GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

The Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered round Jesus, and they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with unclean hands, that is, without washing them. For the Pharisees, and the Jews in general, follow the tradition of the elders and never eat without washing their arms as far as the elbow; and on returning from the market place they never eat without first sprinkling themselves. There are also many other observances which have been handed down to them concerning the washing of cups and pots and bronze dishes. So these Pharisees and scribes asked him, ‘Why do your disciples not respect the tradition of the elders but eat their food with unclean hands?’ He answered, ‘It was of you hypocrites that Isaiah so rightly prophesied in this passage of scripture:

This people honours me only with lip-service,
while their hearts are far from me.
The worship they offer me is worthless,
the doctrines they teach are only human regulations.

You put aside the commandment of God to cling to human traditions.’ He called the people to him again and said, ‘Listen to me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that goes into a man from outside can make him unclean; it is the things that come out of a man that make him unclean. For it is from within, from men’s hearts, that evil intentions emerge: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, malice, deceit, indecency, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within and make a man unclean.’

(Mark 7: 1–8, 14–15, 21–23)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• Ritual purity had immense importance for the Jewish people. The laws governing washing probably originated in practices to ensure health and hygiene, but physical signs of impurity came to be seen as symbolic of a moral or spiritual imperfection.
• Judaism at the time of Jesus was made up of a number of different groups of adherents like Sadducees, Pharisees and Essenes. These groups sometimes held different beliefs—for example, the Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead, while the Sadducees did not. This did not cause undue problems, however, because what held all Jews together was a belief in one God, in the Law, in their election as God’s chosen people and in a common worship centered on the temple in Jerusalem. Their unity was a stronger force than their diversity.
• The washing of the hands by the priest at Mass is symbolic of the desire for a pure heart. 

EXPLORING THE WORD

This is one of those wonderful examples in Mark’s Gospel where he gives an explanation for an audience who may be unfamiliar with the practices of Judaism. (It is widely held that the Gospel of Mark was written in Rome.) He explains the idea of ritual cleanliness as practised by Jews. The Pharisees were a group of especially observant Jews. They took ritual observance very seriously and criticise Jesus’ disciples for their lack of observance. In this gospel text, Jesus makes two very important points. First, he observes that the Pharisees are presenting human observances as God’s law, binding them to external practices. In doing this they are missing the point of what God truly wants from his people. Becoming obsessed with external practices and rituals is not what God asks of us. The prophet Micah (6:8) famously put it this way: 

This is what Yahweh asks of you:
only this, to act justly, to love tenderly
and to walk humbly with your God. 

• Look at today’s second reading from the Letter of James. What does that say true religion is really about?

The second point that Jesus makes is that it is not what goes into people from the outside that makes them unclean but what is harboured in their hearts and minds. It is the thoughts, words and actions that come from within that truly show what a person is like. Mark is no doubt addressing these comments to his own community, where there may have been a similar tendency to concentrate on the externals of religious practice rather than on what God really asks of his people.

• What might Jesus affirm in your own heart and how might he challenge you to grow further?

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Opportunties for group discussion and personal prayer

• What ‘human regulations’ in today’s world do you find difficult to conform to? Why?
• What rituals and traditions have been handed down in your family? In our Church?
• Can you think of occasions in our society when the ‘letter of the law’ may be different from the ‘spirit of the law’? What do those terms mean? Have you ever acted in the spirit rather than the letter of the law? Why? Share your reflections together.
• What assists you to become more ‘pure of heart’ and to strengthen your commitment to Christ? For some it may be daily prayer, reciting the rosary, daily Scripture reading, meditation, volunteering at a community-service program, attending Mass or a visit to the church. Think about what helps you grow in faith and commitment, and keeps you focused on following Jesus. Practise this daily this week.
• Use today’s entrance antiphon for your prayer this week:
  Have mercy on me, O Lord,
  for I call to you all the day long.

SHARING THE TRADITION

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ

The Tradition (with a capital T) of the Church is the entirety of the interpretation and experience of the Church over the last two thousand years. It springs from the apostles and is passed on and stated anew to succeeding generations. ‘The apostles entrusted the “Sacred deposit” of the faith contained in Sacred Scripture and Tradition to the whole Church’ (CCC §84).

• You could use the Catechism of the Catholic Church (§§80–95) to explore the relationship between Scripture, Tradition and the teaching authority of the Church.

There may be confusion among catechumens about the particular rituals and practices of Catholicism. Spend some time today differentiating between those traditions that are core to the belief of the Church and those that may have developed over time or are located in particular cultures or eras.

Tradition is to be distinguished from the various theological … or devotional traditions born in local churches over time … In the light of Tradition, these traditions can be retained, modified or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s Magisterium. 

(CCC, §83)

• Discuss some localised devotional ‘traditions’ that catechumens may be aware of or introduce them to others. (Make clear the difference between Tradition and traditions!)
• Many such traditions are based in a particular culture. Explore the cultural background of catechumens and identify any traditions that are practised.
• You could use this occasion to speak of some common gestures—for example, genuflection, using holy water or making the sign of the cross.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES

The heart is a symbol of the whole person, the seat of the emotional life. We can ‘throw our heart into’ a particular endeavor. People can be ‘good-hearted’ or ‘hard-hearted’. Jesus is critical of those who are externally virtuous but do not have their hearts in the right place. The heart is also the symbol of love. Truly loving others and living for them is an act from the heart.

LIVING THE WORD

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment

• What devotional practices are carried out in your community? Are there ways the catechumens can become involved in these?
• You could use theatrical masks as a focus for prayer with lighted candles and the Scriptures. Pray for each other and for the sponsors who walk with you. You could sing or recite Psalm 51, ‘Create in me’ (GA 40). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism at in the RCIA at §94F.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before?

‘It is the spirit that gives life,
the flesh has nothing to offer.
The words I have spoken to you are spirit
and they are life.

‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him.

Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’

(John 6:60–69)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• This is another example of how Peter, in the gospels, often takes a leadership role among the twelve.
• Peter’s role of leadership among the chosen is why, to this day, his successor, the Pope, has a special position among the leaders of the Church.
• In John’s Gospel, the author often uses the device of ‘dualism’ to contrast life in the Spirit with the life of this earthly existence.
• There is no institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper in John’s Gospel. That occurs earlier in this passage. At the supper, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

For several weeks we have been following the story of Jesus’ revelation of himself as the one sent from God, and of how his followers may draw life from him by eating his flesh and drinking his blood. In this text, we find that it is not only ‘the Jews’ who find it difficult to accept his revelation and his teaching. Even his followers struggle with this truth. Jesus knows of their struggle but will not be drawn into offering supernatural proof of his revelation: the Son of Man ascending to heaven! Some do not understand his words and cease to follow him. Jesus then turns to his closest companions and offers them a choice: they may go or they may stay. Peter responds on behalf of them all. It is a wonderful affirmation of faith. ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life and we believe. We know that you are the Holy One of God.’ 

This choice is not based on clear understanding but on faith and on love for Jesus. The mystery of God often defies understanding, but faith is the key to a share in it.

• Freedom of choice is essential to the Christian message. What made you choose to follow Christ?
• ‘Lord to whom shall we go?’ What are the alternatives to Christian faith that are offered by ‘the world’? How attractive are those options to you?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• Are there things that stop you believing in all that Jesus taught? What do you find most challenging in the teaching of Jesus?
• Have you ever been tempted to walk away? What has kept you on the journey?  
• This week, spend time in reflecting on your journey so far. What are you finding a challenge? Are you able to freely make the commitment to the Holy One of God?
• What are some of the significant choices you have made in your life? Do you weigh things up carefully, examining the pros and cons, or do you rely on gut feeling and an emotional response in your decision-making process? Share your experiences.
• During this week, make Peter’s declaration of faith your own:
  Lord, to whom shall we go?
  You alone have the words of eternal life and we believe.
  We know that you are the Holy One of God.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

While we have been concentrating on the Gospel of John in the past several weeks, the Liturgy of the Word has also been following the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians. This contains some very practical advice on living as a Christian.

• You could return to the readings from Ephesians beginning on the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Perhaps each person in the group could take one week and do a short synthesis of what Paul was teaching the people of Ephesus. What relevance do Paul’s instructions have for Christians today?
• You could read about Paul’s experiences in Ephesus in the Book of Acts (chapter 19). Explain the growth of the early Church and the missionary journeys of Paul.
• The teaching on marriage in this week’s second reading sounds controversial by today’s standards. Take the opportunity to speak of the Christian understanding of marriage and family.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

In this text, the disciples are at a crossroads; they must make a choice to stay or to go. The teaching of Jesus is a difficult one. Life in faith is not always easy. It challenges accepted ways of thinking and behaving. Perhaps you too are at a crossroads? Which way will you go?

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• Using the lessons learned about living as a Christian in the letter to the Ephesians, examine how your community carries out those instructions.
• Just as the disciples made a choice, so too do the catechumens. This may be an appropriate time to allow time for reflection on the journey and to celebrate the rite of anointing for those who have chosen to continue—see the RCIA, §§98–102. A suitable song for this week would be ‘Lord, to whom shall we go?’ (GA 189).

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’

And Mary said:

‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord
and my spirit exults in God my saviour;
because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.
Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,
for the Almighty has done great things for me.
Holy is his name,
and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.
He has shown the power of his arm,
he has routed the proud of heart.
He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.
The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.
He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy—according to the promise he made to our ancestors—
of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’

Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

(Luke 1:39–56) 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• The journey that Mary undertook would have been arduous and dangerous, travelling from Nazareth in Galilee in the north to the hills of Judea in the south. The route taken was a popular one for pilgrims travelling to the temple in Jerusalem. A young woman travelling alone would have found suitable company to assist in the journey.
• Elizabeth, a kinswoman of Mary according to Luke, had conceived a child in her old age by the grace of God. Read Luke 1:5–24; 57–80 for the full story.
• The song of praise from Mary in this scene is known as the Magnificat.
• Tradition has it that Mary lived her later years in the city of Ephesus in modern Turkey, and it was here that she died and was assumed into heaven.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

God has already been active in the lives of the two women who meet in today’s gospel. Both have conceived a child who is destined to play an important role in God’s plan for the salvation of the world. But Elizabeth intuitively recognises the greater role that Mary plays and affirms her blessedness. The magnificent prayer of Mary, known as the Magnificat, points away from herself, towards God, for whom all things are possible. It is God who is responsible for the honour bestowed on this ‘lowly handmaid’. Her blessedness is a proclamation of God’s greatness, and for generations God has been active in the history of his people, raising up the lowly and feeding the hungry. The surprising reversal of the expected order is part of the mystery of God’s action. In this young virgin, mother of God, the mystery of God is to become human. The blessedness of Mary rests in her unswerving faith and positive response to God’s plans for her.

• What role do you think you play in God’s plan for the world?
• How do you see God as active in the world today? How can you cooperate with God’s activity?
• How far is God’s activity in and for the world still a mystery for you? Is your journey through the catechumenate helping you make more sense of that mystery?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• What is your answer to God’s invitation at this point in time?
• In what ways do you consider yourself blessed in your journey? What mighty things has God done for you?
• What are some of the promises that have been made to you in your life? How have these been kept or broken? How good are you at keeping the promises you make? Share your reflections.
• This week, reflect on the great things that God has done for you. Imitate this action of God by doing ‘great things’ for others.
• Memorise and pray the ‘Hail Mary’ often this week:
  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
  Blessed are you among women,
  And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
  Holy Mary, Mother of God,
  Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
  Amen.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The feast of the Assumption is one of the holy days of obligation and is always celebrated on 15 August. It is coincidental that it falls on a Sunday this year. The assumption of Mary into heaven, body and soul, was declared a dogma of the faith by Pope Pius XII in 1950, but the belief in this action of God has a much longer history in the Church, dating back to at least around ad 500. From earliest times, Mary has had a singularly important role in the Church as the Mother of God and mother of all the Church. The way the Church has expressed its reverence of Mary has changed over time, and many pious practices have developed that give due honour to Mary. You may need to discuss this further and listen to any difficulties catechumens may have with this doctrine of the faith. 

• You could talk about how the Church has developed its Marian theology and how we express this today.
• You could introduce some of the Marian devotions, such as the rosary.
• You could look at some of the titles given to Mary in the past, and at the way the Church discussed her role in Lumen Gentium (chapter 8) at the Second Vatican Council.
• You could discuss the ways in which Mary is presented as a model of faith and discipleship in the gospel texts in which she appears.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

‘Blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’ Mary is revered by the Church as one who so perfectly cooperated with God’s plan for salvation that she said ‘yes’ to him with all her heart. By doing this, Mary became a model of discipleship, one that all of us can emulate.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• In what ways does your community revere Mary? Is there a regular rosary meeting? Could catechumens become involved? Perhaps you could take the group to view the artistic representations of Mary in your church and discuss the image they present of Mary. Perhaps you could present the catechumens with a set of rosary beads and explain that devotion.
• Use an icon of our Lady as a focus for prayer. Pray the ‘Hail Mary’ together. You could sing ‘Hail Mary, gentle woman’ (GA 544) or one of the settings of the Magnificat (GA 15, 250, 545, 550). Pray that you are led by the example of discipleship offered by Mary. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97D.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and how you are to clothe it. Surely life means more than food, and the body more than clothing! Look at the birds in the sky. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they are? Can any of you, for all his worrying, add one single cubit to his span of life? And why worry about clothing? Think of the flowers growing in the fields; they never have to work or spin; yet I assure you that not even Solomon in all his regalia was robed like one of these. Now if that is how God clothes the grass in the field which is there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, will he not much more look after you, you men of little faith? So do not worry; do not say, “What are we to eat? What are we to drink? How are we to be clothed?” It is the pagans who set their hearts on all these things. Your heavenly Father knows you need them all. Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.’

(Matthew 6:25–34) 

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• A cubit was a measure of length used by many ancient cultures. It was based on the length of an arm from the elbow to the top of the middle finger and was 18 inches or 457 millimetres. The word itself is derived from the Latin cubitum, for ‘elbow’.
• Solomon was the son of the great King David and he ruled after David’s death. His reign represents the high point of Israel’s history, a time of peace and prosperity. He was renowned for his great wisdom and wealth. After his death, civil war erupted, and ultimately his kingdom was divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
• St Mary of the Cross is Australia’s first saint, canonised by Pope Benedict XVI on the 17 October 2010.
• Sister Mary of the Cross was the religious name chosen by Mary MacKillop when she dedicated herself to God.
• Australia has two patrons. One is St Mary of the Cross, who we celebrate today. The other is Our Lady Help of Christians, whose feast day occurs on 24 May.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

As you know, the gospel texts for Year B normally come from the Gospel of Mark, but this week a text from Matthew is used because of the special feast that is commemorated today, 8 August, which may or may not fall on a Sunday. This particular text from Matthew is chosen because it speaks so well to St Mary of the Cross and her overarching vision for her ministry: that God would provide what was needed for her important work, especially among the rural poor, to thrive and prosper. In this text, Matthew reminds his community that they should not overly concern themselves with the material world. To do so is to be distracted from those things that are far more important. ‘Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and his righteousness, and all these other things will be given you as well.’ If God provides all that is needed for the birds of the air and the flowers of the fields, surely he will provide everything for those who follow the way of truth and faith. Excessive concern for material comfort, wealth or splendour will not ensure salvation. Only trusting in God and setting our hearts on the kingdom will achieve this lofty result. Do not be distracted by the things of the world! 

• In what ways do you experience God providing all that you need?
• What inspiration to faith can be found in contemplating the wonders of God’s creation?
• ‘Surely life means more than food, and the body more than clothing!’ At this point on your journey, how would you describe the purpose of life?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• ‘What are the important things in your life? What do you ‘set your heart on’?
• How easy or difficult do you find it to rely on God to provide all that you need? What is it that you really need?
• Have you ever been in a situation where you were totally reliant on someone else? What were the circumstances? How did that make you feel? Share your reflections.
• How do you feel if you are not able to control what is happening around you?
• This week, make time to find a quiet space. Sit in the silence and surrender yourself to God. Allow God to fill all the needs you have. 
• Use today’s collect as your prayer this week: 
  O God, source of all goodness. You have shown us in Saint Mary a woman of faith, living by the power of the Cross. Teach us by her example to live the Gospel in changing times and to respect and defend the human dignity of all in our land.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Mary Helen MacKillop was born in Melbourne on 15 January 1842 of Scottish parents and was the eldest of eight children. The family struggled financially, and Mary began work as a clerk at the age of 14 to help provide for her family. In 1860, she took a job as a governess at her aunt and uncle’s property in Penola, South Australia. Her duties included the education of her cousins and the children of farm workers. It was here that she first encountered Fr Julian Tenison-Woods, the parish priest of the area. After two years, Mary accepted a teaching job in Portland, Victoria, and two years later began her own boarding school for girls, where she was joined by her family. She returned to Penola at the request of Fr Woods and established a school with her sisters. At this time, she formally dedicated her life to God. In November 1866, Mary and her sisters were joined by several other women, and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart were born. She and Fr Woods developed a ‘Rule of Life’ for the community emphasising poverty, a reliance on divine providence, no ownership of personal possessions, a faith that God would provide and a willingness to go where needed. They adopted a plain brown habit and became known informally as the ‘Brown Joeys’. Their dedication was always to the poor, the endangered, the elderly and the ill. The order expanded rapidly, and by 1871, 130 sisters were working in schools, orphanages and other charitable institutions across South Australia and Queensland.

After a conflict between Fr Woods and some of his fellow priests, some set out to discredit Mary and her sisters, seeking changes in her Rule, notably that a bishop or a diocese should be in control of the order. She refused to comply and was excommunicated in 1871, an edict that was lifted the following year. She was completely exonerated by a later episcopal commission. In 1873, she travelled to Rome to seek papal approval for her congregation, which was granted in 1885. While not all went smoothly for Mary, and opposition from some priests and bishops persisted, the Sisters of St Joseph continued to thrive and expand in both Australia and New Zealand. Mary was determined to refuse government funding if that meant interference with governance and with her focus on educating the poor rather that the wealthy. In her later years, Mary endured many health problems and suffered a stroke in 1902, leaving her reliant on a wheelchair. Nonetheless, she continued as her congregation’s leader until her death in Sydney in 1909. Her constant dedication to the poor and commitment to trusting God’s providence are her lasting legacies, and her work continues today.

• What work do the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart continue to do in the Church today? Do some research into the ministries that the Josephites still pursue today.
• In what ways are these modern ministries a reflection of the vision of St Mary of the Cross?

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus urges his listeners to trust that God will provide all that they need and to not allow themselves to be distracted from what is truly important by worrying about superficial things. It is this trust in the goodness of God, his care for all his creation and his divine providence that inspired St Mary of the Cross to adopt her ‘Rule of Life’ for the Sisters of St Joseph. Her unwavering belief that God would provide what was needed was at the heart of all she achieved. 

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• In what ways does your community support the work of organisations that are dedicated to helping the poor, the endangered, the elderly or the ill? 
• Are you able to invite a Sister of St Joseph to speak to the group about St Mary of the Cross, her life and her legacy?
• Use a candle and an image of St Mary of the Cross as a focus for prayer. Pray for all the prophets of today who speak with courage and conviction. Pray for that same courage and conviction for each other. A suitable hymn could be 'Who Will Speak?' (GA 509). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94F, which asks for strength and faith.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

When the people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into boats and crossed to Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered:

‘I tell you most solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat.

Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.’

Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent.’ So they said, ‘What sign will you give to show us that we should believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers had manna to eat in the desert; as Scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ Jesus answered, 

‘I tell you most solemnly, it was not Moses who gave you bread from heaven, it is my Father who gives you bread from heaven, the true bread, for the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’

‘Sir’, they said, ‘give us that bread always.’ Jesus answered, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; He who believes in me will never thirst.’

(John 6:24–35)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• There is no eucharistic action at the Last Supper in John’s Gospel. Instead, it occurs at this point.
• The word Rabbi in Hebrew literally means ‘my great one.’ At the time of Jesus, it referred to masters or teachers who had a following of disciples who learnt from them.
• There is great debate among scholars about the meaning of the term ‘Son of Man’ and whether Jesus used this title of himself or whether his disciples used it of him after his death. In the Book of Daniel, it is used as a term for God’s final agent of salvation at the end times.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

This text comes at the beginning of a long discourse that forms the basis of the eucharistic teaching in John’s Gospel. The  crowd has been amply fed by the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and now they come looking for more. But Jesus is aware of their shallow motives. They seek only to fill their bellies rather than looking for the true meaning of his actions or the mystery behind the signs. The translation of this text urges the crowd to work for the food that Jesus ‘is offering’ in the present tense, but the Greek is actually in the future tense: ‘Work for the food … the Son of Man will offer you.’ This points forwards to the time when Jesus will be lifted up and exalted on the cross—the pivotal moment of John’s Gospel. This self-gift of the Son is the food that will endure to eternal life. The people are being directed beyond their immediate needs to something that will satisfy a much deeper and more fundamental need. Belief in Jesus will provide the nourishment for that deep need.

• What deep and fundamental needs prompted you to begin this journey you are on?
• What feeds your inner yearnings?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• What must you do ‘to do the works that God wants’?
• Make time each day this week to reflect on the real nourishment you yearn for. What truly sustains your life?
• ‘What sign will you give?’ Have you ever required proof of something before you believed it? What are some of the ‘truths’ that we accept in our lives or our world that we believe but cannot prove?  Share your reflections together.
• Say often this week:
  Lord, let me come to you so that I will never thirst
  or be hungry.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Moses was one of the great figures of the Hebrew Scriptures. He was God’s instrument in freeing the people of Israel from slavery, and it was to Moses that God gave his Law on Mount Sinai. 

• Give an overview of the history of the Jewish people contained in the Hebrew Scriptures: the time of Abraham through the period of the patriarchs and how the people came to be slaves; their return to the Promised Land and the establishment of the monarchy; their torrid political history in the ensuing centuries until their final domination by Rome. 
• You could discuss the relationship between the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and how the Church understands them as pointing towards the salvation offered by Christ.
• You could talk about recent efforts by the Catholic Church to enter into closer dialogue with Judaism and other religions and Christian traditions—most notably, in recent times, Islam and the Orthodox traditions.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

As is usual in John’s Gospel, this text contrasts things of the world that cannot last with the things of heaven that last eternally. What feeds our bodies is transitory; what feeds our souls is our real sustenance. 

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• How does your community act ecumenically or on an interfaith level? What opportunities exist to learn more about other faiths and Christian traditions in order to foster understanding and dialogue?
• Continue using bread as a focus for prayer. Sing a eucharistic hymn. Pray for Christian unity and interfaith dialogue. Pray for each other in your search for ‘the food that endures to eternal life’. Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94H.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus went off to the other side of the Sea of Galilee—or of Tiberias—and a large crowd followed him, impressed by the signs he gave of curing the sick. Jesus climbed the hillside, and sat down there with his disciples. It was shortly before the Jewish feast of the Passover. Looking up, Jesus saw the crowds approaching and said to Philip, ‘Where can we buy some bread for these people to eat?’ He only said this to test Philip; he himself knew exactly what he was going to do. Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii would only buy enough to give them a small piece each.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, ‘There is a small boy here with five barley loaves and two fish; but what is that between so many?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass there and as many as five thousand men sat down. Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them out to all who were sitting ready; he then did the same with the fish, giving out as much as was wanted. When they had eaten enough he said to the disciples, ‘Pick up the pieces left over, so that nothing gets wasted.’ So they picked them up and filled twelve hampers with scraps left over from the meal of five barley loaves. The people, seeing this sign that he had given said, ‘This really is the prophet who is to come into the world.’ Jesus, who could see that they were about to come and take him by force and make him king, escaped back to the hills by himself.

(John 6:1–15)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• The Sea of Galilee is also known as the Sea of Tiberias and as Lake Gennesaret, both of which were sizeable towns on the Lake’s western shore.
• The Philip of this episode is mentioned in all four apostolic lists (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13). He came from Bethsaida on the northern shores of the lake and is referred to most often in John’s Gospel.
• Two hundred denarii is a large sum of money. A denarius was a Roman silver coin, and one denarius represented a worker’s daily wage.
• ‘This really is the prophet who is to come into the world.’ One of the great symbols of the coming of the Messiah often used in the Hebrew Scriptures was the abundant feast.  Here Jesus provides abundantly; thus he is presented as ‘the prophet who is to come’.
• The twelve hampers’ full that were gathered up could well represent the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus gathers all the people to himself.
• God fed the Israelites in the desert with manna from heaven.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

For the next five weeks, we will follow the story of the multiplication miracle and the long discourse that follows it in John’s Gospel. The ‘bread of life’ discourse provides important teaching on the Eucharist. It is significant that the setting is shortly before the Passover, which was the Jewish feast recalling the escape of the people from slavery in Egypt and their being fed by God with bread (manna) from heaven in the desert. One of the expected signs of the coming of the Messiah was another, even greater, feeding with manna. The people have been attracted to Jesus because of his cures of the sick and now they come looking for more.

Jesus provides more than enough; there is an abundance. The actions of Jesus in this text remind us of the Eucharist. He takes, gives thanks and gives out the bread. But the crowd misunderstands his gift. They seek a Messiah who will liberate them from Roman oppression or who will provide for their material needs. Jesus is not interested in being that kind of ‘king’.

• Is it possible that sometimes we expect Jesus to be something other than he is. We may try to make him fit our mould rather than us fitting his mould. What expectations do you have of Jesus? Are they realistic?
• What hunger do you hope Jesus will fill in you?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• In what ways are you being fed and nourished on your journey towards baptism?
• Try to provide what others need this week.
• What ‘hungers’ may have driven the vast crowd to follow Jesus? Reflect together a little on what our world today is hungering for. What great needs in our world need to be met? What are you hungering for at this point in your life?
• Use today’s psalm response this week:
  The hand of the Lord feeds us,
  He answers all our needs.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

We are instantly reminded of the actions of the Eucharist in this text. The actions of the priest at the altar echo the actions of Jesus. He takes, blesses, breaks and shares the bread. The Eucharist unites and feeds the Christian community so that it can continue to be Christ’s living presence in the world. This living presence must be manifested in various ways by the Church as it seeks to feed the needs of the hungry. In this gospel, Jesus urges the disciples to pick up all the pieces so that nothing is wasted. In our consumerist western society, there is so much waste, while in other parts of the world, people’s basic needs are not being met. The late Pope John Paul II was tireless in his call to share more equitably the goods of the earth, which were created for all. This call is echoed by Pope Francis.

• Talk about some of the Church agencies that work to sustain others—physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually.
• You could gather some information on the internet
  (www.bread.org) on levels of world hunger and discuss ways that your community can help. 
• Caritas Australia can provide resources on the problem of hunger in our world and suggest ways your community can help.
• Many local communities have a ‘food bank’ or some similar program. Is there something that exists locally which could be supported?

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

• When we see Jesus’ concern for the crowd, his desire to feed and sustain them and his rejection of personal glory, we are reminded that Jesus came as one who serves. As Christians, we too must serve others.
• Another dominant symbol here is that of the messianic feast. This image was used often in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the time when the Messiah comes and all will be filled to abundance.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• In what ways does your community provide bread for the hungry, both physically and spiritually? Are there ways you could do this better?
• Use a candle, a loaf of crusty bread and some ears of wheat as a focus for prayer. Pray for all those in the world who are physically hungry. Pray for those whose hunger is for something other than food. Pray for each other and your own hungers. A suitable song could be ‘Song of the Body of Christ’ (GA 200). Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94D.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd
and Doubleday & Company Inc.

The apostles rejoined Jesus and told him all they had done and taught. Then he said to them, ‘You must come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’; for there were so many coming and going that the apostles had no time even to eat. So they went off in a boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But people saw them going, and many could guess where; and from every town they all hurried to the place on foot and reached it before them. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he set himself to teach them at some length.

(Mark 6:30–34)

DID YOU KNOW?

Points of interest and Catholic lore

• The image of the shepherd is often used in the Hebrew Scriptures to describe the relationship between God and his people Israel. They are the flock whom he will gather and protect.
• Our use of the term pastoral comes from this image of Christ as the shepherd of his flock.
• Jesus regularly took time to be alone, to pray and to contemplate God. Here he invites his followers to do the same.
• This is the only place in his gospel where Mark refers to the disciples as ‘apostles’.

EXPLORING THE WORD

In last week’s gospel, we read of the disciples being sent out on their mission to preach, cast out devils and cure the sick. Their mission has been a great success and now they excitedly return to tell Jesus of ‘all they had done and taught’. They are weary but still the people come. They are so busy that they don’t even have time to eat! Jesus is aware of their needs and insists that they find a quiet place to rest. But the crowds too have their needs and they follow Jesus and the disciples, yearning for answers to their problems. Jesus is also moved with compassion when he sees the needs of the people. They are like lost sheep who are desperately searching for truth but don’t know where to find it, so he sets himself the task of teaching them and bringing them closer to that truth. Jesus meets the needs of both the disciples and the crowds and thus becomes the ‘good shepherd’ who will look after his flock.

• In what ways is Jesus meeting your needs at the moment?
• You could introduce different styles of prayer, particularly meditation, which catechumens could practice or develop.

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer

• Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the many competing demands on your time and your attention? How do you find solitude and quiet in the midst of this busyness?
• Have you ever felt like a ‘sheep without a shepherd’, a little lost and unsure?
• How eager are you in pursuing Christ? Are you hurrying towards faith?
• Make time this week to be alone to reflect on your journey; to rest before God.
• Pray the well-known and loved Psalm 23 often this week:
  The Lord is my shepherd,
  there is nothing I shall want.
  Fresh and green are the pastures
  where he gives me repose.
  Near restful waters he leads me
  to revive my drooping spirit.
  He guides me along the right path;
  he is true to his name.
  If I should walk in the valley of darkness
  no evil would I fear.
  You are there with your crook and your staff;
  with these you give me comfort.
  You have prepared a banquet for me
  in the sight of my foes.
  My head you have anointed with oil,
  My cup is overflowing.
  Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me
  all the days of my life.
  In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell
  for ever and ever.

SHARING THE TRADITION

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God's word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ

One of the symbols of a bishop is the shepherd’s crook. This symbolises his role as the pastor of his people. The Pope, as Bishop of Rome, is first among the bishops.

• Explain the structure of the Church, and how it is organised into dioceses and archdioceses presided over by bishops and archbishops.
• Explain the role carried out by cardinals.

While the bishops are the principal pastors of a diocese, they are assisted in their task by priests and pastoral associates who work at a more local (parish) level. The pastoral work in a parish could not be carried out without the enormous work done by volunteers from within the community. As Christians, we are all called to take responsibility for caring for each other.

• Explain the structure of your parish and the various pastoral ministries through which your community cares for each other.
• You could invite some of the people who work in those ministries to talk about their particular responsibilities.
• Invite candidates to consider the people for whom they have ‘pastoral responsibility’. How do they carry this out?

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

Jesus invites the disciples to take time out to rest after the exertions of their mission. All the major monotheistic religions have a day that is set aside as ‘a day of rest’. While Jews, Christians and Muslims designate a different day for this rest, all endorse the idea of taking time out from a busy working life to reconnect with those things that are truly important, developing our relationship with the divine.

LIVING THE WORD

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment

• Invite people to consider how they can become involved in the life and pastoral work of the parish. Are there particular ministries to which they may feel drawn? What opportunities are there for involvement?
• Use an image of Jesus the Good Shepherd as a focus for prayer. Pray for all those who have pastoral responsibility within the wider Church and within your own community. Pray for each other and for those for whom you have pastoral responsibility. Recite Psalm 23 together or perhaps sing it. Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97E.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus made a tour round the villages, teaching. Then he summoned the Twelve and began to send them out in pairs giving them authority over the unclean spirits. And he instructed them to take nothing for the journey except a staff – no bread, no haversack, no coppers for their purses. They were to wear sandals but, he added, ‘Do not take a spare tunic.’ And he said to them, ‘If you enter a house anywhere, stay there until you leave the district. And if any place does not welcome you and people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away shake off the dust from under your feet as a sign to them.’ So they set off to preach repentance; and they cast out many devils, and anointed many sick people with oil and cured them.

(Mark 6:7–13)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• Jews often had to pass through pagan territory that surrounded their own lands. The gesture of shaking the dust from their sandals was a common one when Jews passed from pagan lands into the lands of Israel.
• The word apostle comes from a Greek word for being sent out. 
• Some Christian sects and denominations take this text as the reason they send out people in pairs on missionary activity to spread the Gospel.
• The instruction to the disciples to take only sandals and a staff symbolises their complete dependence. Jesus is to be their bread, their clothing, their wealth.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

Up until this point in Mark’s Gospel, the disciples have been travelling with Jesus, listening to his teaching and witnessing his actions. Now they are called to take a more active role. They have watched him drive out demons and cure the sick. Now they are called on to repeat, in their own lives and mission, exactly what he does himself. This is a great test of their response to what they have learnt thus far. They are to take nothing with them but a staff and sandals, the symbols of the wandering missionary. Nothing else is necessary; they rely on God as they follow Jesus. When they are accepted by people, they are to remain with them, a sign that the kingdom of God is near. When they encounter those who reject them, they are to simply shake off the dust and continue the journey. As we saw in last week’s gospel, nothing can be achieved where there is no faith.

• Jesus advises not to get upset by rejection but to simply move on. How do you cope with rejection?
• How might we understand the call to simplicity of living today? What concrete actions can be taken to live more simply and more sustainably? In what ways is living this way a reflection of the gospel and faith in Christ?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• How can you live more simply with only the things you need rather than the things you want?
• How do you feel when people don’t listen to you? Do you always really listen to others?
• Have you ever been thrust into a new job or had to take on a responsibility without much preparation? How did you cope? What mistakes did you make? What did you learn from this experience? Was it a valuable experience for you? Share your stories with others.
• Find ways to share your faith and your journey with others this week. This is taking a risk and you may be ridiculed. Are you able to rise to the challenge?
• Today’s gospel acclamation makes a wonderful prayer for this week:
  May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
  enlighten the eyes of our heart
  that we may see how great is the hope
  to which we are called.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

This is the first of the gospel calls to the Church to become a missionary people—people who take the message of Jesus and spread it. The Acts of the Apostles, written by St Luke as a second volume to his gospel, tells the story of the early spread of the Church into lands beyond those reached by Jesus himself. Since those first days, the Church has been missionary. Some of the great early saints were missionary figures.

• You could tell the stories of great saints like St Paul, St Patrick, St Columban, St Columba, St Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci or others.
• You could explore the work of mission organisations like the St Columbans Mission Society, Melbourne Overseas Mission or Catholic Mission. How can you support their work?
• In the local Church, missionary activity is just as vital. Not everyone can travel to far or exotic places, but there are plenty of people locally who need to see, hear and experience the love of God.
• How does the Church in Australia carry on its missionary activity here? You could explore some aspects of bringing God’s love to people on our own shores and in our own neighbourhoods, and look at some of the organisations involved in this work. How can you support that work?

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

Jesus is sending the disciples out on a mission. At the end of the Mass, we too are sent out to continue the mission of Jesus. While we cannot all go to foreign lands and far-off places, being a Christian demands that we share our faith with others and build the kingdom of God, even in small ways, in familiar places.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• In what ways is your own parish ‘missionary’? What ministries exist that serve others and spread the Good News? How can catechumens become involved in these?
• Use a pair of leather sandals and the open Scriptures as a focus. Pray for all those who are missionaries in foreign lands, as well as those who carry out the work of mission at home. Pray for each other and your own call to be missionary. A suitable song could be ‘The Summons’ (GA 502). Conclude with an adaptation of the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94J.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

Jesus went to his home town and his disciples accompanied him. With the coming of the sabbath he began teaching in the synagogue and most of them were astonished when they heard him. They said, ‘Where did the man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been granted him, and these miracles that are worked through him? This is the carpenter, surely, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joset and Jude and Simon? His sisters, too, are they not here with us?’ And they would not accept him. And Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country, among his own relations and in his own house’; and he could work no miracle there, though he cured a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

(Mark 6:1–6)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• There is great debate about the relationship of ‘the brothers of the Lord’ to Jesus. Some scholars suggest that they were in fact literal brothers (or half-brothers or step-brothers), while other scholars point out that it was common practice to refer to cousins and even more distant relations as ‘brothers’. The Catholic Church holds that Jesus was the only child of Mary, the virgin mother of Christ.
• The reference to Jesus as ‘son of Mary’ was a slur on his legitimacy because, in Jesus’ time, people were usually identified as the child of their father.
• The man referred to here as ‘James, the brother of the Lord’ later became the leader of the Church in Jerusalem.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

The questions asked by the townspeople of Nazareth are interesting ones. They rightly seek to understand the origins of Jesus’ wisdom and power. ‘Where did the man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been granted him, and these miracles that are worked through him?’ They recognise that Jesus is not the source of his own authority. There is a greater power behind him. Their failure lies in the fact that they do not recognise the source of Jesus’ power and authority. They do not see the presence of God in the words and deeds of their compatriot. Indeed, Jesus is designated as ‘son of Mary’, a slur on them both at a time when one’s genealogy was traced through the line of the father. Jesus is astonished by the inability of the townspeople to look beyond what they are familiar with to the obvious signs of the kingdom of God in his actions and words. The kingdom of God requires the cooperation of people if it is to become a reality. He can do nothing there!

• Are there times when you close your eyes to the presence of God in the ordinary things of life?
• How does recognising your own blindness make you more open to the presence of God around you?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• What are the things that prevent your faith from taking root or growing?
• Recall times when you have felt rejected or scorned. What were your feelings at those times? What was it that caused your rejection? How did you deal with this? 
• Have there been occasions when you have acted as the ‘prophet’? How were you received?
• This week, try to become aware of those things which hinder your growth in faith. Work actively in overcoming them.
• Ponder the mystery contained in these phrases from the gospel this week:
  Where did the man get all this?
  What is this wisdom that has been granted him?

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

Prophets and prophecy have always been part of the heritage of the people of Israel. The prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures were charged with the difficult task of speaking God’s words to a people who did not always want to hear such a difficult message, often about their own failings. Prophets were not people who foretold the future but those who had a clear understanding of what God wanted and called the people back to fidelity to God’s plan and covenant when they had strayed. Even today, there are people who speak out against the status quo, who refuse to accept that the way things are is the way things should be. Sometimes, the way things are is not the way God intended!

• You could give a brief introduction to the prophetic books of the Hebrew Scriptures and talk of the difficult message that the great prophets brought at various times in Israel’s history.
• Who are some of the ‘prophets’ of today who challenge the accepted order and call for justice? You could speak of people like St Oscar Romero, Martin Luther King or Pope Francis.
• Identify ways in which the Church acts as prophet in challenging injustice. 

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

The rejection here of Jesus by the people of his home-town foreshadows his later rejection by the people as a whole. Their lack of faith and their hostility towards him means that he can work no miracles there. This indicates the importance of faith and hope. Jesus is not simply a magician who ‘performs’ at will. The human response of faith is necessary.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• In what ways does your community act as a prophetic voice? As a faith community, do you take part in social movements calling for justice? Are there ways catechumens can become involved in these actions?
• Use a candle and open Scriptures as a focus for prayer. Pray for all the prophets of today who speak with courage and conviction. Pray for that same courage and conviction for each other. A suitable hymn could be ‘Who will speak?’ (GA 509). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94F, which asks for strength and faith.

GOSPEL

Jerusalem Bible © 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd and Doubleday & Company Inc.

When Jesus had crossed in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered round him and he stayed by the lakeside. Then one of the synagogue officials came up, Jairus by name, and seeing him, fell at his feet and pleaded with him earnestly, saying, ‘My little daughter is desperately sick. Do come and lay your hands on her to make her better and save her life.’ Jesus went with him and a large crowd followed him; they were pressing all round him.

While he was still speaking some people arrived from the house of the synagogue official to say, ‘Your daughter is dead: why put the Master to any further trouble?’ But Jesus had overheard this remark of theirs and he said to the official, ‘Do not be afraid; only have faith.’ And he allowed no one to go with him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. So they came to the official’s house and Jesus noticed all the commotion, with people weeping and wailing unrestrainedly. He went in and said to them, ‘Why all this commotion and crying? The child is not dead, but asleep.’ But they laughed at him. So he turned them all out and, taking with him the child’s father and mother and his own companions, he went into the place where the child lay. And taking the child by the hand he said to her, ‘Talitha, kum!’ which means, ‘Little girl, I tell you to get up.’ The little girl got up at once and began to walk about, for she was twelve years old. At this they were overcome with astonishment, and he ordered them strictly not to let anyone know about it, and told them to give her something to eat.

(Mark 5:21–24, 35–43)

DID YOU KNOW? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

• Jairus, as an official of the synagogue, belonged to one of the groups who were traditionally deeply suspicious and disapproving of Jesus. Here, however, Jairus’ faith is contrasted with the lack of faith of the onlookers, who simply laugh at Jesus. His faith is rewarded.
• For Jesus to lay hands upon a young woman of twelve years of age (old enough to be betrothed) would have been seen as a scandalous act. Jesus breaks through the restrictions of social norms to bring life.
• The longer version of this gospel tells the story of the cure of the woman who had suffered from a haemorrhage for twelve years.
• Someone who had physical contact with women who were menstruating or with corpses became ‘unclean’ and therefore unable to participate in the religious life of Israel. Here Jesus contravenes the Jewish law to bring wholeness and life.

EXPLORING THE WORD 

Jesus treats with respect and concern two ‘untouchables’: the haemorrhaging woman and the young girl’s corpse. This double story shows us not only his compassion for those who are sick and his power over death but also his willingness to go beyond social and religious prohibitions in the service of others. The sick and desperate woman overcomes her social inhibitions in order to touch Jesus, hoping that mere contact with his garments will ensure her healing. Her faith urges her to act. In the case of Jairus’ daughter, the child herself cannot ask. Instead, it is her father who pleads for her, even though, as a synagogue official, he was probably deeply suspicious of Jesus. In both cases, it is faith that is the key to healing.

• Have you ever been unable to help yourself, finding yourself totally dependent on another person for your needs?
• Do you feel any special bond with any of the characters in this gospel? In what ways do you identify with them?

MAKING CONNECTIONS 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

• ‘Do not be afraid; only have faith.’ Reflect on this statement.
• In the full text of this gospel, two people reach out to Jesus, seeking to have their needs met. What are your needs at the moment? How can Jesus help in having those needs met?
• Share reflections on a time when you felt ostracised by others. How did you feel? 
• Who are the people in our communities, in our streets, who are the ‘untouchables’? What are some of the ways in which welcome and healing can be extended to them?
• Be aware of your human connections with others this week. Look around for opportunities to extend a life-giving touch to others.
• Use this week’s gospel acclamation for your prayer:
  Our Saviour Jesus Christ has done away with death
  and brought us life through his gospel.

SHARING THE TRADITION 

A closer look at the Scripture of the day, to see how it makes more explicit God’s word to us through the teachings of Jesus Christ 

The emphasis on the role of women in this gospel passage is unmistakable. Over the history of the Church there have been many women who have played prominent roles in the faith life of the community, beginning of course with Mary the mother of Jesus as a model of faith. Today there can be a certain amount of controversy and misunderstanding about the role of women in the Church. It may be worth discussing this and allowing catechumens a chance to clarify their thinking on this issue. It should be pointed out that the Church honours many women as saints and ‘doctors of the Church’.

• Open the discussion with a look at the way Mary acts in the gospels as a model of faith and discipleship.
• Introduce some of the great women who have helped shape the Church: Hildegard of Bingen, St Brigid, Catherine of Sienna, St Theresa, St Claire, some of the early martyrs. There are many to choose from!
• You could invite women who are active in your parish community to speak with the group about their roles and the work they do in the community or to share their faith with the group.

SYMBOLS AND IMAGES 

Both the episodes reported in this reading symbolise the passage from death to life. The haemorrhaging woman was ‘untouchable’ and unable to participate in life normally. Strict regulations surrounded the treatment of women with discharges of blood (see Leviticus 15:25–30). She would have been an outcast in her own community and family, living in forced isolation. In his cure of her condition, Jesus has restored this woman to the life of her family and to normal human relationships. In both these episodes human touch is an important element.

LIVING THE WORD 

Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment 

• In what ways does your community recognise and give honour to the role women play in the life of the parish?
• Use the open Scriptures as a focus for prayer. Pray for all the women who have leadership roles within your local church community and in the Church more broadly. Pray for the women in your group that they may become models of faith and discipleship and lead others to know and love Jesus. A suitable song could be ‘Make us new’ (GA 436). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97C.