Becoming and Making Disciples,
Welcoming All to Follow Jesus Christ.
Extending The Message
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Reflection on the Sunday Readings
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#WhatIheardSunday
We have become quite familiar with “mission statements” which are produced by institutions, both secular and religious. These statements proclaim the purpose of the institution, what they are about, what they’re supposed to do. But all of us know that those who fulfill that mission can do so in a variety of ways, with a variety of motivations.
What Does God Want Me to Do with My Life?
If God asked you how you were going to spend the next 15 years of your life, what would you say? Thankfully, God’s plan for our lives is not a mystery. In this message, God’s roadmap to a life well-lived — has been given to those who follow him.
The first letter to Timothy today reveals Jesus’ mission statement: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This is the purpose of his life, the reason for his life’s work and, most especially, his death and resurrection – to save sinners! But how can we know what OUR purpose is?
Each parable in its own way reveals the very heart of God. The diligent searching of the shepherd for the lost sheep, the relentless looking of the woman for the lost coin find their greatest expression in the rejoicing that takes place at their finding. This passionate searching and above all the rejoicing—this, Jesus says, is the passion and the rejoicing in the heart of his Father. And as if to leave no doubt in our minds, the eloquent Parable of the Prodigal Son reveals the One who saves sinners, who waits patiently and rejoices at the return of those who have gone astray.
The scriptures invite us to imagine that we are the object of God’s search.God wants us to be made whole - to be complete - when we are lost. We are invited to center our lives around God (worship), learning to love God’s family (community), cultivating spiritual maturity (discipleship), contributing something back (ministry), and telling others about God’s love (evangelism). By embracing this roadmap, we will find our own mission which will lead to a complete, successful and satisfying life.
Reflection Questions:- Have you ever felt like the lost sheep, the lost coin or the lost son? If so, what helped you to be found and welcomed back to God?
- In the Gospel, God is imaged as a shepherd, as a woman, and as a father. Which image speaks to you best and why?
https://justfaith.org/programs/extending-the-message -
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#GettingReadyforNextSunday....
NEW HOMILY SERIES STARTS SEPTEMBER 22nd!
Overview of the series:
Putting On the Mind of Christ
This new series is about changing your behavior by renewing the way you think. No matter where you are in your faith journey, you’ll find the encouragement you need to grow in your love for God and others.
Jesus warns us that we cannot serve two masters. While our allegiance is divided between what pleases God, and what will increase our personal wealth, or social standing, we are not thinking the way we should be.
Jesus makes it clear that our actions, words, and thoughts reflect the goodness of God in each person. Your mind is the greatest asset you’ve been given by God. You may can control your thoughts, and your thoughts have the power to shape the kind of life you’ll live. Discern the spirit of God in our hearts!