1. Catholic Bible Institute in the Diocese of Orange
Sept. 17, 2016 – Intro NT & Gospel according to Mark
WELCOME to CBI
Catholic Bible Institute in the Diocese of Orange
Sept. 17, 2016 Intro NT & Gospel acc. to Mark

2. Catholic Bible Institute in the Diocese of Orange
GRAY Handout, pp. 2-3 (on back of today’s Schedule)
Opening Prayer:
Song: Seed, Scattered and Sown (vv. 1-2) Gospel: Mark 4:1-9 Responsorial: Ps 126:1-6 Intercessions The Lord’s Prayer Closing Prayer Closing Song (v. 3)

4. Daily Schedule (Green HO from August)
8:00 [Saturday Mass in Sacred Heart Chapel – optional]
8:30 Gathering; Handouts; Refreshments
8:55 Welcome & Opening Prayer
9:00 Session 1 (10:00 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
10:15 Break
10:30 Session 2 (11:30 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Session 3 (2:00 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
2:15 Break
2:30 Session 4 (3:30 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)
3:50 Final Announcements & Closing Prayer
4:00 Clean-up & Departure

5. Group Facilitators & Monthly Contributions
Blue HO, front:
Role of the Facilitator
Readers for CBI Groups
Maggie (green); Fiona (blue)
Maureen (pink); Randy (gray)
Blue HO, back:
Sacred Space, Opening Prayer, Closing Prayer
Morning Refreshments: Light Snacks (healthy?)
(Coffee,Tea, Water will be provided each month)

6. Year 1 Syllabus (SALMON HO from Aug.)
Reflection Paper, due today:
On Dei Verbum & Ron Witherup’s Fundamentalism
Follow Guidelines from Tan Handout from August
Readings for Today: Intro. to NT & Gospel of Mark
BIBLE: The Gospel according to Mark (all 16 chaps.)
BROWN: Chapters 1, 6A (pp ), Ch. 7; also skim Ch. 2 & 3 (as time permits)
POWELL: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 6
RALPH: Chapters 1–3

7. Addendum to August Session
Wi-Fi Access here: M0therH0use
Fr. Ronald Witherup: Biblical Fundamentalism
Typos in Dei Verbum:
DV 1.5 cites Rom 13:26; should be Rom 13:2-6
DV 4.14 cites Ps 21:29; = Ps 22:29 in most Bibles
HO: Ancient Near East & Roman Empire MAPS Note: Where’s the Holy Land?
HO: Color Charts of Jewish & Christian Bibles

8. Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona
Sept. 19, 2015 – Intro NT & Gospel of Mark

10. Jewish & Christian Bibles
Full-color Handout
Various Differences in HB/OT:
Different foundational texts
Different total number of biblical books
Different arrangement of categories of books
Different titles for some books
Different categorization of some books
Need to ask: WHICH Bible? WHOSE Bible?
Luckily, the NT is identical in all Christian Bibles

11. Rest of PPT Slide Show from August
Linked on our CBI Website:

12. Session 1: Intro to NT Canon
New Testament: Contents & Order & Genres
Multiple Stages of Composition & Transmission
What Are the Gospels? Four Portraits of Jesus
Canonical Gospels in the Lectionary for Mass
Table-Group Discussions:
Why is important to consider the many STAGES in the formation of the NT Canon?
Why is it crucial to understand the “Four-fold Role of the Evangelists as Authors”?

13. NT Contents & Statistics (HO, p.1)
Greek New Testament:
Books: 27
Chapters: 260
Verses: 7956
Words: 138,020
Chapter & Verse Divisions
Current Chapter Divisions – AD 1205
Current Verse Divisions – AD 1551

14. NT Categories / Genres (HO, p. 1)
Four Main Sections/Genres:
Gospels
3 “Synoptics” + “Fourth Gospel”
Acts of the Apostles
Letters/Epistles
“Pauline”
“Catholic”
Apocalypse / Revelation
Also sub-genres within each of these genres
Helpful to MEMORIZE the order of all 27 books!

15. Canonical Arrangement: 8 Tips (HO, 2)
NOT listed in chronological order.
Overall order: life of Jesus (Gospels); growth of Church (Acts, Letters, Epistles); end of time (described symbolically in Revelation).
Gospels: traditional order assumed Matthew was oldest); however Mark was probably first.
Acts: originally Luke’s 2nd volume; but when four Gospels grouped together, Acts was placed after John.
Letters of Paul, in two sub-groups: to communities, to individuals; in each sub-group, in decreasing order of length (more or less).
“Letter to the Hebrews”: used to be attributed to Paul; maybe by one of his followers, but not by Paul himself.
Catholic or General Epistles: in decreasing order of length; but letters attributed to one apostle are grouped together.
Book of Revelation (singular! not “Revelations”!): describes end of time (New Heavens, New Earth, New Jerusalem, etc.).

16. End of Luke & Beginning of John

17. “Canonization” of the NT
Long Process of Development:
writing, sharing, collecting, editing, translating, debating, interpreting the books/letters now in NT
1st Cent. – individual writings composed
2nd Cent. – writings collected (4 Gospels; Paul’s Letters)
4th Cent. – early canon lists
some with fewer than books: 2 Peter? Revelation?
some with more: Didache, Shepherd of Hermas, etc.
367 – Easter Letter of St. Athanasius – first list of all 27
16th Cent. – Council of Trent
First "official" listing of all 46 OT & 27 NT books
In reaction to Protestants (esp. regarding OT Apocrypha)

18. Stages of Gospel Formation
Based on Vatican II: Dei Verbum
Historical Events
Oral Tradition
Written Texts
Canonization

19. Ten Stages of NT Formation (HO, p. 2)
Life & Ministry of Jesus
Oral Tradition
Written Sources
Written Texts
Distribution
Collection
Canonization
Translation
Interpretation
Application

20. Four Main Criteria for Canonicity
1) Apostolic Origin –
attributed to and/or based on preaching/teaching of first-generation apostles (or their closest companions)
2) Universal Acceptance –
acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the Mediterranean world (by end of 4th century)
3) Liturgical Use –
read publicly along with OT when early Christians gathered for Lord's Supper (weekly worship services)
4) Consistent Message –
containing theological ideas compatible with other accepted Christian writings (incl. divinity & humanity Jesus)

21. What Is a “Gospel”? Biography? History? Both Yes and No !
Biographical, but not modern “biography”
Historical, but not contemporary “history”
Euangelion = Proclamation of “Gospel” or “GOOD NEWS”!

22. Important Definitions:
"gospel" = "good news" = oral preaching
from Gk. Ευ̉αγγέλιον = Evangelion (cf. Eng. "Evangelist") eu = "good"; angelos = "messenger"
"Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.' " (Mark 1:14-15; NRSV)
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son…" (Romans 1:1-3; NRSV)
"But the birthday of the god (Caesar Augustus) was… the beginning of the good news for the world…" (Prien inscription)

23. Important Definitions (cont.)
"Gospel" = "written account about Jesus"
Mark was first to use "gospel" in this sense:
"The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." (Mark 1:1)
NT Gospel Titles (added in 2nd Cent.):
"Gospel according to Mark; Gospel according to…"
"Canon"
"Official List" of writings ("scriptures") considered foundational by some group: HB canon, NT canon…
Usually religious, but not only: e.g. Shakespearean canon

24. Important Definitions (cont.)
Four "Canonical Gospels"
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Dates: 1st century (60's – 90's)
Order? Mark probably first, then Matthew, Luke; John last
"Non-canonical Gospels"
Many other short books
mostly from 2nd to 4th cent.
about Jesus' life and/or his teachings
not all explicitly entitled “Gospel”

25. Catholic Answer: BOTH / AND! Doctrine of “Inspiration”
Who Wrote the Gospels?
Four Evangelists?
God? Holy Spirit?
Catholic Answer: BOTH / AND!
Doctrine of “Inspiration”
Historicity of the Gospels (PBC)

26. Who Wrote the Gospels? Greek Titles: Euangelion KATA…
Not “Gospel OF…” but “Gospel ACCORDING TO Mark” (or Matt / Luke / John)
Four Evangelists:
Matthew: Angel
Mark: Lion
Luke: Ox
John: Eagle

28. Four-fold Role of Evangelists as Authors
HO, p.2 (bottom); Based on Vatican II: Dei Verbum
Selectors – from among the many things Jesus said and did, they chose which stories they wanted to include and which to omit.
Arrangers – they organized materials in a particular sequence, not necessarily chronologically but often in thematic blocks.
Shapers – they adapted and edited the individual stories from their sources so as to emphasize the themes they wanted to stress.
Proclaimers – they were not objective historians, but preached the “good news” about Jesus in ways appropriate to their audiences.

29. Table-Group Discussions
Why is important to consider the many STAGES in the formation of the New Testament Canon?
Why is it crucial to understand the “Four-fold Role of the Evangelists as Authors”?
How can having four Gospels enrich our faith, rather than confuse us?

30. Faith-Sharing Guidelines (Gold HO from August) “Ten Commandments” – for SPEAKING and LISTENING
See Jesus in every member of your group.
Love each member just as she or he is today.
Treat everyone as well as you want them to treat you (the “Golden Rule”).
Share only what God is revealing to you about yourself and your own life.
Allow each person equal time to share with the group, but don’t force anyone.
Be courteous of one another. Allow each person to speak without interruption.
Listening is even more important than speaking (we have two ears, one mouth).
Do not try to solve another person’s problems. Do not teach, preach, judge, condemn, or give advice. Just listen and offer support.
Do not share with others outside the group what you heard in the group. Confidentiality is essential for the trust level of a group.
All members of the group assume responsibility for these guidelines. Gently remind and lovingly encourage one another if anyone forgets.

31. Session 2: Intro to MARK Mark’s Gospel: Outline & Overview
Canonical Gospels in Lectionary for Mass
Kurt Aland’s Synopsis of the Four Gospels
Mark’s Gospel: Outline & Overview
Mark’s Gospel: Literary Features
Jesus’ Preaching & Teaching
Jesus’ Public Ministry & Miracles
Group Discussions: Which of the literary features of Mark most surprise/impress you?

32. Gospels in Lectionary (HO, p.3)
THREE-Year Cycle for most Sundays:
Year A: mostly Matthew
Year B: mostly Mark
Year C: mostly Luke
JOHN interspersed:
Mostly Lent and Easter
Some in Advent and Christmas
Ord. Time: 2nd Sun. ABC & 17th-21st Sun. B
Weekdays: Matt / Mark / Luke each year

33. Mark in Lectionary (HO, p.4)
Most of Mark used on Sundays, Year B
Parts that are omitted on Sundays are mostly used on weekdays.
Very little is never used at Mass.

34. Initial Sharing in Pairs
Turn to ONE neighbor (or at most two), and briefly share:
What were your overall impressions as you read the ENTIRE Gospel of Mark?
What stood out for you or surprised you?
How did reading this Gospel affect you?

35. Kurt Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels
Prints texts from Matt, Mark, Luke, John in parallel columns, for easy comparison
Look for the GAPS in specific lines or words
See esp. “Index of Gospel Parallels”
in back: pp
Example: one can easily see how much is “missing” from Mark (and John)
But is this material really “missing”?

36. Kurt Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels, p. 341

37. Kurt Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels, p. 342

38. Kurt Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels, p. 353a

39. Kurt Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels, p. 355

40. One Jesus: Four Gospels
Is it the SAME Jesus in all four Gospels?
Best Catholic Answer:
Not “Yes” or “No” – but “both Yes and No”!
Same historical person: Jesus of Naz.
Same divine person: Christ, Son of God
But four very different portraits
Different theological emphases

41. Rethink Gospel Formation
Is there even an “original text”?
Ongoing interplay between live preaching and written/expanded “performance notes”
One author? Multiple authors? Final author?
Aramaic Matthew? vs. Final/canonical Mt?
Proto-Luke? vs. Final/canonical Luke (&Acts)
Early edition(s) of Mark vs. later editions
Early edition(s) of John vs. later editions

42. Synoptics vs. John Traditional Bias: “Apostolic Witness”
Matthew and John were apostles, thus the most historical
Modern Bias: “Markan Priority”
Mark is earliest, thus most historical
John is latest, thus least historical
Today: Apply the Both/And Approach:
All FOUR Gospels: BOTH History & Theology

43. 4 Gospels: Comparative Charts
Full-color handout: new for today
Mark = Yellow
Matthew = Red
Luke = Blue
John = Grey (or Brown)
Study Vertically and Horizontally
Vertically: focus on each Gospel separately
Horizontally: compare features in 4 Gospels

44. Mark: Literary Historical Issues
Attributed author: "John Mark of Jerusalem" (Acts 12:12; 15:37; Col 4:10; Phlm 1:24; 1Pet 5:13)
Implied author: bilingual (Aramaic/Greek) 2nd generation Xn; the "young man" of 14:51-52?
Audience: mostly Gentile converts, fairly new in their faith, facing persecutions
Location: probably written in or to Christian cmty in Rome; possibly Decapolis, Syria or Alexandria?
Date: first written "Gospel"; very late 60's or early 70's (Jewish War 66-70)
Sub-genre: narrated "good news" (1:1) about Jesus, esp. his powerful actions & his suffering & death
Purpose: to encourage Xns undergoing trials & persecutions

45. Mark: Structure / Outline (HO, p.5)
Introduction:  John the Baptist & Jesus  (1:1-15) - incl. the theme of Jesus' preaching (v. 15)
 Early Ministry:  Jesus heals, preaches, teaches, in Galilee and beyond  (1:16 – 6:6)
   Expanded Ministry:  Jesus continues preaching, healing, and encountering opposition  (6:7 – 8:21)
   Central Section:  Jesus & disciples "On the Way" to Jerusalem  (8:22 – 10:52; incl. passion predictions)
   Final Ministry:  Jesus confronts authorities in Jerusalem; apocalyptic discourse  (11:1 – 13:37)
  Passion Narrative:  Jesus' Last Supper, arrest, trials, crucifixion, death, burial  (14:1 – 15:47)
Conclusion:  women find Jesus' tomb empty  (16:1-8) - vv are not original, but added later

46. Material ONLY in Mark 1:1 - Introductory Verse
3:19b-21 - Jesus' Family Tries to Restrain Him
4: The Parable of the Seed Growing of Itself
7: Jesus Heals a Deaf Man in the Decapolis
8: Jesus Gives Sight to Blind Man of Bethsaida
14: Young Man Flees Naked after Jesus' Arrest
[16:14-18] - [The Commissioning of the Eleven]

47. Mark: Literary Themes & Features
Handout, pp. 5-8

48. Mark: Section-by-Section Outlines
Handout, pp. 9-12

49. Table-Group Discussions:
Which of the literary features of Mark’s Gospel (HO, pp. 5-8) most surprise or impress you?

50. F O O D ! Back at 1:00 LUNCH Break Registration Issues – see Randy
Purchase of Textbooks – see Fiona
Written Questions – put on Fr. Felix’ desk
F O O D !
Back at 1:00

51. Session 3: Christology & Discipleship
Mark’s Christology: Who Is Jesus? (Christ/Servant)
Disciples & Apostles (students & missionaries)
Role Models in Mark’s Gospel (negative & positive)
Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem: Three Passion Predictions
Bethsaida & Bartimaeus: Blindness and (In)Sight
Group Discussions: Which character in Mark’s Gospel inspires you the most, as a role model? Why?

52. Christology in Mark WHO IS JESUS? Christological Titles in the NT:
Christological Titles in the NT:
HO, pp & 19

53. Discipleship in Mark How are WE to follow Jesus, acc. to Mark?
HO, p. 20
CENTRAL SECTION OF MARK:
HO, p. 13

54. Table-Group Discussions:
Why does the Markan Jesus NOT want most people to tell others about him?

55. Session 4: Eschatology & Passion
Mark 13 – The Eschatological Discourse
Mark – The Passion Narrative
Mark 16:1-8 – The Empty Tomb Story (& later additions, 16:9-20)
So What? Mark’s Gospel for Today’s Christians
Table Discussions; Q&A

56. Eschatology in Mark Mark 13 - “Eschatological Discourse”
Handout, p. 11 (bottom)

57. Passion of Jesus in Mark
Mark – Mark’s “Passion Narrative”
HO, p. 12
HO, pp

58. Table/Group Discussions
Which character in Mark’s Gospel inspires you the most, as a positive role model for Christian discipleship?
And WHY?

59. Monthly Assignments (Lilac HO)
AFTER Session: Writing Assignment
Monthly ONE-page Reflection Paper
to your “Reader” within TWO weeks
BEFORE next Session: Reading Assignments
BIBLE: New Testament itself
Textbooks:
M.N. Ralph, A Walk through the NT
R. Brown, Intro to the NT --OR-- M.Powell, Intro NT
K. Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels

60. Year 1 Syllabus (Salmon HO from Aug.)
Reflection Paper, to your reader by Oct. 1:
Choose Mark 5, or Mark 7, or Mark 13
Follow Guidelines on Today’s YELLOW Handout
Readings for Oct. 22: Gospel acc. to Matthew
BIBLE: The Gospel acc. to Matthew (all 28 chaps.)
BROWN: Chap. 6B (pp ) and Ch. 8; also skim Ch. 4 & 5 (as your time permits)
POWELL: Chapters 4 & 5
RALPH: Chapter 4

61. Monthly Reflection Papers (Yellow HO)
Levels of Interpretation:
Questions to Consider:
LITERAL
What is the content of this biblical text? What is it literally about?
Also, what is the literary genre or style of this ancient scriptural text?
RHETORICAL
What message did the author intend to convey to the original readers?
What did the biblical author want these readers to know and/or to do?
PERSONAL
What does this text mean to me, here and now, on a personal level?
How can I apply it to my own life today, as an individual believer?
COMMUNAL
What does this text say to all of us together, as a faith community today?
How can Christian Churches apply these lessons for the common good?

62. Closing Prayer Call to Prayer Gospel: Mark 1:9-11 Responsorial: Ps 33
Final Blessing
Closing Song: Rain Down

64. Departure: God Bless You!
See you on Oct. 22
(Gosp. acc. to Matthew)