Report from the First Meeting

So we had our first meeting. Fourteen people showed up! I was very pleased to see that many there. With time, I hope, the number of members will increase. The evening started with pizza, salad and soda pop. It was great to see the camaraderie in the hall way. Once the meeting began we introduced ourselves, told a little about who we are and what we do and jumped right into business. For the next hour or so I went through the ins and outs of how the club works. I took an opportunity to introduce the different books we will be reading throughout the coming months. After the meeting, at the request of one of the members, there was a time for "random questions". This was a good time because I really got several loaded questions like, "If we have free will, then why do people say that things that happen are 'God's will'?" Other questions about the true presence were discussed briefly.

We wrapped up the meeting at 8:30 PM.

There was a lot of buzz after the meeting and I had some time to thank each person who showed up.

So... reading time... we have Matthew's Gospel ahead of us. Remember, post post post!
Pax et Bonum

Fast Facts about the Gospel of Matthew

WRITING

Audience:

Jews

Author:

Traditionally ascribed to a tax collector,

also named "Levi", although, this is not certain

Date Written:

80-90 AD

CONTENT

Depiction of Jesus:

King of the Jews

Key Words:

Kingdom, Fulfill

Key Verse:

Matthew 27:37

Characteristics:

Evidence to prove that Jesus is the awaited Messiah.

FAST FACTS

29 Miracles

31 Parables

10 Sermons

45 Times the Old Testament is Quoted

Matthew's Gospel is the "Handbook of the teachings about the kingdom of God.

SIZE

28 Chapters
1,071 Verses

3rd longest book in the New Testament

Be Awake, Be Ready

A reflection on Sunday's Gospel, a day late:

Jesus said to those around, "Be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”

Since these words were first said, many people have claimed knowledge of the day when Jesus will return. It's safe to conclude that they were wrong... we are all still here. Often times, these predictions and speculations end in tragedy. Doomsday Cult, Branch Davidians in Waco Texas, the Comet Riders, and the Russian Orthodox Apocalyptic Cult to name a few. I know many people who are anxious and scared that the end is near and Jesus' return is eminent because of all we see in the news. But, should we really be afraid or anxious about the promised return? When we survey evil in the world, shouldn't the peaceful reign of Christ be a welcomed return?

If anything, we should look forward to his return with hopeful expectation. Jesus tells us to be ready for it will happen when we least expect it. Am I ready? Are you ready? Are we ready to encounter peace, Justice, and the love that is the imminent coming of God's reign?