Gospel Passage
Luke 19:1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a
man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector, and rich. 3 And he
sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because
he was small of stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a
sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus
came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and
come down; for I must stay at your house today." 6 So he made haste and
came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it they all
murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." 8 And
Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I
give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it
fourfold." 9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house,
since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man came to seek and to
save the lost."
Questions for discussion -
1. Zacchaeus could not see Jesus “on account of the crowd.” Do others ever get
in your way of seeing Jesus? or make it harder to see Jesus?
2. Zacchaeus was happy to let Jesus come into his home. We can let Jesus into
our body and soul by taking Holy Communion. Are you joyful and happy when you receive Jesus into your body and soul in Holy
Communion? What do you do to get ready for Him? What do you do to prepare yourself to welcome him?
3. Jesus says he came to “seek and to save the lost.” About whom was he
speaking? Can you think of anyone who is “lost” because he or she does not know about Jesus? How can we help them to find Jesus?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Sunday Gospel Message - 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
The greatest gift that we can give anyone is the gift of Jesus. When Zacchaeus experienced Jesus, his life changed and he made great restitution. When we really know the Lord, our lives are different because they reflect Jesus. Pray that each of us will really know the Lord and that we can share Jesus with others. When we are converted to the person of Jesus, we will want to learn more about Him and we will want to worship Him constantly. Time will not be an issue.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Friday, October 22, 2010
Family Bible Study - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that
they were righteous and despised others: 10 "Two men went up into the
temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee
stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like
other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12
I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' 13 But the tax collector,
standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his
breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went
down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts
himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus praises the humble tax collector who begs God for mercy for all his
sins. How often do you ask God to be merciful to you?
2. The Pharisee (a teacher in Judaism) seemed to be a good man, who gave up
food, gave 10% of his money to the Church and prayed a lot. Why do you think
Jesus said he went away without getting his prayer heard?
3. How do you pray? Do you pray more like the humble tax collector or more
like the proud Pharisee? Be honest.
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that
they were righteous and despised others: 10 "Two men went up into the
temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee
stood and prayed thus with himself, `God, I thank thee that I am not like
other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12
I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' 13 But the tax collector,
standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his
breast, saying, `God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went
down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts
himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus praises the humble tax collector who begs God for mercy for all his
sins. How often do you ask God to be merciful to you?
2. The Pharisee (a teacher in Judaism) seemed to be a good man, who gave up
food, gave 10% of his money to the Church and prayed a lot. Why do you think
Jesus said he went away without getting his prayer heard?
3. How do you pray? Do you pray more like the humble tax collector or more
like the proud Pharisee? Be honest.
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one
who humbles himself will be exalted.” The parable of the
Pharisee and the tax collector is very familiar to most people.
The Pharisee did not do anything wrong, as he boasted, but he
thought that he was good on his own power. We do not know
whether or not the tax collector did anything wrong, but he
recognized that he needed God in his life. Remember that we
are poor on our own, but rich with God’s goodness and grace.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one
who humbles himself will be exalted.” The parable of the
Pharisee and the tax collector is very familiar to most people.
The Pharisee did not do anything wrong, as he boasted, but he
thought that he was good on his own power. We do not know
whether or not the tax collector did anything wrong, but he
recognized that he needed God in his life. Remember that we
are poor on our own, but rich with God’s goodness and grace.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Friday, October 15, 2010
Family Bible Study - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 18:1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always
to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge
who neither feared God nor regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that
city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my
adversary.' 4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself,
`Though I neither fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow
bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual
coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7
And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he
delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Questions for discussion -
1. The woman in the story never gave up asking for help. Jesus says to pray and
never give up. Would Jesus think you are doing a good job praying, or do you
give up when you pray?
2. Jesus wonders whether, when he returns, he will find faith on earth. What
does this mean, “when he returns”? When is he coming again? What will he do
then?
3. Jesus wonders whether he will find faith on earth. What do you think you
can do at least to ensure that he will find faith in you?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 18:1 And he told them a parable, to the effect that they ought always
to pray and not lose heart. 2 He said, "In a certain city there was a judge
who neither feared God nor regarded man; 3 and there was a widow in that
city who kept coming to him and saying, `Vindicate me against my
adversary.' 4 For a while he refused; but afterward he said to himself,
`Though I neither fear God nor regard man, 5 yet because this widow
bothers me, I will vindicate her, or she will wear me out by her continual
coming.'" 6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7
And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he
delay long over them? 8 I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Questions for discussion -
1. The woman in the story never gave up asking for help. Jesus says to pray and
never give up. Would Jesus think you are doing a good job praying, or do you
give up when you pray?
2. Jesus wonders whether, when he returns, he will find faith on earth. What
does this mean, “when he returns”? When is he coming again? What will he do
then?
3. Jesus wonders whether he will find faith on earth. What do you think you
can do at least to ensure that he will find faith in you?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Be persistent in prayer. Pray behind the scenes. Do
not give up. Your prayer is heard. These are encouraging
words given us by our God today. As long as Moses’ arms
were raised in prayer, his people were victorious. Jesus tells
His disciples and us that we should pray always without
growing weary. We can do a lot of good for others and
ourselves when we continue to raise our hearts in prayer.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Be persistent in prayer. Pray behind the scenes. Do
not give up. Your prayer is heard. These are encouraging
words given us by our God today. As long as Moses’ arms
were raised in prayer, his people were victorious. Jesus tells
His disciples and us that we should pray always without
growing weary. We can do a lot of good for others and
ourselves when we continue to raise our hearts in prayer.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Sunday Gospel Message - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
God's call to salvation is universal. He has created everyone for Himself and desires that everyone shares eternal happiness with Him. In the history of salvation, some had false notions about who was to be saved. The readings today show that God has called everyone, no matter what nationality. Naaman was not any Israelite, but was still cured by Elisha the prophet. The one who returned to give thanks was a Samaritan. The Lord reminds us that He wants everyone to accept His eternal healing, which is Heaven.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Family Bible Study - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 17:11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria
and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who
stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master,
have mercy on us." 14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show
yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then
one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God
with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks.
Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed?
Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God
except this foreigner?" 19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your
faith has made you well."
Questions for discussion -
1. In this story, Jesus did a miracle! He made ugly terrible skin sores disappear
on ten sick people. Only one came back to say thank you. When God or anyone
does something for you, do you always return
to say thanks?
2. Jesus loved the sick people that other people were mean to. How do you act
toward people with problems that no one else seems to love and care for?
3. Why do you think the other nine sick people never returned to say thanks for
taking the sores away? Why do you think some people never say thank you and are ungrateful when others do good things for them?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 17:11 On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Sama'ria
and Galilee. 12 And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who
stood at a distance 13 and lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master,
have mercy on us." 14 When he saw them he said to them, "Go and show
yourselves to the priests." And as they went they were cleansed. 15 Then
one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God
with a loud voice; 16 and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks.
Now he was a Samaritan. 17 Then said Jesus, "Were not ten cleansed?
Where are the nine? 18 Was no one found to return and give praise to God
except this foreigner?" 19 And he said to him, "Rise and go your way; your
faith has made you well."
Questions for discussion -
1. In this story, Jesus did a miracle! He made ugly terrible skin sores disappear
on ten sick people. Only one came back to say thank you. When God or anyone
does something for you, do you always return
to say thanks?
2. Jesus loved the sick people that other people were mean to. How do you act
toward people with problems that no one else seems to love and care for?
3. Why do you think the other nine sick people never returned to say thanks for
taking the sores away? Why do you think some people never say thank you and are ungrateful when others do good things for them?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Friday, October 1, 2010
Family Bible Study - 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 And the
Lord said, "If you had faith the size of a grain of mustard seed, you could say
to this sycamore tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would
obey you. 7 "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping
sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit
down at table'? 8 Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and
gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat
and drink'? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was
commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded
you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our
duty.'"
Questions for discussion -
1. The apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith. What ways can you use to
grow in faith?
2. A mustard seed is very small. If you have faith even that small size, Jesus
says, God will allow you to do big things for Him. Do you pray knowing
that God wants to hear your prayers?
3. Jesus says to the apostles that we should not be proud about faith, but
grateful to him, because it is a gift. Prayer is not just a privilege but a duty.
What duties, what responsibilities, do you have toward God? What else
does God expect you to do?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" 6 And the
Lord said, "If you had faith the size of a grain of mustard seed, you could say
to this sycamore tree, `Be rooted up, and be planted in the sea,' and it would
obey you. 7 "Will any one of you, who has a servant plowing or keeping
sheep, say to him when he has come in from the field, `Come at once and sit
down at table'? 8 Will he not rather say to him, `Prepare supper for me, and
gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat
and drink'? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was
commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that is commanded
you, say, `We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our
duty.'"
Questions for discussion -
1. The apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith. What ways can you use to
grow in faith?
2. A mustard seed is very small. If you have faith even that small size, Jesus
says, God will allow you to do big things for Him. Do you pray knowing
that God wants to hear your prayers?
3. Jesus says to the apostles that we should not be proud about faith, but
grateful to him, because it is a gift. Prayer is not just a privilege but a duty.
What duties, what responsibilities, do you have toward God? What else
does God expect you to do?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
A question that perhaps at times we ask ourselves is:
“Don’t I have faith?” “I have asked for a particular favor and I
have not received it! God’s word tells me that, if I have faith
the size of a mustard seed, everything would be granted to me.
God doesn’t seem to answer my prayer.” The Lord does indeed
hear our prayer and grants it according to the plan that will
bring eternal happiness. It sometimes takes time and we need
to be patient.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
A question that perhaps at times we ask ourselves is:
“Don’t I have faith?” “I have asked for a particular favor and I
have not received it! God’s word tells me that, if I have faith
the size of a mustard seed, everything would be granted to me.
God doesn’t seem to answer my prayer.” The Lord does indeed
hear our prayer and grants it according to the plan that will
bring eternal happiness. It sometimes takes time and we need
to be patient.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
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