Catholic Bible Institute - Diocese of San Bernardino
Co-sponsored by the Office of Catechetical Ministry, Diocese of San Bernardino
and the Center for Religion and Spirituality, Loyola Marymount University

GUIDELINES for MONTHLY PAPERS
One-Page Reflection Papers for Year Two (New Testament)

Choose one of the specific texts listed for each month on the assignment page.
Read it, study it, reflect upon it, and write a short paper covering the following four levels of interpretation:

Note: The first two levels focus on the ancient world (the original author and original audience),
while the last two levels focus on our modern world (today's readers, individually and collectively).

LITERAL: What is the actual content of the biblical text, as written by the ancient author? (events, people, problems, etc.) What literary genre is used by the biblical author? (narrative, dialogue, letter, parable, symbolism, etc.)  Is some helpful background information found in your "Study Bible" and/or our textbook?

RHETORICAL: What was the original message or intended purpose of this text? (God creates, forgives, saves, etc.)  What lesson did the ancient writer want the original readers to know or learn? (God’s fidelity despite human sinfulness; God cannot be contained in a building; God wants us to forgive others; etc.)  How did the biblical author expect the readers to react? What did he want them to do in response?

PERSONAL: What does this biblical text say to me personally? How can I apply this message in my own faith life today? (to trust God’s faithfulness and love; to acknowledge my own failures; to love and care for others; etc.)

COMMUNAL:  What does the biblical text mean for us, in our communal lives together, in the church, society or world? (God loves us, so we must love and care for one another; We must be better stewards of creation; We must not waste our talents, but use our resources and gifts for the common good;  etc.  –  be specific!)

Practical Tips and Instructions:

• After doing all of the assigned readings each month, write a short reflection paper (one full page) on one of the biblical texts that you can choose from several selections you will be given each month. In your paper, cover the four levels of interpretation (the four sets of questions), as explained above.
• Include a short header on the top of the page (your Name, Group, and the Date;  the Biblical Text with ref.).
• Write one paragraph for each of the four parts. Each paragraph should have approximately equal length. Label each of your four paragraphs appropriately (Literal, Rhetorical, Personal, Communal).
• Papers are to be typed, single-spaced (double-space between paragraphs), on a standard page (8½ x 11”), using 10 to 12 point type-size, with one-inch margins all around (top, bottom, left, right). In other words, write one full page with little wasted blank space.
• Papers are due at the beginning of each month’s session. They will be read and returned with comments the following month. No “grades” will be given, although papers not meeting the minimal expectations may be returned for re-writing. No certification/credit will be given for failure to do the monthly reflections.
• In November, instead of the usual one-page paper, you will be asked to submit a longer research paper. You will be given a separate handout later with more detailed instructions on this longer paper.

For more information about the Catholic Bible Institute, please contact:

• Fr. Felix Just, S.J., Instructor: 714-997-9587, fjust--at--calprov.org (substitute @ for --at--)
• Marie Acosta, Coordinator: 909-425-1187, jmacosta@dslextreme.com
• Dr. Robert Hurteau, Center for Religion and Spirituality, Loyola Marymount University: 310-338-2799, http://extension.lmu.edu/crs

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