Sunday, February 4, 2018

6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time are:
  1. Leviticus 13: 1-2, 44-46
  2. Psalms 32: 1-2, 5, 11
  3. 1 Corinthians 10: 31-11:1
  4. Mark 1: 40-45
  • You're different
    • What are some things about people that makes them different from "us"?
    • What is it that really defines "us"?
    • What benefit is there to keeping outsiders outside and insiders inside?
    • Do you think that Jesus was an outsider or an insider? 
  • Sin, sins, and faults
    • At one time, it was common to have the "laundry list" confession, with individual sins carefully categorized and numbered, like some sort of inventory.
    • Do you think confessing those makes anything better?
    • How can you get behind some of your sins to the underlying sinfullness?
    • How do you think that Jesus would want to heal us of our sin, sins, and faults?
  • Who are you working for?
    • I've talked before about Matthew Kelly's study of great athletes, great musicians, and other folks who have contributed so much to humanity.  All of them have a singular focus in their lives, an ultimate center point.
    • If you were going to be known for just one thing, what would you want that to be?
    • What have you done towards that notoriety this week?
    • Do you think that its really possible to lead a focused life these days?
  • Our part in the healing
    • In this Gospel, Jesus asks the leper to show himself to the priests, as the Law requires.
    • Do we always have some role to play, some action needed on our part to accept healing and restoration?
    • Why do you think that we have to own a healing at all?
  • Or
    • Jesus touched that leper, in violation of Jewish law and custom.
    • Who has touched you in your life, and restored you in some way large or small?
    • How did that touch make you feel (worthy, not forgotten, part of the community)?
    • How can we touch others more effectively as a family and parish community?
Preparation for Reconciliation:
  1. What am I doing to be more welcoming?
  2. Do I honestly believe that Jesus can help me with my sinfulness?
  3. Am I living the real purpose in my life?
  4. Who am I touching with my life?

Shalom!


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