29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

1. Isaiah 53: 10-11
2. Psalms 33: 4-5, 18-19, 20, 22
3. Hebrews 4: 14-16
4. Mark 10: 35-45

• This was not on the recruiting poster
• In years gone by, the federal government would publish recruiting posters hoping to inspire the young to enlist in the armed forces to make the world safe for democracy.  If God were to publish recruiting posters to encourage people to leave behind their current way of life and come follow Him, what would they say, based on your experience?
• If following Jesus doesn't necessarily make the the world safe for democracy, what is the point of "joining with Jesus"?
• Why do we care if someone is Christian at all?
• What sort of promises does Jesus make to those who follow Him?
• Does it sound like a good deal?

• Shield from what?
• Skillful use of a shield seems to start with knowing your enemy.  Making sure that your shield is pointed in the right direction, keeping a firm grasp on its handles, and never letting it drop, no matter what your opponent rains down on you.
• What is God shielding you from these days?
• How good of a job is He doing?
• What do you think He's counting on from you in this battle?

• Infinite mercy
• Once in confession I had a mystical moment.  The priest said something to the effect that the sin I had just confessed was something that he heard from penitents clear into their 90s.  Several things went through my mind at once: a) this has to be boring for you, hearing the same litany of sins over and over b) you're telling me that I'm likely to struggle with this same stupid sin for the rest of my life c) this sacrament of confession, this infinite mercy that all of us live and breathe and have our being in, it binds us all together, heals us all together, and sends us forth, all together.
• Where has God been merciful to you lately?
• How do you feel about that mercy?
• How has that mercy changed you?

• Getting it done
• When I was in High School there was this kid, a couple of years older than I was, named Bob.  Bob had this incredible ability to walk into any situation, look around, figure what needed doing, and settle in and do it.  He never drew any attention to himself, but whenever he got involved, things happened.  I think that speaks of great humility, resourcefulness, creativity, and trust.
• What needs doing in your world?
• What talents, temperament, training do you bring to the party?
• Why would you say you are taking the role that you are in that situation?
• Could you do better?

• Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. How good am I at showing the benefits of serving Jesus?
2. What spiritual battles is God fighting with me, on my behalf?
3. Where has God's mercy been in my life?
4. Where is God calling me to lend a hand?

Shalom!