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Gospel

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

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 

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.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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.

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 

Gospel

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

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 

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.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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.

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 

Gospel

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

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 

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.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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.

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 

Gospel

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

Jesus said to his disciples:

‘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 

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.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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).

The theological virtues are faith, hope and charity (CCC, §§1812–1829). 

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).

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 

Gospel

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

Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’

(Luke 14:25–33) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

Being a disciple of Jesus involves radical choices! You must be single minded in your commitment to Christ and ensure that nothing else takes precedence over him. The use of the word ‘hate’ in this passage is difficult to understand. Is Jesus calling his disciples to ‘hate’ those who love us? Surely, we glimpse something of the love of God through human love. The problem may stem from the Semitic languages, which lack some of the subtleties of modern idioms. In Hebrew, ‘to hate’ is the opposite of ‘to prefer’. In this text, Jesus is saying that we must prefer to seek God rather than earthly love or relationships. It is our relationship with God that is of utmost value. Furthermore, discipleship comes at a cost—and the cost is the cross. We must be prepared to go the whole way and not leave the task half done. Just as Jesus responded totally to the call of the Father, we too must respond totally to the call to follow him.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 

‘So, in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’ Jesus’ words are best understood as a readiness to renounce worldly wealth if it hinders us from following his way. His words imply the need for an attitude of detachment from worldly things. Those who take special vows to religious life within the Church have a strong tradition of completely renouncing personal belongings; however, all believers are invited to ponder the meaning of Christ’s words and our response to them.

The Church teaches that the earth and its riches belong to all people. No one has an intrinsic right to more of the earth’s goods than another. At the same time, everyone has the right to own property, to guarantee their personal freedom and dignity and to provide for their needs. We must manage the inherent tension between meeting our own material needs and the needs of all other people on earth. Our attitudes to our own property must be governed by moderation, concern for justice and a sense of solidarity with those who have less (see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§2426–2463).

Symbols and images 

The cross is the central symbol for all Christians. For the Romans, it was an instrument of torture and disgraceful death. Despite its association with shame and disgrace, the cross remains the greatest symbol of hope and vindication for followers of Jesus. It was through his death on a cross that Jesus triumphed over death itself.

Living the Word 

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

Gospel

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

On a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. He then told the guests a parable, because he had noticed how they picked the places of honour. He said this, ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take your seat in the place of honour. A more distinguished person than you may have been invited, and the person who invited you both may come and say, “Give up your place to this man.” And then, to your embarrassment, you would have to go and take the lowest place. No; when you are a guest, make your way to the lowest place and sit there, so that, when your host comes, he may say, “My friend, move up higher.” In that way, everyone with you at the table will see you honoured. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the man who humbles himself will be exalted.’

Then he said to his host, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’

(Luke 14:1,7–14) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

The Gospel of Luke describes how Jesus often shared meals with people who were not considered appropriate table companions at that time and in that culture—such as publicans, tax collectors, sinners and women of dubious reputation. In the meal described in today’s text, Jesus reveals more about the radical reversal that is characteristic of God’s way. He challenges how the Pharisees perceive their own standing in society as a people of status; he urges them to instead take the humbler positions at table and to allow the host, or God, to choose those who should be exalted. He also shatters the Pharisees’ idea of table fellowship by urging them to share their festive table with those who are the least important, or those who were societal outcasts. The way to God cannot be organised according to human priority! It is in the ultimate humiliation of crucifixion that Jesus is exalted in resurrection and ascension.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 Jesus challenged the social norms and leadership of his day, the Church continues to challenge society in the present day. The social teaching of the Church is often called its best-kept secret! In the modern period, the great landmark document Rerum Novarum, issued in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, marked the beginning of what has become a long and illuminating tradition for the Catholic Church. Successive popes have added to this tradition of offering a critique of social, political and economic structures through the lens of the Gospel.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference has nominated several Sundays throughout the year to focus on and raise awareness about marginalised groups and people in our society, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday and Refugee and Migrant Sunday. They have also nominated Sundays to focus on issues of importance to all, such as Social Justice Sunday.

Symbols and images 

The Gospel of Luke often portrays Jesus at table and sharing a meal. Meals play a significant role in human interaction and celebration. In today’s text, Jesus challenges both the conventions of his society and the understanding of who should be considered ‘important’ and be given the highest place. That is, he invites the Pharisees—and us—to consider the poorest and most in need as our table companions, just as he did.

Living the Word 

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

Gospel

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

Through towns and villages Jesus went teaching, making his way to Jerusalem. Someone said to him, ‘Sir, will there be only a few saved?’ He said to them, ‘Try your best to enter by the narrow door, because, I tell you, many will try to enter and will not succeed.

‘Once the master of the house has got up and locked the door, you may find yourself knocking on the door, saying, “Lord, open to us” but he will answer, “I do not know where you come from.” Then you will find yourself saying, “We once ate and drank in your company; you taught in our streets” but he will reply, “I do not know where you come from. Away from me, all you wicked men!”

‘Then there will be weeping and grinding of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves turned outside. And men from east and west, from north and south, will come to take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.

‘Yes, there are those now last who will be first, and those now first who will be last.’

(Luke 13:22–30) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

As the chosen people, the Jews believed that they were in a privileged relationship with God. In this text, Jesus shatters some illusions. There is no privileged or exclusive entry into the kingdom of God for those who consider themselves ‘religious insiders’. This idea is equally directed to the disciples. It is not enough that they have shared a meal with Jesus or have heard his word; they must respond to that word and act on it. They must enter by the narrow door, which requires great effort, or else those who believe they were ‘inside’ could find themselves ‘outside’, and ‘the outsiders’ will find a way ahead of them. This radical reversal of values and expectations would have shocked those who thought they were on the ‘inside’.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 

‘Who will be saved?’ is a difficult question to answer. There is no doubt that God wants all people to be saved, and that Jesus died to save all people.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, ‘Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for that salvation’ (§161). This quotation prompts many questions and points for discussion, such as:

Some of the questions that may arise in response to the concept of having faith to be saved will not be easy to answer—but the conversation is important!

Symbols and images 

The feast or banquet is one of the most common images of the kingdom of God. A feast is not simply a meal; it is an abundant celebration of something wonderful from which people draw nourishment, life and vitality. Such is the kingdom of God.

Living the Word 

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

Gospel

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

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘I have come to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! There is a baptism I must still receive, and how great is my distress till it is over!

‘Do you suppose that I am here to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on a household of five will be divided: three against two and two against three; the father divided against the son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’

(Luke 12:49–53) 

Did you know? 

Points of interest and Catholic lore 

Exploring the Word 

This is a difficult text to read because it challenges our notions of what Jesus was like. The imagery of fire that Jesus uses has a long history in the Old Testament, which frequently mentions people passing through the fire of testing and judgment. John had prophesied about the one who would come bringing a baptism of fire and judgment—but it never occurred to him that the same one would be the first to undergo that baptism! Furthermore, the rare glimpse into Jesus’ mind reveals an agonising mixture of impatience and reluctance. Knowing that God’s redemptive plan requires him to bring the fiery baptism of judgment upon earth—not by inflicting it on others but by undergoing it himself—Jesus feels restricted and thwarted until this mission can be accomplished.

The reference to households being divided could have been directed at Luke’s community itself. Faith in Jesus could indeed be the cause of division in families. Although Luke’s community was predominantly Gentile, it did include Jewish Christians. Some Jews failed to recognise Jesus as the Messiah, and in the late first century, they expelled Christians from their synagogues. To persist with a Christian belief would have caused great division.

Making connections 

Opportunities for group discussion and personal prayer 

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 history of the Church contains numerous examples of division caused by faith, as well as numerous examples of an overly zealous defence of the faith. Some of these examples are heroic, while others are shameful to us now.

Symbols and images 

Like many symbols, fire can have both positive and negative connotations. It can be a painful and destructive force, or something to be feared and shunned. It can also be a purifying agent that burns away what is unwanted. Fire is also used in the testing of precious metals. In the Australian context, bushfire is the cause of death and destruction; however, it also causes the regeneration and new birth of many native species of flora.

Fire is also a symbol of passion, and it is often used in turns of phrase and concepts that capture this emotion—such as ‘fire in the belly’ or the fire of one’s love.

Living the Word 

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

Entrance

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

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 

Communion

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

Sending forth 

Entrance

Responsorial psalm (see also music overview for Ordinary Time) 

Gospel acclamation

Hebrews 4:12

Alleluia, Alleluia!
The word of God is living and active;
it probes the thoughts and motives of our heart.
Alleluia!

Procession of the gifts/offertory 

Communion

Thanksgiving hymn/song/canticle (optional, sung by all)

Sending forth 

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