Preparation: Opening Prayer
Reflection: Have you ever felt "down in the dumps?" Have things looked bleak at certain times in your life? Have you ever felt lower than a snake in a wagon rut and wish someone could lift you up? We have all felt despair and hopelessness at times in our life. We may wonder where our next meal may come from, how we will pay that mountain of bills, look for a cure for our illness or infirmity, or just feel alone and have no one to turn to. "On Eagles' Wings," capsulizes for Christians the providence and protection we receive from God. The refrain states:
And he will raise you up on eagles' wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of his hand.
The predominant themes in this refrain are found in Isaiah's prophecy. In Isaiah 40:31 we read:
...but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
In Isaiah 49:16 Isaiah writes:
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
Even in the midst of announcing judgment upon the nation of Judah, our God promised his people that He would protect them and be with them. They would have the strength of God’s uplifting spirit, a strength equated with eagles' wings. Our God also assured his people of individual protection, just as someone would protect a frail bird or small pet in the palm of one's hand. This verse immediately follows God's rhetorical question:
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
Although the phrase "bear you on the breath of dawn" is not found in Scripture, its meaning is found in the latter part of Isaiah 40:31:
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Explanation: Registration
Questions:
Section 40: Life Everlasting
Will the work of the Church ever end? The Church’s mission of proclamation and sanctification will end when the world ends; its work of praising and glorifying God will never end.
What will the happiness of heaven be like?
a) Happy in a far greater way:
b) Perfect rest:
c) Final and complete union
d) Complete ease and familiarity with God
e) Companionship with all members
f) A faint reflection of God
Will the world ever end?
When will the world end?
How did the early Christians interpret these prophecies?
What will be the great event at the end of the world?
Will the judgment which Christ makes at the end of the world be a real judgment?
What do we mean by the resurrection of the dead?
How should we prepare for the second coming of Christ?
Prayer: Act of Hope: O my God, relying on your almighty power and infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of your grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.
Interactive activity: St. Peter DVD
Homework: Celebrate Thanksgiving. Next Week: Special Lesson on Advent