1. “But the wise shall shine brightly … ” Can you think of people you have known or known about who have died and shine brightly for you? If so, which of their qualities would you like to emulate in your life? Did their concern for others start out small and then expand to wider and wider circles?

2. Name some people who have led “many to justice” and are now “like stars forever.” Since stars are used for navigation, how can people like Oscar Romero, Dorothy Day, Rutilio Grande, Martin Luther King and St. Teresa of Calcutta show us the way?

Second Reading
Hebrews 10:11-14, 18

1. Compare and contrast old covenant priests and their repeated sacrifices with Jesus and his one sacrifice? How do the many celebrations of the Eucharist fit into the one-sacrificial event?

2. Dianne Bergant, CSA. says that “Jesus was able to expiate all transgressions of all people of all times.”* Jesus did this through his unselfish sacrifice. Does this say anything to us about making sacrifices to help others?

Gospel
Mark 13:24-32

1. “The Word of God will not pass away.” What do you take along with you when you die? Is there any correlation between love and the Word of God that does not pass away? Is there anything you can you do to stretch your capacity to love?

2. Until we reach our final destination, what is the job of the Church while we are here on earth? How will discerning our times in solidarity with all the world’s concerns, struggles and aspirations in the upcoming synod, help us to be God’s leaven in humanity?

It means following in his (the Word made flesh) footsteps, listening to his word along with the words of others. It means discovering with amazement that the Holy Spirit always surprises us, to suggest fresh paths and new ways of speaking. … The Spirit asks us to listen to the questions, concerns and hopes of every Church, people and nation. And to listen to the world, to the challenges and changes that it sets before us. Let us not soundproof our hearts; let us not remain barricaded in our certainties.  So often our certainties can make us closed. Let us listen to one another.

Opening of the Synodal Path
Pope Francis, Oct. 10, 2021