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AUGUST
2010
ADONAI IN THE
BIBLE
Praise God Sister, please tell me where the name Adonai appears in our
Holy God’s Bible. Humbly looking for your reply. Thanks and God bless.
Carl
Dear Carl, Pronouncing YHWH (Yahweh) is avoided by Jews out of reverence
for the holiness of the name. Jews use Adonai (LORD) instead in prayers,
and colloquially would use HaShem ("the Name"). The form Adonai is used
439 times in the Bible (see Exodus 15:18, "The LORD will reign forever
and ever.") Hope this helps. Blessings, Kay
JULY
2010
YOUTH BIBLE STUDY
Dear Kay, I hope
by God's grace everything is moving on well. This side life is fine and
praying that the God Lord may make a good instrument of His. It is like
a Month since I last communicated to you. I think you will be pleased to
learn how we are going with our Bible Study. I have a group of about 10
to 15 youth that usually attend every Wednesday. I use the information
given to me on your Website and examples from the circumstance of this
end. I wish you the best in all. Fr. Stephen
Dear Fr. Stephen, I know that the power of the Holy Spirit is moving
through the youth you lead in your Bible Study. Do not worry about the
number who attend. Minister to those who are there. Then they will
spread the love of God's Word to their friends. I pray God's blessings
on you and the young people you serve. I'm glad that I could be of some
help. Blessings in Christ, Kay
HOME BIBLE STUDY
Dear Kay, I love
your site and visit it every day. Thank you so much. It has really
helped me. I was wondering if you have the Home Bible Study in a book
for people who do not have access to the Internet. Diane
Dear Diane, thank you so much for your kind remarks. My book "What Every
Catholic Needs to Know About the Bible" can be purchased from Resource
Pub., Inc. You can go online at
www.rpinet.com. Thank you for asking. Hope you continue to be a
reader of my web site. Blessings, Kay Murdy
Thank you Kay, I ordered the book. I love your site. It has really
helped me understand the scriptures and I get more meaning from them. I
look forward to checking the scripture every morning before work or
church. Thank you so much. You do a great job. I really appreciate it.
Diane
DAILY WORD OF
LIFE
Mrs. Murdy, This
is a wonderful site and I just wanted to say thank you for your work. I
will share this place with others. Regards, Joseph Maria
Dear Joseph Maria, thank you for your kind words. I especially
appreciate your sharing my web site with others. You are an instrument
of evangelization for all who need to hear God's Word. Thank you, Kay
JUNE
2010
LITURGY OF THE
MASS
I am Olubuogu Emmanuel, a second year theology student of the Spirits
International School of theology Enugu, Nigeria. Your wonderful article
on the Liturgy of the Word, praying the Mass has cleared some doubts
among my classmates in a debate. Well done and more grease to your
elbows! Your son, Olubuogu Emmanuel
BIBLE STUDY
Dear Kay, I pray that you are fine. Thank you for the
work of evangelizing that you are doing in your diocese. I have two
questions to put forward. As in my first mail I told you of the bible
group, I started on Wednesday and we shall be meeting every Wednesday.
How can I make this Class interesting in that people would not like to
miss it. Two how can I get access to your Audio and Videos regarding the
scriptures and the talks that you offer.
I will be pleased for the positive response. Fr. Stephen
Dear Fr. Stephen, I think the most important thing in any Bible Study is
including the participants in the discussion. The Scriptures will come
alive if they are related to their everyday experiences, and not just
head knowledge. I don't have any videos, other than those made in
Australia when I gave a seminar on the Book of Revelation. You can
contact Kathy and Shane Robbie at
rockdoc@petrie.hotkey.net.au,
or write to them at: 17 Monavale Way, Petrie, Queensland, Australia 450.
I do have a number of audio talks that I gave at the SCRC Conventions
here in California. You can contact Barbara Lambert at
scrcevents@scrc.org.
And I also have a home Bible Study on my website listed below. Hope this
is a help to you. May God bless you as you minister to his people. Kay
Murdy
DAILY COMMENTARIES
Dear Kay, I love
your homilies. It has been very useful in my ministry. It will really be
a big help if you can share with me a copy of your daily homilies for
Year C. Thank you so much. I remain in His Love. God bless your
ministry. Rev. Jublas Nolasco
Dear Rev. Nolasco, Thank you for your kind remarks. I update by daily
commentaries at least two or three weeks in advance. You can check them
out on my web site. May God continue to bless you and the people you
serve. Kay
MAY 2010
SATURDAY VIGIL
MASS
Dear Kay, I love
your bible studies just discovered on computer, and spend time reading
same. I have a problem about Sunday Mass! Since the regulations came in
years ago to accommodate workers to Saturday services, I joined like the
rest, but now I feel guilt about it. There are two reasons why I go to
mass on Saturday eves.(1) I don't have transport to get to town which is
about two miles away.(2) We have a church quite near to my home, but I
am terrified of the loose dogs running around and this prevents me
going. Please help me Kay as I'm in my seventies and feel guilt, though
I must tell you our national T.V. broadcasts Sunday Morning Mass and I
like to participate in same. Thank you for your wonderful bible lessons
on internet. I learn so much about my religion from same. Sincerely,
Dominica
Dear Dominica, thank you for your kind words. I'm glad you are enjoying
my bible studies and learning about your faith. In response to your
question you need not feel guilty about attending a Saturday vigil Mass.
The Sacred Congregation of the Clergy authorized vigil Masses for
Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation on January 10, 1970. A Vigil Mass
can begin at 4 PM on Saturday evening. The Readings and Gospel will be
the Sunday Liturgy of that week, except for Feast Days like Easter and
Christmas. The authorization for the Saturday liturgy draws from our
Jewish heritage that the day begins at sunset. In the early Church
Sunday was just another working day, and the members of the Church
gathered on Saturday evening, after the Jewish Sabbath was over, the
beginning of the first day of the week (Sunday), when the Lord rose from
the dead. (Notice that the Easter Vigil begins after dark on Saturday
evening and represents the beginning of the Easter Season.) According to
Canon Law, a person who assists at a Mass celebrated either on Sunday or
in the evening of the preceding day satisfies the obligation of
participating in the Mass [CIC Can. 1248 §1]. So the answer is yes, you
may attend on Saturday evening and fulfill your obligation. But while
you enjoy Mass on T.V., it does not fulfill your Sunday obligation. I
hope this helps answer your question. Blessings of the Risen Lord, Kay
APRIL
2010
THE DIVINE OFFICE
AND THE LECTIO DIVINA
Dear Kay, Is the
Liturgy of the Hours the same prayer form as Lectio Divina? Do you have
websites for these prayers that are easy to follow? Thanks for your site
and your Daily Word column. Happy Holy Easter time. Nnella
Dear Nella, No, the Liturgy of the hours is not the same as the Lectio
Divina, which is a Benedictine way of being led to prayer though
meditation on a biblical passage. The Liturgy of the Hours (also known
as the Divine Office) provides prayers, psalms and meditation for every
hour of every day. It has existed from the earliest times, to fulfil the
Lord's command to pray without ceasing. The four volume books of the
Divine Office is available though Catholic Books stores or at
www.Amazon.com or go to Universalis
http://www.universalis.com/
There is a
new book on the Lectio Divina called: Lectio Divina with the Sunday
Gospels, Author: De Verteuil, or The Bible as Prayer: A Handbook for Lectio Divina by Stephen Hough. This book takes small extracts from the
Bible and prays with them in a simple, contemplative way. Another book
is The Catholic Prayer Bible, the (NRSV) Lectio Divina Edition which
helps the reader to reflect on the individual stories and chapters of
the biblical books. You can find these at Paulist Press
www.paulistpress.com
Have you seen my web page on the Lectio?
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com/prayer_2.htm
I hope this is a help to you. Blessings of the Risen Christ,
Kay
DAILY GOSPEL
REFLECTIONS
Are you going to
update your daily Gospel reading reflections beyond Easter? If so, when
will you be doing this - I find your reflections helpful when preparing
my reflections for Prayer services that I lead. Please reply. Thank you,
K.J.
Dear Friend in Christ, yes, I keep updating my website, at least one or
two weeks in advance. I will continue doing so as long as the Lord
permits. Currently my commentaries go through the fourth Sunday of
Easter. I'm glad you find the reflections helpful. Blessings of the
Risen Christ. Kay
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Hello, I stumbled
to your site looking for a Catholic one year Bible reading plan. I read
that you are a Master Catechist. How does one become one? Do you know of
any one year Catholic Bible reading plan available online for free? By
the way, I really enjoyed your web site. Keep up the good work.
Katholikos.
Dear Katholikos, Some people want to read the whole Bible from beginning
to end (from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation). Such plans
require reading thirty or more minutes each day, or one or more chapters
each day, throughout the year. This is probably not the best method for
beginners, since the Old Testament is so long and many parts of it are
quite difficult; but it could be a good practice for people who are
already familiar with much of the Bible, and wish to see how it all fits
together. Various plans for reading the whole Bible in one or more years
are available in print or online: Daily Scripture and Catechism
Devotional – a downloadable brochure of a one-year plan that anyone can
begin at any time, with four readings suggested for each day: two
selections from the OT, one from the NT, and one from the Catechism of
the Catholic Church; by the "Coming Home Network"
How to Read the Bible Every Day: A Guide for Catholics – contains
1-year, 2-year, and 3-year plans; by Carmen Rojas (only in print, not
online) Most other online reading plans and printed "One-Year Bibles"
are based on Protestant editions of the Bible. Hope you find this
helpful, and hope you continue to enjoy my website. Check out the Daily
Reflections on the readings of the Liturgy: http://www.daily-word-of-life.com/framesOne.htm.
This is on-going through the three year cyle of daily Mass readings.
Blessings, Kay
COPYING PERMISSION
Dear Ms
Murdy, I am an Ursuline sister from Slovenia. I'd like to ask you for
copyright permission for the picture of the liturgical cycles on your
web site which I'd like use it in the English course book for students
of theology at the Faculty of Theology in Ljubljana. Best regards and a
very blessed Easter, S.Simona
Dear Sister, I don't own the copyright on the picture. If you go to:
http://aim.search.aol.com/aol/image?s_it=topsearchbox.image&imgsz=&q=Liturgical+cycles
you will see the diagram of the liturgical year and ask for
permission from the publisher. Thanks for inquiring. I wish you God's
blessings at Easter. Kay
MARCH 2010
EARLY CHURCH
FATHERS
The Catechism of
the Catholic Church quotes our Church Fathers a lot and I understand our
Catholic faith is built upon Tradition lived in the early church and the
Bible. Would the teachings of the Church Fathers be part of that
Tradition? Thank you for answering my questions. Lori
Dear Lori, This definition is taken from an article in Catholic Answers
by Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.
Early Church Fathers were those Great Christian writers who passed on
and clarified Catholic doctrine from approximately the 2nd-8th
centuries. The term "Father of the Church" is not an officially
conferred distinction for which Catholics have a definitive list as is
the title "Doctor of the Church." Rather, "Early Church Father" is a
title that gradually came to be applied to certain Christian leaders
distinguished by four characteristics: antiquity, holiness, orthodoxy,
and Church approval. It is in their common teaching, or consensus, that
the Fathers infallibly witness to the authentic Catholic tradition
(Vatican Council I, Dei Filius).
So it is my understanding that the teachings of the Church Fathers are
not part of the Tradition, but give witness to the Tradition. I hope
this is of help to you. Blessings, Kay
REQUEST FOR
DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET
Ms. Murdy, Another prayer to add: Divine Mercy Chaplet. Thanks, Janet
Thank you
Janet, I will add it to my Catholic
Prayers Page
LECTORS
Hi, I am Vice
President of Altar Society in our church Holy Rosary Parish, Freshwater,
NL. I am a very active in doing church duties. One thing I have noticed
several times now in our nearby church is that one Lector does the two
readings and also the petitions. It has been my understanding that the
readings from the Old Testament and New Testament are to be proclaimed
by different readers with dignity and clarity. I think somewhere along
the way I have read that from The General Introduction to the Roman
Missal. Can you help me with this or give me some insight to if I'm
right or wrong on it. Thanks, Margaret
Dear Margaret, in our parish Sunday liturgy we generally have two
lectors, one to proclaim the first reading and another to proclaim the
second reading. We also have a cantor to sing the psalm, and a different
person to read the General Intercessions. However, this may not be
possible in all circumstances. I checked the GIRM document (General
Introduction to the Roman Missal) and found nothing about the number of
readers. Perhaps this is dictated somewhere else. Here is what I found
(read "he or she" where it says "he"):
* By tradition, the office of reading the Scriptures is a ministerial,
not a presidential function. The readings should be delivered by a
lector, the Gospel being proclaimed by the deacon or by a priest other
than the celebrant. If, however, a deacon or other priest is not
present, the priest celebrant proclaims the Gospel. Further, if a
suitable lector is not present, then the priest celebrant also delivers
the other readings. After each reading, whoever does the reading
proclaims the acclamation. Responding to it, the gathered people honor
the word of God which they have received with faith and grateful hearts
(59).
* The lector is instituted to proclaim the readings from Sacred
Scripture, with the exception of the gospel reading. He may also
announce the intentions for the General Intercessions and, in the
absence of the psalmist, sing or read the psalm between the readings. In
the celebration of the Eucharist, the lector has specific duties which
he alone ought to perform, even though ordained ministers may be present
(99).
* In the absence of an instituted lector, other lay people may be
designated to proclaim the readings from the Sacred Scriptures. Such
designated lectors must be truly qualified and carefully prepared for
this office, so that the faithful will develop a warm and lively love
for Sacred Scripture from listening to the reading from the sacred texts
(101).
I hope this is a help to you. Kay
WHAT DOES THE WORD "PREFIGUREMENT"
MEAN?
When Catholics
talk about prefigurement what does that mean? Lori
Dear Lori, A prefigurement is a phenomenon that serves as a sign or
warning of some future good or evil: forerunner, omen, portent, presage,
sign. For example: Moses foreshadows Christ. Both did the work of
prophets, priests, and kings -- the three most important positions of
authority in the ancient world. Both brought their people from slavery
to freedom and the Promised Land. The bronze serpent Moses lifted up in
the desert prefigures Christ's saving death on the cross (Numbers 21:9;
John 3:14). Jeremiah prefigures Christ in his sufferings. Jonah's three
days in the belly of the whale prefigure Christ's body in the tomb
(Jonah 1:17; Luke 11:29-30). I hope these examples are a help to you in
understanding the meaning of prefigurement. Thank you, Kay
SCRIPTURE AND
LITURGY
Could you tell me
– is all of the Catholic Bible read throughout the Cycles (A, B, C)? Is
it all or part of the Old Testament or all or part of the New Testament?
I know our readings are usually 1st from the Old, 2nd from the New and
the Psalms – responsorial. I have been studying Scripture and have found
so much that I have never heard before and I am a 56 year old cradle
Catholic. I understand that the daily Liturgy would cover some of it –
but is it really all covered? Thanks for your response! Debbie, Dayton,
Ohio
Dear Debbie, I'm glad you are reading and growing in your Catholic
Faith. Here is an article from the United States Catholic Conference of
Bishops (USCCB) that might answer your questions.
The Lectionary is arranged in two cycles, one for Sundays and one for
weekdays.
The Sunday cycle is divided into three years, labeled A, B, and C. 2008
was Year A. 2009 was Year B, 2010 is Year C, etc. In Year A, we read
mostly from the Gospel of Matthew. In Year B, we read the Gospel of Mark
and chapter 6 of the Gospel of John. In Year C, we read the Gospel of
Luke. The Gospel of John is read during the Easter season in all three
years. The first reading, usually from the Old Testament, reflects
important themes from the Gospel reading. The second reading is usually
from one of the epistles, a letter written to an early church community.
These letters are read semi-continuously. Each Sunday, we pick up close
to where we left off the Sunday before, though some passages are never
read.
The weekday cycle is divided into two years, Year I and Year II. Year I
is read in odd-numbered years (2009, 2011, etc.) and Year II is used in
even-numbered years (2010, 2012, etc.) The Gospels for both years are
the same. During the year, the Gospels are read semi-continuously,
beginning with Mark, then moving on to Matthew and Luke. The Gospel of
John is read during the Easter season. For Advent, Christmas, and Lent,
readings are chosen that are appropriate to the season. The first
reading on weekdays may be taken from the Old or the New Testament.
Typically, a single book is read semi-continuously (i.e., some passages
are not read) until it is finished and then a new book is started.
The year of the cycle does not change on January 1st, but on the 1st
Sunday of Advent (usually late November) which is the beginning of the
liturgical year. The liturgical year 2010 began on November 29, 2009,
and ends on November 27, 2010.
In addition to the Sunday and weekday cycles, the Lectionary provides
readings for feasts of the saints, for common celebrations such as
Marian feasts, for ritual Masses (weddings, funerals, etc.), for votive
Masses, and for various needs. These readings have been selected to
reflect the themes of these celebrations.
I hope this article was helpful. Let me know if you have further
questions. Blessings on your Lenten journey of dying and rising with
Christ. Kay
FEBRUARY 2010
STUDY ON WOMEN IN
THE BIBLE
Dear Kay Murdy, I
am presently enrolled in the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry Program at
St. Peter's Seminary in London, Ontario. Part of our formation is
developing a project/program. I have always been very moved by the women
of the Bible. I am to present my outline for my project on March 20. I
have sought out several sources
for their input on this, and it's all very positive. I am turning to
you, to ask for direction. I would like to offer a four week course on
Women of the Bible, how they empower us. Are there any resources that I
should consider ? Also, what are your thoughts on a course such as this.
I read your insights to the readings and use them in our RCIA classes,
Confirmation Classes and also the papers that I write for my classes.
Thank you for the website that you offer. Peace, Betty, Immaculate Heart
Parish, Ontario
Dear Betty, I think your project on Women of the Bible is a wonderful
idea. You might want to consider Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Judith in the
Old Testament and Martha and Mary, Mary Magdala and Mary of Nazareth, as
well as Paul's "co-workers" in the New Testament (see list in Romans
16). For further discussion on the social, cultural and historical
context of women in biblical times see Meyers, "Everyday Life: Women in
the Period of the Hebrew Bible." Wordelman, "Everyday Life: Women in the
Period of the New Testament" in The Women’s Bible Commentary, Expanded
Edition, with Apocrypha. Edited by Carol A. Newsom and Sharon H. Ringe.
Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1998. Thank you for your
kind words regarding my web site. I hope they will continue to be a help
to you. Good luck to you. Blessings, Kay Murdy
JANUARY 2010
DAILY WORD OF
LIFE
Hi Sis Kay, I am
Bro Bobot here in Phils and your daily reflection had helped me in walk
with the Lord. Am also sharing your reflections to my facebook friends.
May God bless you more with healthy, blessed years. GOD BLESS! Bro Bobot
Dear Bro Bobot, thank you for your kind words. I pray that my
reflections will continue to be a blessing for God's people. Thank you,
Kay
BIBLE STUDY
Dear Kay, I am 55
years old and divorced. I am at a crossroads in my life. I got online
because I just heard last night that I was going to be furloughed. I
have always wanted to do a bible study and have not had the time. I
found your site and I love it!!!!! I was sad but reading Psalm 23 three
times has given me the comfort again that it is in God's hand. Never
done a bible study so I have no idea where to start. Can you guide me?
Thank you and have a blessed year! Suzi
Dear Suzi, I know that the Lord is leading you on a path that he wants
you to follow. Trust in his guidance. I'm glad that my web site was
helpful to you. I have a Home Bible Study course that you can use if you
wish. You can find it at:
http://www.daily-word-of-life.com/bible_study.htm. Start at the
first page and continue on as suggested. I hope it is a blessing to you.
Kay
REAL PRESENCE
Many
ministers lead the church according to their best ideas, which sound
pretty nice to the natural ear, but some of them are against the mind of
Christ. Such is the case of churches that want to build a tabernacle of
worship for the glory of God, which is a proof that they do not have the
mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16 ). It is impossible that the Holy
Spirit inspires you to do something contrary to Jesus (John 4:22-24).
Ramon
Dear Ramon, in the Old Covenant, the tabernacle was placed in the Holy
Place in the Temple. It contained the tablets of the Law among other
sacred relics. After the Temple was destroyed and rebuilt after the
exile, the tabernacle was empty. But it was always a special sign of the
presence, or the Shekinah glory of the Lord. Since early Christians were
mostly Jews by birth, much of our sacred symbols are based on Jewish
worship -- the altar, the candles, the tabernacle, etc. As Catholics we
believe Christ's real presence is in the precious bread reserved in the
tabernacle. "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever
eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for
the life of the world is my flesh." (John 6:51). Pray to the Holy Spirit
to reveal this great mystery to you. Blessings of Christ, Kay
DAILY GOSPEL
RESOURCES
My dad is 84 and
Catholic. I am searching for a way to help him grow in his faith. When
he visits, I print the daily Gospel readings with meditations and put
them on the counter for him to read during breakfast. Is there a small
booklet that I could buy for him that is geared toward older adults that
have the Daily Gospel reading from the Bible, meditation questions, and
a prayer? Thank you for your assistance, His Daughter, Dee
Dear Dee, you are a loving daughter to be concerned about your father's
spiritual well being. Are the meditations you print from my web site? If
not, you might check these out for your father. I have a new book for
the Season of Lent -- "A Closer Walk with Jesus" that has one page
reflections on the readings of the daily liturgy with questions and
prayer starters. It is $10.00. You can purchase it from my publisher:
Resource Publications
http://www.rpinet.com/
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