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.

	Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jan. 21, 2007 Reading I: Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 Reading II: 1 Cor 12:12-30 Gospel: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

By Dcn. Mike Grzeca

Focus: We are all called to proclaim the Good News that Jesus has come to set us free!

Opening Prayer

Gracious and loving God, in the fullness of time, you sent us your Word who became one of us. Help us to begin the New Year as Jesus began his public ministry: with prayer and trust in your love for us. We know that no matter where our lives take us, your Holy Spirit is also there. Bless us and keep us close to you always. We ask this through Jesus, who walks with us on our journey.

Scripture Sharing

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

Reflection

Our lives are filled with new beginnings and the loss of what once was. Many turn to things like money, denial or addictions for help in coping. There is only one constant in the midst of our journey of life, and that is the one God who creates, saves and sustains us. This was the new message Jesus brought to the people. In our first reading today Ezra reads the Torah to the people who have returned from exile - they are starting over again. St. Paul reminds us that as we continue our journey of new life, we do so together, as one body with varying members and vocations. We, as believers, are each a part of Christ's body - his "physical expression" now on the earth. As we pray together, may we take time to remember that no one is completely separated from another person. We all face new challenges, but if we reach out in forgiveness and solidarity, we gain the strength God gives us to face them together.

Faith Sharing
1. How is my identity filled in by my relationships with others?
2. What are some of the reasons you believe God is with us in new beginnings?
3. What have you done to show how you value unity over self-centeredness?
4. If someone faced with a new challenge had never heard of Jesus before, what would you tell them?

Suggested Action Response

1. Start a new prayer tradition in your life - such as praying the Liturgy of the Hours or reading a scripture passage daily.

2. Spend 10 minutes reflecting on how God has been with you during a difficult time. Think about ways you can tell someone about this.

3. Contact a friend or acquaintance you haven't spoken to in a long time. Ask what they've been doing and look for some common ground with them.

4. Read again and reflect on the Gospel reading from chapter 4 of Luke's Gospel. How can you bring to another person the good news of the freedom from slavery and sin that Jesus brings? Pray about this and tell someone how believing has made a positive difference in your life.

Closing Prayer
Psalm 126
Lord, bring us out of captivity. (Individuals offer their prayer intentions)

(Dcn. Grzeca is diocesan director of Evangelization and Worship and a member of the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2007.)