Readings and Themes for the Week of June 13, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of June 13, 2010,
Eleventh Sunday

Reading I 2 Samuel 12:7-10, 13

The Lord forgives David’s sin.

Psalm 32

"Lord, forgive the wrong I have done."

Reading II Galatians 2:16, 19-21

Christ lives in me.

Gospel Luke 7:36—8:3 OR 7:36-50

Jesus forgives the woman's sins.

THEME:

Love rather than judge.

This first Sunday in the very long stretch of Ordinary Time that will bring us to the threshold of Advent roots us firmly in the Gospel of Saint Luke. Today we listen to the story of a meal that Jesus shares in the home of a Pharisee. At that meal, the Lord has something to teach this Pharisee and something to teach us about the nature of the Eucharist. May today’s word be one of reconciliation and hope for each one of us and for our Church.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

This week, how can you welcome someone in your neighborhood who is feeling left out?

Question for Youth:

Jesus was able to see the faith of the woman, even though she was a sinner.

Who is in need of your forgiveness, even though they have done you harm?

What is one way that you can offer forgiveness to someone in the weeks to come?

Question for Adults:

How can you show compassion toward the marginalized members of society today?

Bulletin Bites

"The one, I suppose, whose larger debt is forgiven."

Kenny Rogers sings a Country Western Song, “Oh Lord it is hard to be humble when you are perfect in every way”. Could it be our theme song? Is the fact that we might be mistaken or wrong pretty far down on our list of possibilities? And we are proud of that? The ability to admit that we are in error or have done evil does not come easy. For many people, the three most difficult words are not “I love you”, but “I am wrong” and “I am sorry”. And there is the always difficult “I forgive you!” Contrary to the song by Kenny Rogers, true humility is the willingness to say, “I am wrong”! and “I am sorry!”, when necessary. And sometimes the best way we can give is to forgive. And the more we feel we have to forgive, the more we need to give. God gave us all that we have and are. Have we used all of god’s gifts as he intended? If not, have we said, “I am wrong” and “I am sorry”? Our God is an awesome God. He wants to say, “I forgive you”! in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When was the last time we took advantage of that blessed Sacrament? Well, that is too long!

Summer Expressions

Look for God’s presence and gifts. See Jesus reflected in the faces, words, and actions of others. Know that your call to discipleship and stewardship commissions you to also imitate Christ in all aspects of daily living. Give yourself summer gifts of time for contemplation, prayer, and spiritual reading to enhance your relationship with God. Keep Mass attendance a priority throughout the summer months. Look for opportunities to “pay forward” kindnesses received from others. Gift others with caring words, acts of service and gracious hospitality.