THIRD SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME, CYCLE C

Open with a prayer: Gracious Lord, you reveal yourself to us through your Word. During our time together, open our minds and hearts as we share your Word. May we allow your Word to both comfort us and challenge us. Amen.

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

Facilitator reads focus statement: The first and third readings and the psalm focus on the power, beauty and truthfulness of God's Word. In the second reading, Paul calls for unity in a community blessed with many diverse gifts.

Now read the readings, pausing briefly after each one. Consider reading the commentary after each reading, if you have not already done so.

FIRST READING: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

When the Israelites returned from exile, not only had the cities to be rebuilt and the land restored, but also the people had to be rededicated to God and his word. Ezra, the priest/scribe, was entrusted with the spiritual renewal and rededication of his people. In today's reading, Ezra is leading the people in a 'covenant renewal' ceremony, at the center of which is a long proclamation of God's Word (from sunrise to midday). The people are very moved as they listen to God's Word. Everyone is weeping. They realize how they have been unfaithful to God and how much they have missed hearing his Word. The rededication ceremony is concluded with a feast.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 19

The psalm celebrates the goodness and beauty of God's law, which to the Israelites was the same as God's Word.

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

The Corinthian community was plagued by factions of varying kinds. In today's reading, Paul is preaching unity without diminishing the value of diversity. Just as each of our physical body parts must work together to ensure the proper functioning of the whole body, so must all the members of the Church, the Body of Christ, work together. Mutual respect, cooperation and support should characterize the interaction among the members of the community. Each gift is valuable and should be used to build up the community.

GOSPEL: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Today's gospel begins with the opening verses from Luke's Gospel. Imitating the Greek writers of his time, Luke begins by addressing his message to a particular person. Theophilus ("friend of God") may have been a friend of Luke and a wealthy patron. Luke tells us that in his gospel, he is going to share with us events from the ministry of Jesus as handed on to him by eyewitnesses. Luke's hope and desire is that his message will lead others to accept Jesus and surrender their lives to him.

Then we move to what is often called Jesus' "Inaugural Address" or "Mission Statement". He uses verses from Isaiah to announce his Mission Statement. As the people listen, they should clearly realize that he is not going to be a political or military Messiah. Rather, he is going to be a servant who will proclaim, by word and deed, God's love and concern for the poor, the disenfranchised, and the spiritually and physically handicapped. Jesus concludes by saying that he is the fulfillment of Israel's Messianic expectations.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

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

2. The scene described in the first reading is very emotional. All the people are weeping as they listen to the Word of God being proclaimed. Are there particular verses in the Scripture that have touched or do touch your life deeply?

3. In the second reading, Paul is addressing divisive issues in the Corinthian community. What, if anything, causes dissension in your local parish? Or what causes dissension in the larger church that we belong to?

4. What helps you to keep Jesus as the reason for the season?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on these readings. Suggestions: Choose a phrase or verse from Jesus' Inaugural Address and keep it in your heart all week. Be more aware of how the Spirit expects you to bless those around you and your parish with the gift(s) he has given you.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION