Denver Catholic

19 DENVER CATHOLIC | NOVEMBER 24-DECEMBER 7, 2018 The Good News of Christmas: Salvation! questions, such as how we count the Ten Commandments, as there are a few variations (see 179). A Catholic Introduction to the Bible makes the sacred text more accessible by drawing out key themes, answer- ing diœcult questions and miscon- ceptions, and drawing us into ancient history. The authors describe how "the Old Testament is in fact an enor- mous library of books that were writ- ten by human beings and gathered together over the course of centuries. Unlike many ancient books, it was preserved through time and contin- ues to be the object of intense study up to our own day" (16). They help us to enter into this study ourselves, not only in its historic dimensions, but also through faith, which enables us to participate in its realities. We can see this in participation coming out the book's explanation of Exodus, which "recounts the foundational historical events by which God formed the people of Israel into a nation and entered into covenant with them. These events are commemorated, celebrated and sacramentally experienced in the liturgy of Israel as well as in the New Covenant liturgy" (199). Likewise, we enter into the mystery of the Incar- nation through Isaiah, known as the fifth Gospel, "read more frequently [during the Mass] than any other Old Testament book but the Psalms and . . . rivaling the four Gospels in its frequency" (758). The mysteries of the Old Testament, though rooted in ancient history, remain living wit- nesses and guides into the realities of our salvation. As part of our eŸorts to grow in discipleship, we need to continue the renaissance of biblical studies in the Church. If you have gone through the Great Adventure timeline or read a shorter overview of the biblical narrative, such as Walking with God or A Father Who Keeps His Promises, and you want to go deeper, A Catholic Introduction to the Bible will serve as a great guide. It's very readable and engaging, even as it wades into schol- arly questions. This weighty intro- duction will prove a crucial resource for entering more deeply into the Bible. A s a deacon at St. Thomas More parish, I am occasionally priv- ileged to deliver homilies to our students at school Masses. A lover of Scripture (and a fourth year Catho- lic Biblical School student, which I also love), I use these opportu- nities to remind them that we can summarize the Good News in just two words: "Jesus saves!" The salvation Jesus oŸers is his greatest gift to us, showing the depth of God's love. Quoting John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might have eternal life." Did you notice that John says "gave"? That word is key to grasping God's love for us and salvation. Jesus said, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends," and then he walked the talk. Do we walk our talk? If the only life we knew was that of this world, we wouldn't know how to make sense of suŸering. Jesus showed us that God didn't become man to eliminate suŸering, but to transform it — we have to wait for Heaven for a life without suŸering. But, now, do we seek to do what we can to transform the lives of those who are laden with suŸering? A workshop I recently attended highlighted "The Five Expressions of Generosity." They are: Hospitality, Service or Volunteering, Gifts, Emotional-Relational Support, and Monetary Giving. Giving in all those forms is a crit- ical element in a Christ-like, loving life. We are reminded by Jesus, who told us, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Giving is a natural tie-in to Christmas, because the love God calls us to is a sacrificial love, a love where we focus on the other, not on ourselves. It is a love in which we focus on giving, not on receiving. A disproportionate amount of mon- etary giving usually occurs in Decem- ber, so I want to turn my focus to that aspect of generosity. St. Paul shows an interesting angle on gifting in Phi- lippians 4:17: "It is not that I am eager for the gift; rather, I am eager for the profit that accrues to your account." He must have been familiar with Jesus' words in Luke 11:41: "But as to what is within, give alms and, behold, everything will be clean for you." Giving is found attached to another great promise, just a chapter later in Luke 12:33-34: "…[G]ive alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in Heaven." Paul knew that, no matter how great our gifting might be, God has promised us never to be outdone in generosity (see Matthew 19:29). That's pretty amazing, since God is the source of all we have. We know that we are only saved by God's grace, so what do these prom- ises about almsgiving from Jesus mean? Revelations 14:13 tells us, "Let them find rest from their labors, for their works accompany them." So, indeed, our works will accompany us; they will count towards the "profit that accrues to our account." Second Corinthians 4:18 says: "For what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal." It is most import- ant that we live in a way that max- imizes our eternal life experience. Jesus came, died, rose and ascended into Heaven — not so that we would achieve perfection in this life or obtain relief from all our sorrows now, but so that we may have eternal life! We will be eternally grateful if we manifest our faith in our living … and in our giving. St. John of God said: "Give alms, my brethren; give alms for the love of yourselves." Someday, in fact, may we look forward to hearing these words from Jesus (Matthew 25:34), which will be better than any Christmas gift we ever opened: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." For the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires … as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us…." TITUS 2:11-14 The Catholic Foundation, which is legally separate from the Church, partners with donors to steward their gifts (end of life gifts, in particular) to parishes, schools, specific ministries, the archdiocese, and other non-profits. As CEO of The Catholic Foundation, Deacon Steve invites you to reach out to him and his team to discuss securing your legacy for beyond your lifetime. i " Deacon Steve Stemper is president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation of Northern Colorado. Guest Column DEACON STEVE STEMPER

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