Praying with Sunday's Scriptures

Editor's note: To help small faith-sharing groups, couples, individuals and others continuing the Renew 2000 experience of praying with the Sunday Scripture readings, a Diocesan Faith Sharing Writing Team has prepared a monthly series using the Renew model. The series is being distributed to parish leaders and will appear in The Compass the week before that Sunday.

	Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Feb. 12, 2006 Reading I: Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46 Reading II: 1 Corinthians 10:31--11:1 Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

By Jackie Staley

Focus: Jesus set the example for us to reach out to those shunned by society.

Opening Prayer
Loving Father, we remember the healing presence of Jesus. We thank and praise you for the ways you heal us and help us to heal others. Give us the grace to love as Jesus did and be ambassadors of his healing presence.

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

Reflection: For Jesus the needs of people went beyond the Jewish law. By healing the leper Jesus restored him to his family and community. The leper risked ridicule by approaching Jesus in faith: "If you wish, you can make me clean." And Jesus' touch healed him, a touch that made Jesus "unclean" in Jewish law since the man could have open sores. So, both Jesus, and the leper's willingness to risk, brought healing. The lessons for us are clear: Step-out in faith and let Jesus heal both you and those shunned by society.

Faith Sharing
1. Who is shunned in our society? How can we reach out to offer love to outcasts?
2. How can each of us identify with the leper? What can we say about the leper within?
3. The leper received instant healing. How do you deal with times you have asked for healing for yourself or others and there was no physical healing?
4. How do you deal with times of frustration when you ask, "Where is God in all this?" Share an experience.

Suggested Action Response
1. In the next week reach out in a kind way to someone shunned by society.
2. Reflect this week on your own leper within. Let Jesus heal you.
3. Volunteer at a hospice center in your area.
4. Volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul in your parish or one nearby to assist with the poor.

Closing Prayer: (Individuals offer their prayer intentions)
Psalm 41:1-2 (Read together)
Happy those who consider the poor and weak.
The Lord will help them in the evil day,
will guard them, give them life, make them happy in the land,
and will not give them up to the will of their foes.
The Lord will give them strength in their pain,
will bring them back from sickness to health.

(Staley is a member of the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2006.)