Readings and Themes for the Weekend of July 12, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of July 12, 2009,
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Amos 7:12-15

God sends Amos to prophesy to the people of Israel.

Psalm 85

“Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”

Reading II Ephesians 1:3-14

God chose us in Christ, before the foundation the world.

Gospel Mark 6:7-13

Jesus sends the disciples out two by two to bring peace and preach repentance.

THEME:
We work together to share the Good News of Jesus

Today we hear three stories about people being chosen by God: Amos the prophet, the Twelve, and all those who are baptized into Christ---which means us!
Perhaps today’s scriptures are calling us to remember the call that was issued by God at the moment of our baptism. Listen to the words of St. Paul in today’s second reading to discover just what that call entails. Our world is still in desperate need of prophets and apostles. Peace and justice seem so elusive in our time. May today’s word of God inspire us to respond to God’s call to bring the gospel of salvation to those we meet in our every day lives.
Question for Children:

To whom would you announce the Good News about Jesus?

Who do you think most needs to hear this message?

Question for Youth:

When Jesus sent the disciples out, he was preparing them for the future when he would be gone. How are you growing in your own faith and preparing for a life as a Christian disciple?

Question for Adults:

Why do you think Jesus sent them out two by two, rather than alone?