The Birth of the Messiah: A Journey through Matthew and Luke

Bible Institute Retreat:The Birth of the Messiah – Matthew and Luke

Presented by Fr. Timothy Peters, Professor of Biblical Theology at Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church
17270 Ward St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Saturday, November 29, 2025

9:00am-12pm

The Great prophecies of a future Messiah/Christ
Examining the Book of Isaiah – In the early Church, some referred to the Prophecy of Isaiah as the 5th Gospel because it so eloquently spoke of the future Messiah/Christ. Thus, it’s no surprise that the Church continually reads from Isaiah throughout the Advent season.

The Infancy Narrative in Matthew
Matthew Chapter 1 – The Good News of the Gospel and the importance of the Lord’s promises to Abraham and David; The Virgin Mary, the Great prophecy of Isaiah and four other unlikely women who were Matriarchs in Israel; Saint Joseph, his silence, his dreams and his actions. Matthew Chapter 2 – The Magi, the Star and the prophecy of Balaam in Numbers 24:17; King Herod, his ambition, his building projects and his reputation in Rome; The Holy Innocents, a great challenge for our culture.

The Infancy Narrative in Luke
Luke Chapter 1 – The Annunciation and Mary’s Fiat; Gabriel’s words and the importance of the Davidic Kingdom; The Virgin Birth and the Great Prophecy of the Son of Man in Daniel Chapter 7; The Visitation. Luke Chapter 2 – The census in Luke’s Gospel and Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem; The Presentation in the Temple; Simeon and his prophecy that a sword would
pierce Mary’s heart; Why did Mary contemplate all these things in her heart?

*The Catholic Biblical Institute in the Diocese of Orange presents these short retreats with the goal of inspiring the faithful to continually study Sacred Scripture. All are welcome to attend. Those wishing to take more courses in The Biblical institute may take these retreats as part of their introductory preparation. More information will be provided during our retreat.

For more information, [email protected] (714) 282-3079