Summary: Like Moses, his priesthood and elders, and the Jewish Sanhedrin after them, the Church is “watched over” and illuminated by the ministry of the priestly and apostolic Magisterium. The Deposit of Faith, which includes the Bible and Sacred Tradition, has been guarded and preserved for us for two millennia by the teaching authority of the Church.<br> <br> As Saint Paul commands, we need both scripture and tradition: “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth [tradition] or by letter [scripture]” (2 Thess 2:15).<br> <br> The world needs this light and truth. “There is an organic connection between our spiritual life and the dogmas. Dogmas are lights along the path of faith; they illuminate it and make it secure. Conversely, if our life is upright, our intellect and heart will be open to welcome the light shed by the dogmas of faith” (CCC 89).<br> <br> <br> Welcome Connie, Suzette, and Wayne, Bible Study Evangelista's newest friends of the show! Thank you for loving and lifting me :)<br> <br> <br> LOVE the Word™ is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice: lectio without the Latin.<br> <br> L - Listen (Receive the Word.)<br> <br> <br> <br> O - Observe (Choose one or more of the following personality approaches to connect the passage to your life and recent events.)<br> <br> F | Franciscan - How can you be light to a neighbor today? Who can you actively serve?<br> <br> I | Ignatian - Choose one of the references below (under Notes and References) and place yourself in the situation. What do you hear, see, feel, smell?<br> <br> OR...<br> <br> If you were the priest in charge of the OT tabernacle sanctuary where the lampstand was, and had charge of keeping it lit, what would you be thinking as you entered through the curtain to fill the lamps? What might you hear? Smell? Feel?<br> <br> A | Augustinian - How will your light shine today and this week?<br> <br> <br> T | Thomistic - Research how the seven lampstands surrounding Jesus in the heavenly temple could be symbolic of the "seven eras" of church history.<br> <br> V - Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)<br> <br> Remembering that He loves you and that you are in His presence, talk to God about the particulars of your O - Observe step. You may want to write your reflections in your LOVE the Word journal. Or get a free journal page and guide in the right-hand margin.<br> <br> E - Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)<br> Jesus, Light of the World, For the many that have followed you today through the darkness of temptation, doubt, or pain, you are the promise of an eternal dawn. We give thanks for all that has been given to us through you, and we ask for the grace to be our faithful disciples. May we praise you all the days of our lives. Amen +<br> <br> .<br> <br> *LOVE the Word™ exercises are offered according to FIAT: the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Franciscan, Ignatian, Augustinian, and Thomistic: FIAT! These prayer forms correspond to the Myers-Briggs personality types.<br> Notes and References<br> Exodus 25:31-40, The golden lampstand, or menorah, in the tabernacle<br> <br> Exodus 27:20-21, Perpetual light<br> <br> Leviticus 24:3-4, The priests kept the wicks trimmed, the oil topped, and the lamps burning before the Lord continuously.<br> <br> Exodus 28:29-30, Urim and Thummim in the HIgh Priest’s breastplate of judgment. Urim = “Lights” and Thummim = “Perfect Truths” both superlative plural<br> <br> Sirach 45:10, together the names mean something similar to “Perfect Knowledge.”<br> Numbers 27:21, used to consult God about His selection of leaders<br> 1 Samuel 14:41, used to determine guilt or innocence<br> Ezra 2:63,
