Sharing life: How have you experienced God this past week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The Feast of Pentecost completed the Lent-Easter season. New we return again to Ordinary time. Each year, the Sundays of Ordinary time begin with two Solemnities, namely the Most Holy Trinity and Corpus Christi. During the Fifty Days of Easter we celebrated what God did for us through Jesus. This Sunday on the Feast of the Most Holy Trinity, we celebrate who God is for us. The first reading speaks of Lady Wisdom’s role in creation. In the second reading, Paul reminds us how Christ’s sacrifice made possible for us a personal relationship with God. In the gospel, Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit helps the church to grasp the full meaning of Jesus’ message, especially his message about his Father.

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

FIRST READING: Proverbs 8:22-31

In this reading, we are introduced to a mysterious figure, Lady Wisdom. She has intrigued scholars since the dawn of creation. In the first verses of today’s reading, Lady Wisdom tells us that she was God’s first-born, existing long before anything else was brought forth. Then in poetic detail Lady Wisdom tells us how she was present with God as a kind of craftsman when the world was being created. The reading ends with an intriguing image of Lady Wisdom playing on the surface of the earth, taking delight in human beings. Lady Wisdom should not be seen as separate from God. Neither should she be seen as the feminine side of God. (Being Pure Spirit, God is neither male nor female) In the Christian era, Wisdom was seen as the Word of God, which became flesh in Christ.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 8

This hymn of praise contrasts God’s majesty with human lowliness and marvels at God’s treatment of humankind. The author especially marvels at God’s concern for us inferior human creatures.

SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-5

The saving work of Jesus is a major theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans. We are saved by grace. It is pure gift. We do not earn it. Rather, we open our hearts to the gift and receive it. This "opening of our hearts" to Jesus is one way to describe what we call "faith." By opening our hearts to God in faith, we "gain access" to God who is our peace, hope and end. Because of our relationship with God, we can endure afflictions. Coping with afflictions leads to endurance and endurance leads to tested virtue and hope, which keeps us going in difficult times.

GOSPEL: John 16:12-15

Today’s Gospel is an excerpt from Jesus’ Farewell Discourse to his apostles. They are downcast because of his departure. To console and help them, Jesus promises to send his Holy Spirit. One of the roles of the Spirit will be to lead the disciples into "all truth". The Spirit will lead the Church to gradually understand the deep meaning and radical implications of the teachings of Jesus. Often the teachers of our Church will use this text when speaking about some of our teachings that are not explicitly mentioned in Scripture – beliefs about Mary, the Papacy, and Original Sin. Through centuries of meditation on the Scriptures, Mother Church, led by the Spirit, saw the above teachings implied in the Scriptures. Also, a role of the Holy Spirit is to help the Church in every age to express, in fresh contemporary language, ancient truths.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

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

2. The first reading speaks about Lady Wisdom being playful, creative, and appreciative of beauty. To what extent are you like Lady Wisdom?

3. In the second reading, Paul speaks about how people of faith can "boast of their afflictions". Have you experienced afflictions as leading to some positive growth in your life? If so, in what way? What helps us to transform affliction into blessings?

4. What have been some of the low and high points of your relationship with God? When have you felt closest and distant from him?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on these readings. Suggestions: When receiving Holy Communion or praying, try to image God as pouring his life and love into your being. Experiment with being playful in your relationship with the Lord.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYER OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray that our church family grows in her ability to image to the world the communal life of the Blessed Trinity.

Sharing of life: How was your week? Did you feel close or distant from God?

Facilitator reads focus statement: Three meals are recounted in today’s readings. This first is probably a cultic sacrificial meal offered by Melchizedek, a priest and the king of Salem. The second reading is Saint Paul’s description of ‘what had been handed on to him from the Lord’, namely the words and actions of the Last Supper. The third is the wonderful story of the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Today’s solemnity gives us the opportunity to see the many facets of our weekly celebration of the Eucharist. Here, we remember the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary. We remember that Jesus Christ is present under the forms of bread and wine – real food and drink for our journey. And here, we experience a multiplication of grace and mercy as we humbly offer ourselves to God. Let us pray this day for a greater appreciation and love for the Body and Blood of Christ.

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

FIRST READING: GENESIS 14:18-20

In this short reading, Melchizedek, King of Salem (early name for Jerusalem) comes to greet Abraham who is returning from a victorious battle. Melchizedek, who is also a priest, blesses Abraham with bread and wine. In early Christian tradition, the bread and wine were taken to prefigure the bread and wine of the Eucharist. Melchizedek, a man of unknown origins, was also seen to prefigure Christ. Just as the bread and wine celebrate Abraham’s victory over his enemies and his reunion with his brother, Lot, so does our Eucharistic sacrifice celebrate Jesus’ victory over death, evil and sin and enable us to remember our union with Jesus. In a response, Abraham gives Melchizedek a tithe of all he had. This is one of the first references to tithing in the Bible.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 110:1-4

This is a royal psalm extolling the Davidic Kingship. It may have been addressed to a king on the day of his coronation by a court singer.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

This is the most ancient text we have on the origin of the Eucharistic sacrifice of Christ. Since Paul was not present at the Last Supper, he is passing on what he himself received. Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to his disciples. When he did this, Jesus identified himself with the bread and wine. "This is my body . . . my Blood . . . broken and poured out for you," i.e., Jesus’ life was broken and poured out for the salvation of all people.

"Do this in remembrance of me,", do what I have done. In doing so, we are proclaiming and making present Jesus, our Redeemer. "Do this . . ." also calls us to live the meaning of the Eucharist – like Jesus, we must be ready to lay down our lives for one another, thereby participating in the dying and rising of Christ.

GOSPEL: Luke 9:11-17

This is the only miracle story recorded in all four Gospels. Jesus is out in the desert with a large crowd of people teaching them about the reign of God and healing their sick. As evening draws near, the Twelve suggest that the people be dismissed so that they can go to the local villages for food and shelter. But Jesus challenges the Twelve to provide food. Then Jesus tells the Twelve to break the large crowds into small groups. Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it and gives it to his disciples to share. Jesus’ action has clear Eucharistic overtones. At the Last Supper, he will also take, bless, break and give bread to the Twelve.

"All are satisfied" and there are 12 baskets left over. These simple words give us the meaning of this event, namely, that Jesus is the bread that satisfies our soul-hungers and he is the One who blesses us with abundance. The story also tells us that when we offer Jesus the little we have, he will bless and multiply it and use it to bless and nourish others.

"Give them something to eat yourselves" is a challenge to the Church to feed the physical and soul-hungers of people.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

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

2. Do you tend to limit your understanding of the Body of Christ to the bread you receive at Mass or do you have a more expansive and global sense of the Body of Christ as including all people of our planet?

3. The Vatican II document on the Sacred Liturgy states that the aim to be considered above all else is the full active participation of the people at Mass. To what extent is this true in your parish? What helps and hinders you from being more fully engaged in the Mass?

4. How has your understanding of the Eucharist grown over the years?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestions: Read an article that may help you to grow in your appreciation of the Eucharist. Be more conscious that in sharing your life with others you are being Eucharist for them.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray that each of us may learn to connect the Eucharist more and more with our everyday lives.

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

Facilitator reads focus statement: In our first and third readings, David and an unnamed woman experience God’s mercy. In the second reading, Paul tells us that in leaving the law behind for faith in Christ, he experienced salvation.

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

FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13

In this reading, the prophet Nathan confronts David with his sin of adultery and how he planned the murder of the woman’s rightful husband. The reading begins with Nathan recounting God’s blessings on David: God has chosen him and anointed him as king of his people. Nathan suggests that David’s guilt is all the greater because he has been so blessed by God. David’s sins of adultery and premeditated murder were tantamount to a rejection of God and Nathan attests to this in verse 9 "why have you spurned the Lord?"

Confronted with his terrible failures, David admits his wrongdoing: "I have sinned against the Lord." Then Nathan assures David of God’s forgiveness. "The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin: you shall not die." In the context of today’s gospel, Nathan’s proclamation of God’s mercy is the main focus of this reading. God’s willingness to forgive us is always greater than our ability to offend him.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 32

This penitential psalm was prayed during public confession of sin. It celebrates God’s willingness to forgive when we are willing to admit our sins. (See Psalm 51 for David’s own act of contrition for his sins.)

SECOND READING: Galatians 2:16, 19-21

In this reading, Paul is developing the central thesis of his apostolic ministry, namely that salvation comes to us as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ, and not as a result of our observance of the prescriptions of the Mosaic Law. Only faith in the saving power of the risen Christ can bring us salvation. Our role in our salvation is humble acceptance of the gift offered by Christ.

GOSPEL: Luke 7:36-48

This gospel is a powerful expression of the unconditional love that God has for the sinner. The scene includes an action and a parable with the latter explaining the former. Jesus shows that he forgives the woman’s sins by accepting her act of hospitality, even before he pronounces the words of his forgiveness. And, as his parable explains, her love, in turn, is great because she has been forgiven much. Commenting on this gospel, John Scmitz writes:

The Pharisee represents those community members who stingily dispense forgiveness and carefully select those worthy of it. Most likely they excluded their own kind from even needing forgiveness.

The penitent woman represents those community members who openly admit their need of God’s forgiveness by their attitudes and actions. Such behavior Jesus encourages and praises.

The sandwiched parable of the generous money-lender suggests that God forgives all types of people – sinners great and small. Those sinners most receptive to God’s love are abundantly blessed, while those perfect Pharisee-types receive little forgiveness because of their blindness.

The women named at the end of today’s reading become very important. They represent those who had received the healing touch of Jesus. A true ministry of forgiveness and healing can take place only in a community where the members receive this healing themselves before they try to extend it to others. Luke seems to indicate that these women performed this ministry quite effectively.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you most and why?

2. King David commits adultery, even though he had several wives, and covers up his grievous sin by planning for the murder of the woman’s husband. Was God too soft on David? Should he not, at least, have demanded that David be fired or deposed? Would you?

3. Nathan could have turned a blind eye to David’s sin. Instead he confronted him and led him to repentance? Have you ever had a similar experience, being lead to repentance or leading another to repentance? If so, what was that experience like for you? If not, can you imagine what that experience might be like? Should we always turn a blind eye to the sins of others?

4. How do you understand the connection between faith and good works? Do most Catholics act as if their salvation depended on their good works?

5. In the past sexual sins were often regarded as the worst sins. Today they are hardly ever mentioned. Has the church gone soft in this area?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

How can you act on the message of today’s readings? Suggestion: Spend sometime reflecting on the awesome nature of God’s love. If you are harboring resentment towards others, pray for the grace to extend God’s mercy to him/her.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Spend sometime praying for your own needs and the needs of others.

Sharing of life: Share what you are most and lest grateful for this week.

Facilitator reads focus statement: The Church only celebrates three births: Jesus, Mary and John’s. All other feast days are fixed on the day of a saint’s death – his/her birthday in heaven. Tradition believes that John was born like Mary free from original sin. Recall how John leaped with joy when he encountered Jesus in her womb (Luke 1:41). This belief is not a dogma of the Church. John will always be special in our Church family because he is the one who prepared the people for Jesus.

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

FIRST READING: Isaiah 49:1-6

In the book of Isaiah, there are four "Suffering Servant Songs, passages that refer to a mysterious person. In the early Church, the servant was often identified with Jesus. For this feast, we can identify this servant-person with John the Baptist who is also a very special servant of God.

Like John the Baptist, this servant was called from the moment of his conception. The servant is set aside to carry out a special mission. He is endowed with an eloquence as piercing as a sharp-edged sword or a polished arrow. His being "concealed in the shadow of God’s arm" may indicate divine protection.

The servant shares his soul with us when he ways that he believes he has "toiled in vain." But God reassures him that his "reward or recompense is with God." With a deep sense that God is him strength, the servant believes that he will be used to restore Israel and bring light to the nations.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 139

These verses are a beautiful reflection on God as always being with us from the moment he knit us in our mother’s womb.

SECOND READING: Acts 13:22-26

This reading is a part of a larger speech in which Paul emphasizes the various activities God undertook for Israel. The activity of Jesus is, of course, central to God’s entire saving plan.

In these verses, Paul indicates how special David was to God. "He was a man after God’s own heart." Jesus, a descendent of David, was heralded by John the Baptist who preached a "baptism of repentance." But John was only the precursor of Jesus. He was not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal straps. Paul concludes by saying that his message of salvation was meant for us.

GOSPEL: Luke 1:57-66, 80

The birth of John was seen as an act of mercy on the part of God since Elizabeth had been barren and barrenness was considered a curse. The response to God’s mercy is rejoicing on the part of the people, a favorite theme in Luke. As faithful Jews, the parents have John circumcised. Then he is named - an event that causes wonder, since everyone anticipates that the child would be called Zechariah, after his father. But both parents insist that the name by John. When Zechariah writes on the tablet that the child will be named John, his ability to speak is restored. He has now fulfilled the angel’s command to call the infant, John, a name which means "God has shown favor."

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you and why?

2. Have you ever thought that you "toiled in vain" with your children or with other projects? What helped you to get through such times?

3. What do you make of the fact that David, an adulterer and murderer, is called a "man after God’s own heart?" What might this say to us about God?

4. Share some of the circumstances of your birth, e.g., was it a tough pregnancy for your mother, where were you born, your first and last name etc.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

What is one way to act on today’s readings? Be more aware of how special you are in God’s eyes and how he has called you to be his servant.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray that all those who are pregnant will deliver a healthy child. Pray for all considering an abortion at this time will choose life.

Sharing of life: What does July 4th mean to you? Do you have any special memories of this day from your earlier years?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The words "journey", "commitment", and "discipleship" sum up the message of today’s readings. In the first reading, Elijah says good-bye to family and a former way of life to embark on a new journey of commitment and discipleship to God. In the Gospel, Jesus "resolutely" and with determination sets out on a journey to Jerusalem where he will pay the ultimate price for his fidelity to his Father. As he journeys, he tells prospective disciples "the cost" they will pay for following him. The second reading points to a journey form "living in the flesh" to "living in the spirit".

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

FIRST READING: 1 Kings 13:16, 19-21

This is a story of prophetic succession. It is done not only by spoken word, but also by symbolic action – the passing of a mantle. The passing of a mantle indicates that Elisha is being invested with the authority of Elijah. Elisha is very willing to respond to his call, but first asks if he can bid farewell to his parents. Elijah’s harsh remark is no harsher than Jesus’ in today’s Gospel. The killing of the oxen is a symbolic action by which Elisha makes a total break with his former life as a farmer. Finally, before Elisha would become a full-fledged, independent prophet, he must first serve as Elijah’s attendant.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 16

The exclusive character of the prophet’s love for Yahweh fits in well with today’s responsorial psalm.

SECOND READING: Galatians 5:1, 13-18

In these verses, Paul speaks about Christian freedom. Through baptism and the grace of Christ, Christians have been freed from the tyranny of the law and from enslavement to sin. But freedom is both a gift and a daily challenge. God graces us with true freedom to serve him in love, but if we do not cooperate with his grace we will fall back again into the ‘yoke of slavery’.

Christian freedom is not a license to do what we want, especially not a license to follow every urging of the flesh. Rather, Christian freedom calls us to be free to serve others in love. For the Galatians to go "biting and devouring each other" would be totally contrary to what their baptism and Christian freedom calls them to.

Paul exhorts his readers to live by the spirit and not by the flesh. Paul’s intention here is not to set up a false opposition between our physical and spiritual selves. For Paul, ‘the flesh’ is that part of us, which has not yet surrendered to God, the part of us that is inclined towards selfish and sinful ways. The ‘spirit’ on the other hand, is that part of us that seeks to follow God’s promptings. If we submit to the Holy Spirit he will help us to resist the inclinations of the flesh and embrace the ways of Jesus.

GOSPEL: Luke 9:51-67

Today’s Gospel begins Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem where he will face death. Luke uses the image of journey as a metaphor for the Christian life. As Jesus travels, he instructs his followers on the meaning and cost of true discipleship. Prospective disciples must be willing to encounter rejection ("the Samaritans would not welcome him"), poverty ("nowhere to lay his head"), sacrifice of one’s previous priorities, ("let the dead bury the dead and proclaim the Kingdom of God"). In other words, true discipleship calls for a total break with one’s entire past.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

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

2. In our first reading we have the ‘passing of the mantle’ of prophetic leadership from Elijah to Elisha. Can you name an experience from your family, work or church life when this happened to you? What was that experience like for you?

3. ‘Curbing the cravings of the flesh’ can be a big challenge in a society that is so self-indulgent. Is there a craving of the flesh that is a big challenge for you? If so, what helps you to curb this craving?

4. Today Luke begins what is often called his "journey narrative" (9:51 – 18:14). Jesus journeys to Jerusalem. Can you share one example of when your life took a new direction and the consequences of that choice or new direction?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Take time to reflect on the journey of your life. Where is it going? Are you peaceful with its present direction? Would you like your life to go in a different direction? If so, name one thing you can do to move in the new direction.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for new Disciples of Christ that they may have people to teach them by word and example.

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

Facilitator reads focus statement: Our first reading celebrates Israel’s return home from exile. In the second reading, Paul shares with us how he bears the marks of Christ on his body. In the Gospel, Jesus commissions the seventy-two disciples to go forth and share the Good News he came to bring. A spirit of joy pervades all three readings.

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

FIRST READING: Isaiah 66:10-14

This reading is a part of a larger poem, which announces the return of the Israelites from exile. It announces the end of a time of suffering and the beginning of a new era of peace for Jerusalem and her inhabitants. "Rejoice with Jerusalem . . ." Isaiah uses the image of motherhood to characterize the relationship that will exist between Jerusalem and her inhabitants as well as the loving care that this relationship will provide. Like a nurturing mother, Jerusalem will give of herself, feeding her inhabitants from the fullness of her body. The very city for which they had preciously mourned will now comfort her children.

Then the author uses the image of motherhood to speak about God’s tender care for all who live in Jerusalem. Some of us today who are accustomed to only thinking of God in male images may find the motherly image of God surprising if not shocking.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 66

The strong joyous spirit of this psalm echoes the joy found in all three readings this Sunday.

SECOND READING: Galatians 6:14-18

This reading is the closing verses of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Some of Paul’s audience, the Judaizers (who tried to impose Jewish customs on Gentile Christians) boasted of circumcision as a sign of their favor with God. For Paul circumcision means nothing. What matters is the cross of Christ and the new life it makes available to him. For Paul to boast of the cross of Christ was amazing when we realize how crucifixion was regarded in his time. It was a degrading death reserved for slaves, violent criminals and political rebels. Who would want to boast of this kind of death? Paul also refers to how his commitment to Christ has led him to share in the sufferings of Christ. The "marks of Jesus" on his body is most likely a reference to the many beatings he received.

GOSPEL: Luke 10:1-2, 17-20

In today’s Gospel, Jesus commissions seventy-two disciples in pairs to share the Good News to all ready to listen. (Seventy-two represented all the nations of the world. Hence, their mission was to all people.) Before they depart, Jesus warns them that all will not receive them warmly ("lambs among wolves"). He also tells them to travel lightly, trust in him. The urgency of the mission is underlined by the words: "Greet no one on the way." Jesus is telling them not to waste time with social niceties and not to waste time looking for suitable lodgings. Accept whatever is offered. If people open their hearts to you, accept their offer of hospitality. Cure their sick, cast out demons. If people close their hearts to you, do not waste time arguing with them. Move on to the next town. The Master is in charge.

The reading ends with the return of the seventy-two disciples and their stories of success. Jesus places their experiences in their true context. As impressive as were the wondrous deeds they had witnessed, even more wondrous still was the fact their names had been inscribed in the heavenly book. (Exodus 32:32).

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

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

2. How does the image of God as a mother appeal to you? Does feminine images of God disturb or help your relationship with God.

3. In the second reading, Paul talks boasting about the cross of Christ, which gained for him salvation. Can you name one time past or present when carrying a particular cross helped you to grow spiritually?

4. How easy is it for you to "travel light" in the journey of life?

5. This Sunday is the Fourth of July. What does this Day of Independence mean to you? What do you like most and least about our country?

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYER OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for all missionaries at home and abroad. Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Pray for America.

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

Facilitator reads focus statement: In our first reading, Moses reminds the Israelites that the law of God is "already in your mouths and in your hearts". This truth is echoed by the lawyer in the Gospel who readily quotes the law. Jesus, echoing Moses, urges the lawyer to do what he already knows. The compassionate action of the Good Samaritan reveals to us the "image of the invisible God", which Paul speaks about in the second reading.

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

FIRST READING: Deuteronomy 30:10-14

This is an excerpt from Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites in which he instructs them about the importance of the Law and its accessibility. He exhorts them to commit themselves to the Lord by observing his commandments. Previously, these commandments were considered as external to them, now they are presented as springing from within themselves. They are written in the people’s hearts and not far away from them. They can be understood by anyone who is open to God.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 69

Confidence in God in the midst of adversity is the key feature of this psalm of lament.

SECOND READING: Colossians 1:15-20

This reading is an excerpt from an early Christian hymn, which focuses on the divine nature and prerogatives of the risen Christ, rather than on his humanity. These verses underscore the cosmic role, superiority and significance of Christ. Christ is the icon or visible presence of God in our midst. As the wisdom of God, present at the creation of the world, Christ is God’s "blueprint plan" as ordered. All things are made through him and for him. All things are designed to be in him. Christ is also head of the Church. Despite the lofty images Paul uses to speak of Christ, he ends by grounding them in the historical reality of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, the redemptive event that stands at the heart of his Lordship over all creation.

GOSPEL: Luke 10:25-37

In this well-known parable, a scholar of the law seeks to embarrass Jesus by challenging his knowledge of the law. Jesus turns the lawyer’s challenge back on him. By asking him to answer his own question. Jesus uses the lawyer’s second question; who is my neighbor? To tell a parable and to communicate that one’s neighbor is any person in need, irrespective of class, race, color or creed.

We should note that the priest and Levite in the story are not the cold-hearted people that they are often made out to be. If they had touched what seemed like a dead corpse, they would have incurred ritual defilement and thus be unable to carry on their duties at the Temple. Then comes a Samaritan, a half-cast and despised by Jews. But this supposedly good-for-nothing fellow is moved by great compassion for the man who is almost dead. He treats him with great care and tenderness and pays for his care at the local inn. The lawyer who tried to trick Jesus is now forced to recognize that his enemy is the one who showed love for the person in need. Jesus ends by exhorting all to "go and to likewise." Christianity is not a spectator’s sport. It is a call to compassionate action.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. In the first reading, we are told that the Word of God is not external to us; rather it is in our hearts. What is your experience? Do you generally tend to think of God’s Word as external to you or do you often experience it as present in your heart?

2. In the Gospel, Jesus holds up as an example for the Jewish lawyer someone whom his people despised. If Jesus held up for you someone from a group you tend to despise or write off (liberals, conservatives, Muslims, homeless, rich people, gays, etc.) how hard would it be for you to hear his words? How would that challenge you?

3. As we look at the behavior of the Good Samaritan, what can we learn from him about how to respond to a person in need?

4. Name one Good Samaritan you know. What makes the person a Good Samaritan?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on these readings. Suggestion: Observe yourself this week and see to what extent you treat others with compassion.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Especially pray for Hospice workers and all who work with the needy, sick and homebound.

Sharing of life: What gave you life and what drained life from you this past week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings are two beautiful stories about hospitality shown to divine persons. In the second reading, Paul speaks of his mission to the Gentiles and how his sufferings in some way supplement those of Christ.

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

FIRST READING: Genesis 18:1-10

In this classic-like story from the ancient Near East, heavenly beings come in disguise to a humble home, receiving hospitality from those living there and reward the family with the announcement of the future birth of a child. The author(s) of Genesis made use of this form of storytelling to show how God intended to be faithful to his promise of a child to Abraham, whose name means "father of a multitude of nations".

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 15

Those who live virtuously with others are the ones who are worthy to stand in the presence of God.

SECOND READING: Colossians 1:24-28

In this reading, Paul speaks about his sufferings and his ministry to the Gentiles. Paul’s reference to how his sufferings make up for "what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ" has been the subject of much discussion. Obviously, Paul is not saying what he seems to be saying, namely, that there was something lacking in the saving acts of Christ, which were totally complete. Commenting on the statement of Paul, Patricia Sanchez writes: "While the saving work of Jesus was complete, his campaign against sin is still being waged in and through the members of his Body, the Church." Paul is rejoicing for his share in this campaign. Paul’s sufferings on behalf of the Body of Christ, help to extend the boundaries of the church.

GOSPEL: Luke 10:38-42

Scholars like to point out the placement of this story in Luke’s Gospel. It comes immediately on the heels of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, which highlighted the "action-dimension" of the Christian life. This story is intended to balance that by highlighting the "contemplative-dimension." The story is not intended to be a put-down on Martha and her attention to the practical details of hospitality. Without the Martha’s of this world, Jesus may not have gotten something to eat and the dirty dishes would have all piled up in the kitchen. Having said that, Martha needed to learn that even more important than the practical details of hospitality, was the action of sitting at the feet of Jesus in order to listen to his words. The "better part" is be devoted to Christ above all things and to be his faithful disciple, which in reality will involve both listening to Jesus and following his word. In the Christian life, we are called to balance and integrate the active and contemplative dimensions. We go from prayer to action and from action to prayer and hope that our action will also be a prayer. We need to keep in balance the Martha and Mary dimensions of our Christian life.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

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

2. In the first reading, when God comes knocking at Abraham’s door, he shows him much hospitality. Can you recall one experience when you felt God was knocking at your door? If so, how did you respond?

3. In the second reading, Paul states that his sufferings joined to those of Christ do help in some mysterious way to further the mission. Does this spiritual truth hold any practical value for you?

4. Do you tend to be more like Martha or Mary? How can you keep a healthy balance between prayer and action.

5. How would you rate your parish when it comes to hospitality? How are newcomers welcomed and helped to integrate into the parish? How could your parish be more hospitable? [Let your Pastor know.]

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Draw up a list of ways that the ministry of hospitality could be improved in your parish. Offer them to you pastor and hospitality ministry. This week observe how well you keep a balance between prayer and action.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the grace to see God in the strangers you meet and to keep the balance between prayer and action.

Sharing of life: What gave you life and what drained life from you this past week?

Facilitator reads focus statement: Our first reading is a concrete example of a person persevering in intercessory prayer, which Jesus speaks about in the Gospel. Both readings also speak about the justice and mercy of God. The second reading is a baptismal instruction in which Paul describes the effects of the resurrection of Christ in the lives of believers.

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

FIRST READING: GENESIS 18:20-32

This week’s first reading picks up where last week’s reading left off. After the departure of the mysterious strangers from his tent, Abraham finds himself walking with the Lord bargaining over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. The reading is a wonderful example of how to be humble before God and at the same time assertive and courageous. Also notice how approachable God is in the story. Even though one could see the reading as a wonderful example of one person persevering in prayer (as Jesus exhorts us to do in the Gospel), the reading is more about the nature of divine justice. A central question in the conversation between God and Abraham is: Should not the judge of all the world act with justice? The answer is obvious. Of course he should. In the reading, Abraham questions God six times about the parameters of divine justice and six times God appears to adjust them. The sacred worth of the few is upheld. For the sake of a few innocent people, God is willing to spare the city. (If we read on further, we will find that the city is destroyed because no innocent people could be found.)

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 138

This is psalm of gratitude of God who has given hope to a people feeling lost and abandoned.

SECOND READING: Colossians 2:12-14

In these three verses, Paul shares with us the awesome effects of baptism in the life of the believer. Prior to baptism, the believer was spiritually dead due to sin. In and through the cross, Jesus cancelled our debt of sin. He wiped it out. In the waters of baptism believers share in this redeeming work of Christ. Jesus, as it were, takes us down into the tomb of death, washing us totally of sin, and he raises us up to new life in him. We are literally, on a spirit/soul level, a new creation. The debt owed to God was completely wiped out. In response, we would hopefully desire to and struggle daily to remain clean, free, forgiven and faithful.

GOSPEL Luke 11:1-13

In this Gospel passage, Jesus responds to his disciple’s request for instructions on prayer: "Lord teach us to pray." We can first note that Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer is shorter than Matthew’s (the ‘Protestant’ version, which has "for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.….") A brief comment on each part of a prayer that books have been written on:

"Our Father…" The prayer is primarily intended to be a community prayer versus a private one. Notice Jesus says: "Our", not "My". Became God is Our Father; all of us are not only his sons and daughters but also brothers and sisters.

"Father". Scholars love to point out that the word Jesus used for ‘Father’ is more accurately translated "dada" or "pop". This is very important because it tells us that Jesus wants us to share the same close intimacy with his Father that he shared. Ideally, we should approach God with the confidence of a child or with the confidence of Abraham in the first reading.

"Hallowed be your Name." In the Hebrew mind a person’s name stood for his whole character and being. Thus, when we say: "Hallowed be your name" we are saying "that those who know the whole character and mind and heart of God will gladly put their trust in him" (William Barclay).

"Your Kingdom come." May God’s kingdom of peace, love, justice and truth become a reality in our world and in the hearts of people.

As we grow in our awareness of the all-powerful and all-holy God, we also become aware of our neediness before God. We need what it takes to make it through each day (daily bread). We need mercy for our sins. And we need strength in time of trial. Note the prayer mentions the "final test". This is a reference to the trials that will come at the end of the world. There is also recognition that as we experience God’s mercy, we will extend that same mercy to all who have hurt us.

Having taught his disciples to whom they should pray (God as Papa) and for what to pray (God’s Kingdom, bread, mercy and strength in adversity), Jesus then rounds out his lesson with advice on how to pray, namely, with persistence. As we read Jesus’ brief parable we should avoid comparing God to the reluctant friend, whom we need to hassle to get what we need. Rather, the point is: if a reluctant, imperfect friend is willing to answer our plea for help, how much more so will God seek to respond to our prayer? But we must ask, speak and knock.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you most and why?

2. Share the why, the what, how, where and when of your personal prayer.

3. Do you think God sometimes answers our prayer with a "no"? Can you recall an example? How did you feel about a "no-answer"?

4. What lessons about prayer have you learned over the years?

5. When it comes to prayer, what do you think is the most important thing to remember?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on today’s readings. Suggestion: Try to connect prayer with the issues of your life.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the grace of perseverance in prayer.

Sharing of life: What do you like most and least about the season of summer?

Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings speak about the fleeting nature of human life, especially of earthly riches. Paul complements this point by encouraging his readers to seek "the things that are above".

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

FIRST READING: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:21-23

Qoheleth is not a proper name, but a term for someone who convenes an assembly, e.g., a teacher. The word "vanity" means breath or vapor. Qoheleth used the word vanity to describe those things in life that are transient and therefore worthless and empty, e.g., riches, power, pleasures. Qoheleth (who did not know about an after-life) reminds us that when death comes, all these things that we worked so hard for will evaporate into nothingness. Therefore, the ancient sage frequently reminds his readers in this book to find meaning and purpose in the ordinary joys that God gives us in this life.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 90

The psalmist also speaks about the fleeting nature and transitoriness of human existence. The psalmist prays for the wisdom of heart that will enable people to live the few days they have committed to the things of God.

SECOND READING: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Our second reading is a strong exhortation to faithfully live out our baptism. Our new life in Christ, calls us to keep our focus on heavenly things, to cast aside all sinful things and to be detached from earthly things. Because of our conversion to Christ he must be the center of our lives. As Paul said elsewhere, in contrast to our relationship with Christ all else is rubbish. In the final verse, Paul states that our new life in Christ should lead us to banish all forms of discrimination from our hearts.

GOSPEL: Luke 12:13-21

This Gospel reading is a part of a larger section, which deals with the potential dangers of material riches for disciples of Jesus.

The reading opens with a person asking Jesus to be an arbiter between himself and his brother. Jesus refuses to comment, but uses the situation to give a strong warning about the danger of spending one’s life amassing material possessions. Jesus, a wisdom teacher, seeks to show the foolishness of using one’s energies to be rich in the eyes of people rather than to be rich in the eyes of God. The rich man is also foolish because he failed to place his trust in God. Jesus wanted his disciples to be aware of the seductive nature of material wealth and how it can distract us from God and seeking spiritual wealth, which guarantees us eternal life.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you most and why?

2. In the first reading, the author wonders what is life all about. He seems pretty bored. Complete this sentence: "For me the purpose of life is . . . " To what extent does the way you spend your time reflect your statement about life’s purpose?

3. How hard is it for you to live in this world while keeping "your eyes fixed on what is above?"

4. The gospel is a severe warning about how attachment to material things may cause us to loose our soul. How do you keep in check whatever greedy tendencies you may have?

5. In your opinion, what percentage of your parish budget should be set aside to serve the needs of the poor? How does the poor feature in your budget?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on these readings. Suggestions: Repair a relationship that may have been strained by lying, greed or competition. Take time to reflect on your attitude towards material wealth.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for all suffering from the weather and for protection from hurricanes and tornados.