6th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our readings for the 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time are:

1. Jeremiah 17: 5-8
2. Psalms 1: 1-2, 3, 4, 6
3. 1 Corinthians 15: 12, 16-20
4. Luke 6: 17, 20-26

• Staying connected
• The need for water is universal among living things.  We all need that simple substance in abundance, and it has to come from the outside.  We are unable to manufacture it ourselves.  And in a very similar way, we rely on God to fulfill us, whether we realize that or not.
• Who are some folks who have nourished you during your life?
• How did their lives enrich yours?
• Do you feel that you have been able to pass any of that enrichment along to others?
  

• Where is your hope?
• What do you hope for in the future for yourself, your family, your various communities?
• How do you think any of that is going to happen?
• Where did you get that hope?
• Do you feel that God has the same hope?
• Why do you think that you have that hope?
  

• Transformed by resurrection
• I wonder whether the resurrection is an ongoing journey in a similar fashion to the incarnation.  Yes Jesus came at a specific point in time, and ascended to the Father at a specific point in time.  But that incarnation is far from over.  It happens every time someone applies a healing touch to the traumatized, or shares God's presence with the afflicted.  Maybe our resurrection is happening even as we speak, we are being transformed into that eternal us that Christ has made possible.  I could be wrong there ...
• What are some transformations that you have undergone in your life?
• Would that have been possible if you were not looking forward to the resurrection?
• What would you like to achieve/be by the time that you are loved into eternity?
  

• Blessed are those who mourn
• What makes you mourn in your life?
• How do you think that God feels about that sorrow in your heart?
• If He cares so much for us/about us, how could he have let that happen?
• How would you like to find comfort for that sorrow in your life?
• How can you start making that happen?
  

• Preparation for Reconciliation
• Where might God be calling me to deepen my connection to someone else?
• Where is my hope found?
  
• Where is my own resurrection coming to light right now?
  
• Where might God be calling me deepen my trust in Him?
  

  Give me Eyes to See

Lord, grant that I may see more clearly.

See that which is really important.

And that which is just flash and bang.

 

Help me to count on you alone.

In my every moment of need.

And not be distracted by all else.

 

Give me gratitude for what you give me.

Release me from my envy of others.

That I might be free to see your abundance.

 

Help me trust in you and you alone.

For my safe passage day by day.

That I might be bold and courageous in Your service.

 

Give me ears to hear the cry of the poor.

Even above the clamor of the superficial.

That I might lend a hand and heart where they are needed most.

 

Give me eyes to see that you are all that matters.

That nothing else will stay.

That nothing else is worthy of my adoration.

 

Shalom!