creed2

August 11

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Tuesday, August 11

MATTHEW 18:1-5,10,12-14
Child-like

Prayerthoughts

a. What is my definition of “being child-like”?

b. As I look at the characteristics of being child-like, which ones do I need to be more mindful?

c. What is my definition of “humility”?

d. Do I treat the children that I see day to day with the respect that I should?

e. A good shepherd will go in search of one that is lost. In many ways I am lost, and must have the shepherd help me. What is my main problem right now and take the time to ask specifically for the Lord’s help and guidance.

f. I am called to be a good shepherd and look for the people in my acquaintance that are lost. I must pray for them, but if I can help them in any way, perhaps I should look into that opportunity.

g. This image of Jesus is significant because it brings out the “tenderness” of the Lord’s concern for others. Is my love of others a “tender” love, that is, one that is fully aware of their problems as I spend time with them?

h. My prayerthoughts…

Today, I will read Ezekiel 2:8–3:4 and write an important thought from it.

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

THE VIRTUES OF BEING A CHILD

+ First reading:

- the scroll which the “son of man” was directed to eat was the Law of God which was to be preached to the house of Israel

- part of that preaching dealt with the way they were to “behave”—namely, as children of the light

+ Anyone who studies the Gospels knows the importance Jesus placed on children

- here stating why—two reasons, both implied

- one, they are so vulnerable, and must have the protection of others

- two, they manifest the virtue of humility

+ vulnerable

- and therefore can easily be taken advantage of

- and unfortunately have and will be

+ humility

- there is no pride in what they do, no thought of being more important than another

- they are “selfish”, but the selfishness is part of human nature—they are worried about their lives

+ that thought of humility carries with it

- absolutely no “adult” problems of judgment, condemnation, revenge, carrying grudges

- they are “pure” and “humble” not by personal choice, but by their very natures

MEDIA PRESENTATION

Movie: "Creed III" -- final session

WHAT WE NEED TO WIN

The Gospel

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's 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.