Category Archives: Uncategorized

Typically, we see the past as giving meaning to the future. Hosea, however, corrects this widely accepted view. Rather, he asserts, that the past is awaiting fulfillment in the future. Jesus and his life is not given a greater meaning because it aligns with the prophecies; his life gives the past greater meaning. In fact,Continue reading “March 3”

– Numbers 11; 13-14; 25: As we read earlier in Genesis, obedience and trust in God is key. Humans, though God-like in the sense that they can make judgements, misplace their judgments. In Numbers, we see this when the Israelites think they are being wise in wanting to avoid the Promised Land therefore also avoidingContinue reading “February 20”

Purity and impurity has often been associated with health concerns in our society today: something is impure if it spreads disease or pollution. While this is a part of the definition of impurity, more accurately impurity is something that cannot be ordered. In Genesis we read that God created things with purpose, goodness, and mostContinue reading “February 18”

Much of our identity and purpose can be found in a name; after all, to name something is to know something. So in order to reflect on the question, “Who is God?” one should look to his name. But here is the tricky part: if you have ever read the Bible or attended mass, youContinue reading “February 11”

It is significant that Jospeh planted the silver cup as this false accusation of thievery parallels the false accusation of rape posed against him while working for the people his brothers sold him to. He wanted to find justice through letting them experience the fear he felt. But more importantly, he planted the silver cupContinue reading “February 6”

Although this story holds one of the most mysterious figures throughout the Bible, Jacob’s wrestling opponent, it can be inferred that this opponent is God. It is misleading because in the beginning of the story they refer to the opponent as a man; but as demonstrated in the New Testament, we see that both manContinue reading “February 4”

I have to admit that I was very threatened when I first saw that this was the prompt I was assigned to blog about today. Although we at Notre Dame mention religion almost every day, I still cannot provide a clear definition of it or fully comprehend it—if it’s even meant to be comprehended. However,Continue reading “January 29”

Faith ultimately is unavoidable due to our restless human condition in which we are constantly searching for answers. As Origen states: “our mind burns with desire to know the design of things we think have been made by God. Love of truth cannot be satisfied.” So when self proclaimed reasonable anti-religion sects, like the Manichees,Continue reading “January 28”

In earlier passages in the Bible we have focused on the disobedience of the people. That is why all throughout Abraham’s narrative his obedience is so prominent to us. Although this obedience is admirable, a modern reader may struggle with seeing Abraham’s seeming intent to sacrifice his as being anything close to praiseworthy. However, itContinue reading “January 23 Blog Post”

Really, all the genesis creation accounts all revolve around one word: obedience. This is especially highlighted in Genesis three, as we read about God’s shame in his creation of humanity. This shame stems from humans acting against both their own and God’s judgement. Even though, as we read in Genesis 3, humans possess knowledge ofContinue reading “January 20 Blog Post”