Word Wide Open: The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (A) - 1/1/23

First Reading (Numbers 6:22-27)

A reading from the Book of Numbers.

The LORD said to Moses:  

“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:  

This is how you shall bless the Israelites.

Say to them:  

The LORD bless you and keep you!  

The LORD let his face shine upon      

you, and be gracious to you!  

The LORD look upon you kindly and      

give you peace!

So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,  

and I will bless them.”

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? In what ways can we invoke the Lord’s name to bless others?

Second Reading (Galatians 4:4-7)

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. 

Brothers and sisters:

When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son,  

born of a woman, born under the law,  

to ransom those under the law,  

so that we might receive adoption as sons.

As proof that you are sons,  

God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,  

crying out, “Abba, Father!”

So you are no longer a slave but a son,  

and if a son then also an heir, through God.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is the fullness of time?  How do people know we are sons and daughters of God? 

Gospel (Luke 2:16-21)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

 The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,  

and the infant lying in the manger.

When they saw this,  

they made known the message  

that had been told them about this child.

All who heard it were amazed  

by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things,  

reflecting on them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned,  

glorifying and praising God  

for all they had heard and seen,  

just as it had been told to them.  

When eight days were completed for his circumcision,  

he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel  

before he was conceived in the womb.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? What were the messages proclaimed about the child? What are the things Mary kept in her heart? 

Word Wide Open: The Nativity of the Lord (A) - 12/25/22

First Reading (Isaiah 52:7-10)

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

How beautiful upon the mountains

        are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,

    announcing peace, bearing good news,

        announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,

        “Your God is King!”

    Hark!  Your sentinels raise a cry,

        together they shout for joy,

    for they see directly, before their eyes,

        the LORD restoring Zion.

    Break out together in song,

        O ruins of Jerusalem!

    For the LORD comforts his people,

        he redeems Jerusalem.

    The LORD has bared his holy arm

        in the sight of all the nations;

    all the ends of the earth will behold

        the salvation of our God.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is Zion and how does the Lord restore it?

Second Reading (Romans 1:1-6)

A reading from the Letter to the Hebrews. 

Brothers and sisters:

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways 

    to our ancestors through the prophets; 

    in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son, 

    whom he made heir of all things 

    and through whom he created the universe,

        who is the refulgence of his glory,

            the very imprint of his being,

        and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

        When he had accomplished purification from sins,

        he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

        as far superior to the angels

        as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:

    You are my son; this day I have begotten you?

Or again:

    I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?

And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:

    Let all the angels of God worship him.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is the obedience of faith? What are the ways God speaks to us today?

Gospel (John 1:1-18)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.

 In the beginning was the Word,

        and the Word was with God,

        and the Word was God.

    He was in the beginning with God. 

    All things came to be through him,

        and without him nothing came to be.

    What came to be through him was life,

        and this life was the light of the human race;

    the light shines in the darkness,

        and the darkness has not overcome it.

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light, 

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify to the light.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

    He was in the world,

        and the world came to be through him,

        but the world did not know him.

    He came to what was his own,

        but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him

he gave power to become children of God, 

to those who believe in his name, 

who were born not by natural generation 

nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision 

but of God.

    And the Word became flesh

        and made his dwelling among us,

        and we saw his glory,

        the glory as of the Father’s only Son,

        full of grace and truth.

John testified to him and cried out, saying, 

“This was he of whom I said, 

‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me 

because he existed before me.’”

From his fullness we have all received,

grace in place of grace,

because while the law was given through Moses, 

grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

No one has ever seen God.

The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, 

has revealed him.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? Why is Jesus often referred to as the word? How does the light of Christ dispel the darkness in the world?

Word Wide Open: The Fourth Sunday of Advent (A) - 12/18/22

First Reading (Isaiah 7:10-14)

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

The LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying: 

Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; 

let it be deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky!

But Ahaz answered,

"I will not ask!  I will not tempt the LORD!"

Then Isaiah said:

Listen, O house of David!

Is it not enough for you to weary people, 

must you also weary my God?

Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: 

the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, 

and shall name him Emmanuel.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? In what ways do we tempt or test the Lord?

Second Reading (Romans 1:1-7)

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans. 

Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus,

called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God,

which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,

the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, 

but established as Son of God in power 

according to the Spirit of holiness 

through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, 

to bring about the obedience of faith,

for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles,

among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ;

to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father

and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is the obedience of faith? How are we called to the grace of apostleship?

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.

When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, 

but before they lived together, 

she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.

Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,

yet unwilling to expose her to shame, 

decided to divorce her quietly.

Such was his intention when, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 

"Joseph, son of David, 

do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.

For it is through the Holy Spirit 

that this child has been conceived in her.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, 

because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and they shall name him Emmanuel, 

which means "God is with us."

When Joseph awoke,

he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him 

and took his wife into his home.

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? Why is it so easy to be afraid of the things God asks us to do? How can we be obedient to God like Joseph?

Word Wide Open: The Third Sunday of Advent (A) - 12/11/22

First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10)

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

The desert and the parched land will exult;

the steppe will rejoice and bloom.

They will bloom with abundant flowers,

and rejoice with joyful song.

The glory of Lebanon will be given to them,

the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;

they will see the glory of the LORD,

the splendor of our God.

Strengthen the hands that are feeble,

make firm the knees that are weak,

say to those whose hearts are frightened:

Be strong, fear not!

Here is your God,

he comes with vindication;

with divine recompense

he comes to save you.

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,

the ears of the deaf be cleared;

then will the lame leap like a stag,

then the tongue of the mute will sing.

Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return

and enter Zion singing,

crowned with everlasting joy;

they will meet with joy and gladness,

sorrow and mourning will flee.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is divine recompense? Who is the Lord ransoming?

Second Reading (James 5:7-10)

A reading from the Letter of St. James. 

Be patient, brothers and sisters,

until the coming of the Lord.

See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, 

being patient with it

until it receives the early and the late rains.

You too must be patient.

Make your hearts firm,

because the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, 

that you may not be judged.

Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.

Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters,

the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? Why is it difficult to be patient in our faith lives? Why is complaining about others so bad?

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, 

he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, 

"Are you the one who is to come,

or should we look for another?"

Jesus said to them in reply, 

"Go and tell John what you hear and see: 

the blind regain their sight, 

the lame walk,

lepers are cleansed, 

the deaf hear,

the dead are raised,

and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."

As they were going off,

Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, 

"What did you go out to the desert to see?

A reed swayed by the wind?

Then what did you go out to see?

Someone dressed in fine clothing?

Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.

Then why did you go out?  To see a prophet?

Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.

This is the one about whom it is written:

Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;

he will prepare your way before you.

Amen, I say to you,

among those born of women 

there has been none greater than John the Baptist; 

yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? In what ways does Jesus heal us? Who are the messengers God sends out today?

Word Wide Open: The Second Sunday of Advent (A) - 12/4/22

First Reading (Isaiah 11:1-10)

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,

and from his roots a bud shall blossom.

The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:

a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

a spirit of counsel and of strength,

a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,

and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.

Not by appearance shall he judge,

nor by hearsay shall he decide,

but he shall judge the poor with justice,

and decide aright for the land's afflicted.

He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth,

and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.

Justice shall be the band around his waist,

and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.

Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb,

and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;

the calf and the young lion shall browse together,

with a little child to guide them.

The cow and the bear shall be neighbors,

together their young shall rest;

the lion shall eat hay like the ox.

The baby shall play by the cobra's den,

and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair.

There shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain;

for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD,

as water covers the sea.

On that day, the root of Jesse,

set up as a signal for the nations,

the Gentiles shall seek out,

for his dwelling shall be glorious.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions:Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? How does God provide justice? 

Second Reading (Romans 15:4-9)

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans. 

Brothers and sisters:

Whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, 

that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures 

we might have hope.

May the God of endurance and encouragement 

grant you to think in harmony with one another, 

in keeping with Christ Jesus, 

that with one accord you may with one voice 

glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, 

for the glory of God.

For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised

to show God's truthfulness, 

to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, 

but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.

As it is written:

Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles

and sing praises to your name.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is hope? How can we be more welcoming to others?

Gospel (Matthew 3:1-12)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea

and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:

A voice of one crying out in the desert,

Prepare the way of the Lord,

make straight his paths.

John wore clothing made of camel's hair 

and had a leather belt around his waist.

His food was locusts and wild honey.

At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,

and the whole region around the Jordan

were going out to him

and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River

as they acknowledged their sins.

When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees

coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers!

Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.

And do not presume to say to yourselves, 

'We have Abraham as our father.'

For I tell you, 

God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.

Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit 

will be cut down and thrown into the fire.

I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, 

but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.

I am not worthy to carry his sandals.

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

His winnowing fan is in his hand.

He will clear his threshing floor 

and gather his wheat into his barn, 

but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? What does true repentance look like? How do we know that we bear good fruit? What does it mean to be baptized by the Holy Spirit?

Word Wide Open: The First Sunday of Advent (A) - 11/27/22

First Reading (Isaiah 2:1-5)

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,

saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

In days to come,

the mountain of the LORD's house

shall be established as the highest mountain

and raised above the hills.

All nations shall stream toward it;

many peoples shall come and say:

"Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain,

to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may instruct us in his ways,

and we may walk in his paths."

For from Zion shall go forth instruction,

and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

He shall judge between the nations,

and impose terms on many peoples.

They shall beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks;

one nation shall not raise the sword against another,

nor shall they train for war again.

O house of Jacob, come,

let us walk in the light of the Lord!

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is the word of the Lord? How does the Lord bring about peace in the world?

Second Reading (Romans 13:11-14)

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans. 

Brothers and sisters:

You know the time;

it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.

For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;

the night is advanced, the day is at hand.

Let us then throw off the works of darkness

and put on the armor of light;

let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,

not in orgies and drunkenness,

not in promiscuity and lust,

not in rivalry and jealousy.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? In what ways have we fallen asleep? What is the armor of light?

Gospel (Matthew 24:37-44)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his disciples:

"As it was in the days of Noah,

so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

In those days before the flood,

they were eating and drinking,

marrying and giving in marriage,

up to the day that Noah entered the ark.

They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.

So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.

Two men will be out in the field;

one will be taken, and one will be left. 

Two women will be grinding at the mill;

one will be taken, and one will be left. 

Therefore, stay awake!

For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. 

Be sure of this: if the master of the house

had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,

he would have stayed awake

and not let his house be broken into.

So too, you also must be prepared,

for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? Why is one person being left behind? How do we prepare for the Lord’s coming? Why is Jesus’ coming unexpected?

Word Wide Open: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (C) - 11/20/22

First Reading (1 Samuel 5:1-3)

A reading from the First Book of Samuel

In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said:

"Here we are, your bone and your flesh. 

In days past, when Saul was our king,

it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back. 

And the LORD said to you,

'You shall shepherd my people Israel

and shall be commander of Israel.'" 

When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron,

King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD,

and they anointed him king of Israel.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What does a good shepherd do for his flock?

Second Reading (Colossians 1:12-20)

A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians. 

Brothers and sisters:

Let us give thanks to the Father,

who has made you fit to share

in the inheritance of the holy ones in light. 

He delivered us from the power of darkness

and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God,

the firstborn of all creation.

For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,

the visible and the invisible,

whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;

all things were created through him and for him.

He is before all things,

and in him all things hold together.

He is the head of the body, the church.

He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,

that in all things he himself might be preeminent.

For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,

and through him to reconcile all things for him,

making peace by the blood of his cross

through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What is our inheritance with the holy ones? How does the blood of the cross bring about peace?

Gospel (Luke 23:35-43)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,

"He saved others, let him save himself

if he is the chosen one, the Christ of God." 

Even the soldiers jeered at him. 

As they approached to offer him wine they called out,

"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself." 

Above him there was an inscription that read,

"This is the King of the Jews."

Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,

"Are you not the Christ?

Save yourself and us." 

The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,

"Have you no fear of God,

for you are subject to the same condemnation?

And indeed, we have been condemned justly,

for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,

but this man has done nothing criminal."

Then he said,

"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

He replied to him,

"Amen, I say to you,

today you will be with me in Paradise."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? What does it mean that Jesus is the king of the universe? Why are we not condemned for our sins? What is Jesus’s kingdom?

Word Wide Open: The Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) - 11/13/22

First Reading (Malachi 3:19-20a)

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Malachi.

Lo, the day is coming, blazing like an oven,

 when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble,

 and the day that is coming will set them on fire,

 leaving them neither root nor branch,

 says the LORD of hosts.

 But for you who fear my name, there will arise

 the sun of justice with its healing rays.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? Why is pride such a harmful sin? Why do you think we have this reading at this time of year?

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:7-12)

A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. 

Brothers and sisters:

You know how one must imitate us. 

For we did not act in a disorderly way among you,

nor did we eat food received free from anyone. 

On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day

we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 

Not that we do not have the right. 

Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you,

so that you might imitate us. 

In fact, when we were with you,

we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work,

neither should that one eat.

We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a

disorderly way,

by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. 

Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly 

and to eat their own food.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? How can our faith encourage us? How does God protect us from the evil one?

Gospel (Luke 20:27, 34-38)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

While some people were speaking about

how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings,

Jesus said, "All that you see here--

the days will come when there will not be left

a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."

Then they asked him,

"Teacher, when will this happen?

And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" 

He answered,

"See that you not be deceived,

for many will come in my name, saying,

'I am he,' and 'The time has come.'

Do not follow them! 

When you hear of wars and insurrections,

do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,

but it will not immediately be the end." 

Then he said to them,

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 

There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues

from place to place;

and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

"Before all this happens, however,

they will seize and persecute you,

they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons,

and they will have you led before kings and governors

because of my name. 

It will lead to your giving testimony. 

Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand,

for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking

that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. 

You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends,

and they will put some of you to death. 

You will be hated by all because of my name,

but not a hair on your head will be destroyed.

By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? Who are the false prophets we follow? Why is it so easy to worry about the events in our world today? Why will they hate us because of His name?

Word Wide Open: The Thirty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) - 11/6/22

First Reading (2 Maccabees 7:1-2, 9-4)

A reading from the Second Book of Maccabees.

It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested

and tortured with whips and scourges by the king,

to force them to eat pork in violation of God's law. 

One of the brothers, speaking for the others, said:

"What do you expect to achieve by questioning us? 

We are ready to die rather than transgress the laws of our ancestors."

At the point of death he said:

"You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life,

but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. 

It is for his laws that we are dying."

After him the third suffered their cruel sport.

He put out his tongue at once when told to do so,

and bravely held out his hands, as he spoke these noble words:

"It was from Heaven that I received these;

for the sake of his laws I disdain them;

from him I hope to receive them again."

Even the king and his attendants marveled at the young man's courage,

because he regarded his sufferings as nothing.

After he had died,

they tortured and maltreated the fourth brother in the same way. 

When he was near death, he said,

"It is my choice to die at the hands of men

with the hope God gives of being raised up by him;

but for you, there will be no resurrection to life."

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? In what ways are Christians persecuted today? How can we be more like those martyred for the faith?

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:16-3:5)

A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. 

Brothers and sisters:

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,

who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement

and good hope through his grace,

encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed

and word.

Finally, brothers and sisters, pray for us,

so that the word of the Lord may speed forward and be glorified,

as it did among you,

and that we may be delivered from perverse and wicked people,

for not all have faith.

But the Lord is faithful;

he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. 

We are confident of you in the Lord that what we instruct you,

you are doing and will continue to do. 

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God

and to the endurance of Christ.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? How can our faith encourage us? How does God protect us from the evil one?

Gospel (Luke 20:27, 34-38)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

Some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection,

came forward and put this question to Jesus, saying,

"Teacher, Moses wrote for us,

If someone's brother dies leaving a wife but no child,

his brother must take the wife

and raise up descendants for his brother.

Now there were seven brothers;

the first married a woman but died childless.

Then the second and the third married her,

and likewise all the seven died childless. 

Finally the woman also died. 

Now at the resurrection whose wife will that woman be?

For all seven had been married to her."

Jesus said to them,

"The children of this age marry and remarry;

but those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age

and to the resurrection of the dead

neither marry nor are given in marriage.

They can no longer die,

for they are like angels;

and they are the children of God

because they are the ones who will rise. 

That the dead will rise

even Moses made known in the passage about the bush,

when he called out 'Lord, '

the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob;

and he is not God of the dead, but of the living,

for to him all are alive." 

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? How do we test God in our own lives? Why do our prior relationships not matter in heaven? What does it mean that God is a the god of the living?