TGIMMmaybe

	WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?

The Gospel

LUKE 9:18-20

Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, 'One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'" Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said in reply, "The Messiah of God."

The Media -- "Maybe" (Sick Puppies)

"Maybe I’m a dreamer, maybe I’m misunderstood, maybe you’re not seeing the side of me you should. Maybe I’m crazy, maybe I’m the only one. Maybe I’m just out of touch, maybe I’ve just had enough. Maybe it’s time to change, and leave it all behind. I’ve never been one to walk alone; I’ve always been scared to try. So why does it feel so wrong to reach for something more, to wanna live a better life. What am I waiting for? 'Cause nothing stays the same—maybe it’s time to change."

There are a few important personal questions that are asked in the Gospels. "Who do you say that I am" is one of them. If we say and believe with Peter that Jesus is the Messiah, the promised one, our lives will change, and we will begin to accept Jesus Christ’s suggestions about how to live. Our answer to the question, as was Peter’s, becomes the key to a change for the better.

The person in the song "Maybe" by the group Sick Puppies has come to the conclusion that he must change some things for the better. It is a scary thing for him because he has never had to make a decision like that and therefore it just "feels" wrong. But he knows that changing for the better is what he is called to do, and so he sings: "What am I waiting for?"

The person in the song is singing of an attitude that we all must have in life, namely an attitude of maturity. Often such maturity does not come easily since it will mean giving up the relative ease of youth, but gaining a mature sense of life is well worth any pain that comes in the process of acquiring it. We all possess the wherewithal to make it happen. We can choose to follow the path of maturity if we want.

It is truly up to us. We have the master key. We can use that key to enter the world of pleasure, indulgence and self glory, becoming oblivious to the needs of others. Or we can proceed toward commitment, understanding and knowledge that leads eventually to a true and happy life that takes into account not only ourselves, but others as well. We truly hold the master key to real opportunity. The world can open up before us. Just as Peter in Mark’s Gospel could answer the question of Jesus and accomplish phenomenal things in his life, so we can accomplish great things if we use the key that we have. Now is our time. What are we waiting for?

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, we can accomplish great things if we want because of what you have given us. Help us to understand that because of you, we have the key that can open the door of true and good living. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: One of the signs of maturity is to recognize that we can change ourselves in order to bring about something better.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. In the Gospel, it is significant that Jesus is absorbed in prayer before important decisions. Do you believe that "prayer" is an important part of most Christians' lives? Yes or no and why?
2. Project: make a presentation on prayer in general. See Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition. Part Four of the Catechism is devoted to Christian prayer. See especially numbers 2700-2719.
3. The song implies that the person in the song is confused about life. What are the most confusing elements of "life" as people grow?
4. Text analysis: "To wanna live a better life." What are the characteristics of a "better life." List some changes that should be made.
5. The meditation says that if we say and believe what Peter said, then our lives will change. Do most people mean what they say when it comes to being a true believer in God? Yes or no and why?
6. What is your definition of maturity?
7. The meditation implies that we all have the opportunity to mature well. Are there any circumstances where this is not true? Yes or no and why?
8. The meditation implies that seeking maturity will always mean "love of others" as well as "love of self." What are the ways to show love to everyone?
9. The meditation implies that people do not want to move into maturity too quickly. Why do some young people not want to mature?
10. Do you think that most young people take full advantage of what they can learn in high school? Yes or no and why? Do you think that most young people take full advantage of the college opportunities that they have? Yes or no and why?
11. What does the song "Maybe" teach young people?

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