TGIMMset

	SETTING FIRE TO RAIN

The Gospel

MARK 8:11-13

The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.

The Media -- "Set Fire to the Rain" (Adele)

"My hands, they’re strong, but my knees were far too weak to stand in your arms without falling to your feet. But, there’s a side to you that I never knew: all the things you’d say—they were never true, and the games you play, you would always win. But I set fire to the rain, watched it pour as I touched your face. Well, it burned while I cried ‘cause I heard it screaming out your name. Even now when we’re already over, I can’t help myself from looking for you."

The evangelist Mark's description of Jesus' reaction to the Pharisees is a strong statement of negativity: "He sighed from the depths of his spirit." It conveys the feeling that what Jesus wanted from the religious leaders was exactly what they were not doing. They were not allowing themselves the opportunity to be open to Jesus' words. All they wanted was to see some sign so they could criticize him. Jesus wanted to have a relationship with them, but they did not respond.

It is a feeling that is common enough in whatever age we are considering. In the love relationships of modern day, before any relationship can grow, there must be a certain honesty and openness that both feel toward each other. In Adele's song "Set Fire to the Rain," it is obvious that the lady in the song does not feel it. She sings that even though there is a strong desire for the relationship, it will not happen because there is a side to him that is dishonest. Poetically, she describes her situation as "setting fire to the rain," an action that will achieve nothing--exactly what will happen in the relationship.

There is a lesson here for people who are preparing for marriage or for friends who want to be close to one another. In order to accomplish some type of a significant relationship with someone else, the characteristic of being honest and open about feelings is an absolute necessity. There simply can be no close relationship with another if there is a concern about whether one is being totally honest or not.

To set fire to rain is impossible; to build a good relationship without openness is likewise impossible.

PRAYER

Good and gracious God, the feeling that your Son had toward the religious leaders of his day was a frustrating one. They were fundamentally closed to the opportunity of growing in their knowledge of you. Give us the grace to be open with you and with those who are close to us. Be with us, we pray.

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GUIDE FOR CLASSROOM PRESENTATION AND PERSONAL ENRICHMENT

Theme: One cannot have a close relationship with someone who will not open up completely to the other.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. From your knowledge of Scripture, why did the religious leaders of Jesus' time not approve of what he said and did?
2. Text analysis: "All the things you'd say, they were never true." It is obviously an exaggeration, but why do we tend to think this way when there has been dishonesty?
3. Text analysis: "The games you play." What are the "games" that people in love tend to play? Why?
4. Why do people often try to continue a relationship even though it is clear that it is over?
5. In a love relationship today, what two or three characteristics are necessary for it to work well?
6. Define the meaning of being open and honest.
7. Do you think that it is possible that someone is dishonest and not know it? Yes or no and why?
8. What are the two or three characteristics necessary for close friendship between people of the same sex?
9. Why is it often so difficult to describe one's feelings?
10. Is it possible for a person to be completely honest all the time? Yes or no and why?
11. What does the song "Set Fire to the Rain" teach young people?

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