30th Sunday of Year A
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First Reading
What form does ‘oppression’ take? Is it obvious and cruel or subtle and insidious? Are we guilty even if our intentions are not malevolent? How can I ensure that no action or inaction of mine will lead to such oppression?
And how do we define who is alien among us? Is it merely someone from another land, or could it be someone who doesn’t look like us, think like us, or live like us? Must I protect everyone who falls under this broad definition?
Concerning widows and orphans – we’re advised against wronging them. But how can I best help them? Should I offer my services to guide them through their grief, stand up for them when they cannot defend themselves, provide for them till they get back on their feet again?
Finally, the cloak – it symbolizes so much more than simple warmth. It represents dignity, security and privacy. By returning it before sunset, are we acknowledging our neighbor’s humanity regardless of his/her socio-economic status?
Second Reading
Why do people follow? Is it simply because of our charisma or authority, or do they truly understand the gospel we’ve shared? Are we just personalities to imitate or have our words genuinely led them to a transformative experience with the Lord? Is this faith genuine or something born out of desperation or fear? Remember, the Gospel aims not solely for obedience but for a renewal of hearts.
What about my worthiness? Am I suited for such a divine task? Am I humble enough not to let this adoration from the people turn into idolatry of self? For I should decrease while He should increase – am I living up to this principle?
Gospel
How will you convey the depth of love that contains all things, that forms the very marrow of these commandments? This love that is greater than any law etched in stone or inked on parchment?
Can you feel deep compassion for humanity despite its flaws and weaknesses?
When Jesus speaks of love, can you sense the profound change such love can bring about?
SOURCE: Fr. Don K. is the managing editor of SundayMassReadings.org.
First Reading
Today’s reading explores the ‘covenant code’ and what social behaviours are required by God. Aliens (foreigners), widows and orphans have no protection of family or friends. But
God loves them. We are to love, include and provide for them. Who are the equivalent of aliens, widows and orphans today? Are you living in ‘covenant-love’ with them?
Jewish people were not to demand interest. They developed the practice of a ‘pledge’ to ensure repayment. As a safe-guard God stated a poor person was not to go cold at night without his ‘cloak’. Certain measures were in place to protect the dignity of the poor. How could you relate this to today?
Second Reading
Paul continues his praise of the community of Thessalonika. Despite Paul and the other teachers being forced to leave them because of persecution, their ‘imitation of them’ and ‘the word of the Lord sounding forth’ from them to other communities showed such courage and faith. Have you ever had someone inspirational leave you and yet you decided to ‘continue their example’? Who has done this for your faith journey? What happened?
Gospel
Jesus is again forced into an argument with religious leaders. Pharisees decide to attack Jesus’ knowledge of the ‘Laws’. Jewish people had summarised all the laws of the first 5 books of the Old Testament into 613 laws. All were to be observed. Some were interpreted as ‘heavy – very important’ and some were thought of as ‘light – not as important’. Surprisingly, Jesus took a heavy law and a light law and said they were intimately linked. Love God AND Neighbour. Jewish people interpreted ‘neighbour’ as fellow Israelites. Jesus’ teaching pushed ‘neighbour’ to include everyone. Everyone is to be treated as belonging to ‘yourself’ – as family! How does your love get ‘limited’? Why? Who gets excluded? Can you glimpse the heart of the gospel in this brief statement?
SOURCE: Living the Word resources are created by Fr Frank Bird a Marist priest and Mrs Bev McDonald, ACSD, distributed by Marist Laity Auckland, NZ
First Reading
When we have been through something ourselves, we are ready to have more sympathy and even able to help. An example would be AA. Can you think of experiences in your own life which have helped you to be more understanding to fellow human beings in difficulty?
Within your range of family / work / society, who are the truly vulnerable in need of special care and service? Are you yourself engaged in any way?
A key principle is not taking advantage of people who are vulnerable. Money is an obvious example and so might be the awful information emerging about orphans. But there are other ways of “using” people as well. The core principle is highly moral: acting out agape, that is loving without seeking any benefit to ourselves.
Second Reading
POINTERS FOR PRAYER
Have you found yourself inspired by someone whom you felt called to imitate in some way?
What is your own story of doing to faith, just as the Thessalonians did?
Gospel
POINTERS FOR PRAYER
You may feel some sympathy with the Jews struggling to cope with 613 laws and wondering which were the important ones. But have you ever felt overwhelmed by the rules and regulations of your own tradition? And have you ever been blessed by meeting someone, or reading something, that was able to cut through all the layers and point out to you what is essential in life? Who was that person? What did s/he say or do? Is there some phrase or text that encapsulates such wisdom for you?
If you were asked what is most important in life, what would your answer be? Recall the experiences and relationships you have had. Which are the ones that you treasure most? What has particularly enriched your life? How would you encourage another person who asked you how s/he could live a full life?
SOURCE: Hearers of the Word
First Reading
Does God hear the cry of immigrants? What about minorities and especially the poor, and all those suffering because of climate change? What can you do to be part of God’s compassion toward all of the suffering?
Second Reading
Every place the Thessalonians went, the “word of the Lord sounded forth.” How can you yourself “sound forth” (without preaching)? Do you know anyone in the world who does that today? In your parish? In your workplace? Can you “sound forth” with actions instead of words?
Gospel
You were made in God’s image and likeness, and every good thing you have comes from God. What does God ask in return? Is it always easy? Discuss whether “love your neighbor” includes your arrogant neighbor or just your kind one.
SOURCE: Sunday Web Site at Saint Louis University
Gospel
1. Of all the laws of the Church (1,752 in the Revised Code of Canon Law, 1983), which do you consider the most important? Seriously now, which do you feel can never be left out of your confession of sins? Which makes you feel the most guilty? [By the way, it is not against Church law to commit adultery. It is against God’s law! But it is against Church law to eat meat on Fridays during Lent.] What about God’s law and Church law? How do you weigh one against the other?
2. Do you know what law of conscience means? Are you aware that if you believe something to be wrong, although it may not be in fact, you are held to that by God? What will God do on the day of judgment with all the people who ate meat on Fridays before the Church law was changed? How do you deal with conscience in the moral formation of children? At what age do you think children know the difference between right and wrong?
3. Who is your favorite saint? Share your experiences with one another concerning the intercessory role of the saints in your life. Do you sometimes ask your deceased relatives to intercede for you before God in heaven? Do you ask other Christians in this world to pray for you also? Should you?
Christian Action
Take a look at who the widows, orphans, and the poor are in the society in which we live. Now that the government has said it is up to charitable organizations to care for these, decide what you will do, as an individual, as a group, as a parish.
SOURCE: Portland Diocese
First Reading
When it comes to civil law or church law, do you tend to be a strict follower of the law? Explain.
Second Reading
None
Gospel
Jesus was constantly challenging the traditional beliefs and interpretations of the law as seen by the scribes and Pharisees. Would you say you are usually open to new ideas or new insights—or resistant?
The Great Commandment includes ‘love of self.’ What is the difference between selfish love and true love of self? What does the latter mean?
What is Jesus saying to you this Sunday about how a faithful disciple should act?
Responding to God’s Word
Share with the person next to you one way you can act on this week’s readings. Suggestion: As you move through this week, be aware of how you are—or are not—living the Great Commandment to love God, neighbor and self.
SOURCE: Ascension Catholic Parish, Melbourne, FL
30th Sunday of Year A
God and Neighbor
Exodus painted love of God and love of neighbor in stark terms. Yet, the spirit of the Law was clear. Idolatry was punishable by death. Yet, lip-service or indifference to the divine also made one guilty. Abuse of the weak was punishable by natural death. Yet, lip-service and indifference to the poor also made one guilty. To follow love’s lead fulfilled the Law.
We humans need laws to regulate harmful behavior. But we need to look beyond the law to its spirit. For the spirit of the law leads to positive behavior and even to acts of charity.
What is the opposite of a particular unlawful act? How can such an “opposite behavior” promote social peace? God’s peace?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
30th Sunday of Year A
Sure Reliance on God
What can people be sure of? What insures that certitude?
This royal psalm can be traced back to the era of the First Temple (known as “Solomon’s Temple”) before the Babylonian exile. The psalm praised YHWH for his appearance and activity in the life of the king, and, by extension, in the life of the nation.
How does God’s action in your life give you comfort? How can you rely on his love?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
30th Sunday of Year A
The Power of Christian Example
Like their contemporaries, the Thessalonians should inspire us. We should emulate their qualities of gracious hospitality and spiritual openness, balanced with fidelity to the Christian message despite opposition and competing messages. They were patient and steadfast. So should we.
When have you been open to others lately? How has your hospitality and generosity helped you share the message of Jesus with others?
SOURCE: Word-Sunday Permission for use. All materials are the property of Larry Broding (Copyright 1999-2022). Viewers may copy any material for use in any non-profit ministry. Materials may not be sold or used for personal financial gain.
30th Sunday of Year A
Love of God, Love of Neighbor
Have you ever had the overwhelming sense you were loved? How do you know you are loved?
“Love makes the world go ’round.” In spite of the cynics from the board room to the court room to the news room, love does motivate people. Marriage and child bearing, vocation and ministry, all stem from love’s self-giving and sense of sacrifice. Love indeed makes the world go around. For without love, the world would be a place of despair.
Write down the ways you showed love for God and others this past week. Thank God for your efforts and give him the credit. Then, plan for this week. Pray for wisdom making out your list. And pray for patience when those opportunities for love surprise you.
