Praying with Sunday's Scriptures

Editor's note: To help small faith-sharing groups, couples, individuals and others continue the Renew 2000 experience of Praying with the Sunday Scriptures, a Diocesan Faith Sharing Team has prepared a monthly series using the Renew model.

	Oct. 19, 2003 -- 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Reading I: Isaiah 53:10-11 Reading II: Hebrews 4:14-16 Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

By Sr. Diane Baumann

Focus: Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.

Opening Prayer: Psalm 33

Leader: The Lord is truthful; God can be trusted.

All: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Leader: The Lord loves justice and fairness.

All: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Leader: We depend on you, Lord, to help and protect us.

All: Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

Scripture Sharing: Read the scriptures aloud. Pause for a moment between the readings. Each group member is invited to share a line from one of the readings, which had an impact on him or her.

Reflection: Jesus teaches us the difference between his preferred style of leadership and that of his contemporaries who lord it over one another. Jesus' style is one of servanthood. As He has served his followers and other people in need, so we are to serve one another. Not only did Jesus serve, but he also lived out the role of suffering servant to benefit all of us. At times we are asked to let go of our wants and desires in order to benefit those around us - even those at a distance. Our unselfish service is greatly needed in our world.

Faith Sharing

1. As a parent or a friend, when have you willingly put yourself last in order to serve someone else's needs first?

2. How do you grow as a person who is at the service of others - and yet avoid becoming a "doormat" for others to walk upon?

3. Jesus was the suffering servant who redeemed us; when has your own suffering been redemptive, or "saving" to yourself or someone else?

4. Jesus sympathizes with our human weakness; with which human weakness do you think Jesus can sympathize most?

Suggested Action Response:

1. Be a servant to someone in need this month; place your own schedule last and "make time" for someone else's needs first.

2. Stay tuned to the idea of how suffering can be redemptive throughout this month. Listen for this idea and reflect upon it.

3. Look for specific ways to lead without lording it over others.

Closing Prayer (Individuals offer their intentions)

Lord Jesus, transform our hearts so that we will move more and more from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. Change our attitude, so we will never want to lord it over others, but will always want to serve one another instead. Help us to imitate you in loving service that pours itself out, even if suffering is required. We ask you this in union with your Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

(Sr. Diane Baumann, ANG, is a member of the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2003.)