Gospel Study Proposal
"Live in thanksgiving. May the Word of Christ dwell in you in all its richness". (Col 3, 15-16)
Introduction
(Constitutions, no. 37. VD 227. Dei Verbum, 25)
The Easter testimony. (1 Jn 1, 1-4; Rm 1, 1-4)
Christ brings us into the knowledge of God (Mt 11, 27. VD 225. Jn 10, 14-15.27-28. Ps. 118)
I - God makes himself known
"Listen, Israel" (Dt 6, 4-7; Jn 16, 13; Mt 22, 37-40; VD 108)
The Son transmits the word of the Father (Jn 8, 35. 1, 18. VD 96-97 Jn 3, 33-35. Col. 1, 15. Jn 1, 1-18. VD 59-63)
Through the Spirit, the whole truth. (Jn 16,13-14. Eph 3,4-5. 1 Co 2,13-16)
How is the spiritual study of the Gospel the source of our going to the Father and getting to know his Envoy?
Take a moment of praise and contemplation: O Word! How beautiful you are!
II - Welcoming the Word
"The Lord has opened my ear" (Isaiah 50:4-5)
In community, at the heart of the liturgy. (Nh 8, 1-12)
Poverty, the example of Mary, the simplicity of the child (Ex 6:9; Dt 8:2-5; Am 8:11; Lk 1:38; 2:18; VD 127-128; 1 Pet 1:22-25; 2:1-3).
Witnessing and working the Scriptures (2 Pet 1:16-21)
What is my thirst for the Word of God and that of Christians? How does welcoming the Word make me humble and poor, like the disciple before the Master?
III - Obstacles and resistance
Christ's obedience to the Word of the Father (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 8:32-33)
The various obstacles (Heb 4, 11-13; Rev 3, 14-22; Mt 13, 1-23)
What are the "passions" (idols), the "reasonings" (hardening of the heart), the "fears" (unbelief) that prevent us from accepting the Word?
IV - The fruits of studying the Gospel
Union with Christ through the Holy Spirit (2 Thess 2:12-13; Jn 6:63; Is 55:10-12; Eph 3)
The Gospel as a rule of life. He does what he says (VD 225-229; Ps 39:4; 1 Jn 1:1-4; 2 Tim 3:15-17).
"Teaching catechism to the poorest" (Phil 2:15-16)
What fruits does the Holy Spirit bestow on me as I study the Gospel?
How are they a source of inner transformation and missionary creativity?
What about the Prado team and the poor people to whom we are sent?
In conclusion
A letter from Christ... (2 Cor 3:2-4; Acts 10:33)
Write a prayer to the Holy Spirit... with one or two discoveries about the mystery of God and the commitment of a true disciple of Christ, with a specific point of conversion!
Robert Daviaud - January 2010
