Study of the Sacred Scriptures and reflection on their meaning for our lives has been strongly encouraged since the time of the Second Vatican Council. Personal, prayerful reflection on the Scripture readings for the upcoming weekend is always encouraged as an important way to prepare for our Sunday worship and as a means for growth in our life of faith.

Little Rock Bible Studies for 2011-12

Fall 2011: “The Book of Revelation”

Start Date: Monday, September 12
Times: 10:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.
Book Fee: $15/person (couples may share a book)
Sign up by: Friday, September 2

Is the Book of Revelation a book about the end times? Or is it something more? Many have long viewed this last book of the Bible as a kind of “flight plan for leaving earth,” a roadmap of the end times. And yet what do Scripture scholars tell us about this type of “apocalyptic” literature? What was the primary message for the early Christian community of that time? And what is its message for us as Christians of the 21st century? How can this inspired sacred book strengthen and encourage us as we strive to follow Jesus?

The Book of Revelation uses highly symbolic and “coded” language that had special meaning for the early Christians in their time of crisis. Numbers, colors, vivid images of beasts and earthquakes and plagues and cosmic upheaval, all carry a wealth of meaning to be unpacked and understood. Amid all kinds of evil and frightening events, the writer of Revelation is repeatedly told by the angels and by Christ: “Do not fear.” The book calls believers to hope as it closes with a vision of the new Jerusalem, the “bride of the Lamb,” and a vision of heavenly worship where His servants “look upon his face” and where “night will be no more.” Who of us does not long for that day?

Intrigued? Come and find yourself strengthened and encouraged in your faith as we prayerfully study the Book of Revelation together! This study will begin on Monday, September 12th, with 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. sessions offered. Book fee is $15/person (couples may share a book if desired), payable at the first session. To participate in the study, please register by calling the Parish Office (248.693.0440) by September 2nd.

The above studies are part of the Little Rock Scripture Study program, a ministry of the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, in partnership with Liturgical Press. Little Rock Scripture Studies are highly-respected, widely acclaimed Catholic studies that have been offered in Catholic parishes for over twenty-five years, both in the U.S. and abroad. They reflect current Catholic biblical scholarship and are meant to foster growing faith by helping people to read, study and live the Word of God. They help us to more deeply encounter God through God’s Word, and to be transformed by that encounter. Studying the Word of God in small groups also leads to a deeper sense of faith and community, and helps us to make this transformative spiritual journey together.