Journey

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Description of JOURNEY

What is in each lesson?

Each Journey lesson provides an introduction to the book of the Bible you will study. You are given a selection of readings from that book. Preceding the selected reading is an Introduction, followed by a Commentary. The readings have been selected to guide you through the book without having to read the whole book. After you complete all the readings of a book, you should have a good grasp of the purpose of the book and a sense of how it fits in with the overall history of the people of God.

To see a sample of an excerpt from a Journey Lesson, please press here.

History of Journey

In 1977, Father Marcel Gervais, now the Archbishop of the Diocese of Ottawa in Canada, was asked by the Ontario Conference of Bishops to write a correspondence course in scripture. He was then a professor of Scripture at the Seminary of London, Ontario (Canada) and the director of the Divine Word Centre in London. He wrote 20 lessons on the Old testament and 20 on the New Testament. The title he gave to this series of lessons was Journey, in order to highlight the theme of a journey which is evident through all of the stories of the Bible.

Journey Table of Contents

Lesson 1 - Beginnings

1. The Great Harmony

2. The Damaged Harmony

3. The Collapse of Creation

4. The Required Adjustments

5. The Divison of Nations and its Meaning

Lesson 2 - The New Beginning

1. Abraham

2. Jacob

3. Joseph

Lesson 3 - Preparations for the Exodus

1. Oppression in Egypt

2. The Leader and the Lord

3. The Passover

4. The Teaching of the Church on the Bible

Lesson Four - The Mighty Act of God

1. History

2. The Literature on the Exodus

3. On Dei Verbum, The dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, issued by the Second Vatican Council

Lesson 5 - You Shall Be My People The Covenant

1. The Covenant Made Through Moses

2. The Literary Form of the Covenant Passages

3. Bond of Communion

4. On Chapter One of Dei Verbum

Lesson 6 - The Law

1. Purposes and Characteristics of the Law

2. Love of the Lord

3. And Your Neighbour

4. In the Land

5. On Chapter Two of Dei Verbum

Lesson 7 - The Gift of the Land

1. Life in the Desert

2. Settling in the Land

3. The Struggle for Survival

4. On Chapter Three, Paragraph Eleven of Dei Verbum

Lesson 8 - The Roots of Kingshop

1. Samuel and Abimelech: The Old and the New

2. Saul: the Attempt at a Compromise

3. Commentary on Dei Verbum, number 12

Lesson 9 - The Beloved

1. David's Rise to Kingshop

2. David: King of Judah and Israel

3. David: the Beloved of Judah and Israel

4. Commentary on Dei Verbum , number 12 (continued)

Lesson 10 - Glory and its Consequences

1. Solomon in All His Glory

2. The Significance of the Temple

3. A King like all the Nations

4. The Consequences of Glory

5. Commentary on Dei Verbum, number 18 (concluded)

OUTLINE OF LESSONS 11-20

Lesson 11 (Amos & Hosea)

PROPHETS IN ISRAEL (selections from Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Amos and Hosea). Stages in the development of the prophetic movement are discussed: its origins; its early expressions, and the later period of classical prophecy. Amos and Hosea, two prophets from the early classical period are descibed, and the main characteristics and themes included in classical prophecy are outlined.

Lesson 12 (Isaiah & Micah)

PROPHETS IN JUDAH (1). During a time of prosperity, lagging moral practice and political religious compromise with pagan nations, the prophets Isaiah and Micah proclaim the Word of God. Important themes are outlined and selected readings are taken from each of these prophetic books. It concludes with a summary of the prophetic movement in the People of God.

Lesson 13 ( Jeremiah & Zepheniah)

PROPHETS IN JUDAH (2). Selections taken from Jeremiah and Zephaniah cover the period up to and including the Exile. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the personal conflicts involved in the prophetic vocation are discussed. Main themes are outlined from the book of Zephaniah.

Lesson 14 (Lamentations & Ezekiel)

PROPHETS IN EXILE (1) (selections from Lamentations and Ezekiel). Later developments in prophetic writings are described through the book of Ezekiel. Prophesying during the Exile in Babylon, Ezekiel both reveals the sins of the people and gives them new hope for the future.

Lesson 15 (Second- Isaiah)

PROPHETS IN EXILE (2) (selections from Isaiah 40-66). The writer of Second-Isaiah proclaims God's word of consolation to the people in Exile. Included in this lesson is a discussion of the Suffering Servant and prophecies related to the release of "the remnant" from Exile.

Lesson 16 (Ezra, Malachi, Nehemiah, Ruth and Jonah)

NEW DIRECTIONS (selections from Ezra, Malachi, Nehemiah, Ruth and Jonah). The literary work of the exilic and post-exilic community is described; its new leadership and orientation as a religious people is discussed.

Lesson 17 (Proverbs and Job)

EARLY WISDOM (selections from Proverbs and Job). The writings of Israel's men of wisdom are given attention in this lesson. They have the ability to combine the practical and the profound: advice for family living, financial matters, politics, etc., flow from the pen of the writers of Proverbs; Job probes the ways of God among men.

Lesson 18 (Qoheleth, Song of songs, Sirach)

LATER WISDOM (selections from Qoheleth, Song of Songs and Sirach). A description of certain features of later wisdom writing.

Lesson 19 ( Maccabees, Daniel, The Book of Wisdom)

PERSECUTION AND HOPE. A brief description of apocalyptic literature with selections from 1 & 2 Maccabees and Daniel. The Book of Wisdom.

Lesson 20 ( The Psalms)

THE PRAISE OF THE PEOPLE (selections from The Psalms). The great prayers of Israel reach to the very depths of their faith. A discussion of The Psalms includes their origin and type, and their use by the People of God.

OUTLINE OF LESSONS 21-30

Lesson 21 - The Mystery of the Kingdom (Mark1:1-6:6a)

Chapter 1- How the Gospel according to Mark was formed.

A description of the role of Jesus, the Church and the Evangelist in the formation of the Gospel according to Mark.

Chapter 2 - The Mystery of the Kingdom (Mark 1:1-6:6a)

A description of the teaching of Mark on Jesus, on the kingdom of God Jesus proclaims and on the People Jesus begins to form to serve the Kingdom.

Lesson 22 - Servants of the Kingdom Mark(6:7-10:52)

Chapter 1 - Eyes that do not see (Mark 6:7-10:52)

A description of Mark's teaching on Jesus and on the People he formed.

Chapter 23 - Ears that do not hear (8:27-10:52)

A description of the teaching of Mark on Jesus and the People he formed.

Lesson 23 - The King (Mark 11:1-16:20)

Chapter 1 - Judgment on the People

A description of the kingly judgment Jesus brings on the People in Mark 11:1-12:44.

Chapter 2 - Endings (Mark 13)

A description of the final coming of the King, the events which will precede it and the attitude of the disciples toward these events.

Chapter 3 - Jesus is Judged (Mark14:1-15:15)

A description of the Last Supper, the betrayal, the trial and sentencing of Jesus, the Messiah-King.

Lesson 24 - News of Great Joy (Luke 1:1-9:50)

Chapter 1- Luke's introduction to the Good News (Luke 1:1-4:13)

A description of the themes introduced in Luke 1:1-4:13.

Chapter 2- The Ministry in Galilee (Luke 4:14-9:50)

A description of the themes characteristic of the Gospel according to Luke as found in 4:14-9:50.

Lesson 25 - To Jerusalem (Luke 9:51-19:28)

Chapter 1 - Follow Me (Luke 9:51-12:12)

A description of the wisdom Jesus imparts to his disciples as found in hte Gospel according to Luke 9:51-12:12.

Chapter 2 - Wisdom and Time (Luke 12:13- 14:35)

A description of the wisdom Jesus imparts to his disciples in Luke 12:13-14:35.

Chapter 3 - On Mercy and riches (Luke 15:1- 19:28)

A description of the wisdom Jesus imparts to his disciples in the Gospel according to Luke 15:1- 19:28.

Lesson 26 - In Jerusalem (Luke 19:28 - 24:53)

Chapter 1 - The Prophet (Luke 19:28- 21:38)

A description of the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus in the light of Jesus role as prophet.

Chapter 2 - The Death of Jesus (Luke 22:1- 23:56)

A description of the meaning of the death and ressurection of Jesus in the light of the Passover and New Covenant.

Chapter 3 - The Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24)

A description of the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus as presented by Luke in chapter 24.

Lesson 27 - To the Ends of the Earth- (The Acts of the Apostles)

Chapter 1 - The rebirth of the People (Acts 1:1 - 5:42)

A description of the new life given to the People by the Power of God.

Chapter 2 - Good out of evil (Acts 6:1 -12:25)

A description of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church as presented in Acts 6:1- 12:25).

Chapter 3 - The Gospel to the Nations (Acts 13:1 - 28:31)

A description of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church as presented in Acts 13:1 - 28:31)

Lesson 28 - The Way of Discipleship (Matthew 1:1-7:29)

A description of the teaching of the first seven chapters of the Gospel according to Matthew.

Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Good News (Matthew 1:1-4:25)

A description of the teaching found in Matthew's introduction to his Gospel.

Chapter 2 - The justice of the kingdom (Matthew 5:1-7:29)

A description of discipleship as presented in the Sermon on the Mount.

Lesson 29 - The Way of the Church and her Leaders (Matthew 8:1-23:39)

A description of the themes characteristic of the Gospel according to Matthew found in Chs. 8-23.

Chapter 1 -Jesus, the Twelve and the Church (Matthew 8:1-13:58)

A description of the teachings on the Church and on the leadership of Jesus and on the Twelve as found in Matt 8:1-13:58.

Chapter 2- Peter's Leadership (Mtthew 14:1 - 17:27)

A description of the teaching on Peter, leader of the Church, as found in Matt. 14:1-17:27.

Chapter 3 - The will of the Lord for the Church (Matthew 18:1-23:39)

A description of the teaching of the Lord on small communities, on marriage and on leaders as found in Matt 18:1-23:39)

Lesson 30 - A am with you always (Matthew 24:1- 28:20)

A description of the teaching characteristic of the Gospel according to Matthew and to describe the offical teaching of the Church on the New Testament as found in Dei Verbum.

Chapter 1 - to the End of Time (Matthew 24:1-28-20)

A description of the teaching characteristic of the Gospel according to Matthew as found in chapters 24-28.

Chapter 2 - Chapters five and six of Dei Verbum

A description of the official teaching of the Church on the New Testament as found in Dei Verbum.

OUTLINE OF LESSONS 31 - 40

Lesson 31 The Word Became Flesh (John )

Chapter 1 - The Fourth Gospel

A presentation of the introductory information on the Gospel according to John.

Chapter 2 - The Introduction to John's Gospel (John 1:1-51)

A description of the meaning and background of the expressions "the Word", "the Word became flesh", "Lamb of God", and Jesus declaration, "You will see the sky opened and the angels ascending and descending on the Son Of Man"(1:51).

Chapter 3 - Love in Place of Love (John 2:1 - 4:42)

A description of the meaning of the words "sign", "hour", "lifting up", "see" and "the Jews", and a description of how Jesus completes and replaces all religions and forms of worship (John 2:1 - 4:42)

Lesson 32 - The Light and the Life (John 4:46 - 12:50)

Chapter 1 - The Life Giver (4:46 - 5:47)

A description of the power to give life and to judge grated to Jesus by the Father as explained by John in 4:46-5:47

Chapter 2 - The Bread of Life (6:1-71)

A description of Jesus as the bread of life and the true motive for seeking him.

Chapter 3 - I Am (7:1 - 8:59)

A description of the background and meaning to the texts in which Jesus describes himself as the "source of living water", "light of the world" and bearer of the divine name "I Am".

Chapter 4 - Judgment by the Light (9:1 - 10:39)

A description of how Jesus leads us to eternal life.

Chapter 5 - Life Triumphs over Death ( 11:1-54)

A description of the meaning of the raising of Lazarus , an episode in which he risks his own life to raise the life of the one he loves.

Chapter 6 - Life Through Death (11:55-12:36)

A description of how it is through his death that Christ offers life to the world as presented in 11:55 - 12:36.

Lesson 33 - It is Accomplished (John 13:1-21:25)

Chapter 1 - the Farewell Discourse (13:1 - 17:26)

A description of the life of the Church and the duties of her members as taught in John 13 to 17.

Chapter 2 - The Death and Resurrection of Jesus (18:1 - 21:25)

A description of the Church founded through the Hour of Jesus.

Lesson 34 - Rejoice in the Lord (Paul )

Chapter 1 - The Life and Ministry of Paul.

A description of the life and ministry of Paul.

Chapter 2 - Joy and Hope at Thessalonika (1 (Thessalonians)

A description of Paul's message to the Church at Thessolonika, particularly his teaching on the "Parousia".

Chapter 3 - Bringing a Good Work to Completion ( Letter to the Philippians)

A description of Paul's teaching to the Philippians, on growth in holiness and his warnings against those who threaten this growth.

Lesson 35 - Love and Discipline ( 1 & 2 Corinthians)

Chapter 1 - Be United in Faith and Practice.(1 Corinthians)

A description of Paul's response to the problems and questions of the Church in Corinth as found in 1 Corinthians.

Chapter 2 - In Weakness Strength (2 Corinthians)

A description of Paul's response to his integrity and authority as an apostle.

Lesson 36 - Salvation Through Jesus (Galatians & Romans)

Chapter 1 - The True Gospel of God ( Letter to the Galatians)

A description of the teaching of Paul that we are united to God by faith in Jesus-Christ, not by observance of the Law.

Chapter 2 - Jesus the Saviour and Hope of All (Letter to the Romans)

A description of Paul's teaching in Romans that justification is a gift of God, received through faith in Christ and lived out in the hope of eternal union.

Lesson 37 - He Holds All in Unity ( Colossians and Ephesians )

Chapter 1 - Jesus-Christ, the Lord of the Universe (Letter to the Colossians)

Chapter 2 - Jesus- Christ, the Head of the Church (Letter to the Ephesians)

Lesson 38 - The Old and the New (Hebrews and James)

Chapter 1 - Our Great High Priest (Hebrews)

Chapter 2 - Faith in Action (James)

Lesson 39 - Peter and John

Chapter 1 - A People Set Apart (1 Peter)

A description of what makes the Church distinct from all other peoples .

Chapter 2 - Living the Truth (1 John)

A description of the teaching of the First Letter of John on the conditions for communion with God.

Lesson 40 - Come Lord Jesus (The book of Revelation)

Chapter 1 - An introduction to the book of Revelation

A presentation of the main points necessary for a proper understanding of the Book of Revelation.

Chapter 2 - The Faithful Witness (1:1-3:22)

A description of the revelation of Jesus-Christ to the seven Churches as found in Revelation 1:1 - 3:22.

Chapter 3 - He was, He is, He is to come (4:1-22:5)

A description of the message of encouragement which John addresses to the persecuted Christians.

Epilogue: Amen, Come Lord Jesus

Sample of Journey

Except from Lesson 4 (The Mighty Act of God, pp 3-4.)

The Exodus then can be dated somewhere between 1280 and 1224 BC. In these lessons we are using 1250 as a convenient date. As more information is discovered about Egypt and the ancient Near East, more exact dating might become possible. It is sufficient for us to know that the information in the Book of Exodus is in tune with what we know of Egypt and, that on the basis of available information, a date in the first half of the 13th century BC is appropriate for the Exodus.

The biblical accounts of the Exodus are clear and in agreement with each other on the nature of this event. A mixed group of slaves under the leadership of a man called Moses struck out for freedom from Egyptian bondage. On their way to the desert to the east of Egyptthey encountered a body of water and found themselves trapped by the pursuing Egyptians. Something extraordinary happened during the night, because in the morning the Egyptians were found dead on the shore. The slaves, now free to continue their journey, made good their escape. These are the essential facts of the event based on the information in the biblical accounts. The core of the event is the death of the powerful forces of Egypt by which the powerless slaves were given life. In the passage you are about to read, the most important verse is the last

Reading Exodus 13:17 - 14:31

There are two things which must be retained from this passage: the fact that the event took place and what it meant. The Exodus is the miraculous death of the enemy and the liberation of Moses and his band. Just at the moment when they thought all hope was gone, they saw the Egyptians dead on the shore. We have no witness to the event outside the Bible, but that is in no way surprising. The world at large would not take notice of an event involving such insignificant people. Even if it did take notice, it would hardly believe the testimony of such lowly witnesses.

To say that it happened is not enough. The last verse of the Exodus narrative is the most important: "they saw . . . and they believed in the Lord.'' When extraordinary events occur in history, they can be passed off as coincidences, accidents, good luck, and so on. The Exodus was not seen as coincidence or luck; it was seen as the act of God which it was. The confidence that Moses had in the Lord was proven to have been well founded; the Lord did stand by his promise to deliver them from the hand of Pharaoh.

The importance of the Exodus as a fact of history cannot be over-emphasized, but we should never forget that it is an historical event brought about by God. The Exodus unites faith and history. The faith that is based on the Exodus is not a philosophy, not a system of ideas, not poetic imagination; it holds that at a certain point in history, God intervened to save a chosen group of runaway slaves from their enemies.

The Exodus was not an event which could be explained away easily. It was from the moment it took place a strange, amazing, extraordinary event, one that could not be explained by human reason. Somehow nature was involved. God mustered the forces of nature to intervene in history.

The Exodus gave the People of God nothing to boast about, except the power of God. Their origin as a people was not due to any heroism, any mighty struggle of their own to obtain freedom. God and only God could take credit for their existence.

Practice Questions

1. The Exodus most probably occurred during the reign of:

a. Pharaoh Amenophis IV

b. Pharaoh Ramses II

c. Pharaoh Marniptah

2. A convenient and appropriate date for the Exodus is:

a. 1550 BC

b. 1350 BC

c. 1250 BC

d. 1200 BC

3. Indicate whether the following statements concerning the Exodus are true or false.

a. The Exodus was an historical coincidence later interpreted as an act of God.

b. The Exodus confirmed the trust that Moses had in God.

c. The Exodus is a poetical story created to teach God's hatred of oppression.

d. The Exodus was an extraordinary event which took place in history.

4. What is the Exodus and what does it mean? (Two sentences will suffice.)

Articles about Journey:

	(Archbishop Gervais' comments about Bible Study and Journey)
	Re-igniting the Biblical Fire by Bruce Tallman, Published by The Western Catholic Reporter:

http://www.wcr.ab.ca/news/2001/1224/biblestudy122401.shtml

Scripture's Response to Fear by Marie de Winters, Published on

http://www.merraba.com/scripture_today_article_one.htm