Finding God

Through Scripture

Scripture

When Jesus was alone, those who were around him along with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand all the parables? The sower sows the word. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: when they hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. But they have no root, and endure only for a while; then, when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away. And others are those sown among the thorns: these are the ones who hear the word, but the cares of the world, and the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it yields nothing. And these are the ones sown on the good soil: they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’ (Mk 4:1 -10, 13-20)

2 Tim. 3:16 “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace: For greater awareness of and openness to how God reveals Himself through Scripture and how we have experienced God in this way.

Use the grace and the suggested scripture above to create your own prayer, or use CLC Opening Prayer.

Note: Ask for a volunteer to lead opening and closing prayers for the next meeting.

II. Check-In (5 min.)

What were some of your high and low points of the week?

III. Focus Exercise (40 min.)

Materials Needed:

CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, papers, pens, etc.),
Bibles (have members bring their own or provide enough)

Introduction

Last week we focused on experiencing God through creation, particularly in our care for all of creation. So far, we’ve explored how we can get to know and experience God through the events of our own lives, other people, and the natural world. Over time, God has continually been revealing Himself to our human family in each of these ways.

The Scriptures (the Bible, containing the Old/Hebrew Scriptures and New testament), are a special record and way of expressing what God has done. They contain a collection of writings that convey the story of God’s relationship with humanity over time, from the creation of the universe to the culmination of His revelation in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus and the beginning of His Church.

In the Christian tradition, these writings hold a special place in how we can come to know and experience God because they are God’s word to us, His unique way of communicating to us through human writing. So tonight, we are going to focus on coming to know and encounter the living God through Scripture.

Exercise 1: "The Refiner's Touch" Story

Read over the story “The Refiner’s Touch.” After reading, allow everyone some time in silence or with meditative music to reflect on the following questions. Then encourage each member to share.

The Refiner’s Touch

There was a group of women in a Bible study on the book of Malachi. As they were studying chapter three they came across verse three which says, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver” (Malachi 3:3). This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible study. That week the woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that, in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot - then she thought again about the verse, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. For if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's the easy part— when I see my image reflected in it."

Sharing

What were some of your feelings while reading the story?
Is there anything that you particularly related to or didn’t relate to?
How did the woman’s understanding and experience of God change as a result of deepening her understanding and experience of the Scripture passage?
How might have God been active in the story?

Exercise 2: My Experiences of the Bible

Provide additional time for members to reflect on the following questions for themselves. Suggest that members use their Bibles to read over any passages that have particularly touched or challenged them during their life if they need help. Then have each member share.

Sharing

What has your experience of Scripture been so far? Has it changed over time?
Do you think that God reveals Himself though Scripture? What does this mean to you?
What questions do you have about Scripture in general? About how God reveals Himself through Scripture?
How might you have already experienced God through Scripture?
Do you have any favorite Scripture passages, figures (particular people), or images? Why do these speak to you? What might God be saying to you through them?

Listening Deeper

Suggested questions to deepen awareness of inner movements and further conversation

What has struck you as you have been listening to others share? Do you notice any patterns or commonalities? Any common experiences and images of God?
How have you been feeling throughout the meeting? Comfortable? Anxious? Curious?
Is there anything you would like to share after listening to another person share?

IV. Moving Forward (5 min.)

Wrap-Up: Thank members for their openness and participation.
Action:
1. Consider what role Scripture has in your life. Spend time asking yourself if you would like to grow in your understanding and experience of God through Scripture. If so, what concrete actions or habits might you be able to commit to in order to encourage this growth?
2. After pointing out tips on reading the Bible in the journal booklet, consider if any of its suggestions might help you in how you read and encounter the living God through Scripture.
Announcements:
- Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events

V. Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Teach Me Your Ways

Teach me Your way of treating others -

sinners, children, Pharisees,

Pilates and Herods,

and also John the Baptists.

Teach me Your way of eating and drinking,

how to act when I'm tired from work and need rest.

Teach me compassion for the suffering,

the poor, the blind, and the lame.

You who shed tears,

show me how to live my deepest emotions.

Above all, I want to learn

how you endured Your Cross.

Teach me Your way of looking at people:

the way You glanced at Peter after his denial,

the way You touched the heart of the rich young man

and the hearts of Your disciples.

I would like to meet You as you really are,

since You change those who really know You.

If only I could hear You speak

as when You spoke

in the synagogue of Capernaum

or on the Mount of Beatitudes!

Give me grace to live my life,

within and without,

the way You lived your life,

O Lord.

-Pedro Arrupe, SJ

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