20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time are:

1. Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10
2. Psalms 40: 2, 3, 4, 18
3. Hebrews 12: 1-4
4. Luke 12: 49-53

• Speaking up for those who speak up
• Do you think that we can ever have enough prophets in our midst?
• What are some of the traits that you would look for in someone to serve God as a prophet?
• How should we, as God's people nurture and support those with a prophetic gift?
• Do you think that a prophet could be a musician, an artist, a poet, ...?

• The shape of victory
• Do you think that God is actively working on your behalf, day in, day out?
• How would you go about proving that to someone?
• What form does that help and support take?
• Based on your experience, what does it really mean to say that God is victorious in our lives?

• Freedom can be a very lonely thing
• What do you spend the bulk of your time thinking about, talking about, taking care of?
• Is that in any way related to an eternal priority, something that will last?
• What are some ways that you could simplify your life?
• Do you think that such simplification would sharpen your focus, free you from distractions?
• Is such a "leaning down" worth it?

• "In spite of" peace
• How do you tell when you're on the right track?  Often, for the tough questions we often seek the advice of others, maybe read the lives of great men and women for inspiration, pray through the Scriptures, or even ask ourselves what a sane, sensible person might do in our situation.
• What role do your feelings play in your decision making?
• If you found yourself utterly alone in terms of a decision that you had made, would that be a clear sign to you that you had strayed?
• Do you think that Jesus can meet you there in such loneliness?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Am I willing to say what needs to be said, without thought for the consequences?
2. Where do I go for the good news that is happening in the world around me?
3. How am I drawing strength and encouragement from the saints who have gone before me, the saints around me, the saints who are to come?
4. Am I willing to be alone for Jesus?

Go Big or Go Home

used to be a battle cry among the folks I worked with at Boeing.
We would unsheath that sentiment when someone wavered,
Uncertain whether to take a risk or not for fear of the response.
It was meant to convey a wealth of sentiments all in one package.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
You have to break some eggs to make an omelette.
No pain, no gain.
There is magic in boldness.

And behind such determination must lie something stronger, and quieter.
A realization that what is at hazard in any decision is far greater,
Greater than embarrassment, loss of stature, loss of fame.
Rather it is loss of the true self.

Paths chosen because they are easy, comfortable, consistent with the past
Or radically creative traces through the wilderness,
The path less taken, the road less traveled
Are a gateway to our future, the emerging me at once becoming.

A true friend is the voice, daring you to be ineffably yourself
In spite of the fear, the risks, the potential disappointments.
We all need such friends in our lives.
Being that prophetic voice for another is perhaps our highest calling.

Not all such friends are alive with us today.
Some have gone before us.
Some have yet to be born.
Yet all of us witness to each other, and journey together.

Shalom!