Confirmation I and II: August 29, 2010: The Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Read the Gospel: Lk 14:1,7-14

Journal: How did you live out last week's Gospel message? What was tough? What was rewarding?

The school cafeteria. Picture it. Over there are the jocks. There's the drama club. There's the band. There's that one kid who always eats alone. Who will you eat with? Who wouldn't you be caught dead eating with? Those are the questions Jesus asks in this week's Gospel. Parties and meals are social time. It's pretty normal to spend the time with friends and people who share your interest. But sometimes friendships can become cliques that exclude or look down on others. Jesus calls us to expand our circles of friends. Why? Because many people need our company. Meals were huge in Jesus' ministry. He brought outcasts to meals with people of honor. He ate in the homes of people considered sinners. His meals revealed God's Reign-where everyone has a place around the table. He tells his followers to stop worrying about whether their seat location proves they're honorable. He asks them to welcome outcasts to their meals and into their lives. What does that mean for us? Reach out. Each cafeteria has teens that sit alone. Invite them to your table. Each school has teens that are friendless. Welcome them into your circle of friends. Each city has nursing homes with lonely people. Find yourself another grandpa or grandma. Honor the people others forget, and others will see that Jesus' ministry continues.

Journal: What concrete step could you take to follow this Gospel this week? Identify the situation that you know to exist in your own home, your school, or in your community. Put some thought into this. Then allow your heart to guide you to make it happen. Be specific.