First
Reading
Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4
1. Can you relate to this reading from Habakkuk? The writer could no longer endure violence, abuse and oppression everywhere in the world. Where do the challenges of discipleship come from for you?
2. Habakkuk speaks of misery and violence. What helps you survive the misery in your life? In a tough situation can your faith sustain you? Don’t you need to take your faith out and exercise it in lesser matters in order to be ready?
Second Reading
2 Timothy 1:6-8, 13-14
1. In the face of possible missile strikes to solve chemical warfare in Syria, how is the call to the world for a prayer day for peace from Pope Francis an example of these words of Paul to Timothy: “God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. So do not be ashamed of your testimony to the Lord.”
2. Discuss authoritarianism, empathy and openness. Are they signs of strength or weakness?
Gospel
Luke 17:5-10
1. Is quantity an issue when it comes to faith? Would an infinitely small amount of faith do what Jesus told the apostles it would? Do you realize the power your faith contains?
2. Have you had experience with faith “moving mountains” or as this reading has it, “uprooting mulberry trees”? Do you find that your faith can move more mountains in the spiritual realm, the material one, or both?
