These studies are courtesy of The National Fellowship of Catholic Men

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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, October 15th, 2005 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

The Eucharist, Our Source of Spiritual Nourishment and Strength

Sunday, October 16, 2005
Isaiah 45:1,4-6
Psalm 96:1,3-5,7-10
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Matthew 22:15-21

Click here for the Readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

How easy it can be to get caught up in theoretical disputes that distract us from the heart of the matter! That’s just what these Pharisees were doing when they tried to trip Jesus up with the question about paying taxes to Caesar. Instead of looking at the substance of Jesus’ teaching, they were preoccupied with the debate of the day about supporting a pagan government. But Jesus cut through to the real issue: who he is and what he had come to do.

Like these Pharisees, we can get entangled in hair-splitting intellectual discussions instead of embracing Jesus and the life-giving mysteries of his gospel. For example, it can be very easy to spend time trying to figure out exactly how Jesus’ real body and blood are given to us in the Eucharist instead of receiving this miraculous gift with awe and with a humble and willing spirit. But when we render to God the things that are God’s—faith and trust and thanksgiving—our hearts will be nourished and strengthened, even when our intellects can never fully understand it.

Jesus’ generosity is unlimited. He gives himself to us entirely in the Eucharist, not once only, but every day. Thousands of times a day at liturgies celebrated all around the world, “he humbles himself just as he did when he came from his heavenly throne into the Virgin’s womb; every day he comes to us and lets us see him in lowliness, when he descends from the bosom of the Father into the hands of the priest at the altar” (St. Francis of Assisi).

One year ago, Pope John Paul II initiated the Year of the Eucharist, extending from October 17, 2004, to October 16, 2005. Although this special year comes to a close today, let’s never stop giving thanks to God for this sacrament of love. When you receive Communion today, tell Jesus that you love him and that you want more of him. And then stand back and watch what happens!

“Jesus, with faith I believe, and with love I receive. Let me never be parted from you!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

  1. The first reading today describes how God uses (anoints) the pagan King Cyrus as a vehicle for caring for his people. Do we see ourselves, God's people, as the only ones he blesses and uses? Are we open to seeing that God can use anyone to further his purposes?
  2. In the responsorial psalm, each of us is called to tell of God’s “glory among the nations; among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.” What can you do to tell others of God's love?
  3. The responsorial psalm also speaks of God's universal care: “he governs all the peoples with equity.” What can you do to be more generous and more equitable towards other people?
  4. St. Paul tells the Thessalonians that they are constantly in his thoughts and prayers. How often to you pray for others, particularly those who labor in faith, hope, and love for God's kingdom? What steps can you and the men in your group take to increase your prayers for your pastor and other priests? What are some additional ways you can practically assist your pastor and parish?
  5. In the Gospel reading, the Herodians tried to test Jesus. In what ways do you test God with your words: “if God really cared for me then …”; “if God will do this for me then...”? What can you do to make your relationship with God one of faith and trust and not one of trying to use God for you own purposes?
  6. The meditation begins with these words: “How easy it can be to get caught up in theoretical disputes that distract us from the heart of the matter!” Within our men’s groups, we too are susceptible to these types of “hair-splitting theoretical discussions.” How can you make your men's meeting more open to sharing on a personal rather than theoretical level?
  7. The meditation goes on to discuss how receiving the Eucharist nourishes and strengthens us. What steps can you take prior to or during Mass to experience a deeper touch of the Lord when you receive the Eucharist.

 

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen


Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen