Planting Seeds of Hope: September 6, 2009: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 35: 4-7; James 2: 1-5; Mark 7: 31-37

Today's Scripture readings can be found at http://www.usccb.org/nab

Fear is a very powerful force that can affect individuals, families, and communities from local levels through international levels. Fear can influence one’s approach to others; it can change thoughts and actions. Fear can blind us to possibilities, keep us from making changes, and almost paralyze us.

Fear is like a weed that can take over a garden. It needs to be replaced with something positive and life-giving in order to have something new grow.

God’s Word today reminds that God helps us move beyond fear (Isaiah) to new possibilities and realities (James, Mark). God's Word helps us envision the promise of seeing with new vision, walking in new paths, finding life in formerly barren places, and even leaping with joy!

This week as many people bring summer to a close with Labor Day celebrations, we know that many others face difficult times.

And as we commemorate the anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11, we also acknowledge the importance of individuals in our lives.

Yet we can take God's Word to heart as we ask God to help us continue to plant seeds of hope that will move us beyond fear to live as channels of God’s love.

To think about:
How does fear affect my life, my family’s life?
How much has fear affected the way I think about and treat people?
Does fear affect my decisions?
Am I afraid to change or take reasonable risks because of fear of failure? Do I fear looking bad in the opinion of others?
Has fear stopped me from speaking or acting for justice?
Has fear stopped me from admitting mistakes or changing my pattern of behavior?

To do:
Speak that word of apology that you’ve been afraid to say.
Reach out a hand of love to someone you’ve been avoiding.
Take the risk of doing without something; plant a seed of hope by giving that money to those in need.
Encourage another's hopes and dreams.
Thank someone who plants seeds of hope by giving time and energy to enable others to accomplish new things.
Encourage your child to reach out to a child whom others may ignore or treat unfairly.

To pray: “Make me a channel of your peace”.

Next week: 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Isaiah 50: 5-9; James 2: 14-18; Mark 8: 27-35