Tempted – Transfigured A Journey into the Mercy of God Week 3

ReaderWe gather in the name of the Father AllWho calls each of use to fullness of life and to the freedom of his beloved daughters - his beloved sons. Opening Responses

ReaderWe gather in the name of the Son AllWho desired that the Father’s house should be open to all and that each should know the dignity of being a child of God.

ReaderWe gather in the name of the Holy Spirit AllWho gifts us with right judgement and courage – to see and to name what is wrong with the world and to act in God’s name to work for what is right and just.

ReaderWe gather… All (making the Sign of the Cross) In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

 What do you think the traders – and those who were trying to buy from them – thought about what Jesus did?  What do you think the reaction of the disciples was to seeing Jesus like this?  How do you feel about the idea of Jesus being this angry about something?

 How easy do people find it to come into your Church and pray? (Physically and spiritually)  What might irritate – if not really annoy – Jesus if he came in his human form to visit you and your community one week?

 No to an economy of exclusion  No to the new idolatry of money  No to a financial system which rules rather than serves  No to the inequality which spawns violence

 How do these statements make you feel personally? And as a group?  What do you think Jesus’ reaction might be as he reads these words and looks at the situation of the poor around the world?  What does it remind us to include in our reviews of the lives of our communities?

 How might I – and my community – be called to help to find solutions to the problems facing our locality – and more globally?  How might we translate a righteous anger – or sadness – or even despair of ever making a difference – into action?

Closing Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, Your anger in the face of the abuse of money and trade reminds us of your thirst for justice and for the dignity of every human being to be recognised. Help us to share your passion and love for every person – and to act in ways that bring them to the fulfilment God desires for them. We ask this in your name. AllAmen.

Tempted – Transfigured A Journey into the Mercy of God