St. Ann parishioners can spiritually prepare themselves for Sunday's Mass by making the readings part of their personal prayer and reflection. If you come to Mass with a good understanding of the readings and their meaning, you can enter more deeply into the celebration of Mass.
Take a few moments to read and reflect on the following:
Discussion Questions
Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time C
September 5, 2010
First Reading
Book of Wisdom, Chapter 9, Verses 13-18
1. The writer says that it is hard enough “to guess what is in our grasp, let alone the things of heaven.” Can you relate to that statement? Is there anything you are uncertain about in the political arena in your country? Is there anything uncertain in your spiritual life?
2. Does God give you help when you are uncertain? Which does God prefer from you, perfect certainty—or your best guess, trusting in God?
Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to Philemon, Verses 9-10, 12-17
1. How did Paul bring about a change or a conversion in Onesimus? What part does love play in any change for the better? Does love work any change in your life?
2. Slavery was an accepted institution in Paul's time, but he states a revolutionary idea anyway. There are no divisive social barriers in Christ. Are there social institutions today that create social divisions, even divisions in the Lord?
Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 14, Verses 25-33
1. Why would Jesus tell us about the high cost of discipleship? In getting rid of possessions, Jesus was a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. Where do you think you fit? Do you want to move your number up a little higher? How?
2. Is following Jesus a one-time choice or do you have to make it daily? Which would you rather have, all the possessions you could ever want without Christ or Christ and no possessions? Think about it. Can you name some people who lived/live in Christ and possess/ed nothing?
