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Exploring the Sunday and Holy Day Readings
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How does God attract people to seek divine wisdom? In this reading, the Wisdom of God is pictured as a welcoming woman who invites people to "Come, eat of my food.” Those who accept her invitation will grow in their understanding of God's ways. Once they have shared her feast, they will no longer be misled by foolishness.
The wise of any age are those who live by the word of God and attract others to do likewise.
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What do you think might be the difference between seeking wisdom and seeking knowledge? How might we recognize someone who is foolish in God's eyes? Describe a person you know who appears to be wise. How do you think this person has become wise?
What are some of the ways in which people your age can say yes to Wisdom's invitation, "Come, eat of my food?"
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In this reading, Paul shows that he has eaten of Wisdom's food. He strongly advises his fellow Christians not to waste their opportunities to live well. They are to act thoughtfully and avoid ignorant behavior, including drunkenness and wickedness of every kind.
To strengthen their decision to live wisely, Paul encourages them to sing inspired songs and thank God for everything they have received from him. We share this same call to grow in wisdom and in gratitude.
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What signs of foolish conduct have you seen on TV or in movies? What are some of the consequences of foolish, ignorant, or even wicked behavior? Describe any characters you have met in movies or books whose behavior is wise. In the history of the Church, there have been countless people who showed that they were wise and filled with the Holy Spirit. Who is your favorite wise person in the Church, past or present? Explain your choice.
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Once again Jesus the Teacher is having a hard time getting through to his listeners. They resist his teaching that he is the living bread from heaven. When they continue to object, Jesus assures them that his flesh is real food and his blood is real drink. If they do not "feed on" him, they will have no life in them.
We are blessed because we can share the Living Bread at every Eucharist. As we satisfy our spiritual hunger, we remember those who hunger for food, shelter, friendship, or faith. We consider how we can respond to the hungers of the world.
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What do you remember about your First Eucharist? Why was that day special to you and your family? How do you think receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus makes a difference in your life? What do you think are some of the spiritual hungers of people your age in the world today?
In what ways has your school or parish responded to the hungry? Name three ways you can help those who hunger for faith or friendship.
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| Proclaiming Faith Activity |
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Living the Sunday and Holy Day Readings
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With your partner or group, look up in the Bible the following words of wise advice from the Book of Proverbs.
Decide how you will share this wisdom by printing and illustrating selected verses in a booklet or on a web site.
Proverbs 10:9; 12:15; 15:13; 16:24; 17:22; 18:24; 19:20; 21:2.
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Jesus, the Bread of Life, calls us to provide bread for the hungry. Using the Internet or parish resources, find out what organizations are feeding the hungry in your community. There may be soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, or groups who provide sandwiches for street people.
As a class, decide how you will involve your families in providing fresh bread of many varieties for the hungry.
You might decide to include with each loaf a brief Bible verse, such as Luke 1:53 from Mary's Magnificat. |
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For Bibles and other scripture resources, please see the Sadlier religion catalog.
 www.sadlier.com/main.htm
Copyright © 2003
William H. Sadlier, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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