WEEK 5: Share — October 18-24
This week on our discipleship path, we explore the “S” in C.H.R.I.S.T.: SHARE. As disciples, we are not meant to keep the gifts and faith we have received from God to ourselves. God has generously shared His love, mercy, and grace with us, and He invites us to share those gifts with others. Sharing our faith means being willing to speak about Jesus, tell our stories of how God has worked in our lives, invite others into the life of the Church, and accompany them on their faith journey. It also means allowing our lives to reflect Christ through our love, generosity, forgiveness, and service.
Sometimes we hesitate to share our faith because we feel unprepared, worry about what others might think, or believe we need to have all the answers. But evangelization does not require perfection. It begins with an authentic relationship with Jesus and a willingness to let others know what He means to us.
On World Mission Sunday, we are reminded that the mission of the Church belongs to every baptized Christian. We may not all be called to serve in distant places, but we are all called to be missionaries where God has placed us—in our homes, workplaces, friendships, parish, and community.
As we continue our C.H.R.I.S.T. Discipleship Path, we see how Community, Holiness, Retreat, Invest, and Share go hand in hand. When we journey together as a Community, we are known, loved, and encouraged to grow closer to Christ. We are to grow in Holiness, make space for God (Retreat), Invest in our parish family, and Share our faith and become a witness to God’s love. Together, we are becoming a community of disciples making disciples—knowing and loving Jesus and making Him better known.
OPENING PRAYER
Loving Father, we thank You for the many gifts You have generously shared with us—Your love, mercy, faith, and grace. As we continue our discipleship journey and explore the “S” in C.H.R.I.S.T.: SHARE. Open our hearts to the mission You have entrusted to us. Give us the courage to share our faith, even when it feels uncomfortable, and the wisdom to recognize opportunities to speak about Your love. Help us move beyond keeping our faith private and inspire us to invite others into a relationship with Your Son, Jesus.
Holy Spirit, guide our words and actions. May our lives reflect the love of Christ, and may those we encounter come to know You more deeply through our witness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading — Isaiah 45:1, 4–6: God works through Cyrus to accomplish His purposes and make His name known among the nations.
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 96: We are called to proclaim God's glory among all the nations and share the Good News of His salvation.
Second Reading — 1 Thessalonians 1:1–5b: St. Paul celebrates the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope, which became a visible witness to others.
Gospel — Matthew 22:15–21: Jesus reminds us that while we live in this world, ultimately we belong to God and are called to give Him what is His.
FATHER'S HOMILY FROM SUNDAY 10/18 HOMILÍA DEL PADRE DEL DOMINGO 18 DE OCTUBRE
QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION AND DIALOG
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What does “share” mean to you when you think about discipleship?
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Who has helped you grow in your relationship with Jesus, and how did their witness influence your faith?
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What has your own journey with Christ taught you that might encourage someone else?
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What might prevent you from openly sharing your faith with others—fear of rejection, uncertainty about what to say, or the desire to avoid uncomfortable conversations?
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Who in your life might need encouragement, prayer, or an invitation to grow closer to Jesus?
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What is one concrete way you can share your faith this week—by telling your story, inviting someone to Mass or a Spiritual Journey small faith group, praying with someone, or beginning a conversation about what Jesus means to you?
PRAY
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Pray with gratitude: Thank God for the gifts He has shared with You and for the people who first shared the faith with you and helped you encounter Christ.
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Pray for someone: Ask God to place one person in your heart who needs to experience His love.
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Pray for our Parish Seniors gathering on October 21, 11:30am @Mullen Commons: Giving thanks for the wisdom, faith, and stories they share with our community.
ACT
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Start a faith conversation: Share why your relationship with Jesus matters to you. Ask others about their spiritual journey and listen with genuine interest.
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Pray with someone: Instead of only saying, “I'll pray for you,” ask if you can pray with them in that moment.
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Be an intentional witness: Give your time to someone who needs encouragement, companionship, or help. When the opportunity arises, connect these actions to the love of Christ that inspires you.
INSPIRE
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Share your story: Tell someone how Jesus has helped, guided, or strengthened you during a particular season of life.
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Invite someone: Invite a friend or family member to experience your parish community.
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Share generously: Let your generosity inspire someone else to recognize that what God gives us is meant to be shared. Encourage them to see evangelization as everyone's mission, not just the responsibility of priests, staff, or ministry leaders.
INTERCESSIONS AND CLOSING PRAYER
Intercessions for the Group: Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the hearts of your small group members.
Closing Prayer:
Loving Father,
Thank You for calling us to be Your disciples and entrusting us with the Good News of Jesus Christ. You have blessed us with Your love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace. Help us share these gifts with others with courage, humility, and joy.
When we are afraid to speak about You or unsure what to say, remind us that Your Holy Spirit is with us. Help us share our stories, listen with compassion, and invite others closer to You.
May our homes, workplaces, friendships, and parish become places where others encounter Christ through our words, actions, and love. As we continue our C.H.R.I.S.T. Discipleship Path, send us forth as missionary disciples, ready to share our faith and make Your love known wherever You lead us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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