Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona

Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizonahttps://www.diocesetucson.org/pastoral-service/cbisa/

Oct. 17, 2015Gospel according to Matthew

Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona Oct. 17, 2015 – Gospel acc. to Matthew

WELCOME to

CBISA 2015-18

Opening Prayer:


We Are the Light of the World(by Jean A. Greif)

Opening Prayer: SONG


•Welcome from Bishop Kicanas•Wi-Fi Access in this Hall: 0m0s1800•Registration Questions/Payments•Attendance & Assignments•Books on Sale •CDs can be ordered•Remaining Written Questions from Sept?•Other?

General Announcements


8:30 [Saturday Mass in OMOS Church – optional]

9:00 Gathering; Handouts; Refreshments

9:15 Welcome & Opening Prayer

9:30 Session 1 (10:30 Q&A and/or Table-Group Discussions)

10:45 Break


12:30 Lunch


2:45 Break


4:20 Final Announcements & Closing Prayer

4:30 Clean-up & Departure

Daily Schedule (Gray HO < Aug.)


Reflection Paper: was due Oct. 3, e-mailed to your reader:• Choose Matt 7, or Matt 18, or Matt 25• Guidelines on Lilac Handout from August

Readings for Today, Oct. 17: Gospel acc. to Matthew• BIBLE: The Gospel acc. to Matthew (all 28 chaps.)• ALAND: Pp. 49-64; cf. Index, pp. 343 & 352• BROWN: Chap. 6B (pp. 111-122) and Ch. 8;

also skim Ch. 5 (as time permits)• RALPH: Chapter 4

Year 1 Syllabus (Salmon HO from Aug.)


•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.

See Handouts from Sept. Session (bottom of pg. 4)

Review: “Four-fold Role” of Evangelists


• Today’s Handout, pp. 3-4; R. Brown, chap. 6

•Historical & Literary Relationships between Matthew, Mark, and Luke

•What’s the “Problem” with the Synoptics?

• Similarities are so great (identical wording in Greek for long stretches); can’t be explained merely by common “Oral Tradition”

• Must be SOME “Literary Dependence”

Session 1: Synoptic Problem


Luke 6:41-42 (Aland p. 69)•"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye."

Matt 7:3-5 •"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your eye? 4 Or how do you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

Examples: Matthew = Luke


Luke 10:13-15 (Aland p. 166)•"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 Indeed it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to Hades.

Matt 11:21-23 •"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to Hades.



Luke 13:34-35 (Aland p. 191)• "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones

those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather (episunagagein) your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, from now on you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’."

Matt 23:37-39 • "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who

are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather (episunaxai) your children together, the way a hen her own chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. 38 Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! 39 But I say to you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’."



•Solutions proposed for Synoptic Problem• Traditional/Augustinian Hypothesis

• Griesbach/Two-Gospel Hypothesis

• Farrer/Goulder Hypothesis (posits Markan Priority)

•Most Commonly Accepted Theory Today:Four-Source Hypothesis(a.k.a. Two-Document Hypothesis)

Synoptic Problem


•Traditional / Augustinian Hypothesis

Synoptic Problem: Theories


•Griesbach / Two-Gospel Hypothesis



•Farrer / Goulder Hypothesis



•Four-Source Hypothesis(a.k.a. Two-Document Hypothesis)

Most Common Theory Today:


•“Markan Priority”•Mark is the OLDEST complete Gospel

•Proposed Contents of Q: “Quelle”• See FJ website; or R. Brown, pp. 118-119

•Objections against “Q-Source”•And Counter-Arguments

•Why Was Mark Preserved?• “Gospel of Peter” & “Gospel of Rome”

Synoptic Problem: ISSUES


•Single Traditions: use Primary Colors:• RED = MatthewRED = Matthew• YELLOW = MarkYELLOW = Mark• BLUE = LukeBLUE = Luke

•Double Traditions (only Two Gospels)• OrangeOrange, , GreenGreen, , PurplePurple

•Triple Tradition (all Three Synoptics)• Black/Grey: (sometimes also John)

COLOR ANALYSIS of Synoptics


•Analyzing Gospel Parallels, usingSynopsis of the Four Gospels,by Kurt Aland (ABS)

•Assigned Readings:• Index, p. 343 – Sermon on the Mount•Texts, pp. 49-64 – Sermon on the Mount• Index, p. 352 – Eschatological Discourse

Session 1: Synoptic Problem


What difference does knowing the

ORDER of the Gospel composition

make to our understanding of

Matthew’s Gospel?

Table-Group Discussions


1. See Jesus in every member of your group.2. Love each member just as she or he is today.3. Treat everyone as well as you want them to treat you (the “Golden Rule”).4. Share only what God is revealing to you about yourself and your own life.5. Allow each person equal time to share with the group, but don’t force anyone.6. Be courteous of one another. Allow each person to speak without interruption.7. Listening is even more important than speaking (we have two ears, one mouth).8. Do not try to solve another person’s problems. Do not teach, preach, judge,

condemn, or give advice. Just listen and offer support.9. Do not share with others outside the group what you heard in the group.

Confidentiality is essential for the trust level of a group.10. All members of the group assume responsibility for these guidelines.

Gently remind and lovingly encourage one another if anyone forgets.

Faith-Sharing Guidelines (Gold)“Ten Commandments” – for SPEAKING and LISTENING


• Matthew’s Gospel: Outline / Overview / Literary Features

• Christology in Matthew: Son of David, Son of Abraham, Teacher/Lawgiver like Moses

• Discipleship in Matthew: Learning and Living according to Jesus’ Teachings

• Five Great Speeches of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel

• The Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5–7)

Session 2: Intro to Matthew


•Most Sundays of Year A (pg. 5 of Sept. HO)

• Not just Ord. Time; but also most Liturgical “Seasons” (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter)

• Parts omitted on Sundays are mostly used on weekdays

Matthew in Lectionary (no new HO)


Genealogy & Infancy Narrative: Matt 1–2 Narrative (mostly): Matt 3–4 First Discourse: "Sermon on Mount": Matt 5–7 Narrative (mostly): Matt 8–9 Second Discourse: "Missionary Instructions": Matt 10 Narrative (mostly): Matt 11–12 Third Discourse: "Parables Collection": Matt 13 Narrative (mostly): Matt 14–17 Fourth Discourse: "Community Instructions": Matt 18 Narrative (mostly): Matt 19–22 Fifth Discourse: "Eschatological Sermon": Matt 23–25Passion & Resurrection Narrative: Matt 26–28

Matthew: Outline & Contents (p. 2)


•Turn to ONE neighbor (or at most two), and briefly share:

•What were your overall impressions as you read ALL of Matthew’s Gospel?

•What stood out for you or surprised you?

•How did reading this Gospel affect you?

Initial Sharing in Pairs


•Full-color handout (from Sept.):• 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

4 Gospels: Comparative Charts


• Attributed author: tax collector & apostle (Mark 3:18; Matt 9:9; 10:3; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13)

• Implied author: bilingual (Aramaic & Greek) early Jewish Christian; trained “scribe” of 13:52?

• Audience: educated Jews who already believe in Jesus, but argue over the proper interpretation of the Law

• Location: possibly Galilee; probably in/near Antioch in Syria

• Date: late 70’s or 80’s (core text by Matthew himself in 50’s?)

• Sub-genre: a book of “heritage” (1:1) with much “teaching” (28:20)

• Purpose: to teach a community that is experiencing internal divisions and external enemies

Matthew: Literary Historical Issues


•Old Testament

•MARK

•Q-Source (Quelle, or “Sayings Source”)

• “Sayings of the Lord” (written by Matthew)

•Other “M” Materials (oral and/or written)

Matthew: SOURCES (HO, p. 5)


•RETAINS overall geographical outline

•RETAINS most of the contents

• IMPROVES grammar and writing style

•CORRECTS historical inaccuracies

•REARRANGES materials differently

•ADDS much new material• Both Narrative (stories) & Discourse (teachings)• Material Unique to Matthew (HO, p. 2)

Matthew’s Use of Mark’s Gospel


• “Fulfillment” of Hebrew Scriptures• See HO, pp. 9-12

• Improves portraits of Jesus’ Disciples•Worsens portraits of Jesus’ Opponents•Frequent use of Pairs / Twos

• Sometimes together; sometimes in contrast

•Restricts Jesus’ Ministry to JEWS only• “Don’t go to Gentiles or Samaritans”

Matthew: Literary Features (p. 6)


• “WHO IS JESUS?” (acc. to Matthew)• Matt retains most titles from Mark

•More Emphasis on Jesus as:• Son of Abraham (& Isaac & Jacob)• Son of David = King of the Jews• Prophet and Teacher LIKE Moses• Emmanuel (God is with us)

CHRISTOLOGY in Matthew


• Ideal Disciple = Loyal “MATHETES”• “Subject” who obeys his/her King• “Student/pupil” who learns from Teacher

•Put Faith into Action• Practice what you’ve learned!• Don’t be a “hypocrite”!

DISCIPLESHIP in Matthew


1. “Sermon on Mount”: Matt 5–7

2. “Missionary Instructions”: Matt 10

3. “Parables Collection”: Matt 13

4. “Community Instructions”: Matt 18

5. “Eschatological Sermon”: Matt 23–25http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Matthew-Discourses.htm

Five Major Discourses of Jesus


Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels• Index, p. 343•Texts, pp. 49-64

Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5–7)


1) What impresses/surprises you most about Matthew’s Portrait of Jesus?

2) How is the “Sermon on the Mount” a summary of the whole Gospel? (consider both Christology and Discipleship)

Table-Group Discussions:


•F O O D !•Conversation!•Relaxation!

LUNCH Break


• Today’s HO, pp. 13-16

• Definitions: What are “Parables”? (and what are they not?)

• What is the “Purpose” of Jesus’ Parables?

• Gospel Parables and Related Materials in the Four Gospels

• Parables in Matthew, esp. Matt 13, Matt 20–22, and Matt 24–25

Session 3: PARABLES of Jesus


•Choose ONE of the following:•Vineyard Workers & Employer (20:1-16)•Two Sons (21:28-32)•Wedding Banquet (22:1-14)

•Analyze This Parable:• What’s the “strange twist(s)” within the story?• What meaning was intended by JESUS?• What meaning was intended by MATTHEW?

Table/Group Discussions


•Miracle Stories in the Synoptic Gospels•Matt 8–9: Jesus the Miracle-Worker•Matt 10: Apostles “sent out” on a Mission•Matt 18: Community Life of the “Church”•Matt 26–27: Matthean Passion Narrative•Matt 28: Resurrection & Great Commission

Session 4: Miracles, Mission, Church


•Definitions of “Miracle”• Modern Idea: against “laws of nature”?• Ancient Idea: showing “mighty power”!

•Four Types of “Miracle Narratives”• Healings• Exorcisms• Restorations• Nature Miracles

•Also “Evangelists’ Summaries”

NT Miracle Stories (HO, pp. 17-18)


•Biblical “Form Criticism” – detects PATTERN, with FIVE main STAGES:

1.Introduction2.Conflict/Delay3.Healing Action4.Confirmation5.Reaction

•Check the miracle stories of MATT 8–9

How Miracle Stories Are Told


•Matt 10: Apostles “sent out” on Mission• Selection of 12 “disciples” as “apostles”• Instructions: what to do & what to expect• Do they actually go out (in Matt)?• When do they finally go out on mission?

•Matt 18: Community called “Church”• Care for “Least Ones” within the community• Sin/forgiveness/reconciliation in the cmty

Matthew 10&18: Mission & Church


•Matt 26-27 – “Mt’s Passion Narrative”

• See today’s Handout, pg. 20

• http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Passion.htm

Passion of Jesus in Matthew


•Matt 28:• Empty Tomb• Appearance to the Women• Appearance to the Disciples• Great Commission

• http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Resurrection.htm

• Much more on Resurrection next month!

Resurrection of Jesus in Matthew


• AFTER Session: Writing Assignment• Monthly ONE-page Reflection Paper• Email 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, Introduction to the NT • K. Aland, Synopsis of the Four Gospels

Monthly Assignments (Lilac HO)


Reflection Paper, e-mail to your reader by Oct. 31: • Choose Matt 7, or Matt 18, or Matt 25• Follow Guidelines from Lilac Handout from August

Readings for Nov. 21: Luke’s Two-Volume Work• BIBLE: All of LUKE & All of ACTS• ALAND: Pp. 28-48, 65-71; cf. Index, pp. 342, 344, 347-

49• BROWN: Chapters 9-10; also skim Ch. 4• RALPH: Chapters 5 & 7

Year 1 Syllabus (Salmon HO from Aug.)


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?

Monthly Reflection Papers (Lilac)


•Shepherd Me, O God (by Marty Haugen)

•Like a Shepherd (by Bob Dufford, SJ)

Closing Prayer: Songs


Opening Prayer:


God Bless You!

See you on Nov. 21

(Luke & Acts)

Departure


Documents

Catholic Bible Institute of Southern Arizona