Episode 16- Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran -Announcement of the Kingdom Of God (PART 2)

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Episode 16 –

Beatitudes (part 2)

“Blessed are…..”

The Beatitudes. So familiar, yet do we really understand them?

In this lecture, Sharon blazes through the history of Israel, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the meaning of the Beatitudes.

The occupied, oppressed nation of Israel was yearning for a savior, a savior that would rid them of centuries of foreign occupation.

Then Jesus arrives, working amazing miracles.

Could He be the One??

Expectations are high, but expectations are turned inside-out as Jesus proclaims the paradoxical truths of the Beatitudes.

Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your every day life.

“Seeking Truth” is an in depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to:www.seekingtruth.net

Episode 15- Seeking Truth with Sharon Doran -Announcement of the Kingdom Of God (PART 1)

[powerpress]

Episode 15 –

Beatitudes (part 1)

“Blessed are…..”

The Beatitudes. So familiar, yet do we really understand them?

In this lecture, Sharon blazes through the history of Israel, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of the meaning of the Beatitudes.

The occupied, oppressed nation of Israel was yearning for a savior, a savior that would rid them of centuries of foreign occupation.

Then Jesus arrives, working amazing miracles.

Could He be the One??

Expectations are high, but expectations are turned inside-out as Jesus proclaims the paradoxical truths of the Beatitudes.

Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your every day life.

“Seeking Truth” is an in depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to:www.seekingtruth.net

Show 9 ” Building a Kingdom of Love” – True Happiness and Joy

“Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh”

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an excerpt from today’s reflection by Don Schwager:

When you encounter misfortune, grief, or tragic loss, how do you respond? With fear or faith? With passive resignation or with patient hope and trust in God? We know from experience that no one can escape all of the inevitable trials of life – pain, suffering, sickness, and death. When Jesus began to teach his disciples he gave them a “way of happiness” that transcends every difficulty and trouble that can weigh us down with grief and despair. Jesus began his sermon on the mount by addressing the issue of where true happiness can be found. The word beatitude literally means happiness or blessedness. Jesus’ way of happiness, however, demands a transformation from within – a conversion of heart and mind which can only come about through the gift and working of the Holy Spirit.

How can one possibly find happiness in poverty, hunger, mourning, and persecution? If we want to be filled with the joy and happiness of heaven, then we must empty ourselves of all that would shut God out of our hearts. Poverty of spirit finds ample room and joy in possessing God alone as the greatest treasure possible. Hunger of the spirit seeks nourishment and strength in God’s word and Spirit. Sorrow and mourning over wasted life and sin leads to joyful freedom from the burden of guilt and oppression. God reveals to the humble of heart the true source of abundant life and happiness. Jesus promises his disciples that the joys of heaven will more than compensate for the troubles and hardships they can expect in this world. Thomas Aquinas said: “No person can live without joy. That is why someone deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures.” Do you know the joy and happiness of hungering and thirsting for God alone?

“Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you and show me the way that leads to everlasting happiness and peace. May I desire you above all else and find perfect joy in doing your will.”

for the full reflection visit : Daily Reading and Meditation