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ADVENT SCRIPTURE COURSE 2023
Hope is “the humble virtue,
the virtue that courses beneath the water of life,
that keeps us from drowning in the many difficulties
and losing the desire to find God,
to find that marvellous face that we will all see one day.”
— Pope Francis
Welcome
The theme of this Advent Scripture Course is "Stories of Hope," and will focus on how hope is found in three very different texts in the Bible: Esther, Romans, and Mark. Advent is a time of expectation, and the hope of salvation that came with the birth of Jesus Christ. With recent news headlines of increasingly dangerous weather events, hostilities in various parts of the world, and further humanitarian crises, today's world is very much in need of the hope that Scripture can help us find in our lives.
Quick Navigation
"For Such a Time As This" (Esther 4:14):
Inspiration from the Book of Esther
Recommended Reading
Jessie's two presentations will engage with a number of elements throughout the Book of Esther, a relatively short text many people may not be familiar with. Therefore, she recommends first reading through Esther before watching her two presentations. A full PDF of the text may be downloaded below.
"As Soon as the King Saw Queen Esther Standing in the Court, She Won his Favor"
Part One – Introducing the Book of Esther
In this first presentation, Jessie provides an overview of the Book of Esther, noting the plot and various character dynamics within.
"For How Can I Bear to See the Calamity that is Coming on My People?"
Part Two – Esther as a Word of Hope
In this second presentation, Jessie explores how this ancient story can be seen as a word of hope for us today by noting how the text describes the world and God's activity within it.
"Hope Does Not Disappoint!" (Romans 5:5):
St. Paul's Teaching on Christian Hope
"For Now These three Remain:
Faith, Hope, and Love"
Part One – Paul's Foundation of Christian Hope
In this first presentation, Kieran introduces Paul's teaching on Christian hope in selected passages from his letters.
"For in Hope We Were Saved"
Part Two – Hope in Romans 8
In this second presentation, Kieran explores Paul's teaching on hope in Romans 5–8, focusing on particular on chapter 8.
"The Seed Grows – We Know Not How" (Mark 4:27):
Mark for the New Liturgical Year
"Who Do You Say That I Am?"
Part One – On the Way
In this first presentation, Seán reflects on how the way Mark chose to tell his story of Jesus challenges today's disciples to understand what it means to follow him on the Way.
"If You Have Ears to Hear, then Hear!"
Part Two – Sowing the Seed
In this second presentation, Seán explores the "sowing" parables of Mark 4, and how it is a reminder that attentive listening is a key element in becoming people who derive hope from the mystery of the Regin of God at work among us.
Webinars
Webinar One – Q&A Session
(5th December 2023)
Webinar Two – Meditation Session
(19th December 2023)
Some Advent Music Suggestions From Kieran
Help & Support
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Questions & Comments
While our Q&A session has ended, you can still email questions to the presenters at any time.
Jessie Rogers – jessie@tarsusscriptureschool.ie
Kieran O'Mahony – kieran@tarsusscriptureschool.ie
Seán Goan – sean@tarsuscriptureschool.ie
General Queries – hello@tarsusscriptureschool.ie
Technical Support – help@tarsusscriptureschool.ie
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