First Reading
Isaiah 35:4-7a

1. Will healing abound, and will God also transform all nature? What lines in the reading indicate this? It is an ancient promise, but of a new age. Is this age the coming of Christ? How can you prepare?

2. Isaiah writes about the hope of deliverance from exile. Do you need to be liberated from suffering sometimes? Does this message of hope speak to you?

Second Reading
James 2:1-5

1. Do you give the same respect to people who have money and prestige as you do those who do not? “Did not God choose those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith?”

2. The disabled receive the blessings in the First Reading and the poor are chosen heirs in the Second. How do these readings make you feel about the poverty in your life?

Gospel
Mark 7:31-37

1. In the Gospel the people relate Jesus’ curing the deaf man to the prophet’s promise in the First Reading, (then will the ears of the deaf be cleared … tongue of the mute will sing … ) What does this miracle of the deaf man say to you about when the reign of God started?

2. How do Pope Francis' two tweets below relate to this Gospel? Discuss possible actions they might inspire.

Lord, teach us to step outside ourselves. Teach us to go out into the streets and manifest your love.

True charity requires courage: let us overcome the fear of getting our hands dirty, so as to help those in need.

CNN August and September Tweets, 2013

Anne Osdieck