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Sunday Scripture Study

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time- Cycle B

September 6, 2015

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Opening Prayer

First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7a

Psalm: 146:7-10

Second Reading: James 2:1-5

Gospel Reading: Mark 7:31-37

Jesus has just come from Gentile territory (the Gentile coastal towns of Tyre and Sidon) where he has healed a Canaanite woman’s daughter of a demon (Mark 7:24-30).

In this Sundays episode—which appears only in Mark—he is in Gentile lands again; the region of the Decapolis, a confederation of 10 cities just east of the Sea of Galilee. Ironically, this confederation was founded in part to discourage Jewish incursions.

Jesus’ manner of healing often takes on a sacramental aspect; that is, he incorporates the material into healings done by his Divine power. Similarly, the Sacraments of the Church are not only signs, but signs that effect (actually accomplish) what they signify; for example: the saving power of Baptism through water and the Holy Spirit (John 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21).

Even though Jesus takes pains to conceal his identity (verses 33, 36; also Mark 1:25, 5:43; CCC 439), it is clear that his actions fulfill the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah (Luke 4:1-6; Isaiah 35:4-6; Wisdom 10:21; CCC 549).

QUESTIONS:

In the 1^st Reading, what message did Isaiah have for believers who might have begun to falter in their hope? What are some of the miraculous signs which will identify the coming of the Kingdom of God in these verses? In what ways were they fulfilled by Jesus?

In reference to the 2^nd Reading, how do you behave when the opportunity arises to meet someone famous or wealthy? What association do you have with the poor? Of the two, whose company do you prefer? According to Scripture, what advantages do the poor have that the rich lack?

It seems Jesus goes out of his way to reach this specific individual to heal him (verse 31). What does that tell you about Jesus?

What do you think is the significance of Jesus looking up to heaven and sighing right before he heals the man (Mark 8:11-13)? Could it be related to verses 33a and 36?

Why do you think Jesus used the method he did to heal the man? How is the response of these Gentiles (verse 37) like that of the Jews (1:27; 2:12) and the disciples (4:41)? What do you think is Mark’s point in emphasizing this?

Why do you think that Jesus took the man aside to heal him in private? How has Jesus dealt privately with you (rather than treating you as part of a group)?

In the liturgy (as in the hymn Veni Creator), the Holy Spirit is compared to the finger of God (verse 33). What are the effects that the Holy Spirit has on us that are comparable to the effects that Christ had on the man that was healed (CCC 683, 687)? For us to believe, what must God first do for us (CCC 153)?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 1504, 1151

“Thou who are sevenfold in thy grace,/Finger of God’s right hand,/His Promise, teaching little ones/To speak and understand.” ~From Veni Creator, an ancient hymn in praise of the Holy Spirit