28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

11^th October 2009

SCRIPTURE READING: MK. 10:17-30

“…Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, ‘Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good?  No one is good but God alone.  You know the commandments:  You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’  And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.’  Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack.  Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth…”

REFLECTION: click here

The 7 Steps:

1.      Silence             

2.      Praise/Worship

3.      Scripture Reading

4.      Questions for Reflection

5.      By Heart – Meditation

6.      Intercession

7.      Covenant Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life. Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives. Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1.      Why did the man want to see Jesus? 

2.      How did the man come up to Jesus? 

3.      What does that tell you about his character? 

4.      How did he address Jesus? 

5.      In your opinion, who did he see Jesus as? 

6.      How many commandments did Jesus mention?

7.      What do they all have in common?

8.      Which commandments did Jesus leave out?

9.      Why are they significant?

10.  How long has the man been keeping the commandments? 

11.  In the eyes of the law, was the man righteous?

12.  How did Jesus see this man? 

13.  What was lacking in this man? 

14.  What were the 3 things that Jesus asked this man to do?

15.  If the man did as Jesus said, what will he get in return?   

16.  Why did the man go away sad?

17.  Did the man find the answers that he was looking for?

INTERCESSION

1.      For all who are searching for meaning in life, that God may open their hearts and mind to his truth and love.

2.      For all the poor and needy, that we might be moved by the Holy Spirit to help them without counting the cost.

3.      For all the victims of the natural disasters in Indonesia and the Philippines, that they may be courageous in times of difficulties and find relief and comfort for their pain and loss.

4.      For sick and the suffering, that the healing power of God may touch them through those who care for them.

5.      For families in crisis, that the unconditional love of God may be showered upon them so dispel any resentment or unforgiveness.

6.      For all priests, that they may be faithful to their life and ministry by detaching themselves from the world and attaching themselves to Jesus, their Master.

7.      For those who have died, that the Lord will gracious and grant them eternal life.