The Holy Fathers, we say, are of supreme authority, whenever they all interpret in one and the same manner any text of the Bible, as pertaining to the doctrine of faith or morals; for their unanimity clearly evinces that such interpretation has come down from the Apostles as a matter of Catholic faith (38, Providentissimus Deus).
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We receive those doctrines which they thus teach, not merely because they teach them, but because they bear witness that all Christians everywhere then held them (45, John Henry Newman on Antichrist in the Church Fathers).
Study Audio

LOVE the Word(TM) is a Bible study method based on Mary's own practice. This week's LOVE the Word(TM) exercise is based on an Augustinian* personality approach. Go on! Try it!

Listen (Receive the Word)

1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

3 Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God. 6 And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by his appearing and his coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are to perish, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore God sends upon them a strong delusion, to make them believe what is false, 12 so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter (2 Thess 2).

Observe (Connect the passage to recent events.)

In verses 1-2, why is the Holy Spirit writing to you through Paul? What recent event(s) caused this "shaken" reaction in you?

What is the deception St. Paul speaks of in verse 3? What does this deception have to do with you?

What/who do you suppose the "restrainer" is in verses 6-7? How does, or does, the "restrainer" affect you?

Can you imagine what verse 8 will be like?

What is the danger Paul is warning you of in 9-15? According to the Holy Spirit in these same verses, what is your protection from this danger?

Verbalize (Pray about your thoughts and emotions.)

What feelings and thoughts arose in your heart and mind as you pondered these questions? What do you want to tell Him about that?

Entrust (May it be done to me according to your word!)

Lord, may my trust in your perfect love cast out all my fear (1 Jn 4:18).
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*LOVE the Word(TM) exercises, vary weekly according to the four personalities, or "prayer forms," explored in Prayer and Temperament, by Chester Michael and Marie Norrisey: Ignatian, Augustinian, Franciscan, and Thomistic.
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