BKeane

this chapter is what specifically drew me to this Bible study; I have been involved since 2009 with Catholic and other Christians (a few invited Moslem "observers") with the issue of "money and banking" and its relationship to Christian doctrine--so into the whole questions of what is real wealth, what is "money" and where and who does it come from, interest versus usury, consumer loans vs productive loans etc etc... this chapter has always seemed to me and almost all others. to be just kind of dangling almost (first half) as a stand alone that could have occurred anywhere along the story line it is just so weird that what is described (VERY much same process as Joseph on behalf on Pharaoh during plenitude and scarcity and collateral and forfeitures he collected) did not/does not happen overnight--this is a slow, very sure means to transfer real wealth to financial "connivers"; yes I realize an assembly was called but something huge happened to the 1%/bankesters' to just sit there quietly, no response, and go, yea you're right, we will cease and desist, give them back their lands etc----if there is to be a continued reprieve some such sort of giant awakening within financial circles (international) MUST occur (or be encouraged-hope Pres Trump no just Cyrus V2, but also Nehmiah V2!!!! for fun, when a bank grants a loan the amount of the loan principle "deposited" into the borrower's account came from ?? depositors ? the banks cash on and? out of thin air e.g did not exist before that moment, and will cease to exist wen repaid (interest off course was never created, so there has to be a continual game of musical chairs "finding" the interest payments which if successful means they had to come from someone else---like the princes and rich guys in this verse i truly believe (want to believe?) that the makority of bankers have no clue, politicians most assuredly do not or very very few-those that speak out are moth balled one way or the other;

"what gets measured gets managed" is a common workplace adage (can also be used for self-review of where my heart (Jewish definition of heart) really is: so bank record review (interact, visa etc) gives an outline of categories where resource is spent, especially in conjunction with a cross-reference to time spent; neither is infallible in measuring the heart, BUT if there is no or very little in either category ' for a group important to focus group priority, in this case demonstrates importance of the resources e.g not pocket change to be used whenever hmm tough to generalize---too much time is sometimes spent counting pencils, a massive witch-hunts when coffee fund is short (again!!); some of the same "diligence" could be better leveraged asking have we sketched out the right path/direction?; are we prepared to use the other end of the pencil (eraser) and re-group, re-focus? human we are stained, even after Baptism and better to reduce the temptation

Primarily brings us before God in our bodies (fasting,abstinence,etc) but most importantly in a tone of obedience and humility, a precursor to Praise and Thanksgiving and petition no not a bribe it truly is intended to make us aware of our own insufficiency (and then by comparison.insight God's Greatness (a glimpse anyway)

all are born with the "image of God" e.g natural law. Prof Pinker, not visibly an ardent Christian, catalogues concepts(words) across all linguistic cultures "The Language Instinct" words and concepts, do not steal, wife, etc (about 6 pg worth if I remember correctly its been awhile) and a sub theme is around leadership, authority etc where both hierarchy are recognized in all cultures (takes many different forms) and the common good. It is native to all. In both the Old and New there is a higher calling for both religious and civic leaders to serve God diligently and to protect, shepherd their flocks. Pretty drastic examples of those who don't!! but there are also lot of examples where selfish leaders appear to be getting away with it.(ahab and Jezabel with the land grab for instance. Jesu at last supper removes his dinner garb and takes on the role of a slave (low the slave totem pole at that) to wash the feet of the net generation leaders; as He instructs them "go and do likewise"--in another time, genuine leaders shuddered, wept at the thought of being designated leader---you see this initial reticence, Moses, Gideon et al in OT Peter in new; today people seem to thrust themselves forward, and if not "picked" continue to campaign for themselves tough to balance authority and its requirements and serving as those served are also fallen and tend to jdge a leader by how well they themselves are prospering-in a sense we get the leaders we deserve-in a workforce of diligent, dutiful "followers" there is more likely to be a like type leader

catholic church especially "western" G7 types like USA and Canada Vatican ii on surface massive changes in all outward manifestations of communal worship as well i many cases of the physical space itself. These changes do not fit into a one size fits all category: some were mis-interpretations of what was being said; some were "sabotage"; some had "right" intention but poor methods/means, etc. Results were confusion, division and most apropos to this question an immense emphasis on "participation" with as many as possible having some "part"; this eventually led in many areas to the "participation" numbers being the focus so.....Sermons/homilies instead of helping us understand the Sacred Scripture just read tend to popular social themes or license plate axioms, with little or no mention of the "thou shalt not,,,,,and not much more on the shall "feed the hungry, clothe the naked etc. BECAUSE when you do this you feed Me, you clothe Me; until we get this connection all talk about equality, brotherhood etc is either re-worked French Revolution crap (from hell) or pitch for either state control socialism or some humanistic utopia scheme being that true worship is to God, that our day of rest (or any prayer) is intended to give us time with Him, away from the marketplace, the socializing, busy-busy. One indicator for me is "silence"--we need some non-noise time to even give ourselves a chance to "be still, and know that I AM God"; I try to attend where there is quiet dignity and lots of pauses/silence for example after each reading, after the holily etc. The music/choir CAN help us in our Praise again same caveat on internal itention (me or Thee?) I have to get prep 'ed to play especially when it comes to prayer and more so communal worship such as the Eucharistic; i need to almost pray in order to pray, chill , get my mind of the dreadful Colts and how badly they are likely to get creamed later that day, remind myself this is not a singles bar, stop wondering how I look or worse stop trying to look anything, and then realize that even quieting the mid from its chatter I still must Trust in God to give me everything; my attention, my Love, and to thank Him not my great intellect (ahem) for any and all insights and revelations received

as they say in real-estate "location, location, location" and despite our good intentions (we think "good" intentions) I still want to be the commander/general and don't really serve. Even when it is right intention, I can "spring into action" again trusting in myself, the "inspiration" that must have been the Holy Spirit (but not wait long enough for verification/authentication) and the means or approach is maybe done right BUT not the right thing to do (God's plan) and even when both of these are in-line, our whole up-bringing, experience in just about all facets of "life" look for results, and comparables and rewards and recognition, reputation, a chance to play in the "bigshow" etc--in fewer words still ME oriented, directed so tough to trust "the process" and not re-adjust, change, panic at symptoms or even results occurring--Jesus's question when He returns, "Will i find any Faith..." is a grim reminder of just how meager my faith is the application to my life is to start the day,frequently throughout the day and especially at nigh during the "replay review"to keep saying Jesus aI trust in You, please expand my trust.

the dirty clothes represent the spiritual state; in his role probably both his personal sloth and also his congregation. God is ALWAYS there to welcome us back with open arms as soon as we truly repent of our sins---actually process seems to start before us getting to that stage. I am referring to prior state of "ignorance" where our sins have become so habitual we no longer even see them as sins, or through rationalization on our part or willingness to "believe' water-downed Scripture interpretations/teaching as to our sinfulness etc. by repenting Joshue not only is restored but also his congregation in ways of God I "get" but cannot explain--something to do with him being the vicar of Him but still part of the Body (us)

probably one of God's tougher counsels to "do"--"Be Still!; whether things look ominous or even tougher when they look bright; this is an egocentric comment but for me this lesson has been SO refreshing (both spiritual and day-to-day senses). Does not make it any easier to "do"(accomplish) but gives great Hope and then Faith it letting it be; when I start or pictures of worldly events start interrupting NOT to panic or get depressed but rather very childlike go back to "tying" to be still. (even lectio divina process go great to third step "be still") for enemies, aka today's society spokefolk, God's Silence is just one more "settled science" exhibit that "he" either doesn't care (Allah?) or maybe /probably doesn't exisit. again tough one, but like Jeremiah in his lamentations and others, God's Silence is some form of deeep deep communion, almost a real foretaste of heaven when all is light-HE conveys to the very still His presence (as much as we can handle) in totally non-empirical fashion (usually, some rare physical manifestations but these are really really rare and not to be sought for according to John of the Cross, and Jesus himself talking about those always looking for signs etc)

like an ambassador or vicar effectively representing the King's authority de facto et de jure; maybe like an executor with a will the critical point is hearing what the Spirit says not trying to look for signs etc "rationalizing" my will or what I think the plan should be. Last few years making some head-way listening for God's will for me, and then, and only then , worrying about the what He wants me to do; maybe just guy thing but had/have the hardest time separating the two.

assuming the disciple has been called in the first place (not using Thee (GOD) to talk about me"); "wins" are the most precarious moments. At what shold be a time for great Praise and Gratitude to God for whatever occurred, we, or me, very easily inclined to take the credit and from there pride acts as yeast for additional "defilement".. Taking responsibility for this, which in itself means that God sent Grace for this awareness that Me not Thee (GOD) was the grower, and then sorrowing and asking forgiveness; depending on the magnitude and context of the "defilement" as a Catholic I would seek forgiveness in Sacrament of Confession

"be strong and courageous "; I will be with you In my own case it has been ok (know God is with me even when all "empirical evidence" points against it e.g sure not a candidate for poster boy prosperity gospel); the be strong and courageous was more difficult in company of others, most specifically own family especially daughter and mother-lost one (so far) and other was certainly very strained until her own "re-building of the temple" when she had to confront her own Way of the Cross leading to her physical death but"joyful" passing. had,still have, a difficult times staying charitable-too much Irish and/or hockey in my blood; (see previous responses)

been lingering over this question (great and grate) over a week. When I returned to God circa '97 was flying high by world's standards with a jet-set consulting etc taking me to many places including Caribbean and Mexico, almost all of USA, Canada etc; since formal return in fall '98 sure hasn't been any form of prosperity gospel!!1 in fact that theme part of my difficulty/introspection responding. From ALL (maybe not health) secular perspectives total disaster(s) and very painful. In hindsight realize how much perching, correction etc required from what had become deep rooted sins /habits but/and also great mental challenge to DO Phil 4:8 trying to sift through "best practices/state-of-the-art leadership and team effectiveness concepts which was my bread and butter. Have now spent close to 20 years trying to resolve "good prophets and good profits" and really tough as so much of what I was weaned on (and taught others) is , well so upside-down to Gospel. So I seem to have lost everything (friends, family, fortune, fame (own mind anyway) and probably more to come

I think/feel God is displeased when I am "pharisee to the Pharisees"in that I use the same rhetorical devices, nit-picking (splinters) BUT do it with a cold heart e.g not really concerned with their welfare, especially eternal, but rather more egotistically wanting to be "right". It then starts a downward spiral where I continue to "re-play" the scene or argument and start actively (or at least in my imagination) doing harm, wanting to call out the other or taking my own interpretation of selected Scripture verses to justify shunning them as fragments of Paul and John admonition to avoid non-believers within the congregation--justify on-going withdrawal, avoidance under the "avoiding Evil" rubric. also when I get impatient that God doesn't seem to need me to do anything for Him, and either get discouraged and start slacking off both during my prayer time (talking to Him) and study (Bible, related readings when I am listening to Him); after awhile get antsy and follow my own counsel, not being patient enough even when I keep hearing the soft. gentle voice "BE Still and Know that I am God" so get Pelegian like plunging forward which despite my self confidence (delusion?) does not end well from my perspective which is kind of a lack of Faith and Hope that God turns all things to Good.

whew not sure on this one. I am Catholic living in Quebec Canada and my understanding of the Eucharist and that of more than fifty %of current weekly Mass goers (good word) are NOT the same--and the goers are about 20% of the statistical total of Catholics.

somewhat related to previous response of moving forward without necessary Prayer and patience attending a response; in this particular, when confronted with major obstacles/surmountable odds quite easy (tempting?) to take these as "sign of the times" and rationalize "caving" as God'sWill now being more clearly visable. End or on-going results is always "blowing in the wind"