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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, July 22nd, 2006 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

Breaking Down Dividing Walls,

Called to be One as Jesus and the Father are One

Sunday, July 23, 2006
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23:1-6
Ephesians 2:13-18
Mark 6:30-34

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

For he . . . broke down the dividing wall of enmity . . . (Ephesians 2:14)

Breaking down walls: That’s what Jesus has always been about. In today’s first reading, Jeremiah strongly condemns Israel’s political and religious leaders who have “scattered my flock, and have driven them away” (Jeremiah 23:2-3). And in the gospel, Jesus gathers together the people of Israel, foreshadowing a time when we will all be one people, healed of all division and everything that isolates us from each other.

These readings all invite us to ask whether we align ourselves with the Good Shepherd who unites or with the self-serving who divide and scatter. For instance, when given a position of leadership, how hard do we work at reconciling differing viewpoints and overcoming the mistrust that arises from unfamiliarity? Do we help members of a group listen patiently to each other? For example, it may not be clear how our parish should serve the poor, but we can still find a common commitment to reach out to Jesus in the least of his brethren.

What can we do to break down the walls of hostility in our world? We can pray. We can intercede. We can ask Jesus to overcome the barriers that separate us. We can ask him to mend every broken fence. Today let’s all pray for Christian unity between denominations. Let’s ask the Lord to break down every division that exists between husbands and wives and between parents and children. Let’s ask the Lord to unite our parish and form us into a bright light to our community.

None of these prayers is unreasonable because they all spring from Jesus’ own prayer that we all be one—united as intimately as he is with his heavenly Father (John 17:20-21). We can trust that as soon as each of us is fully reconciled to the Father, all hostility can come to an end, and peace can reign once more.

“Father, I come to you confessing my part in creating division. Forgive me, and show me the way to live as your child, both receiving and offering your reconciliation.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.       In the first reading Jeremiah describes a time when God's people will no longer "fear and tremble," but "be saved" and "dwell in security" because “a righteous shoot to David as king” is coming who will "govern wisely." In what way wee these prophetic words fulfilled by Jesus Christ? How does your relationship with Christ, and your experience of his love, provide you with peace and security each day?

2.       In the responsorial psalm, the well-known "Shepherd Psalm," the Lord’s God's presence and guidance is described as providing repose, refreshment, courage, anointing, goodness, kindness, etc. These fruits are for today, not just for heaven. In what ways have you experienced the words of this Psalm in your own life? How have you taken that experience out to your workplace, your families, and your parish?

3.       In the letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul describes how we have all been reconciled, made one in Christ, because he “broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh” (Ephesians 2:14). In what ways may God be calling you to break down "dividing wall of enmity" that still exist between you and others (in your workplace, your families, your parish)?

4.       Also, in the letter to the Ephesians, we are told that we “have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). Do you believe that the Holy Spirit, received through Baptism and faith, gives you access to God the Father? If this Scriptural truth is a struggle for you, ask the men in your group to pray that you could experience it more fully in your life.

5.       In Mark's Gospel, we see that Jesus' attention was not only focused on the crowds who were hastening to pursue Him, but also on the apostles who had been busy in his name and needed a little time to rest. In what ways do you allow the busyness of your life to prevent you from “resting” in Christ’s presence through prayer? What small steps can you take to allow for this time of “rest” in Christ’s presence (for example, before or after Mass, in visits to the Blessed Sacrament, each morning in prayer, etc.)?

6.       In the meditation, we are encouraged to intercede in prayer with these words, “Today let’s all pray for Christian unity between denominations. Let’s ask the Lord to break down every division that exists between husbands and wives and between parents and children. Let’s ask the Lord to unite our parish and form us into a bright light to our community.” These prayer requests may seem daunting to us, but they are not too daunting for the Lord. Spend some time at the end of your meeting praying for each of these areas, with expectant faith and a trust in God’s desire and power to answer these prayers. Share any fruits or answers to these prayers at future meetings.

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