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Appleton, WI

Homily Connect: Feb. 16

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

  Sir 15:15-20 | 1COR 2: 6-10 | MT 5:17-37

Discussion Questions

  1. What was your reaction to the opening story of the Young Man and the Bird?
  2. How would you sum up today’s Scripture focus in your own words?
  3. What are your challenges to “right living”?
  4. What areas of your life do you find “right living”
  5. How might prayer and reconciliation help you on a path to loving more like Jesus?

Join The Conversation

You’re invited to discuss this message with a small group at one of our Homily Connect Groups. Sign up here.

Live Connected – Simple Ways to Keep the Message Alive During The Week

  • Put the Scripture passage in a place where it can be seen each day.
  • For the next week, evaluate or take inventory of your choices at the end of each day and measure it against God’s call to righteousness.  Pray over the areas where you feel you need to be more loving.
  • If you feel you need the strength, celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Attitude/Heart Change

To embrace and believe that on every day and in every moment of your life you are challenged to make choices that will cause you to live as God has directed you.

Action/Life Change

To evaluate or take inventory of your choices at the end of each day and measure it against God’s call to righteousness. Take the necessary steps to love more deeply.

Story of the Young Man’s Test of the Wise Man

Scripture Focus

(Sirach sums it up) If you choose you can keep to the commandments, they will save you; if you trust in God, you too shall live; he has set before you fire and water to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand…The eyes of God are on those who fear him; he understands man’s every deed.  No one does he command to act unjustly, to none does he give license to sin.

We are Jesus’ Disciples

Energized by Jesus’ love, a disciple strives to think feel and act like him.

Today’s Scriptures

Show us the way of wisdom and remind us of our free will.

Paul Speaks of Wisdom

Through the cross, we are given the grace to make choices that help us to live in accordance with God’s will. (Righteousness-right living.)

Jesus Speaks of Going Deeper

Right living is a matter of staying on the surface.  It is a matter of the heart. When the heart is involved, it asks for much more. This is what it means to fulfill the commandments as Jesus said he came to do.

Final Thoughts

In the end, what will be our decision?  Will you choose the deeper way, the way that goes beyond the minimum, the way of the heart?