The Gatekeeper
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level III 
January 12, 2009 - Level 3, Issue 7B
In This Issue
1/11/2009 Readings
Type "Starters"
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Dear CGS Level III Parent,  
The Good Shepherd

Don't worry!  It's NOT a catechesis week.  But I couldn't resist.  This e-news is for any of you interested in a test-drive of the typological method of reading scripture.  As I've written before to Level III, the best way to support your Level III child is to experience the underlying principles of Level III.
 
If any of you refreshed your memory on the first account of Creation (Genesis 1 - 2:3), then the readings at mass yesterday (so beautifully delivered at 9AM by Mark Trinka, father of Level III's Maya) offered great opportunity for typological meditation - contemplating recurring themes or messages throughout different scripture passages.  See below for the readings and some "starters" to get your type sleuthing going.
 
Also, if you are a parent of a student who missed last week's (1/6) Atrium, it would be wonderful if you would read with your child together the first account of creation before the next session.  Thanks.
 
Peace,

Lina Hilko
1/11/2009 Readings - Baptism of Our Lord 

Reading 1
Is 55:1-11

Thus says the LORD:
All you who are thirsty,
come to the water!
You who have no money,
come, receive grain and eat;
come, without paying and without cost,
drink wine and milk!
Why spend your money for what is not bread,
your wages for what fails to satisfy?
Heed me, and you shall eat well,
you shall delight in rich fare.
Come to me heedfully,
listen, that you may have life.
I will renew with you the everlasting covenant,
the benefits assured to David.
As I made him a witness to the peoples,
a leader and commander of nations,
so shall you summon a nation you knew not,
and nations that knew you not shall run to you,
because of the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, who has glorified you.
Seek the LORD while he may be found,
call him while he is near.
Let the scoundrel forsake his way,
and the wicked man his thoughts;
let him turn to the LORD for mercy;
to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD.
As high as the heavens are above the earth
so high are my ways above your ways
and my thoughts above your thoughts.
For just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
and do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful,
giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats,
so shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
my word shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.

Reading II
1 Jn 5:1-9

Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.
The Spirit is the one who testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.
So there are three that testify,
the Spirit, the water, and the blood,
and the three are of one accord.
If we accept human testimony,
the testimony of God is surely greater.
Now the testimony of God is this,
that he has testified on behalf of his Son.

Gospel
Mk 1:7-11

This is what John the Baptist proclaimed:
"One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
It happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized in the Jordan by John.
On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open
and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him.
And a voice came from the heavens,
"You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
 

Type "Starters" 
Water is a life-giving, grace-giving "type" throughout all scripture.  Before God's first creative act, we hear that "a mighty wind swept over the waters."  Listen for water and spirit sweeping over water in yesterday's readings.
 
The first account of Creation acquaints us with a very powerful God.  He creates through His word, and His commands produce results without delay.   This characteristic of God is termed "transcendence."  Listen for divine transcendence in yesterday's readings.  Look at the second paragraph of the first reading.  Look elsewhere.
 
The first account of Creation acquaints us with a very thoughtful, caring God.  Everything is so logically and carefully prepared for God's crowning creation, humankind.  Do you hear God's gentle care for humankind in any of yesterday's readings?
 
Listen for phrases that remind you of God's creation message to "be fruitful and multiply."  Do you get the sense that all of creation is called to work for God's plan?
 
The word "fruitful" is used in the last paragraph of the first reading.  Actually, it's a really beautiful paragraph to reflect on.  What is that paragraph about?  What is "the word?"
 
After each creative act in the first account of Creation, what did God do?  How did He feel about His creative acts?  Can you hear that same feeling in yesterday's readings?  Where?  Have you ever gotten a taste of that feeling toward someone?  Who?  Do you think someone has that feeling about you?
 
What else do you hear?
 
Thanks for listening.
 
Please feel free to talk to me or email me (LHilko@aol.com) if you have questions or comments or concerns about this information. 
 
Sincerely, Lina Hilko