TGIMMbailando

August 13

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Tuesday, August 13

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

Prayerthoughts

a. What is my definition or “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 spend some time praying for the virtue of being “child-like.”

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

THE VIRTUES OF BEING A CHILD

+ First reading:

- we must pay close attention to the words of the Lord (eat the scroll)

- today, what the Lord says about young people and being child-like

+ 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

Song: "Bailando" -- Enrique Iglesias

DANCING AND THE CHOICE OF "FOREVER"

The Gospel

LUKE 19:36-38

As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road; and now as [Jesus] was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of his disciples began to praise God aloud with joy for all the mighty deeds they had seen. They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.”

Gospelthink: The crowds praised God as I was in their midst. Do I praise God as often as I should?

"Girl, I like the way you move; come and show me what to do. People tell me that you want me. Girl, you got nothing to lose. I can’t wait no more. I wanna be contigo, and live contigo and dance contigo.”

A person searching the New Testament Scriptures for "dancing" will discover it only in conjunction with other actions. Without describing the action itself, it is almost "understood" in the context of some of the events described. So a wedding feast is an occasion for dancing and one would guess that Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem would lend itself to dancing as the crowds joyously welcomed him as their king. In the Hebrew Scriptures, it is much easier since "dancing" was understood to be part of rejoicing in the presence of God. For example, when the ark of the covenant, a symbol of God's presence was brought before King David, "David and all the house of Israel danced before the LORD with all their might, with singing, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals" (2 Samuel 6:5).

Enrique Iglesias' song "Bailando" (in English, "dancing") is a popular song not only because of its happy sound, but because of its excellent dance video. Both the song and the video bring to mind the value of dancing in a romantic setting. Although the romantic situations in Jesus' time were totally different from the romantic life of a couple in the twenty-first century, the art of dancing was no doubt part of both. Romantic dancing in both the first and twenty-first century in part had to do with discovery about a future with a partner.

It is obvious from both the song and the video that there is true enjoyment in dancing. In the song, the words imply that the man in the relationship wants the decision to be made right away, saying that there is no more time needed, that now is the time to be contigo, that is, with you. It may be, but the person who is making a decision for life must realize how important it is to take a significant amount of time with such an important matter.

There is little doubt that the single most important decision in life is whether to marry and who to marry, that is to spend one's life with another. Dancing together may help decide, but serious thinking about it must happen as well.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, You have blessed us with the gift of enjoying our time together in a romantic way. As we live and work with your gift, give us the grace to use it well. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Enjoying one another by dancing can help a couple decide whether they should be together forever.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Jesus' triumphal entry in Jerusalem is the official statement that in Jerusalem the salvation of humankind will be accomplished. Project: explain the meaning of salvation. See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, numbers 599-609.
2. The song describes the emotions connected with romantic dancing. Why should we not trust our emotions much of the time?
3. There are many "sexual overtones" in the song and video. Much of the music of today has these sexual references. What effect, if any, does this have on our younger generation?
4. In your opinion, should there be more control about the music that is produced in today's world? Yes or no and why?
5. In your opinion, do the worship services of the Church resemble a true celebration? Yes or no and why?
6. Obtain a copy of the video to the song. What is most striking to you about it? (Billboard magazine labeled it to be "spectacular.")
7. What is the difference between "romantic dancing" and "celebration dancing"?
8. In general, in your opinion, how much time should a couple spend together before they get married?
9. Young couples sometimes "prepare" for marriage by living together first. What is your opinion of this practice? See Catechism, numbers 2390-2391.
10. In general, do you think that young people do enough serious thinking about marriage before they actually marry? Yes or no and why?
11. Why are there so many divorces in our world?
12. What does the song "Bailando" teach young people?