Praising Faith

Readings for August 17, 2014 — 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7; Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

Suggested Reflection Questions:

  • In the first reading, God tells us that his house of prayer is for all people. Sometimes we can become very clique-y within our own comfortable circles of friends. How can you change your attitude towards people who you may consider “outsiders”?

  • In the second reading from St. Paul to the Romans, we are reminded that we all succumb to sin and disobey God. We must pray for mercy for ourselves, of course, but also for one another. Think of some individuals you know who have fallen away from their faith or turned their back on God. How can you help them in both prayer and by your actions?

  • In the Gospel reading, a woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter from a demon. At first Jesus doesn’t respond, so she asks again. Jesus heals the young girl and praises the woman for her faith. Why do you think Jesus praised the woman? What about her faith stood out to you?