St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

Sunday, October 31, 2010 

Reflection Questions for Next Sunday’s Readings 

1. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we learn of God's love for all things, his mercy for all people, and his forgiveness for repentant sinners. The psalmist goes on to say that the Lord loathes nothing that he has made: “for what you hated, you would not have fashioned” (Wisdom 11:24). What is your attitude towards people who are different from yourself? How could it be more Christlike?

2. The responsorial psalm speaks of God's graciousness, mercy, kindness, and compassion. How important is it for our compassion to reach beyond our small circle of family or friends? What more can you do?

3. St. Paul, in the second reading, warns the early Christians to be on their guard against false “prophets” of doom. In what way is your view of the state of the world shaped by alarmists and doomsayers? How would a deeper understanding of the nature and character of God, and faith in his power to transform even the hardest of hearts, help your view to be more hopeful and Christ-centered? 

4. In the Gospel, we again see Jesus reaching out to an individual who was hated and disrespected by his contemporaries. Notice that Zacchaeus “received him with joy” and the crowd “began to grumble.” Why did this happen? In what ways can you work "against the grain" to care for others, especially those who are looked down on?

5. Jesus said he came “to seek and save what was lost.” Notice that Jesus did not wait around but actively sought those in need. He also told Zacchaeus that, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). In what ways can your outreach to others be a source of “salvation” to them? How can you be less passive and more active?