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February 15

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Saturday, February 15

MARK 8:1-10

I fed the many people that were listening to me. It is a symbol of my presence to you in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Prayerthoughts
a. Once again, Jesus feels pity for the crowd and talks to them to make them feel better. In my life, in general, do I look at others with a desire to help them if they need it?

b. The disciples questioned the Lord’s decision to feed them. As I read the Gospels, do I try to understand completely what the Lord is saying to me?

c. Jesus uses what they have. It is a significant action for my spiritual life. At this time of my life, the Lord will use whatever I can do to be better if I want. Am I open to the Lord’s wishes?

d. Jesus uses words that He will use when He institutes the Eucharist for us. Do I try to receive the Lord in the Eucharist often, and then thank Him for His gift?

e. It is significant that all were satisfied. Am I satisfied with what is given to me? Do I thank the Lord and those who give me what I need? (This is the task of the meditation.)

f. There was food left over. The Lord always gives us more than enough to help us in our lives. Do I thank the Lord enough in my prayer?

g. My prayerthoughts….

Today, I will make a list of the people for whom I am most thankful, and pray for them and perhaps write them a note or email.

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

BEING SATISFIED WITH WHAT WE HAVE

+ The liturgy continues the story of the second sin in the book of Genesis

- the part where we have the tendency to blame others for our sins

- the man blames the woman; the woman blames the snake

- it is an important lesson for us

- the only thing that will give us complete satisfaction is to learn to admit sinfulness when we did something wrong

- and we all sin; therefore sin is our fault

+ I believe that idea of reaching true satisfaction is a good thought to consider

- in Mark’s Gospel, there are two times when Jesus gives food to the people because he felt pity for them

- one here, feeding 4000 people, and another feeding 5000 people

- in both instances after the people had eaten, Mark comments that they were satisfied

- satisfied because their hunger had been taken care of

- that is, they didn’t want more

+ One of the problems with our human natures is the desire to have more

- that is, we often are not satisfied with what we have

- anything that will give us more than we have, easier than we have it, better than we have now, is of great interest to us

- in a sense, that is just fine because technology and bettering things is a way to grow for our world

- but when it leads to selfishness that can never be satisfied, then it is not so good

+ The people whom Jesus fed were satisfied with what they had

- there was no need to have anything else

- because their hunger was taken care of

+ It’s interesting that the Church always interprets these stories of feeding great numbers of people in Eucharistic terms

- the words that are used are the words of the institution of the Eucharist which is the food that always satisfies since it is the body and blood of Jesus himself

-there is no need for anything else

+ You and I are called to be satisfied with what we have in the sense that selfishness and always wanting more can destroy any well-being that we have.

MEDIA PRESENTATION

Movie: "News of the World" -- final session

LIVING AS A FAMILY

The Gospel

LUKE 2:39-40

When [Mary and Joseph] had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child [Jesus] grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Gospelthink: I grew up in a normal way with my family. Am I growing in a truly Christian way as I live?

Captain Kidd set out for Kiowa territory to take Cicada to her parents. They are met with many problems as they try to make their way, but gradually they come to Cicada's family home, only to find that her parents have left. In their place is Cicada's aunt and uncle who agree to keep Cicada. Kidd leaves Cicada there, and with thoughts of his own family, namely his wife, he visits his wife's grave, leaving his wedding ring and locket at her grave. The thought of his family moved Kidd to go back to Cicada since she had become his only family now. Kidd agrees to take responsibility for her, and she becomes his adopted daughter, his new family.

The Scriptures are sparse when they talk about how Jesus grew up. No doubt, because he was fully human, his life was the normal life of a son in a family of first century Palestine. The Scriptures simply say that he "grew and became strong." Then, as now, the parents were essential for the young person in order to grow well. The family then becomes very important for people beginning their lives.

Captain Kidd in the movie "News of the World" had lost his wife and therefore his family, noting how lonely it made him feel. Recognizing how he had felt with Cicada as he was trying to get her back to her parents, he naturally thought of his relationship with the young girl. Since he knew that she was the closest person to family now, and understanding how important family was to him, he decided to adopt her as his daughter.

In the culture where we live, families play an important role. This is true not only for the young people as they grow, but for all the members of a family. Consequently, every family must work as a unit to bring about a healthy atmosphere in which the individuals of the family can contribute to a healthy environment for all.

Younger members of a family must be open to the direction of Moms and Dads, helping them in whatever way to give themselves the best possible beginning of their adult lives. Those who are older must continue to be interested in what is best for the family and for the health of the environment in which they live.

Unfortunately, there are many possible negatives that can creep into family life. Family members must be especially observant of any possible problems with their families and be aware that there are many helps for families in distress.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, my family must be important to me as I live my life. No matter at what stage of life I am living at the present time, help me continue to contribute to be a good family member of my family right now. Be with me, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: There are obligations in life, especially toward our families.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 55 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. What does the movie "News of the World" teach young people?
3. In raising a family, what is most important for young people before the age of 18?
4. Is there anything that a young person can do to help another young person who is experiencing difficulty with their family life?
5. In your opinion, what is the one "rule" that every family should follow?
6. The presenter may want to refer to the songs "Daughters" and "Unsteady" in these meditations.
7. What is the best way for grown children to treat their elderly parents? In particular, should those who are older be placed in nursing homes?
8. What is the greatest negative that can creep into a family, and what can we do about it?