Bible Study for Sunday Readings (Oct 31)

[Fidelis]

LITURGICAL BIBLE STUDY
Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle C

Opening prayer

Wisdom 11:22—12:2
(Ps 145:1-2,8-11,13-14)
2 Thessalonians 1:11—2:2
Luke 19:1-10

Overview of the Gospel:
· In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus is passing through the town of Jericho as he makes his final journey to Jerusalem. As he does, a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, clamors to have a look at him, even to the point of climbing a tree.
· As we saw last week, tax collectors were regarded as sinners. Zacchaeus himself acknowledges that he has led a sinful life (v 8). Jesus, however, calls Zacchaeus by name, and asks that he be invited home to dine with him—that very evening. The response of Zacchaeus is immediate and joyful (v 6).
· As usual, Jesus scandalizes the Pharisees by the company he keeps and they begin to murmur against him (v 7; Matthew 9:10-13)). Zacchaeus defends himself (to the Lord, not those who were grumbling) and pledges restitution over and above the requirements of the Jewish Law (Exodus 21:37—22:1-3; Numbers 5:5-7).
· Jesus himself offers no excuses. He simply states the reason that he was sent into the world—to seek out and to save sinners (Matthew 9:13; John 3:16-17).

Questions:
· Where else in the Scriptures do you see the town of Jericho mentioned (Joshua 2:1-7, 6; Mk 10:46; Lk 10:30)? What do you imagine this town to have been like?
· How does Zacchaeus compare with the rich official (Luke 18:18-30) in his approach and response to Jesus? How did Zacchaeus show himself to be a true son of Abraham (Luke 3:12-13; Romans 4:12)?
· Why does Jesus dine with Zacchaeus? Why does this bother others? Do you think Jesus’ words (vv 9-10) stopped the crowds’ muttering?
· Where did Jesus first find you? (Up a tree? Out on a limb?) How did he get you to join him?
· What was Zacchaeus’ attitude toward his own dignity in his desire to see Jesus? How willing are you to make a fool of yourself so that salvation may come to your house? What wrongs do you need to make right?

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 2712, 549, 2412, 1443

Closing prayer

Remember to read and meditate on the daily Mass readings

*Before you receive Jesus Christ, you should remove from your heart all worldly attachments which you know to be displeasing to Him. * -St. Augustine

2004 Vince Contreras

 

[Toni]

Fidelis, I had time to think about this and the priest today gave such a nice sermon on Zacheus and how loving Christ was to everyone. He compared the untouchables in India and how Ghandi did not want to stay with the great ones he only wished to stay with the untouchables. (Basically he was using the comparison and spoke about how even if your a teacher do you favor the smart students? DO you punish the adhd students or shun them? Being a teacher I could relate to this and saw how this could effect all aspects in life. Even to a cashier and how they treat others, food stamps etc. How are we at accepting others.

Thanks again! sorry All Saints Day is really a large celebration in our school and I had a lot of work.

 

[Fidelis]

Our priest used the opportunity to point out that Zacchaeus spent his whole life as a Jew not really looking for the Lord, but when he finally was faced with the chance to encounter Jesus, he went out of his way to do so. When a person is ready to meet Jesus, Jesus invites himself into their life.

 

[Toni]

Very good point, Reminds me of that picture Jesus knocking just waiting to be invited in.