Readings and Themes for the Week of August 29, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of August 22, 2010,
Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-2

Ancient wisdom insists that the more humble we are, the greater we are.

Psalm 68

"God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the poor."

Reading II Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a

Far from frightening, our encounter with God will be like a glorious holiday.

Gospel Luke 14:1, 7-14

Jesus presents his own version of table manners.

THEME:

Give as God gives- - in humility and love.

The living word manifests God’s presence and leads us to conversion of heart. As God’s word is proclaimed in this holy place, let us pray that our hearts will be turned toward greater compassion for the poor and needy in our community and beyond. Let us be attentive to sacred words that call us to Christian hospitality.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Jesus tells us that we should treat everyone as a guest.

Who do you tend to shun or not be nice to?

Question for Youth:

God asks us to do for others without hope of repayment.

This past week, what did you do for someone else for which you won’t be repaid?

Who are the people most in need of your generosity?

Question for Adults:

Who are the people living near you that you would find it most difficult to invite to a meal in your home or to invite to be a part of your life?

Bulletin Bites
"Invite the poor, the cripples, the lame, the blind, and the unwanted: blessed will you be because of their inability to repay you."

A parishioner noted to his pastor that Jesus dined with the rich and famous of his day. He asked, “Do you think Jesus would belong to an exclusive country club if he were here today?” The pastor answered, “I suspect he might, if he could afford it. But his guests would include people who could not afford it, people who need a bath and a new set of clothes, people who have not recently had a decent meal, people who are lame, who limp, or feel their way with a white cane.” The pastor then said to his parishioner, “You belong to a very exclusive country club. Have you ever brought such guests to your club?” The man said nothing. The pastor added, “When we leave Mass and go into God’s world, we are supposed to be Jesus present in the world. So, when you are at your exclusive country club Jesus IS a member. You might want to start reviewing your guest list.”