Thirty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time,
October 30, 2011:

Malachi 1: 14b- 2: 2b, 8-10
Psalm 131: 1-3
1 Thessalonians 2: 7b-9, 13
Matthew 23: 1-12


"Do as I say, not as I do" ... sound familiar?

• In our world, in our country, who would be comforted by these readings, and who would be challenged by them? 
• Why?

The topics for Catechumenate this week will be Infallibility and the Communion of Saints
The Mystagogia group will meet on November 6 to review the Sacrament of Reconciliation in anticipation of our parish Advent Reconciliation service.

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Here are the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
October 23, 2011:

Exodus 22: 20-26
Psalm 18: 2-4, 47, 51
1 Thessalonians 1: 5c-10
Matthew 22:34-40

The passage from the book of Exodus was establishing social norms for the Hebrew community. How was one to act with each other, and how was one to act to 'the other'? Together with the Gospel, how well do you think you, and we (neighborhood, faith community, state, country) are doing?

The Catechumenate this Sunday will address the Catholic Approach to Scripture.

The next Inquiry is October 25.

Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Here are the readings for the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 16, 2011:


Isaiah 45: 1, 4-6
Psalm 96: 1, 3-5, 7-10
1 Thessalonians 1: 1-5b
Matthew 22:15-21

After three solid weeks of pointed parables directed to the chief priests and religious rulers, is it any wonder that today's Gospel begins,  "The Pharisees went off and plotted how they might entrap Jesus in speech"?

The Cyrus mentioned in the first reading was a Persian ruler who allowed the Israelites to return from captivity in Babylon. He was called by God for this role, even though he was not familiar with Israel's God. Any person can be an agent of God's mission, if they recognize and respond to the call.

If you've ever felt pulled between loyalty to two conflicting ties, perhaps the lesson of the Gospel is of some guidance. Living in the United States, with a strongly held value of separation of Church and State, there are times when the call to be a good citizen and the call to be a faithful Christian seem at odds. Perhaps to helps to remember the phrase on our currency, "In God We Trust".

• What do you find easy to entrust to God?
• What is hard to trust God about?

The Catechumenate does not meet this Sunday; they will be attending the Diocesan Catholic Convocation on Saturday.
The Mystagogia groups meets this Sunday at 10:45-11:30am in the Living Room. We'll be talking about the Prayer of St. Francis.

A wonderful anniversary!

On this day forty-nine years ago, Pope John 23rd opened the Second Vatican Council. This gathering of bishops from all over the world happened over the course of 3 autumns, and served to breathe new life into the Roman Catholic Church. It would not be an overstatement to say that it was the most important church event of the 20th century.

For a bit of background information on "Good Pope John", please click here .

And for a neat reflective video on Blessed John 23rd and the opening of Vatican 2, please click here and enjoy for 9 minutes!

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"The Wedding Feast" by Kazakhstan Artist Nelly Bube.

Here are the readings for the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, October 9, 2011:

Isaiah 25: 6-10a
Psalm 23: 1-6
Philippians 4: 12-14, 19-20
Matthew 22:1-14

Ah, the multiple meanings of the parables! Is Jesus talking about the widening of preaching from the Prophets to the Israelites, to the early Church to the Gentiles? Is he commenting on the behaviors expected of a believer? Or on our tendency to only reluctantly include 'others'? Does the wedding garment symbolize our baptismal garment? So much to ponder!

One thing is certain: today's major headache of people neglecting to RSVP is not a new phenomenon! (Mt 22: 3-5)

Taken together, today's readings give us insight into the early Christian community's sense of importance given to gathering together each Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist.

• Beyond Mass, how do you observe the Lord's Day? 
• In what ways do you set aside a time to rest and reflect?

The topic for the Catechumenate this week will be "Mass".
Inquiry will meet this Tuesday October 11.
Mystagogia will meet next Sunday, October 16