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	DISCOVERING OUR CALL

The Gospel

MARK 5:15-20

As they approached Jesus, they caught sight of the man who had been possessed by Legion, sitting there clothed and in his right mind. And they were seized with fear. Those who witnessed the incident explained to them what had happened to the possessed man and to the swine. Then they began to beg him to leave their district. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed pleaded to remain with him. But he would not permit him but told him instead, “Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.” Then the man went off and began to proclaim in the Decapolis what Jesus had done for him; and all were amazed.

The Media -- "Man of Steel" (beginning session)

The movie "Man of Steel" is the story of Superman, of course, a story that most anyone who has been familiar with comic books will know in one form or another. In the movie, Kal-El, later Superman, is born on the planet Krypton, but in very special circumstances. His parents Jor-El and Lara gave birth to him in the usual way which was not accepted on Krypton, eventually sending him to earth where he would not only have special powers, but with the possibility of continuing the race of the nation of Krypton. The beginning part of the movie is about the growing process of Kal-El, who has become Clark Kent, living in Smallville, Kansas. With the help of his earthly father and mother in particular, he gradually came to understand that his gifts which were common on Krypton were gifts that could help the people of earth.

Even though Kal-El or Superman had the powers and abilities that a superior being had, perhaps in his early life of discovering who he should be, he is an example for every human being. We all have a vocation in life, some calling that will be our future means of livelihood and lifestyle, and as we discover it, we must always keep in mind the needs of others.

One of the most intriguing passages of the Gospels is in Mark's Gospel after Jesus had cured a man who had many demons by sending those demons, Legion by name, into a near-by herd of pigs. Perhaps what is most intriguing about the passage is what Jesus says to the cured man, namely, not to follow him directly, but to "go home to your family and announce to them" the message of the Kingdom.

Jesus is giving the way to follow him in today's world. Although there may be a few who choose to follow directly in Jesus' steps, as the Apostles did during his lifetime, by far the majority of us are called to go back into the world, to our own families, to the places where we will function and live. Our calling is to announce to them the message of the Kingdom, the message of love, while we are involved in determining our own place in that world.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, you call us to follow your Son by taking his message and giving it to the people with whom we associate. We ask for your help as we determine how best to live in our world, and at the same time to give us the incentive to spread your message to those around us. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: We are all called to discover our vocation in life, and when we do, it will involve truly helping others.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
(session: approximately 67 minutes)
1. What scene during this session of the movie is most striking? Why?
2. The Gospel story of "Legion" and the cure of the possessed man is indicative of the power of Jesus over all evil. What evil in today's world is most in need of Jesus' saving help? Indicate how you believe that the Lord is working in that situation.
3. Why do you think that the people asked Jesus to leave the district?
4. No doubt the man was pagan, and announcing to his pagan family what the Lord had done was an indication of the future mission of Jesus. What is the best way that you can "announce" Jesus to your immediate family? To your friends? In your vicinity?
5. If you had the opportunity of having one of the gifts that Superman had, what would it be and why?
6. What is your vocation in life right now? In what way does it involve helping others?
7. In your opinion, what is the most important profession in our world right now?
8. What is the best way to announce the message of love to a family? To a community? To a school?
9. What is your opinion about genetic engineering, that is, scientists trying to improve the quality of life by working with genes of embryos?
10. Scene analysis: Krypton's Council will not listen to Jor-El even though there is imminent destruction. Why do we not want to consider our final end?
11. Scene analysis: General Zod attempts a coup. Do you think that the only way to work with some governments is through force? Yes or no and why?
12. If you had your choice of growing up anywhere in the world, where would you choose? Why?
13. Scene analysis: the oil rig and the "harvesting of oil." The presenter may want to make a presentation on the use of energy in our world.
14. Analysis: Was Clark's father's decision to suppress Clark's powers a good one? Yes or no and why?
15. Scene analysis: Lois Lane and her job with the newspaper. In your opinion, what is the most important function of a local newspaper?
16. Analysis: The "S" symbol on Krypton was a sign of hope. What is the most hopeful thing that is happening in our world right now?

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