Monday Afternoon Bible Study

 

Welcome to September!  Our new semester is just around the corner, starting on Monday 11 September, ... either IN-PERSON at 2:00 pm in the Basement Hall of Saint Patrick Church .... or at 7:00 pm via ZOOMING. ( * )  

 

( * ) To learn how to connect with the ZOOMING, kindly call Victoria or Julia in the NCC Office at ( 508 ) 653-1093.

 

As promised, here are the INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS for the new semester. Included are:

 

( 1 )  List of class dates and topics  

 

( 2 )  Syllabus of Reading Recommendations 

               and Questions for Reflection and Discussion

 

( 3 ) Bibliography of Suggested Resources

 

( 4 ) Notes to accompany your reading for the first session. 

 

( 5 ) Closing Prayer for each class meeting / zooming

 

Just as a friendly reminder: 

 

please bring / have your own Bible at class if you can ... 

and also print out your own copy of the class notes 

if you want to follow along with the lecture and discussion.

 

With you all, I too am looking forward to this semester's exploration of the Old Testament's WISDOM LITERATURE.

 

Father Michael

 

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 Monday Bible Study                                         Autumn 2023
 
    Old Testament Wisdom Literature
 
CLASS SCHEDULE and TOPICS


11 September      The Value of Wisdom
                         
18 September        Fear of the Lord
 
25 September      Creation and Providence of God
 
02 October          Who Is “Lady Wisdom” ?                           
 
09 October          The Importance of Relationships: 
                               Marriage and Sexuality
 
16 October          The Importance of Relationships: 
                               Family and Generations
 
23 October           The Importance of Relationships: 
                               Friends and Associates
 
30 October            Ethics regarding Material Goods, 
                                Money, and Wealth
 
06 November       Duties toward the Poor: Justice, Compassion,
                                Generosity, and Empathy
 
13 November       Virtues:  Gratitude, Prudence, Integrity, 
                                and Nobility   
                                     
20 November       Knowledge of Good and Evil / 
                            Necessary Advice for Living Life Well                            
 
27 November        The Problem of Evil and Suffering
 
04 December        Wisdom and the Proper Use of Time
 
11 December        Wisdom and the Afterlife
 
18 December        Conclusion: Takeaways from 
                           our Semester’s Learning about Wisdom
 
================================================
 
Monday Bible Study                           Autumn 2023
                 Old Testament Wisdom Literature
 
Bible Readings Suggested for Homework 
Reflection / Discussion Questions for Class 
 
             [  Note: Reflection questions are taken from 
              the following Collegeville Bible Commentaries: ]
 
·( Volume 9 )  First Kings, Second Kings (  Alice L. Laffey R.S.M. )
·( Volume 18 ) Introduction to Wisdom Literature and Proverbs 
                                  ( Lawrence E. Boadt, C.S.P. )
·( Volume 19 ) Job  ( Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M. )
·( Volume 20 ) Wisdom ( John E. Rybolt, C.M. )
·( Volume 21 ) Sirach ( John E. Rybolt, C.M. )
·( Volume 24 ) Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes,
                                 Esther ( James A. Fischer, C.M. )


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            Please note:  It is suggested 
         that you do as much as you can 
          of the Recommended Reading 
                  BEFORE Each Class  
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              PRIOR TO FIRST CLASS on Monday 11 September. 
                  Please read the following texts.  Thank you ! )
 
         ( 1 Kings 8 – 9 )  Dedication of the Temple / Solomon’s Prayer 
                                               / Promise and Warning of Solomon


         ( Proverbs 1 – 4 ) and( Sirach 1, 6, 14 , 15, 40, 42 )
            Purpose of the Proverbs of Solomon
                 / The Path of the Wicked: Greed and Violence
                                     The Blessings of Wisdom / Attitude Toward the Lord
                                     Wisdom: The Supreme Guide of Men 
                                         / The Good and Evil Way
                                   Praise of Wisdom / Blessings of Wisdom
                                   The Search for Wisdom and its Blessings  /  Man’s Free Will
                                   Joys and Miseries of Life / True and False Shame
 
11 Sept  What is WISDOM LITERATURE 
of the OLD TESTAMENT ? 


Prayer: ( Proverbs 8 )  The Discourse of Wisdom


Reflection Questions: 
 
     What distinguishes a “WISDOM BOOK” from other parts of the O.T. ?
     Why is SOLOMON associated with Wisdom literature ?
     Compare / contrast the definition of “WISDOM” from the OT 
             and your own understanding of this concept.  
            ( please read these text before the second session 
                          on Monday 18 September. Thank you ! )
Reading:


   ( Proverbs 1, 9 )   The Beginning of Wisdom is Fear of the Lord
   ( Ecclesiastes 12 ) Epilogue: Fear God and Keep His Commandments
   ( Sirach 1,2, 34 ) Praise of Wisdom / Duties toward God
                                 Trust in the Lord  /   True Worship of God
   ( Sirach 18, 19  ) The Divine Power and Mercy 
                                    / How to Recognize True Wisdom
    ( Sirach 32, 39 ) The Providence of God / Praise of God the Creator
    ( Sirach 42 )  God’s Works in Nature
    ( Job 28, 42 ) The Inaccessibility of Wisdom / Epilogue / Job’s Restoration
    ( Psalms 1, 111 ) True Happiness in God’s Law 
                                       /  Praise of God for Goodness to Israel
    ( Wisdom 13, 14 )  Digression on False Worship / Nature Worship / Idolatry
                                         The Carpenter and Wooden Idols ?
                                               / The Origin and Evils of Idolatry


18 Sept  The Fear of the Lord


Prayer: ( Sirach 1- 2 )  
             Praise of Wisdom / Fear of the Lord / Duties toward God
 
Reflection Questions: 


How can “FEAR OF THE LORD” be understood 
                   as “the BEGINNING of WISDOM” ?                                          
 Where is “WISDOM”?   How do we begin to find it?  
                    How does Job show us the way ?                                         
What does Sirach teach us about the difference 
                    between true and false WISDOM ?  

          ( please read these text before the third session 
                     on Monday 25 September. Thank you !   


              ( Psalm 19 ) God’s Glory in the Heavens and in the Law
                 ( Psalm 65 ) Thanksgiving for God’s Blessings  
                 ( Psalm 104 )  Praise of God the Creator
               ( Sirach 16 )  Divine Wisdom Seen in Creation
                  ( Job 38, 39, 40 )  The Lord’s Speech in Response to Job
                  ( Wisdom 3 ) The Hidden Counsels of God
                  ( Wisdom 11, 12, 15 ) Special Providence of God During the Exodus


25 Sept  Creation and Providence of God 


Prayer: ( Job 38 )  The Lord’s Response to Job
 
Reflection Questions:  


Why is a THEOLOGY OF CREATION important for
    a more complete understanding OT Wisdom Literature?
What part of “CREATION” most speaks to you of God’s wisdom ? Why ?
What part of “PROVIDENCE” most speaks to you of God’s wisdom ? Why ?
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            ( please read these text before the fourth session 
                     on Monday 02 October. Thank you ! 


( Proverbs 1, 2 ) The Purpose of the Proverbs / The Blessing of Wisdom
( Proverbs 8 - 9 ) The Discourse of Wisdom / The Two Banquets
( Wisdom 6:22 – 11:1 ) Praise of Wisdom by Solomon
                                   Introduction / Solomon is Like All other Men
                                    Solomon Prayer and Wisdom and Riches Came to Him
                                    Solomon Prays for Help to Speak of Wisdom
                                    Nature and Incomparable Dignity of Wisdom
                                    Solomon Sought Wisdom the Source of Blessings 
                                                                                   / Counselor / Comfort
                                   Solomon Realizes that Wisdom is a Gift from God 
                                   / Solomon’s Prayer / Wisdom Preserves Her Followers
( Sirach 24, 51 )  Praise of Wisdom /  Epilogue and Canticles
           
02 October  Who Is "Lady Wisdom" ? 


Prayer: ( Sirach 50:22-24 ; 51 )  Praise of Wisdom
 
Reflection Questions:  


In ( Proverbs 1, 8, 9 ) what purpose does 
         the “personification” of Wisdom serve ?
In ( Wisdom 6 – 11 ) why does the author personify Wisdom
        and how does this help us to understand the human relationship to God ?
In ( Sirach 24 ) what have you learned about Israel’s love for Wisdom ? 


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               ( please read these text before the fifth session 
                        on Monday 09 October. Thank you ! )


( Song of Songs 1, 7 )  Love’s Desires / Boast / Inquiry / Vision / Union
( Song of Songs 2, 3 )  A Tryst in the Spring / Loss and Discovery
( Song of Songs 4, 5, 6 ) The Charms of the Beloved / The Lost Lover
( Song of Songs 7, 8 ) The Beauty of the Bride / True Love / Life Together
    
09 October  The Importance of Relationships: 
Marriage and Sexuality


 Prayer: ( Psalm 63  )  Ardent Longing for God
 
Reflection Questions:  


What does the Song of Songs tell you about love and marriage ?
Why do you think the Christian spiritual / mystical tradition understands             
                the Song of Song as a celebration of the soul’s union with God

          ( please read these text before the sixth session 

                    on Monday 16 October. Thank you ! )
                                  

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          ( please read these text before the seventh session 
                      on Monday 23 October. Thank you ! )      


Reading:                  


( Sirach 5, 6 )  True Friendship /  Choice of Friends
( Sirach 7, 8  ) Conduct in Public Life / Prudence in Dealing with Others
( Sirach 11, 12, 13 ) Care in Choosing Friends / Caution Re: Associates
 ( Sirach 25, 26, 27 ) Those Worthy of Praise / Integrity and Friendship
 ( Sirach 30 )  Property and Servants
                                 
23 October            The Importance of Relationships: 
Friends and Associates
 
Prayer: (  Job 1, 2 )  Prologue / Family and Friends of Job
 
Reflection Questions:  


What can we learn from ( Job 1-2 ) about the value / esteem 
which a just person can / ought to have placed on family and friends ?
Discuss Ben Sira’s teachings on friendship. Does this match your experience ?Discuss Ben Sira’s teaching on the importance of integrity among associates.               
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             ( please read these text before the eighth session 
                        on Monday 30 October. Thank you ! )               


Reading:                  


( Sirach 5, 6 )  True Friendship /  Choice of Friends
( Sirach 7, 8  ) Conduct in Public Life / Prudence in Dealing with Others
( Sirach 11, 12, 13 ) Care in Choosing Friends / Caution Re: Associates
 ( Sirach 25, 26, 27 ) Those Worthy of Praise / Integrity and Friendship
 ( Sirach 30 )  Property and Servants
                                 
23 October    The Importance of Relationships: 
Friends and Associates


Reading:              


( Job 1, 2 )  Prologue: Job’s Wealth and Piety / The Second Trial
( Job 13, 14 ) Job’s Third Reply
( Psalm 49 )   Confidence in God rather than in Riches
 ( Ecclesiastes 2 )  Study of Wisdom and Folly / Study of the Fruits of Toil
( Ecclesiastes 4, 5 ) Vanity of Toil / Gain and Loss of Goods
 ( Ecclesiastes 6 ) Limited Worth of Enjoyment
 ( Sirach 14 ) The Use of Wealth
 ( Sirach 29, 31 ) Loans, Alms, Surety / Frugality / Proper Attitude toward Riches
( Sirach 35 ) God’s judgment on the (un) generous, (un) merciful, and ( un ) just
                                    
30 October    Ethics regarding Material Goods, 
           Money, and Wealth
 
Prayer: ( Psalm 49 )  Confidence in God rather than in riches
 
Reflection Questions:  


What advice for right living would you find in ( Psalm 49 ) ?
How do you understand Qoheleth’s teachings on possessions ?
How do you understand Ben Sira’s teachings on possessions ?          
 

             ( please read these text before the ninth session 
                      on Monday 06 November. Thank you ! )            


Reading:                ( Psalm 112 )  The Blessings of the Just
                                     ( Psalm 113 )  Praise of God’s Care for the Poor
                                     ( Sirach 3, 4 )  Alms for the Poor
                                     ( Sirach 7, 30  )  Duties of  Religion and Charity
                                     ( Wisdom 1 ) Exhortation to Justice, the Key to Life
                            
06 November   Duties to the Poor:
 Justice, Compassion, Generosity, Empathy
 
Prayer: ( Wisdom 1 )  Exhortation to Justice
 
Reflection Questions:  


What does the Book of Wisdom teach about the meaning of justice ?
 What connection(s) does the Psalmist make between giving praise to the Lord
                                 and obedience to the commandments of care for the poor ?
What reason(s) does Ben Sira offer for almsgiving as a religious obligation ?                                       
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            ( please read these text before the tenth session 
                    on Monday 13 November. Thank you ! )
 
Reading:         
 
( Proverbs 30 ) The Words of Agur / Numerical Proverbs
 ( Wisdom 2 )  The Wicked Reject Immortality and Justice Alike
( Wisdom 6 - 9 )  Exhortation to Seek Wisdom
 ( Sirach 4, 5 )  The Rewards of Wisdom  / Sincerity and Justice
( Sirach 23, 28 ) Proper Use of the Tongue / An Evil Tongue
 ( Sirach 30, 31, 32 ) Health of Soul and Body / God’s Providence
                                        
13 November        Virtues:   Gratitude, 
Prudence,   Integrity, and Nobility
 
Prayer: ( Sirach 4:1 1 -5:17  )  The Rewards of Wisdom and Sincerity
 
Reflection Questions:  


What is the Book of Wisdom’s teaching on prudence in judging ?
Why is this an important virtue for Solomon to desire ?
Describe Ben Sira’s treatment of financial matters ? Good advice ? Why ?
Describe Ben Sira’s treatment of good manners ? Good advice ? Why ?


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         ( please read these text before the eleventh session 
                    on Monday 20 November. Thank you ! )                             
Reading: 
      
( Psalm 73 )  The Trial of the Just
( Psalm 119 ) A Prayer to God, the Lawgiver
( Proverbs 10, 11, 12 ) The Proverbs of Solomon
( Proverbs 22, 23, 24 )  Sayings of the Wise
( Ecclesiastes 1 )  Vanity of Toil Without Profit
( Ecclesiastes 2 )  Two-Fold Instruction / Study of Pleasure Seeking
( Sirach 16 )  God’s Punishment of Sinners                        
( Sirach 18, 19 ) The Necessity of Prudence
                                                / Self-control / Recognizing true wisdom
( Sirach 20, 21 ) Conduct of Wise and Foolish  
                                               / Laziness and Foolishness
( Sirach 31 ) Table Etiquette
( Sirach 36, 37 )  Prayer for God’s people 
                                                / Choice of Friends and Advisors
( Sirach 37 )  Wisdom and Temperance
 
20 November Knowledge of Good / Evil 
/ Necessary Advice for Living Life Well
 
Prayer: ( Sirach 24 )  The Praise of Wisdom
 
Reflection Questions:  


Qoheleth often contrasts the ways of the wise with the ways of the foolish. 
How come this is important for a religious person?
Ben Sira contrasts self-control with irresponsibility and lack of discipline.

         ( please read these text before the twelfth session 
                     on Monday 27 November. Thank you ! )


Reading:    
       
( Baruch 3:9 – 4:4 ) Praise of Wisdom in the Law of Moses

( Job 3 ) Job’s Complaint
( Job 6, 7 ) Job’s First Reply                              
( Job 9, 10 ) Job’s Second Reply                       
 ( Job 12, 13, 14 ) Job’s Third Reply                         
( Ecclesiastes 2, 8 )  The Problem of Retribution                            
( Ecclesiastes 7 )  Critique of Sages on Justice and Wickedness                        
( Ecclesiastes 10, 11 )  Man Does Not Know what Good / Evil Will Come                 ( Wisdom 3, 4 )  The Hidden Counsels of God:  
                                                                  On Suffering / On Early Death                       
( Sirach 10, 21 )  The Sin of Pride  / Sin Must Be Avoided                    
( Sirach 38 ) Sickness and Death / Mourning
               
27 November         The Problem of Evil and Suffering
 
Prayer: ( Baruch 3:9 – 4:4 ) Praise of Wisdom in the Law of Moses
 
Reflection Questions:  


In the Book of Job, what answers are given for the suffering of the innocent ?
How does Qoheleth challenge both those who work and those who play ?
 What advice does Ben Sira offer regarding sickness, death, and mourning ?

            ( please read these text before the thirteenth session 
                   on Monday 04 December. Thank you ! )


Reading:
                                   
( Psalm 90 )  God’s Eternity and Human Frailty                              
( Ecclesiastes 3 )  Man Cannot Hit on the Right Time to Act                                      
( Ecclesiastes 7 )  Critique of Sages on the Day of Adversity                                      
( Ecclesiastes 9, 10  )  Man Does Not Know What is to Come                                                                      /   The Evil Time Not Known / The Uncertain Future
( Ecclesiastes 11,12 ) Poem on Youth and Old Age / Epilogue
 
04 December         Wisdom and the Proper Use of Time


Prayer: ( Ecclesiastes 3: 1 -15 )  Wisdom on How to Regard Time
 
Reflection Questions:  


What does ( Psalm 90 ) teach your mind and heart about valuing time ?
What does Qoheleth teach your mind and heart about valuing time ?
What is your reaction / response to 
                                    Qoheleth’s discussion of youth and old age ?

       ( please read these text before the fourteenth session 
                     on Monday 11 December. Thank you ! )                                   


Reading:      ( Psalm 30 )  Thanksgiving for Deliverance
                         ( Psalm 68 )  The Exodus and Conquest, Pledge of Future Help
                         ( Psalm 88 )   A Despairing Lament
                         ( Psalm 139 ) The All-knowing and Ever-present God
                         ( Ecclesiastes 11, 12 ) Poem on Youth and Old Age / Epilogue
                      ( Wisdom 2, 3, 4, 5 ) On Early Death 
                                     / The Final Judgment of the Wicked
                         ( Sirach 17 ) Creation of Human Beings / Appeal to Return to God
                         ( Sirach 18 ) Call to Leave Sin Behind / Divine Power and Mercy
                                   
11 December         Wisdom and the Afterlife
 
Prayer: ( Wisdom 3:1-12; 4:7- 5:23 )  
        Counsels of God on Suffering, Death, Judgment
 
Reflection Questions:  
What does the Psalmist teach us about hope for the afterlife ?
What advice does Qoheleth offer us on approaching life’s mysteries ?
What cautions does Ben Sira give us about the need for God ?

-18 December    Conclusion: Takeaways from 
                             our Study of Wisdom Literature
 
Reflection questions:
 
·Which text(s) which we have studied did you find 
       the most meaningful and why ?
 
·Which text(s) which we have studied did you find 
       the most challenging and why ?
 


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