23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - C - September 8, 2013

Putting Jesus First

It's easy to say we put Jesus first in life. It slips off the tongue so easily. But, in this post Christian culture, it can be difficult. To put Jesus first in life requires diligence and serious purpose. Do we really want to put the time and effort into the faith enterprise?

STUDIES FOR THE 22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

DAILY READINGS FOR THE 22ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

WEEKLY BLOG We again consider the question: what is a disciple? Maye it's easier to consider what a disciple is not.

MP3 PODCAST In this week’s audio podcast, we ask the question: is the label “Christian” merely a descriptive label we wear on Sundays, or is it a sign to a deep commitment?

FIRST READING The author of the Book of Wisdom asked a question. How can we know the will of God in a turbulent world? His answer: seek wisdom from God. Wisdom will show us divine guidance.

PSALM Psalm 90 was a cry of one in depression. The author cried out to God for help when none seemed to be found. Yet, he did not give up on God, even in his time of hopelessness.

SECOND READING In his personal letter to Philemon, St. Paul asked him to act like a Christian toward his slave, Onesimus. Yes, Philemon had rights as the owner of Onesimus, but he had a duty to treat him as a fellow believer.

GOSPEL In Luke 14, Jesus addressed the cost of discipleship. One does not become a Christian on a whim. No, the decision of faith is one that must be taken seriously AND deliberately.

CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Joey and Crystal arrived in the desert to see the stars. They were in awe of the sight the Milky Way brings. This is the same awe we can feel before God's creation. This is the kind of awe wisdom brings us. In the story for the gospel, Randy faced a hard choice: should he play soccer or stay with his Cub Scout Pack. He thought long and hard at his choice. This is the same attitude we should show in making a hard, even life changing decision. Faith demands this sort of attention, for it is truly life changing.

FAMILY ACTIVITY The name of this week's family activity says it all: create a “Put Jesus First” poster.

Upcoming Studies

September 1: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Daily Readings: 22nd Week in Ordinary Time

September 8 : 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Daily Readings: 23rd Week in Ordinary Time

September 14: Exaltation of the Cross

September 15: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Daily Reading: 24th Week in Ordinary Time

September 21: Feast of St. Matthew

September 22: 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Daily Reading: 25th Week in Ordinary Time

September 29: 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Daily Reading: 26th Week in Ordinary Time