Assumption of Mary

Our readings for the Feast of the Assumption are:

1. Revelations 11: 19a, 12: 1-6a, 10ab
2. Psalms Psalms 45: 10, 11, 12, 16
3. 1 Corinthians 15: 20-27
4. Luke 1: 39-56

• Signs and wonders
• In Catholic theology, a sign conveys what it signifies.  By contrast, a symbol points to or reminds us of something beyond, something larger than the symbol itself.  God uses both to help us in our daily living.
• What are some of the moments when you felt particularly cared for by God?  Perhaps it was a loved one who called you on the phone when you needed it the most, or a word from Scripture that suddenly came unbidden to mind, or something as simple as a sunset that reminded you of fond memories of other sunsets.
• When have other people been a sign of God's love and care for you?
• When have you been a sign of God's love and care for someone else?

• The Bride of Christ
• How is the Church like a bride to Christ?
• Is any of that happening now?
• Should it?
• How can we be part of that more perfect bride?

• Following Jesus into resurrection
• Why do you think that Jesus made resurrection appearances at all?  If it was to prove that He was, indeed back, would not just one appearance in front of a large crowd have done the job?
• What do you know about resurrection from Jesus' example?
• What inevitably precedes resurrection?
• How can we prepare ourselves better for both what leads to resurrection, and resurrection itself?

• Sometimes you need a friend
• The readings for the past three Sundays have come from Jesus' starkly radical bread of life discourse in John 6.  We will return to that next week.  This week's Gospel can be seen as a pericope, a meaningful insertion into the bread of life discourse because it speaks to the beginnings of God's incarnation: Mary's acceptance of her role in that divine miracle.
• What sort of woman do you imagine Elizabeth to have been?
• Of all of the people that Mary doubtless knew, why do you think that she chose Elizabeth to commune with once she answered this call in her life?
• If something this momentous happened in your life, who would you likely want to talk to?
• What is the likelihood that something this momentous might ever happen to you?
• Why is that? 

• Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. Who might God want to provide for, through me, today?
2. How can I help my congregation/parish be a better bride for Christ?
3. What might God be calling me to die to?
4. Where is God calling me from my comfort zone today?

Shalom!