Announcing Esther
April 5, 2016
Announcing Our Spring Scripture Study:
Lessons from the Book of Esther
In five sessions, beginning the week of April 12
So why should we study this curious book? And why now?
This small book has been the subject of controversy since ancient times. It nearly didn’t make it into the Jewish canon of the Old Testament. It is the one book of the Bible that never mentions the name of God at all (in the Hebrew, at least). Nevertheless, the providence of God operating in human affairs through faithful and courageous individuals is very much at the heart of this amazing book.
The Rabbis writing in the Talmud came to assert that there were two portions of Scripture that would always have an enduring relevance to mankind: the Books of Moses and the Book of Esther. That may seem an amazing assertion. Come find out why Esther should elicit such interest and praise.
Find out why this book is so timely for us Christians as we feel ourselves increasingly beleaguered in this secular society and in this election cycle. There are timely lessons for us in this often overlooked book.
►► Our study begins next week – April 12, 13, & 14
– at the usual times and in the usual locations:
at St. John Fisher College
Tuesday Evenings: 7:15 PM
in Murphy Hall across East Ave. (31F) from the main campus
in Charlotte
Wednesday Evenings: 7:15 PM at 294 Burley Rd. (off Lake Ave.)
at the St. Irenaeus Center in Rochester
Thursday Mornings: 9:30 AM at 542 Blossom Rd.
Price: We suggest $5.00 a session, but only pay what you can afford.
College students attend free.
Esther concerns the destiny and salvation of God’s people in a hostile world. It can yield a rich treasure to all who study it seriously. We will be covering the nine chapters of the canonical book and chapters 10–15 of the Deuterocanical additions.
Begins the Week of April 12th
As a side note: An interesting article appeared in the March issue of First Things entitled “The Miracle of Esther”, speaking of the unique relevance of this small book.
Lenten Pitfalls
Dear Friends, Here we are at the threshold of another Lent, and I’d like to share a few thoughts on making…
Door of Mercy Announced
We will soon begin a special short study, beginning the week after Thanksgiving. It will run only for the first two weeks…
Studies in Deuteronomy Announced
We will soon begin our fall Scripture study, ten weeks in the Book of Deuteronomy. We begin the week after Labor…
St. Irenaeus Mass and Potluck
Dear Friends of St. Irenaeus (and St. Titus too): You are invited to join us on our patronal feast day for…
Colossians Bible Study Announced
Announcing our new spring Bible study! Beginning this Tuesday, April 28! Unfortunately, our regular mailings are arriving late. So we…
May 2015 Magnificat Breakfast Announced
The next Magnificat Rochester Women’s Breakfast will be held on May 30, 2015 and will feature the testimony of Monica Pierce….