29th Sunday of the Year A
The following resources are in the form of a video presentation
- The readings for the day
(a useful commentary on these readings here ) - A Gospel Reflection by Fr Alex
- Prayers of Intercession
- Final Blessing
- Closing reflective music
After you have watched our Prayer Resources we would encourage you to sit and reflect quietly on what the Word of God is saying to you this weekend.
If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us. cluster.alpha@outlook.com
Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)
Here are some suggested questions you may find helpful.
1. When we make use of money or time or energy, we use the same word: we “spend” it. Imagine you have a special purse or wallet in which you have three cards named “God”, “Neighbour” and “Self”.
Look back over a recent typical week and recall how much money, time and energy you spent with each of these cards. Pay particular attention to the “God” card; maybe it could be used more often in terms of time and energy. (Share with your group if you are in one.)
2. Jesus had to face down unjust political structures and challenge religious authorities about their practices. Being a missionary disciple means “seeing, reflecting then acting” on the message of the gospel. Read and reflect on this week’s gospel and decide on some piece of action which flows from it.
3. Remember to pray for those doing the Alpha course that they too will be drawn to the work of missionary discipleship.
Preparing for next week
For those who would like to start reflecting on next week's gospel, the text can be found
here .
Preparing for next week’s gospel: Matt22:34-40 You must love the Lord your God and your neighbour as yourself.
Here are some suggested questions for you to consider.
The Ten Commandments come across as the minimum required by God: “Thou shalt not this; thou shalt not that”. Jesus uses them to raise the bar to a new height: God, who is Love and makes us in his image and likeness, wants love from us - nothing more and nothing less.
1. Recall a time when loving God came through loving your neighbour in some way. (Share in your group).
2. Pope Francis speaks often of seeing the face of Christ in the poor. Think of a time when you felt a bit of a hypocrite in claiming to love God but neglecting your neighbour in some way.