This page was updated 10/19/2006 07:08 AM Click here for Men of Epiphany home page

Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, July 15th, 2006 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

Called to Be a Witness for Jesus

Sunday, July 16, 2006
Amos 7:12-15
Psalm 85:9-14
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:7-13

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

Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two. (Mark 6:7)

Long ago, before Jesus was born, God asked, “Whom will I send?” And the prophet Isaiah responded, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8). In today’s gospel, Jesus asked a similar question. He asked his disciples to “be my witnesses.”

The apostles learned how to witness because they watched Jesus in action and because they listened to Jesus as he taught them. But there was more to their training than listening and learning. They tasted the power of the Lord firsthand. Like the branches of a vine, they were being nourished with divine grace, and now they were being asked to bear fruit.

Isaiah said yes to God primarily because he experienced God’s mercy cleansing him of all his sin and guilt. Such a powerful experience made him want to tell all of Jerusalem about the God who so deeply wanted to cleanse and restore them as well. And it was the same with the twelve. They had seen, heard, and tasted so much of Jesus’ power that they eagerly went out and proclaimed the good news of the kingdom.

So what about us? Before he ascended to heaven, Jesus asked us to be his witnesses. He wants all of us to be his light to the world, bringing more and more people into the light of his love. Just as he did for the apostles, Jesus wants to form us into his ambassadors. He wants us to watch him at work in the world, to listen to his teachings, and to expect his power to work wonders in our own lives.

Do you want to be a witness for Jesus? Then fix your eyes on him in prayer. Let him wash you clean of your sin, and ask him to fill you with his power and grace. Know that God wants to teach you and empower you to do his work. All he is waiting for is your decision to take up the challenge.

“Here I am, Lord. Send me out to do your will and proclaim your redemption.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.       In the first reading, Amos says the following about his call: “I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The Lord took me from following the flock, and said to me, Go prophesy to my people Israel” (Amos 7:14-15). Amos received his call from the Lord to speak to a wayward Israel, while at his job caring for his flock. How has God called you in your own job setting? What are the circumstances in your life when you are more open to listening to the Lord and following his leadings for your life?

2.       In the Responsorial Psalm, we learn what benefits accrue to those who “hear what God proclaims”, that is, peace, glory, justice, truth, and increase. What has been your experience when you have heard what God proclaims and have stepped out in faith to do what the Lord was asking of you? Can you share a specific example?

3.       The second reading speaks of God's great plan, conceived in love before the foundation of the world, to bless us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. How does Paul describe these blessings? How would you describe how God has blessed you in Christ?

4.       What steps can you take to open yourself more to the blessings God wants to pour out? How can you make them even more real, more actual in your life each day?

5.       In the Gospel, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles two by two with “authority over unclean spirits.” The results were that the apostles “drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them” (Mark 6:13). These words are echoed by Jesus in Mark 16:17-18 after his resurrection, “These signs will accompany those who believe; in my name they will drive out demons . . . They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” However, this time he includes all “those who believe.” As a “believer,” in what ways do these words apply to you? Share any examples from your own experience.

6.  In the meditation, we are asked this question: “Do you want to be a witness for Jesus?” Do you believe that you were chosen by God to be a witness of the “good news” of Jesus Christ? Why or why not? What are some obstacles to your being a witness? At the end of your meeting, pray for one another to be set free from these obstacles.

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