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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, September 17th, 2005 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

Building the Kingdom of God, Reaching Out to Others with the Gospel Message

Sunday, September 18, 2005
Isaiah 55:6-9
Psalm 145: 2-3,8-9,17-18
Philippians 1:20-24,27
Matthew 20:1-16

Click here for the Readings

 What could possibly be more enticing than going to heaven and finally being free from sin and completely filled with the life and love of Christ? Well, for St. Paul, only one thing: the prospect of building the kingdom of God on earth. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Especially when you consider the treatment Paul received as payment for his preaching: “imprisonment . . . beatings . . .brushes with death . . . shipwrecked . . .dangers from rivers, robbers and countrymen . . . sleepless nights . . . hunger and thirst . . . cold and exposure . . . and the daily anxiety for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

No wonder Paul longed to be with Christ! But his desire to remain on earth was just as strong. Why? Paul was convinced of two things. First, there is a battle going on. Second, he had a major part to play in that battle. From the beginning, Satan has sought to steal and kill and destroy. His attack on humanity is relentless. He will stop at nothing to rob people of their faith. His most effective strategy is to keep us from recognizing the dignity and the power that we have as children of God.

Paul perceived this battle, and in Jesus’ name, he went about seeking to set people free. He devoted his whole life to helping people see the glory of Jesus and their own dignity as children of God. He wanted them to know the power of the cross so that they would begin to live a life worthy of the gospel—a life of spiritual greatness. And as Paul engaged in this battle, hearts were saved, the angels rejoiced, heavenly grace flowed, relationships were healed, and darkness was pushed back.

You too have a major part to play in this battle—probably a bigger role than you can see. Christ himself is within you! So let your light shine and give God the glory!

“Lord Jesus, thank you for creating and redeeming me. Thank you for calling me to manifest your glory. Thank you for the dignity of being a child of God.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

  1. Today’s first reading and responsorial psalm both encourage us to “seek” and “call” upon the Lord. We are assured he is “near” and “may be found.” He is so near in fact that in the Eucharist, the very God who created the universe let’s us partake of himself! How would you describe your preparation to receive Christ in the Eucharist? How could you improve it?
  2. Again, both of these reading assure us that God is “compassionate” and “forgiving.” How often do you avail yourself of Christ kindness and mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation? What keeps you from taking advantage of God’s love and forgiveness more often?
  3. In the second reading, St. Paul states his desire that “Christ will be magnified in my body” and exhorts us to live a life “worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Specifically, how do these statements apply to how you live your life as a Christian man? What can we do individually, and together as brothers in Christ, to make these a greater reality in our lives?
  4. In today’s gospel, we hear Jesus saying to the laborers, “you too go into my vineyard.” Pope John Paul II said that this was addressed not just to the apostles but also “to all who desire to be authentic disciples of the Lord.” In what ways can you become a more active laborer in the Lord’s vineyard? For example, are there some steps you can take to be a more active part of the life of your parish?
  5. Jesus turns our human sense of justice and generosity on its head when he says, “Are you envious because I am generous? Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Does your own human sense of justice and generosity keep you from seeing the love and mercy of God toward you and in the lives of others? In what specific ways do you need to change in order to have God’s heart of mercy and forgiveness toward others?
  6. Today’s meditation speaks of St. Paul devoting his whole life to “seeking to set people free,” and “helping others see the glory of Jesus and their own dignity as children of God.” Who are the people in your life who need to be set free and hear these messages of hope? How can you bring it to them so that they too can “begin to live a life worthy of the gospel—a life of spiritual greatness?” As a starting point, take some time at the end of your meeting to pray for those people you identified.

 

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