creed2

August 11

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Monday, August 11

MATTHEW 17:22-27

Generosity Toward Others

Prayerthoughts

a. Jesus reminds me that he will be killed. Perhaps I should I take the time right now to pray for those who have been or will be killed today?

b. We should pay legitimate taxes. What is my feeling about taxation in my country? Are there taxes that I do not pay and why?

c. We are part of two kingdoms, the kingdom of the earth and the kingdom of God. The kingdom of earth deals with our daily lives, while the kingdom of God includes our thinking of God and what Jesus taught. With which Kingdom do I spend most of my time?

d. The subjects of the kingdom of earth are “exempt” in the sense that we should have given our allegiance to God. Is it clear from all of my actions that I am devoted to the kingdom of God?

e. There are certain things that should be done in order not to offend others. Thus the importance of “keeping peace” and “giving in” on our parts. Do I have true love of others in that I give in to what they want, presuming that it is not against the law of God?

f. The Lord continues to work in miraculous ways in our lives. Am I sufficiently aware of the Lord’s activity in my life?

g. The standard is given for all as Jesus tells Peter to pay for him to. Am I generous with the talent, time or money that I have?

h. My prayerthoughts…

Today, I will make a list of people to whom I should show more generosity.

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

KEEPING THE PEACE

+ In the first reading, the Lord God tells Moses that the Israelites must keep the commandments and especially be concerned about the less fortunate

- one way of doing that was of course with money

- and in particular a tax on everyone

+ Jesus as man in the Gospel is presented with a very human problem

- something that you and I must worry about as well—paying taxes

+ The tax referred to here was obligatory for all Jewish males over 20 years old

- it was used for the upkeep of the temple

- it was a bit controversial because of how it was used

- but Jesus makes it clear to Peter that as children of God whose house the temple is, they are exempt from taxes for the temple

- but for sake of not causing scandal, Jesus pays the money for him and Peter

- how he gets the money is a bit fantastic and probably something added by some editor

- but I think the important point for us is that Jesus obeyed the law, even though he really didn’t have to

- the phrase the English uses is a good one to be aware of: “that we may not offend them”

+ Jesus did not want to offend them

- that is, knowing that there is controversy concerning whether to pay or not to pay, he wants to do the least thing that will cause a problem

- in terms of our living right now, it means that we should live in our lives in such a way that we will stay away from controversy as much as possible

- some examples include:

- expressing strong opinions about politics or the like

- and in some cases, showing real anger

- being too concerned about what others are doing when we can do nothing about it

- bringing up topics that are not important when we know they will cause controversy

- in general, trying to bring peace to situations rather than anger or frustration

+ Admittedly, there are some times when we absolutely must speak up and cause a little discussion

- but the thought must be to be peaceful people

- and deciding what that means in our own individual circumstances

+ We may indeed know what’s right and we want to say it all the time,

- but sometimes we have to hold back in order to keep the peace.

MEDIA PRESENTATION

Movie: "Creed III" -- final session

WHAT WE NEED TO WIN

The Gospel

MARK 1:12-13

MARK 1:12-13

The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts and the angels ministered to him.

Gospelthink: I was tempted and so will you be tempted.

Damien Anderson through some trickery fought to become the Heavyweight Champion of the world. After Adonis realized that he was used by Damien, he was encouraged by Bianca his wife, to come out of retirement and challenge Damien for the Championship. After Damien accepted the challenge, and after Adonis has trained with his friends Duke and former rival Drago, they met in what was advertised as the "Battle of Los Angeles." In an evenly-matched fight, Adonis has visions of his abusive foster home and Damien's life in jail, leading to a knockdown in the final round in which Adonis won the match and regained the Championship. Afterward, Adonis reconciled with Damien with both men admitting that their actions were not each other's fault.

As in the movie "Creed II," Adonis "Donnie" Creed accepted a challenge that required more than simply a "desire." In "Creed II," Rocky Balboa trained Creed to win the right to be called "Champion." Now in "Creed III," Adonis wants to win that same reward. But he is older and out of shape. He realized that if he was to succeed, he had to train like he never had, and he had to overcome his personal demons to finally win.

The same Spirit who descended on Jesus in His baptism drove Him into the desert. The result was a radical confrontation and temptation by Satan who attempts to frustrate the work of God. The presence of wild beasts may indicate the horror and danger of the desert regarded as the abode of demons. It was a significant moment of preparation time for Jesus before he began his ministry. Theologians agree that Jesus was preparing himself for the important work of redemption during his sojourn there. It was a difficult undertaking, but the redemption of humankind was likewise difficult.

Most Christians will not have to prepare to physically fight someone who is strong and powerful. But as we study what Jesus went through preparing to give us redemption, a Christian we must look forward to a difficult time of preparation to gain our heavenly goal. As Jesus felt, it is not a difficulty that stems only from being alone.

The difficulty does not come from the direct onslaught of demons, nor of physical pain. Our difficulty lies in ourselves. Just as Adonis had to gradually understand that he not only had to prepare himself physically, but also mentally, so it is for us who suffer the power of evil. We must study ourselves and see that we need the help of Someone who can make us stronger to withstand the temptations of the world that often is evil.

It is not an easy task, but we have help. In Jesus' temptation, the evangelist Mark tells is that angels ministered to him. Our angels consist of the help that God gives us through the grace we receive every day of our lives.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, Your Son suffered temptation like we do. We ask you to continue to give us the grace to be courageous as we face the difficulties of living well. May we always accept You as our guide. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: We can accomplish really difficult things, but we have to work at it.