The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord replied, ‘Were your faith the size of a mustard seed you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it would obey you.
‘Which of you, with a servant ploughing or minding sheep, would say to him when he returned from the fields, “Come and have your meal immediately”? Would he not be more likely to say, “Get my supper laid; make yourself tidy and wait on me while I eat and drink. You can eat and drink yourself afterwards”? Must he be grateful to the servant for doing what he was told? So with you: when you have done all you have been told to do, say, “We are merely servants: we have done no more than our duty.”’
(Luke 17:5–10)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The mustard seed is one of the smallest of seeds. Even a little faith can achieve wondrous things.
A mulberry tree has a complicated root system, which makes it incredibly difficult to move.
In the New Testament period, servants completely relied on the master to provide everything they needed in return for their labour. Their status was close to that of a slave.
Jesus always presents the call to discipleship and faith as a call to the service of others.
Exploring the Word
The conversation in this text occurs as Jesus is journeying towards Jerusalem, after he has already informed his disciples that he will endure great suffering there (Luke 9:44–45). In the verses just before this text, Jesus told the disciples that they must constantly forgive the wrongs committed against them. It is little wonder that the disciples are confused and beg Jesus to increase their faith. They want to believe in him, but some of his teachings are difficult to comprehend. Jesus explains that even a little faith can work miracles.
The second part of this text can also be confusing to understand. The servant in question is probably grateful that he has a field to plough, or sheep to tend, and a home to which he can return. He depends utterly on the master—and it would be a disorder if the master served the servant! We also depend on God, who provides for all our needs; in return, our task is to serve faithfully. When we have done our best in this, we have done our duty.
Share stories of people you know who are committed to their faith. What inspired them, and has their example helped inspire you in your own journey to faith?
Who are some of the great saints who demonstrated great commitment to their faith? Share their stories. What inspiration can we take from their witness?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
‘Increase our faith.’ What more can you do to nurture your faith?
‘We are merely servants.’ How is God calling you to serve?
What do you believe is your duty?
Share stories of when you felt that you ‘did your duty’. Are there times when ‘duty’ becomes a tedious or unwelcome chore? Are there times when performing your duty was joyous or stimulating? What is ‘your duty’ at this point in your life?
Perform as many small acts of service as you can this week.
Use today’s entrance antiphon as your prayer this week: Within your will, O Lord, all things are established, and there is none that can resist your will. For you have made all things, the heaven and the earth, and all that is held within the circle of heaven, you are Lord of all.
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
‘Faith is first of all a personal adherence to God. At the same time it is a free assent to the whole truth that God has revealed’ (CCC, §150). Faith is both a gift from God through divine grace (§153) and a human act, in which the intellect and will freely assent to and accept God’s revealed truth (§156). St Anselm once defined theology as ‘faith seeking understanding’, because, in faith, we seek to better know the one who is revealed and to better understand what is revealed. We seek to penetrate the mystery ever more deeply so that our faith can become even stronger (§159). Faith cannot be forced; it must be a free human response to God. However, faith can be fostered and nurtured, and it can wither and die without care. The Church helps us keep our faith alive, or as the letter to Timothy says, it fans our faith into a flame.
Discuss how the flame of faith is being fanned in the catechumens’ journey to baptism. Invite the catechumens to offer suggestions for how you can improve your program. Do they need anything more? What further support could be offered?
You could explore other practices that help or further support catechumens, such as meditation, prayer, liturgy, devotional reading and group discussions.
How can we continue nourishing faith in our lifelong journeys to God?
Symbols and images
Two key concepts are linked in this short gospel: faith and service. To be a person of faith is to be a person of service, and faithful service to others in the name of the Gospel will have its own reward. This gift of faith is precious. Read today’s second reading (Timothy 1:6–8, 13–14) and contemplate how you can guard this precious gift.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
What faith-sharing opportunities exist within your community, and how can catechumens become involved in them? Are further adult faith-sharing opportunities needed? How might they be provided?
Use the open Scriptures and a cross, the symbols of our faith, as a focus for prayer. Pray for the gift of faith and for a strengthening of faith. Pray for the vocation of service to others. A suitable song could be This Is Our Faith (GA 348) or In Faith and Hope and Love (GA 442). This could be an appropriate week to have an anointing. Consider the rite in the RCIA at §101.
First reading
Amos 6:1, 4–7 Woe to those who live in luxury.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 145(146):7–10 R. Praise the Lord, my soul!
Second reading
1 Timothy 6:11–16 Do all that you have been told, until the Appearing of the Lord.
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 8:9 Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor, to make you rich out of his poverty.
Gospel
Luke 16:19–31 Dives and Lazarus.
Images from the Word
Feast magnificently
Covered with sores
Listen to them
Sprawlers’ revelry
Dedicated to God
Liturgical notes
The purpose of the Symbolum or Profession of Faith, or Creed, is that the whole gathered people may respond to the word of God proclaimed in the readings taken from Sacred Scripture and explained in the Homily and that they may also call to mind and confess the great mysteries of the faith by reciting the rule of faith in a formula approved for liturgical use, before these mysteries are celebrated in the Eucharist.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §67
The profession of faith, either as the Apostles’ Creed or the Nicene Creed, is a response to the Word of God that fosters unity of faith among the community members and within the worldwide community of the Church. Other Christian communities also share these creeds. The Creed may also be sung or said; when said, it can be recited by everyone together or by two choirs responding to one another.
‘Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.’
Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.”
‘The rich man replied, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham “let them listen to them.” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’
(Luke 16:19–31)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
The Law of Moses, the Torah, and the writings of the prophets both emphasise the need for justice and compassion.
In the Hebrew Scriptures, God shows preferential love for the poor, the outcast and the stranger.
In this text, the poor man’s name is given (Lazarus, meaning ‘God helps’), while the rich man remains anonymous. Perhaps the rich man represents us all.
Exploring the Word
This is another text about the unexpected reversals of the kingdom of God. The situation involving the two men is described in detail. The rich man undoubtedly believed his affluence was a blessing from God, or a reward for his goodness. His only sin was his failure to see the poverty and desperate need at his doorstep. Many stories in the Gospel of Luke emphasise our responsibility to use wealth for the good of all rather than to selfishly monopolise resources for our own benefit. When the reality of the situation dawns on the rich man, he wants to warn his brothers so they do not make the same mistake. However, Jesus responds that they already have the teaching of Moses and the prophets, who repeatedly call Israel to justice and mercy. If people are prepared to ignore that call, then what difference will it make ‘even if someone should rise from the dead’. This phrase challenges Christians: do we, like the rich man, also fail to see and respond to the needs in our world? Christian faith is about more than Sunday worship; it is about living Jesus’ message every day.
In what ways can our comfort and wellbeing blind us to the needs of others?
What are the most urgent needs in your local community?
What do you think are the most urgent needs of our global village?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
When have you closed your eyes to the plight of another?
Have you ever failed to listen to good advice? What were the consequences?
Share stories of when you were in desperate need and someone offered you help. Alternatively, share stories in which your needs were not recognised because others were too absorbed in their own activities.
Share what you have with someone who has less this week.
Today’s alternative communion antiphon makes a suitable prayer this week: By this we came to know the love of God: that Christ laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for one another.
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
Just as the rich man failed to understand Moses and the prophets, many today question the teaching authority of the Church. This questioning is often based on misunderstanding. The magisterium, or teaching authority of the Church, is anchored in ‘the task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether it is in its written form [the sacred Scriptures] or in the form of Tradition [how that truth from God has been interpreted and applied over the centuries]’ (CCC, §85). Guiding believers in their moral responses to the world and its issues is always at the heart of the Church’s teaching.
Catechumens may find some church teachings difficult to accept, such as issues of contraception or abortion, or issues of divorce and remarriage. This could be an opportunity to explore the difficult teachings of the Church, as well as explain their origin in the belief that life comes from God and that each human being has intrinsic dignity.
Catechumens may also be concerned about the perceived hypocrisy of some Church positions or situations, such as the Church’s ‘wealth’ in the face of human poverty. Explore any other difficulties that catechumens may be struggling with.
Today is Social Justice Sunday. The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference has designated the last Sunday of September as a day to focus on an issue of justice that our nation currently faces. You could examine the bishops’ most recent Social Justice Statement or explore the themes presented in previous statements. Material and discussion points are available on the ACBC website. How can your community respond to the bishops’ call?
Symbols and images
Abraham is an important figure in Judaism. He was the first person mentioned in Scripture who put his complete trust and faith in God (Genesis 12). Abraham became the model of righteousness. To rest in the bosom of Abraham is a metaphor for resting in eternal happiness.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How might outsiders see your own community? Are there signs of pretentious wealth that seem incompatible with the Gospel? What can be done about such situations? In what ways does your community reach out to the needy? Can catechumens become involved in this outreach?
As a focus for prayer, you could use visual images of the suffering in our world. Pray for those who need help and for those who fail to help. Pray for each other. A suitable song could be Christ Be Our Light (GA 404). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97C.
Presider
Isaiah tells us that our God comes to save us and to put mourning and sorrow to flight. Confident in his sacred Word, we entrust our petitions to our loving God.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and the leaders of our Church. By their words and deeds, may they be for us beacons of joy and gladness as we await the coming of the Lord.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for positive relationships between Christians and Jews. May our mutual celebration of Hanukkah (the Feast of Lights) and Christmas (Christ the Light of the World) show that what unites us can be greater than what divides us.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the children of our parish schools and their teachers at the close of this academic year. May they be filled with the joy of Christmas and have a safe and refreshing holiday break.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May we all take time out from the frantic pace of this Christmas season to quietly meditate on the significance of Advent. Let us make sure there is truly room in our lives for the coming of our Saviour.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for the sick of our parish and for all who have asked for our prayers. We pray for those who have died recently and for all whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now be at peace in the joy of God’s kingdom.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
We rejoice in you always, Lord God. We believe you love the just and protect those who are repressed and needy. Hear these prayers from your people, who await your saving word, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
First reading
Amos 8:4–7 I will never forget your deeds, you who trample on the needy.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 112(113):1–2, 4–8 R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.
Second reading
1 Timothy 2:1–8 Pray for everyone to God, who wants everyone to be saved.
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 8:9 Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor, to make you rich out of his poverty.
Gospel
Luke 16:1–13 You cannot be the slave of both God and money.
Images from the Word
Being wasteful
An account
His astuteness
Listen
Prayers offered
Liturgical notes
In the General Intercessions or the Prayer of the Faithful, the people respond in a certain way to the word of God which they have welcomed in faith and, exercising the office of their baptismal priesthood, offer prayers to God for the salvation of all. It is fitting that such a prayer be included, as a rule, in Masses celebrated with a congregation, so that petitions will be offered for the holy Church, for civil authorities, for those weighed down by various needs, for all men and women, and for the salvation of the whole world.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §69
Inspired by the words of St Paul, as expressed in today’s second reading, the Church has developed a longstanding tradition of praying for everyone. God’s priestly people play a significant role in interceding for the many needs of the world. The Church expects each parish community to prepare its own prayers, so that the whole community can participate in the sacred intercessory prayer during the Sunday Eucharist.
‘You have laid down your precepts to be carefully kept; may my ways be firm in keeping your statutes.’
‘There was a rich man and he had a steward who was denounced to him for being wasteful with his property. He called for the man and said, “What is this I hear about you? Draw me up an account of your stewardship because you are not to be my steward any longer.” Then the steward said to himself, “Now that my master is taking the stewardship from me, what am I to do? Dig? I am not strong enough. Go begging? I should be too ashamed. Ah, I know what I will do to make sure that when I am dismissed from office there will be some to welcome me into their homes.”
Then he called his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, “How much do you owe my master?” “One hundred measures of oil” was the reply. The steward said, “Here, take your bond; sit down straight away and write fifty.” To another he said, “And you, sir, how much do you owe?” “One hundred measures of wheat” was the reply. The steward said, “Here, take your bond and write eighty.”
‘The master praised the dishonest steward for his astuteness. For the children of this world are more astute in dealing with their own kind than are the children of light.
‘And so I tell you this: use money, tainted as it is, to win you friends, and thus make sure that when it fails you, they will welcome you into the tents of eternity. The man who can be trusted in little things can be trusted in great; the man who is dishonest in little things will be dishonest in great. If then you cannot be trusted with money, that tainted thing, who will trust you with genuine riches? And if you cannot be trusted with what is not yours, who will give you what is your very own? ‘No servant can be the slave of two masters: he will either hate the first and love the second, or treat the first with respect and the second with scorn. You cannot be the slave both of God and of money.’
(Luke 16:1–13)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Two dominant themes emerge in the Gospel of Luke: the proper use of money and the awareness of how money can distract people from their pursuit of God.
A measure of oil was approximately 35 litres—so 100 measures was a considerable debt.
A measure of wheat was approximately 10 bushels—so, again, 100 measures was a considerable debt.
In Jesus’ time, wealth was considered a reward for virtue, so his message in this text was greatly challenging.
Exploring the Word
This text may seem puzzling at first reading. How can dishonesty be so rewarded? We can understand the text more easily when we understand how commerce was conducted at the time. According to Jewish law, charging interest was not permissible. To get around this, a practice developed in which the original debt was increased to account for what would have been a normal interest rate. The cunning steward in the parable reduced his master's loans to the original amounts. The master will be paid his dues according to the law, but no more. If the master complained about what the steward did, then his sin would come to light. The real criticism in this text is directed towards people who have been entrusted with the riches of God’s kingdom but who have not used them well. The central message is that all who are called to share the riches of the kingdom must commit themselves to carefully administering those inestimable treasures. This is much more important than administering the riches of this world.
How can money be used in our world to create or break down barriers between people?
Pope John Paul II often spoke of aspiring to ‘be more’ rather than to ‘have more’, and Pope Francis has stated that ‘money has to serve, not to rule’. What do you think they meant by these comments? Explore the implications.
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Are you the kind of person on whom others can rely, whether for little things or great things?
On what are your real friendships based?
What is the most important thing in your life?
The steward was praised for being ‘astute’. Explore the talents and gifts you can identify in members of the group. What talents or gifts would you like to have? How can you cultivate these talents?
Use your talents for others this week. Be good stewards of creation by making environmentally responsible choices.
This prayer is attributed to St Ignatius of Loyola. Use it daily this week: Lord Jesus Christ, take all my freedom, my memory, my understanding, my will. All that I have and cherish you have given me. I surrender it all to be guided by your will. Your grace and your love are wealth enough for me. Give me these, Lord Jesus, I ask for nothing more.
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
Truth, honesty, integrity and trustworthiness are some of the virtues that Christians must cultivate if they are committed to following the way of Jesus. Throughout history, the Church has formulated a series of virtues: ‘Four virtues play a pivotal role and accordingly are called “cardinal”; all others are grouped around them. They are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance’ (CCC, §1805).
Use the Catechism of the Catholic Church to explore what these terms mean. How can they be practically understood in the present day?
The theological virtues are faith, hope and charity (CCC, §§1812–1829).
Again, use the Catechism of the Catholic Church to explore what these terms mean. How can they be practically understood in the present day?
St Paul offers lists of virtues to be cultivated and vices to be avoided (see Galatians 5:19–23 or 1 Thessalonians 5:12–22).
Find and read some of these lists, and then discuss how these ‘virtues’ and ‘vices’ manifest practically in our daily lives and in the world.
In terms of virtue, how are Christians called to respond in certain situations? Ensure that you discuss practical examples.
Symbols and images
Just like the steward in this text, we are entrusted with God-given talents, and we must use them in ways that will yield genuine riches. We are also becoming increasingly aware that we must be good stewards of God’s creation to ensure its riches for future generations.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
Who are the ‘stewards’ of your local community? Who is entrusted with the ‘administration’ of the parish? What tasks do they perform? You could invite members of the Pastoral Council, or others involved in ‘stewardship’, to share their reflections on their work. What priorities are established that guide how the local community’s resources are used?
As a focus for prayer, use small parcels wrapped as gifts. Affirm the gifts and talents of each person in the group. Pray for each other as you seek to strengthen the virtues required for Christian life. A suitable song could be Come as You Are (GA 212). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97D.
Entrance
Come to the feast—AOV1 151, G 585, GA 400
Gather us in—AOV1 12, CWBII 501, G 848, GA 526
Great God of mercy—CWBII 126
Our Father, we have wandered—CWB 784, CWBII 297, G 956
Return to God—CWBII 298, G 478, GA 304
There’s a wideness in God’s mercy—CWB 838, CWBII 624, G 644
Yes, I shall arise—CWB 867, CWBII 648, GA 214
Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time)
Psalm 50 (51): I will rise and go to my father (Boschetti)—CWB 420
Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Haugen)—G 51
Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Pishner)—G 52
Common Psalm 50 (51): Be merciful, O Lord (Willcock)—GA 41, PFS 14
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 5:19
Alleluia, Alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us. Alleluia!
Procession of the gifts/offertory
A shepherd I’ll be to you—AOV1 1
A Trusting Psalm—AOV1 115, CWBII 293, GA 455
Bread of the world in mercy broken—CWBII 460
Create in me a clean heart, O God—CWBII 478
Forgive our sins as we forgive—CWB 680, CWBII 120
God is rich in mercy—AOV2 27
Hosea (Come back to me)—AOV1 30, CWB 715, G 484, GA 213
Like a shepherd—AOV1 160, CWBII 538, GA 467
Our Father, we have wandered—CWB 784, CWBII 297, G 956
See, I make all things new—AOV2 7
Communion
Be reconciled as one—AOV1 162
Behold, I make all things new—AOV2 85
Bless the Lord, my soul (Taizé)—AOV2 142, G 620
Gift of finest wheat/You satisfy the hungry heart—CWB 685, CWBII 651, G 940, GA 191
Grant to us, O Lord—CWB 698, CWBII 291, GA 303
My soul is longing for your peace—CWB 751, CWBII 559, GA 519
Seed, scattered and sown—CWBII 592, GA 195
Shepherd me, O God—AOV1 33, CWBII 597, G 35, GA 24
The name of God (I will take the cup of life)—CWBII 517, G 80, GA 68
Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)
Amazing grace—AOV1 29, CWBII 450, G 645, GA 437
God of mercy (Manalo)—DD (OCP)
God of mercy and compassion—CWB 692, CWBII 290, GA 302
In the radiance of your gaze—AOV2 9
Your grace is enough—AOVNG 156, DD (OCP)
Sending forth
A new heart for a new world (Create a new heart)—AOV1 158, CWBII 477, GA 43
And the Father will dance—AOV1 113
Love divine, all loves excelling—CWB 740, CWBII 552, G 641, GA 463
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven—AOV1 78, CWB 789, CWBII 588, G 613, GA 392
Sing of the Lord’s goodness—AOV1 131, CWBII 601, G 610, GA 413
With ev’ry mountain—CWBII 646
First reading
Exodus 32:7–11, 13–14 The Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 50(51):3–4, 12–13, 17, 19 R. I will rise and go to my father.
Second reading
1 Timothy 1:12–17 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Gospel acclamation
2 Corinthians 5:19 God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us.
Gospel
Luke 15:1–32 There will be rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner.
Images from the Word
Welcome sinners
Rejoice with me
One repentant sinner
This people of yours
Inexhaustible patience
Liturgical notes
Now the centre and summit of the entire celebration begins, namely, the Eucharistic Prayer, that is, the prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. The priest invites the people to lift up their hearts to the Lord in prayer and thanksgiving; he unites the congregation with himself in the Prayer that he addresses in the name of the entire community to God the Father through Jesus Christ in the Holy Spirit.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §78
When the presiding celebrant invites the community members to lift their hearts, it is a profound invitation calling for close attention. Our response, ‘We lift them up to the Lord’, clearly reveals the significant role that the assembly plays in the eucharistic prayer. Without the assembly members lifting their hearts to the Lord, the presider’s prayer is empty of content. His role is to present the assembly’s many gifts to God; however, all members still have to make their own contribution. With these many gifts offered by the community, the presider begins the preface with the affirmation, ‘It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation.’ This rich offering from the assembly members forms the basis from which the presider continues to lead the prayer.
‘How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.’
The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. ‘This man’ they said ‘welcomes sinners and eats with them.’ So he spoke this parable to them:
‘What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” he would say “I have found my sheep that was lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.
‘Or again, what woman with ten drachmas would not, if she lost one, light a lamp and sweep out the house and search thoroughly till she found it? And then, when she had found it, call together her friends and neighbours? “Rejoice with me,” she would say “I have found the drachma I lost.” In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing among the angels of God over one repentant sinner.’
He also said, ‘A man had two sons. The younger said to his father, “Father, let me have the share of the estate that would come to me.” So the father divided the property between them. A few days later, the younger son got together everything he had and left for a distant country where he squandered his money on a life of debauchery.
‘When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine, and now he began to feel the pinch, so he hired himself out to one of the local inhabitants who put him on his farm to feed the pigs. And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks the pigs were eating but no one offered him anything. Then he came to his senses and said, “How many of my father’s paid servants have more food than they want, and here am I dying of hunger! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son; treat me as one of your paid servants.” So he left the place and went back to his father.
‘While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran to the boy, clasped him in his arms and kissed him tenderly. Then his son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the calf we have been fattening, and kill it; we are going to have a feast, a celebration, because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life; he was lost and is found.” And they began to celebrate.
‘Now the elder son was out in the fields, and on his way back, as he drew near the house, he could hear music and dancing. Calling one of the servants he asked what it was all about. “Your brother has come” replied the servant “and your father has killed the calf we had fattened because he has got him back safe and sound.” He was angry then and refused to go in, and his father came out to plead with him; but he answered his father, “Look, all these years I have slaved for you and never once disobeyed your orders, yet you never offered me so much as a kid for me to celebrate with my friends. But, for this son of yours, when he comes back after swallowing up your property—he and his women—you kill the calf we had been fattening.”
‘The father said, “My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours. But it was only right we should celebrate and rejoice, because your brother here was dead and has come to life; he was lost and is found.”’
(Luke 15:1–32)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
Tax collectors were considered outcasts because the Romans employed them to collect money from the people. They also had a reputation for skimming a profit from their collections.
The Pharisees greatly emphasised ritual purity. Eating with sinners could lead someone to become ‘unclean’, and the person would thus become defiled and unable to observe the law and participate in the ritual life of Israel.
A drachma was a Greek coin, named from the Greek word meaning ‘to grasp’. Its value was roughly equivalent to a Roman denarius.
The parables in this text focus on God’s search for us, rather than our search for God.
Exploring the Word
Today’s gospel includes three parables that focus on the theme of ‘that which was lost being found’. The final parable is the well-known story of the ‘prodigal son’—or, more correctly, ‘the loving father’. The image of God presented in these parables challenges some popular notions of God being omnipotent and removed from his creation. In the parables, Jesus illustrates his own intimate relationship with a God who he knows as Father. The images of a shepherd who is prepared to risk his flock’s safety so he can search for just one lost sheep, of a woman who puts a great deal of time and energy into recovering one small coin, and of a father who wholeheartedly welcomes back a son who has treated him badly express the extravagant love that God has for us all—especially for the lost ones of society. The great moments of rejoicing at the end of each parable highlights God’s unconditional love and his pleasure at our positive response to his invitation to the feast.
How do these three parables either comfort or challenge you?
What have been your own experiences of overwhelming joy?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Have you ever experienced being ‘lost’? If so, how were you found?
Would you leave the ninety-nine to go search for just one? How far are you willing to go to find what you’re searching for?
Share your experiences of events in your life that were cause for great rejoicing or celebration. How did you mark the events?
This week, make an effort to search for someone who may be feeling lost or alone. Help him or her experience God’s love in the kindness you offer.
Today’s collect can be used for your prayer this week: Creator and ruler of all things … grant that I may serve you with all my heart.
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 gospels abound with stories of Jesus spending time with, and showing special concern for, those who were considered societal outcasts at the time. This special concern for the poor and the disadvantaged has become a cornerstone of Catholic Social Teaching. The dignity of the human person is founded on the fact that humans were created in the image of God. Human dignity is not diminished by age, gender, economic circumstance, ethnicity or occupation. We are called to work for those in need ‘in ways that neither humiliate them nor reduce them to mere objects of assistance but which help them escape their precarious situation by promoting their dignity as persons’ (Pope John Paul II, Centesimus Annus, §49). Similarly, in his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si', Pope Francis appeals ‘to everyone throughout the world not to forget this dignity which is ours. No one has the right to take it from us’ (see also CCC, §§1878–1896).
Who are the most distressed and excluded groups in Australian society?
In what ways does the Church respond to the needs of such groups?
Speak about specific ministries that search for the lost and work to enhance their human dignity—such as Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda, St Mary’s House of Welcome in Fitzroy, Ozanam House or the Vinnies Youth food vans.
Symbols and images
The image of God as Father is often used in Scripture, and it conveys both his authority and deep love. Jesus even uses the intimate term Abba (‘Papa’ or ‘Daddy’) when praying. These parables convey the Father’s intimate love for all his children, especially the lost ones.
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 provide for those in need locally? How can the catechumens become involved in these ministries?
As a focus for prayer, you could use images from newspapers or other publications that depict ‘the lost’ of our world. Pray for all those who are excluded or disadvantaged. Pray for each other as you journey towards Christian commitment. A suitable song could be God Has Chosen Me (GA 497). Conclude with the blessing in the RCIA at §97I.
Presider
As Moses prayed on behalf of his people, we confidently ask our God of mercy and justice to hear our prayers.
Reader
We pray for Pope Francis and all bishops and priests in their roles as ministers of reconciliation and healing. May they speak with a welcoming heart to all who need trust and goodwill.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all people who are rejected and persecuted. May Christians everywhere hear and respond to their cries for justice.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all people who work with families. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen them in their work, and may their efforts bring peace and happiness to the families who seek their assistance.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all families in our community. In times of division or tension, may they experience the peace that arises from forgiveness and reconciliation.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for …
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all who are ill in our parish and for all who take care of them. We also remember those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they share fully in the glory of God’s promise.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Father, we thank you for the many ways you have blessed us, especially through the gift of our families. We pray to you in the spirit of trust, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
