Book of Job

I attended the last session of the Men's Bible study at St. Mark's RC Church on Tuesday November 15, 2011. The study lasted eight (8) sessions. The group consisted of five other men besides me. The group will resume in late January 2012 for another 8-10 week session (depending) on the subject.

We used the Little Rock Scripture Study program which consists of the old Collegeville Bible Commentary Old Testament Series #19 and a "Study Guide" (see picture at left). The "Study Guide" is typical for LRSS: merely a series of 15-17 questions for each session. The questions deal with a combination of fact, feeling, and theology. There is also a DVD with a video lecture (15-20 minutes) for each session.

While I have enjoyed attending these sessions for the past few years and the members of the group are great, I have been frustrated with the LRSS format, the lack of interest by the parish, and the meager number of sessions.

Eight weeks is barely enough to scratch the surface of the Book of Job. I think it is typical of a RC bible study to go quickly so that the people don't have time to think about what is really there. The fact that only five (5) men of this large suburban parish participate is a telling indictment of the interest of this community to learn the Word of God.  It is not very attractive that this "faith community" can only devote about 16 weeks a year to Bible study.

Even though the group has ended their study of Job, I am continuing my own study. I have resumed a slower, more careful reading of the (RC) New American Bible translation of Job, along with Marvin Pope's Anchor Bible edition, and the Bible Net translation. What's missing is the interaction with other men and their important and provocative insight.

No Roller Hockey Today

This Saturday (November 12, 2011), we had a rare break from roller hockey (but 2 games next weekend).

After going to the bank, I picked up Richard for lunch. We first tried a "Jake's Wayback Burger" that just opened in his town. However, the wait was too long for Richard's taste. So we moved on.

We tried a 2nd new burger place in town, BGR the burger joint. It turned out to be a bit more expensive than Jake's but Richard seemed to really like it. They use a tasty, buttered sesame seed bun and fresh beef. We also tried the fries (but nothing too special about them).

The inside was kind of cheap and simple - sort of like "Five Guys." These burgers, while more expensive than a fast food place, definitely taste a lot better.

The sodas were expensive ($2) but they have a new, high tech soda machine (Freestyle). You can get a lot of different flavors. Richard got Mr. Pibb and I got Fanta Orange (I passed on grape, cherry, lime, etc.).

AN EXCITING FINISH

Today was also the last home football game at Richard's high school (next week we play away at our cross town rival). Richard wanted to volunteer again to help at the refreshment stand. It was a beautiful day for football: sunny, pleasant temperature (50-60F).

We got to the field about a half hour before kickoff. Richard worked at the stand along with his friend Micah. Somehow, I ended up helping again with grilling the hot dogs. I helped out a couple (Joe & Claire) whose son is a freshman and plays in the pep band. We sold close to 200 dogs.

This time we paid attention to the game since both teams had identical records; the winner advances on the route to the playoffs. There wasn't much scoring and the game was tight. In the 4th quarter with about 6 minutes to go, our team scored a touchdown but failed on the extra point to make the score 14-13 in favor of the visitors. However, we got the ball back with about 2 minutes to go and marched down the field and scored with about 24 seconds remaining and ran to get the extra 2 points to make the score 21-14. And that's how it remained.

Back to School

Notice that there is no snow or downed tree branches in this picture? Today, after 7 lost school days, school has resumed for Richard. And it is a usual "short" Wednesday. There was no power in his town since the big snowstorm Saturday October 29th. Power was restored to most of the town only by Monday evening. Tuesday was Election Day (schools typically closed) and the School Administration used the day to make sure the grounds were safe (e.g., no downed wires, etc.).