TGIMMmoves

	HONEY AND FLIES

The Gospel

LUKE 10:38-42

[Jesus] entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary [who] sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me." The Lord said to her in reply, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her."

The Media -- "Moves Like Jagger" (Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera)

"Just shoot for the stars; it feels right, and aim for my heart. If you feel like it can take me away and make it okay, I swear I’ll behave. You wanted control, so we waited. I put on a show. Now, take me by the tongue, and I’ll know you. Kiss me and I’ll show you all the moves like Jagger. I’ve got the moves like Jagger. I don’t need to try to control you. Look into my eyes and I’ll own you. I’ve got the moves like Jagger."

Jesus knew that to force another to do something is not a good attitude of living. When his friend Martha asked him to intervene in a domestic argument and force her sister to do something, instead he taught both Martha and her sister Mary some important facts about good living. In order to accomplish anything, you have to freely choose the best direction possible.

Sometimes it may be necessary to force another to do something. A young child, for example, must be forced to stay away from busy intersections or not to play with fire, or the like. But, forcing another, generally speaking is not the way to bring about some desired end. Benjamin Franklin's words still ring true: "Tart words make no friends; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar."

Our human natures may understand his thought, but we do not like to carry through with it when we want something. We would prefer Martha's approach. In the love relationship of Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera's song "Moves Like Jagger," the man in the relationship wants to control the situation, and is trying to do it with his "moves," "moves" that call to mind the exploits of the legendary Mick Jagger. He wants the relationship to happen, and is trying to force his friend to enjoy what he wants. It is a selfish thought because it does not take into account what his friend wants.

Any human relationship especially one concerning love must involve a choice. To be truly human, we cannot force someone to do what we want unless that person chooses to do it. Only then will love make sense. Only then will life make sense.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, your Son knew that our human natures want to selfishly force others into doing what we want. Give us the grace to understand the difference between force and choice. Be with us, we pray.

+++++

GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: Forcing control of another is not good for any relationship.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1.The Gospel story presents a virtue of Christian discipleship which might be labeled "personal listening to Jesus' message." In your opinion, do most Christians listen to all of the Lord's words? Yes or no and why?
2. Devotion to Jesus is the "one thing", "the better part" required for the Christian. Why is this so important?
3. The man in the relationship says he will "behave." What do you think the meaning of the word is?
4. Text analysis: "I put on a show." How do people in love relationships "put on a show"?
5. Text analysis: "Take me by the tongue." What is the meaning of the phrase in your opinion?
6. Text analysis: "Moves like Jagger." What are the "moves" that the song is referring to?
7. The meditation suggests that Jesus teaches Martha and Mary some points about good living. What are the lessons that Jesus teaches?
8. Give some instances in which "force" is used? What is the reason for it?
9. Why is selfishness present in many love relationships?
10. Can you think of any instance in which "forcing another to love" is a good thing? Explain your answer.
11. What does the song "Moves Like Jagger" teach young people?

Questions, comments? Let me know. Email Fr. Mike