29th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Our readings for 29th Sunday of Ordinary Time are:

1. Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
2. Psalms 96: 1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10
3. 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5b
4. Matthew 22: 15-21

• I feel so used
• When we say that we used a tool to accomplish some goal, no one objects.  But when we say that we used a person to accomplish some goal, that person takes offense.
• In what sense can we say that each of us is used by God in one way or another?
• In what sense is it not accurate to say that we are used?
• In what way is it proper for us to view ourselves as collaborators with God in the unfolding of creation?

• Bringing God closer
• Sometimes, God gets lost in the details for us.  We lose perspective, and are unable to see the bigger picture of how God has been there all through our lives because we're so fixated on the day to day.
• How can we renew our appreciation of that bigger picture?
• How can we help each other?

• You are an inspiration
• I remember years ago hearing someone exclaim "this is what I was born to do" when describing their vocation.
• Do you feel as though your time is presently spent doing what you were born to do, or are you just filling in time before your next "big gig"?
• What is it that you think you were born for?
• If you are not doing that yet, how will you know when the right opportunity comes along?

• Imago Dei
• When/how are you most the image and likeness of God in your life?
• Does it matter to you whether anyone notices you when you are most the image and likeness of God?
• How often do those moments come to you?
• What would you do to live a life where you were constantly a shining image of God?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. How is God using me in my life today?
2. Where do I notice God most in my life?
3. Am I spending my time on things worthy of me as a child of God?
4. Where am I showing God to others?

Shalom!