a long line of advocates which include the prophets of Israel who were filled with the Spirit of God. The Advocate works from the inside out, helping those of us who find ourselves part of an accusing majority to see with God's eyes the evil behind such behavior and to repent and stand up for those who are being accused.
Since Jesus was treated this way by the religious and political leadership of his day, it could be said that to allow the Holy Spirit into our hearts and to allow the Advocate to direct our actions is to speak up for Jesus and to seek another way of creating peace and unity in our world. If someone has to be expelled for people to achieve temporary peace and unity, then it probably is not the result of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance.
Pentecost is a celebration of
A. Jesus' 50th birthday.
B. The coming of the Advocate (AKA The Holy Spirit)
C. Jesus' 50 days of temptation in the wilderness.
D. The second coming of Jesus.
The answer to this week's ACE is B. The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Advocate or legal defense for those who are accused. The Holy Spirit is the attorney you want on your side. Jesus revealed a world whose way of maintaining peace and unity depended upon accusing someone or a group of someones of a crime or an act of aggression and then rallying those not accused into a new unified body to take action against the accused. Once the accused were eliminated, the newly formed majority experienced a momentary peace that could only be renewed by yet another accusation.
In John's Gospel, Jesus says he will send another advocate into the world. In other words, Jesus was the first advocate who speaks on behalf of the accused, but then he seems to see himself as being in a long line of advocates which include the prophets of Israel who were filled with the Spirit of God. The Advocate works from the inside out, helping those of us who find ourselves part of an accusing majority to see with God's eyes the evil behind such behavior and to repent and stand up for those who are being accused.
Since Jesus was treated this way by the religious and political leadership of his day, it could be said that to allow the Holy Spirit into our hearts and to allow the Advocate to direct our actions is to speak up for Jesus and to seek another way of creating peace and unity in our world. If someone has to be expelled for people to achieve temporary peace and unity, then it probably is not the result of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance.
Monday, April 2, 2007
RESURRECTION
ACE, April 8, 2007
The word “resurrection” literally means:
A. Come back to life
B. Stand up or rise up
C. Forgiveness
D. Mercy
E. Reconciliation
Resurrection is a new way of being. When Jesus rose on the third day, he was neither living as he had been before his death by crucifixion nor dead as he was after his death on the cross. He is the crucified risen one. So, the first correct answer is B, to stand up or rise up; the second answer would be C because Jesus brings forgiveness and mercy rather than revenge and violence when he is raised from death; and finally resurrection means reconciliation because Jesus returns to reconcile us to God. Answers: B, C,D, and E
Sunday, March 25, 2007
ACE FOR APRIL 1, 2007
ACE for April 1, 2007
1. At the last supper with his disciples, about whom did Jesus speak when he said:
“Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
A. James
B. Judas
C. Peter
D. John
2. According to Luke’s Gospel, what did the crowing of the cock represent?
A. Jesus has been denied
B. Time to get up in the morning
C. The end of time and history
D. You are late
Answers are below.
The answers: C (Peter) and A (Jesus has been denied)
1. At the last supper with his disciples, about whom did Jesus speak when he said:
“Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
A. James
B. Judas
C. Peter
D. John
2. According to Luke’s Gospel, what did the crowing of the cock represent?
A. Jesus has been denied
B. Time to get up in the morning
C. The end of time and history
D. You are late
Answers are below.
The answers: C (Peter) and A (Jesus has been denied)
Friday, March 16, 2007
Jesus Raises Someone from the Dead: Who is it?
1. Before Jesus was crucified he raised an old friend of his from the dead.
What was the name of the man Jesus raised from the dead?
A. Matthew
B. Paul
C. Lazarus
D. Timothy
A. Matthew
B. Paul
C. Lazarus
D. Timothy
ANSWER: C (Lazarus)
2. Jesus’ old friend had two sisters. Which of the following women’s names belong to these two sisters?
A. Martha
B. Julian
C. Mary
D. Madona
2. Jesus’ old friend had two sisters. Which of the following women’s names belong to these two sisters?
A. Martha
B. Julian
C. Mary
D. Madona
ANSWER: A and C (Martha and Mary)
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