[media presentation below]
GospelThink
Saturday, September 23
LUKE 8:4-15
I give you the story of “the sower.”
Prayerthoughts
a. The seed sown is a symbol of the word of God. In what ways have I made the Word of God present to me in my spiritual life?
b. Perhaps it is best to consider myself as “part” of each of the categories that Jesus gives. ON THE PATH: In what way have I sometimes allowed the word of God to be spoken to me, but ignored it?
c. ROCKY GROUND: When has the word of God been present in my life, but because of something that happened which I did not like, I ceased to consider God’s presence? Perhaps I should spend a moment acknowledging how God was present in those difficulties.
d. THORNS: When have I allowed the “thorns” of life, the evils in my personal world to overpower, that is, “choke” me? Again, perhaps a moment praising God for the help God has given is in order.
e. GOOD SOIL: My prayer is that I am prepared to allow the word of God to make an impact on my life, that is, have a “generous and good heart.” At the present time, what is the best way to do that?
f. Jesus used stories as he preached. What “stories,” that is happening in my life so far has had a significant effect on me and why?
g. My prayerthoughts…
Today, I will read 1 Timothy, chapter 6:13-21 and write an
important thought from it.Some Thoughts on the Liturgy
JESUS’S STORY OF THE SOWER
In Matthew’s Gospel today, Jesus gives us a story about the gift of ears, that is, listening to God. If we are asked to place ourselves in one of the categories of Jesus’ story, we want to put ourselves in the “rich soil” category, the category in which we truly listen to the word of God. A good case can be made for that: we go to Mass on a regular basis; every week most of us receive the Lord in the Eucharist; we pray, we read the Scripture.
But, I think a spiritually healthy way to consider this parable, is not to consider placing ourselves in one category, but to admit that at different times we are in all the categories. Sometimes we are the path in Jesus’ story, that is, as Jesus explains it in the Gospel, we are ones who hear the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and evil comes and steals away what was sown in our hearts. There are things about Scripture which we do not want to listen to and refuse to understand all the time—forgiveness and love of everyone, for example. It gives rise to “selective listening” or allowing ourselves to be exceptions to what Jesus tells us to do.
Often we are nothing but rocky ground, namely, one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy, but such a person has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, such a person immediately falls away. When the going gets rocky—and it will—we forget religion and forget God. Our problem is one of consistency, we do not stay with what God wants as we live our complicated lives, giving rise to the contradiction of “partial Christianity”—in which we believe, but only at certain times.
Often we are in the category of thorns, that is, a person who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. The problem often is two-fold—worldly anxiety (translate: pleasure) and money—riches as Jesus mentions. Is it not interesting that it was the same problems for Jesus’ time as well as ours. Our priorities get all mixed up, and in general, we allow an increased bank account and too much pleasure to make decisions that hurt family and relationship with God.
Sometimes, of course, we are rich soil, and we listen with the intent to be the people we should be. When we do, we are people who have the gift of ears, listening to everything that the Lord says. It is only then that we will be able to keep the commandments without reproach, as Paul urges Timothy in the first reading.
MEDIA PRESENTATION
Movie: “Selma” — final sessionFOCUSED ON WHAT GOD WANTSThe GospelJOHN 8:28-30Jesus said (to them), “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I AM, and that I do nothing on my own, but I say only what the Father taught me. The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.” Because he spoke this way, many came to believe in him.
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| The movie “Selma” records the historical fact of three different marches from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. The first became known as “Bloody Sunday” because of police violence against the demonstrators. The march was aborted as a result, but it was recognized as a major turning point in an effort to gain public support for the Civil Rights Movement. The second march was aborted by King himself so that the march would not violate a court order preventing it. After a judge’s decision, the third march was successful, ending on the steps of the court house in Montgomery. During his speech at the end of the march, one that he had been warned not to give because he could have been killed, King pointed out that God was the impetus behind their activity. Eventually Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The movie closes outlining the fates of King and his supporters. |
Martin Luther King Jr. felt that he was doing the work of God in his fight for complete integration because he was focused on what God wanted. As he reflected on the steps of the Montgomery court house, quoting the ancient hymn, his eyes had seen the glory of the Lord. That glory led him to accomplish by a non-violent means a march that eventually led to the right to vote for all in the South. He was able to overcome all obstacles.
It is clear from John’s Gospel that Jesus was God with the I AM statements, the name of God as given by Moses. But it is also clear that what he wanted to do was accomplish what God the Father wanted. His focus was just that: “I say only what the Father has taught me.” We may not understand the Trinity and the truth of it, but it is evident from Jesus’ thought about himself that he was focused on God and as a result, he could overcome all obstacles and eventually accomplish the redemption of the world.
The lesson for the common citizen who wants to bring about the Christian message is an obvious one. We must keep ourselves focused on what God wants which we discover by listening carefully to God’s Son, Jesus. Therefore we will follow what the Lord desires of us. As Martin Luther King Jr. learned from his Savior, we must be non-violent people in bringing about peace and justice for our world. |
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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT
Theme: If we focus on what God wants, we will overcome all obstacles.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What scene during this session of the movie was most striking to you? Why?
2. Analysis: John the evangelist using many phrases such as I AM in his Gospel, signifying that Jesus is God. Of course, all Christians accept this fact. Is it possible for a Christian to convince a non-Christian that Jesus is God? Yes or no and why?
3. The point of the passage with this part of the movie is that Jesus focused on what God wanted. What does God want most of all for the world?
4. If we truly are focused on what “God wants,” what is the first thing that we should do?
5. Where have you seen “the glory of the Lord” most in our world?
6. As you study the world right now, what are the strongest obstacles to the Christian ideals?
7. How is the best way to “keep ourselves focused” on what God wants?
8. In your opinion, is it ever possible to obtain the “non-violent way” as we work in our world?
9. Scene analysis: “Bloody Sunday,” the close of the first march to Montgomery. In your opinion, do you think that King should have continued to pursue his ideal even though it was evident that people would be hurt or killed? Yes or no and why?
10. Scene analysis: King prays and then turns back during the second march ostensibly because the judge had not ruled yet on whether to allow it, and receives criticism from his supporters. What do you think was King’s motivation?
11. Scene analysis: President Johnson sends his personal adviser to beg King to stop the marches, and seek a compromise. Should King have thought more about “compromise” in accord with the President’s wishes? Yes or no and why?
12. Scene analysis: King’s wife joins him before the final march. Why was it important for Coretta to be present for the march?
13. Analysis: The Selma-Montgomery marches were very important for Southern integration. In your opinion, is the Southern United States completely integrated now? Yes or no and why?
14. What does the movie “Selma” teach young people? |
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