THE RETURN OF DAVID THE KING – JRR Tolkien and the Annunciation

“All that is gold does not glitter….”

Homily – 4th Sunday of Advent – B
Luke 1:26-38

J.R.R. Tolkien’s poem featured in “The Fellowship of the Ring” speaks strongly to the history of Israel, leading up the birth of Jesus and culminating in the Annunciation of Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. Fr. Bill preaches on the history of the Dynasty of King David and what the Angel Gabriel says about it when he announces the impending birth of Jesus.

IS THE OLD TESTAMENT HISTORICAL OR NOT?

Some people insist that the Bible is an accurate historical account.  Others claim it is only Mythology.  Fr. Bill discusses how it is both, why it is both and to what purpose it serves as a “historical” for the ancient Kingdom of Israel, as well as to people of faith today.

Sons of Zebedee – Son of Joseph: God’s Gift of a Father

Homily
YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
3rd Sunday of the Year – B
Mark 1:14-20

Two of Jesus’ Disciples were called “Sons of Zebedee”, Jesus as “Son of Joseph” was “Son of the Carpenter” and “Son of David” in addition to being the “Son of God”. Fr. Bill discusses how we can find an identity in and through our Fathers and the names that are given to us from him.

HOW DOES THE BOOK OF DANIEL “PREDICT” HISTORY?

“How Does the Book of Daniel ‘Predict’ History?”
Apocalypse, part 9

Daniel’s Visions, received during the Babylonian Exile, offer glimpses into the coming history of the Jewish People.

Fr. Bill discusses how the Book of Daniel conveys the foresight of the Prophet Daniel into his people impending destiny in the face of the history of the region at that time.

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Find Fr. Bill’s Book, “I Saw the World End: An Introduction to the Bible’s Apocalyptic Literature”:

at Paulist Press – http://www.paulistpress.com/Products/4450-1/i-saw-the-world-end.aspx

at Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-saw-the-world-end-william-c-nicholas/1121543948?ean=9780809144501

at Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Saw-World-End-Introduction-Apocalyptic/dp/0809144506/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1515723903&sr=8-2&keywords=i+saw+the+world+end
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Whisper Films, Burbank, CA
http://www.whisperfilms.com/whisperfilmshome.html