22nd Sunday in ordinary Time

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deborah Stenger of St. Micahel's in Poway, CA  (Diocese of San Diego) For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by Your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to Your service, and live this day in love to one another and to You; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:7-9

The third Mark, catholic, does not refer specifically to the Roman Catholic Church. In this case, catholic means universal, in the sense of totality and fullness. This fullness comes from the uniting of Christ’s body with its head, and also from the shared mission of being sent out by Christ to all of humanity.Jeremiah was called to an unpopular mission that had never been part of his own dreams for himself. But he quickly learned that fighting against God’s plan for him was futile. God’s plan was bigger and better than Jeremiah could see. He tried to hold in the word that God meant to be sent out to the people, but it nearly exploded forth on its own. We are all called to this same mission as part of the catholic Church.At the end of every Mass, the priest or deacon offers a rite of dismissal, issuing a command, such as, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” When taken as intended, these words are not an ending, but a beginning. We receive our marching orders.The word Mass comes directly from the Latin phrase “ite, Missa est”, which now translates “go, Mass is ended,” but originates from “go, she is sent.” The entire liturgical and Eucharistic celebration is named after the dismissal. Strange? Not if we remember our call and the purpose of Mass. We gather to be fed and nourished by His Word and by His Body and Blood. Then, we are sent out to return to our mission (also rooted in the Latin missa) with renewed vigor.

Questions

Have you ever felt duped by God? How did you respond?

2nd Reading: Romans 12:1-2

St. Paul advises us to avoid conforming to this age and the ways of the world, and to discern the will of God instead. The laws, social trends, political majorities, and moral standards are in constant flux. They change with the times and can sway quickly with the influence of the media or outspoken individuals or groups.The teachings of the Church, however, do not change with the times. They are not whims or fads. They are based solidly in the Truth. This Truth does not change. The way that we apply this Truth to interact with the contemporary world causes some flexing and growth, but not systemic change. The Church is catholic (full) because She is sent to all people, calls all people to unity in Her, and encompasses all times.The Church is not like a one-size-fits-all garment that doesn’t really quite fit anybody, but tolerably covers everybody. The Church is perfectly tailored for each and every person, in every way, and in every age. In our modern world of international corporations and industrial globalization, it is easy to mistakenly view the Church as one huge conglomerate presiding over many smaller disparate churches. But the Church is much more than the sum of Her parts. The Church does not dispose of the richness of variety in order to create unity through forcing all members into indistinguishable, identical entities. Her unity lies in having a single head, not in having identical parts. The richness and diversity of the different cultural influences, all unified in Christ and the Magisterium, creates a unique, living being that is unequalled in its appeal to diverse groups over thousands of years

What current laws, social trends, political agendas, or moral standards have sparked doubt or tempted you to stray from the teachings of the Church?

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus’ prediction of His passion must have come as a shock to the apostles. They still envisioned a Messiah of worldly power who would overthrow their oppressors, not a suffering lamb who had to sacrifice Himself in death for their salvation. Satan recognized this confusion and tried to use it to his advantage. Satan had tried this same tactic in the desert when he tried to tempt Jesus away from His mission three times (Luke 4). Satan used Peter to try to tempt Jesus away from His most supreme act of love: His crucifixion. Satan works in men by tempting them to deviate from God’s plan.

Satan was able to use Peter because Peter was fearful of the pain and shame of the cross. Jesus says that to be with Him, we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him. Human nature urges survival, not death to self. We cannot expect denying ourselves to be an easy path. To take up the cross means certain death, and as part of the catholic Church, our hope does not come from avoiding this death, but lies in the power of the resurrection.

The Church is the only place of true safety amid the sinfulness of the world. St. Augustine proposed that the Church is analogous to the ark in the time of Noah’s flood. Only a select few have chosen to gather together and take refuge in this place of safety amid the mighty storms. The Church is the world reconciled and called back into unity and guided by the breath of the Spirit to navigate safely. The Church is the only means of true salvation.

Don’t fear the cross, embrace it! The one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church is our lifeboat. Do you want to be saved? Get onboard!

Question

How has Satan tried to tempt you away from your crosses?

This Week's Task

Treat the rite of dismissal as a prayer and as a commandment.
Take it to heart and follow the command to go on mission.

The group prays the following prayer:

Lord, God,

We adore you,

We praise you,

We thank you.

Through our Baptism,

You call us each by name for a special purpose.

Grant us the wisdom to be

Your instruments of peace and love.

Fill our hearts with the enthusiasm and desire

to carry on the mission of Jesus in spreading

the Good News wherever we go.

Amen.

Continue with Psalm 63

Response: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,

for you have heard the words of my mouth;

in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;

I will worship at your holy temple.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

I will give thanks to your name,

because of your kindness and your truth:

When I called, you answered me;

you built up strength within me.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees,

and the proud he knows from afar.

Your kindness, O LORD, endures forever;

forsake not the work of your hands.

R. My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

19th Sunday in ordinary Time

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deborah Stenger of St. Micahel's in Poway, CA  (Diocese of San Diego) For a PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

Eternal Father,we praise You for sending Your Son to be one of us and to save us. Look upon Your people with mercy, for we are divided in so many ways, and give us the Spirit of Jesus to make us one in love. We ask this gift, loving Father,Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1st Reading: 1 Kings 19:19, 11-13

Elijah was hiding from his enemies in a cave on the very mountain where God handed down the Law to Moses. God announced that He Himself would be passing by for a visit, but Elijah was not comforted by this announcement. His work had not been going well, and the Boss was on His way to meet with him. Would He be coming to help or to judge?First, the tearing wind, crushing earthquake, and raging fire indicated judgment. But God was not in these frightening signs. Instead, He came in a tiny whispering sound. Although Elijah was frightened enough to hide his face, he was drawn out of the cave to God. Why? Because God did not come in judgment. He spoke gently to his faithful servant from His throne of mercy. Consequently, Elijah was graced with the courage to continue in his calling.When we are truly open and receptive to the messages and movements of the Holy Spirit in our own lives, like Elijah, we are likely to be greatly affected and moved by our loving God. Our most profound encounters with God begin in tiny stirrings discovered in quiet intimate moments shared with Him. The Holy Spirit slips in quietly in these moments and, with remarkable power, takes possession of our hearts.

Questions

Have you set aside time to be still and truly listen to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit? 

How can you tell whether the whisperings you hear are from God?

2nd Reading: Romans 9:1-5

Like Elijah, Paul struggled with ministering to a stubborn, difficult audience. He shows a deeply emotional concern for the future of his own people.Paul lived in a time when Jews, Christians, and Gentiles comingled, working their way through differences in faith, traditions, language, and culture. Paul depended on the Holy Spirit to guide his conscience and his words. Led by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, he realized that these very different groups were part of the same family and that they could all claim a share in the inheritance promised to Abraham. Even with their differences, the very same Holy Spirit who guided Paul’s teachings was leading each of God’s faithful on the path to salvation. St. Paul wrote, “there is one body and one spirit…one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”(Eph 4:4-6).Whether in Europe, in Africa, or in the Caribbean, the structure of the Mass is the same, but each place has its own atmosphere because it lends its unique language, culture, and music to the celebration. Our unity in faith is not weakened by our diversity, it adds a richness that enlivens it and makes it whole.We stand together in Christ as one faith family, called by His grace into community where we pray “Our Father” in unity as one Church.

Questions

Has there been a time when worry for someone you care about has brought you closer to God? 

Closer to your faith family?

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33

Why was Peter the only disciple to step out of the boat? 

He had grown more 

in faith and love. His firm belief in Jesus’

identity as the Son of God gave him courage to trust Christ

enough to risk his life. Once Jesus got

into the boat and the storm ceased, the

other disciples found enough faith to

state without a doubt, “Truly, you are

the Son of God.”

When we allow our focus to shift from

God to our problems or fears, we

weaken our connection with Him. This

could lead us astray from His purpose

for our lives. The power we receive

from the Holy Spirit is far greater than

worldly problems. By focusing on His

power instead of our problems, we

invite Him to work miracles in and

through us, as He did for Peter.

Peter’s path is exemplified in the Latin

phrase “lex orandi, lex credendi, lex

vivendi” (how we worship reflects what

we believe, and determines how we

live). Our worship, through the guidance

of the Holy Spirit, leads us to our faith

and trust in God, and ultimately to our

mission as part of the one Church.

The more we believe, the more we respond to His call, and

the more intimately we experience His exquisite love. And

the more we experience His love, the more we trust Him and

His perfect plan for us.

Questions

In the storms of life, how long do you wait to call on Jesus?

Do you try to think your way out of problems or rely on

rescue from others before turning to Jesus?

Week's Task

• Reflect intently at Mass as we pray:

“I believe in one, holy, catholic, and

apostolic Church.”

• Set aside 10 minutes each day this week to

invite the Holy Spirit into your heart.

• Seek a way to grow in “oneness” with the

Church: Join a ministry in your own parish

Group Prayer

The group prays the following:

Lord Jesus Christ, at your Last Supper

you prayed to the Father that all should be

one.

Send your Holy Spirit upon all

who bear your name and seek to serve you.

Strengthen our faith in you,

and lead us to love one another in humility.

May we who have been reborn in one baptism

be united in one faith under one Shepherd.

Amen.

Continue with Psalm 85

Response: Lord, let us see your kindness,

and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God proclaims;

the LORD — for he proclaims peace.

Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear

him,

glory dwelling in our land.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss.

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice shall look down from heaven.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

The LORD himself will give his benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before him,

and prepare the way of his steps.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your

salvation.

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

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18th Sunday in ordinary Time

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

O God, through water and the Holy Spirit, we are born again. May we be forever grateful to you for granting us the favor to become your adopted and blessed children through Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen


Over the last six weeks, we have considered the role of those who are baptized in Christ Jesus. We each have mission. But, who are our role models to keep us on mission? This week, as we reflect on our Sunday’s readings, I would like to share with you two sets of role models who have assisted me from the day of my baptism 58 years ago. I am pleased to say that, as I write this, my parents and godparents are still with us here on earth as they each hover around ninety-years of age. These are my Christian role models and it is to them that I dedicate this week’s Christ in Our Neighborhood commentary. ~ Bishop John Dolan


1st Reading: Is 55:1-3 

Baptism is a parallel to our natural birth when we did not earn our own birthright, but came as a gift of our parents and God. To be born again in baptism means that we are called to rely solely on the Lord who grants us eternal life and the blessings that come from His kingdom. Isaiah tells us of the generosity of God. To those who accept God’s invitation, we come freely to “receive grain and eat.” The prophet makes it clear that we come to God “without paying and without cost.” Simply heeding him and submitting to his generous invitation so “that you [we] have life,” is all that is required of us.

Question

In what way are your parents and godparents images of God for you?

Rom 8:35, 37-39 

All things considered, most parents will go to the ends of the earth to help their children. Even when they become adult children, parents will offer them assistance and advice. Christian parents offer additional assistance through multiple prayers. God parents and Christian sponsors will also offer prayers and spiritual support. This need for parents and god parents to offer physical and spiritual assistance is born out of a profound love for their children and godchildren. It may take a life-time for people to appreciate the sacrifices their own parents made for them. But many could say about their parents and god parents what Saint Paul said about Jesus Christ: “I am convinced that neither death, nor life … nor any creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Jesus our Lord.”

Questions

Are you convinced that your parents, or someone special in your life, loves you? How convinced are you of the love that Jesus has for you?

Gospel: Mt 14:13-21 

The Gospel of Matthew’s miracle of the loaves and fish is one of a number of miracles provided by Jesus to express the generosity of God. The miracle illustrates an extraordinary generosity – beyond measure! The disciples, on their own, are incapable of feeding the multitude with just five loaves and two fish. This miracle ties neatly with our first two readings for this Sunday. If we simply heed the Lord, we will “eat well” (Is 55), because “nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God” (Rom 8). As much as we rely on ourselves, and even our parents, to assist us in our daily lives, nothing compares to the generosity of God. We cannot purchase nor work for the grace given through Jesus Christ. We cannot pay for his grace, nor his love, nor his gift of eternal life. His generosity is beyond measure! Beginning with your baptism (which you neither earned nor purchased), consider the generous grace poured out on you throughout your life. You yourself are a miracle of God! You are even greater than a miracle of loaves and fishes.

Questions

What is a miracle for you? How do miracles express the generosity of God?

This Week's Task

As we conclude this seven-week review of our baptism, take time to express your gratitude to your parents, your god parents or sponsors, and those who assisted you both physically and spiritually throughout your life. Send them a card or note and (if they are living or deceased) offer them a prayer intention at Mass.

Group Prayer

The leader invites the group to pray the following words together. Father in Heaven, Bless our parents, godparents, sponsors, and life’s benefactors. We are grateful to those who have assisted us along our paths. We cannot begin to count the many ways in which we have been blessed by their efforts. Give them the blessing that can only come through Jesus, your Son. Bless them with happiness in this life and a fullness of joy in eternal life with you who live and reign forever and ever! Amen.

Psalm

Psalm 145 Response: The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. 

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness. The LORD is good to all and compassionate toward all his works.

R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. 

The eyes of all look hopefully to you, and you give them their food in due season; you open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. 

The LORD is just in all his ways and holy in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.

R. The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. 

Conclude with an Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Auxiliary Bishop john Dolan  (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

17th Sunday in ordinary Time

17th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deacon Mark Silvia of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lakeside, CA (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

O God, bestow in abundance your mercy upon us. Grant that we may use the good things that pass away in such a way as to hold fast to things that last forever. Amen

1st Reading: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

A listening heart helps us to be more present and understanding of others. A listening heart helps us to discern our thoughts and our actions. A listening heart leads us to perform acts of charity and love. A listening heart helps us to hear and follow the voice of God. Cultivating a listening heart begins by centering your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. When, after saying all that you want to God, allow an equal time to listen in silence to the Holy Spirit’s response. Learning to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit helps us to listen better to others as God listens to our prayers. When we are centered in Jesus, all of our actions and words flow forth from him.

Questions

• How much time do you spend in silence on a typical day? • How does it make you feel when someone truly listens to you? • What is your greatest obstacle to listening to another person?

2nd Reading: Romans 8:28-30

We were made a new creature through the waters of baptism. We have become adopted sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Christ, members of his body, and co-heirs with him of the eternal kingdom. Such is the plan, the purpose, and the promise that God has for each person who loves him. From the very first moment of creation, he knew each of us by name. And those he foreknew, he predestined to share in his plan of salvation. God causes all to work for good for those who love him. If we remain in his love, by knowing and keeping his commands, then he will come to us and he will live in us. Then, slowly as clay upon the potter’s wheel, he forms us into his own divine image and likeness. All this God freely does for us because he loves us and wants us to live with him forever.

Questions

• How did you come to know God’s plan, purpose and promise for you? • Can you recall specific times the Holy Spirit may have helped you to remain faithful?

Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52 

Jesus tells us that the kingdom is a treasure worth searching for. Once they have found it, good disciples sell everything else they own to obtain it. St. Cyprian tell us, “The kingdom of God means Christ himself. For he is our resurrection, since in him we rise.” St. Paul said, “The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” By the accounts of Jesus and the Saints, we know that the kingdom of God is something very wonderful. It Something that we deeply desire and are searching for. It is something very precious, that when found we would gladly sell all that we have in order to obtain it. Even greater than our searching for God, is His searching for us. As with a net upon the sea, he will gather us up. The good will go into the kingdom of heaven, the bad into the fiery furnace. In Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God has already come, and is coming. And those who wish to tell others about it, (the scribes) should use all things of the past and today (the old) and point to all things of the future (the new) to describe it.

Questions

• How is the kingdom of God experienced in everyday life?

This Week's Task

• Pray for a listening and understanding heart that you may hear God’s voice and follow him. • Pray that God will make his kingdom known to you in today’s world. • Do one thing this week to bring forth God’s kingdom of mercy and compassion to others.

Group Prayer

The leader invites the group to pray the following words together. 

A listening heart prepare in us O Lord; that we may always hear and follow your voice. Help us to bring forth the reign of God in our lives and in the lives of others, even as we look forward to the coming of your kingdom in heaven. Help us to know that you have a plan, a purpose, and a promise for each ofyour children, so that where you are we also may be. Amen.


Psalm 119 Psalm Response: Lord, I love your commands. 

I have said, O LORD, that my part is to keep your words. The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

R. Lord, I love your commands. 

Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.

R. Lord, I love your commands. 

For I love your command more than gold, however fine. For in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate.

R. Lord, I love your commands. 

Wonderful are your decrees; therefore, I observe them. The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple.

R. Lord, I love your commands.

Conclude with the Our Father

Our commentary this week is provided by Deacon Mark Silvia of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lakeside, CA (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

16th Sunday in ordinary Time

16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Our commentary this week is provided by Deacon Mark Silvia of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lakeside, CA (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Commentary

Opening prayer

O Lord, show mercy to your servants. Increase the gift of your grace in us, so that made fervent in hope, faith, and charity, we may be ever watchful in keeping your commands. Amen.


1st Reading: Wisdom 12:13, 16-19 

God revealed to the Prophet Isaiah, “I am the Lord, there is no other. The creator of the heavens, who is God. The designer of the earth who established it. Not as an empty waste did I create it, but designing it to be lived in: I am the Lord, and there is no other.” It is God alone who created and watches over us. He guides us along the right paths and allows us to suffer the consequences of sin when we stray. But the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. He also gives us good ground for hope, for he also heals us from all our sins. The humble, contrite heart he will not spurn. He rejoices over the sinner who returns to him with all their heart. Receiving forgiveness of our sins is a great and wonderful gift that Jesus gives to us in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Questions

• Where would we be without the Sacrament of Reconciliation? • How do you feel about celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

2nd Reading: Romans 8:26-27

 “God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!”’ This knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit. To be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit. He comes to meet us and kindles faith in us. By virtue of our Baptism, the first sacrament of the faith, the Holy Spirit in the Church communicates to us, intimately and personally, the life that originates in the Father and is offered to us in the Son. “Baptism gives us the grace of new birth in God the Father, through his Son, in the Holy Spirit. For those who bear God’s Spirit are led to the Word, that is, to the Son, and the Son presents them to the Father, and the Father confers incorruptibility on them. And it is impossible to see God’s Son without the Spirit, and no one can approach the Father without the Son, for the knowledge of the Father is the Son, and the knowledge of God’s Son is obtained through the Holy Spirit.” (CCC 683)

Questions

• What does St. Paul mean when he says the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with inexpressible groaning? • How does knowing that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us affect the way you pray?

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-43 

God makes the sun to rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust, but it is the good seed that flourishes in the light of God. The good seed is the Children of God. Jesus says to his children, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Just as yeast gives rise to wheat; the Holy Spirit gives rise to peace, justice, and love in us for the building up of his Body the Church. God gives growth to the Church so that it may be a most sure seed of unity, hope, and salvation for the whole human race. A place where everyone can come and worship and glorify the name of God. There is always cause for hope in the fields of the Lord where, by mercy of God, the bad seed can become good. Jesus tells us “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.”

Questions

• How have you experienced the Holy Spirit giving life in you? • What can you do to be yeast in your parish, family, or community?

This Week's Task

• Decide upon on one intentional act you can do for the building up of your parish, family, or community, then make a plan to do it. This can be as an individual or as a group.

Group Prayer

The leader invites the group to pray the following words together.

Lord Jesus, plant your Word in our hearts and make it fruitful in our lives. Keep us free from sin and make us a fertile place where your love can grow. Let the Word which you have planted in our hearts not return to you void, but may it provide a rich harvest, a hundred, or fifty, or thirty-fold. Amen The leader will guide the group in praying

Psalm 86 Psalm Response: Lord, you are good and forgiving. 

You, O LORD, are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon you. Hearken, O LORD, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my pleading

R. Lord, you are good and forgiving. 

All the nations you have made shall come and worship you, O LORD, and glorify your name. For you are great, and you do wondrous deeds; you alone are God.

R. Lord, you are good and forgiving. 

You, O LORD, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity. Turn toward me, and have pity on me; give your strength to your servant.

R. Lord, you are good and forgiving. 

Conclude with an Our Father

For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

15th Sunday in ordinary Time

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Español)

Commentary

Our commentary this week is provided by Deacon Mark Silvia of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lakeside, CA (Diocese of San Diego) For PDF version, visit http://www.christ-ion.com

Opening prayer

O God, you show the light of your truth to those who go astray so that they may return to the right path. Give all, who for the faith they profess are accounted Christians, the grace to reject whatever is contrary to the name of Christ and to strive after all that does it honor. Amen

1st Reading: Isaiah 55:10-11 

At the very first moment of creation, God sent out his Word. And he tells us through the Prophet Isaiah, that every word that goes forth from his mouth will not return to him void, but shall do his will, achieving the end for which he sent it. When God sent out his Word and created the universe and everything in it, he knew your name. For you, he has a very special plan, a purpose and a promise. He created you to know him and the love he has for you. He gave you an intellect and a will so that you may freely love him in return and do the good you were created for. He promises to be with you along the path of life. For you are like a seed planted on fertile grown, that he will water and nurture, so that your life may produce good fruit.

Questions

• What is the plan and purpose God has for you?
• When has he fed, nutured, and/or pruned you to bear good fruit?

2nd Reading: Romans 8:18-23 

Great and wonderful is God’s plan for us. St. Paul said, “Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him.” From the moment of Creation, when he sent out his Word, he set his plan into motion, and it will not return to him void. All of creation is groaning in labor pains as it brings to fulfillment God’s plan. And we, who through our baptism were made Children of God, are groaning with creation as we eagerly await in joyful expectation the promises of God. God’s Word will achieve the end for which it was sent for those who love Him. On the last day, he will wipe every tear from our eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain. He will make all things new again. He will raise up our mortal bodies to life and we will live in unity and peace in his presence forevermore. St. Paul considers the sufferings of this time to be nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.

Questions

• What does this mean for you? • What do you imagine heaven will be like?

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30 

It takes good soil for seeds to flourish and to be fruitful. We tend to the soil that we live in, so that the Word of God once planted in our hearts may grow. We need to soften the hard soil of our hearts, which has been hardened by those who have walked upon us and made us angry and resentful. We need to remove the stones of doubt and fear which enclose us, block the light, and leave little room in which to grow. We need to sink our roots deep into rich soil, so that we may not fade or be carried away when trials and hardships come. We need to remove the weeds and thorns of sin that restrict us and keep us from flowering and loving as we should. As a baptized Child of God, blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. To you are granted the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. But when we don’t hold firm to the commands of God, sin enters in to bring death to the Word planted in our hearts. When we tend the soil of our hearts and minds, we make a place in which the Word of God will bring blessings, “a hundred, or sixty, or thirty-fold.

Questions

• How can we work on removing the weeds and thorns of sin that keep us from being the best version of ourselves?

This Week's Task

• Listen attentively to the Gospel as it is proclaimed at Mass this Sunday. Nurture the Word in your heart by reflecting and acting upon it throughout your week.

Group Prayer 

The leader invites the group to pray the following words together. 

Lord Jesus, plant your Word in our hearts and make it fruitful in our lives. Keep us free from sin and make us a fertile place where your love can grow. Let the Word which you have planted in our hearts not return to you void, but may it provide a rich harvest, a hundred, or fifty, or thirty-fold. Amen

Psalm

Psalm Response: The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. 

You have visited the land and watered it; greatly have you enriched it. God’s watercourses are filled; you have prepared the grain.

R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. 

Thus have you prepared the land: drenching its furrows, breaking up its clods, softening it with showers, blessing its yield.

R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. 

You have crowned the year with your bounty, and your paths overflow with a rich harvest; The untilled meadows overflow with it, and rejoicing clothes the hills.

R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. 

The fields are garmented with flocks and the valleys blanketed with grain. They shout and sing for joy.

R. The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest. 

Conclude with an Our Father

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