Sunday, November 1, All Saints

Reading I: Revelation 7:2–4, 9–14 (rejoicing of the elect)
Reading II: 1 John 3:1–3 (children of God)
Gospel: Matthew 5:1–12 (the beatitudes)

Key Passage: Matthew 5:12 (blest are you)

Adult: What is the greatest challenge of the beatitudes for you?
Child: What does it mean to be blessed by God?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

The eyes of faith

Reading I: Jeremiah 31:7–9 (the restoration)
Reading II: Hebrews 5:1–6 (Jesus, the high priest)
Gospel: Mark 10:46–52 (the blind Bartimaeus)

Key Passage: Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10:52)

Adult: What have your eyes of faith helped you see in a new way?
Child: What do you like most about the story of Bartimaeus? Why?
(from Pastoral Planning.com)

Sharing my thoughts:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:” (Eccl 3:1) Reading between those lines one can then assume that there is a season for slowing down – a season for retirement. The beginning of Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes is familiar to most; however, verse 22 is not quite so familiar: “So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot...” Therein lies the difficulty in the discernment of my retirement. Privileged to serve the Body of Christ at St Olaf for sixteen (16) years as Deacon and graced to be a member of this faith community for twenty-five (25) years has been, and continues to be, a blessing in my life. Although I was unable to bring myself to the decision to retire; I was able to convince myself that it was time to slow down. Beginning October 17, 2015, I will continue to be Deacon of the Mass at all three masses on the third weekend of each month. The remaining weekends I will be Deacon of the Mass at one mass each weekend. My mass of attendance will change each weekend; however, my attendance will rotate between all three weekend masses so that I may join in prayer with each segment of this community. I will continue with my involvement in parish life: Outreach Committee, various parish ministries and interaction with parish members. On the Eau Claire Deanery level, I will continue my work with the Marriage Preparation Program as I so enjoy the interaction with the engaged couples and the married couples who so graciously share their lives and experiences with those beginning the journey of marriage. May the Lord bless your lives and may your lives be a blessing for all whom you encounter on the journey of life.
†Deacon Bob

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Quiet sacrifice

Reading I: Isaiah 53:10–11 (the suffering servant)
Reading II: Hebrews 4:14–16 (Jesus, compassionate high priest)
Gospel: Mark 10:35–45 (ambition of James and John)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.” (Mark 10:44)

Adult: Why is it hard to do good works if you will not be acknowledged for them?
Child: Are you willing to do a good deed even if no one knows that you did it? Why?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Childlike faith

Reading I: Genesis 2:18–24 (second story of creation, the creation of woman)
Reading II: Hebrew 2:9–11 (Jesus’ exaltation through abasement)
Gospel: Mark 10:2–16 (question of divorce and Jesus blessing the children)

Key Passage: Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10:15)

Adult: What could keep you from embracing the kingdom of God like a little child?
Child: How do you feel when you hear the wonderful stories of God’s love for you?
(from PastoralPlanning.com)