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August 2015

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being a part of the Lectionary Based Small Christian Community (SCC) program at Holy Family Catholic Community. Your participation in this program is a model for Christian prayer in a small group, with scriptures; integrated into the larger pulse of the church community as it focuses on the scriptures that we listen to on the weekends.

We recently finished the Bread of Life Discourse cementing our belief in the Lord’s real presence in The Eucharist. Vacations are finished, summer will be coming to an end, and our school children have returned to our Academy. The community will once again begin its flurry of programs for the entire community.

This LBSCC guide takes us from the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time on August 30th through the end of the church/liturgical year, Sunday, November 22 for the Feast of Christ the King. As you gather to reflect on these scripture passages, enjoy the end of summer and the beauty of fall as it approaches. Please remember that our Sunday evening Mass will return to 4 pm starting with the weekend after Labor Day. It’s a great opportunity to pray with the teens of our community.

We are pleased to have so many of you involved in reflecting on the scriptures and thus deepening your faith. It is a pleasure for me to join you in this important formation experience. We are pleased to offer a variety of materials to nourish the process of growth and bonding. Please join me in thanking those who lead the SCC efforts, Pat and Charlie Lynch, who consistently provide high quality materials, suggestions and support in our shared mission statement of “…life-long learning”.

On behalf of Holy Family’s pastoral leadership and staff, may God continue to bless you and walk with you in this important journey of faith sharing and community building.

I close with the following words from Paul to the Romans (Romans 1:11-12) that I believe captures SCC:

“For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

Peace,

Fr. Terry Keehan

Lectionary Based Small Christian Community Guide

24th Edition

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time – Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . . 6AUGUST 30, 2015

29th Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . 20 OCTOBER 18, 2015

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . . . 8SEPTEMBER 6, 2015

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . . 22 OCTOBER 25, 2015

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . 10SEPTEMBER 13, 2015

Feast of All Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 NOVEMBER 1, 2015

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . . 12SEPTEMBER 20, 2015

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . 26 NOVEMBER 8, 2015

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . . 14SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . 28 NOVEMBER 15, 2015

27th Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . . 16OCTOBER 4, 2015

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time . . . . . 18OCTOBER 11, 2015

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe . . . . . . . . . . . 30 NOVEMBER 22, 2015

LBSCC Guide Holy Family Catholic Community Inverness, IL 60067 2

Gathering of the Small Christian Community

Fostering a Prayerful Environment Lighting the Candle

Music, Silent Prayer

Praying the Covenant Prayer

God Sightings How has anyone experienced God’s presence or the movement or will of God

in the events of your life or our world since the last time we met?

Breaking Open the Sacred Scripture Readings

DVD Reflection

Faith Sharing Questions

Responding to God’s Word What am I going to do, concretely, to live the message of the Gospel this week?

What can we do, as a small Christian community, short-range or long-term, to transform

society in light of the Scriptures we have heard proclaimed?

What outreach or social justice mission should we embrace as a group?

Closing Prayer Petitions

Our Father

22 nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME August 30, 20125

FIRST READINGDeuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-8

SECOND READINGJames 1:17-18, 21b-22,27


A reading from the Book of Deuteronomy

Moses said to the people: "Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees which I am teaching you to observe, that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God, which I enjoin upon you, you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, 'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.'For what great nation is there that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us whenever we call upon him?Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?"

A reading from the Letter of Saint James

Dearest brothers and sisters:All good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world.


22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time • August 30, 2015

GOSPELMark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Mark

When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus, they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.―For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews, do not eat without carefully washing their hands, keeping the tradition of the elders.And on coming from the marketplace they do not eat without purifying themselves.And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed, the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds.―So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him, "Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?"He responded, "Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines human precepts.You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition."He summoned the crowd again and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand.Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.

"From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.All these evils come from within and they defile."

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. Moses speaks of the law as gift, not burden. Is this the way you view God’s law? Give examples

2. Do you think that people today see those who observe God’s commands as wise and intelligent? If yes, give examples. If no, why do you think they don’t?

3. James defines religion in the last two lines of the 2nd reading. Is this your experience of religion? If yes, give examples. If not, should it be? Why?

4. What are the “things within” that can defile a person?

5. How might “religious practices” become routine? Give examples of some that may have become routine for you or for the church in general. How could they be revived to truly express praise and gratitude toward God?

SOCIAL JUSTICE QUESTION

There are many evils and injustices that come from within that defile our world today.

Discuss one issue that arose in the news recently. What can you do to address that issue in a

Christian manner?


23 rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME September 6, 2015

FIRST READINGIsaiah 35:4-7aA reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

Thus says the LORD: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing. Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water.

SECOND READINGJames 2:1-5A reading from the Letter of Saint James

My brothers and sisters, show no partiality as you adhere to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.For if a man with gold rings and fine clothes comes into your assembly, and a poor person in shabby clothes also comes in, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Sit here, please," while you say to the poor one, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil designs?

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters.Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he promised to those who love him?


23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time • September 6, 2015

GOSPELMark 7:31-37A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Mark

Again Jesus left the district of Tyre and went by way of Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, into the district of the Decapolis.And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment and begged him to lay his hand on him.He took him off by himself away from the crowd.He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue; then he looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, "Ephphatha!"― that is, "Be opened!" ―And immediately the man's ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.He ordered them not to tell anyone.But the more he ordered them not to, the more they proclaimed it.They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well.He makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."


1. Isaiah’s message is one of hope and encouragement. What message of hope would you deliver in our day? To whom would you deliver it?

2. What are the distinctions that still divide us as the Church of Christ?

3. What do you think the word “poor” means in the 2nd reading?

4. What are you deaf to that you need God’s power to overcome? What holds you mute that keeps you from proclaiming God’s kingdom?

5. Jack Shea suggests that Jesus’ command “Be opened” is directed more to the heart than to the ears and tongue. Why would this be?

6. Talk about a time when you felt that you were healed, either physically or spiritually. What was the impact of the healing on your faith?


What must “be opened” within us so that we see others that are in need of our attention?

What prejudices keep our eyes, ears and mouth closed?


24 th Sunday in Ordinary Time September 13, 2015

FIRST READINGIsaiah 50:4c-9aA reading fromthe Book of the Prophet Isaiah

The Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear;and I have not rebelled, have not turned back.I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard;my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting.

The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced;I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame.He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together.Who disputes my right? Let that man confront me.See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?

SECOND READINGJames 2:14-18A reading fromthe second Letter of Saint James

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?Can that faith save him?If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Indeed someone might say, "You have faith and I have works."Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.


24th Sunday in Ordinary Time • September 13, 2015


Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi.Along the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?"They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets."And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?"Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Christ."Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days.He spoke this openly.Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan.You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it."


1. All of us, at some point, suffer indignities and hardships. How do you rely on God’s strength in the midst of the challenges/trials you experience?

2. What is your understanding of suffering? Do you feel it is or can be a punishment? Do you think it is a part of life? If it is, is it a necessary or unnecessary part of life?

3. How alive do you feel that your faith is? How could it be more alive?

4. Who do you say Jesus is?

5. Even though Peter is quick to proclaim Jesus as Messiah he could not yet see all the implications of this. What have some of the implications been for you as you have tried to live out the faith you profess?


What cross are you bearing in order to lose your life for Jesus’ sake? In what way will new life grow that benefits others, especially those in need?



FIRST READINGWisdom 2:12, 17-20A reading from the Book of Wisdom

The wicked say: Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings, reproaches us for transgressions of the law and charges us with violations of our training. Let us see whether his words be true; let us find out what will happen to him. For if the just one be the son of God, God will defend him and deliver him from the hand of his foes. With revilement and torture let us put the just one to the test that we may have proof of his gentleness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a shameful death; for according to his own words, God will take care of him.

SECOND READINGJames 3:16―4:3A reading from the Letter of Saint James

Beloved:Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.

Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from?Is it not from your passions that make war within your members?You covet but do not possess.You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war.You do not possess because you do not ask.You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.




Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it.He was teaching his disciples and telling them, "The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise."But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him.

They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, "What were you arguing about on the way?"But they remained silent.They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest.Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all."Taking a child, he placed it in the their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, "Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me."


1. The “wicked” are testing to see if the “just one” will be delivered. Do we, sometimes, in our sin, test God to see if God still forgives us? How might we “test” God?

2. In James, self-centered attitudes and disordered desires lead to discord and conflict. How does that relate to the conflicts that arise in our lives, in our Church, in our world?

3. How can we cultivate, individually and as a community, the values listed in the letter of James?

4. In today’s American culture, why is it hard for us to accept Jesus teaching: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all”?

5. What does it mean to be a “child of God”? What qualities does a child possess that are essential for discipleship?


In our ministry to others, how do we put others first, so that we are served last?

What fears are keeping you from putting others first who are different from you?



FIRST READINGNumbers 11:25-29A reading from the Book of Numbers

The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses.Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses, the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders; and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.

Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad, were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp.They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp.So, when a young man quickly told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp," Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, "Moses, my lord, stop them."But Moses answered him, "Are you jealous for my sake?Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets!Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!"

SECOND READINGJames 5:1-6A reading from the Letter of Saint James

Come now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries.Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire.You have stored up treasure for the last days.Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter.You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.



GOSPELMark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Mark

At that time, John said to Jesus, "Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us."Jesus replied, "Do not prevent him.There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me.For whoever is not against us is for us.Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

"Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off.It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire.And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off.It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna.And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'"


1. Is there or has there been someone who surprised you with their spiritual awareness? If so, how?

2. Who are the people whom God has given you in your life to share your journey?

3. Is it wealth that is being condemned in the 2nd reading or something else?

4. The Gospel warns us that our behavior can lead others to sin. Talk about the effect of sin on the community and how it might be manifested.

5. What do you need to surrender or “cut off” in order not to sin against God?

6. Why could it be possible that cutting off a hand or plucking out an eye might not resolve a sin?


Pope Francis states, “All men and women of good will are bound by the task of pursing peace.” What must we “cut off” in order to fully engage in the work of justice?


27 th Sunday in Ordinary Time October 4, 2015

FIRST READINGGenesis 2:18-24A reading from the Book of Genesis

The LORD God said: "It is not good for the man to be alone.I will make a suitable partner for him."So the LORD God formed out of the ground various wild animals and various birds of the air, and he brought them to the man to see what he would call them; whatever the man called each of them would be its name.The man gave names to all the cattle, all the birds of the air, and all wild animals; but none proved to be the suitable partner for the man.

So the LORD God cast a deep sleep on the man, and while he was asleep, he took out one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.The LORD God then built up into a woman the rib that he had taken from the man.When he brought her to the man, the man said: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken."That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh.

SECOND READINGHebrews 2:9-11A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters:He "for a little while" was made "lower than the angels," that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering.He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin.Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them “brothers.”


27th Sunday in Ordinary Time • October 4, 2015


The Pharisees approached Jesus and asked, "Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?"They were testing him.He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?"They replied, "Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her."But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment.But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.So they are no longer two but one flesh.Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate."In the house the disciples again questioned Jesus about this.He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."

And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.


1. Does it seem, from the 1st reading, that God intended for man and woman to be equal to one another or not? Is that the way the relationship is viewed today in our world? In our Church?

2. In what ways are we “brothers and sisters in Christ’ and how does that matter to us in our faith journey?

3. How can or how does marriage reflect Christ’s unity with His people?

4. In terms of faith, what responsibilities does marriage require of each partner?

5. What characteristics of a child are necessary for faithful discipleship?

6. What is necessary for us to return to the childlike characteristics that enable us to receive the kingdom of God and enter into it?


Humans are social beings and naturally seek companionship and love.

Outside the union of marriage, what can you do to intentionally unite people, especially those

that are living of the fringes of society?



First ReadingWisdom 7:7-11A reading from the Book of Wisdom

I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.I preferred her to scepter and throne,and deemed richesnothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her;because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire.Beyond health and comeliness I loved her,and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep.Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands.

SECOND READINGHebrews 4:12-13A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters:Indeed the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.


As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?No one is good but God alone.You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother."He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing.Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me."



At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"The disciples were amazed at his words.So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God."They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?"Jesus looked at them and said, "For human beings it is impossible, but not for God.All things are possible for God."Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you."Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”


1. Is there a difference between being “wise” in the world and being “wise” in the Lord? Explain your answer

2. Give examples of when you have prayed for wisdom.

3. What is the power/significance of God’s Word in your life?

4. Put yourself in this Gospel scenario. What could Jesus ask of you that might cause your face to fall and for you to go away sad?

5. What have you “gained” by following Jesus?


How might you better recognize Jesus’ invitation and challenge to follow him in

your service to the poor in our community?



FIRST READINGIsaiah 53:10-11A reading from theBook of the Prophet Isaiah

The LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity.

If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.

Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days;through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.

SECOND READINGHebrews 4:14-16A reading from theLetter to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters:Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.




James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you."He replied, "What do you wish me to do for you?"They answered him, "Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left."Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking.Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?"They said to him, "We can."Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared."When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John.Jesus summoned them and said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt.But it shall not be so among you.Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."


1. Have you ever had an experience in which someone’s suffering accomplished good for another/ others? Explain how that happened.

2. What do you understand God’s mercy to mean?

3. How confident are you in approaching the God of mercy?

4. Who are faith leaders whom you have known whom you would identify as true servant leaders?

5. What has been the cup you have had to drink, the “cost” of your Baptism, as you have followed Christ? Has it been worth it?

6. Where is joy found in living as Jesus calls his disciples to live in the Gospel?


What does it mean to serve the needs of all? Who is all?



First ReadingJeremiah 31:7-9A reading from theBook of the Prophet Jeremiah

Thus says the LORD:Shout with joy for Jacob, exult at the head of the nations; proclaim your praise and say:The LORD has delivered his people, the remnant of Israel.Behold, I will bring them back from the land of the north;I will gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and the lame in their midst,the mothers and those with child; they shall return as an immense throng.They departed in tears, but I will console them and guide them;I will lead them to brooks of water, on a level road, so that none shall stumble.For I am a father to Israel, Ephraim is my first-born.

Second ReadingHebrews 5:1-6A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters:Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people.No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: You are my son: this day I have begotten you; just as he says in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.



GospelMark 10:46-52A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Mark

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging.On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me."Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."So they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?"The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.


1. From what has the Lord “delivered” you? What are the blessings and joys that you have received from the Lord because of this deliverance?

2. In the first reading Jeremiah gives an image of God as a parent who cares for his people with an ever-open heart to heal and embrace and forgive. Is that your image of God? If yes, what has helped you form that image? If no, what image do you have of God?

3. What qualities should a “priest” possess in our Church today?

4. What evidences of Bartimaeus’ faith are given in the Gospel? What are the evidences of your faith?

5. Have you ever pestered God for something and was that pestering answered as you wanted it to be answered?

6. As Ordinary Time draws to an end, in what ways have the Scriptures “opened your eyes” this liturgical year?


Has anyone on the street ever asked you for something? What was your response?


Feast of All Saints November 1, 2015

First ReadingRevelation 7:2-4.9-14A reading from the Book of Revelation

I, John, saw another angel come up from the East, holding the seal of the living God.He cried out in a loud voice to the four angelswho were given power to damage the land and the sea,“Do not damage the land or the sea or the treesuntil we put the seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.”I heard the number of those who had been marked with the seal,one hundred and forty-four thousand markedfrom every tribe of the children of Israel.

After this I had a vision of a great multitude,which no one could count,from every nation, race, people, and tongue.They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands.They cried out in a loud voice:“Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.”

All the angels stood around the throneand around the elders and the four living creatures.They prostrated themselves before the throne,worshiped God, and exclaimed:

“Amen. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving,honor, power, and mightbe to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

Then one of the elders spoke up and said to me,“Who are these wearing white robes, and where did they come from?”I said to him, “My lord, you are the one who knows.”He said to me,“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress;they have washed their robesand made them white in the Blood of the Lamb.”

Second Reading1 John 3:1-3A reading of the first Letter of Saint John

Beloved:See what love the Father has bestowed on usthat we may be called the children of God.Yet so we are.The reason the world does not know usis that it did not know him.Beloved, we are God’s children now;what we shall be has not yet been revealed.We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure.


31st Sunday in Ordinary Time • November 1, 2015

GospelMatthew 5:1-12aA reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Matthew

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.Blessed are they who mourn,for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the land.Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied.Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the clean of heart,for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute youand utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.Rejoice and be glad,for your reward will be great in heaven.”


1. How do you define “saint”? Who do you know who fits your definition?

2. Is there a particular “canonized’ saint that you admire and consider a patron? If so, why?

3. Have you ever felt rejected by the world because of your beliefs?

4. Discuss each of the Beatitudes individually. Talk about why each one would be something Jesus found important to teach to his disciples and now to us. Give examples of how each of the Beatitudes can be lived in a practical manner.

5. Do you know anyone who is a model for living one, more than one, or all of the Beatitudes?


Gospel love is not about feelings, but about making a choice to care regardless of how we

feel. What group of people in our society do you find most difficult to love and care about?


32 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time November 8, 2015

First Reading1 Kings 17:10-16A reading from the first Book of Kings

In those days, Elijah the prophet went to Zarephath.As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, "Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink."She left to get it, and he called out after her, "Please bring along a bit of bread."She answered, "As the LORD, your God, lives, I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug.Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die."Elijah said to her, "Do not be afraid.Go and do as you propose.But first make me a little cake and bring it to me.Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son.For the LORD, the God of Israel, says, 'The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the LORD sends rain upon the earth.'"She left and did as Elijah had said.She was able to eat for a year, and he and her son as well; the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the LORD had foretold through Elijah.

Second ReadingHebrews 9:24-28A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews

Christ did not enter into a sanctuary made by hands, a copy of the true one, but heaven itself, that he might now appear before God on our behalf.Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his own; if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world.But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice.Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.


32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time • November 8, 2015 GospelMark 12:38-44A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Mark

In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, "Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets.They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers.They will receive a very severe condemnation."

He sat down opposite the treasury and observed how the crowd put money into the treasury.Many rich people put in large sums.A poor widow also came and put in two small coins worth a few cents.Calling his disciples to himself, he said to them, "Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury.For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.”

QUESTIONS

1. Elijah did as God had directed him to do even though it seemed, in human terms, improbable that this widow could or would do what God told Elijah to ask her to do. When have you ever done something because you knew God was asking you to do it, even when it seemed improbable or impossible that it could work out?

2. The widow is an example of “hospitality”. How do you rate the hospitality of our faith community? of your family? How could they be improved upon?

3. Do you await the coming of the Lord with joy, trepidation or something else? Explain why you feel as you do.

4. Who do you think Jesus would denounce in our society today? Who would he praise?

5. From the readings today what seems to be God’s criteria for generosity? Is it amount or something else?


How does serving from your “poverty” of time, talent and treasure differ from serving from your

surplus?


33 rd Sunday in Ordinary Time November 15, 2015

First ReadingDaniel 12:1-3A reading fromthe Book of the Prophet Daniel

In those days, I, Daniel, heard this word of the Lord:"At that time there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people;it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time.At that time your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book.

"Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace.

"But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament,and those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever."

Second ReadingHebrews 10:11-14, 18A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews

Brothers and sisters:Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins.But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool.For by one offering he has made perfect forever those who are being consecrated.

Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer offering for sin.


33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time • November 15, 2015

GospelMark 13:24-32A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to Mark

Jesus said to his disciples:"In those days after that tribulation the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

"And then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in the clouds' with great power and glory, and then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.

"Learn a lesson from the fig tree.When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near.In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the gates.Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place.Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

"But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."


1. What do you think we are meant to understand by the phrase “those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever” in the 1st reading?

2. The readings at the end of the liturgical year, while they talk about the end times, give us the hope that good will overcome evil. Do you ever find it difficult to believe that good will overcome evil?

3. While Jesus’ sacrifice was once, for all, what role do our acts of forgiveness, prayer and fasting for our sins play in our faith life and in the lives of others?

4. The beginning of the liturgical year and now the end of it call us to be vigilant for the coming of the Lord. What does this vigilance require of us? How prepared do you feel that you are for the “end of days”?

5. What are the “words of God” that do not pass away from your memory or are important to your faith?


“Those who lead others to justice shall be like stars forever.” How do we lead your life in a way that leads others to justice?


Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 22, 2015

First ReadingDaniel 7:13-14A reading fromthe Book of the Prophet Daniel

As the visions during the night continued, I saw one like a Son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; when he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, the one like a Son of man received dominion, glory, and kingship; all peoples, nations, and languages serve him.His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Second ReadingRevelation 1:5-8A reading from the Book of Revelation

Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, who has made us into a kingdom, priests for his God and Father, to him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

Behold, he is coming amid the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him. All the peoples of the earth will lament him. Yes. Amen.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "the one who is and who was and who is to come, the almighty.”


Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe • November 22, 2015

GospelJohn 18:33b-37A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to John

Pilate said to Jesus, "Are you the King of the Jews?"Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?"Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I?Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me.What have you done?"Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world.If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews.But as it is, my kingdom is not here."So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?"Jesus answered, "You say I am a king.For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."


1. What is your vision of the “reign of God” and how does that vision affect your faith?

2. Visions and dreams, such as Daniel had in the first reading, were considered to be avenues of divine revelation. Have you ever had an experience where God revealed Godself to you or something God wanted for you in a dream or vision?

3. What role do you play in furthering the Kingdom of God in the world?

4. As Americans we don’t easily identify with the concept of kings and kingship yet the church uses this title for Christ to culminate the liturgical year. Why would this be? What can we learn from this?

5. As the Liturgical Year come to a close how has your faith journey been affected by your participation in LBSCC?


How deeply are you committed to follow God’s way, not the way of this world, in service

to others?


NOTES


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