Sunday Reading Reflections
"And the two shall become one flesh."
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4, 2009 (27B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
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First Reading
Book of Genesis, Chapter 2, Verses 18-24
1. Adam, one of us, gave each creature its name. Have we cared fir the planet and all the life on it? What about environment problems on the earth? Discuss what can you do in your home or place of work to make changes for the better.
2. Do you think the culture from which this story comes values women the same as men? Why or why not? What would you say to a person who thinks the superiority of men over women is divinely revealed in this text? What would you do if the women and men in your work place were not treated as equals?
Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 2, Verses 9-11
1. What ideas do you get when you tie the first line of the first reading, “The Lord God said: ‘It is not good for the man to be alone.’” with the first line from the second, “for a little while” he was with us?
2. Jesus consecrated himself to his Father and us along with him. He called us sisters and brothers. What about our own reverence in order towards our brothers and sisters? Do you treat the bag lady with the same respect as you do the CEO?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 2-16
1. The Pharisees tried to trick Jesus by their question about divorce, He answered with a question about what Moses allowed. Why did Jesus responded at all? In the light of human weakness do you think concessions like annulments are necessary?
2. All deep bonds with others have a profound effect on our lives. What kinds of things bring people together in the first place? What can you do to hold those bonds intact?
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Wednesday
Sept. 27, 2009 - 26th Sunday Cycle B
Sunday Reading Reflections
"For whoever is not against us is for us."
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
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First Reading
Book of Numbers, Chapter 11, Verses 25-29
1. Eldad and Medad didn’t follow the rules. Therefore Joshua wanted to stop their prophesying. Can you relate to this kind of problem? What was Moses’ response? Is there any similarity to Jesus’ response in the gospel?
2. Does the Spirit work in other religions? Ever? Always? What might the Spirit be doing there? Do you look for gifts in other people to see what actions God might taking through them?
Second Reading
Letter of St. James, Chapter 5, Verses 1-6
1. Wages withheld from the harvesters cry aloud, James says. How does his message apply today?
2. The rich got their wealth at the expense of the poor. Explain this in terms of the harvesters in the reading. How does humane treatment relate to a living wage? To profound respect?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 9, Verses 38-43, 45, 47-48
1. John in the Gospel and Joshua in the First Reading had the same problem. What was Jesus’ response to the idea that no one outside the inner circle was to minister in his name? Can anyone lay exclusive claim to the reign of God as Jesus revealed it?
2. Did Jesus mean the words “cutting off hands” literally? If not, how do you interpret it?
Share Your Reflections
Please click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections on this Sunday's Readings.
"For whoever is not against us is for us."
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
Click COMMENTS below to leave your reflections.
First Reading
Book of Numbers, Chapter 11, Verses 25-29
1. Eldad and Medad didn’t follow the rules. Therefore Joshua wanted to stop their prophesying. Can you relate to this kind of problem? What was Moses’ response? Is there any similarity to Jesus’ response in the gospel?
2. Does the Spirit work in other religions? Ever? Always? What might the Spirit be doing there? Do you look for gifts in other people to see what actions God might taking through them?
Second Reading
Letter of St. James, Chapter 5, Verses 1-6
1. Wages withheld from the harvesters cry aloud, James says. How does his message apply today?
2. The rich got their wealth at the expense of the poor. Explain this in terms of the harvesters in the reading. How does humane treatment relate to a living wage? To profound respect?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 9, Verses 38-43, 45, 47-48
1. John in the Gospel and Joshua in the First Reading had the same problem. What was Jesus’ response to the idea that no one outside the inner circle was to minister in his name? Can anyone lay exclusive claim to the reign of God as Jesus revealed it?
2. Did Jesus mean the words “cutting off hands” literally? If not, how do you interpret it?
Share Your Reflections
Please click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections on this Sunday's Readings.
Thursday
Sept. 20, 2009 - 25th Sunday Cycle B
Sunday Reading Reflections
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 20, 2009 (25B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
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First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 2, Verses 12, 17-20
1. “Let us find out what will happen to him,” they said. What did we find out? Did God take care of the just one? Did God give help? Maybe you have asked God for something and receiving something quite different. What happened to you?
2. “Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us, he sets himself against our doings.” About whom does this speak? Why? Are you obnoxious to anyone because you speak out against doings you consider wrong?
Second Reading
Letter of St. James, Chapter 3, Verses 16-43
1. Where does ambition for power and greatness lead? What does it do to a country? to a business? to a Church? Is there a way to cultivate peace?
2. Know them by their fruits. If the fruits are jealousy, selfish ambition, conflicts and close-mindedness, how good is the tree? What about mercy, compliance, constancy, sincerity, and peace,? Which kind of tree are you?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 9, Verses 30-37
1. The disciples wanted choice positions in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus said these were not his to give. Whose were they to give? And what is it that you want?
2. In order to rank first, Jesus tells the disciples they should be the servants of all. Who would you serve, if you could? Anyone close to you? Where do you think your parish ranks in taking care of people in need? Where would you rank yourself?
Share Your Reflections
Please click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections on this Sunday's Readings.
Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 20, 2009 (25B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
Click COMMENTS below to leave your reflections.
First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 2, Verses 12, 17-20
1. “Let us find out what will happen to him,” they said. What did we find out? Did God take care of the just one? Did God give help? Maybe you have asked God for something and receiving something quite different. What happened to you?
2. “Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us, he sets himself against our doings.” About whom does this speak? Why? Are you obnoxious to anyone because you speak out against doings you consider wrong?
Second Reading
Letter of St. James, Chapter 3, Verses 16-43
1. Where does ambition for power and greatness lead? What does it do to a country? to a business? to a Church? Is there a way to cultivate peace?
2. Know them by their fruits. If the fruits are jealousy, selfish ambition, conflicts and close-mindedness, how good is the tree? What about mercy, compliance, constancy, sincerity, and peace,? Which kind of tree are you?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 9, Verses 30-37
1. The disciples wanted choice positions in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus said these were not his to give. Whose were they to give? And what is it that you want?
2. In order to rank first, Jesus tells the disciples they should be the servants of all. Who would you serve, if you could? Anyone close to you? Where do you think your parish ranks in taking care of people in need? Where would you rank yourself?
Share Your Reflections
Please click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections on this Sunday's Readings.
Sept. 13, 2009 - 24th Sunday Cycle B
Sunday Reading Reflections
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 13, 2009 (24B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
Click COMMENTS below to leave your reflections.
First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 50, Verses 4-9
1. How does Isaiah’s “set his face like flint” relate to the Gospel message, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself”?
2. They pull his beard and spit in his face. What allows him to endure? What allows you to go through suffering? Is it your faith?
Second Reading
Letter of St. James, Chapter 2, Verses 14-18
1. How do you respond to God’s call to serve your neighbor? With your entire life? In some of your actions? With a few words?
2. How deep is love that is never expressed in actions? Discuss. How would you go about changing from a “talk the talk” person to a “walk the walk” person?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 8, Verses 27-35
1. Do you want people you love to know you well? Do you think Christ wants you, personally, to know him well? Discuss his words, “But who do you say that I am”?
2. How can “losing your life” be a means to gaining your life? Does this mean denying yourself in some way?
Share Your Reflections
Please click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections on this Sunday's Readings.
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
September 13, 2009 (24B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
Click COMMENTS below to leave your reflections.
First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 50, Verses 4-9
1. How does Isaiah’s “set his face like flint” relate to the Gospel message, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself”?
2. They pull his beard and spit in his face. What allows him to endure? What allows you to go through suffering? Is it your faith?
Second Reading
Letter of St. James, Chapter 2, Verses 14-18
1. How do you respond to God’s call to serve your neighbor? With your entire life? In some of your actions? With a few words?
2. How deep is love that is never expressed in actions? Discuss. How would you go about changing from a “talk the talk” person to a “walk the walk” person?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 8, Verses 27-35
1. Do you want people you love to know you well? Do you think Christ wants you, personally, to know him well? Discuss his words, “But who do you say that I am”?
2. How can “losing your life” be a means to gaining your life? Does this mean denying yourself in some way?
Share Your Reflections
Please click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections on this Sunday's Readings.
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