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“NOT ON BREAD ALONE IS MAN TO LIVE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES FROM THE MOUTH OF GOD.” Matthew 4:4 This passage from St. Matthew is just one of the many verses in Scripture that speak of the power and importance of God’s word. At Mass we are fed in two ways, first with the readings from Scripture and second with the Eucharist, the Body of Christ, both are vital nourishment for us to be the people God has called us to be. The Eucharist is only available at Mass, but God’s word, the Bible, we can have in our home and it is available for us to consume any time. Our parish has a weekly Bible study group. We meet on Thursday evening in the Parish Center. We finished our book on the Gospel of Mark at the end of June. When we begin again in September, the Gospel of Luke will be our next challenge. We shall never become Scripture scholars, but certainly we will grow in faith and love of God. His holy word always encourages and reveals the constant work and power of the Holy Spirit in us. Someone once said, “the Bible is Gods’ love letter to us” ….and it truly is! The study book we will use is “Bringing the Gospel of Luke to Life” by George Martin. His commentary, guides and prompts us to reflect upon what God is saying to us and how His Word is relevant to our lives today. We asked three members of the group to share their experience of the Bible Study: “My desire for a closer relationship with God brought me to Bible group almost ten years ago. Since then, I have learned about the many ways He uses to draw us closer, His immense love for us, and His constant presence. I discovered that He left us a perfect instruction manual to help us live the best possible lives despite daily struggles. Sharing with others has strengthened my faith and showed me how God uses unique ways to touch each of us. Bible group at Saint Boniface has become my family in God.” Maria Fernanda “When I began my perusal of George Martin’s big, big book, Bringing the Gospel of Luke to Life, I came to realize how much I wanted to read the Gospel straight-through, without any exegesis. So that’s what I’ve been doing. It’s a fascinating story. I am enthralled by the Gospel of Luke. For me, the greatest benefit of belonging to the Bible Study Group is this: During every meeting I am reminded that God loves me – I experience His love through the caring concern of the other members.” Jan “Drawn to the Bible Study through our bulletin announcement of a Study of the Psalms a number of years ago, I have met men and women of various ages and walks of life willing to seek something more. We've used our personal Bibles and appropriate study guides for some of the Old Testament, Psalms, Letters of St. Paul, and the Gospels. The wording used in the various Bible translations find people willing to be open to the Spirit of the Word and share their thoughts and experiences. The readings, study and voluntary sharing of each of us has increased an awareness of God's Word and His working in our lives. The different materials used for study add a better understanding and many new insights of Scripture. Our opening and closing prayers each meeting thank and implore God to continue the blessings of the Holy Spirit upon each of us and our world. Recently we were offered a number of Day Retreats at the Cenacle--more Blessings! Personally, I am thankful that John and Rosemary were moved to say "Yes," when asked by Father Mike Torpey to begin and lead the group; secondly, that Father Bob, as our new Pastor gave his support and approval for our group to continue. This grateful parishioner took a leap of faith when offered understanding of the Psalms. Over the years the group and I have received many blessings; wonderful friendships, heard wisdom spoken, received food for our spirits and spiritual journeys (often for our earthly bodies as well!). With much gratitude, Alexis
WE BEGIN ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, AT 7:30PM IN THE PARISH CENTER. CALL ROSEMARY & JOHN MURELLO AT 676-2767 TO ORDER A BOOK AND FOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION.