Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B, Intermediate

Intermediate Session

Isaiah 50:5-9a
Mark 8:27-35

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Loving God,
Thank you for being with us in hard times.
Our suffering is nothing like that of Jesus, so help us please to carry our burdens without complaining.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Opening Life Reflection

Create a bumper sticker or book marker that simply tells who Jesus is. Ask for help from parishioners to print these items and make them available to the parish.

Listening to the Word of God

Hear the words Isaiah offers as encouragement to those waiting for God to save them from exile.
Read Isaiah 50:5-9a
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters

• Who might the people be who make Isaiah suffer?
• What are some similarities between the suffering servant and Jesus?
• What did Isaiah hear when God opened his ears?

Peter responds to Jesus’ question, “Who do people say that I am?”
Read Mark 8:27-35
Allow for silence.

Scripture Discussion Starters

• According to Peter, who did some of the people say Jesus was?
• What did Jesus tell the disciples about the Son of Man?
• Why was it hard for Peter to accept what Jesus was telling him would happen?

Scripture Background

Provide 2-3 minutes of background on the readings using the Catechist Background section.

From this point in Mark’s Gospel Jesus ends the teaching part of his mission and begins his journey toward Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, he will suffer, die, be buried, and rise from the dead. The disciples understand that Jesus is the Son of God, but they are still thinking in terms of the earthly honor that goes with the title of Messiah. Peter in particular has a hard time understanding how Jesus will become the Messiah if he is to suffer and die. Jesus explains that all people who follow him must do the same and to begin following, Peter must get behind Jesus.

Questions for Deeper Reflection

• Why do you think Jesus responded so harshly to Peter?
• What are some sacrifices that followers of Jesus make?
• What can we do to learn to be better followers of Jesus?
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(If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel in Life.)

Doctrinal Discussion Starters

We believe in Jesus and want to follow him, but we can’t do this alone. We need each other. Every Sunday we make a statement of our belief when we recite the creed. In the two creeds we most often say as Catholics (the Nicene Creed and the Apostles’ Creed), we state our belief that God’s self-revelation came in the person of Jesus. While we praise God and give thanks, we also affirm and make a commitment to our faith in that belief. Our response to follow Jesus means that we put others before ourselves.

• How do we live out what we believe about God?
• Why is it important that all believers work together to witness the Good News?
• How have you seen others show their love for God through their actions?

Sacrament Connection

Two baptized people celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony when they are united in marriage. Together they become a sign of Christ’s love for the Church and they form a new family, sometimes called the domestic Church. In their new family, the couple and other family members often practice discipleship when they put other people’s needs before their own.

The Gospel in Life

What will you do this week to put your faith into action?