Yr 10 Scripture Commentaries BCE

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Scriptural representations of God 

Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:1-27 – The Shema (Hear, O Israel)  Psalm 104:1-25 – Creator and Provider  Psalm 97:1-7 – Righteous King

(Creator - Job 38; Isaiah 40:12; Wisdom 13:5  Lord, Divine Wisdom - Ecclesiasticus 42:21;  Romans 11:33-36  Avenger - Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 41-43; Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30-31  Judge - Wisdom 17:1; Jeremiah 7:20, 44:6;  Lamentations 2:4, 4:11; Nahum 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:7-8  Rescuer, Search of Hearts - Psalm 139;  1 Chronicles 28:9; Isaiah 40:17-31; Ecclesiasticus 42:18-20  Supreme Governor - Ecclesiasticus 42:17  Being eternal, immutable, invisible, incomprehensible –   Job 11:7-11; Ecclesiasticus 42:16-17; Isaiah 55:89;  Psalm 102:25-28  Faithful companion - Genesis 26:2-5; 31:3; 48:21;  Exodus 3:12; Deuteronomy 31:7-8,23; Joshua 1:5, 3:7; Judges 6:16 (Gideon); Isaiah 43:2, Amos 5:14;  Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 3:11; Philippians 4:9  Omniscient - Isaiah 40:13-14  All Holy - Hosea 11:9b-11     Potter - Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-6  Mother, father - Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9a;  Luke 13:34; Isaiah 49:14-16  Refuge, sanctuary - Ruth 2:12; 2 Samuel 22:2-3, 31; Psalm 14:6; Psalm 28:8; Psalm 31:3-5; Psalm 59:16;  Isaiah 25:4; Psalm 91:1-16  Lover - Hosea 2:16-18  Shepherd - Genesis 48:15-16; Psalm 28:9; Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 16:19; 33:12; 43:12; Ezekiel 34:11-15  Singer - Zephaniah 3:17; Deuteronomy 11:1-27)

Purpose of teaching the text:  Names are important and not just for identifying and describing people. As you read through the Bible, you'll quickly discover that there are different names for God. Each name or title provides a perspective and / or a portrayal of God that helps understand who God is.  These different images of God need to be understood in their historical and cultural setting, considering each human author’s intention and message for their audience.  The intention of the human author is important in determining the nature of the truth revealed in the text (e.g. historical, factual or religious truth).  An understanding of these Old and New Testament representations of God can help the reader appreciate their relevance and application for today

Questions that may assist students to create meaning from the text:  • How do various metaphors/representations within the Bible mediate an understanding of God for a contemporary Australian audience?  • How do representations of God change across Old and New Testament texts?  • How do biblical texts reveal the image of God in ways other non-biblical texts cannot?  • To what extent do biblical images of God reflect their cultural and historical context? • To what extent can socio-historical and culturally conditioned biblical texts make meaning for a contemporary Australian audience? 

Themes and key doctrines of the early Church

Galatians 3:26-29 - Baptism Galatians 5:13-26, 6:1-9 – Live by the Spirit 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – Themes and Doctrines of the Early Church

Purpose of teaching the text:  Many of the key characteristic, themes and doctrines (E.g. resurrection, grace, justification) were first articulated in the writings of St Paul.  It is through the application of different Biblical criticisms and hermeneutical tools that we are able to better understand these key characteristics, themes and doctrines and appreciate their relevance and application today. 

Questions that may assist students to create meaning from the text:  • To what extent do the teachings of the early Church evident in these biblical texts, guide the contemporary Church in its response to the world of the 21st century? • Why does Paul use rhetorical technique (that emerges from the features of rhetorical criticism) in his writings? • How do moral and ethical positions, represented in the writings of St Paul, address issues in a contemporary context? • How do the teachings of Jesus and the Early Church, as outlined in the New Testament, shape a contemporary response to personal and social ethical issues in a post-modern context? • Can you identify how the Catholic Social Teachings are informed by sources of these biblical texts? 

God’s love and mercy

Isaiah 49:1-7, 8-13 – The Servant’s Mission Ephesians 2:4-10 – God’s Love and Mercy 1 John 4:4-12 – God’s Love and Mercy Colossians 3:12 - God’s Love and Mercy Matthew 9:35-36 /Mark 6:32-34 - God’s Love and Mercy

Purpose of teaching the text:  In Christianity it is believed that God’s unending love and mercy for humanity was revealed to the people of Israel through Old Testament scripture and then fulfilled through the person of Jesus Christ.  It is important, therefore, to investigate and explore the message of the Prophets and other texts in order to understand the message of God’s mercy and love.  Additionally, this will provide a context to examine New Testament texts that demonstrate God’s love and mercy through the person of Jesus Christ. 

Questions that may assist students to create meaning from the text:  • In what ways do the messages of the prophets reveal God’s unending love for humankind? • How is God’s love and mercy personified in the prophetic writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah?  • How is God’s message of love and mercy expressed in the message and ministry of Jesus? • Identify and reflect on passages from the New Testament that reveal God’s unending love and mercy? To what extent are they relevant for a contemporary audience? • In a world that is becoming increasingly secularised, technologised and materialistic, how might the biblical message of God’s unending love and mercy liberate and empower? 

Scriptural foundations of the Eucharist 

1 Corinthians 11:23-28 – The Last Supper John 13:1-20 – Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet Matthew 18:15-20 – Origins of the Church’s Mission and Authority

Purpose of teaching the text:  Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC1324). Therefore, it is of great importance to understand that the Eucharist draws on historical and scriptural foundations including the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish Passover and the Last Supper. The Eucharist recalls Jesus’ example of service and love, whereby, those who share the Eucharist are sent out to carry on Jesus’ mission in the world.  The Eucharist is a means of reconciliation and forgiveness of sins as expressed through prayers and the actions of the Mass. Eucharist is the primary and indispensable source of nourishment for the spiritual life of believers. 

Questions that may assist students to create meaning from the text:  • What are some of the key historical and scriptural foundations to Eucharist?  • In what ways does participation in the Eucharist challenge and obligate us to carry on Jesus’ mission in the world as outlined in the Gospels? • How do biblical texts reveal the Eucharist to be an indispensable source of spiritual nourishment for Catholic Christians? • How does the celebration of the Eucharist across Christian denominational lines reflect different understandings of New Testament texts? 

Brisbane Catholic Education