Discussion Questions

First Reading

2 Kings 5:14-17

1. Naaman was expecting special and involved treatment, though his directions from Elisha were simply to wash in the river. How could this be sufficient to cure his illness? Which do you think God uses more often to communicate with you, extraordinary signs or ordinary ones? Explain.

2. Have you ever brought sand, shells or rocks from foreign places back to your home? What does Naaman’s taking holy ground back to Syria say to you? Where is your holy ground?

Second Reading

2 Timothy 2:8-13

1. What saints would you say have suffered for the gospel? Who suffers for the gospel today? Do you? in what ways?

2. Paul says, “I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus.” How would this work? Is Paul saying that your suffering is linked with the salvation of others? Has your faith been affected by the cloud of witnesses who surround you and who have gone before you?

Gospel

Luke 17:11-19

1. This Sunday we see foreigners who were grateful: the Syrian blind man, and in the First Reading the foreigner Naaman. Does God offer generous love regardless of a person’s origins or accomplishments? Do you give of yourself or your goods when you suspect ingratitude? Do you take note when God pours grace into your life? Are you grateful?

2. According to Pope Francis in his homily at the Mass with the new Cardinals, what is a most important message Jesus gives us in his healing of the ten lepers? Is there any little thing you can do to heal a person’s wounds?

I urge you to serve Jesus crucified in every person who is emarginated, for whatever reason; to see the Lord in every excluded person who is hungry, thirsty, naked; to see the Lord present even in those who have lost their faith, or turned away from the practice of their faith, or say that they are atheists; to see the Lord who is imprisoned, sick, unemployed, persecuted; to see the Lord in the leper—whether in body or soul—who encounters discrimination! We will not find the Lord unless we truly accept the marginalized!

Pope Francis, Holy Mass with the New Cardinals,
October 6, 2013

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University