The document discusses the readings for the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, which focus on God's call and the response of commitment to discipleship. It describes how Isaiah, Peter, and Paul each experienced God's call through revelation, recognition of unworthiness, and reassurance of their mission. Each felt unworthy in God's presence but was called to serve. The document also shares a personal story and reflects on how we are all called through baptism to ministry by responding to God's call with conversion and discipleship.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 006: "The Holy Family & the Hidden Years"BibleAlive
Go deep with Matthew and Luke to see that although Jesus is virginally conceived, Joseph is nonetheless presented as true husband to Mary and more than just Jesus’ legal father. Learn why there is no emotional isolation or separation between Mary and Joseph. Why did God desire the existence of the Holy Family? Also: learn about Jesus’ Davidic ancestry and what this means as well as the significance of his obscure years.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 005: “The Beginning of the Gospel”BibleAlive
In this class we explore the hidden event of the Virginal Conception of Jesus. Does this Tradition have roots in Palestinian Jewish Christianity or the mythology of the ancient Greeks, and why? Learn about Jesus’ “brothers and sisters.” Discover why Mary’s virginity is not based on Gnostic hatred of the body, but on the understanding of virginity as a total consecration to God in pure and undivided love. See how through her faith and love, Mary cooperates in the birth of believers.
CLAIM OF JESUS SON OF MARY WITH REFERENCE TO THE HOLY QUR'AN AND THE HOLY BIBLE
INTRODUCTION
What was the real claim of the prophet Jesus and what is the reality of his claims according to the Holy Quran and the Bible? It will be easier to judge and understand the claim, if, in the first instant, the personality of the claimant can be highlighted. It is for this reason that the first three chapters are devoted to describe his life in detail.
To find the reality of his ancestry, a brief account has been taken of the family tree mentioned in the Bible as well as in the Holy Quran. The New Testament, while on the one hand accepts his birth without a father, and on the other hand tries to prove him as a descendant of David. The Holy Quran does not suffer from any duality by declaring him to be progeny of Imran (Aal-e-Imran). While contradiction exists in the Bible in this respect, The Holy Quran declares his mother to be a member from the family of Imran. This claim is supported by the New Testament; and seems to be logical that Jesus should also be associated with the family of Imran through his mother. The commentators of the Bible also accept this preposition. The glad tiding of the birth of Jesus, also has a resemblance with John, as it is stated:
“And Zachari’ah was troubled when he saw him and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid Zachari’ah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice his birth; for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine or strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” (Lk 1: 12-15)
Similarly, the birth of Jesus without father is not such an extraordinary phenomenon to bestow greatness on him and make him a partner in the divinity of God. Encyclopaedia Britannica sites many examples of fatherless births. In this respect, the Holy Quran gives resemblance of the birth of Jesus with Adam. The Promised Messiah holds such birth of Jesus as retribution to Bani Israel and a sign of transference of the prophethood from Bani Israel to Banu Ismael. This seems to be the correct inference if we look at the Divine manifestation in respect of this subject. According to the prophecy of Moses, after Jesus, ‘That Great Prophet’ appeared in Banu Ismael about whom, it was prophesised:
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren – him you shall heed -.” (Deut 18: 15)
Jesus, himself, had already warned Bani Israel and told them
“Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.” (Mt 21:43)
It is important to know where and when Jesus was born. The Christian world accepts his birth on 25th December in the winter season. The Holy Quran rejects this claim and many references in the
My deepest desire and intent for making this article is to equip the church (God’s flock) with basic apologetics. I hope that this will be a tool for pre-evangelism with the uninformed and for post-evangelism with the misinformed. God forbid that this will be used as a weapon for ungodly debates and futile discussions. Yes! Doctrine and Theology matter, but Relationships matter, as well. Let’s start speaking the Truth in love and continue to love speaking the Truth! Jesus, be exalted in our minds and hearts!
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 006: "The Holy Family & the Hidden Years"BibleAlive
Go deep with Matthew and Luke to see that although Jesus is virginally conceived, Joseph is nonetheless presented as true husband to Mary and more than just Jesus’ legal father. Learn why there is no emotional isolation or separation between Mary and Joseph. Why did God desire the existence of the Holy Family? Also: learn about Jesus’ Davidic ancestry and what this means as well as the significance of his obscure years.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 005: “The Beginning of the Gospel”BibleAlive
In this class we explore the hidden event of the Virginal Conception of Jesus. Does this Tradition have roots in Palestinian Jewish Christianity or the mythology of the ancient Greeks, and why? Learn about Jesus’ “brothers and sisters.” Discover why Mary’s virginity is not based on Gnostic hatred of the body, but on the understanding of virginity as a total consecration to God in pure and undivided love. See how through her faith and love, Mary cooperates in the birth of believers.
CLAIM OF JESUS SON OF MARY WITH REFERENCE TO THE HOLY QUR'AN AND THE HOLY BIBLE
INTRODUCTION
What was the real claim of the prophet Jesus and what is the reality of his claims according to the Holy Quran and the Bible? It will be easier to judge and understand the claim, if, in the first instant, the personality of the claimant can be highlighted. It is for this reason that the first three chapters are devoted to describe his life in detail.
To find the reality of his ancestry, a brief account has been taken of the family tree mentioned in the Bible as well as in the Holy Quran. The New Testament, while on the one hand accepts his birth without a father, and on the other hand tries to prove him as a descendant of David. The Holy Quran does not suffer from any duality by declaring him to be progeny of Imran (Aal-e-Imran). While contradiction exists in the Bible in this respect, The Holy Quran declares his mother to be a member from the family of Imran. This claim is supported by the New Testament; and seems to be logical that Jesus should also be associated with the family of Imran through his mother. The commentators of the Bible also accept this preposition. The glad tiding of the birth of Jesus, also has a resemblance with John, as it is stated:
“And Zachari’ah was troubled when he saw him and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid Zachari’ah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice his birth; for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine or strong drink. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.” (Lk 1: 12-15)
Similarly, the birth of Jesus without father is not such an extraordinary phenomenon to bestow greatness on him and make him a partner in the divinity of God. Encyclopaedia Britannica sites many examples of fatherless births. In this respect, the Holy Quran gives resemblance of the birth of Jesus with Adam. The Promised Messiah holds such birth of Jesus as retribution to Bani Israel and a sign of transference of the prophethood from Bani Israel to Banu Ismael. This seems to be the correct inference if we look at the Divine manifestation in respect of this subject. According to the prophecy of Moses, after Jesus, ‘That Great Prophet’ appeared in Banu Ismael about whom, it was prophesised:
“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brethren – him you shall heed -.” (Deut 18: 15)
Jesus, himself, had already warned Bani Israel and told them
“Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.” (Mt 21:43)
It is important to know where and when Jesus was born. The Christian world accepts his birth on 25th December in the winter season. The Holy Quran rejects this claim and many references in the
My deepest desire and intent for making this article is to equip the church (God’s flock) with basic apologetics. I hope that this will be a tool for pre-evangelism with the uninformed and for post-evangelism with the misinformed. God forbid that this will be used as a weapon for ungodly debates and futile discussions. Yes! Doctrine and Theology matter, but Relationships matter, as well. Let’s start speaking the Truth in love and continue to love speaking the Truth! Jesus, be exalted in our minds and hearts!
19 The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Rick Peterson
The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Adapted from a David Owens sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?SermonID=126633
A message most Christians will not hear often. Some will never hear this in a church today. But persecution is coming to America—ready or not! Jesus promises us persecution. the Bible is full of examples and teaching on our call to suffer as followers of God.
PRAYER,
Almighty and everlasting God,
you despise nothing you have made
and forgive the sins of all who are penitent.
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our brokenness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
This is a study of Jesus as the true vine, and of his disciples as the branches. They were to bring forth fruit or their branches would be cut off. All believers are expected to bear fruit.
Análisis jurídico de la norma tecnica sobre los servicios de seguridad y salu...unefm
Estimados amigos, seguidores y colaboradores , en este link pongo a su disposicion para desgargar y difundir un analisis de la nueva norma tecnica de los servicios de seguridad y salud en el trabajo.
19 The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Rick Peterson
The Significance of the Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Adapted from a David Owens sermon http://www.sermoncentral.com/print_friendly.asp?SermonID=126633
A message most Christians will not hear often. Some will never hear this in a church today. But persecution is coming to America—ready or not! Jesus promises us persecution. the Bible is full of examples and teaching on our call to suffer as followers of God.
PRAYER,
Almighty and everlasting God,
you despise nothing you have made
and forgive the sins of all who are penitent.
Create and make in us new and contrite hearts,
that we, worthily lamenting our sins
and acknowledging our brokenness,
may obtain of you, the God of all mercy,
perfect remission and forgiveness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
This is a study of Jesus as the true vine, and of his disciples as the branches. They were to bring forth fruit or their branches would be cut off. All believers are expected to bear fruit.
Análisis jurídico de la norma tecnica sobre los servicios de seguridad y salu...unefm
Estimados amigos, seguidores y colaboradores , en este link pongo a su disposicion para desgargar y difundir un analisis de la nueva norma tecnica de los servicios de seguridad y salud en el trabajo.
Directing-Principles of Management
Nature of Directing
Importance of Directing
Techniques of Directing
Directing- Motivation
Process of Motivation
Motivation Techniques
Types of Motivation
This is a study of Jesus being baptized, and the question is why? Why would a sinless Savior need to go through the cleansing of the common sinner? This is the question answered in these studies.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 010: “The Implicit Christology of Jesus”BibleAlive
Why didn’t Jesus explicitly state he was God the Son and what does this mean? Learn about the battle between exegetes and systematic theology. What is the difference between explicit and implicit Christologies? Learn why each of the Gospels center on the identity of Jesus and answers “Who is this man?” in its own way. See how the transcendent identity of Jesus is revealed primarily in the way he speaks and acts in his Father’s stead and in the way he relates to his Father.
This is a study of Jesus being circumcised on the 8th day. It has caused a great deal of controversy, and we deal with that here. It also makes good sense, and this will also be revealed.
This is a collection of writings dealing with the joy of the Holy Spirit that comes to us when we live in obedience and walk in His way, even if it be the way of persecution.
Bible Alive Jesus Christ 012: "Jesus is LORD!"BibleAlive
See what Son of God (a Davidic title) meant for the earliest Christians illuminated by Easter. Discover the significance of the Pauline formula: “the Son of God according to the Spirit of Holiness.” Learn how the earliest believers, having experienced the Risen Christ, could dare to think Jesus is God. See that when Jesus’ divinity is expressed conceptually in the New Testament, the drama of our redemption appeared in a new light. Finally, in respect we look at the Old Testament’s relationship to the New.
Inspired Writings of a Prophet for Jesus the Christ
The fifth week of Ordinary Time 07.02.2016
1. Today we are celebrating the Fifth Sunday of the Ordinary Time,the last Sunday beforewe
start the Lenten Season from next Wednesday,the 10th of February, theAsh Wednesday.
The central theme of today’s readings is God's call to a person, and thepositive response to
this call, which leads the person to a total commitment in discipleship.God’s call described in
today’s scripturehas three steps : 1) therevelation of God Himself, or of Jesus’ identity as the
One sent from God; 2) the recognition and confession of one’s unworthinessand inadequacy
to receive this call; and 3) the word of reassurancefrom God, or Jesus, and a call to share in
his life-giving mission. Today’s readingsalso teach us that God has His own criteria for
selecting people to be His prophetsand ministers. Presenting thespecial calls, or as we call it,
“vocations”, of Isaiah, Paul and Peteras life-changing events, the readingschallenge us to
examine our own personal calls to conversion and discipleship, particularly as we are
preparing ourselves to begin the Lenten Season.
Isaiah in the first reading and Peter in today’sGospel express theirunworthiness to be in the
presence of God’s great holiness and infinite love, and Peter and Isaiah both immediately
receive their Divine calls. Today’s second reading describes thecall of another great apostle,
Paul, who judges himself to be unworthy of the name orthe call, as he was a former
persecutor of the Christians. It was by giving thesethreemen a strong conviction of their
unworthiness and of their need for total dependence on His grace thatGod prepared them for
their missions. The Second Vatican Council teaches us that we areall called to ministry by
virtue of our Baptism into Jesus Christ.
I still remember the day,when I together with my friend, Sunno went to know the result of
our interview with the then Bishop of Cochin, Bishop Alexander.As we were together in
attendng the lower grades of the Elementary Classes,and were togetherin assisting as Altar
Boys in the parrochial church,we both decided to apply for entry into the minor seminary as
aspirants for the formation of priesthood.After returning from the Bishop’s House, we both
felt very sad. I was selected for entry into the minor seminary, and my friend Sunno was
denied entry. Even today I do not know, why my friend Sunno, who was character-wise a
better boy than I was, was not selected by God.Even today it remains a mystery to me. It is
true that God alone makes the choice and selection.
Isaiah in the Temple, Peter in the fishing boat, and Paul writing to his beloved Corinthians—
what do they havein common? Each of this Sunday's three readings reflectson their personal
experience of being commissioned as servants of God. As different as thesethreesituations
are—a Hebrew prophet in the Solomonic Temple,a Galilean fisherman, surprised by an
enormous catch of fishes,and a Greek-writing Pharisee, reflecting on being a Christian
convert—the three scenarios havestartlingly similar elements.
Each of these men is confronted by an awesome manifestation of divine power.Isaiah of
Jerusalem has a vision that he can only call “seeing the Lord face to face.” Celestial beings
called Seraphim (literally “burning ones”) sing the praisethat we have incorporated into our
Eucharistic Prayer: “Holy, holy,holy is the Lord of hosts! All the earth is filled with his
glory!” Thus the prophet Isaiah comes to knowGod, not just as a local Near Eastern divinity
but as the God of Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob,the One whoseglory is shown in all
2. creation. This becomesa major themefor this prophetand the successorswho speak in his
name: Yahweh, the creatorof all, is the redeemerof Israel.
For Peter, the awesome manifestation of the divine comes in the form of an amazingly
abundant catch after a night of fruitless toil. As in the wine-sign at the wedding feast at
Cana, as we read a couple of weeksago in the Gospel of John alone, a surprising abundance of
wine of a better quality follows obedient response to the command of Jesus.
For Paul, pondering his place in the transmission of the Gospel message,the awesome
experience was a vision of Jesus as risen Lord on the road to Damascus, aswe read in the Acts
9:1-19. As it was with Isaiah, Paul also encounters an unbidden divine vision of the risen
Lord.
In the presence of the divine manifestation, all three feel a profound unworthiness. “Woe is
me,” says Isaiah.“I am doomed! For I am a man of unclean lips, living among a people of
unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King,the Lord of Hosts!” Peter's reaction to the
titanic catch is to fall at Jesus' knees and say, “Depart from me. Lord,for I am a sinful man.”
As for Paul, when he reflects on his experience, he can only say, “I am the least of the
apostles, not fit and unworthy to be called even an apostle, because I persecuted the church of
God.”
In each case, whatfollowed that sense of unworthiness was a divine assurance and—the
biggest surprise of all—a commission. One of the “burning ones” touches Isaiah with an
ember and assures him that hiswickedness is purged. Then thefuture prophet hears the voice
of the Lord asking for a messenger.The amazed and kneeling Peterhears Jesus address him,
“Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” For his part, Paul found himself
drawn into a mission of surprising fruitfulness, amazingly effective among Gentiles rather
than among his own fellow Jews.When he alludes to this mission as he writes to the
Corinthians, he is compelled to say, “But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and hisgrace
to me has not been ineffective. Indeed,I havetoiled harder than all of them; not I, however,
but the grace of God that is with me.”
Clearly, in this pattern of the calls of Isaiah, Peter,and Paul, there is a messagefor all of us.
We who find ourselves blessed with a senseof divine presence inevitably feel a sense of
unworthiness in proportion to our sense of God's goodness and His infinite love for us. But
God does not allow us to stay there. He invites all of us to be his witness.
Peter's response to themiracle of abundance wasto protest that he is unworthy because he is
a sinful man.
In today's Old Testament reading,Isaiah is in the presence of God and is being called by God
to take a message to God'speople.Isaiah protestsand says "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a
man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the
King, the Lord of hosts!".
3. Both Isaiah and Peter feel the magnitude of theirunworthiness. A seraph cleanses Isaiah lips
with a burning coal and Jesus has a cleansing word for Peter.
Whatever troubled theirhearts waslet go as God set them on a new course and empowered
them for new work in the kingdom.
Peter, James, John and others leave everything they have and follow Jesus. They dropped
everything they were doing, walked away from their possessions and families and followed
Jesus. In the days of Jesus, miracleswere also signs of divine power of which the true
importance lay not in the events themselves but in what they might signify. The evangelists,
Matthew and Mark recall the event and do not include the miracle of the fish catch. The
disciple's response is probably easierfor us to accept if we include the miracle but their action
is nonetheless an act of freewill made in faith and obedience to Jesus, which is evident from
their commitment to Jesus.
That, of course, prompts us to ask ourselves two questions, (1) what do we have to leave
behind to follow Jesus and (2) what have we failed so far to leavebehind to follow Jesus
faithfully.