The Hilasterion
Pope Benedict XVI insisted on a Christological reading of the Hebrew Scriptures, and in so doing, gave us an enriched understanding of Jesus Christ and our redemption through study of the worship and sacrifice of the Old Testament.
On Violence in the Old Testament
The violence of the Old Testament is often cited in attacks on the Bible and the Faith. Here are four helpful perspectives on the violence involved in the Israelite’s conquest of Canaan, arguably the most egregious instances of violence portrayed…
A New Catholic Study Group!
A Catholic Study Group for adults is starting during Advent at the St. Anthony of Padua Parish Spiritual Center in Tamuning! Meetings will be held weekly on Monday evenings at 6:45 p.m., after the parish Mass, and the first meeting…
The Daughters of Zelo’phehad
In this post we’ll see how certain provisions of the Mosaic law prefigure a key principle of the Church’s Social Teaching, the Universal Destination of Goods. Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Catholic Doctrine states this principle quite succinctly: “Each human…
Rahab, Spies, and Lies
The Old Testament heroine Rahab (pronounced “Raw-KHAWB” in Hebrew) is mentioned in glowing terms several times in the New Testament. In the Letter to the Hebrews we read: “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were…
The Witch of Endor
King Saul was in dire straits. The army of the Philistines was encamped opposite to his army, and things looked hopeless to him. God seemed to have withdrawn his support from him because of his disobedience, and the king was…
The Battle is the Lord’s
At the conclusion of a recent Pro-Life conference in my diocese, I heard a participant say, “We really are a ragtag army, aren’t we?” Indeed. I was immediately reminded of Gideon’s army, which I’ve commented upon before. Gideon was…
Ruth, Boaz, and the Coming of the King
The short Book of Ruth offers a refreshing change after reading the dark book of Judges. It is a short book, with only four chapters, and can easily be read in a single sitting. The Book of Ruth opens with…