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Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, September 9th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. We are planning on reviewing the Christopher West material on Theology of the Body, however, here is the study nonetheless.

Being Restored in Spirit, Mind, and Body: Being Fully Alive in Christ

Sunday, September 10, 2006
Isaiah 35:4-7
Psalm 146:7-10
James 2:1-5
Mark 7:31-37

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

We all know that God created the human family in his image and likeness—perfect in health and in the ability to know and love him. But when we fell into sin, we became subject to sickness and death. We lost the fullness of the life that God intended for us. Who among us doesn’t feel the imperfections of our hearts, or of life in this world?

The promise of the gospel is that God longs to restore us. St. Irenaeus once said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” God wants his glory to be visible in men and women who are restored to him, fully alive in his Spirit.

The gospel story of Jesus’ healing of a deaf man with a speech impediment demonstrates how deeply he cares, even for our physical ailments. Yet there is something more to this story. Jesus’ healing of the man’s physical ailments was a sign of the spiritual healing he wants to give each of us. If Jesus wants deaf ears to hear, how much more does he want deafened hearts to hear his voice!

Don’t be content with a partial hearing of God’s voice! Don’t settle for only a partial release from sin. Jesus came to give us life to the full, not just enough to get by (John 10:10). This might seem too big a promise to grasp entirely, but it is God’s promise, and he is fully capable of doing what he promises (Romans 4:20-21).

At Mass, ask the Lord to open your ears to hear him. Ask him to open your eyes to see him; to clear your speech of all impediments to declaring his goodness. Ask him to restore you—spirit, mind, and body—to the life he has always intended for you. He wants to do it. He has promised that whoever asks with faith will receive (Mark 11:24). He will do what he wants and what he promises!

“Jesus, you do all things well. Thank you for restoring my relationship with God and for pouring out your Holy Spirit. Fill me today with your Spirit, so that I might experience life to the full in your presence.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    In the first reading, Isaiah offers prophetic words of encouragement to the people of Israel. Share with the men in your group, times when you received encouragement from God in a time of trial as you prayed or read Scripture.

2.    The Responsorial Psalm speaks of God’s great love and care for the needy, in particular, those who are oppressed, hungry, captive, blind, bowed down, fatherless, and widows. In what ways has Jesus Christ fulfilled this Psalm (and the first reading as well)? Discuss some ways you and your men’s group can reflect God’s love and care to the needy.

3.    In the second reading, we are told to show no partiality, especially between the rich and the poor. Why do you think this is important to God? Why should it be important to us as Catholic men?

4.    In the Gospel, Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment. In what ways are healings of Jesus the fulfillment of Old Testament prophesies about the Messiah and signs of his divine nature? (Hint: see 2. above.) Do you believe that our prayers can be instruments of healing, and a reflection of Jesus’ compassion, in the lives of the sick? Share a time when your prayers for healing were answered.

5.    The meditation ends with these words, “At Mass, ask the Lord to open your ears to hear him. Ask him to open your eyes to see him; to clear your speech of all impediments to declaring his goodness. Ask him to restore you—spirit, mind, and body—to the life he has always intended for you. He wants to do it. He has promised that whoever asks with faith will receive (Mark 11:24). He will do what he wants and what he promises!” Experiment with these suggestions at Mass and share the results at future men’s group 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