18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1: Ecclesiates 1:2; 2:21-23 - Today's readings fit together like three panels of a colorful mural called "Set Your Heart on the Kingdom." This first reading insists that "All things are vanity!" For the author, vanity meant "emptiness" or "straw." He is telling us that it is useless to set out hearts on things that must be left behind when we die.  Make a list of your concerns. Are any of them "vain"? How are you on the right track in your priorities? When are you overly concerned with vain things?
Reading 2: Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11 - In what ways have you bee tempted to beleive that more is better?
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21 - How important is making money? Jesus knows that we all need enough to live on. Each person's need will be a little bit different. Each family's needs will be a little bit different. But Jesus warns here against piling up money and ignoring what really makes us rich, love of God and love of others.

http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/weeksliturgy.cfm?section=resource&id=96

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 - Genesis 18:20-32: What does justice mean to you? What does mercy mean to you?  As Jesus said, both the weeds and the wheat will grow together until the final harvest. We must learn to live with people who do not always do the right or the best thing, who are weak and sinful. And sometimes those people are us! Can we be merciful toward people who are sinful and weak, including ourselves? How? Our natural tendency is to get even with those who hurt us, to administer our own kind of "justice." What does this story have to say about that?
Reading 2 - Colossians 2:12-14: God does not use his power to force us to pray, or to help others, or to forgive. When do you experience the power of God in your life?  How can you show your gratitude to Jesus this week for dying and rising for us?
Gospel - Luke 11:1-13: Imagine that you are in the group of disciples who asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Are you surprised that this prayer seems so simple and easy?

http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/weeksliturgy.cfm?section=resource&id=91

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1: Genesis 18:1-10a - Abraham is revered by both Jews and Christians because he was a man of faith. He believed God's promises, even when the odds seemed to be against him. In Eucharistic Prayer I, we ask God to accept our gifts "as you accepted the gifts of Abraham, our father in faith." We are children of Abraham because we believe in God's promises to us. What promises of God do you believe in? 
We often fear the stranger at our door, and it is wise to be cautious. But that should not prevent us from "welcoming strangers" whenever we can. Have new neighbors moved in? How can I welcome them to the neighborhood? Is there someone new at school who would appreciate a friend? Do I stick with old friends at the parish coffee hour or socials, or do I "welcome strangers" as Abraham and Sarah did? Each one of us can be a messenger from God in our own way. If we neglect to welcome others, we may miss the message of God's love given to us in a new friend! In what situations could you welcome newcomers?
Reading 2: Colossians 1:24-28 - Reflect for a moment on "the mystery of Christ in you." How is Christ in you? Do you experience his presence in you? When? How does the fact that Christ is in you give you hope?
Gospel: Luke 10:38-42 - Most of our lives are a combination of Martha and Mary. (Even cloistered monks and nuns, devoted to lives of prayer, have hours of work every day.) However, if our lives are all-Martha-all-the-time, they may be out of balance. We may be missing "the better part." (There is an ironic joke that goes: "At the time of death, no one says, 'I wish I had spent more time at the office.' ") How can we put more Mary-like listening into our lives? When do we make time to listen to our families? our friends? When do we make time to listen to Jesus?

http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/weeksliturgy.cfm?section=resource&id=90

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel Luke 10:25-37 - What is Jesus' message in this parable? If you truly understand Jesus' message, how could you carry it out in your own school, neighborhood, or parish?  What person or people do you find most difficult to recognize as your neighbor?

http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/gather.cfm?page=faith&sp=§ion=resource&grade=&tp=discussion&id=89

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 - Isaiah 66:10-14c - In our society today, cities are often seen as dangerous. While this can be true, it is not the only truth about city life. It was certainly not the only fact about a city in ancient times. Cities were islands of safety in the midst of a lonely and dangerous environment. In the wilderness, alone, you could run out of food or be attacked by robbers or even wild animals. In the city, with its strong walls and city watchmen, among neighbors and friends, you were safe. In the city was found prosperity and peace. Here the city of Jerusalem is a symbol of safety and security. It is an image of God. Do you ever think of God as a walled city, safe and secure for you? Do you ever think of God as a mother, ready to carry you and comfort you? 
Reading 2 - Galatians 6:14-18 - Rituals are very important to us. The sacraments we receive are ritual actions that carry God's grace. Weddings, baptisms, and funerals help us find God in our lives. The Eucharist strengthens us each week to live our lives in the power of Jesus Christ. But we bring something very important to these rituals. We bring our faith. Faith is God's gift to us. By faith we say yes to God. Think about the way you celebrate the sacraments and other rituals of the Church. How do they help you say yes to God? 
Gospel - Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 - At this time, Jesus had seventy-two disciples. How many disciples does he have today? The number is probably in the millions. What are we, the disciples of Jesus, doing today to announce the kingdom of God? How are we carrying out Jesus' message of love and peace and justice and hope in our world today?
Imagine for a moment that Jesus sent you and a partner into your town or city to proclaim God's kingdom. How would you do it? What would you do first?
Is there a way you could do this very thing in reality? Why or why not?

http://www.sadlierreligion.com/webelieve/gather.cfm?page=faith&sp=§ion=resource&grade=&tp=discussion&id=88