S08 Episode 07: Encountering Jesus & The Church in Scripture

In this episode we chat with Dr. Andrew Swafford, associate professor of theology at Benedictine College. We talk about encountering the Person of Jesus in scripture and the power of connecting the head and the heart. We also discuss the beauty of Scripture, how to connect the dots between the old and the new, and how Scripture is always relevant to every time and culture.

Dr. Andrew Swafford’s one thing - his wife, Sarah

Dr. Andrew Swafford’s other one thing - The Glories of Divine Gracie - Fr. Matthias Scheeben

Heather’s one thing - Victory - Jay and Jo

Michelle’s one thing - The Impact of God - Fr. Iain Matthew

Michelle’s other one thing - Fr. Mark Mary and Fr. Innocent CFR and their visit to Pensacola

Sister Miriam’s one thing - Butternut Squash and all Fall recipes 

Books Mentioned -  All the titles mentioned by Dr. Swafford can be found online here.  

Here are the three recommendations to get your started:

1. Mystery of the Kingdom - Dr. Edward Sri
2. God with us - Dr. Edward Sri
3. A Father Who Keeps His Promises - Scott Hahn

You can also receive 20% off any studies in the Hebrews collection by Dr. Andrew Swafford through Ascension Press with the code Abide20. Check out all Hebrews has to offer! 

Discussion questions:    

1. What struck you from this week’s episode?
2. What has been your experience with the Holy Scriptures? Did you grow up reading the Bible often, have you just recently discovered the living Word of God or are you still not sure where to begin?
3. Dr. Swafford mentioned the threat of Catholic Deism - where faith becomes about an idea and not about a person. How have the scriptures fostered your relationship with the person of Jesus?
4. Dr. Swafford said “theology is really about intellectual discipleship.” How do/can your bible studies, discussion groups and personal study create disciples around you? 

Journal Questions:

1. Dr. Swafford’s journey began with an intentional mentorship from Dr. Sri. Pray about who God is inviting you to intentionally disciple and what would that look like.
2. Dr. Swafford encouraged us to start small. What’s one small daily scripture exercise you can commit to this week?
3. Take some time to reflect on your favorite scripture verse or one that has impacted your life. Ask the Holy Spirit how God wants to speak this word over your life in a new way. 

Quote to Ponder - “Learn the Heart of God from the Word of God.” - Pope St. Gregory 

Scripture for Lectio Divina - Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth; you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to act in accordance with all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall be successful.”