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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, July 1st, 2006 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

The Goodness, Love, and Mercy of God:

He is the God of the Living Not the Dead

Sunday, July 2, 2006
Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24
Psalm 30:2,4-6,11-13
2 Corinthians 8:7,9,13-15
Mark 5:21-43

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

“God did not make death." (Wisdom 1:13).

Isn’t it amazing? No matter how “religious” this statement sounds, it still manages to ring true in the heart of every person, no matter what their religious or philosophical background. Somehow, we all sense that death is opposed to the goodness, the eternity, and the love that are at the heart of who God is. We don’t need theological training or religious instruction to sense this. We simply know that death could not possibly have come from God. No, death entered the world because of our own sin, and in his goodness God has granted us a way out of death.

Above all other truths, God is good. Everything he does is right and just. Even when our first parents sinned, he didn’t abandon them but clothed them himself, protecting them against the hardships they faced apart from his presence. How could a God who acts with such compassion have been responsible for death?

What’s more, God’s goodwill doesn’t just come to us at the end of our days. His kindness lasts throughout our lifetime. Through his Holy Spirit, he gives us power in our weakness, and increases the strengths and talents that we have. Ever patient with us, he does not always reproach, nor is he always angry with us. No, with overflowing compassion, he gathers us to himself and heals as he corrects. He teaches even as he reproves. Like a perfect parent, he is always seeking our best interests, helping us to grow more fully into his own image and likeness.

Brothers, we have a good God indeed! In everything we do, he goes ahead of us. He surrounds every part of our lives and holds us in the palm of his hand—and absolutely no one can steal us away! On this day of sabbath rest and rejoicing, let’s worship him with our whole hearts:

“Blessed Father, you are love itself! Every good and perfect gift comes from you, and you shower us with these gifts every day of our lives. You are God, not of the dead but of the living. Lord, we want to be alive in you forever!”

1. What is your understanding of these words from the first reading? “For God formed man to be imperishable; the image of his own nature he made him. But by the envy of the devil, death entered the world, and they who belong to his company experience it.”
2. The Responsorial Psalm speaks of the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. Share some example from your own life of how the Lord, “did not let my enemies rejoice over me,” “preserved me,” had “pity on me,” and showed me his “good will.”
3. The second reading speaks of sharing our “abundance” from the Lord with others. What part does the “social justice” teachings of the church play in you life, especially those on caring for the poor and needy? What more could you do to make them a greater reality in your life?
4. In the Gospel, we see a great demonstration of Jesus’ power and authority to heal the sick and raise the dead. In Mark 16:17-18,we hear these words of Jesus, “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” In what ways do you believe that these words of Jesus apply to you?
5. The meditation begins with these astounding words from Wisdom 1:13, “God did not make death.” How would you answer someone who asked you the meaning of this Scripture verse?

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen