Readings and Themes for the Weekend of July 05, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of July 05, 2009,
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Ezekiel 2:2-5

God sends Ezekiel to prophesy

Psalm 123

“Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.”

Reading II 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

I am content with weakness for the sake of Christ.

Gospel Mark 6:1-6a

Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith.

THEME:
We must believe in Jesus ourselves

In today’s second reading we find that Saint Paul believed that it was through the boasting of his own weaknesses that the presence of Christ was made all the more powerful both within him and to those around him. Let us take the words of Saint Paul to heart this day. When we are tempted to groan or complain about our own “thorns in the flesh”, let us remember that it is in weakness that we are made strong. This is a central paradox of the Christian life, one that is difficult to live. May today’s scriptures strengthen our faith, even in our weakness.
Question for Children:

What helps you have deeper faith in Jesus?

Question for Youth:

When have you struggled to speak the truth among your friends?

What makes this difficult and what are the consequences?

Question for Adults:

When have you placed your trust in God even though those around you did not believe?