Discussion Questions

First Reading

Jeremiah 31:7-9

F1. Who are the people today who are “in tears” due to hunger, discrimination, political wars, and environmental problems?

F2. Is there anyone in your life who just needs the road “leveled out” a bit, anyone you can ask “what do you want me to do for you,” as Jesus did in Sunday’s Gospel? If you help, how is this good for both of you? 

Second Reading

Hebrews 5:1-6

S1. “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness.”  How would experiencing weakness help someone in ministering to others? Do you think Jesus’ human experience and suffering draws people to him?

S2. Does Pope Francis say we should not be asking God for “spare change,” but instead to ask, with heartfelt insistence, for everything?

 “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” Let us, too, recite this prayer today. Let us repeat it and ask ourselves: “What is my prayer like”? Let each of us ask ourselves: “What is my prayer like”? Is it courageous, does it contain the good insistence of Bartimaeus, does it know how to “take hold” of the Lord as he passes, or is it rather content with making a formal greeting every now and then, when I remember? ...

Furthermore, is my prayer “substantial,” does it bare my heart before the Lord? Do I take my story and life experience to him? Or is it anemic, superficial, made up of rituals, without feeling and without heart? When faith is alive, prayer is heartfelt: it does not beg for spare change, it is not reduced to the needs of the moment. We must ask everything of Jesus, who can do everything. Do not forget this. We must ask everything of Jesus, with my insistence before him. He cannot wait to pour out his grace and joy into our hearts; but unfortunately, it is we who keep our distance, through timidness, laziness or unbelief.

Angelus for 30 Ord B
Pope Francis, Oct 24, 2021

Anne Osdieck
 

**From Saint Louis University