jum2

October 7

[media presentation below]

GospelThink

Monday, October 7

LUKE 10:25-37
My famous story of the Good Samaritan, telling you to have mercy.

Prayerthoughts
a. In my opinion, what is most important for me to gain eternal life?

b. Taking the question of the scholar at face value, who are those in my acquaintance who could be called “neighbor,” namely those people I see all the time, should I be a little more kind to them?

c. The priest and Levite would have been expected to take care of the injured man. In my role of Christian, I am “expected” to care for those who are hurting. Do I show enough concern in my life for the people who really need help?

d. The priest and Levite passed on the opposite side so as to avoid contamination. Are there some people who need help that I am deliberately rejecting?

e. Should I develop the virtues of compassion and mercy a little more in my life?

f. The Samaritan went out of his way to care for the injured man. Am I willing to give up what I want to do in order to take care of someone that I could help?

g. The Samaritan gave money to help the man. As I study my giving of money to people who need it, am I trying to give up to 10% of my income to good causes?

h. The scholar refused to even mention the Samaritan by name. Do I find myself judging others who are doing good in a harsh manner?

i. My prayerthoughts…

Today, I will read Galatians 1:1-12 and write an important thought from it.

Some Thoughts on the Liturgy

COMPASSION AND AGITATORS

+ Our Gospel today is the famous Good Samaritan story

- it really has two conclusions:

- not only, that we must show people compassion

- but also, that everyone has the chance of eternal life

+ Paul in the letter to the Galatians written about 54 AD

- repudiates the people of Galatia for being influenced by agitators who have confused them

- Paul dramatically tells them that he is an Apostle

- and that the Gospel is not any human invention

+ What is the meaning of the readings on one who is seeking a deeper spiritual life?

1 – as we think of the agitators in Paul’s situation, we are often confused by the influence of our society that keeps us from pursuing the spiritual life

- keeping us from pursuing the spiritual life

- our society’s tendencies are the modern day agitators

2 – the obvious conclusion from the Gospel is that we must be compassionate to other people

- to help them when they need help

- it is significant that the man in Jesus’ parable not only did things himself for the down and out, but he gave his money on behalf of him as well

3 – re-look at our understanding of neighbor as Jesus tried to do with his story: the Samaritan—the outcast—was a good neighbor

- we have a tendency to help only the people that we want to take care of

- our concern must be for all people who need help

- remembering that we don’t have the time and energy to help everyone

+ As spiritual people, we are called to understand the deeper thoughts of the spiritual life

- and as we have said so many times, it takes a real effort to do it.

MEDIA PRESENTATION

Movie: "Jumanji: The Next Level" -- final session

HOW TO ACCOMPLISH LOVE OF ENEMIES

The Gospel

MATTHEW 5:43-45

Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust."

Gospelthink: I desire that you get along with everyone, even those you do not like. Am I doing it?

The friends of Spencer finally found him in the avatar of a female cat burglar in the game of Jumanji. Discovering a way to change avatars, the original players each discovered what they could do. But Spencer's grandfather Eddie and former partner Milo had been brought into the game with the original players. They got into an argument about their work in the restaurant business in real life that ended violently. Then after the group was joined by two other players who were friends of theirs in real life, Eddie and Milo finally reconcile. Milo explained to Eddie that he was terminally ill and wished to make amends with Eddie before he died. The group change avatars again, and eventually Spencer rekindled his relationship with Martha. The seven eventually must go through a number of situations in order to obtain the jewel which that finally did. Once they were free to go home, Milo decided to stay in the game, while Eddie thanked him for his friendship.

If there is one doctrine that sets Christianity apart from other major religions, it would probably be "love of enemies." Jesus makes it clear that we must not only tolerate or put up with those who dislike us, but we must love them. No other religious leader has ever said that; it is a totally unique doctrine. And it is likewise well documented in history and even in the present day that most Christians have not followed this doctrine as well as they should have.

In any given situation among human beings, almost always there will be an instance of disagreement and hatred among them. It is almost inevitable that someone somehow will upset another. In a sense, they become enemies, and in general, will avoid one another. Such was the case between Eddie and Milo in the movie "Jumanji: The Next Level." Like so many people who had worked together at one time, they grew to hate one another because of some reason, and they became irreconcilable.

It is significant how the two made up their differences. Together with the other people who were trapped in the game with them, they had to undergo all kinds of difficulties as they "played" the game. That could have caused them to see how petty their dislike of each other was. But that did not do it. They made up by talking, plain old communication. They both explained what had happened between them when Milo finally made up his mind to do something about his dislike of Eddie.

Given any disagreement, the situation can be "made better" simply by talking with one another. Perhaps there must be further action after the initial communication, but any reconciliation must begin with the desire to talk it out.

It is an important fact to learn for the Christian. Jesus makes it clear that his doctrine includes love of enemies, love of people that we do not like or those who do not like us. Love is what he counsels. It begins with a true understanding of how each feels, something that can only be attained by communication.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, Your Son told me that I must love those that I do not like for whatever reason. Help me hear Him a little better than I am doing at the present time. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Even a deep hatred between people who were friends at one time can be resolved.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 57 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. What does the movie "Jumanji: The Next Level" teach young people?
3. In what areas of our world do we see a true love of enemies?
4. In your opinion, are there any other doctrines besides love of enemies that other religions do not share?
5. In your opinion, what is the principal reason for hatred of others?
6. Why is it so difficult to communicate with another, especially one that we know well?