Discussion Questions

First Reading

Isaiah 66:10-14c

F1. Salvation history started in the Hebrew Testament, moved through the Christian Testament and continues today. Do you think God’s love changed over time?

F2. Christ’s peace “spreads like a river” throughout the Church. If there is a whole world that needs Christ’s peace what is the Church’s job?

Second Reading

Galatians 6:14-18

S1. “For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision.” Some people wanted to follow the ancient practices. Paul did not. Are there be discussions today in the synodality meetings, concerning some practices now?

S2. St. Paul looks at the circumcision situation from the perspective of “the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.” Can you envision problems in today’s Church from the same perspective? How does Jesus look at the fact that people in certain parts of the world can only go to Mass a few times a year because there are no priests?

Gospel

Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 or 10:1-9

G1. In what ways are you a laborer in the abundant harvest? If you are a “lamb” do you think God will protect you from the “wolves”?

G2. “The Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town … ” In his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis says the evangelist needs to “enter fully into the fabric of society.” Why is that? Who did that first?

268. To be evangelizers of souls, we need to develop a spiritual taste for being close to people’s lives and to discover that this is itself a source of greater joy. …

269. Jesus himself is the model of this method of evangelization which brings us to the very heart of his people. … If he speaks to someone, he looks into their eyes with deep love and concern: “Jesus, looking upon him, loved him” (Mk 10:21). We see how accessible he is, as he draws near the blind man (cf. Mk 10:46-52) and eats and drinks with sinners (cf. Mk 2:16) without worrying about being thought a glutton and a drunkard himself (cfMt 11:19. ).

We see his sensitivity in allowing a sinful woman to anoint his feet (cf. Lk 7:36-50) and in receiving Nicodemus by night (cf. Jn 3:1-15). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is nothing else than the culmination of the way he lived his entire life. Moved by his example, we want to enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep; arm in arm with others, we are committed to building a new world … as the result of a personal decision which brings us joy and gives meaning to our lives.

Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University