TGIMMjack2

November 27

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Wednesday, November 27

LUKE 21:12-19
The end of the world will be difficult, but stay with me and persevere.

Prayerthoughts
a. The evangelist Luke is influenced by the severe persecution while he was writing his Gospel. It is a statement about the end of time as well. What proof can I give that I am willing to suffer for Jesus’ name?

b. Studying my life this week, what testimony have I given that Jesus has directed my life?

c. Jesus promises that he will offer wisdom as we speak on his behalf. Where have I felt Jesus’ wisdom in my life?

d. What is most frightening about my death, and what can I do to prepare for it better?

e. Jesus promises that we will not be harmed, even if there is persecution. Obviously, he is referring to eternal life because often there is pain here on earth. What about “eternal life” encourages me the most?

f. Jesus calls me to “persevere.” What does “perseverance” mean to me in my present circumstances?

g. In my opinion, what does “secure my life” mean?

h. My prayerthoughts…

Today I will write down the fundamental guideline for me
as I think of my death.

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

PERSEVERANCE—PATIENT ENDURANCE

+ The Book of Revelation is a book of hope

- because ultimately there is victory

- here it is the same victory that Moses enjoyed over the Egyptians

- God’s mighty deeds are clearly seen by anyone who is victorious

+ That victory is also predicted by Jesus in the Gospel

- even though there will be persecution, even though close relatives will betray you, even though you lose your life, not a hair on your head will be destroyed

- you will secure your lives

- as Luke is writing his Gospel, there is persecution of Christians, and so it is only natural that he would remember Jesus’ words

- and give encouragement to those who are suffering persecution

+ The phrase that bears some thought is the final phrase of the Gospel

- it is by perseverance that you will secure your lives

- perseverance can be defined by the English translation that some translations have of this passage—patient endurance

- those are two key elements that a person interested in the spiritual life must develop

1 – patience

- the immediate results may not look promising—persecution

- but if we trust the Lord’s words, ultimately, there will be victory

- our problem as human beings is the word ultimately

- we do not tend to be patient people

- we are used to having things instantly

- and this carries over to spiritual realities as well

- we don’t want to have to wait for—say—a deeper spiritual life

- I love this saying of spiritual authors

- it takes a while for God to really get through to us

2 – endurance

- consistency—that we will work at our spiritual lives every day

- implies effort, once again, something that we don’t want to do

- and a constant involvement on our parts

- one spiritual action is not enough to bring about a spiritual life

- it must be a constant effort

+ It is an important word that the Lord Jesus has spoken today—perseverance, or as it has been explained, patient endurance

- it is a virtue that we must truly develop for a deeper spiritual life.

MEDIA PRESENTATION

Movie: "Jack Reacher" -- final session

DRIVEN BY TRUTH AND FREEDOM

The Gospel

JOHN 8:31-36

John 8:31-36

Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How can you say, 'You will become free?'" Jesus answered them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin. A slave does not remain in a household forever, but a son always remains. So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free."

Gospelthink: I tell the disciples and you that the truth will be the means by which you can truly live. Am I committed to the truth all the time?

In the movie named after him, Jack Reacher set out to find a soldier by the name of James Barr because he wanted to punish him for killing innocent people. But, as he studied the situation, even though he wanted to convict Barr, Reacher began to see the truth. He finally concluded that the man was innocent and "set up" for a crime that he did not commit. Driven by a desire for the truth, Reacher discovered the evil of people who wanted control and were willing to destroy anyone in their way. The circumstances were even more complicated since it involved people who had promised society to seek the truth, but who had been forced to follow evil.

In one of the scenes of the movie "Jack Reacher," when Reacher was trying to determine whether Barr was innocent or not, he had a discussion about freedom with Helen Rodin, Barr's attorney. Viewing people who were doing their day-to-day boring work, he asked the question about who was truly free. The truth is that people are really not truly free because their lives are "determined" by circumstances, and only when people comprehend that fact, and want to do something about it will they grasp the truth about life in general.

During his lifetime in one of his discussions with his Apostles, Jesus spoke of truth and freedom as well. He pointed out that freedom is only freedom when we choose a guide for our behavior, namely, himself, the son of the Father. Once they had made the choice, then they would be free, and they would possess the truth. As he said, "The truth will set you free."

Jesus was speaking of religious truth, of course, which is part of a general category of truth. For a person of Christian faith, the truth spoken by Jesus is truly a guide. In general, every one of us, Christian or otherwise, is called to truth. Our task is to know the truth before we make any judgments about the situation. It is not an easy task because we tend to make judgments about situations, and believe that it is "the truth" without knowing all the facts.

We are called to be truthful people. Before we can achieve such a goal, we have to be willing to work at what the truth really is. Jack Reacher knew that he had to find it in order to act well. It is an important lesson to learn for all of life.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, we believe that your Son has given us the truth that will guide us. Give us the grace to honestly seek the truth in the way that we interact with others. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: We must know the whole truth before we make any judgment.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 62 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. In general, why does the truth make us free?
3. When Jesus says in the Gospels, "Amen, amen, I say to you...", it is a way of saying that we must really listen to what is said. In general, do most Christians truly listen to the word of God? Yes or no and why?
4. Analysis: what is the meaning of a "slave of sin"?
5. Analysis: The meditation refers to the discussion on "freedom." In your opinion, are Americans "really" free? Yes or no and why?
6. In what way are people "determined by circumstances"?
7. Christians have made the choice to choose Jesus as their guide in their behavior. At times they do not show it. What Christian doctrines are the most difficult for Christian people? Why?
8. Why do people often make "judgments" about situations without knowing all the facts?
9. "Knowing the truth" is a principle of a good life. What are some other principles that every good person should follow?
10. Analysis: Reacher cannot be forced to stop his investigation. In society today, what are some examples of people trying to "force" others into doing something?
11. Scene analysis: Reacher is "set up" for the death of Sandy. The real crime is that Sandy is killed so easily, as if she were not important. Who are the "not important" people in today's world? How can we treat them better?
12. Scene analysis: the Russian members masquerading as legitimate business people. Obviously there is some of this dishonesty in the business world today. Do you think that it is a common problem? Yes or no and why?
13. Analysis: As usual in movies such as this one, there is much killing. Does this type of movie affect young people in an adverse way? Yes or no and why?
14. Scene analysis: Helen Rodin is about to give up because of all the people being hurt. What is the best way to motivate ourselves to keep on doing good?
15. Analysis: Reacher carries out "justice" without going through the courts. Why is this wrong?
16. What does the movie "Jack Reacher" teach young people?