Readings and Themes for the Week of September 13 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of September 13, 2009,
Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Isaiah 50:5-9a

God’s servant will suffer great physical harm.

Psalm 116

“I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.”

Reading II James 2:14-18

Faith is dead if it does not have works.

Gospel: Mark 8:27-35

Those who wish to follow Jesus deny themselves.

THEME:
We are called to carry our crosses

Today we hear one of the Lord Jesus’ most challenging teachings. Those who wish to follow him, we are told, must deny themselves and take up the cross. The image of the suffering servant in today’s first reading makes this teaching all the more challenging. The letter of Saint James suggests that those who choose to follow Christ must also do so in word and deed, caring for those who are less fortunate. Let us be open to God’s challenging word and pray that we will be given renewed strength to follow Christ.

Question for Children:

What do you think it means for you to follow in Jesus’ footsteps?

Question for Youth:

Who do you say that Jesus is?

Who is Jesus in your life?

Question for Adults:

What is the cross that you carry today?

How do you follow Jesus in the workplace? and at home?