Verbum Dei

The one thing that Genesis says is NOT good is for man to be alone. In this episode, Br. Thomas explains how man's solitude described in Gen 2:18 is an opportunity for relationship with others and with God.

Obedience is always rooted in trust. In this episode, Br. Peter explains that it is actually through trusting obedience that we will experience joy and the fullness of life. Because the Bible reveals that obedience is for our good and our flourishing. God's grace can transform us to be obedient.

Fr. James explains that just like Adam and Eve could have either looked at God's provision or the one tree they couldn't eat from, so we need to look at God, and His provision, and we will realize we have all that we need.

Men you have a great responsibility to guard and protect those in your life. Br. Andrew gives many biblical examples of how men have either lived into their purpose or have failed. What will you do?

In this episode, Br. Simon explains that God repeats himself in Gen 2 that your purpose is to be fruitful and have dominion. Learn from Br. Simon that your vocation is to love and lead over what has been entrusted to you.

Based on Gen 2:7, Br. Joseph encourages us to do what we see God doing. This is fulfilled in Jesus, who always does what He sees the Father doing. We too want to be like our Father and do the works he is doing (John 9:6).

Br. Levi Mary describes how intimacy with God is already available to us. If we are willing to let ourselves be known by God, we will experience an intimacy with God like Adam and Eve enjoyed in the garden of Eden.

In this episode, Br. Nathanael teaches that yes indeed there are two different creation accounts: the first is like a panorama, and the second is like a microscope view of the creation of man. He then relates this to our own spiritual lives and how we can even approach prayer.

God rests on the seventh day and makes it holy. Then, he commands us to rest. So, rest on your sabbath! Br. Andrew explains how each Sabbath is an anticipation for heaven, which, according to St. Augustine, is the "eternal sabbath".

Fr. James explains how after each day of creation, God calls it a day. He does this to model for us how to do one thing at a time. He doesn't want us to be discouraged, but just do the next right thing in our journey of holiness.

In this episode, Br. Peter reflects upon the order that is latent in creation in Genesis 1. God's word reveals that we are made for order. And you need order, to be like God.

Genesis 1 reveals that God’s first action toward living beings is blessing. We have been created for blessing. Fr. John explains that the way we remain in blessing is by being fruitful and having dominion, God’s first commands in the Bible. Hence, we understand that God blesses our fruitfulness and dominion, and therefore, we should be more fruitful and have more dominion.

After an amazing play on the football field, Br. Simon received an unexpected blessing from his coach. Br. Simon explains how we too can receive the Heavenly Father‘s blessing, and from that blessing, move forward in our true identity and mission. Scriptures to pray with:

Br. Levi Mary explains what it means to be made in the image and likeness of God. To understand this, we must understand Jesus Christ, who is “the image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15). He reveals to us who we truly are.

In this episode, Br. Philip describes the artistic creativity with which God makes the world, and it is good. Explaining the Hebrew word for good, "tov," Br. Philip then explains how you are the crown of creation... you are "good good." May you know your goodness today and the goodness of others.

Br. Joseph explains that the first thing God says in the Bible is “Let there be light” (Gen 1:4). Jesus, too, says, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Therefore, God wants us to live in the light. Br. Joseph will give you helpful indicators if you are living in darkness and encouragement of how to start living in the light.

Although God does not fully reveal that He is a trinity of divine persons until the New Testament, Br. Thomas teaches that are traces of who He is, even in the first verses of Genesis. We encourage you to pray with these verses in Genesis, as well as John 1:1-18, and CCC 221.

Whenever God speaks, his words have creative power. Since we are made in his image, our words also have transformative power - our words bring people to the Kingdom and bring the Kingdom to them. How will you use your words?

In this episode, Br. Andrew explains how before God created anything the world was formless and void, “tohu wa-bohu” (Gen 1:2). Yet God brought order to the formlessness and filled the earth with good things. Now we, as moral agents, can either contribute to the chaos before creation or be an instrument of order. Which will you choose?

Fr. John Ignatius teaches that despite various creation myths the God who has revealed himself in Scripture is a Who and not simply a “what”. God’s first action toward us as living beings is to bless us.

Verbum Dei is a weekly video and podcast series hosted by the Servants of Christ Jesus. In each video we will reflect upon and teach the truth in God's word. We will begin with multiple videos on Genesis 1 and make our way through the Old Testament highlighting practical ways you can abide in and live your life according to what God says in the Bible.