Proper 21 C +Living the questions + 9.28.25

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M. Campbell-Langdell
All Santos, Oxnard

Jeremiah 32:1–3a, 6–15; Ps. 91:1–6, 14–16; 1 Timothy 6:6–19; Luke16:19–31)

 

At the clergy conference this year, we had an unusual presentation. The speaker came to us from another diocese, and she had a handout with a lot of questions. The questions that Jesus asked. And she led us through a meditative process of engaging these questions in faith communities. Pastor Alene has been using these questions as a sort of collaborative sermon every so often at St Paul’s Emmanuel, and they have been enjoying the experience. I felt inspired to try the technique today to see how we liked it. It means a lot less of me speaking, but a lot more of hearing from all of you. We will address this question from last week’s gospel, which immediately precedes this week’s gospel reading:

“If you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?” Luke 16:12)

And our first question will be simple. You will be asked to imagine Jesus is personally asking you this question. Why is he saying this? And how might you answer? You will be given a few minutes to reflect individually in your pews on this question and write down some things, if you choose, on the back of the insert with the questions. Then I will tell you when it is time to turn to the folks next to you in the pew, and in small groups of 3-5, speak to each other about the second question, which I will also announce. Then you will discuss that question for a bit shy of 5 minutes, and we will come together to discuss the last two questions on the sheet. At that point, I will invite you to share your own personal reflections if you feel so led. Try not to share your neighbor’s thoughts in case they were not meant for the whole group.
Lastly, I will tie it together briefly.

Now take 4 minutes to reflect on the first question. If Jesus said this to you: “If you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?” Luke 16:12) Why is he saying this? And how might you answer?

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Now let’s discuss the second in small groups: What other questions, images, thoughts, feelings, or spiritual ideas does this question bring up for you?

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Now let’s come back together and discuss these questions:

  • How does this question speak to the life of All Santos, Oxnard?
  • This question is asked by Jesus in between last week’s story of the Unjust Steward and this week’s story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. How does this context affect the way that you hear this question?


Remember, limit sharing to your own experience!

(after sharing has concluded, briefly tie it together and thank everyone).

(For those reading this but not participating in person, please journal about your thoughts on these questions, and feel free to email me any thoughts you wish to share, or share them on the WhatsApp group for the church. Thank you!)

 

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