Journey To Essential Living: A Catholic Small-Group Bible Discussion

BOOK A Catholic Small-Group Bible Discussion
1 Journey to
Essential
L i v i n g
By Rich Cleveland
E M M AUS J OU R N E Y
SERIES
BOOK
1
A Catholic Small-Group Bible Study
Journey to
Essential
L i v i n g
By Rich Cleveland
E MMAUS J OURNEY
S ERIES
INTRODUCTION
Journey to Essential Living is the first of three Scripture-based small-group discussion
series developed for use within Catholic communities. These materials were developed,
field tested, and successfully used through the Small Catholic Communities at Holy
Apostles Catholic Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
These materials are designed to provide foundational training in both personal spirituality
and the ability to participate successfully in a small group. Participants learn to enjoy daily
Bible reading and prayer and to make these disciplines a significant resource in their
relationship with Christ. Weekly meditation on Scripture and meaningful participation in
discussion of the Scriptures are developed as other valuable disciplines. These disciplines
are nourished in a loving, caring environment, leading to motivating, caring Christian
community.
These three series, Essential Living, Fruitful Living, and Focused Living, incorporate
reflection on Scripture passages around various important topics of personal spirituality
and discipleship. Each discussion topic is presented and reinforced by references to
valuable Catholic resources.
A simple leader’s guide is available to provide facilitators with resource suggestions for
handling the various sessions and creating helpful small-group dynamics. This guide and
the other series are available from Emmaus Journey, Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO
80934.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge the dedicated help and partnership of Gail Cleveland in the
development of these materials. We are also appreciative of the welcoming environment
presented by Fr. Paul Wicker and Holy Apostles Catholic Church, which enabled the
development of these materials.
Emmaus Journey is an evangelization and discipleship ministry of The Navigators, an

interdenominational religious order, conducted in and through Catholic parishes.
©1998 Rich Cleveland.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission
from Rich Cleveland, P.O. Box 6000, Colorado Springs, CO 80934.
The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic
Edition, copyright 1993 and 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
SESSION 1
Introduction 5
SESSION 2
Bible Study Introduction 11
SESSION 3
Responding in Prayer 15
SESSION 4
The Importance of God’s Word 21
SESSION 5
Using the “Emmaus Journal” 23
SESSION 6
The Importance of Prayer 27
SESSION 7
Developing Spiritual Disciplines 29
SESSION 8
The Importance of One Another 33
SESSION 9
The Importance of Conversion 37
SESSION 10
The Importance of Conversion (continued) 41
TO THE READER
I would like to recommend for your consideration and use, these Emmaus Journey small-
group Scripture discussion materials. These studies were developed within the Holy
Apostles Parish Small Catholic Communities ministry and honor both the value of
Scripture reflection and respect for Catholic faith, culture, and tradition.
Go and Make Disciples, published by the National Council of Catholic Bishops, suggests as
Goal 1: “To bring about in all Catholics such an enthusiasm for their faith that, in living
their faith in Jesus, they freely share it with others.” These Emmaus Journey materials were
designed for, and help accomplish this goal. The following objectives Go and Make
Disciples recommends are furthered through these studies:
• “To foster an experience of conversion and renewal in the heart of every believer,
leading to a more active living of Catholic life.”
• “To foster an appreciation of God’s word in the lives of all Catholics.”
• “To foster a renewed understanding of the faith among Catholics.”
• “To foster a sense of discipleship among Catholic adults…”
• “To foster active and personal religious experience through participation in small-
group and communal experiences in which the Good News is shared, experienced
and applied to daily life.”
The author, Rich Cleveland, has developed the Small Catholic Communities ministry at
Holy Apostles Parish for four years. I have experienced our parishioners coming alive in
their Catholic faith through these Emmaus Journey materials. I pray that God will use these
materials to further His life and work among you and your group.
Sincerely,
Fr. Paul Wicker

Pastor
Holy Apostles Catholic Church
Session 1
Introduction
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Get acquainted with the others in your group by sharing your answers to these questions.
What is your name?
What is your occupation?
What is your favorite vacation activity?
Personal spirituality and Christian community do not usually happen by accident. In fact,
these ideas are contrary to our natural tendencies and the way the world normally thinks.
Both require significant commitment, planned development, and consistent practice. Both
are encouraged by Christ and the Scriptures. And, not surprisingly, both are opposed by the
“spiritual forces of evil.” Consequently, believers must depend on God’s grace to develop
their personal spirituality and real Christian community.
The materials you will use in the months ahead are designed to introduce you to
several practical skills. They will enhance your personal spiritual growth and your ability to
participate in community with other growing Christians. Some tools and habits may be new
to you, but they all have been developed and used with Catholics with very positive results.
Change can be either fearsome or wonderful, resisted or embraced. In Christ, change
should be readily embraced as a wonderful, necessary process. Paul says in 2 Corinthians
3:16–18, “When one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and
where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing
the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same
image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”
The transformation Paul talks about means change. So as you discover new concepts,
tools, and experiences, ask God to help you embrace them as part of the wonderful
transformation He has for you.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Early on, you will be introduced to skills and experiences that may be new to you. These
skills—daily Scripture reading, Bible study preparation, weekly sharing, conversational
prayer—are the building blocks of personal spirituality and Christian community.
The group facilitator will provide direction and discussion-group stimulation, and will
introduce new material with some instruction. But basically, the success of the group is
dependent upon your preparation, wholehearted participation, and open sharing with others
in the group.
During the first two weeks, the group will read through new material together. This
will keep you from having to take copious notes or from missing important points. It also
encourages everyone to participate and overcome their natural shyness in a new group.
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In later sessions, your group will talk about how Christ has been involved in your
lives, share from your daily reading, discuss the Bible study material, pray, and socialize
together. Within the first few weeks, this small Catholic community will likely become a
vital part of your life.
DAILY BIBLE READING AND PRAYER

“We have, however, the words of Scripture to which to pay attention. A psalm, a
parable, a biblical story, a saying of Jesus, or a word of Paul, Peter, James, Jude,
or John can help us focus our attention on God’s presence. Thus we deprive
those ‘many other things’ of their power over us. When we place words from the
Scriptures in the center of our solitude, such words—whether a short expression,
a few sentences, or a longer text—can function as the point to which we return
when we have wandered off in different directions. They form a safe anchoring
place in a stormy sea.”
—Henri J. M. Nouwen, Making All Things New: An Invitation to Spiritual Life
One of the best investments you can make is to spend time each day in devotion to Christ
through reading the Scriptures and praying. People who have developed this habit have seen
the difference daily Scripture reading and praying make in their relationship with God. Here
are just a few of the ways daily Scripture reading can affect your life.
Communion with Jesus. Communication with Jesus becomes more vital and concrete
when you intentionally take time to meet with Him through reading the Scriptures and
praying. God intentionally planned fellowship with us, as Paul explains in 1 Corinthians
1:9, “God is faithful; by him [God] you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus
Christ our Lord.”
As you read and meditate on Scripture, God will communicate to you things that are
important to Him. Jesus promised, “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you”
(John 14:26). Also, daily prayer enables you to talk to God about what’s important to you—
as well as what is important to Him.
Life transformation. Over time, reading Scripture will transform your mental, emotional,
and spiritual life, and will positively affect the choices you make. The psalmist, in Psalm
19:7–11 (NAB 8–12), expressed this benefit of reading and obeying the Scriptures:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;

the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever;
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SESSION 1
the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.”
Scripture reading helps clarify your thinking and perspective on life. The Scriptures
give direction and guidance for daily living. And as your relationship with the Lord grows
through your study of the Bible, you will experience new levels of joy and confidence in
your life. Also, giving a small amount of your undivided attention to Christ each day
provides tremendous long-range benefits as your life is graciously and gradually
transformed.
Practical Methods for Daily Scripture Reading

Many of us have heard or voiced frustration over Scripture reading: “I’ve tried reading the
Bible, but I can’t get anything out of it.” By following a few simple and practical
suggestions, you will discover that reading the Bible can be fun, spiritually invigorating,
and extremely meaningful. These methods fall into five categories:
• Reading and marking

• Responding in prayer
• Recording one key thought
• Relating your spiritual journey with others
• Relying on the Holy Spirit
Reading and Marking

1. Use an inexpensive Bible with language and style that are new and refreshing to you.
Most Catholic or religious bookstores carry a variety of paperback Catholic translations
or paraphrases. Be sure that you’re comfortable with the translation’s accuracy as well as
its language.
2. Follow an annual Bible-reading plan so you know what to read each day. With a reading
plan, you will easily be able to see your progress. In this book, you will find two kinds of
reading plans—one based on the daily Lectionary readings, and one that will lead you
through consecutive chapters of the Bible.
With the daily Lectionary reading plan, you will be able to follow the Scripture
passages used in the daily Mass. To begin, you will need to look for the year and
determine which Sunday and daily cycle to follow. Begin reading at the appropriate week
of the Liturgical Year. As you finish the day’s readings, check off the corresponding
boxes on the reading record.
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SESSION 1
Reading through individual books of the Bible enables you to grasp the context of
Scripture more broadly. To begin, simply choose a book of the Bible you’d like to read.
Determine how much of the book you want to read each day or how long you want to
read each day. Draw a line through the appropriate box on the Bible Reading Record as
you finish each chapter. Your goal may be to read through the entire Bible during a two
or three year period.
3. As you read your Bible, mark the passages that are especially meaningful to you. The
more you mark, the more you’ll think and interact with the Scriptures. Conversely, as
you mark less, you may find yourself becoming drowsy or having to reread passages to
grasp their meaning. Don’t be afraid that you’re marking too much in your Bible; this
technique is crucial for you to understand what you’re reading. To get you started, here
are a few suggested markings:
*asterisks*
“hash marks”
(parenthesis)
[brackets]
underlining
|| vertical lines in the margins ||
circles
Relating your spiritual journey to others

It is important to share with others, preferably on a weekly basis, what you are discovering.
This, too, will help you to clarify your thoughts. As you share a thought with someone else,
you will see that it makes an even more significant and lasting impression on you. This
poem is a helpful reminder:
Thoughts disentangle themselves

when they pass over the lips
and through the fingertips.
As you share your discoveries with others, your thoughts are reinforced and provide
additional spiritual stimulation. Furthermore, God is able to use what you share to
encourage and help those listening. Paul wrote in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from
what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” Often what you share
will be instrumental in strengthening not only your own faith, but also the faith of others.
(But remember to share what the Holy Spirit impressed on your own life, not something
you hope God will impress on someone else in the group.)
Since, as 2 Peter 1:20 warns, “No prophesy of scripture is a matter of one’s own
interpretation,” sharing your thoughts with other believers provides an opportunity for them
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SESSION 1
to respond with their own insights. This interaction over God’s Word helps you to grow and
learn from others and to remain on track doctrinally.
Relying on the Holy Spirit

One of the most important principles of daily Scripture reading and prayer is reliance on the
Holy Spirit for help. Reading the Bible can become sterile and meaningless when you do it
on your own. And when the Holy Spirit is not invited into your devotional life, you run the
risk of developing pride in your own Bible knowledge or in your legalistic self-discipline.
Understanding Scripture is a spiritual gift, a grace dependent on the Holy Spirit. Paul
says in 1 Corinthians 2:10–12: “These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for
the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what
is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is
truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but
the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.”
Before you begin reading each day, humbly ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your
mind and condition your heart to receive what God has for you in His Word.
READING AND MARKING YOUR BIBLE EXERCISE

Read the following passage and mark those things you find helpful or interesting. Move
through the passage at a comfortable and thoughtful pace. Don’t worry about completing
the entire passage during this exercise.
3
His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness,
through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
4
Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great
promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the
world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature. 5For
this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with
goodness, and goodness with knowledge, 6and knowledge with self-control, and
self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, 7and godliness with
mutual affection, and mutual affection with love. 8For if these things are yours
and are increasing among you, they keep you from being ineffective and
unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9For anyone who lacks
these things is nearsighted and blind, and is forgetful of the cleansing of past
sins. 10Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call
and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble. 11For in this way, entry
into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be richly
provided for you.
12
Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you
know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. 13I think
it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, 14since I know that
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SESSION 1
my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
15
And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any
time to recall these things.
2 Peter 1:3–15
ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 2

1. Purchase an inexpensive Bible to use for your daily reading.
2. Choose which reading plan you would prefer to use and record your progress daily.
3. Begin daily reading and marking a designated portion of Scripture.
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Session 2
Bible Study Introduction
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Get acquainted with the others in your group by sharing your answers to these questions.
What is your name?
What size was your family?
What is your hobby?
Share insights from your daily Bible reading.
There are several ways to find nourishment and help through Scripture. Last week we began
developing the habit of daily reading and meditating on a Scripture passage while marking
what we read. This casual daily reading provides a refreshing stroll through the Bible. This
approach gives an overview while allowing God to impress various truths on your heart,
providing daily encouragement, guidance, and challenge.
Hearing God’s Word read and taught also is important and commended in Scripture.
St. Paul says in Romans, “So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes
through the word of Christ.”
As Scripture is read, we often are able to hear truth in a new way. The Holy Spirit uses
the spoken Word to minister to us. As Scripture is taught, you open yourself to truth and
allow God to speak to you through another person’s preparation.
BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION

Bible study and discussion are additional means of nourishment from Scripture. By studying
portions of Scripture topically—the method we will use initially—or chapter by chapter,
you are able to give more thoughtful consideration to passages. This will allow you to:
• explore important truths more deeply and in context

• begin forming and strengthening convictions and values
• carefully consider the practical implications of these truths.
In addition, the Bible study discussion provides:
• weekly motivation to prepare and study

• a pleasant and constructive environment in which you can learn from one another
• “checks and balances” against wrong and harmful interpretation
• encouragement to align your life with the truth of God’s Word.
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SESSION 2
Materials
You will use topical materials—studies based on specific topics—that allow you to explore
what different authors have said about the same subject. Though specific passages form the
core of the study, the surrounding verses give you a broader context and additional light on
the topic.
Bible Aids
Initially, you should study independently without Bible study aids or commentaries. You
will be encouraged and affirmed as the Holy Spirit enlightens you and enables you to
discover and articulate sound biblical truth. After you complete the study, feel free to refer
to helpful Bible study aids, such as the notes in The Catholic Study Bible and the new
Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Applications
Application questions are designed to be more personal than others. You will never be
required to share these answers unless it is helpful to you. However, it is important for your
own growth to answer these questions honestly. And you may find it helpful to talk through
your new understandings and ideas with others.
Helpful Attitudes
What attitudes help create a successful Bible study?
1. Commitment to be prepared. The Bible study discussion is built on the premise that each
person has invested the time to think about the passages and answer the questions. To be
unprepared turns the Bible study discussion into a simple sharing of opinions. Though
you may not be able to prepare every time, to choose not to prepare defrauds the group.
Selecting a specific time to do your study each week and establishing a consistent place
to study will help you be prepared.
2. Teachability. This means being open to discover new truths and look at old truths in a
new way. You’ll be able to learn more if you’re willing to be exposed to new concepts.
3. Wholeheartedness. There may be days when you feel too emotionally and spiritually
down to participate in the Bible discussion. While it is helpful to acknowledge these
feelings, surrendering to them can negatively affect the whole group’s experience. God
can use the discussion and community experience to lift your spirits. Try to
enthusiastically participate even when you don’t feel like it.
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SESSION 2
4. Willingness to apply what you’ve learned. The purpose of Bible study is to change lives,
which means changing people’s attitudes and behavior. The process of bringing new
attitudes and behavior to life is aborted when you fail to make the attitude and behavior
changes you’ve been shown from your study of Scripture. On the other hand, when you
apply the truths you’ve discovered in the Scriptures, you complete the birthing process of
new attitudes and behavior. These will grow into mature values as you continue to follow
Christ.
5. Respect for all contributions and contributors to the discussion. Each of the members of
your group will approach the study from different backgrounds and different ways of
thinking. Each of you has a valuable contribution to make. It is important to listen and
learn from one another.
ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 3:

1. Continue reading and marking your Bible daily, recording your progress on your reading
record.
2. Read and mark “Responding in Prayer,” pages 15–17.
3. Complete questions 1–4 of the Bible study, “The Importance of God’s Word,” pages
18–19.
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Session 3
Responding in prayer
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

So far, you’ve learned that daily Scripture reading is used by God to communicate to us
what is important to Him. One of the Holy Spirit’s responsibilities is to “teach you
everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). However, as you
meet with Christ through the reading of the Scriptures, you also bring to your communion
your hopes and dreams, hurts and sorrows, questions and gratitude—all of which are
important to you.
Sometimes you may not make the connection between God’s concerns and your own.
It’s easy to ignore talking to God about the things that are important to Him and instead
concentrate only on your own concerns. To achieve more balance, try these suggestions:
1. Consciously review what you have read and marked to crystallize in your mind what the
Holy Spirit has impressed on your heart. Frequently, when reviewing like this, you will
find a trend in your reading and in God’s communication with you.
2. In a simple and direct way, without fear or hesitancy, talk to God about what His Spirit
has revealed to you through the Scriptures. It is important to talk to God about what is
important to Him. You also need to talk to Him about the people and situations that are
on your heart.
3. There are many ways to pray about the same passage, depending on where you are in
life’s journey. When you pray, it may be helpful for you to remember the acrostic,
“ACTS,” which stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
Adoration. Express to God your love, honor, and admiration in reverence and worship. In
your daily Scripture reading, you often will discover a fresh aspect of God, Jesus, or the
Holy Spirit that elicits your adoration. Your love, honor, admiration, and affection can be
expressed verbally through words or song, or by reciting a scriptural passage of praise and
adoration, such as 1 Chronicles 29:11–12: “Yours, O Lord, are the greatness, the power, the
glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours;
yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Riches and honor
come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might; and it is in your
hand to make great and to give strength to all.”
You also can express your feelings to God through a learned prayer of praise, such as
the Gloria:
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SESSION 3
“Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

Lord God, Heavenly King, Almighty God, and Father,
we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory.
Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God,
you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer.
For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”
Confession. As you reflect on your attitudes and actions in light of God’s Word, you may
become aware of failings, shortcomings, and sin. God does not want you to carry around
these feelings of guilt throughout the day or until you are able to participate in the Rite of
Reconciliation. He established personal confession and assurance of forgiveness as the
means of dealing with the guilt and sorrow you feel. Include in your confession the
“three R’s”:
Recognize and acknowledge to God that some specific behavior or attitude has been
unacceptable to Him.
Receive by faith the forgiveness available in Christ. He has promised, “If we confess
our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all
unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Repent, which means to willfully abandon the unacceptable behavior or attitudes the
Holy Spirit has identified to us.
Thanksgiving. To maintain your perspective and joy, express your gratitude to God for His
involvement in your life. Giving thanks helps you focus on the many benefits and blessings
you have in Christ. It takes your mind off your concerns and problems. The Scriptures often
will reveal to you a reason to give thanks. Then, when you are praying for your concerns,
you are able to view your situation not simply as your own inadequacy, but with hope based
on God’s adequacy to meet your every need.
Supplication. God encourages you to humbly and earnestly ask Him to meet your needs
and other people’s needs. At times as you read the Scriptures, you will discover a truth you
would like to claim for yourself or someone else. God desires that you ask Him for great,
important things as well as simple, mundane things. Jesus challenged His disciples, “…if
you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you…. Ask and you will
receive, so that your joy may be complete” (John 16:23–24).
“At the end of such a period of quiet dwelling with God we may, through
intercessory prayer, lead all the people who are part of our lives, friends as well
as enemies, into his healing presence.”
—Henri J.M. Nouwen, Making All Things New
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SESSION 3
As you use ACTS to shape your prayers, you will find your prayer life becoming broader.
You will be able to pray for people and situations in new ways.
4. Consider these suggestions as you pray for the people and concerns in your life.
a. Jot down the names of people and situations for whom you feel responsible to pray.
b. Pray specifically rather than simply asking God to “bless” someone or something.
c. Recruit other believers to pray about a specific request with you. Because people have
so many of their own concerns to pray about, ask them to join with you in prayer now
rather than asking them to add you to their “prayer list.”
d. When you see God answer your specific request, remember to thank Him. Share
God’s gracious answer with friends so that their faith will be strengthened as well.
BIBLE STUDY
The Importance of God’s Word
The Scriptures always have been esteemed by knowledgeable Catholics as critically
important to both individual believers and the Christian community. In The Interpretation
of the Bible in the Church, The Pontifical Biblical Commission says:
“It is true that the familiarity with the text of Scripture has been more notable
among the faithful at some periods of the church’s history than in others. But
Scripture has been at the forefront of all important moments of renewal in the
life of the church, from the monastic movement of the early centuries to the
recent era of the Second Vatican Council.”
Catholic leaders in past and recent history have underscored the value of God’s Word in
our lives:
“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Jesus Christ.”

—St. Jerome
“A man who is well grounded in the testimonies of the Scripture is the bulwark
of the Church.”
—St. Jerome
“The call to conversion challenges me to investigate my life plan against the

lessons of scripture. I will need to consider reorientation of my values and
priorities…in order to make a commitment to Christ, to become a follower of
Christ, and to be like Christ.”
—Lawrence Boadt, CSP in The New Catholic Evangelization
It is crucial that Catholics develop convictions about the importance of God’s Word. To help
you develop these deep convictions, study the following Scripture passages.
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SESSION 3
1. (a) The writer of Psalm 19:7–11 (NAB 8–12) enumerates several benefits we can expect
from knowing God’s Word (referred to as His decrees, statutes, commandments,
ordinances, judgments, precepts, and law). Identify as many benefits as you can in this
passage, and write them in your own words.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) Which of these benefits do you believe is most important? Why?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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2. (a) Psalm 119 is not only the longest psalm, but the longest chapter in the Bible.
It focuses on the value of a life centered on obedience to God’s Word. In the passages
listed below, what responses to God’s Word does the psalmist commend?
Psalm 119:2–4 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Psalm 119:11–16 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Psalm 119:33–34 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Psalm 119:97–103 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) Which of these responses do you feel is most desirable? Why?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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3. What additional value does the Scripture have for us, according to 2 Timothy 3:14–17?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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“Since, therefore, all that the inspired authors, or sacred writers, affirm should be
regarded as affirmed by the Holy Spirit, we must acknowledge that the books of
Scripture, firmly, faithfully and without error, teach that truth which God, for the
sake of our salvation, wished to see confided to the sacred Scriptures. Thus ‘all
Scripture is inspired by God.’ ”
—Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum)
4. What principles for successful living can a Christian discover in Psalm 1:1–3?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. Continue to read and mark your Bible daily, and record your progress on your reading
record.
2. Complete questions 5–8 on “The Importance of God’s Word,” pages 21–22.
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Session 4
The Importance of God’s Word (continued)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

In the previous session you learned that the Scriptures, when applied to your life, have great
value and provide many benefits. How is it possible that the Scriptures provide such life-
giving strength and nourishment for our faith?
“For since [the Scriptures] are inspired by God and committed to writing once
and for all time, they present God’s own Word in an unalterable form, and they
make the voice of the Holy Spirit sound again and again in the words of the
prophets and apostles. It follows that all the preaching of the Church, as indeed
the entire Christian religion, should be nourished and ruled by sacred Scripture.
In the sacred books the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his
children, and talks with them.”
—Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation
This session addresses two questions: 1) How does a person gain nourishment from God’s
Word? and 2) What does it mean to be ‘ruled by sacred Scripture’?
5. (a) Several of these passages refer to the value of meditating on Scriptures. How would
you define “meditation on God’s Word”?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) What practical methods for meditating on God’s Word have you found helpful?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. (a) From Jesus’ example in Matthew 4:1–11, what lessons can we learn about the help of
Scripture in overcoming temptation?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
21
SESSION 4
(b) From this passage and others you may know, how would you describe Jesus’ view of
Scripture?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. What do the following passages indicate should be our response to Scripture?

Acts 17:11 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Thessalonians 2:13 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
James 1:21–25 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2 Peter 3:15–18 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Describe your current convictions regarding Scripture and the role(s) you believe it
should have in your life.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Due to limited time, this study does not include a discussion of the value of “sacred
tradition” or the “living teaching office” of the church. A comprehensive explanation of the
relationship between Scripture, tradition, and the teaching office of the church can be found
in the Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation (Dei Verbum), Providentissimus Deus on
the Study of Holy Scripture, and the new Catechism of the Catholic Church.

record.
2. Complete questions 1–3 on “The Importance of Prayer,” pages 25–26.
3. Read and mark using the “Emmaus Journal.”
4. Before coming to class next week, complete the “Emmaus Journal” form on page 24.
22
Session 5
Using the “Emmaus Journal”
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

One way to make your daily Scripture reading refreshing and practical is to record each day
how one key thought captured your attention. Elaborating on one thought that stood out to
you will help you grasp its meaning more concretely. Remember the poem:
Thoughts disentangle themselves

when they pass over the lips
and through the fingertips.
Using your fingertips to record your thoughts will:
• Motivate you and help you see progress in your spiritual journey.
• Discipline you to think concretely about what the Holy Spirit is showing you.
• Enable you to remember and think throughout the day about God’s Word and its
meaning for your life.
• Frequently provide just the right thought to share with someone who needs spiritual
encouragement.
• Provide, over time, a record of how the Holy Spirit has spoken to you. During a
personal retreat or a day of reflection, you can review these thoughts to discover
trends that provide new motivation, direction, and challenge.
At the end of this study you will find “Emmaus Journal” forms for daily recording a
thought. Each day, record the date and the passage from which the thought comes. Then
write your thoughts about the passage.
Remember that you are writing for your own benefit and not to impress others. Your
recorded thoughts don’t have to be profound. Actually, most profound things are profound
in their simplicity. Try to consistently record at least one thought, even on days when your
reading is less exciting to you.
Finally, remember that these methods (reading and marking your Bible, using a daily
reading plan, praying over the verses, recording a key thought on the “Emmaus Journal”)
are designed to enhance your daily reading and prayer. Don’t be legalistic, arrogant, or
defeated by your consistency or lack of it. Consistency comes by starting fresh each time
you feel you have failed. Don’t forget that fellowship with Christ should be enjoyable!
23
SESSION 5
Journaling Exercise
Choose a passage from this week’s daily Bible reading and write about how this thought
impressed you. During discussion time, you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts
with others.
Emmaus Journal
Passage: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This week, share first from the “Emmaus Journal” form you completed.
BIBLE STUDY
The Importance of Prayer
“Great is the mystery of the faith! …This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in
it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with
the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.”
So begins the section on “Christian Prayer” in the new Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The writers correctly establish the vital link between living our faith and prayer. Prayer is a
wonderful opportunity—it is the life line that makes life in Christ personal and real. Prayer
is both a relationship and a habit that needs to be encouraged and developed. Yet prayer is
often neglected because people do not realize its importance—or are unwilling to give
prayer the commitment it deserves.
During Jesus’ short life and ministry, prayer was frequently the subject of the lessons He
taught His followers. Equally important, it was the example of His life—so much so that
His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray: “He was praying in a certain place, and after
he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…’ ” (Luke 11:1).
24
SESSION 5
Studying these passages can help you grow in both your understanding and commitment
to prayer.
1. (a) What is the privilege we enjoy regarding prayer? (Hebrews 4:14–16)

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) On what basis can we participate in the privilege of prayer?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. In Matthew 6:5–15 Jesus teaches His followers about prayer.
(a) In your own words, describe the practices Jesus urged His followers to avoid.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) What attitudes about prayer do you think these practices reflect?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(c) Identify the seven ingredients of the Lord’s Prayer by restating each request in your
own words. (verses 9–15)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(d) What patterns or principles of prayer can you discern from the prayer Jesus taught?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
25
SESSION 5
“The Lord’s Prayer is the most perfect of prayers…. In it we ask, not only for
all the things we can rightly desire, but also in the sequence that they should be
desired. This prayer not only teaches us to ask for things, but also in what order
we should desire them.”
—St. Thomas Aquinas, quoted in Catechism of the Catholic Church
3. Interspersed throughout the Gospels are many other lessons Jesus taught about prayer.
What important guidelines, principles, or attitudes about prayer are conveyed in
following passages?
Matthew 21:18–22 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Luke 11:5–13 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
John 14:12–14 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
John 15:7–11 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
John 16:22–24 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

record. Complete the daily “Emmaus Journal.”
2. Complete questions 4–7 on “The Importance of Prayer,” pages 27–28.
26
Session 6
The Importance of Prayer (continued)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Prayer is such a broad aspect of the Christian life that in these studies, we will give it only a
brief, practical look. Because of the pressures and demands people feel, petition and
intercession are a big part of prayer. As people look at the struggles they face, they realize
the need for help beyond their own abilities. So they pray to a loving Father.
In his book, Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states: “A Christian fellowship lives
and exists by the intercession of its members for one another, or it collapses…. Intercession
means no more than to bring our brother into the presence of God, to see him under the
Cross of Jesus as a poor human being and sinner in need of grace.”
Intercession touches the lives of those around us, even those we may consider
enemies. Through prayer, we can bring people with us into God’s presence. This not only
affects the circumstances of their lives, but our relationships with them. Intercession
changes things. Jesus knew this, and so He taught His disciples to pray. And His disciples,
by word and example, teach us to pray, as you will discover in this study.
4. Why do you think Jesus put such emphasis on encouraging His disciples to pray and to
understand prayer?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. The Epistles provide many practical insights on prayer. What do the following passages
teach about prayer?
Phillippians 4:4–7 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Timothy 4:4–5 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
James 4:1–3 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
James 5:13–18 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 John 5:13–15 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
27
SESSION 6
“The truth, however, is that a prayer, prayed from the heart, heals. When you
know the Our Father, the Apostles’ Creed, the “Glory Be to the Father” by heart,
you have something to start with…. You will be constantly distracted by your
worries, but if you keep going back to the words of the prayer, you will
gradually discover that your worries become less obsessive and that you really
start to enjoy praying. And as the prayer descends from your mind into the center
of your being you will discover its healing power.”
—Henri J.M. Nouwen, Here and Now
6. Frequently, our prayers never go beyond our own problems and difficulties. Yet the
prayers we see in the New Testament almost always reflect a broader vision and hope.
Read the following passages and write down other areas on which our prayers could be
focused.
Matthew 9:35–38 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 1:15–23 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 5:17–20 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Timothy 2:1–4 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. How have your attitude, understanding, or feelings about prayer changed through the
study of these passages?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“God wills that our desire should be exercised in prayer, that we may be able to
receive what he is prepared to give.”
—St. Augustine, quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church

2. Read “Developing Spiritual Disciplines,” page 29.
3. Complete Questions 1–4 on “The Importance of One Another,” pages 30–31.
28
Session 7
Developing Spiritual Disciplines
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

As you enter your seventh week of meeting, you may find yourself struggling to remain
consistent in daily Bible reading and prayer. Let your focus be renewed by the following
words from C.S. Lewis, writing about the importance of training ourselves in the “habit of
faith.”
“The next step is to make sure that, if you have once accepted Christianity, then
some of its main doctrines shall be deliberately held before your mind for some
time every day. That is why daily prayers and religious readings and church-
going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually
reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically
remain alive in the mind. It must be fed.”
—The Inspirational Writings of C.S. Lewis
In the midst of your hectic life, daily Bible reading and prayer enable you to devote a few
minutes each day to feeding and nourishing your soul. The goal is to develop intimacy and
communication with Christ, thus strengthening and developing your life of faith. The
process allows God to speak to you as the Holy Spirit impresses Scripture’s truths on your
heart. You then can express back to God your love, thanks, yieldedness, and concerns.
C. S. Lewis continues, in the passage quoted above, by explaining how people lose
their faith.
“And as a matter of fact, if you examined a hundred people who had lost their
faith in Christianity, I wonder how many of them would turn out to have been
reasoned out of it by honest argument? Do not most people simply drift away?”
Daily Bible reading and prayer—along with the other spiritual disciplines—function as an
anchor, preventing Christians from simply drifting away from faith. The Christian life is,
and should be, a wonderful, dynamic, life-changing, and life-fulfilling relationship with
Christ. God allows you to decide whether you develop it or simply let it ebb away. Reaffirm
your determination to develop these habits for a lifetime, since they hold such promise.
“Habit is a cable;
we weave a thread of it everyday,
and at last we cannot break it.”
—Horace Mann
29
SESSION 7
BIBLE STUDY
The Importance of One Another
“One of the great legacies of Vatican II was the renewed recognition of the place
of Jesus Christ—as Savior and Lord—at the center of our Catholic faith. Vatican
II emphasized the centrality of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his
ascension to the Father and his sending of the Holy Spirit. Vatican II helped
Catholics see more clearly that belonging to a community of disciples who
follow Jesus is more primary than belonging to an institutional church. The
Church, rather than being viewed as a structure or institution, is best seen as a
community of disciples that carries on Jesus’ mission of salvation and healing.”
—Frank DeSiano, CSP, and Kenneth Boyack, CSP, Creating the Evangelizing Parish
The Christian life was never intended to be lived in isolation, but rather as part of a
community of believers. Temperaments, nature, and culture often encourage people to live
an independent, selfish, superficial existence—separate from one another, rather than in an
interdependent, gracious, intimate relationship with one another.
In Scripture, Jesus consistently teaches that we are a body of believers—a family with
special privileges and responsibilities. This study will help you see the uniqueness of
belonging to the family of believers, known as the Body of Christ. You also will see the
responsibilities we have for one another.
1. (a) Paul, while praying for the Ephesians, describes the elements of this new family
relationship (Ephesians 1:17–23). Identify these important elements in your own words.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(b) What is the relationship of the head to the body? How can this analogy be applied
spiritually?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Several passages discuss the Body of Christ and our relationship to one another. What
attitudes and behavior help us overcome our natural tendencies toward a selfish
existence?
Romans 12:1–8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
30
SESSION 7
1 Corinthians 12:12–27 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. In anticipation of His departure into heaven, Jesus was concerned that the disciples know
the importance of loving one another. In the following passages, why did Jesus
emphasize love?
John 13:33–35 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
John 15:12–17 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. From the following passages, identify behavior we should avoid as we relate to one
another. Explain why you think this behavior is harmful.
Romans 14:13–23 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How can these principles be applied to things other than food? _____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Galatians 5:24–26 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you think is the basis of competition? ____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Colossians 3:9–10 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What motivates us to be dishonest with one another? ___________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
James 4:11–12, 5:9 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can you think of other attitudes and behavior that should be avoided? __________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“No amount of falls will really undo us if we keep on picking ourselves up each
time. We shall of course be very muddy and tattered children by the time we
reach home…. The only fatal thing is to lose one’s temper and give it up. It is
when we notice the dirt that God is most present in us: it is the very sign of His
presence.”
—C. S. Lewis
31
SESSION 7

2. Complete questions 5–8 on “The Importance of One Another,” pages 33–35.
32
Session 8
The Importance of One Another (continued)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

As people relate to one another, they spend much time trying to avoid saying and doing
things prompted by their negative feelings and attitudes. For many people, success means
“never having to say you are sorry.” But the Christian life is far more than the absence of
bad behavior. It is intended to be filled with attitudes and behavior that can only originate
from Christ’s presence within you.
“All human relationships, be they between parents and children, husbands and
wives, lovers and friends, or between members of a community, are meant to be
signs of God’s love for humanity as a whole and each person in particular. This
is a very uncommon viewpoint, but it is the viewpoint of Jesus. Jesus says: ‘You
must love one another just as I have loved you. It is by your love for one another
that everyone will recognize you as my disciples’ (John 13:34–35).”
—Henri J.M. Nouwen, Here and Now
Session 7 focused on attitudes we should avoid when relating with one another. In this
session, you’ll learn about attitudes and actions Christians should embrace. These bring
pleasure and assurance because they reflect that Christ is living in you as well as
through you.
5. What responsibilities do Christians have toward their brothers and sisters in Christ?
Galatians 5:13–14 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you think makes serving enjoyable? _______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 4:25–29 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What motivations should control our speech? _______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 5:21 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you think “being in subjection” to another is viewed so negatively? ________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
33
SESSION 8
Colossians 3:12–14 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What kind of people need to receive forbearance and forgiveness? _______________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Colossians 3:15–17 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do people want to be excused from this responsibility? ________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Thessalonians 4:18, 5:11 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are some ways to encourage one another? ___________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hebrews 3:12–14, 10:23–25 _________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What responsibility do you have for helping others remain faithful? _____________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
James 5:15–16 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For support to be given, what conditions must be met by the person struggling? ___________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. How do you feel about accepting these responsibilities toward others in your faith
community?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. In dealing with others in the Body of Christ, you will inevitably have interpersonal
conflict. That is why the Bible provides so much encouragement to forgive and so many
guidelines on how to forbear one another. Two passages provide significant insight on
resolving interpersonal conflicts. Compare and contrast the guidelines in Matthew
5:22–24 and Matthew 18:15, 35.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
34
SESSION 8
8. What should govern our forgiveness of others when they wrong us?
Colossians 3:13 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
We are to forgive others as God has forgiven us. What characterizes God’s forgiveness? _______
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jeremiah 31:34 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ephesians 1:7–8 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Colossians 2:13–15 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1 John 1:9 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“In the Western world, the suffering that seems to be the most painful is that of
feeling rejected, ignored, despised and left alone. We human beings can suffer
immense deprivations with great steadfastness, but when we sense that we no
longer have anything to offer anyone, we quickly lose our grip on life.
Instinctively we know that the joy of life comes from the ways in which we live
together and that the pain in life comes from the many ways that we fail to do
that well.”
—H. J. M. Nouwen, Life of the Beloved

2. Complete questions 1–5 on “The Importance of Conversion,” pages 37–39.
35
36
Session 9
The Importance of Conversion
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation:
everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”
Conversion means the essential process of spiritual transformation. God uses this
transformation—brought about by the Holy Spirit within you—to permeate and affect
everything in your life. The transformation is both immediate and continual, and without it,
one does not experience new life.
“Conversion is the change of our lives that comes about through the power of the
Holy Spirit. All who accept the Gospel undergo change as we continually put on
the mind of Christ by rejecting sin and becoming more faithful disciples in his
Church. Unless we undergo conversion, we have not truly accepted the Gospel.”
—Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization,
published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops
Hopefully, you will experience many moments of conversion during your lifetime—
moments when the Holy Spirit gives you the understanding, desire, and empowerment to
bring a deeper level of commitment to your life. In the next two studies, you will learn
about three important responses of commitment: response in faith, obedience, and service.
“This is crucial: we must be converted—and we must continue to be converted!

We must let the Holy Spirit change our lives!
—Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization,
published by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops
1. Nicodemus’ life-changing encounter with Christ is recorded in John 3:1–21. What are the
primary issues Jesus stressed during this encounter?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Write in your own words the promise(s) Jesus shared with Nicodemus.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
37
SESSION 9
What conditions does Jesus put on obtaining these promises?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. From Paul’s explanation in Ephesians 2:1–10, what are the essential ingredients of the
Good News?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. In your own words, explain the following terms found in the previous passages:
born again ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
by grace _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
through faith ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Infant baptism often reflects the faith of the parents. But at some point in life, people need
to make their own faith decisions, affirming their faith in Jesus. Go and Make Disciples
says of this faith decision:
“Our message of faith proclaims an eternally faithful God, creating all in love
and sustaining all with gracious care. We proclaim that God, whose love is
unconditional, offers us divine life even in the face of our sin, failures, and
inadequacies. We believe in a God who became one of us in Jesus, God’s Son,
whose death and resurrection bring us salvation. We believe that the risen Christ
sends his own Spirit upon us when we respond to him in faith and repentance,
making us his people, the Church, and giving us the power of new life and
guiding us to our eternal destiny.”
4. How would you describe your journey in this adult faith decision to “respond to him in
faith and repentance”?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
38
SESSION 9
5. Neither the Father nor Jesus want you to experience spiritual insecurity or apprehension
about your eternal destiny. Both the written Word and the Holy Spirit are given to anchor
your life in truth. What anchors do you find in 1 John 5:9–15 that provide assurance about
your decision to trust Christ for salvation?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is
necessary for obtaining that salvation. Since ‘without faith it is impossible to
please [God]’ and to attain to the fellowship of his sons, therefore without faith
no one has ever attained justification, nor will anyone obtain eternal life ‘but he
who endures to the end.’ ”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 161

record.
2. Complete questions 6–11 on “The Importance of Conversion,” pages 41–43.
3. Invest at least 5 to 10 minutes reflecting on the things you have learned during this small
Catholic community experience, and complete the exercise on page 43.
39
40
Session 10
The Importance of Conversion (continued)
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

People use various terms—“born again,” “saved,” “accept Christ,” and “receive Christ”—
to describe the response of faith we studied in the last session. These terms all refer to a
personal response that signifies, in the words of Go and Make Disciples, a person’s belief in
these truths:
• “God, whose love is unconditional,

• offers us divine life even in the face of our sin, failures, and inadequacies…
• who became one of us in Jesus, God’s Son,
• whose death and resurrection bring us salvation….
• Christ sends his own Spirit upon us when we respond to him in faith and repentance,
• making us his people, the Church,
• and giving us the power of new life and guiding us to our eternal destiny.”
In the Epistles, both Peter and Paul refer to this initial event of faith as the first step of
obedience (Romans 1:5, 1 Peter 1:2) in a lifestyle of obedience to Jesus. Because of human
abuses of authority, people often have an aversion to the concept of obedience. But for the
Christian, a life of obedience is a joy. Obedience provides the means by which you express
your faith in and love for God.
6. As Jesus was preparing to go to the Cross, He spent His last hours with His disciples
discussing the importance of obedience (John 14:15–24). What does Jesus say is the
motivation for responding to Him in obedience?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What provisions does Jesus give to help you live a life of obedience?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
41
SESSION 10
7. Romans 12:1–2 and Ephesians 4:20–24 explain several elements you need to respond to
Christ in obedience. Identify these elements and write them in your own words.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Paul continues in Ephesians 4:25– 5:14 by listing several behavioral changes that reflect
a life of obedience. Which three changes do you believe are most important? Why?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“By faith, man completely submits his intellect and his will to God. With his
whole being man gives his assent to God the revealer. Sacred Scripture calls this
human response to God, the author of revelation, ‘the obedience of faith.’ ”
—Catechism of the Catholic Church, Section 143
As you respond in faith and obedience to Christ, your love for Him is naturally expressed in
a desire to serve Him. Your joy and appreciation for all that He does for you causes you to
share Christ through your words, actions, and attitudes. Through these next questions, you’ll
examine the privilege Christ offers of responding in service.
9. Why has God given us individual gifts, abilities, and talents?

1 Corinthians 12:4–7, 25 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are some of the gifts, abilities, and talents God has given you?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How could God help you use one or more of these talents to serve Him?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. What principles for serving do you find in 1 Peter 4:7–11?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
42
SESSION 10
11. What additional motivation do you find in Mark 10:41–45 for making a committed
response to serve?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Discipleship means following Jesus as a way of life along with others who have
chosen to follow him, using one’s gifts and skills in service to the community
and the world. The qualities of discipleship, clearly shown throughout the New
Testament, include: a readiness to respond, an ability to participate and learn, a
generous giving of oneself, an attitude free from self-centeredness, and a desire
to go further on the journey.”
—Frank DeSiano, CSP, and Kenneth Boyack, CSP, in Creating the Evangelizing Parish
SUMMARY
During these past few months, you have tasted the enjoyment of participating in a Catholic
small group. You practiced several new skills for developing your relationship with Christ
and deepening your daily participation in Scripture reading and prayer. In addition, you
have prepared for and discussed eight studies on:
• The Importance of God’s Word

• The Importance of Prayer
• The Importance of One Another
• The Importance of Conversion
After thinking about your experience during these past few months, write a brief paragraph
or two explaining how you feel about your involvement.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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You have worked hard, given of yourself, and been open to God’s involvement in your life.
You are to be commended for investing your time and energy in this growth. May God
continue to reward you.
We hope and pray that you will continue your involvement by joining in a discussion of
fruitful living during the next unit.
43
Stop by and see us
as you journey
on the Web!
We are glad that you participated in a Journey to Focused Living small group. The Emmaus
Journey ministry exists because we believe it is important for Catholics to grow in their
understanding and commitment to God’s word.
On the Emmaus Journey web page

http://www.emmausjourney.org we offer small-group
materials based on each week’s Mass readings. These
materials, “Reflecting on Sunday’s Readings,” are
FREE to download and reproduce for use in your
parish. You will find them listed by each month, under
the section entitled “Other Resources.” We encourage
you to consider using these small-group materials.
We welcome your suggestions and ideas for additional

small-group discussion materials or additional ways in
which we can serve Catholic communities. We would
also welcome input on how these materials influenced
your life in Christ. Please contact us in one of the
following ways:
Mail: Emmaus Journey

6960 Snowbird Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Email: richcleveland@earthlink.net
Web: http://www.emmausjourney.org/contact.htm
Phone: 719/599-0448
Fax: 719/598-5166
emmausjourney.org
Come make EMMAUS JOURNEY SERIES
the Journey to Essential Living, Book One
Fruitful Living, Book Two
Focused Living, Book Three
Essential Living
esigned specifically for This 10-session study
D Catholic small groups,

Journey to Essential
Living helps participants
learn to enjoy spiritual disci-
plines and incorporate them
focuses on four important
topics: God’s Word, prayer,
one another, and conversion.
Each topic is presented and re-
inforced by Scripture passages
into their lives. Disciplines such and references to valuable
as daily Bible reading, medita- Catholic resources.
tion on Scripture, and prayer Journey to Essential Living
are nourished in a loving, car- will help participants view
ing small community so that their faith in a new light while
participants develop relation- nourishing their roots in
ships with others as well as Catholic faith, culture, and
their relationship with Christ. tradition.
Visit us at http://www.emmausjourney.org on the World Wide Web.
Cover photo courtesy of Guy Vennero, Jr. from his Route 66 Collection, The American Graphics Series by Planet Art.
Cover design by Andrew D. R. Kercher.

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BOOK A Catholic Small-Group Bible Discussion

Emmaus Journey is an evangelization and discipleship ministry of The Navigators, an

©1998 Rich Cleveland.

• “To foster an appreciation of God’s word in the lives of all Catholics.”

• “To foster a renewed understanding of the faith among Catholics.”

• “To foster a sense of discipleship among Catholic adults…”

Fr. Paul Wicker

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

DAILY BIBLE READING AND PRAYER

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;

the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

Practical Methods for Daily Scripture Reading

• Reading and marking

Reading and Marking

Relating your spiritual journey to others

Thoughts disentangle themselves

Relying on the Holy Spirit

READING AND MARKING YOUR BIBLE EXERCISE

ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 2

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION

• explore important truths more deeply and in context

In addition, the Bible study discussion provides:

• weekly motivation to prepare and study

ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 3:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

“Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth.

“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Jesus Christ.”

“The call to conversion challenges me to investigate my life plan against the

(b) Which of these benefits do you believe is most important? Why?

Psalm 119:11–16 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Psalm 119:33–34 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Psalm 119:97–103 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(b) Which of these responses do you feel is most desirable? Why?

ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 4:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

7. What do the following passages indicate should be our response to Scripture?

1 Thessalonians 2:13 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

James 1:21–25 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2 Peter 3:15–18 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 5:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Thoughts disentangle themselves

Using your fingertips to record your thoughts will:

Passage: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________

1. (a) What is the privilege we enjoy regarding prayer? (Hebrews 4:14–16)

(b) On what basis can we participate in the privilege of prayer?

2. In Matthew 6:5–15 Jesus teaches His followers about prayer.

Luke 11:5–13 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John 14:12–14 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John 15:7–11 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John 16:22–24 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT FOR SESSION 6:

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

1 Timothy 4:4–5 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

James 4:1–3 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

James 5:13–18 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 John 5:13–15 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ephesians 1:15–23 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Passage: _________ Date: _