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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, July 8th, 2006 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

Lord We Belief, Help Our Unbelief

Sunday, July 9, 2006
Ezekiel 2:2-5
Psalm 123:1-4
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Mark 6:1-6
 

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

In life, it seems that little or nothing can be done if the atmosphere is wrong. Teachers can’t teach if the class resists. Business people can’t sell if the clients are not interested. Sports teams don’t win when there is dissension among the teammates.

Today’s gospel tells us that lack of faith can have the effect of closing the door on wonders that God may want to accomplish in our lives. Even Jesus himself could not perform any mighty deed in his own hometown because of the Nazarenes’ unbelief (Mark 6:6).

Let’s face it. We all have periods of weak faith. Abraham (Genesis 17:15-22), Moses (Numbers 11:21-23; 20:9-13), the apostles (Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 16:14), and Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist (Luke 1:18-20) each had their moments of doubt. But each of these also overcame their unbelief and came back to the Lord. Their stories tell us that our faith is going to be tested and that these tests can cause us to slip into times of doubt and unbelief.

As a counterbalance to these stories of doubt and unbelief, Scripture also tells us about people who were filled with remarkable faith during trying or troubled times. The centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), a leper (Mark 1:40-44), Bartimaeus (10:46-52), and the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21-28) all kept their faith in Jesus and were deeply rewarded.

At the Last Supper, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to comfort us, to teach us, and to strengthen our faith. Every day, the Holy Spirit is with us, establishing an atmosphere of faith so that Jesus can work freely in us and through us. He is like the sun burning away the darkness or like a cool breeze blowing away the mists of doubt. All he asks is that we turn to face his light, that we open ourselves to his gentle movement. Then our doubts will fade, and our faith will grow. All we need is the right environment, and we too can see wonders in our day!

“Dear Jesus, let your Holy Spirit shine on me. I believe in you. Help my unbelief. Come and increase my faith.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In the first reading, Ezekiel tells of his commissioning to be a prophet to the nation of Israel. Prior to the commissioning, Ezekiel says, “the spirit entered me” (Ezekiel 2:2). Why do you think receiving the Spirit was so important to him in fulfilling his mission? In what way is receiving the Holy Spirit important to your fulfilling God’s call for your life?
2. Our response in the Responsorial Psalm is, “Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.” How easy it is to take our eyes off the Lord during the busyness of our days. What steps can you take to turn to the Lord more often during the day?
3. In the second reading, what do you think St. Paul meant when he said, “for when I am weak, then I am strong?” How would this apply to your life? Can you share some specific examples?
4. In the Gospel, we read that the people in Jesus’ hometown were not able (or perhaps unwilling) to give him the honor that was due him, “they took offense at him.” Why do you think they failed to recognize Jesus for who he is: the Messiah, Son of God, and Lord? Why do you think that Jesus “was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them” (Mark 6:5)?
5. The meditation focuses on the difficult times when our own faith can be week, or we may be plagued with doubts and unbelief. What are the situations in your life that can weaken your faith? What are some ways that you can strengthen your faith during these difficult times?

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