"If you have faith the size of a mustard seed"

Last Sunday’s Gospel ended with a warning from Jesus: “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” This Sunday's Gospel from Luke 16: 19 - 31 tells about a man who thought that he could, but failed; to his detriment. We are enjoined to be detached from material things in order to have the freedom to fulfill God's plan for our lives.

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Oct. 6, 2013 (27C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Mass Readings  
Podcast of the Readings 
Video of Reflections on Readings
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: "Is it Better to Pray or To Study the Faith?"

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Book of the Prophet Habakkuk,
Chapter 1, Verses 2-3; Chapter 2, Verses 2-4

1. Can you relate to Habakkuk? He could no longer endure violence, abuse and oppression everywhere in the world? Where do the challenges of discipleship come for you?

2. What helps you survive misery in your life? In a tough situation, can your faith sustain you? Don’t you need to take it out and exercise it in lesser matters In order to be ready?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 8-9

1. Our psalmist encourages us not to harden our hearts when we hear God's voice. Do you find it difficult sometimes to carry out God's will in your life even if you believe He is speaking to you? Give an example.

2. The psalm reminds us that we are like sheep and the Lord is our shepherd. Are you willing to be just an ordinary sheep among His flock? If so, what does it mean to you to be shepherded by the Lord?

Second Reading
Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy, Chapter 1, Verses 6-8, 13-14

1. Paul mentions some virtues: power (strength), love and self-control (wisdom). What should these look like in religious leaders today? What qualities would a strong, wise and loving leader possess? How do you measure up as a leader?

2. Discuss authoritarianism, empathy, and openness as signs of strength or weakness.

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 17, Verses 5-10

1. Is quantity an issue when it comes to faith? What did Jesus tell the apostles that an infinitely small amount of faith would do? Do you realize the power your faith contains?

2. Have you had experience with faith “moving mountains,” or as this reading has it, “uprooting mulberry trees”? Do you find that your faith can move more mountains in the spiritual realm or the material one?

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