Session 1
September 29, 2022
19:00 - 20:00
Session 2
October 6, 2022
19:00 - 20:00
Session 3
October 13, 2022
19:00 - 20:00
Session 4
October 20, 2022
19:00 - 20:00
Session 5
October 27, 2022
19:00 - 20:00
Session 6
19:00 - 20:00
Session 7
19:00 - 20:00
Session 8
19:00 - 20:00
Session 9
19:00 - 20:00
Session 10
19:00 - 20:00
Session 11
19:00 - 20:00
Session 12
19:00 - 20:00
Session 13
19:00 - 20:00
Session 14
19:00 - 20:00
Session 15
19:00 - 20:00
Session 16
19:00 - 20:00
Session 17
19:00 - 20:00
Session 18
19:00 - 20:00
Session 19
19:00 - 20:00
Session 20
19:00 - 20:00

London Jesuit Centre

Online Course Details    

In order to understand the New Testament, we need to pay attention to the "narrative sub-structure." Put simply, this means that we need to study the Old Testament context of the New Testament texts. That is the aim of this course, using Matthew’s Gospel as our focus. We’re going to be interested not only in quotations and citations the evangelist uses from the Old Testament, but also echoes & allusions that are made. We will look at the larger contexts of the quotations and it is hoped that participants will find that the entire Old Testament forms the context for what Matthew is doing in his Gospel which we will hear proclaimed on Sundays in the coming liturgical year.

Week 1: Son of David, Son of Abraham (Mt 1-2)

To learn the Old Testament history & background behind the quotations & allusions used in the prologue to Matthew’s gospel. To gain a fuller appreciation of Matthew’s depiction of Jesus as a “new Moses.”

Week 2: ‘Not to Abolish, But to Fulfil’ (Mt 3-7)

To understand the Old Testament background & allusions in Matthew’s depictions of John the Baptist, the Baptism of Jesus & His temptation in the wildeTo understand the crucial importance of Jesus’ summary in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.”

Week 3: Healing & Restoration (Mt 8-10)

To understand the Old Testament background & allusions in Matthew’s depiction of Jesus’ healings & other miracles & the growing tensions with the scribes & Pharisees.To understand how Matthew uses evocations of select Old Testament prophets to convey that in Jesus, the long-anticipated “restoration” of Israel has begun.

Week 4: Riddles of Rejection, Rock of Foundation (Mt 11-18)

To understand the Old Testament background to Jesus’ teaching in parables.To understand the Old Testament context by which Matthew conveys that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah & the Church is the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom.

Week 5: David’s Son, David’s Lord (Mt 19-28)

To understand the Old Testament background to Matthew’s depiction of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, His Passion & death.To understand the Old Testament context by which Matthew conveys that Jesus is the long-awaited “Son of David” & the “Son of God.”

Course
Resources

Week 1

Audio

Reading for Session 1: Son of David, Son of Abraham (Mt 1-2)

 

Brian Purfield, Reading the OT in the NT: The Gospel of Matthew. Course Introduction & Overview

Read Matthew chapters 1-2

Outlines & Expanded Overview of Matthew’s Gospel

Brian Purfield, Matthew’s Gospel: An Introduction. Notes for Private Use. London Jesuit Centre, May 2022.

 

 

For those who wishto read further

 

Daniel J. Harrington SJ, “The Evangelist and His Gospel” in Meeting Matthew Today: Understanding the Man, His Mission and His Message, Loyola Press, Chicago 2010, pp.3-11.

Brendan Byrne SJ, Lifting the Burden. Reading Matthew’s Gospel in the Church Today. Liturgical Press, Collegeville ,Minnesota, 2004, pp. vii-xiii, 9-16.

Questions for Reflection

 

1.  Why are you interested in Exploring the Gospel of Matthew?

2.  What stood out for you as you read through the first two chapters of Matthew’s Gospel?

3.  Did you find anything unexpected, surprising or disturbing in this session? If so, explain what it was and why you found it that way.

 

For Prayer and Reflection

 

Read the Mass readings for the Christmas Vigil. Pray for a deeper understanding of how God’s plan for salvation is unfolded in these readings. The readings are:

Isaiah 62:15
Psalm 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29
Acts 13:16-17,22-25
Matthew 1:1-25

Week 2

Audio

Reading for Session 2: “Not to abolish, but to fulfil” (Mt3-7)

 

Read Matthew chapters 3-7

For those who wishto read further:

 

Brendan ByrneSJ, Commentary on Mt 3-7 in The Paulist Biblical Commentary, eds. José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al., Paulist Press, NewYork/Mahwah, NJ 2018, pp. 914-924.

Questions for Reflection

 

1.  What stood out for you as you read through chapters 3-7 of Matthew’s Gospel?

2.  In light of the Sermon on the Mount, how might you describe the ideal follower of Jesus?

3.  Did you find anything unexpected, surprising or disturbing in this session? If

so, explain what it was and why you found it that way.

 

For Prayer and Reflection:

 

Read & pray over the Liturgy of the Word for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Cycle A). Pray & reflect on the way the images & promises of the OT materials are fulfilled in the readings from the NT, especially the Gospel passage from Mt. Use the Opening Prayer for the feast as your prayer:

"Almighty, eternal God,
when the Spirit descended upon Jesus
at His Baptism in the Jordan,
You revealed Him as Your own beloved Son.
Keep us, Your children born of water & the Spirit,
faithful to our calling.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives & reigns with you& the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever & ever."

 

The readings are:

Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 29:1-4, 9-10

Acts 10:34-38

Matthew 3:13-17

Week 3

Audio

Reading for Session 3: Healing and Restoration (Mt 8-10)

 

Read Matthew chapters 8-10

 

For those who wishto read further:

 

Ian Boxall, “Jesus as healer and exorcist” in Discovering Matthew, SPCK, London 2014, pp. 106-117.

Tom Wright, Matthew For Everyone. Part 1 Chapters 1-15. SPCK, London 2004,pp. 110-124.

Questions for Reflection

 

1.  What stood out for you as you read through chapters 8-10 of Matthew’s Gospel?

2.  Did you find anything unexpected, surprising or disturbing in this session? If so, explain what it was and why you found it that way.

For Prayer and Reflection:

 

Read & pray over one (or more if you wish) of these passages from Mt 8-10:

Reflect on the story of the centurion (Mt 8:5-13). What are my hopes when I bring my needs to Jesus?

 

Reflect on Jesus’ healing of Peter’s mother-in-law (Mt 8:14-15). What does Jesus see when he gazes on me? How am I most in need of Jesus’ healing touch? How am I able to serve Jesus?

 

Reflect on Mt 8:19-22. What do I need to leave behind if I am to follow Jesus?

 

Reflect on Mt 8:23-27. What are the greatest storms I have endured? How did my faith sustain me?

 

Reflect on Mt 9:1-8. Where am I in greatest need of Jesus’ healing? Where am I most in need of forgiveness?

 

Reflect on Mt 9:9-13. What is Jesus’ call to me?

Reflect on Mt 9:14-17. Am I more comfortable with the old or eager for the new? What is the message of Jesus’ parables for me?

Reflect on Mt 9:18-26. How hesitant or bold am I in approaching Jesus with my needs? What lessons can I learn from the faith of the woman with a haemorrhage and the faith of the official?

 

Reflect on Mt 9:27-31. Has my own following of Jesus ever meant walking in darkness, with Jesus seemingly deaf to my pleas?

 

Reflect on Mt 9:32-34. What amazes me most about Jesus?

 

Reflect on Mt 9:35-36. What distress does Jesus see when he looks at me? Do I believe that his attitude towards me is profound compassion?

Reflect on Mt 9:37-38. Where are labourers for the harvest most needed today?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:1-4. How has Jesus equipped me to carry out his work? When has my service to Jesus meant working with those I would otherwise avoid? What effect has this had on me?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:5-7. What are the clearest signs of God at work in the world today? What am I able to announce that God is doing?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:8. What have I received as free gifts from God? How have I used my gifts as gifts to others?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:9-10. How does the way I live bear witness to my mission from Jesus?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:11-14. How do I react when my attempts to bear witness to Jesus are rebuffed?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:16-25. What have I endured for the sake of Jesus? How have I made use of opportunities to bear witness to him? How have I experienced the Spirit helping me in difficult situations?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:31-33. What do I think I am worth to God? Have I ever denied or obscured my allegiance to Jesus out of fear or self-concern?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:34-39. Have I ever encountered rejection from family members because of my commitment to Jesus?

 

Reflect on Mt 10:40-42. How have I received those who proclaim the gospel? How have I assisted them?

Week 4

Audio

Reading for Session 4: Riddles of Rejection, Rock of Foundation (Mt11-18)

 

 

Read Matthew chapters 11-18.

 

Wilfrid J. Harrington OP, “The Hidden Kingdom 11-13” & “The Kingdom Develops 14-18” in Matthew: Sage Theologian. The Jesus of Matthew, The Columba

Press, Dublin, 1998 pp. 59-79.

 


For those who wish to read further:

 

Donald Senior CP, “Matthew’s Use of the Old Testament” in What are they saying about Matthew? Revised &Expanded Edition, Paulist Press, New York/Mahwah, NJ, 1996, pp.51-61.

Henry Wansbrough OSB, “Matthew’s Theology: A Gospel for a New Israel” in Introducing the New Testament, Bloomsbury, London, 2015, pp.63-67.

John R. Donahue SJ, “The Parables of Matthew” in The Gospel in Parable; Metaphor, Narrative & Theology in the Synoptic Gospels, Fortress Press, USA 1988, pp.63-79.

Questions for Reflection

 

1.  What stood out for you as you read through chapters 11-18 of Matthew’s Gospel?

2.  Did you find anything unexpected, surprising or disturbing in this session? If so, explain what it was and why you found it that way.

 

For Prayerful Reflection:

 

Read & pray over one (or more if you wish) of these passages from Mt 11-18:

How do I understand Jesus’ parable of the seeds and the harvest (Mt 13:3-9)? What message or lesson do I find in this parable?

What does Jesus’ using parables to speak about the hidden plans of God (Mt 13:35; Psalm 78) tell me about these plans?

What am I able to bring forth from my storeroom (cf. Mt 13:52)? What is my call and service within the family of Jesus?

 

When has Jesus given me the faith and courage to overcome my fears (Mt 14:27)?

 

Reflecting on Jesus’ meeting with the Canaanite woman (Mt 15:21-28), how persistent am Iin praying for those whom I love? How do I respond if my prayers do not seem to be answered?

Reflecting on Jesus’ question to his disciples (Mt 16:15), who do I say that Jesus is? Who do I proclaim him to be with my words and with my life?

 

Have I ever rebuked God for the way he handles things (cf. Mt 16:22)? Have I been tempted to do so?

Week 5

Audio

Reading

Read Matthew chs 19-28

 

 

For those who wish to read further

 

Alicia D. Myers, “Matthew’s Story: The Gospel in Jewish Contexts” in An Introduction to the Gospels and Acts, Oxford University Press, New York, 2022, pp.41-65.

 

Graham Stanton, “Matthew’s Gospel: The Way of Righteousness” in The Gospels and Jesus, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2002, pp.58-78.

 

Raymond E. Brown, “The Passion According to Matthew” in A Crucified Christ in Holy Week, The Liturgical Press, Collegeville, Minnesota 1986, pp.34-46.

 

Questions for Reflection

 

1.  What stood out for you as you read through chapters 19-28 of Matthew’s Gospel? Did you find anything

2.  Did you find anything unexpected, surprising or disturbing in this session? If so, explain what it was and why you found it that way.

For Prayerful Reflection

Read & pray over one (or more if you wish) of these passages from Mt 19-28:

 

What do Jesus’ words about marriage (Mt 19:1-9) mean to me in my situation?

 

What does Jesus’ welcoming children & blessing them (Mt 19:14-15) tell me about his attitude towards me? About how he expects me to treat the children &nobodies I encounter?

 

Is there anything that Jesus is asking me to leave behind so that I can follow him? (Mt 19:16-23)

 

Who do I most naturally identify with when I read the parable of the generous vineyard owner (Mt 20:1-16)? What might this tell me about myself? Am I more inclined to be envious of others or grateful for the generosity shown me?

 

Reflecting on Mt 20:29-34, where am I in greatest need of the Lord’s mercy?

How persistently do I cry out for his mercy?

 

What does it tell me about Jesus that he continues to heal even as his death draws near (Mt 21:14)?

 

What is the particular message of Jesus’ parable of the two sons for me (Mt

21:28-32)?

 

What does Jesus’ saying in Mt 22:14 mean for me?

 Reflecting on Mt 22:37, how do I love God?

 

What message do I hear in Jesus’ comparison of himself to a hen wanting to shelter her young (Mt 23:37)?

 

Reflecting on Mt 24:13, what hope & encouragement does Jesus’ promise give me?

 

Reflecting on the parable about wise & foolish women (Mt 25:1-13), what is the lesson of this parable for me?

 

 Reflecting on Mt 25:14-30, what talents has God entrusted to me?

 

What lesson does the story of the woman in Mt 26:6-13 hold for me?

 

What insights does Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-46) give me into the meaning of the Our Father? When have I found it hardest to pray “Thy will be done”?

 

What does the image of Jesus standing silent before Pilate (Mt 27:13-14) convey tome about Jesus?

 

How do I understand Jesus’ cry from the cross (Mt 27:46)? What does it tell me about Jesus? What is my own experience of God’s presence or absence?

 

What do I imagine went through the minds of the two Marys as they sat facing the tomb of Jesus (Mt 27:61)?

 

How do I understand the disciples’ both worshipping & doubting (Mt 28:17)? What message does their mixed reaction have for me?

 

Reflecting on Mt 28:20, how do I experience Jesus being present to me?

 

 

Resources


















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Tutors

Brian Purfield

Brian is a tutor in the theology stream. Originally from Birmingham, Brian studied philosophy and theology at the Gregorian University, Rome and later gained a Masters Degree in Franciscan Studies from St. Bonaventure’s University, New York. He has given retreats and courses throughout the UK and Ireland, North America, the Far East and Australia. He taught at the International Franciscan Study, Canterbury and at Campion House, Osterley before joining the Mount Street Jesuit Team when it began in 2004. Brian also taught at Heythrop College on the Foundation Degree in Pastoral Ministry. His particular interest is in opening up the Scriptures to people, young and old, at a level that they can understand and seek to apply to their daily lives. Brian is married to Deborah who works for CAFOD. They live in Buckinghamshire.

MY LJC