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Prayer Requests and Reflections

Pray Daily for our Priests in the Diocese of Honolulu

Secular Franciscans in Hawaii

`Ohana O Ke Anuenue

"Family of the Rainbow"

Region #50

Joanne Kahaloa, SFO, Regional Minister

360 Kauila Street, #112

Hilo, Hawaii 96720

(808) 961-2726

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How we are to pray

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

Reflection for Sunday, July 9, 2006

from the Good News Ministry; aurhor: Terry Modica

Readings:

Ezek 2:2-5
Ps 123:1-4
2 Cor 12:7-10
Mark 6:1-6
http://www.usccb.org/nab/070906.shtml

In next Sunday's (July 9, 2006) Gospel reading, we see the painful truth of what happens when we share our faith with those who knew us before we became so strong in our faith. Family members don't understand why we needed to change. Or else they feel threatened because of their own need to change. When we explain why our faith grew or how by the grace of God it happened, it only sounds like a fanatical excuse. Our conversion experiences are enjoyable only to the ears of those who have had their own conversions.

Jesus converted from being an ordinary person with an ordinary job into an extraordinary person who quit work to invite everyone else to follow his example. How crazy does that sound? Making matters worse, he was now spending all of his time trying to change the status quo of everyone's normal life, normal ways of relating to others, and normal attitudes about religion.

People don't like to be challenged, especially when it means giving up what's familiar and comfortable. However, this is not a reason to keep silent. As long as we share our personal conversion stories instead of demanding that others change, it's good to be a troublemaker and rock their boats. As long as we speak to them with love and compassion, when they feel offended by our invitations to move forward in faith, we are united to Jesus. The sting of their rejection is replaced by the awareness that God is very pleased with us.

Questions for Personal Reflection:

In what ways has Jesus changed your life? Who are the people that misunderstand these changes? Now list those who do understand you: What can you do to enjoy their company more often?

Questions for Community Faith Sharing:

When have you been rejected because of your spiritual growth? What have you learned about how to lovingly respond to their objections? What are your frustrations in doing this? Have you ever walked away like Jesus did when he left his hometown?

Gospel

Mark 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.
When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished.
They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,
and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?
And are not his sisters here with us?”
And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.”
So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.
He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Readings from http://www.usccb.org/nab/070906.shtml