Brandon Vogt, author of What to Say and How to Say It: Discuss Your Catholic Faith with Clarity and Confidence, shares a forty-minute interview with Dr. Brant Pitre, a professor of Sacred Scripture at the Augustine Institute. The interview is labeled “Trusting in the Gospels.”
You may wish to assign the entire interview and following questions to students as a homework assignment or play all or part of the interview in class and have the students respond to the questions as they are answered in the interview.
Questions
Who is Dr. Brant Pitre?
How do we know the Gospels are true?
What genre are the Gospels?
When were they written?
Who wrote the Gospels?
Were the Gospels anonymous or did they have names attached to them?
How do we know the information passed down through the decades is true?
How did the information not get garbled like the “telephone game”?
What is meant by eternal and internal evidence of reliability in the Gospels themselves?
How do you respond to the charge that the Bible is merely myth and legend
Photo Credit: Dr. Brant Pitre
Here’s a short exercise your students might complete upon entering your classroom or at the end of a lesson. Have the students look up each passage and complete the following items related to Jesus’ disciples.
Matthew 10:1–15. List the Apostles. Name three things Jesus instructed the Apostles to do.
Luke 8:1–3. Name three women followers of Jesus.
Luke 10:38–42. What was Martha complaining about? What did Jesus tell her?
John 3:1–21. What did Nicodemus not understand about Jesus’ teaching?
John 20:11–18. Why did Jesus tell Mary Magdalene not to hold onto him?
Luke 19:1–10. Why was Zacchaeus despised by so many? What was the sign that he became a true disciple of Jesus?
Answers
The Apostles are Simon called Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot. Jesus instructs them to go to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel,” proclaim the kingdom of Heaven, cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons, and take very little.
Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna
She complained that her sister did not help her serve the guests. Jesus told her not to worry, but to sit and listen to him like her sister Mary.
Nicodemus did not understand the meaning of being born again.
Jesus had not yet ascended to his Father
Zacchaeus was despised because he was a wealthy tax collector, but he proved his loyalty as a disciple by giving half of his possessions to the poor and promising not to steal from anyone.
During Jesus’ ministry many would-be friends and enemies did not recognize him or his mission as the Son of God. But several people did. Give the following list to the students and ask them to name some of the people who met and recognized Jesus. Have them write their answers before looking up the Scripture reference to check if they were right
This person said, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Messiah?” (Jn 4:29)
This man said, “Who are you, sir?” After Jesus revealed himself to the man, he found out that he was blinded. (Acts 9:5–9)
They traveled with Jesus for seven miles without knowing who he was, but came to realize who he was when they had dinner with him. (Lk 24:13–31)
He said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Mt 16:16)
This man thought Jesus was the Son of God because Jesus told him, “I saw you under the fig tree.” (Jn 1:48–50)
They recognized Jesus as a king when they gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mt 2:1–11)
Some thought this man was the Messiah but he said, “One mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” (Lk 3:16)
This person said, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus answered him, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (Jn 20:28–29)
When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him; in a loud voice he shouted, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!” (Lk 8:28–30)
Jesus refused to perform miracles for this person. In talking with him, Jesus quoted some passages from the Old Testament including, “You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.” (Mt 4:1–11)
Journal Assignment
If you met Jesus face-to-face, what would you say to him?
For any lesson you are doing on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-11), you may wish to combine this discussion activity that helps students think about how the Beatitudes apply to their own lives.
Preparation
Print these five phrases using thick marker on separate sheets of scrap paper: 1) Strongly Agree; 2) Agree; 3) Somewhat Agree; 4) Disagree; 5) Strong Disagree. Tape these scrap papers at regular intervals along one long wall in your classroom or on the floor in a large center space.
Directions
Point out the agree-disagree continuum. Tell the students you will ask a question or read a statement related to the Beatitudes. Choose a group of four or five students to move silently and stand near the spot on the continuum that most closely approximates how they feel. Pause between each statement and ask the students to explain their positions. Use the following statements and add some of your own.
Statements
I will choose a career that serves people in need over a career that makes more money.
Most poor people could help themselves if they chose to.
I could forgive someone who injured or killed one of my family members.
Good can come from suffering.
I would rather be known more assertive than meek.
Anger is a feeling that should be avoided at all costs.
My attitudes and actions are affected by news stories about wars and starving children.
When my friends hurt, I hurt.
Everyone is out for themselves.
I expect to be rewarded for worshipping God.
The world will never be absent of war.
I consider myself a peacemaker.
I would die for my Christian beliefs.
I would comfortably say a blessing before eating a meal in a public restaurant.
I will stick up for an unpopular classmate who is being treated unjustly.
After everyone in the initial group has had a chance to speak, call on another group to repeat the exercise. Or, use only one group of students to navigate the continuum but extend the conversation by calling on the other students to comment from their seats on the various items and how they might choose.
As the weather turns from mild to severe, use this guided meditation to help your students reflect more deeply on Mark 4:35-31. After the students are quiet and settled, begin by saying “You are on the rough seas. Your boat is tossing and turning in the stormy waters. Think of the storms in your own life. Then . . .
Relax.
Quiet yourself in this space.
Enjoy the silence.
Let go of the distractions.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Be still.
Relax.
Let all your worries fly away.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Imagine . . .
What a great time you have had.
You and your friends have been following Jesus for days now.
You are dead tired, but still content as you find a place to rest in the boat.
Look around at the friends you have made.
Look at Jesus who is sitting at the stern.
How you admire him!
Feel the slow moving lull of the boat.
Relax as the waves gently lull the boat back and forth.
Back and forth.
Relax.
Some of your friend fall asleep.
Jesus falls asleep, too.
The boat keeps moving across the lake.
You think about the day.
Your mind is just wandering.
The wind starts blowing.
You can tell it is becoming harder to row now.
The current is choppy.
The sky is now black.
Take your turn with the oars.
Work hard.
Feel the storm approaching.
The waves begin to take the boat.
The water is coming in over the sides.
Everyone is working.
Someone yells out, “Wake up Jesus.
We need his help.
Now.”
Move towards Jesus.
Wake him up.
Jesus sits up and looks around.
He yells out, “Quiet” to the wind.
The wind stops.
Just like that, the water calms down and the wind disappears.
Jesus looks like he wants to go back to sleep.
What just happened?
Jesus looks at all of you and says,
“Why are you so terrified?
Why are you lacking in faith?”
A great awe overcomes you.
You wonder,
“Who is the man whom even the sea obeys?”
Sit with this wonderment.
Crawl back over to where Jesus is resting.
Approach him cautiously.
Ask him your question,
“Who are you that the sea obeys you?”
Listen to his answer.
Tell him about something in your life that is raging,
a storm in your world,
a situation that could use Jesus’ touch.
Be with him.
It is time to reenter this space.
Say good-bye for now.
Ask Jesus to lead your way to the rest of the day.
Say thank you.
Come back gently.
Open your eyes.
Remember.
Sit up.
This Guided Meditation was originally published in Encountering Jesus: 20 Guided Meditations on His Care and Compassion by Patty McCulloch.As the weather turns from mild to severe, use this guided meditation to help your students reflect more deeply on Mark 4:35-31. After the students are quiet and settled, begin by saying “You are on the rough seas. Your boat is tossing and turning in the stormy waters. Think of the storms in your own life. Then . . .
Relax.
Quiet yourself in this space.
Enjoy the silence.
Let go of the distractions.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Be still.
Relax.
Let all your worries fly away.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Breathe in.
Hold.
Breathe out.
Imagine . . .
What a great time you have had.
You and your friends have been following Jesus for days now.
You are dead tired, but still content as you find a place to rest in the boat.
Look around at the friends you have made.
Look at Jesus who is sitting at the stern.
How you admire him!
Feel the slow moving lull of the boat.
Relax as the waves gently lull the boat back and forth.
Back and forth.
Relax.
Some of your friend fall asleep.
Jesus falls asleep, too.
The boat keeps moving across the lake.
You think about the day.
Your mind is just wandering.
The wind starts blowing.
You can tell it is becoming harder to row now.
The current is choppy.
The sky is now black.
Take your turn with the oars.
Work hard.
Feel the storm approaching.
The waves begin to take the boat.
The water is coming in over the sides.
Everyone is working.
Someone yells out, “Wake up Jesus.
We need his help.
Now.”
Move towards Jesus.
Wake him up.
Jesus sits up and looks around.
He yells out, “Quiet” to the wind.
The wind stops.
Just like that, the water calms down and the wind disappears.
Jesus looks like he wants to go back to sleep.
What just happened?
Jesus looks at all of you and says,
“Why are you so terrified?
Why are you lacking in faith?”
A great awe overcomes you.
You wonder,
“Who is the man whom even the sea obeys?”
Sit with this wonderment.
Crawl back over to where Jesus is resting.
Approach him cautiously.
Ask him your question,
“Who are you that the sea obeys you?”
Listen to his answer.
Tell him about something in your life that is raging,
a storm in your world,
a situation that could use Jesus’ touch.
Be with him.
It is time to reenter this space.
Say good-bye for now.
Ask Jesus to lead your way to the rest of the day.
Say thank you.
Come back gently.
Open your eyes.
Remember.
Sit up.
This Guided Meditation was originally published in Encountering Jesus: 20 Guided Meditations on His Care and Compassion by Patty McCulloch.
After St. Paul traveled the Roman empire as a missionary, converting many Gentiles to Christianity and establishing local churches, he would later be confronted by these new Christians with questions of faith and practice. Since he could not return to these areas right away, Paul would respond by letter.
Of the twenty-one letters or epistles in the New Testament, fourteen of the letters are either authored by or attributed to St. Paul. The letters addressed many of the issues of the early Church—for example, the second coming of Christ (Parousia), divisions in the Church, attitudes for worship—and others.
Have your students read and reflect on the following questions. When Scripture citations are listed, have them look them up and read them. Have them write their answers to the questions. Also, call on students to share their answers as part of a class discussion.
Questions
How do you imagine Christ’s second coming, the Parousia? Describe what you think would happen if Christ returned to the world today?
St. Paul says that Christians are not to live in darkness, but as “children of the light and children of the day” (1 Thess 5:5). How would you explain the meaning of these words to a new Christian today?
Apparently some Christians awaiting the Parousia had stopped working and were depending on others for food. How would you respond to people doing this? How does your response differ from the one offered in 2 Thessalonians 3:16-15?
Paul was critical of the Galatians for listening to bad advice and following the burdensome rules of the Jewish-Christian missionaries. Name someone you have accepted constructive criticism from? What was the advice he or she offered? What do you do to act on the advice?
In dealing with the Corinthians, Paul faced the problems of division in the Church. What are some factions in the Church today? What do you know about the issues, beliefs, or people they support?
In 1 Corinthians 1:27-34, Paul writes of the need for proper preparation before celebrating Eucharist. What attitude do you seek when you attend Mass? How do you prepare yourself to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist?
Paul writes that our faith is worthless unless we believe that Christ is raised from the dead (1 Cor 15:14). Do you agree? Why is the resurrection the central belief of the Christian faith?
Being free from the law does not allow Christians to do whatever they want. St. Paul asks, “How can we who died to sin yet live in it?” (Rom 6:2). If you knew for sure you were going to heaven after you died, how would this change the way you lived?
St. Paul wrote: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 8:31). When was a time you have found this to be true in your life?
Prepare a lesson or part of a lesson that focuses on the theme of pastoral leadership and priesthood today, especially as it connects between teachings from the Pastoral Letters of the New Testament. Some qualities which make up a good priest are drawn from the Letter to Titus.
Overview
First Timothy, Second Timothy, and Titus are called “Pastoral Letters” because they were written by one pastor (shepherd) to two other pastors, Timothy and Titus. The differ from other New Testament letters—both those written by St. Paul and those attributed to him—in that they were addressed to individuals and give great advice on Church leadership. The Pastoral Letters assert that in order for one to be a priest or bishop, he must be a moral exemplar, other-centered, and be willing to undergo any kind of trial for the sake of the Gospel. First Timothy gives guidelines for those chosen to be bishops. Second Timothy describes the end of St. Paul’s ministry and is a reflection on his impending death. The Letter to Titus, the focus here, discusses the qualities necessary for being a good presbyter (priest).
Lesson
1. Define pastor as “shepherd.” Ask the students to identify images from the Gospels of Christ acting as a shepherd. Ask: Why would “shepherd” be an appropriate name for a leader of the early Church? (Jesus used the metaphor of a shepherd and the flock to describe the relationship to the Apostles and the Apostles’ relationship to the faithful.)
2. Ask the students to write a brief reflection on a priest in their life who has had a positive influence on them. What qualities did that person possess that made him a good religious leader? Allow about five to seven minutes for writing. Then call on volunteers to share their reflections with the class.
3. Refer the students to Titus 1:5-9. Relate this description of presbyters to the student’s reflections and to an understanding of a priest’s mission and ministry today.
Assignment
There are nine references from the Letter of Titus in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Write them on the board. Ask the students to work individually or with a partner to look up the references from Titus and from the Catechism and explain how each supports a particular teaching about priesthood.
Teaching
Reference from Titus
Reference from the Catechism
Eligibility for Holy Orders
Titus 1:5-9
CCC, 1577
Instructions for the appointment of presbyters
Titus 1:5
CCC, 1590
Self-mastery and renewal
Titus 2:1-6
CCC, 2342
Temperance
Titus 2:12
CCC, 1809
The return of Christ
Titus 2:13
CCC, 449, 1041, 1130, 1404, 2276, 2818
Christ’s work of Redemption
Titus 2:14
CCC, 802
Baptism as a requirement for God’s kingdom
Titus 3:5
CCC, 1215
Hope
Titus 3:6-7
CCC, 1817
Your school may be embarking on Elective Course A, Sacred Scripture, of the USCCB Doctrinal Framework. Even if you are not, Scripture study plays prominently in each of your school's required and elective courses. Correspondingly, making sure students are familiar with Bible study aids (e.g., Bible dictionaries, one-volume Bible commentaries, and Bible concordances) is an essential prerequisite for this task. Use the following exercise to introduces students to these tools.
Activity Directions
Introduce students to these Bible study tools: the Bible dictionary, a one-volume Bible commentary, and a Bible concordance. Display at least one example of each to show the class. Then have them complete the following short exercises with their group. Allow about five minutes to work. Then rotate the study aids. Continue until each group does one assignment for each study aid.
Bible Dictionary Assignments
Look up and define "nomads" and list one example of nomadism from the Bible.
Look up "genealogy." How many genealogies are there in the Bible? List them.
Look up "mystery." How is it defined in the Old Testament? How is it defined in the New Testament.
One-Volume Bible Commentary
List three interesting facts about Jesus' anointing at Bethany (Mk 14:1-11).
What are the origins and background of Hannah's hymn of praise (1 Sm 2:1-11)?
What does Paul mean by "freedom from the Law" (Rom 7:1-25)?
Bible Concordance
What is the first reference of "Jerusalem" in the Bible? (Jos 10:1) What is the last reference? (Rv 21:10)
What is the Scripture reference for "Such a one, man or beast must not be allowed to live"? (Ex 19:13)
Which Gospel has the most references to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus? (Matthew)
Option: Arrange a trip to your school library (or local Catholic university library) to compare single-volume Bible commentaries with multi-volume versions.
This activity is part of the Ave Maria Press textbook Sacred Scripture: A Catholic Study of God's Word by Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher and Fr. Patrick Mullen.
