Readings and Themes for the Week of September 19, 2010

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of September 19, 2010,
Twenty Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Amos 8:4-7

God cannot forget the sin of those who cheat the poor.

Psalm 113

"Praise the Lord, who lifts up the poor."

Reading II 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Pray for everyone, not just your own.

Gospel Luke 16:1-13

You cannot be the servant of God and the servant of many.

THEME:

How do we use what God has given us?

Today’s first reading begins with the words “Hear this.” Let us heed this call and open our ears to listen to words that challenge us to the very core.

Questions of the week

Question for Children:

Clothes, food, toys, all cost money.

How do you keep your faith more important than money?

Question for Youth:

The Gospel tells us that money can get in the way of serving God.

How can you use all that you have (possessions, money, time, talent) to serve God?

Question for Adults:

Money is an important part of modern life.

What is one way you can keep the need of money in balance with your faith?

Bulletin Bites
"Prepare a full account of your stewardship!"

Are we ready to hear Jesus say that to us? Here are some simple truths about stewardship you might want to keep in mind: A steward is a person who is given responsibility for the preservation and productivity of the property of another. The first question of a Good Steward is “For what am I responsible” For disciples of Jesus Christ, being a Good Steward is not an option! It is an obligation of our baptism. A Good Steward is aware that everything we have and everything we ever will be comes from God and belongs to God. Good Steward is not a title – it is the way we imitate Jesus Christ! A good Catholic Steward accepts responsibility for a constantly growing Faith, a mature Prayer Life that is about listening to God, all of the Talents and Abilities and Gifts we have received from God, the welfare of our Community of Faith, and Evangelization – helping others find God. A true disciple of Jesus Christ will eventually hear: “Good and faithful steward, come, enter into My Kingdom.” Don’t we all hope to hear that?