First Reading
Ezekiel 2:2-5

1. Are there prophets in your life? Are you sometimes stubborn and closed about listening to their messages? Why? Why would you reject the person or the message?

2. Do you think the ordinary prophet has great success or runs into opposition most of the time? Have you and/or your ideas ever been rejected when you tried to change something for the better? How do you handle rejection?

Second Reading
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

1. If you went out shopping for weaknesses or crosses to bear would you pick the ones you already have or would you pick different ones? Why? Do you find God in your weakness? Can it be a constant source of grace?

2. “My grace is sufficient for you.” Do you rely on these words? How often do you bring them out and use them?

Gospel
Mark 6:1-6

1. Can you think of theologians, saints, or scientists who were rejected for their ideas? Do you know any prophets today? Where can you find them? What besides immigration and care for the environment might they be trying to change for the better? For what cause could you be a prophet?

2. Do you agree with Pope Francis' description of prophets below: that they are people who keep the promise of God alive, see the suffering of their people, and bring us the strength to look ahead?

A prophet is someone who listens to the words of God, who reads the spirit of the times, and who knows how to move forward towards the future. …

In the Gospel, for example, the priests ask Jesus: “With what authority do you do these things? We are the masters of the Temple!” They didn't understand the prophecy … they had forgotten the promise. They didn't know how to read the spirit of the times, they didn't listen to the words of God, they had only their authority. …

Lord, let us not lack prophets amongst your people! All those who are baptized are prophets: let us not forget God's promise, let us not tire of moving forward.

Mass at Casa Santa Marta, December 16, 2015

Anne Osdieck