Sunday Readings Reflection: Dec. 2, 2007

December 2, 2007
First Sunday of Advent

READING 1: Isaiah 2:1-5

Reading 1 Reflection:
As we enter into Advent, Isaiah greets us with a promise of universal peace. He foresees a time when all nations will learn God's ways. They will no longer make weapons or train for war. They will "walk in the light of the Lord." When Isaiah wrote his message of hope, Judah and its capital, Jerusalem, were under the threat of attack by its enemies. Yet the prophet clung to his faith that God would come to save God's people.

We know that God has already come to save us through Jesus Christ. We know that he is with us now. And we believe that Jesus Christ will come again at the end of the world. This is what gives us hope.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:
During Advent, what can you do to prepare for the coming of Jesus into your life today, and at the end of time? How can you be a creative peacemaker at home, at school, and in the world?

READING 2: Romans 13:11-14

Reading 2 Reflection:

What else can we do to prepare for Christ's final coming in glory? "Awake from sleep," Paul says, and "put on the armor of light." He means that we should practice love for our neighbors and avoid deeds of darkness (sin). He warns us that we may not have as much time as we think, because the day (the day when Jesus will return) draws near!

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

There is an old Gospel song that goes, "One day at a time, Lord Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you." And one day at a time is the gift we are given when we rise from sleep each day! How are you planning to spend this time of Advent?in a "spiritual sleep" (just waiting until Christmas . . . ) or "awake" and ready to share your gifts (the spiritual gifts of faith, hope, and love) with others? Think of one thing to do each day that will keep you "awake" to God and neighbor. Ask Jesus to help you do it. Then pray together:

"Lord, do not allow us to sleep our way through Advent. Wake us up to the good you want us to do each day. Amen."

Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

Gospel Reflection:

In today's gospel, we are asked to live in the present with an eye toward the future. We are not to be totally absorbed by the usual activities of life. We are to remain open to the coming of the Lord, and be prepared. Here Jesus compares himself to a thief who breaks in when no one is looking! Jesus wants us to be prepared so that we can welcome him, not as a thief, but as our long-awaited Savior!

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Sometimes it is hard for us to believe that what we do today matters for tomorrow and, really, for all eternity. Can you think of some examples of the way your actions today will matter for tomorrow and forever? How does what you do today help prepare you and the world for the coming of Christ?

Using our gift of time well is an Advent virtue, an Advent strength. In report cards from the 1950's, a list of strengths that each child was to develop was listed. If there was a problem with a particular one, it was checked by the teacher to bring it to the parent's attention. Some of the strengths were: "Keeps desk and papers neat; shows courteous attention to teacher and students; is reverent during prayers." One we can note today is: "Keeps profitably busy." (Today we might say, "Works independently.") However, anyone can "keep busy." We Advent Christians must "keep PROFITABLY busy." Our busy-ness must count for something, must do good. How will you keep profitably busy during this Advent season?

Reflection: Sunday Readings - Solemnity of Christ the King

November 25, 2007
Our Lord Jesus Christ the King (Solemnity)

READING 1 2 Samuel 5:1-3

Reading 1 Reflection:

In today's reading we see the tribes of Israel coming to make David their king. Called by God to lead the chosen people, David had been a shepherd, musician, military hero, and respected leader of his people. Now he would rule as king and make the Israelites secure against their enemies.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

What comes to your mind when you think of a king? Do you think of the sad story of foolish and greedy King Midas? (Perhaps someone in your group knows this story and can tell it.) Do you think of someone rich and powerful? What do you think would be good about being ruled by an all-powerful king? What do you think would be not so great about that?

READING 2 Colossians 1:12-20

Reading 2 Reflection:

On this feast of Christ the King, we read a tribute to Jesus Christ as the supreme ruler of all creation. In Christ, everything and everyone are reconciled. He is the head of the Church and the One who holds everything "in being." The second reading reminds us to be grateful that we are loved and saved by such a king.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

We do not think of kings as suffering very much. Kings usually seem to have the best of everything. However, sometimes kings choose to share the suffering of their people. For example, the Queen Mother of England (Queen Mary, the mother of the current Queen Elizabeth II) could have left her home, Windsor Castle in London, for a safer place when England was being bombed during World War II. She insisted that the royal family stay in London with their people even though it was very dangerous. The people of London never forgot this courageous decision. This is one reason why the people still honor the memory of the Queen Mother today because they loved her and respected her courage. Jesus is king of the whole world, and our king. How did he share our lives, our joys, and our suffering? How do you respond to Jesus' love for you?



Gospel Reflection: Gospel Luke 23:35-43

As we celebrate the last Sunday of the Church year, Luke's Gospel leaves us with a "holy picture" to remember and cherish. It is a crucifixion scene. Above the head of Jesus, a sign proclaims: "This is the king of the Jews." The soldiers and most of the crowd think that the sign is a bad joke. But a criminal who is hanging in a cross next to Jesus senses the truth about him. "Remember me when you enter upon your reign," he prays. And the King responds, "This day you will be with me in paradise."

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

"Greater love than this no one has, that he give up his life for his friend." We might say, "Greater love than this no king has, that he give up his life for his people." This is the kind of king Jesus was and is. Now he is a Risen King, and we rise with him each day?every time we respond to grace in our lives, every time we imitate our king by overcoming evil with good. What can you do this week to be like Christ the King in love, in forgiveness, in generosity, in works of peace and justice?

Sunday Reading Reflections - Nov. 18, 2007

November 18, 2007
Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

READING 1: Malachi 3:19-20a

Reading 1 Reflection:

In today's reading, the prophet is sounding the alarm. Although God's promises have been fulfilled, many have become proud, selfish, and sinful. But the day of judgment will come. Those who do evil will not get away with it forever. Justice will surround them like a blazing oven. While the evil are "burning," the faithful will be warmed by "the sun of justice."

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

The work of a prophet is not only to remind us of the past, but also to speak of the present in such a way as to motivate us for the future. Malachi sees the injustice around him, and speaks of a day to come, "the day of the Lord," when justice will triumph. How do these prophetic words motivate you? How will you prepare for the day of the Lord? What kind of healing are you hoping for from the Lord? How can you, as a follower of Christ, the sun of justice, be a healing presence in your own way right now?

Pray together: Jesus, Sun of Justice, let your healing rays warm our hearts. Guide us in your paths of justice and peace. Amen.

READING 2: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

Reading 2 Reflection:

What would happen if everyone knew when the end of the world was coming? Some early Christians, who believed that Christ was coming again soon, decided to quit work and take it easy. Why build and plant if this world is about to be destroyed, they asked themselves. But they are scolded for becoming lazy busybodies and taking advantage of others. They are to work and to remain faithful, for no one knows when the end is coming.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

In these last weeks of the liturgical year, the Church reminds us of the end of time itself, the end of the world and the beginning of God's new and eternal kingdom. How do you feel about being reminded of the end of the world? Does it make a difference in the way you live your life? Are you tempted to sit back saying, "What will be will be. I can't worry about it"? Or does knowing this world will end someday help you to make our world a more beautiful gift to the creator?

Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

Gospel Reflection:

Jesus warns his followers not to be deceived about the end of the world. The signs of the end (wars, earthquakes, famines) will occur repeatedly. Christians will be persecuted and will not be able to trust even some of their own family members. But Jesus will not abandon them. He will give them the right words to speak when they are on trial. By enduring whatever suffering comes, his disciples will be saved. Though their bodies may be persecuted, their spirits will remain unharmed.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Jesus says two seemingly contradictory things: "Some of you will be put to death" and "Not a hair of your head will be harmed." Jesus is warning us of terrible things that may happen. Yet because he is with us, we will not be harmed. Not even death can harm us! Jesus has taken us beyond death, and has saved our lives for all eternity. We do not know when the end of the world will come. We do not know when our own death, our own "end of the world as we know it," will come. What does your faith in Jesus tell you about the end of the world? What does your faith tell you about your personal "end of your world" that we call death? How does your faith in Jesus help you to proclaim your faith in words and actions, no matter what the consequences?

There is saying that comes from the American old West, "He died with his boots on." This means that this person died while living a full and active life, living his or her values right to the end of life on earth. Think back over the words of Jesus that you remember. (Love one another. Be merciful as your Father is merciful. Thy will be done, and many others!) Which one might help you to live a fuller Christian life right now? How do you plan to "die with your boots on" while walking the way of Jesus?

Reflections for Sunday Readings: Nov. 11

November 11, 2007
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

READING 1: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-14

Reading 1 Reflection:

This reading may seem like a strange horror story. But it is an actual account of seven Jewish brothers and their mother who were tortured and killed for their faith. They were martyred during the reign of Antiochus III, a Syrian king who forced the people of God to adopt pagan religious practices. The heroes of today's reading refused to break any of the dietary laws of Moses.

The best part of the story for us is the Jewish family's faith in their own resurrection. Although they lived two centuries before Christ, their faith helped to prepare the way for his coming.

READING 2: 2 Thessalonians 2:16--3:5

Reading 2 Reflection:

This passage, written to the Christians at Thessalonica, a seaport in Greece, is a prayer that the faith will progress despite persecution. The writer's heart goes out to those who are trying to keep the faith. And he prays that Jesus will console and guard them.

Gospel: Luke 20:27-38

Gospel Reflection:

In this reading from the Gospel of Luke, some experts in the Jewish religion try to trap Jesus. They refuse to believe in the resurrection of the dead. We can see they did not agree with Jesus. To help them go beyond their concerns about matrimony and inheritance, Jesus tells them that in the next life they do not have to get married. All our relations are centered in God.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

Can you imagine a resurrected life where people won't be divided, but where they will live in harmony with God and each other? How can you help those on earth and those in heaven?