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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, November 11th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. We are resuming our use of these study reflections, so if you can make it, it is a marvelous preparation for this week's Mass readings.

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Putting Our Hope and Trust in God’s Infinite Love and Power

Sunday, November 12, 2006
1 Kings 17:10-16
Psalm 146:7-10
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44
Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

Both the gospel and the first reading today show us people who were extravagant in their trust in God. Both passages highlight widows who were materially poor yet very rich in faith. Clearly, these women trusted deep down in their hearts that God was big enough to supply all of their needs.

These readings compel us to ask, “If God could take such good care of these women, whose needs were probably much greater than mine, isn’t he more than able to take care of me well?” God always has our best interests at heart, and he wants us to trust in him. He has promised to be with us always and never abandon us. He is totally committed to us! Isn’t he more than able to help us, both physically and spiritually?

Considering God’s infinite love and power can move us to put aside the useless anxiety that so easily disturbs us. Reflecting on who God is can lift our minds and assure us that we can trust in him, whatever our situation. For example, think about the fact that your heavenly Father has infinite resources, or that he understands your life inside and out. Recall the promise that his Spirit lives in you and is constantly ministering to you. Jesus told us to consider the lilies of the field and the sparrows of the air. If God cares so much for them, how much more is he aware of all that faces us (Matthew 6:25-33)!

Since we have such hope, let’s spend our energies spreading the gospel, serving the people around us, and loving Jesus. At Mass, recall how great God is and how fully committed he is to you. Your communion with the Lord in the Eucharist today can draw you into deeper trust in him and can empower you to reach out further to share his love with other people. So open your heart to him today!

“Lord Jesus, I trust in you. You are worthy to be trusted, for you have full authority in heaven and on earth. Thank you for taking my life into your hands.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    In the First Reading, we meet a widow whose great faith in God allowed her to trust that what Elijah told her was true. “For the Lord, the God of Israel says, ‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” Share a time when you were obedient to what you believed the Lord wanted you to do. What was the fruit of this obedience?

2.    The Responsorial Psalm speaks of the Lord’s faithfulness to the most needy -- the oppressed, hungry, captives, blind, fatherless, widows, and those who are bowed down. What are some ways you, and the men in your group, can imitate the Lord by reaching out to others less fortunate than you?

3.    The Second Reading speaks of Jesus’ first coming, and his sacrifice on the cross, and his second coming, when he will “bring salvation to those who eagerly await him.” Are you joyful and expectant when you think of the Jesus’ second coming? Why or why not? Should you be?

4.    In the Gospel, Jesus contrasts the behavior of the scribes with the poor widow. Why do you think Jesus did this? How does it apply to your own life?

5.    The meditation asks us to reflect on the strong faith of the widows in the first reading and the Gospel. In light of any difficult circumstances in your own life, what is your reaction to these words in the meditation? “If God could take such good care of these women, whose needs were probably much greater than mine, isn’t he more than able to take care of me well?”

6.    Take some time to pray for one another at the end of your meeting, especially for any difficult circumstances that you may be undergoing right now.

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