Starter: (In pairs)
What was the last good decision you made?
Why did it make you happy?
Worship:
Give thanks to God for the many things that give us life - both physical and spiritual.
Read The Gospel Passage Aloud.
Re-Read Passage and Commentary
(reflect on these and the personal focus questions in silence)
Commentary:
Jesus certainly believed that the Law of Moses was connected to the reign of God he came to announce. He tells his followers that he came not to abolish but to fulfil the law, meaning that his message demanded that people go beyond the letter of the law to the spirit behind it. Christian life beyond the law was more, not less, demanding than a strict keeping of each little rule of the law. Jesus promised that the spirit of the law would lead the people to the fullness of the reign of God. (Baranowski)
Personal Focus Questions
1. What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
What might God be saying?
2. Remember an experience when keeping just the 'letter of the law' was not enough for you.
3. Deuteronomy presents the reader with a picture where you can choose life or death.
Relate any experiences when your decision led you to 'life',
or when a decision led you to experienced 'death'
(When you have reflected alone, share what you are able together in threes.)
Life Focus
1. Many Christians would say adultery is wrong, but few Christians cut off hands and gouge out eyes
(Mt 5:27-30) - in what ways are we selective about scripture?
How do we make those decisions?
2. Relate any experiences when you had to break the letter of the law to do a greater good.
3. Relate an experience when a 'law' began as a stumbling block to you,
but over a period of time you realised it helped you grow in faith.
4. What plans should we make as a result of our reflection?
Review Time
Recall anything from previous weeks which needs attention.
Prayer Time
Place in the centre of the room a cross and on one side put some green shoots and a small flower,
on the other side put some dead twigs, fallen leaves as a symbolic reminder of how God gives us the freedom to choose between 'life' and 'death'.
Pray for those in positions of authority - Governments, leaders of industry, head teachers etc.
- that their decisions may allow life to flourish.
