Gathered together in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, we open our hearts in prayer for God’s people everywhere.
Reader
We pray for Pope Leo, as leader of our Church, as he continues to encourage us to look to the Gospel as the words of eternal life.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all peoples of our world, in the words of Isaiah, ‘that nation will not lift up sword against nation’ and that peace will come to us all.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for all agencies that reach out to people in need. May their workers be supported in their efforts to awaken a feeling of self-worth in all those they encounter.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
We pray for our faith community. May the spirit of the season of Advent open our hearts to its message of goodwill to each other, especially within families.
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 all the faithful departed, especially those who have died recently and those whose anniversaries occur at this time. May they now rejoice in the presence of God’s unconditional love.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.
Presider
Gracious God, through these prayers, continue to show us the way to your peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First reading
Ecclesiasticus 3:3–7, 14–17 He who fears the Lord respects his parents.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 127(128):1–5 R. Happy are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Second reading
Colossians 3:12–21 Family life in the Lord
Gospel acclamation
Colossians 3:15a, 16a May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and the fullness of his message live within you.
Gospel
Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23 The flight into Egypt and the return to Nazareth
Images from the Word
In a dream
I called my son
Called a Nazarene
Obedience to the Lord
His saints
Liturgical notes
The institution of the family faces great challenges in various parts of the world today, and it is entirely appropriate for the homilist to speak about these. However, rather than simply giving a moral exhortation on family values, the preacher should take his cue from the Scripture readings of this day to speak of the Christian family as a school of discipleship.
—Homiletic Directory, §121
In the context of our family, even if that environment is fragile, we can grow in life. We who gather regularly at the table of the Lord are called to learn the Lord’s lesson that life is given for others. This pattern of Christ’s self-giving love in the Mass must flow into our life so that we are disciples of our Master.
‘The shepherds went in haste, and found Mary and Joseph and the Infant lying in a manger’
—entrance antiphon
First reading
Isaiah 7:10–14 The maiden is with child.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 23(24):1–6 R. Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
Second reading
Romans 1:1–7 Our apostolic mission is to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations.
Gospel acclamation
Matthew 1:23 A virgin will give birth to a son; His name will be Emmanuel: God is with us.
Gospel
Matthew 1:18–24 How Jesus Christ came to be born
Images from the Word
A righteous man
In a dream
Through the Holy Spirit
Emmanuel
Called to be holy
Liturgical notes
Above all, the Second Vatican Council, which urged ‘that more perfect form of participation in the Mass by which the faithful, after the priest’s Communion, receive the Lord’s Body from the same Sacrifice,’ called for another desire of the Fathers of Trent to be realized, namely that for the sake of a fuller participation in the holy Eucharist ‘the faithful present at each Mass should communicate not only by spiritual desire but also by sacramental reception of the Eucharist.’
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §13
The liturgical reform of Vatican II was focussed upon ensuring the full participation of the faithful in the celebration of the liturgy. Therefore, it made it possible for the faithful to fully participate in the celebration of the Mass by encouraging Communion in the consecrated bread and wine. In this Communion, they share in the very sacrifice of Christ.–
‘Drop down dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain down the Just One; let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.’
—entrance antiphon
First reading
Isaiah 35:1–6, 10 God himself is coming to save you.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 145(146): 6–10 R. Lord, come and save us.
Second reading
James 5:7–10 Do not lose heart; the Lord’s coming will be soon.
Gospel acclamation
Isaiah 61:1 (Luke 4:18) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring Good News to the poor.
Gospel
Matthew 11:2–11 ‘A greater than John the Baptist has never been seen.’
Images from the Word
Look for another
What you hear and see
Fine clothing
Here is your God
Be patient
Liturgical notes
The Council of Trent already recognized the great catechetical value contained in the celebration of Mass but was unable to bring out all its consequences in regard to actual practice. In fact, many were pressing for permission to use the vernacular in celebrating the Eucharistic Sacrifice; but the Council, weighing the conditions of that age, considered it a duty to answer this request with a reaffirmation of the Church’s traditional teaching, according to which the Eucharistic Sacrifice is, first and foremost, the action of Christ himself, and therefore its proper efficacy is unaffected by the manner in which the faithful take part in it.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §11
We have grown up with the expectation that our liturgy will be in the vernacular. Clearly Vatican II took up what had been planned at Trent and was able to implement this change.
‘Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.’
—entrance antiphon
First reading
Isaiah 11:1–10 A shoot springs from the stock of Jesse.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 71(72):1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17 R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
Second reading
Romans 15:4–9 Christ is the saviour of all men.
Gospel acclamation
Luke 3:4, 6 Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God.
Gospel
Matthew 3:1–12 The one who follows me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Images from the Word
Repent
Baptised by him
Your repentance
Signal for the nations
Welcome one another
Liturgical notes
Next the priest invites the people to pray. All, together with the priest, observe a brief silence so that they may be conscious of the fact that they are in God’s presence and may formulate their petitions in their hearts and minds. Then the priest says the prayer which is customarily known as the Collect and through which the character of the celebration is expressed.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §54
Throughout the celebration of the Mass, there is provision for the assembly to contribute to the celebration. In fact, their gathering for the Mass serves the intention of providing the opportunity for Christ to be present. The assembly then contributes by its faithful attention to the celebration. The presiding celebrant must ensure he respects this contribution by not rushing to proclaim the collect.
‘To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.’
—entrance antiphon
First reading
Isaiah 2:1–5 The Lord gathers all nations together into the eternal peace of God’s kingdom.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 121(122):1–2, 4–5, 6–9 R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Second reading
Romans 13:11–14 Our salvation is near.
Gospel acclamation
Psalm 84:8 Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation.
Gospel
Matthew 24:37–44 The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Images from the Word
Until the flood came
Stay awake
Be prepared
Walk in his paths
Awake from sleep
Liturgical notes
For Sundays in Advent,
each Gospel reading has a distinctive theme: the Lord’s coming at the end of time (First Sunday of Advent), John the Baptist (Second and Third Sunday), and the events that prepared immediately for the Lord’s birth (Fourth Sunday). The Old Testament readings are prophecies about the Messiah and the Messianic age, especially from Isaiah. The readings from an apostle serve as exhortations and as proclamations, in keeping with the different themes of Advent.
—Lectionary for Mass: Introduction, §93
The Lectionary for Mass has been established with a very clear purpose. For this reason, it is important to use the readings assigned to each Sunday so that the wisdom of the Church may be maintained. During Advent, this will ensure a full understanding of what we are celebrating in this season.
‘To you, I lift up my soul, O my God. In you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame. Nor let my enemies exult over me; and let none who hope in you be put to shame.’
Jesus spoke the following parable to some people who prided themselves on being virtuous and despised everyone else: ‘Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood there and said this prayer to himself, “I thank you, God, that I am not grasping, unjust, adulterous like the rest of mankind, and particularly that I am not like this tax collector here. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes on all I get.” The tax collector stood some distance away, not daring even to raise his eyes to heaven; but he beat his breast and said, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” This man, I tell you, went home again at rights with God; the other did not. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’
(Luke 18:9–14)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
It is crucial to consider who the characters are in the parables of Jesus.
Pharisees were deeply religious laymen who observed the law closely and who met together regularly for prayer and table fellowship.
Tax collectors were despised because their jobs allowed them to cheat and defraud people, because they cooperated with the Roman oppressors and because their contact with the Gentiles made them ritually unclean. No wonder the tax collector in this text ‘stood some distance away’. The Pharisees would have believed that he had no right to be in the temple at all.
Exploring the Word
The purpose of this parable is to disturb the complacency of people who believe that following the rules of the law precisely is all they must do to guarantee salvation, regardless of their attitudes towards others or how they speak and act. The timeless parable in this text is as true today as it was in Jesus’ time. The Pharisee asks nothing of God; he is under the mistaken impression that he can fulfil all that is required of him through his own actions. He believes that adhering to the letter of the law is all that is required. Conversely, the tax collector is aware of his brokenness and opens himself to God, asking him for mercy. He rightly recognises his own sinfulness and sees that God is the only one who can fill the void within him. Again, as is common in the Gospel of Luke, it is the poor and the outcast who will be exalted. The Pharisee, who should know better, will ultimately be humbled and experience God’s dramatic reversal.
How does this parable comfort or challenge you?
With which character do you most identify?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Are there times when you judge others or consider yourself ‘better’ than certain people?
How difficult do you find recognising your own shortcomings?
Do you find looking beyond the shortcomings of others challenging?
Have you ever been in a situation in which you felt small or embarrassed by someone who exalted himself or herself at your expense? Have you ever ‘put someone down’ through your actions or words? Share your reflections.
Notice occasions this week when you might find it easy to judge someone. Do something positive to favour someone to whom you may feel superior in some way.
The tax collector’s humble prayer makes a suitable prayer for this week: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
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
Last week was Mission Sunday. The universal Church celebrates this day, which is marked each year by a special statement issued by the Pope that encourages the mission of the Church in the world and the work of those who undertake this mission, especially in foreign cultures.
Read Pope Francis's statement to mark Mission Sunday this year on the Vatican website. You could offer copies to participants and use them to stimulate your discussion.
The Second Vatican Council included a decree for the Church’s missionary activity, Ad Gentes. The Church considers that all baptised people are engaged in this missionary activity of the Church.
You could discuss how all people are called to be missionary—not necessarily in faraway places, but also in their own homes, workplaces and societies.
You could explore some of Church’s missionary orders and work that they accomplish, such as through the Columban Fathers or Divine Word Missionaries.
You could gather materials from organisations such as the Columban Mission, Catholic Mission or Melbourne Overseas Mission and discuss the missionary work that Australians perform.
Discuss how the catechumens are called to perform this missionary mandate of the Church.
Symbols and images
This gospel asks us to consider what constitutes right worship. Is God impressed by words and outward show alone when the human heart is harbouring thoughts of hatred or vengeance? The parable in this text indicates that God is more impressed by our humility and recognition of our own need for healing.
Living the Word
Practical ideas for group leaders to employ in connecting Scripture and daily life, with suggestions for music and environment
How is your community involved in the Church’s missionary activity? To whom does your community reach out?
You could use a pair of sandals and a walking staff as a focus for prayer. Invite people to voice their own prayers of intercession for their needs and the needs of the world. Include all missionaries in your prayer in a special way today. Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97E.
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’
And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
(Luke 18:1–8)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
According to the law in ancient Israel, justice was meant to be available to all who sought it, not just to the rich or powerful. Judges were appointed and sat ‘at the city gate’, making themselves available to anyone who needed a judgment. The prophets often criticised the corruption that was sometimes associated with this office, as judgment would often go in favour of those who could pay a bribe!
Jewish law made a special provision for the care of widows and orphans, who did not have a male advocate to speak for them.
The Gospel of Luke was written at a time when believers were suffering for their faith. They also may have wondered if God heard their prayers.
Exploring the Word
It is unusual for an evangelist to be so explicit about the meaning of a parable; however, in this text, Luke states that this parable is ‘about the need to pray continually and never lose heart’. Those who listened to Jesus recount the story in this text were likely familiar with judges, who were a law unto themselves and who did not dispense justice according to the demands of God and the Jewish law. Yet even these people will be persuaded to act in the face of persistence. As is typical in the Gospel of Luke, it is not the rich and powerful who prevail, but rather the poor and the weak—in this case, a widow. How much more, then, will God act? He is not like the wicked judge; he will hear the persistent cries of people, especially those of the poor, and not delay in answering. The real test of our faith is to accept that God may answer our prayers in ways we do not expect or even desire. Prayer does not equate to making demands of God. Instead, it involves an openness to God’s presence in our lives and a willingness to accept whatever he demands of us.
Are you persistent about any specific aspects or areas in your life?
What does this persistence reveal about what you consider important?
Is prayer important to you? How do you pray?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
How do you understand the ‘need to pray continually and never lose heart’?
What cries do you think God hears every day and night in the present day?
What would our world look like if justice prevailed?
Discuss the terms ‘fear of God’ and ‘respect for people’. What do think they mean in the present day? Discuss some examples in which ‘fear of God’ and ‘respect for people’ are lacking in our lives and world. How are you being called to respond?
Spend some time contemplating what ‘fear of God’ and ‘respect for people’ mean today. This week, practice these two actions in as many ways as you can.
Use the response from today’s psalm as your prayer this week: Our help is from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
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
‘I must give this widow her just rights.’ The quest for human rights has long been a cornerstone of the Church’s social teaching. ‘The Church sees in these rights the extraordinary opportunity that our modern times offer, through the affirmation of these rights, for more effectively recognizing human dignity and universally promoting it as a characteristic inscribed by God the Creator in his creature’ (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, §152). For the Church, human rights are firmly anchored in the innate dignity of each person, who is created in the image and likeness of God. Because of this foundation, rights come with responsibilities—and human rights must be defended.
Use paragraphs 155, 156 and 157 of the compendium as a source from which to discuss human rights and responsibilities. Paragraph 155 lists several rights as specified by Pope John Paul II in Centesimus Annus (published to mark the 100th anniversary of the first social encyclical of the modern Church). You could explore these rights and identify examples of such rights being violated in our world today.
You could also explore the human responsibilities and duties that correspond to those rights. How are these duties being performed? What is our personal responsibility?
Symbols and images
The widow’s persistence is the heart of this gospel text. Despite her lack of status, she persistently raises her voice to plead for what she needs—and her need is finally met. In the same way, God will also hear the cries of those who call on him. However, God may sometimes not answer our prayers in the way we want!
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 recognise and promote the rights and duties of all members? Are your community members familiar with the social teaching of the Church? Does your community provide a forum through which to explore these teachings? Is there a social justice group to which catechumens could be invited?
Use the open Scriptures as a focus for your prayer. Pray for all people who suffer injustice and the loss of human dignity. Pray for each other, for strength on your journeys. A suitable song could be The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor (GA 36). Conclude with the prayer of blessing in the RCIA at §97I.
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered one of the villages, ten lepers came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, ‘Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.’ When he saw them he said, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ Now as they were going away they were cleansed. Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan. This made Jesus say, ‘Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they? It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.’ And he said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.’
(Luke 17:11–19)
Did you know?
Points of interest and Catholic lore
In the text, the term ‘leper’ probably referred to people who suffered from a variety of skin disorders.
Under Jewish law, lepers were ostracised and forced to live outside the city limits. It was thought that they would contaminate others in both a physical and religious sense.
Leprosy was perceived as a punishment for sin, so lepers were considered moral outcasts as well as physical outcasts.
When a leper was ‘cured’, the priests performed certain purification rites (Leviticus 14). It was only after purification that lepers could again come into contact with friends and relations, and once again participate in the religious life of Israel.
An ancient animosity existed between the Jews and the Samaritans. It originated in the period after King Solomon’s reign, when his death prompted civil war and the kingdom’s division into two. The break-away northern kingdom of Samaria rejected the temple in Jerusalem and built a new temple on Mount Gerizim. Those in the southern kingdom of Judah considered the Samaritans apostates.
Exploring the Word
This text conveys another teaching from Jesus about what real faith entails. It is not simply another miracle story. First, the lepers recognise their own need for healing—and it is this recognition that prompts them to cry out to Jesus and implore him for mercy. In their need, they turn to Jesus as their hope. He responds with compassion and sends them to the priests to fulfil Jewish law. Nine assumedly complete that journey and re-enter the religious and social world of the Jews. However, one does not continue with the priests and cultural practices of Israel. Instead, he turns back towards Jesus after realising the true source of his wholeness. The recognition that his salvation came through Jesus and not through the fulfilment of Jewish law is what assures him that he is saved. His response is appropriate: he falls to his knees, praising God loudly and thanking Jesus for all that he has done for him. The fact that he is a Samaritan, a foreigner, may have resonated with Luke’s community, which primarily comprised non-Jewish believers in Christ.
How do you respond to Jesus?
How do you give praise to God?
What needs healing in you?
How do you offer thanks and praise?
Making connections
Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer
Have you ever been an ‘outcast’ through no fault of your own?
‘Master! Take pity on us.’ Have you ever been moved by pity or compassion to do something for another?
What reasons do you have to give thanks to God?
Jesus’ act in this text would have completely transformed the lives of the lepers. Share stories of when your life reached a significant turning point. How did it affect you and those close to you?
Be more inclusive of people who are sometimes treated as ‘outcasts’ in our society. Say thank you to someone who has done something for you.
Use the following lines from the ‘prayer’ in the Epistle to Timothy, which is today’s second reading: If we have died with him, then we shall live with him. If we hold firm, then we shall reign with 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
The leprosy in this text can be regarded as a symbol for anything that places a barrier between people. Jesus’ ministry has numerous examples of him breaking down barriers and drawing people into the fullness of life that lies at the heart of the Gospel.
Brainstorm examples of barriers that Jesus sought to break down.
The Church is called to imitate Christ in terms of breaking down barriers, and all of Jesus’ followers are called to do the same. Brainstorm some of the barriers that exist between people in our world, such as ethnicity, disability, religious intolerance and levels of affluence. Discuss how the Church is working to break down such barriers and promoting an attitude of ‘one human family’.
You could recount the stories of great figures in church history who worked to include the ‘outcasts’ of their society, such as Damien of Molokai and Mother Theresa.
You could discuss recent trends in the Church that involve promoting peace and religious dialogue in troubled places in the world.
Symbols and images
Today’s gospel includes another example of an outsider—in this case, both a leper and a Samaritan—recognising Jesus, while those who should have known him, his own compatriots, failed to respond appropriately. We often witness ‘acts of faith’ from surprising quarters!
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 own parish work to break down the barriers in our society? Are there occasions in which the community could pray for peace or unity in our divided world, such as in prayers of intercession? Is this done as effectively as it could be?
Invite those gathered to consider what aspects of their lives cut them off from others or from God. Use reflective music and a period of quiet contemplation. A suitable song could be Out of the Depths (GA 227). Conclude with the prayer of exorcism in the RCIA at §94K.
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.
