26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time are:

1. Amos 6: 1a, 4-7
   
2. Psalms 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10
   
3. 1 Timothy 2: 1-8
   
4. Luke 15: 1-13
   

• We are all in this together
  
• Regardless what your beliefs are regarding global warming, the debate over climate change, what we as a species must do about it, and whether it's too late already have highlighted the simple truth that our actions have impact far beyond our borders.
• What justice issues are you concerned about?
• How do you feel about the rest of the planet?  Concerned, but unavailable, overwhelmed, apathetic, complacent?
• What would you like for your attitude to be?
  

• Privilege
  
• Privilege has gotten to be a four-letter word.  If your family was stable, loving, nurturing, then you are privileged, and you have an intrinsic advantage over those who grew up in less than ideal surroundings.
• For those of us who enjoyed or enjoy privileges, what responsibilities come with them?
• Is privilege necessarily bad?
• Is there any real way to "level the playing field" for those who have lived a life of being marginalized and silenced?
• What can we do about that?
  

• Pursuing grace
  
• If God's grace is free, unearned gift, do we just sit and wait for it?
• Are there different kinds of grace in our lives?
• Is prayer the only thing that we can do to prepare for those graces?
• What would your life be like if you were "full of grace"?
  

• Is wealth bad for your health?
  
• Relating to others in need can be challenging.  Their need could be loneliness, poor health, loss of a job, ... and relating to someone in such circumstances often defies our best intentions.
• If you suddenly fell heir to some vast sum of money, how would that change the way that you relate to others?
• How you relate to God?
• How you relate to yourself?
• Would you be better able to minister to those most in need?
• Why?
  

• Preparation for Reconciliation
  

1. Where might God be calling me to be more aware, more focused, giving something up to make room for something better?
   
2.  Can you share your privilege with others?
3. Which graces is God calling me to call upon Him for?
   
4. Am I able to see past my own possessions, recognition, even my health?

 Shalom!