Sunday Reading Reflections
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 25, 2009 (29B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
Burning Question: Why do we pray for the dead?
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First Reading
Book of Revelation, Chapter 7, Verses 2-4, 9-14
1. Can you think of some people who have suffered, died, and who might now stand before the Lamb? Has suffering and distress entered into their reward? Do you encounter resistance to the values of Christianity in your life?
2. Do you find opposition or indifference to Catholic values of social justice. What do you do, especially when people are suffering because of this unconcern? What would you like to do?
Second Reading
First Letter of John, Chapter 3, Verses 1-3
1. You are a child of God. What gifts have you received as a result? What gifts have you received from God today?
2. God is always present, hovering over us like a mother hen. Why does he not just jump right in and save us from all the messes we get into?
Gospel
According to Matthew, Chapter 5, Verses 1-12a
1. Moses received the ten commandments on the mountain. Compare and contrast this with Jesus giving the beatitudes in his sermon on the mount.
2. Is Jesus also talking about his own life when he states the beatitudes? Do you think this is a lesson or an invitation? Why?
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Wednesday
October 25, 2009, 30th Sunday Cycle B - "Your faith has saved you"
Sunday Reading Reflections
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 25, 2009 (29B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
BURNING QUESTION: What is Faith?
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First Reading
Book of the prophet Jeremiah, Chapter 31, Verses 7-9
1. This reading is about God’s promise to deliver his people. They are a remnant, blind and lame, with child or not, and they departed in tears. What does your parish or office or family do to help God’s promise come true? What do you do?
2. Is there anyone in your life who just needs the road “leveled out” a little? If you help, how is this good for both of you? Does self-giving help bring about the reign of God?
Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 5, Verses 1-6
1. “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness.” How would “experiencing weakness” help a person minister to others? Do you think Jesus’ human experience and suffering draws people to him?
2. Baptism makes all of us ministers in the reign of God. Think about Moses, Peter, Paul, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Blessed Fr. Damien and others. Discuss how weaknesses can help make good ministers.
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 46-52
1. Bartimaeus was kept calling out to Jesus, in spite of the fact that the crowd was trying to shut him up. What do you do when others tell you to keep quiet? In the history of the Church can you think of great scientists and theologians who were silenced?
2. “Master, I want to see.” What is it that you want to “see” that will change your life as radically as Bartimaeus changed his? What was the miracle here, the faith of Bartimaeus or the healing of physical blindness?
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Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 25, 2009 (29B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
BURNING QUESTION: What is Faith?
Click COMMENTS below to leave your reflections.
First Reading
Book of the prophet Jeremiah, Chapter 31, Verses 7-9
1. This reading is about God’s promise to deliver his people. They are a remnant, blind and lame, with child or not, and they departed in tears. What does your parish or office or family do to help God’s promise come true? What do you do?
2. Is there anyone in your life who just needs the road “leveled out” a little? If you help, how is this good for both of you? Does self-giving help bring about the reign of God?
Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 5, Verses 1-6
1. “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness.” How would “experiencing weakness” help a person minister to others? Do you think Jesus’ human experience and suffering draws people to him?
2. Baptism makes all of us ministers in the reign of God. Think about Moses, Peter, Paul, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Blessed Fr. Damien and others. Discuss how weaknesses can help make good ministers.
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 46-52
1. Bartimaeus was kept calling out to Jesus, in spite of the fact that the crowd was trying to shut him up. What do you do when others tell you to keep quiet? In the history of the Church can you think of great scientists and theologians who were silenced?
2. “Master, I want to see.” What is it that you want to “see” that will change your life as radically as Bartimaeus changed his? What was the miracle here, the faith of Bartimaeus or the healing of physical blindness?
Share Your Reflections
Click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections.
Tuesday
October 18, 2009, 29th Sunday Cycle B - "Whoever wishes to be first among you"
Sunday Reading Reflections
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2009 (28B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
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First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 53, Verses 10-11
1. Do you suffer with the loved one who is suffering, and would you take the person’s place if you could? Does God act in this manner regarding the suffering of human beings?
2. “Do this in memory of me.” Is this an invitation to join Jesus’ suffering and to participate in his redemption of the world? Can God use your actions or your suffering to accomplish his work in the world today?
Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 4, Verses 14-16
1. Christ is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses,” the reading says. Does he completely understand your situation no matter how complicated it is? Are you able to understand people’s weaknesses?
2. Jesus was tested in every way we are. Do you ever remember this when you are being tested?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 35-45
1. What place do status, rank and privilege have in Christian ministry? Why does Jesus attribute so much importance to the emptying of oneself?
2. Jesus told the disciples that the way to rank first is by serving others. What does unselfish service look like in your parish, work, or home? On a larger scale how could it change the world?
Share Your Reflections
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Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2009 (28B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
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First Reading
Book of the prophet Isaiah, Chapter 53, Verses 10-11
1. Do you suffer with the loved one who is suffering, and would you take the person’s place if you could? Does God act in this manner regarding the suffering of human beings?
2. “Do this in memory of me.” Is this an invitation to join Jesus’ suffering and to participate in his redemption of the world? Can God use your actions or your suffering to accomplish his work in the world today?
Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 4, Verses 14-16
1. Christ is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses,” the reading says. Does he completely understand your situation no matter how complicated it is? Are you able to understand people’s weaknesses?
2. Jesus was tested in every way we are. Do you ever remember this when you are being tested?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 35-45
1. What place do status, rank and privilege have in Christian ministry? Why does Jesus attribute so much importance to the emptying of oneself?
2. Jesus told the disciples that the way to rank first is by serving others. What does unselfish service look like in your parish, work, or home? On a larger scale how could it change the world?
Share Your Reflections
Click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections.
Thursday
October 11, 2009, 28th Sunday Cycle B - "Go, sell what you have"
Sunday Reading Reflections
Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2009 (28B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
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First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 7, Verses 7-11
1. Consider power, money, health, reputation, beauty. Where does wisdom fall in your hierarchy of values? If you rank wisdom first does it stay there? Which of the other values overpowers wisdom most often in your life? 2.
A law student decides to work for social justice instead of a wealthy law firm. How do “all good things come together” for him? How are “countless riches” given to him?
Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 4, Verses 12-13
1. The Word “discerns reflections and thoughts of the heart.” How do you feel about the Word knowing you better than you know yourself? Do you trust God with such personal things? And would you like to know yourself better?
2. Do motives and attitude color your decision-making? Are your motives and attitudes in good order, or could they use a realignment?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 17-30
1. Think of people you know who give all the time. What are they like? Do they receive the hundredfold Jesus promised to those who give? What happens to you when you give?
2. Are possessions themselves the difficulty, or is clinging to possessions the problem? Can either one be a stumbling block to a poor person as well as to a wealthy person? Discuss whether you think possessions could be a stumbling block to the Church itself.
Share Your Reflections
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Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 11, 2009 (28B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
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First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 7, Verses 7-11
1. Consider power, money, health, reputation, beauty. Where does wisdom fall in your hierarchy of values? If you rank wisdom first does it stay there? Which of the other values overpowers wisdom most often in your life? 2.
A law student decides to work for social justice instead of a wealthy law firm. How do “all good things come together” for him? How are “countless riches” given to him?
Second Reading
Letter to the Hebrews, Chapter 4, Verses 12-13
1. The Word “discerns reflections and thoughts of the heart.” How do you feel about the Word knowing you better than you know yourself? Do you trust God with such personal things? And would you like to know yourself better?
2. Do motives and attitude color your decision-making? Are your motives and attitudes in good order, or could they use a realignment?
Gospel
According to Mark, Chapter 10, Verses 17-30
1. Think of people you know who give all the time. What are they like? Do they receive the hundredfold Jesus promised to those who give? What happens to you when you give?
2. Are possessions themselves the difficulty, or is clinging to possessions the problem? Can either one be a stumbling block to a poor person as well as to a wealthy person? Discuss whether you think possessions could be a stumbling block to the Church itself.
Share Your Reflections
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Wednesday
"And the two shall become one flesh."
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?
Share Your Reflections
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"And the two shall become one flesh."
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 4, 2009 (27B)
SUNDAY READINGS
HOMILIES FOR SUNDAY
Click COMMENTS below to leave your reflections.
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?
Share Your Reflections
Click COMMENTS below and leave your comments and reflections.
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
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"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
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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.
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