Readings and Themes for the Week of September 06, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of September 06, 2009,
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Isaiah 35:4-7a

The eyes of the blind will be opened.

Psalm 146

“Praise the Lord, my soul!”

Reading II James 2:1-5

God chooses the poor to inherit the kingdom.

Gospel: Mark 7:31-37

Jesus cures a deaf man

THEME:
Opening Up the Power of Jesus

Today’s scriptures are rich with messages for each of us. We are told to be strong and to fear not. We are summoned to show no partiality to those whom we encounter in our daily life. Today’s Gospel reminds us that, at the time we were baptized, our ears were opened to listen to God’s word. We were also enabled to proclaim that saving word to others. Let us open our ears now to hear words that challenge, courage, and heal.

Question for Children:

How do you shun others whom you don’t like?

Question for Youth:

Who are the people in our world today who sometimes go unnoticed?

What could you do to help them?

Question for Adults:

In what ways do you discriminate in your heart against those whom you judge less than fully worthy?