Discussion Questions

First Reading

Isaiah 66:18-21

F1. The Israelites were and remain the chosen people. God extended the same “chosenness” to others. How has this worked out through the ages? For instance, have Christians always honored their ancestors, the Jewish people? Do you think God wants your involvement in the unity of all humankind? What are you able to do?

F2. From the beginning it was God’s plan to save all humankind. Can you help others in this plan? Are people being excluded? Can you think of anything your parish or the Church as a whole could do to be more inclusive? Welcome immigrants? Fight racism?

Second Reading

Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13

S1. The Second Reading tells us to “strengthen our drooping hands and our weak knees.” What happens to athletes who don’t exercise? Can you yourself become spiritually “flabby”? Do you ever “work out” spiritually on your own? How?

F2. IFrom what you know of the lives of the saints, did/does God handle the saints with “kid gloves”? What about you––how does God treat you? Would you like softer treatment? What is the relationship between God’s love and hardships along the spiritual path?

Gospel

Luke 13:22-30

G1. “We ate and drank in your company.” Is a membership in a particular group an automatic “opening” of the narrow gate? Can people of all religions receive grace? If God is always creating you, moment to moment; do you think God ever stops offering you moments of grace?

G2. Is there anybody who can open the “narrow gate”? If you were making a sign for this gate, could you call it “love”? According to Pope Francis what is the only thing that opens the gate?

Jesus makes it clear that it is not a matter of numbers, that there is no “limited number” in Paradise! Rather, it is a case of taking the right way from now, and this right way is for everyone, but it is narrow. …. He tells us things as they truly are: the doorway is narrow. In what sense? In the sense that, in order to save oneself, one has to love God and neighbor, and this is uncomfortable! It is a “narrow doorway” because it is demanding. Love is always demanding. It requires commitment, indeed, “effort,” that is, a determined and persevering willingness to live according to the Gospel. Saint Paul calls it “the good fight of the faith” (1 Tim 6:12). It takes a daily, all-day effort to love God and neighbor.

Pope Francis, ANGELUS
Saint Peter’s Square
Sunday, August 25, 2019

Anne Osdieck

**From Saint Louis University