For the second week of the season, the first readings continue to come from an unknown author directed at the somewhat ambiguous audience in early Christianity known as “the Hebrews.” The Gospel readings during Ordinary Time are focused on Jesus and his actions and words, but mostly his actions, in the Gospel of Mark. There is also a reflection question based on documents from the Xaverian Brothers or from accounts of the lives of Xaverian Brothers or lay Partners in Mission. Please consider writing your own responses to the reflection questions below, or to reply to other peoples’ contributions. Also, if you know of a person, either religious or lay person, who has modeled the Xaverian way, and wish to share their story, please feel free to add to the comments section.
- In reading the Gospel of Mark, one has to wonder if the Pharisees were sincere in wanting to honor their tradition, and opposed Jesus because the message didn’t fit into the worldview that they had been taught since childhood. The question is, were any of them reflective enough to admit that their opposition was rooted in the fear of change? Think about when you have been really triggered by someone’s opinion or choices. What is causing you to be upset, and what is the path to letting go of your anger?
- In your school, organization, or family, what core principles or beliefs represent the “wine” and what hard changes to traditions or “wineskins”, should you make in order to preserve what is sacred?
Read page 7 of the Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers.
Compare the reading to the Hebrews with page 7 of the Fundamental Principles. Reflect on how you have borne with people in your community when they are less than perfect. How have you experienced grace in the past week by friends or strangers when you have missed the mark?
(photo above of James Ryken Center of Hope for street children in Bungoma, Kenya)
Ordinary and Unspectacular in the Liturgical Year 