Discussion Questions
First Reading
Amos 8: 4-7
F1. Throughout Hebrew scriptures the orphans and widows were the responsibility of those in right relationship with God. What are some things people do when they feel responsible for people in need? What can you do to correct an unjust situation?
F2. Israel’s covenant mandated love of the neighbor Was it on a collision course with the people’s behavior in this reading? What drives people to be oppressive and exploitive? Compare and contrast greed with love of neighbor. Is money evil, or is it the love of money that is, to the exclusion of everything else, including love of neighbor? Give examples from today.
Second Reading
1 Timothy 2: 1-8
S1. Paul was appointed preacher and apostle to take the Good News to the Gentiles. How can you take Christ’s message beyond the sphere of the Church?
S2. Paul asks prayers for kings and authority. Do you think the Church today should address political, economic and social problems, or just stick to “religion”? Do you address these issues?
Gospel
Luke 16: 19-31
G1. Was the unjust steward dishonest or just clever? How would the kingdom of God benefit if you were more resourceful about promoting it here on earth? Can you think of one way you can be more resourceful or even clever in your spiritual life?
G2. Several years ago in his morning homily Pope Francis spoke on the parable of the crafty steward. What would you use the grace of Christian cleverness for if you received it? If you ask for it, will you receive it?
The Holy Father said, there is another road. It is the path of “Christian cleverness.” This path, he said, “allows us to be cunning but not according to the spirit of the world. Jesus himself said it: be wise as serpents, innocent as doves.” Uniting these two realities is a grace and a gift of the Holy Spirit, the Pope said. “This Christian cleverness is a gift; it is a grace that the Lord gives to us. But we need to ask for it.”
Morning Meditation in the Chapel of the
Domus Sanctae Marthae
Anne Osdieck