EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
We need to be seeking that which is really important
in life. Following the Lord and seeking the kingdom of
heaven is what is really important. Everything else needs to
be secondary to that goal. Keeping a proper perspective is a
challenge, but it is eternal life. Pray and seek the kingdom
of God above all things and everything else will follow.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Family Bible Study - 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide
the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a
judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard
against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of
possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced
abundantly. 17 And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to
store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build
larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to
my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be
merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being
demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So it
is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus tells us to share whatever we have with others. Do you know people
who are greedy? Why are these people almost always unhappy?
2. What should we do with our money? What do you think God wants us to
do with our money? Is money the only thing we have to share? What else
could we share?
3. How do we become rich in God’s eyes? What should we do to earn God’s
reward for our hard work? What “work” should we do?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide
the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a
judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard
against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of
possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced
abundantly. 17 And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to
store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build
larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to
my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be
merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being
demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So it
is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus tells us to share whatever we have with others. Do you know people
who are greedy? Why are these people almost always unhappy?
2. What should we do with our money? What do you think God wants us to
do with our money? Is money the only thing we have to share? What else
could we share?
3. How do we become rich in God’s eyes? What should we do to earn God’s
reward for our hard work? What “work” should we do?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday Gospel Message - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY
TIME
The Lord wants us to continue to ask for His special
blessings and graces. We cannot give up. Even if, at first
we do not receive that for which we ask, we manifest our
trust in God and know that He will indeed hear our prayer in
His way and in His time. Abraham could have continued to
ask the Lord and, perhaps, the Lord would have spared those
towns. “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.”
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
TIME
The Lord wants us to continue to ask for His special
blessings and graces. We cannot give up. Even if, at first
we do not receive that for which we ask, we manifest our
trust in God and know that He will indeed hear our prayer in
His way and in His time. Abraham could have continued to
ask the Lord and, perhaps, the Lord would have spared those
towns. “Ask and you will receive; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.”
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Family Bible Study - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 11:1 He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said
to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you
pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily
bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not
bring us to the time of trial.” 5 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you
go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 for a friend of
mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 And he answers from within, ‘Do not
bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get
up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything
because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever
he needs. 9 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock,
and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who
searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone
among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the
child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good
gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those
who ask him!”
Questions for discussion -
1. “Lord, teach us to pray!” Jesus wants to teach us how to pray, by his own example, by his own recorded prayers in the Gospel, and especially through the Our Father. What does the Our Father mean? Why do you think Jesus teaches us pray to the Father rather than Him?
2. Jesus tells us to persevere in prayer like the person trying to get loaves from a
neighbor. How persistent are you in prayer?
3. Jesus promises that the Father wants to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
How often do you pray for the really important things, for heaven, for eternal life, for holiness, for an increased relationship with God, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 11:1 He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said
to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you
pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily
bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not
bring us to the time of trial.” 5 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you
go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 for a friend of
mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 And he answers from within, ‘Do not
bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get
up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything
because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever
he needs. 9 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock,
and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who
searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 11 Is there anyone
among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the
child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good
gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those
who ask him!”
Questions for discussion -
1. “Lord, teach us to pray!” Jesus wants to teach us how to pray, by his own example, by his own recorded prayers in the Gospel, and especially through the Our Father. What does the Our Father mean? Why do you think Jesus teaches us pray to the Father rather than Him?
2. Jesus tells us to persevere in prayer like the person trying to get loaves from a
neighbor. How persistent are you in prayer?
3. Jesus promises that the Father wants to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
How often do you pray for the really important things, for heaven, for eternal life, for holiness, for an increased relationship with God, for the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sunday Gospel Message - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
There needs to be a Martha and a Mary in each
of us. The Martha does the work of the Lord and serves
Him and His people. The Mary realizes whom she is
serving and enjoys the company of the Lord. Do the
Lord’s work, but know for whom we are doing it!
Spend some time in the company of the Lord in prayer,
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
There needs to be a Martha and a Mary in each
of us. The Martha does the work of the Lord and serves
Him and His people. The Mary realizes whom she is
serving and enjoys the company of the Lord. Do the
Lord’s work, but know for whom we are doing it!
Spend some time in the company of the Lord in prayer,
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Family Bible Study - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 10:38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village,
where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a
sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was
saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him
and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the
work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her,
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there
is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be
taken away from her.”
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus says that “one thing is necessary” and that “Mary has chosen the better
part.” What or who is that “one thing necessary”? (Hint: Does it have anything
to do with who the center or focus of our lives should be?) Why was Mary’s
choice better than Martha’s? Who did she put first?
2. What do you think Martha could have done better? Why was she distracted?
Do you ever get so busy that you forget to put Jesus first?
3. Martha and Mary welcomed Jesus into their home. How well do you let
Jesus in your heart. Is he a welcomed guest? How much do you treasure Him?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 10:38 Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village,
where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 She had a
sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was
saying. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him
and asked, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the
work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her,
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 there
is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be
taken away from her.”
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus says that “one thing is necessary” and that “Mary has chosen the better
part.” What or who is that “one thing necessary”? (Hint: Does it have anything
to do with who the center or focus of our lives should be?) Why was Mary’s
choice better than Martha’s? Who did she put first?
2. What do you think Martha could have done better? Why was she distracted?
Do you ever get so busy that you forget to put Jesus first?
3. Martha and Mary welcomed Jesus into their home. How well do you let
Jesus in your heart. Is he a welcomed guest? How much do you treasure Him?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Friday, July 9, 2010
Family Bible Study - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 10:25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I
do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do
you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and
your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right
answer; do this, and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus,
“And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from
Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him,
and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down
that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a
Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a
Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with
pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on
them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of
him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said,
‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the
hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to
him, “Go and do likewise.”
Questions for discussion:
1. Jesus says that we are to love the Lord our God with all our
heart, all our soul, all our strength, and all our mind. How much of your heart
do you use to love God? Your soul? Your strength? Your mind? (Give yourself
numerical grades like 25%, 50%, 100%). How can you do better?
2. Who is your “neighbor” today? How can you be a “Good Samaritan” today?
3. The question “What must I do to inherit eternal life” is really one of the
most important questions you could ever ask. What is the answer to this question? How are you putting this answer into practice?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 10:25 Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I
do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do
you read there?” 27 He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and
your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have given the right
answer; do this, and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus,
“And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from
Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him,
and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down
that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a
Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a
Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with
pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on
them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of
him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said,
‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the
hands of the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to
him, “Go and do likewise.”
Questions for discussion:
1. Jesus says that we are to love the Lord our God with all our
heart, all our soul, all our strength, and all our mind. How much of your heart
do you use to love God? Your soul? Your strength? Your mind? (Give yourself
numerical grades like 25%, 50%, 100%). How can you do better?
2. Who is your “neighbor” today? How can you be a “Good Samaritan” today?
3. The question “What must I do to inherit eternal life” is really one of the
most important questions you could ever ask. What is the answer to this question? How are you putting this answer into practice?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Perhaps we look at The Commandments of God as a negative prohibition. However, if we think about it, how wonderful the world would be if everyone kept all of the Commandments! None of us would have to worry about anything! There would not be any more gossip or people getting hurt in any way. All of the Commandments can be summarized into the two great Commandments: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. By the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us that everyone is our neighbor. Then Jesus commands us to treat others in the exact same way with mercy and kindness.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Family Bible Study - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of
him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to
them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus tells us to pray to the “Lord of the harvest” to send laborers into his
vineyard”. His “vineyard” is the world. God needs workers! What work are
you going to do for him?
2. Two types of work that are very important for the “harvest” are the
priesthood and religious life (nuns and religious brothers). (Boys) If God is
calling you to be a priest, would you say yes and join His priests in the
vineyard? (Girls) If God is calling you to serve Him as a religious sister,
teaching or working in a hospital or a parish, or loving Him in prayer in a
cloister, would you say yes?
3. Jesus says to tell everyone that the kingdom of God is near. Where is the
kingdom? (Hint: where is the king?)
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 10:1 After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of
him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go. 2 He said to
them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. 3 Go on your way. See, I am sending you out like lambs into the midst of wolves. 4 Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and greet no one on the road. 5 Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house!’ 6 And if anyone is there who shares in peace, your peace will rest on that person; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Remain in the same house, eating and drinking whatever they provide, for the laborer deserves to be paid. Do not move about from house to house. 8 Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what is set before you; 9 cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whenever you enter a town and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off in protest against you. Yet know this: the kingdom of God has come near.’ 12 I tell you, on that day it will be more tolerable for Sodom than for that town.
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus tells us to pray to the “Lord of the harvest” to send laborers into his
vineyard”. His “vineyard” is the world. God needs workers! What work are
you going to do for him?
2. Two types of work that are very important for the “harvest” are the
priesthood and religious life (nuns and religious brothers). (Boys) If God is
calling you to be a priest, would you say yes and join His priests in the
vineyard? (Girls) If God is calling you to serve Him as a religious sister,
teaching or working in a hospital or a parish, or loving Him in prayer in a
cloister, would you say yes?
3. Jesus says to tell everyone that the kingdom of God is near. Where is the
kingdom? (Hint: where is the king?)
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Jesus sent out the disciples in pairs to preach the
word. He knew that they would need the support and
encouragement of one another. He gave them the power
to work wonders with the ministry that He gave them.
They experienced great miracles as they returned to tell
Jesus of their success. As Jesus sends us forth to do His
work, He gives us individuals to assist us, and the
power of the Holy Spirit to empower us.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Jesus sent out the disciples in pairs to preach the
word. He knew that they would need the support and
encouragement of one another. He gave them the power
to work wonders with the ministry that He gave them.
They experienced great miracles as they returned to tell
Jesus of their success. As Jesus sends us forth to do His
work, He gives us individuals to assist us, and the
power of the Holy Spirit to empower us.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
