First
Reading
1 Kings 19:16b, 19-21
1. What was Elisha doing when he was called? Can you think of other bible stories where God called people from their jobs? Does God call you to make changes in your everyday life? Do you ask him to let you go back home?
2. Were the people leaders in their fields, highly educated or socially elite, whom God called to be prophets? Then what are God's prerequisites for prophets? What would your issues be if you were a prophet today?
Second Reading
Galatians 5:1, 13-18
1. "For you were called for freedom." What is the source of this freedom? How is going out of yourself in loving your neighbor a freeing experience?
2. In this reading Paul mentions "not being consumed by one another." How were some of the saints, for instance St. Vincent de Paul, and Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) "consumed" with loving their neighbor? Is loving your neighbor related to loving God?
Gospel
Luke 9:51-62
1. "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head." Do you have a place to lay your head? Can you be like Jesus if you live well? Are material things very important to you? Somewhat important?
2. Jesus was "not welcome" in the Samaritan village. He told one who wanted to follow him that there was nowhere to lay his head, another that he couldn't bury his father, and another that he couldn't go back to say good-bye to his family. Do you get the idea that this invitation to follow him is one to total conversion and commitment? After reading this Gospel what is it that you think Jesus wants from you?
