Week 5 – “Indescribable Compassion” & “Invitations”
In this week’s episodes, we see Jesus offer invitations to “Follow Him” to two different people, and their responses are different. See the video above for Fr. Raph and Abby’s reaction and thoughts.
Now you’re once again invited to reflect on the episode yourself, either in a group or on your own. Maybe grab a coffee or tea and contemplate what you saw and heard. Below you’ll find discussion questions that can be used to get you started.
We see in Episodes 6 & 7, Matthew and Nicodemus’ experience of confusion because of what they have seen Jesus do for others. It is beginning to make them question the way they understand things. They also feel misunderstood by the people around them, and Jesus invites both in Episode 7 to follow Him, but their response is different.
- What do you think was different about their responses? Why?
- What sorts of things have you seen or heard Jesus did for people you know?
- Does that make you wonder about yourself?
- If Jesus asked you right now to “Follow Me” what would you say?
Prayer with Scripture – Week 5 Challenge
Try to spend some time praying with this passage at least once this week. Find a comfortable, quiet place, and give yourself at least 10 minutes (you can set a timer if it helps) to let God speak to you, and then to speak to God from your heart. Some people find it helpful to draw, or write, or to pray while out for a walk. Do whatever is helpful for you.
Isaiah 43:18-21
“Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old.
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches,
for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert,
to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself
so that they might declare my praise.”
Matthew and Nicodemus grapple in these two episodes with what they have seen and heard, and with how they see themselves and how the world works. Jesus tells Simon, who expressed his concern about Jesus calling Matthew to be one of them, to “get used to different.”
God spoke the above verse through the Prophet Isaiah. Pray with it slowly, and try to picture what is happening in the verse.
- Do you believe God can actually do something different in the world? In your life?
- Where are you in the picture?
- What parts of your life are like a desert?
- Do you believe that God can do something new in your life? Speak to Jesus about that, and about how you would think or feel if He were about to make things different in your life.
See you next week!
St. Francis of Assisi Parish 