Gospel Reflections for March 1, 2015
Jesus invites three special Apostles, Peter, James, and John, and leads them up a high mountain where He is suddenly “transfigured” before their eyes. No one today really knows what “transfigured” means, but we know from those startled Apostles felt profoundly moved and immensely satisfied. They did not want to leave!
The Latin word used to describe what Jesus did at the start of that journey is “educere” which means “to lead out.” It is the root source of our English word “education.” An educated person is literally one who has been “led out” of ignorance and unknowing to higher knowledge and deeper understanding.
This is the perfect Gospel for the University Series that has is now in its second week.
We all have a deep desire to know things especially when we face so many challenges in families, in our faith, our economy, and in especially now world affairs. The University has already offered courses in all these areas and will soon offer so many more. I am glad to report that attendance has been amazing. This looks like it might be the biggest University Series ever!
Each session is designed to lead us out of unknowing and into deeper knowledge and clearer understanding. Each session connects faith with real life. Once we understand things better, we can make much better informed decisions about how to live and take care of our families and especially our own relationship with God.
Coming soon are talks on a whole range of issues; family life, scripture, spirituality, archaeology, science, and morality.
For example, On March 4th, at Padre Serra parish you can hear Notre Dame University Law Professor Carter Snead speak on the Supreme Court and same-sex couples. On March 12th at St. Jude’s you can hear FOX NEWS correspondent Fr. Johnathan Morris speak about finding serenity in a confusing world, or at Holy Cross parish hear Kerri Caviezel speak about facing life’s most defining moments. Finally, on March 16th you can hear the senior CNN Vatican correspondent, John Allen, speak on Pope Francis at St. Julie’s, or hear Rhett Young at St. Rose of Lima speak about students traveling to countries around the world in a kind “Catholic Peace Corps.”
Let yourself be “Led Out” by Our Lord into a new and clearer understanding of yourself, your faith, and the world today. Check out all the info at THEUNVIRSITYSERIES.ORG.
God Bless,
Fr. Dave
Image: Public domain work of art
HOPE TO ATTEND ONE OF THOSE TALKS, MY POOR BRAIN IS ON OVERLOAD.
Come and relax at the University!
The University Series is a wonderful resource for people in our area. The presentations are filled with information that is pertinent to current events that affect our lives.today. There is also a lot of teaching that equips us for ongoing spiritual development.
“Again, the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant
searching for fine pearls.
When he finds a pearl of great price,
he goes and sells all that he has and buys it.” mt 13:44-46
Let us value the pearl which is the University Series!
I like your Gospel image. I think it fits perfectly!
For AS05 there were no handouts so I took notes writing as fast as I could and savoring every thought. Then at home I re typed all the notes and shared them with the men at the Veterans home in Ventura. They were astounded at the ideas you presented and are looking forward to the next Archaeology & Scripture. Thank you so very much for everything you do especially “leading us out” with new thoughts on old ideas. God Bless you.
I am glad they liked the material. See you on March 11 at Padre Serra Parish for Part Two of Excavating Jesus!
Wish I could have attended – hopefully next year!
Larry,
See you next year!
So far, every course I’ve taken has provided me with new insight into my behavior and my faith. The speakers are knowledgeable and joyful in their presentations. Looking forward to the rest of this years’ offerings.
Thanks for your reviews about the talks you attended. That is exactly what we like to hear!
The University series is a beautiful part of our hearts!!!To fall more and more in love with our God, our Jesus, and our Mary is a miracle gift of love and to share that love with others is overwhelming!!!!!!! Thank you soooooooooooooooo much Father Dave for giving us this lovely gift!!!! Dick and I are so excited to give our talk on our precious Blessed Mother for we love her soooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
Love, Franca and Dick
I am glad you are part of the University faculty again this year. I hope all goes well with your talk on Mary on March 17th at St. Mary Magdalene!
Hello Father Dave: The University Series exists due to your determination to stretch the knowledge of people in the pews about their faith.
I recall John Allen saying he knows of no other program like this in the United States. For several years I have sent University catalogues to friends across the country asking them to give them to their pastors, hoping that similar programs could be started elsewhere to educate our laity.
So far another Fr. Dave has not materialized.
We are truly blessed to have this one of a kind Lenten journey.
Thanks for helping to spread the University to others. I hope one day some of those parishes will respond! I am looking forward to John Allen’s visit again on March 16th at St. Julie’s.
I think I would describe Fr. Bill Nicholas’ talk on, The Prophets – Ancient People with Modern Messages, as the
most complete snapshot of the prophets – kind of “The Prophets – 101.” I’ve ever heard.
Other than Smith-Christopher’s talks on a few individual prophets, had never realized the scope and importance of their writings. He is organized, well prepared and engaging as a speaker with an excellent
power point presentation.
Thanks for the review! I am glad Fr. Nicholas did well. Your message is just what we like to hear!
I like how you point out the Latin word “educere” is the root word of education. It is interesting how it means to lead out of ignorance. I believe knowledge in the Word of God can elevate one to a higher plateau in our spirituality. The University Series is knowledge and thus provides meaning to our everyday life in a confusing world.
Great job with the program !!
Thank you!