[media presentation below] GospelThink Monday, July 4 MATTHEW 9:18-26 I touched both of the people that I healed. Prayerthoughts a. The official asked the Lord to have his daughter healed. There are some ailments that I have now. I should continue to ask the Lord for healing, but always with the understanding that the Lord will answer according to His will? b. There are often ailments and/or disabilities that I must accept because they simply cannot be cured, given our human condition. Do I accept these and still try to live well? c. The thought of “touch” is significant. Do I try to “touch,” that is get close to, the Lord every day? d. There are some people that I see often. Do I try to “touch” them and make them feel more positive about life? e. Obviously, both the official and the woman have a strong faith in Jesus. Again I should consider my faith and how strong it should be. f. Jesus cured the little girl only after he had dismissed the crowd. Perhaps the crowd was not able to understand what Jesus was doing. Often the “crowd,” other people, takes away any desire that I may have to grow in the spiritual life. Perhaps I should take some quiet time today, and determine how I can grow better in the spiritual life. g. My prayerthoughts…   Today, I will read Hosea, chapter 2, and write an important thought from it. Some Thoughts on the Liturgy  PEOPLE OF FAITH + This is the evangelist Matthew’s version of a longer story that is told in the Gospel of Mark           – the passage contains two stories of strong faith                      – the faith in Jesus of the synagogue leader whom Mark calls Jairus                      – the faith in Jesus of the woman who was suffering  + The first reading from the prophet Hosea speaks of the consecration to God by the people of Israel           – a consecration that had to be reiterated many times throughout Israel’s history                      – it had to be said over and over again because Israel failed so often  + We too have consecrated ourselves to God either through baptism or through our lifestyle           – the fact of our Baptism of course is the fundamental statement of our consecration to the Lord           – the fact that we are here is part of the statement of our consecration  + Putting the ideas of the two readings together, we are called to be people of faith as a result of our consecration to God           – and there are two characteristics of that faith that are presented in the Gospel reading:           – 1 — the woman who is suffering reaches out to touch Jesus’ cloak                      – a person of faith is going to make some visible sign that they believe                      – a person of faith cannot be secret in their faith                                – he/she will go to church, will pray, will value communication with their family and those around them, will deliberately change some of their behavior—some external sign—that God is important to them           – 2 — and secondly, a characteristic of faith from the synagogue leader                      – he goes out of his way to find Jesus to ask him to come to his home                                – the person of faith will search for Jesus in prayer, in some type of study, spending valuable time in pursuing—going out of his way—looking for Jesus                                          – in that prayer and study, searching for who Jesus is and what he wants for and from us  + We might meditate today on two things about a person of faith who is consecrated to God:           – one, their faith will not be a secret           – two, they will go out of their way to find Jesus in prayer. MEDIA PRESENTATION Movie: “Selma” — beginning session I MUST CONTINUE The Gospel LUKE 13:31-33 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’”

Gospelthink: I did not want to give up my ministry before my time, even though I was in danger. What church ministry should I be involved in?

After Martin Luther King Jr. received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, he decided that peaceful non-violent confrontations were the only way to bring about true integration of the South. In particular, he was interested in removing the restrictions that had been placed on black voters. They had already received the right to vote in the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but the restrictions were still present, in effect, blocking them from voting. He and the leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) decided that the best way to do it was by organized non-violent marches, all of which are shown in the movie “Selma.” King emphasized that the black marchers and their supporters were to negotiate, demonstrate, and resist but were to go no further with any violence. The intention was to raise white consciousness by media exposure.

Perhaps there is no greater human temptation than to “get back at” people that have in some way hurt us or our families. But Jesus’ directive to show no revenge (Matthew 5:39) is very clear and therefore sets up the truly Christian way of acting when we are hurt. Jesus not only said it, but he acted it out. In Luke’s Gospel, when he is told that Herod wanted to kill him, he defiantly resisted what Herod wanted, but he did it with no thought of being revengeful. Martin Luther King Jr. knew the mind of Jesus Christ. He knew that the true Christian would not seek revenge, but that did not mean that he could not resist in a non-violent way in order to negotiate for that which was right. He told his supporters that they were to negotiate, demonstrate and resist, but they were not to fight back. You and I are given two lessons here by Martin Luther King Jr. who was guided by Jesus. One is that of working for what is right, but secondly, that we do it in a non-violent manner. Generally speaking, it is a difficulty for our human natures because we are almost naturally inclined to seek an “eye for an eye.” Our Christian heritage calls for us to work for peace in whatever way we can except by the use of violence. It is a lesson that most nations must still learn, even those who call themselves “Christian.” More importantly, it is a directive that every Christian must make part of their lives.

PRAYER Good and gracious God, in many ways we are violent people, and need to listen more closely to Your Son who never calls us to revenge. Give us the grace to truly understand the message of non-violence. Be with us, we pray.

+++++ GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT Theme: Nonviolence is the only way to bring about true peace, but it is difficult because the desire to retaliate is very strong in the human being.   DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: (session: approximately 60 minutes) 1. What scene during this session of the movie was most striking to you? Why? 2.The presenter may want to offer an historical reflection on Herod and his family. 3. It is clear from the Gospel passage that Jesus will allow nothing to stand in the way of following what God wants in his life. In general, in today’s world, what does it mean to follow God’s will? 4. In the Gospel, only when Jesus goes to Jerusalem will he accomplish his task in life. What do you think Jesus wanted to do most of all while he was here on earth?  5. It is a fact that many Christians do not follow Jesus’ directive to show no revenge. In your experience, where have you seen best enacted Jesus’ desire for his followers to show no revenge? 6.The presenter may want to give a presentation on why the Jewish law allowed an “eye for an eye.”  7. In your opinion, why is the achievement of true peace such a difficult undertaking? 8. In your opinion, does your country have a problem with segregation even today? Yes or no and why? 9. What can be done about the violence that exists with racist crimes? 10. Scene analysis: J. Edgar Hoover talking to President Johnson. As presented by the movie, both were wrong in their desire to hurt Martin Luther King Jr.. What can be done when the highest authority in the land is wrong? 11. Character analysis: Coretta Scott King. Considering what the movie presents, describe her role with respect to the work of her husband. 12. Scene analysis: King calls on Mahalia Jackson to “inspire” him. How can music help in life situations? 13. Scene analysis: King’s sermons. He used his sermons to accomplish his goals. In general, what should a sermon accomplish in today’s world? 14. Scene analysis: One of the non-violent demonstrators “fights back.” This is the “natural” reaction to violence toward a person. In general, do you think that non-violence can be accomplished in today’s world? Yes or no and why? 15. Analysis: the group called “Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee” were not in agreement with King and his movement. How strong is “jealousy” even among people who are trying to do good? 16. Analysis: Malcolm X and his violent opposition. In general, did “the violent approach” help the non-violence in the fight for integration? Yes or no and why? 17. Scene analysis: King’s argument with President Johnson, refusing to “compromise.” In your opinion, could King have accomplished his goals if he had tried to work a little more with President Johnson? Yes or no and why?