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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Amos 7:7-17)
Jeroboam, the king of northern Israel receives a message from the Lord through the prophet Amos. The king and the nation have strayed far from the commandments of God and will soon lose their land and go into exile in a foreign country. The indictment is not well received.
Psalm (82)
God is pictured presiding in his divine council and indicting those in earth who abuse the poor and lowly who should be granted justice and deliverance instead. The oppressors are walking in darkness, thinking highly of themselves in spite of the fact that they are mere mortals.
Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)
Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.
Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)
Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a despised Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
- Disobedience to God has serious consequences
- The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
- Self-deception is a dangerous thing
Based on the Alternative Readings
First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:9-14)
Just before he dies, Moses charges the Israelites to keep God’s commandments and flourish as a result. These are not beyond their reach, being already in their mouths and hearts. But they must be observed.
Psalm (25:1-10)
The Psalmist turns to the Lord for protection, asking for knowledge of his ways and to be led in his truth. He acknowledges his sin and makes his appeal based only on God’s mercy and love. He is the one who leads humble sinners in his blessed ways as they keep faith with him.
Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)
Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.
Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)
Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a detested Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
- The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
- Self-deception is a dangerous thing
- God makes his ways known to us if we are open and humble before him