media presentation below] GospelThink Thursday, October 5 LUKE 10:1-12 I give instructions to my disciples and to you to help everyone understand the Kingdom of God. Prayerthoughts a. A spiritual thought with these “seventy-two” is that we are part of them sent to announce the Kingdom wherever we are. Am I fulfilling my mission well? b. “Like lambs among wolves.” In many ways, we are part of a hostile world. In my own little world, where do I see the most hostility, and besides praying for it, is there anything I can do? c. Jesus wanted his Apostles to travel “light” because he did not want material things to hold back the message that they were to preach. As I live in the world, are there material things that are holding me back from God’s presence? What can I do about it? d. The Lord wants the thought of peace to surround our encounter with others. As I study what I have done, am I trying to spread peace? e. Obviously, I cannot heal the sick in my acquaintance. But do I show signs of personal concern—a card, a visit, etc.—to the people that I know who are ill? f. Jesus tells us that if people do not receive the message, we simply let God take care of it. Do I think of revenge too much in my life? g.  My prayerthoughts… Today, I will write a prayer for all missionaries in our world. Some Thoughts on the Liturgy  PREPARING FOR JESUS  + In Luke’s Gospel, the Apostles need further help to do their job           – and it is described by Luke as 72 (or 70 in some manuscripts) whose job it is to prepare the people for Jesus                      – it is an interesting question as to how they would get out of their livelihood work for a while                                – there must have been some type of sacrifice on their part to help Jesus and the Apostles  + It also brings up the interesting question of how they were to prepare for Jesus’ coming into the town           – what would they say about Jesus; how would they go about it           – it brings up a pretty good meditation for us as we question how we prepare for Jesus’ coming into our own little world                      – there are a couple elements/characteristics that will always be present as one prepares for the coming of Jesus into a place or into a person                                – there are a number of ways really, but this Liturgy calls to mind a couple in particular  1 – Our message as we prepare for Jesus is primarily two things as Jesus tells the disciples:           – cure the sick: we must do our best to bring about physical and mental well-being in our lives           – announce the Kingdom: we must do our best to make sure people know about the presence of God in our world  2 – It is a ministry that will rely totally on God           – Jesus tells his disciples that they are to take nothing for the journey, but to trust in God                      – this is one of most difficult directives for the Christian, because we would much rather rely on ourselves                                – but we have to establish the attitude of the people in Ezra’s time who listened intently to the book of the Law—total trust that the law of God is important for everyone  3 – We have to realize that there will not always be total acceptance of the Christian approach           – Jesus warns his disciples that some towns will not receive them           – if the Christian approach is real, then there will be conflict: people will not agree                      – but a plus element to it: Jesus is establishing a Kingdom in which wolves will lie down with lambs, the image of Isaiah   4 – If we are turned away, and that will happen, or hurt by someone, simply leave, but make sure that they know what they are rejecting           – make sure they know that the Kingdom is still part of our world   + Because we are spiritual people, we are called to prepare for Jesus’ coming in some way           – we may not be called to specifically announce Jesus’ coming as the Apostles and the 72 of Luke’s Gospel were                      – but we are called to prepare for Jesus in our own lives that we live. MEDIA PRESENTATION Song: “What Do You Mean” — Justin Bieber WHAT DO YOU MEAN? The Gospel JOHN 18:37-38a Jesus answered [Pilate], “You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

Gospelthink: I speak about truth to Pilate. In general, am I a person who always speaks the truth?

“What do you mean? When you nod your head yes, but you wanna say no, what do you mean? When you don’t want me to move, but you tell me to go, what do you mean? Said we’re running out of time, what do you mean? Better make up your mind. What do you mean? You’re so indecisive of what I’m saying, trying to catch the beat, make up your heart. Don’t know if you’re happy or complaining, don’t want for us to end. Where do I start? First you wanna go to the left and you want to turn right. First you up then you’re down and between. I really want to know. What do you mean?”

The truth was always very important to Jesus. He used the phrase “I tell you the truth” continually throughout the Gospels. At the end of his life as he was preparing to offer the supreme sacrifice of his death, he lectures his executioner about truth, saying that the truth was the reason why he came from God the Father. He came to speak the truth–such was his mission and what his presence with us was all about. Sometimes human beings do not give themselves to the truth as readily as they should. Pilate would ask the rhetorical question of “What is truth?” It is a question that is echoed in much of the music of today. People in life and especially people in romantic relationships often do not understand other people because they are confused about whether the other people are telling the truth or not. Justin Bieber’s song “What Do You Mean” is exactly that. The man in the relationship is confused because his friend is telling him one thing, and the actions do not seem to match the words that are spoken. And so, he asks “What do you mean?” In effect, he is saying “What is truth, what is it that you are trying to say, why are you not being honest with me?” The truth will never be clear if the actions do not follow from the words. Every relationship deserves to be a relationship rooted in truth. In fact, there will be no relationship at all if the people involved are not completely dedicated to what is true. In our world today, communication is often very difficult, but the more we are resolved to tell the truth in every situation, the better will our personal worlds be. And, the better will the whole world be.

PRAYER Good and gracious God, You have said to us that Your entrance into the world was nothing less than bringing about the truth. At times, we are not as honest and truthful as we should be, thus destroying many relationships. Give us the grace to be dedicated to the truth at all times. Be with us, we pray.

+++++ GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT   Theme: We must be people dedicated to the truth at all times. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: 1. What is your definition of truth. Compare it to the way the dictionary defines it. 2. Who is most truthful in today’s world? 3. If a person is the way the song describes him/her, what should the other partner do? 4.Text analysis: “Make up your heart.” What is the meaning of the sentence? 5. What does it mean to be “up” or “down” or “between”? 6. In your opinion, what is the principal truth that Jesus gives us? 7. When we wonder whether a person is telling the truth or not, obviously we should ask the other, but oftentimes we do not. Why do human beings behave this way? 8. Do you think that it is possible to tell the truth in every situation? Yes or no and why? 9. How does a person’s telling the truth in a personal situation help the world situation? 10. What does the song  “What Do You Mean” teach young people today?