Readings and Themes for the Week of October 18, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of October 18, 2009,
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Isaiah 53:10-11

God’s servant, through his suffering, will justify many.

Psalm 33

“Lord, let your mercy be upon us, as we place our trust in you”.

Reading II Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus was tested in every way we are, yet never sinned.

Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

The Son of Man came to give his life as a ransom for many.

THEME:
We are called to serve as Jesus served

In a society that espouses upward mobility, today’s readings are especially challenging. The disciples ask the Lord Jesus to guarantee them the best seats in heaven. He reminds them that real upward mobility has more to do with service of others than any earthly power. Let us echo the sentiments from today’s second reading and confidently approach the Lord, asking for strength to meet the challenges of the gospel.

Question for Children:

How difficult would it be for you to give something you treasure to someone else who needed it more than you do?

Question for Youth:

What is your most important possession?

How hard would it be for you to give it up?

Question for Adults:

How hard is it for you to part with things you treasure?

Do your possessions ever stand in the way of having deeper communion with God?