Sharing of life: How was your week. How did you experience God’s presence?

Facilitator reads focus statement: Our first and third readings speak of faith. In the second reading Paul reminds Timothy not to be timid but strong in his witness to God.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: Habakkuk 1:2-3, 2:2-4

This reading is part of a dialog between God and the prophet. The prophet is feeling very burdened by the prevalence of turmoil and violence. He cries out to God: "How long, O Lord, must this violence go on? Why do you not intervene?"

Habakkuk’s cry for help should not be interpreted as a sign of despair but as the lament of one who has known the love of God and yearns to heighten the experience of that love in the midst of desperate circumstances. In the second part of the reading, God responds to Habakkuk, telling him that in time the forces of destruction will be defeated and that those who keep faith in God will be vindicated.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 95

This song is a vivid reminder that faith is what helps people endure hardships experienced in the journey of life.

SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14

In this reading, Paul offers a strong word of encouragement and exhortation to his spiritual son Timothy, whom he earlier ordained for ministry. It seems that the zeal that Timothy previously showed may have waned and so Paul challenges him to "stir into a flame the gift God gave him when hands were imposed on him". Paul counsels Timothy not to give into a spirit of cowardice but to be strong and filled with love, always ready to witness to the gospel he has received. Paul also reminds Timothy that enduring his share of hardships will make him strong. Finally, Paul tells Timothy that he must guard carefully the authentic teaching he has received and at the same time learn how to articulate in new and fresh ways for the various situations he finds himself in.

GOSPEL: Luke 17:5-10

Luke 17:1-10 (today’s Gospel is verses 5-10) consists of miscellaneous sayings directed to would-be disciples of Jesus. The sayings have to do with scandal giving, forgiveness, faith and being a dutiful servant of God. The latter two sayings, faith and dutiful servanthood are the focus of today’s Gospel.

Having heard the challenges that Jesus issued to them about avoiding scandal and forgiving over and over, the disciples look for help: "increase our faith." Jesus responds by saying that even a small amount of genuine faith (i.e., unwavering and steadfast trust in God) can accomplish the impossible. Then Jesus illustrates, through means of a parable, that such genuine and powerful faith is not something we can take credit for or seek a reward for. Rather, it is simply us responding to a God who gives us all good things. The saying about the uprooting of a tree is an Eastern way of saying: "With faith what looks impossible can become possible."

The parable of the unprofitable servant would have shocked Jesus’ hearers. In his time, Judaism believed very much in the notion of merit -- God "owed" salvation to people for keeping the law. Jesus rejects this belief and emphasizes God’s sheer goodness. When disciples respond to the call of faith, they are only "doing their job" when they avoid scandal, forgive again and again and share their possessions. As disciples we must never try to place God in our debt. God owes us nothing. We are the work of his hands.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. In the first reading, Habakkuk cries out to God to put an end to all the violence he sees around him. This is Domestic Violence month. Large numbers of children and spouses are physically and emotionally abused each day in America. What are the causes of Domestic Violence and what do we need to do to diminish it?

3. In the second reading, Paul encourages the timid Timothy to be courageous and not be ashamed to witness to his faith. How easy or hard is it for you to witness to your faith? If you have overcome timidity, what helped you to do so?

4. What can strengthen and weaken your faith?

5. This Sunday is Respect Life Sunday in our church. When you hear the term Respect Life" or "Pro Life", do you usually only think of pre-born babies or do you think also of other issues? How do you feel about pro-life issues; abortion, capital punishment, stem cell research, caring for the poor?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Witness to your faith. If timid, ask for courage.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Especially pray for the victims of domestic violence, abortions, war, capital punishment and poverty. ©

Sharing of life: Who has been a Moses figure in your life, a person who supports you with prayer?

Facilitator reads focus statement: In the first and third reading, lepers are cured by God’s healing touch. In the second reading, Paul expresses his willingness to suffer for the gospel.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the reading, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: 2 Kings 5:12-17

To fully appreciate this story, one needs to read all of chapter five of 2 Kings. It is a story about humility, healing, gratitude, conversion and worship. The primary character in the story is Naaman, a foreigner, who is cured of leprosy and converted to the God of Israel. In order to receive all that God wanted to offer him, Syrian General Naaman had to overcome some serious obstacles. He had to come to believe that his servants could be instruments of God in his life. Also, Naaman had to be humble enough to listen to the exhortations of his servants, humble enough to accept the gift of healing in a way he had not expected and from a source he did not know. In the end obedience to the word of the prophet brings healing.

As a man of means, Naaman wanted to offer gifts to Elisha. But Elisha refuses because he wants Naaman to be clear that God, and not he, is the source of his healing. Since it was believed, in those days that one could only worship a god in the land of that god, Naaman asks permission to take some earth back with him so that he will be able to worship the God of Israel, even outside of the land. This story is intended to show God’s concern for non-Jewish persons, which is also a central theme in today’s Gospel.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 98

This psalm has a universalist theme - God’s care and concern is for all people. It also expresses the gratitude that Naaman and the leper in the Gospel must have felt.

SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Paul expresses his willingness to suffer for the Gospel and even though he may be in chains (in prison), God’s Word cannot be imprisoned. The reading ends with an excerpt from a baptismal hymn about dying and rising with Christ and about God’s faithfulness to us despite our infidelity.

GOSPEL: Luke 17:11-19

Luke recounts this story to underscore one of the main themes of his Gospel, namely, universalism -- God’s concern for all people, even for an abandoned group of lepers. The lepers are non-Jews.

The Gospel is also a powerful example of Jesus’ concern for the marginalized and ostracized. Lepers were rejected by society, church and family and, worst of all, they were told their leprosy was the result of sin in their lives. Hence, they felt rejected by God. Jesus changed all that.

Third, the Gospel is an excellent illustration of the difference between healing and salvation. Of the nine lepers healed, only one is saved, only one recognized the hand of God in their healing and surrendered his life to God. Salvation only happens when one responds to God’s initiative.

Both the first reading and this Gospel are intended to attest to the universal scope of God’s will to save and the presence of the gift of faith in unlikely people. In return for their gift, both lepers became eloquent witnesses to the importance of giving gratitude to God for his blessings.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. In the first reading, Naaman almost lost out on a huge blessing because of his pride and because he almost didn’t believe that God could act through a young servant in his household. What are some things that could or do block us from recognizing or receiving blessings in our lives?

3. Like Paul in our second reading, millions of people in our world pay a big price for their faith in Jesus. And millions of people in the free world do not appreciate their freedom to profess faith. Millions more are indifferent to the values of Jesus. Comment.

4. To what extent have you developed "an attitude of gratitude"?

5. Why do many people who have lots of reasons to be grateful, complain?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Work hard on developing an attitude of gratitude and reach out to someone who feels like an outsider.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Take time to name your blessings. Pray for all who feel rejected. Pray for all engaged in medical research for incurable diseases. ©

Sharing of life question: How was your week? How did you experience God this past week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings speak about the importance of persevering in the prayers of petition and intercession. In the second reading, Paul stresses the vital importance of sacred scripture in the life of the Christian.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: Exodus 17:8-13

This reading is a beautiful example of God partnering with us to achieve a victory. Moses sends Joshua and his men down to the valley to engage Amalek, while he, Aaron and Hur remained on the hill and entered into intercessory prayers for the men in the valley. As long as Moses and his men persevered in prayer, the battle went their way, but when they let up, Amalek and his men started to win the battle. The story beautifully illustrates that in the battles of our lives we are partners with God. As the old adage says: We must act as if all depended on us and pray as if all depended on God." Without God we falter, but God expects us to also do our part.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 121

The psalmist expresses great confidence in God. Trust is a key ingredient of effective prayer.

SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 3:14 -- 4:2

The aging and imprisoned Paul is writing to the young Pastor Timothy whom he had ordained. He instructs him in his responsibilities as pastor. He exhorts him to do three things. First, hold fast to the traditions he has received. Second, use Scripture for his own ongoing formation and for the formation of his people. Third, Timothy is exhorted to persevere in his ministry of preaching God’s Word "in season and out of season," since God’s Word is good for correcting, exhorting and reproving.

GOSPEL: Luke 18:1-8

This gospel story features three characters: a widow, her unnamed opponents and an uncaring and unjust judge. The issue could have been an inheritance one. The widow symbolizes the powerless one with no rights seeking justice from an unscrupulous judge. It seems her cause is impossible, but her persistence wins the day. She wins without the help of a "dream team." Point: If an uncaring judge will respond to our plea for justice, how much more will a caring God respond to our prayers? The story is also a powerful example of a woman’s perseverance in a fight for justice. A person with no power is seeking justice from a corrupt person in authority. On this level, the story tells us justice is achievable even in the most unlikely of situations.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. The Amalekites were the enemies of the Israelites on their journey. Name some "Amalekites" that you have to deal with on your journey. What helps you to fight those battles?

3. In the second reading, Paul exhorts his readers to be persistent in proclaiming the word whether it is convenient or inconvenient. When is it inconvenient to proclaim the gospel? What might help you to face this challenge?

4. Can you recall from your life an example of a time when hard work and persistent prayer helped to bring about some desired result?

5. Why in today’s society is perseverance such a difficult virtue and quitting so tempting a vice?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on these readings. Invite someone to be your prayer partner as you deal with the issues in your journey. Support in any way you can, those who are battling the causes of the powerless in our society.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Include prayers for the powerless who need and seek justice and prayers for the advocates of the oppressed. ©

Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings tell us that the Lord hears the cry of the poor and the humble person. In the second reading, Paul reflects on how the Lord has been his defender in tough times.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

This passage tells us that while "God has no favorites," he does have a special place in his heart for the prayer of the poor and oppressed person. "The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds." The "lowly" is one who knows his need for God (e.g., the tax collector in today’s Gospel) in contrast to the person who is self-reliant (the Pharisee in today’s Gospel). In a male-dominated society, such as Israel, widows and orphans were especially vulnerable and God is keenly responsive to them.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 34

This is a psalm of thanksgiving highlighting God’s presence to the poor in their affliction.

SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

In this reading, Paul is aware that his days on earth are numbered. He doesn’t resent it, but neither does he run toward it eagerly. He faces it with calm resignation that springs from deep faith. He uses athletic imagery to speak of his fidelity to God. He has "fought the good fight," he has "finished the race," he has "kept the faith." Like Jesus, in his time of need, all his friends abandoned him. But God did not fail him. God stood by his side offering him strength.

GOSPEL: Luke 18:9-14

Today’s parable (only found in Luke) features two men in prayer. The Pharisee belonged to a group within Judaism who prided themselves on their fidelity to the Law. This particular Pharisee has some good qualities: he prayed, fasted twice a week and tithed. (What Pastor wouldn’t like him?) In contrast, the tax collector was a "bad egg." He was a participant in a very corrupt system, which cheated his own people. Politically, he was a traitor and religiously he was unclean. Plain and simple, the guy’s life was offensive. He was the kind of unsavory character that respectable people would not have in their company.

So these two men go off to pray. The tax collector’s prayer was more pleasing to God. Why? The Pharisee’s prayer is self-congratulatory. He is so pleased with himself that he has no need for God and, of course, his piece about "not being like the rest of men -- especially that tax collector," didn’t help to ingratiate him to God. God alone is in a place to judge our spiritual condition. It is always an unsavory quality when we try to lift ourselves up by putting down others. By condemning the tax collector, the Pharisee condemned himself. On the other hand, the tax collector is very clear about his sinfulness and his need for God. God’s hand is always reaching out to us, no matter how far we have strayed from his ways.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. The ‘lowly’ mentioned in the first reading are those who know their need for God. Would you consider yourself lowly? Why do so many seemingly good people find little or not need for God in their lives?

3. In the second reading, Paul uses athletic imagery to describe his faith journey. As you look back on your faith journey, what image might you use to describe your efforts to follow Christ?

4. In the gospel, Jesus says ‘the humble will be exalted’. Do we sometimes confuse humility with a poor self-image (e.g., someone who can’t graciously accept a compliment) and sometimes wrongly judge as arrogant or proud people who are aware of their own strengths?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

What is one way for you to act on these readings? Suggestions: Write an epitaph for your life thus far. If there is anything of the Pharisee in you, ask God to free you of this trait.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for all who are dying at this time, for all who are imprisoned by a sense of their own importance and for all who suffer from a poor self-image.

Open with a prayer: Loving and merciful God, thank you for gathering us together to share life in the context of your eternal word. Today, your word speaks to us about your wondrous mercy. Help each of us to internalize this message in the deepest core of our being, and to share it with all who have offended us. This we pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The first reading speaks of God’s mercy toward the sinner. The Gospel offers a practical example of this. In the second reading, Paul urges the Thessalonians to be worthy of God’s calling by cooperating with his saving grace.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: Wisdom 11:22, 12:2

The book of Wisdom was the last book of the Old Testament to be written. This reading is a beautiful reflection on how our divine Creator is intimately involved with every aspect of his creations -- even though it is only a tiny grain in contrast to his immensity. The Creator loves all that he has created and is rich in mercy toward all who have sinned. God’s whole desire is not to condemn the sinner but to gradually draw him/her to repentance. The reading states: "God rebukes offenders little by little . . . reminding them of the sins they are committing that they may abandon their wickedness and return to the Lord." This reading prepares us to listen to a practical illustration of this at work in the story of Zacchaeus.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 145

The Lord’s anger is far outweighed by his patient forbearance and covenant fidelity.

SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 1:11, 2:2

Our second reading for the next three Sundays will be from Paul’s Second Letter to the Thessalonians. In this letter, Paul is writing to a community who has some erroneous views on the Second Coming of Jesus. Paul urges them not to be preoccupied with the Day of the Lord’s coming, but to strive by cooperating with God’s grace to be "worthy of their calling", which would of course be their best preparation for the Day of the Lord. In other words, "the call of God, received in and by grace, must be accepted and assimilated, professed in faith and translated into a living witness to Christ and loving service of others." (Patricia Sanchez) Zacchaeus in today’s gospel is a good example of someone responding to God’s grace.

GOSPEL: Luke 19:1-10

This section of Luke’s Gospel is sometimes called "the gospel of the outcast" because it has several examples of Jesus reaching out to the outcast: the lepers, the blind beggars, and the tax collector in the temple. And in today’s Gospel he reaches out to Zacchaeus. Today’s story is also one of Jesus reaching out to a rich man because "nothing is impossible with God." Zacchaeus, as a chief tax collector for the Romans, would have been despised by his fellow Jews for being a part of a very corrupt system, which hurt his own people. Yet, Jesus offers this man salvation. How come? Because he opens his heart to Jesus and responds to him. By climbing up in a tree, he was running the risk of becoming the laughing stock of the town. But he wanted very much to see this man Jesus whom he heard "ate with sinners and tax collectors." When Jesus sees him, he reaches out to him. He doesn’t ask for a confession. Instead, Jesus tells him of his plan to come to his house today. Zacchaeus is elated. His conversion is authenticated by his willingness to reach out to the poor by sharing his wealth with them. This is faith-bearing fruit in action.

The Scripture scholar, Fr. Joseph Fizmeyer, has another interpretation of this story. He says that Zacchaeus does not say, "I shall start giving . . ." Rather, he says, "I give . . ." This is presently his practice. Zacchaeus is defending himself before Jesus. "He stood his ground." In this interpretation, the story is not about Zacchaeus’ conversion. Rather, it is about Jesus reaching out to someone who is a religious and just man, but shunned by society. He is an outcast.

Against the above interpretation, the following can be said: while we do not know from the text anything about Zacchaeus’ private life, (he may have been giving money to the poor) we do know that he was a prominent official and a participant in a very corrupt system. Fred Craddock writes: "No one can be privately righteous while participating in and profiting from a program that robs and crushes other persons."

FAITH REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What image or verse spoke to you most in the readings?

2. In the first reading, the author says: "God overlooks people’s sins so that they may repent." Do you think this works? Have you tried this behavior with people who have sinned against you? If so, did it work?

3. In the second reading, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to try with the grace of God to be "worthy of God’s calling in their lives." In your opinion, what does this involve?

4. In climbing up on a tree to see Jesus, Zacchaeus was stretching himself. Lots of people may have laughed at him. What would be a stretching exercise for you to grow in your relationship with Jesus?

5. Do you think that we often tend to judge individuals harshly simply because they happen to belong to a certain group or race or work in a particular profession? What are examples of such groups and professions today?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

What is one way for you to act on these readings? Suggestion: If burdened with sin, meditate on Jesus’ outreach to one who may have been a very corrupt public official. Also reread the second reading; seek with the grace of God to be worthy of the awesome calling you have as a child of God and a disciple of Jesus.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Especially pray for the conversion of all corrupt public officials. Pray for all who have a difficult time believing in God’s mercy. ©

Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings speak about belief in a life after death. In the second reading, Paul speaks of the Word of God as active and dynamic, capable of producing a continued growth in virtue if cultivated and nurtured.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14

The Books of the Maccabees tell us about the politics of Palestine in the second century B.C. focusing on the attempt to suppress Judaism by foreign powers. The first book of Maccabees is concerned with the here and now, while the second explores the theology of the afterlife. Today’s reading has its focus on the heroism of a family of seven brothers and their mother as they dealt with threats to their life because of their faith. What is most significant about today’s liturgy is the testimony of the last brother who professes faith in the resurrection from the dead. Belief in a personal resurrection or an afterlife did not appear in Judaism until about 200 B.C. The unsinkable faith of the Jewish martyrs demonstrates the confidence in divine justice in the afterlife where wrongs of human society would be set right. The lives of the mother and her seven sons were not irretrievably lost. Also, the steadfast faith of this family would inspire all who might waiver in faith during a time of persecution. Second century theologian Tertullian said" "The blood of martyrs is the seed of faith."

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 17

In this lament, the psalmist is sorely tried, probably as a result of an unjust accusation. He protests his innocence and calls out to God for vindication.

SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5

This letter is addressed to a community experiencing external persecution and internal dissensions. Paul asks God and Jesus to console and strengthen the community in their time of trial. Paul also asks prayers for himself and for his ministry so that the word of God may flourish and make progress. Finally, he prays to be delivered from evil people.

GOSPEL: Luke 20:27-38

In today’s Gospel, some Sadducees seek to entrap Jesus with a question about the next life. If a widow marries her deceased husband’s brother for the purpose of begetting children, whose wife will she be in the next life? (See Deuteronomy 25:5-6) In his response, Jesus compares "this age" and the "age to come". In this age, people die and so there is a need for marriage in order to procreate children to ensure the continuance of human life and especially one’s own family. In the "age to come" there is no death and, therefore, no need for marriage and procreation. Hence, the question about whose wife the woman will be is a moot one.

Some female scripture scholars have a different interpretation of this story. For them, the key point of the story is not Jesus’ comments on the resurrection, but that "in the age to come" women will be regarded as equal to men in contrast to this age where women are merely regarded as men’s property -- whose only useful purpose is begetting children. In this context, Jesus’ response is, "in the age to come," women will not be the property of men.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. Name examples of heroic faith in our time. In your life is there a person that stands out who kept the faith despite enormous suffering?

3. In the second reading, Paul prays to be delivered from false teachers. Who are false teachers today?

4. Even though we tend to believe that we will be reconnected with loved ones in the next life, can you see that we will be so transformed that such a connection will not be necessary? We will feel equally close to all in heaven.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

What is one way you can act on today’s readings? Suggestions: Pray this week for the dying and for all who work with the dying. Start getting your affairs in order if you have not already done so.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Especially pray for the dying and their loved ones and those who work with the dying. ©

Open with a prayer: God, all powerful, ever-living source of all that is good, from the beginning of time you promised your people salvation through the future coming of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Help us to drink of his truth and expand our hearts with the joy of his promises, so that we may serve you in faith and in love and know forever the joy of your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Sharing of life: What memories does Thanksgiving hold for you? What are you most thankful for this year?

Facilitator reads focus statement: As the liturgical year ends, the focus of all three readings is on the End Times and the Second Coming of Jesus.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: Malachi 3:19-20a

Malachi is writing in the fifth century before Christ, to a community with very lax morals. In this reading, Malachi speaks in frightening terms of a ‘Day of the Lord’ that is coming. On that day the proud and evildoers will become stubble to be burned and the faithful will be vindicated.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 98

This psalm reaffirms the first reading’s emphasis on God’s justice.

SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Because of the belief that the Second Coming was imminent, some people quit their jobs and became busybodies. Paul is urging them to quietly get back to their jobs. Then he offers himself as a model of hard work.

GOSPEL: Luke 21:5-19

Commenting on today’s reading and the type of literature, the authors of Living the Word write:

The end of the liturgical cycle always brings with it readings about the end times. It is helpful to know that there was a very specialized kind of literature, called apocalyptic, that was used by biblical writers when describing the end times. It is also important to know that apocalyptic literature was invariably written for communities undergoing persecution and fearful that their own "end times" might be looming. Such passages were mean to comfort and reassure those undergoing persecution by proclaiming a final, ultimate victory as the outcome of present suffering. Their function, in other words, was more to interpret the meaning of present suffering than to predict the future. Early Christians besieged and exposed to terrible persecution drew strength and comfort from the firm knowledge that Jesus had already overcome all of the forces of evil and that it was only a matter of time until his victory would be felt everywhere by everyone. The end time in apocalyptic literature was envisioned as an experience of reckoning for the evildoers and a time of deliverance for God’s faithful people.

This genre of writing used a great deal of exotic imagery in its attempt to describe the indescribable. Fantastic displays of nature, cosmic battles between the forces of good and evil -- these were stock images that apocalyptic authors used as a kind of code language. Much as science fiction filmmakers today use a familiar set of conventions to alert their audience to the developing story line, so biblical authors writing apocalyptic drew on images and situations that would have been familiar and readily recognized by their audience.

Today’s Gospel is taken from a larger apocalyptic section (Luke 21:5-30). Writing in the 80’s, Luke would have been familiar with the events of the 60’s and 70’s in Palestine (war, famines, and, of course, the destruction of the Temple), and it is likely that he shaped Jesus’ words of prediction in this discourse to reflect those and other historical events (such as the way Christians were being led before kings and governors). The specificity of Jesus’ predictions here would have been a source of comfort to Luke’s readers, particularly when linked to his reassurance of their ultimate victory.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse or image spoke to you most? Why?

2. The readings today are a bit scary. Should homilists today preach more ‘hell, fire and damnation’ sermons?

3. In the second reading, Paul says that those who are unwilling to work should not eat. What do you think? Should we refuse food to the lazy at our food pantries?

4. If you knew you had six months to live how would you spend it?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

What is one way you can act on today’s readings? Suggestions: Pray for the persecuted Christians and for those who are seeking honest employment.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray especially for persecuted Christians and for those seeking honest employment.

Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for this Thanksgiving weekend?

Facilitator reads focus statement: On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, the church celebrates the feast of Christ the King. Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to combat the growing secularism and atheism of his time, it is one of the so-called "idea feasts" that do not celebrate an event in the life of Jesus but rather some aspect of his identity. In it we recognize and honor Christ as ruler of all. The original feast of Christ the King is the Ascension, in which the church celebrates the exalted Christ, crowned with glory at the right hand of God. Today’s celebration should remind us of that more important feast as the liturgical year comes to a close. The readings will not allow us to take a shallow view of Christ’s reign, confusing earthly power and prestige with the Savior’s divine majesty and goodness. Instead, the feast fixes Christ’s messianic kingship squarely in the mystery of the cross, stretching us uncomfortably on the crossbeam of a paradox. Our salvation is won by having our king die a horrible, ignominious death, betrayed by his friends and the people he came to save.

If you haven’t read the commentary, on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 5:1-3

In this short reading, we have one of three different accounts of the anointing of David as King of Israel. David is portrayed not as one grasping for power and one full of ambition. Rather, the people beg his to accept the honor. David becomes Israel’s shepherd-king. In this role, he becomes the unifier of the tribes of Israel and a type or prefigurement of Jesus, the shepherd-king of the New Israel.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: 122

In this hymn of pilgrimage, the pilgrim sees Jerusalem as the center of both worship and royal administration. It was the seat of Yahweh and the seat of David and his descendants.

SECOND READING: Colossians 1:12-20

In this beautiful hymn, Paul celebrates the kingship of the cosmic Christ. It begins with an exhortation to give thanks to God for the way he has rescued us in Christ. Then Paul speaks of Christ as the visible image of the invisible God. He is the center of the cosmos. All things are created in him and through him; in him all things continue to exist and have their being. Christ is also the head of the Church. The hymn also speaks of the saving work of Christ. He came to reconcile all things to himself. He accomplished this, not by shedding other people’s blood (as many earthly kings have done), but by shedding his own blood. Jesus is the incarnate love of God in our midst. He is God’s first and last word to us.

GOSPEL: Luke 23:35-43

The Gospel is one of contrast and irony. The contrast is manifested in the reaction of the two men crucified with Jesus. One jeers and mocks Jesus and the other reaches out for salvation. The irony is that the words, which the detractors of Jesus actually speak, are very accurate about who Jesus is and why he came. "He is the Messiah of God, the chosen one." Jesus is the savior of his people. The three taunts of Jesus form a parallel with Satan’s three temptations in Luke 4:1-13. Also, there is irony in the inscription mockingly hung over the cross, "This is the King of the Jews." The passage concludes with the beautiful promise of salvation to the repentant thief.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse, idea or image spoke to you and why?

2. In the first reading today, David is imaged as a shepherd -- king. In your lifetime, who has been your favorite and most inspiring political leader?

3. One commentator called the people sneering at Jesus in today’s Gospel "vinegar people". In what ways might we prevent "vinegar or toxic people" from infecting us?

4. As we draw to the end of another liturgical year, can you name a spiritual blessing received this past year that you are most grateful for?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings? Suggestion: Pray for all who feel alienated from God, that they may experience his loving touch like the repentant thief.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for kings and secular rulers that they might rule with the heart of Jesus, the Shepherd King. Pray for all traveling this week. ©