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 Discussion Questions
30th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Year B
October 24, 2021
Anne Osdieck
First Reading
Jeremiah 31:7-9

1. In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis mentions an attitude of St. Francis of Assisi, one that could help us “gather with the blind and lame, … lead them to brooks of water, on level roads where none can stumble.” Discuss.

1. Saint Francis expressed the essence of a fraternal openness that allows us to acknowledge, appreciate and love each person, … regardless of where he or she was born or lives.

2. This saint of fraternal love, simplicity and joy, who inspired me to write the Encyclical Laudato Si prompts me once more to devote this new Encyclical to fraternity and social friendship. … Wherever he went, he sowed seeds of peace and walked alongside the poor, the abandoned, the infirm and the outcast, the least of his brothers and sisters.

Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship
Pope Francis, Oct 3, 2020

2. Is there anyone in your life who just needs the road “leveled out” a little, anyone of whom you can ask the question, “What do you want me to do for you,” as Jesus did in the today’s Gospel? If you help, how is this good for both of you?


Second Reading

Hebrews 5:1-6

1. “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness.”  How would experiencing weakness help someone in ministering to others? Do you think Jesus’ human experience and suffering draws people to him?

2. Baptism makes all of us ministers in the reign of God. Think about Moses, Dorothy Day, Blessed Rutilio Grande, Blessed Damien, St. Oscar Romero, and others. Pick one or two and say how their weakness helped make them good ministers.


Gospel
Mark 10:46-52

1. The disciples were trying to shut him up. But Bartimaeus kept calling out to Jesus anyway. When others tell you to keep quiet, what do you do? In the history of the Church can you think of great scientists and theologians who were silenced?
                                                         
2. “Master, I want to see.” What is it that you want to “see” that will change your life as radically as Jesus changed that of Bartimaeus? What is the miracle here, the blind trust or faith of Bartimaeus or the healing of physical blindness

Anne Osdieck



Art by Martin Erspamer, OSB
from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C). This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go http://www.ltp.org